Carrier for containers

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a top panel comprising a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving respective containers of the plurality of containers; at least one container holding flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel comprising at least one container holding tab positioned adjacent a respective container holding opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a respective fold line; at least one side reinforcement panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container holding flap, and the top panel comprising at least one reinforcement portion extending from the respective fold line.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefits 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] By incorporating via reference

[0004] The disclosures of each of the following are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as if they were presented in their entirety herein: 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; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 62 / 779,689, filed March 6, 2019. / 814,412; 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. Provisional 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, filed May 30, 2019. / 426,066; 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. Design Patent Application No. 16 / 598,282, filed October 10, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 426,066, filed May 30, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 692,992, filed October 18, 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. Design Patent Application No. 16 / 598,282, filed October 10, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 692,992, filed October 18, 2019; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 709,918; 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; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 29 / 709,918, filed December 23, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 952,839, filed January 3, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 985,997, filed March 6, 2020; U.S. Provisional 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 12, 2020; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 022,757, filed May 12, 2020.63 / 023,442; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 735,178, 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. 63 / 023,442, filed May 19, 2020; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 739,933, filed June 30, 2020; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 739,933, filed June 30, 2020. 29 / 739,934; 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. 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, filed March 24, 2021. / 775,557; 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. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 775,560, 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, filed November 14, 2018. / 767,188; 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; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 216,062, filed June 29, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 219,648, filed July 8, 2021; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 222,225, filed July 15, 2021; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 203,882, filed August 3, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 767,188, filed September 3, 2021.U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 260,881, filed September 24, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 261,582, filed September 24, 2021. The disclosures of each of the following are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as if their entirety were presented herein: U.S. Patent No. 8,387,784, published March 5, 2013; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 8,096,413, published January 17, 2012; and U.S. Patent No. 11,027,905, published June 8, 2021. Background Technology

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to cartons or carriers used for holding, displaying, and / or transporting containers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, this disclosure generally relates to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a top panel including a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving respective containers among the plurality of containers; at least one container holding flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel including at least one container holding tab positioned adjacent to a respective container holding opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a respective fold line; at least one side reinforcing panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container holding flap, the top panel including at least one reinforcing portion extending from the respective fold line.

[0007] According to another aspect, this disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: a top panel including a plurality of container holding openings for receiving at least partially a respective container among the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank; at least one container holding flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel including at least one container holding tab positioned adjacent to a respective container holding opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a respective fold line; at least one side reinforcing panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container holding flap, the top panel including at least one reinforcing portion extending from the respective fold line.

[0008] According to another aspect, this disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising: a top panel including a plurality of container holding openings; at least one container holding flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel including at least one container holding tab positioned adjacent to a corresponding container holding opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a corresponding fold line; at least one side reinforcing panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container holding flap, the top panel including at least one reinforcing portion extending from the corresponding fold line. The method further comprises positioning the blank such that the plurality of container holding openings are positioned for at least partially receiving a corresponding container of the plurality of containers.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, this disclosure generally relates to a package comprising: a plurality of containers; and a carrier holding the plurality of containers. The carrier includes: a top panel including a plurality of container holding openings that at least partially receive respective containers among the plurality of containers; at least one container holding flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel including at least one container holding tab positioned adjacent to a respective container holding opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a respective fold line; at least one side reinforcing panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container holding flap, and the top panel including at least one reinforcing portion extending from the respective fold line.

[0010] Referring to the accompanying drawings and by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand the above advantages, as well as other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments. The aspects discussed above, provided individually and in various combinations, are all within the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0011] As is customary, the various features in the accompanying drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure more clearly.

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

[0013] Figure 1A yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the blank.

[0014] Figure 2This is a perspective view of a package according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the package comprising... Figure 1 The blanks are used to form carriers and multiple containers.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Side view of the packaging.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A flat diagram of the packaging, with illustrative annotations.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of the packaging, with illustrative annotations.

[0018] Throughout the accompanying drawings, corresponding parts are indicated by the corresponding figure labels. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This disclosure generally relates to carriers, packaging, structures, sleeves, cartons, etc., for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. For example, containers can be used to package food and beverage products. Containers may be made of materials with a composition suitable for packaging a particular food or beverage, and the materials include, but are not limited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon; etc.; aluminum and / or other metals; or any combination thereof.

