Carrier for containers

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel. The at least one central panel is for positioning between and attaching to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 937,043, filed July 23, 2020, which is a division of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 426,057, filed May 30, 2019, which claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 779,689, filed December 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 783,752, filed December 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 796,830, filed January 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 797,585, filed January 28, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 810,015, filed February 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 814,412, filed March 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 817,120, filed March 12, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 841,449, filed May 1, 2019. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 085,365, filed September 30, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 086,681, filed October 2, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 120,863, filed December 3, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 136,400, filed January 12, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 208,646, filed June 9, 2021.

[0003] Incorporation by Reference

[0004] The disclosures of each of the following are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 779,689, filed December 14, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 783,752, filed December 21, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 796,830, filed January 25, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 797,585, filed January 28, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 810,015, filed February 25, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 814,412, filed March 6, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 817,120, filed March 12, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 84630227571,449, filed May 1, 2019; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 426,050, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 426,057, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 426,060, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 426,063, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 426,066, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 692,992, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 692,993, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 692,994, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 692,996, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 692,997, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 598,282, filed October 10, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 709,918, filed October 18, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 952,839, filed December 23, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 956,882, filed January 3, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 985,997, filed March 6, 2020; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 829,346, filed March 25, 2020; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 015,898, filed April 27, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 022,757, filed May 11, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.U.S. Design Patent Application No. 63 / 023,442, filed May 19, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,615, filed May 29, 2020; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 739,927, filed June 30, 2020; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 739,929, filed June 30, 2020; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 739,931, filed June 30, 2020; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 739,933, filed June 30, 2020; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 739,934, filed September 30, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 023,442, filed May 19, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 29 / 739,934, filed September 30, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 29 / 739,934, filed September 30, 2020. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 085,365, filed October 2, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 086,681, filed December 3, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 120,863, filed December 11, 2020; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 119,040, filed December 11, 2020; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 118,999, filed December 11, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 136,400, filed January 12, 2021; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 775,557, filed March 24, 2021; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 775,558, filed March 24, 2021; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 775,558, filed March 24, 2021. U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 775,559, filed March 24, 2021; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 208,568, filed June 9, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 208,646, filed June 9, 2021; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 728,454, filed September 7, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 767,188, filed November 14, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 770,566, filed November 21, 2018; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214,868, filed June 25, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 29 / 775,569, filed June 29, 2021. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 216,062, filed July 8, 2021; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 219,648, filed July 15, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 222,225, filed August 3, 2021.63 / 203,882; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 260,881, filed September 3, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 261,582, filed September 24, 2021. The disclosure of each of the following is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes: U.S. Patent No. 8,387,784, issued March 5, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 8,096,413, issued January 17, 2012; and U.S. Patent No. 11,027,905, issued June 8, 2021. BACKGROUND

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons or carriers for holding, displaying, and / or transporting containers. SUMMARY

[0006] According to one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, the at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers; and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel. The at least one central panel is for positioning between and attaching to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, the at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank; and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel. The at least one central panel is for positioning between and attaching to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, the blank further comprising at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel. The method further comprises: folding the plurality of panels to form the carrier such that the at least one attachment panel receives a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers; positioning the at least one central panel between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers; and attaching the at least one central panel to the adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure generally relates to a package comprising: a plurality of containers; and a carrier holding the plurality of containers. The carrier comprises: a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, the at least one attachment panel receiving a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers; and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel. The at least one central panel is positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

[0010] The foregoing advantages and additional advantages of various embodiments will be understood by reading the following detailed description together with the drawings, wherein: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] In accordance with common practice the various features illustrated in the drawings can not be drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings can be expanded or reduced for the sake of clarity.

[0012] Figure 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the package and carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1

[0017] Figure 6 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 6

[0019] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 6

[0020] Figure 9 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 6

[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the package and carrier formed from the blank of Figure 6

[0022] Figure 11 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 11

[0024] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 11

[0025] Figure 14 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 11

[0026] Figure 15 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 11 ​​​​​​​​​A perspective view of the packaging and carrier formed from the blank.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a plan view of the outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 17 It is based on the fourth exemplary embodiment. Figure 16 A perspective view of the partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank.

[0029] Figure 18 It is based on the fourth exemplary embodiment. Figure 16 A perspective view of the folded configuration of another part of the carrier formed from the blank.

[0030] Figure 19 It is based on the fourth exemplary embodiment. Figure 16 A perspective view of the folded configuration of another part of the vehicle, where the blank is formed and the container is removed.

[0031] Figure 20 It is based on the fourth exemplary embodiment. Figure 16 Another perspective view of the folded configuration of another part of the carrier formed from the blank.

[0032] Figure 21 It is based on the fourth exemplary embodiment. Figure 16 A perspective view of the packaging and carrier formed from the blank.

[0033] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Side view of the packaging and vehicle.

[0034] Figure 23 yes Figure 21 Another perspective view of the packaging and vehicle.

[0035] Figure 24 This is a plan view of the outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier and packaging, according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 24A yes Figure 24 An enlarged view of a portion of the blank.

[0037] Figure 24B yes Figure 24 An enlarged view of another part of the blank.

[0038] Figure 25 It is based on the fifth exemplary embodiment. Figure 24 A perspective view of the partially folded configuration of the carrier formed from the blank.

[0039] Figure 26is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment Figure 24 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment

[0040] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment Figure 24 is a front view of a package and carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment

[0041] Figure 28 is a rear view of a package and carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment Figure 24 is a rear view of a package and carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment

[0042] Figure 29 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment Figure 24 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment

[0043] Figure 30 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment Figure 1 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from a blank according to the fifth exemplary embodiment

[0044] Throughout the drawings, corresponding parts are identified by corresponding reference numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure relates generally to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, and the like for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, and the like. For example, the containers can be used to package food and beverage products. The containers can be made of a material suitable for packaging a particular food or beverage, and the material includes, but is not limited to, glass; plastic such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon; and the like; aluminum and / or other metals; or any combination thereof.

[0046] Carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate a variety of different shaped containers. For illustrative purposes and not by way of limitation, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans) disposed at least partially in carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” and “rear” indicate determined orientations relative to a fully upright carrier.

[0047] As described herein, carriers can be formed from a plurality of overlapping panels, end flaps, and / or other portions of a blank. Terms (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.) that are relative to one another of such panels, end flaps, and / or other portions of a blank can be designated in a sequential or non-sequential basis without departing from the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 5 FIG. 1 illustrates a carrier 205 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure formed from a blank 200. Figure 5A plan view of the outer side 201 of the blank 203. (See figure) Figure 5 As shown, the carrier 205 is sized to accommodate or support four containers, with two containers CA1, CA2 attached to the front 206 of the carrier 205 and two containers CB1, CB2 attached to the rear 208 of the carrier 205. In the illustrated embodiment, containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 may be beverage cans, or may be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from this disclosure. The size and shape of the carrier 205 may be designed to accommodate more or fewer four containers. In one embodiment, the front 206 and rear 208 of the carrier 205 each have two containers, and in other embodiments, the front 206 and rear 208 of the carrier 205 may carry more or fewer two containers without departing from this disclosure. The carrier 205 may be provided with one or more containers as packaging 210 ( Figure 1 ).

[0049] like Figure 11 As shown, blank 203 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. Blank 203 has a front portion 207 for forming a front portion 206 of carrier 205 and a rear portion 209 for forming a rear portion 208 of carrier 205. As shown, the front portion 207 and the rear portion 209 of blank 203 are foldably connected at a transverse fold line 212 along the transverse centerline CL that forms blank 203. As discussed in further detail below, by folding blank 203 along the centerline CL at the fold line 212 such that the front portion 207 and the rear portion 209 of blank 203 overlap in at least partial face-to-face contact, blank 203 partially forms carrier 205.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 207 of the blank 203 includes a front central panel 225a having, in its internal portion, a pair of adhesive or glue openings 227a and a pair of surface features 229a adjacent to the respective glue openings 227a. The surface features 229a may be, for example, raised features or other surface configurations that are at least partially raised or recessed. As further described herein, the front central panel 225a is bisected or otherwise separated by a handle opening 230 extending from a portion of the front portion 207 of the blank 203 and across a centerline CL to a portion of the rear portion 209 of the blank 203. Also as further described herein, for example, the top edge of the respective glue opening 227a is spaced from the centerline CL by a longitudinal distance D1, which is greater than the longitudinal distance D2 spaced from the top edge of the respective glue opening 227b of the rear portion 209 of the blank 203 by the centerline CL.

[0051] The front container retaining panel or front attachment panel 231a is foldably connected to the front central panel 225a at a transverse fold line 233a that is interrupted by an end of the handle opening 230. The front attachment panel 231a includes a container retaining portion 235a defined at least partially between a pair of longitudinally spaced apart transverse fold lines 237a, 239a that are each interrupted by a respective pair of longitudinally spaced apart cutouts 241a that can each include one or more curved and / or angled portions. As shown, the longitudinally spaced apart cutouts 241a define a container retaining tab 248a that extends outwardly from the container retaining portion 235a. As also shown, respective angled cutouts 243a, 245a extend outwardly from each respective cutout 241a to define a respective pair of container retaining flaps 247a, 249a that are foldably connected to the front attachment panel 231a at respective angled fold lines 251a, 253a.

