CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosures of each of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,689, filed on December 14, 2018,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,752, filed on December 21, 2018,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,830, filed on January 25, 2019,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,585, filed on January 28, 2019,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/810,015, filed on February 25, 2019,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,412, filed on March 6, 2019,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/817,120, filed on March 12, 2019,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/841,449, filed on May 1, 2019,
U.S. Patent Application No. 16/426,050, filed on May 30, 2019,
U.S. Patent Application No. 16/426,057, filed on May 30, 2019,
U.S. Patent Application No. 16/426,060, filed on May 30, 2019,
U.S. Patent Application No. 16/426,063, filed on May 30, 2019,
U.S. Patent Application No. 16/426,066, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Patent Application No.
29/692,992, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Patent Application No.
29/692,993, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Patent Application No.
29/692,994, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Patent Application No.
29/692,996, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Patent Application No.
29/692,997, filed on May 30, 2019,
U.S. Patent Application No. 16/598,282, filed on October 10, 2019, U.S. Design Patent Application No.
29/709, 918, filed on October 18, 2019,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/952,839, filed on December 23, 2019, and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/956,882, filed on January 3, 2020 are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons or carriers for holding, displaying,
and/or transporting containers.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a carrier for holding a plurality of containers
comprises a first construct and a second construct. The first construct comprises
a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment
panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of
containers, the at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached
to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. The second construct comprises
at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second construct positioned in at
least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel.
[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a first blank and a second blank are
for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The first blank comprises
a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment
panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of
containers, the at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached
to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from
the first blank and the second blank. The second blank comprises at least one panel,
the at least one panel of the second blank for being positioned in at least partial
face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel when the carrier is formed
from the first blank and the second blank.
[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of forming a carrier for
holding a plurality of containers comprises obtaining a first blank comprising a plurality
of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel configured
to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, the
at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent
containers of the plurality of containers. The method further comprises obtaining
a second blank comprising at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second
construct. The method further comprises folding the plurality of panels of the first
blank to form a first construct, forming a second construct from the at least one
panel of the second blank, and positioning the at least one panel of the second construct
in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel of
the first construct.
[0007] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a package comprising a carrier holding
a plurality of containers comprises a first construct and a second construct. The
first construct comprises a plurality of panels including at least one central panel
and at least one attachment panel receiving a portion of one or more containers of
the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel is positioned between
and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. The second construct
comprises at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second construct positioned
in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel.
[0008] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009]
Fig. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a first blank for forming a package and
carrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
Fig. 1A is an enlarged view of a container retention feature 133a of the blank of
Fig. 1.
Fig. 1B is an enlarged view of a container retention feature 133b of the blank of
Fig. 1.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of an outer surface of a second blank for forming a package
and carrier according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
Fig. 2A is an enlarged view of a container retention feature 233 of the blank of Fig.
2.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a package and
carrier formed from the blank of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a side view of a partially folded configuration of a package and carrier
formed from the blank of Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 is another side view of the partially folded configuration of the package and
carrier of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the partially folded configuration of the package
and carrier of Fig. 3 having the blank of Fig. 2 attached thereto.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blanks of Figs.
1 and 2.
Fig. 8 is a plan view of an outer surface of a first blank for forming a package and
carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
Fig. 9 is a plan view of an outer surface of a second blank for forming a package
and carrier according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blanks of Figs.
8 and 9.
Fig. 11 is a plan view of an outer surface of a first blank for forming a package
and carrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
Fig. 12 is a plan view of an outer surface of a second blank for forming a package
and carrier according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blanks of Figs.
11 and 12.
[0010] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout
the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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 other
containers of food and/or beverage 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] Turning to Fig. 1, an exterior surface 101 of a base blank or lower blank or first
blank 103 for forming a carrier 205 is illustrated according to a first exemplary
embodiment of the disclosure. As described herein, the first blank 103 can be provided
in combination with a reinforcing blank or upper blank or second blank 203 (Fig. 2)
to form the carrier 205. In one embodiment, the first blank 103 and the second blank
203 can be free from foldable connection to one another, though the blanks 103, 203
can be foldably connected without departing from the disclosure.
[0015] As shown in Fig. 7, the carrier 205 is sized to contain or support six containers,
with three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 being attached to a front portion 206 of the carrier
205 and three containers CB1, CB2, CB3 being attached to a back portion 208 of the
carrier 205. The front portion 206 and the back portion 208 of the carrier 205 can
carry more or less than three containers without departing from the disclosure. The
carrier 205 can be provided together with one or more containers as a package 210
(Fig. 8).
[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be
beverage bottles, for example, beverage bottles formed of a polymeric material such
as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with respective 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 (Fig. 3). The containers described herein could be any other suitable
type and size of container without departing from the disclosure.
