Container carrier

Abstract

The carrier holds a plurality of containers and comprises a front portion having a front mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, a back portion having a back mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, and a central portion extending from the front portion to the back portion and including a central panel overlapping respective portions of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 222,225, filed July 15, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 260,881, filed September 3, 2021. [Background technology]

[0002] The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 222,225, filed July 15, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 260,881, filed September 3, 2021, and U.S. Design Application No. 29 / 838,186, 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 front portion having a front mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; a back portion having a back mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; and a central portion extending from the front portion to the back portion, the central portion comprising a central panel overlapping respective portions of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: a front portion having a front mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; a back portion having a back mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; and a central portion extending from the front portion to the back portion, the central panel overlapping respective portions of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a blank having a front portion having a front mounting panel, a back portion having a back mounting panel, and a central portion extending from the front portion to the back portion; aligning the front mounting panel to at least partially receive each container of the plurality of containers; aligning the back mounting panel to at least partially receive each container of the plurality of containers; and aligning a central panel overlapping respective portions of the front mounting panel and the back 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 front portion having a front mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, a back portion having a back mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, and a central portion extending from the front portion to the back portion, the central portion including a central panel overlapping respective portions of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below: It is within the scope of this disclosure that the above-described aspects are provided both individually and in various combinations.

[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 and package 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. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank in FIG. [Diagram 2] 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 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the package and carrier of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the package and carrier of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an exterior view of a blank for forming a carrier and package according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6 is a side view of a carrier and package formed from the blank of FIG. 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, and the like for holding and displaying containers, such as jars, bottles, cans, 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, glass, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, FIDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EYOH, and nylon, aluminum, and / or other materials, or any combination thereof.

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

[0013] As discussed herein, the carrier may be formed by stacking multiple panels, end flaps, and / or other portions of a blank. Terms relating to such panels, end flaps, and / or other portions of a blank, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., may be referred to in any order or order without departing from the disclosure herein.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a plan view of the exterior 101 of a blank 103 used to form a carrier 105 (Figure 2) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the carrier 105 is sized to accommodate or support six containers, with three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 attached to a front 106 of the carrier 105 and three containers CB1, CB2, CB3 attached to a back 108 of the carrier 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 may be beverage cans or any other suitable type and size of containers without departing from the present disclosure.

[0015] Carrier 105 can be sized and shaped to hold more or less than six containers. In one embodiment, front 106 and back 108 of carrier 105 each have three containers, while in other embodiments, front 106 and / or back 108 of carrier 105 can hold more or less than three containers without departing from this disclosure. Carrier 105 can be provided with one or more containers as package 110 (FIG. 2).

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. The blank 103 has a front portion 107 for forming a front portion 106 of the carrier 105, a back portion 109 for forming a back portion 108 of the carrier 105, and a center or connecting portion 111 for forming a center or connecting portion 113 of the carrier 105. Thus, the center portion 111 of the blank 103 / center portion 113 of the carrier 105 can extend from the front portion 107 of the blank 103 / front portion 106 of the carrier 105 to the back portion 109 of the blank 103 / back portion 108 of the carrier 105. In some embodiments, the center portion 111 of the blank 103 / center portion 113 of the carrier 105 can be distinct from the front portion 107 / 106 and the back portion 109 / 108, or can form at least a portion of the front portion 107 / 106 and / or the back portion 109 / 108.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 111 of the blank 103 includes a central panel 115 having a connecting portion 117 foldably connected to the front reinforcement portion 119a at a transverse fold line 121a interrupted by a plurality of laterally spaced notches 141a, each of which may include one or more curved and / or angled portions. As described further herein, the central panel 115 also includes a back reinforcement portion 119b foldably connected to the connecting portion 117 of the central panel 115 at a transverse fold line 121b. In some embodiments, the notches 141 extending along the central panel 115 may at least partially define one or more tabs separable from the remainder of the central panel 115 upon formation of the carrier 105 to be placed over the respective container.

[0018] As also shown, central panel 115 includes a pair of laterally spaced handle openings 130 located at junctures 117 intersecting respective fold lines 121 a, 121 b. As shown, handle openings 130 may have a generally rounded triangular / delta shaped profile, although handle openings 130 may have different configurations without departing from the disclosure.

