Carrier for a container

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes an attachment plate having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving respective containers of the plurality of containers, and a container holding feature including the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab at least partially in face-to-face contact with the attachment plate and configured to be positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers to facilitate engagement of the plurality of containers with the attachment plate.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214868 (filed June 25, 2021) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 219896 (filed July 9, 2021).

[0003] References

[0004] The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214868 (filed June 25, 2021), U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 219896 (filed July 9, 2021), and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 838178 (filed May 11, 2022) are each incorporated herein by reference as if they were filed together. Technical Field

[0005] The present invention generally relates to carriers or cardboard boxes for holding and carrying containers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, the present invention generally relates to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: an attachment plate having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving corresponding containers among the plurality of containers; and a container holding feature including the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab that is at least partially in face-to-face contact with the attachment plate and is positioned between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers to facilitate engagement of the plurality of containers with the attachment plate.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present invention generally relates to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: an attachment plate having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving corresponding containers among the plurality of containers; and a container holding feature including the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab for positioning at least partially face-to-face with the attachment plate and for positioning between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank, so as to facilitate engagement of the plurality of containers with the attachment plate.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention generally relates to a method for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising: an attachment plate having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving a corresponding container among the plurality of containers; and a container holding feature comprising the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab. The method further comprises: positioning the attachment plate such that the plurality of container holding openings are positioned to at least partially receive a corresponding container among the plurality of containers; and positioning the at least one container holding tab to at least partially face-to-face contact with the attachment plate for positioning between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers to facilitate engagement of the plurality of containers with the attachment plate.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present invention generally relates to a packaging component comprising a plurality of containers and a carrier for holding the plurality of containers. The carrier comprises: an attachment plate having a plurality of container holding openings that at least partially receive corresponding containers among the plurality of containers; and a container holding feature including the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab that at least partially contacts the attachment plate face-to-face and is positioned between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers to facilitate engagement of the plurality of containers with the attachment plate.

[0010] Those skilled in the art will understand the above-mentioned advantages, as well as other advantages and benefits, of the various additional embodiments by referring to the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] By convention, the various features in the accompanying drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the invention.

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

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

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a container suitable for use with a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 According to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 A perspective view of the partial formation of the packaging and carrier from the blank.

[0016] Figure 4 This is according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of the packaging and carrier formed from the blank.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to an optional configuration of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5A This is an optional construction based on the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A perspective view of the packaging and carrier formed from the blank.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to another optional construction of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6A It is an optional construction of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A perspective view of the packaging and carrier formed from the blank.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 A perspective plan view of the packaging and carrier formed from the blank.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to an optional construction of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9A This is an optional construction based on the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 A perspective view of the packaging and carrier formed from the blank.

[0025] In all the accompanying drawings, corresponding parts are indicated by their respective reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This invention generally relates to structures, sleeves, cardboard boxes, etc., and packaging for holding and displaying containers such as cans, jars, bottles, etc. For example, the containers can be used to package food and beverage products. Containers can be made from materials whose components are suitable for packaging specific food or beverage articles, including, but not limited to: aluminum and / or other metals; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon; glass; or any combination thereof.

[0027] The packaging according to the invention can accommodate containers of various shapes. For illustrative purposes and not for limiting the scope of the invention, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., generally cylindrical containers, such as aluminum cans) at least partially arranged within the packaging embodiments. In this specification, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to orientations determined relative to a fully upright packaging component.

[0028] Figure 1 It is used to form a carrier 105 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A plan view of the outer surface 101 of the blank 103. As further described herein, the carrier 105 may be configured to hold / support / maintain / receive a plurality of containers C. The carrier 105 may provide one or more containers C to form a package 107. Figure 4 ).

[0029] For reference only Figure 2 The container C used with the carrier of the present invention is designated as a beverage container, and it comprises: a lower base portion B; a top portion T, which generally includes a neck N that tapers inward from the lower base portion; a flange portion F at the top of the neck portion, which extends radially outward from the neck portion; and a top surface TS below the flange portion, which includes a pull tab P for facilitating the opening of the container C. Containers of different sizes, shapes, and constructions can be retained in the carrier without departing from the present invention.

[0030] The carrier 105 shown and described herein can support six containers, three in its front portion and three in its rear portion. It should be understood that the size and shape of the carrier can be designed to hold more or fewer six containers, and / or in different arrangements, without departing from the invention. In one embodiment, the front and rear portions of the carrier 105 each have three containers; in other embodiments, the front and rear portions of the carrier 105 can hold more or fewer three containers, without departing from the invention.

[0031] Still referencing Figure 1 The blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. The blank 103 includes a top, center, or attachment plate 117, which includes a container holding feature for engaging the container C when the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the container holding feature includes six container holding openings 137 in the attachment plate 117, each container holding opening being at least partially defined by a first curved holding edge 139 and a second curved holding edge 143 opposite to the first curved holding edge 139.

