Carrier for containers

Abstract

A carrier for holding one or more articles. The carrier may include a plurality of plates extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier and a bottom wall extending along the interior of the carrier. The bottom wall may include a first locking member and a second locking member, where the first locking member and the second locking member engage with each other so as to form the bottom wall. The first locking member may include a first bottom plate and a first bottom flap in at least partially overlapping relationship, and the second locking member may include a second bottom plate and a second bottom flap in at least partially overlapping relationship. The carrier may also include a central wall foldably connected with one or more panels of the plurality of panels.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 394,034 (filing date August 1, 2022).

[0003] References

[0004] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 394,034, filed on August 1, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference as if its entirety were presented herein. Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates generally to carriers or cartons for holding and displaying containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to basket carriers. Summary of the invention

[0006] Generally speaking, one aspect of the present invention relates to a carrier for holding one or more items. The carrier may include: a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carrier; and a bottom wall that extends along the interior of the carrier. The bottom wall may include a first locking member and a second locking member, wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are engaged with each other to form the bottom wall. The first locking member may include a first bottom panel and a first bottom flap that are in at least partially overlapping relationship, and the second locking member may include a second bottom panel and a second bottom flap that are in at least partially overlapping relationship. The carrier may also include a center wall foldably connected to one or more of the plurality of panels.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention generally relates to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of items. The blank may include: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier formed by the blank; and a first bottom panel, a first bottom flap, a second bottom panel, and a second bottom flap foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels. When the carrier is formed from the blank, the first bottom panel and the first bottom flap are used to at least partially overlap so as to at least partially form a first locking member, and when the carrier is formed from the blank, the second bottom panel and the second bottom flap are used to at least partially overlap so as to at least partially form a second locking member. The first locking member and the second locking member may be used to engage with each other so as to form a bottom wall of the carrier formed by the blank. The blank may also include a center panel foldably connected to one or more panels of the plurality of panels. The center panel may be used to at least partially form a center wall of the carrier formed by the blank.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention generally relates to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of items. The method may include obtaining a blank comprising: a plurality of panels; a center panel foldably connected to one or more of the plurality of panels; and a first bottom panel, a first bottom flap, a second bottom panel, and a second bottom flap foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels. The method may also include folding the plurality of panels to at least partially form a collapsed carrier; and forming the carrier by folding the collapsed carrier so that the plurality of panels move to extend at least partially around an interior of the carrier. Folding the collapsed carrier may cause the first bottom panel and the first bottom flap to at least partially overlap to at least partially form a first locking member, may cause the second bottom panel and the second bottom flap to at least partially overlap to at least partially form a second locking member, and may cause the first locking member and the second locking member to engage with each other to form a bottom wall of the carrier.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention generally relates to a carrier for holding one or more items. The carrier may include a plurality of panels including at least a front panel, side panels, and a center panel. The center panel may extend from the side panels so as to at least partially divide the carrier into a front portion and a rear portion. The carrier may also include a bottom wall including at least a bottom panel foldably connected to the front panel and a bottom flap foldably connected to the side panels. The bottom wall may include at least a first locking feature extending in the bottom panel and a second locking feature extending in the bottom flap, wherein the bottom panel and the bottom flap are in at least partially overlapping relationship so that the first locking feature and the second locking feature are at least partially aligned.

[0010] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

[0011] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The sizes of the various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the bottom features of the blank being in a partially overlapping relationship.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a folding Figure 1 of the blank in order to form a plan view of the structure.

[0015] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 A plan view of a structure in the form of a flat carrier formed from a blank.

[0016] Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 A perspective view of an upright carrier formed by a folded carrier.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 and 6 A plan view of the bottom wall of an upright carrier.

[0018] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention generally relates to carriers, packages, structures, sleeves, cartons, and the like for holding and displaying articles, including containers, such as cups, bottles, jars, cans, and the like, and / or other suitable articles, such as food, tableware, napkins, and the like. For example, the containers can be used to package and / or hold beverages and food products. The containers can be made of materials whose components are suitable for packaging and / or holding a particular beverage or food, and the materials include, but are not limited to, plastics, such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon; paper-based materials, such as paperboard; glass; aluminum and / or other metals; or the like; or any combination thereof.

