US20090127147A1

US20090127147A1 - Package for containers

Info

Publication number: US20090127147A1
Application number: US12/271,253
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert L. Sutherland
Original assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Current assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Priority date: 2007-11-15
Filing date: 2008-11-14
Publication date: 2009-05-21
Also published as: AU2008322608A1; EP2209724B1; WO2009064951A3; BRPI0820237B1; JP2011502905A; CA2705561A1; CA2705561C; AU2008322608B2; WO2009064951A2; MX2010005326A; CN101861276A; NZ584400A; US20140027318A1; EP2209724A4; CN101861276B; JP5244193B2; ES2388325T3; BRPI0820237A2; EP2209724A2

Abstract

A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel, end panels and side panels. The package has retention features for retaining the containers. The package has gussets for positioning the end panels and side panels around the containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/988,291, which was filed on Nov. 15, 2007. The entire contents of the above-referenced provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to packages or cartons for holding and carrying containers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to a package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel and a side panel. The package has retention features for retaining the containers and gusset features for facilitating forming of the package.
In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package for containing a plurality of articles. The package comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top panel, and an end panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one opening in the top panel is for at least partially receiving at least a portion of one of the articles. A first gusset panel is foldably connected to the side panel, and a second gusset panel is foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel.
In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a package for containing a plurality of articles. The blank comprises panels that comprise a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top panel, and an end panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one receptacle is in the top panel. A first gusset panel is foldably connected to the side panel, and a second gusset panel is foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel.
In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a package. The method comprises providing a blank comprising a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top panel, an end panel foldably connected to the top panel, a plurality of receptacles in the top panel, a first gusset panel foldably connected to the side panel, and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel. The method further comprising positioning a plurality of articles relative to the blank and positioning the blank relative to the articles so that the plurality of articles are at least partially received in respective receptacles of the plurality of receptacles. The method further comprises downwardly folding the end panel relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose the articles in an interior space of the package and downwardly folding the side panel relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose the articles in the interior space of the package.
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.
According to common practice, 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

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to form a package according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the blank of FIG. 1 partially erected into the package.

FIG. 3 is a view of the blank of FIG. 1 further partially erected.

