Abstract: A drink cup carrier cut from a single sheet of flexible plastic includes a plurality of circular cup engaging portions each suspended by support straps from a bail. Each of the circular cup engaging portions includes at least one sizing ring held therein by a perforated circular cut and removable therefrom for accepting drink cups of different sizes.

Abstract: Carrier stock formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, and severable into individual carriers with integral handles along lateral edges. Integrally joined band segments define container-receiving apertures. Perforate lines, along which such stock is severable, divide certain cross segments into half segments. Each half segment has an aperture-defining edge configured with a nub countering tendencies of such half segment to neck down or to break.

Abstract: A carrier for a container package holding an array of cans each of which has an annular bead on the upper end thereof comprising a sheet of flexible plastic material having a plurality of openings forming an array for receiving the ends of the cans and at least one film of plastic material coextensive with the sheet and bonded to the periphery of the sheet. The sheet is made as a coextruded sheet comprising a first relatively thicker layer and a second relatively thin layer adjacent the film. The second layer has a melting point lower than that of the first layer or the film and facilitates the bonding of the film to the sheet by heat. In a modified form two layers of film are bonded to the sheet.

Abstract: A cup carrier (10) is provided having a plurality of circular cup engaging portions (12,16,20,24), each supported by support straps (52,56) and bails (30,36) from a handle (28) by which the carrier is to be carried. Doubled back bail portions (36) and doubled back support straps (56) independently support two of the cup engaging portions from the handle (28) so that each cup is supported in a level condition. Stabilizer straps (82) and tear away (40,42,62,68,80) locations ensure that the carrier remains in a generally planar configuration before use. A tear line on the axis of symmetry of one embodiment permits the carrier to be separated into two carriers for two drinks each.

Abstract: Carrier stock formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, and severable into individual carriers with integral handles. For each carrier, integrally joined band segments define container-receiving apertures. Moreover, an integral handle is joined at its ends respectively to middle portions of two outer segments, which are joined to one cross segment at a node. Stresses are distributed from each end of the handle, through the outer segment having such end joined to a middle portion thereof, to two cross segments. Perforated lines divide alternate cross segments into half segments and facilitate severance of such stock to form the individual carriers. Each half segment has an aperture-defining edge configured to provide means, which may comprise a nub, for countering tendencies of such half segment to neck down or to break.

Abstract: Carrier stock formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, for machine application to substantially identical containers. The stock is severable to form individual carriers with container-receiving apertures, as defined by band segments, which include outer segments formed with tear-open tabs. Each tab and the outer segment formed with such tab have multiple slits, which are arranged to define tearable bridges that can be easily torn by a user pulling on such tab, whereby the outer segment formed with such tab can be easily severed to release a container from the aperture bounded partly by such segment.

Abstract: Carrier stock formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, for machine application to substantially identical containers. The stock is severable, along transverse lines that are perforated, to form individual carriers with container-receiving apertures and additional apertures, as defined by band segments, and with integral handles. The additional apertures facilitate reconfiguration of the stock from an as-formed configuration to an application configuration. Band segments defining the container-receiving apertures at each end rank at each end rank at each edge row includes an outer cross segment, an outer edge segment, an inner cross segment, and an inner oblique segment. The inner cross segment extends from the outer edge segment to the margin of one of the additional apertures.

Abstract: A container package includes a series of similarly configured containers maintained in adjacent relation by a series of interconnected rings formed from a resilient deformable material each surrounding one of the containers of the container package. The rings may have one or more weakened portions that rupture in response to stress applied by a link connecting the ring to the container as the container is removed. The link may be an adhesive that attaches the ring to the container at a point adjacent a weakened portion or alternatively may be a bracket straddling the ring. Alternatively, a bracket having an inner cutting edge may straddle the ring. The cutting edge severs the ring as the container is removed from the package. The rupture of the ring in each of these embodiments prevents wildlife from becoming entangled in unruptured rings of plastic carriers once the package is discarded.

