Collapsible Patents (Class 206/170)
  • Patent number: 11445840
    Abstract: A drink caddy comprising a compartment section configured for holding a drink and a size adjustable cord which can be wrapped around the drink, in order to secure the drink within the compartment section and avoid spilling during transport. According to various embodiments, the drink caddy may comprise multiple compartment sections for transporting multiple drinks of varying sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Adam Michael Leventhal
  • Patent number: 10358256
    Abstract: A collapsible utility bucket system includes a bucket, a compartment member, a frame hinge, and a sack. The bucket has a frame defining a central volume. The frame includes a base member, a plurality of poles, and a rim. The compartment member is coupled to the bucket and also has a base member, a plurality of poles, and a rim. The frame hinge in is communication with a pole of the bucket and a pole of the compartment member to permit the pivoting of the compartment member about the bucket between set positions. The compartment member pivots so as to rest adjacent to different sides of the bucket at each set position. The sack is configured to couple to a rim of at least one of the bucket and the compartment member and hold assorted items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Patricia Ann Travis
  • Patent number: 10035622
    Abstract: Disposable tray includes a base and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall extends upwardly from the base to define an interior. The perimeter wall includes a set of opposing first sidewalls and a set of opposing second sidewalls. Each of the opposing first sidewalls having a first maximum height above the base and each of the opposing second sidewalls having a second maximum height above the base. The tray further includes a divider wall extending upwardly from the base. The divider wall extends between the set of opposing second sidewalls to define a plurality of compartments. The divider wall intersects each of the opposing second sidewalls proximate the second maximum height. The second maximum height is greater than the first maximum height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: PACTIV LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Gartz, H. Bernard Kirkland
  • Patent number: 9004433
    Abstract: A folding support device and methods for constructing and using the same are provided by the present invention. A foldable support member contains a series of hinge sections and support and stress limiting members. Construction is provided enabling the device to safely collapse and stow while traveling, but to unfold and provide a gripping tension on both a support member and a support device in a reliable manner. Force analysis is provided securing the item in an upright way via a force transfer generated by the supported weight itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: John A. Krieger
  • Patent number: 8985432
    Abstract: A foldable container comprises a body having an interior chamber with a top opening and a closed bottom. The body includes two opposing short sidewalls and two opposing longer sidewalls that form a perimeter around the interior chamber. The short sidewalls are foldable along respective vertically extending fold lines. The container also includes a bottom panel positionable within the interior chamber to be laid against the closed bottom, and a lid hingedly coupled to the body for selectively closing the top opening. The bottom panel is hingedly coupled to the body and is foldable along a first horizontal fold line. Furthermore, the lid is foldable along a second horizontal fold line. The foldable sidewalls, bottom panel, and lid allow the container to be folded between an expanded position and a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rodair Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Cullen, E. Leigh Goodwin
  • Patent number: 8936149
    Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier can comprise a bottom panel, a top panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the bottom panel, a handle comprising a bottom gripping portion in the bottom panel and a top gripping portion in the top panel, and at least one container receiver for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers. The at least one container receiver is foldably connected to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Smalley
  • Patent number: 8511463
    Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carrier. The panels comprise at least one bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and at least two end panels. The carrier comprises at least one divider flap comprising a longitudinal segment foldably connected to at least the first side wall or the second side wall, at least one transverse segment foldably connected to the first longitudinal segment, and at least one end segment foldably connected to the at least one transverse segment. A central divider wall divides the interior of the carrier into a front portion and a rear portion. The central divider wall comprises at least the at least one end segment of the at least one divider flap. A handle is attached to the central divider wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirsten L. Brand
  • Patent number: 8453832
    Abstract: A container carrier which is made of a foldable flat material. The container carrier includes a box-shaped carrying container which is open at top and has a bottom wall, longitudinal walls, and end walls, a middle wall parallel to the two longitudinal walls in the carrying container that has a carrying handle at top. The container carrier also includes transverse webs parallel to the end walls between the middle wall and the longitudinal walls for forming compartments in the carrying container to receive containers therein, and outwardly inclined bottom slopes which are joined to the longitudinal-sided edges of the bottom wall at bottom and to the lower edges of the longitudinal walls at top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: A&R Carton BV
