Container carrier

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a mounting panel having a plurality of container retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, and a container retaining mechanism including the plurality of container retaining openings and at least one container retaining tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel, the container retaining mechanism being positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers to bias the plurality of containers into engagement with the mounting panel.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214,868, filed June 25, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 219,896, filed July 9, 2021. [Background technology]

[0002] The disclosures in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 214,868, filed June 25, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 219,896, filed July 9, 2021, and U.S. Design Application No. 29 / 838, filed May 11, 2022, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a carrier or carton for holding and transporting containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a mounting panel having a plurality of container retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; and a container retaining mechanism including the plurality of container retaining openings and at least one container retaining tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel, the container retaining mechanism being positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers to bias the plurality of containers into engagement with the mounting panel.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: an attachment panel having a plurality of container retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; and a container retaining mechanism including the plurality of container retaining openings and at least one container retaining tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the attachment panel, the container retaining mechanism being positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers to bias the plurality of containers into engagement with the attachment panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a blank having a mounting panel having a plurality of container retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; and a container retaining mechanism including the plurality of container retaining openings and at least one container retaining tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel; positioning the mounting panel having the plurality of container retaining openings positioned to at least partially receive each of the plurality of containers; and disposing the at least one container retaining tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers to bias the plurality of containers into engagement with the mounting panel.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is a package comprising a plurality of containers and a carrier for holding the plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a mounting panel having a plurality of container retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; and a container retaining mechanism including the plurality of container retaining openings and at least one container retaining tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel, the container retaining mechanism being positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers to bias the plurality of containers into engagement with the mounting panel.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will appreciate these and other advantages of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawing figures listed below.

[0009] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure. Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a blank portion of FIG. 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container suitable for use with a carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view of a partially formed configuration of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to an alternative configuration of the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 6 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 5 according to an alternative configuration of the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to another alternative configuration of the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 7 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 6 according to an alternative configuration of the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 7 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to an alternative configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 10 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 9 according to an alternative configuration of the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] The present disclosure generally relates to constructs, sleeves, cartons, and the like, and packages for holding and displaying containers such as cans, jars, bottles, and the like. The containers can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products. The containers can be made from materials of a composition suitable for packaging a particular food or beverage product, including, but not limited to, aluminum and / or other metals, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, nylon, and the like; glass; or any combination thereof.

[0012] A package according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of many different shapes. For purposes of illustration, and not for purposes of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes a beverage container (e.g., a generally cylindrical container such as an aluminum can) at least partially disposed within an embodiment of the package. As used herein, the terms "lower", "bottom", "upper" and "top" refer to orientations determined with respect to a fully upright package.

[0013] 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 used to form a carrier 105 (FIG. 4) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As described further herein, the carrier 105 can be configured to hold / support / hold / receive a plurality of containers C. The carrier 105 can include one or more containers C to form a package 107 (FIG. 4).

[0014] Referring momentarily to FIG. 2, a container C for use with the carrier of the present disclosure is illustrated as a beverage container having a lower base portion B, a neck N tapering inwardly from the lower base portion, a flange F at the top of the neck portion extending radially outwardly from the neck portion, and a top surface TS below the flange portion including a pull tab P to facilitate opening of the container C.

[0015] The carrier 105 as shown and described herein is capable of supporting six containers, three containers at its front and three containers at its rear. It will be understood that the carrier may be sized and shaped to hold more or less than six containers and / or in different arrangements without departing from this disclosure. In one embodiment, the front and rear of the carrier 105 each have three containers, and in other embodiments, the front and rear of the carrier 105 may hold more or less than three containers without departing from this disclosure.

[0016] 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 includes a top or central or mounting panel 117 that includes a container retaining mechanism for engaging a container C when the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the container retaining mechanism includes six container retaining openings 137 in the mounting panel 117, each defined at least in part by a first curved retaining edge 139 and a second curved retaining edge 143 opposite the first curved retaining edge 139.

[0017] The container retention mechanism may also include a plurality of container-retaining tabs attached to the mounting panel 117, each container-retaining tab 145 having a central portion 147 extending across a portion of a respective opening 137 and a pair of extensions 149 extending from the mounting panel 117 to a laterally outer portion of the respective central portion 147. In the illustrated embodiment, the extensions 149 are at least partially separable from the mounting panel 117 at respective cuts 151 or other lines of weakness. In other embodiments, additional or alternative lines of weakness may be associated with one or more of the container-retaining tabs, for example to foldably connect the container-retaining tabs 145 to the mounting panel 117.

[0018] As shown, each container-retaining tab 145 has a first free edge forming a first curved container-retaining tab edge 153 for engaging one or more containers as the plurality of containers C (broadly, the "first containers") when the carrier 105 is formed, and an opposing second free edge forming a second curved container-retaining tab edge 154 for engaging one or more other containers as the plurality of containers C (broadly, the "second containers") when the carrier 105 is formed. Although the container-retaining tab edges 153, 154 are shown as generally curved free edges along respective central portions 147 of each respective container-retaining tab 145, it will be understood that the container-retaining tab edges can have different configurations or arrangements, e.g., having different widths and / or radii of curvature, without departing from this disclosure.

