CONTAINER CARRIER

Abstract

A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet having two rows of container apertures formed therein. A centerline divides the two rows of container apertures and a plurality of slits are positioned between the centerline and each row of container apertures so that the plurality of slits are positioned generally parallel to the centerline. The plurality of containers are each placed into a respective container aperture and are thus unitized in a package.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/919,772, filed 23 Mar. 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers such as cans or bottles.

2. Description of Prior Art

Conventional container carriers are often used to unitize a plurality of similarly sized containers, such as cans, bottles, jars and boxes and/or similar containers that require unitization. Flexible plastic ring carriers are one such conventional container carrier. Flexible plastic ring carriers may be used to unitize groups of four, six, eight, twelve or other suitable groups of containers into a convenient multipackage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a flexible carrier for packaging containers that includes an arrangement of container apertures and a plurality of slits that facilitate application of the flexible carrier to a plurality of containers.

According to preferred embodiments of this invention, each flexible carrier preferably includes two rows of container apertures, each for receiving a container, to form a package. A centerline or weld preferably extends across a length of the flexible carrier and separates the two rows of container apertures. In addition, the plurality of slits are located between each row of container apertures and centerline/weld.

Further, a handle is preferably connected between the rows of container apertures and extends upwardly from between the rows of container apertures. A plurality of struts may connect the handle with the flexible sheet between the rows of container apertures, preferably between a centerline of the flexible sheet and the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a flexible carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a package of containers according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a front left perspective view of the package shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front schematic view of a flexible carrier immediately prior to application to containers, the flexible carrier without slits between a centerline and rows of container apertures; and

FIG. 5 is a front schematic view of a flexible carrier immediately prior to application to containers according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows flexible carrier 10 for unitizing six containers to form a unitized package. FIGS. 2 and 3 show a package of unitized containers 80. Although FIGS. 1-3 illustrate various structures for flexible carrier 10 of the invention, the illustrations are exemplary, and the invention is not limited to the flexible carriers 10 or packages shown. For example, flexible carrier 10 may be configured and used to unitize four, eight, twelve or any other desired number of containers.

The containers, such as those shown in packages in FIGS. 2 and 3, are preferably bottles or cans. Although bottles are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, any other commonly unitized container may be used with flexible carrier 10 according to this invention. The containers are preferably, though not necessarily, like-sized within a single flexible carrier 10.

Each flexible carrier 10 preferably includes one or more layers of flexible sheet 20 having a width and length defining therein a plurality of container apertures 25, each for receiving a container 80. The plurality of container apertures 25 are preferably arranged in longitudinal rows and longitudinal ranks so as to form an array of container apertures 25, such as two rows by three ranks for a six container multipackage; two rows by six ranks for a twelve container multipackage, etc. Container apertures 25 are preferably elongated in a longitudinal direction of flexible carrier 10.

According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, such as shown in FIG. 1, two layers of flexible sheet 20 are connected along a longitudinally extending centerline 60. Centerline 60 as used herein generally describes a segment between rows of container apertures 25 and/or between layers of flexible sheet 20. According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, centerline 60 comprises a weld that joins the two layers of flexible sheet 20. The two layers of flexible sheet 20 may be coextruded, welded, or otherwise joined together to create flexible carrier 10. “Weld” as used in the specification and claims may be defined as a hot weld, cold weld, lamination or any other manner of connection that joins two sheets of material known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 1, a row of container apertures 25 is preferably formed on each side of centerline 60 and/or in each layer of the two layers of flexible sheet 20. As such, one row of container apertures 25 is preferably formed along each side of the centerline 60. Accordingly, six container apertures 25 are formed in flexible carrier 10 shown in FIG. 1, i.e. two overlapping rows of three container apertures 25 each. Container apertures 25 are preferably formed in a geometry that results in a tight unitization of containers 80 without excess play and/or sliding between and among containers 80 and flexible carrier 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of slits are positioned between centerline 60 and each row of container apertures 25. According to this preferred embodiment, centerline 60 comprises a weld extending longitudinally from one edge of flexible carrier 10 to an opposite edge. As shown, the plurality of slits 30 are preferably positioned generally parallel to centerline 60 and are preferably positioned closer to centerline 60 than to container apertures 25. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, slits 30 are preferably spaced at least approximately three times further away from respective container apertures 25 than to centerline 60. Depending on a relative size of flexible carrier 10 and/or container apertures 25, this ratio may change between approximately 2:1 and approximately 5:1 wherein the first number in the ratio is a distance between slit 30 and container aperture 25 and the second number in the ration is a distance between slit 30 and centerline 60.

