REUSABLE APPARATUS FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING BEVERAGE CONTAINERS

Abstract

A carrier apparatus for storing or transporting one or more beverage containers may include a number of side walls each defining a tab or slot extending from or adjacent to each side edge and a bottom edge thereof, and a bottom panel defining a corresponding tab or slot therethrough extending from or adjacent to each of a corresponding number of side edges thereof. The tabs may have flared ends such that each tab is longer than a corresponding slot. The bottom panel and each of the number of side walls may be formed of a semi-rigid foam material such that each tab forms a pressure fit with each corresponding slot when each of the number of side walls is joined to the bottom panel and to another side wall. The side walls and the bottom panel together form an open-ended carrier sized to receive therein one or more beverage containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/844,115, filed Jul. 9, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to apparatuses for storing and/or transporting beverage containers, and more specifically to such apparatuses in the form of a reusable assembly sized to store and/or transport any number of beverage containers.

SUMMARY

A rigid or semi-rigid frame, reusable beverage container storage and/or carrier unit includes a rigid or semi-rigid bottom panel attachable to first and second rigid or semi-rigid opposing side walls and/or to first and second rigid or semi-rigid opposing end walls. In one embodiment, the bottom panel attaches only to the first and second side walls, and the first and second side walls each attach at opposite ends thereof to the first and second end walls. In an alternate embodiment, the bottom panel attaches only to the first and second end walls, and the first and second end walls each attach at opposite ends thereof to the first and second side walls. In still another alternate embodiment, the bottom panel attaches to each of the first and second side walls and to each of the first and second end walls. In any case, the resulting sub-assembly of the bottom panel, the first and second side walls and the first and second end walls forms a four-sided container of any desired shape having an open top end and terminating at the bottom wall at an opposite end thereof. In one embodiment, the bottom panel, first and second side walls and first and second end walls are configured such that the resulting container is substantially closed and can hold a quantity of liquid for at least a period of time of several minutes to several hours. In an alternate embodiment, the bottom panel, first and second side walls and first and second end walls are configured such that one or more of the bottom panel, the first and second side walls and the first and second end walls form one or more passageways therethrough to allow liquid within the container to exit the container.

The four-sided container carrier sub-assembly just described may further include one or more dividing structures, one or more of which may, but need not, define a handle for lifting and transporting the container storage and/or carrier unit. The one or more dividing structures may illustratively be provided in the form of one or more slotted or unslotted panels, each of which traverse either or both of the side walls and the end walls while attaching to either or both of the end walls and or side walls. One or more of the one or more slotted or unslotted panels forming the one or more dividing structures may be attachable to any one or more of the bottom panel, one or both of the side walls and one or both of the end walls. Illustratively, the one or more dividing structures may be positioned generally perpendicular to the bottom panel, and positioned parallel or non-parallel with either or both of the first and second side walls and/or with either or both of the first and second end walls. In embodiments that include one or more dividing structures, such structures serve to create multiple cells in the container storage and/or carrier unit, and each such cell is sized to receive therein a beverage container, e.g., a bottle or can, and to isolate the beverage container therein from other beverage containers carried by the unit. In one embodiment, the one or more dividing structures may be sized and arranged to create multiple cells each having substantially identical cross-sectional area and/or volume. Illustratively, each of the multiple cells may be sized to receive, hold and provide for the transport of a beverage container, full, partially full or empty of contents, of predetermined size. Alternatively, one or more of such multiple cells may be sized to receive therein not only such a beverage container of a predetermined size but also a beverage cooling medium such as, for example, ice, a refrigeratable gel-pack, an ice pack containing frozen water or a re-freezable liquid or gel medium, or the like. In alternate embodiments, the one or more dividing structures may be sized and arranged such that one or more of the multiple cells has a cross-sectional area and/or volume that is/are different from one or more of the remaining cells to provide for receipt of beverage containers of different size and/or liquid volume capacity.

