Packaging arrangement for a group of containers including a handle on a tying strap

A packaging arrangement for a group of containers, produced by a method comprising the steps of:

• initially confining said group of containers in a predetermined pattern upon a substantially planar bottom wall of a first tray-shaped bottom member and between circumferential sidewalls extending substantially perpendicularly upwardly from said bottom wall so as to constitute a peripheral rim;
• tightly encircling said group of containers disposed upon said first tray-shaped bottom member with a strap-shaped tying member, having handle means disposed thereon, so as to retain said containers in said predetermined pattern;
• placing a second cover member, separate and distinct from said first tray-shaped bottom member, including a top wall and circumferential sidewalls extending substantially perpendicularly downwardly from said top wall, with an opening defined within one of said sidewalls, over and around said group of containers, and said tying member tightly encircled thereon, such that said containers and said tying member are completely enveloped and encased within said second cover member with said opening of said second cover member being substantially aligned with said handle means of said tying member so as to provide access to said handle means of said tying member from a position exterior to said cover member;
• and
• securing said second cover member to said first tray-shaped bottom member so as to complete said package for said group of containers.