Abstract: This invention relates to a package of a plurality of containers unitized with a flexible carrier and carried using a handle having adhesive ends. The carrier includes a flexible planar sheet having a plurality of container receiving openings arranged in at least one longitudinal row. A handle attachment area is integrally formed with the planar sheet and engages with the adhesive end of the handle. The resulting package is portable using the handle attached between the handle attachment areas of the carrier.

Abstract: A multi-packaging device capable of carrying containers having a range of diameters. The multi-packaging device is constructed from a plastic sheet having an array of apertures arranged in lateral rows and longitudinal ranks. The plastic sheet contains integral segments of a resilient polymer coextruded with respect to the plastic sheet or laminated on the plastic sheet. The plastic sheet may also contain a longitudinally arranged line of weakness under the resilient polymer. The resultant structure enables the multi-packaging device to maintain integrity when a large diameter container is inserted into an aperture because the resilient polymer laminate continues to stretch even after the plastic sheet reaches a stress level approaching neck-down.

Abstract: A bottle carrier apparatus includes a first adjustable flexible loop assembly which includes a first loop portion and a first rider member connected to a translatable end of the first loop portion. A handle portion is connected at a first handle end to the first loop portion. A second adjustable flexible loop assembly includes a second loop portion connected to a second handle end of the handle portion. A second rider member is connected to a translatable end of the second loop portion. The first loop portion and the second loop portion have a loop width. The handle portion has a handle width, and the handle width is greater than the loop width. The first loop portion and the second loop portion have a rectangular cross-section, and the first rider member and the second rider member have a rectangular loop reception channel. The handle portion includes a top surface which includes advertising indicia.

Abstract: A novel top lift carrier and a novel method of forming same are disclosed herein. The carrier is used to carry a plurality of containers, such as cans, bottles and the like. The carrier is formed from a single ply, plastic handle portion which has a plurality of tabs along an edge thereof and a planar, plastic container engaging portion which has a plurality of apertures therethrough that are provided in rows. Each aperture carries one of the containers. The handle portion and the container engaging portion are formed separately and may be made of dissimilar materials. To form the completed carrier, the tabs are fused or welded to the container engaging portion between the rows of apertures. In a first embodiment, the container engaging portion is provided with a plurality of spaced slots between the rows of apertures. The tabs on the handle portion are respectively inserted through the slots and fused or welded to an underside of the container engaging portion to form a strong, peel resistant weld.

Abstract: A plastic carrier for carrying a plurality of containers, such as cans, bottles and the like, includes a novel structure which maintains a straight grip portion when containers are applied thereto. The carrier includes container engaging portions which are joined to a handle portion by a welded seam. Each container engaging portion includes bands which define apertures therein for holding the containers therein. The handle portion extends generally perpendicular to the container engaging portions when the carrier is applied to the containers. The apertures within each container engaging portion include an inner aperture and a pair of end apertures therein. Each inner and outer aperture is defined by a length measured parallel with the welded seam wherein each inner aperture is substantially shorter than each end aperture.

Abstract: A novel plastic carrier for carrying a plurality of containers and a method of forming same is provided by the present invention. The carrier includes a handle portion being of a single ply of plastic material and a pair of container engaging portions freely depending from the handle portion at a joint. Each engaging portion has a plurality of apertures therethrough for carrying an associated container. One of the engaging portions is integrally formed with the handle portion and the other engaging portion is joined thereto at the joint. The carriers are preferably formed continuously. To form the carrier, first and second container engaging portions and the handle portion are stamped out of a single sheet of plastic material, and zipper strips, if provided, are formed thereon. The engaging portions are connected together and the second engaging portion and the handle portion are connected together. Thereafter, the first engaging portion is folded over onto the second engaging portion along a fold line.

