Package for containers

Abstract

A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The carrier may include a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, an outer panel, a top panel, an inner panel, a center panel, and end flaps. At least a first container receiver and a second container receiver extend at least in the bottom panel for at least partially receiving a container of the plurality of containers. An inner opening may extend in the inner panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container received at least partially in the first container receiver, and a free edge of the end flap may be used to engage a second flange of a second container received at least partially in the second container receiver. The central panel may extend at least partially between the first container receiver and the second container receiver.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 394,392, filed on August 2, 2022.

[0003] Incorporated by Reference

[0004] The disclosure of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 394,392 filed on August 2, 2022 and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 898,807 filed on August 1, 2023 is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if presented in full herein. Background Art

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to packages or carrier cartons for holding and displaying containers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a carrier having features for at least partially retaining a container in a package. Summary of the invention

[0006] In general, one aspect of the present invention relates to a carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The carrier may include a plurality of panels, the panel panels including a bottom panel, an outer panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer panel, an inner panel foldably connected to the top panel, a center panel foldably connected to the inner panel, and an end flap foldably connected to the center panel. At least a first container receiver and a second container receiver extend at least in the bottom panel, each of the first container receiver and the second container receiver being used to at least partially receive a container of a plurality of containers. An inner opening may extend in the inner panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container at least partially received in the first container receiver, and a free edge of the end flap may be used to engage a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receiver. The center panel may extend at least partially between the first container receiver and the second container receiver.

[0007] On the other hand, the present invention generally relates to a package, which includes a carrier that at least partially holds a plurality of containers. The carrier may include a plurality of panels, the panels including a bottom panel, an outer panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer panel, an inner panel foldably connected to the top panel, a center panel foldably connected to the inner panel, and an end flap foldably connected to the center panel. At least a first container receiver and a second container receiver may extend at least in the bottom panel, each of the first container receiver and the second container receiver at least partially receiving a corresponding container in the plurality of containers. An inner opening may extend in the inner panel and may at least partially receive a first flange of a first container at least partially received in the first container receiver, and a free edge of the end flap may engage a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receiver. The center panel may extend at least partially between the first container receiver and the second container receiver.

[0008] On the other hand, the present invention generally relates to a blank for forming a carrier, which is used to at least partially hold a plurality of containers. The blank may include a plurality of panels, the panels including a bottom panel, an outer panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer panel, an inner panel foldably connected to the top panel, a center panel foldably connected to the inner panel, and an end flap foldably connected to the center plane. At least a first container receiver and a second container receiver may extend at least in the bottom panel, and each of the first container receiver and the second container receiver is used to at least partially receive a corresponding container in a plurality of containers when the carrier is formed by the blank. An inner opening may extend in the inner panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container, which is at least partially received in the first container receiver when the carrier is formed by the blank. When the carrier is formed by the blank, the free edge of the end flap may be used to engage a second flange of a second container at least partially received in a second container receiver. When the carrier is formed from the blank, the center panel may be configured to extend at least partially between the first container receiver and the second container receiver.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention generally relates to a method of forming a package. The method may include obtaining a blank including a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, an outer panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer panel, an inner panel foldably connected to the top panel, a center panel foldably connected to the inner panel, and an end flap foldably connected to the center panel. The blank may also include at least a first container receiver and a second container receiver extending at least in the bottom panel and an inner opening extending in the inner panel. The method may also include engaging a plurality of containers with the blank such that each of the first container receiver and the second container receiver at least partially receives a corresponding first container and a second container of a plurality of containers. Further, the method may include forming a carrier by arranging a plurality of panels. Arranging a plurality of panels may include: positioning the inner panel such that the inner opening at least partially receives a first flange of the first container; positioning the center panel such that the center panel at least partially extends between the first container receiver and the second container receiver; and positioning the end flap such that a free edge of the end flap engages a second edge of the second container.

[0010] On the other hand, the present invention generally relates to a carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The carrier may include a plurality of panels, the panels including a bottom panel, a first outer panel and a second outer panel each foldably connected to the bottom panel, a first top panel and a second top panel foldably connected to the corresponding first outer panel and the second outer panel, and a first inner panel and a second inner panel foldably connected to the corresponding first top panel and the second top panel. The first inner opening in the first inner panel may be used to at least partially receive a first flange of a first container of the plurality of containers, and the second inner opening in the second inner panel is used to at least partially receive a second flange of a second container of the plurality of containers. At least a portion of the first inner panel and the second inner panel may extend from the corresponding first opening and the second opening toward the bottom panel.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention generally relates to a package, which includes a carrier that at least partially holds a plurality of containers. The carrier may include a plurality of panels, the panels including a bottom panel, a first outer panel and a second outer panel that are each foldably connected to the bottom panel, a first top panel and a second top panel that are foldably connected to the corresponding first outer panel and the second outer panel, and a first inner panel and a second inner panel that are foldably connected to the corresponding first top panel and the second top panel. The first inner opening in the first inner panel can at least partially receive the first flange of the first container of the plurality of containers, and the second inner opening in the second inner panel can at least partially receive the second flange of the second container of the plurality of containers. At least a portion of the first inner panel and the second inner panel can extend from the corresponding first inner opening and the second inner opening toward the bottom panel.

