CARRIER FOR CONTAINERS

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels including at least one attachment panel for at least partially receiving at least one container of the plurality of containers and at least one handle panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel. The at least one handle panel at least partially forms a handle of the carrier and at least partially defines a locking feature along a free edge for at least partially engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers. The handle is positionable between a first position, in which the handle panel extends generally upwardly from the at least one attachment panel, and a second position, in which the handle panel is folded relative to the at least one attachment panel such that the locking feature is positioned for at least partially engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels that comprises at least one attachment panel for at least partially receiving at least one container of the plurality of containers and at least one handle panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, the at least one handle panel at least partially forming a handle of the carrier, the at least one handle panel at least partially defining a locking feature along a free edge thereof for at least partially engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, the handle is positionable between a first position, in which the handle panel extends generally upwardly from the at least one attachment panel, and a second position, in which the handle panel is folded relative to the at least one attachment panel such that the at least one locking feature is positioned for at least partially engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking feature comprises at least one notch in a free edge of the handle panel.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the at least one notch comprises three notches.

4. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the at least one handle panel is a first handle panel, the at least one attachment panel is a first attachment panel, the plurality of panels comprises a second attachment panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the second attachment panel.

5. The carrier of claim 4, where the first handle panel and the second handle panel are foldably connected at a fold line and are in face-to-face contact to form the handle.

6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the locking feature comprises aligned curved edges of the first handle panel and the second handle panel that form the at least one notch.

7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the carrier comprises openings aligned with the fold line connecting the first handle panel and the second handle panel, the openings forming the locking feature when the first handle panel and the second handle panel are in face-to-face contact.

8. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the first handle panel comprises a first handle opening and a first handle flap adjacent the first handle opening, the second handle panel comprises a second handle opening and a second handle flap adjacent the second handle opening, the first and second handle opening combine to form a handle opening of the handle and the first handle flap and the second handle flap combine to form a handle flap of the handle, the handle opening and the handle flap of the handle are for grasping and carrying the carrier when the handle is in the first position.

9. The carrier of claim 4, wherein each of the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel have a plurality of container retention features, the plurality of container retention features comprises a plurality of container retention tabs surrounding a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers.

10. The carrier of claim 9, further comprising a first end flap foldably connected to the first attachment panel and a second end flap foldably connected to the second attachment panel.

11. The carrier of claim 9 in combination with a lower construct, the lower construct supporting a base of the plurality of containers and the carrier is attached to the upper portion of the plurality of containers.

12. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising a plurality of panels that comprises at least one attachment panel for at least partially receiving at least one container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank, and at least one handle panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, the at least one handle panel is for at least partially forming a handle of the carrier formed from the blank, the at least one handle panel at least partially defining a locking feature along a free edge thereof for at least partially engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, the handle is positionable between a first position, in which the handle panel extends generally upwardly from the at least one attachment panel, and a second position, in which the handle panel is folded relative to the at least one attachment panel such that the at least one locking feature is positioned for at least partially engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank.

13. The blank of claim 12, wherein the at least one locking feature comprises at least one notch in a free edge of the handle panel.

14. The blank of claim 13, wherein the at least one handle panel is a first handle panel, the at least one attachment panel is a first attachment panel, the plurality of panels comprises a second attachment panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the second attachment panel.

15. The blank of claim 14, where the first handle panel and the second handle panel are foldably connected at a fold line and are positionable in face-to-face contact to form the handle when the carrier is formed from the blank.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the carrier comprises openings aligned with the fold line connecting the first handle panel and the second handle panel, the openings forming the locking feature when the first handle panel and the second handle panel are in face-to-face contact.

17. The blank of claim 14, wherein each of the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel have a plurality of container retention features, the plurality of container retention features comprises a plurality of container retention tabs surrounding a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank.

18. The blank of claim 17, further comprising a first end flap foldably connected to the first attachment panel and a second end flap foldably connected to the second attachment panel.

19. The blank of claim 17 in combination with a lower blank, the lower blank is for forming a lower construct for supporting a base of the plurality of containers and the carrier formed from the blank is attached to the upper portion of the plurality of containers.

20. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising obtaining a blank having a plurality of panels that comprises at least one attachment panel for at least partially receiving at least one container of the plurality of containers and at least one handle panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, the at least one handle panel at least partially defining a locking feature along a free edge thereof for at least partially engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, forming a handle of the carrier by positioning the at least one handle panel, the handle is positionable between a first position, in which the handle panel extends generally upwardly from the at least one attachment panel, and a second position, in which the handle panel is folded relative to the at least one attachment panel such that the locking feature at least partially engages a respective container of the plurality of containers.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the locking feature comprises at least one notch in a free edge of the handle panel.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one handle panel is a first handle panel, the at least one attachment panel is a first attachment panel, the plurality of panels comprises a second attachment panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the second attachment panel.

23. The method of claim 22, where the first handle panel and the second handle panel are foldably connected at a fold line and the forming the handle comprises positioning the first handle panel and the second handle panel in face-to-face contact to form the handle.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the forming the handle comprises aligning curved notches of the first handle panel and the second handle panel to form the locking feature.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the curved notches are aligned with the fold line connecting the first handle panel and the second handle panel.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel have a plurality of container retention features, the plurality of container retention features comprises a plurality of container retention tabs surrounding a respective container retention opening, the method comprises positioning the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel to at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers in a respective container retention opening.

27. The method of claim 26 further comprising obtaining a lower blank, forming the lower blank into a lower construct supporting a base of the plurality of containers.

28. A package holding a plurality of containers, the package comprising a carrier in combination with a lower construct, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels that comprises at least one attachment panel for at least partially receiving at least one container of the plurality of containers and at least one handle panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, the at least one handle panel at least partially forming a handle of the carrier, the at least one handle panel at least partially defining a locking feature along a free edge thereof for at least partially engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, the handle is positionable between a first position, in which the handle panel extends generally upwardly from the at least one attachment panel, and a second position, in which the handle panel is folded relative to the at least one attachment panel such that the at least one locking feature is positioned for at least partially engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers.

29. The package of claim 28, wherein the at least one locking feature comprises at least one notch in a free edge of the handle panel.

30. The package of claim 29, wherein the at least one handle panel is a first handle panel, the at least one attachment panel is a first attachment panel, the plurality of panels comprises a second attachment panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the second attachment panel.

31. The package of claim 30, where the first handle panel and the second handle panel are foldably connected at a fold line and are in face-to-face contact to form the handle.

32. The package of claim 31, wherein the locking feature comprises aligned curved edges of the first handle panel and the second handle panel that form the at least one notch, the carrier comprises openings aligned with the fold line connecting the first handle panel and the second handle panel, the openings forming the locking feature when the first handle panel and the second handle panel are in face-to-face contact.

33. The package of claim 32, wherein each of the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel have a plurality of container retention features, the plurality of container retention features comprises a plurality of container retention tabs surrounding a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] 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.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a lower construct according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side elevation schematic view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 with a handle thereof in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3A is a side elevation schematic view of a package including the carrier of FIG. 3 with a handle thereof in a first position and a lower construct according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side elevation schematic view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 with a handle thereof in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a side elevation schematic view of the carrier of FIG. 4 with the handle being positioned from the second position to the first position.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the package with the carrier and handle as shown in FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the package with the carrier and handle as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the package with the carrier and handle as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the package with the carrier and handle of FIG. 7 being grasped for carrying.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a package and carrier with handle of an alternative embodiment.

[0024] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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., plastic bottles) at least partially disposed within the carrier embodiments. Carriers described herein can also be configured to accommodate containers of food items, for example, canned food items, without departing from the disclosure. In this specification, the terms lower, bottom, upper, top, front, and back indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected carriers.

[0027] 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.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an exterior side 101 of a blank 103 (broadly, upper blank or first blank) used to form a carrier 105 (FIG. 3) (broadly, upper construct or first construct) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 103 for forming the carrier 105 is sized to contain or support six containers, with three containers C being attached to a front portion 106 of the carrier 105 and three containers C being attached to a back portion 108 of the carrier 105. The carrier 105 can be sized and shaped to hold more or less than six containers. In one embodiment, the front portion 106 and the back portion 108 of the carrier 105 each have three containers, and in other embodiments, the front portion 106 and the back portion 108 of the carrier 105 can carry more or less than three containers without departing from the disclosure. The carrier 105 can be provided together with one or more containers as a package 110 (FIG. 3).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the containers C can be beverage bottles, for example, beverage bottles formed of a polymeric material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with respective lower portions or bottom portions B extending to a tapered upper neck portion N that terminates at a flange portion F upon which a cap CP is seated. The containers described herein could be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure.