Construction of the beverage container storage and/or carrier unit is illustratively achieved through a series of corresponding slots and tabs defined through, in or by one or more of the bottom panel, the first and second side walls, the first and second end walls and one or more of the one or more dividing structures in embodiments that include such one or more dividing structures. In one embodiment, the bottom panel, first and second side walls, first and second end walls and the one or more dividing structures, in embodiments that include such one or more dividing structures, are each provided in the form of a semi-rigid yet resilient material having positional memory such that when the material, or a portion thereof, is deformed but not damaged it returns substantially to its pre-deformed position. In this embodiment, the tabs are flared out on both ends to define a total tab length that is slightly longer than those of corresponding slots into which the tabs extend. When such tabs are forced into the corresponding slots, the flared ends of the tabs deform slightly, as do the ends of the slots into which they are forced, and thereafter the deformed tab ends exert an expansion force against and into the slots and the ends of the slots likewise exert an expansion force against the tab ends, each as a result of the positional memory of the semi-rigid yet resilient material from which they are formed, thereby forming a pressure fit between each of the tabs and slots. In one illustrative embodiment, which is provided only by way of example and should not be considered limiting in any way, the semi-rigid material is a conventional expanding polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam material, and in this embodiment the tabs are illustratively flared at each end to achieve a total tab length that is approximately 0.030-0.055 longer than its corresponding slot. Such material is further generally impervious to moisture and resistant to mold growth, making it suitable for short and long-term storage is moist environments.

In alternate embodiments, different tab lengths, relative to slot lengths may be used with the specific material described above. In still other embodiments, one or more different rigid or semi-rigid materials may be used, or may be combined with the specific material described above, to form any one or more of the components of the beverage container storage and/or carrier unit. In any such embodiments, other conventional panel/wall connection or attachment mechanisms may alternatively be used in place of or in addition to the tab/slot attachments structures described above. Examples of such conventional connection or attachment mechanisms include, but should not be limited to, one or any combination of one or more joints conventionally used in frame construction such as one or more rabbet joints, one or more birdsmouth joints, one or more bridle joints, one or more butterfly joints, one or more dovetail joints, one or more lap joints, one or more box joints, one or more dado joints, one or more mortise and tenon joints, one or more groove or tongue and groove joints, one or more finger joints, one or more splice joints, one or more butt, mitre and/or coping joints and/or one or more other conventional framing joints, one or more conventional fixation members such as one or more nails, screws, bolts, hooks, plates or the like, one or more adhesives, and/or one or more formable bonding media such as one or more curable or non-curable epoxies, resins, or the like.

In one aspect, a carrier apparatus for storing or transporting one or more beverage containers may comprise at least one side wall defining at least one of a tab extending from a bottom edge thereof and a slot therethrough adjacent to the bottom edge thereof, and a bottom panel defining at least one of a corresponding tab extending from an edge thereof and a corresponding slot therethrough adjacent to the edge thereof. The tab of the at least one side wall or the bottom panel may have a flared end such that a length of the tab is greater than a length of the corresponding slot of the bottom panel or the at least one side wall. The bottom panel and the at least one side wall may be formed of a deformable, semi-rigid material with positional memory such that the tab and the slot each deform when the tab is forced into the slot and such that the positional memory of the material causes the tab and the slot to thereafter exert an expansion force against each other to form a pressure fit between the tab and the slot that joins the at least one side wall to the bottom panel. The at least one side wall and the bottom panel, when joined together, may form an open-ended carrier sized to receive therein one or more beverage containers.

In another aspect, a carrier apparatus for storing or transporting one or more beverage containers may comprise a number of side walls each defining one of a tab extending from a bottom edge thereof and a slot therethrough adjacent to the bottom edge thereof, and one of a tab extending from one side edge thereof a slot therethrough adjacent to the one side edge thereof, and further defining, and one of a tab extending from an opposite side edge thereof and a slot therethrough adjacent to the opposite side edge thereof, and a bottom panel defining at least one of a corresponding tab and a corresponding slot therethrough extending from or adjacent to each of a corresponding number of side edges thereof. The tabs of the number of side walls or the bottom panel may have flared ends such that a length of each of the tabs is greater than a length of the a corresponding one of the slots of the bottom panel or the number of side walls. The bottom panel and each of the number of side walls may be formed of a semi-rigid foam material such that each tab forms a pressure fit with each corresponding slot when each of the number of side walls is joined to the bottom panel and to another one of the number of side walls. The number of side walls and the bottom panel, when joined together, may form an open-ended carrier sized to receive therein one or more beverage containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded or assembly view of an embodiment of a beverage container storage and/or carrier unit.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the beverage container storage and/or carrier unit of FIG. 1 shown fully assembled.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the beverage container storage and/or carrier unit of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating liquid drainage openings formed in the bottom panel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to one illustrative embodiment shown in the attached drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment is shown of an apparatus 10 for storing and/or transporting one or more beverage containers. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus 10 includes a number of dividing structures, e.g., panels 130, 160 and 180, via which the apparatus 10 is configured to define six separate compartments for holding and/or carrying six corresponding beverage containers, and one of the dividing structures, e.g., the panel 130, defines a slot 148 which serves as a carrying handle for transporting the apparatus 10. It will be understood, however, that the embodiment 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is provided only by way of example, and that the apparatus may alternatively include no such dividing structures and be sized to carry any number of beverage containers, e.g., side-by-side, or may alternatively still include any number of dividing structures sized and configured to define any number of compartments sized to hold and/or carry any number of identically sized or differently sized beverage containers.