[0020] The carrier according to this disclosure can accommodate containers of various shapes. For illustrative purposes and not to limit the scope of this disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans) at least partially disposed in embodiments of the carrier. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” and “rear” indicate orientations defined relative to a fully upright carrier.

[0021] As described herein, a carrier may be formed from multiple overlapping panels, end folds, and / or other portions of a blank. Such panels, end folds, and / or other portions of the blank may be designated by sequential or non-sequential designations in relative terms (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.) relative to each other without departing from this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for forming a carrier 105 ( Figure 2 A plan view of the outer side 101 of the blank 103. As further described herein, the carrier 105 can be configured to hold / support / retain / accept multiple containers. The carrier 105 can be provided with one or more containers to form package 110. Figure 2 ).

[0023] Containers suitable for use with the carriers of this disclosure may be beverage cans having: a lower base portion; a top portion T, which generally includes a neck tapering inward from the lower base portion; a flange portion located at the top of the neck portion and extending radially outward from the neck portion; and a top surface located below the flange portion and including a pull tab. Containers of other sizes, shapes, and configurations may be held in the carrier without departing from this disclosure.

[0024] Still referencing Figure 1 The carrier 105 can be sized to accommodate or support six containers, with three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 attached to the front portion 106 of the carrier 105 and three containers CB1, CB2, CB3 attached to the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105. 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 105 can be provided together with one or more of the containers as packaging 110.

[0025] The size and shape of the carrier 105 can be configured to hold more or fewer six containers. In one embodiment, without departing from this disclosure, the front portion 106 and the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105 each have three containers, and in other embodiments, the front portion 106 and the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105 may carry more or fewer three containers.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. The blank 103 has a front portion 107 for forming a front portion 106 of a carrier 105 and a rear portion 109 for forming a rear portion 108 of a carrier 105.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, blank 103 includes: a top panel 125 (broadly, "first top panel", "central panel" or "attached panel"); a container holding fold 127 (broadly, "first container holding fold", "first top fold", "second top panel" or "first container holding panel") foldably connected to the top panel 125 at a transverse fold line 129 (broadly, "first fold line"); and a container holding fold 131 (broadly, "second container holding fold", "second top fold", "third top panel" or "second container holding panel") foldably connected to the top panel 125 at a transverse fold line 133 (broadly, "second fold line").

[0028] For further reference Figure 1AThe top panel 125 may have container holding features including a plurality of container holding openings 135 (broadly, "first plurality of container holding openings"). As shown, the container holding openings 135 may be arranged in columns and rows, the number of which corresponds to the desired number of containers held by the carrier 105 formed from the blank 103. In this respect, a selected container holding opening 135 may be considered a first holding opening, and a longitudinally or laterally adjacent container holding opening 135 may be considered a second container holding opening. Although the top panel 125 is shown as having container holding openings 135 arranged in two rows / columns, with three openings 135 per row / column, it should be understood that different numbers and / or arrangements of container holding openings 135 may be provided without departing from this disclosure.

[0029] like Figure 1A As shown, the container holding opening 135 can have a generally circular configuration, and container holding tabs 137 and 139 (generally referred to as "first container holding tab" and "second container holding tab") are arranged alternately and are foldably connected to the top panel 125 at corresponding bending fold lines 138 and 140 (generally referred to as "first bending fold line" and "second bending fold line"), respectively. In the arrangement shown, a pair of container holding tabs 137 opposite in the diametrical direction are arranged / aligned along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis L1, a pair of container holding tabs 137 opposite in the diametrical direction are arranged / aligned along a line parallel to the transverse axis L2, and container holding tabs 139 are arranged / aligned between corresponding adjacent container holding tabs 137 at corresponding tilt angles relative to the axes L1 and L2 defined by the blank 103 / top panel 125. It should be understood that the container retaining tabs 137, 139 can be arranged in a generally abutting circumferential arrangement, but without departing from this disclosure, a spacing can be provided between adjacent container retaining tabs. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the container retaining tabs 137, 139 can be located at corresponding portions of a curved fold / weakening line that is longer than the corresponding individual curved fold 138, 140.