[0052] As shown, an inner edge portion 236a of the attachment panel 231a is defined between the fold lines 237a, 233a, and an outer edge portion 238a of the attachment panel 231a is defined between the fold line 239a and a transverse fold line 257a adjacent the front attachment panel 231a. As shown, a gusset or front side panel 255a is foldably connected to the front attachment panel 231a at the transverse fold line 257a, and a top panel 259 is foldably connected to the front side panel 255a at a transverse fold line 261a. As shown, the top panel 259 includes a handle feature that includes a pair of opposing curved cutouts 263, 265 and a transverse cutout 267 that extends from the curved cutout 263 to the curved cutout 265 to define a pair of handle flaps 269, 271 that are foldably connected to the top panel 259 at respective transverse fold lines 273, 275. As described herein, the handle flaps 269, 271 can be folded away from the top panel 259 to form an opening in the top panel 259. A release cutout 270 can extend from a portion of the handle flap 269, across the cutout 267, and onto a portion of the handle flap 271. The handle feature of the carrier 205 includes the handle feature in the top panel 259, and can also include the handle opening 230. The carrier 205 can have a different handle feature arrangement, or can be devoid of a handle feature, without departing from this disclosure.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear portion 209 of the blank 203 includes a rear central panel 225b having associated features, a rear container-retaining panel or rear attachment panel 231b, and a rear side panel 255b that are generally mirror images of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion 207 of the blank 203. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cutouts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numerals, with the exception of the "a" or "b" suffix, where the "a" components correspond to the front portion 207 of the blank 203 and the "b" components correspond to the rear portion 209 of the blank 203. The rear portion 209 of the blank 203 also includes an attachment flap 277 foldably connected to the rear side panel 255b at a transverse fold line 261b.

[0054] Also as shown, glue G can be applied to one or more portions of the central panels 225a, 225b, for example, across the respective surface features 229a, 229b. While the glue G is illustrated on the outer surface 201 of the blank 203 for illustration purposes and to indicate positioning relative to other features of the blank 203, it should be understood that the glue G is applied to at least the inner surface of the central panels 225a, 225b. In one embodiment, the glue G can be applied to both the inner and outer surfaces of the central panels 225a, 225b. Figure 2

[0055] Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cutouts, or other features can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or omitted from the blank 203 without departing from the present disclosure. The size and / or shape of the blank 203 can be set to accommodate more or fewer than four containers without departing from the present disclosure.

[0056] As Figure 2 ​As shown (with glue G omitted for clarity of illustration), the outer surface 201 of the blank 203 can be placed on top of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 such that the container retaining portion 235a of the front attachment panel 231a covers the containers CA1, CA2 and such that the container retaining portion 235b of the rear attachment panel 231b covers the containers CB1, CB2. Positioning the attachment panels 231a, 231b further down on the plurality of containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 can activate the respective container retaining portions 235a, 235b to engage the respective containers. For example, as the front attachment panel 231a is lowered or pushed down onto the containers CA1, CA2, the container retaining portion 235a can at least partially separate from the rest of the front attachment panel 231a at the cut 241a, which in turn can cause the respective container retaining flaps 247a, 249a to additionally separate from the rest of the front attachment panel 231a at the respective cuts 243a, 245a, and such that the respective container retaining flaps 247a, 249a at least partially fold outwardly from the front attachment panel 231a at the respective fold lines 251a, 253a. In this arrangement, the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2 can at least partially extend through the respective openings formed by the respective cuts 241a. This reconfiguration of the respective portions of the rear attachment panel 231b can occur as the rear attachment panel 231b is lowered or pushed down onto the containers CB1, CB2. The edge portions 236a, 238a of the front attachment panel 231a can at least partially fold downwardly in this configuration at the respective fold lines 237a, 239a, and similarly, the edge portions 236b, 238b of the rear attachment panel 231b can at least partially fold downwardly at the respective fold lines 237b, 239b.

[0057] In this regard, the respective container retaining flaps 247a, 249a and / or the respective container retaining tabs 248a can engage a portion of the respective containers CA1, CA2, e.g., an edge presented by the edge or top portion T of the respective containers CA1, CA2. It will be appreciated that other portions of the front attachment panel 231a can form part of the container retaining portion 235a, e.g., a portion of the front attachment panel 231a disposed between the respective container retaining flaps 247a, 249a which can engage an edge presented by the edge or top portion T of the respective containers CA1, CA2 as described above. The rear attachment panel 231b and the corresponding container retaining portion 235b can engage the containers CB1, CB2 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the engagement of the front attachment panel 231a and the container retaining portion 235a with the containers CA1, CA2.

[0058] As Figure 3As shown, the front and rear central panels 225a, 225b can be folded at the fold lines 212 in the direction of the arrows Al, A2 such that the front and rear central panels 225a, 225b at least partially face-to-face contact in the direction of the respective arrows A3, A4 and such that the respective glue openings 227a, 227b and the respective surface features 229a, 229b in the respective central panels 225a, 225b are positioned laterally aligned but longitudinally offset due to the different relative spacing of the respective glue openings 227a, 227b from the centerline CL. In this regard, the central panels 225a, 225b are arranged such that a portion of the front central panel 225a overlaps each glue opening 227b and a portion of the rear central panel 225b overlaps each glue opening 227a to provide communication between the central panels 225a, 225b and the respective surfaces on which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 can be adhered or otherwise attached, as further described herein. This rearrangement of the central panels 225a, 225b can also result in the respective central panels 225a, 225b being folded downward relative to the respective attachment panels 231a, 231b at the respective fold lines 233a, 233b. Figure 4 ) of the respective arrows A3, A4 and such that the respective glue openings 227a, 227b and the respective surface features 229a, 229b in the respective central panels 225a, 225b are positioned laterally aligned but longitudinally offset due to the different relative spacing of the respective glue openings 227a, 227b from the centerline CL. In this regard, the central panels 225a, 225b are arranged such that a portion of the front central panel 225a overlaps each glue opening 227b and a portion of the rear central panel 225b overlaps each glue opening 227a to provide communication between the central panels 225a, 225b and the respective surfaces on which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 can be adhered or otherwise attached, as further described herein. This rearrangement of the central panels 225a, 225b can also result in the respective central panels 225a, 225b being folded downward relative to the respective attachment panels 231a, 231b at the respective fold lines 233a, 233b.

[0059] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 wherein the containers CA1 are removed for illustration clarity, the glue G can at least partially align with the glue openings 227a to adhere the containers CA1, CA2 to the respective exposed portions of the central panel 225b through the respective glue openings 227a, and the glue G can at least partially align with the respective glue openings 227b to adhere the containers CB1 and CB2 to the respective exposed portions of the central panel 225a through the respective glue openings 227b. The glue G can cover at least a portion of the surface features 229a, 229b such that one or more of the surface features 229a, 229b present additional surfaces for adhesion and / or spacing between the front 206 and rear 208 portions of the carrier 205.

[0060] In addition to or in lieu of container retention and support provided by the respective container retention portions 235a, 235b, attachment of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 to the respective central panels 225a, 225b can provide retention and support of the respective containers, e.g., such that the containers do not separate from the carrier 205 under their own weight. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 can be attached to the respective central panels 225a, 225b with glue G without requiring additional retention and support provided by the container retention portions as described above.

[0061] The glue G described herein can be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a high-tack glue, an epoxy, a polymeric adhesive, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0062] Attaching the respective container reinforcement with glue G to the respective central panel 225a, 225b can also provide enhanced overall integrity to the carrier 205, for example, by providing opposing adhesive forces on the respective central panel 225a, 225b such that the central panel 225a, 225b is compressed therebetween. For example, in one embodiment, as the carrier 205 is lifted, the containers CA1, CA2 can at least partially pull the portion of the rear central panel 225b to which the containers CA1, CA2 are attached via the respective glue openings 227a toward the front central panel 225a under at least a portion of the weight of the containers CA1, CA2. The respective portion of the front central panel 225a can be pulled toward the rear central panel 225b by the containers CB1, CB2 in a similar manner via the respective glue openings 227b.

[0063] Still referring to Figure 5 , the front side panel 255a can be folded upwardly at the fold line 257a in the direction of arrow A5, for example, into an inclined arrangement relative to the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2, and the top panel 259 can be folded at the fold line 261a in the direction of arrow A5 into at least partial face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the attachment panels 231a, 231b. Similarly, the rear side panel 255b can be folded upwardly at the fold line 257b in the direction of arrow A6 into an inclined arrangement with the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2, and the attachment flap 277 can be folded at the fold line 261b in the direction of arrow A6 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel 259 and / or the attachment panel 231b, as Figures 1 to 5 shown. This arrangement can be maintained with an adhesive such as glue.

[0064] Accordingly, the containers can be joined by the respective attachment panels 231a, 231b and can extend under the respective container retaining portions 235a, 235b in the assembled carrier 205 / package 210. In this arrangement, the containers CA1, CA2 extend under the container retaining portion 235a in the front portion 206 of the carrier 205, and the containers CB1, CB2 extend under the container retaining portion 235b in the rear portion 208 of the carrier 205, with the top panel 259 and the attachment flap 277 covering respective portions of the respective container retaining portions 235a, 235b. Further, the front central panel 225a and the rear central panel 225b are positioned between and attached to the respective containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2.

