CN106794929B

CN106794929B - Carrier for containers

Info

Publication number: CN106794929B
Application number: CN201580054459.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 老雷蒙德·R·斯皮维; K·T·梅
Original assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Current assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Priority date: 2014-10-08
Filing date: 2015-10-06
Publication date: 2020-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-06
Also published as: US20210206555A1; US20160101917A1; EP3204310A1; WO2016057476A1; MX2017004519A; JP2017530911A; CA2962489C; EP3204310B1; JP6581188B2; CA2962489A1; BR112017007098A2; AU2015328358A1; CN106794929A; EP3204310A4

Abstract

A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of articles may include a plurality of panels, which may include at least a top panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel. The plurality of article receiver features can be arranged in at least a first row and a second row in at least the top panel. The first row may comprise at least one more article receiver feature than the second row. Each article receiver feature of the plurality of article receiver features is operable to at least partially receive a respective article of the plurality of articles. The retention feature can extend in at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. The retaining feature is capable of at least partially retaining at least one article that is at least partially received in a respective one of the article receiving features of the first row.

Description

Carrier for containers

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.62/122022, having a filing date of 2014, 10, 8.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The contents of U.S. provisional patent application No.62/122022, filed 2014, 8, is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to carriers for holding and dispensing beverage containers or other types of items.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, one aspect of the invention relates to a carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of articles. The carrier can include a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carrier. The plurality of panels can include at least a top panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel. The plurality of article receiver features can be arranged in at least a first row and a second row in at least the top panel. The first row can include at least one more article receiver feature than the second row. Each article receiver feature of the plurality of article receiver features is operable to at least partially receive a respective article of the plurality of articles. The retention feature can extend in at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. The retaining feature is capable of at least partially retaining at least one article that is at least partially received in a respective one of the article receiving features of the first row.

In another aspect, the present invention is generally directed to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of articles. The blank can comprise a plurality of panels including at least a top panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel. The plurality of article receiver features can be arranged in at least a first row and a second row in at least the top panel. The first row can include at least one more article receiver feature than the second row, each article receiver feature of the plurality of article receiver features being operable to at least partially receive a respective article of the plurality of articles when the carrier is formed from the blank. The retention feature can extend in at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. The retaining features are capable of at least partially retaining at least one article that is at least partially received in a respective one of the article receiving features of the first row when the carrier is formed from the blank.

In another aspect, the present invention is generally directed to a package comprising a carrier having a substantially open end. The carrier can include a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carrier. The package may further comprise a plurality of articles arranged at least partially inside the carrier. The plurality of articles can be arranged in at least a first row and a second row, and the first row can include at least one more article than the second row.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of forming a package, the method comprising: obtaining a plurality of articles and a blank comprising a plurality of panels; and arranging the plurality of articles in at least a first row and a second row. The first row can include at least one more article than the second row. The method can further include: forming a carrier from a blank by wrapping the plurality of panels at least partially around the plurality of articles. The carrier can have substantially open ends.

Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The above advantages, as well as other advantages and benefits, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings, which are set forth below. Furthermore, the various features of the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a detailed view of a portion of the blank of fig. 1 showing a retaining feature according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view comprising a package according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising a carrier formed from the blank of fig. 1 and nested containers.

Fig. 4 is an end view of the package of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 and 6 are bottom views of the package of fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

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

Detailed Description

The present invention generally relates to features for cartons or carriers containing articles such as containers, bottles, cans, and the like. The articles can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products. The articles can be made from materials having components suitable for packaging particular food or beverage items, including, but not limited to, aluminum and/or other metals, glass, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, nylon, and the like, or any combination thereof.

The carton or carrier according to the invention can accommodate articles of any shape. For purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limiting the scope of the invention, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., plastic beverage bottles) disposed within carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms "inside", "inner", "outer", "lower", "bottom", "upper" and "top" denote orientations determined with respect to a fully erected and upright carton.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface 2 of a blank 3, the blank 3 being used to form a carrier 5 (fig. 3) according to a first embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 is a carrier having generally

open ends

6, 8 that is wrapped around the containers C (e.g., the carrier 5 may be referred to as a wrapped carton or carrier 5). The carrier 5 may be otherwise formed and arranged such that the