FIG. 4 is a view of the blank of FIG. 1 further partially erected.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of the blank of FIG. 1 showing alternative steps for erecting the package of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective of the package formed from the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to form a package according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to form a package according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view of the blank of FIG. 9 partially erected into the package of the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective of the package according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view of the blank of FIG. 9 showing alternative steps for erecting the package of the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to form a package according to a fourth embodiment.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, and packages for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The containers can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The containers can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like; aluminum and/or other metals; glass; or any combination thereof.
Packages according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of numerous different shapes. 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., plastic containers) at least partially disposed within the package embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected packages.
The present embodiments are addressed to cartons or packages for attachment to and accommodation of containers. A package or carrier 150 is illustrated in its erected state in FIG. 7, in which it is attached to containers C arranged in two rows of three containers. In the illustrated embodiments the containers C are illustrated as beverage containers having a top portion generally comprising a flange portion F and an upper neck portion N, and a cap CP, but containers of other sizes, shapes, and configurations may be held in the package 150 without departing from the disclosure. The upper neck portion N of the containers are receive in respective openings 18 (e.g., receptacle) (FIG. 2) in the package and retained in the package by retaining features described further herein. The containers could be arranged in other than a 2×3 arrangement (e.g., 2×4, 1×3, 1×4, etc.) without departing from the disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior side 3 of a blank 8 used to form the package or carrier 150. The blank 8 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 8 comprises a top panel 10 foldably connected to a first end panel 20 at a first lateral fold line 21 and foldably connected to a second end panel 30 at a second lateral fold line 31. A first side panel 40 is foldably connected to the top panel 10 at a first longitudinal fold line 41. A second side panel 50 is foldably connected to the top panel 10 at a second longitudinal fold line 51.
In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 8 includes six receptacles 12 formed by tabs 22 and 24, which are connected to the top panel 10 by respective fold lines 37, 39. Slits 62 and 63 separate the tabs 22, 24 and arcuate slits 64 separate the tab fold lines 37, 39. The arcuate slits 64 and tab fold lines 37, 39 extend around and define a periphery of each of the openings 18 in the top panel 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 22, 24 surrounding each opening 18 (FIG. 2) are of different sizes so that when containers C are inserted into the openings 18 and the tabs 22, 24 are upwardly struck from the top panel 10, the shorter tabs 22 contact only the necks N of the containers and the longer tabs 24 contact both the necks and the underside of the flanges F to support the containers when the carrier is lifted. A variety of different configurations of tabs (e.g., tabs 22, 24) are within the scope of this disclosure.
The diameter of the openings 18 (FIG. 2) in the top panel 10 is related to the diameter of the neck portion N of the containers C to be packaged so that the containers are able to pass through the opening while contacting the support tabs 22, 24 of the receptacles 12 to pivot the support tabs up about their fold lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the support tabs 22, 24 at the corner openings 18 are of somewhat different design than the support tabs 22 and 24 at the central openings. In both cases the support tabs 22, 24 take the form of four contiguous tabs arranged so that the fold lines 37, 39 of adjacent tabs are at right angles to each other. In both cases, one pair of oppositely located tabs 24 is longer than the other pair 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 22, 24, slits 62, 63, 64, and fold lines 37, 39 of the receptacle 12 at each of the two corners of the top panel 10 adjacent the second end panel 30 are respectively rotated clockwise and counterclockwise approximately 45 degrees from the orientation of the tabs, slits, and fold lines of the two central receptacles. The tabs 22, 24, slits 62, 63, 64, and fold lines 37, 39 of the receptacle 12 at each corner of the top panel 10 adjacent the first end panel 20 are respectively rotated counterclockwise and clockwise approximately 45 degrees from the orientation of the tabs, slits, and fold lines of the four central openings. The receptacles 12 in the top panel 10 can have other features including other tabs, slits, fold lines, tear lines, etc., and may be otherwise arranged and/or configured, without departing from the disclosure.
The blank 8 includes corner cutouts 32 generally adjacent a respective corner of the top panel 10. Fold line 42 in the side panel 40 and fold line 52 in side panel 50 extend between respective cutouts 32 in each side panel to form sloped side panel sections which generally conform to the slope of the bottles in the transition area between the bottle neck and the barrel of the bottle. The corner cutouts 32 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured, or could be omitted without departing from the disclosure.
The blank 8 is preferably formed of paperboard, but may be of any suitable material having sufficient strength and flexibility to function in the manner of paperboard. The side panels 40, 50 are longer than the length of the top panel 10, terminating beyond the cutouts 32. First and second gusset panels 45, 47 are located at each corner of the blank 8 between respective side panels 40, 50 and end panels 20, 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the end panels 20, 30 comprise a corner portion 49 foldably connected to the second gusset panels 47 and connected to the end panels. The gusset panels 45, 47 and corner portions 49 of the end panels 20, 30 are foldably connected by respective fold lines 53, 55, 57, 59. The gusset panels 45, 47 and corner panels 49 facilitate forming of the package 150 in a manner so that the package conforms to the shape of the containers C.
