U.S. patent application number 11/844783 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-22 for article for safely transporting wine and spirit glass bottles and the like.
This patent application is currently assigned to FROM THE SOURCE, LLC. Invention is credited to Aaron L. Snyder.
Application Number | 20080116101 11/844783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39415841 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080116101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snyder; Aaron L. |
May 22, 2008 |
ARTICLE FOR SAFELY TRANSPORTING WINE AND SPIRIT GLASS BOTTLES AND
THE LIKE
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide a packaging article
for safely transporting wine and spirit bottles and the like.
Accordingly, an article is provided comprising one or more layers
of material in a general shape of a bottle to be contained therein
and an opening in the article for insertion of a bottle to be
contained therein, and means for closing the opening for
transporting the bottle contained therein.
Inventors: |
Snyder; Aaron L.; (Venice,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWABE, WILLIAMSON & WYATT, P.C.;PACWEST CENTER, SUITE 1900
1211 SW FIFTH AVENUE
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Assignee: |
FROM THE SOURCE, LLC
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
39415841 |
Appl. No.: |
11/844783 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60866572 |
Nov 20, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/522 ;
206/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/03 20130101;
B65D 33/20 20130101; B65D 23/0842 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/522 ;
206/521 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/03 20060101
B65D081/03 |
Claims
1. An article comprising: an outer layer of material in a general
shape of a bottle to be contained therein; an inner layer of
cushioning material generally conforming in shape to said outer
layer; an opening in said outer and inner layer for insertion of a
bottle to be contained therein such that the bottle may contact the
inner layer of cushioning material; and means for closing the
opening for transporting the bottle contained therein.
2. The article of claim 1 wherein the means for closing the opening
substantially prevents liquids from leaking from within the
article.
3. The article of claim 1 wherein the outer layer is fabricated of
malleable vinyl or plastic.
4. The article of claim 1 wherein the outer layer is
transparent.
5. The article of claim 1 wherein the outer layer is colored.
6. The article of claim 1 wherein the outer layer depicts logos,
symbols or decorative features.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein the cushioning material comprises
an air-cushioned material.
8. The article of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the inner
layer is attached to the outer layer.
9. The article of claim 1 wherein the means for closing the opening
is one or more sections of adhesive.
10. The article of claim 1 wherein the means for closing the
opening comprises a first portion of adhesive configured to adhere
an inner surface of said article to an opposite facing inner
surface of said article.
11. The article of claim 10 wherein the means for closing the
opening further comprises a second portion of adhesive on a flap
extending from the opening of said article, said second portion of
adhesive configured to be folded over and to adhere said flap to an
outer surface of said article.
12. The article of claim 11 wherein at least one of said first and
said second portion of adhesive is covered by a release liner
configured to be removed prior to adhering said first and/or said
second portion of adhesive to said article to close said
opening.
13. The article of claim 11 wherein said flap includes two holes
which form a handle when said second portion of adhesive is folded
over and adhered to an outer surface of said article.
14. An article comprising: a member of cushioning material in a
general shape of a bottle to be contained therein, said member of
cushioning material having an outer surface and an inner surface;
an opening in said member for insertion of a bottle to be contained
therein such that the bottle may contact the inner surface of
cushioning material; and means for closing the opening for
transporting the bottle contained therein.
15. The article of claim 14 wherein the cushioning material
comprises an air-cushioned material.
16. The article of claim 14 wherein the means for closing the
opening comprises a member selected from the group consisting of
snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and zip-lock
fasteners.
17. The article of claim 14 wherein the means for closing the
opening is one or more sections of adhesive.
18. The article of claim 14 wherein the means for closing the
opening comprises a first portion of adhesive configured to adhere
an inner surface of said article to an opposite facing inner
surface of said article.
19. The article of claim 18 wherein the means for closing the
opening further comprises a second portion of adhesive on a flap
extending from the opening of said article, said second portion of
adhesive configured to be folded over and to adhere said flap to an
outer surface of said article.
20. The article of claim 19 wherein at least one of said first and
said second portion of adhesive is covered by a release liner
configured to be removed prior to adhering said first and/or said
second portion of adhesive to said article to close said
opening.
21. The article of claim 19 wherein said flap includes two holes
which form a handle when said second portion of adhesive is folded
over and adhered to an outer surface of said article.
