ARTICLE CARRIERS, MULTIPACK PACKAGES AND BLANKS, AND METHODS FOR FORMING THE SAME

Abstract

An article carrier includes a stack that includes layers of a cellulosic material and article-retention structures formed by the layers of the stack. Each one of the article-retention structures is configured to receive and to retain an article.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 63/275,729 filed on Nov. 4, 2021.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to product packaging and, more particularly, to carriers for holding and carrying articles.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging, it is often desirable to provide a package that includes multiple articles for shipping and distribution. Additionally, warehouse stores and some retail stores often sell products in bulk quantities. For example, articles such as large bottles or the like are often shipped and sold as multipacks and, more commonly, as two-packs. The packaging holds the articles together. Such packaging can also serve as a carrier for the articles. Traditionally, these carriers have taken the form of a plastic strap having rings at each end that receive and hold the articles, often referred to as dogbone carriers or dogbone handles. Such plastic carriers are inexpensive to manufacture and can be used with relatively heavy articles. However, these plastic carriers create undesirable waste and are not easily recyclable. Additionally, these plastic carriers are typically limited to a particular style of product container. Therefore, different tooling is required to fabricate plastic carriers for different sizes and shapes of product containers, which increases costs and manufacturing cycle time. Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of product packaging.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are an article carrier, a multipack package, a blank for forming an article carrier and a method for packaging articles. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure.

In an example, the disclosed article carrier includes a stack that includes layers of a cellulosic material and article-retention structures formed by the layers of the stack. Each one of the article-retention structures is configured to receive and to retain an article.

In another example, the disclosed article carrier includes panels that are arranged in a stacked configuration and article-retention structures formed by the panels. Each one of the article-retention structures is configured to receive and to retain an article.

In an example, the disclosed multipack package includes an article carrier that includes panels arranged in a stacked configuration and article-retention structures formed by the panels. The multipack package also includes articles received in and retained by the article-retention structures.

In an example, the disclosed blank includes a first panel that includes article-receiving apertures. The blank also includes a second panel that is connected to the first panel along a first panel fold line and that includes first article-retention apertures formed through the second panel and first article-retention tabs arranged around each one of the first article-retention apertures. The blank further includes a third panel that is connected to the first panel along a second panel fold line, opposite the second panel, and that includes second article-retention apertures formed through the third panel and second article-retention tabs arranged around each one of the second article-retention apertures.

In an example, the disclosed packaging method includes steps of: (1) receiving articles in article-retention structures of an article carrier, wherein the article-retention structures are formed by panels of the article carrier that are arranged in a stacked configuration; and (2) retaining the articles in the article-retention structures of the article carrier.

Other examples of the disclosed article carrier, the multipack package, the blank and the method will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a multipack package using an example of an article carrier;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, top plan view of an example of a blank for forming the article carrier;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank for forming the article carrier;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, bottom perspective view of an example of the blank in a stage of construction to form the article carrier;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, top plan view of an example of a portion of the blank;

FIG. 6 is a bottom, perspective view of an example of the article carrier;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, top perspective view of an example of the article carrier;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, elevation, sectional view of an example of a portion of the article carrier; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic, elevation, sectional view of an example of a portion of the article carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-9, by way of examples, the present disclosure is directed to an article carrier 100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-6), a blank 102 for forming the article carrier 100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), and a multipack package 104 that uses the article carrier 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). The article carrier 100 advantageously provides inexpensive and easily adaptable packaging for a plurality of articles 106, which is also easily and economically recyclable. The article carrier 100 also advantageously provides a unique article-retention structure that enables the article carrier 100 to carry articles 106 that are relatively heavy.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one or more examples, the multipack package 104 includes the article carrier 100 and the articles 106, which are received and retained by the article carrier 100. In the illustrated example, the multipack package 104 includes two articles 106 connected together and retained by the article carrier 100. In other words, in the illustrated example, the multipack package 104 is a two-pack of articles 106. However, in other examples, the multipack package 104 may include more than two articles 106.

For the purpose of the present disclosure, the article 106 refers to a product or a primary product container for a product, which is packaged within or otherwise contained by the article carrier 100. As an example of the article 106, the product is a liquid product, such as detergent, mouthwash, shampoo, a beverage or the like, and the primary product container is a bottle. However, it is contemplated that the examples of the article carrier 100 described herein may be applied to various types of articles 106 (e.g., various types of products and/or product containers), which may be, but are not necessarily, cylindrical in shape, tapered in shape, or having any one of various other geometries. Exemplary articles 106 (e.g., product containers) include, but are not limited to, bottles (e.g., metallic, glass, or plastics bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets, other similar product containers, and the like. Accordingly, the article carrier 100 forms a secondary, or exterior, package for packaging multiple articles 106.

In one or more examples, the article carrier 100 includes a stack 108. The stack 108 includes layers 110 (e.g., a plurality of layers) of a cellulosic material (e.g., a stack of cellulosic material layers). The article carrier 100 also includes article-retention structures 112 (e.g., a plurality of article-retention structures). The article-retention structures 112 are formed by the layers 110 of the stack 108. Each one of the article-retention structures 112 is configured to receive and to retain an article 106. In other words, the article-retention structures 112 receive and retain articles 106 (e.g., a plurality of articles) while the stack 108 of the layers 110 interconnect the articles 106.

As such, the article carrier 100 serves as a carrying handle or carrying strap for the group of the articles 106. The layers 110 of the stack 108 reinforce the article carrier 100 and provide the article carrier 100 with sufficient strength to carry relatively heavy articles 106. The multilayer configuration of the article-retention structures 112 enable the article carrier 100 to be easily applied to the articles 106 and to securely hold relatively heavy articles 106.