[0030] Although container retaining tabs 137, 139 are shown as having generally curved free edges facing the interior of container retaining opening 135, and container retaining tab 137 is larger than container retaining tab 139, it should be understood that one or more of container retaining tabs 137, 139 may have different configurations or arrangements without departing from this disclosure.

[0031] The blank 103 / carrier 105 may also have a handle feature comprising at least one handle tab 141 foldably connected to the top panel 125 at a longitudinal fold line 144 and defined at least partially by a curved cutout 145 extending from one end of the fold line 144 to the other end of the fold line 144. As further described herein, the handle tab 141 may be separable from the top panel 125 to form a corresponding handle opening for a user to engage the carrier 105.

[0032] Still referencing Figure 1 Each container holding flap 127, 131 includes a corresponding container holding opening 146 (in a broader sense, "a second plurality of container holding openings"). When the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103, the container holding opening 146 is used to align with a corresponding container holding opening 135, as further described herein. Although the container holding openings 146 are shown as generally symmetrical circular openings, it should be understood that one or more of the container holding openings 146 may have different configurations without departing from this disclosure, for example, having multiple focal points and / or asymmetrical portions, etc.

[0033] A corresponding pair of container holding tabs 143 can be foldably connected to the corresponding container holding flaps 127, 131 at the corresponding curved fold lines 145, and can be positioned to extend toward the center of the corresponding container holding opening 146. As further described herein, when the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103, the container holding opening 146 is aligned with the corresponding container holding opening 135, and the corresponding container holding tabs 143 are aligned with the corresponding curved free edge portions 144 of the corresponding container holding opening 135, without any container holding tabs 137, 139 attached along the free edge portions, as further described herein.

[0034] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The blank 103 includes a first reinforcing fold 128 (generally, "first central panel" or "first keel") foldably connected to the container holding fold 127 at the transverse fold line 130, and a second reinforcing fold 132 (generally, "second central panel" or "second keel") foldably connected to the container holding fold 131 at the transverse fold line 134.

[0035] Furthermore, the handle features of blank 103 / carrier 105 may include handle openings 153, 154 that interrupt corresponding fold lines 130, 134 and serve to at least partially align with corresponding handle tabs 141 when carrier 105 is formed from blank 103. Blank 103 / carrier 105 may have one or more different handle features without departing from this disclosure.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The blank 103 / carrier 105 formed from the blank can be configured to reinforce / suppress relative movement of some portions of the blank 103 / carrier 105 during use. As shown, a pair of laterally spaced reinforcing panels 157 (generally, "first reinforcing feature" or "side reinforcing feature" or "first reinforcing panel" or "side reinforcing panel") can be positioned to interrupt the fold line 129. As shown, each reinforcing feature 157 can be an area of ​​the blank 103 / carrier 105 located between the top panel 125 and the container holding fold 127 and defined by a weakening line 159 extending between the endpoints of the segments of the fold line 129.

[0037] As shown in the figure, the weakening line 159 may include a plurality of intersecting inclined segments 159a, 159b, 159c, and 159d. In the illustrated embodiment, each of segments 159a, 159b, 159c, and 159d may be arranged to form a generally elongated rhomboid / diamond-shaped reinforcing feature 157. In one embodiment, each of segments 159a, 159b, 159c, and 159d of the weakening line 159 may be arranged at approximately a 45° angle relative to each axis L1, L2. It should be understood that one or more of the weakening lines 159 / reinforcing features 157 may have one or more different features, such as curved portions and / or longitudinal / transverse portions, without departing from this disclosure.

[0038] As shown in the figure, a pair of longitudinally spaced reinforcing panels 157 (broadly defined as "second reinforcing feature," "side reinforcing feature," "second reinforcing panel," or "side reinforcing panel") may also be provided to interrupt the fold line 133 by being positioned between the top panel 125 and the container retaining fold 131. It should be understood that different numbers and / or arrangements of reinforcing features 157 may be provided without departing from this disclosure.

[0039] Additionally, the blank 103 / carrier 105 may include an internal reinforcing portion 147 (broadly defined as a "second reinforcing feature," "third reinforcing feature," "fourth reinforcing feature," "first reinforcing portion," or "second reinforcing portion") and an external reinforcing portion 149 (broadly defined as a "second reinforcing feature," "third reinforcing feature," "fourth reinforcing feature," "first reinforcing portion," or "second reinforcing portion") defined / positioned along at least the top panel 125. In this respect, the reinforcing portions 147 and 149 can be considered as upper reinforcing features of the blank 103 / carrier 105.