[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the first blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral
axis L2. A grain direction M1 of the first blank 103, e.g., a direction along which
the fibers/fibrous components of the material from which the first blank 103 is formed
(e.g., paperboard) generally lie, can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis
L1. It will be understood that the grain direction M1 can be generally parallel to
the lateral axis L2 or can be defined along a direction oblique relative to the longitudinal
axis L1 without departing from the disclosure.
[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the first blank 103 has a front portion 107 for at
least partially forming the front portion 206 of the carrier 205, and a back portion
109 for at least partially forming the back portion 208 of the carrier 105. The front
portion 107 and the back portion 109 of the first blank 103 are foldably connected
at a lateral fold line 112 that forms a lateral centerline CL of the blank 103, as
shown.
[0019] As discussed in further detail below, the blank 103 is at least partially formed
into the carrier 205 by folding the blank 103 at the fold line 112 along the centerline
CL so that the front portion 107 and the back portion 109 of the blank 103 are overlapped
in at least partial face-to-face contact. It will be understood that the designations
of the portions 107, 109 of the blank 103 and the portions 106, 108 of the carrier
205 as respective "front" and "back" portions can be reversed without departing from
the disclosure.
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 107 of the blank 103 comprises a
handle panel 125 (broadly, "first handle panel") having a pair of handle flaps 127
at interior portions thereof, each defined by a respective cut 128 and each foldably
connected to the handle panel 125 at respective lateral fold line 129. The respective
cuts 128 and the respective handle flaps 127 formed therefrom include one or more
curved and/or oblique portions and extend from one endpoint of the respective fold
line 129 to the other endpoint of the respective fold line 129, but can have a different
configuration without departing from the disclosure. As described herein, at least
the handle panel 125 and/or the handle flaps 127 (and/or openings formed by the separation
thereof) can be first handle features for at least partially forming a handle 251
of the carrier 205.
[0021] A front container retention panel or front attachment panel 131a (broadly, "first
attachment panel") is foldably connected to the handle panel 125 at a lateral fold
line 132a, and includes container retention features 133a for at least partially receiving
and engaging the respective flange portions F and/or neck portions N of one or more
of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3.
[0022] Each container retention feature 133a, as shown best in Fig. 1A, includes a container
receiving aperture or container receiving opening 135a that is defined by the arrangement
of a plurality of container retention flaps 137a, each of which are defined by respective
cuts 139a, and which are foldably connected to the attachment panel 131a at respective
oblique fold lines 141a. It will be understood that a different configuration of the
container retention features 133a, such as a different number of container retention
flaps 137a, or a different configuration of features, can be provided without departing
from the disclosure.
[0023] A front central panel or front keel 147a is foldably connected to the attachment
panel 131a at a lateral fold line 151a, and, as described further below, the front
keel 147a is foldably connected to a back central panel or back keel 147b at the fold
line 112. As shown, the fold line 112 is interrupted by and is collinear with a series
of generally U-shaped cuts 157 to define a pair of protruding tabs 159 extending from
the back portion 109 of the first blank 103 toward the front keel 147a. As described
further herein, upon formation of the carrier 205 from the first blank 103 and the
second blank 203, the tabs 159 separate from the front keel 147a to expose a pair
of glue openings 167 (broadly, "front glue opening") along the front keel 147a (Fig.
3).
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion 109 of the blank 103 includes a back
top panel or back container retention panel or back attachment panel 131b (broadly,
"top container retention panel" or "top attachment panel" or "second attachment panel")
foldably connected to the back keel 147b at a lateral fold line 151b and having associated
features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of
the front portion 107 of the blank 103. The details of the container retention features
133b of the back attachment panel 131b are shown best in Fig. IB.
[0025] 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. While the
back portion 109 of the blank 103 is shown without a handle panel attached thereto,
it will be understood that a handle panel can be attached to the back attachment 131b,
and/or another handle feature can be provided in the back portion 109 of the blank
103, without departing from the disclosure.
[0026] The back keel 147b, as shown, includes a series of glue openings 155 (broadly, "back
glue opening") each having a top edge that is spaced a greater longitudinal distance
D2 from the fold line 112 than a longitudinal distance D1 from the fold line 112 at
which a top edge of the cuts 157 are spaced. The top edge of the cuts 157 correspond
to the top edge of the glue openings 167 upon separation of the tabs 159 from the
keel 147a, as described further herein.
[0027] 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.
[0028] As also shown, glue G can be applied to one or more portions of the respective keels
147a, 147b. While the glue G has been shown schematically on the exterior surface
101 of the blank 103 for positional reference, it will be understood that the glue
G can be applied to the interior surface 102 of the blank 103, as described further
herein.
[0029] In one embodiment, the glue G can have a foam or foamed configuration, e.g., such
that pockets of fluids such as gas are interspersed with solid, semi-solid, and/or
liquid components of adhesive. In this regard, the glue G can be injected/infused
with a fluid, e.g., gaseous, component that influences the glue G to expand from an
originally-defined volume, over a change in time, to occupy a larger volume. In one
embodiment, the glue G can comprise about 50% solid/semi-solid/liquid adhesive and
about 50% gaseous components.