At each corner of the blank 8, the first gusset panel 45 is foldably connected to one of the side panels 40, 50 at the fold line 53, and the second gusset panel 47 is foldably connected to the first gusset panel at a fold line 55. The second gusset panel is foldably connected to the corner portion 49 of the end panels 20, 30 at the fold line 57. The corner portion 49 is foldably connected to a respective end panel 20, 30 at the fold line 59. The first and second gusset panels 45, 47 and corner portion 49 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the corner portions 49 of each end panel 20, 30 could be omitted without departing from the disclosure.
The blank 8 includes two handle panels 84 foldably connected to the top panel 10 by lateral fold lines 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle panels 84 are further defined by curved cuts 87, 89, 91 in the top panel. The blank 8 could include handle features other than the handle panels 84 or the handle panels could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.
As shown in FIGS. 2-7, to form the package 150, in accordance with one acceptable method, bottles C to be packaged are grouped together and the top panel 10 is first pushed down over the tops of the bottles C. The caps CP of the bottles C contact the support tabs 22, 24 to pivot the support tabs up relative to the top panel 10 to create the openings 18 in the top panel. Relative upward movement of the containers C continues until the support tabs 24 snap into place as the edges of these tabs engage the underside of the bottle flanges F (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the shorter tabs 22 do not reach the flanges F but snugly engage the bottle necks.
As shown in FIG. 3, the end panels 20, 30 are downwardly folded relative to the top panel 10 in the direction of arrow A1. Next, the second gusset panels 47 are folded inwardly in the direction of arrow A2 (FIG. 4) so as to cause an adjacent first gusset 45 and side panel 40, 50 to fold downwardly to the position of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the second gusset panel 47 and first gusset panel 45 are brought into face-to-face relationship such that the second gusset panel 47 is in contact with and overlapped by the first gusset panel 45. Further, a portion of a respective side panel 40, 50 is in face-to-face relationship with the first gusset panel 45 so that the portion of the respective side panel overlays and is in contact with the first gusset panel. In one embodiment, the corner portion 49 of the end panels 20, 30 helps facilitate inward folding of the second gusset panel 47 and conforms the package 150 to a tight fit against the corner containers C. Adhesive such as glue may be applied to the second gusset panel 47 or the first gusset panel 45 to secure the side panels 40, 50 in the downwardly folded position. Also, adhesive (e.g., glue) can be applied to the first gusset panel 45 or a portion of a respective side panel 40, 50 that overlays the first gusset panel to secure the side panels in the downwardly folded position.
The package 150 can be formed by other folding and panel positioning steps. For example, FIGS. 5 and 6 show an alternative configuration for forming the blank 8 into the package 150. As shown in FIG. 5, the side panels 40, 50 can be folded downward at fold lines 41, 51 relative to the top panel 10 in the direction of arrow A3 prior to the downward folding of the end panels 20, 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the first gusset panel 45 can be folded inwardly in the direction of arrow A4 to assist in downwardly folding the second gusset panel 47 and the end panels 20, 30. Glue or other adhesive can be applied to either or both of the gusset panels 45, 47 prior to downwardly folding the end panels 20, 30. When the end panels 20, 30 are downwardly folded, the gusset panels 45, 47 are in face-to-face contact with the second gusset panel 47 overlaying the first gusset panel 45. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the corner portions 49 of the end panels 20, 30 is in face-to-face relationship with the second gusset panel 47. Adhesive can be applied to one or more than one of the end panels 20,30, the first gusset panels 45, the second gusset panels 47, or the side panels 40, 50 to secure the package 150 in the formed position.
In either forming configuration, the package 150 can be maintained in the assembled configuration by the adhesive between the overlapped and adhered gusset panels 45, 47 or other panels. Other folding, assembly, or forming steps and configurations are within the scope of this disclosure.
FIG. 8 shows a blank 208 of a second embodiment of the disclosure having similar features as the first embodiment. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like or similar reference numbers. The blank 208 of the second embodiment includes a smaller opening 32 at each corner and the gusset panels 45, 47 have a different shape than the gusset panels of the first embodiment. Further, the side panels 40, 50 include additional longitudinal fold lines 42 a, 52 a extending between respective openings 32. Each side panel 40, 50 has an additional foldable panel for positioning relative to the top panel 10. The blank 208 can be formed into a package in a similar manner described above for forming the blank 8 into the package 150.