Further, as also shown in FIG. 1, each slit 30 is preferably generally aligned between container apertures 25 and centerline 60 so that a single slit 30 is positioned adjacent each respective container aperture 25. As a result of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of slits 30 and the plurality of container apertures 25 are positioned through a double layer of the plastic sheet 25. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of this invention having six container apertures 25, three slits 30 are positioned adjacent three container apertures 25 on each side of centerline 60 dividing two rows of container apertures 25. In this manner and in this embodiment, exactly three slits 30 are positioned between centerline 60 and each row of container apertures 25. Likewise, in flexible carrier 10 having two rows of four container apertures 25 each, exactly four slits 40 may be positioned between centerline 60 and each row of container apertures 25. Although a single slit 30 is shown associated with each respective container aperture 25, additional embodiments are contemplated that may include multiple slits 30 associated with each container aperture 25.

As shown in FIG. 1, each slit 30 preferably extends generally parallel to a generally straight inside edge of each respective container aperture 25. In addition, as shown flexible carrier 10 may further include a plurality of generally triangular apertures 45 having an inside edge aligned with centerline 60, each generally triangular aperture 45 is preferably positioned in the plastic sheet between each container aperture 25. Therefore, as shown, two generally triangular apertures 45 are positioned along centerline 60 of flexible carrier 10.

As shown in a preferred embodiment of this invention, multiple slits 30 are positioned between centerline 60 and each row of container apertures 25. However, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention, any suitable line of weakness 35 may be positioned between each row of container apertures 25 and centerline 60. Suitable lines of weakness 35 may include arrangements of perforations, slits, scores, a reduction in thickness of flexible sheet 20 or any other similar line of weakness 35 known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 1, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention, handle 50 is formed along the centerline 60 between the two rows of container apertures 25 and, following application of flexible carrier 10 to containers 80, in a separate plane from the two rows of container apertures 25. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, handle 50 is connected along a side of the row of container apertures 25, and is preferably connected with respect to centerline 60, such as the weld. Handle 50 may be integrally formed with flexible sheet 20 or may be separately formed and attached relative to flexible sheet 20.

Handle 50 may comprise one or more elongated apertures 55 positioned within handle 50 or may comprise a similar configuration that provides an ample area for a consumer to grasp by inserting his hand through and still maintain the purpose and integrity of package 100.

As best shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of struts 70 connect handle 50 with the rows of container apertures 25, preferably between centerline 60 and handle 50. In the two layer of flexible sheet 20 embodiment of the subject invention, struts 70 are preferably formed in both layers of flexible sheet 20 and one or more handle welds 75 may be positioned longitudinally across handle 50. The plurality of struts 70 may comprise inner struts located across internal portions of flexible carrier 10 and outer struts located across a periphery of flexible carrier 10.

As best shown in FIG. 1, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention, panel 40 is preferably formed along a side of the row of container apertures 25 opposite handle 50. Panel 40 preferably accommodates, on one or both sides, UPC and proof of purchase labels, graphics, and promotional and/or other information related to contents and/or ingredients of containers 80 and/or package 100.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, package 100 resulting from flexible carrier 10 includes a plurality of unitized containers 80. Flexible carriers 10 are generally applied to containers 80 by stretching flexible sheet 20 surrounding container apertures 25 around the perimeter of container 80, and allowing the stretched carrier 10 to recover, thereby providing a tight engagement. Carrier 10 is typically applied to a chime or rib or container 80, where this structure exists, or to a main sidewall.

Specifically, flexible carrier 10 is preferably fanned out from centerline 60 so that each row container apertures 25 is engageable with a respective group of containers 80. As a result of the described configuration of flexible carrier 10, the two rows of container apertures 25 are generally co-planar with each other. This preferred arrangement facilitates application of flexible carrier 10 to containers 80, specifically through the use of an application drum having a plurality of jaws for engaging each container aperture 25 and stretching such container aperture 25 around a respective container 80.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show front schematic views of flexible carrier 10 without slits 30 (FIG. 4) and with slits 30 (FIG. 5) immediately prior to application to containers 80. As shown schematically, jaws 110 engage each container aperture 25 and stretch each container aperture 25 around a respective container.