[0040] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown by the diagonal shading, the inner reinforcement 147 may be defined between / extend from opposing pairs of curved fold lines 138, for example, to define between the tops of adjacent containers in package 110 / between the laterally adjacent and longitudinally adjacent container holding openings 135 in the top panel 125. The arrangement of the curved fold lines 138 allows for the definition of corresponding segments having at least a partially arcuate / curved profile. In one embodiment, the curved fold lines 138 provide a generally pillow-shaped profile for the corresponding inner reinforcement 147, for example, a generally rectangular shape with a pair of concave long sides.

[0041] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown by the crosshairs, the outer reinforcement 149 may be defined between the edges of the top panel 125 adjacent to the side reinforcement feature 157, for example, at the corresponding fold lines 159c, 159d and the corresponding relative curve 140. In this respect, the outer reinforcement 149 may have a profile that is at least partially arched / bent, having at least one bevel at the corresponding fold lines 159c, 159d and at least one curved edge at the corresponding curved fold line 140.

[0042] Without departing from this disclosure, any of the panels, folds, fold lines, cuts, or other features may be otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or omitted from the blank 103. The dimensions and / or shape of the blank 103 may be designed to accommodate more or fewer than six containers without departing from this disclosure.

[0043] For further reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of forming carrier 105 / packaging 110, blank 103 may be positioned above a set of containers, and container holding flaps 127, 131 may be folded toward the inner surface / lower side of blank 103 at corresponding fold lines 129, 133, such that the container holding opening 146 of the corresponding container holding flaps 127, 131 is aligned with the corresponding container holding flap 135 of the top panel 125.

[0044] Furthermore, reinforcing folds 128 and 132 can be folded at corresponding fold lines 130 and 134 to at least partially face-to-face with each other, and are positioned to extend downward from the top panel 125 and container retaining folds 127 and 131 for positioning between containers CA1, CA2, CA3 in the front portion 106 of the carrier 105 / package 110 and containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105 / package 110. It should be understood that reinforcing folds 128 and 132 can provide a separator / divider / buffer between containers CA1, CA2, CA3 in the front portion 106 of the carrier 105 / package 110 and containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105 / package 110.

[0045] In this arrangement, the blank 103 can be lowered onto containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, such that the upper or top portion T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 can be at least partially received by the openings 135, 146 of the corresponding aligned containers.

[0046] Therefore, the edges of the container holding flaps 127, 131 surrounding the respective container holding opening 146 at least partially receive the respective top portion T of the respective container (e.g., the rolled edge of the respective container), and the container holding opening 135 subsequently receives the respective top portion T of the respective container.

[0047] This movement of the corresponding top portion T of the respective container through the corresponding container retaining openings 167, 135 can cause the container retaining tabs 143, 137, 139 to be pushed upward at the corresponding fold lines 145, 138, 140, thereby extending at least partially upward relative to the top panel 125. At this point, the container retaining tabs 137, 139, 143 can extend from the top panel 125 to 161 to contact the corresponding container at the neck portion of the corresponding container below the corresponding flange. This upward / inclined arrangement of the container retaining tabs 137, 139, 143 extending from the top panel 125 to the top structure of the corresponding container can provide a reinforced, supported, stable, etc., engagement between the blank 103 / carrier 105 and the container.

[0048] Furthermore, the overlapping relationship between the corresponding portion of the top panel 125 and the container holding flaps 127, 131 allows the container holding flaps 127, 131 to provide a bottom support or frame feature that minimizes / resists bending, warping, buckling, twisting, etc., and provides a stable platform by which the top panel 125 and the container holding tabs 137, 139, 143 extending upward therefrom are supported.

[0049] In addition to the support provided by the double / overlapping joint of the top panel 125 and the container holding flaps 127, 131, the reinforcing feature 157 is presented in an outward arrangement relative to the top panel 125 and the container holding flaps 127, 131, thereby forming a generally upright / vertical structure (e.g., relative to the top panel 125). This structure further minimizes / resists bending, warping, buckling, twisting, etc., of the carrier 105 / package 110 relative to the plane defined by the top panel 125 and / or the container holding flaps 127, 131, for example, minimizing / resisting such forces / movements of the carrier 105 / package 110 along both the longitudinal axis L1 and the transverse axis L2. In this respect, the reinforcing feature 157 is positioned between the top panel 125 and the corresponding container holding flaps 127, 131.