[0065] Still referring to Figure 6The handle opening 230, aligned below the handle feature (e.g., the upstanding handle flap 269, 271 in the package 210 / carrier 205) in the top panel 259, provides a space through which a consumer’s fingers can extend below the top panel 259 into the interior of the carrier 205.

[0066] The package 210 / carrier 205 described above has a compact structure that can, for example, save material and reduce waste. In addition, the arrangement of the glue G among the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 and the central panels 225a, 225b provides multiple attachment points that form a strong structure for holding and carrying the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2. In addition, the exposure of one or more portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 on the exterior of the carrier 205 / package 210 provides a clear view of labels or surface graphics associated with the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 to a consumer, as well as providing convenient access to remove one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 from the carrier 205 / package 210, for example, by peeling the respective container away from adjacent containers and / or a portion of the carrier 205 / package 210. Peeling or pulling the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 away from the respective central panels 225a, 225b can involve pulling the respective container with a force sufficient to overcome the adhesive bond of the respective container and the respective central panel 225a, 225b provided by the glue G. In one embodiment, the glue G can be selected to remain on the respective central panel 225a, 225b, for example, such that substantially little or no glue G remains on the container when the container is removed. In one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 can subsequently be reattached to the respective central panel 225a, 225b by pressing the container against the respective region of glue G.

[0067] Figure 10 is a plan view of an outer side 301 of a blank according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the blank generally indicated at 303, for forming a carrier 305 for containing one or more containers (e.g., the carrier 305 of FIG. 3) Figure 1 ). The blank 303 and the carrier 305 formed therefrom can have features in common with the blank 203 of the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the carrier 205 of FIG. 2) Figure 5and the carrier 205 ( Figure 6 ) substantially similar one or more features, and like or similar components are indicated with like or similar reference numbers.

[0068] As shown, the blank 303 includes a front portion 307 and a rear portion 309 and includes additional container retention features such that the respective container retention portions 235a, 235b are configured to engage and support three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 in a front portion 306 of the carrier 305 and three containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in a rear portion 308 of the carrier 305 formed from the blank 303. In this regard, the central panels 225a, 225b of the blank 303 are separated by a pair of handle openings 230 (broadly, “first handle opening” and “second handle opening,” respectively), each having an edge portion extending into a respective attachment panel 231, 231b.

[0069] Further, the cutouts 241a, 241b, 243a, 243b, 245a, 245b can form a plurality of flexible edges in the respective container retention portions 235a, 235b for engaging a top portion of a respective container, as well as define a container retention tab 248a, 248b extending away from the respective container retention portion 235a, 235b.

[0070] As shown, the top panel 259 of the blank 303 includes a handle feature that includes a pair of handle flaps 363 (broadly, a "first handle feature" and a "second handle feature," respectively), each foldably connected to the top panel 259 at a respective fold line 365 and at least partially defined by a respective curved cut 367 extending from one end point of each respective fold line 365 to the other. Each handle flap 363 includes a respective angled fold line 369, 371 extending from the end point of the respective fold line 365 to intersect at the respective cut 367. A consumer can separate the respective handle flap 363 at the respective cut 367 and fold the handle flap 363 downward at the respective fold line 265 to form an opening in the top panel 259 that provides access to the respective handle opening 230 for inserting one or more fingers through the opening to grasp a portion of the carrier 305 formed from the blank 303, such as the underside of the top panel 259 and / or the attached panels 231a, 231b. One or more portions of the respective handle flap 363 can be folded at one or more of the respective angled fold lines 369, 371, for example, to provide additional protection for a consumer's fingers and / or to provide separation between adjacent containers. The handle feature of the carrier 305 includes the handle feature in the top panel 259 and can also include the handle opening 230. The carrier 305 can have a different handle feature arrangement, or can be devoid of a handle feature, without departing from the present disclosure.

[0071] As also shown, the glue G can be applied to one or more portions of the central panels 225a, 225b, for example, across the respective surface features 229a, 229b. While the glue G is illustrated on the outer surface 301 of the blank 303 for illustration purposes and to indicate positioning relative to other features of the blank 303, it should be understood that the glue G is applied to at least the inner surface of the central panels 225a, 225b. In one embodiment, the glue G can be applied to both the inner and outer surfaces of the central panels 225a, 225b. Figures 7 to 10

[0072] With additional reference to Figures 2 to 5 , the carrier 305 formed from the blank 303 and the associated package 310 including the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 are illustrated in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the carrier 305 can be formed in a similar manner as the carrier 205 described above and illustrated in Figure 7 , and have at least similar characteristics and advantages.

[0073] As Figure 9 ​As shown, the outer surface 301 of the blank 303 can be placed on top of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2, CB3 such that the container retaining portions 235a of the front attachment panel 231a cover the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and such that the container retaining portions 235b of the rear attachment panel 231b cover the containers CB1, CB2, CB3. Positioning the attachment panels 231a, 231b further down on the plurality of containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can activate the respective container retaining portions 235a, 235b to engage the respective containers. For example, as the front attachment panel 231a is lowered or pushed down onto the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, the container retaining portions 235a can at least partially separate from the rest of the front attachment panel 231a at the cutouts 241a such that the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 can at least partially protrude through the respective openings formed by the respective cutouts 241a. Such reconfiguration of the respective portions of the rear attachment panel 231b can occur as the rear attachment panel 231b is lowered or pushed down onto the containers CB1, CB2, CB3. The edge portions 236a, 238a of the attachment panel 231a can be at least partially folded down in this configuration at the respective fold lines 237a, 239a, and similarly, the edge portions 236b, 238b of the attachment panel 231b can be at least partially folded down at the respective fold lines 237b, 239b.

[0074] In this regard, portions of the container retaining portions 235a, e.g., the container retaining tabs 248a, can engage one or more portions of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, e.g., edges presented by the edges or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3. It will be appreciated that other portions of the front attachment panel 231a can form part of the container retaining portions 235a, e.g., a portion of the front attachment panel 231a disposed between and / or adjacent to the respective cutouts 243a, 245a which, as described above, can engage the edges presented by the edges or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3. The rear attachment panel 231b and the corresponding container retaining portions 235b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the engagement of the front attachment panel 231a and the container retaining portions 235a with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3.

[0075] The front center panel 225a and the rear center panel 225b can be folded at fold line 212 and at least partially face-to-face in the directions of the corresponding arrows A7 and A8, such that the corresponding adhesive openings 227a and 227b are positioned generally aligned for lateral alignment but longitudinal offset. In this respect, the center panels 225a and 225b are arranged such that a portion of the front center panel 225a overlaps with each adhesive opening 227b and a portion of the rear center panel 225b overlaps with each adhesive opening 227a to provide communication between the center panels 225a and 225b and the corresponding surfaces on which the corresponding containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3 can be adhered to or otherwise attached, as further described herein.

[0076] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, where container CA2 has been removed for clarity, adhesive G can be configured to align with adhesive opening 227a to adhere containers CA1, CA2, and CA3 to the corresponding exposed portions of the central panel 225b through the respective adhesive opening 227a, and adhesive G can be configured to align with adhesive opening 227b to adhere containers CB1, CB2, and CB3 to the corresponding exposed portions of the central panel 225a through the respective adhesive opening 227b. In one embodiment, adhesive G can cover at least a portion of surface features 229a and 229b, such that one or more of surface features 229a and 229b present additional surfaces for adhesion and / or spacing between the front portion 306 and the rear portion 308 of the carrier 305.

[0077] As described above, the adhesion of the container of the front portion 306 of the carrier 305 to the corresponding surface of the rear central panel 225b exposed through the adhesive opening 227a, and the adhesion of the container of the rear portion 308 of the carrier 305 to the corresponding surface of the front central panel 225a exposed through the adhesive opening 227b, can provide compression between the central panels 225a, 225b and stability of the carrier 305. The container can be attached to the respective central panels 225a, 225b in different configurations as described above (e.g., configurations in which the container is not partially joined by the container holding part or configurations in which fewer or no adhesive openings are provided).

[0078] Still referencing Figure 11Similarly, the front side panel 255a can be folded upward at the fold line 257a in the direction of arrow A9 into an inclined arrangement with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, and the top panel 259 can be folded at the fold line 261a in the direction of arrow A9 into at least partial face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the attached panels 231a, 231b. Similarly, the rear side panel 255b can be folded upward at the fold line 257b in the direction of arrow A10 into an inclined arrangement with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, and the attached flap 277 can be folded at the fold line 261b in the direction of arrow A10 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel 259 and / or the attached panel 231b.

[0079] Accordingly, the containers can be joined by the respective attached panels 231a, 231b and can extend beneath the respective container retention portions 235a, 235b in the assembled carrier 305 / package 310. In this arrangement, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 extend beneath the container retention portions 235a in the front portion 306 of the carrier 305, and the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 extend beneath the container retention portions 235b in the rear portion 308 of the carrier 305, with the top panel 259 and the attached flap 277 covering respective portions of the respective container retention portions 235a, 235b. Further, the front central panel 225a and the rear central panel 225b are positioned between respective ones of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 and are attached to the respective containers.

