Package for holding a plurality of discrete container assemblies

A package for holding cans comprising

• a pair of substantially identical corrugated paper trays in side-by-side relation, each said tray having a generally flat rectangular center portion and an upstanding perimeter portion extending around the entire periphery of said center portion,
• a plurality of discrete can assemblies within each said tray and held therein partially by said upstanding perimeter portion,
• each said can assembly including a plurality of individual cans in a regular geometric array and a unitary thermoplastic carrier means having a geometric array matching the geometric array of the cans and interconnecting said cans,
• a single paperboard sheet unitary cover shroud having a thickness less than the thickness of the trays and having a center rectangular portion covering the tops of said container assemblies of both said trays and at least a pair of rectangular side portions connected to opposed edges of said center portion along parallel fold lines and depending from the center portion and secured to the outside of opposed portions of said upstanding perimeter portions of said side-by-side trays, and
• said shroud having a band of score lines extending along the center portion and the side portions at the juncture of the side-by-side trays and defining a tear strip such that when the shroud is severed by pulling on the tear strip, two sub-assemblies are provided, each comprising a tray, a plurality of container assemblies and a shroud,
• handle means individual to each said sub-assemblies.