Abstract: The cup carrier of this invention comprises a sheet of flat flexible material which forms at least one cup receiving opening and a handle. Each cup receiving opening is surrounded by a cup engaging portion that engages a tapered sidewall of a cup when the cup is inserted within the cup receiving opening. The cup engaging portion of the sheet forms an inner ring and an outer ring and bands connect the inner ring to the outer ring. A generally radial slit is positioned, preferably at an approximate midpoint, between two adjacent bands. The cup carrier permits a user to insert cups having a range of diameters into the cup receiving openings. A user can insert a small cup within the cup receiving opening and engage a sidewall of the small cup with the inner ring of the cup engaging portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers comprising two sheets of material joined along at least two generally parallel lines of connection. A panel is defined by at least one of the sheets between the lines of connection. Each sheet of the material contains at least one first receiving opening for engaging an upper portion of a container separated from the panel by a first line of connection. Each sheet of material also contains at least one second receiving opening for engaging a lower portion of a container separated from the panel by a second line of connection. After, during, and just before, application to a plurality of containers, each first receiving opening is preferably vertically aligned with each second receiving opening of each sheet. The carrier according to this invention engages a plurality of containers to comprise an assembled package.

Abstract: A bottle carrier 1 comprises a thin flexible strip 10 that is provided with a bottle-engaging portion 12, a mid-portion 14, and a carrying portion 16. The bottle-engaging portion 12 contains an aperture 18 having a special periphery configured with certain peripheral elements designed to engage the bottle carrier 1 with a bottle 2. Whether the bottle carrier 1 is designed to carry a single bottle, or to carry two bottles, each bottle-engaging portion 12 thereof will have an aperture 18 for each bottle and each aperture 18 will have the special periphery with the aforesaid peripheral elements. Aperture 18 comprises a semi-circular portion bounded by a semi-circular edge 20 that circumscribes an arc of at least 180.degree.

Abstract: A multi-package carrier device having a strip of a relatively high coefficient of friction material along an inner portion of the carrier. A high coefficient of friction, "tactile," material is applied to an encircling aperture style multi-package carrier device made from a relatively low coefficient of friction thermoplastic base material sheet. A strip of the tactile material is applied along one side of the base material of the multi-package carrier. The base material containing the tactile material is then cut into multi-package carriers such that the tactile material traverses a center portion of a container contacting surface of the multi-package carrier. The multi-package carrier is applied to a plurality of containers. After the multi-package carrier is applied to the containers, the tactile material between the rows of containers is in close contact with an upper portion of the container sidewall.

Abstract: A novel carrier for carrying a group of items, such as cans, bottles or the like which hold beverages, foods or the like, is made of a plastic material having an opaque strip of material printed on a surface of the carrier. The opaque strip can be a solid, opaque line or a series of opaque dots. Each item includes an individual machine readable bar code thereon which is at least partially covered by the opaque strip. The package has a machine readable bar code thereon which is not covered by the opaque strip on the carrier. The opaque strip prevents the individual bar codes on the items from being read by a typical bar code reader beam. The bar code on the package can be read since it is not covered by the opaque strip.

Abstract: A plastic carrier device for carrying a plurality of containers, such as bottles, cans and the like, has container engaging portions; each of which is formed from a sheet of plastic material and includes bands which define apertures therein for engaging the side walls of the containers to form a package. Each container engaging portion has a top margin and opposite side margins. A joined portion is formed at the top margins by bonding the top margins together for joining the container engaging portions together such that the portions freely extend downwardly from the joined portion. The bonded joined portion is continuous along its length. A notch portion is provided along the side margins of each of the container engaging portions and is downwardly of the joined portion to relieve the amount of stress placed on the ends of the joined portion when the bands are stretched over the containers by a jaw stretching machine.

Abstract: A plastic carrier for carrying a plurality of containers, such as bottles, cans and the like, includes a novel handle portion which, at rest, does not substantially extend above the tops of the containers, but permits the handle portion to expand upwardly to extend beyond the tops of the containers for carrying purposes. The carrier includes container engaging portions, each of which includes bands which define apertures therein for engaging the side walls of the containers to hold the containers therein to form a package. The handle portion extends generally perpendicular to the container engaging portions when the carrier is applied to the containers. The handle portion has elbows which generally straighten when the handle portion is expanded. A perforation line may be included in the handle portion to separate the strap portions from each other when torn.