ends

6, 8 are at least partially closed, such as by end flaps (not shown) or other closing mechanisms. The carrier 5 can be used to hold a plurality of articles, such as containers C (fig. 3-6), to form a package 7 (fig. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the container C is a beverage bottle having a wide bottom B and a narrow top or neck N that includes a cap CP. The carrier 5 can be sized to accommodate eight containers in a single layer in a "nested" arrangement, with two outer rows of three bottles per row and one inner row of two bottles. In one embodiment, nesting the containers C in the carrier 5 enables the carrier to hold the containers in more than two rows, as the outer rows can help hold the inner rows nested with the outer rows. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 can include a retaining feature comprising: an article receiver formation 9 for receiving the upper portion N of the container C; and a bottom holding structure 11 for engaging with the bottom B of the container C arranged near the side of the carrier 5. In addition, the carrier 5 can include one or two handles, generally indicated at 13, for grasping and carrying the carrier.

A variety of other nested bottle arrangements can also be used with the first embodiment of the invention or with other embodiments shown and not shown. Alternative nested packaging arrangements can include: an arrangement of 11 vials with two outer rows of four vials per row and one inner row of three vials; an arrangement of ten bottles with two outer rows of three bottles per row and two inner rows of two bottles per row; and so on. In one embodiment, this nested arrangement can be considered an "inside nested arrangement" because the inside rows of containers are generally shorter than the outside rows of containers (e.g., each outside row has one more container than each inside row). Other nested or non-nested arrangements of containers can be provided without departing from the invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the inner rows can be longer than the outer rows. In another embodiment, an arrangement with thirteen containers can have two outer rows of three bottles per row, two inner rows of two bottles per row, and a central row of, for example, three bottles, arranged between the two inner rows. In a different arrangement, the containers can be nested in an at least partially staggered arrangement such that the containers in the inner row are generally offset from the containers in the outer row, as generally shown in fig. 3 and 4. The containers C can be arranged in other ways without departing from the invention.

Blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. In the embodiment shown, the blank 3 comprises: a top panel 20, the top panel 20 being foldably connected to a first side panel 22 at a first lateral fold line 24; a first bottom panel 26, the first bottom panel 26 being foldably connected to the first side panel 22 at a second transverse fold line 28; a second side panel 30, the second side panel 30 being foldably connected to the top panel 20 at a third transverse fold line 32; and a second bottom panel 34, the second bottom panel 34 being foldably connected to the second side panel 30 at a fourth transverse fold line 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bottom panel 26 includes a first bottom bevel panel 38, the first bottom bevel panel 38 being defined by

lateral fold lines

28 and 40 and having an intermediate fold line 41. The second bottom panel 34 includes a second bottom bevel panel 42, the second bottom bevel panel 42 being defined by lateral fold lines 36 and 44 and having an intermediate fold line 45. The transverse fold lines 40, 44 can include a plurality of segments with a longitudinal cut provided at each end of each segment. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side panel 22 can include a first top bevel panel 46, the first top bevel panel 46 being defined by

lateral fold lines

24 and 47 and having an intermediate fold line 48, and the second side panel 30 can include a second top bevel panel 49, the second top bevel panel 49 being defined by lateral fold lines 32 and 50 and having an intermediate fold line 51. The blank 3 can be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned and/or configured without departing from the invention. For example, any of the

bevel panels

38, 42, 46, 49 may be omitted or otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned and/or configured without departing from the invention.

The first bottom panel 26 (which first bottom panel 26 is the interior bottom panel in the assembled carrier 5) includes a cutout forming a first female locking edge 52, the first female locking edge 52 being shaped and positioned to engage a first male locking tab 54 on the second bottom panel 34. The first bottom panel 26 also includes a slot 56, the slot 56 being shaped and positioned to receive an outer second locking tab 58 of the second bottom panel 34. As shown in fig. 1, the slit 56 can define a tab foldably connected to the first bottom panel 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the second bottom panel 34 (which second bottom panel 34 is the outer bottom panel in the finished carrier 5) includes a transverse fold line 60, which transverse fold line 60 can be interrupted by a slit defining the first male locking tab 54. In addition, each second locking tab 58 can include a lateral fold line 62. Although the locking elements of the blank 3 are shown to illustrate a particular bottom panel locking arrangement suitable for use with the carrier 5, it will be appreciated that any alternative form of bottom panel locking arrangement may be used without departing from the invention. Additionally or alternatively, the

bottom panels

26, 34 can be glued together.

