JP2017530911A - Container carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of articles can comprise a plurality of panels that can include at least a top panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel. The plurality of article receiving functional units can be arranged in at least the first row and the second row at least in the top panel. The first row can comprise at least one more article receiving feature than the second row. Each article receiving function section of the plurality of article receiving function sections may receive at least partially each of the plurality of articles. The holding function unit can extend to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. The retention feature may at least partially retain at least one article that is at least partially received by each article reception feature of the first row of article reception features. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 122,022, filed Oct. 8, 2014.

[Incorporation by reference]
The disclosure of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 122,022, filed October 8, 2014, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety. Part of

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

  In general, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of articles. The carrier can comprise a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the 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 receiving functional units can be arranged in at least the first row and the second row at least in the top panel. The first row can comprise at least one more article receiving feature than the second row. Each article receiving function section of the plurality of article receiving function sections may receive at least partially each of the plurality of articles. The holding function unit can extend to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. The retention feature may at least partially retain at least one article that is at least partially received by each article reception feature of the first row of article reception features.

  In another aspect, the present disclosure relates generally to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of articles. The blank can include a plurality of panels including at least a top panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel. The plurality of article receiving functional units can be arranged in at least the first row and the second row at least in the top panel. The first row can comprise at least one more article receiving feature than the second row. Each article receiving function section of the plurality of article receiving function sections may receive at least partially each of the plurality of articles when a carrier is formed from the blank. The holding function unit can extend to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. The retention feature, at least in part, receives at least one article that is at least partially received by each article receiving feature of the first row of article receiving features when the carrier is formed from the blank. It can be held.

  In another aspect, the present disclosure relates generally to a package comprising a carrier having a substantially open end. The carrier can comprise a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the interior of the carrier. The package can further include a plurality of articles disposed at least partially within the carrier. Articles of the plurality of articles can be configured in at least a first column and a second column, and the first column can include at least one more item than the second column.

  In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for obtaining a plurality of articles and a blank comprising a plurality of panels, and configuring the articles of the plurality of articles in at least a first row and a second row. Including a method of forming a package. The first row can include at least one more article than the second row. The method can also include forming a carrier from the blank by at least partially wrapping the plurality of panels around the plurality of articles. The carrier can have a substantially open end.

  Other aspects, features, and details of the disclosure can be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages as well as other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, the various features of the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Various features and element dimensions in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

It is a top view of the outer surface of the blank used for forming the carrier concerning a 1st embodiment of this indication. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a part of the blank of FIG. 1, showing the holding function unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a perspective view of a package provided with the carrier formed from the blank of Drawing 1, and the nest-like container concerning a 1st embodiment of this indication. FIG. 4 is an end view of the package of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the package of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the package of FIG. 3. It is a top view of the outer surface of the blank used for forming the carrier concerning a 2nd embodiment of this indication. It is a top view of the outer surface of the blank used for forming the carrier concerning a 3rd embodiment of this indication. It is a top view of the outer surface of the blank used for forming the carrier concerning a 4th embodiment of this indication.

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

  The present disclosure generally relates to various features of cartons or carriers that contain articles such as containers, bottles, cans and the like. The article can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products. The article can be made from a material with a composition suitable for packaging a particular food or beverage product, which can be aluminum and / or other metals, glass, PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS , PVC, EVOH, and plastics such as nylon, etc., or any combination thereof.

