U.S. patent application number 16/241089 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-11 for carrier with gusset.
The applicant listed for this patent is Graphic Packaging International, LLC. Invention is credited to Steve M. Gould, Jon Thompson.
Application Number | 20190210780 16/241089 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67140116 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190210780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson; Jon ; et
al. |
July 11, 2019 |
Carrier with Gusset
Abstract
A carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a
plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior
of the carrier, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a
first side panel, a second side panel, and at least one bottom
panel. At least one gusset is foldably connected to the at least
one bottom panel and one of the first side panel and the second
side panel, and the at least one gusset extends between the one of
the first side panel and the second side panel and the at least one
bottom panel. At least one top retainer is foldably connected to
the top panel and extends across one end of the carrier. A handle
extends across at least the top panel for grasping and carrying the
carrier.
Inventors: |
Thompson; Jon; (Bristol,
GB) ; Gould; Steve M.; (Bristol, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Graphic Packaging International, LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67140116 |
Appl. No.: |
16/241089 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62614647 |
Jan 8, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/0016 20130101;
B65D 71/36 20130101; B65D 2571/00444 20130101; B65D 2571/00759
20130101; B65D 2571/00172 20130101; B65D 2571/00469 20130101; B65D
2571/00574 20130101; B65D 2571/00141 20130101; B65D 2571/00277
20130101; B65D 71/16 20130101; B65D 5/241 20130101; B65D 2571/00543
20130101; B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D 2571/00796 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/36 20060101
B65D071/36; B65D 5/24 20060101 B65D005/24 |
Claims
1. A carrier for carrying a plurality of containers, the carrier
comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially
around an interior of the carrier, the plurality of panels
comprising a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel,
and at least one bottom panel; at least one gusset foldably
connected to the at least one bottom panel and one of the first
side panel and the second side panel, the at least one gusset
extending between the one of the first side panel and the second
side panel and the at least one bottom panel; at least one top
retainer is foldably connected to the top panel and extends across
one end of the carrier; and a handle extending across at least the
top panel, the handle for grasping and carrying the carrier.
2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one gusset is
foldably connected to the at least one top retainer.
3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the at least one top retainer
comprises a top retention panel foldably connected to a tuck-in
panel, the at least one gusset is foldably connected to the tuck-in
panel.
4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein the at least one gusset
comprises a first gusset panel foldably connected to a second
gusset panel.
5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the first gusset panel is
foldably connected to the one of the first side panel and the
second side panel, and the second gusset panel is foldably
connected to the at least one top retainer.
6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the at least one top retainer
comprises a central portion and at least one corner portion
foldably connected to the central portion.
7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the at least one corner portion
comprises a pair of first corner portions foldably connected to the
central portion, a pair of second corner portions foldably
connected to respective first corner portions, and a pair of third
corner portions foldably connected to respective second corner
portions.
8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the at least one top retainer
comprises a pair of corner flaps that is foldably connected to a
respective third corner portion.
9. The carrier of claim 8, wherein the tuck-in panel is foldably
connected to a corner flap of the pair of corner flaps.
10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the at least one gusset is a
first gusset foldably connected to the first side panel, the
carrier further comprises a second gusset foldably connected to the
second side panel, the tuck-in panel is a first tuck-in panel
foldably connected to the first gusset, and the at least one top
retainer comprises a second tuck-in panel foldably connected to the
second gusset.
11. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the first gusset and the
second gusset are foldably connected to the respective first side
panel and the second side panel at a first end of the carrier, the
carrier further comprises a third gusset and a fourth gusset
foldably connected to the respective first side panel and the
second side panel at a second end of the carrier, the at least one
top retainer is a first top retainer foldably connected to the top
panel at the first end of the carrier, and the carrier further
comprises a second top retainer foldably connected to the top panel
at the second end of the carrier.
12. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises at least
one pair of access flaps foldably connected to the top panel, and a
handle panel at least partially defined by a pair of cuts extending
from the at least one pair of access flaps into the respective
first side panel and the second side panel.
13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the at least one pair of
access flaps is a first pair of access flaps and the handle further
comprises a second pair of access flaps foldably connected to the
top panel.
14. The carrier of claim 13, wherein the pair of cuts are a first
pair of cuts extending from the first pair of access flaps into the
respective first side panel and the second side panel, and the
handle further comprises a second pair of cuts extending from the
second pair of access flaps into the respective first side panel
and the second side panel.
15. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the handle panel comprises at
least one central edge adjacent an opening for receiving a portion
of at least one container.
16. The carrier of claim 15, wherein, when the handle is lifted,
the at least one central edge is positioned to engage the portion
of the at least one container.
17. The carrier of claim 16, wherein, when the at least one central
edge is positioned to engage the portion of the at least one
container, the handle is locked in a lifted position.
18. The carrier of claim 15, wherein a plurality of cuts in one of
the first side panel and the second side panel are positioned
adjacent the opening.
19. A blank for forming a carrier for carrying a plurality of
containers, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels for
extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier
formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a top
panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and at least one
bottom panel; at least one gusset foldably connected to the at
least one bottom panel and one of the first side panel and the
second side panel, the at least one gusset extending between the
one of the first side panel and the second side panel and the at
least one bottom panel in the carrier formed from the blank; at
least one top retainer is foldably connected to the top panel for
extending across one end of the carrier formed from the blank; and
a handle extending across at least the top panel.
20. The blank of claim 19, wherein the at least one gusset is
foldably connected to the at least one top retainer.
21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one top retainer
comprises a top retention panel foldably connected to a tuck-in
panel, the at least one gusset is foldably connected to the tuck-in
panel.
22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the at least one gusset
comprises a first gusset panel foldably connected to a second
gusset panel.
23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the first gusset panel is
foldably connected to the one of the first side panel and the
second side panel, and the second gusset panel is foldably
connected to the at least one top retainer.
24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the at least one top retainer
comprises a central portion and at least one corner portion
foldably connected to the central portion.
25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the at least one corner portion
comprises a pair of first corner portions foldably connected to the
central portion, a pair of second corner portions foldably
connected to respective first corner portions, and a pair of third
corner portions foldably connected to respective second corner
portions.
26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the at least one top retainer
comprises a pair of corner flaps that is foldably connected to a
respective third corner portion.
27. The blank of claim 26, wherein the tuck-in panel is foldably
connected to a corner flap of the pair of corner flaps.
28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the at least one gusset is a
first gusset foldably connected to the first side panel, the
carrier further comprises a second gusset foldably connected to the
second side panel, the tuck-in panel is a first tuck-in panel
foldably connected to the first gusset, and the at least one top
retainer comprises a second tuck-in panel foldably connected to the
second gusset.
29. The blank of claim 28, wherein the first gusset and the second
gusset are foldably connected to the respective first side panel
and the second side panel at a first end of the carrier formed from
the blank, the blank further comprises a third gusset and a fourth
gusset foldably connected to the respective first side panel and
the second side panel at a second end of the carrier formed from
the blank, the at least one top retainer is a first top retainer
foldably connected to the top panel at the first end of the carrier
formed from the blank, and the blank further comprises a second top
retainer foldably connected to the top panel at the second end of
the carrier formed from the blank.
30. The blank of claim 19, wherein the handle comprises at least
one pair of access flaps foldably connected to the top panel, and a
handle panel at least partially defined by a pair of cuts extending
from the at least one pair of access flaps into the respective
first side panel and the second side panel.
31. The blank of claim 19, wherein the at least one pair of access
flaps is a first pair of access flaps and the handle further
comprises a second pair of access flaps foldably connected to the
top panel.
32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the pair of cuts are a first
pair of cuts extending from the first pair of access flaps into the
respective first side panel and the second side panel, and the
handle further comprises a second pair of cuts extending from the
second pair of access flaps into the respective first side panel
and the second side panel.
33. The blank of claim 30, wherein the handle panel comprises at
least one central edge adjacent an opening for receiving a portion
of at least one container.
34. The blank of claim 33, wherein a plurality of cuts in one of
the first side panel and the second side panel are positioned
adjacent the opening.
