Carrier for containers

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a central panel including a plurality of container-retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; at least one reinforcing flap foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcing flap including a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart areas extending from the base portion to be positioned between each of the plurality of containers; and at least one reinforcing feature interrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcing flap.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 346,494, filed May 27, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 324,264, filed March 28, 2022.

[0002] [Incorporated by reference] U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 487,131, filed September 28, 2021, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 487,113, filed September 28, 2021, U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 775,557, filed March 24, 2021, U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 775,558, filed March 24, 2021, U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 775,559, filed March 24, 2021, U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 775,560, filed September 24, 2021, The disclosures of each of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 487,262, filed on May 8, 2022, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 835,127, filed on June 8, 2022, U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 838,182, filed on May 11, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 346,494, filed on May 27, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 324,264, filed on March 28, 2022, are incorporated by reference into this specification for all purposes as if set forth in their entireties herein. [Background technology]

[0003] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to cartons or carriers for holding, displaying and / or transporting containers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a central panel including a plurality of container-retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; at least one reinforcing flap foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcing flap including a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart areas extending from the base portion to be positioned between each of the plurality of containers; and at least one reinforcing feature interrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcing flap.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank including: a top panel including a plurality of container retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of a plurality of containers when a carrier is formed from the blank; a central panel including a plurality of container retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers; at least one reinforcing flap foldably connected to the top panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcing flap including a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart areas extending from the base portion to be positioned between each of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank; and at least one reinforcing feature interrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcing flap.

[0006] According to another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method including the steps of obtaining a blank including a central panel including a plurality of container-retaining openings, at least one reinforcing flap foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcing flap including a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart areas extending from the base portion, and at least one reinforcing feature interrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcing flap, the method further including the steps of folding the at least one reinforcing flap such that the plurality of container-retaining openings are positioned to at least partially receive each of the plurality of containers and the plurality of spaced apart areas are positioned between each of the plurality of containers.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a package including a plurality of containers and a carrier for holding the plurality of containers, the carrier including a central panel including a plurality of container-retaining openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, at least one reinforcing flap foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcing flap including a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart areas extending from the base portion and positioned between each of the plurality of containers, and at least one reinforcing feature interrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcing flap.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned 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-mentioned 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 in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface 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 portion of the blank of FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is another enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of a package including a carrier and a plurality of containers formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the package and carrier of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the package and carrier of FIG. 2 being lifted by a user. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 5. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of a package including a carrier and a plurality of containers formed from the blank of FIG. 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the package and carrier of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the package and carrier of FIG. 6 being lifted by a user. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view of a package including a carrier and a plurality of containers formed from the blank of FIG. 9 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, structures, sleeves or cartons, etc. for holding and displaying containers, such as jars, bottles and cans. The containers can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products. The containers can be made from materials suitable for the composition to package the particular food or beverage item, including, but not limited to, glass, plastics, such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH and nylon, aluminum and / or other metals, and any combination thereof.

[0013] 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 a package embodiment. As used herein, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to orientations determined with respect to a fully assembled package.

[0014] FIG 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 for forming a carrier 105 (FIG 2) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG 1A and FIG 1B are detailed views of a portion of the blank 103. As described further herein, the carrier 105 can be configured to hold / support / retain / receive multiple containers. The carrier 105 can carry one or more containers for forming a package 107 (FIG 2).

[0015] 2, the carrier 105 is sized to accommodate or support eight containers B, with four containers B attached to a front 106 of the carrier 105 and four containers B attached to a rear 108 of the carrier 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers B may be bottles, such as plastic bottles formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another polymer and having an upper portion including an at least partially tapered neck portion N intersecting a flange F that at least partially supports a cap CP. In other embodiments, the containers B may be beverage cans or other suitable type and size containers. The carrier 105 may be provided with one or more of the containers B as a package 107.

