GB2111938A - Package unit carriers - Google Patents

Abstract

A resilient plastics carrier for combining two six-packs of cans into a package of 12 cans, or similarly for assembling eight bottles, includes a strip (28) which encircles the outside of the assembly of cans (20) or bottles, and further provides a central stabilizing strip (36), which may be constituted by one or two strips (36-1, 36-2). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Package unit carriers Various types of carriers have been revealed in the patent arts and have been used commercially for assembling a predetermined number of containers, often six in number, for carrying of the containers. Typically, six cans may be carried together, and in a preferred form of package there is a sheet of plastics having six apertures therein each slightly less in diameter than the cans, so that the plastics material is stretched about the respective cans in generally inverted conical shape, thus securely underlying the can beads to prevent undesired withdrawal of the cans. As is known, a lateral movement of a can stretches the respective encircling band so that the can can be tipped from carrying position. Such carriers are shown, for example, in U.S. Patents Nos. 2 874 835 and 3 874 502.Larger numbers of cans have been handled by similar carriers, for example U.S. Patent No.

4018331 shows a carrier of the type in question for 1 2 cans.

Under some circumstances a package of 1 2 cans may be somewhat unstable or difficult to carry, and in U.S. Patent No. 4 269 308 there is shown and described a plastics encircling band which circumscribes the 1 2 cans and holds them in close continuous relation.

The band is provided with a handle for carrying of the 1 2 pack.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an encircling band carrier for a plurality of cylindrical containers which may be otherwise secured together, which carrier ensures stability of the resulting package of containers.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide an integral band plastics carrier for a double six-pack of cans, or a double four-pack of bottles.

A package unit according to the present invention comprises a plurality of cylindrical containers arranged in rows and columns, and a package unit carrier comprising a first resilient strip circumscribing all of said containers in surface contact therewith, and an intermediate resilient strip integral with said first strip and extending between spaced portions thereof, said intermediate strip extending between predetermined adjacent containers in surface engagement therewith, each of said containers being enraged by at least one of said strips to provide a stable package.

Preferably a package unit carrier comprises a first integral resilient plastics strip formed as a continuous loop, handle means integral therewith, and an intermediate strip extending across said loop and having opposite ends integral with said first strip.

By means of the carrier each subpack is retained in stable condition independently, while the total package is also retained in stable condition. The package unit carrier can be initially provided, stamped from a sheet of plastics material, in collapsed condition, with the outer portion thereof forming the overall encircling strip, and with an inner portion providing a collapsed intermediate strip. Successive carriers can be integrally joined together in an elongated strip, and are separated preferably after assembly with the cans or other containers.

The accompanying drawings show examples of package units and carriers, which embody the invention. In these drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pair of six-packs secured together by a first carrier; Figure 2 is a plane view of one of the carriers prior to assembly with cans; Figure 3 shows a modification of the carrier as shown in Fig. 2; Figure 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the somewhat different relative dimensions for carrying a different assembly of containers, such as a double four-pack of bottles; Figure 5 is a somewhat simplified view on a reduced scale showing the carrier of Fig. 3 assembled with a double six-pack of cans; Figure 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the carrier of Fig. 4 assembled with a double four-pack of bottles; Figure 7 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a somewhat different carrier; and Figures 8 to 11 are views generally similar to Fig. 7 and showing further modifications.

Referring now in greater particularity to the drawings, and first to Figs. 1, 2 and 5, there will be seen a plurality of cylindrical containers, specifically cans 20 totalling 1 2 in the illustrative example. As seen in Fig. 1, the cans are disposed with their axes horizontal, in four columns of three cans each. The two left columns are secured together by a plastics can carrier 22, preferably made of polyethylene, the carrier shown in the aforesaid U.S.

Patent No. 2 874 835 being illustrative. A similar carrier 24 secures the two right columns of cans together. There are thus two sixpacks of cans which could be carried separately, generally with the can axes in vertical position. Although such carriers are set forth in detail in prior art patents, such as the aforesaid U.S. Patent No. 2 874 835, it is noted by way of summary at this point that each such carrier comprises an apertured sheet having six apertures therein, each slightly less in diameter than a can, thus effectively providing six separate bands which aggressively grip the cans beneath the beads thereof. Inherent resilient or stretchable characteristics of the plastics material allow a can to be pulled a slight distance sideways to stretch the respective band, whereby the can can be tipped away from the respective carrier.

In many instances, it is convenient to carry 12 cans as a unit, rather than six. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a carrier 26 is provided.

