Container package

Claim 1

A container package for a plurality of containers having annular enlargements at least at one end thereof arranged in juxtaposed relationship and including a carrier device for said containers having first and second carrier elements which are interconnected to one another to form a closed loop carrier member which embraces and secures the juxtaposed containers together, the first carrier element having a central panel and a pair of side panels depending therefrom on opposite sides of the central panel, said central panel having finger hole means for carrying the package and two rows of a corresponding number of apertures which are of a size to readily accept the annular enlargement at the upper ends of said containers, the first carrier element further including a weakened line of separation in the area of juncture between the center and both side panels thereof, the weakened lines of separation terminating a spaced distance from each end of said first carrier element along said weakened lines of separation, each of said weakened lines being spaced sufficiently close to one of said rows of apertures to provide limited material portions between said apertures and said weakened lines of separation which are capable of manual separation, said second carrier element comprising a thermoplastic film overwrap which is positioned about the bottom and sides of the containers in a close conforming contour configuration, an extrusion coating on said side panels of said first carrier element, said extrusion coating being formed of thermoplastic material complementary to said thermoplastic film overwrap to permit heat sealing therebetween, said second carrier element being heat sealed to the side panels of the first carrier element below the weakened lines of separation in the first carrier element.