Abstract: A novel for carrying a plurality of containers, such as bottles, cans and the like, includes novel tear strips which can be separated from the carrier so that the containers held by the carrier can be easily removed from the carrier. The carrier includes container engaging portions, each of which includes bands which define apertures therein for engaging the side walls of the containers to hold the containers therein to form a package. Each band has an inner margin portion, an outer margin portion and side margin portions. Each tear strip is positioned on the outer margin portions of the bands. The strip is separated from the remainder of the carrier by a perforation line, which is formed from a series of spaced dots, along which the strip can be torn. In one embodiment, a handle is attached to the tear strip for carrying the carrier and associated containers on their sides.

Abstract: A novel carrier for carrying a plurality of containers, such as bottles, cans and the like, includes novel tear strips which can be separated from the carrier so that the containers held by the carrier can be easily removed from the carrier. The carrier includes container engaging portions, each of which includes bands which define apertures therein for engaging the side walls of the containers to hold the containers therein to form a package. Each band has an inner margin portion, an outer margin portion and side margin portions. Each tear strip is positioned on the outer margin portions of the bands. The strip is separated from the remainder of the carrier by a perforation line along which the strip can be torn. An increased width of material is provided between the outer margin of the aperture which is closest to the start of the perforation line and the perforation line than that provided between the perforation line and the remaining apertures.

Abstract: A carrier device for carrying a plurality of containers, such as bottles, cans and the like, includes novel zip strips which can be selectively separated from the carrier device so that the containers held by the carrier device can be easily removed from the carrier device. The carrier device includes container engaging portions, each of which includes bands which define apertures therein for engaging the side walls of the containers to hold the containers therein to form a package. Each container engaging portion has a continuous outer margin portion. Each zip strip is positioned on the respective outer margin portion. The zip strip is separated from the remainder of the carrier device by a series of perforation lines, elongated slits and openings, along which the zip strip can be torn.

Abstract: A release mechanism for multiple containers forming a row between first and second portions utilizing a band of resilient material. The band extends about a portion of the periphery of each of the multiple containers and forms a closed loop about the entirety of the containers. The closed loop exerts a force on each of the multiple containers. A frangible element is formed along the loop. In addition, the release mechanism includes a connecting member located along the row between the first and second portions of the multiple containers. The connecting member includes a plurality of frangible elements linking the connecting member to the band in order to form a breakable collar about each of the multiple containers. A flange or tab is also included in the present invention for permitting the application of a pulling force on the connecting member to separate any selected number of frangible elements linking the connecting member to the band to free the containers.

Abstract: A novel carrier for carrying a plurality of containers, such as bottles, cans and the like, includes novel tear strips which can be separated from the carrier so that the containers held by the carrier can be easily removed from the carrier. The carrier includes container engaging portions, each of which includes bands which define apertures therein for engaging the side walls of the containers to hold the containers therein to form a package. Each band has an inner margin portion, an outer margin portion and side margin portions. Each tear strip is positioned on the outer margin portions of the bands. The strip is separated from the remainder of the carrier by a linear perforation line along which the strip can be torn. Once the strip is torn, a narrow, continuous web remains along the length of the carrier to maintain the containers in the package array. The web may be selectively ruptured by leveraging a container against an adjacent container.

Abstract: A bundling-up device for container sets comprises a membrane made of plastic material and defined by a tubular band adapted to wrap and tighten a predetermined number of containers disposed in side by side relation, at side portions thereof, as well as a carrying handle for handling the unitary container set.

Abstract: A can clip carrier having support tabs on both top and bottom panels. The panels are in face-to-face contact, with the bottom panel tabs located between and in contact with the upper portion of the cans and the top panel support tabs. The bottom tabs are spaced apart a distance such that some of the top panel tabs engage the upper portion of the cans between spaced bottom panel tabs.

Abstract: A novel carrier for carrying a group of items, such as cans, bottles or the like which hold beverages, foods or the like, is made of a substantially transparent, plastic material having micro-embossed partial cube-corner type retro-reflector elements on a surface of the carrier. Each item includes an individual machine readable bar code thereon which is at least partially covered by the reflector elements. The package has a machine readable bar code thereon which is not covered by the reflector elements on the carrier. The reflector elements prevent the individual bar codes on the items from being read by a typical bar code reader beam by reflecting the light emitted from the bar code reader so the light cannot penetrate the carrier and read the bar code underneath the reflector elements. The bar code on the package, which when scanned by the bar code reader beam will retrieve package information, can be read by the reader since it is not covered by the reflector elements.

