Abstract: A method for manufacturing an edible, multi-ring, can holder comprises the steps of dehydrating beer by-product to produce a dried pulp, grinding the dried pulp into a powder, forming a pulp slurry by adding the powder into a mixture comprising plant fibers, an environment-friendly, oil-repellent chemical, an environment-friendly, water-repellent chemical, and water, a water-to-other ingredient ratio being approximately 1000 liters of water to approximately 60 kg of the powder, the plant fibers, the oil-repellent chemical, and the water-repellent chemical, injecting the pulp slurry into a mold having an interior cavity in the shape of at least one six-pack ring, and applying pressure and heat to the mold containing the pulp slurry to produce at least one edible six-pack ring.

Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a top panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel, the top panel comprises at least one container retention tab positioned adjacent a respective container retention opening and foldably connected to the top panel at a respective fold line, at least one side reinforcement panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap, and the top panel comprises at least one reinforcement portion extending from the respective fold line.

Abstract: A foldable drink cup holder that holds up to a dozen or more beverage cups as well as straws, and provides multiple layers of horizontal stabilization for the cups in addition to providing large footprints for text and graphics, including angled and square-cut corners structured to abut against each other when the holder is in a folded configuration to provide a flat side that is rigid and stable when holding multiple filled drink cups and straws.

Abstract: There is shown in embodiments of a closure mechanism configured to fit over the top of the can and prevent access. The closure mechanism is a child resistant senior friendly mechanism that can be opened and removed by the senior when access to the can is desired. The closure mechanism is designed for a single use as once removed it will no longer prevent access of the top of the can.

Abstract: There is shown in embodiments of a closure mechanism configured to fit over the top of the can and prevent access. The closure mechanism is a child resistant senior friendly mechanism that can be opened and removed by the senior when access to the can is desired. The closure mechanism is designed for a single use as once removed it will no longer prevent access of the top of the can.

Abstract: A modular travel storage system for transporting liquids, gels, and powders, includes: a holder portion with a plurality of container receptors, including left, right, rear, and top walls, with left, right, and rear inner ledges; and a plurality of container pods, each including a container body with left, right and rear protruding rims, and a lid; such that each container pod slides into a corresponding container receptor.

Abstract: A portable package carrying arrangement adapted and configured to carry a plurality of containers which is particularly applicable for use with canned items and/or items packaged in a container. The portable package carrying arrangement includes a panel portion and a handle portion. The panel portion includes a plurality of container flanges configured to releasably secure a plurality of containers to the panel portion.

Abstract: A container carrier and manufacturing method for a container carrier are provided. The container carrier includes an integrally molded body with a plurality of annular structures connected by a bridges. The annular structures each include a side wall formed of side wall portions separated by side wall voids and a top surface. Flanges are positioned at the bottom of each side wall void to collectively engage the containers. The flanges are configured to project inwardly and orient upwardly at an angle so as to flex when accepting or releasing a container. The top surfaces of the annular structures include notched voids continuous with respective side wall voids such that the flanges positioned at the bottoms of the side wall voids are accommodated by the notched voids in the top surface of a second, same-shaped container carrier when stacked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transferring a plurality of bottles provided with chimes from a box to a storage facility. The device has a handle adjacent to bottle engagement fingers forming slots or gaps between the fingers to scoop the plurality of bottles and transfer the bottles into a designated storage facility such as a refrigerator. The bottle engagement fingers slidingly engage the bottles under their chimes, the user lifts the scooped bottles using the handle, transferring and slidingly unloading the bottles into the storage facility.

Abstract: A portable package carrying arrangement adapted and configured to carry a plurality of containers which is particularly applicable for use with canned items and/or items packaged in a container. The portable package carrying arrangement includes a panel portion and a handle portion. The panel portion includes a plurality of container flanges configured to releasably secure a plurality of containers to the panel portion.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers within a plurality of corresponding container receiving apertures is formed using a rotary die within a rotary die press resulting in carriers having complex configurations including close tolerance cuts and complex perforation patterns.

Abstract: A padded support for workmen, sportsmen, hobbyists and the like who perform activities in a seated and/or kneeling position for a sustained period of time. The support includes a combined seat and knee board mountable to a container, such as a utility bucket. A recessed groove on the bottom of the support is concentric with the container and mounts to an end of the container.