In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage container storage and/or carrier unit 10, includes a bottom panel 12 having a beverage container supporting surface 14 and an oppositely facing bottom surface upon which the unit 10 rests, a pair of opposing end walls or end wall panels 42, 60 each having a respective inner surface 44, 62 facing an interior of the unit 10 and an opposite outer surface, and a pair of opposing side walls or side wall panels 80, 104 each having a respective inner surface 82, 106 facing an interior of the unit 10 and an opposite outer surface. The sub-assembly including the bottom panel 12, end walls 42, 60 and side walls 80, 104 define, when assembled, an inner space or volume 13 of the unit 10 bound by the inner surface 14 of the bottom panel 12, the inner surfaces 44, 62 of the respective end walls 42, 60 and the inner surfaces 82, 106 of the respective side walls 80, 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panel is rectangular in shape, and the side walls 80, 104 are thus longer than the end walls 42, 60 are wide so that the inner space or volume 13 of the carrier unit 10 is rectangular in cross-section. It will be understood, however, that in alternate embodiments that include a bottom panel 12, two end wall panels 42, 60 and two side wall panels 80, 104, the various panels may be sized to form an inner space or volume 13 that has any quadrilateral cross-section. In still other alternate embodiments, the carrier unit 10 may include any number, i.e., one or more, side/end panels such that the inner space or volume 13 may take on any desired cross-sectional shape.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, one end or edge 16 of the bottom panel 12 has an integral tab 18 extending therefrom and an opposite end or edge 26 of the bottom panel 12 has another integral tab 28 extending therefrom. One side edge 20 of the bottom panel 12 has a first integral tab 22 extending therefrom adjacent to the end or edge 16 and a second integral tab 24 extending therefrom adjacent the opposite end or edge 26 and spaced apart from the first tab 22, and an opposite side edge 30 of the bottom panel 12 has a first integral tab 36 extending therefrom adjacent to the end or edge 16 and a second integral tab 34 extending therefrom adjacent opposite end 26. The bottom panel 12 further defines an integral tab-receiving slot 40 therethrough and positioned approximately centrally on the panel 12.

The inner surface 44 of the end wall 42 defines an integral tab-receiving slot 48 therethrough adjacent to a bottom end or edge 46 of the end wall 42. A top end 58 of the end wall 42 opposite the bottom end 46 illustratively includes a triangularly shaped center section, although it will be understood that the top end 58 of the end wall 42 may take on any desired shape. The end wall 42 further defines an integral tab-receiving slot 52 therethrough adjacent to one side or edge 50 of the end wall 42, another integral tab-receiving slot 56 therethrough adjacent to an opposite side or edge 54 of the end wall 42 and still another integral tab-receiving slot 39 therethrough which is illustratively positioned approximately mid-way between the slots 52 and 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 39, 52 and 56 are all aligned, i.e., juxtaposed, transversely along the end wall 42, although in alternative embodiments one or more of the slots 39, 52, 56 may be positioned elsewhere between the bottom and top ends 46, 58 respectively of the end wall 42.

The inner surface 62 of the end wall 60 defines an integral tab-receiving slot 66 therethrough adjacent to a bottom end or edge 64 of the end wall 60. A top end 76 of the end wall 60 opposite the bottom end 64 illustratively includes a triangularly shaped center section, although it will be understood that the top end 76 of the end wall 60 may take on any desired shape. The end wall 60 further defines an integral tab-receiving slot 70 therethrough adjacent to one side or edge 68 of the end wall 60, another integral tab-receiving slot 74 therethrough adjacent to an opposite side or edge 72 of the end wall 60 and still another integral tab-receiving slot 78 therethrough which is illustratively positioned approximately mid-way between the slots 70 and 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 70, 74 and 78 are all aligned, i.e., juxtaposed, transversely along the end wall 60, although in alternative embodiments one or more of the slots 70, 74, 78 may be positioned elsewhere between the bottom and top ends 64, 76 respectively of the end wall 60.