35. A method of forming a carrier for carrying a plurality of
containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a
plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a first side panel, a
second side panel, and at least one bottom panel, at least one
gusset foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel and one
of the first side panel and the second side panel, at least one top
retainer is foldably connected to the top panel, and a handle
extending across at least the top panel; and folding the plurality
of panels at least partially around an interior of the carrier such
that the at least one gusset extends between the one of the first
side panel and the second side panel and the at least one bottom
panel, and such that the at least one retainer extends across one
end of the carrier.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the at least one gusset is
foldably connected to the at least one top retainer.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one top retainer
comprises a top retention panel foldably connected to a tuck-in
panel, the at least one gusset is foldably connected to the tuck-in
panel.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one gusset
comprises a first gusset panel foldably connected to a second
gusset panel.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the first gusset panel is
foldably connected to the one of the first side panel and the
second side panel, and the second gusset panel is foldably
connected to the at least one top retainer.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one top retainer
comprises a central portion and at least one corner portion
foldably connected to the central portion.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the at least one corner portion
comprises a pair of first corner portions foldably connected to the
central portion, a pair of second corner portions foldably
connected to respective first corner portions, and a pair of third
corner portions foldably connected to respective second corner
portions.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the at least one top retainer
comprises a pair of corner flaps that is foldably connected to a
respective third corner portion.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the tuck-in panel is foldably
connected to a corner flap of the pair of corner flaps.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the at least one gusset is a
first gusset foldably connected to the first side panel, the
carrier further comprises a second gusset foldably connected to the
second side panel, the tuck-in panel is a first tuck-in panel
foldably connected to the first gusset, and the at least one top
retainer comprises a second tuck-in panel foldably connected to the
second gusset.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first gusset and the second
gusset are foldably connected to the respective first side panel
and the second side panel at a first end of the carrier, the
carrier further comprises a third gusset and a fourth gusset
foldably connected to the respective first side panel and the
second side panel at a second end of the carrier, the at least one
top retainer is a first top retainer foldably connected to the top
panel at the first end of the carrier, and the carrier further
comprises a second top retainer foldably connected to the top panel
at the second end of the carrier.
46. The method of claim 35, wherein the handle comprises at least
one pair of access flaps foldably connected to the top panel, and a
handle panel at least partially defined by a pair of cuts extending
from the at least one pair of access flaps into the respective
first side panel and the second side panel.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the at least one pair of access
flaps is a first pair of access flaps and the handle further
comprises a second pair of access flaps foldably connected to the
top panel.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the pair of cuts are a first
pair of cuts extending from the first pair of access flaps into the
respective first side panel and the second side panel, and the
handle further comprises a second pair of cuts extending from the
second pair of access flaps into the respective first side panel
and the second side panel.
49. The method of claim 46, wherein the handle panel comprises at
least one central edge adjacent an opening for receiving a portion
of at least one container.
50. The method of claim 49, further comprising lifting the handle
such that the at least one central edge is positioned to engage the
portion of the at least one container.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein, when the at least one central
edge is positioned to engage the portion of the at least one
container, the handle is locked in a lifted position.
52. The method of claim 49, wherein a plurality of cuts in one of
the first side panel and the second side panel are positioned
adjacent the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/614,647, which was filed on Jan. 8,
2018.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/614,647, which was filed on Jan. 8, 2018, is hereby incorporated
by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to carriers for
holding and carrying beverage containers or other types of
articles.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a carrier for
carrying a plurality of containers comprises a plurality of panels
extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier. The
plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a first side panel, a
second side panel, and at least one bottom panel. At least one
gusset is foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel and
one of the first side panel and the second side panel, the at least
one gusset extending between the one of the first side panel and
the second side panel and the at least one bottom panel. At least
one top retainer is foldably connected to the top panel and extends
across one end of the carrier. A handle extends across at least the
top panel, the handle for grasping and carrying the carrier.
[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a blank for
forming a carrier for carrying a plurality of containers comprises
a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an
interior of the carrier formed from the blank. The plurality of
panels comprises a top panel, a first side panel, a second side
panel, and at least one bottom panel. At least one gusset is
foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel and one of the
first side panel and the second side panel, the at least one gusset
extending between the one of the first side panel and the second
side panel and the at least one bottom panel in the carrier formed
from the blank. At least one top retainer is foldably connected to
the top panel for extending across one end of the carrier formed
from the blank. A handle extends across at least the top panel.
