US20200189817A1 - Carrier For Containers - Google Patents
Carrier For Containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200189817A1 US20200189817A1 US16/426,063 US201916426063A US2020189817A1 US 20200189817 A1 US20200189817 A1 US 20200189817A1 US 201916426063 A US201916426063 A US 201916426063A US 2020189817 A1 US2020189817 A1 US 2020189817A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- handle
- container
- package carrier
- top panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/40—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank or several blanks
- B65D71/403—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank or several blanks formed by folding several blanks
- B65D71/406—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank or several blanks formed by folding several blanks characterised by the handle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/40—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank or several blanks
- B65D71/42—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank or several blanks formed by folding a single blank into a single layer element
- B65D71/44—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank or several blanks formed by folding a single blank into a single layer element characterised by the handle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
- B65D71/38—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding and interconnecting two or more blanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
- B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
- B65D2571/00141—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper glued
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
- B65D2571/0032—Locating elements for the contents inserted the wrapper
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
- B65D2571/00438—Holes
- B65D2571/0045—Holes for hands
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
- B65D2571/00493—Handles or suspending means attached to the wrapper
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to cartons or carriers for holding, displaying, and/or transporting containers.
- a package carrier for holding at least two container packages comprises a plurality of panels comprising a top panel and at least one attachment panel.
- the package carrier further comprises a handle, and the top panel is for attachment to a top of the at least two container packages such that the at least two container packages are joined to the package carrier at the top panel.
- a blank for forming a package carrier for holding at least two container packages comprises a plurality of panels comprising a top panel, at least one handle panel, and at least one attachment panel.
- the top panel is for attachment to a top of the at least two container packages when the package carrier is formed from the blank such that the at least two container packages are joined to the package carrier at the top panel.
- a method of forming a package carrier for holding at least two container packages comprises obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels that comprises a top panel, at least one handle panel, and at least one attachment panel. The method further comprises attaching the top panel to a top of the at least two container packages such that the at least two container packages are joined to the package carrier at the top panel.
- a package carrier in combination with at least two container packages comprises a plurality of panels that comprises a top panel and at least one attachment panel, and the package carrier further comprises a handle.
- the top panel is attached to a top of the at least two container packages such that the at least two container packages are joined to the package carrier at the top panel.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of packages that can be supported by the package carrier of the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a package carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of a package carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a package carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 and in a first configuration according to the first exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the package carrier of FIG. 5 in the first configuration.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the package carrier of FIG. 5 in a second configuration.
- FIG. 8 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a package carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 8 according to the second exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a package carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the package carrier of FIG. 11 with tear strips removed.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the package carrier of FIG. 12 having separated package carrier sections.
- the present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc.
- the containers can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example.
- the containers can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like; aluminum and/or other metals; or any combination thereof
- Carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of numerous different shapes.
- beverage containers e.g., aluminum cans
- the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” and “back” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected carriers.
- carriers may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of blanks.
- Such panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of the blanks can be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.
- FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an exterior side 101 of a blank 103 used to form a handle construct or package carrier 105 ( FIG. 3 ) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
- the package carrier 105 is sized and configured to extend at least partially around and support/hold one or more packages/container carriers that can include, for example, four containers in a 2 ⁇ 2 arrangement or six containers in a 2 ⁇ 3 arrangement.
- the package carrier 105 can be sized and configured to support, for example, 4 containers, 6 containers, 8 containers, 10 containers, 12 containers, 14 containers, 16 containers, 18 containers, 20 containers, etc., distributed across multiple packages/container carriers.
- the package carrier 105 can be configured to hold a different number of containers without departing from the disclosure.
- the containers can be arranged in packages that include a container carrier with containers disposed in each of a front portion and a back portion of the container carrier.
- packages/container carriers that can be used with the package carrier 105 are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,689, filed on Dec. 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,752, filed on Dec. 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,830, filed on Jan. 25, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,585, filed on Jan. 28, 2019, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.
- the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L 1 and a lateral axis L 2 .
- the blank 103 includes a top panel 125 foldably connected to a second or back handle panel 127 and a first or back attachment panel 129 at respective lateral fold lines 131 , 133 .
- a first or front handle panel 135 is foldably connected to the back handle panel 127 at a lateral fold line 137
- a second or front attachment panel 139 is foldably connected to the front handle panel 135 at a lateral fold line 141 .
- the blank 103 can also include handle features associated with the handle panels 135 , 127 .
- the front handle panel 135 can include handle reinforcement flaps 143 that are foldably connected to the front handle panel 135 at respective curved fold lines 145 and that are defined by respective generally curved cuts 147 that extend from one endpoint of the respective fold lines 145 to the other respective endpoint.