[0032] The container holding feature may further include a plurality of container holding tabs 145 attached to the attachment plate 117, each container holding tab 145 having: a central portion 147 extending transversely across a portion of a corresponding opening 137; and a pair of extension portions 149 extending from the attachment plate 117 to a laterally outer portion of the corresponding central portion 147. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension portions 149 may be at least partially separated from the attachment plate 117 at a corresponding cut 151 or other weakening line. In other embodiments, additional or alternative weakening lines may, for example, be connected to one or more container holding tabs to allow the container holding tabs 145 to be foldably connected to the attachment plate 117.

[0033] As shown in the figure, each container holding tab 145 has: a first free edge forming a first curved container holding tab edge 153 for engagement with one or more of the plurality of containers C (generally, "first containers") during the formation of the carrier 105; and an opposing second free edge forming a second curved container holding tab edge 154 for engagement with another one or more of the plurality of containers C (generally, "second containers") during the formation of the carrier 105. Although container holding tab edges 153, 154 are shown as generally curved free edges along the respective central portion 147 of the respective container holding tab 145, it should be understood that the container holding tab edges may have different constructions or arrangements, for example, different widths and / or radii of curvature, without departing from the invention.

[0034] In the above arrangement, the extension 149 of the container holding tab 145 can be positioned, for example, to interrupt the curved holding edges 139, 143 around the respective container holding opening 137 so as to intersect / adjaculate with their respective endpoints.

[0035] The edges 139 and 143 can define substantially the same or equal radii of curvature, or the edges 139 and 143 can define different radii of curvature. In one embodiment, the diameter D1 of the opening 137 in the attachment plate 117 is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the flange F of the container C.

[0036] It should be understood that the shape and geometry of the edges 139, 143 or other retaining features of the blank 103 / carrier 105 may be varied in order to increase the retaining force applied to the container C and / or to adapt to various sizes and constructions of the container, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0037] The blank 103 / carrier 105 may also include a handle feature comprising one or more finger flaps or handle flaps 155 defined by corresponding cutouts 157, for at least partial separation from the attachment plate 117. One or more weakening lines, such as fold lines, may be provided to facilitate movement of the handle flaps 155 relative to the attachment plate 117. In one embodiment, the handle feature of the blank 103 / carrier 105 may include one or more cutouts formed in the attachment plate 117.

[0038] Still referencing Figure 1 And refer to other sources. Figure 3 and 4 In one embodiment, a method of forming a package 107 comprising a carrier 105 and one or more containers C includes obtaining a blank 103 and obtaining a set of containers C (e.g., six containers, but the package may include more or fewer than six containers). The blank 103 may be positioned on top of the set of containers C, and the attachment plate 117 of the blank 103 is pushed downwards such that at least the flange F of the container C is inserted through a corresponding opening 137. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D1 of the container holding opening 137 may be smaller than the diameter D2 of the flange F of the container C, such that, in order for the corresponding container holding opening 137 to receive the container C passing through the corresponding container holding opening 137, the attachment plate 117 may be flexed / twisted / bent or otherwise manipulated into at least a partially non-planar configuration without delaminating, damaging, or otherwise weakening the material of the blank 103 / attachment plate 117 when the flange F is inserted through the opening 137.

[0039] After the blank 103 is pressed down onto the container C, the retaining edges 139, 143 of the corresponding opening 137 can contact the corresponding container C at the neck portion N of the container C below the flange F.

[0040] In one embodiment, container C may be tilted or reoriented relative to blank 103 to facilitate attachment of attachment plate 117 and container C. For example, container C may be tilted toward the center of attachment plate 117 and inserted at least partially through opening 137. The lower base portion B of container C may then be pivoted until container C is in a generally vertical orientation extending at least partially through opening 137, and attachment plate 117 is positioned below the corresponding flange F at the neck portion N of the corresponding container C. The aforementioned insertion of container C through the corresponding opening 137 and the pivoting action of container C will facilitate a gentle and loose engagement of the top portion T of the corresponding container C with the portion of attachment plate 117 surrounding the corresponding opening 137, so as to minimize flexure, stretching, or other structural deformation of the plate / material forming attachment plate 117.

[0041] In one embodiment, the cardboard forming the blank 103 / carrier 105 can be bent and stretched when these openings 137 are arranged on the flange F of the container C, and can be weakened at one or more points around the edge of the opening 137 so as to allow the flange F to engage through the corresponding opening 137 and allow the attachment plate 117 to be positioned below the flange F, with the surrounding portion of the attachment plate 117 positioned generally horizontally and in contact with the neck N of the container C.

[0042] Then, the corresponding container holding tab 145 can be folded or bent backward, for example, along the direction of the corresponding first container holding edge 139, such that the corresponding container holding tab edge 154 is positioned facing the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C extending through the container holding opening 137 (to which the container holding tab 145 is connected), and the corresponding container holding tab edge 153 is positioned facing the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C extending through the laterally adjacent container holding opening 137 of the carrier 105.