[0012] On the other hand, the present invention generally relates to a method for forming a package. The method may include obtaining a blank, the blank including a plurality of panels, the panel including a bottom panel, a first outer panel and a second outer panel each foldably connected to the bottom panel, a first top panel and a second top panel foldably connected to the corresponding first outer panel and the second outer panel, and a first inner panel and a second inner panel foldably connected to the corresponding first top panel and the second top panel. The blank may also include at least a first inner opening extending in the first inner panel and a second inner opening extending in the second inner panel. The method may also include engaging a plurality of containers with the blank, the plurality of containers including at least a first container and a second container, and forming a carrier by arranging a plurality of panels. Arranging a plurality of panels may include: positioning the first inner panel so that the first inner opening at least partially receives the first flange of the first container, and at least a portion of the first inner panel extends from the first inner opening toward the bottom panel; and positioning the second inner panel so that the second inner opening at least partially receives the second flange of the second container, and at least a portion of the second inner panel extends from the second inner opening toward the bottom panel.

[0013] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned advantages as well as other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below.

[0014] 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 disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C 2 is an upright view showing a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 3 Detailed view of the package.

[0019] Figure 5 is a plan view of a blank for forming a package according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 A perspective view of a package formed from a blank.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a portion of a carrier showing a retention tab engaging a retention aperture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present disclosure generally relates to structures, sleeves, cartons, and the like, and packages for holding and displaying articles such as containers, jars, bottles, cans, and the like. For example, the articles can be used to package food and beverage products. The articles can be made of materials whose composition is suitable for packaging a particular food or beverage, and the materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon; among others; aluminum and / or other metals; glass; or any combination thereof.

[0024] A carrier according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of a variety of different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes a food or beverage product container (e.g., a plastic container) that is at least partially arranged in a carrier embodiment. In this specification, the terms "lower", "bottom", "upper", "top", "front", "forward", "back", "back", "backward", "inside", "outside", "interior" and "exterior" represent orientations determined relative to a fully upright and erected package. As described herein, a carrier can be formed by a blank having a plurality of panels, portions, tabs and / or flaps, which can be specified herein by reference to one another in terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc., in sequence or non-sequentially, without departing from the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 1 is used to form a carrier 1 ( Figure 3 ) is a plan view of the outside 3 of a blank 8 of a carrier 1. The carrier 1 can be attached to a container C to form a package 2. In the embodiment, the container C is shown as a beverage container (e.g., a plastic bottle or other suitable container) having a top portion T with a ring or flange F, but other containers can be held by the carrier 1 without departing from the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the carrier 201 is sized to accommodate six containers C in a single layer in a 3×2 arrangement, but it should be understood that the size and shape of the carrier 201 can be configured to hold different or the same number of containers in different row / column arrangements (e.g., 1×6, 2×6, 4×6, 3×8, 3×4, 2×9, 3×6, etc.), or just a single item.