In one or more examples, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the stack 108 includes three layers 110 of the cellulosic material. In the illustrated example, a first one of the layers 110 (e.g., a first layer) forms a top or upper layer of the stack 108, a second one of the layers 110 (e.g., a second layer) forms a middle or intermediate layer of the stack 108, and a third one of the layers 110 (e.g., a third layer) forms a bottom or lower layer of the stack 108.

In other examples (not shown), the stack 108 may include any other suitable number of layers. As an example, the stack 108 may include less than three layers 110 (e.g., two layers 110). As another examples, the stack 108 may include more than three layers 110 (e.g., four or more layers 110).

For the purpose of the present disclosure, the terms “stack,” such as in reference to the stack 108, “stacked configuration,” or similar terms have their ordinary meaning as known in the art and refer to a number of or an ordered collection of items (e.g., layers, plies, panels, etc.) that are neatly arranged one on top of the other.

In one or more examples, the layers 110 are coupled together or are otherwise connected to form the stack 108. In one or more examples, the layers 110 of the stack 108 are coupled together via mechanical interlocking between the layers 110. In one or more examples, the layers 110 of the stack 108 are coupled together by any other suitable means, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive.

In one or more example, the article carrier 100 (e.g., the stack 108) includes a longitudinal axis 114. The article carrier 100 includes a first end 116 and a second end 118 that are formed by the stack 108 of the layers 110. The longitudinal axis 114 extend through the first end 116 and the second end 118. The second end 118 is opposite first end 116 along the longitudinal axis 114. In one or more examples, the first end 116 and the second end 118 of the article carrier 100 are generally (e.g., approximately) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 114. The article carrier 100 also includes a first side 120 and a second side 122 that are formed by the stack 108 of the layers 110. The second side 122 is opposite the first side 120. The first side 120 and the second side 122 extend between the first end 116 and the second end 118. In one or more examples, the first side 120 and the second side 122 are generally (e.g., approximately) parallel to the longitudinal axis 114.

In one or more examples, the longitudinal axis 114 extends along a center or middle portion of the article carrier 100 (e.g., the longitudinal axis 114 is a center axis). In one or more examples, the article-retention structures 112 are situated along the longitudinal axis 114. For example, the longitudinal axis 114 may bisect or otherwise extend through an approximate center of the article-retention structures 112. The article-retention structures 112 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 114.

In one or more examples, as shown in FIG. 1, the article carrier 100 includes two article-retention structures 112. For example, a first one of the article-retention structures 112 (e.g., first article-retention structure) and a second one of the article-retention structures 112 (e.g., second article-retention structure) are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 114.

In other examples (not shown), the article carrier 100 may include any other suitable number of article-retention structures 112. As an example, the article carrier 100 may include more than two article-retention structures 112 (e.g., three or more article-retention structures 112).

In one or more examples, each one of the article-retention structures 112 includes, or is formed by, an article-receiving aperture (e.g., article-receiving aperture 126 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6), article-retention apertures (e.g., first article-retention aperture 128 shown in FIGS. 1-6 and second article-retention aperture 132 shown in FIGS. 2-6), and article-retention tabs (e.g., first article-retention tabs 130 shown in FIGS. 1-6 and second article-retention tabs 134 shown in FIGS. 2-6) that are arranged around each one of the article-retention apertures. The article-receiving aperture and the article-retention apertures are aligned or are in registry with each other and are configured to receive a portion of the article 106. The article-retention tabs are configured to engage the article 106 when the article 106 is received by the article-receiving aperture and the article-retention apertures.

In one or more examples, the article-receiving aperture is formed through one of the layers 110, such as the top layer, of the stack 108. The article-retention apertures are formed through each one of the remaining layers 110, such as the intermediate layer and the bottom layer, of the stack 108. The article-retention tabs are formed by each one of the remaining layers 110, such as the intermediate layer and the bottom layer, of the stack 108 and are arranged around each one of the article-retention apertures.

In one or more examples, the article carrier 100 includes panels 124. The panels 124 are arranged in a stacked configuration. In one or more examples, the panels 124 are coupled together or are otherwise connected. Generally, the panels 124 form the layers 110 of the stack 108, as described herein above. The article-retention structures 112 are formed by the panels 124.

The panels 124 may be made of any suitable or desired material. However, in one or more examples, each one of the panels 124 preferably includes or is made of the cellulosic material.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, which illustrate examples of the blank 102 used to form the article carrier 100. In one or more examples, the blank 102 includes the panels 124, which are connected to each other in series by fold lines. The panels 124 are folded or otherwise manipulated relative to each other to position the panels 124 in the stacked configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) to form the stack 108 and the article-retention structures 112 of the article carrier 100.

In one or more examples, the blank 102 includes a first panel 136. The blank 102 also includes a second panel 138 that extends from and is connected to the first panel 136 along a first panel fold line 142. The blank 102 further includes a third panel 140 that extends from and is connected to the first panel 136, opposite the second panel 138, along a second panel fold line 144.

The first panel 136 includes the article-receiving apertures 126. In the illustrated example, the first panel 136 includes two article-receiving apertures 126. However, in other examples, the first panel 136 may include more than two article-receiving apertures 126. The article-receiving apertures 126 are openings that are formed (e.g., cut, die cut, or otherwise formed) through the first panel 136.