[0030] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 has a front portion 107 for forming the front portion 106 of the carrier 105, and a back portion 109 for forming the back portion 108 of the carrier 105. The blank 103 can also include a handle portion 111 for forming a handle 113 of the carrier 105. As shown, the handle portion 111 of the blank 103 can include or be positioned between a portion of each of the front portion 107 and the back portion 109 thereof such that the handle 113 can be at least partially positioned between respective portions of the front portion 106 and the back portion 108 when the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103.

[0031] The front portion 107 and the back portion 109 of the blank 103 are foldably connected at a lateral fold line 112 that forms a lateral centerline of the blank 103, as shown. As discussed in further detail below, the blank 103 is partially formed into the carrier 105 by folding the blank 103 at the fold line 112 along the centerline.

[0032] In this regard, the handle portion 111 of the blank 103/handle 113 of the carrier 105 can be at least partially bisected by the fold line 112. It will be understood that the designations of the portions 107, 109 of the blank 103 and the portions 106, 108 of the carrier 105 as respective front and back portions can be reversed without departing from the disclosure.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 107 of the blank 103 comprises a first or front handle panel 121a at least partially defining respective laterally spaced recessed curved free edges 122a thereof that interrupt the fold line 112. As shown, the respective edges 122a of the handle panel 121a can at least partially define respective notches/openings 124a therealong for at least partially receiving a portion of a respective container C, as described further herein.

[0034] A front attachment panel 123a can be foldably connected to the handle panel 121a at a fold line 125, and can include and/or at least partially define a plurality of laterally spaced container retention features 127a for at least partially receiving a respective container C.

[0035] The blank 103 and the carrier 105 formed therefrom can also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. As shown, a front side end flap 129a can be foldably connected to the attachment panel 123a at a lateral fold line 131a that can be at least partially interrupted by the respective container retention features 127a.

[0036] Handle features can also be provided in the blank 103 and carrier 105 formed therefrom for at least partially forming the handle 113. In the illustrated embodiment, a handle reinforcement flap or handle flap 133a can be positioned extending into a handle cutout or opening 135a at least partially defined in the handle panel 121a and the attachment panel 123a so as to at least partially interrupt the fold line 125a. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle flap 133a can be foldably connected to the handle panel 121a at at least one lateral fold line of a plurality of lateral fold lines 137a. In some embodiments, a different number of fold lines can be associated with the handle flap 133a, for example a single fold line.

[0037] With additional reference to FIG. 1A, each container retention features 127a can include a plurality of container retention tabs 139a, 141a, 143a, 145a, 147a, 149a arranged extending around and at least partially into a respective container retention opening 151a at least partially defined in the front attachment panel 123a.

[0038] In this regard, the container retention tab 139a can be at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel 123a at a lateral fold line 153a, the container retention tab 141a can be at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel 123a at a longitudinal fold line 155a, the container retention tab 143a can be at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel 123a at an oblique fold line 157a, the container retention tab 145a can be at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel 123a at a lateral fold line 159a, the container retention tab 147a can be at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel 123a at an oblique fold line 161a, and the container retention tab 149a can be at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel 123a at a longitudinal fold line 163a. It will be understood that one or more relief cuts/lines of weakening can intersect one or more of the fold lines 153a, 155a, 157a, 159a, 161a, 163a, for example, to facilitate relative movement thereof.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or more of the container retention tabs 139a, 141a, 143a, 145a, 147a, 149a, can be a portion of the attachment panel 123a protruding into the respective container retention opening 151a and foldably connected to the remainder of the attachment panel 123a at the respective fold line 153a, 155a, 157a, 159a, 161a, 163a.