[0026] The blank 8 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. The blank 8 includes a bottom panel 11 foldably connected to a first outer side panel 13 along a first transverse fold line 15, and a second outer side panel 17 foldably connected to the bottom panel 11 along a second transverse fold line 19. A first top panel 21 is foldably connected to the first outer side panel 13 along a transverse fold line 23, and a second top panel 25 is foldably connected to the second outer side panel 17 along a transverse fold line 27. A first inner panel 29 is foldably connected to the first top panel 21 along a transverse fold line 31, and a second inner panel 33 is foldably connected to the second top panel 25 along a transverse fold line 35. A center panel 43 is foldably connected to the first inner panel 29 along a transverse fold line 57, and an end flap 45 is foldably connected to the center panel 43 along a transverse fold line 59.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, a row of first outer openings 41a extends in the first outer panel 13, a row of first inner openings 41b extends in the first inner panel 29, a row of second outer openings 42a extends in the second outer panel 17, and a row of second inner openings 42b extends in the second inner panel 33. In an embodiment, the outer openings 41a, 42a and the inner openings 41b, 42b can be shaped to at least partially receive the top portion T of the corresponding container C when the blank 8 is formed into the carrier 1. Figures 2B to 4BAs shown, each pair of openings 41a, 41b and 42a, 42b engages, contacts and / or holds a corresponding one of the containers C. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first outer openings 41a may have a transverse first outer engagement edge 47a of the first outer panel 13, each of the first inner openings 41b may have a transverse first inner engagement edge 47b of the first inner panel 29, each of the second outer openings 42a may have a transverse second outer engagement edge 48a of the second outer panel 17, and each of the second inner openings 42b may have a transverse second inner engagement edge 48b of the second inner panel 33. Figure 1 As shown, the engaging edges 47a, 47b, 48a, 48b may extend along the respective widened portions of the respective openings 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b for engaging and / or contacting below the flange F of the respective container C. In an embodiment, the openings 41a, 42a, 41b, 42b may interrupt the respective transverse fold lines 23, 27, 31, 35. The outer openings 41a, 42a and the inner openings 41b, 42b may be otherwise shaped, arranged and / or configured without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0028] In an embodiment, one or more cuts may be included in each of the transverse fold lines 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 57, 59. In an exemplary embodiment, the transverse fold lines 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 57, 59 are cut / crease lines, wherein the cuts facilitate folding of the blank 8 at the fold lines. Any number of cuts may be formed in any fold line, and the number and length of the cuts may be selected based on, for example, the gauge and / or stiffness of the material used to form the blank 8. The fold lines 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 57, 59 may be formed by other methods (e.g., crease lines without cuts) without departing from the present disclosure.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the bottom panel 11 may include a plurality of container receivers or container receiver patterns 71, 73 in respective first and second rows 75, 77. In an embodiment, each container receiver pattern 71, 73 is shaped and sized to receive a container C ( Figure 2A ) of a container C including a top portion T of a flange F. Figure 1As shown, each container receiver pattern 71, 73 can at least partially define a bottom aperture 79 and a support flap 81, each flap being foldably connected to the bottom panel 11 along a corresponding longitudinal fold line 83. In an embodiment, each support flap 81 can be separated from the bottom panel 11 along two cutouts 85 or any suitable number of cutouts, and can extend along at least a portion of the corresponding bottom aperture 79. In an embodiment, each support flap 81 can also have a longitudinal edge 87 for engaging and / or contacting under a flange F of a corresponding container C. Any of the container receiver patterns 71, 73 can be omitted or can be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 8 may include a handle or grip feature. For example, the handle feature may include a handle opening 91 extending in the bottom panel 11 and a handle flap 93 extending in the center panel 43. Figure 1 As shown, the handle panel 93 is foldably connected to the center panel 43 along a corresponding longitudinal fold line 95 and can be separated from the center panel 43 along a cut line or tear line 97 (e.g., a cut line with one or more scores). As shown in FIG. 4, when the carrier 1 is formed from the blank 8, the handle flap 93 is aligned with the handle opening 91 and can be folded through the handle opening to form a handle (e.g., a finger hole). Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, any handle feature can be omitted, or the handle feature can be formed, arranged, configured and / or positioned in other ways. In addition, the blank 8 can be formed, arranged and / or configured in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0031] refer to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , an exemplary method of forming the blank 8 into the carrier 1 and the package 2 is described below. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank 8 can be formed into the carrier 1 by inserting the container C through the corresponding container receiver patterns 71, 73. When the container C is inserted into the corresponding patterns 75, 77, the support flap 81 folds upward when the top of the container C moves upward relative to the bottom panel 11 through the corresponding bottom aperture 79. The container C can be inserted into the corresponding container receiver pattern 71 in the first row, and the container C can be inserted into the corresponding container receiver pattern 73 in the second row. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the free edge 87 of the support flap 81 can engage and / or contact the underside of the flange F of the corresponding container C. Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the second outer panel 17 can be folded upward relative to the bottom panel 11 at the fold line 19, and the second top panel 25 can be folded relative to the second outer panel 17 at the fold line 27, so that the top panel 25 is placed above the top of the container C and can be in face-to-face contact with the flat top of the container. In an embodiment, the second inner panel 33 can be folded downward along the fold line 35, and the top portion T of the container C in the second row can be at least partially received in the openings 42a, 42b in the corresponding side panels 17, 33, so that the joint edges 48a, 48b of the side panels 17, 33 extending along the corresponding openings 42a, 42b are joined and / or contacted below the flange F of the container C ( Figures 2B to 3 and Figure 4B ).

[0032] like Figure 2C As shown, the first outer panel 13 can be folded upward relative to the bottom panel 11 at the fold line 15, and the first top panel 21 can be folded relative to the first outer panel 13 at the fold line 23, so that the top panel 21 is placed above the top of the container C and can be in face-to-face contact with the flat top of the container. The first inner panel 29 can be folded downward along the fold line 31, and the top portion T of the container in the first row can be at least partially received in the openings 41a, 41b in the corresponding side panels 13, 29, so that the joint edges 47a, 47b of the side panels 13, 29 extending along the corresponding openings 41a, 41b are joined and / or contacted below the flange F of the container C ( Figures 2C to 4A ).like Figure 2C and Figure 3 As shown, the center panel 43 can be positioned along the bottom panel 11 between the inner side panels 29, 33 (e.g., such that the center panel 43 overlaps and / or is in face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 11). Figure 2C , Figure 3 and 4B As shown, the end flap 45 is folded upward relative to the center panel 43 along the fold line 59 so that the end flap 45 extends upward from the center panel 43 and / or the bottom panel 11 to the second inner opening 42b in the second inner panel 33 to engage and / or contact below the flange F of the container C in the second row. For example, the transversely extending outer edge 46 of the end flap 45 engages below the flange F of the container in the second row, and the flange F is adjacent to the second inner engagement edge 48b of the second inner panel 33 extending along the corresponding second inner opening 42b ( Figure 2C and Figure 4B). In embodiments, the end flap 45 may overlap the second inner panel 33 and / or may be in face-to-face contact with the second inner panel 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the support flap 81 of the first container receiver 71 may extend between and may be spaced apart from the side panels 13, 29, and the support flap 81 of the second container receiver 73 may extend between and may be spaced apart from the side panels 17, 33.

