Container carriers

Abstract

To provide a carrier for holding and transporting containers. [Solution] The carrier comprises a central panel and a container holding mechanism for engaging with multiple containers. The container holding mechanism comprises multiple container holding openings, multiple container holding tabs arranged to extend into each container holding opening for engaging with multiple containers, a corner edge retainer, a lateral edge retainer, and a longitudinal edge retainer. The corner edge retainers extend from each of the container holding tabs of the multiple container holding tabs to facilitate engagement between the carrier and one of the multiple containers. The longitudinal and lateral edge retainers define container holding edges arranged to engage with one of the multiple containers, and the lateral edge retainers and longitudinal edge retainers are foldably connected to the corner edge retainers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 203,724, filed July 29, 2021.

[0002] Incorporation by Reference The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 203,724, filed July 29, 2021, and U.S. Design Patent Application 29 / 838,187, filed May 11, 2022, are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification for all purposes as if the entire disclosures were set forth herein.

[0003] Background of the Disclosure The present disclosure generally relates to carriers or cartons for holding and transporting containers.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising a central panel and a container holding mechanism for engaging the plurality of containers, the container holding mechanism including a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving respective ones of the plurality of containers, at least one container holding tab disposed to extend into respective ones of the container holding openings for engaging respective ones of the plurality of containers, and at least one edge retainer extending from respective ones of the plurality of container holding tabs to facilitate engagement of the carrier with the plurality of containers.

[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising a central panel and a container holding mechanism for engaging with the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank, the container holding mechanism comprising a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving each of the containers of the plurality of containers, at least one container holding tab positioned extending into each container holding opening for engaging with each of the containers of the plurality of containers, and at least one edge retainer extending from each container holding tab of the plurality of container holding tabs to facilitate engagement of the carrier with the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank.

[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure relates generally to a method for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising a central panel and a container holding mechanism, the container holding mechanism comprising a plurality of container holding openings, at least one container holding tab positioned extending into each of the container holding openings, and at least one edge retainer extending from each of the container holding tabs of the plurality of container holding tabs. The method further comprises positioning the blank such that the plurality of container holding openings are positioned to at least partially receive each of the plurality of containers, at least one container holding tab is positioned to engage with each of the plurality of containers, and at least one edge retainer is positioned to facilitate engagement between the carrier and the plurality of containers.

[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a package, the package including a plurality of containers and a carrier for holding the plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a central panel and a container holding mechanism for engaging with the plurality of containers, the container holding mechanism including a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, at least one container holding tab extending and positioned in each container holding opening and engaging with each of the plurality of containers, and at least one edge retainer extending from each of the container holding tabs of the plurality of container holding tabs to facilitate engagement between the carrier and the plurality of containers.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will understand the above advantages, as well as other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments, by referring to the drawings listed below and reading the following detailed description of the embodiments.

[0009] By convention, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of a container holding blank for forming a package and carrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1A] This is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank in Figure 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank shown in Figure 1, according to a first exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a side view of the package and carrier. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of a container holding blank for forming a package and carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] This is a magnified view of a portion of the blank in Figure 4. [Figure 5]This is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank shown in Figure 4, according to a second exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a side view of the package and carrier. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0012] This disclosure generally relates to packaging, structures, sleeves, cartons, etc., for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, and cans. Containers can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products. Containers can be made from materials suitable for compositions for packaging specific food or beverage items, and the materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, nylon, glass, aluminum and / or other metals, or any combination thereof.

[0013] The packages described herein can accommodate a number of containers of different shapes. For illustrative purposes only and not to limit the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., cylindrical containers such as aluminum cans) that are at least partially placed within embodiments of the package. In this specification, the terms “downward,” “bottom,” “upward,” and “top” refer to orientations determined with respect to fully upright packages and carriers.

[0014] Figure 1 is a plan view of the outer surface 101 of a blank 103 for forming a carrier 105 (Figure 2) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As further described herein, the carrier 105 may be configured to hold, support, retain, and receive a plurality of containers C. The carrier 105 may comprise one or more containers C to form a package 107 (Figure 2).