[0040] As shown, the container retention tab 139a can be at least partially separable from the adjacent container retention tab 141a at an oblique cut 165a, the container retention tab 141a can be at least partially separable from the adjacent container retention tab 143a at an oblique cut 167a, the container retention tab 143a can be at least partially separable from the adjacent container retention tab 145a at an oblique cut 169a, the container retention tab 145a can be at least partially separable from the adjacent container retention tab 147a at an oblique cut 171a, the container retention tab 147a can be at least partially separable from the adjacent container retention tab 149a at an oblique cut 173a, and the container retention tab 149a can be at least partially separable from the adjacent container retention tab 139a at an oblique cut 175a.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion 109 of the blank 103 includes a second or back handle panel 121b, a back attachment panel 123b, back container retention features 127b, a back side end flap 129b, and a back handle flap 133b having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels, flaps, and features of the front portion 107 of the blank 103. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the a or b suffix, with the a components corresponding to the front portion 107 of the blank 103 and the b components corresponding to the back portion 109 of the blank 103.

[0042] For example, and as shown in FIG. 1B, the back container retention features 127b can include a container retention opening 151b, container retention tabs 139a, 141a, 143a, 145a, 157a, 149a, and associated features with an arrangement generally complementary to that described above with respect to the container retention features 127a.

[0043] As described herein, the handle features that form the handle 113 of the carrier 105 can include one or more of the handle panels 121a, 121b and can include the handle flaps 135a, 135b, handle openings 135a, 13b and other associated features.

[0044] In some embodiments, the blank 103 and carrier 105 formed therefrom can include locking features for at least partially maintaining a formed configuration of the carrier 105 and/or a secure engagement of the carrier 105 with respective containers C. Such locking features can include one or more portions of the handle 113, e.g., so as to include one or more underlying handle features.

[0045] 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 more or less than six containers without departing from this disclosure.

[0046] Turning to FIG. 2, the exterior surface 201 of a blank 203 (broadly, lower blank) for forming a tray or lower construct 205 of the carrier or carrier system 100 in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0047] It will be understood that the carrier 105 and the lower construct 205 can be provided in combination to form a package or system 110. In some embodiments, the lower construct 205 can be considered a portion of the package or system 110. In this regard, in some embodiments, the blanks 103, 203 can be provided in combination for forming a package 110 that includes an upper construct or carrier 105 and a lower construct 205, and, in some embodiments, the blank 103 for forming the carrier 105 can be provided in combination with the blank 203 for forming the lower construct 205 for forming a system.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the blank 203 has the longitudinal axis L3 and a lateral axis L4 and a plurality of panels for at least partially extending around an interior 207 (FIG. 7) of the construct 205 from the blank 203.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 203 can include a central panel or bottom panel 221, a first side panel 223 foldably connected to the bottom panel 221 at a lateral fold line 225, a second side panel 227 foldably connected to the bottom panel 221 at a lateral fold line 229, a first end panel 231 foldably connected to the bottom panel 221 at a longitudinal fold line 233, and a second end panel 235 foldably connected to the bottom panel 221 at a longitudinal fold line 237.

[0050] Each side panel 223, 227, as shown, can include a respective central portion for at least partially forming a side of the lower construct 205 and a respective pair of corner portions 231, 233, 235, 237 at least partially defined by a respective plurality of lines of weakening 239, 241, 243, 245 for at least partially forming corners of the lower construct 205.

[0051] The blank 203 and construct 205 formed therefrom can also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of end flaps. In some embodiments, the plurality of end flaps can include a plurality of attachment end flaps 247, 249, 251, 253 at a respective fold line of the respective pluralities of fold lines 239, 241, 243, 245 for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective end panel 231, 235 when the lower construct 205 is formed from the blank 203.

[0052] Referring additionally to FIGS. 3 and 4, formation of the carrier 105 from the blank 103 according to some exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will be described.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the handle panels 121a, 121b can be a least partially folded at the fold line 112 into at least partial face-to-face contact to at least partially form the handle 113. The attachment panels 123a, 123b can be folded outwardly, e.g., in generally perpendicular relation thereto, relative to the handle panels 121a, 121b, at the respective fold lines 125a, 125b. In this regard, the handle 113 can be positioned extending generally upwardly from the attachment panels 123a, 123b in a first position of the handle 113 (FIGS. 3 and 7).

