Carrier for containers

CARRIER FOR CONTAINERS

[0001]

[0002]

[0003]

[0004]

[0005]

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to carriers for holding and displaying beverage containers and/or other types of articles.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed a carrier for holding a plurality of articles.

The carrier comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels can comprise a first top panel, a second top panel, and a back panel. The first top panel can be foldably connected to the second top panel and the back panel, and the second top panel can be oblique with respect to the first top panel and the back panel. A crown retention feature can be in the back panel adjacent the first top panel for at least partially receiving a top portion of a first article of the plurality of articles. A crown receiving opening can be in the second top panel spaced apart from the first top panel for at least partially receiving a top portion of a second article of the plurality of articles so that the top portion of the second article extends at least partially through the crown receiving opening.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of articles. The blank comprises a plurality of panels comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, and a back panel. The first top panel can be foldably connected to the second top panel and the back panel, and the second top panel can be for being positioned to be oblique with respect to the first top panel and the back panel when the carrier is formed from the blank. A crown retention feature can be in the back panel adjacent the first top panel for at least partially receiving a top portion of a first article of the plurality of articles when the carrier is formed from the blank. A crown receiving opening can be in the second top panel spaced apart from the first top panel for at

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[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of forming a carrier holding a plurality of articles. The method comprises obtaining a blank comprising a plurality' of panels comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, and a back panel, a crown retention feature in the back panel adjacent the first top panel, and a crown receiving opening in the second top panel spaced apart from the first top panel. The first top panel can be foldably connected to the second top panel and the back panel. The method further can comprise disposing the first top panel and the second top panel over a respective first article and second article of the plurality of articles. The crown receiving opening can be generally aligned with the second article. The method also can comprise forming an interior of the carrier by folding the plurality of panels at least partially around the plurality of articles. The folding the panels can comprise folding the back panel with respect to the first top panel so that a top portion of the first article is at least partially received by the crown retention feature. The folding the panels further can comprise folding the second top panel to be oblique with respect to the first top panel and the back panel so that a top portion of the second article extends at least partially through the crown receiving opening.

[0007] Other aspects, features, and details of the present disclosure can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary' embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures. Further, the various features of the drawings discussed 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 the embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank used to form a carrier according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the assembled carrier and containers according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

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10011] Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the carrier and containers of Fig. 2.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank used io form a carrier according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the assembled carrier and containers according to the second embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the carrier and containers of Fig. 5.

[0015] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present disclosure generally relates to various features for cartons or carriers that contain articles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The articles can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The articles can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but arc not limited to, aluminum and/or other metals; glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or any combination thereof.

[0017] Cartons or carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., aluminum beverage bottles) as disposed within the carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms “inner,” “interior,” “outer,” “exterior,” “front,” “back,” “rear,” “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank 3, used to form a carrier 5 (Figs. 2 and

3) according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. The carrier 5 can be used to house a plurality of articles such as containers C (Figs. 2 and 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the containers C are beverage bottles and the carrier 5 is sized to house six containers in a single layer in a 2x3 arrangement, but it is understood that the carrier 5 may be sized and shaped to hold containers C of a different or same quantity in more than one layer and/or in different row/column arrangements (e.g., 1x6, 2x6, 2x4, 2x2, 2x6x2, 2x4x2, 2x9, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 can include bottom retention features 11 for engaging the bottom portions B of the containers C. In addition, the carrier 5 can include a handle, generally indicated at 7, for grasping and carrying the carrier.

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[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 is a carrier having generally open sides or ends 6 (Figs. 2 and 3) that wraps around the containers C (e.g., the carrier 5 may be referred to as a wraparound carton). The carrier 5 could be otherwise configured, shaped and/or arranged. For example, the sides 6 could be al least partially closed such as by end flaps or other closing mechanisms.