[0043] In this position, the corresponding container retaining tab edge 154 can be positioned close to or cover the corresponding container retaining edge 139 of the container opening 137, from which the container retaining tab 145 extends, for example, to be positioned between the flange F of the corresponding container C (broadly, "second container") and the attachment plate 117 / corresponding container retaining edge 139. Furthermore, the corresponding container retaining tab edge 153 can be positioned close to or cover the container retaining edge 143 of the laterally adjacent container opening 137, for example, to be positioned between the flange F of the corresponding container C (broadly, "first container") and the attachment plate 117 / corresponding container retaining edge 137.

[0044] Furthermore, since the container holding tabs 145 connected to the laterally adjacent container holding openings 137 are bent / folded toward each other, the container holding tabs 145 can be positioned in an arrangement that is at least partially overlapping, wherein one or more portions of such overlapping container holding tabs 145 are at least partially face-to-face in contact (broadly, "first container holding tab" and "second container holding tab"). Thus, the overlapping container holding tabs 145 can provide a multi-layer (e.g., 2-layer) structure on top of the attachment plate 117 and a 3-layer structure combined with the attachment plate 117.

[0045] This arrangement enhances the engagement of the container retaining edges 137, 139 with the corresponding container C (e.g., by occupying the remaining available free space / gap between the retaining edges 153, 154 and the neck N / flange F of the corresponding container C against which they abut). Furthermore, the arrangement of the extension 149 and / or the biasing / stress applied by the cardboard material of the carrier 105 can cause each container retaining tab 145 to press outwards from the longitudinal axis L1 (e.g., along the transverse axis L2) onto the corresponding container C, thereby causing the corresponding neck N of the container C to engage more tightly / more firmly with one or both corresponding container retaining edges 139, 143.

[0046] In this respect, the container retaining tab 145 can be formed from material from the blank 103 / carrier 105 (otherwise this material would be discarded when forming the feature of the carrier 105) to provide a reinforced container retaining feature that maximizes material savings. Additionally, the edge portions of the attachment plate 117 extending around the corresponding opening 137 form a continuous portion of the plate / material of the attachment plate 117, without folds, cuts, tears, or other forms of weakening, to give these edge portions enhanced strength properties, thus resulting in a more secure attachment of the container C to the carrier 105. Therefore, when the container C is attached to the attachment plate 117, the edge portions of the attachment plate 117 are positioned approximately horizontally and coplanarly relative to the remainder of the top plate 117 so as to contact the container C below the flange F at the opposite surface of the neck N.

[0047] Once container C is at least partially received in opening 137 and secured to attachment plate 117 to form carrier 105 and package 107, carrier 105 / package 107 can be gripped by at least partially separating one or more handle flaps 155 at corresponding cuts 157 and bending / folding said handle flaps 155 at least partially away from attachment plate 117 to form an opening (through which the user can grip carrier 105 / package 107).

[0048] In one embodiment, the flange F of container C may have a diameter D2 of approximately 53 mm, which corresponds to its outer edge, and the opening 137 in attachment plate 117 may have a diameter D1 of approximately 52 mm. The flange F, opening 137, or other portions of container C or carrier 105 may have different diameters, such as 58 mm or 56 mm, without departing from the invention.

[0049] Furthermore, the blank 103 may have other shapes, constructions, dimensions, and / or positional features without departing from the present invention. All dimensional information described herein is illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as any dimension presented herein may be larger or smaller than the specific dimensions disclosed herein.

[0050] For example, Figure 5 This illustrates an alternative example embodiment of the outer surface 101A of a blank 103 according to an alternative example embodiment of the invention, the blank 103 generally referred to as 103A, for forming a carrier 105A ( Figure 5A ) and package 107A ( Figure 5A The blank 103A and the package and carrier formed therefrom may have one or more features that are the same as or similar to those described above with respect to blank 103, package 107 and carrier 105, and the same or similar features are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0051] As shown in the figure, the blank 103A may have an attachment plate 117, which has a container holding opening 137, a handle flap 155, and related features. The respective container holding openings 137A may be arranged laterally adjacent to each other. Each container holding opening 137A may include edges 139, 143, with corresponding inclined or tapered cutouts 144A between the edges 139, 143, for example, to intersect / adjaculate with its respective endpoint.

[0052] Additionally, the blank 103A includes container holding tabs 145A positioned to extend into corresponding container holding openings 137. Each container holding tab 145A has a central portion 147A, which is generally longer along the transverse axis L2 than the aforementioned central portion 147. As shown, the central portion 147A of the corresponding container holding tab 145A may be interrupted and extend beyond the corresponding container holding edge 139 to provide a container holding tab edge 154A defined by a corresponding curved notch. Also as shown, the container holding tab edge 153A of the corresponding container holding tab 145A may generally be wider and have a larger radius of curvature than the aforementioned container holding tab edge 153.

[0053] A pair of extensions 149A extend from the attachment plate 117 to the lateral exterior of the corresponding center portion 147A. In the illustrated embodiment, the extensions 149A may be substantially longer in the lateral direction L2 relative to the aforementioned extensions 149A, and a corresponding weakening line 150A may be disposed between the corresponding center portion 147A and the corresponding extension 149A to facilitate at least partial separation thereof. The weakening line 150A may have one or more straight, angled, and / or curved portions, as shown.