[0033] In an embodiment, the carrier 1 formed from the blank 8 securely holds the container C when the package 2 is grasped and carried. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, the retaining edges / features 46, 47a, 47b, 48a, 48b, 87 of the carrier 1 are tightly retained under the flange F of the container C so that the container is retained in the carrier without the need to apply glue or other adhesives to any panel or flap of the blank 8. For example, when the package 2 is carried (e.g., at the handle features), the weight of the container C can press downward on the edges 47a, 48a, 47b, 48b of the side panels 13, 17, 29, 33 extending along the corresponding openings 41a, 42a, 41b, 42b and on the transversely extending edges 46 of the end flaps 45, which can help press the center panel 43 against the bottom panel 11 and help maintain the carrier 1 in an upright configuration without the need for glue. In other words, the weight of the container C can reinforce the engagement of the panels and flaps of the carrier to maintain the carrier in its upright configuration. In addition, the support flaps 81 can help retain the container C by engaging under the flange F.

[0034] In an embodiment, a handle feature (e.g., for lifting and carrying the package 2) can be actuated by folding a handle flap 93 downward from the center panel 43 along a fold line 95 and passing it through a handle opening 91 in the bottom panel 11. When the handle flap 93 is folded out of the plane of the center panel 42, the handle flap 93 can be separated from the center panel along a cut line or tear line 97. In an exemplary embodiment, the downwardly folded handle flap 93 can engage one or more edges of the bottom panel 11 extending along the handle opening 91, which can help maintain the carrier 1 in an upright configuration (e.g., can help lock the center panel 43 to the bottom panel 11). For example, the engagement of the handle flap 93 and the bottom panel 11 at the handle opening 91 can prevent relative movement between the center panel 43 and the bottom panel 11 to help maintain the carrier in its upright configuration.

[0035] Figure 5 A method for forming a package 202 ( Figure 6) of the carrier 201. The second embodiment is generally similar to the previous embodiments, except for the changes noted and changes that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given similar or similar reference numerals. In the second embodiment, the blank 208 may be similar to the blank 8 of the first embodiment, except that the blank 208 includes two rows 275, 277 of six container receiver patterns 71, 73 (e.g., having a 6×2 arrangement). Alternatively, the blank 208 may have any suitable number and / or arrangement of container receiver patterns. As Figure 5 As shown, the blank 208 includes openings 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b in the respective side panels 13, 29, 17, 33, each of which has a corresponding number corresponding to the number of container receivers 71, 73. It should be noted that although the blank 208 is longer in the direction L2 than in the direction L1, in the second embodiment, the L2 direction is referred to as the transverse direction, and the L1 direction is referred to as the longitudinal direction, to be consistent with other embodiments in the present disclosure.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 208 may include retaining features ( Figure 6 ). For example, a plurality of retaining apertures 51 are defined in the bottom panel 11 (e.g., in line with the handle opening 91), and a plurality of retaining tabs 52 can be foldably connected to the center panel 43 along respective longitudinal fold lines 53. In an embodiment, the retaining tabs 52 can be arranged in pairs, the retaining tabs being aligned with respective retaining apertures 51 along respective longitudinal axes. Figure 5 As shown, the retaining tabs 52 can be separable from the center panel 43 along a curved tear line or cut line 54, and the retaining tabs 52 in each pair of retaining tabs 52 can be separable from each other along a longitudinal cut line or tear line 55 (e.g., a cut line having one or more scores). The blank 208 can be otherwise shaped, arranged and / or configured without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 2 is a perspective view of a package 202 including a carrier 201 and a plurality of containers C formed from a blank 208. In an embodiment, the carrier 201 can be erected in a manner similar or identical to the previous embodiments to form the package 202. The retention features can be engaged in the carrier 201 during and / or after the erection of the carrier 201. For example, once the center panel 43 and the bottom panel 11 overlap, the retention tabs 52 can be folded down along the corresponding longitudinal fold lines 53 into the retention apertures 51 in the bottom panel 11 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ). Figure 7). In embodiments, engaged retention features (e.g., where retention tabs 52 are at least partially received in retention openings 51) can help retain carrier 201 in its upright configuration, such as by resisting relative movement between center panel 43 and bottom panel 11 (e.g., to help resist separation of the panels). Carrier 201 and / or package 202 may be formed in other ways without departing from the present disclosure.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the clamp-type carrier of the disclosed embodiment can provide increased stability, resistance and strength, as well as a comfortable and reliable carrying experience. The carrier can be suitable for a variety of bottle types, sizes and configurations. The carrier and the package can be formed / assembled manually and / or by machine. In an embodiment, the structure of the carrier can be formed around the top portion T of the container C (e.g., the bottle head) to increase the rigidity of the package. In an exemplary embodiment, these two clamping methods (e.g., the support flap 81 combined with the openings 41a, 42a, 41b, 42b in the side panels 13, 17, 29, 33) can help strengthen the package, and when the package is picked up via the finger hole (handle feature), it can become more secure when they are engaged with the container C. In an embodiment, the structure of the carrier allows the package to be assembled without the need for glue.