Abstract: A system for packaging at least a pair of containers each having an openable portion such as a flip top. A first holder is utilized with respect to the first container and includes a first member for at least partially surrounding the first container openable portion. A second holder is also provided and includes a second member for at least partially surrounding the second container openable portion. The first and second holders are connected to one another in a separably sealing manner to form an abutment between the openable portions of the first and second containers. A handle extends from the connected first and second holders.

Abstract: Carrier stock for beverage cans or other cans of a type having a chime at an upper end and having a frusto-conical wall below the chime is formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, with band segments defining can-receiving apertures, with webs extending generally transversely and separating the can-receiving apertures in each longitudinal row, and with finger-gripping straps arranged in pairs and configured such that each strap of each pair extends generally transversely between two of the inner band segments and is curved inwardly toward the other strap of the same pair. Each finger-gripping strap has two legs, each being connected not only with an inner band segment but also with a connecting web, which extends therefrom, which extends generally along an inner band segment, and which connects such leg with a separating web. At each leg, connecting web, and inner band segment, the carrier stock may have a dividing slit or a dividing aperture.

Abstract: In a package for substantially identical containers, such as substantially identical bottles, a wrapper is formed from a paperboard sheet, folded, and seamed so as to have a bottom wall and two lateral walls providing expansive surfaces for labelling. Each lateral wall has a longitudinal row of container-receiving apertures, each of which is surrounded completely by portions of such lateral wall. The lateral walls are joined to each other at longitudinally extending folding lines, between the longitudinal rows of container-receiving apertures, so as to define an upper edge of the wrapper. As formed from sheet-form, resilient, polymeric material, a carrier has band segments defining container-receiving apertures in a generally rectangular array, which comprises two longitudinal rows corresponding to the longitudinal rows of container-receiving apertures of the wrapper. The carrier is disposed above the bottom wall of the wrapper, below the upper edge of the wrapper.

Abstract: A substantially transparent carrier for carrying a group of items, such as bottles which hold beverages, is made of a plastic material which includes a chemical blocking agent. The carrier includes a machine readable bar code thereon. Each item includes an individual machine readable bar code thereon which is at least partially covered by the carrier. The chemical blocking agent is capable of blocking, by reflection or absorption, light having a narrow wavelength "tuned" or selected to prevent the individual bar codes on the items from being read by a typical bar code reader beam while allowing the bar code on the carrier to be read.

Abstract: A plastic carrier for carrying containers includes container engaging portions which extend from a joint. The joint is at adjacent edges of the container engaging portions. The container engaging portions include a plurality of annular bands for securely holding containers therein. The joint is formed by bonding the layers of plastic material between the edges of the container engaging portions. The joint is interrupted along its length to enable the joint and container engaging portions to stretch when containers are placed in the carrier. The carrier may include a handle portion which extends from the joint for carrying the containers.

Abstract: A bottle neck carrier and a spaced band encircling the bottles. The band snugly holds the bottles in place while they are supported by the carrier and at the same time covers the pricing code on the bottles. The support panel of the carrier may be separate from the band or attached to it. The support panel may be formed from two layers of material, and in the embodiment where the support panel is attached to the band, each layer is connected to the band along fold lines. Side panels connect the support panel layers to the band in the latter arrangement.

Abstract: A promotional card insert is used in combination with beverage bottle holders and beverage bottles to create a promotional card insert display system. The bottle holder preferably holds two rows of bottles about their mid-sections so that the bottles of one row are in contact with the bottles of the other row. The holder can have an integral handle on its periphery. The insert has text and/or graphics printed on its surfaces, is placed between the bottles from above, and is held in place by the compressive force of the bottles. By virtue of its placement in the pack and the location of the holder, the card is visible between the necks of the bottles, whether in individual packs or stacks of packs. The insert can be a single-panel card or can be made using multiple folded panels. The insert can also include promotional gifts or prizes, such as bumper stickers, static-cling display devices, and posters, either placed inside the insert or formed as part of the card.