[0054] For further reference Figure 5AThe blank 103 can be positioned such that it retains openings 137, 137A through the respective containers in the manner described above with respect to blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107, thereby at least partially receiving the respective container among the plurality of containers C. In some embodiments, a cut 144A along opening 137A may allow additional relative movement and flexibility of attachment plate 117, and / or provide increased area to facilitate receiving one or more portions of the respective container C through it.

[0055] The formation of carrier 105A and package 107A from blank 103A can proceed substantially as described above regarding the formation of carrier 105 and package 107 from blank 103. The corresponding container holding tab 145A can be folded or bent rearward, for example, along the direction of the corresponding first container holding edge 139, such that the corresponding container holding tab edge 154A is positioned facing the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C extending through the container holding opening 137 (to which the container holding tab 145A is connected), and such that the corresponding container holding tab edge 153A is positioned facing the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C extending through the laterally adjacent container holding opening 137A.

[0056] As described herein, movement of the container holding tab 145A may include at least partial folding at one or more intermediate locations along the corresponding extension 149A, for example, such that at least a portion of the central portion 147A is positioned to at least partially face-to-face with at least a portion of the extension 149A. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the corresponding extension 149A may be positioned to at least partially face-to-face with another portion of the corresponding extension 149A. Such movement / folding of one or more portions of the container holding tab 145A may involve at least partial separation of the corresponding extension 149A from its corresponding central portion 147A at the corresponding weakening line 150A. The aforementioned folding sequence of the corresponding container holding tab 145A may be provided along the attachment plate 117 in an orientation in which the outer surface 101A of the blank 103A and the carrier formed therefrom are present, for example, to minimize the portion of the blank 103A and the carrier formed therefrom exposed to the customer or other user, for example, for overall aesthetic purposes, to provide additional surface areas for printing graphics and / or other markings, etc.

[0057] In this position, the corresponding container retaining tab edge 154A can be positioned close to or cover the corresponding container retaining edge 139 of the container opening 137 (from which the container retaining tab 145A extends), for example, to be positioned between the flange F of the corresponding container C and the attachment plate 117 / corresponding container retaining edge 139. Furthermore, the corresponding container retaining tab edge 153A can be positioned close to or cover the container retaining edge 143 of the laterally adjacent container opening 137A, for example, to be positioned between the flange F of the corresponding container C and above the attachment plate 117 / corresponding container retaining edge 137. This engagement of the container retaining tab 145A with the corresponding container C provides and can enhance the advantages described above with respect to the blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107.

[0058] Go to Figure 6 In another alternative example embodiment of the blank 103, the outer surface 101B is generally designated as 103B. The blank 103B can be used to form the package 105B. Figure 6A ) and carrier ( Figure 6A It may have one or more features that are the same as or similar to those described above with respect to blanks 103, 103A, packages 107, 107A and carriers 105, 105A, and such same or similar features are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0059] As shown in the figure, the blank 103B may have an attachment plate 117 having a container holding opening 137 and a handle flap 155, as well as related features. The blank 103B also includes: a container holding tab 145B positioned to extend into a corresponding longitudinally external container holding opening 137; and a container holding tab 159B positioned to extend into a longitudinally centered container holding opening 137. It should be understood that different numbers and / or arrangements of container holding tabs 145B and 159B may be provided without departing from the invention.

[0060] Each container retaining tab 145B may be substantially similar to the container retaining tab 145 described above, but its container retaining tab edge 153B is generally wider and has a larger radius of curvature than the container retaining tab edge 153 described above.

[0061] As shown in the figure, the container holding tab 159B may have a central portion 161B, which includes: a first portion 163B extending from a corresponding extension portion 149; and a second portion 167B extending from the corresponding extension portion 149 and separating from the first portion 163B at a cut 169B having one or more straight, curved, and / or angled portions, as shown in the figure. In this respect, the first portion 163B of the central portion 161B may have at least partially a first container holding tab edge 171B defined along the cut 169B, and the second portion 167B of the central portion 161B of the container holding tab 159B may form a second container holding tab edge 173B.

[0062] As also shown in the figure, the extension 149 connected to the corresponding first portion 163B and second portion 167B of the corresponding container holding tab 159B can be offset circumferentially relative to the extension 149 connected to the container holding tab 145B.

[0063] The formation of carrier 105B and package 107B from blank 103B can be substantially as described above regarding the formation of carrier 105, 105A and package 107, 107A from corresponding blanks 103, 103A. The corresponding container holding tab 145B can be folded or bent rearward, for example along the direction of the corresponding first container holding edge 139, such that the corresponding container holding tab edge 154 is positioned facing the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C extending through the container holding opening 137 (to which the container holding tab 145B is connected), and the corresponding container holding tab edge 153B is positioned facing the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C extending through the laterally adjacent container holding opening 137.

[0064] The container holding tab 159B can also be folded or bent backward, as described above with respect to the container holding tab 145B, wherein the container holding tab edges 171B, 173B of the corresponding first portion 163B and the second portion 167B of the corresponding central portion 161B are positioned facing the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C extending through the container holding opening 137, and the container holding tab 145B is connected to the container holding opening 137.