The inner surface 82 of the side wall 80 defines one integral tab-receiving slot 86 therethrough adjacent to a bottom end or edge 84 and spaced apart from one side or edge 94 of the side wall 80, and another integral tab-receiving slot 88 therethrough adjacent to the bottom end 84 and spaced apart from an opposite side or edge 90 of the side wall 80. The slot 86 is spaced apart from the slot 88 transversely along the surface 82 of the side wall 80. The side or edge 90 of the side wall 80 defines an integral tab 92 extending outwardly away therefrom, and the side or edge 94 of the side wall 80 likewise defines an integral tab 92 extending outwardly away therefrom. Illustratively, the tabs 90, 92 are positioned approximately mid-way between the bottom end 84 and an opposite top end 98 of the side wall 80, although in alternative embodiments either or both of the tabs 92, 96 may be positioned elsewhere along the sides 90, 94 respectively of the side wall 80. The side wall 80 further defines one integral tab-receiving slot 100 therethrough between the tab 86 and the top end 98, and another integral tab-receiving slot 102 therethrough between the tab 88 and the top end 98 of the side wall 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 100 and 102 are aligned, i.e., juxtaposed, transversely along the side wall 80, although in alternative embodiments either or both of the slots 100, 102 may be positioned elsewhere between the bottom and top ends 84, 98 respectively of the side wall 80.

The inner surface 106 of the side wall 104 defines one integral tab-receiving slot 110 therethrough adjacent to a bottom end or edge 108 and spaced apart from one side or edge 116 of the side wall 104, and another integral tab-receiving slot 112 therethrough adjacent to the bottom end or edge 108 and spaced apart from an opposite side or edge 120 of the side wall 104. The slot 110 is spaced apart from the slot 112 transversely along the surface 106 of the side wall 104. The side or edge 116 of the side wall 104 defines an integral tab 118 extending outwardly away therefrom, and the side or edge 120 of the side wall 104 likewise defines an integral tab 122 extending outwardly away therefrom. Illustratively, the tabs 118, 122 are positioned approximately mid-way between the bottom end 108 and an opposite top end 124 of the side wall 104, although in alternative embodiments either or both of the tabs 118, 122 may be positioned elsewhere along the sides 116, 120 respectively of the side wall 104. The side wall 104 further defines one integral tab-receiving slot 126 therethrough between the tab 110 and the top end 124, and another integral tab-receiving slot 128 therethrough between the tab 112 and the top end 124 of the side wall 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 126 and 128 are aligned, i.e., juxtaposed, transversely along the side wall 104, although in alternative embodiments either or both of the slots 126, 128 may be positioned elsewhere between the bottom and top ends 108, 124 respectively of the side wall 104.

In one embodiment, the bottom panel 12, the end walls 42, 60 and the side walls 80, 104 in the sub-assembly just described are each illustratively provided in the form of a semi-rigid yet resilient material having positional memory such that when the material, or a portion thereof, is deformed but not damaged it returns substantially to its pre-deformed position. Alternatively or additionally, the semi-rigid yet resilient material is selected to be moisture impervious. In one illustrative embodiment, which is provided only by way of example and should not be considered limiting in any way, both of the foregoing features are provided with the semi-rigid material in the form of a conventional expanding polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam material, although one or more other conventional materials having such positional memory may alternatively be used.

