Package for container

Abstract

A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The carrier includes a plurality of panels, including a bottom panel, outer side panels, a top panel, inner side panels, a central panel, and end flaps. At least a first container receptacle and a second container receptacle extend through at least the bottom panel for at least partially receiving a container from the plurality of containers. An inner opening can extend through the inner side panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container at least partially received in the first container receptacle. A free edge of the end flap can be for engaging a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receptacle. The central panel can extend at least partially between the first container receptacle and the second container receptacle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 394,392, filed August 2, 2022.

[0002] [Incorporated by reference] The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 394,392, filed August 2, 2022, and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 898,807, filed August 1, 2023, are each incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth in their entirety in this disclosure. [Background technology]

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to packaging or carrier cartons for holding and displaying containers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to carriers having features for at least partially retaining containers in a package. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The carrier may include a plurality of panels, including a bottom panel, outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panels, inner side panels foldably connected to the top panel, a central panel foldably connected to the inner side panels, and end flaps foldably connected to the central panel. At least a first container receptacle and a second container receptacle extend through at least the bottom panel, each for at least partially receiving a container from the plurality of containers. An inner opening may extend through the inner side panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container at least partially received in the first container receptacle, and a free edge of the end flap may be adapted to engage a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receptacle. The central panel can extend at least partially between the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a package including a carrier that at least partially holds a plurality of containers. The carrier can include a plurality of panels, including a bottom panel, outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panels, inner side panels foldably connected to the top panel, a central panel foldably connected to the inner side panels, and end flaps foldably connected to the central panel. At least a first container receptacle and a second container receptacle can extend through at least the bottom panel, and each of the first container receptacle and the second container receptacle at least partially receives a respective container of the plurality of containers. An inner opening can extend through the inner side panel and can at least partially receive a first flange of a first container at least partially received in the first container receptacle, and a free edge of the end flap can engage a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receptacle. The central panel can extend at least partially between the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The blank can include a plurality of panels, including a bottom panel, outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panels, inner side panels foldably connected to the top panel, a central panel foldably connected to the inner side panels, and end flaps foldably connected to the central panel. At least a first container receptacle and a second container receptacle can extend through at least the bottom panel, each of the first container receptacle and the second container receptacle for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank. An inner opening can extend through the inner side panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container at least partially received in the first container receptacle when the carrier is formed from the blank. The free edge of the end flap can be for engaging a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receiving portion when the carrier is formed from the blank, and the central panel can be for extending at least partially between the first and second container receiving portions when the carrier is formed from the blank.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a package. The method can include obtaining a blank including a plurality of panels, including a bottom panel, outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panels, inner side panels foldably connected to the top panel, a central panel foldably connected to the inner side panels, and end flaps foldably connected to the central panel. The blank can further include at least first and second container receptacles extending through at least the bottom panel and an inner opening extending through the inner side panels. The method can further include engaging a plurality of containers with the blank such that the first and second container receptacles at least partially receive a first and second container of the plurality of containers, respectively. Furthermore, the method can include forming a carrier by arranging the plurality of panels. Arranging the plurality of panels may include positioning the inner side panels so that the inner opening at least partially receives a first flange of the first container, positioning the central panel so that it extends at least partially between the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion, and positioning the end flaps so that free edges of the end flaps engage second edges of the second container.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The carrier can include a plurality of panels, including a bottom panel, first and second outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, first and second top panels foldably connected to the first and second outer side panels, and first and second inner side panels foldably connected to the first and second top panels, respectively. A first inner opening in the first inner side panel can be for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container of the plurality of containers, and a second inner opening in the second inner side panel can be for at least partially receiving a second flange of a second container of the plurality of containers. At least a portion of the first and second inner side panels can extend from the first and second inner openings, respectively, toward the bottom panel.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a package including a carrier that at least partially holds a plurality of containers. The carrier can include a plurality of panels, including a bottom panel, first and second outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, first and second top panels foldably connected to the first and second outer side panels, and first and second inner side panels foldably connected to the first and second top panels, respectively. A first inner opening in the first inner side panel can at least partially receive a first flange of a first container of the plurality of containers, and a second inner opening in the second inner side panel can at least partially receive a second flange of a second container of the plurality of containers. At least a portion of the first and second inner side panels can extend from the first and second inner openings, respectively, toward the bottom panel.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method for forming a package. The method can include obtaining a blank including a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels including a bottom panel, first and second outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, first and second top panels foldably connected to the first and second outer side panels, respectively, and first and second inner side panels foldably connected to the first and second top panels, respectively. The blank can further include at least a first inner opening extending through the first inner side panel and a second inner opening extending through the second inner side panel. The method can further include engaging a plurality of containers, including at least a first container and a second container, with the blank and forming a carrier by arranging the plurality of panels. Arranging the plurality of panels can include positioning a first inner side panel so that the first inner opening at least partially receives a first flange of the first container and at least a portion of the first inner side panel extends from the first inner opening toward the bottom panel, and positioning a second inner side panel so that the second inner opening at least partially receives a second flange of the second container and at least a portion of the second inner side panel extends from the second inner opening toward the bottom panel.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will appreciate these advantages, as well as other benefits and advantages of various additional embodiments, by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below.