[0019] In the above-described configuration, the extension 149 of the container retaining tab 145 can be positioned to interrupt the curved retaining edges 139, 143 around the respective container retaining openings 137, e.g., to intersect / abut the respective ends.

[0020] The retention edges 139, 143 can define approximately the same or equal respective radii of curvature, or the retention edges 139, 143 can define different radii of curvature. In one embodiment, the opening 137 in the mounting panel 117 has a diameter D1 that is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the flange F of the container C.

[0021] It will be understood that the shape and geometry of edges 139, 143, or other retention features of blank 103 / carrier 105, may be varied to increase the retention force applied to container C and / or to accommodate various sizes and configurations of containers without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0022] The blank 103 / carrier 105 may also include a handle feature including one or more finger or handle flaps 155 defined by respective incisions 157 such that the blank 103 / carrier 105 is at least partially separable from the mounting panel 117. One or more lines of weakness, e.g., fold lines, may be provided to facilitate movement of the handle flaps 155 relative to the mounting panel 117. In one embodiment, the handle feature of the blank 103 / carrier 105 may include one or more incisions formed in the mounting panel 117.

[0023] 1 and further with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, a method of forming a package 107 including a carrier 105 and one or more containers C includes obtaining a blank 103 and obtaining a group of containers C (e.g., six containers, but may be more or less than six). The blank 103 may be placed over the group of containers C and the mounting panel 117 of the blank 103 may be pressed downwardly such that at least the flanges F of the containers C are inserted through their respective openings 137. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D1 of the container-retaining openings 137 may be less than the diameter D2 of the flanges F of the containers C such that the mounting panel 117 may be bent, distorted, flexed, or otherwise manipulated into an at least partially non-planar shape without delaminating, damaging, or otherwise weakening the material of the blank 103 / mounting panel 117 when the flanges F are inserted through the openings 137 such that each container-retaining opening 137 receives a container C through its respective container-retaining opening 137.

[0024] After the blank 103 has been pressed downwardly onto the container C, the retaining edges 139, 143 of each opening 137 can contact each container C at its neck N below the flange F.

[0025] In one embodiment, the containers C can be tilted or reoriented relative to the blank 103 to facilitate attachment of the mounting panel 117 and the containers C. For example, the containers C can be tilted toward the center of the mounting panel 117 and inserted at least partially through the openings 137. The lower base portions B of the containers C can then be rotated until the containers C are at least partially through the openings 137 and in a generally upright orientation, and the mounting panel 117 is positioned such that the necks N of each container C are below the respective flanges F. As discussed above, inserting the containers C into their respective openings 137 and pivoting the containers C allows the tops T of each container C to gently and relaxedly engage the portions of the mounting panel 117 surrounding their respective openings 137, minimizing flexing, stretching, or other reconfiguration of the substrate / material forming the mounting panel 117.

[0026] In one embodiment, the paperboard forming the blank 103 / carrier 105 is able to flex and stretch when such openings 137 are placed over the flange F of the container C, and is weakened at one or more points around the edge of the openings 137 to allow the flange F to fit through each opening 137 and the mounting panel 117 to be placed under the flange F with the peripheral portion of the mounting panel 117 generally horizontal and positioned in contact with the neck N of the container C.

[0027] Each container retaining tab 145 can then be folded or bent backward, for example, in the direction of each first container retaining edge 139, so that each container retaining tab edge 154 is positioned opposite each neck N of each container C extending through the container retaining opening 137 to which the container retaining tab 145 is connected, and each container retaining tab edge 153 is positioned opposite each neck N of each container C extending through a laterally adjacent container retaining opening 137 of the carrier 105.

[0028] In such a position, each container retaining tab edge 154 may be located adjacent to or on the respective container retaining edge 139 of the container opening 137 from which the container retaining tab 145 extends, for example, to be located between the flange F of the respective container C (broadly, the "second container") and the mounting panel 117 / respective container retaining edge 139. Additionally, each container retaining tab edge 153 may be located adjacent to or on the respective container retaining edge 143 of the laterally adjacent container opening 137, for example, to be located between the flange F of the respective container C (broadly, the "first container") and the mounting panel 117 / respective container retaining edge 139.

[0029] Additionally, the container-retaining tabs 145 associated with laterally adjacent container-retaining openings 137 may be bent / folded toward one another such that the container-retaining tabs 145 are disposed in an at least partially overlapping arrangement, with one or more portions of such overlapping container-retaining tabs 145 in at least partial face-to-face contact (broadly, a "first container-retaining tab" and a "second container-retaining tab"). Thus, the overlapping container-retaining tabs 145 may provide a multi-layer structure over the mounting panel 117, e.g., a two-layer structure, and a three-layer structure in association with the mounting panel 117.