[0030] In other embodiments, the glue G can comprise a different ratio of adhesive to gaseous
components, for example, about 10% adhesive/about 90% gaseous components, about 20%
adhesive/about 80% gaseous components, about 30% adhesive/about 70% gaseous components,
about 40% adhesive/about 60% gaseous components, about 60% adhesive/about 40% gaseous
components, about 70% adhesive/about 30% gaseous components, about 80% adhesive/about
20% gaseous components, about 90% adhesive/about 10% gaseous components, or other
integer or non-integer percentage ratios therebetween. The glue G can be any suitable
adhesive without departing from the disclosure.
[0031] Referring additionally to Fig. 2, an exterior surface of 201 of the second blank
203 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. A grain
direction M2 of the second blank 203, can be generally parallel to the lateral axis
L2, though the grain direction M2 can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis
L1 or can be defined along a direction oblique relative to the lateral axis L2 without
departing from the disclosure.
[0032] As shown, the second blank 203 includes a body or central panel 261 that includes
a plurality of container retention features 233 that are substantially similar to
the container retention features 133a, 133b, e.g., such that each container retention
feature 233 includes the respective container receiving aperture or container receiving
opening 235a that is defined by the arrangement of a plurality of respective container
retention flaps 237a, each of which are defined by respective cuts 239a and are foldably
connected to the central panel 261 at respective fold lines 241a, the features of
which are best shown in Fig. 2A.
[0033] Still referring to Fig. 2, a handle panel 225 (broadly, "second handle panel") can
be foldably connected to the central panel 261 at a fold line 231, and can have a
configuration that is substantially similar to the handle panel 125 described above,
e.g., such that each handle flap 127 is defined by the respective cut 128 and such
that each handle flap 127 is foldably connected to the handle panel 225 at a respective
lateral fold line 129. As described herein, at least the handle panel 225 and/or the
handle flaps 127 (and/or openings formed by the separation thereof) can be second
handle features for at least partially forming a handle 251 of the carrier 205.
[0034] Turning to Fig. 3 the first blank 103 can be oriented with the exterior surface 101
facing downwardly and the exterior surface 102 facing upwardly, and the front attachment
panel 131a and back attachment panel 131b can be lowered or otherwise brought into
engagement with the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 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 openings 135a, 135b
of the respective container retention features 133a, 133b.
[0035] Such engagement of the container retention features 133a, 133b with the respective
containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB2 can cause the respective container retention
flaps 137a, 137b to separate from the respective attachment panel 131a, 131b and/or
each other at the respective cuts 139a, 139b and to fold upwardly at the respective
fold lines 141a, 141b. In this regard, one or more of the container retention flaps
137a, 137b can rest against the neck portions N of the respective containers CA1,
CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 and distal edges thereof can be positioned to abut the respective
flange portions F of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3. Portions
of the respective container retention panel 131a, 131b adjacent the container retention
flaps 137a, 137b can also be urged upwardly toward or into engagement with a portion
of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3.
[0036] As shown, the front keel 147a and the back keel 147b can be folded downwardly relative
to the respective attachment panels 131a, 131b at the respective fold lines 151a,
151b and such that the keels 147a, 147b also fold at the fold line 112 as the keels
147a, 147b are moved into at least partial face-to-face contact in the direction of
the respective arrows A1, A2. Such folding can draw the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and
CB1, CB2, CB3 toward each other in an arrangement separated by the overlapped keels
147a, 147b to at least partially define the front portion 206 of the carrier 205 and
the back portion 208 of the carrier 205.
[0037] Upon folding of the keel 147b at the fold line 112, the tabs 159 can separate from
the front keel 147a at the respective cuts 157 to extend in a generally downward arrangement
and such that series of discontinuities or front glue openings 167 can be defined
along the front keel 147a. In this regard, the glue openings 167 of the front keel
147a are positioned to be longitudinally offset from the glue openings 155 of the
back keel 147b, with a top edge of the glue openings 155 of the back keel 147b spaced
the greater distance D2 (Fig. 5) from the fold line 112 than the distance D2 (Fig.
4) from the fold line 112 at which a top edge of the glue openings 167 of the front
keel 147a are positioned.
[0038] In this regard, when the keels 147a, 147b are positioned in at least partial face-to-face
contact, the glue openings 155 of the back keel 147b are positioned above the glue
openings 167 of the front keel 147a such that the glue openings 167 expose respective
portions of the back keel 147b and such that the glue openings 155 expose respective
portions of the front keel 147a (shown best in Figs. 4 and 5).
