Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage carrier yoke are described. The yoke comprises a number (e.g., four or six) collars interconnected by a web, and each collar exhibits dimensions—including a nominal diameter and a substantially uniform thickness—selected to improve strength and increase comfort. The yoke is produced using a slurry comprising a moisture barrier and a fiber base.

Abstract: A flexible container carrier and related method for unitizing a plurality of containers that includes a plurality of flexible bands forming an array of container receiving apertures, the array arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks. A series of frangible lines of separation are provided between each container receiving opening so that removing a container from the package results in the separation of the frangible lines of separation defining the respective container receiving opening and thus the container and a respective band of the plurality of bands are removed from the package together.

Abstract: A top-engaging carrier includes a top panel (18a) and a sloping shoulder panel (16a) hinged to the top panel by a first fold line (21a). The first fold line is interrupted by at least two curved cut lines (40a) such that by folding the shoulder panel about the first fold line, an article-engaging edge is defined by each of the at least two curved cut lines. The shoulder panel includes a stress-reducing second fold line (29a) extending alongside at least a part of the first fold line.

Abstract: A packing tray (10) for packaging glass bottles (B), such as a glass wine bottle, the packing tray comprising: a plastic foam or molded fiber sheet (12) comprising a top wall (14) and an array (20) of recessed cell pockets (22) extending from the top wall; the top wall having a peripheral surface (18) surrounding the array of cell pockets and defining a top reference plane TRP; each cell pocket (22) comprising an open ring-shaped recess (24) having an elongated longitudinal axis LA transverse to the TRP and configured to be substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of a glass bottle disposed upright in the recess; the ring-shaped recess (24) including an upper cell portion (26) of a first diameter (FD) larger than a body diameter (BD) of the glass bottle, and lower ring portion (28) having resilient elements (30) radially disposed and spaced apart about a circumference (C) of the ring-shaped recess (24) and that extend radially inwardly from the first diameter (FD) and configured to engage the body di

Abstract: A three-dimensional throwing game target apparatus includes platforms, bridge members, connectors and stanchions. The platforms include an outer wall and a platform receptacle ring that is adapted to receive a cup. Each of the bridge members include at least one bridge receptacle ring and a plurality of elongated girders extending outwardly from the bridge receptacle ring. The bridge members and the platforms may be detachably connected to one another in a horizontal plane. The stanchions are assembled to the platforms to support the receptacle rings at a plurality of different heights. The platforms, bridge members, connectors and stanchions may be assembled together to support the platform receptacle rings at selected vertically and horizontally spaced locations.

Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels having at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one top panel, and at least one handle panel foldably connected to the at least one top panel. The carrier also includes a handle formed from the at least one handle panel, the handle is positionable between a first position wherein the at least one handle panel is generally parallel to the at least one top panel, and a second position in which the at least one handle panel is folded relative to the at least one top panel and is positioned for grasping and carrying of the carrier.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a top engaging carrier formed from a paperboard substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, with a polymer film laminated onto the first surface.

Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel including container retention features for engaging at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one central panel includes a plurality of openings and is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tin packaging arrangement comprising a sheet of foldable material folded around a plurality of tins, which are arranged together in an orderly manner for the relative packaging, to form a containment volume for the tins themselves, said volume being substantially defined by a base, a side surface, and a top cover obtained from the sheet in a continuous way. A peculiarity of the present invention is that openings are made in the top cover of the sheet of the packaging arrangement, within which top portions of the tins engage.

Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a central panel for engaging the plurality of containers and at least one attachment feature in the central panel that receives and holds a top portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one attachment feature includes an opening in the central panel, a first retention feature, and a second retention feature. The first retention feature and the second retention feature includes a respective first retention edge and second retention edge of the central panel defining a respective first portion and a second portion of the opening and for engaging a respective first portion and a second portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the at least one container to the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching one or more can carriers to a plurality of cans is disclosed herein. The apparatus may include rails for guiding the cans as the cans move through the apparatus. Push members may be moved into the space between the rails to push the cans through the apparatus towards a member and at least one roller. The member (e.g., a hopper) may position a can carrier above the cans. The at least one roller may be positioned to provide a downward force on the can carrier to attach the can carrier to the top of the cans as the cans are moved past the at least one roller by the push members.