As shown in fig. 1, the article receiver structure 9 is a top opening 9, and in one embodiment, the top opening 9 is capable of forming three rows R1, R2, R3 in the top panel 20. In other embodiments, the top opening 9 can be formed in a different arrangement to accommodate the different container arrangements described above. The outer rows R1, R3 can each include three top openings 9, and the inner row R2 can include two top openings 9, the two top openings 9 being offset from the top openings 9 in the outer rows R1, R3. In the illustrated embodiment, the top openings 9 in the inner row R2 are offset from the remaining openings such that the center a of each top opening 9 in the inner row R2 is disposed approximately midway between the two top openings 9 of the outer rows R1, R3. Thus, the top openings 9 in the inner row R2 are positioned relative to the top openings 9 in the outer rows R1, R3 such that the openings are in a staggered arrangement, and the containers C received in the top openings 9 of the inner row R2 nest with the containers C received in the top openings 9 of the outer rows R1, R3 (fig. 3 and 4). In one embodiment, the top openings 9 in the outer rows R1, R3 can partially interrupt the respective

lateral fold lines

24, 32, and the cuts 63 can extend in the

top bevel panels

46, 49 adjacent the outer openings. Any article receptacle structure or top opening 9 and/or rows R1, R2, R3 can be omitted or can be otherwise positioned, shaped, constructed and/or arranged without departing from this invention. For example, the article receiver feature can include tabs, flaps, and/or other features in addition to or in lieu of the top opening 9.

In one embodiment, the bottom retaining feature 11 in the first side panel 22 and the first bottom panel 26 is shown in detail in FIG. 1A. However, the bottom retaining feature 11 in the second side panel 30 and the second bottom panel 34 is similar or substantially the same as the bottom retaining feature 11 in the first side panel 22 and the first bottom panel 26, as shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 1 and 1A, the bottom retaining feature 11 can include two retaining tabs 64 near respective bottom or corner openings 66 for each container C in the outer row R1. Each retention tab 64 can be foldably connected to the bottom bevel panel 38 along a respective fold line 68 and can include a V-fold 70. A hook-shaped cutout 72 can extend from each retention tab 64 into the first side panel 22 for allowing additional folding and/or bending of the tab 64 and/or the side panel 22 to accommodate the respective container C.

As shown in fig. 1 and 1A, the bottom retaining feature 11 can include corner retainers 74 at each end of the

bottom panels

26, 34. As shown in fig. 1A, each corner retainer 74 can include: a retention panel 76, the retention panel 76 being foldably connected to the bottom bevel panel 38 along a longitudinal fold line 78; a first gusset panel 80, the first gusset panel 80 being foldably connected to the retention panel 76 along a transverse fold line 82; and a second gusset panel 84, the second gusset panel 84 being foldably connected to the first gusset panel along a longitudinal fold line 86. Each second gusset panel 84 can be foldably connected to the first bottom panel 26 along a respective oblique fold line 88 and can be separable from the first bottom panel 26 along a respective cut line 90. In one embodiment, each corner retainer 74 can at least partially define a cutout 92. Any bottom retaining feature 11, including the retaining tabs 64, corner openings 66, and/or corner retainers 74, can be omitted or can be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the invention.

As shown in fig. 1 and 1A, each handle 13 includes two finger flaps 94, each finger flap 94 being formed by a respective curved cut line 96 and foldably attached to a

respective side panel

22, 30 at a respective longitudinal fold line 98. The handle 13 can include other features for carrying the carrier 5 and any finger flap 94 can be omitted or can be otherwise positioned, shaped, configured and/or arranged, or one or both handles 13 can be omitted from the carrier without departing from the invention.

As shown in fig. 3, the carrier 5 can be erected by wrapping the blank 3 around the container C and interlocking the first and second

bottom panels

26, 34 to form the package 7. In particular, the containers C can be arranged in a staggered, nested configuration comprising: two outer rows R1, R3 of three containers C each and one inner row R2 of two containers C each. The blank 3 can be positioned relative to the arranged containers C such that each top opening 9 is substantially aligned with a respective one of the containers C. The blank 3 and/or the container C are movable such that the blank 3 and the container C move together and at least the upper portion N of the container C is received in the respective top opening 9. The

side panels

22, 30 are foldable downwardly along

fold lines

24, 32 and the

top bevel panels

46, 49 are foldable along

respective fold lines

47, 48 and 50, 51 to at least partially receive the shoulders of containers C in the outer rows R1, R3.