22. The article of claim 14, further comprising a housing at least
partially surrounding said member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/866,572, filed Nov. 20, 2006, entitled
"Article for Safely Transporting Wine and Spirit Glass Bottles and
the Like," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a packaging
article for safely transporting wine and spirit bottles and the
like.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Bottle breakage concerning wine and spirits and the like is
a significant problem at all levels of transportation. Bottles can
break en route from the manufacturer to wholesale, retail outlets
or the consumer, from wholesale or retail outlets to the homes of
consumers, and/or from the homes of consumers to friends and
families. Bottle breakage is problematic for all wine and spirit
manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers because such
bottle breakage becomes an expensive cost of doing business,
especially when a bottle of rare wine or spirits breaks with the
idea of replacement not an option.
[0004] Another significant problem with bottle breakage is that the
contents of the bottle can damage adjacent items such as clothing,
documents, electronics and other items.
[0005] While there are some products on the market for preventing
wine and spirit bottle breakage, they are either too expensive,
unreliable (e.g., leak), unsightly and/or costly.
[0006] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an article
for safely transporting wine and spirit bottles and the like that
overcomes the shortcomings of the current products on the
market.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be readily
understood by the following detailed description in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the
figures of the accompanying drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a bottle packaging article
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention without a
bottle contained therein;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 1 with a bottle contained
therein and a first sealing means being utilized;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 1 with a bottle contained
therein and a first and second sealing means being utilized;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 1 with a bottle contained
therein and a first and second sealing means being utilized;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a bottle packaging article
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention without a
bottle contained therein;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 6;
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 6 with a bottle contained
therein and a first sealing means being utilized;
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 6 with a bottle contained
therein and a first and second sealing means being utilized;
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a bottle packaging article
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention without a
bottle contained therein and showing an extended flap
arrangement;
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 10;
[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 10 with a bottle contained
therein and a first sealing means being utilized; and
[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an end of
the bottle packaging article of FIG. 10 with a bottle contained
therein and a first and second sealing means being utilized forming
a handle for grasping.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which
are shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the invention
may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may
be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the
following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of embodiments in accordance with the present
invention is defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0022] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete
operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in
understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the
order of description should not be construed to imply that these
operations are order dependent.
[0023] The description may use perspective-based descriptions such
as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are
merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to
restrict the application of embodiments of the present
invention.
[0024] For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form
"A/B" means A or B. For the purposes of the description, a phrase
in the form "A and/or B" means "(A), (B), or (A and B)". For the
purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "at least one of
A, B, and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C),
or (A, B and C)". For the purposes of the description, a phrase in
the form "(A)B" means "(B) or (AB)" that is, A is an optional
element.
[0025] The description may use the phrases "in an embodiment," or
"in embodiments," which may each refer to one or more of the same
or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising,"
"including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to
embodiments of the present invention, are synonymous.
[0026] Embodiments of the present invention provide a packaging
article for safely transporting individual wine and spirit bottles
and the like.
[0027] Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is
an article comprising: an outer layer of material in a general
shape of a bottle to be contained therein; an inner layer of
cushioning material generally conforming in shape to the outer
layer; an opening in the outer and inner layer for insertion of a
bottle to be contained therein such that the bottle may contact the
inner layer of cushioning material; and means for closing the
opening for transporting the bottle contained therein.
[0028] In embodiments, the closure means forms a seal preventing
all or most of the leakage of liquids from within the article in
the event of breakage of or leakage from the bottle. In one
embodiment, the outer layer is a clear malleable vinyl or plastic
and the inner layer is a cushioning material such as Bubble
Wrap.RTM.. In other embodiments, the outer layer may be colored
and/or may include logos, symbols or similar elements.
[0029] Another embodiment of the present invention is an article
comprising: a member of cushioning material in a general shape of a
bottle to be contained therein, the member of cushioning material
having an outer surface and an inner surface; an opening in the
member for insertion of a bottle to be contained therein such that
the bottle may contact the inner surface of the cushioning
material; and means for closing the opening for transporting the
bottle contained therein.
[0030] As provided in embodiments of the invention, utilizing
material in a general shape of a bottle for packaging a bottle
provides better protection of the bottle due to the better
conformance of the packaging to the general shape of the product to
be contained therein. In an embodiment, this conformance reduces
the movement of a bottle within the packaging as compared to
certain other shapes of packaging that may be utilized, such as
square or rectangular.
[0031] For the purposes of describing embodiments of the present
invention, the term "cushioning" refers to a material that provides
some amount of cushioning with one or more layers of material, air,
etc.
[0032] While the embodiments of the present invention are described
with respect to wine or spirit bottles, those skilled in the art
will recognize that any bottle containing a liquid (e.g., olive oil
bottles), or any other similar bottle, in particular made of a
breakable material such as glass, whether transporting liquid or
not, may be transported safely with the embodiments of the present
invention.