[0039] The above-described folded arrangement of the first blank 103 forms a first construct
104 that at least partially forms the carrier 205. The lines or other arrangements
of glue G disposed along the front keel 147a and exposed at the glue openings 167
can adhere the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 to respective exposed portions of the back
keel 147b, and lines of glue G exposed at the glue openings 155 of the back keel 147b
can also adhere the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 to respective exposed portions of the
front keel 147a. The glue G can also maintain the keels 147a, 147b in at least partial-face-to-face
contact.
[0040] The glue G and/or the glue openings 155, 167 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,
positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example,
in one embodiment, one or more of the glue openings 155, 167 can be provided with
a circular or elliptical/ovoid configuration to provide clearance for radial expansion
of the foamed glue G exposed therethrough. In this regard, the edge of the keel 147b,
147a surrounding the respective glue opening 155, 167 can influence the expansion
of the applied foamed glue G, for example, by promoting a generally bulbous/mushroom-shaped
expansion of the foamed glue G outwardly from the respective keel 147b, 147a and radially
away from the respective glue opening 155, 167. In other embodiments, the glue G can
be configured so as to not foam/expand upon application to the carrier 205.
[0041] The attachment of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 to the respective keels
147a, 147b can provide retention and support of the respective containers, e.g., such
that the containers do not detach from the carrier 205 under their own weight, in
addition to or alternative to the container retention and support provided by the
respective container retention features 133a, 133b. For example, in one embodiment,
one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be attached to respective
keels 147a, 147b with glue G, without additional retention and support provided by
an attachment panel as described above.
[0042] Referring to Fig. 7, upon the aforementioned folding of the first blank 103 and formation
of the first construct 104, the second blank 203 can be overlaid upon the first construct
104 in at least partial face-to-face contact therewith such that the container retention
features 233 of the second blank 203 align with and overlie the respective container
retention features 133a, 133b of the first construct 104. The above-described positioning
of the second blank 203 on the first construct 104 forms a second construct 204 of
the carrier 205.
[0043] In this regard, the container retention features 233 of the second construct 204
engage the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 in a manner similar
to that described above with respect to the container retention features 133a, 133b.
For example, at least the respective caps CP and respective flange portions F of the
respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 are at least partially received
through the respective openings 235 of the container retention features 233 and such
that one or more of the container retention flaps 237 is urged by movement of the
respective containers thereby to abut the neck portions N of the respective containers
CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, with the distal edges of the respective container retention
flaps positioned to abut the respective flange portions F of the respective containers
CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3.
[0044] Further, in the above-described overlapping arrangement of the second construct 204
with the first construct 104, the handle panel 225 of the second construct 204 can
be positioned to be aligned with and in at least partial face-to-face contact with
the handle panel 125 of the first construct 104 to provide the multi-ply handle 251
of the carrier 205/package 210.
[0045] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the carrier 205/package 210 can be provided in a first
or storage/shipping/retail configuration in which the handle panel 225 is folded downwardly
relative to the central panel 261 and the attachment panels 131a, 131b. The aligned
overlapped handle panels 225, 125 can be folded upwardly at the overlapped fold lines
233, 132 in the direction of the arrow A3 into an at least partially upright arrangement
relative to the panels 261, 131a, 131b to define/present the handle 251 in a second
or carrying configuration of the carrier 205/package 210.
[0046] Upon lifting or carrying of the carrier 205/package 210 by a consumer, the containers
that are positioned closest to the handle 251 can at least partially rest upon the
respective containers that are positioned farthest from the handle 251. In addition,
the containers are adhered to the keels 147a, 147b with glue G and are additionally
secured to the attachment panels 131a, 131b and the central panel 261 through respective
container retention features 133a, 133b, and 233.
[0047] Furthermore, a consumer or other user can separate the respective handle flaps 127
from the handle panel 125 at the respective cuts 128 and can separate the respective
handle flaps 227 from the handle panel 225 at the respective cuts 228 and can fold
the respective handle flaps 127, 227 at the respective fold lines 129, 229 into at
least partial overlapping/face-to-face contact with the handle panels 125, 225 to
provide a four-ply arrangement of a portion of the handle 225, e.g., provided by the
aligned arrangement of the handle flaps 127, 227 and respective portions of the handle
panels 225, 125.
[0048] The aforementioned combination of the first construct 104 and the second construct
204 provides a carrier 205/package 210 with a robust and rigid configuration provided
by the overlapping first blank 103/construct 104 having the grain direction M1 and
the second blank 203/second construct 204 having the grain direction M2 that is perpendicular
to the grain direction M1 such that a cross-grain configuration is provided. Such
cross-grain configuration of the carrier 205/package 210 can provide enhanced strengthening
properties and resistance to tearing, e.g., since the carrier 205/package 210 is resistant
to tearing in a direction perpendicular to the grain direction M1 as well as in a
direction perpendicular to the grain direction M2. In this regard, the cross-grain
configuration of the carrier 205/package 210 is such that enhanced resistance to tearing
is provided along two perpendicular axes.
