JP2022514235A - Carrier for containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The carrier for holding the plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one mounting panel configured to accommodate a portion of one or more of the containers. To prepare for. The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings, is arranged between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and is intended to be attached to the adjacent container. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application is filed in US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 779,689 filed on December 14, 2018, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 738,752 filed on December 21, 2018, 2019. US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 769,830 filed on January 25, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 797,585 filed on January 28, 2019, and February 25, 2019. US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 810,015 filed, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 814,412 filed on March 6, 2019, US Provisional Patent filed on March 12, 2019 Claim the respective interests of Application No. 62 / 817,120 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 841,449 filed May 1, 2019.

[Incorporation by reference]
US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 779,689 filed December 14, 2018, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 783,752 filed December 21, 2018, January 25, 2019. US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 769,830 filed in, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 797,585 filed on January 28, 2019, provisional patent filed on February 25, 2019. Application No. 62 / 810,015, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 814,412 filed on March 6, 2019, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/817 filed on March 12, 2019, The disclosures of No. 120 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 841,449, filed May 1, 2019, are for all purposes as they are presented herein in their entirety. Incorporated herein by reference to.

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons or carriers for holding, displaying and / or transporting containers.

According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a carrier holding a plurality of containers, generally comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one mounting panel. At least one central panel is placed between adjacent containers of a plurality of containers and attached to the adjacent containers.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the carrier holding the plurality of containers has at least one central panel and at least one mounting configured to accommodate a portion of one or more of the containers. It has a plurality of panels including a panel. The at least one central panel has a plurality of openings, is arranged between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers, and is attached to the adjacent container.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the blank for forming a carrier holding multiple containers is such that it accepts at least one central panel and a portion of one or more of the containers. It comprises a plurality of panels including at least one configured mounting panel. The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings and, when the carrier is formed from a blank, is placed between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers and attached to the adjacent container.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method of forming a carrier holding a plurality of containers is configured to accept at least one central panel and a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers. Includes obtaining a blank with a plurality of panels including with at least one mounting panel. The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings. The method further comprises folding the plurality of panels such that at least one central panel is located between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. The method further comprises attaching at least one container of multiple panels to at least one central panel.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the package comprises a plurality of containers and a carrier holding the plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one mounting panel that accommodates a portion of one or more of the containers. The at least one central panel has a plurality of openings, is arranged between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers, and is attached to the adjacent container.

One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the advantages described above and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings below. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above embodiments are provided individually and in various combinations.

According to common practice, the various features of the drawings described below are not always drawn to scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings may be scaled up or down to better illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the outer surface of a blank for forming carriers according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment. Another perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 and having a container removed from the carrier, according to a first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the carrier of FIG. 4 having a container that is removed from the carrier. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Another perspective view of the package and carrier of FIG. 6 shows the container removed from the package and carrier. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the outer surface of a blank for forming carriers according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 8 according to a second exemplary embodiment.

Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawing.

The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, etc. for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, and cans. The container can be used, for example, to pack food or beverage products. The container can be made from a material suitable for the composition for packing a particular food or beverage item, the material of which is not limited to glass, PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EYOH. , And plastics such as nylon, the like, aluminum and other metals, or any combination thereof.

The carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate a large number of differently shaped containers. For purposes of illustration, but not for limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (such as aluminum cans) that are at least partially disposed within the carrier embodiment. As used herein, the terms "bottom", "bottom", "top", "top", "front" and "rear" refer to a determined orientation with respect to a fully upright carrier.