[0030] This arrangement can enhance engagement of the container retaining edges 137, 139 with the respective containers C, for example, by taking up remaining available free space / clearance between the retaining edges 153, 154 and the necks N / flanges F of the respective containers C against which they abut. Additionally, the biasing force / stress applied by the arrangement of the extensions 149 and / or the paperboard material of the carrier 105 can cause each container retaining tab 145 to urge the respective container C outwardly from the longitudinal axis L1, for example along the transverse axis L2, to more tightly / more securely engage the respective necks N of the containers C with one or both of the respective container retaining edges 139, 143.

[0031] Moreover, the container-retaining tabs 145 can be formed from material from the blank 103 / carrier 105 that would otherwise be discarded during formation of the features of the carrier 105, providing an enhanced container-retaining feature that maximizes material savings. In addition, the peripheral edges of the mounting panel 117 that extend around each opening 137 form a continuous portion of the board / material of the mounting panel 117 that is free of folds, cuts, nicks, or other forms of weakening such that these edges have enhanced strength characteristics, resulting in a more secure attachment of the container C to the carrier 105. Thus, when the container C is attached to the mounting panel 117, the peripheral edges of the mounting panel 117 are disposed approximately horizontally and flush with the remainder of the top panel 117 so as to contact the container C on the opposing surface of the neck N below the flange F.

[0032] Once container C is at least partially received within opening 137 and secured to mounting panel 117 to form carrier 105 and package 107, carrier 105 / package 107 can be grasped by at least partially separating one or more handle flaps 155 at their respective notches 157 and at least partially bending said handle flaps 155 away from mounting panel 117 to form an opening through which a user can grasp carrier 105 / package 107.

[0033] In one embodiment, the flange F of the container C may have a diameter D2 of approximately 53 mm corresponding to its outer edge, and the opening 137 of the mounting panel 117 may have a diameter D1 of approximately 52 mm. The flange F, opening 137, or other portions of the container C or carrier 105 may have different diameters, e.g., 58 mm or 56 mm, without departing from this disclosure.

[0034] Additionally, the blank 103 may have features shaped, configured, dimensioned, and / or arranged in other manners without departing from the present specification. All dimensional information presented herein is intended to illustrate example embodiments of the present specification and is not intended to limit the scope of the present specification, as any dimension presented herein may be greater or less than the specific dimensions disclosed herein.

[0035] For example, Figure 5 illustrates an exterior surface 101A of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a blank 103, generally designated 103A, for forming a carrier 105A (Figure 5A) and a package 107A (Figure 5A) according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Blank 103A and the packages and carriers formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to blank 103, package 107, and carrier 105, and like or similar features are indicated with like or similar reference numbers.

[0036] As shown, blank 103A can have attachment panel 117 with container-retaining opening 137, handle flap 155 and associated features. Laterally adjacent each container-retaining opening 137 can be a respective container-retaining opening 137A. Each container-retaining opening 137A can include edges 139, 143 with respective beveled or tapered cutouts 144A therebetween, for example, to intersect / abut the respective ends.

[0037] Additionally, blank 103A includes container-retaining tabs 145A disposed to extend into respective container-retaining openings 137, with each container-retaining tab 145A having a central portion 147A that is generally longer along transverse axis L2 than said central portion 147. As shown, central portion 147A of each container-retaining tab 145A can interrupt and extend beyond a respective container-retaining edge 139 to provide a container-retaining tab edge 154A defined by a respective curved indentation. Also as shown, container-retaining tab edge 153A of each container-retaining tab 145A can be generally wider and have a greater radius of curvature than said container-retaining tab edge 153.

[0038] A pair of extensions 149A extend from the mounting panel 117 to laterally outer portions of the respective central portions 147A. In the illustrated embodiment, the extensions 149A may be generally elongated along the lateral direction L2 relative to the above-mentioned extensions 149A, and respective lines of weakness 150A may be provided between the respective central portions 147A and the respective extensions 149A to facilitate at least partial separation thereof. The lines of weakness 150A may have one or more straight, angled, and / or curved portions, as shown.

[0039] A pair of extensions 149A extend from the mounting panel 117 to laterally outer portions of the respective central portions 147A. In the illustrated embodiment, the extensions 149A may be generally elongated along the lateral direction L2 relative to the above-mentioned extensions 149A, and respective lines of weakness 150A may be provided between the respective central portions 147A and the respective extensions 149A to facilitate at least partial separation thereof. The lines of weakness 150A may have one or more straight, angled, and / or curved portions, as shown.

[0040] Formation of the carrier 105A and package from the blank 103A may continue substantially as described above with respect to formation of the carrier 105 and package 107 from the blank 103. Each container-retaining tab 145A may be folded back, for example, toward a respective first container-retaining edge 139 such that each container-retaining tab edge 154A lies opposite a respective neck N of a respective container C that passes through the container-retaining opening 137 to which the container-retaining tab 145A is connected, and such that each container-retaining tab edge 153A lies opposite a respective neck N of a respective container C that passes through a laterally adjacent container-retaining opening 137A.

