Multiple container carrier

Abstract

The beverage container apparatus utilizes die cut positioning points, which are mechanically engaged to assist accurate location of a two piece package, when joined on an automatic folder/gluer. A six fold top includes four flaps in the top four corners. A horizontal score line is located at the base of each flap, so that the flaps may be reverse folded approximately 90 degrees, allowing adhesive applicator to access the upper region of the partially closed end panels. The center gusset flap crease is slightly offset, to allow a pulling action forcing a tight closure of the flap against the unglued portion of the final closure. The flaps are designed to match up with the end wall alignment, when closed. The six-fold bottom has relief edges cut on both long panels. This assists accurate location of both panels. A die cut paper handle patch, or other separate and integrated handle options are included, which provides improved tear strength. Printed end and top panels are seamless, avoiding the problem of matching the top and bottom graphics. The diagonal grain direction of the bottle beverage carrier top portion, offers balanced tear strength in critical areas, and compliments broad caliper reduction. Seamless end flaps provide more positive and secure adhesive end closure.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A container carrier assembly suitable for folding into a container carrier apparatus for carrying a plurality of containers, the container carrier assembly comprising: 
 a cover portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the cover portion including 
 a top portion having a handle;  
 a first cover side connected to the top portion, the first cover side having first and second cover flaps extending therefrom;  
 a second cover side connected to the top portion;  
 a third cover side connected to the top portion, the third cover side having third and fourth cover flaps extending therefrom;  
 a fourth cover side  60  connected to the top portion;  
   a bottom portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the bottom portion including 
 a base portion;  
 a first bottom side connected to the base portion, the first bottom side having first and second bottom flaps extending therefrom, a portion of the exterior surface of the first bottom side attached to a portion of the interiors surface of the third cover side;  
 a second bottom side connected to the base portion;  
 a third bottom side connected to the base portion, the third bottom side having third and fourth bottom flaps extending therefrom, a portion of the exterior surface of the third bottom side attached to a portion of the interiors surface of the first cover side; and  
 a fourth bottom side connected to the base portion.  
   
     
     
         2 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  wherein the bottom portion further includes a handle reinforcement strip releasable attached to the third bottom side, the handle reinforcement strip further attached to the interior surface of the handle.  
     
     
         3 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  wherein the bottom portion further includes a doubler strip foldably retained to the handle reinforcement strip, the doubler strip folded and attached to the handle reinforcement strip to form a three-ply handle configuration.  
     
     
         4 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  wherein the cover portion further has a grain direction oriented approximately 40°-50° to the long axis of the handle.  
     
     
         5 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  wherein the bottom portion comprises a material having a thickness greater than the material forming the cover portion.  
     
     
         6 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 5  wherein the bottom portion has a thickness of approximately 0.026 inch and the cover portion has a thickness of approximately 0.020 inch.  
     
     
         7 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  wherein the bottom portion comprises at least one relief edge on at least one of the bottom sides.  
     
     
         8 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  further comprising at least one positioning notch on at least one of the cover flaps and the bottom flaps.  
     
     
         9 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  further comprising at least one panel attached to at least one of the cover sides.  
     
     
         10 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  further comprising at least one gusset attached between at least one of the cover sides and at least one of the cover flaps.  
     
     
         11 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a positioning notch on the third cover side and a corresponding positioning notch on the first bottom side.  
     
     
         12 . The container carrier assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a slot on the fourth bottom side, the slot configured to allow insertion of the fourth cover side.  
     
     
         13 . A container carrier apparatus suitable for holding and carrying a plurality of containers, the carrier apparatus comprising: 
 a cover portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the cover portion including 
 a top portion having a handle;  
 a first cover side connected to the top portion, the first cover side having first and second cover flaps extending therefrom;  
 a second cover side connected to the top portion;  
 a third cover side connected to the top portion, the third cover side having third and fourth cover flaps extending therefrom;  
 a fourth cover side  60  connected to the top portion;  
   a bottom portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the bottom portion including 
 a base portion;  
 a first bottom side connected to the base portion, the first bottom side having first and second bottom flaps extending therefrom;  
 a second bottom side connected to the base portion;  
 a third bottom side connected to the base portion, the third bottom side having third and fourth bottom flaps extending therefrom;  
 a fourth bottom side connected to the base portion; and  
   attachment means for attaching a portion of the first bottom side exterior surface to a portion of the third cover side interior surface, for attaching a portion of the second bottom side exterior surface to a portion of the second cover side interior surface, for attaching a portion of the third bottom side exterior surface to a portion of the first cover side interior surface, and for attaching a portion of the fourth bottom side exterior surface to a portion of the fourth cover side interior surface.    
     
     
         14 . The container carrier apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising attachment means for attaching a portion the exterior surface of the cover flaps and the bottom flaps to corresponding interior surfaces of the cover sides and the bottom sides.  
     
     
         15 . The container carrier apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the attachment means comprises adhesive, glue, or a bonding method.  
     
     
         16 . The container carrier apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the cover portion further includes a handle reinforcement strip and a doubler strip attached to the interior surface of the handle such that a three-ply handle is formed.  
     
     
         17 . The container carrier apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising a backing board attached to the interior surface of the handle.  
     
     
         18 . The container carrier apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the backing board includes a pair of cutouts.  
     
     
         19 . The container carrier apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the backing board includes a flexible strap.  
     
     
         20 . A method of fabricating a container carrier apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: 
 obtaining a cover portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the cover portion including a top portion having a handle, a first cover side connected to the top portion, the first cover side having first and second cover flaps extending therefrom, a second cover side connected to the top portion, a third cover side connected to the top portion, the third cover side having third and fourth cover flaps extending therefrom, a fourth cover side  60  connected to the top portion;    obtaining a bottom portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the bottom portion including a base portion, a first bottom side connected to the base portion, the first bottom side having first and second bottom flaps extending therefrom, a second bottom side connected to the base portion, a third bottom side connected to the base portion, the third bottom side having third and fourth bottom flaps extending therefrom, the third bottom side further having a handle reinforcement strip and a doubler strip, a fourth bottom side connected to the base portion;    attaching a portion of the first bottom side exterior surface to a portion of the third cover side interior surface, a portion of the second bottom side exterior surface to a portion of the second cover side interior surface, a portion of the third bottom side exterior surface to a portion of the first cover side interior surface, and a portion of the fourth bottom side exterior surface to a portion of the fourth cover side interior surface; and    attaching the handle reinforcement strip and the doubler strip to the interior of the handle so as to form a three-ply handle assembly.