  The carton or carrier according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any shape. For purposes of illustration and not limitation of the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (eg, beverage plastic bottles) disposed within a carrier embodiment. . As used herein, the terms “inner”, “inner”, “outer”, “outer”, “lower”, “bottom / bottom”, “upper”, and “top / top” Indicates the orientation determined for a fully assembled and upright carton.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface 2 of a blank 3 used to form a carrier 5 (FIG. 3) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 is a carrier having generally open ends 6, 8 that surrounds the container C (eg, the carrier 5 can be referred to as a wraparound carton or wraparound carrier). ). The carrier 5 may be otherwise shaped and configured such that the ends 6, 8 are at least partially closed, such as by end flaps (not shown) or other closure mechanisms. A plurality of articles such as a container C (FIGS. 3 to 6) can be accommodated using the carrier 5 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 houses eight containers on top of each other in a “nested” configuration with two outer rows containing three bottles in each row and one inner row containing two bottles. Can be sized. In one embodiment, nesting the container C within the carrier 5 can help retain the inner rows nested with these outer rows by the outer rows, so that the carrier has more than two rows. It becomes possible to hold the container. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 is for engaging an article receiving feature 9 for receiving the top N of the container C and a bottom B of the container C disposed adjacent to the side of the carrier 5. A holding function unit including the bottom holding function unit 11 can be provided. In addition, the carrier 5 can comprise one or two handles, indicated generally at 13, for gripping and transporting the carrier.

  A variety of other nested bottle configurations may be used with the first or other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure. An alternative nested pack configuration is an 11 bottle configuration with 2 outer rows containing 4 bottles in each row and 1 inner row containing 3 bottles, 3 bottles in each row A 10-bottle configuration with two outer rows including, and two inner rows with two bottles in each row. In one embodiment, such a nesting configuration is such that the “inner nesting” is because the inner row of containers is typically shorter than the outer row of containers (eg, each outer row includes one more container than the inner row). It can be regarded as “configuration”. Other nested or non-nested configurations of the container can be defined without departing from the present disclosure. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the inner row can be longer than the outer row. In another embodiment, in a 13 container configuration, for example, two outer rows with three bottles in each row, two inner rows with two bottles in each row, and the two inner rows And a central row comprising three bottles arranged between the rows. As shown generally in FIGS. 3 and 4, in different configurations, the containers may be at least partially nested in a staggered configuration such that the inner rows of containers are generally offset from the outer rows of containers. it can. The container C can be otherwise configured without departing from the present disclosure.

  The blank 3 has a vertical axis L1 and a horizontal axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 comprises a top panel 20 foldably connected to the first side panel 22 at a first lateral fold line 24 and a first side at a second lateral fold line 28. A first bottom panel 26 foldably connected to the panel 22, a second side panel 30 foldably connected to the top panel 20 at a third lateral fold line 32, and a fourth lateral fold. And a second bottom panel 34 that is foldably connected to the second side panel 30 at a line 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bottom panel 26 includes a first bottom bevel panel 38 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 defined by lateral fold lines 36 and 44 and having an intermediate fold line 45. The lateral fold lines 40, 44 can each have a plurality of segments, in which case a longitudinal cut is placed at each end of each segment. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side panel 22 can include a first top bevel panel 46 defined by lateral fold lines 24 and 47 and having an intermediate fold line 48, and the second side panel 30 may include a second top bevel panel 49 defined by lateral fold lines 32 and 50 and having an intermediate fold line 51. The blank 3 can have other shapes, configurations, arrangements, and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure. For example, any of the bevel panels 38, 42, 46, 49 can be omitted or have a different shape, configuration, arrangement, and / or form without departing from the present disclosure.