Abstract: A packaging element for can-type containers. The grouper means includes a plurality of protective covers. Each protective cover is linked to a container and includes a top cover provided to cover the top portion of the container and an elongated body formed from a strand-shape structure of flexible material having a hand grip portion. Each protective cover has a widened portion arranged in at least one of the ends of the elongated body and a plurality of attachment portions, with a number complementary to the plurality of protective covers. The plurality of attachment portions are provided to be coupled in a removable way to the plurality of protective covers. The plurality of protective covers and the elongated body are formed from a single injection-molded piece.

Abstract: A packaging assembly is provided and may include a first cup having a first end, a second end formed on an opposite end of the first cup from the first end, and an interior defined between the first end and the second end that receives food product, whereby the first end has an opening in communication with the interior. The packaging assembly may also include a wrap that extends around the first cup and a cap that is selectively attached to the first cup at the first end to close the opening. The cap and the second end may extend through respective apertures formed in the wrap.

Abstract: A carrier comprising a top panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first bottom panel connected to the first side panel by at least one first strut, and a second bottom panel connected to the second side panel by at least one second strut. At least one container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature and an opposing second retaining feature. At least a portion of the first retaining feature or the second retaining feature is disposed in the first side panel or the second side panel. A container can be retained by at least one of the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature. At least a portion of at least one of the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel is disposed between the container and the top panel.

Abstract: A container carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers that includes two layers of a flexible sheet joined along a weld and two rows of container receiving apertures formed in the carrier and generally separated by the weld wherein each container receiving aperture forms an interruption in the weld. One or more tabs may extend from an edge of each container receiving aperture into the container receiving aperture to minimize movement and contact between adjacent containers in the resulting package.

Abstract: The present invention is a light weight, rigid, carrying handle that allows a single user to safely and securely transport multiple cylinders with one hand. The carrying handle consists of a rectangular grip plate, a tab at each end of the grip plate extending away from the grip plate about perpendicular to the surface of the grip plate, and a grip guard on each side of the grip plate also extending away from the grip plate about perpendicular to the surface of the grip plate. The tabs and grip guards all preferably extend in the same direction away from a inner surface of the carrying handle. The tabs are configured thin such that it can be inserted into and through an opening in a cylinder collar bracket.

Abstract: A package comprising a carrier at least partially holding a container. The carrier comprises a top panel, a first outer side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first inner side panel foldably connected to the first outer side panel, a second outer side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second inner side panel foldably connected to the second outer side panel, a first bottom panel foldably connected to the first inner side panel, and a second bottom panel foldably connected to the second inner side panel. A container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature in the first inner side panel and the first outer side panel and an opposing second retaining feature in the second inner side panel and the second outer side panel. A top portion of the container can be retained by the first and second retaining features.

Abstract: A system includes a first container having a wall defining a receptacle, a neck defining an opening, and a flip cap disposed over the opening, and a second container having a wall defining a receptacle, a neck defining an opening, and a flip cap disposed over the opening. The system also includes a carrier having first and second carrier pieces disposed about the first and second containers and attached together with the first and second containers secured therebetween. The system further includes a top cap attached to the flip caps to secure the first and second containers together and to simultaneously remove the flip caps from the containers.

Abstract: A carrier comprising a top panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first bottom panel connected to the first side panel by at least one first strut, and a second bottom panel connected to the second side panel by at least one second strut. At least one container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature and an opposing second retaining feature. At least a portion of the first retaining feature or the second retaining feature is disposed in the first side panel or the second side panel. A container can be retained by at least one of the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature. At least a portion of at least one of the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel is disposed between the container and the top panel.

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: The multiple pot carry device provides for carrying multiple plant pots with one hand, with substantially automatic pot lip engagement retained until released by a user. Ease of pot engagement and disengagement are key features of the device. The device is not limited to three clamps pivotally suspended from the carry bar. Clamps are substantially automatic in engagement and disengagement with pot lips.