[0039] Without departing from the present disclosure, the carrier of any illustrated or non-illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure may have other features (e.g., dispenser features, handle features, reinforcement features, etc.). In addition, the carrier may be otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or configured, and the carrier may be configured to hold items other than beverage containers C without departing from the present disclosure.

[0040] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, any feature of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the present disclosure. As an example, the above-mentioned carrier types and panel configurations are included.

[0041] Generally speaking, the blank can be constructed of cardboard having a thickness so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials such as cardboard or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the package to function at least generally as described above.

[0042] The blank may be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed with product, advertising and other information or images. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier on either or both sides of the blank. The blank may also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0043] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue.The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure paperboard carton panels in place.

[0044] The term "line" used herein includes not only straight lines but also other types of lines, such as bent lines, curved lines, or angularly displaced lines.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, a fold line can be any substantially linear, but not necessarily straight, weakening form that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, a fold line includes: a score line, such as a line formed with a dull scoring knife or the like, which creates an indentation or depression in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness; and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into the material and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. Where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cut will not be overly extensive in a manner that could cause a reasonable user to mistakenly perceive the fold line as a tear line.

[0046] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present disclosure. Since various changes can be made to the above construction without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, changes, etc. of the above-mentioned embodiments within the scope of the claims. In addition, the present disclosure only shows and describes selected embodiments, but other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of the present disclosure as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and / or within the technology or knowledge of the relevant field. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels, the panels comprising a bottom panel, an outer side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panel, an inner side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a center panel foldably connected to the inner side panel, and end flaps foldably connected to the center panel; at least a first container receiver and a second container receiver, the first container receiver and the second container receiver extending at least in the bottom panel, each of the first container receiver and the second container receiver for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers; an inner opening extending in the inner side panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container, the first container being at least partially received in the first container receiver; as well as A free edge of the end flap is configured to engage a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receiver, wherein the center panel extends at least partially between the first container receiver and the second container receiver.

2. The carrier of claim 1 , wherein the inner panel is a first inner panel and the inner opening is a first inner opening, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second inner panel, a second inner opening extending in the second inner panel for at least partially receiving the second flange of the second container. 3 . The carrier of claim 2 , wherein the end flap and the second inner panel at least partially overlap.

4. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the first inner panel includes a first inner engaging edge extending along the first inner opening, and the second inner panel includes a second inner engaging edge extending along the second inner opening, the first inner engaging edge and the second inner engaging edge being used to engage the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container. 5 . The carrier of claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the first inner panel extends from the first inner opening to the bottom panel, and at least a portion of the second inner panel extends from the second inner opening to the bottom panel.

6. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the first container receiver comprises a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiver comprises a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first support flap and the second support flap being used to engage the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container.

7. The carrier of claim 1 , wherein an outer opening extends in the outer side panel for at least partially receiving the first flange of the first container, and wherein the inner side panel includes an inner engaging edge extending along the inner opening, the outer side panel includes an outer engaging edge extending along the outer opening, the inner engaging edge and the outer engaging edge being configured to engage the first flange of the first container.

8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the first container receiver includes at least two support flaps, each of the at least two support flaps being adapted to engage the first flange of the first container.

9. The carrier of claim 8, wherein each of the at least two support flaps is foldably connected to the bottom panel on opposite sides of the first container receiver that face each other.

10. The carrier of claim 8, wherein a support flap of the at least two support flaps is spaced apart from the inner panel and the outer panel.

11. The carrier of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the inner panel extends from the inner joint edge to the bottom panel, and at least a portion of the outer panel extends from the outer joint edge to the bottom panel.

12. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the outer panel is a first outer panel, the top panel is a first top panel, and the inner panel is a first inner panel, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a second outer panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a second top panel foldably connected to the second outer panel, and a second inner panel foldably connected to the top panel.