[0041] As described herein, movement of the container-retaining tabs 145A can include, for example, at least partial folding at one or more intermediate locations along each extension 149A such that at least a portion of the central portion 147A is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the extension 149A. In some embodiments, at least a portion of each extension 149A can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with another portion of each extension 149A. Such movement / folding of one or more portions of the container-retaining tabs 145A can include at least partially separating each extension 149A from its respective central portion 147A at a respective line of weakness 150A. The above-described folding sequence of each container-retaining tab 145A can provide the container-retaining tab 145A along the mounting panel 117 in an orientation that presents the outer surface 101A of the blank 103A and the carrier formed therefrom, for example, to minimize exposure of portions of the blank 103A and the carrier formed therefrom to a customer or other user for overall aesthetics and to provide additional surface area for printed graphics and / or other indicia, etc.

[0042] In such a position, each container retaining tab edge 154A may be located adjacent to or on the respective container retaining edge of the container opening 137 from which the container retaining tab 145A extends, such that the respective container retaining tab edge 139 is disposed between the flange F of the respective container C and the mounting panel 117 / respective container retaining edge 139. Additionally, each container retaining tab edge 153A may be located adjacent to or on the container retaining edge 143 of the laterally adjacent container opening 137A, such that the respective container retaining tab edge 154A may be located between the flange F of the respective container C and the mounting panel 117 / respective container retaining edge 139. Such engagement of the container retaining tab edge 153A with the respective container C may provide and enhance the advantages discussed above with respect to the blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107.

[0043] 6, the exterior surface 101B of another alternative exemplary embodiment of blank 103 is generally designated 103B. The blank may be for forming a package (FIG. 6A) and a carrier (FIG. 6A) that may have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to blanks 103, 103A, packages 107, 107A, and carriers 105, 105A, with like or similar features being designated with like or similar reference numerals.

[0044] As shown, the blank 103B can have an attachment panel 117 with container-retaining openings 137, handle flaps 155 and associated features. The blank 103B also includes container-retaining tabs 145B positioned to extend into each of the outer longitudinal container-retaining openings 137 and a container-retaining tab 159B positioned to extend into the centrally-located longitudinal container-retaining opening 137. It will be understood that a different number and / or arrangement of container-retaining tabs 145B, 159B can be provided without departing from this disclosure.

[0045] Each container-retaining tab 145B is generally similar to container-retaining tab 145 described above, but has a container-retaining tab edge 153B that is generally wider and has a greater radius of curvature than container-retaining tab edge 153 described above.

[0046] The container-retaining tab 159B can include a first portion 163B extending from a respective extension 149 and a second portion 167B extending from a respective extension 149, as shown, and can have a central portion 161B separated from the first portion 163B by a notch 169B having one or more of a straight portion, a curved portion, and / or an angled portion, as shown. In this regard, the first portion 163B of the central portion 161B can have a first container-retaining tab edge 171B defined at least partially along the notch 169B, and the second portion 167B of the central portion 161B of the container-retaining tab 159B can form a second container-retaining tab edge 173B.

[0047] As also shown, the extensions 149 associated with the respective first and second portions 163B, 167B of the container-retaining tabs 159B may be circumferentially offset relative to the extensions 149 associated with the container-retaining tabs 145B.

[0048] Carrier 105B and package 107B may be formed from blank 103B in much the same manner as carriers 105, 105A and packages 107, 107A are formed from blanks 103, 103A. Each container-retaining tab 145B may be folded or bent, for example, backward toward a respective first container-retaining edge 139, such that each container-retaining tab edge 154 faces a respective neck N of a respective container C that passes through a container-retaining opening 137 to which the container-retaining tab 145B is connected, and each container-retaining tab edge 153B faces a respective neck N of a respective container C that passes through a laterally adjacent container-retaining opening 137.

[0049] Additionally, the container holding tab 159B can be folded or bent backwards, as described above with respect to the container holding tab 145B, so that the respective container holding tab edges 171B, 173B of the respective first and second portions 163B, 167B of the central portion 161B are positioned opposite the respective necks N of the respective containers C extending through the container holding openings 137 to which the container holding tab 145B is connected.

[0050] However, such movement of the container-retaining tabs 159B may include at least partial separation of the respective first and second portions 163B, 167B at the respective notches 169B to allow the respective first and second portions 163B, 167B of the respective central portions 161B to move apart in the longitudinal direction L1. In some embodiments, the positioning of the extensions 149 relative to the container-retaining tabs 159B may facilitate such relative movement of the respective first and second portions 163B, 167B along the longitudinal direction L1. Such movement of the container-retaining tabs 159B allows for further flexibility of the mounting panels 117 while maintaining secure engagement with the respective containers C through which they extend in the course of at least partially receiving the respective containers C through the respective container-retaining openings 137 during transport of carriers and packages formed from the blanks 103B, etc.