As described herein, the carrier may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, edge flaps, and / or other parts of the blank. Other parts of such panels, edge flaps, and / or blanks do not deviate from the present disclosure and, in sequential or discontinuous reference, eg, "first," "second," "third." , Etc., can be specified relative to each other.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the outside 101 of the blank 103 used to form the carrier 105 (FIG. 6) according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the carrier 105 is sized to accommodate or support four containers, two containers CA1 and CA2 are attached to the front 106 of the carrier 105 and two containers CB1 and CB1 are attached. The CB2 is attached to the rear 108 of the carrier 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 may be beverage cans or may be any other suitable type and size of the container without departing from the disclosure. The carrier 105 can be sized and shaped to accommodate four or more or less than four containers. In one embodiment, the front 106 and the rear 108 of the carrier 105 each have two containers, and in the other embodiment, the front 106 and the rear 108 of the carrier 105 do not deviate from the present disclosure. Two or more or less than two containers can be transported. The carrier 105 can be provided as a package 110 with one or more containers (FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 103 has a vertical axis L1 and a horizontal axis L2. The blank 103 has a front portion 107 that forms the front portion 106 of the carrier 105 and a rear portion 109 that forms the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105. As shown in the figure, the front portion 107 and the rear portion 109 of the blank 103 are foldably connected by a lateral folding line 112 forming the lateral center line CL of the blank 103. As will be described later, the blank 103 is formed by folding the blank 103 along a fold line 112 along the center line CL so that the front portion 107 and the rear portion 109 of the blank 103 overlap in a contact state at least partially facing each other. At least partially formed on the carrier 105.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front 107 of the blank 103 is laterally spaced apart from the first front row RF1 of the adhesive or adhesive opening 127a and the laterally spaced adhesive or adhesive opening. It comprises a front central panel 125a with a second front row RF2 of 127a. The upper end of each adhesive opening 127a in the first row RF1 is separated from the fold line 112 by the longitudinal distance D1, and the longitudinal distance D1 is the upper end of each adhesive opening 127a in the second row RF2. Is smaller than the vertical distance D2 away from the fold line 112. As shown, the upper end of the adhesive opening 127a in the second row RF2 can interrupt the fold line 133a.

The front container holding panel or front mounting panel 131a is foldably connected to the front center panel 125a at a lateral fold line 133a and is longitudinally capable of containing one or more curved and / or inclined portions, respectively. Includes a container holder 135a that is at least partially defined between a pair of vertically spaced lateral fold lines 137a, 139a interrupted by a pair of spaced notches 141a, respectively. As shown, the vertically spaced notches 141a define a container holding tab 148a extending outward from the container holding portion 135a. Also, as shown, the respective diagonal notches 143a, 145a extend outward from the respective notches 141a, and a plurality of rears of the front mounting panel 131a facing the respective container holding tabs 148a. Define configurable edges.

As shown, the inner edge portion 136a of the mounting panel 131a is defined between the fold lines 137a and 133a, and the outer edge portion 138a of the mounting panel 131a is the free edge of the fold line 139a and the mounting panel 131a. Demarcated between.

The blank 103 may include a handle feature that interrupts the fold line 133a and includes at least a handle opening 130a that extends from a portion of the front central panel 125a to a portion of the front mounting panel 131a. As shown, the handle opening 130a is substantially relative to the horizontal axis L2, which extends in parallel with the vertical axis L1 and intersects and spreads in a direction orthogonal to the vertical portion 132a. A pair of laterally parallel portions 134a can be included. In this regard, the portions 132a, 134a of the handle opening 130a communicate with each other. As further described herein, portions 132a, 134a of the handle openings 130a provide a plurality of engaging surfaces that allow the consumer to grip the carrier 105 in different directions. The carrier 105 may have different arrangements of handle features or may lack handle features without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear 109 of the blank 103 includes a rear central panel 125b and a rear container holding panel or a rear mounting panel 131b, which are generally the corresponding panels of the front 107 of the blank 103 and It has a related feature that is a mirror-image of the flap. Corresponding elements (eg, panels, flaps, fold lines, and notches, etc.) are labeled with corresponding reference numerals with different subscripts a or b, and the "a" element corresponds to the front 107 of the blank 103. However, the element of "b" corresponds to the rear part 109 of the blank 103.

As shown, a pair of substantially U-shaped notches 157 interrupt the fold line 112 and extend from the center line CL to form a pair of tabs 159 projecting from the front central panel 125a. As further described herein, the lateral portion of each notch 157 defines the upper end of each adhesive opening 127b in the first rear row RB1 of the laterally spaced adhesive openings 127b. .. As shown in the figure, the upper end of each adhesive opening 127b of the first row RB1 of the adhesive opening 127b is separated from the folding line 112 by the vertical distance D3, and the vertical distance D3 is separated from the folding line 112. Is smaller than the longitudinal distance D4 where the upper end of each adhesive opening 127b in the second rear row RB2 of the adhesive opening 127b is spaced apart from the fold line 112.

In this regard, the blank 103 has the front rows RF1 and RF2 of the front adhesive opening 127a separated from the center line CL by the respective longitudinal distances D1 and D2, and the blank 103 from the center line CL, respectively. The rear adhesive openings 127b are provided with rear rows RB1 and RB2 separated by the longitudinal distances D3 and D4. The adhesive openings 127a and 127b are arranged in a staggered manner in the vertical direction so that D2> D4> D1> D3. When the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103, the vertical center line CL / folding line 112 can form the lower ends of the center panels 125a, 125b.