    Inventors: Bernard Skolik, Jens Eckermann, Hilger Scheelcke
  • Patent number: 8365917
    Abstract: A carrier tray (1) for beverage cups, bottles, and consumables or edible products is disclosed which is able to be folded from a blank (11). The tray has a base (2, 3) an upper deck (5), side walls (12, 13), a handle (15) and container receiving apertures (6-9). The blank is able to be fabricated from a single sheet of cardboard without gluing and folded to form the carrier tray. Braces (32, 33) which fold out from the handle strengthen the tray. Unbalanced loads are able to be supported by the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Adam Olesen
  • Patent number: 8297437
    Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier comprises at least one bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and at least two side panels. The interior of the carrier is divided into a front portion and a back portion by a first and second central panel. A first divider flap is foldably attached to the first central panel and extends to the front panel to divide the front portion into at least two container-receiving spaces. A second divider flap is foldably attached to the second central panel and extends to the back panel to divide the back portion into at least two container-receiving spaces. The first central panel has features for facilitating positioning of the second divider flap relative to the second central panel. The second central panel has features for facilitating positioning of the first divider flap relative to the first central panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Smalley, Paul Bradford
  • Patent number: 8137330
    Abstract: A liquid receptacle made of a wire frame and a disposable and biodegradable material that is substantially impervious to water. The liquid receptacle is capable of being expanded and collapsed for ease of transportation and storage. For ease of use, the liquid receptacle is shaped with a flat bottom allowing it to stand without support, and equipped with a flap surrounding a top opening of the receptacle. For ease of transportation after use, a cord is supplied around the flap for closing the top opening of the liquid receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Janet C. Fields
  • Publication number: 20110272299
    Abstract: A foldable and flexible carrier which may include a polymeric form that is foldable to provide a carrier having sufficient strength to securely hold and carry items while maintaining position about the items and which can be assembled without fastening hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel T. Smith
  • Patent number: 7779997
    Abstract: The carrier has a central vertical support panel structure, and a pair of foldable receptacles extending outwardly from opposite sides of the vertical support structure. The receptacles have automatically-opening bottom walls with symmetrical bottom panels which overlap to even-out the strength of the bottom walls and minimize areas of reduced strength. At least two opposed bottom panels are shaped to interlock with one another to hold the carrier open once it has been unfolded. Elongated, connected reinforcing flanges strengthen the carrier in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: SJV Food & Beverage Carriers, Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo V. Cuomo
  • Patent number: 7753195
    Abstract: A foldable carrier is provided with a vertical support panel structure made as a first component, and an external side wall structure as a second component. The vertical support panel structure and the external side wall structure are joined together to form two separate receptacles extending from opposite sides of said vertical panel structure to hold objects to be carried in the carrier. Preferably, the vertical support panel structure is made of an untreated and relatively inexpensive material, and the external side wall structure is made of a material treated to give it good resistance to weakening when wet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: SJV Food & Beverage Carriers, Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo V. Cuomo
  • Patent number: 7721889
    Abstract: A carton with bevel corners for carrying cans, or other articles, which has an interlocking separator pad so the cans or articles can be contained in two layers is provided. The carton has two ends, each of which is closed by two side end closures and top and bottom end flaps. Each side end closure has an aperture that is interlocked with the end portion of an interlocking separator pad. In one embodiment of this invention, the interlocking separator pad has two tabs with the aperture in each side end closure being a slot through which a tab is extended. This pad may have a foldably attached leading flap that is lodged between cans or articles contained in the carton and the side end closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7699164
    Abstract: The carrier has a vertical support structure, a pair of foldable receptacles extending from opposite sides of said vertical support structure. The receptacles have automatically unfolding bottom walls. Each receptacle has at least one divider member extending upwardly and laterally from the upper edge of one side-wall of each receptacle to a reinforcing panel secured to said vertical support structure. The dividers and reinforcing panels are formed in a foldable blank from a single sheet of material and need no gluing to secure them to the carrier structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: SJV Food & Beverage Carriers, Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo V. Cuomo