[0051] Thus, the advantages discussed above with respect to blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107 may be provided or enhanced by carrier 105B and package 107B formed from blank 103B.

[0052] 7 is a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of a blank 203 used to form a carrier 205 (FIG. 8) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As described further herein, the carrier 205 can be configured to hold / support / hold / receive a plurality of containers C. The carrier 205 can include one or more containers C to form a package 207 (FIG. 8).

[0053] The blank 203 / carrier 205 / package 207 may have one or more features substantially similar or identical to those described above with respect to the blanks 103, 103A, 103B and carriers 105, 105A, 105B / packages 107, 107A, 107B of the first exemplary embodiment, and the similar or like features are referenced with similar or like numbers.

[0054] The blank 203 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2 and includes an attachment panel 217 foldably connected to a top panel 219 at a transverse fold line 221. One or both of the panels 217, 219 can include container retention features to facilitate attachment to one or more containers C, as described further herein.

[0055] As shown, the mounting panel 217 can include a plurality of laterally spaced container-retaining openings 223, each having a first generally circular portion 225 in communication with a second generally circular portion 227, and a narrowed central portion 226 disposed between the first and second portions 225, 227 such that the container-retaining openings 223 have a generally peanut-shaped profile. It will be appreciated that the container-retaining openings 223 can be provided in different configurations or arrangements without departing from this disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the first and second portions 225, 227 of each container-retaining opening 223 can be provided as separate generally circular openings with no communication therebetween.

[0056] In this regard, a first curved retaining edge 229 extends around each first portion 225 of each container retaining opening 223 to at least partially engage a container C, and a second curved retaining edge 231 of the mounting panel 217 surrounds each second portion 227 of each container retaining opening 223 to engage a container C.

[0057] With continued reference to FIG. 7, the top panel 219 can include a plurality of container retention tabs 233 at least partially separably connected to the top panel 219 at respective lines of weakness 235. In the illustrated embodiment, the lines of weakness 235 can have one or more of curved, angled, and / or straight portions to at least partially define a generally butterfly closure or gene pair shaped container retention tab 233. Thus, the container retention tab 233 can be formed having a lateral pair of generally curved container retention tab edges 237, each for engaging a respective container C. In the illustrated embodiment, the container retention tab 233 can have the general shape of a butterfly closure or gene pair, although one or more of the container retention tabs 233 can have different configurations without departing from this disclosure.

[0058] The container-retaining tabs 233 may also include one or more additional lines of weakness, such as creases, folds, etc., along one or more portions thereof to facilitate relative movement of one or more portions of each container-retaining tab 233, as described further herein.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, to form a carrier 205 / package 207 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the blank 203 can be inverted, for example, with the outer surface 201 facing downward and positioned on top of a group of containers C, and the mounting panel 217 of the blank 203 can be pressed downward such that the flanges F of the containers are inserted through their respective openings 223.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D3 of each first portion 225 and second portion 227 of each container retaining opening 223 may be less than the diameter D2 of the flange F of the container C such that the mounting panel 217 may be at least partially bent / warped or otherwise manipulated into a non-planar shape without delaminating, damaging or otherwise weakening the material of the blank 203 / mounting panel 217 when the flange F is inserted through the respective opening 223 to receive the container C through the respective container retaining opening 223. In one embodiment, the respective central portion 226 of each container retaining opening 223 may be bent / bent / twisted / warped to facilitate at least partially receiving the container C through the respective portions 225, 227 of the respective container retaining opening 223.

[0061] After the mounting panel 217 is pressed against the container C, the retaining edges 229, 231 of each container retaining opening 223 abut each container C at the neck N of the container C below the flange F.

[0062] It will be appreciated that container C may additionally or alternatively be tilted or otherwise reoriented to facilitate at least partial receipt of container C by each container-retaining opening 223, as described above with respect to receipt of container C by container-retaining opening 137 of carrier 105. In one embodiment, the paperboard forming blank 203 / carrier 205 / package 207 may flex and stretch such that when such opening is positioned over flange F of container C, flange F fits through each opening 223 and allows mounting panel 217 to be positioned under flange F with a peripheral portion of mounting panel 217 positioned generally horizontally and in contact with neck N of container C.

[0063] The top panel 219 can then be folded at the fold lines 221 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel 217 to cover the top T of the container C. In such a configuration, at least partial clearance / spacing is provided between the top panel 219 and the mounting panel 217. Thus, the container-retaining tabs 233 can be at least partially separated from the top panel 219 at the respective lines of weakness 231 and positioned downwardly between the respective pair of necks N of the container C. Thus, the container-retaining tabs 229 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel 117.

[0064] In such a configuration, the container retaining tabs 233 may be generally aligned between the center 226 of each container retaining opening 223 in the mounting panel 217 and the neck N of the longitudinally-adjacent container C. This location of the container retaining tabs 233 may cause the container retaining tab edges 237 to face the respective neck N of each container C and urge the respective container C outwardly from the lateral axis L2, e.g., to more closely / more securely engage the respective neck N of the container C with the respective retaining edges 229, 231.