- Respective relief cuts 148 can extend from a portion of a respective fold line 145 to a portion of a respective cut 147 .
- the back handle panel 127 can include handle reinforcement flaps 149 foldably connected to the back handle panel 127 at respective curved fold lines 151 and defined by respective generally curved cuts 153 , with associated relief cuts 154 extending therebetween.
- the blank 103 /package carrier 105 can have differently-configured or arranged handle features without departing from the disclosure.
- the front attachment panel 139 can include a recessed edge portion 155 that curves inwardly along a free edge of the front attachment panel 139 toward the fold line 141 .
- any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted from the blank 103 without departing from the disclosure.
- the blank 103 could be sized and/or shaped to accommodate a greater or fewer number of containers or packages without departing from the disclosure.
- each container package 107 includes a respective container carrier 109 that engages, retains, and/or supports respective containers, such as beverage cans.
- each container package 107 can include one or more container retention features, e.g., cuts, slits, slots, openings, etc.
- Each illustrated container carrier 109 includes a respective front portion retaining containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 (shown best in FIG. 3 ) and CA 4 , CA 5 , CA 6 , and a respective back portion retaining respective containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 and CB 4 , CB 5 , CB 6 (shown best in FIG. 6 ), though the container carriers 109 can be configured to support a different number or arrangement of containers without departing from the disclosure.
- Each illustrated carrier 109 can include a top panel T, a first bevel or front side panel S 1 , and a second bevel or back side panel S 2 . Such an arrangement can be at least partially maintained with an attachment flap F in at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel T. At least the top panel T can form a respective top of the respective container carriers 109 .
- container packages 107 /container carriers 109 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure, and that a combination of different packages/container carriers can be provided.
- the container packages 107 /container carriers 109 can be arranged in a front-to-back abutting relationship, with the containers CA 1 , CB 1 , CA 4 , CB 4 facing a first or front portion of the package carrier 105 and the containers CA 3 , CB 3 , CA 6 , CB 6 facing a second or back portion of the package carrier 105 .
- the container packages 107 /container carriers 109 can be provided in a different orientation or arrangement without departing from the disclosure.
- an interior surface of the top panel 125 can be lowered onto an uppermost portion or top panel T (and any attachment flap F that may be present) of the respective container packages 107 /container carriers 109 , and the back attachment panel 129 can be folded downwardly at the fold line 133 in the direction of the arrow A 1 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective containers CA 3 , CB 3 and CA 6 , CB 6 of the respective container packages 107 /container carriers 109 .
- the back attachment panel 129 can provide a billboard, e.g., a surface upon which printed indicia such as product advertising, labeling, promotional information, etc. are readily visible to a consumer browsing a retail space.
- the back attachment panel 129 can also be in at least partial face-to-face contact with an edge or surface of a panel or flap of the respective container packages 107 /container carriers 109 .
- the back handle panel 127 can be folded upwardly at the fold line 131 in the direction of the arrow A 2 relative to the top panel 125 , which may entail an upward movement of the foldably attached front handle panel 135 and front attachment flap 139 .
- the front handle panel 135 can also be folded downwardly at the fold line 137 in the direction of the arrow A 3 such that the front handle panel 135 and the back handle panel 127 are in at least partial face-to-face or overlapping relation, and such that the handle features of the respective handle panels 135 , 127 are generally aligned so as to form a handle 157 of the package carrier 105 .
- the back handle panel 127 and the front handle panel 135 can together be folded downwardly in the direction of the arrow A 4 at the respective overlapped fold lines 131 , 141 such that the front attachment panel 139 is also urged downwardly and positioned proximate the containers CA 1 , CB 1 and CA 4 , CB 4 of the respective container packages 107 /container carriers 109 and such that the front attachment panel 139 can be placed in at least partial face-to-face contact with the containers CA 1 , CB 1 and CA 4 , CB 4 .
- the front attachment panel 139 can be folded downwardly at the fold line 141 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the containers CA 1 , CB 1 , CA 4 , CB 4 separately from the aforementioned movement of the handle panels 127 , 135 .
- each of the top panel 125 , the front attachment panel 139 , and the back attachment panel 129 spans both of the container packages 107 /container carriers 109 so as to couple the container packages 107 /container carriers 109 to one another, as well as the associated containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CA 5 , CA 6 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4 , CB 5 , CB 6 .
- the package carrier 105 provides multiple packages and associated container carriers and containers as a single unit for convenient handling, storage, or transportation.
- the package carrier 105 and the container packages 107 /container carriers 109 can together be provided as a system 111 .
- the top panel 125 can be at least partially adhered or otherwise attached to the top panels T of the respective container packages 107 /container carriers 109 .