[0019] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the front portion 107 of the blank 103 can include a front container retaining panel or front attachment panel 131a foldably connected to the reinforcement portion 119a of the central panel 115 at a transverse fold line 133a.

[0020] With further reference to the enlarged view of FIG. 1A, the front mounting panel 131a may also include a container retaining portion 135a defined at least in part between a pair of longitudinally spaced transverse fold lines 137a, 139a that are interrupted by a respective plurality of laterally spaced cuts 141a, each of which may include one or more curved and / or angled portions.

[0021] As shown, laterally spaced notches 141a interrupting fold lines 139a define container-retaining tabs 148a extending outwardly from container-retaining portion 135a. As also shown, each diagonal notch 143a, 145a can extend outwardly from one or more of notches 141a that interrupt fold lines 139a. Additionally, longitudinal notches 146a can extend outwardly from a central portion of each of notches 141a.

[0022] As also shown, the curved cut 141a interrupting the fold line 137a can intersect with a lateral cut 140a having a generally enclosed contour, e.g., a semicircular contour, or another partially circular contour defined at least in part by a small circular arc, to define a generally semicircular opening 142a in the mounting panel 13la.

[0023] In the above configuration, the inner margin 136a of the mounting panel 131a is formed between the fold lines 137a and 133a, and the outer margin 138a of the mounting panel 131a is formed between the fold line 139a and the lateral fold line 157a adjacent to the mounting panel 131a. The inner margin 136a of the mounting panel 131a is foldably connected to the front reinforcement portion 119a of the central panel 115 at the lateral fold line 133a.

[0024] As shown, bevel or front side panel 155a is foldably connected to front mounting panel 131a at transverse fold line 157a, and top panel 159a is foldably connected to front side panel 155a at transverse fold line 161a. As described further herein, transverse fold line 161a can be interrupted by a plurality of notches 141a to define container-retaining tabs 148a projecting from top panel 159a.

[0025] As shown, the top panel 159a includes a pair of handle openings 163 laterally spaced apart to generally align with each of the handle openings 130. Each handle reinforcement flap 165 is foldably connected to the top panel 159a at a respective longitudinal fold line 167 and is aligned to extend into a respective handle opening 163.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the back 109 of the blank 103 includes a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 131b, a back side panel 155b, and a back top panel or back attachment flap 159b having associated features that are mirror images of corresponding portions of the front 107 of the blank 103. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) are designated by corresponding reference numerals that vary by the suffix "a" or "b," with the "a" components corresponding to the front 107 of the blank 103 and the "b" components corresponding to the back 109 of the blank 103. A close-up of the container retention features of the back 109 of the blank 103 is shown in FIG. 1B.

[0027] Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features may be otherwise shaped, positioned, and / or omitted from blank 103 without departing from this disclosure. Blank 103 may be sized and / or shaped to accommodate more or less than six containers without departing from this disclosure.

[0028] 2-4, the blank 103 can be inverted so that the outer surface 101 of the blank 103 can be placed over the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 such that the container retaining portion 135a of the front mounting panel 131a overlies the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and the container retaining portion 135b of the back mounting panel 131b overlies the containers CB1, CB2, CB3. Furthermore, by positioning the mounting panels 131a, 131b downwardly over the multiple containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, each container retaining portion 135a, 135b can be actuated to engage each container.

[0029] For example, when front attachment panel 131a is lowered or urged downwardly onto containers CA1, CA2, CA3, container retaining portions 135a can at least partially separate from the remainder of front attachment panel 131a at notches 141a that interrupt fold lines 139a, such that container retaining tabs 148a can be positioned within recesses in containers CA1, CA2, CA3, e.g., within recesses below the rolled upper edges of containers CA1, CA2, CA3. In such a configuration, the top or top portion T of each container CA1, CA2, CA3 can extend at least partially through the openings formed by the notches 141a that interrupt fold lines 139a and the openings 142a that interrupt fold lines 137a.

[0030] In such a configuration, the marginal edges 136a, 138a of the mounting panel 131a can be folded at least partially downwardly at respective fold lines 137a, 139a, and such movement can result in reconfiguration of the outer marginal edge 138a of the top mounting panel 131a at respective notches 143a, 145a, 146a to engage with rolled rims or other top structures of respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3.