[0049] The package 210 described above provides a carrier 205 with a compact structure that
can also, for example, provide materials savings and waste reduction. Additionally,
the arrangement of the glue G between the containers and respective portions of the
keels 247a, 247b, in addition to the engagement of the container retention features
133a, 133b, 233 with respective containers, provides multiple points of attachment
that results in a robust structure for holding and carrying the containers. Further,
the exposure of one or more portions of the containers on exterior portions of the
carrier 205/package 210 provides a consumer with a clear view of labeling or surface
graphics associated with the containers as well as providing convenient access to
remove one or more of the containers from the carrier 205/package 210, for example,
by moving respective containers through the respective openings 135a, 135b, 235 of
respective container retention features 133a, 133b, 233, and peeling a respective
container away from the keels 147a, 147b as described above.
[0050] In one embodiment, the glue G can be selected from a material provided to remain
on the respective keels 147a, 147b, e.g., such that substantially little or no glue
G remains on the container as it is removed. One or more of the containers CA1, CA2,
CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, in one embodiment, can be reattached to the respective keels 147a,
147b following therefrom by pressing the container against a respective region of
glue G.
[0051] While the carrier 205/package 210 has been described as configured to hold three
containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 in a 2x3 arrangement, the carrier 205/package
210 could be otherwise shaped and configured to hold more or less than six containers
in an alternative arrangement without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0052] Turning to Fig. 8, an exterior surface 301 of a first blank 303 for forming a carrier
405 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. As
described herein, the first blank 303 can be combined with a second blank 403 (Fig.
9) to form the carrier 405 (Fig. 11). In one embodiment, the first blank 303 and the
second blank 403 can be free from foldable connection to one another, though the blanks
303, 403 can be foldably connected without departing from the disclosure. The carrier
405 can be provided in combination with one or more containers to form a package 410.
[0053] The first blank 303, as shown, has one or more features that are substantially similar
to those of the first blank 103 described above, and like or similar features are
designated with like or similar reference numerals. As shown, the first blank 303
includes the handle panel 125, the front attachment panel 131a, the front keel 147a,
the back keel 147b, and the back attachment panel 131b.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the front attachment panel 131a includes a pair of
the container retention features 133a for at least partially receiving a pair of containers
CA1, CA2 and the back attachment panel 131b includes a pair of the container retention
features 133b for at least partially receiving a pair of containers CB1, CB2. As also
shown, the handle panel 125 includes a single handle flap 127.
[0055] Turning to Fig. 9, an exterior surface 401 of a reinforcing blank or upper blank
or second blank 403 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure
is illustrated. The second blank 403 has one or more features that are substantially
similar to those of the second blank 203 described above, and like or similar features
are designated with like or similar reference numerals.
[0056] The second blank 403 includes the handle panel 225 and the central panel 261. The
handle panel 225 can include a single handle flap 227, as shown, and the central panel
261 includes a plurality of the container retention features 233 for being aligned
with the respective container retention features 133a, 133b of the first blank 303.
[0057] As also shown, a billboard or back panel 463 can be foldably connected to the central
panel 261 at a lateral fold line 465, though the back panel 463 could be omitted without
departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, the back panel 463 can provide a
presentation surface that allows printing of indicia such as product advertising,
labeling, promotional information, etc. that is readily visible to a consumer.
[0058] The first blank 303 and/or the second blank 403 could be alternatively sized, shaped,
and/or configured without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0059] The first blank 303 can be folded in the manner described above with regard to the
first blank 103, e.g., with the attachment panels 131a, 131b engaged with the containers
CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 via the respective container retention features 133a, 133b. As
also described above, the keels 147a, 147b are folded at the fold line 112 into at
least partial face-to-face contact with one another such that the glue openings 155,
167 are arranged to be vertically offset from one another.
[0060] In this regard, each glue opening 155 is vertically spaced from each respective glue
opening 167 such that respective portions of the back keel 147a are exposed through
the respective glue openings 155 and such that respective portions of the front keel
147b are exposed through the respective glue openings 167. In addition, the attachment
panels 131a, 131b extend away from the keels 147a, 147b in generally perpendicular
relation thereto. The above-described arrangement of the first blank 303 forms a first
construct 304 for at least partially forming the carrier 405.
[0061] Referring to Fig. 10, the second blank 403 can be overlaid upon the first construct
304 in at least partial face-to-face contact therewith such that the container retention
features 233 of the second construct 404 align with and overlie the respective container
retention features 133a, 133b of the first construct 304 to at least partially receive
the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 in the manner described above with respect to the
carrier 205/package 210. The above-described positioning of the second blank 403 upon
the first construct 304 forms a second construct 404 of the carrier 405/package 410.
[0062] Further, in the above-described overlapping arrangement of the second construct 404
with the first construct 104, the handle panel 225 of the second construct 204 is
positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the handle panel 125 of the
first construct 104 to provide a multi-ply handle 251 for the carrier 405/package
410. The handle 251 of the carrier 405/package 410 is positionable between a first
or storage/shipping/retail configuration in which the handle 251 is folded downwardly
relative to the central panel 261 and a second or carrying configuration in which
the handle 251 is raised upwardly or is upright relative to the central panel 261
as described above with respect to the carrier 205/package 210.