Abstract: In a package for containers of a type having a side wall, a wrapper is formed from a paperboard sheet, folded, and seamed and has a bottom wall, two lateral walls providing expansive surfaces for labelling of the package, and two struts, which extend across the wrapper and divide the package into two endmost regions and an intermediate region. As formed from sheet-form, resilient, polymeric material, a carrier has band segments defining container-receiving apertures in two longitudinal rows, two endmost ranks, and two intermediate ranks, and a handle is attached to the carrier so as to extend upwardly from a longitudinal midline of the carrier. Each container is loosely received by one container-receiving aperture so that the band segments defining such aperture grip its side wall.

Abstract: Carrier stock for beverage cans or other cans of a type having a chime at an upper end and having a frusto-conical wall below the chime is formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, with outer band segments defining can-receiving apertures and including outer band segments and inner band segments, which include a pair of substantially linear edges connected by a relatively small radius at an apex, with webs separating the can-receiving apertures in each longitudinal row, with finger-gripping straps, and with a strut-producing strap. The finger-gripping straps are arranged in pairs and configured such that each finger-gripping strap of each pair extends generally transversely between two of the inner band segments and is curved inwardly toward the other finger-gripping strap of the same pair when the carrier stock is in a flat, unstressed condition.

Abstract: In a package, substantially identical bottles in a generally rectangular array are combined with a carrier and with a tray. The carrier is made from a single sheet of low density polyethylene so as to have band segments defining bottle-receiving apertures. The carrier is applied to the bottles so that outer band segments of the carrier embrace portions of side walls of the outer bottles in the array. The tray is made from a single sheet of cardboard and is folded so as to define a lower portion, underlying at least a portion of each bottle in the array, and two lateral portions. Each lateral portion is folded upwardly from the lower portion and is affixed adhesively to at least one of the outer band segments of the carrier. Outer surfaces of the lateral portions are suitable for imprinting or labelling.

Abstract: A release mechanism for multiple containers forming a row between first and second portions utilizing a band of resilient material. The band extends about a portion of the periphery of each of the multiple containers and forms a closed loop about the entirety of the containers. The closed loop exerts a force on each of the multiple containers. A frangible element is formed along the loop. In addition, the release mechanism includes a connecting member located along the row between the first and second portions of the multiple containers. The connecting member includes a plurality of frangible elements linking the connecting member to the band in order to form a breakable collar about each of the multiple containers. A flange or tab is also included in the present invention for permitting the application of a pulling force on the connecting member to separate any selected number of frangible elements linking the connecting member to the band to free the containers.

Abstract: A bottle carrier unit which attaches to the necks of one or more bottles for lifting and carrying the bottles. The two-bottle carrier unit is a support device with first and second collars attachable to respective necks of a pair of bottles, the collars being supported on opposite sides of a central handle section, with a longitudinal slit or gap bisecting the central handle section and a radial portion of each collar adjacent thereto. The slit allows the bisected handle sections to be pulled apart, thereby enlarging the size of the collars to facilitate insertion and removal of the bottles. The slit also allows for the torques applied by carrying the unit or the forces applied by grasping the handles to provide additional connection strength to the collars onto the bottle necks. The handle sections may include side stiffening members for providing structural stiffness thereto.

Abstract: A conventional plastic packaging member of the type including a plurality of collars for engaging around the upper flange of a drink can to hold the cans together as a group for transportation is modified in that it is formed from two or more layers of plastics material which are bonded together with a degradable adhesive. Each layer is cut through at a particular location around the collar with the cut lines of one layer being offset from the cut lines of the other layer so that each cutline is bridged by a continuos portion of the layer. On breakdown of the degradable adhesive the packaging member falls into the two separate layers which are thus cut through by the cut lines to prevent the collars or loops in the layer from engaging around livestock with the danger of entrapment.

Abstract: A novel, unitized package has an upper tier and a lower tier of containers, wherein each tier comprises substantially identical containers, such as beverage cans of a type having a chime at an upper end, in arranged a substantially rectangular array, and a carrier made from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene. A unitizing sheet made from a paperboard material is folded so as to form a cover panel, which covers the upper ends of the containers of the upper tier, two lateral panels, which extend downwardly from the cover panel, along and below the containers of the upper tier, and along the containers of the lower tier, and a divider integral with one of the lateral panels. The cover panel of the covering sheet has slits receiving portions of the chimes of the containers of the upper tier.