[0016] 1, 1A, and 1B, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. In one embodiment, axis L1 may be a transverse axis and axis L2 may be a longitudinal axis. The blank 103 includes a mounting or central panel 117 that includes container retention features for engaging a container B when the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103, as described further herein.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 also includes a first reinforcing panel or flap 119 foldably connected to the central panel 117 at a longitudinal fold line 121 (broadly, the "first fold line") and a second reinforcing panel or flap 123 foldably connected to the central panel 117 at a longitudinal fold line 125 (broadly, the "second fold line"). As described further herein, one or both of the reinforcing flaps 119 and 123 can include a reinforcing feature for at least partially reinforcing one or more portions of the carrier 105 / package 107 formed from the blank 103. In some embodiments, one or both of the reinforcing flaps 119 and 123 can also form a portion of a container-retaining feature of the blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107.

[0018] The container-retaining features of the blank 103 / central panel 117 can include at least container-retaining openings 135 (broadly, a "first plurality of container-retaining openings"). As shown, the container-retaining openings 135 can be provided in a number of rows and columns corresponding to the desired number of containers to be retained by the carrier 105 formed from the blank 103. Although the central panel 117 is shown having the container-retaining openings 135 arranged in two rows / columns of four openings 135 each, it will be understood that a different number and / or arrangement of the container-retaining openings 135 can be provided without departing from this disclosure.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the container-retaining opening 135 can have a generally circular configuration, with the container-retaining tabs 137 (broadly, "first container-retaining tabs" or "first container-retaining projections") at least partially foldably connected to the central panel 117 at respective diagonal fold lines 139 and positioned extending into / toward the container-retaining opening 135 on laterally and longitudinally opposed sides of the container-retaining opening 135. Adjacent container-retaining tabs 137 can be at least partially separated at respective diagonal cuts 136. It will be understood that one or more of the container-retaining tabs 137 can have different configurations or arrangements without departing from this disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the container-retaining tabs 137 can have the form of edges of the central panel 117 that project into the respective container-retaining opening 135.

[0020] As shown in detail in FIG. 1B, the blank 103 / carrier 105 may also have a handle feature including a plurality of handle openings 138 defined in the central panel 117 by a pair of laterally opposing curved edges 140, a pair of longitudinally opposing curved edges 142, and a plurality of beveled edges 144 extending from an end of each curved edge 140 to an end of each adjacent curved edge 142.

[0021] Each pair of handle tabs 141, 143 may be foldably connected to the central panel 117 at a respective diagonal fold line 145 and positioned to extend at least partially into a respective handle opening 138. The handle tabs 141, 143 may be arranged in respective adjacent pairs, with each pair of handle tabs 141 positioned in generally opposing relationship and adjacent a respective pair of handle tabs 143 in opposing relationship, with adjacent handle tabs 141, 143 separated at a respective cut line 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the diagonal fold line 145 may be at least partially coextensive with a respective diagonal edge 144 of the respective handle opening 138.

[0022] In this regard, as shown, a set of four alternating generally opposed handle tabs 141, 143 may be provided at selected locations and / or selected intervals along the central panel 117. It will be understood that different numbers and arrangements of handle features may be provided without departing from this disclosure.

[0023] As shown, the handle tabs 141 can have generally concavely curved free edges that extend from an end of each adjacent cut 146 to an end of another respective adjacent cut 146. The handle reinforcement flaps 147 can be foldably connected to the respective handle tabs 143 at respective diagonal fold lines 149 as shown and can have at least partially curved edges that correspond to the respective concavely curved edges of the handle tabs 141. The handle reinforcement flaps 147 can be at least partially bisected by respective cuts 146, and adjacent handle reinforcement flaps 147 can be separated at respective diagonal cuts 151.