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 carton for cooperating with a packaging material to contain a plurality of articles and a package formed thereby. The carton comprises a plurality of panels comprising a central panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The side panels are positioned relative to the central panel to at least partially form a space for receiving the articles. A handle is in at least one of the side panels. The handle is adapted for grasping and carrying the carton. A reinforcement flap is foldably attached to the at least one of the side panels. The reinforcement flap has at least one opening for receiving an article. A handle reinforcement flap is foldably attached to the at least one of the side panels.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet and a plurality of container receiving apertures formed in the flexible sheet. An array of the container receiving apertures extend longitudinally across the flexible sheet wherein each container receiving aperture is substantially rectangular and includes an aperture perimeter that increases more than 42% following application to a container.

Abstract: A cap clip for fastening caps together is realized employing pressure type pincer snaps, allowing complex geometrical shapes to be formed while reducing the use of fasteners. In one embodiment, the cap clip includes a generally triangular base and three pincer snaps formed integrally with the base along the outer perimeter. Preferably, each pincer snap is comprised of a pair of convex walls and a shared clasping section lying along a radius of curvature path that are co-centric.

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: Improvements in integral carriers for carrying multiple containers by their necks are disclosed, the improvements comprising annular neck-engaging structures having circumferential ribs oriented on an inward bias forming an angle relative to horizontal from about 45° to about 65° that permits nesting of the carriers, and a centrally disposed longitudinal handle with an attachment configuration that promotes a balanced distribution of weight for ease in carrying and handling.

Abstract: A carton for cooperating with a packaging material to contain a plurality of articles and a package formed thereby. The carton comprises a plurality of panels comprising a central panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The side panels are positioned relative to the central panel to at least partially form a space for receiving the articles. A handle is in at least one of the side panels. The handle is adapted for grasping and carrying the carton.

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: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet having two rows of container apertures formed therein. The plurality of containers are each placed into a respective container receiving aperture and are thus unitized in a package. The flexible carrier further includes two panels and/or two handles, each panel and/or handle formed at a periphery of the flexible sheet along each longitudinal edge of the flexible sheet and a line of weakness formed between the longitudinal rows. As a result of the described configuration, flexible carrier is divisible into two sub-carriers, each unitizing a set of containers and each including a panel and/or a handle along a respective longitudinal edge of the resulting sub-carrier.

Abstract: To improve the handling, such as the gripping and displacement, of essentially rod-shaped objects, especially bars of articles that are stacked into one another in such a way that they can be separated, such as plastic cups, the present invention proposes a device with a plurality of first holding rods with essentially hook-like end pieces for extending under the rod-shaped objects. The device according to the present invention is characterized in that the end pieces can be moved under the objects and for releasing same by a motion into a plane extending at right angles to the direction of extension of the first holding rods.

Abstract: The invention is a beverage cup tote to be carried on the forearm or with the hand. The construct has an enlarged first end attached with bridge section to an enlarged second end. There is a first hole in the first enlarged end, and a second hole in a second enlarged end. The holes may be rectangular or round to receive typical food containers or beverage cups. The bridge section has either symmetrical or asymmetrical quarter circle trimmings. A pair of constructs maybe affixed with each other with a pin clip, glue, or staples to produce a generally X shaped combination construct. The beverage cup totes may be manufactured as a combination construct by the manufacturer to produce a strengthened unit, or manufactured as a generally X shaped combination construct unit with cup openings on each branch. The process of using the invention is described.

Abstract: A package for consumable products is disclosed. The package includes a plurality of subpackages connected together by a connecting member. For instance, the package may contain two subpackages or alternatively four subpackages all connected at one end to a connecting member. The package is particularly well suited to holding relatively large quantities of the consumable product. Because the subpackages are connected at one end, the package may be draped over an adjacent structure, such as a shopping cart. In this way, the package can be placed in a shopping cart without taking up an excessive amount of space.