[0065] However, this movement of the container holding tab 159B may include at least partial separation of the respective first portion 163B and second portion 167B of the corresponding central portion 161B at the respective cutout 169B, so as to allow the first portion 163B and the second portion 167B to travel apart in the longitudinal direction L1. In some embodiments, the positioning of the extension 149 connected to the container holding tab 159B can facilitate this relative movement of the respective first portion 163B and the second portion 167B in the longitudinal direction L1. This movement of the container holding tab 159B can allow the attachment plates 117 to have additional flexibility during at least partial reception of the respective container C through the respective container holding opening 137, during carrier and package carrying formed from the blank 103B, etc., while maintaining a firm engagement with the respective container C (which extends to the container C).

[0066] Therefore, the carrier 105B and package 107B formed from the blank 103B can provide and enhance the advantages described above with respect to blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107.

[0067] Figure 7 This is for forming carrier 205 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 A plan view of the outer surface 201 of the blank 203. As further described herein, the carrier 205 may be configured to hold / support / maintain / receive a plurality of containers C. The carrier 205 may be provided with one or more containers C to form a package 207. Figure 8 ).

[0068] The blank 203 / carrier 205 / package 207 may have one or more features that are substantially similar to or the same as those described above with respect to the first exemplary embodiment of the blank 103, 103A, 103B and carrier 105, 105A, 105B / package 107, 107A, 107B, and the same or similar features are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0069] The blank 203 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2, and includes an attachment plate 217 that is foldably connected to the top plate 219 at a transverse fold line 221. One or both plates 217, 219 may be provided with container holding features for easy attachment to one or more containers C, as further described herein.

[0070] As shown in the figure, the attachment plate 217 may include a plurality of laterally spaced container holding openings 223, each container holding opening 223 having a first generally circular portion 225 communicating with a second generally circular portion 227, and having a narrowed central portion 226 located between the first portion 225 and the second portion 227, such that the container holding opening 223 has a generally peanut-shaped profile. It should be understood that the container holding openings 223 may be provided in different constructions or arrangements without departing from the invention. For example, in one embodiment, the first portion 225 and the second portion 227 of each container holding opening 223 may be provided as separate generally circular openings, which are not connected to each other.

[0071] In this respect, the first curved retaining edge 229 extends around each first portion 225 of each container retaining opening 223 for at least partially engaging the container C, and the second curved retaining edge 231 of the attachment plate 217 surrounds each second portion 227 of each container retaining opening 223 for engaging the container C.

[0072] Continue to refer to Figure 7 The top plate 219 may include a plurality of container holding tabs 233, which are at least partially separably connected to the top plate 219 at corresponding weakening lines 235. In the illustrated embodiment, the weakening lines 235 may have one or more curved, angled, and / or straight portions to at least partially define container holding tabs 233 in a generally butterfly-closed or gene-pair shape. Thus, the container holding tabs 233 may be formed with a pair of generally curved container holding tab edges 237 laterally for engaging a corresponding container C. In the illustrated embodiment, the container holding tabs 233 may have a general butterfly-closed or gene-pair form, but one or more container holding tabs 233 may have different constructions without departing from the invention.

[0073] The container retaining tab 233 may also include one or more additional weakening lines, such as crease lines, fold lines, etc., along one or more portions thereof to facilitate relative movement of one or more portions of the corresponding container retaining tab 233, as further described herein.

[0074] Go to Figure 8 In order to form a carrier 205 / package 207 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the blank 203 may be inverted, for example with the outer surface 201 facing down, and may be positioned on top of a set of containers C, and the attachment plate 217 of the blank 203 may be pushed down so that the flange F of the container is inserted through the corresponding opening 223.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D3 of the respective first portion 225 and second portion 227 of the corresponding container holding opening 223 can be smaller than the diameter D2 of the flange F of the container C. Thus, in order to receive the container C through the corresponding container holding opening 223, the attachment plate 217 can be flexed / twisted / bent or otherwise manipulated into at least a partially non-planar configuration when the flange F is inserted through the corresponding opening 223, without delamination, damage, or other weakening of the material of the blank 203 / attachment plate 217. In one embodiment, the central portion 226 of the corresponding container holding opening 223 can be bent / flexed / twisted / deformed, etc., to facilitate at least partially receiving the container C through the corresponding portions 225, 227 of the corresponding container holding opening 223.

[0076] After the attachment plate 217 is pressed down onto the container C, the retaining edges 229 and 231 of the corresponding container retaining opening 223 contact the corresponding container C at the neck N of the container C below the flange F.

[0077] It should be understood that container C may additionally or optionally be tilted or otherwise reoriented to facilitate at least partial reception of container C through the respective container holding opening 223, as described above regarding reception of container C through container holding opening 137 of carrier 105. In one embodiment, the cardboard forming the blank 203 / carrier 205 / package 207 may flex and stretch when these openings are arranged on the flange F of container C to allow flange F to engage through the respective opening 223 and allow attachment plate 217 to be positioned below flange F, wherein the peripheral portion of attachment plate 217 is positioned generally horizontal and contacts the neck N of container C.