  The first bottom panel 26, which is the inner bottom panel in the assembled carrier 5, is shaped to engage with the main male locking tab protrusion 54 of the second bottom panel 34, and the protrusion Having cutouts that are positioned to engage the main female locking edge 52. The first bottom panel 26 is also shaped to accommodate the secondary locking tab protrusion 58 outside the second bottom panel 34 and has a slit 56 positioned to accommodate the protrusion. Including. As shown in FIG. 1, the slit 56 can define a tab that is foldably connected to the first bottom panel 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the second bottom panel 34, which is the outer bottom panel in the completed carrier 5, has a transverse fold line 60 that can be interrupted by a slit that defines a main male locking tab protrusion 54. . In addition, each of the secondary locking tab protrusions 58 can have a transverse fold line 62. Although the locking elements of the blank 3 are shown to demonstrate a particular bottom panel locking configuration suitable for use with the carrier 5, any alternative form of bottom panel locking structure is contemplated from this disclosure. It is understood that it can be used without departing. In addition or alternatively, the bottom panels 26, 34 can be glued together.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the article receiving feature 9 is a top opening 9 that can be formed in the top panel 20 in three rows R1, R2, R3. In other embodiments, the top opening 9 can be formed in a variety of configurations to accommodate the various container configurations 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 that are offset from the top openings 9 of the outer rows R1, R3. In the illustrated embodiment, the top openings 9 in the inner row R2 are such that each of the top openings 9 in the inner row R2 has a center A approximately in the middle of the two of the top openings 9 in the outer rows R1, R3. Offset from the remaining openings. Thus, the top openings 9 in the inner row R2 are of a staggered configuration and the containers C received in the top openings 9 in the inner row R2 are received in the top openings 9 in the outer rows R1, R3. And arranged so as to be nested (FIGS. 3 and 4) with respect to the top openings 9 of the outer rows R1 and R3. In one embodiment, the top openings 9 in the outer rows R1, R3 can partially interrupt their respective lateral fold lines 24, 32, adjacent to the outer openings in the top bevel panels 46, 49, The cut 63 can extend. Without departing from the present disclosure, either the article receiving feature or top opening 9 and / or any of the rows R1, R2, R3 can be omitted or otherwise arranged, shaped, shaped, and / or configured can do. For example, the article receiving feature can have tabs, flaps, and / or other features in addition to or in place of the top opening 9.

  FIG. 1 shows in detail the bottom holding function unit 11 in the first side panel 22 and the first bottom panel 26 of one embodiment. On the other hand, the bottom holding function unit 11 in the second side panel 30 and the second bottom panel 34 is the same as the bottom holding function unit 11 in the first side panel 22 and the first bottom panel 26 shown in FIG. Similar or substantially identical. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom retention feature 11 can include two retention tabs 64 for each of the containers C in the outer row R1 adjacent to each bottom or corner opening 66. Each of the retention tabs 64 can be foldably connected to the bottom bevel panel 38 along a respective fold line 68 and can include a V-shaped fold 70. A hook-like cut 72 that allows further folding and / or bending of the tabs 64 and / or side panels 22 to accommodate the respective containers C is provided in the first side panel 22 from each of the holding tabs 64. Can extend.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom holding function unit 11 may include a corner retainer 74 at each end of the bottom panels 26 and 34. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the corner retainers 74 has a holding panel 76 that is foldably connected to the bottom bevel panel 38 along a vertical fold line 78 and a holding panel 76 along a horizontal fold line 82. A first gusset panel 80 that is foldably connected and a second gusset panel 84 that is foldably connected to the first gusset panel along a longitudinal fold line 86 may be included. Each of the second gusset panels 84 can be foldably connected to the first bottom panel 26 along a respective diagonal fold line 88 and the first bottom panel 26 along a respective cut line 90. It can be separable from. In one embodiment, each of the corner retainers 74 can at least partially define a cutout 92. Without departing from the present disclosure, any of the bottom retention features 11 including retention tabs 64, corner openings 66, and / or corner retainers 74 can be omitted or otherwise shaped, configured, arranged, And / or form.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the handles 13 includes two finger flaps 94, each finger flap 94 being formed by a respective curved cut line 96 and a respective longitudinal fold line 98. Are attached to the side panels 22 and 30 so that they can be bent. Without departing from the present disclosure, the handle 13 can include other functionalities for carrying the carrier 5, and any of the finger flaps 94 can be omitted or otherwise arranged, shaped, Forms and / or configurations may be used, and one or both of the handles 13 may be omitted from the carrier.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the blank 3 is wound around the container C, and the carrier 5 is assembled by interlocking the first bottom panel 26 and the second bottom panel 34 to form the package 7. be able to. In particular, the containers C can be configured in a staggered nested configuration with two outer rows R1, R3 containing three containers C in each row and one inner row R2 containing two containers C. The blank 3 can be positioned relative to the configured container C such that each of the top openings 9 is generally aligned with a respective one of the containers C. The blank 3 and / or the container C can be moved so that the blank 3 and the container C are moved together, and at least the top N of the container C is received in the respective top opening 9. The side panels 22, 30 can be folded down along the fold lines 24, 32, and the top bevel panels 46, 49 are folded along the respective fold lines 47, 48 and 50, 51 to form the outer row R1. , R3 can accommodate at least partially the shoulder of the container C.