[0012] 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates the installation of a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates the installation of a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 1 illustrates the installation of a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the package of FIG. 3. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the package of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blank for forming a package according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a package formed from the blank of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 7 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the carrier of FIG. 6 showing retention tabs engaging retention openings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference characters throughout the drawings.

[0015] The present disclosure generally relates to structures, sleeves, cartons, and the like, and packages for holding and displaying articles such as containers, jars, bottles, cans, and the like. The articles can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products. The articles can be made from materials of a composition suitable for packaging a particular food or beverage product, including, but not limited to, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon, aluminum and / or other metals, glass, or any combination thereof.

[0016] Carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of many different shapes. For purposes of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes a food or beverage product container (e.g., a plastic container) at least partially disposed within an embodiment of the carrier. As used herein, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," "top," "front," "forward," "rear," "rearward," "inside," "outside," "internal," and "external" refer to orientations determined relative to a fully installed, upright package. As described herein, the carrier can be formed from a blank having multiple panels, sections, tabs, and / or flaps, which may be designated herein with consecutive or non-consecutive reference by terms relative to one another, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., without departing from the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior side 3 of a blank 8 used to form a carrier 1 (FIG. 3) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Carrier 1 can be attached to a container C to form a package 2. In the embodiment, container C is illustrated as a beverage container (e.g., a plastic bottle or other suitable container) having a top portion T with a ring or flange F, although other containers may be held by carrier 1 without departing from this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, carrier 1 is sized to accommodate six containers C in a 3x2 array in a single layer, although it will be understood that carrier 1 may be sized and shaped to hold different or the same amount of containers or only a single item in different row / column arrays (e.g., 1x6, 2x6, 4x6, 3x8, 3x4, 2x9, 3x6, etc.).

[0018] Blank 8 has a longitudinal axis LI and a transverse axis L2. Blank 8 includes a bottom panel 11 foldably connected to first outer side panel 13 along first transverse fold line 15, and a second outer side panel 17 foldably connected to bottom panel 11 along second transverse fold line 19. A first top panel 21 is foldably connected to first outer side panel 13 along transverse fold line 23, and a second top panel 25 is foldably connected to second outer side panel 17 along transverse fold line 27. A first inner side panel 29 is foldably connected to first top panel 21 along transverse fold line 31, and a second inner side panel 33 is foldably connected to second top panel 25 along transverse fold line 35. The central panel 43 is foldably connected to the first inner side panel 29 along a transverse fold line 57 and the end flap 45 is foldably connected to the central panel 43 along a transverse fold line 59 .