[0065] In some embodiments, the container-retaining tabs 233 may be partially separated from the top panel 219 at their respective lines of weakness 235, such that, for example, one or more portions of each container-retaining tab 233 remain attached to the top panel 219 and one or more central portions of each container-retaining tab 233 bend, curve, bow, etc. downwardly to position the container-retaining tab edges 237 facing the respective necks N of the respective containers C, as described above. In other embodiments, the container-retaining tabs 233 may be completely separated from the top panel 219 so as to be positioned between the necks N of the respective containers C, as described above.

[0066] Additionally, the placement of a primarily uninterrupted top panel 219 over the mounting panel 217 may provide a uniform or clean appearance that is appealing to customers. Additionally, such overlap of the top panel 219 over the majority of the container C may reduce, minimize, prevent, and / or avoid debris or other incidental material from contacting the top of the container C.

[0067] Additionally, the placement of a primarily uninterrupted top panel 219 over the mounting panel 217 may provide a uniform or clean appearance that is appealing to customers. Additionally, such overlap of the top panel 219 over the majority of the container C may reduce, minimize, prevent, and / or avoid debris or other incidental material from contacting the top of the container C.

[0068] 9, exterior surface 201A of an alternative exemplary embodiment of blank 203 is generally designated as 203A. Blank 203A can be used to form package 205A (FIG. 9A) and carrier 207A (FIG. 9A), which can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to blank 203, package 207, and carrier 205, with the like or similar features being designated with like or similar reference numbers.

[0069] 9, the mounting panel 217 can include container-retaining openings 223A having a generally circular shape, as opposed to the above-described peanut-shaped container-retaining openings 223. Each container-retaining opening 223A can include a container-retaining edge 225A, 227A with a respective angled or tapered notch 229A therebetween, e.g., to intersect / abut the respective edges.

[0070] As shown, the container retaining openings 223A may have, for example, angled or tapered notches or other discontinuities along their respective openings to enable flexible reconfiguration of the mounting panel 217 to at least partially receive a container C through each opening 223A in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the container retaining openings 223.

[0071] The blank 205A may also include a handle feature for forming a handle feature of the carrier and package 207. The handle feature may include finger or handle flaps 239A detachably connected to the attachment panel 217 at respective notches 241A having one or more straight, curved, and / or angled portions.

[0072] The blank 203A can include a first top end flap or first top panel 219 foldably connected to the attachment panel at a transverse fold line 221. As shown, the container-retaining tab 233A can be separably connected to the first top end flap 219 at a respective line of weakness 243A having one or more straight, curved, and / or angled portions. The line of weakness 243A can be located opposite a free container-retaining tab edge 237A of a respective container-retaining tab 237A such that the line of weakness 243A and the free edge of the container-retaining tab 237A form a container-retaining tab edge 237A of the respective container-retaining tab 237A.

[0073] The handle feature of the blank 203A / carrier 205A / package 205A may also include finger or handle flaps 245A detachably connected to the top panel 219 at respective notches 247A having one or more straight, curved, and / or angled portions.

[0074] The blank 203A can also include a second top flap or second top panel 249A foldably connected to the attachment panel 217 at a transverse fold line 251B. The second top panel 249A can generally be a mirror image of the first top panel 219, such as having a container retaining tab 233A and associated features, and a handle flap 245A and associated features.

[0075] To form carrier 205A and package 207A from blank 203A according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, blank 203A can be, for example, inverted with outer surface 201 facing downward and positioned over a group of containers C, and mounting panel 217 of blank 203 can be pressed downward such that flanges F of the containers are inserted through their respective openings 223A.

[0076] The top panel 219 can then be folded at fold line 221 into a generally parallel, spaced apart relationship to the underlying mounting panel 217 so as to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the top surface of the container C.

[0077] Top panel 249A may also be folded into overlapping relationship with top panel 219 at fold line 251A such that top panels 219, 249A are in at least partial face-to-face contact. It will be understood that the sequence of the folding steps described above can be reversed, for example, such that top panel 219 is positioned in overlapping and at least partial face-to-face contact with top panel 251A, without departing from the disclosure.

[0078] In the above-described configuration, the container retaining tabs 233A associated with the top panel 219 and the container retaining tabs 233A associated with the upper panel 249A can be positioned generally aligned above the mounting panel 217 between each of the longitudinally adjacent containers C of the multiple containers C.

[0079] In this regard, to activate the container-retaining tab 233A, the container-retaining tab 233A can be separated from the top panel 249A at each of the weakened lines 243A, and the underlying container-retaining tab 233A can be separated from the top panel 219 at each of the weakened lines 243A.