As described herein, the arrangement of the adhesive openings 127a, 127b allows the adhesive openings 127a, 127b to reach the respective plurality of surfaces of the respective central panels 125b, 125a during assembly of the carrier 105. The respective containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 are mounted on the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2, and the holding and support of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 by the carrier 105 can be enhanced.

Any of the panels, flaps, folds, notches, or other features may be otherwise molded, placed, and / or omitted from the blank 103 without departing from the present disclosure. The blank 103 can be sized and / or shaped to accommodate more than or less than four containers without departing from the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the blank 103 so that the container holding portion 135a of the front mounting panel 131a overlaps the containers CA1 and CA2, and the container holding portion 135b of the rear mounting panel 131b overlaps the containers CB1 and CB2. The inner surface or the lower surface of the container can be arranged on the containers CA1, CA2, CB1 and CB2. By positioning the mounting panels 131a and 131b further downward on the plurality of containers CA1, CA2, CB1 and CB2, the container holding portions 135a and 135b can be operated and engaged with each container. For example, when the front mounting panel 131a descends or is urged downward onto the containers CA1 and CA2, the container holding portion 135a is at least partially from the rest of the front mounting panel 131a in the notch 141a. Can be separated. In such an arrangement, the top or top T of each container CA1, CA2 extends at least partially through the respective openings formed by the respective notches 141a, with the container holding tab 148a. The rims of the respective containers CA1 and CA2 or the recesses of other top structures can be engaged, and the plurality of reconfigurable edges of the outer edge portion 138a are rolled of the respective containers CA1 and CA2. (Rolled) Can engage with rim edges or other top structures.

Such a reconstruction of the corresponding portion of the rear mounting panel 131b can occur when the rear mounting panel 131b descends onto or is urged downward onto the containers CB1 and CB2. During the engagement of the container holding portions 135a and 135b described above with the containers, the edge portions 136a and 138a of the mounting panel 131a are folded at least partially downward at the folding lines 137a and 139a having such a configuration. Similarly, the edge portions 136b, 138b of the mounting panel 131b can be folded at least partially downward at the respective folding lines 137b, 139b.

As also shown in FIG. 2, the front center panel 125a and the rear center panel 125b can be folded in the directions of the arrows A1 and A2 at the fold line 112, resulting in the front center panel 125a and the rear center. The panels 125b are at least partially opposed to each other in the direction of the respective arrows A3 and A4 (FIG. 3) so as to be disposed between the adjacent containers, and the adhesive openings 127a and 127b are respectively. At different relative spacings of the respective rows RF1 and RF2 of the front adhesive openings 127a and the respective rows RB1 and RB2 of the rear adhesive openings 127b arranged apart from the fold line 112 as described above. Therefore, they are arranged so as to be aligned in the horizontal direction but offset in the vertical direction.

In this regard, the central panels 125a and 125b are arranged such that a portion of the front central panel 125a overlaps each of the adhesive openings 127b and a portion of the rear central panel 125b overlaps each of the adhesive openings 127a. And, as further described herein, between the central panels 125a, 125b and the respective surfaces to which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 are glued or otherwise attached. Provide communication. By such rearrangement of the central panels 125a and 125b, the respective central panels 125a and 125b can be folded downward with respect to the respective mounting panels 131a and 131b at the respective folding lines 133a and 133b.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, where the containers CA2 and CB1 have been removed, respectively, for clarity of illustration, adhesive G was used on each portion of the central panel 125b exposed through the respective adhesive openings 127a. The containers CA1 and CA2 can be bonded, and the adhesive G can be used to bond the containers CB1 and CB2 to each portion of the central panel 125a exposed through the respective adhesive openings 127b. The arrangement of the plurality of rows of the respective adhesive openings 127a, 127b is such that the respective containers are firmly attached to the respective central panels 125a, 125b, so that the respective containers are attached to the opposite central panels 125a, 125b. Provides multiple mounting points. By attaching the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 to the respective central panels 125a, 125b, for example, in addition to or as an alternative to the container retention and support provided by the respective container holders 135a, 135b. , Each container can be held and supported so that the containers do not separate from the carrier 105 under their own weight. For example, in one embodiment, one or more containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 are centered using adhesive G without the additional holding and support provided by the container holder as described above. It can be attached to the panels 125a and 125b.

