Bottle carrier

Abstract

A bottle carrier is foldable from two blanks, and is relatively strong, inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetic in appearance, and easy to assemble. The carrier has several advantages: it provides a reduction in paper board costs, improves manufacturing costs, retains the “basket” features demanded by the marketing needs of the beverage industry, and improves packaging line production at the beverage manufacturing location. The carrier is made by joining two blanks, one of which is a component referred to as a shell. The shell provides all “basket” printed surfaces and a handle visible to the consumer on the display shelf. The second component provides the internal longitudinal and transverse product separation, handle reinforcement, and bottom closure flaps. This component is referred to as a partition assembly. The shell and the partition assembly are formed as die cut components, which are then accurately joined by adhesive applied to designated locations. The two blanks are then further folded and glued to form a collapsed “basket”. The collapsed “basket” is then delivered to the beverage or glass manufacturing location. The “basket” is then erected, bottom flaps are folded and locked or adhesively secured, and thus is ready for filling with product. The “basket” can be filled either on or off a bottling line. This combination carrier and handle apparatus may also be inserted over the bottles with the bottom open, and then subsequently sealed.