[0080] In such an arrangement, the container retaining tabs 233A may be generally aligned between the necks N of longitudinally adjacent containers C that protrude through the container retaining openings 223A in the mounting panel 217. This positioning of the container retaining tabs 233A is such that the container retaining tab edges 237A face each neck N of each container C to urge each container C outwardly from the lateral axis L2, for example, to more tightly and securely engage each neck N of the container C against each retaining edge 225A, 227A. Thus, the container retaining tabs 233A may be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel 217.

[0081] In some embodiments, the container-retaining tabs 233A may be partially separated from the top panels 219, 249A at their respective lines of weakness 243A, e.g., such that one or more portions of each container-retaining tab 223A remain attached to the respective top panels 219, 249A, while one or more central portions of each container-retaining tab 223A flex, curve, bend, etc. downwardly to position the container-retaining tab edges 237A facing the respective necks N of the respective containers C, as described above. In other embodiments, the container-retaining tabs 223A may be completely separated from the top panels 219, 249A, such that they are positioned between the necks N of the respective containers C, as described above.

[0082] In this regard, when forming the package 207A and carrier 205A from the blank 203A, the container retaining tabs 223A may overlap to form a double reinforced structure between adjacent containers C, respectively, to provide and enhance the advantages discussed above with respect to the blanks 103, 103A, 103B, 203 / carriers 105, 105A, 105B, 205 / packages 107, 107A, 107B, 207. Additionally, disposing the top panel 219, 249A primarily uninterrupted over the mounting panel 217 may provide a uniform or clean appearance that is appealing to customers. Additionally, overlapping the top panel 219, 249A in this manner over the majority of the containers C may reduce, minimize, prevent, and / or avoid debris or other incidental material contacting the top of the containers C.

[0083] Blanks according to the present disclosure can be formed, for example, from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the blanks can be coated on the inside and / or outside with a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed with product, advertising, price codes, and other information or images. The blanks can be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the blanks. The blanks can also be coated on one or both sides with, for example, a moisture barrier. In accordance with the above embodiment, the blanks can be constructed of caliper paperboard, which is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having suitable properties to at least generally function as a carton as described herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel portions.

[0084] In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the fold lines are not necessarily straight, but may be any substantially straight form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, and without intent to narrow the scope of this disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that form a crushed portion 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 and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features.

[0085] As an example, the score can include a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits that extend partially into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or completely through the material, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of score is in the form of a series of spaced slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits usually spaced slightly apart such that a notch (e.g., a small somewhat bridge-like portion of material) is defined between adjacent slits to temporarily connect the material across the notch. The notch is broken during tearing along the notch. The notch is typically a relatively small percentage of the notch, or the notch can be omitted from the notch such that the notch is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure to replace each notch with a continuous slit, etc. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than the slit without departing from this disclosure.

[0086] The above embodiments can be described as having one or more panels that are adhesively bonded together during assembly of the carton embodiment. The term "adhesive" is intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0087] The foregoing description illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, and the like can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All matters contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be changed or modified within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, consistent with the present disclosure, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, the specific features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a mounting panel having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; a container holding mechanism including the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel, the container holding mechanism being disposed between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers so as to bias the plurality of containers to engage with the mounting panel.

2. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one container holding tab is attached to the mounting panel.

3. The carrier according to claim 2, wherein the at least one container holding tab includes a central portion and at least one extension portion, and the at least one extension portion extends from the mounting panel to the central portion.

4. The carrier according to claim 3, wherein the central portion of the at least one container holding tab includes a first curved container holding tab edge for engaging with each first container of the plurality of containers and a second curved container holding tab edge for engaging with each second container of the plurality of containers.

5. The carrier according to claim 4, wherein the at least one container holding opening is defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge, and the at least one extension portion is disposed between the first container holding edge and the second container holding edge.

6. The carrier according to claim 5, wherein a part of the central portion is disposed in at least partial face-to-face contact with a part of the at least one extension portion.

7. The carrier according to claim 3, wherein the at least one container holding tab is a first container holding tab attached to the mounting panel, the container holding mechanism further includes a second container holding tab attached to the mounting panel, and the first container holding tab is disposed in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second container holding tab.

8. The central portion includes a first portion separably connected to a second portion by a notch, the first portion of the central portion of the at least one container holding tab defining a first container holding tab edge for engaging with each container of the plurality of containers, and the second portion of the central portion of the at least one container holding tab defining a second container holding tab edge for engaging with each container of the plurality of containers.

9. The carrier according to claim 1, further comprising at least one top panel foldably connected to the mounting panel.

10. The at least one container holding tab is at least partially separably connected to the at least one top panel, the at least one container holding tab is at least partially separably connected to the at least one top panel by at least one weakening line, the at least one weakening line defines at least one container holding tab edge of the at least one container holding tab, and the at least one top panel is spaced apart from the mounting panel. The carrier according to claim 9.

11. At least one of the plurality of container holding openings includes a first portion, a central portion, and a second portion, and the at least one container holding tab is aligned with the central portion of the at least one container holding opening. The carrier according to claim 10.

12. The at least one container holding opening is defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge, and has at least one tapered notch disposed between the first container holding edge and the second container holding edge. The carrier according to claim 10.