  • Patent number: 7699163
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels include a top panel, a bottom panel and a first side panel and a second side panel. The carton has a support adjacent to the top panel and projecting into the interior of the carton for at least partially supporting the plurality of articles within the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Manuel Gomes, Graham Hand
  • Patent number: 7677387
    Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carrier. The panels comprise at least one bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and at least two side panels. A divider flap is foldably attached to the back panel and the front panel. The side panels, the back panel, the divider flap, and the front panel are arranged to at least partially define at least two container-receiving spaces of the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirsten Laura Brand, Colin P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20100059392
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Usher Weinberger
  • Publication number: 20100006458
    Abstract: A basket carrier is disclosed. The carrier includes an open-top basket and a lid for the basket. The basket includes a vertically-extending handle, a pair of side walls foldably connected to the handle by a plurality of divider walls, a pair of end walls foldably connected to the side walls and the handle, and a bottom wall formed by bottom flaps foldably connected to the side walls. The side walls, end walls, divider walls and handle together define a plurality of compartments for holding containers, such as bottles or cans. The handle may include a plurality of handle flaps that are partially separable from the handle to provide comfortable gripping surfaces for a user's hand. The lid includes a top panel for covering a top area of the basket, side panels for covering the side walls of the basket, and adhesive flaps detachably connected to the side panels for attaching the lid to the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Zoe Claire Wilkins, Paul Bradford
  • Patent number: 7604115
    Abstract: The carrier has an automatic self-locking bottom construction which is actuated simply by placing a beverage or other container onto a bottom panel which traverses the whole width of the bottom and causes one or more tabs to snap into slots to perform the locking function. Special covered auxiliary containers which slip down over the upstanding handle of the carrier are provided for carrying donuts, rolls, pizza slices, sandwiches, or other food items, together with beverages in the carrier. Preferably, the container is made to be oven-proof so that the food items can be heated in the trays before mounting the trays on the carriers. The food items can be stored in the covered trays safely before distribution so as to speed the distribution process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: SJV Food & Beverage Carriers, Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo V. Cuomo
  • Patent number: 7578385
    Abstract: A carrier (800) that is reversibly erectable from a collapsed condition to an erected condition and that reliably maintains its erected condition. The carrier includes a tubular portion defined by side walls (118, 146, 152, 142, 156, 160) and a bottom wall defined by bottom panels (230, 260). The bottom panels are hingedly connected to an edge of the tubular structure. Gusset structures connect the bottom panels to the tubular structure and cause the bottom panels to toggle as the carrier is erected. The gusset structures additionally retain the bottom wall in the erected condition. In the erected condition, the bottom wall of the carrier includes a buffer for limiting or preventing damage to articles as they are loaded into the carrier. The handle of the carrier is ergonomically defined in multiple planes and includes handle flaps including curved portions that improve the comfort of a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Mead Westvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Holley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090014341
    Abstract: A collapsible beverage carrier having a moveable base support and a squared handle, adapted to be collapsible for safe and easy transport and storage when not in use, said carrier further comprising a top surface plate having a plurality of circular shaped openings positioned therein for receiving a plurality of beverage containers, a pair of circular catches each disposed on opposite sides of the top surface; and a pair of curve shaped hinges positioned at the opposite ends along a base of said top surface plate, wherein two side walls are moveably coupled to the pair of curve shaped hinges such that when the side walls are coupled to the top surface in a first position they each extend downward, laterally away from the top surface and when the side walls are then rotated inward, in opposite directions, toward the top surface they thereby rotate into a “closed” position and extend in a parallel fashion along the base/bottom of the top surface plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Edward Patrick Raymond, Kenneth L. Burt, Francis Michael Mindoro
  • Patent number: 7475778
    Abstract: A carton is provided for carrying articles or containers in two layers with three rows of containers in each layer. The carton can have a dispenser flap in one side panel which can be opened for dispensing containers when the carton is placed on the end adjacent to the dispenser opening. The two layers of containers are kept separate during the dispensing by an interlocking separator pad that is interlocked to the side end flaps on one end of the carton by punch locks going through the primary female openings of the leading flap attached to the separator pad. A secondary locking system is provided by a swing lock in each side end flap on the interlocking end of the carton which has a secondary male lock attached to it that is inserted into a secondary female opening in the separator pad. Each secondary male lock may have a locking slot that engages a locking edge of the secondary female opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7438181