[0063] The configuration of the carrier 405/package 410 provides a compact and robust holding
and carrying structure for the containers CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2 with the advantages described
above with respect to the carrier 205/package 210. For example, the grain direction
M1 of the first blank 303 and the grain direction M2 of the second blank 403 that
is perpendicular to the grain direction M1 provides a cross-grain configuration for
the carrier 405/package 410 that is resistant to tearing along two perpendicular axes.
[0064] While the carrier 405/package 410 has been described as configured to hold four containers
CA1, CA2, CB1, CB2, in a 2x2 arrangement, the carrier 405/package 410 could be otherwise
shaped and configured to hold more or less than four containers in an alternative
arrangement without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0065] Turning to Fig. 11, an exterior surface 501 of a first blank 503 for forming a carrier
605 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. As
described herein, the first blank 503 can be combined with a second blank 603 (Fig.
12) to form the carrier 605 (Fig. 13). In one embodiment, the first blank 503 and
the second blank 603 can be free from foldable connection to one another, though the
blanks 503, 603 can be foldably connected without departing from the disclosure. The
carrier 605 can be provided in combination with one or more containers to form a package
610.
[0066] The first blank 503, as shown, has one or more features that are substantially similar
to those of the first blanks 103, 303 described above, and like or similar features
are designated with like or similar reference numerals. As shown, the first blank
503 includes the handle panel 125, the front attachment panel 131a, the front keel
147a, the back keel 147b, and the back attachment panel 131b.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the front attachment panel 131a includes container
retention features 133a for at least partially receiving respective containers CA1,
CA2, CA3 and the back attachment panel 131b includes container retention features
133b for at least partially receiving respective containers CB1, CB2, CB3.
[0068] As also shown, a pair of finger or handle openings 527a are defined in the front
keel 147a, and a pair of handle reinforcement flaps 528a are foldably connected to
the front attachment panel 131a at a respective longitudinal fold line 529a. The handle
reinforcement flaps 528a are at least partially defined by respective curved cuts
531a that extend from an endpoint of the respective fold line 529a to intersect a
respective portion of the fold line 151a. In this regard, a free edge of the respective
handle reinforcement flaps 528a interrupts and is collinear with the fold line 151a,
and is positioned abutting the respective handle openings 527a.
[0069] Similarly, a pair of finger or handle openings 527b are defined in the back keel
147b, and a pair of handle reinforcement flaps 528b are foldably connected to the
back attachment panel 131b at a respective longitudinal fold line 529b. The handle
reinforcement flaps 528b are at least partially defined by respective curved cuts
529b. As described herein, at least the handle openings 527a, 527b and/or the handle
reinforcement flaps 528a, 528b (and/or openings formed by the separation thereof)
can form first handle features of the carrier 605.
[0070] While the first blank 503 has been illustrated without a handle panel or a back panel,
it will be understood that the first blank 503 can include a handle panel and/or a
back panel without departing from the disclosure.
[0071] Referring additionally to Fig. 12, an exterior surface 601 of a reinforcing blank
or upper blank or second blank 603 according to the third exemplary embodiment of
the disclosure is illustrated. The second blank 603 has one or more features that
are substantially similar to those of the second blanks 203, 403 described above,
and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.
[0072] The second blank 603 includes the central panel 261 with container retention features
233 for being aligned with the respective container retention features 133a, 133b
of the first blank 503.
[0073] In addition, a pair of handle flaps 627 are foldably connected to the central panel
261 at respective lateral fold lines 629, and are at least partially defined by respective
curved cuts 631 that extend from one endpoint of the respective fold line 629 to the
other endpoint of the respective fold line 629. As described herein, at least the
handle flaps 627 and/or openings formed from the separation thereof can form second
handle features of the carrier 605.
[0074] The first blank 503 and/or the second blank 603 could be alternatively sized, shaped,
and/or configured without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example,
in one embodiment, one or more of the handle flaps 627 and the handle reinforcement
flaps 528a, 528b can include additional lines of weakening and/or relief cuts to facilitate
movement and manipulation thereof by a consumer.
[0075] The first blank 503 can be folded in the manner described above with regard to the
first blanks 103, 303, e.g., with the attachment panels 131a, 131b engaged with the
containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 via the respective container retention features
133a, 133b. As also described above, the keels 147a, 147b are folded at the fold line
112 into at least partial face-to-face contact with one another such that the glue
openings 155, 167 are arranged to be vertically offset from one another.