[0033] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 show an embodiment of the present
invention generally referred to by reference numeral 100. FIG. 2
shows a cross-sectional view along "2" represented in FIG. 1.
Article 100 comprises an outer layer 110, inner layer 120 and
opening 130. Ideally, outer layer 110 is fabricated of a malleable
material such as a vinyl or plastic while inner layer 120 is a
cushioning material such as Bubble Wrap.RTM. or other cushioning
material, including air-cushioned materials and the like. Outer
layer 110 may provide a smooth and/or textured surface, and inner
layer 120 may provide a cushioning structure, conducive to safely
moving article 100 and a contained bottle 125, represented in an
exemplary form in FIG. 1 by bottle outline 115. In one embodiment,
outer layer 110 is transparent and in others it is colored and may
include logos or other decorative and/or descriptive features.
[0034] In an embodiment, outer layer 110 and inner layer 120 may be
replaced by a one-piece or one-layer cushioning product having an
outer surface and an inner surface as opposed to two independent
layers 110, 120. In an alternative embodiment, layers in addition
to outer layer 110 and inner layer 120 may be provided.
[0035] When not in use, article 100 is generally relatively flat
for easy storage, transport, etc.
[0036] From FIG. 1, it is evident that outer layer 110 may be
formed in a shape of a wine bottle and likewise inner layer 120 may
be similarly formed. Other bottle shapes and sizes may also be
utilized in embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] In an embodiment, at least a portion of inner layer 120 may
be attached to outer layer 110 by heat treating/sealing or means of
an adhesive such as glue. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that other attachment means (e.g., tape) may be used as well.
Attaching at least a portion of inner layer 120 to outer layer 110
generally prevents inner layer 120 from moving independently from
outer layer 110. Inner layer 120 may be attached to outer layer 110
near opening 130 and/or at points other than near opening 130. As
shown, inner layer 120 does not extend the full length of outer
layer 110. In other embodiments, inner layer 120 may match outer
layer 110 in shape.
[0038] In embodiments, near opening 130 is a means for temporarily
closing opening 130 during transport of bottle 125 and preventing
or reducing leakage from the article in the event of breakage of
the bottle or other leakage from bottle 125. One such means
comprises the use of adhesive, such as tape, although other means
may be utilized as well.
[0039] In an embodiment, a first section of adhesive 140 is
attached to an inner surface of outer layer 110 below the area in
which inner layer 120 is present. Adhesive 140 may be present on
either opposing inner surface of outer layer 110 to allow for a
first closure of article 100. In an embodiment, as desired,
adhesive 140 may be present on portions of or all of one or both
opposing inner surfaces of outer layer 110. A second section of
adhesive 150 is attached to another portion of the inner surface of
outer layer 110, which acts as a flap 160, below the first section
of adhesive 140. In an embodiment, flap 160 may not contain
cushioning, or in an alternative embodiment, flap 160 may be
substantially similar to or the same as the rest of outer layer 110
such that cushioning may be present.
[0040] Accordingly, article 100 may be used as follows: 1) bottle
125 is placed into article 100 with the neck of bottle 125 being
first inserted completely into article 100; 2) a non-sticky paper
strip or other release liner 145 is then peeled away from the first
section of adhesive 140 revealing a sticky surface; 3) the sticky
surface of the first section of adhesive 140 is then pressed
against an opposite portion of the inner surface of outer layer 110
thereby closing opening 130 (see FIG. 3); 4) a non-sticky paper
strip or other release liner 145 is then peeled away from the
second section of adhesive 150 revealing a sticky surface; and 5)
flap 160 is folded over such that the second section of adhesive
150 adheres to an outer surface of outer layer 110 thereby further
closing opening 130 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). With this dual closure
means, opening 130 is substantially sealed such that liquids, in
the event of breakage, may be unable to escape the confines of
article 100 thereby preventing clothing, documents, electronics and
the like from being damaged.
[0041] In an embodiment, adhesive 140 may be present across the
inner surface of outer layer 110 as well as partially present on
the opposing inner surface of outer layer 110 near the edges of
opening 130 of article 100. Such an embodiment provides extra
adhesive 140 at the edges of opening 130 of article 100 to ensure
adequate closure of article 130 when closed. In such an embodiment,
one or more release liners 145 may be used on adhesive 140. In an
embodiment, a single release liner 145 may be used on adhesive 140
such that release liner 145 is folded at least partially back on
itself so that a single release liner 145 may engage adhesive 140
on both opposing inner surfaces of outer layer 110.