The second panel 138 includes the first article-retention apertures 128. In the illustrated example, the second panel 138 includes two first article-retention apertures 128. However, in other examples, the second panel 138 may include more than two first article-retention apertures 128. In one or more examples, the first article-retention apertures 128 are formed through the second panel 138. For example, each one of the first article-retention apertures 128 is an opening that is cut, die cut, or otherwise formed through the second panel 138.

The second panel 138 also includes the first article-retention tabs 130. The first article-retention tabs 130 are arranged around each one of the first article-retention apertures 128. In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 are formed by a portion of the second panel 138. In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 are tabs or teeth that are cut, die cut, or otherwise formed in the second panel 138.

In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 form (e.g., define a perimeter of) an associated one of the first article-retention apertures 128. In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 are arranged in an annular series around each one of the first article-retention apertures 128.

The third panel 140 includes the second article-retention apertures 132. In the illustrated example, the third panel 140 includes two second article-retention apertures 132. However, in other examples, the second panel 138 may include more than two second article-retention apertures 132. In one or more examples, the second article-retention apertures 132 are formed through the third panel 140. For examples, each one of the second article-retention apertures 132 is an opening that is cut, die cut, or otherwise formed through the third panel 140.

The third panel 140 also includes the second article-retention tabs 134. The second article-retention tabs 134 are arranged around each one of the second article-retention apertures 132. In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 are formed by a portion of the third panel 140. In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 are tabs or teeth that are cut, die cut, or otherwise formed in the third panel 140.

In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 form (e.g., define a perimeter of) an associated one of the second article-retention apertures 132. In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 are arranged in an annular series around each one of the second article-retention apertures 132.

Referring now to FIG. 4, which illustrates a stage of construction for the article carrier 100 in which the blank 102 is partially folded. In one or more examples, the second panel 138 is foldable about the first panel fold line 142 relative to the first panel 136 to position the first article-retention apertures 128 in registry with the article-receiving apertures 126 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). The third panel 140 is foldable about the second panel fold line 144 relative to the first panel 136 to position the second article-retention apertures 132 in registry with the first article-retention apertures 128 and the article-receiving apertures 126 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).

Referring now to FIG. 5, which illustrates an example of a portion of the blank 102 and, more particularly, the article-receiving aperture 126, the first article-retention aperture 128 and first article-retention tabs 130 associated with the first article-retention aperture 128, and the second article-retention aperture 132 and second article-retention tabs 134 associated with the second article-retention aperture 132.

The article-receiving apertures 126, the first article-retention apertures 128 and the second article-retention apertures 132 have any suitable two-dimensional shape, in plan view. In one or more examples, the article-receiving apertures 126, the first article-retention apertures 128 and the second article-retention apertures 132 are circular. In one or more examples, article-receiving apertures 126, the first article-retention apertures 128 and the second article-retention apertures 132 are ovular. In one or more examples, article-receiving apertures 126, the first article-retention apertures 128 and the second article-retention apertures 132 are symmetric. In one or more examples, article-receiving apertures 126, the first article-retention apertures 128 and the second article-retention apertures 132 are asymmetric.

In one or more examples, each one of the article-receiving apertures 126 has a first dimension D1. In one or more examples, the first dimension D1 is a diameter, for example, when the article-receiving aperture 126 is circular. In one or more examples, the first dimension D1 is a major dimension, for example, when the article-receiving aperture 126 is ovular. Generally, the first dimension D1 is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along an annular edge of the first panel 136 that forms a perimeter of the article-receiving aperture 126.

In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention apertures 128 has a second dimension D2. In one or more examples, the second dimension D2 is a diameter, for example, when the first article-retention aperture 128 is circular. In one or more examples, the second dimension D2 is a major dimension, for example, when the first article-retention aperture 128 is ovular. Generally, the second dimension D2 is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along an annular edge of the second panel 138 that forms a perimeter of the first article-retention aperture 128.

In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention tabs 130 includes a first retention edge 146. The first retention edges 146 of the first article-retention tabs 130 form the perimeter of the first article-retention aperture 128. In one or more examples, the first retention edge 146 is curved and forms a portion of the perimeter shape (e.g., circle or oval) of the first article-retention aperture 128. In these examples, the second dimension D2 is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along the first retention edges 146 of directly opposed first article-retention tabs 130.

In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention apertures 132 has a third dimension D3. In one or more examples, the third dimension D3 is a diameter, for example, when the second article-retention aperture 132 is circular. In one or more examples, the third dimension D3 is a major dimension, for example, when the second article-retention aperture 132 is ovular. Generally, the third dimension D3 is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along an annular edge of the third panel 140 that forms a perimeter of the second article-retention aperture 132.

In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs 134 includes a second retention edge 148. The second retention edges 148 of the second article-retention tabs 134 form the perimeter of the second article-retention aperture 132. In one or more examples, the second retention edge 148 is curved and forms a portion of the perimeter shape (e.g., circle or oval) of the second article-retention aperture 132. In these examples, the third dimension D3 is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along the second retention edges 148 of directly opposed second article-retention tabs 134.

The relative dimensions of the article-receiving aperture 126, the first article-retention aperture 128, and the second article-retention aperture 132 enable the article-retention structure 112 to receive and securely retain the article 106. In one or more examples, the second dimension D2 is smaller than the first dimension D1. In one or more examples, the third dimension D3 is smaller than the second dimension D2. The first dimension D1 of the article-receiving aperture 126 enables a portion of the article 106 to pass through the stack 108. The second dimension D2 of the first article-retention aperture 128 enables the portion of the article 106 to pass through the stack 108 while the first article-retention tabs 130 engage the article 106 to center the article 106. The third dimension D3 of the second article-retention aperture 132 enables the portion of the article 106 to pass through the stack 108 while the second article-retention tabs 134 engage the article 106 to retain the article 106.