The shape of the 12-pack carrier 26 in blank form before assembly with the cans is shown in Fig. 2 and comprises a continuous outer strip 28 having arcuate end portions 30, each extending over an arc greater than a semi-circle, and joined to elongated reversely curved portions 32 integrally interconnecting the arcuate portions. The strip 28 is of uniform width and at its vertical centreline is provided with integral attachment points 34 for narrower V-shaped strips 36-1 and 36-2 arranged in mirror-image relation. The apices of the strips 36-1 and 36-2 are rounded as indicated at 38-1 and 38-2, while the roots 40-1 and 40-2, and 42-1 and 42-2 are also rounded to avoid stress areas that might tear.

The carrier 26 is completed by a handle 44 integral with the strip 28. The handle is symmetrical about the vertical midline of the carrier (as shown in Fig. 2) and is integral with the reversely curved portion 32. The handle 44 is provided with two apertures 46 and 48 in mirror-image relation. Since the apertures are of the same shape, only the left one is described, and includes an elongated, rather narrow portion 50 running the length of the aperture 46, and having a generally circular enlargement 52 at the upper edge of the narrow portion 50 and at the left end thereof. This leaves a flap 52 which can be folded up. An integral tab 56 on the vertical midline of the carrier connects the central portion of the handle with the strip 28.The first two fingers of a hand may be inserted through one of the apertures 46 and 48, while the last two fingers are inserted through the other of these apertures. The flap 54 in each instance rolls up to present a smooth, surface engagement with the fingers, rather than a sharp edge. This promotes comfort of the person doing the carrying, and also inhibits tearing of the plastics material.

A succession of 12-pack carriers 26 is provided in the form of a continuous web, and ragged lines 58 at either end in Fig. 2 indicate where successive carriers are supplied integrally joined together. The connection preferably is severed during or immediately prior to assembly with a pair of six-packs, hereinafter respectively referred to by numerals 60 and 62.

As shown in Fig. 1, the strip 28 is extended around the two six packs 60 and 62, with the respective intermediate strips 36-1 and 36-2 pulling together to appear as a single, straight strip 36. As will be appreciated, the lengths of the strip 28 and of the strip 36 are such that they will fit in the positions just shown and described, each under some tension. Accordingly, all of the cans are held in tight assemblage whereby the double six-packs can conveniently be carried by the handle 44 without danger of any of the cans coming loose either from the package unit carrier 26, or from the respective six-pack carriers 22 and 24.

A modification of the carrier as just described is shown in Figs. 3 and 5. In this embodiment of the invention, the parts are essentially identical with those previously described and are correspondingly numbered.

The distinction is that the handle 44 has been moved to the left end of the strip 28 (as seen in Fig. 3). The handle is provided with two apertures 60 and 62, again in mirror-image relation. Due to the shape of the arcuate end portion 30, the inner edge of each aperture is a continuous curve at 64, while the outer edge 66 thereof is straight. This results in a relatively large width adjacent to the top and bottom of the apertures (as seen in Fig. 4), but with a very restricted opening adjacent the horizontal centreline. Accordingly, an integral centre tab 68 may be scored or otherwise weakened as indicated at 70 so that, when it is desired to pick up a double six-pack, the tab 68 may be readily torn to allow all four fingers to be inserted comfortably in the combined apertures 64 and 66.

An embodiment of the invention adapted for carrying eight bottles is shown in Figs. 4 and 6. The parts are generally similar or identical to those previously shown and described, and therefore similar parts are identified by similar numerals with the addition of the suffix a. Points of distinction are that the strip 28a is narrower than the strip 28, while the intermediate strip 36a is considerably shorter, having to span only two bottles 20a, instead of three cans. Accordingly, as seen in Fig. 4, the strips 36a-1 and 36a-2 do not extend as far to the right and to the left as is the case with the corresponding intermediate strip portions in Fig. 2.

The bottles, as shown in Fig. 6, are arranged in two groups of four, and each group preferably is held together by a plastics carrier (not shown) receiving the necks of the bottles, and generally is similar to the plastics six-pack carriers of Fig. 1, but with smaller holes having greater spacing. The two four-pack units are arranged with one vertically above the other, with the strip 28a encircling the assemblage, and the intermediate strip 36a extending between the two four-bottle units, whereby the eight bottles are securely held together for transport, hanging from the handle 44a.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 7. This embodiment is generally similar to those previously disclosed, and similar parts are identified by similar numerals with the addition of the suffix b to avoid prolixity of discussion. The handle 44b is shown at the left end, as in Figs. 3 and 4, but it could equally well be along the top as indicated in broken lines, and as previously shown in Fig. 2. The essential distinction of the present embodiment over prior embodiments is that the strips 36b-1 and 36b-2 ultimately forming the centre strip 36 are of generally horseshoe-shaped configuration rather than V-shaped. Thus, there are side legs 72-1 and 74-1, in close proximity and near parallelism with the adjacent reversely curved portions 32b, these legs being connected by a large arcuate section 76.Similarly, there are straight legs 72-2 and 74-2 interconnected by a large arcuate section 78.