  In one embodiment, when the bottom panels 26, 34 are folded inward toward each other, the bottoms B of the containers C in the outer rows R1, R3 are at least partially received in the respective corner openings 66 and are retained respectively. The tab 64 can be engaged. Further, the bottom bevel panels 38 and 42 are slanted between the side panels 22 and 30 and the remaining portions of the bottom panels 26 and 34 while the bottom panels 26 and 34 are folded along the horizontal folding lines 28 and 36. It can be folded along respective fold lines 40, 41 and 44, 45 to extend. 3-6, the corner retainer 74 is folded inward to place the gusset panels 80, 84 in face-to-face contact with each other, and the bottom portion of the container C adjacent to each bottom panel 26, 34, respectively. The gusset panels 80 and 84 are inserted between them (FIGS. 5 and 6), so that each holding panel 76 extends over a part of the end of the carrier 5 (FIG. 4). And FIG. 5). Accordingly, the retaining tabs 64 and corner openings 66 can help hold the respective containers C of the outer rows R1, R3 in place adjacent to the respective side panels 22, 30, and the corner retainer 74 can be It may help to hold the container C at the end of the outer row R1, R3 adjacent to the open ends 6, 8 of the carrier 5.

  In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second bottom panel 34 is formed by first bending the second bottom panel 34 along the lateral fold line 60, and then locking the main male locking tab 54. Is at least partially separated from the second bottom panel 34 and the main male locking tabs 54 are respectively locked to the main female locking edges 52 to be fixed to the first bottom panel 26 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). The secondary male locking flaps 58 are respectively inserted into the slits 56 and interact with the slits 56 to further fix the second bottom panel 34 to the first bottom panel 26. The interlocked bottom panels 26, 34 cooperate to form the bottom panel 99 of the carrier 5. The carrier 5 can be assembled and / or the package 7 can be formed by alternative steps without departing from the present disclosure.