[0015] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a container C for use with the carrier of this disclosure is shown as a beverage container having a bottom base portion B, a top portion T having a neck N tapering inward from the bottom base portion, a flange portion F above the neck portion and extending radially outward from the neck portion, and a top surface TS below the flange including a pull tab P. Containers of other sizes, shapes, and configurations may also be held within the carrier without departing from this disclosure.

[0016] Referring further to Figure 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. The blank 103 includes a mounting panel or central panel 117 which includes a container holding mechanism for engaging with the container C when the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the container holding mechanism includes eight container holding openings 137 in the central panel 117.

[0017] Referring further to the enlarged view of Figure 1A, the container holding mechanism may also include container holding tabs 145 (broadly defined as "first container holding tabs") that are foldably attached to the central panel 117 at their respective fold / weakening lines 147 and circumferentially positioned to extend into their respective container holding openings 137. The weakening lines 147 may include a series of alternating relatively elongated curved fold segments 149 and relatively short curved cuts 151, as shown in the figure.

[0018] As shown, each container-holding tab 145 is a generally continuous member having a plurality of container-holding sections 153, each defining a container-holding edge 155 that faces its respective container-holding opening 137.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown, the container holding sections 153 are substantially continuous but can be at least partially separated from one another by their respective diagonal weakening lines 157 extending from their respective container holding edges 155, at least partially along each container holding tab 145. In the illustrated embodiment, relatively elongated curved fold line segments 149 can generally align with each container holding section 153 in the circumferential direction, and relatively short curved cuts 151 can generally align with their respective diagonal weakening lines 157 in the circumferential direction.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown, a pair of container-holding tabs 159 (broadly speaking, “second container-holding tabs”) can interrupt the container-holding tabs 145 surrounding the container-holding openings 137 adjacent to the corners of the central panel 117. The container-holding tabs 159 can extend further into each container-holding opening 137 than each container-holding tab 145, as shown, to define a container-holding edge 162 that protrudes beyond the container-holding edge 155 of the container-holding section 153 of the container-holding tab 145. The container-holding tabs 159 can be separated from each other and from adjacent container-holding sections 153 at their respective diagonal weakening lines 157. In some embodiments, the container-holding tabs 159 may be at least partially separable from the central panel 117 at each portion of one or more curved notches 151 associated with each adjacent container-holding section 153 of the container-holding tab 145. In some embodiments, the container-holding tab 159 can extend at least partially without interruption from the central panel 117, and in other embodiments, the container-holding tab 159 can be foldably connected to the central panel 117 at their respective fold lines 160.

[0021] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the container holding tab 159 can also interrupt the container holding tab 145 other than those adjacent to the corners of the central panel 117, whereby each container holding tab 159 extends into the container holding opening 137 adjacent to the container holding opening 137 near the corner of the central panel 117. These container holding tabs 159 can lack a foldable connection to the central panel 117, but may be foldably connected to the central panel 117 without departing from the present disclosure.

[0022] Also, as shown, the container holding mechanism of the blank 103 / central panel 117 / carrier 105 can include edge retainers of the central panel 117 to facilitate engagement with each container of a plurality of containers. The corner edge retainer 161 can be disposed at each corner portion of the central panel 117 and can be foldably attached to the remaining portion of the central panel 117 by respective diagonal fold lines 163, 165. In this regard, the corner edge retainer can include at least a portion of each container holding tab 159 positioned adjacent to the corner of the central panel 117 and can be associated therewith. For example, the corner edge retainer 161 intersects and extends away from each container holding tab 159.

[0023] The container holding mechanism of the blank 103 / central panel 117 / carrier 105 can also include longitudinal edge retainers 167 that are foldably connected to the remaining portion of the central panel at respective longitudinal fold lines 169 interrupted by container holding tabs 145 that extend into container holding openings 137 adjacent to each corner of the central panel 117. And the longitudinal fold lines 169 are interrupted by respective container holding tabs 159 that extend into container holding openings 137 between container holding openings positioned adjacent to each corner of the central panel 117. The longitudinal edge retainers 167 can also be foldably connected to adjacent corner edge retainers 161 at respective diagonal fold lines 165. Further, the longitudinal edge retainers 167 can intersect and extend from respective container holding tabs 145, 159.