[0050] Furthermore, the vertical positioning of the reinforcing folds 128, 132 at the center of the carrier 105 / package 110 provides additional resistance to bending, warping, buckling, twisting, etc. of the carrier 105 / package 110 relative to the plane defined by the top panel 125 and / or the container holding folds 127, 131, for example, minimizing / resisting such forces / movements of the carrier 105 / package 110 along both the longitudinal axis L1 and the transverse axis L2.

[0051] Furthermore, the arrangement of the internal reinforcing portion 147 and the external reinforcing features further minimizes / resists bending, warping, buckling, twisting, etc., of the carrier 105 / package 110 across the plane defined by the top panel 125. Specifically, the arrangement of the relative curved fold lines 140 forming the internal reinforcing portion 147 presents an arcuate or similar arcuate structure across the top panel, minimizing / resisting compressive / bending forces across the top panel. Similarly, the arrangement of the curved fold lines 138 opposite the corresponding inclined segments 159c, 159d of the corresponding weakening lines 159 forms the external reinforcing portion 149 as a reinforcing region with at least one arcuate portion to minimize compressive / bending forces across it. In one embodiment, one or more of the internal reinforcing portion 147 and the external reinforcing portion 149 may form additional weakening lines near their periphery when compressive / bending forces are applied thereto, for example, to further maintain the integrity / positioning of such reinforcing portions 147, 149.

[0052] Still referencing Figure 2 and Figure 3Consumers can grip the package 110 / carrier 105 by separating one or both handle tabs 141 from the top panel at the corresponding cutout 145 and folding the handle tabs 141 downward at the corresponding fold line 144 to form a corresponding handle opening in the top panel 125, through which the user can insert one or more of his or her fingers. The portions extending into the reinforcing folds 128, 132, with openings 153, 154, are thus positioned to provide space for one or more of the user's fingers extending through the handle opening formed by the handle tabs 141. At this point, the user can engage the corresponding container holding folds 127, 131 on the underside and / or a portion of the top panel 125, such as adjacent to the corresponding recesses 153, 155, to engage and lift / carry or otherwise move the carrier 105 / package 110. In one embodiment, the handle reinforcement fold 141 may be positioned between the user’s respective fingers and the underside of the carrier 105 / package 110 to provide one or more layers of additional material (e.g. for comfort) to avoid squeezing, etc., and / or to provide a reinforcing structure for user engagement that resists tearing or other deformation due to load-bearing stress.

[0053] Additionally, the inclined arrangement of the container holding tab 139 relative to the handle tab 141 / the opening formed by the handle tab enhances the resistance to bending, warping, buckling, twisting, etc. of the corresponding portions of the top panel 125 and / or the container holding flaps 127, 131 along both the longitudinal axis L1 and the transverse axis L2 when forces are applied to the carrier 105 / packaging 110 during the process of lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving the carrier 105 / packaging 110 via the user engaging the handle feature.

[0054] When forming the package 110 / carrier 105, the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be removed from the carrier 105 by disengaging the containers from the top panel 125 and the corresponding container holding flaps 127, 131, for example by removing the corresponding container holding tabs 137, 139, 143 from the neck portion of the respective containers and pulling out the top portion T of the respective containers through the corresponding aligned container holding openings 135, 146.

[0055] It should be understood that the vehicle 105 / package 110 may have different configurations without departing from this disclosure.

[0056] Typically, the blank can be constructed from cardboard of a certain thickness, making it heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed from other materials such as cardboard or any other material with properties suitable for enabling the carrier to function at least substantially as described above. The blank may be coated with, for example, a clay coating. Then, product information, advertisements, and other information or images can be printed onto the clay coating. Next, a varnish can be applied to the blank to protect the information printed on it. The blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture-proof layer on one or both sides of the blank. One or more sheet materials may also be laminated or coated onto selected panels or panel sections of the blank.