[0019] 1, a row of first outer openings 41a extends in first outer side panel 13, a row of first inner openings 41b extends in first inner side panel 29, a row of second outer openings 42a extends in second outer side panel 17, and a row of second inner side openings 42b extends in second inner side panel 33. In embodiments, outer openings 41a, 42a and inner openings 41b, 42b may be shaped to at least partially receive a top portion T of a respective container C when blank 8 is formed into carrier 1. As shown in FIGS. 2B-4B, each pair of openings 41a, 41b and openings 42a, 42b engages, contacts, and / or retains a respective one of the containers C. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first outer openings 41 may have a first outer engagement edge 47a lateral to the first outer side panel 13, each of the first inner openings 41b may have a first inner engagement edge 47b lateral to the first inner side panel 29, each of the second outer openings 42a may have a second outer engagement edge 48a lateral to the second outer side panel 17, and each of the second inner openings 42b may have a second inner engagement edge 48b lateral to the second inner side panel 33. As shown in FIG. 1 , the engagement edges 47a, 47b, 48a, 48b may extend along the respective widened portions of the respective openings 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b to engage and / or contact under the flange F of the respective container C. In embodiments, openings 41 a, 42 a, 41 b, 42 b may interrupt transverse fold lines 23, 27, 31, 35, respectively. Outer openings 41 a, 42 a and inner openings 41 b, 42 b may be otherwise shaped, positioned, and / or configured without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] In embodiments, one or more cuts can be included in each of the transverse fold lines 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 57, and 59. In exemplary embodiments, the transverse fold lines 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 57, and 59 can be score / crease lines that facilitate folding of the blank 8 at those fold lines. Any number of cuts can be made in any of the fold lines, and the number and length of the cuts can be selected according to, for example, the gauge and / or stiffness of the material used to form the blank 8. The fold lines 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 57, and 59 can be made in other ways (e.g., unbroken fold lines) without departing from this disclosure.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom panel 11 may include a plurality of container receptacles or container receptacle patterns 71, 73 in a first row 75 and a second row 77, respectively. In embodiments, each container receptacle pattern 71, 73 may be shaped and sized to receive a top portion T, including a flange F, of one of the containers C ( FIG. 2A ), when the carrier 1 and package 2 are formed. As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the container receptacle patterns 71, 73 may at least partially define a bottom opening 79 and brace flaps 81, each foldably connected to the bottom panel 11 along a respective longitudinal fold line 83. In embodiments, each of the brace flaps 81 may be separable from the bottom panel 11 along two cuts 85 or any suitable number of cuts and may extend along at least a portion of the respective bottom opening 79. In embodiments, each of the brace flaps 81 may further have a longitudinal edge 87 for engaging and / or contacting beneath the flange F of the respective container C. Any of the container receiver patterns 71, 73 may be omitted or may be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and / or configured without departing from this disclosure.