Abstract: A generally planar paperboard or polymeric sheet for stabilizing a rectangular array of substantially identical cans of a type having an openable end with a chime and for covering substantial portions of the openable ends of the arrayed cans. Pairs of parallel slits in the sheet define can-stabilizing strips. The sheet is clippable onto the cans in such manner that portions of the chimes extend into the paired slits and that each strip fits, without folding such strip, under portions of two adjacent cans. A package for merchandising such cans can be readily assembled by steps that include providing such cans in a rectangular array and clipping the sheet onto the cans in the specified manner.

Abstract: A package identification system for identifying the individual containers of a consumer pack of beverages packaged in sets of like containers is disclosed wherein each container in the set has its major surface area bearing a first indicia identical with other containers of the set for conveying information about the containers. A smaller identifying indicia is displayed on each container of the set with each identifying indicia being distinctly and visibly different from the smaller identifying indicia of each of the other containers of the set so that during consumption of the beverage, a user may readily distinguish his container from the other containers of the set.

Abstract: A multi-unit multipackage for beverage type containers or receptacles made of a number of small multipackages such as the well known six-pack, which small multipackages are assembled in vertical stacks and made in to larger multipackages, which larger multipackages are assembled into trays. Features of the multi-unit multipackage inure to the benefit of beverage producers, distributors, retailers and consumers.

Abstract: A container package including a series of similarly configured containers maintained in adjacent relation by a series of interconnected rings formed from a resilient deformable material each surrounding one of the containers of the container package. A plastic strip that passes through a loop located on a container and attaches to its surrounding ring, or a bracket attached to the container straddling the ring, provides a permanent connection between each container and its surrounding ring. The rings are weakened either side of the connection so that on removal of a container from a ring the stress caused to the ring by the connection to the container ruptures the ring. This prevents wildlife from becoming entangled in unruptured rings of plastic carriers once the package is discarded.

Abstract: A package unit having a plurality of can-type containers. A pair of plastic strips each comprising eight container circling bands are elastically received by the containers. A single row of containers receives both plastic strips for connecting the containers in a twelve pack arrangement.

Abstract: A container package comprising an array of cans, each of which has a body portion, an annular bead on the upper end thereof having a smaller diameter than the body portion and an inclined portion extending from the body portion to the bead, and a carrier. The carrier comprises a sheet of flexible plastic material having a plurality of openings forming an array for receiving the ends of the cans. The cans are inserted upwardly into the openings and retained by the carrier by flexing of the periphery of each opening upwardly against the bead of each can. The modulus of elasticity, the thickness of the sheet and the spacing and size of the openings are such that the cans are maintained in abutting relationship. The upper ends of the cans are substantially in a single plane when the package is lifted through finger openings in the sheet.

Abstract: A carrier for beverage bottles comprising a sheet of flat, strong plastic material having four equally spaced corner areas, and a bottle hole through each corner area and a portion of said sheet curved around each bottle hole and having a pull tab projecting therefrom; and a pair of oppositely positioned short-radius, inwardly curved edges and a pair of oppositely positioned longer-radius, inwardly curved edges forming connecting edges between corner areas.

Abstract: A container package comprising an array of cans, each of which has an annular bead on the upper end thereof and a carrier. The carrier includes a sheet of flexible plastic material having a plurality of openings forming an array for receiving the ends of the cans a film of plastic material coextensive with the sheet and bonded to the periphery of the sheet so that it is flat and taut on the sheet. The cans are inserted upwardly into the openings and retained by the carrier by flexing of the periphery of each opening upwardly against the chime or bead of each can. As the cans are inserted, the film is stretched so that it is taut about the upper ends of the cans. The film is stretched substantially flat and taut from one peripheral edge to an opposite peripheral edge. The carrier thus protects the cans from contaminants. The carrier supports the array of the cans so that the upper ends of the cans are in a single plane when the package is lifted through finger openings in the film and sheet.