In one embodiment, the bottoms B of the containers C in the outer rows R1, R3 can be at least partially received in the respective corner openings 66 for engagement with the respective retention tabs 64 when the

bottom panels

26, 34 are folded inwardly toward each other. Also, when the

bottom panels

26, 34 are folded along the transverse fold lines 28, 36, the

bottom bevel panels

38, 42 can be folded along the

respective fold lines

40, 41 and 44, 45 to extend obliquely between the

side panels

22, 30 and the remainder of the

bottom panels

26, 34. As shown in fig. 3-6, the corner retainers 74 can be folded inwardly so that the

gusset panels

80, 84 are positioned in face-to-face contact with one another and the

gusset panels

80, 84 are tucked between the

respective bottom panel

26, 34 and the bottom B of the respective adjacent container C (fig. 5 and 6) so that the respective retention panel 76 extends over a portion of one end of the carrier 5 (fig. 4 and 5). Thus, the retention tabs 64 and corner openings 66 can help to hold the respective containers C in the outer rows R1, R3 in position adjacent the

respective side panels

22, 30, and the corner retainers 74 can help to hold the containers C at the ends of the outer rows R1, R3 adjacent the open ends 6, 8 of the carrier 5.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, the second bottom panel 34 is secured to the first bottom panel 26 by first folding the second bottom panel 34 along the transverse fold line 60 so as to at least partially separate the first male locking tab 54 from the second bottom panel 34 and to engage the first male locking tab 54 with the first female locking edge 52, respectively (fig. 4 and 5). The second male locking flaps 58 are inserted through the slits 56, respectively, and cooperatively interact with the slits 56 to further secure the second bottom panel 34 to the first bottom panel 26. The interlocking

bottom panels

26, 34 cooperate to form the bottom panel 99 of the carrier 5. The carrier 5 can be erected and/or the package 7 can be formed by alternative steps without departing from the invention.

In one embodiment, one or both handles 13 can be actuated by folding finger flaps 94 inwardly along respective fold lines 98 for grasping the

respective side panels

22, 30 at the respective openings formed therein. The package 7 may also be carried in other ways without departing from the invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nested arrangement of containers can help the roll-type carrier 5 to hold the containers in three rows R1, R2, R3. For example, the nested configuration can allow the containers in the outer rows R1, R3 to hold the containers in the inner row R2 inside the carrier. The containers C in the outer rows R1, R3 near the ends of the carrier 5 interfere with the containers in the inner row R2 so that the containers in the inner row must be pushed over the outer containers before being purposely removed in order to forcibly spread the carrier. The containers in the outer row are also held by the holding tabs 64, corner openings 66, and corner retainers 74. Thus, when the containers C in the inner row R2 are spaced from the

side panels

22, 30 and the retaining formation 11, they are at least partially retained by the respective top opening 9 in the top panel 20 and the respective nested containers C in the outer rows R1, R3. In one embodiment, non-nested inner rows will typically fail in an alternative carrier having more than two rows. For example, it may be difficult to hold containers in the inner row (when they are not nested with and held by containers in the outer row). When one or more containers are accidentally removed (e.g., dropped) from the optional carrier, the optional carrier may collapse, some or all of the containers may drop from the optional carrier, and/or the optional carrier may otherwise fail. In addition, the nested arrangement of containers C can generally be narrower than an arrangement with non-nested, aligned rows, and the amount of material added in the blank 3 including the third row (e.g., the inner row) is less than that required when the containers are arranged in three non-nested rows. Also, in one embodiment, the carrier 5 can be more conspicuous on the shelf by having a different appearance than other cartons and carriers.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of an outer surface 202 of a blank 203 for forming a carrier (not shown) according to a second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment except for certain variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, similar or identical features of this embodiment are given similar or identical reference numerals. As shown in fig. 7, the blank 203 includes an optional bottom retention feature 211 in which the corner retainers 74 of the first embodiment are omitted and the retention tabs 264 are generally larger so that the opening is substantially closed prior to forming the package (not shown). Thus, the retention tabs 264 may be separated from each other along the respective longitudinal cut lines 267 and from the

respective side panels

222, 230 and the respective

bottom panels

226, 234 along the respective transverse cut lines 269. In one embodiment, each retention tab 264 can be connected to the