[0024] Further, the container holding mechanism of the blank 103 / central panel 117 / carrier 105 can include lateral edge retainers 168 at least partially defined between respective fold lines 163 so as to be foldably connected to respective corner edge retainers 161 at respective fold lines 163. In this regard, the lateral edge retainers 168 are arranged to intersect respective portions of respective container holding tabs 159, 145 and extend away therefrom. As further described herein, the lateral edge retainers 168 can facilitate engagement of the carrier 105 with the container C.

[0025] It will be understood that one or more of the container holding mechanisms of the blank 103 / central panel 117 / carrier 105 can be provided with different numbers, arrangements, and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

[0026] Referring further to Figures 1 and 1A, the blank 103 / carrier 105 may include a handle mechanism for lifting, transporting, and moving the carrier 105. As shown, the handle mechanism may include a pair of handle flaps 171 that are foldably connected to the central panel 117 at their respective diagonal fold lines 173 and separated from each other, with diagonal notches 175 extending from one handle flap 171 to the other. The handle mechanism may also include a pair of handle flaps 177 that are foldably connected to the central panel 117 at their respective diagonal fold lines 179 and separated from the handle flaps 171 at their respective curved notches 181 that intersect the diagonal notches 175.

[0027] As shown, each handle flap 177 may have an associated handle reinforcing flap 174 that is foldably connected to it at each oblique fold line 176 such that the handle reinforcing flap 174 is separated from the handle flap 171 at the notch 175 and at each notch 181. As further described herein, the handle reinforcing flap 174 may be configured to engage with the geometry of the container C and provide reinforcement to the carrier 105 / package 107.

[0028] Referring further to Figures 1 and 1A, and further to Figures 2 and 3, in one embodiment, a method for forming a package 107 including a carrier 105 and one or more containers C includes obtaining a blank 103 and obtaining a group of containers C (for example, eight containers having four containers C in each of two rows, but more or fewer than eight containers can be included in the package). The blank 103 can be positioned on top of the group of containers C, and the central panel 117 of the blank 103 can be pressed downward so that the flanges F of the containers C are inserted through their respective openings 137. After the blank 103 / central panel 117 has been pressed downward on the containers C, the container retaining tabs 145 can be biased to bend upward along their respective fold lines 147, and the container retaining tabs 159 can be biased to bend upward along their respective fold lines 160.

[0029] Such movement of the container retaining tabs 145, 159 positions the container retaining sections 153 / container retaining tabs 159 to extend toward each container C, and positions the container retaining edges 155, 161 to contact each container C at their respective neck portions N below their respective flanges F, thereby separating the container retaining sections 153 from each other and / or adjacent container retaining tabs 159 at their respective weakening lines 157. Such upward, oblique arrangement of the container retaining sections 153 / container retaining tabs 159 extending from the central panel 117 to the top structure of each container C can provide a reinforced, solidified, and stabilized engagement of the container retaining blanks 103 / central panel 117 / carrier 105 with the container C.

[0030] Furthermore, the arrangement of the container holding sections 153 / container holding tabs 159 / weakening lines 157 is such that one or more of the container holding sections 153 / container holding tabs 159 can at least partially overlap, for example by bundling, bending, or sliding across each other, so as to provide additional force between the central panel 117 and the container C, and to provide further reinforcement and fixation of the container C to the central panel 117. In some embodiments, the notches 151 can provide stress-relieving areas / clearances to the tabs 145 during the process of engagement with each container C.

[0031] Continuing to refer to Figures 2 and 3, the corner edge retainer 161 is folded at least partially downward and inward at its respective diagonal fold lines 163, 165, thereby biasing its associated container-holding tab 159 to be closer to / clamp-engage with the neck portion of each container C extending through the container-holding opening 137 adjacent to each corner of the central panel 117. Such an arrangement allows the corner edge retainer 161 to be positioned at a substantially diagonal position with the rest of the central panel 117.

[0032] Similarly, the longitudinal edge retainer 167 can be folded downward at each longitudinal fold line 169 and / or at least partially folded inward at each diagonal fold line 165 to bias each adjacent container retaining tab 159 to be closer to / clamping the neck portion of each adjacent container C.

