EP3720783A1 - Container carrier - Google Patents
Container carrierInfo
- Publication number
- EP3720783A1 EP3720783A1 EP18829628.9A EP18829628A EP3720783A1 EP 3720783 A1 EP3720783 A1 EP 3720783A1 EP 18829628 A EP18829628 A EP 18829628A EP 3720783 A1 EP3720783 A1 EP 3720783A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container receiving
- aperture
- carrier
- apertures
- flexible
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/50—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed otherwise than by folding a blank
- B65D71/504—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed otherwise than by folding a blank the element being formed from a flexible sheet provided with slits or apertures intended to be stretched over the articles and adapt to the shape of the article
Definitions
- This invention relates to a container carrier having container receiving apertures for unitizing a plurality of containers.
- Conventional container carriers are often used to unitize a plurality of similarly sized containers, such as cans, bottles, jars and boxes and/or similar containers that require unitization.
- Flexible plastic ring carriers are one such conventional container carrier.
- Flexible plastic ring carriers having a plurality of container receiving apertures, typically of an oval, round or rectangular configuration, that each engage a corresponding container may be used to unitize groups of four, six, eight, twelve or other suitable groups of containers into a convenient multipackage.
- Flexible ring carriers may include a handle that extends upwardly from the carrier to enable a consumer to carry the package from the top (called a“top lift carrier”) or outwardly from a side of the carrier to enable a consumer to carry the package from the side (called a“side lift carrier”).
- the present invention is directed to a flexible carrier for packaging containers that includes an arrangement of container receiving apertures that are configured to permit placement over containers and permit carrying a unitized package of containers along a handle extending longitudinally along the package.
- the carrier is suitably configured with a combination of webs and container receiving apertures that permit opening up and generally even, distributed stretching for application to the containers.
- Traditional carriers typically include oval, round, rectangular or triangular shaped container receiving apertures.
- the subject invention is directed to a container carrier that includes an arrangement of container receiving apertures and intermediate cutouts with a side lift handle as shown in the attached drawings.
- the resulting carrier is configured to enable placement over corresponding containers to result in a tight, unitized bricklike package.
- Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention
- Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.
- Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.
- Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.
- Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.
- Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.
- Fig. 7 is a front view of a multipackage of containers according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.
- Fig. 8 is a front view of a multipackage of containers according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.
- Figs. 1-6 show a flexible carrier 10 for unitizing four or more containers 5 into a resulting unitized multipackage 100.
- Figs. 7 and 8 show two embodiments of a multipackage 100 of containers 5.
- Figs. 1-6 illustrate various structures for flexible carrier 10 of the invention, the illustrations are exemplary, and the invention is not limited to the flexible carriers 10 or multipackages 100 shown for four, six, or eight containers.
- flexible carrier 10 may be alternatively configured and used to unitize ten, twelve, or any other desired number of containers.
- Containers 5 are preferably PET bottles as shown in Fig. 8, however cans, as shown in Fig. 7, glass bottles or any other commonly unitized container may be used with the flexible carrier according to this invention.
- the containers 5 are preferably, though not necessarily, like-sized within a single flexible carrier 10.
- Each flexible carrier 10 preferably includes a single layer of flexible sheet having a width and length defining therein a plurality of flexible bands 30 further defining a plurality container receiving apertures 20, each for receiving a container.
- the plurality of container receiving apertures 20 are preferably arranged in two longitudinal rows and multiple longitudinal ranks so as to form an array of container receiving apertures 20, such as two rows by two ranks for a four container multipackage 100 as shown in Fig. 2 or two rows by three ranks for a six container multipackage 100 as shown in Fig. 1 or two rows by four ranks for an eight container multipackage 100 as shown in Fig. 4.
- Container receiving apertures 20 are preferably generally slightly elongated in a longitudinal direction of flexible carrier 10.
- a representative multipackage 100 resulting from the flexible carrier 10 includes a plurality of unitized containers 5, such as shown in Fig. 7.
- the flexible carriers 10 are generally applied to containers 5 by stretching the flexible bands 30 surrounding the container receiving apertures 20 around each container 5, and requiring the stretched carrier 10 to recover, thereby providing a tight engagement.
- a preferred carrier configuration includes bands 30 forming two distinct parallel rows of container receiving apertures 20. Each rank preferably includes two container receiving apertures 20 (one for each row in the carrier).
- each of the carriers 10 shown in Figs. 1-6 are manufactured in a generally continuous string of carriers wherein the carriers 10 are punched or otherwise formed longitudinally adjacent to other carriers 10. In this manner, a generally continuous string of carriers 10 is formed that may be rolled onto reels or folded into boxes for later unwinding and application to containers 5. The carriers 10 are then cut into individual carriers 10 and formed into individual multipackages 100.
- Figs. 1 and 4 show adjacent carriers at each end of the carrier 10 prior to separation.
- Carriers 10 are preferably separated by dividing apertures 14 and a perforation 16 as shown in Figs. 1 and 4.
- Dividing apertures 14 are preferably oval shaped.
- Container receiving apertures 20 and intermediate apertures 40 are preferably formed by the bands 30 in a geometry that results in a uniform application of the carrier 10 to containers 5 to produce a tight unitization of containers 5 within each flexible carrier 10. Such a result is difficult when material within the flexible carrier 10 is minimized as shown and described herein.
- outer bands 32 are preferably wider than inner bands 34.
- a pitch between adjacent container receiving apertures 20 in a row is capable of accommodating both cans and bottles while still maintaining a tight and compact package.
- the carrier 10 preferably includes an intermediate aperture 40 formed in a diamond shape.
- the intermediate aperture 40 is defined as an aperture positioned between both each transverse rank and each longitudinal row of container receiving apertures 20.
- Each side of each intermediate aperture 40 is preferably parallel to a portion of each adjacent container receiving aperture 20.
- Each side of each diamond shaped aperture is preferably the same length.
- each corner of each diamond shaped aperture preferably includes rounded comers.
- an oval aperture 60 is positioned between each container receiving aperture 20 in transverse ranks.
- Each oval aperture 60 is preferably positioned midway between each adjacent container receiving aperture 20 in transverse ranks.
- the oval apertures 60 between outer ranks of container receiving apertures 20 are preferably longer than the oval apertures 60 between center ranks of container receiving apertures 20.
- a major axis of the oval apertures 60 is preferably perpendicular to a major axis of the dividing apertures 14.
- a handle 50 extends from a longitudinal edge of the carrier 10.
- the handle 50 may comprise one or more elongated apertures positioned along the outer periphery of the handle 50 or may comprise a similar configuration that provides an ample area for a consumer to grasp by inserting a hand through and still maintain the purpose and integrity of the multipackage 100.
- a panel 55 may extend along the longitudinal edge of the carrier 10. The panel may include merchandising information, proof of purchase information, pricing, scannable codes, marketing material and/or other designs and/or information relevant to the multipackage 100.
- a line of weakness 70 is positioned between the handle 50 or the panel 55 and the array of container receiving apertures.
- a line of weakness 70 may be positioned along a longitudinal row of container receiving apertures 20 opposite the handle 50 or panel 55.
- the line of weakness 70 may comprise a perforation, a series of slits or other weakened area that permits separation of a portion of the carrier 10 from the remaining carrier 10. In this manner, containers 5 may be released from the multipackage 100 and/or the handle 50 or panel 55 may be separated from the multipackage 100 for use as a proof of purchase or reusable portion of the carrier 10.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201762595633P | 2017-12-07 | 2017-12-07 | |
| US16/211,936 US20190177066A1 (en) | 2017-12-07 | 2018-12-06 | Container carrier |
| PCT/US2018/064414 WO2019113414A1 (en) | 2017-12-07 | 2018-12-07 | Container carrier |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP3720783A1 true EP3720783A1 (en) | 2020-10-14 |
Family
ID=66735142
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP18829628.9A Withdrawn EP3720783A1 (en) | 2017-12-07 | 2018-12-07 | Container carrier |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20190177066A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP3720783A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN111417581A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA3081834A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2020007137A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2019113414A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2597971B (en) * | 2020-08-12 | 2024-03-20 | British Polythene Ltd | Improvements in or relating to container carriers |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5653334A (en) * | 1995-09-01 | 1997-08-05 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Tear strip for side handle carrier |
| US6122893A (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2000-09-26 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | System and apparatus for packaging a uniform group of container having a range of diameters |
| US7195809B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-03-27 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Flexible carrier |
| US7074476B2 (en) * | 2003-11-20 | 2006-07-11 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Flexible carrier having regions of higher and lower energy treatment |
| US7445114B2 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2008-11-04 | Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | Divisible container carrier |
| PL2197761T3 (en) * | 2007-08-31 | 2015-02-27 | Illinois Tool Works | Flexible carrier |
| US8418844B2 (en) * | 2008-12-04 | 2013-04-16 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Container carrier string |
| US9434521B2 (en) * | 2008-12-04 | 2016-09-06 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Container carrier |
| US10301092B2 (en) * | 2016-10-25 | 2019-05-28 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Container carrier |
-
2018
- 2018-12-06 US US16/211,936 patent/US20190177066A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-12-07 EP EP18829628.9A patent/EP3720783A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2018-12-07 WO PCT/US2018/064414 patent/WO2019113414A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2018-12-07 CN CN201880077879.6A patent/CN111417581A/en active Pending
- 2018-12-07 CA CA3081834A patent/CA3081834A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-12-07 MX MX2020007137A patent/MX2020007137A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA3081834A1 (en) | 2019-06-13 |
| US20190177066A1 (en) | 2019-06-13 |
| MX2020007137A (en) | 2021-01-29 |
| WO2019113414A1 (en) | 2019-06-13 |
| CN111417581A (en) | 2020-07-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN |
|
| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
| PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
| 17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20200511 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
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| AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
| DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
| DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
| 18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20210126 |