The adhesive G described herein can be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a highly adhesive adhesive, an epoxy, a polymer cement, or a combination thereof. Adhesive G can have different arrangements without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the adhesive G can be applied to one or more portions of the inner surface of the blank 103 / carrier 105.

Such enhanced attachment of each container to the central panels 125a, 125b using the adhesive G may be such that, for example, the central panels 125a, 125b are pressurized between them. By providing an opposing adhesive force on the 125b, it is possible to provide an enhanced integrity to the carrier 105. For example, in one embodiment, when the carrier 105 is lifted, the containers CA1 and CA2 are attached to the rear central panel 125b through the respective adhesive openings 127a under at least partial weight of the containers CA1 and CA2. The portion can be pulled at least partially towards the front central panel 125a. Similarly, each portion of the front central panel 125a can be pulled by the containers CB1 and CB2 towards the rear central panel 125b via the respective adhesive openings 127b.

Further, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, the top T of each container is pulled out through the opening formed along the respective mounting panels 131a and 131b by the respective notches 141a and 141b, and each container is pulled out, respectively. By removing the container from the respective mounting panels 131a and 131b by peeling from the central panels 125a and 125b of the above, the respective containers CA1, CA2, CB1 and CB2 can be removed from the carrier 105. Peeling or pulling the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 from the respective central panels 125a, 125b is sufficient to overcome the adhesion between the respective containers provided by the adhesive G and the respective central panels 125a, 125b. It can include pulling each container with force. In one embodiment, the adhesive G can be selected to remain on the respective central panels 125a, 125b, for example, when the container is removed, there is virtually no or no adhesive G left in the container. Can be selected as. In one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 can be later reattached to the respective central panels 125a, 125b by pressing the container against the respective regions of the adhesive G. ..

It is understood that different numbers of rows or arrangements of adhesive openings can be provided without departing from the present disclosure, and that the central panel can be sized and configured to fit such arrangements. .. In one embodiment, the central panels 125a, 125b may lack an adhesive opening so that the respective containers CA1, CA2 and CB 1, CB 2 are adhered only to the respective central panels 125a, 125b. In another embodiment, the adhesive G is a portion of the respective central panels 125a, 125b exposed through the respective adhesive openings 127b, 127a and the respective centers adjacent to the respective adhesive openings 127a, 127b. It can be provided on both the panels 125a and 125b, and as a result, the respective containers CA1, CA2, CB1 and CB2 can be adhered to both the central panels 125a and 125b.

Also referring to FIG. 6, the carrier 105 inserts one or more fingers into either or both of the handle openings 130a, 130b, eg, a portion of the lower surface of the respective mounting panels 131a, 131b and / or each. Can be gripped by the consumer by engaging with the edges of the handle openings 130a, 130b. The divergent nature of the respective vertical portions 132a, 132b and the respective lateral portions 134a, 134b of the respective handle openings 130a, 130b allows the consumer to have a plurality of directions, such as horizontal or vertical, or. Allows the consumer to engage with multiple edges and surfaces so that the carrier 105 can be engaged from the direction between them, thereby allowing the consumer to engage and lift the carrier. To.

The carrier 105 / package 110 described above has, for example, a compact structure that can provide material savings and waste reduction. In addition, the placement of the adhesive G between the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 and the central panels 125a, 125b provides a robust structure for holding and transporting the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2. Provides mounting points for. Further, the exposure of one or more parts of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 on the outer part of the carrier 105 / package 110 provides a clear indication of the label or surface graphic associated with the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2. It provides consumers with convenient access to remove one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 from the carrier 105 / package 110.

Further, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a blank 203 for forming the carrier 205 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 203 and carrier 205 can have one or more features similar to those of the blank 103 and carrier 105 of the first exemplary embodiment, with similar or similar reference numbers being similar or similar. Refer to the features of.

As shown, the mounting panels 131a, 131b of the blank 203 each have three laterally spaced notches 141a, 141b, the carrier 205 having three containers CA1, in the front 206 of the carrier 205. It has CA2, CA3 and has three containers CB1, CB2, CB3 at the rear 208 of the carrier 205 and is sized to support and hold the six containers.