[0020] The carrier according to the present invention can accommodate articles of various shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present invention, the following detailed description describes beverage and / or food containers (e.g., cups, bottles and / or other suitable containers, made of cardboard, plastic, glass, metal and / or other suitable materials) and / or other articles (e.g., food, tableware, napkins and / or other suitable articles) at least partially arranged in the carrier embodiment. In this specification, the terms "inside", "interior", "outside", "exterior", "lower", "bottom", "upper", "top", "front", "forward", "back", "rear" and "backward" represent the orientation determined relative to the fully erected and vertical carrier. As described herein, the carrier can be formed from a blank by gluing with multiple plates, parts, tabs and / or flaps, which can be designated in this article with sequential or non-sequential references relative to each other, such as "first", "second", "third", etc., without departing from the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1is a plan view of an outer side 1 of a blank 3 for forming a carrier 5 (e.g., a basket-like carrier) for holding a plurality of containers and / or other items (not shown) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5-7 ). In one embodiment, the carrier 5 is sized to hold four containers in respective receiving spaces, two containers held in the front portion of the carrier and two containers held in the rear portion of the carrier. In embodiments, any number of items may be held in each receiving space of the carrier. The carrier 5 may be sized and shaped to hold more or less than four containers without departing from the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 includes a handle 7 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), as described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 is Figure 5 An upright carrier 5 is provided, which receives the container to form a package. Figure 4 As shown, the carrier 5 can be in a collapsed configuration, which in one embodiment can be referred to as a collapsed carrier 5a. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 includes: a bottom wall 10 formed by at least partially overlapping bottom panels; and a bottom flap having a locking feature, as described in more detail below.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier blank 3 has a longitudinal axis LI and a lateral or transverse axis L2. The carrier blank 3 comprises: a front panel 15, which is foldably connected to the first side panel 17 and the second side panel 19; and a rear panel 21, which is foldably connected to the second side panel 19. The attachment flap 23 is foldably connected to the rear panel 21 along a transverse fold line 25a. The transverse fold lines 27a, 29a foldably connect the respective first and second side panels 17, 19 to the front panel 15, and the transverse fold line 31a foldably connects the rear panel 21 to the second side panel 19.

[0023] In an embodiment, the carrier blank 3 includes a first or front center panel 41 that is foldably connected to the second side panel 19 along a transverse fold line 43. Figure 1 As shown, the first or front divider panel 47 is foldably connected to the front center panel 41 along the transverse fold line 29b (e.g., it can be colinear with the transverse fold line 29a). In the illustrated embodiment, the front divider panel 47 is foldably connected to the front panel 15 along the transverse fold line 49a and can be at least partially separated from the front panel 15 and the center panel 41 along corresponding cut or tear lines 51a, 51b (e.g., cut lines interrupted by one or more scores). Figure 1As shown, the front center panel 41 is connected to the first side panel 17 by a connector panel 53 (e.g., a first connector panel), which is foldably connected to the first side panel 17 along a transverse fold line 27b (e.g., it can be co-linear with the transverse fold line 27a) and foldably connected to the front center panel 41 along a transverse fold line 49b (e.g., it can be co-linear with the transverse fold line 49a). In an embodiment, the connector panel 53 can be at least partially separated from the front panel 15 along a cut or tear line 51b.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the carrier blank 3 includes a second or rear center panel 55 and a second or rear divider panel 57. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear divider panel 57 is foldably connected to the rear center panel 55 along a transverse fold line 25b (e.g., it can be co-linear with the transverse fold line 25a) and is foldably connected to the rear panel 21 along a transverse fold line 59a. In an embodiment, the rear divider panel 57 can be at least partially separated from the rear panel 21 and the rear center panel 55 along respective cut or tear lines 61a, 61b (e.g., cut lines interrupted by one or more score marks). Figure 1 As shown, the rear center panel 55 is connected to the second side panel 19 by a connector panel 63 (e.g., a second connector panel), which is foldably connected to the second side panel 19 along a transverse fold line 31b (e.g., which can be co-linear with the transverse fold line 31a) and foldably connected to the rear center panel 55 along a transverse fold line 59b (e.g., which can be co-linear with the transverse fold line 59a). In an embodiment, the connector panel 63 can be at least partially separated from the rear panel 21 along a cut or tear line 61b. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier blank 3 can also include a rear center flap 65, which is foldably connected to the first side panel 17 along a transverse fold line 67 and can be at least partially separated from the first side panel 17 along a cut or tear line 69 (e.g., a cut line interrupted by one or more scores).

[0025] Any of the front panel 15, side panels 17, 19, back panel 21, attachment flap 23, center panel 41, 55, divider panels 47, 57, connector panels 53, 63 and / or center flap 65 may be omitted or may be otherwise formed, arranged, positioned and / or set without departing from the present invention.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the carrier blank 3 may include a handle feature for forming a handle 7 when the carrier 5 is formed from the blank 3. The handle feature may include: a handle opening 71 extending in the front center panel 41; and a handle flap 73 (e.g., a first handle flap) foldably connected to the front center panel 41 along one or more fold lines 75 (e.g., such that the handle flap 73 at least partially extends in the handle opening 71). In an embodiment, the handle flap 73 can be separated from the front center panel 41 along a cut or tear line 77 (e.g., a cut line interrupted by one or more scores). The handle feature may also include a handle opening or cutout 79 extending in the rear center panel 55 and a handle cutout 81 extending in the rear center flap 65. In an example embodiment, a handle flap 83 (e.g., a second handle flap) is foldably connected to the rear center panel 55 along one or more fold lines 85 (e.g., such that the handle flap 83 at least partially extends in the handle opening or cutout 79). In an embodiment, the handle flap 83 can be separated from the rear center panel 55 along a cut or tear line 87 (e.g., a cut line interrupted by one or more scores). Any handle feature may be omitted or may be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned and / or disposed without departing from the invention.