In one illustrative construction of the sub-assembly just described using a material or combination of materials having positional memory as just described, the side walls 80 and 104 are first mounted to the bottom panel 12 by forcing the tabs 22, 24 of the bottom panel 12 into the corresponding slots 86, 88 respectively of the side wall 80 and by forcing the tabs 34, 36 of the bottom panel 12 into the corresponding slots 112, 110 respectively of the side wall 104. The end walls 42 and 60 are then mounted to the bottom panel 12 and the side walls 80, 104 by forcing the tab 18 of the bottom panel 12 into the corresponding slot 48, the tab 92 of the side wall 80 into the corresponding slot 52 and the tab 118 of the side wall 104 into the corresponding slot 56 of the end wall 42, and by forcing the tab 28 of the bottom panel 12 into the corresponding slot 66, the tab 96 of the side wall 80 into the corresponding slot 70 and the tab 122 of the side wall 104 into the corresponding slot 74 of the end wall 60. In this embodiment, the tabs 18, 22, 24, 28, 34, 36, 92, 96, 118, 122 are all illustratively flared out on both ends thereof to define a total tab length that is slightly longer than the lengths of the corresponding slots 48, 86, 88, 66, 112, 110, 52, 70, 56, 74 into which the tabs extend. When such tabs are forced into such corresponding slots, the flared ends of the tabs deform slightly, as do the ends of the slots into which they are forced, and thereafter the deformed tab ends exert an expansion force against and into the slots and the ends of the slots likewise exert an expansion force against and into the tab ends, each as a result of the positional memory of the semi-rigid yet resilient material from which they are formed, thereby forming a pressure fit between each of the tabs and the corresponding slots. In one embodiment, the tabs are illustratively flared at each end to achieve a total tab length that is approximately 0.030-0.055 longer than the length of its corresponding slot, although other tab and/or slot dimensions may alternatively be used. In some embodiments, for example, the widths of the tabs may be additionally or alternatively sized to be slightly wider than the widths of the corresponding slots into which the tabs are received such that, as a result of the positional memory of the semi-rigid yet resilient material from which they are made, form and/or enhance the pressure fit between each of the tabs and the corresponding slots. In any case, the resulting subassembly forms an open-ended container terminating at the inner surfaces 14, 44, 62, 82 and 106 of the bottom panel 12, end walls 42, 60 and side walls 80, 104 respectively. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the widths of the side walls 80, 104 (i.e., in the transverse direction of the panels) and of the end walls 42, 60 in regions adjacent to their side edges, are illustratively the same. In alternatively embodiments, the widths of the side walls 80, 104 may be greater than those of the end walls 42, 60 adjacent to their side edges or vice versa.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the unit 10 further includes a dividing structure illustratively formed of three divider panels 130, 160 and 180. In this embodiment, the divider panel 130 extends longitudinally relative to the bottom panel 12 between the two end walls 42, 60, and the divider panels 160, 180 extend transversely relative to the bottom panel 12 between the two side walls 80, 104 to form six separate compartments of substantially identical dimension, each sized to receive and hold a single beverage container and configured to isolate the single beverage container from the other beverage containers carried by the unit 10. In some alternate embodiments, the illustrated divider structure may be configured such that one or more of the six separate compartments is/are of different dimension than one or more of the remaining compartments. In other alternate embodiments, the divider structure may include more or fewer divider panels to form any number of separate compartments of substantially identical or different dimensions. In still other alternate embodiments, the divider structure may be omitted altogether, leaving the sub-assembly described above sized to receive, hold, carry and store any number of commonly or various sized beverage containers in side-by-side relationship.

Referring again specifically to the dividing structure illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the inner surface 132 of the divider panel 130 defines one integral tab 136 extending outwardly away from a bottom end or edge 134 of the panel 130, another integral tab 140 extending outwardly away from one side or edge 138 of the panel 130 and yet another integral tab 144 extending outwardly away from an opposite side or edge 142 of the panel 130. Illustratively, the tab 136 is positioned approximately mid-way between the sides 138 and 142 of the panel 130, and the tabs 140, 144 are positioned along the respective sides 138, 142 between approximately ⅛ to ½ of the distance between the bottom end 134 and an opposite top end 146 of the panel 130, although in alternative embodiments one or more of the tabs 136, 140, 144 may be positioned elsewhere along its corresponding bottom or side of the panel 130.

A slot 148 is defined through the panel 130 adjacent to a top end 146 of the panel 130 opposite the bottom end 134, and the slot 148 is illustratively sized to allow passage therethrough of one or several fingers of a human hand such that the slot 148 may serve as a handle by which to grasp and transport the unit 10. The panel 130 further defines one integral tab-receiving slot 150 therethrough between the tab 136 and the slot 148, and another integral tab-receiving slot 152 therethrough between the tab 136 and the slot 148 of the panel 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 150, 152 are aligned, i.e., juxtaposed, in spaced-apart relationship transversely along the side wall 104 between the sides 142 and 138 respectively and aligned with the tabs 144, 140 respectively of the panel 130, although in alternative embodiments either or both of the slots 150, 152 may be positioned elsewhere between the bottom and top ends 134, 1146 respectively of the panel 130.