Abstract: A can package comprising a plurality of cans, preferably twelve, including a flat carrier in the form of a sheet having openings stretched over the upper ends of the cans and a tubular banding strap of plastic material stretched about the periphery of the group of cans and bonded along one edge to the periphery of the carrier. The band includes an integral handle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container carrier formed from a flat sheet of durable, flexible material. In a preferred embodiment, the container carrier includes four sets of concentric drinking cup carrying holes, each set of holes comprising a smaller hole dimensioned to fit around the circumference of the lower portion of a conventional drinking cup, and the larger hole dimensioned to fit around the circumference of the upper portion of said cup. The sets of holes are positioned symmetrically about transverse and longitudinal axes of the device. Outboard of the two sets of holes that are symmetric about the longitudinal axis are formed two handle members that join together to form a handle for carrying the device and drinking cups carried by the device.

Abstract: A carrier device (1) for connecting together an array of flanged containers (13) comprises a corresponding array of interconnected container encircling bands (2, 3; 5, 6) made from flexible resilient material. Each of the bands (2, 3; 5,6) is elongate and each has a strap (4, 7) extending across it from end to end. The carrier device (1) connects the array of flanged containers (13) together by each band (2, 3; 5, 6) engaging its corresponding container (13) beneath its flange (14) and with each strap (4, 7) extending across the top of the container (13). The strap (4, 7) helps to support the weight of any other packages of containers placed on top of the first containers so as to prevent the second containers from damaging the foil lids (15) of the first containers (13). When the containers (13) include a substantial taper the strap (4, 7) also holds the container encircling band (2, 3; 5,6) at the top of the container (13) immediately adjacent its flange (14).

Abstract: A unitized package of a plurality of generally cylindrical containers, such as cans or bottles, is disclosed. The package is sufficiently rigid to maintain a stable configuration upon handling even when the package is constituted by a relatively large number of containers. The unitized package comprises several independent, integral container cells of equal size that are held contiguous to one another by a resilient film ribbon under tension. The resilient film ribbon is in contact with the packaged containers about the periphery of the package along a major portion of the container cylindrical body portion length dimension. A particularly well suited film ribbon material for the foregoing purposes is oriented polypropylene film about 3 to 5 mils thick.

Abstract: A can package comprising a plurality of cans, preferably twelve, including a flat carrier in the form of a sheet having openings stretched over the upper ends of the cans and a tubular banding strap of plastic material stretched about the periphery of the group of cans and bonded along one edge to the periphery of the carrier. The band includes an integral handle.

Abstract: This relates to a carrier for cups or containers. The carrier is formed from a flat sheet of plastic material and has a pair of openings therein on opposite sides of a transverse bar for receiving upper intermediate portions of cups. Each of the openings is defined by a peripheral strap which will tightly engage an intermediate upper portion of a vertically tapered cup. Further, generally surrounding at least one of the openings is a carrying strap defined by a C-shaped cut which also defines the article engaging strap for that opening. In one form of carrier there are two carrying straps and in another form there is a single carrying strap.

Abstract: A bottle holder in the form of a strap of plastic material adapted to be supported at one end and having an enlarged opening in the strap for receiving the neck of the bottle and a longitudinal slot in the strap communicating with the enlarged opening for supporting the bottles in generally perpendicular relation to the plane of the strap.

Abstract: A package (46) of the wrap-around type has a central row of articles (48) and an auxiliary row of articles (50,52) one on either side of the central row. The articles of the auxiliary rows are disposed in abutting nested relationship with respect to those in the group. A securing strap (S) is provided to hold together the articles of the central row and the strap is held in position closely to embrace the articles in the central row by the abutting articles in the auxiliary rows. An outer open-ended wrapper (54) is provided for maintaining the articles of the auxiliary rows in their abutting nested relationship with respect to the articles in the central row.