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 8 may include handle or gripping features. For example, the handle features may include a handle opening 91 extending into the bottom panel 11 and a handle flap 93 extending into the central panel 43. As shown in FIG. 1 , the handle flaps 93 are foldably connected to the central panel 43 along respective longitudinal fold lines 95 and are separable from the central panel 43 along cut or tear lines 97 (e.g., cut lines having one or more scores). As shown in FIG. 4 , the handle flaps 93 are aligned with the handle openings 91 when the carrier 1 is formed from the blank 8 and can be folded through the handle openings 91 to form handles (e.g., finger holes). Any of the handle features may be omitted or otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and / or positioned without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the blank 8 may be otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] 2A-2C, an exemplary method of forming the blank 8 into the carrier 1 and the package 2 is described below. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank 8 may be formed into the carrier 1 by inserting a container C through each of the container receiving patterns 71, 73. Inserting the container C into each of the patterns 71, 73 causes the brace flaps 81 to fold upward as the top of the container C moves upward against the bottom panel 11 through the respective bottom openings 79. A container C may be inserted into each of the container receiving patterns 71 in the first row, and a container C may be inserted into each of the container receiving patterns 73 in the second row. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, and 4B, the free edge 87 of the brace flaps 81 may engage and / or contact the underside of the flange F of each of the containers C. 2A and 2B, the second outer side panel 17 can be folded upward relative to the bottom panel 11 at fold line 19, and the second top panel 25 can be folded relative to the second outer side panel 17 at fold line 27 so that the top panel 25 is disposed above the top of the container C and can be in flush contact with the flat top of the container. In an embodiment, the second inner side panel 33 can be folded downward along fold line 35 to at least partially receive the top portions T of the containers C in the second row into the openings 42a, 42b of the respective side panels 17, 33, such that the engagement edges 48a, 48b of the side panels 17, 33 extending along the openings 42a, 42b, respectively, engage and / or contact the underside of the flange F of the container C (FIGS. 2B-3 and 4B).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2C, the first outer side panel 13 can be folded upward relative to the bottom panel 11 at fold line 15, and the first top panel 21 can be folded relative to the first outer side panel 13 at fold line 23 so that the top panel 21 is disposed above the top of the container C and can be in flush contact with the flat top of the container. The first inner side panel 29 can be folded downward along fold line 31 so that the top portions T of the containers in the first row can be at least partially received in the openings 41 a, 41 b in the respective side panels 13, 29, such that the engagement edges 47 a, 47 b of the side panels 13, 29 extending along the respective openings 41 a, 41 b engage and / or contact the underside of the flange F of the container C (FIGS. 2C-4A). 2C and 3, the central panel 43 can be positioned along the bottom panel 11 between the inner side panels 29, 33 (e.g., so that the central panel 43 overlaps and / or is in flush contact with the bottom panel 11). Also, as shown in Figures 2C, 3, and 4B, the end flaps 45 are folded upwardly relative to the central panel 43 along fold lines 59 so that the end flaps 45 extend upwardly from the central panel 43 and / or bottom panel 11 to the second inner opening 42b in the second inner side panel 33 to engage and / or contact the underside of the flanges F of the containers C in the second row. For example, the laterally extending outer edges 46 of the end flaps 45 engage beneath the flanges F of the containers in the second row adjacent the second inner engagement edges 48b of the second inner side panels 33 extending along the respective second inner openings 42b (FIGS. 2C and 4B). In embodiments, the end flaps 45 may overlap and / or face-contact the second inner side panels 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the brace flaps 81 of the first container receiving portion 71 may extend between and be spaced apart from the side panels 13, 29, and the brace flaps 81 of the second container receiving portion 73 may extend between and be spaced apart from the side panels 17, 33.