Abstract: A method for sanitary beverage can packaging incorporates a plastic sanitation sheet between the tops of the beverage cans and a plastic can retainer. The sanitation sheet covers the tops of the cans, protecting them from dust and overhead spills. Some embodiments use a watertight or airtight seal of the sanitation sheet around the can rim. Some embodiments include visible indicators of seal breakage or direct contamination, using moisture or oxygen detection. Some indicators create a hole in the sanitation sheet. Other indicators provide visible warning text or symbols. The sheet and indicators provide both actual contaminant protection and visible indication of contamination. Embodiments include the plastic sanitation sheet, integration with beverage cans, and a method for use in providing assured sanitary cans to consumers.

Abstract: A generally continuous string of container carriers typically forming a package of fan-folded container carriers wherein the generally continuous string of container carriers are folded within a carton along a first attachment area and a second attachment area between adjacent container carriers of the plurality of container carriers and perforations are formed at least partially across the first attachment area and the second attachment area and include a series of small cuts and dividing apertures.

Abstract: A container carrier system for securing and carrying at least two containers is provided. The container carrier system generally includes a handle and at least two retainer rings. The handle has a carrying portion and at least two attachment portions. A single retainer ring is secured to a single container, and each retainer ring includes at least one handle receiver for receiving and retaining a single attachment portion of the handle. Each attachment portion includes an upper leg-stop transition portion joined to an upper attachment stop. A lower attenuated attachment leg is joined to the upper attachment stop and terminates in a lower attachment stop. Each handle receiver includes first and second resilient jaws that define a receiver mouth and a receiver central opening. The resilient jaws are movable between a minimum retaining position and a maximum receiving position to facilitate securement of an attachment portion to a handle receiver.

Abstract: A beaded lip protection and tamper-resistant device for canisters with caps is disclosed, as well as multiples of the same device joined together to form multiple-canister carriers that may be provided with one or more handles.

Abstract: A carrier and method of manufacture for a carrier that results in a package of containers includes a plastic sheet having an array of container apertures and an inner web. The inner web includes a flap that impinges into each container aperture thus creating a carrier that may be consistently applied to produce a desirable package.

Abstract: The cup carrier has a generally flat appearance. One end of the cup carrier is opposite a second end. A central portion and two sides connect the ends. The one end and second end further incorporate handles. At least one hole for inserting a cup is positioned in the central portion.

Abstract: A modular beverage can interlocking device that is adapted for forming a plurality of conventional beverage cans into a building block for use as a toy or in display applications. The device generally comprises a plurality of ring-shaped members, each having an upper orifice which is configured with an upper lip retention portion for releasably retaining the top portion of a conventional beverage can via a snap-fit. Conversely, the lower orifice of each of the ring-shaped members is optimally contoured to hold the lower portion of the conventional beverage can via at a snug friction-fit. The top portion of a plurality of beverage cans may be releasably retained in the upper lip retention portion via insertion through the lower orifice, thereby defining a distribution orientation that is optimally suited for distribution of beverage product in the normal manner.

Abstract: A protection device for beaded lips of cans or canisters comprising a planar ring with downwardly projecting flanges with arcuate gaps between flanges, as well as multiples of the same device joined together to form multiple-canister carriers that may be provided with handles such as a pair of finger loops or a single half-loop.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet having a row of container receiving apertures formed therein. The flexible carrier further includes a handle integrated with respect to the flexible sheet and may further include a panel integrated with respect to at least one row of the container receiving apertures on an opposite side of the row of container receiving apertures from the handle. A package is formed by fanning out the two rows of container receiving apertures and inserting a plurality of containers, each within a respective container receiving aperture.

Abstract: Polymer-based circular carrier means (11) mounted on can bodies in the manner to cover their entire top surfaces. The circular carrier means (11) are generally planar, sheet-like structures having integral protruding members and recesses creating a corresponding surface for receiving opposite can surface. Each carrier means (11) is additionally provided with a handle means (12), normally encircling part of the periphery of said carrier means (11) and separated therefrom by perforations (14). Each element of a six-element can pack, provided in the form of two arrays of three cans in a typical manner, comprises a carrier means (11) provided with a handle means (12) for individual carriage as well as for carriage of the full can assembly by use of any of said handles (12). Said carrier means (11) are connected to neighboring carriers by perforations (15) along peripheral portions in the parts out of said handle perforations (14).