respective side panel

222, 230 and the respective

bottom panel

226, 234 along two oblique fold lines 268. In addition, each retention tab 264 can include a V-fold 270. As shown in fig. 7, the

lateral fold lines

228, 236 can be interrupted by the bottom retaining feature 211 and the fold lines 40, 41, 44, 46 of the first embodiment can be omitted so that the

bottom bevel panels

38, 42 of the first embodiment are not included in the blank 203. The

side panels

222, 230 of the second embodiment can include a cut-out 215 at each end for at least partially accommodating the shape of the container C. Alternatively, the edges of the

side panels

222, 230 can have different shapes to correspond to different container shapes or to reflect a particular logo, or the edges can be straight. The blank 203 can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the invention.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of an outer surface 402 of a blank 403 for forming a carrier (not shown) according to a third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment is substantially similar to the second embodiment except for certain variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, similar or identical features of this embodiment are given the same or similar reference numerals. As shown in fig. 8, the blank 403 has different locking features for interlocking the bottom panels 426, 443. The second bottom panel 434 can include three second locking tabs 458, the three second locking tabs 458 being generally aligned with respective first locking tabs 454. The first bottom panel 426 can include an interior first female locking edge 452a and an interior slot 456a for receiving a corresponding interior first male locking tab 454 and an interior second male locking tab 458. Additionally, the first bottom panel 426 can include an outer first female locking edge 452b and an outer second female locking edge 456b adjacent respective openings 455. The outer holding tabs 457 can be foldably connected to the first bottom panel 426 along respective longitudinal fold lines 459 and can include respective curved folds 461. Thus, when the outer first male locking tab 454 is engaged with the corresponding outer first female locking edge 452b and the outer second male locking tab 458 is engaged with the corresponding outer second female locking edge 456b, the corresponding outer retention tab 457 is folded inwardly into the interior of the carrier 5 (not shown) to engage and/or help retain the corresponding adjacent container C. Any locking feature of the

bottom panels

426, 434 can be omitted or can be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the invention. Additionally, the blank 403 may be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the invention.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of an outer surface 602 of a blank 603 for forming a carrier (not shown) according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The fourth embodiment is substantially similar to the third embodiment except for certain variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, similar or identical features of this embodiment are given the same or similar reference numerals. As shown in fig. 9, the blank 603 comprises:

side panels

22, 30, the

side panels

22, 30 having substantially straight free edges similar or identical to those of the first embodiment (fig. 1); a retaining feature 211 in the first side panel 22 and the first bottom panel 426, the retaining feature 211 being similar to the second embodiment (fig. 7); and locking features for interlocking the

bottom panels

426, 434, similar or identical to the third embodiment (fig. 8). In addition, the blank 603 can include a bottom retention feature 611 in the second side panel 30 and the second bottom panel 434. The bottom retention feature 611 can include a retention tab 264 similar to that in the second embodiment (fig. 7) and a corner retainer 74 similar to that in the first embodiment (fig. 1 and 2). As shown in fig. 9, the retention flaps 264 of the retention features 211, 611 are substantially the same as the retention flaps 264 of the

blanks

203, 403 of the second and third embodiments, except that the retention flaps in the blank 603 are relatively smaller than the retention flaps 264 of the

blanks

203, 403. The blank 603 can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the invention.

Any features of the various embodiments of the invention can be combined with, substituted for, or otherwise provided with other features of other embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, it should be appreciated that the retaining features and/or container configurations of the various embodiments can be incorporated into a carton or carrier having any paperboard type or panel configuration. Including, for example, the carrier patterns and panel arrangements described above. In addition, the shape of the retaining feature can be substantially any shape. Including for example the shapes described above and included in the drawings.

Generally, the blank according to the invention can be constructed of paperboard having a caliper (caliper), making it heavier and more rigid than plain paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as paperboard, or any other material suitable to enable the carton to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer on either or both sides of the blank. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel portions.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the fold line can be any substantially linear (although not necessarily straight) weakened form that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically (but not to narrow the scope of the invention), the fold lines comprise: a score line, such as a line formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts extending partially into the material and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. Where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive such that a reasonable user will all mistakenly assume that the fold line is a tear line.