[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of
forming a carrier for carrying a plurality of containers comprises
obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a top
panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and at least one
bottom panel. At least one gusset is foldably connected to the at
least one bottom panel and one of the first side panel and the
second side panel, and at least one top retainer is foldably
connected to the top panel. A handle extends across at least the
top panel. The method further comprises folding the plurality of
panels at least partially around an interior of the carrier such
that the at least one gusset extends between the one of the first
side panel and the second side panel and the at least one bottom
panel, and such that the at least one retainer extends across one
end of the carrier.
[0007] Other aspects, features, and details of the present
disclosure can be more completely understood by reference to the
following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in
conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims.
[0008] 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.
Further, 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank used
to form a carrier according to one embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a sequence of
folding of the blank of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a sequence of
folding of the blank of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a carrier formed from the blank of
FIG. 1 in a closed configuration, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 4,
with a handle in a raised configuration.
[0015] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding
reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The present disclosure generally relates to various features
for cartons or carriers that contain articles such as containers,
bottles, cans, etc. The articles can be used for packaging food and
beverage products, for example. The articles 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, aluminum and/or other metals; glass; plastics such as PET,
LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or
any combination thereof.
[0017] Cartons or carriers according to the present disclosure can
accommodate articles of any shape. 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 beverage cans) as disposed within the carrier
embodiments. In this specification, the terms "inner," "interior,"
"outer," "exterior," "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" indicate
orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright
cartons.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 2 of a blank 3,
used to form a carrier 5 (FIG. 5) according to one embodiment of
the disclosure. The carrier 5 can be used to house a plurality of
articles such as containers C (FIG. 2). In the illustrated
embodiment, the containers C are beverage cans and the carrier 5 is
sized to house six containers in a single layer in a 2x3
arrangement, but it is understood that the carrier 5 may be sized
and shaped to hold containers C of a different or same quantity in
more than one layer and/or in different row/column arrangements
(e.g., 1.times.6, 2.times.6, 2.times.4, 2.times.2,
2.times.6.times.2, 2.times.4.times.2, 2.times.9, etc.). In the
illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 can include bottom corner
gussets 11 for engaging bottom portions BP or bottoms B of the
containers C at side corners 100 of the carrier 5. In addition, the
carrier 5 can include a handle, generally indicated at 7, for
grasping and carrying the carrier 5. The carrier 5 can also include
top retainers 9 at each end 6, 8 (broadly, "first end" and "second
end", respectively") for retaining the containers C in an interior
10 of the carrier 5.
[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the ends 6, 8 of the carrier
5 are generally open ends and the carrier 5 wraps around the
containers C (e.g., the carrier 5 may be referred to as a
wrap-around carton). In the illustrated embodiment, the top
retainers 9 at least partially close a respective end 6, 8, but the
carrier 5 could be otherwise shaped and arranged such that one or
both the top retainers 9 are omitted or the ends 6, 8 are at least
partially closed by other closing mechanisms such as other panel
and/or flap arrangements.
[0020] The blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis
L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 comprises a top
panel 20 foldably connected to a first side panel 22 at a first
lateral fold line 24, a first bottom panel 26 foldably connected to
the first side panel 22 at a second lateral fold line 28, a second
side panel 30 foldably connected to the top panel 20 at a third
lateral fold line 32, and a second bottom panel 34 foldably
connected to the second side panel 30 at a fourth lateral fold line
36. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bottom panel 26
includes a first bottom bevel panel 38 defined by the lateral fold
line 28 and a lateral fold line 40. The second bottom panel 34
includes a second bottom bevel panel 42 defined by the lateral fold
line 36 and a lateral fold line 44. The first side panel 22
includes a first top bevel panel 39 defined by the lateral fold
line 24 and a lateral fold line 41. The second side panel 30
includes a second top bevel panel 43 defined by the lateral fold
line 32 and a lateral fold line 45. The blank 3 could be otherwise
configured, for example, such that the bevel panels 38, 39, 42, 43
are otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and/or omitted without
departing from the disclosure.
[0021] In one embodiment, the blank 3 includes central openings 46
in the respective first top bevel panel 39 and second top bevel
panel 43 between respective segments of the fold lines 24, 41 and
32, 45. Also, the blank 3 includes end openings 50 at respective
ends of the first top bevel panel 39 and second top bevel panel 43
and extending along portions of the respective side panels 22, 30.