  In one embodiment, one or both of the handles 13 fold the finger flaps 94 to their respective fold lines to grip the respective side panels 22, 30 in respective openings formed in the side panels 22, 30. It can be functionalized by folding inward along 98. The package 7 can be transported differently without departing from the present disclosure.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the container nest configuration can help the wrap-style carrier 5 hold the containers in the three rows R1, R2, R3. For example, the containers in the inner row R2 can be held inside the carrier by the containers in the outer rows R1, R3 due to the nest configuration. The containers C in the outer row R1, R3 adjacent to the end of the carrier 5 interfere with the containers in the inner row R2, so that the inner row containers push away the outer end containers before intended removal. Need to be pushed out of the carrier. The outer rows of containers are further held by holding tabs 64, corner openings 66, and corner retainers 74. Therefore, although the containers C in the inner row R2 are separated from the side panels 22 and 30 and the holding function portion 11, the top openings 9 of the top panel 20 and the nested outer rows R1 and R3 respectively. And at least partially held by the container C. In one embodiment, three or more inner rows that are not nested in an alternative carrier are not normally established. For example, it may be more difficult to hold the inner row of containers if it is not nested with the outer row of containers and is not held by the outer row of containers. If one or more containers are unintentionally detached (eg, dropped) from this alternative carrier, the alternative carrier may collapse and some or all of the containers may The carrier may fall out and / or this alternative carrier may otherwise be useless. In addition, the nested configuration of container C is generally less wide than the non-nested configuration with aligned rows, and the amount of material added to blank 3 to provide a third row (eg, an inner row) Is less than the amount required if the containers are arranged in three non-nested rows. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the carrier 5 can be more conspicuous at the time of display by being different in appearance from other cartons and carriers.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view of the outer surface 202 of the blank 203 for forming a carrier (not shown) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The second embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment except for the modifications described and modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with similar or similar reference signs. As shown in FIG. 7, the blank 203 has the holding tab 264 so that the corner retainer 74 of the first embodiment is omitted and the opening is substantially closed before the package (not shown) is formed. A generally larger alternative bottom retention feature 211 is provided. Accordingly, the retaining tabs 264 can be separated from each other by respective longitudinal cut lines 267 and can be separated from the respective side panels 222, 230 and respective bottom panels 226, 234 along the respective transverse cut lines 269. It is. In one embodiment, each of the retention tabs 264 can be connected to a respective side panel 222, 230 and a respective bottom panel 226, 234 along two diagonal fold lines 268. In addition, each retention tab 264 can include a V-shaped fold 270. As shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal folding lines 228 and 236 can be interrupted by the bottom holding function unit 211, and the folding lines 40, 41, 44, and 45 of the first embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The bottom bevel panels 38 and 42 can be omitted so as not to be included in the blank 203. The side panels 222, 230 of the second embodiment can have cutouts 215 that at least partially conform to the shape of the container C at each end. Alternatively, the edges of the side panels 222, 230 can be different shapes to accommodate different container shapes or represent a specific logo, or can be straight. The blank 203 can have other shapes, configurations, and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the outer surface 402 of the blank 403 for forming a carrier (not shown) according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The third embodiment is generally similar to the second embodiment except for the modifications described and modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with similar or similar reference signs. As shown in FIG. 8, the blank 403 includes different locking features for locking the bottom panels 426, 434 together. The second bottom panel 434 can include three secondary locking tabs 458 that are generally aligned with respective primary locking tabs 454. The first bottom panel 426 may have an inner main female locking edge 452a and an inner slit 456a for receiving the respective inner main male locking tab 454 and the inner secondary male locking tab 458. In addition, the first bottom panel 426 can have an outer main female locking edge 452b and an outer secondary female locking edge 456b adjacent to each opening 455. Outer retention 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. Accordingly, the outer main male locking tab 454 engages with the outer main female locking edge 452b, and the outer secondary male locking tab 458 engages with the outer sub female locking edge 456b. Each outer retaining tab 457 is then folded inward toward the interior of the carrier (not shown) to engage and / or hold each adjacent container C. Any of the locking features of the bottom panels 426, 434 can be omitted or have a different shape, configuration, arrangement, and / or form without departing from this disclosure. Further, the blank 403 can have other shapes, configurations, and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view of the outer surface 602 of the blank 603 for forming a carrier (not shown) according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The fourth embodiment is generally similar to the third embodiment except for the modifications described and modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with similar or similar reference signs. As shown in FIG. 9, the blank 603 is similar to or the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), and has side panels 22 and 30 having substantially straight free edges, and the second embodiment (FIG. 7). The same holds true for the holding function part 211 in the first side panel 22 and the first bottom panel 426, and the same or the same as that in the third embodiment (FIG. 8), and interlocks the bottom panels 426 and 434 with each other. A stop function part. In addition, the blank 603 may include a bottom holding function unit 611 on the second side panel 30 and the second bottom panel 434. The bottom holding function unit 611 includes a holding tab 264 similar to the holding tab of the second embodiment (FIG. 7) and a corner retainer 74 similar to the corner retainer of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). Can be provided. As shown in FIG. 9, the holding flaps 264 of the holding function units 211 and 611 are substantially the same as the holding flaps 264 of the blanks 203 and 403 of the second and third embodiments, except that The holding flap of the blank 603 is smaller than the holding flap 264 of the blanks 203 and 403. The blank 603 can be otherwise shaped, configured, and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure.