[0033] The aforementioned adjustments to the container holding mechanism of the carrier 105 allow the lateral edge retainer 168 to be moved at least partially relative to the corner edge retainer 161, for example, via a bend at each fold line 163, to facilitate the movement of other container holding mechanisms of the carrier 105 and / or to bias each container holding tab 159, 145 into a closer / clamping engagement with the neck portion of each container C, and to facilitate this movement of other container holding mechanisms of the carrier 105 and / or to bias each respective container holding tab 159, 145 into a downward inclined position with the rest of the central panel 117.

[0034] When the package 107 / carrier 105 is formed, a customer or other user can engage the package 107 / 105 by inserting one or more fingers into each of the handle flaps 171, 177, thereby folding each handle flap 171, 177 downward along their respective fold lines 173 to form an opening or space through which one or more fingers can be inserted and engage with the underside of the central panel 117, allowing the package 107 / carrier 105 to be lifted, transported, and otherwise moved or manipulated. During such engagement of the package 107 / carrier 105, one or more of the handle flaps 171, 177 may be positioned between the user / customer's fingers and the central panel 117, for example, for comfort, to avoid pinching, to more evenly distribute stress across the package 107 / carrier 105, etc.

[0035] In some embodiments, one or both of the handle reinforcing flaps 174 can be bent at their respective fold lines 176 to make at least partially face-to-face contact with the underside of the central panel 117, so that both the handle flap 177 and the handle reinforcing flap 174 can be positioned between the user's fingers and the central panel 117. The relative bending of the handle reinforcing flaps 174 at their respective fold lines 176 can help to cam or otherwise move each handle reinforcing flap 174 so that it makes at least partially face-to-face contact with the central panel 117 over the neck portion N of each container C. In one embodiment, the distal free edge of each handle reinforcing flap 174 can be spaced apart from their respective adjacent fold line segments 149, thereby positioning each handle reinforcing flap 174 substantially above the neck portion N of each container C, providing an additional layer of material between the user's fingers and the central panel 117 to more evenly distribute stress along the central panel 117 adjacent to the handle mechanism, for example, for user comfort (to avoid pinching).

[0036] Furthermore, the handle mechanism of the package 107 / carrier 105 may be oriented in various orientations, for example, 360° orientation, through which a user can insert their fingers to provide gripping or other engagement of the package 107 / carrier 105, and tearing or other stress across the central panel 117 associated with such engagement of the handle mechanism of the package 107 / carrier 105 can be minimized.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4, the outer surface 201 of a blank 203 for forming a carrier 205 (Figure 5) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 203 / carrier 205 may have one or more features that are the same as or similar to the blank 103 / carrier 105 of the first exemplary embodiment, and similar features are given the same reference numerals. The carrier 205 may comprise one or more containers C for forming a package 207 (Figure 5).

[0038] As shown in the figure, the blank 203 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2 and includes a mounting panel or central panel 217 which includes a container holding mechanism for engaging with the container C when the carrier 205 is formed from the blank 203. In the illustrated embodiment, the container holding mechanism includes six container holding openings 137 in the central panel 117.

[0039] Referring further to an enlarged view of Figure 4A, the container holding mechanism may also include a plurality of container holding tabs 245 that are foldably attached to the central panel 217 at their respective fold lines 247 and circumferentially arranged to extend into their respective container holding openings 137 and provide container holding edges 249 along the openings 137. In the illustrated embodiments, the container holding tabs 245 are generally positioned in contact with each other and can be separated from each other at the cutting lines 246. In one embodiment, one or more pairs of adjacent container holding tabs 245 can be spaced apart from each other.

[0040] Although the container retaining tab 245 is shown as a substantially trapezoidal element with a broad end foldably attached to the central panel 217, it will be understood that the shape and geometric form of the container retaining opening 137 and / or the container retaining tab 245 or other or additional container retaining mechanisms of the blank 203 / carrier 205 can be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure to increase the retaining force applied to the container C and / or to accommodate various sizes and configurations of containers.