    Abstract: A carrier is provided with vertical support panels, each with a receptacle extending outwardly from its lower region. Each receptacle has a bottom panel which unfolds partially when the folded carrier is unfolded. An engagement structure such as a detent is provided to hold each bottom panel temporarily in the partially unfolded position to hold the receptacles open until the bottom panels are pressed downwardly by an object placed in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: E-Z Media, Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo V. Cuomo
  • Publication number: 20080142380
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a unit package for multiple bags of insulation products, and a method of making the unit package. The unit package includes, a flexible sleeve having opposite ends, and multiple handles, wherein the handles are directly in a corresponding end of the flexible sleeve, the corresponding end projects outwardly beyond the bags of insulation products in the sleeve, and the corresponding end is flexible to bend and move the handles away from the side of the sleeve, such that the handles are accessible for grasping when the side of the sleeve is covered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Andreas H. Unruh, Kenneth D. Knapp, Richard J. Ray, Calvin L. Trumbo
  • Patent number: 7374038
    Abstract: A carton for holding containers, such as beverage containers, is disclosed. The carton includes one or more openings in a top wall thereof for receiving necks of containers contained within the carton. One or more at least partially removable tabs are provided in the top wall, whereby the openings can be enlarged for individually removing the containers from the carton. The carton further includes flaps on a bottom panel thereof for retaining heels of the containers. A blank for forming the carton is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Smalley
  • Patent number: 7357247
    Abstract: A beverage holder is especially adapted for securing a three-pack arrangement of beverage containers. Three panels are joined along a central axis. The panels are spaced 120° from one another. Lower ends of the panels form stationary bases, and lower portions of the panels may be cut to form foldable base portions that may be deployed or retracted. When deployed, the foldable base portions form additional base support for the holder, and also support the bottom surfaces of the containers. One or more flexible retention members may be secured to the panels and routed around the containers. Because the holder has no top cover and open gaps exist between the panels, the holder is adapted for securing beverage containers of varying heights, diameters, and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Coors Global Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy D. Guenther
  • Publication number: 20080083629
    Abstract: A wine bottle carrier in the form of a tote bag having a plurality of non-rigid partition members provided in the interior thereof which define six wine bottle compartments to enable wine bottles to be inserted downwardly thereinto. A drawstring is provided at the upper end of the tote bag which may tightened to draw the upper ends of the wine bottles in the bottle compartments together to restrict the movement therebetween during carrying or transport to prevent breakage thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: James L. Soucie
  • Patent number: 7240789
    Abstract: A carton for carrying containers, such as cans, or other articles in two layers which has an interlocking separator pad between the two layers is provided. This separator pad has two tabs on each end which extend through slots provided on the side end flaps on each end of the carton to hold the separator pad in proper position between two layers of articles or containers. The pad has a leading flap that is folded up or down on one end of the carton between the articles or containers and the side end flaps to assist in holding the separator pad in proper position during the removal of containers from the carton through a dispenser opening formed in the carton. Preferably, the separator pad has a leading flap on both ends to assist in holding the separator pad in proper position. This carton may be provided with a dispenser in the side panel near the end on which the carton is rested to dispense cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7195118
    Abstract: A carton with bevel corners for carrying cans, or other articles, which has an interlocking separator pad so the cans or articles can be contained in two layers is provided. The carton has two ends, each of which is closed by two side end closures and top and bottom end flaps. Each side end closure has an aperture that is interlocked with the end portion of an interlocking separator pad. In one embodiment of this invention, the interlocking separator pad has two tabs with the aperture in each side end closure being a slot through which a tab is extended. This pad may have a foldably attached leading flap that is lodged between cans or articles contained in the carton and the side end closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7168558