[0042] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate two exemplary locations at which
adhesive 150 may be adhered to the outer surface of outer layer
110. In FIG. 4, flap 160 is folded over onto the outer surface of
outer layer 110 substantially above flap 160. In FIG. 5, flap 160
is lifted and secured along the outer surface of outer layer 110 in
the region in which bottle 125 is present. Other locations for
securing adhesive 150 may be utilized as desired and/or to
accommodate different sizes and shapes of bottles.
[0043] In an embodiment, although opening 130 may be closed, the
closure may be temporary depending on the closure means utilized
such that with human intervention opening 130 may be opened, when
desired, to permit the contained bottle to be removed. In an
alternative embodiment, the adhesive or other closure means
utilized may be such that the closure may not be reversed without
damaging the article in some way, such as by ripping or cutting the
article.
[0044] In embodiments, a single layer or multi-layer article may
function substantially as described above.
[0045] While adhesive is described generally herein, other closure
means that provide a substantially leak-proof seal may also be
used. Such additional closure means may include tape, snaps, hook
and loop fasteners, zippers, zip-lock fasteners and the like.
[0046] FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 show an embodiment of the present
invention generally referred to by reference numeral 200. FIG. 7
shows a cross-sectional view along "7" represented in FIG. 6.
Article 200 comprises a single-layered member 220 and an opening
230. Ideally, member 220 is a cushioning material, including
air-cushioned materials, such as Bubble Wrap.RTM. and other
cushioning materials. Member 220 may provide a cushioning structure
conducive to safely moving article 200 and a contained bottle 225,
represented in an exemplary form in FIG. 6 by bottle outline 215.
In one embodiment, member 220 is transparent and in others it is
colored and may include logos or other decorative and/or
descriptive features.
[0047] In embodiments, near opening 130 is a means for temporarily
closing opening 130 during transport of bottle 125 and preventing
or reducing leakage from the article in the event of breakage of
the bottle or other leakage from bottle 125. One such means
comprises the use of adhesive, such as tape, although other means
may be utilized as well.
[0048] In an embodiment, a first section of adhesive 240 is
attached to an inner surface of member 220. Adhesive 240 may be
present on either opposing inner surface of member 220 to allow for
a first closure of article 200. In an embodiment, as desired,
adhesive 240 may be present on portions of or all of one or both
opposing inner surfaces of member 220. A second section of adhesive
250 is attached to another portion of the inner surface of member
220, which acts as a flap 260, below the first section of adhesive
240.
[0049] Accordingly, article 200 may be used as follows: 1) bottle
225 is placed into article 200 with the neck of bottle 225 being
first inserted completely into article 200; 2) a non-sticky paper
strip or other release liner 245 is then peeled away from the first
section of adhesive 240 revealing a sticky surface; 3) the sticky
surface of the first section of adhesive 240 is then pressed
against an opposite portion of the inner surface of member 220
thereby closing opening 230 (see FIG. 8); 4) a non-sticky paper
strip or other release liner 245 is then peeled away from the
second section of adhesive 250 revealing a sticky surface; and 5)
flap 260 is folded over such that the second section of adhesive
250 adheres to an outer surface of member 220 thereby further
closing opening 230 (see FIG. 9). With this dual closure means,
opening 230 is substantially sealed such that liquids, in the event
of breakage, may be unable to escape the confines of article 200
thereby preventing clothing, documents, electronics and the like
from being damaged.
[0050] In various embodiments, an article may be further surrounded
by a housing constructed of, for example, a substantially rigid
material such as a hard plastic. In such an embodiment, the housing
may be provided with a variety of closure means included adhesive,
snaps, screw-tops, press fit engageable elements, etc. In such an
embodiment, an article may be configured to fit inside the housing
such that the housing may provide additional structural support and
protection.
[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS.
10, 11, 12, and 13, an article 300 is provided having a handle 375.
In an embodiment, handle 375 may be formed from a flap in a manner
similar to that described above for flap 160 or flap 260. FIG. 11
shows a cross-sectional view along "11" represented in FIG. 10.
[0052] Article 300 comprises an outer layer 310, inner layer 320
and opening 330. Ideally, outer layer 310 is fabricated of a
malleable material such as a vinyl or plastic while inner layer 320
is a cushioning material, including air-cushioned materials and
other cushioning materials. Outer layer 310 may provide a smooth
and/or textured surface, and inner layer 320 may provide a
cushioning structure, conducive to safely moving article 300 and a
contained bottle 325, represented in an exemplary form in FIG. 10
by bottle outline 315. In one embodiment, outer layer 310 is
transparent and in others it is colored and may include logos or
other decorative and/or descriptive features.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 10, in its open position, article 300 and
handle 375 lay relatively flat. In the flat position, in an
embodiment, it may be seen that handle 375 has a first hole 380 and
a second hole 390 configured for holding or grasping by an
individual. In an embodiment, hole 380 and hole 390 may be
separated by a space 385. In an embodiment, space 385 may be
divided by a fold line or other separator (not shown), which may be
a crease or partially perforated line.