The blank 203 is a pair of handle openings 230a extending from a part of the front mounting panel 131a into the front center panel 125a (in a broad sense, a “first handle opening” and a “second handle, respectively”. Includes a "hand opening") and a pair of handle openings 230b extending from a portion of the rear mounting panel 131b into the rear central panel 125b. As shown, each handle opening 230a, 230b has a vertical portion 132a, 132b, respectively, and a lateral portion 134a, 134b, respectively. Also, as illustrated, the central panels 125a, 125b include a single lateral row of adhesive openings 127a, 127b, respectively, while the central panels 125a, 125b of the blank 203 deviate from the present disclosure. It is possible to provide a different number of adhesive openings and arrangements of rows thereof without the need for.

The blank 203 is further foldably connected to a bevel or front side panel 255a foldably connected to the front mounting panel 131a at the lateral fold line 257a and to the front side panel 255a at the lateral fold line 261a. Also includes a top panel 259. As shown, the top panel 259 includes a pair of handle feature sections (in a broad sense, a "first handle feature section" and a "second handle feature section", respectively). Extends from a pair of opposing curved notches 263 and 265 and from the curved notches 263 to the curved notches 265 and is foldably connected to the top panel 259 at the respective lateral fold lines 273 and 275. It is equipped with a pair of handle flaps 269, 271 with a vertical notch 267. A pair of lateral weakening lines 268 extend along a portion of each flap 269,271 to provide at least a partially reconfigurable configuration, as further described herein. The handle feature portion of the carrier 205 includes the handle feature portion in the top panel 259, and may also include the handle openings 230a and 230b. The carrier 205 can have different arrangements of handle features or lack handle features without departing from the disclosure.

The rear 209 of the blank 203 has a rear side panel 255b foldably connected to the rear mounting panel 131b at the lateral fold line 257a and a foldable mounting flap 277 foldably connected to the rear side panel 255b at the lateral fold line 261b. And further include.

The carrier 205 and the package 210 including the carrier 205 and the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be formed in the same manner as described above for the carrier 105 / package 110, and further, FIG. As shown in, the front side panel 255a can be folded upward at the fold line 257a, eg, diagonally with respect to the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2, and the top panel 259 is It can be folded at the fold line 261a so that it is in contact with at least a part of the mounting panels 231a and 231b so as to be in contact with at least a part thereof. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, the rear side panel 255b can be folded upward at the fold line 257b so as to be disposed diagonally with respect to the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2, and the mounting flap 277. Can be folded at the fold line 261b so that it is in contact with the top panel 259 and / or the mounting panel 231b at least partially opposed to each other. Such an arrangement can be maintained using an adhesive such as an adhesive.

Also referring to FIG. 9, the respective handle flaps 269, 271 are at least partially separated from the top panel 259 in the respective notches 263 and 265 and separated from each other in the respective notches 267 and the respective fold lines. It can be folded down at 273,275 to enter the inner part of the carrier 205 / package 210. The handle openings 230a, 230b provide clearance for the handle flaps 269,271 to extend downward in such an arrangement, and the lateral fold lines 268 of each handle flap 269,271 are, for example, Each container CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1 so that at least the central portion of each handle flap 269,271 defined between the respective fold lines 268 can be positioned between adjacent containers. , CB2, CB3 can be provided with a reconfigurable arrangement for each of the handle flaps 269,271 so as to be contoured or angled with respect to one or more of them. Further, the edges of the respective handle flaps 269,271 defined by the respective fold lines 268, for example, the consumer's finger touching the edges or corners of the carrier 205 / package 210 and / or the respective container. The consumer's fingers can be wrapped or surrounded, at least in part, to minimize or prevent this. Further, as described above, the spread of the respective vertical portions 132a, 132b and the respective lateral portions 134a, 134b of the respective handle openings 230a, 230b allows the consumer to have a plurality of orientations, for example, the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. Allows the consumer to engage with multiple edges and surfaces so that the carrier can be engaged from a direction, or an orientation between them, thereby allowing the consumer to engage and lift the carrier 205. To.

It is understood that the blanks and carriers described herein can be provided in different configurations without departing from the disclosure.

In general, blanks can be made of paperboard with calipers so that they are heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blank can also be composed of, for example, other materials such as cardboard, or any other material with suitable properties that allow the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated, for example, with a clay coating. In doing so, the clay coating can be printed with the product, advertisement, and other information or images. The blank can then be coated with varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated with a waterproof layer, for example, on one or both sides of the blank. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials in the selected panel or panel portion.