    Abstract: A carton for carrying containers, such as cans, or other articles in two layers which has an interlocking separator pad between the two layers is provided. This separator pad has at least one leading flap which extends through slits provided on the side end flaps on the interlocking end of the carton so that the leading flap is folded up or down and the bottom end flap and top end flap folded and glued to the side end flaps of the carton. This pad may have a trailing flap that is folded up or down on the other end of the carton to assist in holding the pad in position. This pad may have a leading flap on both ends for interlocking both ends of the carton to the interlocking separator pad. This carton may be provided with a dispenser in the side panel near the end on which the carton is rested to dispense cans. This dispenser may extend into the top panel and the bottom panel so that the ends of the cans can be grasped for easy removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 7063208
    Abstract: An article carrier and a blank for forming an article carrier for carrying one or more articles comprising a plurality of panels for forming the opposed sides and ends of the article carrier including a pair of laterally spaced top wall panels hingedly connected to the opposed side walls. A carrying handle is hinged to the top wall panels. The handle is movable between a retracted position when the handle does not extend above the top of the articles and a deployed position whereby the handle protrudes above the article tops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Philippe Lebras
  • Publication number: 20040206639
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier for cans made of cardboard, preferably corrugated cardboard, for connecting a plurality of generally cylindrical cans (4), being disposed in one or several rows and having an inclined upper part and a top closure (6) with a circular projecting rim (8). The carrier (1; 31) is produced from a plane blank (2; 32), having, for each can to be connected by the carrier, two mutually opposing, essentially arcuate slits (14; 44, 45), the outer edges of which engage below the rim (8) of the cans when the carrier is assembled on the plurality of cans to connect the carrier and the cans and form a package assembly. The essentially arcuate slits (14; 44, 45) comprise an arcuate intermediate section (16; 46) and arcuate end sections (18; 48) on both sides thereof, said intermediate section (16; 46) being formed radially inside the extended arcuate end sections (18; 48), such that an inward projecting engagement tongue (22; 52) is formed between the end sections (18; 48).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20040178084
    Abstract: A wrap-around carton for carrying a plurality of containers, with each container having an indentation in the bottom with the carton having open ends with means to secure the tops of the containers from falling out of the open ends and a locking tab struck from the bottom panel and fitting into the indentation in the bottom of the container to prevent the bottom of the container from falling out of the carton. The locking tab is held securely in the bottom of the container by a holding tab between the locking tab and the bottom panel of the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Manuel Gomes, Raymond Spivey
  • Publication number: 20040124100
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for applying adhesive to packaging in a variety of configurations. The adhesive may be applied by a nozzle in a first direction, a second direction and a stationary spot, wherein the first direction and the second direction are transverse to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Kenneth E. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20040124107
    Abstract: The carrier has a folded-panel central vertical support structure with a handle and a pair of trays or receptacles attached to the central support structure, and an optional auxiliary tray with a slotted bottom which can be fitted onto the central support panel. A folded side-wall structure can be unfolded to start the formation of the trays, and a plurality of folded flanges unfold to form a bottom for each receptacle. Dividers separate each receptacle into the three compartments to hold six beverage or other containers in the trays or receptacles. The carriers can be made from a single sheet and advertising printed entirely on one side to facilitate efficient fabrication at a moderate cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Angelo V. Cuomo
  • Publication number: 20040118707
    Abstract: A single unit cardboard carrier is transformed from a collapsed state into an expanded multi-use carrier with a minimum of assembly actions. A preferred embodiment of the multi-use carrier has a central chamber, a plurality of vessel apertures located around the centered chamber, and has a handle spanning across the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Kim Sutton-Rainey, David M. Manthey
  • Publication number: 20040104134
    Abstract: A container carrier which is made of a foldable flat material, comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Bernard Skolik, Jens Eckermann, Hilger Scheelcke
  • Publication number: 20040099558
    Abstract: A carton for dispensing articles having a dispensing feature with a built-in retention feature capable of being utilized as a promotional flag. A plurality of panels are connected together to define an end of the carton. A displaceable portion at the end of the carton may be detached from the carton end to define an opening for dispensing the articles from within the carton. Within the interior of the erected carton is a panel portion that is obscured from view within the carton prior to the displaceable portion being at least partially detached from the carton. The panel portion is exposed to the exterior of the carton through the opening by at least partial detachment of the displaceable portion from the carton. A distal end of the panel portion extends into the opening for restraining articles within the carton. The panel portion may also be used as an ad panel to allow greater promotional flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Oliff, Aaron Bates