Abstract: In a novel, unitized package having an upper tier and a lower tier, each tier comprises substantially identical containers, such as beverage cans of a type having a chime at an upper end, arranged in a substantially rectangular array, and a carrier made from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene. A covering sheet and a second covering or dividing sheet are employed, each being made from a paperboard material. The covering sheet is folded so as to form a cover panel, which covers the upper ends of the containers of the upper tier, and two lateral panels, which extend downwardly from the cover panel, along and below the containers of the upper tier, and along the containers of the lower tier. The cover panel of the covering sheet has slots for receiving portions of the chimes of the containers of the upper tier.

Abstract: A package for substantially identical bottles arranged in two longitudinal rows is divided longitudinally by an imaginary plane. A carrier made from a sheet of resilient polymeric material so as to have two longitudinal rows of bottle-receiving apertures, and so as to have a longitudinal row of slots between the aperture rows, is applied to the side walls of the bottles. A handle is folded from a sheet of paperboard material so as to define two handle portions. Each handle portion has a longitudinal row of tabs, each being one of a pair of tabs extending downwardly through one of the slots in the carrier. Each tab has a lower portion, which is longer than the slot for such tab, and a neck portion, which is shorter. The carrier is stretchable so as to permit the lower portions of the tabs to pass through the slots. The handle extends upwardly from the carrier, between neck portions of the respective bottles, and is slotted so as to provide a hand grip.

Abstract: Carrier stock for machine application to substantially identical cans of a newer type having an end with a chime of a relatively small diameter, a cylindrical side wall of a relatively large diameter, and a generally frusto-conical wall between the cylindrical wall and the chime is formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material and has integrally joined band segments defining can-receiving apertures. These include generally longitudinal outer segments, each having inner and outer edges associated with one such aperture. When the stock is unstressed, two lateral portions of the inner edge are concave, two lateral portions of the outer edge are convex, and a central portion of the outer edge is concave. A central region between the lateral portions may have an integrally joined tear-open tab. Certain generally transverse segments, which join inner segments, may have curved edges when the stock is unstressed.

Abstract: A one-piece container carrier formed from a flat, generally rectangular, sheet of resilient material and having at least two sets of two sockets aligned in a row and formed in the body member for receiving and gripping beneath an enlarged rim on a reduced diameter neck portion on at least a pair of containers. A pair of handles are integrally joined at opposite ends thereof at four spaced corner portions to the body member and initially lie within a plane of the body member and along opposite lateral sides of the sockets.

Abstract: Carrier stock is disclosed, which has band segments defining container-receiving apertures and defining integral handles, along with tear-open tabs arranged in four-tab clusters. Each cluster includes two tabs proximate to each other and connected by a single, frangible bridge, respectively on opposite sides of the transverse midline of a generally transverse band segment. Each cluster includes two tabs proximate to each other and connected by a single, frangible bridge, respectively on opposite sides of the longitudinal midline of a generally longitudinal band segment. Each tab extends from one of the band segments, outwardly from one of the container-receiving apertures. Each tab and the band segment with such tab are slitted to define a series of frangible bridges between an additional aperture bounded partly by such tab and a container-receiving aperture. A package comprising containers and a carrier severed from such stock is disclosed.

Abstract: A package of substantially identical containers, such as beverage cans, and a carrier and a method of making such packages are disclosed. The carrier has band segments defining container-receiving apertures and additional apertures. The carrier is applied so that the containers are received in the container-receiving apertures and so that the band segments engage cylindrical side walls of the containers. Among the band segments, terminal cross segments define opposite ends of the carrier and medial cross segments separate the container-receiving apertures in each longitudinal row. Each medial cross segment is severed partially, for a substantial distance along its transverse midline, from one of the opposite edges of the carrier, toward one of the additional apertures and has at least one secondary slit extending transversely between the transverse midline and one of the container-receiving apertures.