Abstract: A can carrier composition comprising at least one of each of the following components wherein all parts are by weight based on 100 parts by weight of component (i):(i) a high pressure polyethylene having a density in the range of about 0.918 to about 0.930 gram per cubic centimeter;(ii) a linear polyethylene having a density of less than about 0.925 gram per cubic centimeter in an amount of about 2 to about 35 parts;(iii) polyethylene wax in an amount of about 0.5 to about 5 parts;(iv) a mineral filler coated with a metal salt of a fatty acid in an amount of about 0.05 to about 0.50 parts;(v) a secondary amide in an amount of about 0.02 to about 0.15 part;(vi) an antioxidant in an amount of about 0.02 to about 0.10 part; and(vii) an organic phosphorus compound in an amount of about 0.005 to about 0.05 part.

Abstract: A cup carrier is provided having a plurality of circular cup engaging portions each supported by a support web at generally opposite sides of the cup engaging portions. The support webs each extend to a bail portion having a handle by which the cup carrier is carried. Certain ones of the support webs are formed by doubled back portions, and an elongating element is provided in a center support web so that each drink cup is supported independently and in a level condition.

Abstract: An article carrier is specifically designed for carrying motor oil containers, the article carrier provided with loops which are releasably secured to the upper ends of the containers, webbing which interconnects the loops, and an elongated, generally tubular nozzle or spout extends intermediately between the containers and the loops to serve as a handle portion for the carrier; and the nozzle can be separated from the carrier and attached to the container for the purpose of pouring the contents of the container through a fill opening in the engine of the car. Modified forms of article carriers are included for supporting different numbers and types of containers as well as other accessories, such as, an oil filter as a part of an oil change kit.

Abstract: A bottle carrier device utilizing a single sheet-like resilient carrier device with a plurality of outer rank and middle rank apertures adapted to be positioned midway of the body of the bottles for individually grasping the bottles. The outer rank apertures are elongated longitudinally while the middle rank apertures are elongated transversely. A pair of handles are created in diagonally opposed outer rank apertures.

Abstract: This bottle carrier device is designed to enable a user to comfortably carry a plurality of beverage bottles back to a store when empty. Primarily, it consists of a pair of slotted racks connected in the middle by a carry handle, and the slots in the racks are tapered towards the ends of the racks, for entry of the empty bottles and supporting them by the flange portion on the necks of the beverage bottles.

Abstract: A carrier device for unitizing a plurality of containers comprising annular bands defining a plurality of apertures generally arranged in ranks and rows. Annular bands defining adjacent pairs of apertures in a given row being integrally connected by webs and bands defining apertures in a given rank being integrally connected by spaced webs. Spaced webs present margins defining spaces. The tab is connected to a marginal portion of one side of the space by non-detachable means and is frangibly connected to a marginal portion of an opposite side of the space by frangible or detachable means.

Abstract: A polymer composition and articles are disclosed wherein the composition comprises a low density polyethylene resin having a density between approximately 0.920 and 0.935 gram/cc and a melt index between approximately 0.5 and 1.0 grams/10 minutes, admixed with a linear low density polyethylene resin having a density between approximately 0.923 and 0.940 grams/cc and a melt index between approximately 0.75 and 5.0 gram/10 minutes. The composition is useful for forming article carriers, especially those used in carrying groups of metal cans.

Abstract: This invention discloses a can packaging device that binds a plurality of cans together for easy handling and storage, and at the same time, covers the can tops for sanitary purpose. The sanitary ring packaging of the present invention is comprised of a thick plastic sheet including a plurality of substantially circular cut-outs wherein the edges of the thick plastic sheet are contoured to conform with the substantially circular cut-outs, and a thin plastic sheet superimposed on the thick plastic sheet with slack in the surface area wherein the thin plastic sheet is bonded to and clipped along the edges of the thick plastic sheet. The thick plastic sheet ties cans together which engage the substantially circular cut-outs or holes included therein in a tight and retaining relationship, while the thin plastic sheet covers the can tops.