13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the inner opening is a first inner opening, a second inner opening extends in the second inner panel for at least partially receiving a second flange of the second container, a first outer opening extends in the first outer panel for at least partially receiving the first flange of the first container, and a second outer opening extends in the second outer panel for at least partially receiving a second flange of the second container.

14. The carrier of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of each of the first inner panel, the second inner panel, the first outer panel, and the second outer panel extends from the bottom panel to the respective first inner opening, second inner opening, first outer opening, and second outer opening.

15. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the first container receiver comprises a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the second container receiver comprises a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first support flap and the second support flap being used to engage respective first and second flanges of respective first and second containers.

16. The carrier of claim 15, wherein the first support flap is spaced apart from the first inner panel and the first outer panel, and the second support flap is spaced apart from the second inner panel and the second outer panel.

17. The carrier of claim 1 further comprising a handle at least partially defined in the center panel and the bottom panel.

18. The carrier of claim 17, wherein the handle comprises a handle flap foldably connected to the center panel and a handle opening at least partially defined in the bottom panel, and wherein the handle flap is at least partially received through the handle opening.

19. The carrier of claim 1 further comprising a retention tab foldably connected to the center panel and a retention aperture at least partially defined in the bottom panel, the retention tab being at least partially received through the retention aperture for preventing relative movement between the center panel and the bottom panel.

20. A package comprising a carrier at least partially retaining a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels, the panels comprising a bottom panel, an outer side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panel, an inner side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a center panel foldably connected to the inner side panel, and end flaps foldably connected to the center panel; at least a first container receiver and a second container receiver, the first container receiver and the second container receiver extending at least in the bottom panel, each of the first container receiver and the second container receiver at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers; an inner opening extending in the inner side panel and at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container, the first container being at least partially received in the first container receiver; as well as A free edge of the end flap engages a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receiver, wherein the center panel extends at least partially between the first container receiver and the second container receiver.

21. The package of claim 20, wherein the inner panel is a first inner panel and the inner opening is a first inner opening, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second inner panel, a second inner opening extending therein to at least partially receive a second flange of the second container.

22. The package of claim 21 wherein the end flap and the second inner panel at least partially overlap.

23. A package according to claim 21, wherein the first inner panel includes a first inner joining edge extending along the first inner opening, and the second inner panel includes a second inner joining edge extending along the second inner opening, and the first inner joining edge and the second inner joining edge join the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container.

24. A package according to claim 21, wherein the first container receiver includes a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiver includes a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the first support flap and the second support flap engage the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container.

25. A package according to claim 20, wherein an outer opening extends in the outer panel and at least partially receives the first flange of the first container, and wherein the inner panel includes an inner joining edge extending along the inner opening, the outer panel includes an outer joining edge extending along the outer opening, and the inner joining edge and the outer joining edge join the first flange of the first container.

26. A package according to claim 25, wherein the first container receiver includes at least two support flaps, and each of the at least two support flaps is foldably connected to the bottom panel on opposite sides of the first container receiver relative to each other, and each of the support flaps engages the first flange of the first container.

27. A package according to claim 20, wherein the outer panel is a first outer panel, the top panel is a first top panel, and the inner panel is a first inner panel, wherein the plurality of panels further include a second outer panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a second top panel foldably connected to the second outer panel, and a second inner panel foldably connected to the top panel, and wherein the first top panel extends at least partially above the first container and the second top panel extends at least partially above the second container.

28. A package according to claim 27, wherein the inner opening is a first inner opening, the second inner opening in the second inner panel at least partially receives the second flange of the second container, the first outer opening in the first outer panel at least partially receives the first flange of the first container, and the second outer opening in the second outer panel at least partially receives the second flange of the second container.

29. A package according to claim 27, wherein the first container receiver includes a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiver includes a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the first support flap and the second support flap engage the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container.

30. A blank for forming a carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels, the panels comprising a bottom panel, an outer side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panel, an inner side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a center panel foldably connected to the inner side panel, and end flaps foldably connected to the center panel; at least a first container receiver and a second container receiver extending in at least the bottom panel, each of the first container receiver and the second container receiver for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank; an inner opening extending in the inner panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container, the first container being at least partially received in the first container receiver when the carrier is formed from the blank; as well as a free edge of the end flap for engaging a second flange of a second container to be at least partially received in the second container receiver when the carrier is formed from the blank, wherein the center panel is for extending at least partially between the first container receiver and the second container receiver when the carrier is formed from the blank.

31. A blank according to claim 30, wherein the inner panel is a first inner panel and the inner opening is a first inner opening, and wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a second inner panel, the second inner opening extending in the second inner panel for at least partially receiving the second flange of the second container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

32. A blank according to claim 31, wherein the first inner panel includes a first inner joining edge extending along the first inner opening, and the second inner panel includes a second inner joining edge extending along the second inner opening, and the first inner joining edge and the second inner joining edge are used to join the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

33. A blank according to claim 31, wherein the first container receiver includes a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiver includes a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the first support flap and the second support flap are used to engage the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container when the carrier is formed by the blank.