  • Publication number: 20040099542
    Abstract: This invention relates to a wrap-around carrier which is held together by a single locking system, which is a secondary locking system in which the secondary male locks are formed as an extension of an outer secondary locking flap with an inner bottom flap having a secondary female opening for each secondary male lock. Assistance in holding the secondary male locks in the vertical locked position between two containers in the carrier is provided by a female flap formed in the female opening in the inner bottom flap. Further assistance is provided in holding the secondary male locks in the vertical lock position between two containers by the containers having flexible side walls and carrying a liquid whose weight pushes out against the walls of the container and creates tension in the wrap-around carrier thereby holding the secondary male locks in the vertical locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20040089575
    Abstract: A container having a multiplicity of cans therein. The container disclosed is modified from a rectangular, closed wall container to a container with part of the walls removed, thereby allowing easy access to the cans of the container. Applicant discloses a unique relationship between the walls of the opened container and the size of the beverage cans. Applicant also discloses a method for constructing a closed container that may be easily modified to remove the cans of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: C. Brown Lingamfelter
  • Publication number: 20040084332
    Abstract: The invention provides an open topped tray having upright peripheral side and end walls. The end walls are inwardly positioned by use of an inwardly offset score design which permits the optimization of the dimensions of the tray. This scoring technique may be employed in conventional trays designs at minimal cost for stable housing of bottles or other items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Patricia A. Tumminia
  • Publication number: 20040079666
    Abstract: A wraparound article carrier and a blank for forming a wraparound article carrier for packaging an article such as a pot of foodstuffs is disclosed. The carrier comprises opposed top and base walls interconnected by opposed side walls thereby forming a tubular structure. An aperture is provided in the base wall panel to accommodate a portion of the article. A bracing tab is formed at least in part from the base wall to define the aperture and folded so as to form a spacer for causing the top and base to be spaced by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Martinus C.M. Bakx
  • Publication number: 20040031703
    Abstract: The neck-through the top carton blank for forming a carton with a four-ply handle and two-ply top panels with apertures through which the necks of bottles can be extended. The apertures in the top panel have an arcuate extended opening projecting towards the handle panel to minimize damage to the labels of the necks of bottles extending through the apertures. The fold lines for gluing this blank into a carton are parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Manuel Gomes, Stephen Mark Gould
  • Patent number: 6321906
    Abstract: A container carrier carton construction for carrying a multiplicity of cylindrical objects is provided. The container carrier carton includes cut outs through which the advertising labels on the cylindrical objects within might be easily seen and read, a simple, elegant design for ease in manufacture, a reinforced bottom portion for safety in transporting objects within it and a design for blanks which would limit waste production during the manufacturing process. The cut out window portion allows the consumer to see the information on the label bearing portion of the cylindrical object held within the carton thus obviating the necessity of additional printing costs associated with duplication of the information on the carton. In addition, the construction of the carton incorporates the unused material from the cut-out window portion as a means to strengthen the structural integrity of the carton and provide a means by which the cylindrical objects are held securely in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Sam Wein
  • Publication number: 20010025800
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Leslie S. Marco
  • Patent number: 6213293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie S. Marco
  • Patent number: 5871090
    Abstract: A carrier tray assembly is provided for compactly supporting a plurality of individual items, such as packaged food products. The carrier tray assembly has an inverted T-shaped configuration and a handle and also includes a member for releasably securing a plurality of these individual items together and directly or indirectly to the carrier tray. A blank is also provided which forms the carrier tray upon assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Doucette, Mark R. Rothwell, Gary G. Winchester
  • Patent number: 5848695
    Abstract: A basket-style carrier which is loaded through open ends. End panel forming flaps are connected to the edges of a central handle panel and end panel flaps are connected to the edges of bottom panel sections on either side of the handle panel. After loading articles through an open end of a partially formed carrier, the end panel forming flaps are folded and the end panel flaps are adhered to them. Gusset panels connect the end panel flaps to the end panel forming flaps. The handle panel is of two-ply construction with a four-ply handle area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Randall L. Harris, Robert L. Sutherland