Abstract: A bottle carrier includes a base and one or more arms extending downwardly from the base. The arms include an inwardly facing surface for contacting a neck of a bottle, and also include an inwardly extending tab having an upper surface for supporting a lip on the neck of the bottle. The tabs further include a lower surface angled away from the base as it extends away from the bottle. Upon insertion of a bottle into a bottle receiving area defined by the arms, the upper surface of the bottle contacts the lower surfaces of the tabs, thereby causing at least one of the arms to deflect outward, permitting insertion of the bottle cap and lip on the neck of the bottle into the bottle receiving area. Once the lip of the bottle is inserted past the tabs, the arms return toward their undeflected position, with the tabs positioned below the lip, retaining the bottle in the bottle neck receiving area.

Abstract: A carton of the top gripping type comprising a plurality of main panels for forming a top wall (20), side walls (14, 18) and a bottom wall (16). The carton further comprising container receiving apertures (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d) formed in rows in the bottom wall for accommodating the bottles (C) held within the carton. The carton further comprising retaining structure for retaining the bottles within each aperture and an arrangement for urging the upper portions of the bottles held in one row to towards the upper portions of the bottles held in an adjacent row. The carton further comprising spacer (40, 90) provided to maintain the upper portions of the rows of bottles in spaced relationship and provided to counteract the displacement of the bottles due to the retaining structure such that a tensioned arrangement is provided in which the bottles are held and restricted from moving relative to one another.

Abstract: A harness for holding two tub-like containers together is disclosed.

Abstract: A carton for packaging one or more articles, each having a laterally extending flange, includes a top wall panel, a side wall panel connected to the top wall panel, and an article retention structure with a tab formed from the side wall panel. The tab includes an upper edge for engaging the underside of the flange and an opposing lower edge defined by a pair of fold lines. The minimum distance between the top wall panel and the upper edge of the tab is less than the thickness of the flange, which causes the tab to pivot with respect to the adjacent side wall panel when the flange is received in the slit that is defined by the upper edge of the tab.

Abstract: A multiple-node clip-type bottle securement and carrier device is disclosed.

Abstract: An integrally molded carrier for balanced lifting and carrying of multiple containers by their necks includes a substantially planar web having multiple nodes defining multiple aligned annular support rings, the web being provided with a flexibly attached U-shaped handle attached to one side of the web. Annular neck-engaging flanges integral with the web are arranged around the inside of the support rings for releasably engaging the necks of containers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carrier and method of packaging containers into a unitized package that includes a generally continuous plastic sheet having a plurality of container apertures extending longitudinally in adjacent pairs. A container is positioned within each container aperture and the plastic sheet is separated along central lines of weakness and peripheral lines of weakness, resulting in multiple unitized packages of exactly three containers arranged in a generally triangular configuration.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of beverage containers includes a plurality of container holders, each having a portion with higher energy treatment and a portion with lower energy treatment. The energy treatment is corona or plasma treatment. The portions with higher energy treatment provide better carrier-to-container friction. By varying the level of energy treatment and the relative size of the portions being treated, the amount of overall friction between the flexible carrier and the containers can be controlled.

Abstract: A container carrier especially suitable for larger containers and for packages having a larger number of containers, to provide a feeling of strength as the carrier is lifted. The carrier includes loops for surround and retaining each container, a handle portion and linear struts connecting ends of the handle to outermost loops holding containers. As the containers are lifted, minimal movement of the handle occurs relative to the containers. A supply of the carriers includes multiple carriers connected in an end-to-end arrangement by two separate frangible links.

Abstract: This invention relates to a single-piece carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers with a retainer sheet integrated with a carrier sleeve. The retainer sheet comprises a plurality of container receiving openings for engaging a top portion of each container while the carrier sleeve surrounds the plurality of containers. Packages preferably comprise two or more layers of containers within the carrier sleeve separated by a divider.