[0076] In this regard, each glue opening 155 is vertically spaced from each respective glue
opening 167 such that respective portions of the back keel 147a are exposed through
the respective glue openings 155 and such that respective portions of the front keel
147b are exposed through the respective glue openings 167. In addition, the attachment
panels 131a, 131b extend away from the keels 147a, 147b in generally perpendicular
relation thereto. The above-described arrangement of the first blank 503 forms a first
construct 504 for at least partially forming the carrier 605.
[0077] Referring to Fig. 13, the second blank 603 can be overlaid upon the first construct
504 in at least partial face-to-face contact therewith such that the container retention
features 233 of the second blank 603 align with and overlie the respective container
retention features 133a, 133b of the first construct 504 to at least partially receive
the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 in the manner described above with respect
to the carrier 205/package 210 and the carrier 405/package 410. In addition, the handle
flaps 627 are positioned to be aligned with at least a portion of the respective handle
openings 527a, 527b and/or the respective handle reinforcement flaps 528a, 528b. The
above-described positioning of the second blank 603 on the first construct 405 forms
a second construct 604 of the carrier 605.
[0078] In order to engage and/or lift the carrier 605/package 610, a consumer or other operator
can separate one or both of the handle flaps 627 from the central panel 261 at a respective
cut 631 and fold the respective handle flap 627 downwardly into a respective handle
opening 527a, 527b aligned with the respective handle flap 627. Depending on the direction
of movement of the respective handle flap 627, a respective handle flap 528b can also
be separated from the respective attachment panel 131a, 131b at a respective cut 529a,
529b and folded at a respective fold line 529a, 529b with the movement of the respective
handle flap 627 to provide a two-ply structure that can, for example, cushion, protect,
buffer etc. one or more of a consumer's fingers engaged with the carrier 605/package
610. In this regard, a consumer or other operator can engage the carrier 605/package
610 through an opening provided by at least one of the handle flaps 627 and can engage
and edge or underside of a respective attachment panel 131a, 131b to lift, move, and/or
carry the carrier 605/package 610.
[0079] The configuration of the carrier 605/package 610 provides a compact and robust holding
and carrying structure for the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 with the advantages
described above with respect to the carrier 205/package 210 and carrier 405/package
410. For example, the grain direction M1 of the first blank 503 and the grain direction
M2 of the second blank 603 that is perpendicular to the grain direction M1 provides
a cross-grain configuration for the carrier 605/package 610 that is resistant to tearing
along two perpendicular axes.
[0080] While the carrier 605/package 610 has been described as configured to hold six containers
CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 in a 2x3 arrangement, the carrier 605/package 610 could
be otherwise shaped and configured to hold more or less than six containers in an
alternative arrangement without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising:
a first construct comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central
panel and at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or
more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel is
for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality
of containers; and
a second construct comprising at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second
construct positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one
attachment panel.
2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the first construct is comprised of a material having
a first grain direction and the second construct is comprised of a material having
a second grain direction, the first grain direction is perpendicular to the second
grain direction.
3. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises at least
one container retention feature and the at least one panel of the second construct
comprises at least one container retention feature aligned with the at least one container
retention feature of the at least one attachment panel.
4. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one container retention feature of the
at least one attachment panel comprises a plurality of container retention flaps foldably
connected to the at least one attachment panel and arranged to define a container
receiving opening therebetween.
5. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the first construct further comprises first handle
features and the second construct further comprises second handle features aligned
with the first handle features.
6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the first handle features comprise a first handle
panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel and the second handle
features comprise a second handle panel foldably connected to the at least one panel
of the second construct, the second handle panel of the second construct is in at
least partial face-to-face contact with the first handle panel of the first construct.
7. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the first construct comprises at least one handle
opening in the at least one attachment panel, and the second construct comprises at
least one handle flap foldably connected to the at least one panel and aligned with
the at least one handle opening.
8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the first handle features further comprise a handle
reinforcement flap foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel and positioned
adjacent the at least one handle opening.
9. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one central panel comprises at least
one glue opening.
10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central
panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel foldably
connected to the front central panel, the at least one glue opening is an at least
one front glue opening in the front central panel, and the back central panel comprises
at least one back glue opening.
11. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the front central panel is in at least partial face-to-face
contact with the back central panel such that a portion of the back central panel
is exposed through the at least one front glue opening and a portion of the front
central panel is exposed through the at least one back glue opening.
12. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the front central panel is foldably connected to
the back central panel at a fold line, the at least one front glue opening is spaced
a first distance from the fold line, and the at least one back glue opening is spaced
a second distance from the fold line, the second distance is greater than the first
distance
13. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the second construct is free from foldable connection
to the first construct.
14. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising a back panel foldably connected to the
at least one panel of the second construct.
15. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the first construct is a lower construct and the second
construct is an upper construct.
16. A first blank and a second blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of
containers, the first blank comprising:
a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment
panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of
containers, the at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached
to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from
the first blank and the second blank; and
the second blank comprising:
at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second blank for being positioned
in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel when
the carrier is formed from the first blank and the second blank.