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" will include all adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

The foregoing description of the invention shows and describes several exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc. can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 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 invention has been shown and described with respect to only selected embodiments thereof, but the invention 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, the particular features of the various embodiments may be selectively interchanged and used in other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of articles, the carrier comprising:

a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier, the plurality of panels including at least a top panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel;

a plurality of article receiver features arranged in at least a first row and a second row in at least a top panel; a first row comprising at least one more article receiver feature than a second row, each article receiver feature of the plurality of article receiver features for at least partially receiving a respective article of the plurality of articles, wherein a first row is disposed adjacent a side panel, a second row is spaced apart from the side panel by the first row, a first end article receiver feature of the first row of the plurality of article receiver features for receiving a first end article of the plurality of articles, a second end article receiver feature of the second row of the plurality of article receiver features for receiving a second end article of the plurality of articles, at least the first end article being located adjacent an end of the carrier; and

a retention feature extending in at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, the retention feature at least partially retaining at least one article that is at least partially received in a respective one of the article receiving features of the first row of article receiving features;

wherein the retaining feature comprises a corner retainer foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, the corner retainer for at least partially retaining a first end article disposed at an end of the carrier, the first end article being engaged with a second end article to at least partially retain a second end article disposed at an end of the carrier.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein: the article receiver features of the plurality of article receiver features are arranged in a first row, a second row and a third row, the third row comprising at least one more article receiver feature than the second row.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein: the side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a third row is disposed adjacent the second side panel, and the second row is spaced apart from the second side panel by the third row.

4. The carrier of claim 2, wherein:

the side panel is a first side panel, the bottom panel is a first bottom panel, and the retaining feature is a first retaining feature;

the plurality of panels further comprises a second side panel and a second bottom panel, the second retaining feature extending in at least one of the second side panel and the second bottom panel; and

the second retention feature is for at least partially retaining at least one article that is at least partially received in a respective one of the article receiving features in the third row.

5. The carrier of claim 2, wherein: the article receiver features of the second row are staggered with respect to the article receiver features of the first and third rows.

6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein: the article receiver features of the second row are offset from the article receiver features of the first and third rows such that respective centers of the respective article receiver features of the second row are disposed substantially midway between two of the article receiver features of the first row and midway between two of the article receiver features of the third row.

7. The carrier of claim 1, wherein: the article receiver features of the second row are staggered relative to the article receiver features of the first row.

8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein: the article receiver features of the second row are offset from the article receiver features of the first row such that a respective center of each article receiver feature of the second row is disposed substantially midway between two adjacent article receiver features of the first row.

9. The carrier of claim 1, wherein: the corner retainer includes: a retention panel foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel; a first gusset panel foldably connected to the retention panel; and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the bottom panel, the retention panel extending at least partially over an end of the carrier for engaging the first end article.

10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein: the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are at least partially in face-to-face contact with each other and are for being at least partially disposed between the bottom panel and a first end article of the plurality of articles.

11. The carrier of claim 1, wherein: the retention feature includes two retention tabs foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel adjacent the corner opening.

12. The carrier of claim 2, wherein: the side panel is a first side panel, the bottom panel is a first bottom panel, the corner retainer is a first corner retainer, the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel and a second bottom panel;

a third end article receiver feature in a third row of the plurality of article receiver features for receiving a third end article of the plurality of articles, the third end article being located near an end of the carrier;

the carrier further comprising a second corner retainer foldably connected to at least one of the second side panel and the second bottom panel, the second corner retainer for at least partially retaining a third end article disposed at an end of the carrier, the third end article being engaged with the second end article so as to at least partially retain a second end article disposed at an end of the carrier; and

the first and second corner retainers are spaced apart from each other at an end of the opening of the carrier.

13. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of articles, the blank comprising:

a plurality of panels including at least a top panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel;

a plurality of article receiver features arranged in at least a top panel in at least a first row and a second row, the first row including at least one more article receiver feature than the second row, each article receiver feature of the plurality of article receiver features for at least partially receiving a respective article of the plurality of articles when a carrier is formed from the blank, wherein the first row is arranged adjacent a side panel and the second row is spaced from the side panel by the first row, a first end article receiver feature of the first row of the plurality of article receiver features for receiving a first end article of the plurality of articles when the carrier is formed from the blank, a second end article receiver feature of the second row of the plurality of article receiver features for receiving a second end article of the plurality of articles when the carrier is formed from the blank, at least the first end article is located adjacent an end of the carrier formed from the blank; and

a retention feature extending in at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, the retention feature at least partially retaining at least one article when the carrier is formed from the blank, the at least one article being at least partially received in a respective one of the article receiving features of the first row;

wherein the retaining feature comprises a corner retainer foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, the corner retainer for at least partially retaining a first end article disposed at an end of the carrier formed from the blank, the first end article being engaged with a second end article to at least partially retain a second end article disposed at an end of the carrier formed from the blank.