The central openings 46 and the end openings 50 are for receiving
at least a portion of a top portion TP or top T of a respective
container C, as described further herein. As shown in FIG. 1, the
blank 3 includes bottom openings 48 in the first bottom bevel panel
38 and the second bottom bevel panel 42 between respective segments
of the fold lines 28, 40, 36, 44. The bottom openings 48 are for
receiving at least a portion of a bottom portion BP or bottom B of
a respective container C. In one embodiment, the first bottom panel
26 includes a bottom central opening 49 spaced inwardly from the
first bottom bevel panel 38. The bottom central opening 49 is for
viewing indicia (e.g., date of production or "best by" date, label,
etc.) located or printed on the bottom portion BP or bottom B of
one of the containers C in the carrier 5. The openings 46, 48, 49,
50 of the blank 3 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured,
and/or omitted without departing from the disclosure.
[0022] The first bottom panel 26 includes cutouts 51 that form
primary female locking edges 52 that are shaped and positioned to
engage primary male locking tab projections 54 that are foldably
connected to the second bottom panel 34. The first bottom panel 26
also includes slits 56 shaped and positioned to receive outer
secondary locking tab projections 58 of the second bottom panel 34.
In the illustrated embodiment, the second bottom panel 34 includes
a lateral fold line 60 that is interrupted by slits 61 that define
the primary male locking tab projections 54. In addition, each of
the secondary locking tab projections 58 can include a lateral fold
line 62 and a flap 63 at least partially defined by a cut in the
interior of the secondary locking tab projections 58. The slits 56
cooperate with a respective fold line 57 in the first bottom panel
26 to form a locking flap 59 having a projection 64 that is for
engaging the flap 63 of the secondary locking tab projections 58.
Although the locking elements of the blank 3 are illustrated to
demonstrate a particular bottom panel locking arrangement suitable
for use with the carrier 5, it is understood that any alternative
form of bottom panel locking structure may be employed without
departing from the disclosure.
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 includes top
retainer features in the form of a top retainer 9 located at each
longitudinal end of the top panel 20. The top retainers 9 each
include a top retention panel 94 foldably connected to the top
panel 20 at a longitudinal fold line 92. Each top retention panel
94 includes a central portion 95, respective first corner portions
97 foldably connected to opposing sides of the central portion 95
at respective oblique fold lines 96, respective second corner
portions 99 foldably connected to the respective first corner
portions 97 at respective oblique fold lines 101, and respective
third corner portions 103 foldably connected to the respective
second corner portions 99 at respective lateral fold lines 105. The
arrangement of the top retention panel 94 allows one or more of the
portions 95, 97, 99, 103 to rearrange to conform to the shape of a
container C at a respective side corner 100 of the carrier 5.
Respective corner flaps 98 are foldably connected to respective
third corner portions 103 of the top retention panels 94 at
respective lateral fold lines 107. In one embodiment, the corner
flaps 98 are respective portions of the top retention panels 94.
Tuck-in panels 102 are foldably connected to respective corner
flaps 98 at respective oblique fold lines 109, and are foldably
connected to respective side panels 22, 30 at respective fold lines
111. The top retainers 9 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,
configured, and/or omitted without departing from the
disclosure.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 includes bottom
retainer features in the form of the bottom gussets 11 foldably
connected to respective tuck-in panels 102 at respective oblique
fold lines 106. In one embodiment, each bottom gusset 11 includes a
first gusset panel 108 foldably connected to a respective tuck-in
flap 102 at the fold lines 106, and a second gusset panel 110
foldably connected to respective first gusset panels 108 at oblique
fold lines 112 and foldably connected to a respective bottom panel
26, 34 at respective oblique fold lines 114. In this regard, the
bottom gussets 11 are foldably connected to the top retainers 9. In
one embodiment, the bottom retainer features include respective
openings 116 comprising an edge of the respective first gusset
panels 108, an edge of the respective second gusset panels 110, an
edge of the respective tuck-in panels 102, an edge of the
respective bottom bevel panels 38, 42, and an edge of the
respective side panels 22, 30. The bottom retainer features of the
blank 3 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and/or
omitted without departing from the disclosure.