[0041] At least one container-holding tab 253 may be positioned between the container-holding tabs 245 and extend into the respective portions of each opening 137, as further described herein. The container-holding tab 253 may define the respective container-holding edges 254 for engaging with the respective containers.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in the illustration, the container holding mechanism of the blank 203 / central panel 217 / carrier 205 may include edge retainers of the central panel 117. Corner edge retainers 261 may be positioned at each corner portion of the central panel 217 so as to at least partially intersect with and extend away from each container holding tab 253. In the illustrated embodiment, the container holding tabs 253 may be at least partially separable from the corner edge retainers 261 at their respective notches 262 so as to be separably and foldably connected to the corner edge retainers 261.

[0043] The container holding mechanism of the blank 203 / central panel 217 / carrier 205 may also include longitudinal edge retainers 251, 267, 257 to engage with each container C and / or to facilitate the engagement of the carrier 105 with each container C.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal edge retainer 251 can be positioned to extend into each container holding opening 137 and define a container holding edge 252 along it to engage with each container C. As shown, the container holding edge 252 can extend further into each opening 137 than the container holding edge 254 of the container holding tab 253 and / or the container holding edge 249 of the container holding tab 245. Each longitudinal edge retainer 251 can be foldably connected to an adjacent longitudinal edge retainer 267 at each oblique fold line 268. The longitudinal edge retainer 251 may also be separable from an adjacent container holding tab 253 at each notch 255. In this regard, the edge retainer 251 is positioned to intersect with and extend away from each container holding tab 253, 249.

[0045] As shown in the figure, each reconfigurable portion 264 can be defined between the respective diagonal fold lines 263 and 265, thereby connecting each reconfigurable portion to its respective adjacent corner edge retainer 261 at the respective diagonal fold line 263 and to its respective adjacent longitudinal edge retainer 251 at the respective diagonal fold line 265.

[0046] The longitudinal edge retainers 267 can be foldably connected to the central panel 217 at each longitudinal fold line 269, having endpoints that intersect with each fold line 247. Each longitudinal edge retainer 267 is foldably connected to an adjacent longitudinal edge retainer 257 at each diagonal fold line 270. In some embodiments, the longitudinal edge retainers 267 can be positioned to intersect with and extend away from each container holding tab 245.

[0047] Each longitudinal edge retainer 257 can be positioned to extend into each container holding opening 137 and define its respective retaining edge 258 along it to engage with each container C. As shown, each retaining edge 258 of each longitudinal edge retainer 257 can extend further into each opening 137 than each retaining edge 249 of each container holding tab 245. Each longitudinal edge retainer 257 can be positioned between each pair of longitudinal edge retainers 267 and foldably connected to a longitudinal edge retainer 267 such that each longitudinal edge retainer 257 is foldably connected to one adjacent longitudinal edge retainer 267 by its respective diagonal fold line 270 and to another adjacent longitudinal edge retainer 267 by its respective diagonal fold line 268. As shown in the figure, the longitudinal edge retainer 257 can be positioned to intersect with and extend away from each container holding tab 245.

[0048] The container holding mechanism of the blank 203 / carrier 205 may also include a lateral edge retainer 251 having a configuration substantially similar to the longitudinal edge retainer 251 described above, and a lateral edge retainer 267 having a configuration substantially similar to the longitudinal edge retainer 267 described above. The lateral edge retainers 267 can be foldably connected to the central panel 217 at each lateral fold line 273. In some embodiments, the lateral edge retainers 267 can be positioned to intersect with and extend away from each container holding tab 245.

[0049] In this regard, the lateral edge retainers 267 can be positioned and attached between adjacent lateral edge retainers 251 at their respective diagonal fold lines 272, 274. Furthermore, each reconfigurable portion 264 can be defined between their respective diagonal fold lines 263, 265 so that each reconfigurable portion 264 can be foldably connected to its respective adjacent corner edge retainer 261 at its respective diagonal fold line 263 and to its respective adjacent lateral edge retainer 251 at its respective diagonal fold line 265. As further described herein, the lateral edge retainers 251, 257, 267 can facilitate the engagement of the carrier 205 with the container C.

[0050] It will be understood that one or more of the container holding mechanisms of the blank 203 / central panel 217 / carrier 205 may be provided in different numbers, different arrangements, and / or different configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring further to Figures 4 and 4A, the blank 203 / carrier 205 may include a handle mechanism for lifting, carrying, and moving the carrier 205. As shown, the handle mechanism may include a pair of handle reinforcement flaps 275 that are foldably connected to the central panel 217 at their respective lateral fold lines 277 and are at least partially defined by their respective curved cuts 279.