14. The blank as claimed in claim 13 wherein: the article receiver features of the plurality of article receiver features are arranged in a first row, a second row, and a third row comprising at least one more article receiver feature than the second row.

15. The blank as claimed in claim 14 wherein: the side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further including a second side panel disposed on an opposite side of the top panel from the first side panel, a third row disposed adjacent the second side panel, the second row being spaced from the second side panel by the third row.

16. The blank as claimed in claim 14 wherein:

the second retaining feature is for at least partially retaining at least one article that is at least partially received in a respective one of the article receiving features of the third row when the carrier is formed from the blank.

17. The blank as claimed in claim 14 wherein: the article receiver features of the second row are staggered with respect to the article receiver features of the first and third rows.

18. The blank as claimed in claim 17 wherein: the article receiver features of the second row are offset from the article receiver features of the first and third rows such that respective centers of the article receiver features of the second row are disposed substantially midway between two of said article receiver features of the first row and midway between two of said article receiver features of the third row.

19. The blank as claimed in claim 13 wherein: the article receiver features of the second row are staggered relative to the article receiver features of the first row.

20. The blank as claimed in claim 19 wherein: the article receiver features of the second row are offset from the article receiver features of the first row such that a respective center of each article receiver feature of the second row is disposed substantially midway between two adjacent article receiver features of the first row.

21. The blank as claimed in claim 13 wherein: the corner retainer includes: a retention panel foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel; a first gusset panel foldably connected to the retention panel; and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the bottom panel.

22. The blank as claimed in claim 13 wherein: the retention feature includes two retention tabs foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel adjacent the corner opening.

23. The blank as claimed in claim 14 wherein: the side panel is a first side panel, the bottom panel is a first bottom panel, the corner retainer is a first corner retainer, the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel and a second bottom panel;

a third end article receiver feature in a third row of the plurality of article receiver features for receiving a third end article of the plurality of articles when the carrier is formed from the blank, the third end article being located near an end of the carrier formed from the blank;

the carrier further comprising a second corner retainer foldably connected to at least one of a second side panel and a second bottom panel, the second corner retainer for at least partially retaining a third end article disposed at an end of the carrier formed from the blank, the third end article being engaged with the second end article to at least partially retain the second end article disposed at the end of the carrier formed from the blank; and

the first and second corner retainers are spaced apart from each other at an end of an opening of the carrier formed from the blank.

24. A package, comprising:

a carrier having an open first end and an open second end, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier, the plurality of panels comprising at least a top panel, a bottom panel, a side panel, wherein the carrier further comprises a plurality of article receiver features in at least the top panel and a corner retainer foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel;

a plurality of articles at least partially disposed inside the carrier, the articles of the plurality of articles being disposed in at least a first row and a second row, the first row including at least one more article than the second row, wherein the first row is disposed adjacent a side panel and the second row is spaced apart from the side panel by the first row, a first end article of the first row being located adjacent a first end of the opening of the carrier, the corner holder at least partially retaining a first end article disposed at the first end of the opening of the carrier, the first end article being engaged with a second end article of the second row so as to at least partially retain a second end article disposed at the first end of the opening of the carrier;

wherein each of the plurality of article receiver features at least partially receives a respective article of the plurality of articles.

25. The package of claim 24, wherein: the articles in the second row are nested with the articles in the first row.

26. The package of claim 24, wherein: the articles of the plurality of articles are arranged in a first row, a second row, and a third row, the third row including at least one more article than the second row, the articles in the second row being nested with the articles in the first row and the articles in the third row.

27. The package of claim 26, wherein:

the side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further including a second side panel opposite the first side panel;

the articles of the plurality of articles are arranged in a first row, a second row, and a third row, the third row comprising at least one more article than the second row; and

the third row is disposed adjacent the second side panel, and the second row is spaced from the second side panel by the third row.

28. The package of claim 27, wherein:

the bottom panel includes: a first bottom panel foldably connected to a first side panel; and a second bottom panel foldably connected to the second side panel; and

the carrier further comprises: a first retaining feature extending in at least one of the first side panel and the first bottom panel; and a second retention feature extending in at least one of the second side panel and the second bottom panel, the first retention feature at least partially retaining at least one article in the first row, the second retention feature at least partially retaining at least one article in the third row.