One side 168 of the divider panel 160 defines one integral tab 170 extending outwardly away therefrom, and another integral tab 174 extends outwardly away from an opposite side 172 of the divider panel 160. Illustratively, the tabs 170, 174 are positioned approximately mid-way between a bottom end 164 and a top end 166 of the panel 160, although in alternative embodiments either or both of the tabs 170, 174 may be positioned elsewhere along its corresponding side of the panel 160. One side 188 of the divider panel 180 likewise defines one integral tab 190 extending outwardly away therefrom, and another integral tab 194 extends outwardly away from an opposite side 192 of the divider panel 180. Illustratively, the tabs 190, 194 are positioned approximately mid-way between a bottom end 184 and a top end 186 of the panel 180, although in alternative embodiments either or both of the tabs 190, 194 may be positioned elsewhere along its corresponding side of the panel 180.

In one embodiment, the panels 130, 160 and 180 of the dividing structure just described are each illustratively provided in the form of a semi-rigid yet resilient material having positional memory such that when the material, or a portion thereof, is deformed but not damaged it returns substantially to its pre-deformed position. Alternatively or additionally, the semi-rigid yet resilient material is selected to be moisture impervious. In one illustrative embodiment, which is provided only by way of example and should not be considered limiting in any way, both of the foregoing features are provided with the semi-rigid material in the form of the same conventional expanding polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam material used to form the bottom panel 12, end walls 42, 60 and side walls 80, 104 described above with respect to one illustrative embodiment thereof, although one or more other conventional materials having such positional memory may alternatively be used.

In the further illustrative construction of the unit 10 including the illustrated dividing structure 130, 160, 180 just described using a material or combination of materials having positional memory as just described, the panels 160 and 180 are first passed through the slots 150, 152 respectively of the panel 130, and the sub-assembly including the panel 130, with the panels 160 and 180 extending through the slots 150, 152 is inserted into the open end of the sub-assembly described above which includes the bottom panel 12, end walls 42, 60 and side walls 80, 104 assembled as described above. The tab 136 is then forced into the corresponding slot 40 of the bottom panel 12, the tabs 140 and 144 of the panel 130 are forced into the corresponding slots 39, 78 respectively of the end walls 42, 60 respectively, the tabs 170, 174 of the panel 160 are forced into the corresponding slots 128, 102 respectively of the side walls 104, 80 respectively, and the tabs 190, 194 of the panel 180 are forced into the corresponding slots 126, 100 respectively of the side walls 104, 80 respectively. In this embodiment, the tabs 136, 140, 144, 170, 174, 190, 194, are all illustratively flared out on both ends to define a total tab length that is slightly longer than the lengths of the corresponding slots 40, 39, 78, 128, 102, 126, 100 respectively into which the tabs extend. When such tabs are forced into such corresponding slots, the flared ends of the tabs deform slightly, as do the ends of the slots into which they are forced, and thereafter the deformed tab ends exert an expansion force against and into the slots and the ends of the slots likewise exert an expansion force against the tab ends, each as a result of the positional memory of the semi-rigid yet resilient material from which they are formed, thereby forming a pressure fit between each of the tabs and slots. In some alternate embodiments, the widths of the tabs may be additionally or alternatively sized to be slightly wider than the widths of the corresponding slots into which the tabs are received such that, as a result of the positional memory of the semi-rigid yet resilient material from which they are made, form and/or enhance the pressure fit between each of the tabs and the corresponding slots. The resulting assembly forms the reusable apparatus 10 for storing and/or transporting one or more beverage containers, as illustrated in assembled form in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more dividing structures 130, 160, 180 are sized and arranged to create six cells or compartments each having substantially identical cross-sectional area and/or volume. Illustratively, each of the six cells may be sized to receive, hold and provide for the transport of a beverage container, full, partially full or empty of contents, of predetermined size. Alternatively, the one or more dividing structures may be sized and arranged to create any number of cells or compartments each of identical size, or with at least one cell or compartment sized differently than one or more others of the cells or compartments. In any case, any of the one or more cells or compartments may be sized to receive therein not only a beverage container of a predetermined size but also a beverage cooling medium such as, for example, ice, a refrigeratable gel-pack, an ice pack containing frozen water or a re-freezable liquid or gel medium, or the like. In one specific embodiment, for example, each of the cells or compartments may be sized to receive therein a combination of one of the beverage containers and a quantity of ice between and about the beverage container and the surrounding walls of the carrier unit 10.