In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 extend continuously around the first article-retention aperture 128 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 extend discontinuously around the second article-retention aperture 132 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). For example, a directly adjacent pair of the second article-retention tabs 134 is interrupted by a recess 150.

Generally, the second panel 138 includes any suitable number of first article-retention tabs 130 and the third panel 140 includes any suitable number of second article-retention tabs 134. The number of first article-retention tabs 130 and the number of second article-retention tabs 134 may depend upon various factors, such as, but not limited to, the type, size, shape, weight and/or configuration of the articles 106 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1); the size and/or shape of the first article-retention aperture 128 and the second article-retention aperture 132; the type of material used to form the panels 124 (e.g., the cellulosic material) and the like.

In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 includes a first number of first article-retention tabs 130. The second article-retention tabs 134 include a second number of second article-retention tabs 134. In one or more examples, the first number of first article-retention tabs 130 and the second number of second article-retention tabs 134 are different (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). In one or more examples, the first number of first article-retention tabs 130 and the second number of second article-retention tabs 134 are the same (not shown).

In one or more examples, the second number of second article-retention tabs 134 is less than the first number of first article-retention tabs 130 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). In one or more examples, the second number of second article-retention tabs 134 is at most one-half of the first number of first article-retention tabs 130. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the second panel 138 includes eight first article-retention tabs 130 and the third panel 140 includes four second article-retention tabs 134.

In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention tabs 130 includes a first hinged edge 170 that is opposite the first retention edge 146. The first retention edge 146 is generally defined by a linear (e.g., straight or curved) portion of a cut line that forms or defines the first article-retention aperture 128. In one or more examples, each one of the first hinged edges 170 forms a part of a polygon. In the illustrated example, the second panel 138 includes eight first article-retention tabs 130 and the first hinged edges 170 together form an octagon. However, in other examples, the second panel 138 includes another number of first article-retention tabs 130 and the first hinged edges 170 together form a different polygon. The number of first article-retention tabs 130 may depend on the second dimension D2 of the first article-retention apertures 128.

In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention tabs 130 also includes a pair of first side edges 174. The first side edges 174 are formed or defined by cut lines that extend radially outward from respective vertices of the polygon formed by the first hinged edges 170. That is to say, the first side edges 174 (e.g., the cut lines) extend from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the first hinged edge 170 defining the portion of a polygon. In one or more examples, the first side edges 174 are divergently arranged with respect to each other and form or define an angle therebetween. In one or more examples, each one of the first side edges 174 is linear in shape.

In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs 134 includes a second hinged edge 172 that is opposite the second retention edge 148. The second retention edge 148 is generally defined by a linear (e.g., straight or curved) portion of a cut line that forms or defines the second article-retention aperture 132. In one or more examples, each one of the second hinged edges 172 forms a part of a polygon. In the illustrated example, the third panel 140 includes four second article-retention tabs 134 and four recesses 150 interrupting directly adjacent pairs of the second article-retention tabs 134 and the second hinged edges 172 and recess edges 178 together form an octagon. However, in other examples, the third panel 140 includes another number of second article-retention tabs 134 and/or recesses 150 and the second hinged edges 172 and/or recess edges 178 together form a different polygon. The number of second article-retention tabs 134 and/or number of recesses 150 may depend on the third dimension D3 of the second article-retention apertures 132.

In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs 134 also includes a pair of second side edges 176. The second side edges 176 are formed or defined by cut lines that extend radially outward from respective vertices of the polygon formed by the second hinged edges 172. That is to say, the second side edges 176 (e.g., the cut lines) extend from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the second hinged edge 172 defining the portion of a polygon. In one or more examples, the second side edges 176 are divergently arranged with respect to each other and form or define an angle therebetween. In one or more examples, each one of the second side edges 176 is linear in shape.

In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 have a fourth dimension D4. Generally, the fourth dimension D4 is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along the first hinged edges 170 of directly opposed first article-retention tabs 130.

In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 have a fifth dimension D5. Generally, the fifth dimension D5 is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along the second hinged edges 172 of directly opposed second article-retention tabs 134.

The relative dimensions of the first article-retention tabs 130 and the second article-retention tabs 134 enable the article-retention structure 112 to receive and securely retain the article 106. In one or more examples, the fifth dimension D5 is smaller than the fourth dimension D4. In one or more examples, the fourth dimension D4 and the fifth dimension D5 are smaller than the first dimension D1 of the article-receiving aperture 126. In one or more examples, the fifth dimension D5 and the fourth dimension D4 are configured to situate the second retention edges 148 of the second article-retention tabs 134 radially inward relative to the first retention edges 146 of the first article-retention tabs 130 and to permit the first article-retention tabs 130 and the second article-retention tabs 134 to fold along respective ones of the first hinged edges 170 and the second hinged edges 172 and conform to the article 106.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, which illustrate examples of the article carrier 100. In one or more examples, the article carrier 100 is formed, assembled, or constructed from the blank 102 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). However, in other examples, the article carrier 100 may be formed, assembled, or constructed using a plurality of the panels 124 (e.g., first panel 136, second panel 138, and third panel 140) that are discrete or separate panel members, which are stacked and coupled together.

In one or more examples, the panels 124 (e.g., first panel 136, second panel 138, and third panel 140) are arranged in the stacked configuration (e.g., form the stack 108). In one or more examples, the panels 124 are coupled together. In one or more examples, the second panel 138 is generally aligned with (e.g., stacked on) the first panel 136. The third panel 140 is generally aligned with (e.g., stacked on) the second panel 138, opposite the first panel 136, such that the second panel 138 is situated (e.g., sandwiched) between the first panel 136 and the third panel 140.