- the top panel 125 can be adhered or otherwise attached to or more of the tops of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 5 , CB 5 .
- the front attachment panel 139 can be adhered to one or more of the containers CA 1 , CB 1 , CA 4 , CB 4
- the back attachment panel 129 can be adhered to one or more of the containers CA 3 , CB 3 , CA 6 , CB 6 .
- the front attachment panel 139 and/or the back attachment panel 129 could be adhered to one or more panels of the container packages 107 /container carriers 109 without departing from the disclosure
- the handle panels 135 , 127 can be positioned downwardly relative to the top panel 125 and into facing relation or at least partial face-to-face contact with the front attachment panel 139 , i.e., so that the front handle panel 135 is positioned in facing relation with or least partial face-to-face contact with the front attachment panel 139 in a first position of the handle panels 135 , 127 /first configuration of the package carrier 105 , e.g., a storage and/or transport configuration of the package carrier 105 that is provided with a compact and sleek profile.
- the downwardly folded and outward-facing arrangement of the exterior surface of the back handle panel 127 can provide a billboard as described above.
- the handle panels 135 , 127 can together be folded upwardly at the respective fold lines 131 , 141 in the direction of the arrow A 5 so as to be positioned in upwardly oblique or upright relation to the top panel 125 and to provide the handle 157 for the package carrier 105 .
- a consumer can grasp an underside of the handle 157 , e.g., along the back handle panel 127 , along an access area provided by the recessed edge portion 155 .
- Such an arrangement can be a second position of the handle panels 135 , 127 / a second or carrying configuration of the package carrier 105 , in which the handle 157 is presented in a convenient orientation so as to be grasped by a consumer.
- a consumer can insert one or more fingers through handle openings formed by folding of the respective aligned handle flaps 143 , 149 at the respective fold lines 145 , 151 and such that the respective handle flaps 143 , 149 separate from the respective handle panels 135 , 127 at the respective cuts 147 , 153 .
- the respective aligned handle flaps 143 , 149 can be folded into overlapping and/or at least partial face-to-face contact with the front handle panel 135 or the back handle panel 127 , for example, to provide a 4-ply structure with enhanced support and comfort to a consumer.
- the handle 157 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.
- the containers CA 1 , CB 1 ; CA 4 , CB 4 that are positioned closest to the handle 157 can at least partially rest upon the respective containers CA 2 , CA 3 ; CB 2 , CB 3 ; CA 5 , CA 6 ; and CB 5 , CB 6 that are positioned furthest from the handle 157 .
- One or more of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CA 5 , CA 6 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4 , CB 5 , CB 6 can be adhered to one or more of the respective container packages 107 /container carriers 109 such that one or more of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CA 5 , CA 6 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4 , CB 5 , CB 6 can be adhesively secured to both the respective container packages 107 /container carriers 109 and the package carrier 105 to maintain the integrity of the package carrier 105 during storage and/or movement.
- the package carrier 105 can be configured to hold a different number of container packages 107 /container carriers 109 , e.g., three or more container packages 107 /container carriers 109 , without departing from the disclosure.
- the package carrier 105 can hold a single container package 107 /container carrier 109 .
- an exterior surface 201 of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is generally designated as 203 .
- the blank 203 includes one or more features that are substantially similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103 /package carrier 105 , and like or similar reference numbers are used to designate like or similar features.
- the blank 203 is generally wider along the lateral axis L 2 as compared to the blank 103 , such that a larger resulting package carrier 205 can be formed from the blank 203 , for example, in the manner described above with respect to the package carrier 105 .
- the package carrier 205 can be sized and configured to engage and support three side-by-side container packages 107 /container carriers 109 .
- each package 107 include containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3
- the package carrier 205 can be configured to engage and support as many as eighteen containers, though the package carrier 205 can engage and support more or less containers without departing from the disclosure.
- the package carrier 205 and the container packages 107 /container carriers 109 can together be provided as a system 211 .
- the package carrier 205 can be provided in a first configuration, e.g., a storage and/or transport configuration of the package carrier 205 in which the front handle panel 135 is downwardly folded into facing relation with or at least partial face-to-face contact with the front attachment panel 139 , and with the back handle panel 127 facing outwardly, e.g., to provide a billboard as described above.
- a first configuration e.g., a storage and/or transport configuration of the package carrier 205 in which the front handle panel 135 is downwardly folded into facing relation with or at least partial face-to-face contact with the front attachment panel 139 , and with the back handle panel 127 facing outwardly, e.g., to provide a billboard as described above.
- the handle panels 135 , 127 can together be folded upwardly at the respective fold lines 131 , 141 in the direction of the arrow A 6 so as to be in upwardly oblique or upright relation to the front attachment panel 139 and to provide a handle 157 for the package carrier 205 in a second or carrying configuration of the package carrier 205 as described above.