[0031] The rear mounting panel 131b and corresponding container holder 135b can engage containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the engagement of the front mounting panel 131a and container holder 135a with containers CA1, CA2, CA3.

[0032] The aforementioned engagement of blank 103 with containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be accomplished with the front row of containers CA1, CA2, CA3 spaced apart from the rear row of containers CB1, CB2, CB3. When the rows of containers are moved together, front reinforcement portion 119a of central panel 115 is folded downwardly at fold line 121a relative to connecting portion 117 of central panel 115 and further folded at fold line 133a into at least partial facing contact with inner margin edge 136a of attachment panel 131a.

[0033] Similarly, the back reinforcement portion 119b of the central panel 115 can be folded downwardly at fold line 121b relative to the connecting portion 117 of the central panel 115 and can be further folded at fold line 133b into at least partial facing contact with the inner margin portion 136b of the mounting panel 131b. In such a configuration, a portion of the connecting portion 117 of the central panel 115 can be separated from the reinforcement portions 119a, 119b at the respective notches 141a, 141b and can be aligned to overlap at least a portion of the openings 142a, 142b of the respective mounting panels 131a, 131b.

[0034] In this manner, by arranging reinforcing portion 119a of central panel 115, inner margin portion 136a of mounting panel 131a, and reinforcing portion 119b of central panel 115, inner margin portion 136b of mounting panel 131b, a reinforcing structure that supports the container attached to carrier 105 and is resistant to deformation such as tearing, bending, twisting, etc. can be provided.

[0035] 2-4, the front side panel 155a is folded upward at fold line 157a, for example, to be disposed obliquely relative to the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 and / or to be at least partially opposed and contacting the outer marginal edge 138a of the mounting panel 131a, and the front top panel 159a is folded at fold line 161a. Such movement of the top panel 159a can cause the container-retaining tabs 148a to separate from the front side panel 155a at the respective cuts 141a and at least partially overlap the container-retaining tabs 148a associated with the mounting panel 131a. Such movement of the top panel 159a can cause the container-retaining tabs 148a to separate from the front side panel 155a at the respective cuts 141a and at least partially cover the container-retaining tabs 148a associated with the mounting panel 131a. In this regard, the rolled rim or other top structure of each container CA1, CA2, CA3 can be at least partially received through notch 141a along fold line 161a such that container retaining tab 148a extending from top panel 159a can also be positioned within the recessed upper portion of container CA1, CA2, CA3.

[0036] Such movement of the top panel 159a can cause the container-retaining tabs 148a to separate from the front side panel 155a at the respective notches 141a and at least partially overlap the container-retaining tabs 148a associated with the mounting panel 131a. In this regard, the rolled rim or other upper structure of each container CA1, CA2, CA3 can be received at least partially through the notches 141a along the fold line 161a such that the container-retaining tabs 148a extending from the top panel 159a can also sit within the recessed upper portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the front top panel 159a may ultimately be disposed at least partially on and in opposing contact with the back top panel 159b, although it will be understood that the front top panel 159a may be disposed at least partially below the back top panel 159b without departing from this disclosure. As will be further described herein, this positioning of the top panel 159a allows the handle openings 163 to be aligned with the respective handle openings 130 of the central panel 115 below it.

[0038] This disclosed configuration of the upright carrier 105 / package 110 can be maintained with an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive can be applied to the exterior surface of the blank 103 / carrier 105 along a portion of the back top panel 159b. It will be understood that additional or alternative configurations of adhesive can be applied to the blank 103 / carrier 105 without departing from this disclosure. In another embodiment, the carrier 105 / package 110 can be devoid of adhesive.

[0039] Thus, in the formed carrier 105 / package 110, a container can engage each mounting panel 131a, 131b and extend beneath each container retaining portion 135a. In such a configuration, containers CA1, CA2, CA3 extend beneath container retaining portion 135a on the front 106 of carrier 105, containers CB1, CB2, CB3 extend beneath container retaining portion 135b on the back 108 of carrier 105, front top panel 159a overlaps respective portions of mounting panels 131a, 131b and center panel 115, and back top panel 159b overlaps a portion of back mounting panel 131b.