[0078] The top plate 219 can then be folded at the fold line 221 to at least partially contact the attachment plate 217 face-to-face, thereby covering the top portion T of the container C. In this arrangement, at least a partial gap / spacing is provided between the top plate 219 and the attachment plate 217. Therefore, the container retaining tab 233 can be at least partially separated from the top plate 219 at the corresponding weakening line 231 and positioned downward between the necks N of the respective pair of containers C. Thus, the container retaining tab 229 can be positioned to at least partially contact the attachment plate 117 face-to-face.

[0079] In this arrangement, the container retaining tab 233 can be substantially aligned with the center portion 226 of the corresponding container retaining opening 223 of the attachment plate 217, and between the necks N of longitudinally adjacent containers C. This position of the container retaining tab 233 causes the edge 237 of the container retaining tab to face the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C, so as to press the corresponding container C outward away from the transverse axis L2, for example, to cause the corresponding neck N of the container C to engage more tightly / more firmly with the corresponding retaining edges 229, 231.

[0080] In some embodiments, the container holding tab 233 may be partially separated from the top plate 219 at a corresponding weakening line 235, for example, such that one or more portions of the corresponding container holding tab 233 remain attached to the top plate 219, wherein one or more central portions of the corresponding container holding tab 233 are flexed, bent, folded, etc. downward so that the edge 237 of the container holding tab is positioned facing the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C, as described above. In other embodiments, the container holding tab 233 may be completely separated from the top plate 219 so as to be positioned between the necks N of the corresponding container C, as described above.

[0081] Furthermore, positioning the essentially uninterrupted top plate 219 over the attachment plate 217 can provide an attractive, uniform, or clean appearance for customers. Moreover, the top plate 219 thus covering most containers C can suppress, minimize, prevent, and / or otherwise avoid contact between debris or other attached materials and the upper portion of the container C.

[0082] The features of the blank 203 / carrier 205 may be shaped, arranged, and / or configured in other ways without departing from the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the container retaining tabs may be formed by corresponding pairs of spaced-apart cuts having one or more straight, curved, and / or angled portions.

[0083] Go to Figure 9 The outer surface 201A of the alternative example embodiment of blank 203 is generally designated as 203A. Blank 203A can be used to form package 205A ( Figure 9A ) and carrier 207A ( Figure 9A The package 205A and carrier 207A may have one or more features that are the same as or similar to those described above with respect to blank 203, package 207 and carrier 205, and the same or similar features are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0084] like Figure 9 As shown, the attachment plate 217 may provide a container holding opening 223A, which has a generally circular construction, in contrast to the peanut-shaped container holding opening 223 described above. Each container holding opening 223A may include container holding edges 225A, 227A, with corresponding inclined or tapered cutouts 229A provided between them, for example, to intersect / adjaculate with its respective endpoint.

[0085] As shown in the figure, the container holding opening 223A may have flexible features, such as inclined or tapered cuts or other discontinuous portions thereof, to allow for flexible reconstruction of the attachment plate 217 so as to receive the container C at least partially through the corresponding opening 223A in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the container holding opening 223.

[0086] The blank 203A may also include a handle feature for forming the handle features of the carrier 205 and the package 207. The handle feature may include a finger flap or handle flap 239A that is detachably connected to the attachment plate 217 at a corresponding cut 241A, the corresponding cut 241A having one or more straight, curved and / or angled portions.

[0087] The blank 203A may include a first top flap or a first top plate 219 foldably connected to the attachment plate at the transverse fold line 221. As shown, the container holding tab 233A may be detachably connected to the first top flap 219 at a corresponding weakening line 243A having one or more straight, curved, and / or angled portions. The weakening line 243A may be positioned opposite the free container holding tab edge 237A of the corresponding container holding tab 237A, such that the weakening line 243A and the free edge of the container holding tab 233A form the container holding tab edge 237A of the corresponding container holding tab 237A.

[0088] The handle feature of the blank 203A / carrier 205A / package 205A may also include a finger flap or handle flap 245A, which is detachably connected to the top plate 219 at a corresponding cut 247A, which has one or more straight, curved and / or angled portions.

[0089] The blank 203A may also include a second top flap or a second top plate 249A, which is foldably connected to the attachment plate 217 at the transverse fold line 251B. The second top plate 249A may typically be a mirror image of the first top plate 219, for example, to have a container holding tab 233A and related features, as well as a handle flap 245A and related features.

[0090] In order to form the carrier 205A and the package 207A from the blank 203A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the blank 203A may be inverted, for example with the outer surface 201 facing down, and may be positioned on top of a set of containers C, and the attachment plate 217 of the blank 203 may be pushed down so that the flange F of the container is inserted through the corresponding opening 223A.

[0091] Then, the top plate 219 can be folded at the fold line 221 to at least partially face-to-face with the upper edge of the container C, so as to be in a generally parallel and spaced-apart relationship with the attachment plate 217 below it.