  Any of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined, replaced, or have other features of other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Can be configured in the same way. Furthermore, it should be noted that the retention features and / or container configurations of various embodiments can be incorporated into a carton or carrier having any carton format or panel configuration. The carrier types and panel configurations described above are given as examples. Furthermore, the shape of the holding function portion can be substantially any shape. The shapes described above and included in the figures are given as examples.

  In general, blanks according to the present disclosure may be made of cardboard having a thickness that is heavier and harder than regular paper. The blank can also be made of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material that has suitable properties to allow the carton to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, clay coating. Subsequently, products, advertisements, and other information or images may be printed on the clay coating. Subsequently, the blank can be coated with a varnish so as to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated on one or both sides of the blank, for example with a moisture barrier. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials on selected panels or panel sections.

  According to an exemplary embodiment, the fold line can be any weakened form that is not necessarily linear but substantially linear, facilitating folding along it. More specifically, but not to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, the fold line is a score line, such as a line formed with a dull scoring knife or the like that creates a collapsed or recessed portion in the material along the desired weakening line. A series of cuts partially penetrated into the material along the desired weakening line and / or a series of cuts partially through the material along the desired weakening line and / or a series of cuts completely through the material As well as various combinations of these functional parts. In situations where scoring is used to form a fold line, the scoring is usually not too deep so that a discriminating user may mistakenly consider the fold line as a tear line.

  The above embodiments can be described as having one or more panels that are glued together by glue during assembly of the carton embodiment. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all forms of adhesive commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

  The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, changes, modifications, and the like can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Moreover, while this disclosure describes and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and is not Variations or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as set forth in the above, variations or modifications equivalent to the above teachings, and / or variations or modifications within the skill or knowledge of the related art. Furthermore, some functional units and features of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other described and non-described embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims (45)