[0027] In an embodiment, the carrier blank 3 may include a push-in feature 91 that can be pushed in at one or more corners of the carrier 5 ( Figure 5 ).like Figure 1 As shown, each push feature 1 can include a corner panel 93 that is foldably connected to a corresponding panel 15, 17, 19, 21 along a corresponding transverse fold line 95 and can be separated from the panel along a corresponding cut or tear line 97. In the exemplary embodiment, one corner panel 93 is separable from the front center panel 41 and the front divider panel 47 along the cut or tear line 51a. In the illustrated embodiment, the corner panel 93 can be folded along a corresponding one of the transverse fold lines 27a, 29a, 31a. Any push feature 93 can be omitted or can be otherwise formed, arranged, positioned and / or arranged without departing from the invention.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, the carrier blank 3 may include a first or front bottom panel 111a foldably connected to the front panel 15, a second or rear bottom panel 111b foldably connected to the rear panel 21, a first bottom flap 113a foldably connected to the first side panel 17, and a second bottom flap 113b foldably connected to the second side panel 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the (first) bottom attachment flap 115a may be foldably connected to the front bottom panel 111a along an inclined fold line 117a, and the (second) bottom attachment flap 115b may be foldably connected to the rear bottom panel 111b along an inclined fold line 117b. In an embodiment, the front and rear bottom panels 111a, 111b and the bottom attachment flaps 115a, 115b may be similar or identical to each other, and the first bottom flap 113a and the second bottom flap 113b may be similar or identical to each other. As Figure 1 As shown, the bottom panels 111a, 111b and bottom flaps 113a, 113b extend along the bottom edge region of the blank 3 and are foldably connected along a longitudinal fold line 119 that extends along at least a portion of the length of the blank. The longitudinal fold line 119 can, for example, be substantially straight, or offset at one or more locations to take into account blank thickness or other factors.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panels 111a, 111b and the bottom flaps 113a, 113b may cooperate to form the bottom wall 10 ( Figure 6 and 7 ), and may include a locking feature for when the carrier is moved from the collapsed configuration 5a ( Figure 4 ) moves to the upright configuration 5 ( Figure 5-7 ) at least partially retains the bottom panel and bottom flap (in the form of a bottom wall 10 extending across the bottom of the carrier 5 (e.g., at least partially perpendicular to the panels 15, 17, 19, 21)). In an exemplary embodiment, the locking features of the bottom panels 111a, 111b are configured to cooperate with the locking features of the corresponding bottom flaps 113a, 113b so as to have a double thickness locking feature (e.g., the locking features of the front bottom panel 111a and the first bottom flap 113a cooperate to form a double thickness locking feature for at least partially engaging with the double thickness locking feature formed by the cooperating locking features of the rear bottom panel 111b and the second bottom flap 113b). In an embodiment, the reinforced locking portion 121 ( Figure 6 and 7 ), which can help increase the weight capacity of the bottom wall 10 and therefore the weight capacity of the carrier 5 (relative to a bottom wall without the dual thickness locking feature).

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the front bottom panel 111a and the bottom attachment flap 115a may include a groove 123a (e.g., a first groove) that is at least partially defined by an edge 125a (e.g., a first edge) extending along at least a portion of the front bottom panel 111a and the bottom attachment flap 115a. In addition, the first bottom flap 113a may include a groove 127a (e.g., a second groove) that is at least partially defined by an edge 129a (e.g., a second edge) extending along at least a portion of the first bottom flap 113a. Similarly, the rear base panel 111b and the bottom attachment flap 115b may include a groove 123b (e.g., a third groove), which is at least partially defined by an edge 125b (e.g., a third edge) extending along at least a portion of the rear base panel 111b and the bottom attachment flap 115b, and the second bottom flap 113b may include a groove 127b (e.g., a fourth groove), which is at least partially defined by an edge 129b (e.g., a fourth edge) extending along at least a portion of the first bottom flap 113b.

[0031] In an embodiment, the grooves 123a, 123b are arranged along the bottom plates 111a, 111b, and the grooves 127a, 127b are arranged along the bottom flaps 113a, 113b, so that when the bottom plates 111a, 111b are in an overlapping relationship with the corresponding bottom flaps 113a, 113b in the bottom wall 10 in the upright carrier 5, the edges 125a, 125b are at least partially aligned with the corresponding edges 129a, 129b. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram ( Figure 2 A portion of the bottom flaps 113a, 113b hidden behind the bottom panels 111a, 111b is shown in dotted lines), when the front bottom panel 111a and the first bottom flap 113a overlap in the bottom wall 10 of the upright carrier 5, the grooves 123a, 127a and the edges 125a, 129a of the corresponding front bottom panel 111a and the second bottom flap 113a are at least partially aligned to form a reinforced locking member 131a (broadly: locking member 131a). Similarly, as Figure 2 As shown, when the rear bottom panel 111b and the second bottom flap 113b overlap in the bottom wall 10, the grooves 123b, 127b and edges 125b, 129b of the corresponding rear bottom panel 111b and the second bottom flap 113b are at least partially aligned to form a reinforced locking part 131b (broadly: locking part 131b).