[0020] The blank 3 has a longitudinal axis LI and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 comprises a first top panel 20 foldably connected to a second top panel 21 at a first lateral fold line 24, a front panel 22 foldably connected to the second top panel 21 at a second lateral fold line 25, a first bottom panel 26 foldably connected to the front panel 22 at a third lateral fold line 28, a back panel 30 foldably connected to the top panel 20 at a fourth lateral fold line 32, and a second bottom panel 34 foldably connected to the back panel 30 al a fifth lateral fold line 36.

[0021] The second bottom panel 34 includes cutouts forming primary female locking edges 52 that are shaped and positioned to engage respective primary male locking tab projections 54 on the first bottom panel 26. The second bottom panel 34 also includes slits 56 shaped and positioned to receive outer secondary locking tab projections 58 of the first bottom panel 26. The first bottom panel 26 includes a lateral fold line 60, which is interrupted by the slits that define the primary male locking tab projections 54. In addition, each of the secondary locking tab projections 58 can include a lateral fold line 62. Although the locking elements of the blank 3 are illustrated to demonstrate a particular bottom panel locking arrangement suitable for use with the carrier 5 (Figs. 2 and 3), it is understood that any alternative form of bottom panel locking structure may be employed without departing from the disclosure.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the handle 7 includes two finger flaps 84 (e.g., handle flaps), each respectively formed by slits or cuts and foldably attached to the back panel 30 at a respective lateral fold line 86. In one embodiment, the lateral fold lines 86 generally can be collinear with one another. The finger flaps 84 can be separable from the back panel 30 along respective cuts 88. One or more nicks or other gaps in the cuts 88 can be included to help retain the finger flaps 84 generally in the plane of the back panel 30 until the finger flaps 84 are folded inwardly to actuate the handle 7. The handle 7 could include other features for carrying the carrier 5, the finger flaps 84 could be otherwise configured, positioned, shaped, and/or arranged, or the handle 7 could be omitted from the carrier without departing from the disclosure. For example, in alternative embodiments, the handle could include one or both of the flaps 84 could be replaced by a respective opening, or the handle could include one or more elongate openings and/or flaps.

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[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, the blank 3 can include crown retention features 90 in the back panel 30 adjacent the first top panel 20. In one embodiment, the crown retention features 90 include openings 92 adjacent a respective edge of the first top panel 20 and retaining flaps 94 foldably connected to the back panel 30 along a respective oblique fold line 96. The flaps 94 of each of the crown retention features 90 can be separable along a tear or cut line 98, and the flaps 94 can be disposed adjacent the respective opening 92. When the carrier 5 is formed around the containers C, the crowns T (e.g., a cap of a bottle) can be at least partially received in each of the openings 92, and the flaps 94 can engage the container adjacent the cap. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 can include three crown retention features 90 in the back panel 30, one for each of the containers C in a back row (e.g., a row adjacent the back panel 30). Any of the crown retention features 90 could be otherwise configured, positioned, shaped, and/or arranged, or could be omitted from the carrier without departing from the disclosure. For example, any suitable number of crown retention features could be included, including a different number of crown retention features and containers C in a respective row.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, three crown openings 104 can extend in the second top panel 21 adjacent the front panel 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the crown openings 104 can be spaced apart from the first top panel 20 and can be defined by an edge of the front panel 22 and a generally U-shaped edge of the second top panel 21 extending from the edge of the front panel 22. When the carrier 5 is formed, the crowns T and/or necks N of respective containers C in the front row (e.g., the row of containers C adjacent the front panel 22) can be at least partially received by the crown openings 104 (Fig. 7), which can display labels on the top portions of the containers C and/or can provide a distinctive look for the package. Any of the crown openings 104 could be otherwise configured, positioned, shaped, and/or arranged, or could be omitted from the carrier without departing from the disclosure. For example, any suitable number of crown openings could be included, including a different number of crown openings and containers C in a respective row.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the bottom retention features 11 can include two heel lock flaps 106 foldably connected to the front panel 22 or the back panel 30 along respective oblique fold lines 108. The heel lock flaps 106 can be separable from the front panel 22 or the back panel 30 along respective lateral cuts 112 and can be separable from the respective bottom panels 26, 34 along cuts 114. In one embodiment, the heel lock flaps 106 in each of the bottom retention features 11 can be separable from one another along a longitudinal cut 116, and each of the heel lock flaps 106 can be foldable along a generally V-shaped fold line 118 that is generally aligned with the lateral fold line 28 or the lateral fold line 36. Accordingly, the heel lock flaps 106 can be folded inwardly to form heel lock openings 110 (Figs. 2 and 3) when the carrier 5 is formed. In the illustrated embodiment,