[0024] 1, 1A, and 1B, the blank 103 / carrier 105 formed therefrom may be configured to stiffen / restrain relative movement of portions of the blank 103 / carrier 105 during use. As shown, a series of three laterally spaced apart reinforcement panels 157 (broadly, a "first reinforcement feature" or "first plurality of spaced apart reinforcement features") may be positioned interrupting the fold line 121. Each reinforcement panel 157 may be an area of ​​the blank 103 / carrier 105 between the central panel 117 and the reinforcement flap 119, as shown, that is defined by a line of weakness 159 extending between the endpoints of a segment of the fold line 121.

[0025] The line of weakness 159 may include a plurality of intersecting diagonal segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d may be arranged to form a generally lozenge / diamond shaped reinforcing panel 157. In one embodiment, each of the segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d of the line of weakness 159 may be arranged at an angle of about 45° relative to each of the axes L1, L2. It will be understood that one or more of the lines of weakness 159 / reinforcing panels 157 may have one or more different features, such as curvatures and / or vertical / horizontal portions, without departing from this disclosure.

[0026] As shown, a series of three vertically spaced apart reinforcement panels 157 (broadly, a "second reinforcement feature" or "second plurality of spaced apart reinforcement features") may also be provided interrupting the fold line 125 so as to be positioned between the central panel 117 and the reinforcement flap 123. It will be understood that a different number and / or arrangement of reinforcement panels 157 may be provided without departing from this disclosure.

[0027] 1, 1A and 1B, the reinforcing features of the blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107 may include one or more portions of the reinforcing flaps 119, 123. As shown, the reinforcing flap 119 includes a base portion 160 having the general form of a plurality of longitudinally spaced, tapered lateral extents 161 defining generally curved free edges 163. As shown, the base portions 160 of each reinforcing flap 119, 123 of the blank 103, and the carrier 105 formed therefrom, may define a first longitudinal width D1 (FIG. 3) that is greater than a second longitudinal width D2 defined by each extent 161.

[0028] As shown, a pair of reinforcing tabs 165 may be foldably connected to opposing free edges of each region 161 at respective diagonal fold lines 167. Each reinforcing tab 165 defines a respective diagonal outer free edge 169 that intersects with a respective longitudinal free edge 171 as shown, and a respective inwardly curved free edge 173 that intersects with the respective longitudinal free edge 171. Each inwardly curved free edge 173 intersects with an end of the free edge 163 of an adjacent region 161 to form a recess or generally continuous concave edge 175 formed by each pair of regions 161 and reinforcing tabs 165.

[0029] Similarly, the second reinforcement flap 123 can include a base portion 160 having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart areas 161, reinforcement tabs 165 and associated features.

[0030] Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features may be differently 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 eight containers without departing from this disclosure.

[0031] 2 and 3, according to one exemplary embodiment for forming the carrier 105 / package 107, the blank 103 can be positioned above a group of containers B and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 can be folded toward the inner and underside of the blank 103 at their respective fold lines 121, 125 such that the concave curved edge 175 presented by each reinforcing flap 119, 123 and associated reinforcing tab 165 is generally aligned with respective portions of the respective curved edges 140, 142 and respective adjacent beveled edges 144 of the respective handle openings 138. Moreover, in such an arrangement, the respective areas 161 extending from the respective reinforcing flaps 119, 123 are positioned to extend between each of the plurality of containers B.

[0032] In such an arrangement, the central panel 117 can be in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the reinforcing flaps 119, 123, and the blank 103 can be lowered onto the container B such that at least each cap CP and flange F of each container B can be at least partially received through each container-retaining opening 135. In one embodiment, at least a portion of one or more neck portions N of multiple containers B can be received through each container-retaining opening 135.

[0033] Such movement of the respective upper portions of the respective containers B through the respective container-retaining openings 135 may urge the container-retaining tabs 137 upward at the respective fold lines 139 so as to extend at least partially upwardly relative to the central panel 117. In this regard, the container-retaining tabs 137 may extend from the central panel 117 and contact the underside of the respective flanges F or other structure on the top of the respective containers B to absorb / fill any gap therebetween and contribute to a firm and stable engagement between the central panel 117 and the respective containers B.