[0040] In this regard, each container CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 is engaged at multiple points and layers by carrier 105, with each container CA1, CA2, CA3 being at least partially received through notch 141a / opening 142a in mounting panel 131a to engage with its respective edge and associated surface, and through notch 141a in front side panel 155a / top panel 159a to engage with its respective edge and associated surface, and each container CB1, CB2, CB3 being at least partially received in notch 141b, opening 142b in mounting panel 131b to engage with its respective edge and associated surface, and being received in notch 141b in front side panel 155b / top panel 159b to engage with its respective edge and associated surface.

[0041] Such multiple layer clipping engagement of the carrier 105 with the container, e.g., two layers, provides an enhanced configuration that secures the container to the carrier 105 and ensures resistance to undesired or unintended removal of the container from the carrier 105.

[0042] Additionally, the row of containers CA1, CA2, CA3 on the front 106 of the carrier 105 / package 110 and the row of containers CB1, CB2, CB3 on the back 108 of the carrier 105 / package 110 are coupled by the engagement of the top panels 159a, 159b with the connectors 117 of the center panel 115, but are separated below and are free to tilt, rock, or otherwise move relative to one another. Due to the dual clipping engagement between the carrier 105 and the containers, the carrier 105 minimizes / resists / avoids / prevents inadvertent or undesirable disengagement of the containers from the carrier 105 due to accidental movement of the containers during shipping, handling, etc. of the carrier 105 / package 110.

[0043] 2-4, the carrier 105 can be grasped by inserting a user's fingers through the handle openings 163 and into the lower handle openings 130 to facilitate contact by the user's fingers with the underside of the connecting portion 117 of the central panel 115. Such engagement of the carrier 105 by the user causes one or both of the handle reinforcement flaps 165 to fold downwardly at respective longitudinal fold lines 167 to provide one or more additional layers of material between the user's fingers and the underside of the top panel 159a, e.g., to strengthen the carrier 105 at stress points for comfort, to avoid pinching, etc., and / or to provide a reinforced structure for engagement by the user that is resistant to tearing or other deformation due to transportation stresses.

[0044] In one embodiment, longitudinally adjacent containers may tilt away from one another to provide additional clearance for a user's fingers as the user's fingers move through the handle opening 163 / handle opening 130. In another embodiment, the portion of the central panel 115 exposed through the handle opening 163 / handle opening may be provided with printed designs or indicia to blend in with the overall aesthetic of the carrier 105 / package 110, provide advertising or pricing information, or the like.

[0045] The above-described package 110 / carrier 105 has a compact structure, which can result in material savings and waste reduction, for example, by minimizing the amount of adhesive and engagement of the containers therewith required to form / maintain an upright configuration of the carrier 105 / package 110. Additionally, exposure of portions of one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 on the exterior portions of the carrier 105 / package 110 provides a consumer with a clear view of labeling or surface graphics associated with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, as well as convenient access to remove one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 from the carrier 105 / package 110, for example, by pulling the respective containers through the respective notches 141a, 141b / openings 142a, 142b to remove the containers from the respective panels 159a, 159b, 131a, 131b.

[0046] 5, a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of a blank 203 for forming a carrier 205 (FIG. 6) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 203 and the carrier 205 formed therefrom may have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103 and the carrier 105, and like or similar features are indicated with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier 205 may include one or more containers to form a package 210 (FIG. 6).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the blank 203 includes a front portion 207 for forming a front portion 206 of the carrier 205, a back portion 209 for forming a back portion 208 of the carrier 205, and a central portion 211 extending from the front portion 207 to the back portion 209 of the blank 203, forming a central portion or connecting portion 213 of the carrier 205 extending from the front portion 206 to the back portion 208 of the carrier 205.

[0048] As shown, the blank 203 and carrier 205 formed therefrom can include the center panel 115, the mounting panels 131a, 131b, the side panels 155a, 155b, and the top panels 159a, 159b and associated features. In this regard, the front 207 of the blank 203 / front 206 of the carrier 205, the back 209 of the blank 203 / back 208 of the carrier 205, and the central portion 211 of the blank 203 / central portion 213 of the carrier 205 are generally similar to the respective front portions 107, 106, back portions 109, 108, and central portions 211, 213 described above.