[0092] The top plate 249A can also be folded at fold line 251A to overlap with the top plate 219, so that the top plates 219 and 249A are at least partially in face-to-face contact. It should be understood that the order of the above folding steps can be reversed, for example, so that the top plate 219 is positioned to overlap with the top plate 251A and at least partially in face-to-face contact, without departing from the present invention.

[0093] In the above arrangement, the container holding tab 233A connected to the top plate 219 and the container holding tab 233A connected to the top plate 249A can be substantially aligned and positioned above the attachment plate 217 between the corresponding longitudinally adjacent containers C in the plurality of containers C.

[0094] In this respect, in order to drive the container holding tab 233A, the container holding tab 233A can be separated from the top plate 249A at the corresponding weakening line 243A, and the lower container holding tab 233A can be separated from the top plate 219 at the corresponding weakening line 243A.

[0095] In this arrangement, the container retaining tabs 233A are generally aligned between the necks N of longitudinally adjacent containers C that protrude through the container retaining openings 223A in the attachment plate 217. This positioning of the container retaining tabs 233A causes the edges 237A of the container retaining tabs to face the corresponding necks N of the respective containers C, so as to press the respective containers C outward away from the transverse axis L2, for example, to promote a tighter / more secure engagement between the respective necks N of the containers C and the respective retaining edges 225A, 227A. Thus, the container retaining tabs 233A can be positioned to at least partially contact the attachment plate 217 face-to-face.

[0096] In some embodiments, the container holding tab 233A may be partially separated from the top plates 219, 249A at the corresponding weakening line 243A, for example, such that one or more portions of the corresponding container holding tab 223A remain attached to the corresponding top plates 219, 249A, wherein one or more central portions of the corresponding container holding tab 223A are bent, folded, or flexed downwards, so that the edge 237A of the container holding tab is positioned facing the corresponding neck N of the corresponding container C, as described above. In other embodiments, the container holding tab 223A may be completely separated from the top plates 219, 249A to be positioned between the necks N of the corresponding container C, as described above.

[0097] In this respect, when forming the package 207A and carrier 205A from the blank 203A, the container retaining tabs 223A can overlap to form a double-layer reinforcing structure between corresponding adjacent containers C, thereby providing and enhancing the advantages described above regarding blanks 103, 103A, 103B, 203 / carriers 105, 105A, 105B, 205 / packages 107, 107A, 107B, 207. Furthermore, positioning the substantially uninterrupted top plates 219, 249A above the attachment plate 217 can provide an attractive, uniform, or clean appearance for customers. Moreover, the top plates 219, 249A thus covering most containers C can suppress, minimize, prevent, and / or otherwise avoid contact between debris or other contaminated materials and the upper part of the container C.

[0098] The blank according to the invention can be formed, for example, from coated cardboard and similar materials. For example, the inner and / or outer sides of the blank can be coated with a clay coating, on which product information, advertisements, price codes, and other information or images can then be printed. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on it. The blank can also be coated with, for example, a moisture-proof layer on either side or both sides. According to the above embodiments, 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, hardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least substantially as described herein. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet materials at selected boards or board portions.

[0099] According to the above embodiments, the fold line can be any substantially linear weakening form that facilitates folding along it, but is not necessarily straight. More specifically, but not in a way that narrows the scope of the invention, the fold line includes: a notch line, such as a line formed with a blunt scriber, which creates a collapsed 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 partially extend into the material and / or completely penetrate the material along the desired weakening line; and various combinations of these features.

[0100] 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 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 to define a notch (e.g., a smaller, slightly bridging piece of material) between adjacent slits, typically used to temporarily connect materials across the tear line. The notch is destroyed when the tear is made along the tear line. The notch is typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, the notch may be omitted from the tear line or torn in the tear line so that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, replacing individual tear lines with continuous slits, etc., is also within the scope of the invention. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than a slit without departing from the invention.

[0101] The above embodiments can be described as having one or more boards adhered together by glue during the erection of the carton embodiments. The term "glue" will encompass all adhesives commonly used to hold the carton boards in place.

[0102] The foregoing description illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, and changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All content contained in the above description or shown in the drawings should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive. Furthermore, this invention only illustrates and describes selected embodiments of the invention; however, the invention can be used in various other combinations, variations, and environments, and can be varied or changed within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein and in proportion to the invention, and / or within the skill or knowledge of related fields. Moreover, certain features and characteristics of the various embodiments can be selectively interchanged and applied to other embodiments of the invention shown and not shown.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: An attachment plate having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving a corresponding container from the plurality of containers, at least one container holding opening being defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge; and The container holding feature includes the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab, the container holding tab being at least partially in face-to-face contact with the attachment plate and positioned between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers to facilitate engagement of the plurality of containers with the attachment plate. The at least one container holding tab is attached to the attachment plate and includes a central portion and at least one extension portion extending from the attachment plate to the central portion and positioned between the first container holding edge and the second container holding edge.

2. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The central portion of the at least one container retaining tab includes a first curved container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding first container among the plurality of containers and a second curved container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding second container among the plurality of containers.

3. The carrier according to claim 2, wherein: A portion of the central portion is positioned to at least partially make face-to-face contact with a portion of the at least one extension portion.

4. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one container holding tab is a first container holding tab attached to the attachment plate, and the container holding feature further includes a second container holding tab attached to the attachment plate, wherein the first container holding tab is positioned to at least partially make face-to-face contact with the second container holding tab.

5. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The central portion includes a first portion that is detachably connected to a second portion at the cut.

6. The carrier according to claim 5, wherein: A first portion of the central portion of the at least one container retaining tab defines a first container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding container among the plurality of containers, and a second portion of the central portion of the at least one container retaining tab defines a second container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding container among the plurality of containers.

7. A preform for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the preform comprising: An attachment plate having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving a corresponding container from the plurality of containers, at least one container holding opening being defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge; and The container holding feature includes the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab, the container holding tab being positioned to at least partially face-to-face contact with the attachment plate and for positioning between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank, so as to facilitate engagement of the plurality of containers with the attachment plate. The at least one container holding tab is attached to the attachment plate and includes a central portion and at least one extension portion extending from the attachment plate to the central portion and positioned between a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge.

8. The billet according to claim 7, wherein: The central portion of the at least one container retaining tab includes a first curved container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding first container among the plurality of containers and a second curved container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding second container among the plurality of containers.

9. The billet according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one container holding tab is a first container holding tab attached to the attachment plate, and the container holding feature also includes a second container holding tab attached to the attachment plate. When the carrier is formed from the blank, the first container holding tab is positioned to at least partially contact the second container holding tab face-to-face.

10. The billet according to claim 7, wherein: The central portion includes a first portion that is detachably connected to a second portion at the cut.

11. The billet according to claim 10, wherein: A first portion of the central portion of the at least one container retaining tab defines a first container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding container among the plurality of containers, and a second portion of the central portion of the at least one container retaining tab defines a second container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding container among the plurality of containers.

12. A method for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising: A blank is obtained, the blank comprising: an attachment plate having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving a corresponding container from the plurality of containers; and a container holding feature including the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab, the at least one container holding opening being defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge, the at least one container holding tab being attached to the attachment plate and including a central portion and at least one extension portion extending from the attachment plate to the central portion and positioned between the first container holding edge and the second container holding edge; Position the attachment plate such that the plurality of containers retain their openings positioned to at least partially receive a corresponding container from the plurality of containers; and The at least one container retaining tab is positioned to at least partially face-to-face contact with the attachment plate, for positioning between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers, so as to facilitate engagement of the plurality of containers with the attachment plate.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The central portion of the at least one container retaining tab includes a first curved container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding first container among the plurality of containers and a second curved container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding second container among the plurality of containers.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Position a portion of the central portion so that it is at least partially in face-to-face contact with a portion of the at least one extension portion.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one container holding tab is a first container holding tab attached to the attachment plate, and the container holding feature further includes a second container holding tab attached to the attachment plate. The method includes positioning the first container holding tab to at least partially make face-to-face contact with the second container holding tab.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein: The central portion includes a first portion that is detachably connected to a second portion at the cut.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: A first portion of the central portion of the at least one container retaining tab defines a first container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding container among the plurality of containers, and a second portion of the central portion of the at least one container retaining tab defines a second container retaining tab edge for engagement with a corresponding container among the plurality of containers.

18. A package comprising: Multiple containers; as well as A carrier that holds the plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: An attachment plate having a plurality of container holding openings, each container holding opening at least partially receiving a corresponding container of the plurality of containers, at least one container holding opening being defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge; and The container holding feature includes the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab, the container holding tab being in at least partial face-to-face contact with the attachment plate and positioned between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers to facilitate engagement of the plurality of containers with the attachment plate. The at least one container holding tab is attached to the attachment plate and includes a central portion and at least one extension portion extending from the attachment plate to the central portion and positioned between a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge.

19. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein: The central portion of the at least one container retaining tab includes a first curved container retaining tab edge that engages with a corresponding first container among the plurality of containers and a second curved container retaining tab edge that engages with a corresponding second container among the plurality of containers.

20. The packaging according to claim 19, wherein: A portion of the central portion is positioned to at least partially make face-to-face contact with a portion of the at least one extension portion.

21. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein: The at least one container holding tab is a first container holding tab attached to the attachment plate, and the container holding feature further includes a second container holding tab attached to the attachment plate, wherein the first container holding tab is positioned to at least partially make face-to-face contact with the second container holding tab.

22. The packaging according to claim 18, wherein: The central portion includes a first portion that is detachably connected to a second portion at the cut.

23. The packaging according to claim 22, wherein: A first portion of the central portion of the at least one container holding tab defines a first container holding tab edge that engages with a corresponding container among the plurality of containers, and a second portion of the central portion of the at least one container holding tab defines a second container holding tab edge that engages with a corresponding container among the plurality of containers.

Images