[0034] 4, the overlapping relationship of the respective portions of the central panel 117 and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 provides an underlying support or shelf-like feature that can minimize / resist bending, buckling, bending, twisting, etc., while providing a stable platform upon which the central panel 117 and the container-retaining tabs 137 extending upwardly therefrom are supported. In one embodiment, the bendable connection of the reinforcing tabs 165 to their respective areas 161 can facilitate relative movement of the reinforcing tabs 165 to their respective areas 161, for example to provide stress relief during movement of the carrier 105 / package 107.

[0035] In addition to the support provided by the two-layer / overlapping engagement between the central panel 117 and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123, the reinforcing panel 157 is presented in an outward orientation relative to the central panel 117 and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 to form a generally upright / vertical structure that further minimizes / resists bending, buckling, bending, twisting, etc. of the carrier 105 / package 107 relative to the plane defined by the central panel 117 and / or the reinforcing flaps 119, 123, e.g., the carrier 105 / package 107 minimizes / resists such forces / movements along both the vertical axis L1 and the horizontal axis L2.

[0036] The package 107 / carrier 105 can be grasped by a consumer by separating selected adjacent handle tabs 141, 143 from one another at respective breaks 146 and folding the handle tabs 141, 143 downwardly at respective fold lines 145 to expose one or more portions of respective handle openings 138 through which a user can insert one or more of a plurality of fingers. As mentioned above, the concave edges 175 of the respective reinforcement flaps 119, 123 can be positioned against / surrounding the respective handle openings 138 such that a user can engage the underside of the respective reinforcement flaps 119, 123, the adjacent reinforcement tabs 165, and / or a portion of the central panel 117, for example, adjacent the respective concave edges 175, in order to engage and lift / carry or otherwise move the carrier 105 / package 107.

[0037] Such engagement of the underside of the carrier 105 may include at least partial separation of the handle reinforcement flap 147 at the cut 151 and folding thereof at a respective fold line 149. In one embodiment, one or more of the plurality of handle reinforcement flaps 147 may be folded into at least partial face-to-face contact with a respective reinforcement flap 119, 123 such that the respective reinforcement flap 119, 123 is positioned between the respective reinforcement flap 119, 123 and the respective handle tab 141, 143 to form a three-ply reinforced region adjacent one or more of the plurality of handle openings 138.

[0038] Once the package 107 / carrier 105 is formed, each container B can be removed from the carrier 105, for example by pulling the flange F and cap CP of each container B through the respective container retaining openings 135, thereby disengaging the container B, the center panel 117 and the respective reinforcing flaps 119, 123.

[0039] It will be understood that the carrier 105 / package 107 may have different configurations without departing from this disclosure.

[0040] 5 and 5A, there is shown an exterior surface 201 of a blank 203 for forming a carrier 205 and package 207 (FIG. 6) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The blank 203 and the carrier / package formed therefrom may have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107, and the like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

[0041] As shown, the blank 203 can have features generally similar to those of the blank 103 described above, except that the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 can be provided without the reinforcing tabs 165 attached to the areas 161. Additionally, a respective plurality of longitudinally spaced areas 261 extend from a respective base portion 160 of a respective reinforcing flap 119, 123.

[0042] As shown, the blank 203 and the extent 261 of the carrier 205 formed therefrom can have at least partially truncated / flattened free edges 262, although the blank 203 / carrier 205 extent 261 can incorporate one or more of curved edges, beveled edges, tapers, etc. without departing from this disclosure. In this regard, the base portion 160 of each reinforcement flap 119, 123 of the blank 203 and the carrier 205 formed therefrom can define a first longitudinal width D3 that is greater than the longitudinal width D4 defined by the respective extent 261.

[0043] Additionally, the handle opening 138 and associated features in the blank 203 / carrier 205 may have an orientation that is rotated approximately 90° clockwise or counterclockwise from the blank 103 / carrier 105 orientation described above.