Abstract: A container carrier is provided for use with a plurality of containers. The container carrier comprises a substantially planar flexible platform having a top, a bottom, an outer perimeter and an inner region including a handle and a plurality of container-engaging portions. The handle is made by forming two generally triangularly shaped openings through the sheet on opposite sides of and equally distant from the central axis of the sheet, the material between the openings comprising a strap. Two inwardly opening U-shaped openings are formed around the ends of the strap such that the central axis of the sheet is the line of symmetry of the U-shaped openings. The portion of the sheet bordered by the U-shaped openings comprises a first hinge and a second hinge integral with the first end and second end of the strap, respectively, which permit the strap to be flexed upwardly above the plane of the platform and provide access to the strap.

Abstract: A harness for holding two tub-like containers together is disclosed.

Abstract: An integrally molded carrier for balanced lifting and carrying of two bottles by their necks and that maintains a space between the bottles so as to prevent collisions between them is disclosed.

Abstract: An integrally molded carrier for carrying three containers by their necks includes a substantially planar web having three nodes and defining three annular support rings. Annular neck-engaging flanges integral with the web are arranged around the inside of the support rings for releasably engaging the necks of containers. The centers of the support rings are situated in the web such that they correspond to the three corners of a triangle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a single-piece carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers with a retainer sheet integrated with a carrier sleeve. The retainer sheet comprises a plurality of container receiving openings for engaging a top portion of each container while the carrier sleeve surrounds the plurality of containers. Packages preferably comprise two or more layers of containers within the carrier sleeve separated by a divider.

Abstract: A drink can holder is made as an integrally formed body of resilient plastic material with a central body portion and a number of radially extending finger assemblies circumferentially spaced around it. Each finger assembly has integrally formed protrusions and recesses that may, when a plurality of such drink can holders are used, be interengaged to provide toy construction set elements.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for holding and carrying two or more receptacles. The apparatus may be comprised of first and second openings and first and second ridges, wherein a top portion of a first receptacle can be inserted into the first opening, slid along the first and second ridges, and slid into the second opening. In at least one embodiment, third and fourth ridges, and a third opening, may be provided wherein a top portion of a second receptacle can be inserted into the first opening, slid along the third and fourth ridges, and slid into the third opening. The apparatus may further comprise a first central portion and a second central portion, wherein the first and third ridges are connected to the first central portion, and the second and fourth ridges are connected to the second central portion. The first and second central portions may each include curved portions for allowing an individual's fingers to grip the first and second central portions.

Abstract: A divider panel (60) for separating two or more tiers of stacked articles (A) in a packaged carton (100) has deformable means (62, 62b, 62c, 62d) adapted operably to nest between stacks articles (A) on adjacent sides of the panel (60).

Abstract: This invention relates to a single-piece carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers with a retainer sheet integrated with a film sleeve. The retainer sheet may comprise a thicker material than the film sleeve. The retainer sheet comprises a plurality of container receiving openings for engaging a top portion of each container while the film sleeve surrounds the plurality of containers. Packages may comprise one or more layers of containers within the film sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a single-piece carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers with a retainer sheet integrated with a film sleeve. The retainer sheet may comprise a thicker material than the film sleeve. The retainer sheet comprises a plurality of container receiving openings for engaging a top portion of each container while the film sleeve surrounds the plurality of containers. Packages may comprise one or more layers of containers within the film sleeve.

Abstract: A paperboard carrier is provided. The carrier includes a two ply top panel, side walls, and a bottom panel. Apertures in the top and bottom panels allow for the carrier to be applied to a set of bottles. Tabs are formed in the top panel to support the bottles in the carrier. The carrier is provided with many different features, including a tongue which extends upwardly from the edge of the bottom panel apertures. The tongues engage the underside of the top panel to help prevent racking of the carrier relative to the bottles and to help space the top and bottom panels apart. The base of the tabs in the top panel top ply define a circle greater in diameter than the top panel bottom ply apertures, and the tabs engage the bottle at an angle of less than 45°. The tabs surrounding the top panel aperture can be of varying lengths. End panels are provided. The end panels are held substantially perpendicular to the top, bottom, and side panels by locking panels.