[0025] In embodiments, carrier 1 formed from blank 8 securely holds container C as package 2 is grasped and transported. Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, retention edges / features 46, 47a, 47b, 48a, 48b, 87 of carrier 1 hold firmly beneath flange F of container C, thereby holding the container in the carrier without the need for glue or other adhesive application to any of the panels or flaps of blank 8. For example, as package 2 is transported (e.g., by handle features), the weight of container C can press downward against edges 47a, 48a, 47b, 48b of side panels 13, 17, 29, 33 extending along respective openings 41a, 42a, 41b, 42b and laterally extending edges 46 of end flaps 45, which can press central panel 43 against bottom panel 11 and help hold carrier 1 in an installed configuration without the use of glue. In other words, the weight of the container C can reinforce the engagement of the carrier's panels and flaps to hold the carrier in its installed configuration. In addition, brace flaps 81 can help hold the container C by engaging under flange F.

[0026] In embodiments, the handle feature can be activated (e.g., to lift and transport the package 2) by folding the handle flap 93 downward from the central panel 43 along fold line 95 and through the handle opening 91 in the bottom panel 11. When the handle flap 93 is folded away from the plane of the central panel 42, the handle flap 93 can be separated from the central panel along cut or tear line 97. In exemplary embodiments, the downwardly folded handle flap 93 can engage one or more edges of the bottom panel 11 extending along the handle opening 91, which can help hold the carrier 1 in an installed configuration (e.g., can help lock the central panel 43 to the bottom panel 11). For example, engagement between the handle flap 93 and the bottom panel 11 at the handle opening 91 can resist relative movement between the central panel 43 and the bottom panel 11, helping to hold the carrier in its installed configuration.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a blank 208 for forming the carrier 201 of the package 202 (FIG. 6) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The second embodiment is generally similar to the above-described embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are given similar or similar reference numerals. In the second embodiment, the blank 208 may be similar to the blank 8 of the first embodiment, except that the blank 208 includes two rows 275, 277 of six container receiver patterns 71, 73 (e.g., having a 6x2 arrangement). Alternatively, the blank 208 may have any suitable number and / or arrangement of container receiver patterns. As shown in FIG. 5, the blank 208 includes a number of openings 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b in the side panels 13, 29, 17, 33, respectively, corresponding to the number of container receivers 71, 73. It should be noted that although the blank 208 is longer in the direction L2 than in the direction L1, in the second embodiment, consistent with other embodiments of the present disclosure, the L2 direction is referred to as the transverse direction and the L1 direction is referred to as the longitudinal direction.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 208 may include retention features to help retain the carrier 201 in its installed configuration ( FIG. 6 ). For example, a plurality of retention openings 51 may be defined in the bottom panel 11 (e.g., collinear with the handle openings 91), and a plurality of retention tabs 52 may be foldably connected to the central panel 43 along respective longitudinal fold lines 53. In embodiments, the retention tabs 52 may be arranged in pairs aligned with the respective retention openings 51 along their respective longitudinal axes. As shown in FIG. 5 , the retention tabs 52 may be separable from the central panel 43 along a curved tear or cut line 54, and the retention tabs 52 in each pair of retention tabs 52 may be separable from one another along a longitudinal cut or tear line 55 (e.g., a cut line having one or more scores). The blank 208 may be shaped, arranged, and / or configured in other manners without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a package 202 including a carrier 201 formed from a blank 208 and a plurality of containers C. In embodiments, the carrier 201 can be installed to form the package 202 in a manner similar to or identical to the embodiments described above. Retention features can be engaged in the carrier 201 during and / or after installation of the carrier 201. For example, when the central panel 43 and bottom panel 11 are stacked, the retention tabs 52 can be folded downward along their respective longitudinal fold lines 53 into the retention openings 51 in the bottom panel 11 (e.g., as shown schematically in FIG. 7 ). In embodiments, the engaged retention features (e.g., with the retention tabs 52 at least partially received in the retention openings 51) can help retain the carrier 201 in its installed configuration, such as by resisting relative movement between the central panel 43 and the bottom panel 11 (e.g., to help resist separation of the panels). The carrier 201 and / or package 202 may be formed in other manners without departing from this disclosure.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the clip-on carrier of the disclosed embodiments may provide a comfortable and reliable transport experience with improved stability, durability, and strength. The carrier can be adapted to accommodate multiple bottle types, sizes, and configurations. The carrier and package may be formed / assembled by hand and / or machine. In embodiments, the carrier's structure may be molded around the top portion T of the container C (e.g., the bottle head) to facilitate improving package rigidity. In exemplary embodiments, two clip methods (e.g., a combination of brace flap 81 and openings 41a, 42a, 41b, 42b in side panels 13, 17, 29, 33) may help strengthen the package and may engage and strengthen the container C when the package is picked up via the finger holes (handle feature). In embodiments, the carrier's structure allows the package to be assembled without the need for glue.

[0031] The carriers of any of the illustrated or non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure may have other features (e.g., dispenser features, handle features, reinforcement features, etc.) without departing from the present disclosure. Also, the carriers may be shaped, arranged, and / or configured in other manners, and may be configured to hold items other than beverage containers C, without departing from the present disclosure.

[0032] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with, substituted for, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The carrier styles and panel configurations described above are included as examples.

[0033] Generally, the blank may be made of cardboard having a thickness such that it is heavier and stiffer than regular paper. The blank may also be made of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the package to function at least generally as described above.

[0034] The blank can be coated, for example, with a clay coating. Objects, advertisements, and other information or images can then be printed onto the clay coating. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated on one or both sides of the blank with, for example, a moisture barrier. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials on selected panels or panel sections.

[0035] The above embodiments may be described as having one panel or multiple panels adhered together by glue, the term "glue" being intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to secure cardboard carton panels in place.

[0036] As used herein, the term "line" includes not only straight lines but also other types of lines such as curved, curved, or angularly displaced lines.