[0052] Referring further to Figures 5 and 6, in one embodiment, a method for forming a package 207 including a carrier 205 and one or more containers C includes obtaining a blank 203 and obtaining a group of containers C (for example, six containers having three containers in each of two rows, but more or fewer than six containers can be included in the package).

[0053] The blank 203 can be positioned on top of the group of containers C so that the central panel 217 of the blank 203 can be pressed downward so that the flanges F of the containers C are inserted through their respective openings 137. After the blank 203 / central panel 217 is pressed downward onto the containers C, the container retaining tabs 245 can be biased to bend upward at their respective fold lines 247, and the container retaining tabs 253 can be biased to bend or flex upward at their respective notches 262.

[0054] Furthermore, each edge retainer 251, 257 can be biased to a generally oblique position with the central panel 217, for example, so that each container retaining edge 252, 258 extends to engage with each container C, for example, so that it contacts each container C at the neck portion below each flange F. Such movement of the edge retainers 251, 257 may include relative movement or bending at one or more of the respective fold lines 265, 268, 270.

[0055] Such movement of the container retaining tabs 245, 253 and edge retainers 251, 257 allows the respective container retaining edges 249, 254, 252, 258 to be positioned to contact each container C at their respective neck portions below their respective flanges F. Such upward / diagonal arrangement of the container retaining tabs 245, 253 and edge retainers 251, 257 extending to the top structure of each container C provides an enhanced, reinforced, and stabilized engagement between the top container retaining blank 203 / central panel 217 / carrier 205 and the container C.

[0056] Such movement of the container retaining tabs 245, 253 and edge retainers 251, 257 causes one or more of the edge retainers 261, 267 and / or reconfigurable portions 264 to bend downward and / or inward at their respective fold lines 263, 268, 270, 272, 274, 265, thereby biasing, for example, one or more of the adjacent container retaining tabs 251, 253 closer to the neck portion of the adjacent container C, thereby facilitating the aforementioned engagement between each container retaining tab 245, 253 and edge retainer 251 and the container.

[0057] Furthermore, the nearly downward-angled arrangement of each edge retainer 261, 267 can present an additional surface for printing product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images, which is favorably oriented towards the customer as it passes through the carrier 205 / package 207.

[0058] When the package 207 / carrier 205 is formed, a customer or other user can engage with the package 207 / carrier 205 by inserting one or more fingers into each handle flap 275 and folding each handle flap 275 downward along its respective fold line 277 to create an opening or space, through which one or more fingers can be inserted and engaged with the underside of the central panel 217 to lift, carry, move, or manipulate the package 207 / carrier 205. During such engagement of the package 207 / carrier 205, one or more of the handle flaps 275 can be positioned between the user's or customer's fingers and the central panel 217, for example, for comfort, to avoid pinching, or to more evenly distribute stress across the package 207 / carrier 205.

[0059] The blanks according to this disclosure can be formed from, for example, coated cardboard and similar materials. For example, the inside and / or outside of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blank may then be coated with varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated on one or both sides of the blank with, for example, a moisture barrier layer. According to the embodiments described above, the blank may be made of caliper cardboard so as to be heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank may also be constructed from other materials such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described herein. The blank may also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet materials in selected panels or panel sections.

[0060] According to the embodiments described above, the fold line is not necessarily a straight line, but can be any substantially straight form of weakening that facilitates bending along it. More specifically, without the intent to limit the scope of the present disclosure, the fold line includes scoring lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, which cause crushing in the material along a desired weakening line; cuts that partially extend into the material along a desired weakening line; and / or a series of cuts that partially extend into the material along a desired weakening line and / or completely penetrate the material; and various combinations of these features.

[0061] For example, a tear line includes slits that partially extend into the material along a desired weakening line, and / or a series of spaced slits that partially extend into the material along a desired weakening line and / or completely penetrate the material, or various combinations of these features. In a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits that completely penetrate the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart so that a nick (e.g., a somewhat bridge-like small piece of material) is defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nick (notch) breaks during tearing along the tear line. The nick is typically a relatively small proportion of the tear line, and alternatively, the nick may be omitted from the tear line or placed within the tear line, so that the tear line is a continuous cutting line. That is, replacing each of the tear lines with a continuous slit, etc., is within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the cutting line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than a slit, without deviating from this disclosure.