Abstract: A carrying handle for two beverage containers of the type having a molded in carrying lip, the handle being comprised of a length of rigid tubing threaded with an endless loop of essentially nonstretching cord each end of which is available to be secured about one bottle neck below the carrying lip.

Abstract: Plastic carrier devices that are corrugated to create alternating thick rib sections, that have not been stretched and thin fully oriented sections. Applicating techniques that utilize the ability to pretension the devices to be fed onto an applicating drum are part of the multi-packaging system of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective packaging system for a plurality of containers (12) having a top protective cover (2) for engaging and protecting the top end closures (62) of the plurality of containers (12), and an enclosing material (14), such as shrink wrap (14), disposed about a plurality of containers (12) having the top protective cover (2) disposed thereon for maintaining the top protective cover (2) in contact with the top end closures (62) of the containers (12).

Abstract: A container package comprises a sheet of plastic material having a plurality of apertures therein and a like plurality of containers respectively received in said apertures. Each container comprises a plastic bottle having a laminated plastic and foil cover heat sealed thereover. Each container has a rim with a maximum diameter and a subjacent portion tapering downwardly and inwardly from said maximum diameter. The cover has an edge on said subjacent portion. The apertures in the carrier are initially elongated longitudinally of the carrier and are provided with scalloped margins. The margins are of lesser diameter than the upper ends of the containers, whereby the margins are stretched and deflected upwardly along said subjacent portion with the margins lying above the respective cover edges.

Abstract: In the present day marketing of the beer or soft drinks packaged in the cans, six cans are bound to one pack by a plastic sheet with six holes forcedly inserted around the top portion of the cans. Although said type of packaging is economic, it is less than completely sanitary. Most people drink the content in the can directly from the can without washing the can. In said packaging method of cans, the top of cans are completely exposed and often contaminated by dusts and other sources during the transportation, storage and display in the retail stores. As a consequence, the can tops are not clean for directly drinking from the can in said packaging method. The present invention discloses the method of incorporating a thin plastic sheet to said plastic packaging ring, which incorporation provides means for covering up the can tops.

Abstract: A plastic die cut container carrier comprising an endless band having a handle and a carrier ring with an elliptical opening therein, the carrier ring being connected to the handle by a pair of arms which connect to the carrier ring adjacent the ends of the minor axis of the elliptical opening. The handle includes a longitudinal groove to facilitate folding and is connected to the carrier ring by a break-away tab. The design equalizes stress risers at the critical load points.

Abstract: A polymer composition and articles fabricated therefrom is disclosed wherein the polymer composition comprises a low density polyethylene resin containing very small amounts of erucamide and oleamide. The composition is useful for forming article carriers and particularly useful for forming carriers for groups of metal cans which cans are subject to rotation in the carrier during use without significant injury to the carrier.

Abstract: A multi-packaging device for bottles which utilizes a single sheet-like resilient carrier device positioned about the body of bottles and individually gripping each of the bottles. A pair of handles are created in diagonally opposite end rank apertures in the device and apertures laterally adjacent the handle apertures include web structures to compensate for the presence of the handles when lateral stretching forces are applied solely to the outer margins of the carrier device.

Abstract: A bottle carrier for carrying a plurality of bottles having a body portion and a neck portion and a closure which is crimped around the neck of the bottle and forms a concave fillet at the juncture with the container comprising a generally flat blank formed of a material that is flexible and elastic and has a central portion with a plurality of openings for receiving the neck of the containers and engaging the containers at the juncture of the closure fillet and the container. The carrier also includes a peripheral band that is severable from the first part and moved about the periphery of the bottles. Each opening has a configuration of a substantially isometric 36.degree. ellipse, the ratio of the length of major axis to the length of the minor axis being between 0.5 and 0.65, and the ratio of the perimeter of the greatest side wall dimension of the closure to the perimeter of the opening ranging between 1.25 and 1.40.