Abstract: An integral carrier for carrying multiple containers by their necks has a substantially planar web defining a pair of centrally located annular support openings. Each support opening is surrounded by a support rib having a radiused inner surface. A plurality of annular neck-engaging structures is integral with the web and arranged around the periphery of the support openings. Each of the neck-engaging structures has a respective circumferential rib and a plurality of flanges projecting inwardly from the circumferential rib for releasably engaging the necks of the containers. At least two interior ribs each extend between one of the support ribs and one of the plurality of neck-engaging structures.

Abstract: A multi-pack carrier for holding a plurality of bottles includes a top panel, side panels depending from the top panel, and a bottom panel. The top panel has at least a top ply, a middle ply, and a bottom ply. The top ply includes a plurality of apertures with a plurality slits radiating outwardly from an edge of the each of the apertures to define a plurality of top ply tabs around the top ply apertures. The top ply apertures having a diameter less than a diameter of the bottle where the carrier intersects the bottle when a bottle is placed in the carrier so that the top ply tabs will be angled upwardly to engage the take-out bead of the bottle. The second ply has a plurality of apertures substantially coaxial with the top-ply apertures and a plurality of slits radiating outwardly from the second ply apertures defining a plurality of second ply tabs.

Abstract: A multi-packaging device for carrying a plurality of containers. A panel is configured with an array of three-pointed apertures that are each engageable with a container neck portion. Each of the three-pointed apertures is formed by two longitudinal elongated openings and one lateral elongated opening in the panel, with extremities of the longitudinal elongated openings positioned along a longitudinal fold line of the panel. Side flaps are positioned adjacent to the fold line on either longitudinal side of the panel.

Abstract: A carton for packaging one or two layers of flanged tubs. The bottom panel is formed from adhesively connected overlapping flaps which contain cutouts. Lower portions of the tubs extend through openings in the bottom panel formed by the cutouts. Tabs foldably connected to the inner overlapping bottom panel flap prevent adhesive from contacting the tubs and also strengthen the bottom panel. When two layers of tubs are packaged support flaps connected to the side panels extend between the stacked tubs of the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: A cover for tops of flanged containers held in planar paperboard carriers excludes contamination from surfaces which will contact the contents when they are poured out or a consumer's mouth will contact. The cover is formed from multilaterally-stretchable paper and is applied to the carrier in two different ways to create two versions of the embodiment of the invention. In Version I, a sheet of multilaterally-stretchable paper overlies the planar carrier body and is attached to the carrier at the periphery of the cover and elsewhere as required by the configuration of the carrier. When containers are inserted in the carrier, they raise small tents by stretching the paper cover and the container tops lie protected between the carrier body and the cover sheet. In Version II, a sheet of multilaterally-stretchable paper underlies the planar carrier body and is attached to the carrier where required by the configuration of the carrier.

Abstract: A novel plastic carrier for carrying a plurality of containers and a method of forming same is provided by the present invention. The carrier includes a handle portion being of a single ply of plastic material and a pair of container engaging portions freely depending from the handle portion at a joint. Each engaging portion has a plurality of apertures therethrough for carrying an associated container. One of the engaging portions is integrally formed with the handle portion and the other engaging portion is joined thereto at the joint. The carriers are preferably formed continuously. To form the carrier, first and second container engaging portions and the handle portion are stamped out of a single sheet of plastic material, and zipper strips, if provided, are formed thereon. The engaging portions are connected together and the second engaging portion and the handle portion are connected together. Thereafter, the first engaging portion is folded over onto the second engaging portion along a fold line.

Abstract: The cup carrier of this invention comprises a sheet of flat flexible material which forms at least one cup receiving opening and a handle. Each cup receiving opening is surrounded by a cup engaging portion that engages a tapered sidewall of a cup when the cup is inserted within the cup receiving opening. The cup engaging portion of the sheet forms an inner ring and an outer ring and bands connect the inner ring to the outer ring. A generally radial slit is positioned, preferably at an approximate midpoint, between two adjacent bands. The cup carrier permits a user to insert cups having a range of diameters into the cup receiving openings. A user can insert a small cup within the cup receiving opening and engage a sidewall of the small cup with the inner ring of the cup engaging portion.