[0057] As an example, a tear line may include: a slit that extends partially into the material along a desired weakening line; and / or a series of spaced-apart slits that extend partially into the material along a desired weakening line and / or extend completely through the material; 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 extend completely through the material, wherein adjacent slits are slightly spaced such that a notch (e.g., a small piece of slightly bridging material) is defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. During tearing along the tear line, the notch breaks. The notch typically constitutes a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, the notch may be omitted from the tear line or torn within the tear line, such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, each tear line in the tear line is replaced within the scope of this disclosure with a continuous slit, etc. For example, without departing from this disclosure, the cut line may be a continuous slit, or may be wider than a slit.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fold line can be any substantially linear but not necessarily straight weakening form that facilitates folding along itself. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of this disclosure, the fold line includes: a notch line, such as a line formed with a blunt notch tool, which creates a crushed or recessed portion in the material along the desired weakening line; a cut that partially extends into the material along the desired weakening line; and / or a series of cuts that extend into the material along the desired weakening line and / or extend completely through the material; and various combinations of these features. In the case of using cuts to form the fold line, typically, the cuts will not be excessively spread in a way that would cause a reasonable user to mistakenly perceive the fold line as a tear line.

[0059] The above embodiments can be described as bonding one or more panels together using adhesive during the construction of the carrier embodiment. The term "adhesive" is intended to cover all adhesives commonly used to hold carrier panels in place.

[0060] The foregoing description of this disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, alterations, etc., may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The content contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, this disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of this disclosure; however, this disclosure is applicable to various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be changed or modified within the scope of the inventive concept expressed herein, in proportion to the foregoing teachings, and / or within the skill or knowledge of those skilled in the art. Moreover, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a top panel including a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving respective containers of the plurality of containers; at least one container holding flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel including at least one container holding tab positioned adjacent a respective container holding opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a respective fold line; at least one side reinforcement panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container holding flap, the at least one side reinforcement panel formed by a line of weakness including a plurality of oblique line segments, each oblique line segment of the plurality of oblique line segments intersecting at least one other oblique line segment of the plurality of oblique line segments, the at least one side reinforcement panel being generally upright with respect to the top panel; and the top panel including at least one reinforcement portion extending from the respective fold line.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one side reinforcement panel has a generally diamond-shaped configuration.

3. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the fold line is a curved fold line and the at least one container holding tab is positioned to extend into a respective container holding opening of the plurality of container holding openings.

4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein respective at least one container holding tab is foldably connected to the top panel at a respective curved fold line and positioned to extend into a first container holding opening of the plurality of container holding openings, wherein respective at least one container holding tab is foldably connected to the top panel at a respective curved fold line and positioned to extend into a second container holding opening of the plurality of container holding openings, the second container holding opening of the plurality of container holding openings being positioned adjacent the first container holding opening of the plurality of container holding openings, and the at least one reinforcement portion extending from the respective curved fold line at the first container holding opening to the respective curved fold line at the second container holding opening.

5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the second container holding opening is laterally adjacent the first container holding opening.

6. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the second container holding opening is longitudinally adjacent the first container holding opening.

7. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the at least one reinforcement portion is a first reinforcement portion and the carrier further comprises a second reinforcement portion formed between one of the plurality of container holding openings and the at least one side reinforcement panel.

8. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcement portion is formed between one of the plurality of container holding openings and the at least one side reinforcement panel.

9. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the at least one side reinforcement panel is formed from a line of weakness having a plurality of intersecting angled line segments, wherein the at least one container retention tab is at least one first container retention tab and the corresponding curved fold line is a corresponding first curved fold line, wherein the carrier further comprises at least one second container retention tab foldably connected to the top panel at a corresponding second curved fold line and positioned to extend into a corresponding opening of the plurality of container retention openings, and wherein at least one outer reinforcement portion extends from the corresponding second curved fold line to an angled line segment of the line of weakness.

10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the at least one first container retention tab is aligned with one of a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis defined by the top panel, and the at least one second container retention tab is positioned adjacent the at least one first container retention tab.

11. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the at least one second container retention tab is positioned obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

12. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of container retention openings in the top panel are a first plurality of container retention openings, the at least one container retention flap includes a second plurality of container retention openings, the container retention openings of the first plurality of container retention openings are aligned with corresponding container retention openings of the second plurality of container retention openings.

13. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising at least one reinforcement flap foldably connected to the at least one container retention flap and extending downwardly from the top panel and the at least one container retention flap.

14. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: a top panel including a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a corresponding container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank; at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel including at least one container retention tab positioned adjacent a corresponding container retention opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a corresponding fold line; at least one side reinforcement panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap, the at least one side reinforcement panel formed from a line of weakness, the line of weakness including a plurality of angled line segments, each angled line segment of the plurality of angled line segments intersecting at least one other angled line segment of the plurality of angled line segments; and the top panel including at least one reinforcement portion extending from the corresponding fold line.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one side reinforcement panel has a generally diamond-shaped configuration.

16. The blank of claim 14, wherein the fold lines are curved fold lines and the at least one container retention tab is positioned to extend into a respective container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein a respective at least one container retention tab is foldably connected to the top panel at a respective curved fold line and positioned to extend into a first container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, wherein a respective at least one container retention tab is foldably connected to the top panel at a respective curved fold line and positioned to extend into a second container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, the second container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings is positioned adjacent to the first container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, and the at least one reinforcing portion extends from the respective curved fold line at the first container retention opening to the respective curved fold line at the second container retention opening.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the second container retention opening is laterally adjacent to the first container retention opening.

19. The blank of claim 17, wherein the second container retention opening is longitudinally adjacent to the first container retention opening.

20. The blank of claim 17, wherein the at least one reinforcing portion is a first reinforcing portion and the carrier further comprises a second reinforcing portion formed between one of the plurality of container retention openings and the at least one side reinforcing panel.

21. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one reinforcing portion is formed between one of the plurality of container retention openings and the at least one side reinforcing panel.

22. The blank of claim 17, wherein the at least one side reinforcing panel is formed from a line of weakness having a plurality of intersecting angled line segments, wherein the at least one container retention tab is at least one first container retention tab and the respective curved fold line is a respective first curved fold line, wherein the carrier further comprises at least one second container retention tab foldably connected to the top panel at a respective second curved fold line and positioned to extend into a respective container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, and wherein at least one outer reinforcing portion extends from the respective second curved fold line to an angled line segment of the line of weakness.

23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the at least one first container retention tab is aligned with one of a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis defined by the top panel and the at least one second container retention tab is positioned adjacent to the at least one first container retention tab.

24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the at least one second container retention tab is positioned obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

25. The blank of claim 14, wherein the plurality of container retention openings in the top panel are a first plurality of container retention openings, the at least one container retention flap includes a second plurality of container retention openings, the container retention openings of the first plurality of container retention openings are aligned with respective container retention openings of the second plurality of container retention openings.

26. A method of forming a carrier for retaining a plurality of containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank, the blank comprising: a top panel including a plurality of container retention openings; at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel including at least one container retention tab positioned adjacent a respective container retention opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a respective fold line; at least one side reinforcement panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap, the top panel including at least one reinforcement portion extending from the respective fold line, the at least one side reinforcement panel formed by a line of weakness, the line of weakness including a plurality of oblique line segments, each oblique line segment of the plurality of oblique line segments intersecting at least one other oblique line segment of the plurality of oblique line segments; and positioning the blank such that the plurality of container retention openings are positioned for at least partially receiving respective containers of the plurality of containers and such that the at least one side reinforcement panel is generally upright with respect to the top panel.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one side reinforcement panel has a generally diamond-shaped configuration.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the fold line is a curved fold line and the at least one container retention tab is positioned to extend into a respective container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein respective at least one container retention tab is foldably connected to the top panel at a respective curved fold line and positioned to extend into a first container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, wherein respective at least one container retention tab is foldably connected to the top panel at a respective curved fold line and positioned to extend into a second container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, the second container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings positioned adjacent the first container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, and the at least one reinforcement portion extends from the respective curved fold line at the first container retention opening to the respective curved fold line at the second container retention opening.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the second container retention opening is laterally adjacent the first container retention opening.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the second container retention opening is longitudinally adjacent the first container retention opening.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one reinforcing portion is a first reinforcing portion, and the carrier further comprises a second reinforcing portion formed between one of the plurality of container retention openings and the at least one side reinforcing panel.

33. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one reinforcing portion is formed between one of the plurality of container retention openings and the at least one side reinforcing panel.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one side reinforcing panel is formed by a line of weakness having a plurality of intersecting angled line segments, wherein the at least one container retention tab is at least one first container retention tab and the corresponding curved fold line is a corresponding first curved fold line, wherein the carrier further comprises at least one second container retention tab foldably connected to the top panel at a corresponding second curved fold line and positioned to extend into a corresponding container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, and wherein at least one outer reinforcing portion extends from the corresponding second curved fold line to an angled line segment of the line of weakness.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one first container retention tab is aligned with one of a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis defined by the top panel, and the at least one second container retention tab is positioned adjacent to the at least one first container retention tab.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the at least one second container retention tab is positioned obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

37. The method of claim 26, wherein the plurality of container retention openings in the top panel is a first plurality of container retention openings, the at least one container retention flap includes a second plurality of container retention openings, and the method further comprises aligning the container retention openings of the first plurality of container retention openings with corresponding container retention openings of the second plurality of container retention openings.

38. The method of claim 26, further comprising at least one reinforcing flap foldably connected to the at least one container retention flap, and the method further comprises positioning the at least one container retention flap extending downwardly from the top panel and the at least one container retention flap.

39. A package comprising: a plurality of containers; and a carrier holding the plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: - a top panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a corresponding container of the plurality of containers; - at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel comprising at least one container retention tab positioned adjacent to a corresponding container retention opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a corresponding fold line; ​ - at least one side reinforcement panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap, the at least one side reinforcement panel formed by a line of weakness comprising a plurality of sloped line segments, each sloped line segment of the plurality of sloped line segments intersecting at least one other sloped line segment of the plurality of sloped line segments, the at least one side reinforcement panel being generally upright relative to the top panel; and - the top panel comprising at least one reinforcement portion extending from the respective fold line.

40. The package of claim 39, wherein the at least one side reinforcement panel has a generally diamond-shaped configuration.

41. The package of claim 39, wherein the fold line is a curved fold line and the at least one container retention tab is positioned to extend into a respective container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings.

42. The package of claim 41, wherein a respective at least one container retention tab is foldably connected to the top panel at a respective curved fold line and positioned to extend into a first container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, wherein a respective at least one container retention tab is foldably connected to the top panel at a respective curved fold line and positioned to extend into a second container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, the second container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings being positioned adjacent to the first container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings, and the at least one reinforcement portion extending from the respective curved fold line at the first container retention opening to the respective curved fold line at the second container retention opening.

43. The package of claim 42, wherein the second container retention opening is laterally adjacent to the first container retention opening.

44. The package of claim 42, wherein the second container retention opening is longitudinally adjacent to the first container retention opening.

45. The package of claim 42, wherein the at least one reinforcement portion is a first reinforcement portion and the carrier further comprises a second reinforcement portion formed between one container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings and the at least one side reinforcement panel.

46. The package of claim 39, wherein the at least one reinforcement portion is formed between one container retention opening of the plurality of container retention openings and the at least one side reinforcement panel.

47. The package of claim 42, wherein the at least one side-strengthening panel is formed from a line of weakness having a plurality of intersecting angled line segments, wherein the at least one container-retention tab is at least one first container-retention tab and the corresponding curved fold line is a corresponding first curved fold line, wherein the carrier further comprises at least one second container-retention tab foldably connected to the top panel at a corresponding second curved fold line and positioned to extend into a corresponding container-retention opening of the plurality of container-retention openings, and wherein at least one outer strengthening portion extends from the corresponding second curved fold line to an angled line segment of the line of weakness.

48. The package of claim 47, wherein the at least one first container-retention tab is aligned with one of a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis defined by the top panel, and the at least one second container-retention tab is positioned adjacent to the at least one first container-retention tab.

49. The package of claim 48, wherein the at least one second container-retention tab is positioned obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

50. The package of claim 39, wherein the plurality of container-retention openings in the top panel are a first plurality of container-retention openings, the at least one container-retention flap comprises a second plurality of container-retention openings, the container-retention openings of the first plurality of container-retention openings are aligned with corresponding container-retention openings of the second plurality of container-retention openings.

51. The package of claim 39, further comprising at least one strengthening flap foldably connected to the at least one container-retention flap and extending downwardly from the top panel and the at least one container-retention flap.

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