[0080] By separating one or both of the handle flaps 363 at the respective cutouts 367 and folding the respective handle flaps 363 downward at the respective fold lines 365 toward the respective openings 230, a user can insert one or more fingers through the respective openings to grasp a portion of the carrier 305 (e.g., an underside of the top panel 259 and / or the attached panel 231a, 231b) to grasp the carrier 305. The alignment of the respective handle openings 230 beneath the respective handle features in the top panel 259 (e.g., the handle flaps 363 in the erected carrier 305) provides a space through which a user’s fingers can extend beneath the top panel 259 into an interior of the carrier 305. The handle flaps 363 are configured to at least partially fold at one or both of the respective fold lines 369, 371 to, for example, at least partially accommodate a periphery of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3.

[0081] The configuration of the carrier 305 / packaging 310 provides a compact and robust holding and carrying structure for the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, with the advantages described above in relation to the carrier 205 / packaging 210.

[0082] Figure 15 is a plan view of an outer side 401 of a blank in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the blank generally indicated at 403, for forming a carrier 405 for housing one or more containers Figure 1 . The blank 403 and the carrier 405 formed therefrom can have one or more features substantially similar to the blank 203, 303 Figure 6 and Figure 5 ) and the carrier 205, 305 Figure 10 and Figures 11 ) described above, and like or similar components are indicated by like or similar reference numerals.

[0083] As shown, the blank 403 includes a front portion 407 and a rear portion 409 and includes container holding features such that respective container holding portions 435a, 435b are configured to engage and support three containers in the front portion 406 of the carrier 405 and three containers in the rear portion 408 of the carrier 405 formed by the blank 403. The central panels 225a, 225b of the blank 403 are each divided by a respective handle opening 430a, 430b (broadly, “first handle opening” and “second handle opening”, respectively) extending from each respective central panel 225a, 225b into a respective attachment panel 431a, 431b.

[0084] The respective container holding portions 435a, 435b of the respective attachment panels 431a, 431b include respective transverse fold lines 239a, 239b interrupted by respective cutouts 241a, 243a, 245a and 241b, 243b, 245b which can form a plurality of flexible edges in the respective container holding portions 235a, 235b for engaging a top portion of a respective container, and define a container holding tab 248a, 248b extending away from the respective container holding portion 235a, 235b. As shown, an outer edge portion 438a of the attachment panel 431a is defined between the fold line 239a and a transverse fold line 257a adjacent the attachment panel 431a.

[0085] As shown, the top panel 259 of the blank 403 includes a handle feature that includes a top handle opening 463 that is laterally aligned with the respective handle openings 430a, 430b. The handle feature of the carrier 405 includes the handle feature in the top panel 259 and can also include the handle openings 430a, 430b. The carrier 405 can have a different handle feature arrangement or can be devoid of a handle feature without departing from the present disclosure.

[0086] As also shown, the glue G can be applied to one or more portions of the central panels 225a, 225b, for example, across the respective surface features 229a, 229b. While the glue G is illustrated on the outer surface 401 of the blank 403 for clarity of illustration and to indicate positioning relative to other features of the blank 403, it should be understood that the glue G is applied to at least the inner surface of the central panels 225a, 225b. In one embodiment, the glue G can be applied to both the inner and outer surfaces of the central panels 225a, 225b. Figures 12 to 15

[0087] With additional reference to Figure 12 , the carrier 405 formed from the blank 403 and the associated package 410 including the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 are illustrated in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the carrier 405 can be formed in a similar manner to the carriers 205, 305 described above and have at least similar characteristics and advantages.

[0088] As Figure 14 ​The outer surface 401 of the blank 403 can be placed on top of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2, CB3 such that the container retaining portion 435a of the front attachment panel 431a covers the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and such that the container retaining portion 435b of the rear attachment panel 431b covers the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, as shown (with glue G omitted for clarity of illustration). Positioning the attachment panels 431a, 431b further down on the plurality of containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can activate the respective container retaining portions 435a, 435b to engage the respective containers. For example, as the front attachment panel 431a is lowered or pushed down onto the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, the container retaining portion 435a can at least partially separate from the rest of the front attachment panel 431a at the cut-out 241a such that an upper or top portion T of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3 can at least partially protrude through the respective opening formed by the respective cut-out 241a. Such reconfiguration of the respective portion of the rear attachment panel 431b can occur as the rear attachment panel 431b is lowered or pushed down onto the containers CB1, CB2, CB3. An edge portion 438a of the attachment panel 431a can be at least partially folded down in this configuration at the fold line 239a, and similarly, an edge portion 238b of the attachment panel 231b can be at least partially folded down at the fold line 239b.

[0089] In this regard, portions of the container retaining portion 435a, for example, the container retaining tabs 438a, can engage one or more portions of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, for example, an edge presented by an edge or top portion T of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3. It will be appreciated that other portions of the front attachment panel 231a can form part of the container retaining portion 435a, for example, a portion of the front attachment panel 431a disposed between and / or adjacent to the respective cut-outs 243a, 245a which, as described above, can engage an edge presented by an edge or top portion T of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3. The rear attachment panel 431b and the corresponding container retaining portion 435b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in a similar manner to that described above in relation to the engagement of the front attachment panel 431a and the container retaining portion 435a with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3.

[0090] The front center panel 225a and the rear center panel 225b can be folded at fold line 212 and at least partially face-to-face in the directions of the corresponding arrows A11, A12, such that the corresponding adhesive openings 227a, 227b are generally aligned and positioned laterally aligned but longitudinally offset. In this respect, the center panels 225a, 225b are arranged such that a portion of the front center panel 225a overlaps with each adhesive opening 227b and a portion of the rear center panel 225b overlaps with each adhesive opening 227a to provide communication between the center panels 225a, 225b and the corresponding surfaces on which the corresponding containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3 can be adhered to or otherwise attached, as further described herein.

[0091] like Figures 12 to 15 As shown, to clearly illustrate the removal of containers CA2 and CB2, adhesive G can be configured to align with adhesive openings 227a to adhere containers CA1, CA2, and CA3 to the corresponding exposed portions of the central panel 225b through the respective adhesive openings 227a. Adhesive G can also be configured to align with adhesive openings 227b to adhere containers CB1, CB2, and CB3 to the corresponding exposed portions of the central panel 225a through the respective adhesive openings 227b. Adhesive G may cover at least a portion of surface features 229a and 229b, such that one or more of surface features 229a and 229b provide additional surfaces for adhesion and / or spacing between the front portion 206 and the rear portion 408 of the carrier 405.

[0092] As described above, the adhesion of the container of the front portion 406 of the carrier 405 to the corresponding surface of the rear central panel 225b exposed through the adhesive opening 227a, and the adhesion of the container of the rear portion 408 of the carrier 405 to the corresponding surface of the front central panel 225a exposed through the adhesive opening 227b, can provide compression between the central panels 225a, 225b and stability of the carrier 405. The container can be attached to the respective central panels 225a, 225b in different configurations as described above (e.g., configurations in which the container is not partially joined by the container holding part or configurations in which fewer or no adhesive openings are provided).

[0093] Still referencing Figure 16Similarly, the front side panel 255a can be folded upward at the fold line 257a in the direction of arrow A13 into an inclined arrangement relative to the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, and the top panel 259 can be folded at the fold line 261a in the direction of arrow A13 into at least partial face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the attached panels 431a, 431b. Similarly, the rear side panel 255b can be folded upward at the fold line 257b in the direction of arrow A14 into an inclined arrangement with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, and the attached flap 277 can be folded at the fold line 261b in the direction of arrow A14 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel 259 and / or the attached panel 431b.

[0094] Accordingly, the containers can be joined by the respective attached panels 431a, 431b and can extend beneath the respective container retention portions 435a, 435b in the assembled carrier 405 / package 410. In this arrangement, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 extend beneath the container retention portions 435a in the front portion 406 of the carrier 405, and the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 extend beneath the container retention portions 435b in the rear portion 408 of the carrier 405, with the top panel 259 and the attached flap 277 covering respective portions of the respective container retention portions 435a, 435b. Further, the front central panel 225a and the rear central panel 225b are positioned between respective ones of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 and attached to the respective containers.

[0095] A user can grasp the carrier 405 by inserting one or more fingers through the top handle opening 463 to grasp a portion of the carrier 405, e.g., the underside of the top panel 259 and / or the attached panel 431a, 431b. The alignment of the handle openings 430a, 430b beneath the handle features in the top panel 259, e.g., the upstanding top handle opening 463 in the carrier 405, provides a space through which the user's fingers can extend beneath the top panel 259 into the interior of the carrier 405.

[0096] The configuration of the carrier 405 / package 410 provides a compact and robust retention and carrying structure for the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, with the advantages described above with respect to the carrier 205 / package 210 and the carrier 305 / package 310.

[0097] Figure 21 is a plan view of the outer side 501 of a blank in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, generally indicated at 503, for forming a carrier 505 for housing one or more containers (not shown) in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, generally indicated at 505. Figure 16). The blank 503 and the carrier 505 formed therefrom can have one or more features substantially similar to the above-described blanks 203, 303, 403 and carriers 205, 305, 405, and like or similar components are denoted by like or similar reference numerals.

[0098] As shown, the blank 503 includes a front portion 507 and a rear portion 509 and includes container retention features such that respective container retention portions 535a, 535b are configured to engage and support three containers in the front portion 506 of the carrier 505 and three containers in the rear portion 508 of the carrier 505 formed from the blank 503. The central panels 225a, 225b of the blank 503 are each divided by a respective pair of openings 430a, 430b extending from each respective central panel 225a, 225b into a respective attachment panel 531a, 531b.