In some alternative embodiments, one or more of the divider panels of the dividing structure, in embodiments that include the dividing structure, may be formed of one or more rigid and/or semi-rigid materials other than those having positional memory as described above. Examples of such other materials include, but should not be limited to, rigid or semi-rigid plastic material in the form of a panel, sheet or film, cardboard, or the like. In some such embodiments, one or more such divider panels may be attached to the bottom panel 12, end wall 42, end wall 60, side wall 80 and/or side wall 104 using any conventional attachment mechanism(s), and in still other embodiments one or more divider panels formed of material having positional memory and/or materials not having positional memory, may not be attached to any of the bottom panel 12, end wall 42, end wall 60, side wall 80 and/or side wall 104.

In one embodiment, the bottom panel 12, end walls 42, 60 and side walls 80, 104 are configured such that the resulting container is substantially closed and can hold a quantity of liquid for at least a period of time of several minutes to several hours. In an alternate embodiment, the bottom panel 12, end walls 42, 60 and side walls 80, 104 are configured such that one or more of the bottom panel, the first and second side walls and the first and second end walls form one or more passageways therethrough to allow liquid within the container to exit the container. Referring specifically to FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, the corners of the bottom panel 12 in the illustrated embodiment are each illustratively notched to form a cut-out 38 such that, when assembled, the cut-outs 38, in combination with the end walls 42, 60 and side walls 80, 104, form openings through the bottom panel 12 through which liquid may pass. The cut-outs 38 thus form drainage passageways for passing liquid, e.g., from melting ice, through the unit 10.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. For example, while the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 include a bottom panel and four-sides, e.g., two opposing end walls 42, 60 and two opposing side walls 80, 104, alternate embodiments may include a bottom panel and any number of sides. For example, one alternate embodiment may be formed of a single or multiple-piece bottom panel and a single, unitary or multiple-part side wall defining an inner closed space such that the single side wall fits over or onto and connects or attaches to the bottom wall as described herein to form a sub-assembly having only a single, continuous or piece-wise continuous sidewall. As another example, other embodiments may include two or more linear and/or non-linear sidewalls connectable or attachable as described herein to a single or multiple-piece bottom panel to form a sub-assembly having any desired shape.

Claims

1. A carrier apparatus for storing or transporting one or more beverage containers, the apparatus comprising:

at least one side wall defining at least one of a tab extending from a bottom edge thereof and a slot therethrough adjacent to the bottom edge thereof, and

a bottom panel defining at least one of a corresponding tab extending from an edge thereof and a corresponding slot therethrough adjacent to the edge thereof,

the tab of the at least one side wall or the bottom panel having a flared end such that a length of the tab is greater than a length of the corresponding slot of the bottom panel or the at least one side wall,

the bottom panel and the at least one side wall formed of a deformable, semi-rigid material with positional memory such that the tab and the slot each deform when the tab is forced into the slot and such that the positional memory of the material causes the tab and the slot to thereafter exert an expansion force against each other to form a pressure fit between the tab and the slot that joins the at least one side wall to the bottom panel, the at least one side wall and the bottom panel, when joined together, forming an open-ended carrier sized to receive therein one or more beverage containers.

2. The carrier apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a dividing structure positioned within the open-ended carrier, the dividing structure partitioning the open-ended carrier into multiple compartments each sized to receive therein a different one of the one or more beverage containers.

3. The carrier apparatus of claim 2 wherein the dividing structure comprises one or more divider panels each configured to attach to at least one of the at least one side wall and the bottom panel.

4. The carrier apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least one of the one or more divider panels defines a carrying handle of the carrier apparatus.

5. The carrier apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one side wall comprises two opposing side wall panels each joined to two opposing end wall panels,

and wherein the two opposing side wall panels, the two opposing end wall panels and the bottom panel together form the open-ended container defining therein a volume having a quadrilateral cross-section.

6. The carrier apparatus of claim 5 wherein each of the side wall panels defines at least one of a tab extending from a first side edge thereof and a slot therethrough adjacent to the first side edge, and a first one of the end wall panels defines at least one of a corresponding slot therethrough adjacent to a first side edge thereof and a corresponding tab extending from the first side edge thereof, and at least one of a corresponding slot therethrough adjacent to a second side edge thereof and a corresponding tab extending from the second side edge thereof,

and wherein each tab extending from either of the side wall panels or the first end wall panel has flared ends such that a length of the at least one tab is greater than a length of a corresponding slot defined through the first end wall panel or either of the side wall panels,

and wherein each corresponding tab and slot pair forms a pressure fit therebetween that joins the first side edges of the two side wall panels to the first and second respective side edges of the first one of the end wall panels.