[0044] Additionally, the blank 203 and the carrier 205 / package 207 formed therefrom can be sized and configured to hold two rows / columns of three containers B, e.g., two rows / columns of container-retaining openings 135 and associated features, respective pairs of vertically spaced reinforcing panels 157 interrupting respective fold lines 121, 125, and respective pairs of vertically spaced handle openings 138 and associated features. It will be appreciated that the blank 203 and carrier 205 / package 207 can have different configurations and / or arrangements of features corresponding to the desired number of containers B to be supported.

[0045] 6 and 7, the blank 203 may be formed into a carrier 205 and attached to one or more containers B to form a package 207 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107, absent the reinforcing tab 165 on the underside of the central panel 117. In this regard, the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 may be folded at respective fold lines 121, 125 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the central panel 117, and the containers B may be at least partially received by / attached to the carrier 205 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107. Thus, the extent 161 of each reinforcing flap 119, 123 may be positioned to extend between each of the plurality of containers B.

[0046] Thus, the carrier 205 / package 207 may have a front portion 206 supporting three containers B and a rear portion 208 supporting three containers B.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 8, the overlapping relationship between the respective portions of the central panel 117 and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 is such that the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 provide an underlying support or shelf-like feature that can minimize / resist bending, buckling, bending, twisting, etc., while providing a stable platform upon which the central panel 117 and the container retaining tabs 137 extending upwardly therefrom are supported.

[0048] In addition to the support provided by the two-layer / overlapping engagement between the central panel 117 and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123, the reinforcing panel 157 is presented in an outward orientation relative to the central panel 117 and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 to form a generally upright / vertical structure that further minimizes / resists such forces / movements of the carrier 105 / package 107 relative to the plane defined by the central panel 117 and / or the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 so that the carrier 205 / package 207 minimizes / resists bending, buckling, bending, twisting, etc. along both the vertical axis L1 and the horizontal axis L2, for example in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the carrier 105 / package 107.

[0049] 9, there is shown an exterior surface 301 of a blank 303 for forming a carrier 305 and package 307 (FIG. 10) according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Blank 303 and the carrier / package formed therefrom may have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107 and blank 203 / carrier 205 / package 207, with the like or similar features being designated with like or similar reference numerals.

[0050] As shown, blank 303 can have features generally similar to those of blank 103 described above, except that blank 303 is provided with a single reinforcing panel 157 interrupting each of the respective fold lines 121, 125, the reinforcing panel 157 having a vertical width generally greater than the vertical widths of the respective reinforcing panels 157 of blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107 and blank 203 / carrier 205 / package 207 described above.

[0051] In some embodiments, a portion of the lines of weakness 159 associated with one or both of the reinforcement panels 157 may be at least partially interrupted by a break to facilitate formation of the carrier 305 / package 307 in the manner described herein. In some embodiments, such a break may be located along a portion of each line of weakness 159 proximate to the respective reinforcement flap 119, 123.

[0052] 10, the blank 303 may be formed into a carrier 305 and attached to one or more containers B to form a package 307 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107 and blank 203 / carrier 205 / package 207. In this regard, the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 may be folded at respective fold lines 121, 125 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the central panel 117, and the containers B may be at least partially received by / attached to the carrier 305 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to blank 103 / carrier 105 / package 107 and blank 203 / carrier 205 / package 207. Thus, the extent 161 of each reinforcing flap 119, 123 may be positioned to extend between each of the multiple containers B.

[0053] Thus, the carrier 305 / package 307 may have a front portion 306 supporting three containers B and a rear portion 308 supporting three containers B.

[0054] The overlapping relationship between the respective portions of the central panel 117 and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 allows the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 to provide an underlying support or shelf-like feature that can minimize / resist bending, buckling, bending, twisting, etc., while providing a stable platform upon which the central panel 117 and the container retaining tabs 137 extending upwardly therefrom are supported.