With the proximity to the reversely curved portions 32b, there are integral connections 80-1, 80-2, 82-1 and 82-2 between the respective legs and the respective reversely curved portions. These interconnections are rather narrow and may be weakened by means such as score lines for ready severability during assembly of the carrier with the containers. Prior to such severing, the connections hold the centre strip portions 36b-1 and 36b-2 in the same plane as the remainder of the carrier 36b without requiring any separate handling thereof.

The carrier of Fig. 7 is especially adapted for retaining eight bottles, but it could be used for a double six-pack if dimensions were changed accordingly. Additional embodiments especially adapted to carry eight bottles are shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10. With reference at this time to Fig. 8, parts there are similar to those previously described, and similar numerals are utilized with the addition of the suffix c to identify like parts. Distinctions reside in the fact that the arcuate end portions 30c are of considerably greater arcuate extent than in previous embodiments, and instead of having the arcuate portions at opposite ends of the carrier merge into a single rather long portion of reverse curvature, there are rather short portions of reverse curvature of considerably smaller radius, joining the end portions to straight side portions 86.This results in the top and bottom portions of the strip 86 being considerably closer together than in previous embodiments of the invention. The strip portions ultimately to form the intermediate or divider strip 36e are again of generally horseshoe shape, but considerably narrower (less height from top to bottom in Fig. 8). The adjacent ends of the leg pairs 72c-1, 74-c-1 and 72c-2, 74c-2 are integrally interconnected by roots 88-1 and 88-2. The roots have margins which are radiussed to avoid stress concentrations, and a central aperture 90 is defined by the roots and associated structure.

Attention next should be directed to the embodiment of Fig. 9 in which like numerals are again utilized to identify similar parts, this time with the addition of the suffix d. Production of the carrier illustrated in Fig. 9 results in a minimum of scrap, since the width of the blank is minimized. The arcuate end portions 30dextend over only 180 , and are of shorter radius than in previous embodiments. There are no reversely curved or inverse sections such as 32 or 84, but rather the straight side portions 86d are tangent to the arcuate end portions 30d. It will be apparent in connection with both embodiments of Figs. 8 and 9 that the roots 88-1 and 88-2 (numbered only in Fig. 8) could be scored or otherwise weakened to facilitate severence thereof upon assembly of the carrier with a plurality of bottles.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 10. Similar parts again are identified by like numbers with the addition of the suffix e. This carrier is similar to that in Fig. 9 in that there are straight upper and lower portions 86e of the outer strip 28e. In this instance the curved end portions 30e are of greater diameter, and the straight portions 86ethus are spaced farther apart. The portions 36e-1 and 36e-2 destined to form the intermediate strip are semi-circular, and are joined along the horizontal median line of the carrier 36d by a crossbar 88 integrally formed therewith and having fillets formed by small radii. As in carriers described above, the two strip portions 36e-1 and 36e-2 are being pulled together, not apart, and there is no particular danger of a split between these strip portions.Nevertheless, it is preferred that the strip portions be joined to one another by a small radius at either end to avoid any problems of splitting or tearing.

A still further modification is shown in Fig.

11, again with similar elements identified by like numerals with the addition of the suffix f.

The distinction here is that intermediate strip 36f is a single strip rather than a double strip.

It is, therefore, noted that the intermediate strip 36f initially is secured with a vertical upper portion 34f connected at 42fto the straight portion 31 fof the strip 28f. The strip continues down to an upwardly curved, nearly semi-circular portion 64f, which then reversely curves into a horizontal section 66fjoined to the straight upper portion 31 along a fracture line 68fwhich may be perforated, creased, or otherwise weakened for severability at that location during assembly.The horizontal portion 66fcontinues into a substantially semicircular portion 70fwhich leads to a slightly inclined upward portion 72fconnected to the reversely curved strip portion 32f along a severability line 74f which may be perforated, creased, or otherwise weakened for subsequent severance during assembly of the carrier with a double six-pack of cans. The intermediate strip portion 72fcontinues into a generally semi-circular portion 76fwhich continues vertically down at 78f in alignment with the upper portion 34f, being integrally connected to the reversely curved strip portion 32 fat the roots 40f. The two semi-circular portions 64fand 76fabut and are integrally joined to one another along a severable area 80 which again may be perforated, creased, or otherwise weakened.