FIG. 9 shows a blank 308 for forming a package 350 of a third embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 308 has similar features as the previous embodiments. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like or similar reference numbers. The blank 308 of the third embodiment has first and second gusset panels 45, 47 that function in a similar manner as the first and second gusset panels of the previous embodiments. In the third embodiment, each of the second gusset panels 47 has a base portion 47 a adjacent the opening 32 and an extension 47 b that includes a distal portion of the gusset panel extending from the base portion. The extension 47 b of each of the second gusset panels 47 extends laterally outward beyond an edge 45 a of the first gusset panel 45. The base portion 47 a of the second gusset panel 47 is foldably connected to the corner portion 49 of the end panel 20, 30 at the fold line 57 and is foldably connected to the gusset panel 45 at the fold line 53. The extensions 47 b allow a larger target area for the application of adhesive to the package 350. Further, each of the first gusset panels 45 of the third embodiment are smaller that the previous embodiments so that the extension 47 b can extend outward from the edge 45 a of the first gusset panel and underlie at least a portion of the side panels 40, 50 when the package 350 is assembled.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, the package 350 can be assembled in a similar manner as the first embodiment by first downwardly folding the end flaps 20, 30 in the direction of arrow A5 (FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 12, the second gusset panels 47 are inwardly folded in the direction of arrow A6 to lower the first gusset panels 45 and the side panels 40, 50. As the side panels 40, 50 are further lowered in the direction of arrow A7, the first gusset panels 45 are brought into face-to-face contact with the base portion 47 a of the gusset panel 47. The extensions 47 b extend beyond the edge 45 a of the first gusset panels 45. As the side panels 40, 50 are further downwardly folded, the side panels overlap and are in a generally face-to-face relationship with the first gusset panels 45 that overlap the base portions 47 a of the gusset panels 47 and the extensions 47 b of the gusset panels 47. Adhesive can be applied to the extensions 47 b (or the side panels 40, 50) so that at least a portion of the side panels 40, 50 is adhered to at least a portion of the extensions 47 b of the second gusset panels 47. Further, the base portions 47 a of the second gusset panels 47 can be adhered to the first gusset panels 45. Other folding and assembly steps and configurations are within the scope of this disclosure.
FIG. 13 shows a blank 408 of a fourth embodiment of the disclosure having similar features as the blank 308 of the third embodiment. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like or similar reference numbers. The blank 408 of the fourth embodiment includes first gusset panels 45 that each have an oblique fold line 55 a that is parallel to and spaced-apart from the fold line 55 connecting each of the first gusset panels to a respective second gusset panel 47. The additional fold line 55 a of the fourth embodiment allows the gusset panels 45, 47 and to more closely conform to a variety of containers C having different sizes. In the fourth embodiment, the fold line 53 connecting each of the first gusset panels 45 to a respective side panel 40, 50 slopes upward or downward (depending on the frame of reference) relative to the lateral axis L2 as the fold line extends from the edge 45 a of the first gusset panel to the opening 32. As shown in FIG. 13, the first gusset panels 45 and the second gusset panels 47 are larger than the corresponding gusset panels of the previous embodiments to provide larger surface areas for securing the gusset panels in the assembled configuration. The gusset panels 45, 47 could be otherwise shaped and could include other features without departing from the disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 13, each end panel 20, 30 includes a respective lateral fold line 23, 33 so that each end panel is divided into two portions 20 a, 20 b, and 30 a, 30 b that are independently foldably connected at a respective lateral fold line. Each outer portion 20 a, 30 a of end panels 20, 30 has a respective curved edge 30 c, 20 c. Each end panel 20, 30 comprises a respective handle panel 121, 123 foldably connected to a respective end panel at a curved fold line 125, 127.
In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the blank 408 includes handle features 184 in the top panel. The handle features comprising respective handle panels 185, 187 that are foldably connected to the top panel 10 at respective fold lines 189, 191. When the package is formed from the blank 408 the package can be grasped at the end panels 20, 30 by folding under the handle panel 121, 123 and can be grasped at the top panel by folding in the handle panels 185, 187. For example, a user can place their thumb against either group of handle panels 185, 184 and can place their other four fingers of the same hand on one of the handle panels 121, 123 to fold the handle panel in for grasping the package at the end panel 20, 30. In this manner, the package formed from the blank 408 can be grasped and carried by a user. Alternatively, only the handle features 184 can be used to grasp the package formed from the blank 408 or only the handle panels 121, 123 in the end panels 20, 30 can be used to grasp the package formed from the blank. The blank 408 and package formed from the blank can have other handle features or the handle features shown can be omitted without departing from the disclosure.
In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the blank 408 has dispensing features for removal of the containers C from the package formed from the blank. Each side panel 40, 50 has two tabs 191, 193 formed by a respective tear line 195, 197 in the side panel between a respective longitudinal fold line 41, 51 connecting the side panel to the top panel 10 and a longitudinal fold line 42, 52 forming the sloped side panel sections. The top panel 10 includes oblique cuts 199 adjacent a respective tabs 191, 193 that facilitate tearing of the top panel when the tabs 191, 193 are activated by separating the tabs from the side panels 40, 50. In the package formed from the blank 408, a respective tab 191, 193 can be grasped and lifted upward to separate the tab from the side panel 40, 50. The respective tab 191, 193 can be further positioned and pulled to initiate tearing or deformation of the top panel 10 at the cuts 199 to facilitate removal of the containers C from a respective receptacle 12. The blank 408 and package formed from the blank can have other dispensing features or the dispensing features illustrated and described herein can be changed or omitted without departing from the disclosure. The blank 408 can be formed into a package in a similar manner described above for the previous embodiments.
The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of 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 blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, 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 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.
As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.
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.
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 spirit and scope of the claims. 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.