Abstract: A package for bottles utilizing a single sheet-like resilient carrier device positioned midway the body of the bottles and individually grouping the bottles. A pair of handles are created in diagonally opposite aperture designed to move upwardly between ranks upon association of bottles with the apertures.

Abstract: A bottle carrier for carrying a plurality of bottles having a body portion and a neck portion and a closure applied to the neck portion forming an undercut at the area of juncture of the periphery of the closure and the neck comprising a generally flat blank formed of a material that is flexible and elastic and has a central portion with a plurality of openings and a peripheral band severable from the central portion and adapted to surround the bottles. Each opening is shaped so that only a portion of the periphery of the openings engages the area of juncture of the closure and bottle and a pair of tabs extend radially inwardly for engaging under the closure.

Abstract: A package for bottles utilizing a single sheet-like resilient carrier device positioned midway the body of the bottles and individually grasping the bottles. A pair of handles are designed to extend up from the plane of the carrier when applied to facilitate handling.

Abstract: A carrier configuration for two or more bottles such as beverage bottles includes an inner member having regions which receive each of the bottle necks and an outer member which extends about the grouping of bottles at their midsections. The inner member is sized to nest within the outer member and they may be punched simultaneously from a flat sheet of material such as polyethylene. Preferably, the adjacent inner edge of the outer member and the outer edge of the inner member are partially connected and scored by the punching operations such that they may be readily separated from one another as they are installed in the positions above described on a grouping of containers.

Abstract: A multi-container package and method for making the same including two six-pack assemblies of containers, a paperboard cover over at least a part of the multi-container package, and an elastic band encircling and securing together the two six-pack assemblies and the paperboard cover. The band includes a central stabilizing strap located between the two six-pack assemblies, and the paperboard cover includes a top panel formed of two separate sections interconnected by two intermediate panels which extend down in-between the two six-pack assemblies to accommodate and receive there-between the central stabilizing strap.

Abstract: A plastic band is provided for encircling and combining into a single package, two multi-package assemblies of cans. The plastic band of the present invention encircles the outside of the array of cans comprising the combination of two multi-packages and further provides a central stabilizing strap which provides firm resilient engagement with at least all of the corner cans of each individual multi-package.

Abstract: A bottle carrier for carrying a plurality of bottles having a body portion and a neck portion and a closure which is attached to the neck of the bottle which comprises a generally flat blank formed of a material that is flexible and elastic. The blank comprises a first part defining a central portion and a second part defining a band which is severable from the first part and is adapted to be stretched about a group of bottles. The first part comprises a plurality of openings in spaced rows for receiving the necks of the containers and engaging the necks below the closures. In order to meet the requirements of adequately securing the bottles in the carrier and at the same time, being able to apply the carrier to the bottles rapidly by automatic machines, the carrier includes the following relationships: (1) minimum widths of the webs between the openings for receiving the necks of the bottles and the periphery of the carrier, (2) the stress on the webs must be less than 550 p.s.i.

Abstract: A molded plastic carrier for six bottles arranged in two side-by-side rows of three each (a "six-pack"), the carrier having a handle portion, three bottle grippers in a row on each side of the handle portion, and a loop for encircling the six bottles supported by struts below the level of the handle portion and grippers, the struts being specially positioned relative to the grippers for automatically centering the carrier on a cluster of six bottles in the initial stage of application of the carrier to the cluster by apparatus for automatically applying the carriers to the six-bottle clusters, to avoid breakage of carriers by the instrumentality of the apparatus which pushes them down on the bottles.

Abstract: A package is disclosed comprising a rigid tray member having an upstanding peripherally located rim portion. A plurality of discrete container assemblies are within the rigid tray member. Each container assembly has a plurality of individual containers in a regular geometric array interconnected by a unitary thermoplastic carrier means. A cover shroud overlays the tray and is secured to the tray rim to complete the package.