[0032] When the bottom wall 10 is formed in the upright carrier 5, the reinforcing locking members 131a, 131b may cooperate with each other (e.g., interlock, engage, etc.) to at least partially lock and / or secure the bottom wall 10 in its extended configuration ( Figure 6 and 7). Any of the bottom panels 111a, 111b, bottom flaps 113a, 113b, bottom attachment flaps 115a, 115b, grooves 123a, 123b, 127a, 127b, edges 125a, 125b, 129a, 129b and / or reinforced locking components 131a, 131b may be omitted or may be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned and / or configured without departing from the present invention.

[0033] Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts or other features may be omitted or may be otherwise formed, arranged, positioned and / or configured in the blank 3 without departing from the invention. The blank 3 may be sized and / or shaped to hold more or less than four containers without departing from the invention.

[0034] refer to Figure 3 and 4 In the exemplary erection method, the front and rear portions 141, 143 of the carrier 5 are formed by positioning the panels 15, 17, 19, 21, the center panels 41, 55, the center flap 65, the connecting panels 53, 63, the separator panels 47, 57 and the attachment flap 23 relative to each other so as to form the front portion 141 and the rear portion 143 of the carrier 5 ( Figure 5-7 ), the carrier 5 can be formed from the blank 3 (e.g., by a packaging system and / or manually). The bottom panels 111a, 111b and bottom flaps 113a, 113b can also be folded and glued along the longitudinal fold line 119 to form the bottom wall 10. The carrier can have a collapsed configuration 5a ( Figure 4 ) and upright configuration 5 ( Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the blank 3 may be positioned with its inner surface 2 facing upward, and as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the bottom panels 111a, 111b and bottom flaps 113a, 113b can be folded along the longitudinal fold line 119 so as to overlap with the inner surfaces 2 of the corresponding front and rear panels 15, 21 and side panels 17, 19. Figure 3 As shown, the bottom attachment flaps 115a, 115b can be folded along the corresponding oblique fold lines 117a, 117b so that the outer surfaces of the bottom attachment flaps 115a, 115b are in face-to-face contact with the outer surfaces of the corresponding bottom panels 111a, 111b. Figure 1 As shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 1 , adhesive G (e.g., adhesive strips) may be applied to the bottom attachment flaps 115a, 115b, the attachment flaps 23, and the inner surface 2 of the center panels 41, 55. Also, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 1 , adhesive G may be applied to the connector plates 53, 63 and / or the side plates 17, 19 for attaching the connector plates 53, 63 to the corresponding side plates 17, 19. The adhesive strip G is Figure 1is shown in dashed / hidden lines because Figure 1 , the outer side 1 of the blank 3 is shown, and the adhesive strip G is applied to the inner side 2 of the blank 3. Alternatively or in addition, the adhesive G may be applied to some parts of the outer surface 1 of the blank 3 (e.g., for different overlapping arrangements of the panels / flaps of the blank). In embodiments, one or more adhesive strips G may be applied to the blank 3 at any suitable stage of the forming process.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the first side panel 17 can be folded along the transverse fold lines 27a, 27b so that the first side panel 17 at least partially overlaps the front panel 15, the front divider panel 47 and the connector panel 53, and the rear center flap 65 overlaps the front center panel 41 (for example, the inner surfaces of the panels / flaps are in face-to-face contact). The adhesive strip G on the center panel 41 and the connector panel 53 and / or on the first side panel 17 and the rear center flap 65 can adhere / fix the connector panel 53 to the first side panel 17 and adhere / fix the front center panel 41 to the rear center flap 65. In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 15 and the front divider panel 47 remain unfixed to the first side panel 17. Also, in Figure 4 In the embodiment, the first bottom flap 113a at least partially overlaps the bottom attachment flap 115a and the first bottom panel 111a. The adhesive strip G on the bottom attachment flap 115a (and / or the first bottom flap 113a) can adhere / fix the first bottom flap 113a and the bottom attachment flap 115a together in a face-to-face contact manner (for example, the inner surface of the bottom attachment flap 115a is in contact with the outer surface of the first bottom flap 113a).

[0037] like Figure 4As further shown, the collapsed carrier 5a is formed when the rear panel 21 and the connector panel 63 (as well as the rear center panel 55, the rear divider panel 57 and the attachment flap 23) are folded along the transverse fold lines 31a, 31b so that the rear panel 21, the divider panel 57 and the connector panel 63 at least partially overlap with the second side panel 19 (e.g., the inner surfaces of the panels / flaps are in face-to-face contact). The adhesive strips G on the center panel 41 and the connector panel 63 and / or the second side panel 19 and the rear center panel 55 can adhere / fix the rear center panel 55 to the front center panel 41 and adhere / fix the connector panel 63 to the second side panel 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear panel 21 and the rear divider panel 57 remain unfixed to the second side panel 19. In addition, the rear center panel 55 and the attachment flap 23 may at least partially overlap with the corresponding rear center flap 65 and the first side panel 17 (for example, the inner surfaces of the rear center panel 55 and the attachment flap 23 are in face-to-face contact with the outer surfaces of the corresponding rear center flap 65 and the first side panel 17). The adhesive strip G on the inner part of the rear center panel 55 and the attachment flap 23 (and / or on the rear center flap 65 and the first side panel 17) can adhere / fix the rear center panel 55 to the rear center flap 65 and adhere / fix the attachment flap 23 to the first side panel 17. Also, the second bottom flap 113b is in an overlapping relationship with the bottom attachment flap 115b and the second bottom panel 111b, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The adhesive strip G on the bottom attachment flap 115b (and / or on the second bottom flap 113b) can adhere / fix the second bottom flap 113b and the bottom attachment flap 115b together in face-to-face contact (e.g., the inner surface of the bottom attachment flap 115b is in contact with the outer surface of the second bottom flap 113b).