[0062] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels bonded together by adhesive during the assembly of the carton embodiment. The term “glue” is intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to fasten carton panels in place.

[0063] The foregoing description illustrates and illustrates various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, and changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All matters included in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive. In addition, although this disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments of this disclosure, this disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and modifications or changes can be made within the scope of the concepts of the invention expressed herein, in accordance with the foregoing teachings and / or within the scope of the skills or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchangeable and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding multiple containers, The central panel and The container holding mechanism comprises a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, a plurality of container holding tabs arranged to extend into each of the container holding openings to engage with each of the plurality of containers, and a plurality of edge retainers in the central panel, the corner edge retainers extending from each of the plurality of container holding tabs to facilitate engagement between the carrier and one of the plurality of containers. The at least one longitudinal edge retainer defines a container-holding edge portion that is arranged to engage with one of the plurality of containers, and the at least one transverse edge retainer defines a container-holding edge portion that is arranged to engage with one of the plurality of containers, A carrier in which the at least one longitudinal edge retainer and the at least one transverse edge retainer are foldably connected to the at least one corner edge retainer.

2. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of container-holding tabs is foldably connected to the at least one corner edge retainer.

3. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of container-holding tabs include a plurality of continuous segments, and each segment of the plurality of continuous segments is at least partially separable from each adjacent segment of the plurality of continuous segments at its respective break.

4. A blank for forming a carrier for holding multiple containers, The central panel and The carrier comprises a container holding mechanism for engaging with the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank, the container holding mechanism comprising a plurality of container holding openings for at least partially receiving each of the plurality of containers, a plurality of container holding tabs arranged to extend into each of the container holding openings to engage with each of the plurality of containers, and a plurality of edge retainers in the central panel, the corner edge retainers extending from each of the plurality of container holding tabs to facilitate engagement between the carrier and one of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank, The at least one longitudinal edge retainer defines a container-holding edge portion that is arranged to engage with one of the plurality of containers, and the at least one transverse edge retainer defines a container-holding edge portion that is arranged to engage with one of the plurality of containers, A blank in which the at least one longitudinal edge retainer and the at least one transverse edge retainer are foldably connected to the at least one corner edge retainer.

5. The blank according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality of container-holding tabs is foldably connected to the at least one corner edge retainer.

6. The blank according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of container-holding tabs comprises a plurality of continuous segments, and each segment of the plurality of continuous segments is at least partially separable from each adjacent segment of the plurality of continuous segments at its respective break.

7. A method for forming a carrier for holding multiple containers, To obtain a blank comprising: a central panel; and a container holding mechanism comprising a plurality of container holding openings, a plurality of container holding tabs arranged to extend into each of the container holding openings, a plurality of edge retainers in the central panel including at least one corner edge retainer, at least one lateral edge retainer, and at least one longitudinal edge retainer, wherein the corner edge retainers extend from each of the plurality of container holding tabs; Positioning the blank such that the plurality of container-holding openings are positioned to at least partially receive each of the plurality of containers, that each of the plurality of containers engages with at least one of the plurality of container-holding tabs, and that at least one edge retainer is positioned to facilitate engagement between the carrier and one of the plurality of containers, The at least one longitudinal edge retainer defines a container-holding edge portion that is arranged to engage with one of the plurality of containers, and the at least one transverse edge retainer defines a container-holding edge portion that is arranged to engage with one of the plurality of containers, The at least one longitudinal edge retainer and the at least one transverse edge retainer are foldably connected to the at least one corner edge retainer. A method comprising positioning the blank such that the container-holding edge of at least one longitudinal edge retainer and the container-holding edge of at least one transverse edge retainer engage with one of the plurality of containers.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of container-holding tabs is foldably connected to the at least one corner edge retainer.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of container-holding tabs include a plurality of continuous segments, and each segment of the plurality of continuous segments is at least partially separable from each adjacent segment of the plurality of continuous segments at its respective break.

10. It is a package, Multiple containers, A package comprising a carrier according to claim 1 for holding the plurality of containers.

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