As shown in FIG. 4, flexible carrier 10 without slits 30 between centerline 60 and rows of container apertures 25 is engaged with jaws 110 creating an arcuate transition between each row of container apertures 25 from remainder of flexible carrier 10. In addition, a distance “X” between a center of flexible carrier 10 and an outer edge is created to enable application of container apertures 25 to containers 80.

FIG. 5 shows flexible carrier 10 immediately prior to application to containers 80 having a plurality of slits 30 as described above and shown in FIG. 1. According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, as container apertures 25 are engaged with jaws 110, a generally perpendicular or 90 degree transition is created between each row of container apertures 25 and the remainder of flexible carrier 10. In addition, a distance between a center of flexible carrier 10 and an outer edge of flexible carrier 10 is created that is greater than X to further promote application of container apertures 25 to containers 80.

As a result of the described configuration in one preferred embodiment of this invention, two layers of flexible sheet 20 joined with the longitudinally extending centerline 60 include a row of container apertures 25 formed in each layer of the two layers of flexible sheet 20. One row of container apertures 25 is formed on each side of centerline 60 resulting in flexible carrier 10 fanning out at centerline 60 to permit a generally flat plane of engagement within which containers 80 are inserted. Handle 50 and container apertures 25 preferably extend in different planes in this configuration, preferably at approximately 90 degrees from each other. In this manner, each row of container apertures 25 engages a respective row of containers 80 to form package 100.

Handle 50 suitable for manual grasping preferably extends from an approximate middle of flexible sheet 20. In package 100, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention, handle 50 preferably extends upwardly from centerline 60 and between each row of container apertures 25. Handle struts 70 permit proper separation between centerline 60 and handle 50 to permit a comfortable grasping area within package 100. As such, package 100 may be carried by manually grasping handle 50 extending upwardly from package 100.

While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that flexible carrier 10 and package 100 are susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A container carrier including a plastic sheet and a plurality of container apertures, each container aperture of the container apertures for engaging a container, the container carrier comprising:

a centerline dividing two rows of container apertures;

a plurality of slits positioned between the centerline and each row of container apertures, the plurality of slits positioned generally parallel to the centerline.

2. The container carrier of claim 1 wherein each slit of the plurality of slits is generally aligned between the container apertures and the weld so that a single slit is positioned adjacent each respective container aperture.

3. The container carrier of claim 1 wherein the plurality of slits and the plurality of container apertures are positioned through a double layer of the plastic sheet.

4. The container carrier of claim 1 wherein each slit of the plurality of slits extends generally parallel to a generally straight inside edge of each respective container aperture.

5. The container carrier of claim 1 further comprising:

a handle positioned on an opposite side of the centerline as the plurality of slits.

6. The container carrier of claim 5 wherein each row of container apertures is positioned approximately 90 degrees from the handle.

7. A package of container including a plastic sheet and a plurality of container apertures, each container aperture of the container apertures engaging a container, the package comprising:

a weld positioned across the plastic sheet;

a first row of container apertures and respective containers extending along one side of the weld;

a second row of container apertures and respective containers extending along an opposite side of the weld;

a plurality of slits positioned between each row of container apertures and the weld; and

a handle extending upwardly from the weld and at approximately a 90 degree angle from each row of container apertures.

8. The package of claim 7 wherein each slit of the plurality of slits is generally aligned between the container apertures and the weld so that a single slit is positioned adjacent each respective container aperture.

9. The package of claim 7 wherein each slit of the plurality of slits extends generally parallel to a generally straight inside edge of each respective container aperture.

10. The package of claim 7 wherein the first row of container apertures is co-planar with the second row of container apertures.

11. The package of claim 7 wherein exactly three slits are positioned between the weld and each row of container apertures.

12. A container carrier including a plastic sheet and a plurality of container apertures, each container aperture of the container apertures for engaging a container, the container carrier comprising:

a weld dividing two rows of container apertures, the two rows of container apertures overlapping each other;

a line of weakness positioned between the weld and each row of container apertures, the line of weakness positioned generally parallel to the weld; and

a handle extending upwardly from the weld.

13. The container carrier of claim 12 wherein the line of weakness comprises a plurality of slits.

14. The container carrier of claim 13 wherein each slit of the plurality of slits is generally aligned between the container apertures and the weld so that a single slit is positioned adjacent each respective container aperture.

15. The container carrier of claim 12 further comprising a generally triangular aperture having an inside edge aligned with the weld, each generally triangular aperture positioned in the plastic sheet between each container aperture.

16. The container carrier of claim 12 wherein the line of weakness is positioned approximately three times closer to the weld than to each container aperture.