[0025] In this regard, the carrier 5 includes a first top retainer
9 foldably connected to the top panel 20 at the first end 6 of the
carrier 5, a second top retainer 9 foldably connected to the top
panel 20 at the second end 8 of the carrier 5, a first gusset 11
foldably connected to the first side panel 22 at the first end 6 of
the carrier 5, a second gusset 11 foldably connected to the second
side panel 30 at the first end 6 of the carrier 5, a third gusset
11 foldably connected to the first side panel 22 at the second end
8 of the carrier 5, and a fourth gusset 11 foldably connected to
the second side panel 30 at the second end 8 of the carrier 5.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 7 includes two access
features 120 in the top panel 20 and two pairs of tear lines or
cuts 122, 124 (broadly, "first pair of cuts" and "second pair of
cuts", respectively) extending from each of the access features 120
across a respective top bevel panel 39, 43 and into a respective
side panel 22, 30. In one embodiment, each access feature 120
includes two pairs of access flaps 128, 130 (broadly, "first pair
of access flaps" and "second pair of access flaps", respectively)
foldably connected to the top panel 20 at respective fold lines
132, 134, which can each have one or more curved portions. The
access flaps 128, 130 are defined by a longitudinal tear line 136,
138 extending between respective ends of the fold lines 132, 134.
In one embodiment, the handle 7 includes a handle panel 140 defined
by the cuts 122, 124, 136, 138 and extending across the top panel
20, the top bevel panels 39, 43 and partially into the side panels
22, 30. The handle panel 140 can further include the access flaps
130 and the openings 46 in the top bevel panels 39, 43 that define
respective central edges 143 of the handle panel 140. The handle
panel 140 can include fold lines 142 in the top panel 20 and cuts
144, 145 in the side panels 22, 30 adjacent a respective opening
46. The fold lines 142 and cuts 144, 145 facilitate forming the
handle 7 by allowing one or more portions of the handle panel 140
to flex when lifted. For example, the cuts 144, 145 are positioned
the respective openings 46 to permit flexing of the region adjacent
the openings 46 when a container C is at least partially received
therethrough, as described further herein. The handle 7 could
include other features for carrying the carrier 5, or the features
shown could be otherwise positioned, shaped, and/or arranged,
and/or omitted without departing from the disclosure.
[0027] Referring additionally to FIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment, the
carrier 5 can be erected by wrapping the blank 3 around the
containers C and interlocking the first and second bottom panels
26, 34 to form a generally open ended sleeve that wraps around the
containers C. In one embodiment, the containers C can be placed
with the respective tops T facing down on the interior side of the
top panel 20 of the blank 3. The side panels 22, 30 are then folded
upwardly toward the containers C along the lateral fold lines 24,
32 in the direction of the respective arrows A1 and A2. As the side
panels 22, 30 are folded upwardly, the tuck-in panels 102 are
respectively tucked inwardly about the fold lines 111 in the
direction of the respective arrows A3 and A4 to be in face-to-face
contact with the respective side panels 22, 30. Accordingly, the
top retention panels 94 are folded upwardly relative to the top
panel 20 in the direction of the arrow A5 to extend across the ends
6, 8 of the carrier 5. The top retention panels 94 partially wrap
around portions, e.g., top portions TP, of the containers C at the
ends 6, 8 of the carrier 5 to respectively form the top retainers 9
that contain the containers C at four top corners 147 of the
carrier 5.