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PCT/US2015/010421 there are three bottom retention features 11 in each of the front panel 22 and the back panel 30, one for each of the containers C in the front and back rows. Any of the bottom retention features 11, including at least the heel lock flaps 106 and/or the heel lock openings 110, could be otherwise configured, positioned, shaped, and/or arranged, or could be omitted from the carrier without departing from the disclosure. For example, any suitable number of bottom retention features could be included, including a different number of bottom retention features and containers C in a respective row. Additionally, in an exemplary alternative embodiment, the heel lock flaps 106 could be omitted so that the heel lock openings 110 extend in the blank prior to forming the carrier.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 can be erected by wrapping the blank 3 around the containers C and interlocking the first and second bottom panels 26, 34. For example, the containers C can be arranged in the front and back rows (Figs. 2 and 3) and the first top panel 20 can be placed on top of the containers C in the back row so that the crown retention features 90 are generally aligned with the containers C in the back row. The second top panel 21 can be folded downwardly along the lateral fold line 24 over the containers C in the front row so that the crowns T and at least a portion of the necks N extend through the crown openings 104 (Fig. 2). The front panel 22 can be further folded downwardly along the lateral fold line 25 so that the front panel 22 is positioned against the containers C in the front row and so that the front panel 22 is generally vertical (Fig. 2). The first bottom panel 26 can be folded along the lateral fold line 28 to extend generally under the containers C. The back panel 30 can be downwardly folded along the lateral fold line 32 (e.g., in one embodiment, at the same time or nearly at the same time as the second top panel 21 and the front panel 22 are folded) so that the crowns T of the containers C in the back row are at least partially retained in respective the crown retaining features 90 and the back panel 30 extends generally downwardly from the first top panel 20 (Fig. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the back panel 30 generally can be curved to accommodate the shoulders of the containers between the bottom portions B of the containers and the narrower necks N (Figs. 2 and 3). The second bottom panel 34 can be folded along the lateral fold line 36 to extend generally under the containers C.

[0027] In one embodiment, the bottom panels 26, 34 can be at least partially overlapped (e.g., the second bottom panel 34 can generally overlap the first bottom panel 26) (Figs. 2 and 3), and the locking tabs 54 can be engaged with the locking edges 52. The locking flaps 58 then can be inserted into and engaged with the slits 56 to further interlock the bottom panels 26, 34. The bottom retention features 11 can be actuated (e.g., by pushing the heel lock flaps 106 inwardly) to engage the bottoms B of the containers C and to form the heel lock openings 110 for at least partially receiving the bottoms B of the containers C. The carrier 5 could be alternatively erected and/or loaded with containers C without departing from the disclosure.

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[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the crown retention features 90 and the bottom retention features 11 in the back panel 30 can cooperate to help retain the containers C in the back row in the carrier 5. Additionally, the crown openings 104 and the bottom retention features 11 in the second top panel 21 and the front panel 22 can cooperate to help retain the containers C in the front row in the carrier 5. Additionally, since the neck portions N of the containers C in the front row extend at least partially through the crown openings in the second top panel 21, the labels on the neck portions N can be more easily seen when the package (e.g., the carrier 5 holding the containers C) is on display.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 7 (Fig. 3) can be actuated to carry and/or hold the package by folding the finger flaps 84 inwardly along the respective lateral fold lines 86 and inserting fingers into the resulting openings (not shown) to grasp the carrier 5 at the back panel 30. As shown in Fig. 3, each of the finger flaps 84 can be generally aligned between two neck portions N of respective containers C in the back row. Accordingly, when the finger flaps 84 are folded inwardly (not shown), the finger flaps 84 can extend between the respective neck portions. The handle 7 could be alternatively actuated and/or the carrier 5 could be alternatively held and/or carried without departing from the disclosure.