17. The first blank and the second blank of claim 16, wherein the first blank is comprised
of a material having a first grain direction and the second blank is comprised of
a material having a second grain direction, the first grain direction is perpendicular
to the second grain direction.
18. The first blank and the second blank of claim 16, wherein the at least one attachment
panel comprises at least one container retention feature and the at least one panel
of the second construct comprises at least one container retention feature for being
aligned with the container retention feature of the at least one attachment panel
when the carrier is formed from the first blank and the second blank.
19. The first blank and the second blank of claim 16, wherein the at least one container
retention feature of the at least one attachment panel comprises a plurality of container
retention flaps foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel and arranged
to define a container receiving opening therebetween.
20. The first blank and the second blank of claim 16, wherein the first blank further
comprises first handle features and the second blank further comprises second handle
features aligned with the first handle features when the carrier is formed from the
first blank and the second blank, the first handle features comprise a first handle
panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel and the second handle
features comprise a second handle panel foldably connected to the at least one panel
of the second blank, the second handle panel of the second blank is for being positioned
in at least partial face-to-face contact with the first handle panel of the first
blank when the carrier is formed from the blank.
21. The first blank and the second blank of claim 16, wherein the first blank further
comprises first handle features and the second blank further comprises second handle
features aligned with the first handle features when the carrier is formed from the
first blank and the second blank, the first blank comprises at least one handle opening
in the at least one attachment panel, and the second blank comprises at least one
handle flap foldably connected to the at least one panel and for being aligned with
the at least one handle opening when the carrier is formed from the first blank and
the second blank.
22. The first blank and the second blank of claim 16, wherein the at least one central
panel comprises at least one glue opening.
23. The first blank and the second blank of claim 22, wherein the at least one central
panel is a front central panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back
central panel foldably connected to the front central panel, the at least one glue
opening is an at least one front glue opening in the front central panel, and the
back central panel comprises at least one back glue opening,
the front central panel is for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact
with the back central panel when the carrier is formed form the first blank and the
second blank such that a portion of the back central panel is exposed through the
at least one front glue opening and a portion of the front central panel is exposed
through the at least one back glue opening,
the front central panel is foldably connected to the back central panel at a fold
line, the at least one front glue opening is spaced a first distance from the fold
line, and the at least one back glue opening is spaced a second distance from the
fold line, the second distance is greater than the first distance.
24. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising:
obtaining a first blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central
panel and at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or
more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel is
for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality
of containers;
obtaining a second blank comprising at least one panel;
folding the plurality of panels of the first blank to form a first construct;
forming a second construct from the at least one panel of the second blank; and
positioning the at least one panel of the second construct in at least partial face-to-face
contact with the at least one attachment panel of the first construct.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first construct is comprised of a material having
a first grain direction and the second construct is comprised of a material having
a second grain direction, the first grain direction is perpendicular to the second
grain direction.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises at least
one container retention feature and the at least one panel of the second construct
comprises at least one container retention feature aligned with the container retention
features of the at least one attachment panel.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one container retention feature of the
at least one attachment panel comprises a plurality of container retention flaps foldably
connected to the at least one attachment panel and arranged to define a container
receiving opening therebetween.
28. The method of claim 24, wherein the first construct further comprises first handle
features and the second construct further comprises second handle features aligned
with the first handle features, the first handle features comprise a first handle
panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel and the second handle
features comprise a second handle panel foldably connected to the at least one panel
of the second construct, the second handle panel of the second construct is in at
least partial face-to-face contact with the first handle panel of the first construct.
29. The method of claim 24, wherein the first construct further comprises first handle
features and the second construct further comprises second handle features aligned
with the first handle features, the first construct comprises at least one handle
opening in the at least one attachment panel, and the second construct comprises at
least one handle flap foldably connected to the at least one panel and aligned with
the at least one handle opening,
the first handle features further comprise a handle reinforcement flap foldably connected
to the at least one attachment panel and positioned adjacent the at least one handle
opening.
30. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one central panel comprises at least
one glue opening.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central
panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel foldably
connected to the front central panel, the at least one glue opening is an at least
one front glue opening in the front central panel, and the back central panel comprises
at least one back glue opening,
the plurality of panels of the first blank are folded such that the front central
panel is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back central panel such
that a portion of the back central panel is exposed through the at least one front
glue opening and a portion of the front central panel is exposed through the at least
one back glue opening,
the front central panel is foldably connected to the back central panel at a fold
line, the at least one front glue opening is spaced a first distance from the fold
line, and the at least one back glue opening is spaced a second distance from the
fold line, the second distance is greater than the first distance.
32. The method of claim 24, wherein the second construct is free from foldable connection
to the first construct.
33. The method of claim 24, further comprising positioning the at least one central panel
between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers and attaching the at least
one central panel to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and receiving
by the at least one attachment panel a portion of one or more containers of the plurality
of containers.