[0049] The blank 203 and carrier 205 formed therefrom can also be configured to accommodate different numbers and / or arrangements of containers. For example, the blank 203 and carrier 205 can be configured to accommodate four containers in two rows, i.e., by way of example, the front 207 of the blank 203 / front 206 of the carrier 205 can be configured, at least in part, to receive and hold four containers, and the back 207 of the blank 203 / back 208 of the carrier 205 can be configured, at least in part, to receive and hold four containers. It will be understood that the blank 203 and carrier 205 can be configured to receive and hold a greater or lesser number of containers and / or in a different arrangement.

[0050] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the blank 203 and the carrier 205 formed therefrom can have a different number and / or arrangement of handle features without departing from this disclosure.

[0051] The blank 203 and carrier 205 can have a handle opening 130, a handle opening 163, a handle reinforcement flap 165 and associated features.

[0052] The central handle opening 232 can be disposed between the handle openings 130 (broadly defined as the "first handle opening") of the central panel 115, and a respective pair of laterally spaced openings 234 (broadly defined as the "second handle opening") can be disposed longitudinally adjacent to each of the handle openings 130, 232. As shown, the openings 234 can at least partially interrupt respective fold lines 133a, 133b such that the openings 234 that interrupt fold line 133a are positioned to extend into respective portions of the central panel 115 and the front mounting panel 131a, and the openings 234 that interrupt fold line 133b are aligned to extend into respective portions of the central panel 115 and the back mounting panel 131b.

[0053] Additionally, respective handle reinforcement flaps 236 may be positioned extending within the handle openings 234 and foldably connected to the central panel 115 at respective lateral fold lines 238 .

[0054] As shown, the top panel 259a can also include a central handle opening 264 disposed between the handle openings 163, and can include a pair of opposing handle reinforcement flaps 266 foldably connected to the top panel 159a at respective lateral fold lines 268.

[0055] With further reference to FIG. 6, carrier 205 and package 210 may be formed from blank 203 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to carrier 105 and package 110, and provide similar advantages.

[0056] As described above, when the top panel 159a is overlapped with the respective portions of the front mounting panel 131a and the central panel 115, the handle openings 163 and 130 may be aligned as described above, and the handle opening 264 may be aligned with the handle opening 232. Thus, in addition to the aligned openings 163 / 130, a user may insert one or more fingers into the handle opening 264 and through the aligned handle opening 232 below, for example, to grasp the underside of one or more portions of the central panel 115 adjacent the handle opening 232. Such aligned opening 264 / opening 232 engagement causes one or both of the handle reinforcement flaps 266 to fold downwardly at respective fold lines 268 and be positioned between the user's fingers and the underside of the central panel 115, for example, to strengthen the carrier 205 at stress points, for comfort, to avoid pinching, etc.

[0057] Additionally, the presence of respective openings 234 adjacent to aligned handle openings 163, 264 / handle openings 130, 232 allows a user to reorient their grip on the underside of carrier 205, for example, by bending their fingers along the edges of respective openings 163, 264 / openings 130, 232 in the direction of respective openings 234 to facilitate accessing different surfaces of the underside of carrier 205. Such movement of the user's fingers through respective openings 234 causes respective handle reinforcement flaps 236 to fold downwardly at respective fold lines 238 and be disposed between the user's fingers and the underside of the respective panels, for example, to strengthen carrier 205 at stress points, increase comfort, avoid pinching, etc.

[0058] It will be understood that the blanks and carriers described herein may be provided in different configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

[0059] Generally, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper, making it heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank may also be constructed from other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank may be coated, for example, with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blank may then be varnished to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank may be coated, for example, with a moisture barrier layer on either or both sides of the blank. The blank may also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel portions.