7. The carrier apparatus of claim 6 wherein each of the side wall panels defines at least one of a tab extending from a second side edge thereof and a slot therethrough adjacent to the second side edge, and a second one of the end wall panels defines at least one of a corresponding slot therethrough adjacent to a first side edge thereof and a corresponding tab extending from the first side edge thereof, and at least one of a corresponding slot therethrough adjacent to a second side edge thereof and a corresponding tab extending from the second side edge thereof,

and wherein each tab extending from either of the side wall panels or the second end wall panel has flared ends such that a length of the at least one tab is greater than a length of a corresponding slot defined through the second end wall panel or either of the side wall panels,

and wherein each corresponding tab and slot pair forms a pressure fit therebetween that joins the second side edges of the two side wall panels to the first and second respective side edges of the second one of the end wall panels.

8. The carrier apparatus of claim 7 further comprising at least one dividing panel positioned within the open-ended carrier and extending between, and attached to, each of the two side wall panels.

9. The carrier apparatus of claim 8 further comprising another dividing panel positioned within the open-ended carrier and extending between, and attached to, each of, the two end wall panels, the at least one dividing panel and the another dividing panel together partitioning the open-ended carrier into multiple compartments each sized to receive therein a different one of the one or more beverage containers.

10. The carrier apparatus of claim 9 wherein one of the at least one dividing panel and the another dividing panel define a slot therethrough sized to receive therein the other of the at least one dividing panel and the another dividing panel.

11. The carrier apparatus of claim 9 wherein a bottom end of the another dividing panel is attached to the bottom panel and a top end of the another panel defines a carrying handle of the carrier apparatus.

12. The carrier apparatus of claim 5 wherein the bottom panel defines at least one liquid drainage opening therethrough.

13. The carrier apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a dividing structure positioned within the open-ended carrier, the dividing structure partitioning the open-ended carrier into multiple compartments each sized to receive therein a combination of one of the beverage containers and a quantity of ice between the one of the beverage containers and the carrier apparatus about the one of the beverage containers.

14. The carrier apparatus of claim 5 wherein the bottom panel defines a liquid drainage opening therethrough adjacent to each joinder of one of the two side wall panels with one of the end wall panels.

15. The carrier apparatus of claim 1 wherein the deformable, semi-rigid material is moisture impervious.

16. A carrier apparatus for storing or transporting one or more beverage containers, the apparatus comprising:

a number of side walls each defining one of a tab extending from a bottom edge thereof and a slot therethrough adjacent to the bottom edge thereof, and one of a tab extending from one side edge thereof a slot therethrough adjacent to the one side edge thereof, and further defining, and one of a tab extending from an opposite side edge thereof and a slot therethrough adjacent to the opposite side edge thereof, and

a bottom panel defining at least one of a corresponding tab and a corresponding slot therethrough extending from or adjacent to each of a corresponding number of side edges thereof,

the tabs of the number of side walls or the bottom panel having flared ends such that a length of each of the tabs is greater than a length of the a corresponding one of the slots of the bottom panel or the number of side walls,

the bottom panel and each of the number of side walls formed of a semi-rigid foam material such that each tab forms a pressure fit with each corresponding slot when each of the number of side walls is joined to the bottom panel and to another one of the number of side walls, the number of side walls and the bottom panel, when joined together, forming an open-ended carrier sized to receive therein one or more beverage containers.

17. The carrier apparatus of claim 16 further comprising a dividing structure positioned within the open-ended carrier, the dividing structure partitioning the open-ended carrier into multiple compartments each sized to receive therein a different one of the one or more beverage containers.

18. The carrier apparatus of claim 17 wherein the dividing structure comprises one or more divider panels each configured to attach to at least one of one or more of the number of side walls and the bottom panel, at least one of the one or more divider panels defining a carrying handle of the carrier apparatus.

19. The carrier apparatus of claim 16 wherein the bottom panel defines at least one liquid drainage opening therethrough.

20. The carrier apparatus of claim 16 wherein the semi-rigid foam material is moisture impervious.