[0028] As the tuck-in panels 102 are tucked inwardly, the bottom
gussets 11 are activated, e.g., such that the respective gusset
panels 108, 110 are folded toward the interior 10 of the carrier 5
in the direction of the respective arrows A6, A7 and A8, A9 at the
respective fold lines 106, 114 and folded with respect to each
other at the respective fold lines 112. In such an arrangement, the
respective first gusset panels 108 extend from the respective
tuck-in panels 102 and the respective second gusset panels 110
extend to a respective bottom panel 26, 34. The tuck-in panels 102
are held in place by virtue of the tuck-in panels 102 being
respectively sandwiched (e.g., held, pinched, braced etc.) between
the containers C and the interior surface of the side panels 22,
30. While the aforementioned folding has been shown and described
with respect to the end 8 of the carrier 5, it will be understood
that the panels and flaps associated with the opposite end 6 of the
carrier 5 can be formed in a substantially similar manner.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second bottom
panels 26, 34 are folded along the respective fold lines 28, 40 and
36, 44, and, as shown in FIG. 4, the second bottom panel 34 is
secured to the first bottom panel 26 by first respectively engaging
primary male locking tabs 54 with the primary female locking edges
52. The secondary male locking flaps 58 are respectively inserted
through, and cooperatively interact with, the slits 56 to further
secure the second bottom panel 34 to the first bottom panel 26. The
interlocked bottom panels 26, 34 cooperate to form a bottom panel
of the carrier 5. As the first and second bottom panels 26, 34 are
folded over the bottoms B of the containers C, the top retainer 9
is positioned to extend across each of the ends 6, 8 of the carrier
5 and the bottom gussets 11 are positioned to extend generally
between a respective side panel 22, 30 and bottom panel 26, 34 at a
respective bottom corner 149 of the carrier 5.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the handle 7 is activated by
accessing the handle panel 140 at the access features and tearing
the carrier 5 along tear lines 122, 124, 136, 138 to allow the
handle panel 140 to be lifted relative to the top panel 20 and side
panels 22, 30. The access flaps 128, 130 are inwardly folded along
the respective fold lines 132 and the handle panel 140 is grasped,
e.g., along an underside of the handle panel 140 accessed between
portions of the respective access flaps 128, 130, to lift or carry
the carrier 5. The openings 46 in the handle panel 140 are shaped
to receive, engage, and/or attach to the top portion TP and/or top
T of two respective containers C to lock the handle 7 in a raised
or activate position (FIG. 6), e.g., such that a portion of the top
portions TP and/or tops T of the containers C adjacent the
respective openings 46 protrude at least partially therethrough.
For example, the respective central edges 143 of the handle panel
140 can engage containers C at or between a respective rim R and
top T recessed below the rim R. In this regard, further movement,
e.g., flexing, bowing, or flattening, of the handle 7 can be
minimized, inhibited, and/or prevented such that the handle 7 is
maintained in a lifted position. The handle 7 could be activated in
an alternative manner without departing from the disclosure.
[0031] The bottom gussets 11 of the carrier 5 help retain the
containers C located at the side corners 100 of the carrier C and
extend between the respective side panels 22, 30 and a respective
bottom panel 26, 34 to provide coverage of indicia (e.g., barcode,
label, etc.), e.g., by at least partially obscuring portions
thereof, on the containers C near the bottom corners 149 of the
carrier 5 that would otherwise be exposed to a consumer. Covering
of the barcode or other indicia on the individual containers C by
the bottom gussets 11 prevents any confusion at the point of sale
with a different, but similar, barcode or other indicia printed on
the carrier 5, for example such that the consumer is provided with
the barcode or indicia of the package and is not confused by a
barcode or indicia associated with any individual container C
thereof. Further, the top retainers 9 at the respective ends 6, 8
of the carrier 5 also retain the containers C in the carrier 5 can
provide coverage of indicia (e.g., barcode, label, etc.) on
individual containers C. In one embodiment, the containers C can be
placed in the carrier 5 with the respective bottoms B positioned
adjacent the top panel 20 to facilitate coverage of indicia by the
top retainers 9. Furthermore, the handle 7 has locking features for
locking the handle panel 140 in a raised or activated position that
allows the carrier 5 to be easily grasped and carried.
[0032] While the carrier 5 has been described above as a construct
that is configured to receive the containers C, it will be
understood that the carrier 5 can be provided together with the
containers C as a package 151. Furthermore, it will be understood
that the handle 7 can be incorporated into a different
configuration of the carrier 5, for example, a configuration of the
carrier 5 in which one or both of the ends 6,8 of the carrier 5 are
enclosed, e.g., in a wraparound or fully-enclosed configuration.
The carrier 5 can also be arranged in a different configuration in
which panels and/or flaps thereof are wrapped around the containers
C, e.g., around the sides, tops, and/or bottoms thereof, and
include the handle 7. In another embodiment, the carrier 5 can be
configured as an enclosed or open carton provided with the handle
7.
[0033] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the
disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise
configured with other features of other embodiments of the
disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
Further, it is noted that the any of the features of the various
embodiments can be incorporated into a carton or carrier having any
carton style or panel configuration. The carrier styles and panel
configurations described above are included by way of example.
[0034] In general, the blanks according to the present disclosure
can be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is
heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be
constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other
material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to
function at least generally as described above. The blanks 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.
[0035] 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 of 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more
panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton
embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of
adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.
[0038] 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.
* * * * *