34. A blank according to claim 30, wherein an outer opening extends in the outer panel for at least partially receiving the first flange of the first container when the carrier is formed from the blank, and wherein the inner panel includes an inner joining edge extending along the inner opening, and the outer panel includes an outer joining edge extending along the outer opening, the inner joining edge and the outer joining edge being used to engage the first flange of the first container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

35. The blank of claim 34 wherein the first container receiver includes at least two support flaps, each of the at least two support flaps being adapted to engage a first flange of the first container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

36. The blank of claim 35 wherein each of the at least two support flaps is foldably connected to the bottom panel on opposite sides of the first container receptacle that are opposite each other.

37. The blank of claim 30, wherein the outer panel is a first outer panel, the top panel is a first top panel, and the inner panel is a first inner panel, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a second outer panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a second top panel foldably connected to the second outer panel, and a second inner panel foldably connected to the top panel.

38. A blank according to claim 37, wherein the inner opening is a first inner opening, a second inner opening extends in the second inner panel for at least partially receiving a second flange of the second container when the carrier is formed from the blank, a first outer opening extends in the first outer panel for at least partially receiving the first flange of the first container when the carrier is formed from the blank, and a second outer opening extends in the second outer panel for at least partially receiving the second flange of the second container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

39. A blank according to claim 37, wherein the first container receiver includes a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiver includes a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the first support flap and the second support flap are used to engage the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container when the carrier is formed by the blank.

40. The blank of claim 30 further comprising a handle flap foldably connected to the center panel and a handle opening at least partially defined in the bottom panel, wherein the handle flap is adapted to be at least partially received through the handle opening when the carrier is formed from the blank.

41. A blank according to claim 30, wherein the blank further includes a retaining tab foldably connected to the center panel and a retaining aperture at least partially defined in the bottom panel, wherein the retaining tab is configured to be at least partially received through the retaining aperture to prevent relative movement between the center panel and the bottom panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

42. A method of forming a package, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, an outer panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer panel, an inner panel foldably connected to the top panel, a center panel foldably connected to the inner panel, and an end flap foldably connected to the center panel, the blank further comprising at least a first container receiver and a second container receiver extending in at least the bottom panel, and an inner opening extending in the inner panel; engaging a plurality of containers with the blank such that each of the first container receiver and the second container receiver at least partially receives a respective first container and a second container of the plurality of containers; as well as forming a carrier by arranging the plurality of panels, the arranging the plurality of panels comprising: positioning the inner panel so that the inner opening at least partially receives the first flange of the first container; positioning the center panel so that the center panel at least partially extends between the first container receiver and the second container receiver; and positioning the end flap so that a free edge of the end flap engages a second edge of the second container.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the inner panel is a first inner panel and the inner opening is a first inner opening, the plurality of panels further comprising a second inner panel, the second inner opening extending in the second inner panel, and wherein arranging the plurality of panels further comprises positioning the second inner panel so that the second inner opening at least partially receives the second flange of the second container.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein positioning the end flap further comprises at least partially overlapping the end flap and the second inner panel.

45. A method according to claim 43, wherein the first container receiver includes a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the second container receiver includes a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and wherein engaging the plurality of containers with the blank includes engaging the first support flap and the second support flap with corresponding first flanges and second flanges of corresponding first containers and second containers.

46. ​​A method according to claim 42, wherein the outer opening extends in the outer panel and the first container receiver includes at least two support flaps foldably connected to the bottom panel, and wherein arranging the multiple panels also includes positioning the outer panel so that the outer opening at least partially receives the first flange of the first container, and engaging the multiple containers with the blank includes engaging the at least two support flaps with the first flange of the first container.

47. A method according to claim 42, wherein the blank also includes a handle flap foldably connected to the center panel and a handle opening at least partially defined in the bottom panel, and the method also includes at least partially overlapping the center panel and the bottom panel so that the handle flap is at least partially aligned with the handle opening.

48. The method of claim 42, further comprising a retaining tab foldably connected to the center panel and a retaining aperture at least partially defined in the bottom panel, wherein the method further comprises folding the retaining tab relative to the center panel so that the retaining tab is at least partially received through the retaining aperture to prevent relative movement between the center panel and the bottom panel.

49. A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, first and second outer panels each foldably connected to the bottom panel, first and second top panels foldably connected to the respective first and second outer panels, and first and second inner panels foldably connected to the respective first and second top panels; a first interior opening extending in the first interior panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container of the plurality of containers; as well as a second inner opening in the second inner panel for at least partially receiving a second flange of a second container of the plurality of containers; At least a portion of the first inner panel and the second inner panel extend from the corresponding first inner opening and the second inner opening toward the bottom panel.