Abstract: Carrier stock formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, for machine application to substantially identical containers. The stock is severable to form individual carriers with three longitudinal rows of container-receiving apertures, as defined by band segments, which include cross segments formed with tear-open tabs. The cross segments formed with such tabs are slitted so as to define a series of frangible bridges, which are staggered transversely, and which can be easily torn by a user pulling on such tabs. Also, a distal portion of each tab is connected to another band segment by a frangible web, which is slitted.

Abstract: Carrier stock formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, for machine application to substantially identical containers. The stock is severable to form individual carriers with three longitudinal rows of container-receiving apertures, as defined by integrally joined band segments, which include generally longitudinal outer band segments and generally diagonal inner band segments. One of the band segments defining each container-receiving aperture has a tear-open tab. The band segments having tear-open tabs include a specified subgroup of the diagonal inner segments and either the longitudinal outer segments, in a first embodiment, or an additional subgroup of the diagonal inner segments, in a second embodiment. Each band segment having a tear-open tab has slits to facilitate tearing of such band segment when the tear-open tab is pulled.

Abstract: A package of substantially identical containers, such as beverage cans, and a carrier and a method of making such packages are disclosed. The carrier has band segments defining container-receiving apertures and additional apertures. The carrier is applied so that the containers are received in the container-receiving apertures and so that the band segments engage cylindrical side walls of the containers. Among the band segments, terminal cross segments define opposite ends of the carrier and medial cross segments separate the container-receiving apertures in each longitudinal row. Each medial cross segment is severed partially, for a substantial distance along its transverse midline, from one of the opposite edges of the carrier, toward one of the additional apertures and has at least one secondary slit extending transversely between the transverse midline and one of the container-receiving apertures.

Abstract: A carrier and carrier stock comprising a plurality of severable interconnected carriers formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material such as low density polyethylene for machine application to substantially identical containers. Each carrier has container receiving apertures which are defined by band segments that include outer segments formed with tear tabs. Each tab has a pair of diverging slits extending from the sides thereof toward the outer segments, each slot terminating short of the outer segment. In this manner, the tab can be grasped either with a right hand or left hand and pulled to sever the outer segment releasing a container in the associated aperture.

Abstract: A container holder adapted to releaseably retain a plurality of similarly configured containers and adapted to permit release of each container individually.The holder is comprised of a central panel portion and a plurality of retaining portions. Each of the retaining portions has a pull tab that corresponds to it. The pull tab is joined to its respective retaining portion along the margin. The pull tab has a scoreline of a selected length proximate the pull tab so that the pull tab can be operated to release the loop-like structure thus preventing wildlife from becoming entangled in unruptured rings of plastic containers once the package is discarded.

Abstract: A carrier for beverage cans is modified so that the rings that surround the cans are broken as the cans are removed from the carrier. A pair of circumstantially spaced V-shaped notches are formed in each ring at points where the carrier bends when a can is removed so that the ring breaks at one or both notches. A line drawn through the notches is parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the carrier. Each notch is formed on the outermost edge of its associated ring.

Abstract: A tear-open container carrier is provided having integral webs defining container encircling apertures for accepting and firmly holding containers therein. The integral webs have bridges extending from the container encircling apertures to a tear strip which is capable of accepting a force. The bridges have force and tear directing and propagating lines. When a force is applied to the tear strips, the carrier bands rupture under the influence of the force and tear directing and propagating lines, thereby opening the container encircling apertures, and allowing the quick and easy removal of the containers from the carrier.

Abstract: A package for releasably holding a plurality of containers comprises an arraying device, a plurality of containers, and encompassing means. The arraying device releasably holds the containers together to form a predetermined array. The containers have a bottom, and are insertable into the arraying device so that the arraying device is located proximate to the bottoms. The arraying device loosely retains the containers therewithin. The encompassing means surrounds the containers and the arraying device for retaining the containers.

Abstract: Carrier stock formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, for machine application to substantially identical containers. The stock is severable to form individual carriers with three longitudinal rows of container-receiving apertures, as defined by band segments, which include cross segments formed with tear-open tabs. The cross segments formed with such tabs are slitted so as to define a series of frangible bridges, which are staggered transversely, and which can be easily torn by a user pulling on such tabs. Also, a distal portion of each tab is connected to another band segment by a frangible web, which is slitted.