[0054] In such an arrangement, the free edges 122a, 122b of the respective handle panels 121a, 121b can be aligned such that the respective notches/opening 124a, 124b of the respective handle panels 121a, 121b are also generally aligned so as to present corresponding notches 114 along a distal free edge 116 of the handle 113.

[0055] The front attachment panel 123a can be lowered or otherwise brought into engagement with the containers C such that respective top portions thereof that include at least the respective caps CP and respective flange portions F are at least partially received through the respective container retention openings 151a of the respective container retention features 127a.

[0056] Such engagement of the container retention features 127a with the respective containers C can cause the respective container retention tabs 139a, 141a, 143a, 145a, 147a, 149a to separate from the attachment panel 123a and/or each other at the respective cuts 165a, 167a, 169a, 171a, 173a, 175a and to fold at least partially upwardly at the respective fold lines 153a, 155a, 157a, 159a, 161a, 163a. In this regard, one or more of the container retention tabs 139a, 141a, 143a, 145a, 147a, 149a can rest at least partially against the neck portions N of the respective containers C and distal edges thereof can be positioned to abut the respective flange portions F of the respective containers C, e.g., in a bracing relationship. For example, one or more of the container retention tabs 139a, 141a, 143a, 145a, 147a, 149a can extend from the attachment panel 123a to the flange portion F of a respective container C in an at least partially compressed state.

[0057] Similarly, the back attachment panel 123b can be lowered or otherwise brought into engagement with the containers C such that respective portions thereof are at least partially received through the respective container retention openings 151b of the respective container retention features 127b. In one embodiment, the attachment panels 123a, 123b can be typically brought into engagement with the containers simultaneously, however, the containers can be attached to the carrier by other steps or methods without departing from the disclosure.

[0058] Such engagement of the container retention features 127b with the respective containers C can cause the respective container retention tabs 139b, 141b, 143b, 145b, 147b, 149b to separate from the attachment panel 123b and/or each other at the respective cuts 165b, 167b, 169b, 171b, 173b, 175b and to fold at least partially upwardly at the respective fold lines 153b, 155b, 157b, 159b, 161b, 163b in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the front attachment panel 123a with the respective containers C.

[0059] In some embodiments, one or both of the side end flaps 129a, 129b can fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines 131a, 131b, e.g., into an oblique arrangement with the respective attachment panels 123a, 123b, upon engagement of the carrier 105 with the containers C as described above.

[0060] In the aforementioned arrangement of the handle 113 in the first position, the handle panels 121a, 121b can be positioned in face-to-face contact and extending generally upwardly from the attachment panels 123a, 123b and remainder of the carrier 105/package 110 for being grasped by a consumer other user. A user can insert one or more fingers through the aligned handle cutouts 135a, 135b, e.g., so as to curl his or her fingers around portions of the handle 113 at least partially defined by the respective handle panels 121a, 121b and the top free edge 116 of the handle 113.

[0061] In some embodiments, engagement of the handle 113 by a user can cause the aligned handle flaps 133a, 133b to at least partially fold at one or more respective aligned fold lines 137a, 137b so as to be positioned between the user's hand and a remainder of the handle 113, for example, for comfort, to provide additional plies of material for strength and to avoid unwanted tearing, etc.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 113 can be repositionable between the first position, generally upright configuration (FIG. 3), and a second position, lowered and locked position of (FIGS. 4 and 5), wherein the free edge 116 engages the container C in the front portion and/or the back portion of the carrier 105. In the second position, the locking features 114 of the free edge 116 of the handle can engage a respective cap CP of the containers C such that the handle is locked in the second position. The handle 113 can be raised from the second position by grasping and disengaging the locking features 114 of the free edge 116 of the handle and lifting and raising the handle (FIGS. 4A and 6). To position the handle 113 from the first position to the second position, the overlapped handle panels 121a, 121b can be at least partially folded at the aligned fold lines 125a, 125b, toward one of the front portion 106 of the carrier 105 and the back portion 108 of the carrier 105. In the illustrated embodiment, when the handle 113 is in the second position, the respective handle panel 121a, 121b could be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with a respective portion of a respective attachment panel 123a, 123b, or could extend at least partially obliquely upwardly therefrom.