[0099] As shown, the respective container retention portions 535a, 535b of the respective attachment panels 531a, 531b include respective transverse fold lines 237a, 239a and 237b, 239b that are interrupted by respective cutouts 241a, 243a, 245a and 241b, 243b, 245b that can form a plurality of flexible edges in the respective container retention portions. As shown, the end points of the respective cutouts 241a, 241a are connected by additional respective cutouts 546a, 546b to form respective container retention openings 550a, 550b therebetween. In this regard, the container retention portions 543a, 543b are arranged to receive a portion of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3, such as an edge or top portion T thereof, through a portion of the respective container retention openings 550a, 550b. As also shown, an inner edge portion 536a of the attachment panel 531a is defined between the fold lines 237a, 233a, and an outer edge portion 538a of the attachment panel 531a is defined between the fold line 239a and the transverse fold line 257a adjacent the attachment panel 531a.

[0100] In addition, the container retention features include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to the respective container retention portions 535a, 535b, including first end flaps 552a, 552b foldably connected to laterally opposite sides of the respective container retention portions 535a, 535b at respective oblique fold lines 554a, 554b, respective second end flaps 560a, 560b foldably connected to laterally opposite sides of the respective container retention portions 535a, 535b at respective oblique fold lines 562a, 562b, and respective third end flaps 556a, 556b foldably connected to laterally opposite sides of the respective container retention portions 535a, 535b at respective longitudinal fold lines 558a, 558b. The respective end flaps 552a, 556a and 552b, 556b are foldably connected to one another at respective portions of the respective fold lines 239a, 239b, and the respective end flaps 556a, 560a and 556b, 560b are foldably connected to one another at respective portions of the respective fold lines 237a, 237b.

[0101] As shown, the top panel 259 of the blank 503 includes a handle feature that includes a pair of handle flaps 563 (broadly, a "first handle feature" and a "second handle feature," respectively) foldably connected to the top panel 259 at respective longitudinal fold lines 565 and defined by respective cutouts 567 extending from one end point to the other respective end point of the respective fold lines 565. The handle feature of the carrier 505 includes the handle feature in the top panel 259 and can also include the handle openings 430a, 430b. Without departing from the disclosure, the carrier 405 can have a different handle feature arrangement or can be devoid of a handle feature.

[0102] Also as shown, the glue G can be applied to one or more portions of the central panels 225a, 225b, for example, across the respective surface features 229a, 229b. While the glue G is illustrated on the outer surface 501 of the blank 503 for illustration clarity and to indicate positioning relative to other features of the blank 503, it should be understood that the glue G is applied at least to the inner surface of the central panels 225a, 225b. In one embodiment, the glue G can be applied to both the inner and outer surfaces of the central panels 225a, 225b. Figures 17 to 23

[0103] Reference is additionally made to Figure 17 ​An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure illustrates a carrier 505 formed from a blank 503 and an associated package 510 including containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, and CB3. It should be understood that the carrier 505 may be formed in a similar manner to the carriers 205, 305, and 405 described above, and has at least similar characteristics and advantages.

[0104] like Figure 19 As shown (where glue G is omitted for clarity), the outer surface 501 of the blank 503 can be placed on top of containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2, CB3, such that the container holding portion 535a of the front attachment panel 531a covers containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and the container holding portion 535b of the rear attachment panel 531b covers containers CB1, CB2, CB3. Further downward positioning of the attachment panels 531a, 531b on the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can activate the corresponding container holding portions 535a, 535b to engage the corresponding containers. For example, when the front attachment panel 531a is lowered or pushed downward onto containers CA1, CA2, CA3, the upper or top portion T of the corresponding containers CA1, CA2, CA3 can at least partially protrude through the corresponding opening 550a formed by the corresponding cuts 241a, 546a. This engagement of the corresponding portions of the rear attachment panel 531b can occur when the rear attachment panel 531b is lowered or pressed downward onto the containers CB1, CB2, CB3. The edge portions 536a, 538a of the attachment panel 531a can be folded downward at least partially in this configuration at the corresponding fold lines 237a, 239a, and similarly, the edge portions 536b, 538b of the attachment panel 531b can be folded downward at least partially at the corresponding fold lines 237b, 239b.

[0105] In this respect, portions of the container holding portion 535a, such as the portion of the attachment panel 531a adjacent to the corresponding opening 550a, can engage one or more portions of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, for example, the edges presented by the edges or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3. It will be understood that other portions of the front attachment panel 531a can form part of the container holding portion 535a, for example, portions of the front attachment panel 531a disposed between and / or adjacent to the corresponding cutouts 243a, 245a, which, as described above, can engage the edges presented by the edges or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3. The rear attachment panel 531b and the corresponding container holding portion 535b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in a manner similar to that described above regarding the engagement of the front attachment panel 531a and the container holding portion 535a with respect to the containers CA1, CA2, CA3.

[0106] The front center panel 225a and the rear center panel 225b can be folded at fold line 212 and at least partially face-to-face in the directions of the corresponding arrows A15, A16, such that the corresponding adhesive openings 227a, 227b are generally aligned and positioned laterally aligned but longitudinally offset. In this respect, the center panels 225a, 225b are arranged such that a portion of the front center panel 225a overlaps with each adhesive opening 227b and a portion of the rear center panel 225b overlaps with each adhesive opening 227a to provide communication between the center panels 225a, 225b and the corresponding surfaces on which the corresponding containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3 can be adhered to or otherwise attached, as further described herein.

[0107] like Figures 17 to 23 As shown, where container CA2 has been removed for clarity, adhesive G can be configured to align with adhesive opening 227a to adhere containers CA1, CA2, and CA3 to the corresponding exposed portions of the central panel 225b through the respective adhesive opening 227a, and adhesive G can be configured to align with adhesive opening 227b to adhere containers CB1, CB2, and CB3 to the corresponding exposed portions of the central panel 225a through the respective adhesive opening 227b. In one embodiment, adhesive G can cover at least a portion of surface features 229a and 229b, such that one or more of surface features 229a and 229b present additional surfaces for adhesion and / or spacing between the front portion 506 and the rear portion 508 of the carrier 505.

[0108] As noted above, the containers of the front portion 506 of the carrier 505 adhere to the respective surfaces of the rear central panel 225b exposed through the glue openings 227a and the containers of the rear portion 508 of the carrier 505 adhere to the respective surfaces of the front central panel 225a exposed through the glue openings 227b can provide compression between the central panels 225a, 225b and stability of the carrier 505. The containers can be attached to the respective central panels 225a, 225b in different configurations as noted above, for example, in a configuration in which the containers are not engaged by the container retaining portions or in a configuration in which a lesser number or no glue openings are provided.

[0109] In addition, and as shown, the respective end flaps 556a, 556b can be folded upwardly at the respective fold lines 558a, 558b in the direction of the arrows A17, A18 to overlap and / or face-to-face contact the respective container retaining portions 535a, 535b of the respective attachment panels 531a, 531b. This movement of the respective end flaps 556a, 556b urges the respective end flaps 552a, 552b to fold downwardly away from the respective attachment panels 531a, 531b at the respective fold lines 554a, 554b and inwardly toward the respective end flaps 556a, 556b at the respective fold lines 239a, 239b in the direction of the respective arrows A19, A20, and causes the respective end flaps 560a, 560b to fold downwardly away from the respective attachment panels 531a, 531b at the respective fold lines 562a, 562b and inwardly toward the respective end flaps 556a, 556b at the respective fold lines 237a, 237b in the direction of the respective arrows A21, A22. In this arrangement, the respective end flaps 552a, 552b, 560a, 560b cover the longitudinally outwardly facing portions of the respective containers CA1, CA3, CB1, CB3.

[0110] Still referring to Figure 24 , the front side panel 255a can be folded upwardly at the fold line 257a in the direction of the arrow A23, for example, to an inclined arrangement relative to the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, and the top panel 259 can be folded at the fold line 261a in the direction of the arrow A23 into at least partial face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the attachment panels 531a, 531b. Similarly, the rear side panel 255b can be folded upwardly at the fold line 257b in the direction of the arrow A24 into an inclined arrangement with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, and the attachment flap 277 can be folded at the fold line 261b in the direction of the arrow A24 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel 259 and / or the attachment panel 531b.

[0111] Accordingly, the containers can be engaged by the respective attachment panels 531a, 531b and can extend beneath the respective container retention portions 535a, 535b in the assembled carrier 505 / package 510. In this arrangement, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 extend beneath the container retention portions 535a in the front portion 506 of the carrier 505, and the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 extend beneath the container retention portions 535b in the rear portion 508 of the carrier 505, with the top panel 259 and the attachment flaps 277 covering respective portions of the respective container retention portions 535a, 535b. In this arrangement, the respective end flaps 552a, 556a, 560a, 552b, 556b, 560b are positioned to engage outwardly facing portions of the respective containers to, for example, provide enhanced engagement between the carrier 505 and the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3. Further, the front central panel 225a and the rear central panel 225b are positioned between and attached to respective ones of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3.

[0112] By separating one or both of the handle flaps 563 at the respective cutouts 567 and folding the respective handle flaps 563 downwardly toward the respective openings 430a, 430b at the respective fold lines 565, a user can insert one or more fingers through the respective openings to grasp a portion of the carrier 505, such as the underside of the top panel 259 and / or the attachment panels 531a, 531b, to grasp the carrier 505. The alignment of the handle openings 430a, 430b beneath the handle flaps 563 in the erected carrier 505 provides a space through which a user’s fingers can extend beneath the top panel 259 into the interior of the carrier 505.