[0055] In addition to the support provided by the two-layer / overlapping engagement between the central panel 117 and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123, the reinforcing panel 157 is presented in an outward orientation relative to the central panel 117 and the reinforcing flaps 119, 123 to form a generally upright / vertical structure that further minimizes / resists such forces / movements of the carrier 105 / package 107 relative to the plane defined by the central panel 117 and / or the reinforcing flaps 119, 123, such that the carrier 305 / package 307 minimizes / resists bending, buckling, bending, twisting, etc. along both the vertical axis L1 and the horizontal axis L2 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the carrier 105 / package 107 and the carrier 205 / package 207.

[0056] It will be understood that one or more of the blanks 103, 203, 303, carriers 105, 205, 305, and packages 107, 207, 307 described herein may have one or more features configured or arranged differently without departing from this disclosure.

[0057] Generally, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a thickness such that it is 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. Product, advertising, and other information or images may then be printed on the clay coating. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated with a moisture barrier layer, for example, on one 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 sections.

[0058] 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 apart 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 apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart such that a nick (e.g., a small, somewhat bridge-like piece of material) is defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, the nicks can be omitted from the tear line or torn at the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous line of cut. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure to replace each of the tear lines with a continuous slit, etc. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than a slit without departing from this disclosure.

[0059] According to exemplary embodiments, the fold lines are not necessarily linear, but can be any substantially linear form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, and without intending to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scribing knife or the like, that create a crushed or recessed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness, cuts that extend partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, as well as various combinations of these features. In situations where cuts are used to create the fold lines, the cuts are typically not overly extensive so that a reasonable user may mistakenly consider the fold lines to be tear lines.

[0060] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by an adhesive 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.

[0061] The foregoing description of the present disclosure 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. It is intended that all matters contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In addition, 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 changes or modifications can be made within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, consistent with the above teachings, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, some 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, comprising: a central panel including a plurality of container-retaining openings each at least partially receiving a respective one of the plurality of containers; at least one reinforcement flap foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcement flap including a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart areas extending from the base portion to be positioned between each of the plurality of containers; at least one reinforcing feature interrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcing flap; A carrier comprising:

2. 10. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcing feature is generally perpendicular to the central panel.

3. The carrier of claim 2 , wherein the at least one reinforcing feature is formed by a line of weakness.

4. the line of weakness includes a plurality of diagonal line segments, each of the plurality of diagonal line segments intersecting at least one other of the plurality of diagonal line segments; 4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein the at least one reinforcing feature is a generally diamond shaped panel.

5. 3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein at least one container-retaining tab is foldably connected to said central panel at a respective fold line and positioned to extend into each of said plurality of container-retaining openings.

6. the at least one reinforcement flap is a first reinforcement flap, the fold line is a first fold line, the at least one reinforcement feature is a first reinforcement feature that interrupts the first fold line, the carrier further comprises a second reinforcement flap foldably connected to the central panel at a second fold line, the carrier further comprises a second reinforcement feature that interrupts the second fold line; 6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the first reinforcement feature is a first reinforcement feature of a first plurality of spaced apart reinforcement features that interrupt the first fold line and the second reinforcement feature is a second reinforcement feature of a second plurality of spaced apart reinforcement features that interrupt the second fold line.

7. 3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein said base portion of said at least one reinforcing flap has a first width and each of said plurality of areas has a second width, said first width being greater than said second width.

8. The carrier of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the plurality of areas has a tapered configuration.

9. At least one reinforcing tab is foldably connected to each of the plurality of regions, Further comprising a plurality of handle openings; 8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein each of said plurality of areas defines a curved free edge aligned with a respective one of said plurality of handle openings.