A carrier for at least partially holding a plurality of articles, the carrier comprising:
A plurality of panels extending at least partially around the 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 receiving features arranged in at least a first row and a second row at least in the top panel, wherein the first row has at least one more article receiving than the second row; A plurality of article receiving function units, each of which receives at least part of each of the plurality of articles.
A retention feature extending to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, the retention feature being at least partially in each one of the article receiving feature in the first row; A holding function, which holds at least part of at least one article received by
With a career.   The carrier of claim 1, wherein the first row is disposed adjacent to the side panel and the second row is spaced from the side panel by the first row.   Of the plurality of article receiving function units, the article receiving function unit is configured as the first column, the second column, and the third column, and the third column includes the second column. The carrier of claim 1, comprising at least one more article receiving feature than rows.   The side panel is a first side panel, and the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel disposed on an opposite side of the first side panel, and the first row includes the first side panel. Disposed adjacent to one side panel, the third row is disposed adjacent to the second side panel, and the second row includes the first row and the third row, respectively. The carrier of claim 3, wherein the carrier is spaced from the first side panel and the second side panel by a row. The side panel is a first side panel, the bottom panel is a first bottom panel, and the holding function unit is a first holding function unit,
The plurality of panels further include a second side panel and a second bottom panel, and a second holding function unit extends to at least one of the second side panel and the second bottom panel. Exist,
The second holding feature at least partially holds at least one article that is at least partially received in each one of the article receiving features in the third row; The carrier according to claim 3.   The carrier of claim 3, wherein the article receiving features in the second row are staggered relative to the article receiving features in the first row and the third row.   The article receiving function part of the second row is such that the center of each of the article receiving function parts of the second row is approximately the article receiving function of two of the article receiving function parts of the first row. The article receiving function part of the first row and the third row so as to be arranged in the middle of two article receiving function parts of the article receiving function parts of the third row. The carrier of claim 6, which is offset from   The carrier of claim 1, wherein the article receiving features in the second row are staggered relative to the article receiving features in the first row.   The article receiving feature in the second row is arranged such that the center of each article receiving feature in the second row is approximately in the middle of two adjacent article receiving features in the first row. 9. The carrier of claim 8, wherein the carrier is offset from the article receiving feature of the first row.   The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the holding function unit includes a corner retainer for holding at least part of an article disposed adjacent to the side panel and an end of the carrier.   The holding function unit includes a holding panel that is foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, a first gusset panel that is foldably connected to the holding panel, and the first 11. A carrier according to claim 10, comprising a gusset panel and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, wherein the retaining panel extends at least partially over the end of the carrier.   The first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are at least partially in contact with each other and are at least partially disposed between the bottom panel and an article of the plurality of articles. The carrier according to claim 11, which is a carrier.   The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the holding function unit includes two holding tabs adjacent to a corner opening and foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of articles,
A plurality of panels including at least a top panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel;
A plurality of article receiving features arranged in at least a first row and a second row at least in the top panel, wherein the first row has at least one more article receiving than the second row; Each of the plurality of article receiving function sections is configured to receive at least partially each of the plurality of articles when the carrier is formed from the blank. A plurality of article receiving function units;
A holding function portion extending to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, wherein the holding function portion is configured to receive the article in the first row when the carrier is formed from the blank. A holding feature that is at least partially holding at least one article that is at least partially received in each one of the portions;
With a blank.   The blank of claim 14, wherein the first row is disposed adjacent to the side panel and the second row is spaced from the side panel by the first row.   Of the plurality of article receiving function units, the article receiving function unit is configured as the first column, the second column, and the third column, and the third column includes the second column. 15. A blank according to claim 14, comprising at least one more article receiving feature than rows.   The side panel is a first side panel, and the plurality of panels further include a second side panel disposed on the opposite side of the top panel from the first side panel, A column is disposed adjacent to the first side panel, a third column is disposed adjacent to the second side panel, and the second column is a respective first column. The blank of claim 16, wherein the blank is spaced from the first side panel and the second side panel by the third row. The side panel is a first side panel, the bottom panel is a first bottom panel, and the holding function unit is a first holding function unit,
The plurality of panels further include a second side panel and a second bottom panel, and a second holding function part extends to at least one of the second side panel and the second bottom panel. And
The second holding feature includes at least one article that is at least partially received by each one of the article receiving features of the third row when the carrier is formed from the blank. The blank of claim 16, which is at least partially retained.   The blank of claim 16, wherein the article receiving features in the second row are staggered relative to the article receiving features in the first row and the third row.   The article receiving function part of the second row is such that the center of each of the article receiving function parts of the second row is approximately the article receiving function of two of the article receiving function parts of the first row. The article receiving function part of the first row and the third row so as to be arranged in the middle of two article receiving function parts of the article receiving function parts of the third row. The blank of claim 19, which is offset from   15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the article receiving features in the second row are staggered relative to the article receiving features in the first row.   The article receiving feature in the second row is arranged such that the center of each article receiving feature in the second row is approximately in the middle of two adjacent article receiving features in the first row. 23. The blank of claim 21, wherein the blank is offset from the article receiving feature of the first row.   The holding function unit includes a corner retainer for holding at least partially an article disposed adjacent to the side panel and an end of the carrier when the carrier is formed from the blank. Item 15. The blank according to Item 14.   The holding function unit includes a holding panel that is foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, a first gusset panel that is foldably connected to the holding panel, and the first 24. The blank of claim 23, comprising a gusset panel and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.   The blank according to claim 14, wherein the holding function unit includes two holding tabs adjacent to a corner opening and foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. A carrier having a substantially open end, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the interior of the carrier;