- an exterior surface 301 of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is generally designated as 303 .
- the blank 303 includes one or more features that are substantially similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103 /package carrier 105 and the blank 203 /package carrier 205 , and like or similar reference numbers are used to designate like or similar features.
- the blank 303 includes a removable lateral tear strip 357 defined by a respective pair of spaced lateral tear lines 358 , 359 extending from one free edge of the top panel 125 to the opposite free edge of the top panel 125 .
- a lateral tear tab 361 is defined at one lateral end of the tear strip 357 , and protrudes into a notch 363 defined along a laterally lower free edge of the top panel 125 .
- a removable longitudinal tear strip 365 is defined between a spaced pair of longitudinal tear lines 367 , 368 that intersect and extend from a central portion of the longitudinally outermost tear line 359 , across the fold line 133 , and to a free edge of the back attachment panel 129 .
- a longitudinal tear tab 369 is defined at one longitudinal end of the tear strip 365 , and protrudes into a notch 371 defined along a free edge of the back attachment panel 129 .
- a package carrier 305 can be formed from the blank 303 , for example, in the manner described above with respect to the package carriers 105 and 205 .
- the package carrier 305 can be provided in a first configuration, e.g., a storage and/or transport configuration of the package carrier 305 in which the front handle panel 135 is downwardly folded into facing relation with or at least partial face-to-face contact with the front attachment panel 139 , and with the back handle panel 127 facing outwardly, e.g., to provide a billboard as described above.
- the handle panels 135 , 127 can together be folded upwardly at the respective fold lines 131 , 141 in the direction of the arrow A 7 so as to be in upwardly oblique or upright relation to the front attachment panel 139 and to provide a handle 157 for the package carrier 305 in a second or carrying configuration of the package carrier 305 as described above.
- the package carrier 305 and the container packages 107 /container carriers 109 can together be provided as a system 311 .
- a consumer can engage one or both of the tear tabs 361 , 369 and tear the respective tear strips 357 , 365 away from the top panel 125 at the respective tear lines 358 , 359 and 367 , 368 .
- the tear strip 365 can also be torn away from the respective portion of the back attachment panel 129 in this manner.
- the aforementioned separation of the tear strips 357 , 365 can allow a consumer to engage the container packages 107 /container carriers 109 , for example, to separate the container packages 107 /containers carriers 109 from each other and/or the package carrier formed from the blank 303 .
- the tear strips 357 , 365 provide a package carrier formed from the blank 303 with convenient and readily accessible access features for a consumer to separate multiple packages 107 /containers carriers 109 from each other and/or from the package carrier, for example, for individual storage and/or to access the containers attached thereto.
- the handle 157 , the front attachment panel 139 , and a portion of the top panel 125 between the tear lines 359 and the fold line 131 can be separated from the remainder of the top panel 125 such that a pair of modular package carrier sections 373 , 375 (broadly, “first package carrier section” and “second package carrier section”, respectively) are provided separately from one another via the removed tear strip 365 .
- Each of the modular package carrier sections 373 , 375 includes a respective portion of the top panel 125 (broadly, “first portion of the top panel” and “second portion of the top panel”) and a respective portion of the back attachment flap 129 attached to a respective container package 107 /container carrier 109 .
- the separated package carrier sections 373 , 375 can be, for example, separately stored or carried, or can provide additional access to each respective container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CA 5 , CA 6 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4 , CB 5 , CB 6 .
- the package carriers described above provide compact, sleek, and easy-to-carry arrangements that can, for example, provide materials savings and waste reduction.
- the package carriers 105 , 205 , 305 can be formed from overstock material, e.g., redundant or discarded paperboard so as minimize waste.
- the coupling of the packages/container carriers as well as the associated containers to the package carriers provides multiple points of attachment such that the package carriers are stable and secure structures for storing and transporting packages, carriers, and containers.
- the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper.
- the blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier to function at least generally as described above.
- the blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating.
- the clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images.
- the blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks.
- the blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks.
- the blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
- a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features.
- one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line.
- the nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like.
- a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.
- a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.
- the above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the package carrier embodiments.
- glue is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,689, filed on Dec. 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,752, filed on Dec. 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,830, filed on Jan. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,585, filed on Jan. 28, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/810,015, filed on Feb. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,412, filed on Mar. 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/817,120, filed on Mar. 12, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/841,449, filed on May 1, 2019.
- The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,689, filed on Dec. 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,752, filed on Dec. 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,830, filed on Jan. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,585, filed on Jan. 28, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/810,015, filed on Feb. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,412, filed on Mar. 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/817,120, filed on Mar. 12, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/841,449, filed on May 1, 2019, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.