Abstract: A package for consumable products is disclosed. In one embodiment, the package includes a connecting member that connects a group of products together. The connecting member may comprise one or more bands that partially encircle the products or connect the products along a top surface. In addition, the package configuration may include a locking element that is configured to attach adjacent packages together or to attach the package to an adjacent structure, such as the railing of a shopping cart.

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: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet and a plurality of container receiving apertures formed in the flexible sheet. An array of the container receiving apertures extend longitudinally across the flexible sheet wherein each container receiving aperture is substantially rectangular and includes an aperture perimeter that increases more than 42% following application to a container.

Abstract: A set of nozzle inserts is provided for use with an irrigation sprinkler system. The nozzle set includes a plurality of nozzle inserts that are removably connected to one another via a common carrier. The nozzle set is adapted for storage, transportation and handling in a nested arrangement with another nozzle set, which, in turn, is similarly adapted for storage, transportation and handling in a nested arrangement with other nozzle sets. This nested arrangement facilitates storage, transportation and handling of a relatively large number of nozzle inserts in a manner that protects each insert from unintentional removal from its set.

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 flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet having two rows of container apertures formed therein. The plurality of containers are each placed into a respective container receiving aperture and are thus unitized in a package. The flexible carrier further includes two handles, each handle formed at a periphery of the flexible sheet along each longitudinal edge of the flexible sheet and a line of weakness formed between the longitudinal rows. As a result of the described configuration, flexible carrier is divisible into two sub-carriers, each unitizing a set of containers and each including a handle along a respective longitudinal edge of the resulting sub-carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cup carrier and method of distribution and application whereby a flexible plastic carrier is applied around sidewall of one or more cups resulting in an easily portable unit with a flexible plastic handle extending therefrom.

Abstract: A powered fishing line casting system utilizing compressed air is provided to cast a projectile provided with fishhooks and bait, and to which the fishing line to be cast is attached, to greater distances than could be achieved using conventional casting methods. The system includes a hollow launch tube sized to accommodate insertion of the projectile. A reducer is disposed adjacent to one end of the launch tube and is adapted to receive a flow of compressed gas from an accumulator tank and to discharge a stream of high-velocity air that impinges upon the projectile disposed within the launch tube in order to launch the projectile. A manually-operable valve is interposed between the reducer and the accumulator tank to control the flow of air to the reducer. Spaced-apart front and rear support legs provide stable support for the system during and between launches of a fishing line carrying projectile.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet having two rows of container receiving apertures formed therein. The plurality of containers are each placed into a respective container receiving aperture and are thus unitized in a package. The flexible carrier further includes a loop extending between the two rows of container receiving apertures at a periphery of the flexible sheet on an end of the package and beyond a longitudinal edge of the rows of the unitized containers. The loop is preferably capable of supporting the package when grasped by a consumer. The flexible carrier may further include an upwardly extending handle and/or a panel integrated with respect to the flexible sheet. The resulting package may be grasped from an end with the loop or, alternatively, from the top with the handle.

Abstract: An integral carrier for carrying multiple containers by their necks is disclosed that has a plurality of annular neck-engaging structures and a pair of centrally located opposing finger loops that promote a balanced distribution of weight for ease in carrying and handling.

Abstract: A carrier is provided for use with containers including handles. The container carrier comprises a flexible platform having a perimeter, a longitudinal axis, and an opening, with a portion of the platform at least partially defining the opening and adjacent the closest side of the perimeter of the platform so as to form a handle including a strap. The strap is located such that the longitudinal axis of the platform transverses the strap. Recessed portions are located in the perimeter of the platform, and the recessed portions are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the platform that transverses the strap. Each recess portion receives a container handle of the adjacent containers. The opening is sized so as to receive at least one of a user's fingers for lifting and transporting the containers.

Abstract: Improvements in integral carriers for carrying multiple containers by their necks are disclosed, the improvements comprising inwardly biased annular neck-engaging structures and a centrally disposed longitudinal handle with an attachment configuration that promotes a balanced distribution of weight for ease in carrying and handling.

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.