As an example, the tear line partially extends into the material along the desired weakening line and / or partially penetrates the material along the desired weakening line and / or completely penetrates the material. It can include a series of spaced slits extending in length, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of separated slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits nicking (eg, eg) between adjacent slits. A small bridge-like portion of the material) is formed, typically connecting the material temporarily across the tear line. Nick breaks while being torn along the tear line. Nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear lines, or nicks can be omitted or torn in the tear lines so that the tear lines are continuous notches. That is, each tear line replaced by a continuous slit or the like is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the notch line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than the slit without departing from the present disclosure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the fold line can be any substantially straight, but not necessarily straight, weakened shape that facilitates folding along it. More specifically, although not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines are, for example, blunt scoring knives that form sections that are pushed or crushed into the material along the desired weakening line. Score lines, such as lines formed by etc., and notches partially extending in the material along the desired weakness line, and / or partially in the material along the desired weakening line. And / or includes a series of notches that extend completely through and / or various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create folds, cutting is generally not overly extensive in a way that a reasonable user would mistakenly consider a fold to be a tear line.

The embodiments can be described as having one or more panels glued together by an adhesive during assembly of the carrier embodiment. The term "glue" is intended to include all types of adhesive commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

The aforementioned description of the disclosure presents and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc. may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matters contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be construed as exemplary rather than in a limiting sense. Further, the present disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is expressed herein. Within the concepts of the present invention, changes or modifications may be made in accordance with the above teachings and / or within the art or knowledge of the art. In addition, specific features and properties of each embodiment may be selectively exchanged and applied to other embodiments shown and not shown in the present disclosure.

Claims (78)