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the center panels 41, 55 and the center flap 65 are fixed / bonded together to form a center wall 145 of the carrier 5, and the handle 7 is formed in the center wall 145. In an embodiment, the handle opening 71 in the front center panel 41 can be at least partially aligned with the handle cutouts 79, 81 in the rear center panel 55 and the rear center flap 65 to form the handle 7 in the collapsed / flat carrier 5a (as well as in the upright carrier 5). In addition, as Figure 4-6 As shown, handle flap 73 and handle flap 83 may be aligned and / or overlapped in at least partial face-to-face contact.

[0039] like Figure 5As shown, the collapsed / flat carrier 5a can be further formed into an erected carrier 5 (e.g., by a packaging system and / or manually). For example, the first side panel 17 and the second side panel 19 can be positioned in a generally spaced apart parallel planar relationship, and the front panel 15 and the rear panel 21 can be positioned in a generally spaced apart parallel planar relationship, wherein the center wall 145 divides the interior 147 of the carrier 5 into a front portion 141 and a rear portion 143. When the carrier 5 is erected, the rear center flap 65 and the front center panel 41 are separated from the corresponding side panels 17, 19 along the corresponding tear lines 69, 51a, and the connector panels 53, 63 are separated from the corresponding front panel 15 and the rear panel 21 along the corresponding tear lines 51b, 61b. Such movement of the side panels 17, 19 and the front and rear panels 15, 21 causes the divider panels 47, 57 to be separated from the respective front and rear panels 15, 21 along the respective tear lines 51a, 61a and to be separated from the respective center panels 41, 55 along the respective tear lines 51b, 61b so as to be positioned substantially perpendicular to the center wall 145 (e.g., perpendicular to the respective center panels 41, 55) and the respective front and rear panels 15, 21, thereby dividing the front portion 141 and the rear portion 143 into two receiving spaces ( Figure 5 and 6 ).

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the erection of the carrier 5 can pull the bottom panels 111a, 111b and the bottom flaps 113a, 113b to bring the bottom panels / flaps together to form the reinforced locking components 131a, 131b ( Figure 2 ) and the bottom wall 10. For example, when the carrier 5 is erected, the bottom attachment flaps 115a, 115b are folded away from the respective bottom panels 111a, 111b, thereby remaining attached in face-to-face contact with the respective bottom flaps 113a, 113b, and the bottom panels 111a, 111b and bottom flaps 113a, 113b are pulled until they extend across the bottom of the carrier 5. When the bottom panel / flaps are pulled and the bottom attachment flaps 115a, 115b are folded away from the bottom panels 111a, 111b, the bottom flaps 113a, 113b move to an overlapping position relative to the respective bottom panels 111a, 111b to form respective reinforced locking features 131a, 131b. Additionally, the edges of the reinforcing locking members 131a, 131b (e.g., edges 125a, 129a and 125b, 129b) can slide along each other as the bottom panel / flap is pulled across the bottom of the carrier 5 until the grooves of the reinforcing locking members 131a, 131b (e.g., grooves 123a, 127a and 123b, 127b) become cooperatively engaged and locked together ( Figure 6 and 7). In an embodiment, the engaged reinforcing locking components 131a, 131b can support items in the carrier 5 and prevent them from falling through the bottom of the carrier, at least because the downward force on the bottom wall 10 (e.g., due to the weight of the items arranged in the carrier 5) pushes the grooves of the reinforcing locking components 131a, 131b together, and the edges extending along the grooves will be pressed together and resist relative movement between the reinforcing locking components 131a, 131b so that the bottom panel / flap does not fold downward.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, articles including containers (e.g., take-away beverage cups, coffee cups, bottles, cans, jars, French fry containers, etc.) and / or other suitable articles (e.g., food, condiments, cutlery, napkins, etc.) can be arranged in the receiving spaces of the carrier 5 to form a package. For example, the carrier 5 can be used to hold articles for taking away, for example, holding beverage containers in two receiving spaces and holding food in two other receiving spaces, and the articles (e.g., beverage containers and food) are supported on the reinforcing bottom wall 10. In another example, in a retail situation, the container can be held in each receiving space. The bottom of the container is supported by the reinforcing bottom wall 10. In an embodiment, the carrier 5 can be flattened / collapsed, for example, by reversing the above steps. The carrier 5 can be erected and / or collapsed in other ways without departing from the present invention.

