NZ735007B - Container carrier with flexible flange - Google Patents
Container carrier with flexible flangeInfo
- Publication number
- NZ735007B NZ735007B NZ735007A NZ73500717A NZ735007B NZ 735007 B NZ735007 B NZ 735007B NZ 735007 A NZ735007 A NZ 735007A NZ 73500717 A NZ73500717 A NZ 73500717A NZ 735007 B NZ735007 B NZ 735007B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- side wall
- container carrier
- flanges
- voids
- lower side
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 111
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 210000003739 Neck Anatomy 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 201000002674 obstructive nephropathy Diseases 0.000 description 8
- 210000000088 Lip Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036633 rest Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C67/00—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00
- B29C67/24—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00 characterised by the choice of material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2023/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2023/04—Polymers of ethylene
- B29K2023/06—PE, i.e. polyethylene
- B29K2023/0608—PE, i.e. polyethylene characterised by its density
- B29K2023/065—HDPE, i.e. high density polyethylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/26—Scrap or recycled material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
- B29L2031/7178—Pallets
-
- 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
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
-
- 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
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
-
- 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
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
- B65D21/023—Closed containers provided with local cooperating elements in the top and bottom surfaces, e.g. projection and recess
- B65D21/0231—Bottles, canisters or jars whereby the neck or handle project into a cooperating cavity in the bottom
-
- 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
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0233—Nestable containers
-
- 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
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0235—Containers stackable in a staggered configuration
-
- 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
- B65D2571/00—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, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00833—Other details of wrappers
- B65D2571/00888—Stacking elements
- B65D2571/00895—Stacking elements for stacking one upon the other
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B65D71/70—Trays provided with projections or recesses in order to assemble multiple articles, e.g. intermediate elements for stacking
Abstract
container carrier and manufacturing method therefore are provided. The container carrier includes an integrally molded body with a graspable loop and a plurality of annular structures connected by bridges. The graspable loop is configured to extend above a top surface of the container carrier in an unbiased configuration to provide an easily graspable carrying mechanism. Each annular structure includes a side wall formed of side wall portions separated by side wall voids and a top surface. Flanges are positioned at the bottom of each side wall void to collectively engage the containers. The flanges are configured to project inwardly and orient upwardly at an angle so as to flex when accepting or releasing a container. The top surfaces of the annular structures include notched voids continuous with respective side wall voids such that the flanges positioned at the bottoms of the side wall voids are accommodated by the notched voids in the top surface of a second, same-shaped container carrier when stacked to thereby improve stacking efficiency. n unbiased configuration to provide an easily graspable carrying mechanism. Each annular structure includes a side wall formed of side wall portions separated by side wall voids and a top surface. Flanges are positioned at the bottom of each side wall void to collectively engage the containers. The flanges are configured to project inwardly and orient upwardly at an angle so as to flex when accepting or releasing a container. The top surfaces of the annular structures include notched voids continuous with respective side wall voids such that the flanges positioned at the bottoms of the side wall voids are accommodated by the notched voids in the top surface of a second, same-shaped container carrier when stacked to thereby improve stacking efficiency.
Description
CONTAINER CARRIER WITH FLEXIBLE FLANGE
BACKGROUND
Container carriers are used in retail environments to secure a group of
containers so that they may be grasped and carried as a single unit. This configuration is
advantageous to a user who desires to transport several containers at once, such as cans or
bottles of beverages. Heavier products, such as liquids, may require three-dimensional
container carriers to support their weight. Additionally, products with caps, such as
bottles, may need a taller container carrier to accommodate the caps. Such container
carriers must engage the products securely but also allow them to be easily released by a
user. With current solutions, users often experience difficulty releasing a container from a
container carrier, which may result in frustration and compromise the integrity of the
product.