A carrier for holding multiple containers
It comprises a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one mounting panel configured to accommodate a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers.
The carrier, wherein the at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings, is arranged between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and is to be attached to the adjacent container. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one central panel is for being adhered to an adjacent container among the plurality of containers. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first row of openings and a second row of openings separated from the first row of openings. The first row of the openings is separated from the lower end of the at least one central panel by a first distance, and the second row of the openings is second from the lower end of the at least one central panel. The carrier according to claim 3, wherein the carrier is separated by a distance and the second distance is larger than the first distance. The at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further include a rear central panel, and the at least one mounting panel is a front mounting panel foldably connected to the front central panel. The plurality of panels further include a rear mounting panel foldably connected to the rear central panel, wherein the plurality of openings are the first plurality of openings in the front central panel. The rear central panel has the second plurality of openings such that the first plurality of openings communicates with the rear central panel and the second plurality of openings communicates with the front central panel. 4. The carrier according to claim 4. The first plurality of openings comprises a first front row of openings and a second front row of openings separated from the first row of said openings. 5. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the portion comprises a first rear row of openings and a second rear row of openings separated from the first rear row of said openings. The front central panel is foldably connected to the rear central panel at a fold line, the first front row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a first distance, and the first of the openings. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the second front row is separated from the fold line by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The first rear row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a third distance, and the second rear row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a fourth distance, said fourth. The carrier according to claim 7, wherein the distance is larger than the third distance. 8. The second distance is greater than the fourth distance, the fourth distance is greater than the first distance, and the first distance is greater than the third distance, claim 8. Career. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of openings are offset from the second plurality of openings. In the front central panel and the rear central panel, each portion of the rear central panel is exposed through the first plurality of openings, and each portion of the front center panel is the second plurality. Each portion of the front central panel and each portion of the rear central panel are intended to receive the adhesive, at least in partial facing contact so as to be exposed through the opening. , The carrier according to claim 10. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting panel comprises a plurality of notches defining edges for engaging the respective containers of the plurality of containers. 12. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the plurality of notches define each of a plurality of container holding tabs. 13. The carrier of claim 13, wherein the plurality of notches is for receiving at least a portion of each of the plurality of containers through the plurality of notches. The carrier of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one central panel and the at least one mounting panel comprises at least one handle opening. 15. The carrier of claim 15, wherein the at least one handle opening comprises a longitudinal portion and at least one lateral portion extending away from the longitudinal portion. 16. The carrier of claim 16, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a top panel that covers at least a portion of the at least one mounting panel. 17. The carrier of claim 17, wherein the top panel comprises at least one handle feature that is aligned with the at least one handle opening. The at least one handle feature includes a first handle feature and a second handle feature, and the handle opening is a first handle opening and a second handle opening. The carrier according to claim 18. 19. The carrier of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first handle feature and the second handle feature comprises a plurality of weakening lines. A blank that forms a carrier for holding multiple containers,
It comprises a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one mounting panel configured to accommodate a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers.
The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings and, when the carrier is formed from the blank, is placed between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers and attached to the adjacent container. For, blank. 21. The blank according to claim 21, wherein the at least one central panel is intended to be adhered to an adjacent container among the plurality of containers. 21. The blank of claim 21, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first row of openings and a second row of openings separated from the first row of the openings. The first row of openings is separated from the vertical centerline of the blank by a first distance, and the second row of openings is second from the longitudinal centerline of the blank. 23. The blank according to claim 23, which is separated by a distance and the second distance is greater than the first distance. The at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further include a rear central panel, and the at least one mounting panel is a front mounting foldably connected to the front central panel. A panel, wherein the plurality of panels further include a rear mounting panel foldably connected to the rear central panel, wherein the plurality of openings are the first plurality of openings in the front central panel. 24. The blank according to claim 24, wherein the rear central panel comprises a second plurality of openings. The first plurality of openings comprises a first front row of openings and a second front row of openings separated from the first row of said openings. 25. The blank according to claim 25, wherein the opening comprises a first rear row of openings and a second rear row of openings separated from the first rear row of the openings. The front central panel is foldably connected to the rear central panel at a fold line, the first front row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a first distance, and the first of the openings. 26. The blank of claim 26, wherein the second front row is separated from the fold line by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The first rear row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a third distance, and the second rear row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a fourth distance, said fourth. The blank according to claim 27, wherein the distance is larger than the third distance. 28. The second distance is greater than the fourth distance, the fourth distance is greater than the first distance, and the first distance is greater than the third distance, claim 28. Blank. 21. The blank according to claim 21, wherein the first plurality of openings are for being arranged offset from the second plurality of openings when the blank is formed from the blank. .. 21. The blank according to claim 21, wherein the at least one mounting panel comprises a plurality of notches defining edges for engaging the respective containers of the plurality of containers. 31. The blank of claim 31, wherein the plurality of notches define each of the plurality of container holding tabs. 21. The blank of claim 21, wherein at least one of the at least one central panel and the at least one mounting panel comprises at least one handle opening. 33. The blank of claim 33, wherein the at least one handle opening comprises a longitudinal portion and at least one lateral portion extending away from the longitudinal portion. The blank according to claim 34, wherein the plurality of panels further include a top panel. 35. The top panel comprises at least one handle feature that is intended to be aligned with the at least one handle opening when the carrier is formed from the blank. Blank described in. The at least one handle feature includes a first handle feature and a second handle feature, and the handle opening is a first handle opening and a second handle opening. 36. The blank according to claim 36. The blank according to claim 37, wherein at least one of the first handle feature portion and the second handle feature portion includes a plurality of weakening lines. A method of forming carriers for holding multiple containers,
A blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one mounting panel configured to accommodate a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers, said at least one. One central panel contains multiple openings, to get a blank,