[0030] In one embodiment, the carrier 5 can be considered an asymmetric carrier since the carrier 5 is different adjacent the front row versus the back row of containers C (e.g., the carrier is configured differently adjacent the back row than it is configured adjacent the front row). For example, the first top panel 20 extends generally horizontally over the containers C in the back row, and the back panel 30 extends generally downwardly from the first top panel 20. In contrast, the second top panel 21 extends generally downwardly and obliquely from the first top panel 20 so that the containers C in the front row extend partially through the second top panel 21. Accordingly, the carrier 5 and the resulting package can have a distinctive look when on display, and the carrier 5 can display certain aspects of the front containers while retaining all the containers and providing a convenient way to carrier the carrier 5 (e.g., at the handle 7 in the back panel 30). The carrier 5, the containers C, and/or the package could be otherwise configured, positioned, shaped, and/or arranged without departing from the disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a blank 203 for forming a carrier 205 (Figs. 5 and 6) according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. The second embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary' skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. As shown in Fig. 4, the blank 203 includes a first top panel 220 foldably connected to a second top panel 221 and a back panel 230. As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the backpanel

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230 can include an intermediate lateral fold line 233 so that an upper portion of the back panel 230 can more easily bend around the shoulders of the containers, for example. The handle 7 can extend in the upper portion of the back panel 230 in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the handle 7 could be positioned in another portion of the back panel 230 or the blank 203. The handle 7 could be omitted or could be otherwise positioned, shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4, the crown retention features 290 can be formed in the back panel 230 adjacent the first top panel 220 similarly to the crown retention features 90 of the first embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the crown retention features 290 include respective openings 292 and do not include retaining flaps (e.g., retaining flaps 94 of the first embodiment). The crown retention features 290 could be omitted or could be otherwise positioned, shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 203 can include display features for at least one of the containers C. The display features can include an aperture or window 302 extending in front panel 222. In one embodiment, the window 302 can be aligned with a container C (e.g., a container in the middle of the front row), and the container C can be oriented so that the label of the container C is visible through the window 302. Additionally, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, crown openings 304 can extend in the second top panel 221. The crown openings 304 can be generally the same as the crown openings 104 in the first embodiment. The display features, including the window 302 and/or any of the crown openings 304, could be omitted or could be otherwise positioned, shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the blank 203 can include alternative locking features 250 in the bottom panels 226, 234 that are generally similar to the locking features of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the bottom panels 226, 234 can be interlocked similarly to the locking features of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the locking features 250 can include locking tabs 254 that can engage locking edges 252 and locking flaps 258 that can engage slits 256. The locking features 250 could be omitted or could be otherwise positioned, shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the blank 203 can include two side panels

322 foldably connected to each of the front panel 222 and the back panel 230 along respective longitudinal fold lines 324. An attachment flap 326 can be foldably connected to each of the side panels 322 along respective longitudinal fold lines 328. When the carrier 205 (Figs. 5 and 6) is formed from the blank 203, the side panels 322 can be folded over the ends or sides 206 of the carrier

[0036]

[0037]

[00381

205, and the attachment flaps 326 can be glued in face-to-face contact with one another to at least partially close the sides 206 of the carrier 205 (Figs. 5 and 6). In one embodiment, the attachment flaps 326 can be disposed between the two rows of containers C. Additionally, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the side panels 322 can be curved (e.g., to at least partially conform to the containers C). Accordingly, the side panels 322 can help retain the containers C in the carrier 205. The blank 203 and/or the carrier 205 could be otherwise positioned, shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, it is noted that the features of the blanks, and/or carriers of the various embodiments can be incorporated into a carton having any carton style or panel configuration. The carrier/carton styles and panel configurations described above are included by way of example.

In general, the blanks according to the present disclosure can be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described above. The blanks can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

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[0039] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term glue is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0040] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with 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 disclosure.

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