Claims

1. A package for containing a plurality of articles, the package comprising:

panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package, the panels comprise a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top panel, and an end panel foldably connected to the top panel;

at least one opening in the top panel for at least partially receiving at least a portion of one of the articles;

a first gusset panel foldably connected to the side panel; and

a second gusset panel foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel.

2. The package of claim 1 wherein the first and second gusset panels are in face-to-face contact.

3. The package of claim 2 wherein the first gusset panel overlays the second gusset panel.

4. The package of claim 3 wherein at least a portion of the side panel overlays the first gusset panel and is in face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the first gusset panel.

5. The package of claim 4 wherein at least a portion of the side panel is in face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the second gusset panel.

6. The package of claim 2 wherein the second gusset panel overlays the first gusset panel.

7. The package of claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the end panel is in face-to-face contact with the second gusset panel.

8. The package of claim 1 wherein the second gusset panel comprises a base portion foldably connected to the first gusset panel and an extension comprising a distal end of the second gusset panel.

9. The package of claim 8 wherein the extension extends laterally beyond an edge of the first gusset panel and is free from connection to the first gusset panel, the extension being in face-to-face contact with the side panel.

10. The package of claim 9 wherein the base portion is in face-to-face contact with the first gusset panel.

11. The package of claim 9 wherein the first gusset panel is adhesively attached to both the first gusset panel and the side panel.

12. The package of claim 1 in combination with the articles, the articles comprising beverage containers having an upper portion and a flange, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings, each of the openings comprises a periphery and the top panel comprises a plurality of tabs foldably attached to the top panel at the periphery of each of the openings.

13. The package of claim 5 wherein the plurality of tabs at each opening comprise two shorter tabs that contact the upper portion of one of the containers and two longer tabs that contact an underside of the flange of the one of the containers to retain the containers in the package.

14. A blank for forming a package for containing a plurality of articles, the blank comprising:

panels that comprise a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top panel, and an end panel foldably connected to the top panel;

at least one receptacle in the top panel;

a first gusset panel foldably connected to the side panel; and

15. The blank of claim 14 wherein the first and second gusset panels are for being in face-to-face contact when the package is formed from the blank.

16. The package of claim 15 wherein in the package formed from the blank, the first gusset panel overlays the second gusset panel, at least a portion of the side panel overlays the first gusset panel and is in face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the first gusset panel, and at least a portion of the side panel is in face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the second gusset panel.

17. The blank of claim 15 wherein in the package formed from the blank the second gusset panel overlays the first gusset panel and at least a portion of the end panel is in face-to-face contact with the second gusset panel.

18. The blank of claim 14 wherein the second gusset panel comprises a base portion foldably connected to the first gusset panel and an extension comprising a distal end of the second gusset panel.

19. The blank of claim 18 wherein the extension extends laterally beyond an edge of the first gusset panel and is free from connection to the first gusset panel.

20. The blank of claim 19 wherein in the package formed from the blank the extension is in face-to-face contact with the side panel and the base portion is in face-to-face contact with the first gusset panel.

21. A method of forming a package, the method comprising:

providing a blank comprising a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top panel, an end panel foldably connected to the top panel, a plurality of receptacles in the top panel, a first gusset panel foldably connected to the side panel, and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel;

positioning a plurality of articles relative to the blank;

positioning the blank relative to the articles so that the plurality of articles are at least partially received in respective receptacles of the plurality of receptacles;

downwardly folding the end panel relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose the articles in an interior space of the package; and

downwardly folding the side panel relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose the articles in the interior space of the package.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the downwardly folding the side panel comprises inwardly folding the second gusset panel to position the first gusset panel in face-to-face relationship with the second gusset panel.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the downwardly folding the side panel comprises positioning at least a portion of the side panel in face-to-face relationship with the first gusset panel.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the second gusset panel comprises a base portion foldably connected to the first gusset panel and an extension extending beyond an edge of the first gusset panel, the downwardly folding the side panel comprises positioning at least a portion of the side panel in face-to-face relationship with the extension.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein downwardly folding the end panel comprises inwardly folding the first gusset panel to position the second gusset panel in face-to-face relationship with the first gusset panel.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the downwardly folding the end panel comprises position at least a portion of the end panel in face-to-face relationship with the second gusset panel.

27. The method of claim 21 further comprising applying adhesive to at least one of the first gusset panel, the second gusset panel, the end panel, and the side panel to secure the end panel and the side panel in the downwardly folded position.