[0060] As an example, the tear line 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 tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart such that cuts (e.g., small, somewhat bridge-like portions of material) are defined between adjacent slits, typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The cuts are broken during tearing along the cuts. The cuts are typically a relatively small percentage of the cut, or cuts can be omitted from the cut such that the cut is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure to replace each cut with a continuous slit, etc. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than the slits without departing from this disclosure.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fold line is not necessarily a straight line, but can be any substantially straight weakening configuration that facilitates folding along it. More specifically, and without the intent of narrowing the scope of this disclosure, the fold line includes a score line, such as a line formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like. Creating a crushed or 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, a series of cuts that partially or completely penetrate the material along the desired line of weakness, and various combinations of these configurations. Even when cuts are used to create the fold line, the cuts are typically not so extended that a reasonable user may mistakenly think the fold line is a tear line.

[0062] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels that are adhesively adhered during assembly of the carrier embodiment. The term "adhesive" is intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

[0063] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc. 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 shows 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 expressed herein, consistent with the above teachings, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, the specific features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchangeably 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 front portion having a front mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; a back portion having a back mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; a central portion extending from the front portion to the back portion, the central portion comprising a central panel that overlaps respective portions of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel.

2. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the central panel is foldably connected to each of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel.

3. The carrier according to claim 2, wherein the central panel has a connecting portion foldably connected to each of a front reinforcing portion and a back reinforcing portion.

4. The carrier according to claim 3, wherein the front reinforcing portion is foldably connected to the front mounting panel, and the back reinforcing portion is foldably connected to the back mounting panel.

5. The front mounting panel comprises a mounting portion, an inner margin portion foldably connected to the mounting portion, and an outer margin portion foldably connected to the mounting portion, and the front reinforcing portion of the central panel is foldably connected to the inner margin portion of the front mounting panel and at least partially abuts against it.

6. The carrier according to claim 5, wherein the front mounting panel includes at least one curved notch for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers and at least one opening for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers.

7. The carrier according to claim 5, wherein the inner margin portion and the outer margin portion of the front mounting panel are disposed obliquely with respect to the mounting portion of the front mounting panel.

8. The back mounting panel comprises a mounting portion, an inner margin portion foldably connected to the mounting portion of the back mounting panel, and an outer margin portion foldably connected to the mounting portion of the back mounting panel, and the back reinforcing portion of the central panel is foldably connected to the inner margin portion of the back mounting panel and at least partially abuts against the inner margin portion of the back mounting panel. **Claim 9**: The carrier according to claim 4, further comprising at least one top panel that at least partially oppositely contacts the central panel, a front side panel foldably connected to the front mounting panel, and a back side panel foldably connected to the back mounting panel, wherein the at least one top panel is a front top panel foldably connected to the front side panel, and the carrier further comprises a back top panel foldably connected to the back side panel, and the front top panel is arranged at least partially oppositely contacting the back top panel. **Claim 10**: The carrier according to claim 4, further comprising at least one top panel that at least partially oppositely contacts the central panel, and further comprising a handle feature, wherein the handle feature comprises at least one handle opening in at least one of the at least one top panel, is aligned with at least one handle opening in the central panel, the at least one handle opening is at least one first handle opening in the central panel, the handle feature further comprises at least one second handle opening in the central panel, and the at least one second handle opening in the central panel is arranged longitudinally adjacent to the at least one first handle opening in the central panel. **Claim 11** A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: a front portion comprising a front mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; a back portion comprising a back mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; a central portion extending from the front portion to the back portion, the central portion comprising a central panel that overlaps respective portions of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel when the carrier is formed from the blank. **Claim 12** The blank according to claim 11, wherein the central panel is foldably connected to each of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel. **Claim 13** The blank according to claim 12, wherein the central panel has a connecting portion foldably connected to each of a front reinforcing portion and a back reinforcing portion. **Claim 14** The blank according to claim 13, wherein the front reinforcing part is foldably connected to the front mounting panel, and the back reinforcing part is foldably connected to the back mounting panel.

15. The front mounting panel includes a mounting part, an inner margin part foldably connected to the mounting part, and an outer margin part foldably connected to the mounting part. The front reinforcing part of the central panel is foldably connected to the inner margin part of the front mounting panel and at least partially contacts it in an opposing manner. The blank according to claim 14.

16. The front mounting panel according to claim 15 includes at least one curved notch for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, and at least one opening for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers.