[0113] The configuration of the carrier 505 / package 510 provides a compact and robust retention and carrying structure for the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, with the advantages described above with respect to the carriers 205, 305, 405.

[0114] Figure 29 A plan view of an outer side 601 of a blank 603 for forming a carrier 605 Figure 29 ) according to a fifth example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 603 and the carrier 605 can have one or more features that are substantially similar to those described above with respect to the blanks 203, 303, 403, 503 and the carriers 205, 305, 405, 505, etc., and like features are identified with like or similar reference numerals.

[0115] The carrier 605 can be sized to accommodate or support six containers, with three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 attached to the front 606 of the carrier 605 and three containers CB1, CB2, CB3 attached to the rear 608 of the carrier 605. In the illustrated embodiment, without departing from this disclosure, containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be beverage cans or any other suitable type and size of container. The carrier 605 can be sized and shaped to hold more or fewer than six containers. In one embodiment, without departing from this disclosure, the front 606 and rear 608 of the carrier 605 each have three containers, and in other embodiments, the front 606 and rear 608 of the carrier 605 can carry more or fewer than three containers. The carrier 605 can be provided with one or more containers as packaging 610. Figure 24 ).

[0116] like Figure 24A , Figure 24B and Figure 24 As shown, blank 603 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. Blank 603 has a front portion 607 for forming a front portion 606 of a carrier 605 and a rear portion 609 for forming a rear portion 608 of a carrier 605. As shown, the front portion 607 and the rear portion 609 of blank 603 are foldably connected at a transverse fold line 612 along the transverse centerline CL that forms blank 603. As discussed further below, by folding blank 603 along the centerline CL at the fold line 612 such that the front portion 607 and the rear portion 609 of blank 603 overlap in at least partial face-to-face contact, blank 603 at least partially forms carrier 605.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 607 of the blank 603 includes a front central panel 625a having a front row of laterally spaced adhesive or glue openings 627a. The top edge of the corresponding glue opening 627a of the front row of RFs is spaced apart from the fold line 612 by a longitudinal distance D5.

[0118] The front container retaining panel or front attachment panel 631a is foldably connected to the front central panel 625a at a transverse fold line 633a and includes a container retaining portion 635a defined at least partially between a pair of longitudinally spaced apart transverse fold lines 637a, 639a (broadly, respective "second fold lines") each interrupted by a respective pair of longitudinally spaced apart cutouts 641a each of which can include one or more curved and / or angled portions. As shown, the longitudinally spaced apart cutouts 641a define a container retaining tab 648a extending outwardly from the container retaining portion 635a. As also shown, a respective cutout 643a can extend outwardly from one or more of the respective cutouts 641a to define a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the front attachment panel 631a facing the respective container retaining tab 648a.

[0119] As shown, an inner edge portion 636a of the attachment panel 631a is defined between the fold lines 637a, 633a and an outer edge portion 638a of the attachment panel 631a is defined between the fold line 639a and a transverse fold line 671a (broadly, a "first fold line").

[0120] The blank 603 can include a handle feature including a pair of handle openings 630a interrupting the fold line 633a and extending from a portion of the front central panel 625a into a portion of the front attachment panel 631a.

[0121] The blank 603 additionally includes a ramp or front side panel 669a foldably connected to the front attachment panel 631a at a transverse fold line 671a and a top panel 673 foldably connected to the front side panel 669a at a transverse fold line 675a (broadly, a "second fold line").

[0122] As also shown, the top panel 673 can include a further handle feature for cooperating with the handle feature described above. A pair of transversely spaced apart handle flaps 674 can be foldably connected to the top panel 673 at respective longitudinal fold lines 676 and can be defined by respective curved cutouts 678 extending from one end point of the respective fold line 676 to the other end point of the respective fold line 676. As shown, each handle flap 674 can include a central portion 670 and a pair of reinforcing portions 672 foldably connected to the central portion 670 at respective lines of weakening 668.

[0123] With continued reference to Figure 24A , Figure 24B and Figures 25 to 29The blank 603 / carrier 605 formed therefrom can be configured to enhance / suppress relative movement of portions of the blank 603 / carrier 605 in use. As shown, a series of laterally spaced reinforcing features / panels 677a can be positioned to interrupt the fold lines 675a. As shown, each reinforcing feature / panel 677a can be a region of the blank 603 / carrier 605 between the top panel 673 and the attachment panel 631a, defined by a line of weakening 679a extending between end points of a segment of the fold line 675a.

[0124] As shown, the line of weakening 679a of each reinforcing feature / panel 677a can include a laterally outer curved segment 681a, a laterally inner curved segment 683a, and generally oblique segments 682a, 684a extending from respective end points of the curved segment 681a to respective end points of the curved segment 683a. The curved segment 681a can have a radius of curvature that is greater than a radius of curvature of the curved segment 683a, such that each reinforcing feature / panel 677a can have a generally long rhombus / diamond / triangle / shield shape. It will be appreciated that one or more lines of weakening 679a / reinforcing features / panels 677a can have one or more different features, such as curved / angled / straight longitudinal and / or lateral portions, without departing from the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that different numbers and / or arrangements of reinforcing features / panels 677a can be provided, without departing from the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the line of weakening 679a can be devoid of the inner curved segment 683a, such that the segments 682a, 684a intersect the fold line 671a.

[0125] Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cutouts, or other features can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or omitted from the blank 603, without departing from the present disclosure. The blank 603 can be sized and / or shaped to accommodate more or fewer than eight containers, without departing from the present disclosure.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear portion 609 of the blank 603 includes a rear central panel 625b, a rear container retention panel or rear attachment panel 631b, and a rear diagonal or rear side panel 669b having associated features that are generally mirror images of corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion 607 of the blank 603. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cutouts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numerals, with the exception of the “a” or “b” suffix, where the “a” components correspond to the front portion 607 of the blank 603 and the “b” components correspond to the rear portion 609 of the blank 603. The rear portion 609 of the blank 603 includes a rear top panel or top attachment flap 685 foldably connected to the rear side panel 669b at a lateral fold line 675b.

[0127] As shown, the respective glue openings 627b of the rear row RB of glue openings 627b have respective top edges that are spaced apart from the fold line 612 by a longitudinal distance D6. In this regard, the blank 603 is provided with a front row RF of front glue openings 627a that are laterally spaced apart by respective longitudinal distances D5 from the center line CL, and a rear row RB of rear glue openings 627b that are laterally spaced apart by respective longitudinal distances D6 from the center line CL. The glue openings 627a, 627b have a longitudinal staggered arrangement such that D6 > D5. When the carrier 605 is formed from the blank 603, the longitudinal center line CL / fold line 612 can form a bottom edge of the central panels 625a, 625b.

[0128] As described herein, the arrangement of the glue openings 627a, 627b such that, when the carrier 605 is constructed, the glue openings 627a, 627b provide access to respective plural surfaces of the respective central panels 625b, 625a on which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be attached to enhance the retention and support of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 by the carrier 605.

[0129] Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cutouts, or other features can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or omitted from the blank 603 without departing from the present disclosure. The blank 603 can be sized and / or shaped to accommodate more or fewer than four containers without departing from the present disclosure.

[0130] Further reference is made to Figure 24 As shown, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier 605 can be formed by placing the outer surface 601 of the blank 603 on top of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 such that the container retention portions 635a of the front attachment panels 631a cover the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, and such that the container retention portions 635b of the rear attachment panels 631b cover the containers CB1, CB2, CB3. Positioning the attachment panels 631a, 631b further down on the plural containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can activate the respective container retention portions 635a, 635b to engage the respective containers.

[0131] For example, when the front attachment panel 631a is lowered or pushed down onto the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, the container holding portion 635a can at least partially separate from the rest of the front attachment panel 631a at the cutout 641a. In this arrangement, the upper or top portion T of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3 can at least partially extend through the respective opening formed by the respective cutout 641a, such that the container holding tab 648a can engage, for example, a rim or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, and such that the plurality of reconfigurable edges of the edge portions 636a, 638a can engage, for example, a rolled edge or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3.

[0132] This reconfiguration of the corresponding portion of the rear attachment panel 631b can occur when the rear attachment panel 631b is lowered or pushed down onto the containers CB1, CB2, CB3. During the above-described engagement of the respective container holding portions 635a, 635b with the respective containers, the edge portions 636a, 638a of the attachment panel 631a can at least partially fold downward in this configuration at the respective fold lines 637a, 639a, and similarly, the edge portions 636b, 638b of the attachment panel 631b can at least partially fold downward at the respective fold lines 637b, 639b.

[0133] The front central panel 625a and the rear central panel 625b can then be folded at the fold line 612 such that the front central panel 625a and the rear central panel 625b at least partially contact one another face-to-face to be positioned between the respective adjacent containers, and such that the respective glue openings 627a, 627b are positioned to be laterally aligned but longitudinally offset due to the different relative spacing of the rows RF of the front glue openings 627a and the rows RB of the rear glue openings 627b from the fold line 612 as described above.