[0037] According to exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, though not necessarily straight, form of weakness that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, and without intending to narrow the scope of this disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a dull scoring knife or the like that create a crushed or recessed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness, cuts made partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts made partially and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, as well as various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to form the fold lines, the cuts are typically not overly extensive so as to potentially cause a reasonable user to mistakenly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

[0038] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense, as various changes may be made in the above configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, and variations of the above-described embodiments, etc., that fall within the scope of the claims. Additionally, while the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments, other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein, equivalent to the above teachings, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers, said carrier comprising: a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panels, inner side panels foldably connected to the top panel, a central panel foldably connected to the inner side panels, and end flaps foldably connected to the central panel; at least a first container receiving portion and a second container receiving portion extending through at least the bottom panel, each of the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers; an interior opening extending through the interior side panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container at least partially received in the first container receiving portion; a free edge of the end flap for engaging a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receiving portion, the free edge of the end flap being at least partially extending between the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion; Including, career.

2. 2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the interior side panel is a first interior side panel, the interior opening is a first interior opening, and the plurality of panels further includes a second interior side panel, the second interior opening extending into the second interior side panel to at least partially receive the second flange of the second container.

3. The carrier of claim 2 , wherein the end flap and the second inner side panel at least partially overlap.

4. 3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the first inner side panel includes a first inner engagement edge extending along the first inner opening and the second inner side panel includes a second inner engagement edge extending along the second inner opening, the first inner engagement edge and the second inner engagement edge being for engaging the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

5. 3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the first inner side panel extends from the first inner opening to the bottom panel and at least a portion of the second inner side panel extends from the second inner opening to the bottom panel.

6. 3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the first container receiving portion includes a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiving portion includes a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first brace flap and the second brace flap being for engaging the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

7. 2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein an outer opening extends through the outer side panel for at least partially receiving the first flange of the first container, the inner side panel includes an inner engagement edge extending along the inner opening, and the outer side panel includes an outer engagement edge extending along the outer opening, the inner engagement edge and the outer engagement edge for engaging the first flange of the first container.

8. 8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the first container receiving portion includes at least two brace flaps, each brace flap of the at least two brace flaps for engaging the first flange of the first container.

9. 9. The carrier of claim 8, wherein each of the brace flaps of the at least two brace flaps is foldably connected to the bottom panel on opposite sides of the first container receiving portion.

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

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

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

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

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

15. 13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the first container receiving portion includes a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiving portion includes a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first brace flap and the second brace flap being for engaging the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

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

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

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

19. 10. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising a retention tab foldably connected to the central panel and a retention opening at least partially defined in the bottom panel, the retention tab being at least partially received through the retention opening to resist relative movement between the central panel and the bottom panel.

20. 1. A package including a carrier that at least partially holds a plurality of containers, said carrier comprising: a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panels, inner side panels foldably connected to the top panel, a central panel foldably connected to the inner side panels, and end flaps foldably connected to the central panel; at least a first container receiving portion and a second container receiving portion extending through at least the bottom panel, each of the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers; an inner opening extending through the inner side panel and at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container at least partially received in the first container receiving portion; a free edge of the end flap that engages a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receiving portion, the central panel extending at least partially between the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion; Including the package.

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

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

23. 22. The package of claim 21, wherein the first inner side panel includes a first inner engagement edge extending along the first inner opening and the second inner side panel includes a second inner engagement edge extending along the second inner opening, the first inner engagement edge and the second inner engagement edge being for engaging the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

24. 22. The package of claim 21, wherein the first container receiving portion includes a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiving portion includes a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first brace flap and the second brace flap being for engaging the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

25. 21. The package of claim 20, wherein an outer opening extends through the outer side panel and at least partially receives the first flange of the first container, the inner side panel includes an inner engagement edge extending along the inner opening, the outer side panel includes an outer engagement edge extending along the outer opening, and the inner engagement edge and the outer engagement edge engage the first flange of the first container.

26. 26. The package of claim 25, wherein the first container receiving portion includes at least two brace flaps, each brace flap of the at least two brace flaps foldably connected to the bottom panel on opposing sides of the first container receiving portion, and each brace flap engages with the first flange of the first container.

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

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

29. 28. The package of claim 27, wherein the first container receiving portion includes a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiving portion includes a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first brace flap and the second brace flap being for engaging the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

30. 1. A blank for forming a carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers, said blank comprising: a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panels, inner side panels foldably connected to the top panel, a central panel foldably connected to the inner side panels, and end flaps foldably connected to the central panel; at least a first container receiving portion and a second container receiving portion extending through at least the bottom panel, each of the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank; an interior opening extending through the interior side panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container at least partially received in the first container receiving portion when the carrier is formed from the blank; a free edge of the end flap for engaging a second flange of a second container at least partially received in the second container receiving portion when the carrier is formed from the blank, the central panel being for extending at least partially between the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion when the carrier is formed from the blank; Contains blanks.