In one or more examples, the second panel 138 is hingedly coupled to the first panel 136 and is folded relative to the first panel 136 to the stacked configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). The third panel 140 is hingedly coupled to the first panel 136, opposite the second panel 138, and is folded relative to the first panel 136 to the stacked configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).

In one or more examples, when the panels 124 are arranged in the stacked configuration (e.g., as the stack 108), for example, when the article carrier 100 is formed from the blank 102, the first panel 136 forms or defines a top or upper panel or layer of the stack 108, the second panel 138 forms or defines a middle or intermediate panel or layer of the stack 108, and the third panel 140 forms or defines a bottom or lower panel or layer of the stack 108.

In one or more examples, the first panel 136 includes the article-receiving apertures 126. The second panel 138 is coupled to the first panel 136. The second panel 138 includes the first article-retention apertures 128 that are aligned or in registry with the article-receiving apertures 126. The second panel 138 also includes the first article-retention tabs 130 that are arranged around each one of the first article-retention apertures 128. The third panel 140 is coupled to the first panel 136. The third panel 140 includes the second article-retention apertures 132 that are aligned or in registry with the first article-retention apertures 128 and the article-receiving apertures 126. The third panel 140 also includes the second article-retention tabs 134 that are arranged around each one of the second article-retention apertures 132.

In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 are formed by a portion of the second panel 138. In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 are hingedly coupled to the second panel 138. In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 are formed by a portion of the third panel 140. In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 are hingedly coupled to the third panel 140.

Each one of the article-retention structures 112 is configured to receive and to retain one of the articles 106 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). In one or more examples, the article-retention structures 112 are formed by the panels 124 when the panels 124 are arranged in the stacked configuration, for example, when the article carrier 100 is formed from the blank 102.

In one or more examples, each one of the article-retention structures 112 includes the article-receiving aperture 126 formed through the first panel 136, the first article-retention aperture 128 formed through the second panel 138 and aligned or in registry with the article-receiving aperture 126, the first article-retention tabs 130 arranged around the first article-retention aperture 128, the second article-retention aperture 132 formed through the third panel 140 and aligned or in registry with the article-receiving aperture 126 and the first article-retention aperture 128, and the second article-retention tabs 134 arranged around the second article-retention aperture 132.

In one or more examples, the structures, elements, features, characteristics, and/or configurations of the article-receiving apertures 126, the first article-retention apertures 128, the first article-retention tabs 130, the second article-retention apertures 132, and the second article-retention tabs 134 described herein with respect to the blank 102 and illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 are substantially the same as the structures, elements, features, characteristics, and/or configurations of the article-receiving apertures 126, the first article-retention apertures 128, the first article-retention tabs 130, the second article-retention apertures 132, and the second article-retention tabs 134 described herein with respect to the article carrier 100 and illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs 134 is aligned with one of the first article-retention tabs 130 when the panels 124 are arranged in the stack 108, such as, when the article carrier 100 is formed from the blank 102.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in one or more examples, the second retention edge 148 of each one of the second article-retention tabs 134 extends past or beyond the first retention edge 146 of a corresponding one of the first article-retention tabs 130 when the panels 124 are arranged in the stack 108, such as, when the article carrier 100 is formed from the blank 102. For example, the second retention edge 148 of each one of the second article-retention tabs 134 is positioned radially inward relative to the first retention edge 146 of a corresponding one of the first article-retention tabs 130.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in one or more examples, the article carrier 100 includes a locking tab 152 and a receiver opening 154. The locking tab 152 is coupled to and extends from one of the panels 124. The receiver opening 154 is formed in the other ones of the panels 124 of the stack 108. The locking tab 152 is configured to be received in or by the receiver opening 154 to mechanically couple and secure (e.g., lock) the panels 124 in the stacked configuration.

In one or more examples, the article carrier 100 includes more than one locking tab 152 and associated receiver opening 154. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the article carrier 100 includes two locking tabs 152 and two receiver openings 154. In one or more examples, the locking tab 152 and the receiver opening 154 are located along the first side 120 of the article carrier 100.

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, in one or more examples, the locking tab 152 is hingedly coupled to the first panel 136. The receiver opening 154 is formed by a first receiver opening 156 that is formed in the second panel 138 and a second receiver opening 158 that is formed in the third panel 140. The second receiver opening 158 is aligned with the first receiver opening 156 to form, in combination, the receiver opening 154 when the panels 124 are arranged in the stack 108, such as, when the article carrier 100 is formed from the blank 102. The locking tab 152 is folded relative to the first panel 136 to be received in or by the first receiver opening 156 and the second receiver opening 158.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one or more examples, the locking tab 152 is connected to the first panel 136 along a locking-tab fold line 160. In one or more examples, the locking tab 152 is formed from a portion of the first panel 136. For example, the locking tab 152 is formed by a series of cut lines 162 (e.g., die cut) in the first panel 136. In one or more examples, the locking-tab fold line 160 is spaced away from and is generally parallel to the first panel fold line 142. The cut lines 162 extend from the locking-tab fold line 160 to the first panel fold line 142.

In one or more examples, the first receiver opening 156 is formed (e.g., cut, die cut or otherwise formed) in the second panel 138. In one or more examples, the first receiver opening 156 is aligned with the locking tab 152. In one or more examples, the first received opening 156 extends into the second panel 138 from the first panel fold line 142.