29. The package of claim 24, wherein: the bottom panel is foldably connected to the side panel.

30. The package of claim 24, wherein: the corner retainer includes: a retention panel foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel; a first gusset panel foldably connected to the retention panel; and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the bottom panel, the retention panel extending at least partially over the open first end of the carrier.

31. The package of claim 30, wherein: the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are at least partially in face-to-face contact with each other and are at least partially disposed between the bottom panel and a first end article of the plurality of articles.

32. The package of claim 24, wherein: the retention feature includes two retention tabs foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel adjacent the corner opening.

33. The package of claim 24, wherein:

the plurality of articles comprises three articles in a first row; and

the carrier further includes three retaining features extending in at least one of the side panels and the bottom panel, each of the three retaining features at least partially retaining a respective one of the three articles in the first row.

34. The package of claim 24, wherein: the side panel is a first side panel, the bottom panel is a first bottom panel foldably connected to the first side panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second side panel opposite the first side panel and a second bottom panel foldably connected to the second side panel;

the articles of the plurality of articles are arranged in a first row, a second row, and a third row, the third row including at least one more article than the second row, the third row being arranged adjacent to a second side panel, the second row being spaced from the second side panel by the third row, a third end article of the third row being located adjacent to the open first end of the carrier;

the corner retainer is a first corner retainer, the carrier further comprising a second corner retainer foldably connected to at least one of a second side panel and a second bottom panel, the second corner retainer at least partially retaining a third end article disposed at the first end of the opening of the carrier, the third end article being engaged with the second end article of the second row so as to at least partially retain a second end article disposed at the first end of the opening by the carrier; and

the first and second corner retainers are spaced apart from each other at the open first end of the carrier.

35. A method of forming a package, comprising:

obtaining a plurality of articles and a blank comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising at least a top panel, a bottom panel, a side panel, the blank further comprising a plurality of article receiver features in at least the top panel and a corner retainer foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel;

arranging the plurality of articles in at least a first row and a second row, the first row comprising at least one more article than the second row, the first row comprising a first end article, the second row comprising a second end article; and

forming a carrier from a blank by: positioning a top panel relative to an article of the plurality of articles such that each article receiver feature of the plurality of article receiver features at least partially receives a top portion of a respective article of the plurality of articles, wrapping the plurality of panels at least partially around the plurality of articles, the carrier having an open first end and an open second end, a first end article in the first row being located proximate the open first end, wherein wrapping the plurality of panels comprises: folding the side panel so as to be positioned adjacent a first row of the plurality of articles, a second row of the plurality of articles being spaced apart from the side panel by the first row; and

positioning the corner holder to at least partially retain a first end article disposed at the first end of the opening of the carrier, the first end article being engaged with a second end article in the second row to at least partially retain a second end article disposed at the first end of the opening of the carrier.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: arranging the article further comprises: the articles in the second row are positioned to nest with the articles in the first row.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein: arranging the article further comprises: the articles are arranged in a third row and the articles in the second row are positioned to nest with the articles in the first and third rows.

38. The method of claim 35, wherein: the bottom panel is foldably connected to the side panel, the corner retainers extend in at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, and the forming the carrier further comprises: the side and bottom panels are positioned such that the corner retainers at least partially retain at least one article in the first row.

39. The method of claim 35, wherein: the side panel is a first side panel, the bottom panel is a first bottom panel foldably connected to the first side panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second side panel opposite the first side panel and a second bottom panel foldably connected to the second side panel;

arranging the plurality of articles in at least a first row and a second row further comprises: arranging the articles in a third row comprising at least one more article than the second row, the third row comprising a third end article;

wrapping the plurality of panels further comprises: folding the second side panel adjacent the third row, the second row being spaced from the second side panel by the third row, the third end article being located adjacent the open first end of the carrier;

the corner retainer is a first corner retainer, the blank further comprising a second corner retainer foldably connected to at least one of a second side panel and a second bottom panel;

the method further comprises the following steps: positioning the second corner retainer to at least partially retain a third end article disposed at the first end of the opening of the carrier, the third end article engaged with the second end article of the second row to at least partially retain the second end article disposed at the first end of the opening of the carrier; and