13. The at least one top panel is a first top panel, and the carrier further comprises a second top panel that at least partially faces and contacts the first top panel. The carrier according to claim 10.

14. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: A mounting panel having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; A container holding mechanism including the plurality of container holding openings and at least one container holding tab that at least partially faces and contacts the mounting panel, the container holding mechanism being disposed between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers so as to bias the plurality of containers to engage with the mounting panel when the carrier is formed from the blank. A blank comprising:

15. The at least one container holding tab is attached to the mounting panel, the at least one container holding tab includes a central portion and at least one extension portion, and the at least one extension portion extends from the mounting panel to the central portion. The blank according to claim 14.

16. The central portion of the at least one container holding tab includes a first curved container holding tab edge for engaging with each first container of the plurality of containers and a second curved container holding tab edge for engaging with each second container of the plurality of containers. The at least one container holding opening is defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge, and the at least one extension portion is disposed between the first container holding edge and the second container holding edge. The blank according to claim 15.

17. The at least one container holding tab is a first container holding tab attached to the mounting panel, the container holding mechanism further includes a second container holding tab attached to the mounting panel, and the first container holding tab is disposed in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second container holding tab. The blank according to claim 15.

18. The central portion includes a first portion that is separably connected to a second portion by a notch. The first portion of the central portion of the at least one container holding tab defines a first container holding tab edge for engaging with each container of the plurality of containers, and the second portion of the central portion of the at least one container holding tab defines a second container holding tab edge for engaging with each container of the plurality of containers. The blank according to claim 15.

19. The blank further includes at least one top panel foldably connected to the mounting panel. The at least one container holding tab is at least partially separably connected to the at least one top panel, and the at least one container holding tab is at least partially separably connected to the at least one top panel by at least one weakening line. The at least one weakening line defines at least one container holding tab edge of the at least one container holding tab. The blank according to claim 14.

20. At least one of the plurality of container holding openings comprises a first portion, a central portion, and a second portion, and the at least one container holding tab is aligned with the central portion of the at least one container holding opening. The blank according to claim 19.

21. The at least one container holding opening is defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge, and has at least one tapered notch disposed between the first container holding edge and the second container holding edge when the carrier is formed from the blank. The blank according to claim 19.

22. The at least one top panel is a first top panel, and the blank further comprises a second top panel that is at least partially in face-to-face contact with the first top panel. The blank according to claim 19.

23. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a mounting panel having a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving each container of the plurality of containers, the plurality of container holding openings, and at least one container holding tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel; a container holding mechanism; positioning the mounting panel having the plurality of container holding openings positioned to at least partially receive each container of the plurality of containers; positioning the at least one container holding tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the mounting panel to bias the plurality of containers to engage with the mounting panel between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. A method comprising the steps of:

24. The at least one container holding tab is attached to the mounting panel, the at least one container holding tab comprises a central portion and at least one extension, and the at least one extension extends from the mounting panel to the central portion. The method according to claim 23.

25. The central portion of the at least one container holding tab includes a first curved container holding tab edge for engaging a respective first container of the plurality of containers and a second curved container holding tab edge for engaging a respective second container of the plurality of containers. The at least one container holding opening is defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge. The at least one extension is disposed between the first container holding edge and the second container holding edge, and a portion of the central portion is disposed in at least partial face-to-face contact with a portion of the at least one extension. The method according to claim 24.

26. The at least one container holding tab is a first container holding tab attached to the mounting panel, and the container holding mechanism further includes a second container holding tab attached to the mounting panel. The first container holding tab is disposed in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second container holding tab. The method according to claim 24.

27. The central portion includes a first portion separably connected by a notch to a second portion. The first portion of the central portion of the at least one container holding tab defines a first container holding tab edge for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, and the second portion of the central portion of the at least one container holding tab defines a second container holding tab edge for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers. The method according to claim 24.

28. The carrier further includes at least one top panel foldably connected to the mounting panel. The at least one container holding tab is at least partially separably connected to the at least one top panel. The at least one container holding tab is at least partially separably connected to the at least one top panel by at least one weakening line. The at least one weakening line defines at least one container holding tab edge of the at least one container holding tab. The method according to claim 23.

29. The at least one top panel is spaced apart from the mounting panel. The method according to claim 28.

30. At least one of the plurality of container holding openings comprises a first portion, a central portion, and a second portion, and the at least one top panel is arranged such that the at least one container holding tab is aligned with the central portion of the at least one container holding opening. The method according to claim 29.

31. The at least one container holding opening is defined by a first container holding edge and a second container holding edge, and has at least one tapered notch disposed between the first container holding edge and the second container holding edge. The method according to claim 29.

32. The at least one top panel is a first top panel, and the blank further comprises a second top panel that is at least partially in face-to-face contact with the first top panel. The method according to claim 29.

33. A package comprising a plurality of containers and a carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for holding the plurality of containers.

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