[0134] In this regard, the central panels 625a, 625b are arranged such that a portion of the front central panel 625a overlaps each glue opening 627b and a portion of the rear central panel 625b overlaps each glue opening 627a to provide communication between the central panels 625a, 625b and a respective surface on which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be adhered or otherwise attached, as further described herein. This rearrangement of the central panels 625a, 625b can also result in the respective central panels 625a, 625b being folded downward relative to the respective attachment panels 631a, 631b at the respective fold lines 633a, 633b.

[0135] It will be appreciated that the adhesive glue (e.g., glue G ( Figures 25 to 29)) to adhere the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 to respective portions of the central panel 625b exposed through the respective glue openings 627a, and glue can be provided to adhere the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 to respective portions of the central panel 625a exposed through the respective glue openings 627b. The arrangement of the multiple rows of respective glue openings 627a, 627b provides multiple points of attachment of each respective container to the respective opposing central panel 625a, 625b, such that each container is provided with a secure attachment to the respective central panel 625a, 625b. In addition to or in lieu of the container retention and support provided by the respective container retention portions 635a, 635b, the attachment of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 to the respective central panels 625a, 625b can provide retention and support of the respective containers, e.g., such that the containers do not separate from the carrier 605 under the effect of their own weight. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be attached to the respective central panel 625a, 625b with glue G without requiring additional retention and support provided by the container retention portions as described above.

[0136] The glue described herein can be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a high-tack glue, an epoxy, a polymeric glue, etc., or combinations thereof. The glue can have different arrangements without departing from the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the glue G can have a foam or foamed configuration, e.g., such that a pocket of fluid (such as a gas) intersperses solid, semi-solid, and / or liquid components of the adhesive. In this regard, the glue G can be injected / infused with a fluid (e.g., gas) component that affects the expansion of the glue G from an originally defined volume to occupy a larger volume over time. In one embodiment, the glue G can include about 50% solid / semi-solid / liquid adhesive and about 50% gas component.

[0137] In other embodiments, the glue G can include different ratios of adhesive component to gas component, e.g., about 10% adhesive / about 90% gas component, about 20% adhesive / about 80% gas component, about 30% adhesive / about 70% gas component, about 40% adhesive / about 60% gas component, about 60% adhesive / about 40% gas component, about 70% adhesive / about 30% gas component, about 80% adhesive / about 20% gas component, about 90% adhesive / about 10% gas component, or other integer or non-integer percentages therebetween. The glue G can be any suitable adhesive without departing from the present disclosure.

[0138] This enhanced attachment of the respective containers to the respective central panels 625a, 625b using glue can also provide enhanced integrity to the carrier 605, for example, by providing opposing adhesive forces on the respective central panels 625a, 625b such that the central panels 625a, 625b are compressed therebetween. For example, in one embodiment, upon lifting the carrier 605, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 can draw the portion of the rear central panel 625b to which the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 are attached at least partially toward the front central panel 625a through the respective glue openings 627a under the action of at least a portion of the weight of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3. The respective portion of the front central panel 625a can be drawn toward the rear central panel 625b by the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 through the respective glue openings 627b in a similar manner.

[0139] Still referring to Figure 30 , the front side panel 669a can be folded upward at the fold line 671a, and the top panel 673 can be folded at the fold line 675a into at least partial face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the attachment panels 631a, 631b. Similarly, the rear side panel 669b can be folded upward at the fold line 671b, and the attachment flap 685 can be folded at the fold line 675b into at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel 673 and / or the attachment panel 431b. This arrangement can be maintained with an adhesive such as glue.

[0140] In embodiments in which the attachment flap 685 at least partially overlaps the top panel 673, such an arrangement can facilitate alignment of its edges and / or printed graphics thereon so as to avoid additional steps of manipulating the top panel 673 and the attachment flap 685 relative to one another, for example, as compared to an arrangement in which the attachment flap 685 and the top panel 673 are positioned in abutting relation. Such an arrangement can also preserve clean lines and edges of the carrier 605 / package 610 and / or minimize exposure of interior portions (e.g., interior surfaces of the blank 603) of the carrier 605 / package 610 to a user.

[0141] Upon folding the top panel 673 at the fold line 675a, the laterally curved outer segment 681a of the respective reinforcing feature / panel 677a can engage (e.g., contour, abut, etc.) a respective rolled edge or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3. In this regard, the laterally curved outer segment 681a of the respective weakened line 679a can provide a point at which the top panel 673 can pivot, for example, under leverage, about an edge of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3 at the point to facilitate folding the top panel 673 at the fold line 675a.

[0142] Further, the interruption of the fold line 675a provided by the presence of the laterally curved outer section 681a can reduce the amount of time and / or force required to fold the top panel 673 in the manner described above. As a result, the machine / forming operation can be streamlined. In one embodiment, one or more of the lines of weakness / fold lines associated with the blank 603 / carrier 605 can be reduced in profile (e.g., length, width, depth, continuity, etc.) as compared to, for example, a carrier / package without the reinforcing features / panels 677a.

[0143] Similarly, the folding of the attachment flap 685 at the fold line 675b can be facilitated by the presence of the laterally curved outer section 681b of the respective reinforcing feature / panel 677b and its engagement with the respective edge of the container CB1, CB2, CB3, as described above with respect to the folding of the top panel 673.

[0144] Further, the reinforcing features / panels 677a, 677b present in an outwardly facing arrangement relative to the attachment panels 631a, 631b, the top panel 675, and the attachment flap 685 so as to form a generally upright / vertical structure that further minimizes / resists the bending, flexing, warping, twisting, etc. of the carrier 605 / package 610 relative to the plane defined by the top panel 675 / attachment flap 685 and / or the attachment panels 631a, 631b, for example, such that the carrier 605 / package 610 minimizes / resists such forces / movements along both the longitudinal axis LI and the lateral axis L2.

[0145] To engage the carrier 605 / package 610, the respective handle flap 674 can be at least partially separated from the top panel 673 at the respective cutout 678 and folded or flexed downward into the interior portion of the carrier 605 / package 610 at the respective fold line 676 through the respective handle opening 630a, 630b. The handle opening 630a, 630b provides clearance for the handle flap 674 to extend downward in this arrangement. In one embodiment, one or both of the handle flaps 674 can be provided with a reconfigurable arrangement, for example, so as to form a profile or angle against one or more of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, for example, such that at least a central portion of the respective handle flap 674 can be positioned between adjacent containers.

[0146] In one embodiment, the reinforcing portion 672 of the respective handle flap 674 can be at least partially wrapped around / folded at or encircle a consumer’s finger about the respective line of weakness 677, for example, to minimize or prevent contact of the consumer’s finger with the carrier 605 / package 610 and / or the edges or corners of the respective containers.

[0147] Reference is additionally made to ​In forming the package 610 / carrier 605, the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be removed from the carrier 605 by separating the containers from the respective attachment panels 631a, 631b, for example by pulling the top T of the respective container through an opening formed by the respective cut 641a, 641b along the respective attachment panel 631a, 631b and peeling the respective container away from the respective central panel 625a, 625b. Peeling or pulling the container CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 away from the respective central panel 625a, 625b can involve pulling the respective container with a force sufficient to overcome the adhesive bond of the respective container and the respective central panel 625a, 625b provided by the glue G. In one embodiment, the glue can be selected to remain on the respective central panel 625a, 625b, for example such that substantially little or no glue remains on the container when the container is removed. In one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be subsequently reattached to the respective central panel 625a, 625b by pressing the container against the respective area of glue.

[0148] The carrier 605 / package 610 can have different configurations without departing from the present disclosure, and it should be understood that any of the blanks, carriers, and packages described herein can be provided in different configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

[0149] It should be understood that the blanks and carriers described herein can be provided in different configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

[0150] Generally, the blank can be constructed of paperboard having a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials such as paperboard or any other material having properties suitable to enable the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed with product, advertising, and other information or images. A clear coat can then be applied over the blank to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier on either or both sides of the blank. The blank can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet materials at selected panels or panel segments.

[0151] As an example, a tear line can comprise: 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 the material and / or fully through the material along the desired line of weakness; or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced-apart slits that fully extend through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart such that a nick (e.g., a small piece of slightly bridge-like material) is defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. During tearing along the tear line, the nick breaks. The nick is typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, the nick can be omitted from the tear line or broken in the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, replacing each tear line in the tear line with a continuous slit or the like is also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the cut line can be a continuous slit, or can be wider than a slit, without departing from the present disclosure.

[0152] According to example embodiments, a fold line can be any form of weakening that is substantially linear, but not necessarily straight, that facilitates folding along itself. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, a fold line comprises: a score line, such as a line formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that creates crushed or indented portions in the material along the desired line of weakening; a cut that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakening; and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into the material and / or fully through the material along the desired line of weakening; and various combinations of these features. In cases where a cut is used to create a fold line, typically the cut will not be overly spread out in a manner that can cause a reasonable user to mistakenly view the fold line as a tear line.

[0153] The above embodiments can be described as adhering one or more panels together with glue during construction of the vehicle embodiment. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manners of adhesive commonly used to secure vehicle panels in place.