Folding the plurality of panels so that the at least one central panel is located between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.
A method comprising attaching at least one container of the plurality of panels to the at least one central panel. 39. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one central panel is adhered to an adjacent container of the plurality of containers. 39. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first row of openings and a second row of openings separated from the first row of the openings. The first row of openings is separated from the lower end of the at least one central panel by a first distance, and the second row of openings is a second distance from the lower end of the at least one central panel. 41. The method of claim 41, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. The at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further include a rear central panel, and the at least one mounting panel is a front mounting panel foldably connected to the front central panel. The plurality of panels further include a rear mounting panel foldably connected to the rear central panel, wherein the plurality of openings are the first plurality of openings in the front central panel. The rear central panel has the second plurality of openings such that the first plurality of openings communicates with the rear central panel and the second plurality of openings communicates with the front central panel. 42. The method of claim 42. The first plurality of openings comprises a first front row of openings and a second front row of openings separated from the first row of said openings. 43. The method of claim 43, wherein the opening comprises a first rear row of openings and a second rear row of openings separated from the first rear row of the openings. The front central panel is foldably connected to the rear central panel at a fold line, the first front row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a first distance, and the first of the openings. 44. The method of claim 44, wherein the second front row is separated from the fold line by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The first rear row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a third distance, and the second rear row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a fourth distance, said fourth. The method of claim 45, wherein the distance is greater than the third distance. 46. The second distance is greater than the fourth distance, the fourth distance is greater than the first distance, and the first distance is greater than the third distance, claim 46. the method of. 39. The method of claim 39, wherein the first plurality of openings are offset from the second plurality of openings. In the front central panel and the rear central panel, each portion of the rear central panel is exposed through the first plurality of openings, and each portion of the front center panel is the second plurality. Each portion of the front central panel and each portion of the rear central panel are intended to receive the adhesive, at least in partial facing contact so as to be exposed through the opening. , The method of claim 48. 39. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one mounting panel comprises a plurality of notches defining edges that engage the respective containers of the plurality of containers. 50. The method of claim 50, wherein the plurality of notches define each of a plurality of container holding tabs. 51. The method of claim 51, wherein the plurality of notches is for accepting at least a portion of each of the plurality of containers through the plurality of notches. 39. The method of claim 39, wherein at least one of the at least one central panel and the at least one mounting panel comprises at least one handle opening. 53. The method of claim 53, wherein the at least one handle opening comprises a longitudinal portion and at least one lateral portion extending away from the longitudinal portion. 54. The method of claim 54, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a top panel that covers at least a portion of the at least one mounting panel. 55. The method of claim 55, wherein the top panel comprises at least one handle feature that is aligned with the at least one handle opening. The at least one handle feature includes a first handle feature and a second handle feature, and the handle opening is a first handle opening and a second handle opening. 56. The method of claim 56. 58. The method of claim 57, wherein at least one of the first handle feature and the second handle feature comprises a plurality of weakening lines. With multiple containers,
A carrier for holding the plurality of containers.
It comprises a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one mounting panel that accepts a portion of one or more of the plurality of containers, wherein the at least one central panel has a plurality of openings. A carrier and a carrier, which is arranged between adjacent containers among the plurality of containers and attached to the adjacent container.
Package with. 59. The package of claim 59, wherein the at least one central panel is adhered to an adjacent container of the plurality of containers. 59. The package of claim 59, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first row of openings and a second row of openings separated from the first row of openings. The first row of openings is separated from the lower end of the at least one central panel by a first distance, and the second row of openings is a second distance from the lower end of the at least one central panel. The package of claim 61, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. The at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further include a rear central panel, and the at least one mounting panel is a front mounting foldably connected to the front central panel. A panel, wherein the plurality of panels further include a rear mounting panel foldably connected to the rear central panel, wherein the plurality of openings are the first plurality of openings in the front central panel. The rear central panel has the second plurality of openings such that the first plurality of openings communicates with the rear central panel and the second plurality of openings communicates with the front central panel. 62. The package according to claim 62. The first plurality of openings comprises a first front row of openings and a second front row of openings separated from the first row of said openings. 63. The package of claim 63, wherein the opening comprises a first rear row of openings and a second rear row of openings separated from the first rear row of said openings. The front central panel is foldably connected to the rear central panel at a fold line, the first front row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a first distance, and the first of the openings. 24. The package of claim 64, wherein the second front row is separated from the fold line by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The first rear row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a third distance, and the second rear row of the openings is separated from the fold line by a fourth distance, said fourth. The package of claim 65, wherein the distance is greater than the third distance. 46. The second distance is greater than the fourth distance, the fourth distance is greater than the first distance, and the first distance is greater than the third distance, claim 66. Package. 59. The package of claim 59, wherein the first plurality of openings are offset from the second plurality of openings. In the front central panel and the rear central panel, each portion of the rear central panel is exposed through the first plurality of openings, and each portion of the front center panel is the second plurality. Each portion of the front central panel and each portion of the rear central panel are intended to receive the adhesive, at least in partial facing contact so as to be exposed through the opening. , The package according to claim 68. 59. The package of claim 59, wherein the at least one mounting panel comprises a plurality of notches defining edges that engage the respective containers of the plurality of containers. The package of claim 70, wherein the plurality of notches define each of the plurality of container holding tabs. 17. The package of claim 71, wherein the plurality of notches accept at least a portion of each of the plurality of containers through the plurality of notches. 59. The package of claim 59, wherein at least one of the at least one central panel and the at least one mounting panel comprises at least one handle opening. 13. The package of claim 73, wherein the at least one handle opening comprises a longitudinal portion and at least one lateral portion extending away from the longitudinal portion. 17. The package of claim 74, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a top panel that covers at least a portion of the at least one mounting panel. 25. The package of claim 75, wherein the top panel comprises at least one handle feature that is aligned with the at least one handle opening. The at least one handle feature includes a first handle feature and a second handle feature, and the handle opening is a first handle opening and a second handle opening. 76. The package according to claim 76. The package according to claim 77, wherein at least one of the first handle feature and the second handle feature comprises a plurality of weakening lines.

Images