- The present disclosure generally relates to cartons or carriers for holding, displaying, and/or transporting containers.
- According to one aspect of the disclosure, a package carrier for holding at least two container packages comprises a plurality of panels comprising a top panel and at least one attachment panel. The package carrier further comprises a handle, and the top panel is for attachment to a top of the at least two container packages such that the at least two container packages are joined to the package carrier at the top panel.
- According to another aspect of the disclosure, a blank for forming a package carrier for holding at least two container packages comprises a plurality of panels comprising a top panel, at least one handle panel, and at least one attachment panel. The top panel is for attachment to a top of the at least two container packages when the package carrier is formed from the blank such that the at least two container packages are joined to the package carrier at the top panel.
- According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of forming a package carrier for holding at least two container packages comprises obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels that comprises a top panel, at least one handle panel, and at least one attachment panel. The method further comprises attaching the top panel to a top of the at least two container packages such that the at least two container packages are joined to the package carrier at the top panel.
- According to another aspect of the disclosure, a package carrier in combination with at least two container packages is provided. The package carrier comprises a plurality of panels that comprises a top panel and at least one attachment panel, and the package carrier further comprises a handle. The top panel is attached to a top of the at least two container packages such that the at least two container packages are joined to the package carrier at the top panel.
- Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations.
- According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.
-
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of packages that can be supported by the package carrier of the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a package carrier formed from the blank ofFIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of a package carrier formed from the blank ofFIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a package carrier formed from the blank ofFIG. 1 and in a first configuration according to the first exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the package carrier ofFIG. 5 in the first configuration. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the package carrier ofFIG. 5 in a second configuration. -
FIG. 8 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a package carrier formed from the blank ofFIG. 8 according to the second exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a package carrier formed from the blank ofFIG. 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the package carrier ofFIG. 11 with tear strips removed. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the package carrier ofFIG. 12 having separated package carrier sections. - Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.
- The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The containers can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The containers can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like; aluminum and/or other metals; or any combination thereof
- Carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans) at least partially disposed within the carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” and “back” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected carriers.
- As described herein, carriers may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of blanks. Such panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of the blanks can be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.
-
FIG. 1 shows a plan view of anexterior side 101 of a blank 103 used to form a handle construct or package carrier 105 (FIG. 3 ) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 3 , thepackage carrier 105 is sized and configured to extend at least partially around and support/hold one or more packages/container carriers that can include, for example, four containers in a 2×2 arrangement or six containers in a 2×3 arrangement. In this regard, thepackage carrier 105 can be sized and configured to support, for example, 4 containers, 6 containers, 8 containers, 10 containers, 12 containers, 14 containers, 16 containers, 18 containers, 20 containers, etc., distributed across multiple packages/container carriers. Thepackage carrier 105 can be configured to hold a different number of containers without departing from the disclosure. - As described above, the containers can be arranged in packages that include a container carrier with containers disposed in each of a front portion and a back portion of the container carrier. Examples of packages/container carriers that can be used with the
package carrier 105 are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,689, filed on Dec. 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,752, filed on Dec. 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,830, filed on Jan. 25, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,585, filed on Jan. 28, 2019, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 includes atop panel 125 foldably connected to a second orback handle panel 127 and a first orback attachment panel 129 at respectivelateral fold lines front handle panel 135 is foldably connected to theback handle panel 127 at alateral fold line 137, and a second orfront attachment panel 139 is foldably connected to thefront handle panel 135 at alateral fold line 141. - The blank 103 can also include handle features associated with the
handle panels front handle panel 135, as shown, can includehandle reinforcement flaps 143 that are foldably connected to thefront handle panel 135 at respectivecurved fold lines 145 and that are defined by respective generallycurved cuts 147 that extend from one endpoint of therespective fold lines 145 to the other respective endpoint.Respective relief cuts 148 can extend from a portion of arespective fold line 145 to a portion of arespective cut 147. Similarly, theback handle panel 127 can includehandle reinforcement flaps 149 foldably connected to theback handle panel 127 at respectivecurved fold lines 151 and defined by respective generallycurved cuts 153, with associatedrelief cuts 154 extending therebetween. The blank 103/package carrier 105 can have differently-configured or arranged handle features without departing from the disclosure. - As also shown, the
front attachment panel 139 can include arecessed edge portion 155 that curves inwardly along a free edge of thefront attachment panel 139 toward thefold line 141. - Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted from the blank 103 without departing from the disclosure. The blank 103 could be sized and/or shaped to accommodate a greater or fewer number of containers or packages without departing from the disclosure.