SUMMARY
To address the above issues, a container carrier and manufacturing method
for a container carrier are disclosed herein. According to a first aspect, a container carrier
for securing together and carrying multiple containers is provided comprising an
integrally molded body that includes a plurality of annular structures. Each annular
structure is connected by a bridge to at least one adjacent annular structure of the
plurality of annular structures. Each annular structure includes a side wall formed of side
wall portions and a top surface connecting the side wall portions. The side wall portions
are separated by side wall voids formed in the side wall. A respective flange is positioned
proximate a bottom end of each side wall void. The flanges of each annular structure are
Page 1
collectively configured to releasably engage a corresponding container of the multiple
containers. To this end, the flanges project inwardly and orient upwardly at an angle and
are configured to flex when accepting or releasing a corresponding container of the
multiple containers. The top surface connecting the side wall portions of each annular
structure includes notched voids continuous with respective side wall voids. As such, the
flanges positioned proximate the bottom ends of each side wall void may be
accommodated by the notched voids in the top surface of a second, same-shaped
container carrier when stacked. The flanges are configured to have a perimeter profile as
viewed from above that is smaller and nests within a perimeter profile as viewed from
above of the notched voids in the top surface. Potential advantages of this configuration
are that the flanges do not inhibit efficient stacking of the container carriers and that
multiple containers may be securely transported in one carrier yet individually removed
with ease from the container carrier.
In this aspect, each side wall portion has a respective upper side wall
segment and a respective lower side wall segment. The upper side wall segment has a
reduced diameter relative to the lower side wall segment of the side wall portion. The
upper and lower side wall segments are configured to join at a horizontally extending
ledge that spans a difference between the respective diameters in the upper and lower
side wall segments. A potential advantage of this configuration is that the container
carriers are shaped to nest together when stacked, which allows for more efficient
packing and shipping of container carriers in comparison to currently available solutions.
In this aspect, the bottom portion of the lower side wall segment is shaped to
have an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the upper side wall and
Page 2
smaller than an outer diameter of the ledge. As such, the bottom portion of the lower side
wall segment will rest upon the ledge of a second, same-shaped container carrier when
stacked. A potential advantage of this configuration is that the container carriers nest
snuggly together when stacked to minimize lateral shifting of the stock while in shipping
containers, thereby reducing the potential of damaging the container carriers during
transit.
In this aspect, each bridge between adjacent annular structures may be
defined by a top surface that is connectively formed between adjacent annular structures,
an inner side wall portion, and an outer side wall portion. Each of the inner and outer side
wall portions may have a respective upper side wall segment that has a reduced width
relative to a lower side wall segment of the side wall portion. The upper and lower side
wall segments may be joined at a horizontally extending ledge that spans a difference
between respective widths in the upper and lower side wall segments. Potential
advantages of this configuration are that the bridge structure increases stability of the
container carrier, and this configuration allows the bottom of the lower side wall segment
of a bridge to rest upon the ledge of a bridge of a second, same-shaped container carrier
when stacked.
In this aspect, an integrally formed graspable loop may extend from a bottom
of a lower side wall segment of an inner side wall portion of a bridge to a bottom of a
lower side wall segment of an inner side wall portion of an opposite bridge. A peak
height of the graspable loop may extend beyond the top surfaces of the annular structures
and bridges. Potential advantages of this configuration are that a user may easily grasp
Page 3
the loop, and the integral formation of the loop provides increased strength and
durability.
In this aspect, the ends of the flanges may be rounded. A potential advantage
of this configuration is that the flanges could releasably engage containers having
tamper-resistant films or wraps around their caps without damaging the tamper-resistant
seal.
In this aspect, the angle of inclination of the flanges from horizontal may be
greater than zero and less than 45 degrees, and the angle of inclination of the flanges
from horizontal is preferably greater than 10 and less than 30 degrees. A potential
advantage of this configuration is that the angle of inclination of the flanges from
horizontal will allow the flanges to collectively engage a container and secure it within
the annular structure of the container carrier.
In this aspect, the side wall portions may be tapered such that the upper side
wall segment has a smaller width relative to the width of the lower side wall segment. A
potential advantage of this configuration is that the side wall voids between the side wall
portions are inversely tapered to allow the flanges to smoothly nest into a second same-
shaped container carrier when stacked.
In this aspect, the plurality of annular structures may be one of two, three,
four, six, or eight annular structures. A potential advantage of this configuration is that
the container carrier may be customized as desired to hold different numbers of
containers.
In this aspect, the container carrier may be formed of a flexible plastic.
Potential advantages of this configuration are that the container carrier is lightweight yet
Page 4
durable and may be recycled after use, and further the flanges of the container carrier
may flexibly deform to secure and release containers therein.
In another aspect, a manufacturing method for a container carrier for
securing together and carrying multiple containers by the necks is provided. The
manufacturing method includes molding an integrally formed body that includes a
plurality of annular structures. Each annular structure is connected by a bridge to at least
one adjacent annular structure of the plurality of annular structures. The method further
includes forming a side wall in each annular structure. The side wall is formed of side
wall portions separated by side wall voids formed in the side wall. A top surface
connects the side wall portions. The manufacturing method further includes forming a
respective flange proximate a bottom end of each side wall void. The flanges of each
annular structure are collectively configured to releasably engage a corresponding
container of the multiple containers. To this end, the flanges project inwardly and orient
upwardly at an angle and are configured to flex when accepting or releasing a
corresponding container of the multiple containers. The top surface connecting the side
wall portions of each annular structure includes notched voids continuous with respective
side wall voids. As such, the flanges positioned proximate the bottom ends of each side
wall void may be accommodated by the notched voids in the top surface of a second,
same-shaped container carrier when stacked. The flanges are configured to have a
perimeter profile as viewed from above that is smaller and nests within a perimeter
profile as viewed from above of the notched voids in the top surface. Potential
advantages of this configuration are that the flanges do not inhibit efficient stacking of
Page 5
the container carriers and that multiple containers may be securely transported in one
carrier yet individually removed with ease from the container carrier.
In this aspect, each side wall portion has a respective upper side wall
segment and a respective lower side wall segment. The upper side wall segment has a
reduced diameter relative to the lower side wall segment of the side wall portion. The
upper and lower side wall segments are configured to join at a horizontally extending
ledge that spans a difference between the respective diameters in the upper and lower
side wall segments. A potential advantage of this configuration is that the container
carriers are shaped to nest together when stacked, which allows for more efficient
packing and shipping of container carriers in comparison to currently available solutions.
In this aspect, the bottom portion of the lower side wall segment is shaped to
have an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the upper side wall and
smaller than an outer diameter of the ledge. As such, the bottom portion of the lower side
wall segment will rest upon the ledge of a second, same-shaped container carrier when
stacked. A potential advantage of this configuration is that the container carriers nest
snuggly together when stacked to minimize lateral shifting of the stock while in shipping
containers, thereby reducing the potential of damaging the container carriers during
transit.
In this aspect, each bridge between adjacent annular structures may be
defined by a top surface that is connectively formed between adjacent annular structures,
an inner side wall portion, and an outer side wall portion. Each of the inner and outer side
wall portions may have a respective upper side wall segment that has a reduced width
relative to a lower side wall segment of the side wall portion. The upper and lower side
Page 6
wall segments may be joined at a horizontally extending ledge that spans a difference
between respective widths in the upper and lower side wall segments. Potential
advantages of this configuration are that the bridge structure increases stability of the
container carrier, and this configuration allows the bottom of the lower side wall segment
of a bridge to rest upon the ledge of a bridge of a second, same-shaped container carrier
when stacked.
In this aspect, an integrally formed graspable loop may extend from a bottom
of a lower side wall segment of an inner side wall portion of a bridge to a bottom of a
lower side wall segment of an inner side wall portion of an opposite bridge. A peak
height of the graspable loop may extend beyond the top surfaces of the annular structures
and bridges. Potential advantages of this configuration are that a user may easily grasp
the loop, and the integral formation of the loop provides increased strength and
durability.
In this aspect, the ends of the flanges may be rounded. A potential advantage
of this configuration is that the flanges could releasably engage containers having
tamper-resistant films or wraps around their caps without damaging the tamper-resistant
seal.
In this aspect, the angle of inclination of the flanges from horizontal may be
greater than zero and less than 45 degrees, and the angle of inclination of the flanges
from horizontal is preferably greater than 10 and less than 30 degrees. A potential
advantage of this configuration is that the angle of inclination of the flanges from
horizontal will allow the flanges to collectively engage a container and secure it within
the annular structure of the container carrier.
Page 7
In this aspect, the side wall portions may be tapered such that the upper side
wall segment has a smaller width relative to the width of the lower side wall segment. A
potential advantage of this configuration is that the side wall voids between the side wall
portions are inversely tapered to allow the flanges to smoothly nest into a second same-
shaped container carrier when stacked.
In this aspect, the plurality of annular structures may be one of two, three,
four, six, or eight annular structures. A potential advantage of this configuration is that
the container carrier may be customized as desired to hold different numbers of
containers.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified
form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is
it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the
claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all
disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
shows a top perspective view of a container carrier according to one
embodiment of the present description.
shows a bottom perspective view of the container carrier of
shows a top view of the container carrier of
shows a bottom view of the container carrier of
Page 8
shows a front view of the container carrier of wherein the
back view is an identical image thereof.
shows a right view of the container carrier of wherein the left
view is an identical image thereof.
shows a top perspective view of a stack of two container carriers of
the type shown in
shows a front view of the stack of two container carriers of
shows a top perspective sectional view of the stack of two container
carriers of
shows a front sectional view of the stack of two container carriers of
FIGS. 11A-11D show top schematic views of container carriers with two,
three, six, or eight annular structures, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Selected embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the disclosure
are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as
defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Turning to the figures, illustrates one embodiment of a container
carrier 10 configured to secure together and carry multiple containers at one time. The
body 11 of the container carrier 10 may be integrally molded and may include at least a
Page 9
plurality of annular structures 12. Each annular structure 12 may be connected to at least
one adjacent annular structure 12 by a bridge 14.
The annular structures 12 may each comprise a side wall 16 formed by side
wall portions 18 that are separated by side wall voids 20 formed in the side wall 16. A
top surface 22 may connect the side wall portions 18. Each annular structure 12 is formed
in a generally circular shape ( i .e ., circular except where intersecting bridges 14) centered
on a vertical central axis A running through a center C of the top surface 22. The side
wall portions 18 are formed to be arcuate shapes of revolution around the central axis A.
Each side wall portion 18 may be configured to include an upper side wall segment 24
and a lower side wall segment 26. Turning briefly to the upper side wall segment
24 may have a reduced diameter D relative to a diameter D of the lower side wall
segment 26 of the side wall portion 18, the diameters being measured relative to the
central axis A. The upper and lower side wall segments 24, 26 may be joined at a
horizontally or diagonally extending ledge 28. The ledge 28 may span the difference
between the respective diameters D , D of the upper and lower side wall segments 24,
26. Ledge 28 is formed in the side wall portions 18 around the perimeter of the annular
structures 12, and a similarly constructed ledge 36c is formed in the inner and outer side
wall portions 36, 38 of bridges 14, as described in detail below.
Referring back to the bridges 14 connecting the annular structures 12
may each be defined by a top surface 34 that is connectively formed between adjacent
annular structures 12, an inner side wall portion 36, and an outer side wall portion 38. In
the illustrated embodiment, the top surface of the bridge 34 is formed in the same plane
with the top surfaces 22 of the adjacent annular structures 12. Alternatively, the top
Page 10
surface of the bridge 34 may be formed in a parallel plane above or below the top
surfaces 22 of the adjacent annular structures 12.
Similar to the side wall portions 18 of the annular structures 12, the inner and
outer side wall portions 36, 38 of the bridges 14 may each have an upper side wall
segment 36a, 38a and a lower side wall segment 36b, 38b. As illustrated in the top view
of the container carrier in a width BW of the bridge at the upper side wall
segments 36a, 38a may be reduced in relation to a width BW of the bridge at respective
lower side wall segments 36b, 38b. Returning to on both the inner and outer side
wall portions 36, 38 of the bridges 14, the upper side wall segments 36a, 38a and lower
side wall segments 36b, 38b may be joined at a horizontally or diagonally extending
ledge 36c, 38c that spans a difference between respective widths BW , BW of the bridge
at the upper side wall segments 36a, 38a and the lower side wall segments 36b, 38b.
Continuing with to the side wall voids 20 may be formed in at least
one of three ways: between two side wall portions 18, between a side wall portion 18 and
a bridge 14, or between two bridges 14, as shown. Each side wall void 20 is bordered on
the bottom side by an arcuate segment 21 connecting the adjacent lower side wall
segments 26 or lower side wall segments of the bridges 36b, 38b. In the present
embodiment, each annular structure 12 includes four side wall voids 20, one formed
between two side wall portions 18, one formed between two bridges 14, and two formed
between a side wall portion 18 and a bridge 14. Alternatively, each annular structure 12
may have more or less than four side wall voids 20 formed in various manners.
As shown in the top surface 22 of the container carrier 10 that
connects the side wall portions 18 of each annular structure 12 may include notched
Page 11
voids 40 that communicate with an internal void 13 of the annular structure 12. These
notched voids 40 may be continuous with the respective side wall voids 20, forming a
single continuous void. In the nomenclature of this application, notched voids 40 refer to
the voids created by the notches in the top surface 22 as best viewed from the top such as
in while side wall voids 20 refer to the voids in the side wall portions as best
viewed from the side such as in FIGS. 5 and 6, and these voids 20, 40 communicate with
each other and with the internal void 13. As best viewed in an inner perimeter of
the notched voids 40 may be formed in an arcuate shape centered on center C, and sides
of the notched voids 40 may be formed substantially along radially extending lines
extending from the center C. Like the side wall voids 20, the notched voids 40 may be
formed in at least one of three ways: between two side wall portions 18, between a side
wall portion 18 and a bridge 14, or between two bridges 14. Because the notched voids
40 are formed continuously with respective side wall voids 20, the number of notched
voids 40 in each annular structure 12 will be the same as the number of side wall voids
. In the illustrated embodiment, one notched void 40 is formed between two side wall
portions 18, one notched void 40 is formed between two bridges 14, and two notched
voids 40 are formed between a side wall portion 18 and a bridge 14.
Turning back to a flange 30 may be positioned proximate the bottom
end of each side wall void 20. The base of each flange 30 connects to the body 11 of the
container carrier 10 at an arcuate segment 21 bordering the bottom of a side wall void 20.
Each annular structure 12 may include a plurality of flanges 30, which are collectively
configured to releasably engage a corresponding container of the multiple containers. In
the present embodiment, four flanges 30 are provided in each annular structure 12, but it
Page 12
will be appreciated that the number of flanges 30 in the annular structures 12 may be
more or less than illustrated, so long as their shape and position is sufficient to releasably
secure a container. For example, annular structures 12 that have six side wall voids 20
may have six corresponding flanges 30. In other examples, three flanges positioned
equidistantly around the inner perimeter of the annular structure may be used, or two
wide flanges may be used positioned 180 degrees opposite each other. Flanges 30 may
alternately be formed on the interior of lower side wall segments 26 of side wall portions
18 or on the interior of lower side wall segments of the bridges 36b, 38b. Additionally,
more than one flange 30 may be present at any one of an arcuate segment 21, the interior
of a lower side wall segment 26, or the interior of an inner or an outer lower side wall
segment of a bridge 36b, 38b.
The flanges 30 may be formed to project inwardly and orient upwardly at an
angle, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The angle of inclination of the flanges from
horizontal may be greater than zero and less than 45 degrees, and preferably greater than
and less than 30 degrees. The internal perimeters of the flanges are formed to have an
arcuate shape centered on the central axis A, which conforms to a curvature of a neck N
of a container CON, as shown in With this configuration, the flanges 30 may flex
when accepting or releasing the container CON, in contrast to current solutions in which
the securing structure is a thick, rigid ledge. As the container CON is inserted, it will be
appreciated that the flange flexes to allow the cap CP and lip L, both of which have a
diameter larger than the internal diameter of the inner perimeter 30A (see FIGS. 3 and 4)
of the flanges, but smaller than the smallest inner diameter of the side wall portion 18, to
permit ingress of the cap CP and lip L into the internal void 13 in the arcuate structure
Page 13
12. As the container CON is being inserted, once the cap CP and lip L are past the
flanges 30, the flanges snap to their original, unflexed shape, and the lip L (or
alternatively cap CP) rests on the flange 30, in the orientation shown in With the
containers CON so secured, a user may lift and carry the containers CON in the carrier
by grasping and lifting the handle 42. When it comes time to remove the container
CON, the flange is sufficiently flexible that a user may easily remove the container CON
from the container carrier by pulling the container cap CP and lip L past the flanges 30,
causing the flanges 30 to flex downwardly during egress, with relative ease and minimal
disturbance to the contents of the container, which can be important both for users with
weaker grip and for beverages that should be delicately handled, such as carbonated
beverages. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the flanges 30 are angular.
Alternatively, the flanges may be configured to have rounded ends R, as depicted by the
dashed lines in , which would facilitate their use with containers having tamper-
resistant films or wraps around their caps.
Turning briefly to FIGS. 3 and 4, the flanges 30 may have a perimeter profile
as viewed from above that is smaller and nests within a perimeter profile as viewed from
above of the notched voids 40 in the top surface 22. In this configuration, the flanges 30
may be accommodated by the notched voids 40 in the top surface 22 of a second, same-
shaped container carrier 10 when stacked, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-10.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, each container carrier 10 may comprise an
integrally formed graspable loop 42. In the illustrated configuration, the graspable loop
42 extends from the bottom of a lower side wall segment 36b of an inner side wall
portion 36 of a bridge 14 to the bottom of a lower side wall segment 36b of an inner side
Page 14
wall portion 36 of an opposite bridge 14. Alternatively, the graspable loop 42 may be
formed with the top surface 22 of an annular structure 12. The peak height of the
graspable loop 42 may extend beyond the top surfaces 22 of the annular structures 12 and
bridges 14 of the container carrier 10, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The extended
graspable loop 42 allows a user to easily grasp the container carrier 10. Alternatively, the
peak height of the graspable loop may 42 be in a plane with or parallel to the top surfaces
22 of the annular structures 12 and bridges 14. In the present embodiment, the graspable
loop 42 is formed in the shape of an arc, and the arc-shaped loops 42 nest together when
stacked as shown in Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the graspable loop
42 may be formed in an alternate stackable shape, such as an S or a flat band, and may
further be configured to be flexibly attached to the container carrier to lay flat for
shipping and lift up for carrying.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the top surface 22 connecting the side wall
portions 18 of each annular structure 12 may have a central region 44 defined by an inner
perimeter 46. This feature provides stability to the container carrier 10 and also protects
the caps of the containers. In this embodiment, the central region 44 of the top surface 22
is partially open, which allows air circulation such that condensation does not form on
the caps of the containers, and also reduces the weight of the container carrier 10 while at
the same time providing a surface for providing indicia such as branding, legal notices,
etc. Alternatively, the central region 44 of the top surface 22 may be formed to fully
cover the caps of the containers secured within the container carrier 10.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are front and side views of one embodiment of a container
carrier 10. As shown in the height H of the lower side wall segments 26 of the
Page 15
side wall portions 18 may be greater than the height H of the upper side wall segments
28. Additionally, the side wall portions 18 may be tapered such that the upper side wall
segment 28 has a smaller width W relative to the width W of the lower side wall
segment 26, as illustrated by angle in These features allow a plurality of
container carriers 10 to nest together when arranged in a stack.
Perspective, front, and sectional views of a stack of two container carriers are
illustrated in FIGS. 7-10. As shown in , each lower side wall segment 26 may
include a bottom portion 32 that is shaped to have an inner diameter ID that is larger than
an outer diameter OD of the upper side wall segment 24 and smaller than an outer
diameter LOD of the ledge 28 as defined along a vertical central axis A of the annular
structure 12. In this configuration, the bottom portion 32 of the lower side wall segment
26 will rest upon the ledge 28 of a second, same-shaped container carrier 10 when
stacked.
The embodiment of container carrier 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-10 includes four
annular structures 12. However, the plurality of annular structures 12 may alternatively
be one of two, three, six, or eight annular structures 12, as depicted in FIGS. 11A-11D,
or other suitable number of annular structures 12. In the illustrated examples with four,
six, or eight annular structures 12, each annular structure 12 is positioned orthogonal to
adjacent annular structures 12. The graspable loops 42 are illustrated between each
opposite pair of annular structures 12, but it will be appreciated that one or more
graspable loops 42 may be alternately positioned on the body 11 of the container carrier
. For example, a graspable loop 42 may be formed to connect the endmost bridges 14
of the container carriers 10 having six or eight annular structures 12. It may be desirable
Page 16
to the manufacturer or distributor of the containers secured within the container carrier
to offer their products in a specific number or a variety of numbers, depending on the
context. For example, certain products may be offered as a twin-pack at a typical grocery
store and as a four-pack or an eight-pack at a warehouse store.
In any of the embodiments described herein, the body 11 of the container
carrier 10 may be preferentially formed of a flexible plastic. Being both strong and
lightweight, plastic is an advantageous material for use in container carriers. It is
preferable that the plastic be flexible in nature to accommodate the releasable
engagement of the containers with the flanges. Specifically, the plastic may be high
density polyethylene (HDPE), and it may further be recycled HDPE. It will be
appreciated that container carriers formed of flexible plastic have the additional benefit of
being recyclable.
The container carriers described above may be used to provide a convenient
carrying mechanism for containers of all sorts, but are particularly advantageous due to
the releasable engagement of the containers by the flanges, which are formed to be
flexible and oriented upward at an angle, thereby securely holding the containers but also
facilitating a hassle-free release of the containers when removable from the container
carrier is desired.
It should be understood that the embodiments herein are illustrative and not
restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than
by the description preceding them, and all changes that fall within metes and bounds of
the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be
embraced by the claims.
Page 17
Claims (17)
1. A container carrier for securing together and carrying multiple containers comprising: an integrally molded body including a plurality of annular structures; wherein each annular structure is connected by a bridge to at least one adjacent annular structure of the plurality of annular structures; wherein each annular structure includes a side wall formed of side wall portions separated by side wall voids formed in the side wall, and a top surface connecting the side wall portions; wherein a respective flange is positioned proximate a bottom end of each side wall void; wherein the flanges of each annular structure are collectively configured to releasably engage a corresponding container of the multiple containers; wherein the flanges project inwardly and are oriented upwardly at an angle of inclination from horizontal greater than 10 degrees and less than 30 degrees and are configured to flex when accepting or releasing a corresponding container of the multiple containers; wherein an internal perimeter of each flange is formed to have an arcuate shape centered on a central axis of the top surface which conforms to a curvature of a neck of a corresponding container of the multiple containers; wherein the top surface connecting the side wall portions of each annular structure includes notched voids continuous with respective side wall voids such that the Page 18 flanges positioned proximate the bottom ends of each side wall void are accommodated by the notched voids in the top surface of a second, same-shaped container carrier when stacked; and wherein the flanges have a perimeter profile as viewed from above that is smaller and nests within a perimeter profile as viewed from above of the notched voids in the top surface.
2. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein each side wall portion has a respective upper side wall segment that has a reduced diameter relative to a respective lower side wall segment of the side wall portion, the upper and lower side wall segments being joined at a horizontally extending ledge that spans a difference between respective diameters in the upper and lower side wall segments.
3. The container carrier of claim 2, wherein a bottom portion of the lower side wall segment is shaped to have an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the upper side wall segment and smaller than an outer diameter of the ledge, so that the bottom portion of the lower side wall segment will rest upon the ledge of a second, same- shaped container carrier when stacked.
4. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein each bridge between adjacent annular structures is defined by: a top surface that is connectively formed between adjacent annular structures; and Page 19 an inner side wall portion and an outer side wall portion, wherein each of the inner and outer side wall portions has a respective upper side wall segment that has a reduced width relative to a lower side wall segment of the side wall portion, the upper and lower side wall segments being joined at a horizontally extending ledge that spans a difference between respective widths in the upper and lower side wall segments.
5. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein the ends of the flanges are rounded.
6. The container carrier of claim 2, wherein the side wall portions are tapered such that the upper side wall segment has a smaller width relative to the width of the lower side wall segment.
7. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of annular structures is one of two, three, four, six, or eight annular structures.
8. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein the container carrier is formed of a flexible plastic.
9. A manufacturing method for a container carrier for securing together and carrying multiple containers by the necks, the method comprising: molding an integrally formed body including a plurality of annular structures, wherein each annular structure is connected by a bridge to at least one adjacent annular structure of the plurality of annular structures; Page 20 forming in each annular structure a side wall formed of side wall portions separated by side wall voids formed in the side wall, and a top surface connecting the side wall portions; forming a respective flange proximate a bottom end of each side wall void; forming the flanges to project inwardly and be oriented upwardly at an angle of inclination from horizontal greater than 10 degrees and less than 30 degrees; forming the flanges of each annular structure to collectively and releasably engage a corresponding container of the multiple containers; forming an internal perimeter of each flange to have an arcuate shape centered on a central axis of the top surface which conforms to a curvature of a neck of a corresponding container of the multiple containers; forming the top surface connecting the side wall portions of each annular structure to include notched voids continuous with respective side wall voids such that the flanges positioned proximate the bottom ends of each side wall void are accommodated by the notched voids in the top surface of a second, same-shaped container carrier when stacked; and forming the flanges to have a perimeter profile as viewed from above that is smaller and nests within a perimeter profile as viewed from above of the notched voids in the top surface.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein each side wall portion has a respective upper side wall segment that has a reduced diameter relative to a respective lower side wall segment of the side wall portion, the upper and lower side wall segments being joined at a Page 21 horizontally extending ledge that spans a difference between respective diameters in the upper and lower side wall segments.
11. The method of claim 10, the method further comprising forming a bottom portion of the lower side wall segment to have an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the upper side wall and smaller than an outer diameter of the ledge, so that the bottom portion of the lower side wall segment will rest upon the ledge of a second, same-shaped container carrier when stacked.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein each bridge between adjacent annular structures is defined by: a top surface that is connectively formed between adjacent annular structures; and an inner side wall portion and an outer side wall portion, wherein each of the inner and outer side wall portions has a respective upper side wall segment that has a reduced width relative to a lower side wall segment of the side wall portion, the upper and lower side wall segments being joined at a horizontally extending ledge that spans a difference between respective widths in the upper and lower side wall segments.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the ends of the flanges are rounded.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the side wall portions are tapered such that the upper side wall segment has a smaller width relative to the width of the lower side wall segment. Page 22
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of annular structures is one of two, three, four, six, or eight annular structures.
16. The container carrier of claim 1, further comprising an integrally formed graspable loop that extends from an inside bottom edge of the bridge to an inside bottom edge of an opposite bridge, wherein a portion of the graspable loop that extends beyond the top surfaces of the annular structures and bridges when the container carrier is in an unbiased configuration is less than a portion of the graspable loop that remains below the top surfaces of the annular structures and bridges.
17. The method of claim 9, the method further comprising: forming a graspable loop that extends from an inside bottom edge of the bridge to an inside bottom edge of an opposite bridge, wherein a portion of the graspable loop that extends beyond the top surfaces of the annular structures and bridges when the container carrier is in an unbiased configuration is less than a portion of the graspable loop that remains below the top surfaces of the annular structures and bridges. Page 23 Docket: PAK16303U2 Title: CONTAINER CARRIER WITH FLEXBILE FLANGE Inventor(s): Zakary James Borg and Ronald Lee Mellor Jr. 12 10 44 36 34 28 Docket: PAK16303U2 Title: CONTAINER CARRIER WITH FLEXBILE FLANGE Inventor(s): Zakary James Borg and Ronald Lee Mellor Jr. Docket: PAK16303U2 Title: CONTAINER CARRIER WITH FLEXBILE FLANGE Inventor(s): Zakary James Borg and Ronald Lee Mellor Jr. D /2 D /2 Docket: PAK16303U2 Title: CONTAINER CARRIER WITH FLEXBILE FLANGE Inventor(s): Zakary James Borg and Ronald Lee Mellor Jr. Docket: PAK16303U2 Title: CONTAINER CARRIER WITH FLEXBILE FLANGE Inventor(s): Zakary James Borg and Ronald Lee Mellor Jr. 20 A D /2 18 1 D /2 CP H Docket: PAK16303U2 Title: CONTAINER CARRIER WITH FLEXBILE FLANGE Inventor(s): Zakary James Borg and Ronald Lee Mellor Jr. 28 20 Docket: PAK16303U2 Title: CONTAINER CARRIER WITH FLEXBILE FLANGE Inventor(s): Zakary James Borg and Ronald Lee Mellor Jr. LOD/2 ID/2 OD/2 30 Docket: PAK16303U2 Title: CONTAINER CARRIER WITH FLEXBILE FLANGE Inventor(s): Zakary James Borg and Ronald Lee Mellor Jr. 10 10 B A C D
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/449,831 US10266326B2 (en) | 2017-03-03 | 2017-03-03 | Container carrier with flexible flange |
US15/449831 | 2017-03-03 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ735007A NZ735007A (en) | 2018-12-21 |
NZ735007B true NZ735007B (en) | 2019-03-22 |
Family
ID=
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