[0063] As shown in the second position of the handle 113, the handle panels 121a, 121b can be such that the aligned free edges 122a, 122b that form the locking features 114 created by the aligned/overlapped notches/openings 124a, 124b in each of the handle panels 121a, 121b are positioned such that the free edge 116 of the handle has an at least partially contoured arrangement engaging the neck portions N of the respective containers C. In some embodiments, the handle 113 can contact or otherwise engage one or more of the flange portions F of the respective containers C. The curved edges 122a of the first handle panel 121a and the curved edges 122b of the second handle panel 121b are aligned when the handle panels are placed in face-to-face contact to form the handle 113. The aligned curved edges 122a, 122b form the notches/locking features 114 of the free edge 116 of the handle. The handle 113 can have other features and be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment in the second position, the handle 113 can extend toward respective containers C in a bracing relationship, e.g., such that at least a portion of the free edge 116 of the handle formed by the combined handle panels 121a, 121b are placed under compression so as to at least partially maintained a tightened engagement of the carrier 105 with the containers C. In this regard, the positioning in the handle 113 in the second position engaging respective containers C can minimize tolerances, e.g., gaps, between the carrier 105 and respective containers C. In this regard, the second position of the handle 113 can be a locked or locking position of the handle 113 increasing the tightness of the carrier 105 secured to the containers C and increasing the secure attachment of the containers C to carrier105.

[0065] The aforementioned features are further illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 5-8, in which the carrier 105 is an upper construct provided in combination with a lower construct 205 formed from the blank 205 to form the package 110. As described herein, the combination of the upper construct 105 and the lower construct 205 can be a system or package 110 that can include the one or more containers C.

[0066] The lower construct 205 can be at least partially formed from the blank 203, in some embodiments, by at least partially folding the respective panels 223, 227, 231, 235 into a generally upright relationship with the bottom panel 221 at the respective fold lines 225, 229, 233, 237.

[0067] The respective corner portions 231, 233, 235, 237 of the respective side panels 223, 227 can be at least partially folded at the respective pluralities of fold lines 239, 241, 243, 245 to form at least partially curved/contoured corner portions that position the respective attachment end flaps 247. 249. 251. 253 in at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective end panels 231, 235.

[0068] The respective panels of the blank 203/lower construct 205 can thus extend at least partially around an interior 207 thereof for at least partially receiving respective lower portions B of the containers C for maintaining the containers C in a generally packed/abutting relationship, e.g., such that the lower portions B thereof are at least partially restricted from moving apart.

[0069] The carrier 105 and package 110 described above provides a compact structure that can, for example, provide materials savings and waste reduction. For example, the reconfigurability of the handle 113 between first/upright position and the second/locked position can contribute toward a secure engagement of the carrier 105 with respective containers, as well as maintaining a formed configuration of the carrier 105, in a manner so as to obviate the use of adhesives such as glue. Multiple packages 110 having carriers 105 are suitable for stacking such as on pallets. The carrier 105 can be two-ply for strength, or single ply with sufficient thickness to sufficiently carry the containers. The carrier 105 and the package 110 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0070] FIG. 9 discloses a package 210 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The package 210 includes a carrier 250 having a handle 213 with a free edge 216 that is generally straight. The handle 213 can be sized so that the free edge 216 is placed under the containers C in one of the front portion or the back portion of the carrier 205 in the second/locked position of the handle in a similar manner as the handle 213 noted above for the first embodiment. The package 210 and carrier 205 could have other features and be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carrier embodiments. The term glue is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as bottom or top and the like can be used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a bottom surface can then be oriented above other elements or features. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0077] Terms and, or, and an/or, as used herein, may include a variety of meanings that also is expected to depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, or if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term one or more as used herein may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular or may be used to describe some combination of features, structures, or characteristics. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example and claimed subject matter is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the term at least one of if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, can be interpreted to mean any combination of A, B, and/or C, such as A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, AA, AAB, ABC, AABBCCC, etc.

[0078] Reference throughout this specification to one example, an example, certain examples, or exemplary implementation means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the feature and/or example may be included in at least one feature and/or example of claimed subject matter. Thus, the appearances of the phrase in one example, an example, in certain examples, in certain implementations, or other like phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same feature, example, and/or limitation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples and/or features.

[0079] In the preceding detailed description, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods and apparatuses that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include all aspects falling within the scope of appended claims, and equivalents thereof.