- Referring to
FIG. 2 , a pair of container packages 107 (respectively, “first package” and “second package”, or “second package” and “first package”) that can be engaged by thepackage carrier 105 are illustrated according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Eachcontainer package 107 includes arespective container carrier 109 that engages, retains, and/or supports respective containers, such as beverage cans. In this regard, eachcontainer package 107 can include one or more container retention features, e.g., cuts, slits, slots, openings, etc. that engage and/or at least partially receive one or more portions of respective beverage containers, for example, a top and/or rim portion thereof Each illustratedcontainer carrier 109 includes a respective front portion retaining containers CA1, CA2, CA3 (shown best inFIG. 3 ) and CA4, CA5, CA6, and a respective back portion retaining respective containers CB1, CB2, CB3 and CB4, CB5, CB6 (shown best inFIG. 6 ), though thecontainer carriers 109 can be configured to support a different number or arrangement of containers without departing from the disclosure. Each illustratedcarrier 109 can include a top panel T, a first bevel or front side panel S1, and a second bevel or back side panel S2. Such an arrangement can be at least partially maintained with an attachment flap F in at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel T. At least the top panel T can form a respective top of therespective container carriers 109. - It will be understood that the container packages 107/
container carriers 109 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure, and that a combination of different packages/container carriers can be provided. - Referring additionally to
FIGS. 3-5 , the container packages 107/container carriers 109 can be arranged in a front-to-back abutting relationship, with the containers CA1, CB1, CA4, CB4 facing a first or front portion of thepackage carrier 105 and the containers CA3, CB3, CA6, CB6 facing a second or back portion of thepackage carrier 105. The container packages 107/container carriers 109 can be provided in a different orientation or arrangement without departing from the disclosure. - According to one embodiment, an interior surface of the
top panel 125 can be lowered onto an uppermost portion or top panel T (and any attachment flap F that may be present) of therespective container packages 107/container carriers 109, and theback attachment panel 129 can be folded downwardly at thefold line 133 in the direction of the arrow A1 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective containers CA3, CB3 and CA6, CB6 of therespective container packages 107/container carriers 109. In such an orientation, theback attachment panel 129 can provide a billboard, e.g., a surface upon which printed indicia such as product advertising, labeling, promotional information, etc. are readily visible to a consumer browsing a retail space. In such an arrangement, theback attachment panel 129 can also be in at least partial face-to-face contact with an edge or surface of a panel or flap of therespective container packages 107/container carriers 109. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , theback handle panel 127 can be folded upwardly at thefold line 131 in the direction of the arrow A2 relative to thetop panel 125, which may entail an upward movement of the foldably attachedfront handle panel 135 andfront attachment flap 139. Thefront handle panel 135 can also be folded downwardly at thefold line 137 in the direction of the arrow A3 such that thefront handle panel 135 and theback handle panel 127 are in at least partial face-to-face or overlapping relation, and such that the handle features of therespective handle panels handle 157 of thepackage carrier 105. - In such an arrangement, the
back handle panel 127 and thefront handle panel 135 can together be folded downwardly in the direction of the arrow A4 at the respectiveoverlapped fold lines front attachment panel 139 is also urged downwardly and positioned proximate the containers CA1, CB1 and CA4, CB4 of therespective container packages 107/container carriers 109 and such that thefront attachment panel 139 can be placed in at least partial face-to-face contact with the containers CA1, CB1 and CA4, CB4. In one embodiment, thefront attachment panel 139 can be folded downwardly at thefold line 141 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the containers CA1, CB1, CA4, CB4 separately from the aforementioned movement of thehandle panels - In this regard, each of the
top panel 125, thefront attachment panel 139, and theback attachment panel 129 spans both of the container packages 107/container carriers 109 so as to couple the container packages 107/container carriers 109 to one another, as well as the associated containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5, CA6, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5, CB6. Accordingly, thepackage carrier 105 provides multiple packages and associated container carriers and containers as a single unit for convenient handling, storage, or transportation. In one embodiment, thepackage carrier 105 and the container packages 107/container carriers 109 can together be provided as asystem 111. - The aforementioned arrangement can be maintained through one or more applications of an adhesive, for example, glue. In one embodiment, the
top panel 125 can be at least partially adhered or otherwise attached to the top panels T of therespective container packages 107/container carriers 109. In one embodiment, thetop panel 125 can be adhered or otherwise attached to or more of the tops of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB5, CB5. In addition, thefront attachment panel 139 can be adhered to one or more of the containers CA1, CB1, CA4, CB4, and theback attachment panel 129 can be adhered to one or more of the containers CA3, CB3, CA6, CB6. Thefront attachment panel 139 and/or theback attachment panel 129 could be adhered to one or more panels of the container packages 107/container carriers 109 without departing from the disclosure - As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thehandle panels top panel 125 and into facing relation or at least partial face-to-face contact with thefront attachment panel 139, i.e., so that thefront handle panel 135 is positioned in facing relation with or least partial face-to-face contact with thefront attachment panel 139 in a first position of thehandle panels package carrier 105, e.g., a storage and/or transport configuration of thepackage carrier 105 that is provided with a compact and sleek profile. Further, the downwardly folded and outward-facing arrangement of the exterior surface of theback handle panel 127 can provide a billboard as described above. - Referring additionally to