In one or more examples, the second receiver opening 158 is formed (e.g., cut, die cut or otherwise formed) in the third panel 140. In one or more examples, the second receiver opening 158 is aligned with the locking tab 152 and the first receiver opening 156. In one or more examples, the second receiver opening 158 extends into the third panel 140 from an edge of the third panel 140 that is opposite and generally parallel to the second panel fold line 144.

The locking tab 152 and the receiver opening 154 (e.g., first receiver opening 156 and second receiver opening 158) may have any suitable complementary geometry or shape that enables the locking tab 152 to be received by and mated with the receiver opening 154, as illustrated by example in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, in one or more examples, the article carrier 100 includes a finger recess 164 formed in the stack 108 of panels 124. The finger recess 164 facilitates carrying and improves the ergonomic characteristics of the article carrier 100. In one or more examples, the finger recess 164 is formed by the receiver opening 154 formed in the stack 108. In one or more examples, the article carrier 100 includes two finger recesses 164 formed by the two receiver openings 154. In one or more examples, the finger recess 164 is located on the first side 120 of the article carrier 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, in one or more examples, the article carrier 100 includes a thumb recess 166 formed in the stack 108 of panels 124. The thumb recess 166 facilitates carrying and improves the ergonomic characteristics of the article carrier 100. In one or more examples, the finger recess 164 is formed by an opening or cutout formed in the stack 108. The thumb recess 166 is located opposite the finger recess 164, such as between the two finger recesses 164. In one or more examples, the thumb recess 166 is located on the second side 122 of the article carrier 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-9, by way of examples, the present disclosure is also directed to a method for packaging the articles 106. For example, the method is implemented using the article carrier 100 for forming the multipack package 104 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1).

In one or more examples, the method includes a step of applying the article carrier 100 to the articles 106. In one or more examples, the article carrier 100 is applied to an upper portion of each one of the articles 106. In one or more examples, the stack 108 (e.g., of layers 110 or panels 124) is pressed downward over the upper portions of the group of articles 106 to form the multipack package 104 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1).

In one or more examples, the method, such as the step of applying the article carrier 100 to the articles 106, includes a step of receiving the articles 106 (e.g., two articles) in the article-retention structures 112 of the article carrier 100. The article-retention structures 112 are formed by the panels 124 of the article carrier 100 that are arranged in the stacked configuration (e.g., forming the stack 108). The method, such as the step of applying the article carrier 100 to the articles 106, also includes a step of retaining the articles 106 in the article-retention structures 112 of the article carrier 100.

In one or more examples, the step of receiving the articles 106 in the in article-retention structures 112 includes a step of receiving a portion of each one of the articles 106 by a corresponding one of the second article-retention apertures 132 formed through the third panel 140 of the article carrier 100. The step of receiving the articles 106 in the in article-retention structures 112 also includes a step of receiving the portion of each one of the articles 106 by a corresponding one of the first article-retention apertures 128 formed through the second panel 138 of the article carrier 100. The step of receiving the articles 106 in the in article-retention structures 112 further includes a step of receiving the portion of each one of the articles 106 by a corresponding one of the article-receiving apertures 126 formed through the first panel 136 of the article carrier 100.

In one or more examples, the step of retaining the articles 106 in the article-retention structures 112 includes a step of engaging the portion of each one of the articles 106 with the second article-retention tabs 134 arranged around each one of the second article-retention apertures 132. The step of retaining the articles 106 in the article-retention structures 112 also includes a step of engaging the portion of each one of the articles 106 with the first article-retention tabs 130 arranged around each one of the first article-retention apertures 128.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to FIGS. 8 and 9, which illustrate examples of a portion of the article carrier 100 applied to one of the articles 106. Generally, a portion of the article 106 is received in and retained by the article-retention structure 112 of the article carrier 100.

In one or more examples, the article 106 (e.g., the primary product container) includes a body 168 and a neck 182 that extends upward from the body 168 and the terminates at a mouth. The article 106 also includes a closure 184 (e.g., a cap) that is coupled to the neck 182 and that closes the mouth.

In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the article 106 also includes a flange 186 (also referred to as a lip or take-out bead) that extends outward from the neck 182 and that is situated below the closure 184. The flange 186 may include a dimension (e.g., diameter) that is larger than, smaller than, or equal to a dimension (e.g., diameter) of the closure 184. However, in other examples, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the article 106 may not include the flange 186 or may include a relatively short or indiscernible neck 182 (e.g., the closure 184 covers approximately an entirety of the neck 182 or is situated proximate (e.g., at or near) the body 168).

In one or more examples, the first diameter D1 of the article-receiving aperture 126 of the first panel 136 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5) is larger (e.g., greater) than a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the closure 184 and the flange 186 (e.g., when present as shown in FIG. 8). In one or more examples, the second diameter D2 of the first article-retention aperture 128 of the second panel 138 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5) is approximately equal to or smaller (e.g., less) than the maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the closure 184 or the flange 186 (e.g., the dimension of the larger of the closure 184 or the flange 186). In one or more examples, the third diameter D3 of the second article-retention aperture 132 of the third panel 140 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5) is smaller (e.g., less) than the maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the closure 184 or the flange 186 (e.g., the dimension of the larger of the closure 184 or the flange 186).