A plurality of articles disposed at least partially within the interior of the carrier, the articles of the plurality of articles being configured in at least a first row and a second row, wherein the first row A plurality of articles comprising at least one more article than the second row;
With a package.   27. The package of claim 26, wherein the items in the second row are nested with the items in the first row.   The article of the plurality of articles is configured by the first column, the second column, and the third column, and the third column is at least one than the second column. 27. The package of claim 26, comprising a number of articles, wherein the articles in the second row are nested with the articles in the first row and the articles in the third row.   27. The package of claim 26, wherein the plurality of panels includes at least a top panel and a side panel.   30. The package of claim 29, wherein the first row is disposed adjacent to the side panel and the second row is spaced from the side panel by the first row. The side panel is a first side panel, and the plurality of panels further include a second side panel disposed on the opposite side of the first side panel,
The article of the plurality of articles is configured by the first column, the second column, and the third column, and the third column is at least one than the second column. Including many items,
The first row is arranged adjacent to the first side panel, the third row is arranged adjacent to the second side panel, and the second row 32. The package of claim 30, wherein the package is spaced from the first side panel and the second side panel by a first row and the third row. The side panel is a first side panel, and the plurality of panels are a second side panel, a first bottom panel foldably connected to the first side panel, and the second side panel. A second bottom panel foldably connected to the side panel;
The carrier includes a first holding function unit extending to at least one of the first side panel and the first bottom panel, and the second side panel and the second bottom panel. A second holding function part extending to at least one, wherein the first holding function part holds at least part of at least one article in the first row, and the second holding function. 30. The package of claim 29, wherein the portion at least partially holds the third row of at least one article.   The carrier further includes at least a plurality of article receiving function units disposed on the top panel, and each of the article receiving function units of the plurality of article receiving function units at least partially each of the plurality of articles. 30. The package of claim 29, wherein the package is received in a functional manner.   The plurality of panels further include a bottom panel foldably connected to the side panel, and the carrier further includes a holding function part extending to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, 30. The package of claim 29, wherein a retention feature at least partially retains at least one article in the first row.   The retention feature comprises a corner retainer for at least partially retaining the first row of articles disposed adjacent one of the substantially open ends of the carrier. Item 35. The package according to Item 34.   The holding function unit includes a holding panel that is foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, a first gusset panel that is foldably connected to the holding panel, and the first 36. A gusset panel and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, the retention panel extending at least partially over the substantially open end of the carrier. Package described in.   The first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are at least partially in contact with each other and are at least partially disposed between the bottom panel and an article of the plurality of articles. 37. The package of claim 36.   35. The package of claim 34, wherein the retention feature comprises two retention tabs adjacent to a corner opening and foldably connected to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. The plurality of panels include at least a side panel and a bottom panel foldably connected to the side panel;
The plurality of articles includes three articles in the first row;
The carrier further includes three holding function parts extending to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel, and each of the three holding function parts is formed of the three articles in the first row. 27. The package of claim 26, wherein each one is at least partially retained. Obtaining a plurality of articles and a blank comprising a plurality of panels;
Configuring an article of the plurality of articles in at least a first row and a second row, wherein the first row includes at least one more article than the second row; Configuring,
Forming a carrier having a substantially open end from the blank by at least partially wrapping the plurality of panels around the plurality of articles;
A method of forming a package comprising:   41. The method of claim 40, wherein configuring the article further comprises arranging the articles in the second row to be nested with the articles in the first row.   The article is composed of the article in a third row, and the article in the second row is nested with the article in the first row and the third row. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising:   The plurality of panels include at least a top panel and a side panel, and forming the carrier includes engaging the top panel with a top of the article among the plurality of articles, and forming the side panel. Bending the top panel and placing it adjacent to the articles in the first row, wherein the articles in the second row are separated from the side panels by the first row. 41. The method of claim 40, comprising arranging.   The plurality of panels include at least a top panel and a side panel, and the carrier further includes at least a plurality of article receiving function portions disposed on the top panel, and the carrier is formed by the plurality of articles. The top panel is arranged with respect to the article of the plurality of articles such that each article receiving function of the receiving function part at least partially receives the top of each article of the plurality of articles. 41. The method of claim 40, comprising:   The plurality of panels include at least a side panel and a bottom panel that is foldably connected to the side panel, and the carrier has a holding function unit extending to at least one of the side panel and the bottom panel. In addition, forming the carrier further includes disposing the side panel and the bottom panel such that the retention feature at least partially retains at least one article in the first row. 41. The method of claim 40.

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