FIG. 7 , thehandle panels respective fold lines top panel 125 and to provide thehandle 157 for thepackage carrier 105. For example, a consumer can grasp an underside of thehandle 157, e.g., along theback handle panel 127, along an access area provided by the recessededge portion 155. - Such an arrangement can be a second position of the
handle panels package carrier 105, in which thehandle 157 is presented in a convenient orientation so as to be grasped by a consumer. A consumer can insert one or more fingers through handle openings formed by folding of the respective aligned handle flaps 143, 149 at therespective fold lines respective handle panels respective cuts front handle panel 135 or theback handle panel 127, for example, to provide a 4-ply structure with enhanced support and comfort to a consumer. It will be understood that thehandle 157 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. - Upon lifting or carrying of the
package carrier 105 by a consumer, the containers CA1, CB1; CA4, CB4 that are positioned closest to thehandle 157 can at least partially rest upon the respective containers CA2, CA3; CB2, CB3; CA5, CA6; and CB5, CB6 that are positioned furthest from thehandle 157. One or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5, CA6, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5, CB6 can be adhered to one or more of therespective container packages 107/container carriers 109 such that one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5, CA6, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5, CB6 can be adhesively secured to both therespective container packages 107/container carriers 109 and thepackage carrier 105 to maintain the integrity of thepackage carrier 105 during storage and/or movement. - As described above, while the
package carrier 105 has been described herein as engaging and carrying a pair ofcontainer packages 107/container carriers 109, thepackage carrier 105 can be configured to hold a different number ofcontainer packages 107/container carriers 109, e.g., three ormore container packages 107/container carriers 109, without departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, thepackage carrier 105 can hold asingle container package 107/container carrier 109. - Turning to
FIG. 8 , anexterior surface 201 of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is generally designated as 203. The blank 203 includes one or more features that are substantially similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103/package carrier 105, and like or similar reference numbers are used to designate like or similar features. - As shown, the blank 203 is generally wider along the lateral axis L2 as compared to the blank 103, such that a larger resulting
package carrier 205 can be formed from the blank 203, for example, in the manner described above with respect to thepackage carrier 105. Accordingly, and as shown inFIG. 9 , thepackage carrier 205 can be sized and configured to engage and support three side-by-side container packages 107/container carriers 109. In this regard, should each package 107 include containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, thepackage carrier 205 can be configured to engage and support as many as eighteen containers, though thepackage carrier 205 can engage and support more or less containers without departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, thepackage carrier 205 and the container packages 107/container carriers 109 can together be provided as asystem 211. - As also shown in
FIG. 9 , thepackage carrier 205 can be provided in a first configuration, e.g., a storage and/or transport configuration of thepackage carrier 205 in which thefront handle panel 135 is downwardly folded into facing relation with or at least partial face-to-face contact with thefront attachment panel 139, and with theback handle panel 127 facing outwardly, e.g., to provide a billboard as described above. Thehandle panels respective fold lines front attachment panel 139 and to provide ahandle 157 for thepackage carrier 205 in a second or carrying configuration of thepackage carrier 205 as described above. - Turning to
FIG. 10 , anexterior surface 301 of a blank for forming a package carrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is generally designated as 303. The blank 303 includes one or more features that are substantially similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103/package carrier 105 and the blank 203/package carrier 205, and like or similar reference numbers are used to designate like or similar features. - As shown, the blank 303 includes a removable
lateral tear strip 357 defined by a respective pair of spacedlateral tear lines top panel 125 to the opposite free edge of thetop panel 125. Alateral tear tab 361 is defined at one lateral end of thetear strip 357, and protrudes into anotch 363 defined along a laterally lower free edge of thetop panel 125. - As also shown, a removable
longitudinal tear strip 365 is defined between a spaced pair oflongitudinal tear lines outermost tear line 359, across thefold line 133, and to a free edge of theback attachment panel 129. Alongitudinal tear tab 369 is defined at one longitudinal end of thetear strip 365, and protrudes into anotch 371 defined along a free edge of theback attachment panel 129. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , apackage carrier 305 can be formed from the blank 303, for example, in the manner described above with respect to thepackage carriers package carrier 305 can be provided in a first configuration, e.g., a storage and/or transport configuration of thepackage carrier 305 in which thefront handle panel 135 is downwardly folded into facing relation with or at least partial face-to-face contact with thefront attachment panel 139, and with theback handle panel 127 facing outwardly, e.g., to provide a billboard as described above. Thehandle panels respective fold lines front attachment panel 139 and to provide ahandle 157 for thepackage carrier 305 in a second or carrying configuration of thepackage carrier 305 as described above. In one embodiment, thepackage carrier 305 and the container packages 107/container carriers 109 can together be provided as asystem 311. - Referring additionally to