17. The back mounting panel includes a mounting part, an inner margin part foldably connected to the mounting part of the back mounting panel, and an outer margin part foldably connected to the mounting part of the back mounting panel. The back reinforcing part of the central panel is foldably connected to the inner margin part of the back mounting panel and at least partially contacts the inner margin part of the back mounting panel in an opposing manner. The blank according to claim 15.

18. When the carrier is formed from the blank, it further includes at least one top panel that at least partially contacts the central panel in an opposing manner, a front side panel foldably connected to the front mounting panel, and a back side panel foldably connected to the back mounting panel. The at least one top panel is a front top panel foldably connected to the front side panel. The blank further includes a back top panel foldably connected to the back side panel. The front top panel is arranged to at least partially contact the back top panel in an opposing manner. The blank according to claim 14. **Claim 19**: When the carrier is formed from the blank, it further comprises at least one top panel that at least partially faces and contacts the central panel, and further comprises a handle feature. The handle feature comprises at least one handle opening within at least one of the top panels. When the carrier is formed from the blank, it is aligned with at least one handle opening in the central panel. The at least one handle opening is at least one first handle opening in the central panel. The handle feature further comprises at least one second handle opening in the central panel. The at least one second handle opening in the central panel is arranged longitudinally adjacent to the at least one first handle opening in the central panel. The blank according to claim 14. **Claim 20** A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a front portion with a front mounting panel, a back portion with a back mounting panel, and a central portion extending from the front portion to the back portion; aligning the front mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; aligning the back mounting panel for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; aligning a central panel that overlaps respective portions of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel. **Claim 21** The method according to claim 20, wherein the central panel is foldably connected to each of the front mounting panel and the back mounting panel. **Claim 22** The method according to claim 21, wherein the central panel has a connecting portion foldably connected to each of a front reinforcing portion and a back reinforcing portion. **Claim 23** The method according to claim 22, wherein the front reinforcing portion is foldably connected to the front mounting panel and the back reinforcing portion is foldably connected to the back mounting panel. **Claim 24** The front mounting panel includes a mounting portion, an inner margin portion that is foldably connected to the mounting portion, and an outer margin portion that is foldably connected to the mounting portion. The front reinforcing portion of the central panel is foldably connected to the inner margin portion of the front mounting panel. The method further comprises the step of aligning the front reinforcing portion of the central panel so as to at least partially face the inner margin portion of the front mounting panel. The method according to claim 23.

25. The front mounting panel includes at least one curved cutout for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, and at least one opening for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers. The method according to claim 24.

26. The method comprises the step of obliquely aligning the inner margin portion and the outer margin portion of the front mounting panel with respect to the mounting portion of the front mounting panel. The method according to claim 24.

27. The rear mounting panel includes a mounting portion, an inner margin portion that is foldably connected to the mounting portion of the rear mounting panel, and an outer margin portion that is foldably connected to the mounting portion of the rear mounting panel. The rear reinforcing portion of the central panel is foldably connected to the inner margin portion of the rear mounting panel and is in at least partial opposing contact with the inner margin portion of the rear mounting panel. The method according to claim 24.

28. It comprises at least one top panel, a front side panel foldably connected to the front mounting panel, and a rear side panel foldably connected to the rear mounting panel. The at least one top panel is a front top panel foldably connected to the front side panel. The carrier further comprises a rear top panel foldably connected to the rear side panel. The method comprises the step of aligning the at least one top panel so as to at least partially oppose and contact the central panel, and aligning the front top panel so as to at least partially oppose and contact the rear top panel. The method according to claim 23. **Claim 29**: Further comprising at least one top panel and a handle feature, wherein the handle feature comprises at least one handle opening within at least one of the top panels, which is aligned with at least one handle opening in the central panel, the method further comprising aligning the at least one top panel so as to be at least partially in opposed contact with the central panel and causing the at least one handle opening and the at least one handle opening to be in alignment, the at least one handle opening being at least one first handle opening in the central panel, the handle feature further comprising at least one second handle opening in the central panel, the at least one second handle opening in the central panel being arranged longitudinally adjacent to the at least one first handle opening in the central panel. The method according to claim 23. **Claim 30** A plurality of containers A package comprising the carrier according to claim 1 for holding the plurality of containers.

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