[0054] In an embodiment, outer layer 310 and inner layer 320 may be
replaced by a one-piece or one-layer cushioning product having an
outer surface and an inner surface as opposed to two independent
layers 310, 320. In an alternative embodiment, layers in addition
to outer layer 310 and inner layer 320 may be provided.
[0055] From FIG. 10, it is evident that outer layer 310 may be
formed in a shape of a wine bottle and likewise inner layer 320 may
be similarly formed. Other bottle shapes and sizes may also be
utilized in embodiments of the present invention.
[0056] In an embodiment, at least a portion of inner layer 320 may
be attached to outer layer 310 by heat treating/sealing or means of
an adhesive such as glue. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that other attachment means (e.g., tape) may be used as well.
Attaching at least a portion of inner layer 320 to outer layer 310
generally prevents inner layer 320 from moving independently from
outer layer 310. Inner layer 320 may be attached to outer layer 310
near opening 330 and/or at points other than near opening 330. As
shown, inner layer 320 does not extend the full length of outer
layer 310. In other embodiments, inner layer 320 may match outer
layer 310 in shape.
[0057] In embodiments, near opening 330 is a means for temporarily
closing opening 330 during transport of bottle 325 and preventing
or reducing leakage from the article in the event of breakage of
the bottle or other leakage from bottle 325. One such means
comprises the use of adhesive, such as tape, although other means
may be utilized as well.
[0058] In an embodiment, a first section of adhesive 340 is
attached to an inner surface of outer layer 310 below the area in
which inner layer 320 is present. Adhesive 340 may be present on
either opposing inner surface of outer layer 310 to allow for a
first closure of article 300. In an embodiment, as desired,
adhesive 340 may be present on portions of or all of one or both
opposing inner surfaces of outer layer 310. A second section of
adhesive 350 is attached to another portion of the inner surface of
outer layer 310, which acts as a handle 375, below the first
section of adhesive 340. In an embodiment, handle 375 may not
contain cushioning, or in an alternative embodiment, handle 375 may
be substantially similar to or the same as the rest of outer layer
310 such that cushioning may be present.
[0059] Accordingly, article 300 may be used as follows: 1) bottle
325 is placed into article 300 with the neck of bottle 325 being
first inserted completely into article 300; 2) a non-sticky paper
strip or other release liner 345 is then peeled away from the first
section of adhesive 340 revealing a sticky surface; 3) the sticky
surface of the first section of adhesive 340 is then pressed
against an opposite portion of the inner surface of outer layer 310
thereby closing opening 330 (see FIG. 12); 4) a non-sticky paper
strip or other release liner 345 is then peeled away from the
second section of adhesive 350 revealing a sticky surface; and 5)
handle 375 is folded over such that the second section of adhesive
350 adheres to an outer surface of outer layer 310 thereby further
closing opening 330 (see FIG. 13) and forming graspable handle 375.
With this dual closure means, opening 330 is substantially sealed
such that liquids, in the event of breakage, may be unable to
escape the confines of article 300 thereby preventing clothing,
documents, electronics and the like from being damaged. In an
embodiment, when handle 375 is folded, it may be preferentially
folded to ensure proper alignment of holes 380 and 390 with each
other. In an embodiment, a line or other indicator may be provided
in space 385 to assist in aligning holes 380 and 390 during
folding.
[0060] In an embodiment, while the articles shown in the Figures
are in an individual form, a plurality of articles may be coupled
together to allow for the packaging and transport of a plurality of
bottles, or a single article may be constructed with multiple
sleeves in accordance with the teachings provided herein. In an
embodiment, each bottle of a plurality of bottles may be provided
with a separate packaging article or a separate sleeve, where each
packaging article or sleeve may be coupled together in some
fashion, and one or more closing means provided to secure the
articles. In addition, in an embodiment, one or more handles may be
provided for easier grasping of a plurality of articles or sleeves
carrying a plurality of bottles.
[0061] Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein for purposes of description of the preferred
embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent
embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same
purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described
without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those
with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments in
accordance with the present invention may be implemented in a very
wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any
adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.
Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments in accordance
with the present invention be limited only by the claims and the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *