SHIPPING LOCK AND BOTTLE HANGER

Abstract

A bottle hanger for use with a sport bottle is disclosed. The hanger is configured to secure a movable valve associated with the bottle in an open position during shipping, to maintain pressure equalization inside and outside the bottle. The hanger is further designed to flex without being dislodged from the bottle in the event a lateral force is applied to the handle portion of the hanger. The hanger is further configured to secure a merchandising tag in a forward-facing orientation for optimized viewing of the tag. The hanger may also be used with a variety of differently shaped bottle valves.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/575,947 filed Oct. 23, 2017 entitled “Shipping Lock and Bottle Hanger,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a bottle hanger for mounting a sport bottle available for purchase on a display rack. It also relates to a device for securing the valve of the bottle in an open position for purposes of maintaining pressure equilibrium inside the bottle or container relative to the outside of the bottle or container, for example, during shipping, and separately for maintaining the position of a merchandising tag centered and aligned with the bottle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a retail environment, there is a need to hang sport bottles, water bottles or similar beverage containers, hereinafter sports bottles or bottles, from a merchandising peg such that they hang vertically. A vertical orientation maximizes the number of bottles on a single peg. A vertical display also optimizes the visual impact of the bottles and provides an overall tidiness to the wall display without adding significant cost to the product and the display. Similarly, there is a need for ensuring a merchandising tag associated with a bottle is properly aligned relative to the bottle and the position maintained in handling, shipping and displaying the bottle.

Separately, a need exists to prevent damage to a sports bottle following manufacture through delivery to a point of sale display. Often, such bottles are manufactured in one location and shipped and sold throughout a large region, including throughout the world. When a sports bottle has a closeable valve, which is in a closed position, and the bottle is shipped from one location to another, changes in atmospheric conditions can create a pressure differential between conditions inside and outside of the bottle. If the pressure differential remains unabated because the valve remains closed, the walls of the bottle may become distorted and damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method and device are disclosed for hanging sports bottles that incorporate a push-pull valve within a nozzle protruding from the top of a bottle cap. The valve dispenses fluids from the flexible sports bottle by gravity or when the bottle is squeezed, and the cap valve is pulled upward to the open position. In one embodiment, the device partially surrounds and is secured to a bottle nozzle. The device is sized to require the valve associated with the nozzle be in an open position such that when the device is attached to the nozzle, the valve cannot close. The nozzle and valve may be most any cross-sectional shape.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the device may include a loop or handle that extends from the body of the device for hanging the bottle on a display rack and generally for handling and transferring the bottle, for example from a shipping container to a display rack, and to and from the display rack. The handle may include a notch, flat, groove, indentation, channel or other feature that nests with, engages or aligns the sports bottle relative to the display rack. Also, the loop may be structured to bend or deform at certain preferred locations. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the handle varies such that, when a lateral force is applied, specifically targeted areas of the handle flex or bend first. This is to prevent the device from being detached or dislodged from the bottle nozzle during handling of the bottle.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the device may assist in positioning and maintaining the position of a merchandising or hang tag. As noted, the device is sized to hold the nozzle valve in an open position. In doing so, the body of the device generally spans the distance between the underside of the valve and the upper surface of the bottle cap. As a result, a merchandising tag may be secured to the nozzle and held in a desired position or orientation by a friction fit between the body of the device and the surface of the bottle cap.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a cut-out may be formed in the body of the device to facilitate attaching and detaching the device to a bottle nozzle and cap. The device is secured to the bottle cap and nozzle by a friction fit, which requires the body be pliable and capable of being twisted or contorted to either attach or detach to the nozzle. Removing material from the body of the device by way of forming a cut-out reduces the force needed to attach and detach the device. The location of the cut-out or window may also alter the required force for attaching and detaching the device. For example, forming the cut-out or window at a location where the body physically engages the nozzle and/or valve can reduce the needed force by a greater degree compared to forming the same sized cut-out at a location where the body does not directly engage the nozzle or valve. Similarly, changing the material from which the body is made, and or the thickness of the material, will alter the pliability of the body.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a bottle hanger for a sports bottle comprises a pliable collar having a first open end and a second open end spaced from and opposite the first open end. The first and second open ends define a longitudinal dimension of the collar. A side wall extends between the first and second ends, and the side wall has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge spaced from the first longitudinal edge defining an open side of the collar. A handle is also provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the side wall at a first location and the second end is connected to the side wall at a second location. The handle forms a closed loop positioned above the first end of the collar.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, the collar defines an interior space and a portion of the side wall extends inwardly into the interior space. In a preferred embodiment, the collar may include a flange extending outwardly from the second end of the open body. The flange interfaces with the upper surface of the cap or lid of the bottle.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the handle comprises a first leg extending from the first end, a second leg extending from the second end, and a third leg interconnecting the first and second legs. Optionally, the third leg of the handle comprises a first segment and a second segment that join at an angle to form a highpoint along the inside edge of the third leg.

According to other aspects of the disclosure, the first leg of the handle comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the cross section of the first portion is different from the second portion, and wherein the second leg comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the cross section of the first portion is different from the second portion, and wherein when a lateral force is applied to the handle, the first portions of the first and second legs flex before the second portions.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a system of displaying a sports bottle includes a container, a sports bottle cap configured to attach to the container, the cap having an outer surface and a cylindrically walled sleeve extending from the outer surface and forming an outer opening in the cap at the proximal end of the sleeve, a movable nozzle valve having a generally cylindrical hollow body disposed for longitudinal movement within the cylindrically walled sleeve between an open position to permit flow of a fluid through said hollow body from the container and a closed position to prevent flow of a fluid through the hollow body, the valve body having an enlarged proximal end positioned exterior of the proximal end of the sleeve and extending radially outwardly of the sleeve, and a bottle hanger having a collar with a first open end and a second open end spaced from and opposite the first open end, the first and second open ends defining a longitudinal dimension of the collar, a side wall extending between the first and second ends, the side wall having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge spaced from the first longitudinal edge, the collar coupled to the sleeve and extending between the outer surface of the cap and the enlarged proximal end of the nozzle valve, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the collar precludes the nozzle valve from moving to a closed position.

According to other aspects of the disclosure, the system may optionally include a merchandising tag, the tag having a body with an aperture formed in the body, the aperture sized to receive the sleeve of the cap, and the tag positioned between the flange of the collar and the exterior surface of the cap. Further still, the tag may comprise a plurality of splines formed in the body of the tag surrounding the aperture. According to preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the body may include a first portion and a second portion, the aperture is disposed in the first portion and the second portion is oriented at an angle relative to the first portion and the second portion includes an area to receive and display information.

The present disclosure will be further understood from the drawings and the following detailed description. Although this description sets forth specific details, it is understood that certain embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, reference made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosures.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible sports bottle with a push-pull valve bottle cap in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottle cap illustrated in FIG. 1, with the nozzle valve pulled upward in the open position.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of one embodiment of a bottle hanger attached to the bottle illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a bottle hanger.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the bottle hanger of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the bottle hanger of FIG. 4 attached to a bottle.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bottle hanger attached to a bottle and further including a first embodiment of a merchandising tag.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a flat merchandising tag.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottle hanger of FIG. 4 attached to a bottle and further disclosing an L-shaped merchandising tag.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the bottle hanger of FIG. 4 attached to a second embodiment of a bottle having a differently shaped push-pull valve in the open mode and cap having an alternative profile.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a bottle hanger.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the bottle hanger of FIG. 11.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 discloses the structure of a typical flexible sports bottle (10). The sports bottle incorporates a sport bottle cap (12) with one embodiment of a push-pull valve (14) within a protruding cylindrical nozzle (16) that is shown in the closed position. When the push-pull valve (14) is in the closed position, it seals the liquid and liquid vapor contents within the bottle. When the push-pull valve (14) is moved to the open position, fluid is dispensed by gravity or when the bottle walls (18) are squeezed.

FIG. 2 illustrates the push pull valve (14) of a sport bottle cap (12) in the open position. The nozzle (16) extends from the upper surface (20) of the cap (12). As shown, the push-pull valve comprises an enlarged top portion (22) at the proximal end of the valve having a diameter larger than the diameter of the nozzle (16) and a cylindrical body (24) that slides within the nozzle (16) between an open and closed position. The enlarged top portion (22) has lower or bottom surface (26) that engages the top edge (28) of the nozzle (16) with the push-pull valve is in the closed position. (See, FIG. 1). The nozzle (16) and the valve (14) need not be cylindrical but could have any geometric cross-sectional shape other than a circle.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a bottle hanger (30) assembled onto the push-pull valve (14) of FIG. 2 with the push-pull valve (14) in the open position. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the bottle hanger (30). FIG. 5 shows a side view of the bottle hanger (30).

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bottle hanger is positioned between the lower surface (26) of the enlarged top portion (22) of the push-pull valve (14) and upper surface (20) of the sport bottle cap (12). The bottle hanger (30) generally comprises a body portion (34) and a handle (32). The body portion (34) generally comprises an open collar. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the collar is a C-shaped generally cylindrical body and engages or snaps into the engaged position illustrated in FIG. 3 by the geometry and mechanism of a C-shaped body (34). The C-shaped body (34) is also referred to as a C-clip. The C-shape is also illustrated in FIG. 6, a top view of the hanger (30). The body portion or collar (34) includes an upper or top collar (36), a lower or bottom flange (38) and a contoured center portion (40) having a pinched or reduced diameter (42). The contour of the center portion (40) may be altered from that illustrated in the accompanying figures to match or correspond to the shape of the valve (14) and nozzle (16) of different bottles. The collar or body portion (34) has an open first end (80) and an open second end (82), opposite the first end, and an open side (84) defined by a first longitudinal edge (86) spaced from a second longitudinal edge (88). The body portion (34) defines an interior space (S).

In a preferred embodiment, the angular circumference of the collar is approximately 250 degrees, measured between the longitudinal edges (86) and (88). A larger open side (84) makes it easier to locate the hanger onto the mating geometry of the nozzle (16) and valve (14) before snapping it into place but the wider the opening (84) the easier it is for unintended removal. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure, material pliability is also related to body wall thickness. In one embodiment, a 0.050 inch wall of polypropylene (recycle #5) is used. Other material choices would be high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, nylon, ABS, polycarbonate, and polyester. The stronger stiffer materials like polycarbonate and polyester would require a thinner wall section. Elastomeric materials could be used but would require thicker wall sections to find the right balance between flex and rigidity.

A cut-out (44) may be formed in the center portion (40) to alter the quantity of force needed to deform the body portion (34) when the hanger (30) is attached or detached from the push-pull valve (14) and nozzle (16). The size and shape of the cut-out (44) may vary to change the amount of force needed to connect the hanger (30) to the push-pull valve (14) and nozzle (16). In general terms, the force needed to attach or detach the hanger (30) decreases as the cut-out (44) increases in size, e.g., as material is removed.

When the hanger (30) engages the push-pull valve (14) the open first end (80) or collar (36) engages the push-pull valve (14) underneath the enlarged proximal end (22) of the valve (14). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, diameter (46) is immediately adjacent the enlarged end (22) and interfaces with the collar (36). The pinched portion (42) of the body portion (34) engages the nozzle (16) at diameter (48) (the outer wall of the nozzle (16)). The hanger body (30) will only properly engage the valve (14) and nozzle (16) when the push-pull valve (14) is in the open position. When the hanger body (34) is properly affixed or engaged, the top surface (50) of the collar (36) is positioned proximate the lower surface (26) of the enlarged top portion (22) and bottom flange (38) of bottle hanger (30) abuts or is proximate the upper surface (20) of the cap (12). Stated differently, the longitudinal dimension (D1) of the central body portion (34) approximates the longitudinal dimension (D2) between the upper surface (20) of the cap and the lower surface (26) of the enlarged portion (22) of the push-pull valve (14) when the valve (14) is in the open position. These geometries prevent the valve (14) from closing when the hanger (30) is engaged. Importantly, this also enables the internal pressure of the sports bottle (10) to equilibrate with the surrounding atmospheric pressures throughout the shipping, packing and sales cycle. Furthermore, this feature prevents the side walls (18) of the sports bottle (10) from being pushed inward when the internal pressure within the bottle is less than the pressure surrounding it for long periods of time. One example of this condition will occur if the push pull valve (14) of the sports bottle (10) is pushed closed inadvertently in the process of shipping and handling at a distribution warehouse at a first location having one set of ambient conditions (for example, Denver Colo.) and is shipped to a second location having a different set of ambient conditions (for example, Miami, Fla.) such that the bottle's internal pressure will generally be that of the first location when arriving at the second location. In this example, the difference between the pressure internal to the sports bottle (10) and the ambient pressures external to the said sports bottle can be approximately two psia due to the difference in atmospheric pressures generally observed at the elevations of Denver and Miami: 5280 ft. and 6 ft. above sea level, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the bottle hanger (30). The hanging loop or handle (32) includes a first leg (92) connected to the body portion (34) at a first location, a second leg (94) connected to the body (34) at a second location, and a third leg (96) interconnecting the first leg (92) and the second leg (94). The first leg (92) has a first portion (100) and a second portion (102), the second leg has a first portion (200) and a second portion (202), and the third leg has a first portion (300) and a second portion (302). A pair of outwardly extending segments or ribs (104 and 106) are positioned on the lateral edges of the third leg (96) and the second portions (102 and 202) of the first and second legs (92 and 94).

FIG. 5 discloses a side view of the bottle hanger (30) of FIG. 4. With the handle or hanging loop (32) shown from the side, the thinner cross-section of the first portion (200) of the second leg (94) is readily seen. The thinner first portions (100 and 200) of the first and second legs (92 and 94) are designed to flex when a mechanical impulse (F) is applied to the upper most point (56) of the hanging loop (32). More particularly, the first portions (100 and 200) will flex in response to the impulse rather than the C-clip feature being unclipped from its mating surfaces (46) and (48) of the push pull valve (14) and cylindrical nozzle (16) of the sports cap (12), respectively. This feature is important because the mechanical impulse described above may occur when a consumer is trying to place the bottle onto a display peg after removing it for closer inspection. A mechanical impulse may also occur at point (56) when the bottles are being placed into to a shipping container. This feature assists in reducing accidental removal of the hanger (30) from the bottle (10).

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the first portion (300) and second portion (302) of the third leg (96) are oriented at an angle relative to each other to form a high point (98) on the inside surface of the third leg (96). The highpoint (98) will cause the third leg (96) of the handle (32) to self-center on the peg of a merchandising display rack (not shown). Alternatively, the highpoint (98) may be a notch, groove, channel, flat, indentation or other structural element known to those of skill in the art for centering the hanger body (30), and associated bottle and cap, on a merchandising display rack.

FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose a perspective view of a bottle hanger (30) attached to a bottle (10) having a flat merchandising tag (60) secured to the bottle (10) (FIG. 7) and removed from the bottle (10). The merchandising tag has an aperture or hole (62) large enough to allow the push-pull valve (14) and nozzle (16) to pass through it by bending the splines (64) as needed. With the hanger (30) installed, the flange (38) cooperates to secure the merchandising tag (60) to the bottle (10) (FIG. 8). The splines (64) function to center the merchandising tag (60) when they are pushed downward by flange (38) of the bottle hanger (30) after it is clipped into place. The tag (60) includes a flat portion (66) designed to receive and display information, for example, advertising, brand information, product information, and required disclosures. The entrapment of the merchandising tag (60) between flange (38) of the bottle hanger (30) and surface (20) of the bottle cap (12) functions to keep the hang tag (60) uniformly positioned and axially oriented creating an impression of organization amongst a group of bottles merchandised together. Without the bottle hanger (30), the merchandising tag (60) will slide up and down at various points along the protruding cylindrical nozzle (16) of cap (12) and tilt at various degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the said nozzle. The bottle hanger (30) also functions to keep the merchandising tag from falling off during the shipping, handling and sales cycle. FIG. 9 discloses an L-shaped style merchandising tag (68) that is more likely to fall off without the entrapment of bottle hanger (30) during the shipping, handling and sales cycle due to the size and geometry of the L-shaped tag shown. The tag (68) includes a first portion (610) and a second portion (612) joined together at a fold or crease (615). Each of the first and second portions (610 and 612) include flat areas (614 and 616) designed to receive and display information, for example, advertising, brand information, product information, and required disclosures.

FIG. 10 discloses a front view of a bottle hanger (30) attached to a bottle (10) in the open mode with a push pull valve (70) and cap (72) having an alternative profile than the embodiment of FIG. 1. More specifically, the push-pull valve (70) has a generally hourglass shape compared to the T-shape or mushroom shape of the push-pull valve (14) of the first embodiment. In FIG. 10, it can be seen that the push pull valve (70) is engaged by the C-clip surfaces (74) and (76) of the bottle hanger (30). (See, FIG. 4.) It can also be seen that there is a space or gap (G) between surface (38) of the bottle hanger (30) and surface (78) of the sport cap (72) that can be used to entrap a merchandising tag as described earlier.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a bottle hanger (30′). The bottle hanger (30′) has a handle portion (32′) and a body portion (34′). The handle portion (32′) is essentially the same as the handle portion (32) of the first embodiment, including a first leg (92′), a second leg (94′) and a third leg (96′), where the first and second legs include a first portion (100′ and 200′, respectively) that has a reduced or thinner cross-section relative to the second portions (102′ and 202′) and third leg (96′) to prevent the hanger (30′) from being accidentally removed from a water bottle by flexing of the handle portion (32′). The body portion (34′) is slightly different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the dimension D1′ is longer and the exterior surface (104) substantially cylindrical rather than contoured. The interior surface (106) is contoured and includes a reduced diameter portion (108) to assist in engaging the nozzle (16) of a bottle cap (12). This alternative embodiment includes a window (44′), whose dimensions may vary, for adjusting the flexibility of the C-shaped body portion (34′), a flange (38′) for engaging the top surface of the bottle cap, and an open top portion (80′) that is reduced in diameter relative to main body portion (34′) of the hanger (30′).

In FIGS. 4 and 11, features (90 and 90′) are used as surfaces to push against while ejecting hanger (30 and 30′) from the injection mold as part of the manufacturing process. These features are positioned to allow the C-clip geometry to flex off the injection mold core that forms the internal surface of the hanger body (34 and 34′).

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Other modifications or uses for the present invention will also occur to those of skill in the art after reading the present disclosure. Such modifications or uses are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bottle hanger, comprising:

a pliable collar having a first open end and a second open end spaced from and opposite the first open end, the first and second open ends defining a longitudinal dimension of the collar, a side wall extending between the first and second ends, the side wall having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge spaced from the first longitudinal edge defining an open side of the collar; and, a handle having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the side wall at a first location and the second end connected to the side wall at a second location, the handle forming a closed loop positioned above the first end of the collar.

2. The bottle hanger of claim 1, wherein the collar defines an interior space and a portion of the side wall extends inwardly into the interior space.

3. The bottle hanger of claim 1, further comprising a flange extending outwardly from the second open end of the body.

4. The bottle hanger of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a first leg extending from the first end, a second leg extending from the second end, and a third leg interconnecting the first and second legs.

5. The bottle hanger of claim 4, wherein the third leg of the handle comprises a first segment and a second segment that join at an angle to form a highpoint along the inside edge of the third leg.

6. The bottle hanger of claim 1, further comprising an opening formed in the side wall.

7. The bottle hanger of claim 1, wherein the body is made from a pliable material that bends but returns to its original shape.

8. The bottle hanger of claim 4, wherein the third leg comprises one of a notch, flat, groove, indentation and channel to engage a merchandizing display rack.

9. The hanger of claim 4, wherein the first leg comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the cross section of the first portion is different from the second portion, and wherein the second leg comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the cross section of the first portion is different from the second portion, and wherein when a lateral force is applied to the handle, the first portions of the first and second legs flex before the second portions.

10. The hanger of claim 9, wherein the second portion of the first and second legs comprise a rib of additional material not present in the first portion of the first and second legs.

11. In combination,

(a) a container;

(b) a sports bottle cap configured to attach to the container, the cap having an outer surface and a cylindrically walled sleeve extending from the outer surface and forming an outer opening in the cap at the proximal end of the sleeve;

(c) a movable nozzle valve having a generally cylindrical hollow body disposed for longitudinal movement within the cylindrically walled sleeve between an open position to permit flow of a fluid through said hollow body from the container and a closed position to prevent flow of a fluid through the hollow body, the valve body having an enlarged proximal end positioned exterior of the proximal end of the sleeve and extending radially outwardly of the sleeve;

(d) a bottle hanger having a collar with a first open end and a second open end spaced from and opposite the first open end, the first and second open ends defining a longitudinal dimension of the collar, a side wall extending between the first and second ends, the side wall having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge spaced from the first longitudinal edge, the collar coupled to the sleeve and extending between the outer surface of the cap and the enlarged proximal end of the nozzle valve, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the collar precludes the nozzle valve from moving to a closed position.

12. The combination of claim 11, further comprising a handle having a length and a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the side wall at a first location and the second end connected to the side wall at a second location, the length of the handle forming a closed loop positioned above the first end of the collar.

13. The combination of claim 11, wherein the collar defines an interior space and a portion of the side wall extends inwardly into the interior space.

14. The combination of claim 11, further comprising a flange extending outwardly from the second open end of the collar.

15. The combination of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises a first leg extending from the first end, a second leg extending from the second end, and a third leg interconnecting the first and second legs.

16. The combination of claim 11, wherein the first leg comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the cross section of the first portion is different from the second portion, and wherein the second leg comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the cross section of the first portion is different from the second portion, and wherein when a lateral force is applied to the handle, the first portions of the first and second legs flex before the second portions.

17. The combination of claim 11, further comprising a merchandising tag, the tag having a body with an aperture formed in the body, the aperture sized to receive the sleeve of the cap, and the tag positioned between the flange of the collar and the exterior surface of the cap.

18. The combination of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of splines formed in the body of the tag surrounding the aperture.

19. The combination of claim 17, wherein the body comprises a flat portion to receive and display information.

20. The combination of claim 17, wherein the body comprises a first portion and a second portion, the aperture is disposed in the first portion and the second portion is oriented at an angle relative to the first portion and the second portion includes an area to receive and display information.