50. The carrier of claim 49, wherein each of the first inner panel and the second inner panel contacts the bottom panel.

51. The carrier of claim 49, further comprising: a first bottom aperture in said bottom panel for at least partially receiving a top portion of said first container; a first support flap foldably connected to said bottom panel adjacent said first bottom aperture; a second bottom aperture in the bottom panel for at least partially receiving a top portion of the second container; and a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel adjacent the second bottom aperture, wherein the first support flap and the second support flap are for engaging respective first and second flanges of respective first and second containers.

52. The carrier of claim 49, further comprising: a first outer opening extending in the first outer side panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of the first container; and a second outer opening extending in the second outer side panel for at least partially receiving a second flange of the second container.

53. A carrier according to claim 52, wherein the carrier also includes a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel and a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, wherein the first support flap and the second support flap are used to engage the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container.

54. The carrier of claim 49, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a center panel foldably connected to the first inner panel and end flaps foldably connected to the center panel, and the end flaps extend from the bottom panel to the second inner opening in the second inner panel for engaging the second flange of the second container.

55. The carrier of claim 54, wherein the center panel and the bottom panel at least partially overlap, and the end flap and the second inner side panel at least partially overlap.

56. The carrier of claim 54 further comprising handles extending in the center panel and the bottom panel.

57. A package comprising a carrier at least partially retaining a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, first and second outer panels each foldably connected to the bottom panel, first and second top panels foldably connected to the respective first and second outer panels, and first and second inner panels foldably connected to the respective first and second top panels; a first interior opening in the first interior panel that at least partially receives a first flange of a first container of the plurality of containers; as well as a second inner opening in the second inner panel that at least partially receives a second flange of a second container of the plurality of containers; At least a portion of the first inner panel and the second inner panel extend from the corresponding first inner opening and the second inner opening toward the bottom panel.

58. The package of claim 57, further comprising: a first bottom aperture in the bottom panel, the first bottom aperture at least partially receiving a top portion of the first container; a first support flap foldably connected to said bottom panel adjacent said first bottom aperture; a second bottom aperture in the bottom panel, the second bottom aperture at least partially receiving a top portion of the second container; and a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel adjacent the second bottom aperture, wherein the first and second support flaps engage respective first and second flanges of respective first and second containers.

59. The package of claim 57, further comprising: a first exterior opening extending in the first exterior panel, the first exterior opening at least partially receiving a first flange of the first container; and a second exterior opening extending in the second exterior panel, the second exterior opening at least partially receiving a second flange of the second container.

60. A package according to claim 59, further comprising a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel and a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, wherein the first support flap and the second support flap engage the corresponding first flange and second flange of the corresponding first container and second container.

61. A package according to claim 57, wherein the plurality of panels further include a center panel foldably connected to the first inner panel and an end foldable panel foldably connected to the center panel, and wherein the end foldable panel extends from the bottom panel to the second inner opening in the second inner panel, and the end foldable panel engages a second flange of the second container.

62. The package of claim 61 wherein the center panel and the bottom panel at least partially overlap and the end flap and the second inner side panel at least partially overlap.

63. A method of forming a package, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels, the panels comprising a bottom panel, first and second outside panels each foldably connected to the bottom panel, first and second top panels foldably connected to respective first and second outside panels, and first and second inside panels foldably connected to respective first and second top panels, the blank further comprising at least a first inner opening extending in the first inside panel and a second inner opening extending in the second inside panel; engaging a plurality of containers with the blank, the plurality of containers including at least a first container and a second container; as well as The carrier is formed by arranging the plurality of panels, wherein the arranging the plurality of panels includes: positioning the first inner panel so that the first inner opening at least partially receives the first flange of the first container and at least a portion of the first inner panel extends from the first inner opening toward the bottom panel; and positioning the second inner panel so that the second inner opening at least partially receives the second flange of the second container and at least a portion of the second inner panel extends from the second inner opening toward the bottom panel.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein engaging the plurality of containers with the blank comprises: at least partially receiving at least a portion of the first container through a first bottom aperture in the bottom panel such that a first support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel adjacent the first bottom aperture engages a first flange of the first container; and at least partially receiving at least a portion of the second container through a second bottom aperture in the bottom panel such that a second support flap foldably connected to the bottom panel adjacent the second bottom aperture engages a second flange of the second container.

65. A method according to claim 63, wherein the blank further includes a first outer opening in the first outer panel and a second outer opening in the second outer panel, and the method further includes positioning the first outer panel so that the first outer opening at least partially receives the first flange of the first container, and positioning the second outer panel so that the second outer opening at least partially receives the second flange of the second container.

66. A method according to claim 63, wherein the plurality of panels further include a center panel foldably connected to the first inner panel and an end foldable panel foldably connected to the center panel, and wherein arranging the plurality of panels further includes positioning the end foldable panel so that the end foldable panel extends from the bottom panel to the second inner opening in the second inner panel so that the end foldable panel engages a second flange of the second container.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein arranging the plurality of panels further comprises positioning the center panel and the end flaps to at least partially overlap respective bottom and second interior panels.

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