[0042] The exemplary carrier embodiment described above accommodates four containers arranged in two rows, but the present invention is not limited to these numbers. As an example, additional containers can be accommodated by increasing the size of the blank 3 and forming additional container receiving spaces therein. Also, the carrier 5 can have less than four container receiving spaces.

[0043] Any feature of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined, replaced or otherwise arranged with other features of other embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, for example, the panels, flaps and other features shown and described in conjunction with the blank 3 and the carrier 5 are included.

[0044] Typically, the blank can be made of cardboard with a certain thickness so that it is heavier and harder than ordinary paper. The blank can also be made of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material with a property suitable for making the carrier or carton at least roughly as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. Then, products, advertisements and other information or images can be printed on the clay coating. Then, the blank can be coated with varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier on either or both sides of the blank. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet materials at a selected board or board portion.

[0045] As an example, the tear line may include: a slit extending locally into the material along the desired weakening line, and / or a series of spaced slits extending locally into the material along the desired weakening line and / or extending 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 slits extending completely through the material, wherein adjacent slits are slightly spaced apart, so that a notch (e.g., a smaller, slightly bridged piece of material) is defined between adjacent slits for temporarily connecting the material generally across the tear line. The notch is destroyed when tearing along the tear line. The notch is usually a relatively small percentage of the tear line, alternatively, the notch can be omitted from the tear line, or torn in the tear line so that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is also within the scope of the present invention to replace each tear line with a continuous slit, etc. For example, the cut line can be a continuous slit, or can be wider than the slit, without departing from the present invention.

[0046] According to example embodiments, a fold line may be any substantially linear weakening that facilitates folding therealong, but need not necessarily be straight. More specifically, but not in an effort to narrow the scope of the invention, a fold line includes: a score line, such as a line formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that creates a flattened or embossed portion in the material along a desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into the material along a desired line of weakness; and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into the material along a desired line of weakness and / or extend completely through the material; and various combinations of these features. Where a fold line is created by cutting, the cut generally does not overextend in a manner that could cause a reasonable user to incorrectly perceive the fold line as a tear line.

[0047] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels which are glued together when the carrier embodiment is erected. The term "glue" will encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

[0048] The foregoing description of the present invention represents and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, changes, modifications, etc. may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all contents contained in the above description or represented in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative, rather than restrictive. In addition, the present invention only represents and describes selected embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention may be used in various other combinations, variations and environments, and may be changed or modified within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein and / or within the skills or knowledge of the relevant fields commensurate with the above teachings. Moreover, certain features and characteristics of the various embodiments may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding one or more items, the carrier comprising: a plurality of plates extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier; a bottom wall extending along an interior of the carrier, the bottom wall comprising a first locking member and a second locking member, wherein the first locking member and the second locking member engage with each other to form the bottom wall, the first locking member comprising a first bottom panel and a first bottom flap in at least partially overlapping relationship, and the second locking member comprising a second bottom panel and a second bottom flap in at least partially overlapping relationship; as well as A central wall is foldably connected to one or more panels of the plurality of panels.

2. The vector according to claim 1, wherein: The first locking member and the second locking member engage each other at the respective recesses to resist a downward force on the bottom wall.

3. The vector according to claim 2, wherein: The first bottom plate and the first bottom flap overlap along the groove of the first locking component, and the second bottom plate and the second bottom flap overlap along the groove of the second locking component.

4. The vector according to claim 1, wherein: The first bottom panel includes a first edge that at least partially defines a first groove, and the first bottom flap includes a second edge that at least partially defines a second groove. The first bottom panel and the first bottom flap at least partially overlap so that the first groove and the second groove are at least partially aligned in the bottom wall.

5. The vector according to claim 4, wherein: The second bottom panel includes a third edge that at least partially defines a third groove, and the second bottom flap includes a fourth edge that at least partially defines a fourth groove. The second bottom panel and the second bottom flap at least partially overlap so that the third groove and the fourth groove are at least partially aligned in the bottom wall.

6. The vector according to claim 5, wherein: At least one of the first edge of the first bottom panel and the second edge of the first bottom flap contacts at least one of the third edge of the second bottom panel and the fourth edge of the second bottom flap.

7. The vector according to claim 5, wherein: The bottom wall also includes a first attachment flap foldably connected to the first bottom panel and a second attachment flap foldably connected to the second bottom panel, the first groove extends along at least a portion of the first bottom panel and the first attachment flap, and the second groove extends along at least a portion of the second bottom panel and the second attachment flap.

8. The vector according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom wall also includes a first attachment flap foldably connected to the first bottom panel and a second attachment flap foldably connected to the second bottom panel, the first attachment flap being attached in face-to-face contact with the first bottom flap and the second attachment flap being attached in face-to-face contact with the second bottom flap.

9. The vector according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of panels include at least a front panel and side panels, the front panel being foldably connected to the side panels, and the central wall includes at least a central panel foldably connected to the side panels.