When the article carrier 100 is applied to the articles 106, each one of the first article-retention tabs 130 and the second article-retention tabs 134 fold, bend or are otherwise angled upwardly to contact a surface of the article 106 and engage a point of engagement 180 of the article 106 as the upper portion (e.g., the closure 184 and a portion of the neck 182) is urged through the second article-retention aperture 132, the first article-retention aperture 128, and the article-receiving aperture 126. In one or more examples, the point of engagement 180 is formed or defined by the flange 186, such as a lower surface portion of the flange 186 that forms a shoulder (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). In one or more examples, the point of engagement 180 is formed or defined by the closure 184, such as a lower surface portion of the closure 184 that forms a shoulder (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9).

In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs 134 contacts the surface of the article 106 and is folded to a non-coplanar relationship with the third panel 140 to be angled upwardly and engage the point of engagement 180. In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention tabs 130 may remain in an approximately or substantially coplanar relationship with the second panel 138 or may be folded to a non-coplanar relationship with the second panel 138 to be angled upwardly and engage the point of engagement 180.

In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 are load bearing tabs. In other words, the weight of the article 106 is primarily supported by the second article-retention tabs 134. In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs 130 support or backup the second article-retention tabs 134 and urge the second article-retention tabs 134 toward a more coplanar relationship with the remainder of the third panel 140 and hold the second article-retention tabs 134 in engagement with the point of engagement 180. In other examples, the second article-retention tabs 134 and the first article-retention tabs 130 are load bearing tabs. In any of these examples, the combination of the first article-retention tabs 130 and the second article-retention tabs 134 facilitate constant and approximately equal loading of the second article-retention tabs 134 and helps to reduce the possibility of tab failure.

The article-retention structure 112 advantageously enables the article carrier 100 to receive and retain examples of the article 106 that include the flange 186 of various dimensions and examples of the article 106 that do not include the flange 186.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, in one or more examples, the method includes a step of forming the article carrier 100 from the blank 102. In one or more examples, the step of forming the article carrier 100 includes a step of arranging the panels 124 in the stacked configuration (e.g., as the stack 108). In one or more examples, the step of forming the article carrier 100 includes a step of folding the second panel 138 of the blank 102 relative to the first panel 136 of the blank 102 to position the first article-retention apertures 128 in registry with the article-receiving apertures 126. The step of forming the article carrier 100 also includes a step of folding the third panel 140 of the blank 102 relative to the first panel 136 to position the second article-retention apertures 132 in registry with the first article-retention apertures 128 and the article-receiving apertures 126.

In one or more examples, the step of forming the article carrier 100 includes a step of coupling or securing the panels 124 in the stacked configuration (e.g., as the stack 108). In one or more examples, the step of forming the article carrier 100, such as the step of coupling the panels 124 in the stacked configuration, includes a step of folding the locking tab 152 relative to the first panel 136 and a step of receiving the locking tab 152 in the first receiver opening 156 formed in the second panel 138 and the second receiver opening 158 formed in the third panel 140.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the use of multiple layers 110 (e.g., multiple panels 124) of the cellulosic material provides sufficient strength to hold and carry relatively large and/or relatively heavy articles 106. Additionally, the cellulosic material is also easily and economically recyclable. Further, the use of the cellulosic material enables the article carrier 100 (e.g., the blanks 102 used to form the article carrier 100) to be quickly and easily made, as well as quickly and easily modified to accommodate different styles (e.g., size, shape and configuration) of articles 106. Moreover, cutting and folding machinery for forming cellulosic blanks and cellulosic cartons from blanks are well known.

In one or more examples, the blank 102 and/or the article carrier 100 (e.g., formed from the blank 102) is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. As used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the structure for the article carrier 100, as described in herein.

In one or more examples, the cellulosic material (e.g., forming the layers 110 or the panels 124 of the stack 108) includes paperboard. In one or more examples, the cellulosic material (e.g., forming the layers 110 or the panels 124 of the stack 108) includes corrugated board or cardboard. In other examples, the article carrier 100 and/or the blank 102 (e.g., used to form the article carrier 100) is formed from a paperboard or corrugated board substrate. The substrate may be, for example, a solid bleached sulfate (SBS) substrate, an uncoated natural kraft (UNC) substrate, or a coated natural kraft (CNK) substrate. The substrate may be formed from virgin fibers, recycled fibers, or combinations thereof.

For cost and environmental considerations, the article carrier 100 is formed from as little material as possible and causes as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the article carrier 100 and its suitability for holding and transporting the weight of the grouped articles 106. It is also desirable that the contents of the article carrier 100 be securely held by the article carrier 100 and that the article carrier 100 is easy for a consumer to grasp and carry.

In one or more examples, the structure of the article carrier 100 is formed from the sheet material, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, a portion of the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished article carrier 100 may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. A portion of the surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

As used herein, the phrase “in registry with” and similar terms or variations of such term refer to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carrier, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of a blank (e.g., blank 102), facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines (e.g., first panel fold line 142 and second panel fold line 144 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

It should be appreciated that, when used to modify a structure, an element, an item, a component or a feature described herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “bottom,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “side,” “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “interior,” “exterior,” as well as similar terms or other forms of such terms, are relative and refer to an example of a spatial relationship between structures, elements, items, components or features. As such, examples of the blanks and the cartons, described herein and illustrated in the figures, are not intended to be limited by the specific relative terms used to describe any structure, element, item, component or feature thereof.

The preceding detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples of the disclosed article carrier, multipack package, blank and method described by the present disclosure. It will be understood that the disclosed examples are merely exemplary embodiments of the way in which certain aspects of the of the disclosed system, gripper and method can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the of the disclosed system, gripper and method may be embodied. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.

Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not meant to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components.

Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality of items may be referred to individually as the item and a plurality of items may be referred to collectively as the items. Moreover, as used herein, a feature, element, component, or step preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, components or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure are provided above. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example,” “one or more examples,” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, the subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example.