FIG. 12 , a consumer can engage one or both of thetear tabs top panel 125 at therespective tear lines tear strip 365 can also be torn away from the respective portion of theback attachment panel 129 in this manner. - The aforementioned separation of the tear strips 357, 365 can allow a consumer to engage the container packages 107/
container carriers 109, for example, to separate the container packages 107/containers carriers 109 from each other and/or the package carrier formed from the blank 303. In this regard, the tear strips 357, 365 provide a package carrier formed from the blank 303 with convenient and readily accessible access features for a consumer to separatemultiple packages 107/containers carriers 109 from each other and/or from the package carrier, for example, for individual storage and/or to access the containers attached thereto. - For example, and as shown in
FIG. 13 , thehandle 157, thefront attachment panel 139, and a portion of thetop panel 125 between thetear lines 359 and thefold line 131 can be separated from the remainder of thetop panel 125 such that a pair of modularpackage carrier sections 373, 375 (broadly, “first package carrier section” and “second package carrier section”, respectively) are provided separately from one another via the removedtear strip 365. Each of the modularpackage carrier sections back attachment flap 129 attached to arespective container package 107/container carrier 109. In this regard, the separatedpackage carrier sections - The package carriers described above provide compact, sleek, and easy-to-carry arrangements that can, for example, provide materials savings and waste reduction. In one embodiment, the
package carriers - Furthermore, the coupling of the packages/container carriers as well as the associated containers to the package carriers provides multiple points of attachment such that the package carriers are stable and secure structures for storing and transporting packages, carriers, and containers.
- In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
- As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.
- In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.
- The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the package carrier embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.
- The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.
Claims (48)
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US11840387B2 (en) | 2021-06-09 | 2023-12-12 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
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IT1136923B (en) * | 1981-03-12 | 1986-09-03 | Gabriella Sommariva | PACKAGING FOR MULTIPLE PACKAGING AND PROCEDURE FOR MAKING SUCH MULTIPLE PACKAGING |
US4523676A (en) * | 1983-12-27 | 1985-06-18 | The Coca-Cola Company | Multi-container package with optional cover and method for making the same |
US5282348A (en) * | 1992-06-16 | 1994-02-01 | Riverwood International Corporation | Clip-type article carrier and method of manufacture |
US20160325899A1 (en) * | 2014-01-07 | 2016-11-10 | Fishbone Packaging, Inc. | A container carrying device |
-
2019
- 2019-05-30 US US16/426,063 patent/US20200189817A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-06-17 EP EP19180446.7A patent/EP3666683A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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US11623803B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2023-04-11 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
USD984279S1 (en) * | 2019-05-30 | 2023-04-25 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier |
USD974923S1 (en) * | 2019-05-30 | 2023-01-10 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier |
USD984280S1 (en) * | 2019-05-30 | 2023-04-25 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier |
USD962789S1 (en) * | 2019-10-22 | 2022-09-06 | Yfy Jupiter Limited | Can holder |
US11511895B1 (en) | 2019-11-18 | 2022-11-29 | Kevin Alan L'Heureux | Container carrier application system and method |
USD984281S1 (en) * | 2020-04-27 | 2023-04-25 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier |
US11628994B2 (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2023-04-18 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
US11655088B2 (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2023-05-23 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
US11753226B2 (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2023-09-12 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
USD984266S1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-04-25 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
USD984282S1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-04-25 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
USD1000290S1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-10-03 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
USD983049S1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-04-11 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
US11840387B2 (en) | 2021-06-09 | 2023-12-12 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
US12071291B2 (en) | 2021-06-25 | 2024-08-27 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
US11958673B2 (en) | 2021-07-15 | 2024-04-16 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
US12071290B2 (en) | 2021-07-15 | 2024-08-27 | Graphic Packagin g International, LLC | Carrier for containers |
USD996227S1 (en) | 2021-08-20 | 2023-08-22 | Fishbone Packaging Inc. | Container carrier |
US12084244B2 (en) | 2022-01-12 | 2024-09-10 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier for containers |
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