31. 31. The blank of claim 30, wherein the inner side panel is a first inner side panel, the inner opening is a first inner opening, and the plurality of panels further includes a second inner side panel, the second inner opening extending into the second inner side panel to at least partially receive the second flange of the second container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

32. 32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the first inner side panel includes a first inner engagement edge extending along the first inner opening and the second inner side panel includes a second inner engagement edge extending along the second inner opening, the first inner engagement edge and the second inner engagement edge being for engaging the first flange and the second flange, respectively, of the first container and the second container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

33. 32. The blank of claim 31 , wherein the first container receiving portion includes a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiving portion includes a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first brace flap and the second brace flap being for engaging the first flange and the second flange, respectively, of the first container and the second container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

34. 31. The blank of claim 30, wherein an outer opening extends through the outer side panel to at least partially receive the first flange of the first container when the carrier is formed from the blank, the inner side panel includes an inner engagement edge extending along the inner opening, and the outer side panel includes an outer engagement edge extending along the outer opening, the inner engagement edge and the outer engagement edge being for engaging the first flange of the first container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

35. 35. The blank of claim 34, wherein the first container receiving portion includes at least two brace flaps, each brace flap of the at least two brace flaps for engaging the first flange of the first container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

36. 36. The blank of claim 35, wherein each of the brace flaps of the at least two brace flaps is foldably connected to the bottom panel on opposite sides of the first container receiving portion.

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

38. 38. The blank of claim 37, wherein the inner opening is a first inner opening, a second inner opening extends into the second inner side panel to at least partially receive the second flange of the second container when the carrier is formed from the blank, a first outer opening extends into the first outer side panel to at least partially receive the first flange of the first container when the carrier is formed from the blank, and a second outer opening extends into the second outer side panel to at least partially receive the second flange of the second container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

39. 38. The blank of claim 37, wherein the first container receiving portion includes a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the second container receiving portion includes a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first brace flap and the second brace flap being for engaging the first flange and the second flange, respectively, of the first container and the second container when the carrier is formed from the blank.

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

41. 31. The blank of claim 30, further comprising a retention tab foldably connected to the central panel and a retention opening at least partially defined in the bottom panel, the retention tab being for being at least partially received through the retention opening to resist relative movement between the central panel and the bottom panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

42. 1. A method of forming a package, comprising: obtaining a blank including a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, outer side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the outer side panels, inner side panels foldably connected to the top panel, a central panel foldably connected to the inner side panels, and end flaps foldably connected to the central panel, the blank further including at least first and second container receiving portions extending through at least the bottom panel and an inner opening extending through the inner side panels; engaging a plurality of containers with the blank such that the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion at least partially receive a first container and a second container of the plurality of containers, respectively; forming a carrier by arranging the plurality of panels, wherein arranging the plurality of panels includes positioning the inner side panels so that the inner opening at least partially receives a first flange of the first container, positioning the central panel so that it extends at least partially between the first container receiving portion and the second container receiving portion, and positioning the end flaps so that free edges of the end flaps engage a second edge of the second container.

43. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the inner side panel is a first inner side panel, the inner opening is a first inner opening, the plurality of panels further includes a second inner side panel, the second inner opening extending into the second inner side panel, and wherein disposing the plurality of panels further includes positioning the second inner side panel such that the second inner opening at least partially receives the second flange of the second container.

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

45. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first container receiving portion includes a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel and the second container receiving portion includes a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and engaging the plurality of containers with the blank includes engaging the first brace flap and the second brace flap with the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

46. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein an outer opening extends through the outer side panel, the first container receiving portion includes at least two brace flaps foldably connected to the bottom panel, and wherein arranging the plurality of panels further includes positioning the outer side panel so that the outer opening at least partially receives the first flange of the first container, and engaging the plurality of containers with the blank includes engaging the at least two brace flaps with the first flange of the first container.

47. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the blank further includes a handle flap foldably connected to the central panel and a handle opening at least partially defined in the bottom panel, the method further including at least partially overlapping the central panel and the bottom panel such that the handle flap is at least partially aligned with the handle opening.

48. 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising a retention tab foldably connected to the central panel and a retention opening at least partially defined in the bottom panel, the method further comprising folding the retention tab relative to the central panel such that the retention tab is at least partially received through the retention opening to resist relative movement between the central panel and the bottom panel.

49. 1. A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of containers, comprising: a plurality of panels including a bottom panel; first and second outer side panels each foldably connected to the bottom panel; first and second top panels foldably connected to the first and second outer side panels, respectively; and first and second inner side panels foldably connected to the first and second top panels, respectively; a first interior opening extending through the first interior side panel for at least partially receiving a first flange of a first container of the plurality of containers; a second interior opening in the second interior side panel for at least partially receiving a second flange of a second container of the plurality of containers; wherein at least a portion of the first and second inner side panels extend from the first and second inner openings, respectively, toward the bottom panel.

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

51. 50. The carrier of claim 49, further comprising: a first bottom opening in the bottom panel for at least partially receiving a top of the first container; a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel adjacent the first bottom opening; a second bottom opening in the bottom panel for at least partially receiving a top of the second container; and a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel adjacent the second bottom opening, wherein the first brace flap and the second brace flap are for engaging the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

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

53. 53. The carrier of claim 52, further comprising a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel and a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first brace flap and the second brace flap for engaging the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

54. 50. The carrier of claim 49, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a central panel foldably connected to the first inner side panel and an end flap foldably connected to the central panel, the end flap extending from the bottom panel to the second inner opening of the second inner side panel for engaging the second flange of the second container.

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

56. 55. The carrier of claim 54, further comprising a handle extending through said center panel and said bottom panel.

57. 1. A package including a carrier that at least partially holds a plurality of containers, said carrier comprising: a plurality of panels including a bottom panel; first and second outer side panels each foldably connected to the bottom panel; first and second top panels foldably connected to the first and second outer side panels, respectively; and first and second inner side panels foldably connected to the first and second top panels, respectively; a first interior opening in the first interior side panel that at least partially receives a first flange of a first container of the plurality of containers; a second interior opening in the second interior side panel that at least partially receives a second flange of a second container of the plurality of containers; At least a portion of the first and second inner side panels extend from the first and second inner openings, respectively, toward the bottom panel.

58. 58. The package of claim 57, further comprising: a first bottom opening in the bottom panel that at least partially receives a top of the first container; a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel adjacent the first bottom opening; a second bottom opening in the bottom panel that at least partially receives a top of the second container; and a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel adjacent the second bottom opening, wherein the first brace flap and the second brace flap engage the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

59. 58. The package of claim 57, further comprising a first outer opening extending through the first outer side panel for at least partially receiving the first flange of the first container, and a second outer opening extending through the second outer side panel for at least partially receiving the second flange of the second container.

60. 60. The package of claim 59, further comprising a first brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel and a second brace flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the first brace flap and the second brace flap engaging the first flange and the second flange of the first container and the second container, respectively.

61. 58. The package of claim 57, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a central panel foldably connected to the first inner side panel and an end flap foldably connected to the central panel, the end flap extending from the bottom panel to the second inner opening of the second inner side panel, the end flap engaging the second flange of the second container.

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

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

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

65. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the blank further includes a first outer opening in the first outer side panel and a second outer opening in the second outer side panel, the method further including: positioning the first outer side panel so that the first outer opening at least partially receives the first flange of the first container; and positioning the second outer side panel so that the second outer opening at least partially receives the second flange of the second container.

66. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a central panel foldably connected to the first inner side panel and an end flap foldably connected to the central panel, and wherein arranging the plurality of panels further includes positioning the end flap to extend from the bottom panel to the second inner opening of the second inner side panel so that the end flap engages the second flange of the second container.

67. 67. The method of claim 66, wherein arranging the plurality of panels further comprises positioning the central panel and the end flaps to at least partially overlap the bottom panel and the second inner side panel, respectively.

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