It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain examples may be configured to operate in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language such as, among others, “can” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 need be included in every example and not all elements described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. FIGS. 1-9, referred to above, may represent functional elements, features, or components thereof and do not necessarily imply any particular structure. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements, features, and/or components described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, referred to above, need be included in every example and not all elements, features, and/or components described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. Accordingly, some of the elements, features, and/or components described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 may be combined in various ways without the need to include other features described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, other drawing figures, and/or the accompanying disclosure, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented, may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted in FIGS. 1-9, referred to above, are not meant to imply structural limitations with respect to the illustrative example. Rather, although one illustrative structure is indicated, it is to be understood that the structure may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Furthermore, elements, features, and/or components that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of FIGS. 1-9, and such elements, features, and/or components may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of FIGS. 1-9. Similarly, all elements, features, and/or components may not be labeled in each of FIGS. 1-9, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency.

Further, references throughout the present specification to features, advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

The described features, advantages, and characteristics of one example may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples that may not be present in all examples. Furthermore, although various examples of the article carrier, multipack package, blank and method have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An article carrier comprising:

a stack comprising layers of a cellulosic material; and

article-retention structures formed by the layers of the stack,

wherein each one of the article-retention structures is configured to receive and to retain an article.

2. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the stack comprises three layers of the cellulosic material.

3. The article carrier of claim 1, further comprising a longitudinal axis, wherein the article-retention structures comprise two article-retention structures that are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis.

4. (canceled)

5. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein:

each one of the article-retention structures comprises: an article-receiving aperture formed through a first one of the layers; an article-retention aperture formed through a second one of the layers; and article-retention tabs formed by the second one of the layers and arranged around the article-retention aperture;

the article-receiving aperture and the article-retention aperture are aligned with each other and are configured to receive a portion of the article; and

the article-retention tabs are configured to engage the article.

6. An article carrier comprising:

panels arranged in a stacked configuration; and

article-retention structures formed by the panels,

wherein each one of the article-retention structures is configured to receive and to retain an article.

7. (canceled)

8. The article carrier of claim 6, wherein the panels comprise:

a first panel;

a second panel aligned with the first panel; and

a third panel aligned with the second panel, opposite the first panel, such that the second panel is situated between the first panel and the third panel.

9. The article carrier of claim 8, wherein:

the second panel is hingedly coupled to the first panel and is folded relative to the first panel to the stacked configuration; and

the third panel is hingedly coupled to the first panel, opposite the second panel, and is folded relative to the first panel to the stacked configuration.

10. The article carrier of claim 8, wherein each one of the article-retention structures comprises:

an article-receiving aperture formed through the first panel;

a first article-retention aperture formed through the second panel and aligned with the article-receiving aperture;

first article-retention tabs arranged around the first article-retention aperture;

a second article-retention aperture formed through the third panel and aligned with the article-receiving aperture and the first article-retention aperture; and

second article-retention tabs arranged around the second article-retention aperture.

11. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein:

the article-receiving aperture has a first dimension;

the first article-retention aperture has a second dimension;

the second article-retention aperture has a third dimension;

the second dimension is smaller than the first dimension; and

the third dimension is smaller than the second dimension.

12. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein:

the first article-retention tabs are arranged in an annular series around the first article-retention aperture; and

the second article-retention tabs are arranged in an annular series around the second article-retention aperture.

13. The article carrier of claim 12, wherein:

each one of the first article-retention tabs comprises a first retention edge;

each one of the second article-retention tabs comprises a second retention edge; and

the second retention edge extends past the first retention edge.

14. The article carrier of claim 12, wherein a directly adjacent pair of the second article-retention tabs is interrupted by a recess.

15. The article carrier of claim 12, wherein each one of the second article-retention tabs is aligned with one of the first article-retention tabs.

16. The article carrier of claim 12, wherein:

the first article-retention tabs comprise a first number of first article-retention tabs;

the second article-retention tabs comprise a second number of second article-retention tabs; and

the first number of first article-retention tabs and the second number of second article-retention tabs are different.

17. The article carrier of claim 16, wherein the second number of second article-retention tabs is less than the first number of first article-retention tabs.

18. The article carrier of claim 17, wherein the second number of second article-retention tabs is at most one-half of the first number of first article-retention tabs.

19. The article carrier of claim 18, further comprising:

a locking tab hingedly coupled to the first panel;

a first receiver opening formed in the second panel; and

a second receiver opening formed in the third panel that is aligned with the first receiver opening,

wherein the locking tab is folded relative to the first panel to be received in the first receiver opening and the second receiver opening.

20. A multipack package comprising:

an article carrier comprising: panels arranged in a stacked configuration; and article-retention structures formed by the panels; and

articles received in and retained by the article-retention structures.

21. (canceled)

22. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising:

a first panel comprising article-receiving apertures;

a second panel connected to the first panel along a first panel fold line and comprising: first article-retention apertures formed through the second panel; and first article-retention tabs arranged around each one of the first article-retention apertures;

a third panel connected to the first panel along a second panel fold line, opposite the second panel, and comprising: second article-retention apertures formed through the third panel; and second article-retention tabs arranged around each one of the second article-retention apertures.

23-31. (canceled)

32. A method for packaging articles, the method comprising:

receiving articles in article-retention structures of an article carrier, wherein the article-retention structures are formed by panels of the article carrier that are arranged in a stacked configuration; and

retaining the articles in the article-retention structures of the article carrier.

33-36. (canceled)