[0154] The foregoing description of the present disclosure has shown and described various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc. can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that everything contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the present disclosure has only shown and described selected embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concepts as expressed herein. Moreover, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, the at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers; and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel, the at least one central panel for positioning between and attaching to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one reinforcement panel being generally upright relative to the at least one central panel, the at least one reinforcement panel formed by a line of weakness, and the at least one reinforcement panel at least partially formed in the at least one side panel.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the line of weakness includes at least one curved segment intersecting a pair of angled segments.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the at least one side panel is foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel at a first fold line, and the at least one top panel is foldably connected to the at least one side panel at a second fold line, the at least one reinforcement panel interrupting at least one of the first fold line and the second fold line.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel, the at least one top panel is a front top panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises: a rear central panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front central panel and for positioning between and attaching to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers; a rear attachment panel; a rear side panel; and a rear top panel, the rear attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers.

5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the at least one reinforcement panel is at least one front reinforcement panel positioned between the front attachment panel and the front top panel, and the carrier further comprises at least one rear reinforcement panel positioned between the rear attachment panel and the rear top panel.

6. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one central panel is for adhering to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

7. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a rear central panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front central panel, and at least one of the front central panel and the rear central panel includes a respective at least one opening in communication with a respective other of the front central panel and the rear central panel.

8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein each of the front central panel and the rear central panel includes a respective at least one opening in communication with a respective other of the front central panel and the rear central panel.

9. The carrier of claim 8, wherein the at least one opening in the front central panel is offset from the at least one opening in the rear central panel.

10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein a portion of the rear central panel is exposed through the at least one opening in the front central panel, and a portion of the front central panel is exposed through the at least one opening in the rear central panel.

11. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the front central panel is foldably connected to the rear central panel at a transverse fold line, the at least one opening in the front central panel is spaced a first longitudinal distance from the transverse fold line, the at least one opening in the rear central panel is spaced a second longitudinal distance from the transverse fold line, and the first longitudinal distance is greater than the second longitudinal distance.

12. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel, the at least one top panel is a front top panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a rear attachment panel, a rear side panel, and a rear top panel, the rear attachment panel is configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers.

13. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one top panel includes at least one handle feature and the at least one central panel includes at least a portion of at least one handle opening, the at least one handle feature of the top panel is aligned with the at least a portion of the at least one handle opening.

14. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, the at least one attachment panel is configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank; and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel, the at least one central panel is for positioning between and attaching to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank, in the carrier formed from the blank, the at least one reinforcement panel (677a, 677b) is for being generally upright relative to the at least one central panel (625a, 625b), the at least one reinforcement panel is formed by a line of weakness (679a, 679b), and the at least one reinforcement panel is at least partially formed in the at least one side panel.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the line of weakness includes at least one curved segment intersecting a pair of angled segments.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one side panel is foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel at a first fold line, and the at least one top panel is foldably connected to the at least one side panel at a second fold line, the at least one reinforcement panel interrupts at least one of the first fold line and the second fold line.

17. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel, the at least one top panel is a front top panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a rear central panel, a rear attachment panel, a rear side panel, and a rear top panel, the rear attachment panel being configured to receive a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the at least one reinforcement panel is at least one front reinforcement panel positioned between the front attachment panel and the front top panel, and the carrier further comprises at least one rear reinforcement panel positioned between the rear attachment panel and the rear top panel.

19. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a rear central panel, the rear central panel being for positioning in at least partial face-to-face contact with the front central panel when the carrier is formed from the blank, and at least one of the front central panel and the rear central panel comprises a respective at least one opening for positioning in communication with a respective other of the front central panel and the rear central panel.

20. The blank of claim 19, wherein each of the front central panel and the rear central panel comprises a respective at least one opening for positioning in communication with a respective other of the front central panel and the rear central panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the front central panel is foldably connected to the rear central panel at a transverse fold line, the at least one opening in the front central panel is spaced a first longitudinal distance from the transverse fold line, the at least one opening in the rear central panel is spaced a second longitudinal distance from the transverse fold line, the first longitudinal distance being greater than the second longitudinal distance.

22. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel, the at least one top panel is a front top panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a rear attachment panel, a rear side panel, and a rear top panel, the rear attachment panel being configured to receive a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank.

23. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one top panel comprises at least one handle feature and the at least one central panel comprises at least a portion of at least one handle opening, the at least one handle feature of the top panel being for alignment with the at least a portion of the at least one handle opening when the carrier is formed from the blank.

24. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, the blank further comprising at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel; folding the plurality of panels to form the carrier such that the at least one attachment panel receives a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers; positioning the at least one central panel between adjacent ones of the plurality of containers; and attaching the at least one central panel to the adjacent ones of the plurality of containers, the at least one reinforcement panel is generally upright relative to the at least one central panel, the at least one reinforcement panel is formed by a line of weakness, and the at least one reinforcement panel is at least partially formed in the at least one side panel.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the line of weakness comprises at least one curved segment intersecting a pair of angled segments.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one side panel is foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel at a first fold line, and the at least one top panel is foldably connected to the at least one side panel at a second fold line, the at least one reinforcement panel interrupting at least one of the first fold line and the second fold line.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel, the at least one top panel is a front top panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a rear central panel, a rear attachment panel, a rear side panel, and a rear top panel, and folding the plurality of panels further comprises positioning the rear central panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front central panel and positioning the rear attachment panel to receive a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one reinforcement panel is at least one front reinforcement panel positioned between the front attachment panel and the front top panel, and the carrier further comprises at least one rear reinforcement panel positioned between the rear attachment panel and the rear top panel.

29. The method of claim 24, further comprising: adhering the at least one central panel to the adjacent ones of the plurality of containers.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a rear central panel, at least one of the front central panel and the rear central panel comprises a respective at least one opening, and folding the plurality of panels further comprises positioning the rear central panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front central panel such that the respective at least one opening of at least one of the front central panel and the rear central panel is in communication with a respective other of the front central panel and the rear central panel.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein each of the front central panel and the rear central panel includes a respective at least one opening, and folding the plurality of panels further comprises communicating the respective at least one opening of at least one of the front central panel and the rear central panel with a respective other of the front central panel and the rear central panel.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one opening in the front central panel is offset from the at least one opening in the rear central panel.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein a portion of the rear central panel is exposed through the at least one opening in the front central panel, and a portion of the front central panel is exposed through the at least one opening in the rear central panel.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the front central panel is foldably connected to the rear central panel at a transverse fold line, the at least one opening in the front central panel is spaced a first longitudinal distance from the transverse fold line, the at least one opening in the rear central panel is spaced a second longitudinal distance from the transverse fold line, the first longitudinal distance being greater than the second longitudinal distance.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel, the at least one top panel is a front top panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a rear attachment panel, a rear side panel, and a rear top panel, and the method further comprises: positioning the rear attachment panel to receive a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers.

36. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one top panel includes at least one handle feature and the at least one central panel includes at least a portion of at least one handle opening, wherein folding the plurality of panels includes aligning the at least one handle feature of the top panel with the at least a portion of the at least one handle opening.

37. A package comprising: a plurality of containers; and a carrier holding the plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, the at least one attachment panel receiving a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers; and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel, the at least one central panel positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one reinforcement panel being generally upright relative to the at least one central panel, the at least one reinforcement panel being formed by a line of weakness, and the at least one reinforcement panel being at least partially formed in the at least one side panel.

38. The package of claim 37, wherein the line of weakness includes at least one curved segment intersecting a pair of angled segments.

39. The package of claim 37, wherein the at least one side panel is foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel at a first fold line, and the at least one top panel is foldably connected to the at least one side panel at a second fold line, the at least one reinforcement panel interrupting at least one of the first fold line and the second fold line.

40. The package of claim 37, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel, the at least one top panel is a front top panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises: a rear central panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with the front central panel and positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers; a rear attachment panel; and a rear top panel, the rear attachment panel receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers.

41. The package of claim 40, wherein the at least one reinforcement panel is at least one front reinforcement panel positioned between the front attachment panel and the front top panel, and the carrier further comprises at least one rear reinforcement panel positioned between the rear attachment panel and the rear top panel.

42. The package of claim 37, wherein the at least one central panel is adhered to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

43. The package of claim 37, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a rear central panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with the front central panel, and at least one of the front central panel and the rear central panel comprises a respective at least one opening in communication with a respective other of the front central panel and the rear central panel.

44. The package of claim 43, wherein each of the front central panel and the rear central panel comprises a respective at least one opening in communication with a respective other of the front central panel and the rear central panel.

45. The package of claim 44, wherein the at least one opening in the front central panel is offset from the at least one opening in the rear central panel.

46. The package of claim 45, wherein a portion of the rear central panel is exposed through the at least one opening in the front central panel, and a portion of the front central panel is exposed through the at least one opening in the rear central panel.

47. The package of claim 45, wherein the front central panel is foldably connected to the rear central panel at a transverse fold line, the at least one opening in the front central panel is spaced a first longitudinal distance from the transverse fold line, the at least one opening in the rear central panel is spaced a second longitudinal distance from the transverse fold line, the first longitudinal distance being greater than the second longitudinal distance.

48. The package of claim 45, wherein the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel, the at least one top panel is a front top panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a rear attachment panel, a rear side panel, and a rear top panel, the rear attachment panel receiving a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers.

49. The package of claim 37, wherein the at least one top panel comprises at least one handle feature and the at least one center panel comprises at least a portion of at least one handle opening, the at least one handle feature of the top panel being aligned with the at least a portion of the at least one handle opening.

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