10. The carrier according to claim 9, further comprising: A divider panel is foldably connected to the center panel and the front panel, the divider panel extending from the center wall to the front panel.

11. The vector according to claim 9, wherein: The side panel is a second side panel, the plurality of panels include a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel, a connector panel foldably connected to the center panel and the first side panel, and the connector panel and the first side panel at least partially overlap.

12. The vector according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of panels also includes a rear panel foldably connected to the side panels.

13. The vector according to claim 12, wherein: The center panel is a first center panel, the center wall further includes a second center panel in overlapping relationship with the first center panel, a first separator panel is foldably connected to the first center panel and the front panel, and a second separator panel is foldably connected to the second center panel and the rear panel.

14. The vector according to claim 12, wherein: The center panel is a first center panel, the center wall further includes a second center panel in overlapping relation with the first center panel, a connector panel is foldably connected with the second center panel and the side panels, and the connector panel is in overlapping relation with the side panels.

15. The vector according to claim 14, wherein: The side panel is a second side panel, the connector panel is a second connector panel, the plurality of panels further include a first side panel, the first side panel is foldably connected to at least the front panel, and the first connector panel is foldably connected to the first center panel and the first side panel, the first connector panel is in an overlapping relationship with the first side panel.

16. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of articles, the blank comprising: a plurality of plates for extending at least partially around an interior of a carrier formed from the blank; a first bottom panel, a first bottom flap, a second bottom panel, and a second bottom flap foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the first bottom panel and the first bottom flap are configured to at least partially overlap when the carrier is formed from the blank so as to at least partially form a first locking component, and the second bottom panel and the second bottom flap are configured to at least partially overlap when the carrier is formed from the blank so as to at least partially form a second locking component, and the first locking component and the second locking component are configured to engage with each other so as to form a bottom wall of the carrier formed from the blank; as well as A central panel is foldably connected to one or more panels of the plurality of panels, the central panel being adapted to at least partially form a central wall of a carrier formed from the blank.

17. The blank according to claim 16, wherein: The first bottom panel includes a first edge that at least partially defines a first groove, and the first bottom flap includes a second edge that at least partially defines a second groove. The first bottom panel and the first bottom flap are used to at least partially overlap, so that when the carrier is formed from the blank, the first groove and the second groove are at least partially aligned in the bottom wall.

18. The blank according to claim 17, wherein: The second bottom panel includes a third edge that at least partially defines a third groove, and the second bottom flap includes a fourth edge that at least partially defines a fourth groove. The second bottom panel and the second bottom flap are used to at least partially overlap, so that when the carrier is formed from the blank, the third groove and the fourth groove are at least partially aligned in the bottom wall.

19. The blank according to claim 18, wherein: When the carrier is formed from the blank, at least one of the first edge of the first bottom panel and the second edge of the first bottom flap is adapted to contact at least one of the third edge of the second bottom panel and the fourth edge of the second bottom flap.

20. The blank according to claim 18, wherein: The blank also includes a first attachment flap foldably connected to the first base panel and a second attachment flap foldably connected to the second base panel, the first groove extending along at least a portion of the first base panel and the first attachment flap, and the second groove extending along at least a portion of the second base panel and the second attachment flap.

21. The blank according to claim 16, wherein: The blank also includes a first attachment flap foldably connected to the first bottom panel and a second attachment flap foldably connected to the second bottom panel, the first attachment flap being used to attach face-to-face to the first bottom flap when the carrier is formed from the blank, and the second attachment flap being used to attach face-to-face to the second bottom flap when the carrier is formed from the blank.

22. The blank of claim 16, wherein: The plurality of panels include at least a front panel and side panels, the front panel is foldably connected to the side panels, and the center panel is foldably connected to the side panels.

23. The blank according to claim 22, further comprising: A separator panel is foldably connected to the center panel and the front panel, and the separator panel can be separated from the center panel and the front panel along corresponding cutting lines or tearing lines.

24. The blank according to claim 22, wherein: The side panel is a second side panel, the plurality of panels include a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel, a connector panel foldably connected to the center panel and the first side panel, and the connector panel can be at least partially separated from the front panel along a cut line or a tear line.

25. The blank of claim 22, wherein: The plurality of panels also includes a rear panel foldably connected to the side panels.

26. The blank according to claim 25, wherein: The center panel is a first center panel, and the blank also includes a second center panel, which is used to overlap with the first center panel and at least partially form a center wall of the carrier formed by the blank. The first separator panel is foldably connected to the first center panel and the front panel, and the second separator panel is foldably connected to the second center panel and the rear panel.

27. The blank according to claim 25, wherein: The center panel is a first center panel, and the blank also includes a second center panel, which is in an overlapping relationship with the first center panel and is used to at least partially form a center wall of the carrier formed by the blank. The connector panel is foldably connected to the second center panel and the side panel, and the connector panel can be separated from the rear panel at least partially along a cutting line or a tearing line.

28. The blank according to claim 27, wherein: The side panel is a second side panel, the connector panel is a second connector panel, the plurality of panels further include a first side panel foldably connected to at least the front panel, the first connector panel foldably connected to the first center panel and the first side panel, the first connector panel being capable of being at least partially separated from the front panel along a cutting line or a tearing line.

29. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of articles, the method comprising: Obtaining a blank, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels; a center panel foldably connected to one or more panels of the plurality of panels; and a first bottom panel, a first bottom flap, a second bottom panel, and a second bottom flap foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; folding the plurality of panels to at least partially form a collapsed carrier; and The carrier is formed by folding the collapsed carrier so that the multiple panels move to extend at least partially around the interior of the carrier, folding the collapsed carrier so that the first bottom panel and the first bottom fold at least partially overlap to at least partially form a first locking component, so that the second bottom panel and the second bottom fold at least partially overlap to at least partially form a second locking component, and so that the first locking component and the second locking component engage with each other to form a bottom wall of the carrier.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: Folding the collapsed carrier causes the first locking member and the second locking member to engage one another at the respective recesses to resist the downward force on the bottom wall.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein: The first bottom panel includes a first edge that at least partially defines a first groove, and the first bottom flap includes a second edge that at least partially defines a second groove, and causing the first bottom panel and the first bottom flap to at least partially overlap includes: causing the first groove and the second groove to be at least partially aligned in the bottom wall.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein: The second bottom panel includes a third edge that at least partially defines a third groove, and the second bottom flap includes a fourth edge that at least partially defines a fourth groove. Making the second bottom panel and the second bottom flap at least partially overlap includes: making the third groove and the fourth groove at least partially aligned in the bottom wall.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein: The blank also includes a first attachment flap foldably connected to the first bottom panel and a second attachment flap foldably connected to the second bottom panel; The method further includes: folding the first bottom panel, the first bottom flap, the second bottom panel, and the second bottom flap onto respective panels of the plurality of panels, and folding the first attachment flap and the second attachment flap onto respective first and second bottom panels; Folding the plurality of panels to at least partially form a collapsed carrier includes at least partially overlapping the first bottom flap and the first attachment flap, and at least partially overlapping the second bottom flap and the second attachment flap.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: At least partially overlapping the first bottom flap and the first attachment flap comprises attaching the first bottom flap and the first attachment flap in face-to-face contact, and at least partially overlapping the second bottom flap and the second attachment flap comprises attaching the second bottom flap and the second attachment flap in face-to-face contact.

35. The method of claim 29, wherein: The multiple panels include at least a front panel and side panels, the front panel is foldably connected to the side panels, and the center panel is foldably connected to the side panels, wherein the blank also includes a separator panel, which is foldably connected to the center panel and the front panel, and the folded and collapsed carrier also separates the separator panel from the front panel and the center panel along corresponding cutting lines or tearing lines, extending from the center panel to the front panel along the interior of the carrier.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: The side panel is a second side panel, the plurality of panels include a first side panel foldably connected to a front panel, the blank further includes a connector panel foldably connected to the center panel and the first side panel, and the folded and collapsed carrier also separates the connector panel from the front panel along a cutting line or a tearing line.

37. The method of claim 29, wherein: The center panel is a first center panel, the blank further comprises a second center panel, and the method further comprises at least partially forming a center wall during folding the plurality of panels so as to at least partially form a collapsed carrier by at least partially overlapping the first center panel and the second center panel.

38. A carrier for holding one or more articles, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising at least a front panel, side panels, and a center panel, wherein the center panel extends from the side panels to at least partially divide the carrier into a front portion and a rear portion; and A bottom wall, the bottom wall comprising at least a bottom panel foldably connected to the front panel and a bottom flap foldably connected to the side panel, the bottom wall comprising at least a first locking feature extending in the bottom panel and a second locking feature extending in the bottom flap, wherein the bottom panel and the bottom flap are in at least partially overlapping relationship so that the first locking feature and the second locking feature are at least partially aligned.

39. The vector according to claim 38, wherein: The center panel and the front panel are both foldably connected to the side panels.

40. The vector according to claim 39, further comprising: A divider panel is foldably connected to the center panel and the front panel, the divider panel extending from the center wall to the front panel.

41. The vector according to claim 40, wherein: The side panel is a second side panel, the plurality of panels include a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel, a connector panel foldably connected to the center panel and the first side panel, and the connector panel and the first side panel at least partially overlap.

42. The vector of claim 39, wherein: The side panel is a second side panel, the plurality of panels include a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel, a connector panel foldably connected to the center panel and the first side panel, and the connector panel and the first side panel at least partially overlap.

43. The vector according to claim 39, wherein: The plurality of panels further include a rear panel foldably connected to the side panels, the center panel being a first center panel, a second center panel being in an overlapping relationship with the first center panel, a first separator panel foldably connected to the first center panel and the front panel, and a second separator panel foldably connected to the second center panel and the rear panel.

44. The vector of claim 39, wherein: The plurality of panels further include a rear panel foldably connected to the side panels, the center panel being a first center panel, the second center panel being in an overlapping relationship with the first center panel, a connector panel foldably connected to the second center panel and the side panels, the connector panel being in an overlapping relationship with the side panels.

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