The upper portion of the strip 36fdefines an aperture 82f between the intermediate and the horizontal strip portion 31 f, while a like aperture 84f is defined between the lower portion of the intermediate strip 36fand the reversely curved strip portion 32f. The generally straight portions 66fand 72fof the intermediate strip, plus the semi-circular portion 70f and adjacent portions of the smaller radius semi-circular portions 64fand 76f, define another aperture 86f.

In each embodiment of the invention as shown and described herein, there is a bandtype carrier for a 12-pack of cans or an eightpack of bottles which has a band encircling the outside of the package, and which further has an intermediate band extending between containers within the package, whereby every container is engaged by a portion of the package carrier, thereby to provide enhanced stability for the overall package. The carrier is inexpensive to produce, being made from a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene, and being stamped from a continuous web of such material with the scrap being capable of reclamation. In the instance of the embodiments of Figs. 2 to 10, the intermediate strip comprises initially a pair of narrow strips initially displaced from one another, which strips are pulled into close contiguity upon assembly with the containers, forming in effect a single strip. The carrier forms surface engagement with the containers as the parts are stressed into position. In the instance of the embodiment of Fig. 11, the intermediate strip comprises only a single initially collapsed strip or band.

Claims (15)

1. A package unit comprising a plurality of cylindrical containers arranged in rows and columns, and a package unit carrier comprising a first resilient strip circumscribing all of said containers in surface contact therewith, and an intermediate resilient strip integral with said first strip and extending between spaced portions thereof, said intermediate strip extending between predetermined adjacent containers in surface engagement therewith, each of said containers being engaged by at least one of said strips to provide a stable package.

2. A package unit as set forth in claim 1, and further including integral handle means on said first strip.

3. A package unit as set forth in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said intermediate strip comprises two bands interconnected at their ends integrally with said first strip and lying in close continuous relation to one another.

4. A package unit as set forth in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said intermediate strip comprises a single piece band integrally connected at its ends with said first strip.

5. A package unit as set forth in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said plurality of containers comprises 1 2 bands respectively gripping the plurality of said cans beneath the beads thereof, at least certain of said bands being interconnected.

6. A package unit as set forth in claim 5, wherein said bands are interconnected in two groups of six and provide two six-packs of cans, said intermediate strip lying between said two six-packs.

7. A package unit as set forth in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said plurality of containers comprises eight bottles in two groups of four, said intermediate strip lying between said groups of four.

8. A package unit carrier comprising a first integral resilient plastics strip formed as a continuous loop, handle means integral therewith, and an intermediate strip extending across said loop and having opposite ends integral with said first strip.

9. A carrier as set forth in claim 8, wherein said loop lies substantially in a common plane, said intermediate strip lying in the same common plane but displaced from a straight line between said opposite ends.

1 0. A carrier as set forth in claim 9, wherein said intermediate strip comprises a loop lying to one side of the straight line between said opposite ends, said carrier including additional severable attachments between said first strip and said intermediate strip.

11. A carrier as set forth in claim 9, wherein the intermediate strip comprises a pair of strips of equal length and mirror-image shape, each greater in length than the straight line between said opposite ends, and adapted to be pulled into side-by-side relationship.

1 2. A carrier as set forth in claim 9, wherein the intermediate strip consists of a single piece of a length greater than the straight line between said opposite ends.

1 3. A carrier as set forth in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein said loop has major and minor axes, said intermediate strip having said ends disposed substantially along said minor axis and said intermediate strip being displaced in the direction parallel to said major axis.

14. A carrier as set forth in claim 10, wherein said intermediate strip has a re-entrant shape.

15. A carrier as set forth in claim 14, wherein said intermediate strip is interconnected to said first strip adjacent said ends by readily severable areas.

1 6. A carrier as set forth in claim 14, wherein said intermediate strip is at least in part arcuate.

1 7. A carrier as set forth in claim 12, wherein portions of said intermediate strip commencing from said opposite ends are aligned and approach one another, said portions then each leading to a reverse curve back to an adjacent portion of said loop, and continuing as a further opposite curve and integrally joining one another, said portions adjacent to said ends extending into integral contact with one another and being joined by a readily severable section, said intermediate strip beyond said reverse curves closely approaching said loop on substantially opposite sides thereof and being integrally joined thereto by readily severable sections.

1 8. A carrier as set forth in claim 8, substantially as described with reference to Fig. 2; Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, or Fig. 10 of the accompanying drawings.