10. 1. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, comprising: a top panel including a plurality of container-retaining openings that at least partially receive each of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank; a central panel including a plurality of container-retaining openings each at least partially receiving a respective one of the plurality of containers; at least one reinforcement flap foldably connected to the top panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcement flap including a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart areas extending from the base portion to be positioned between each of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank; at least one reinforcing feature interrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcing flap; A blank comprising:

11. 11. The blank of claim 10, wherein the at least one reinforcing feature is intended to be positioned generally upright relative to the central panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

12. the at least one reinforcing feature is formed by a line of weakness; the line of weakness includes a plurality of diagonal line segments, each of the plurality of diagonal line segments intersecting at least one other of the plurality of diagonal line segments; The blank of claim 11 , wherein the at least one reinforcing feature is a generally diamond shaped panel.

13. At least one container-retaining tab is foldably connected to the central panel at a respective fold line and positioned to extend into each of the plurality of container-retaining openings; the at least one reinforcement flap is a first reinforcement flap, the fold line is a first fold line, the at least one reinforcement feature is a first reinforcement feature that interrupts the first fold line, the blank further comprises a second reinforcement flap foldably connected to the central panel at a second fold line, the blank further comprises a second reinforcement feature that interrupts the second fold line; 12. The blank of claim 11, wherein the first reinforcement feature is a first reinforcement feature of a first plurality of spaced apart reinforcement features that interrupt the first fold line and the second reinforcement feature is a second reinforcement feature of a second plurality of spaced apart reinforcement features that interrupt the second fold line.

14. 12. The blank of claim 11, wherein the base portion of the at least one reinforcement flap has a first width and each of the plurality of areas has a second width, the first width being greater than the second width.

15. The blank of claim 14 , wherein at least one of the plurality of areas has a tapered configuration.

16. At least one reinforcing tab is foldably connected to each of the plurality of regions, Further comprising a plurality of handle openings; 15. The blank of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of areas defines a curved free edge that is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of handle openings when the carrier is formed from the blank.

17. 1. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, comprising the steps of: obtaining a blank including a central panel including a plurality of container-retaining openings, at least one reinforcing flap foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcing flap including a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart areas extending from the base portion, and at least one reinforcing feature interrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcing flap; folding the at least one reinforcement flap such that the plurality of container-retaining openings are positioned to at least partially receive each of the plurality of containers and the plurality of spaced apart areas are positioned between each of the plurality of containers; The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one reinforcement flap is folded such that the at least one reinforcement feature is generally perpendicular to the central panel.

19. the at least one reinforcing feature is formed by a line of weakness; the line of weakness includes a plurality of diagonal segments, each of the plurality of diagonal segments intersecting at least one other of the plurality of diagonal segments; 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one reinforcing feature is a generally diamond shaped panel.

20. At least one container-retaining tab is foldably connected to the central panel at a respective fold line and positioned to extend into each of the plurality of container-retaining openings; the at least one reinforcement flap is a first reinforcement flap, the fold line is a first fold line, the at least one reinforcement feature is a first reinforcement feature that interrupts the first fold line, the blank further comprises a second reinforcement flap foldably connected to the central panel at a second fold line, the blank further comprises a second reinforcement feature that interrupts the second fold line; 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first reinforcement feature is a first reinforcement feature of a first plurality of spaced apart reinforcement features that interrupt the first fold line and the second reinforcement feature is a second reinforcement feature of a second plurality of spaced apart reinforcement features that interrupt the second fold line.

21. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the base portion of the at least one reinforcement flap has a first width and each of the plurality of areas has a second width, the first width being greater than the second width.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of the plurality of areas has a tapered configuration.

23. the blank further comprises at least one reinforcing tab foldably connected to each of the plurality of regions; 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the blank further comprises a plurality of handle openings, each of the plurality of areas defining a curved free edge, and the at least one reinforcement flap is folded such that the curved free edge of each of the plurality of areas is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of handle openings.

24. A package comprising: A plurality of containers; A carrier according to claim 1; A package comprising:

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