U.S. patent application number 12/247075 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for multipack for cups and pots.
Invention is credited to Leslie S. MARCO, George E. Waldo, II.
Application Number | 20090101662 12/247075 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40549523 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090101662 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARCO; Leslie S. ; et
al. |
April 23, 2009 |
MULTIPACK FOR CUPS AND POTS
Abstract
This invention relates to a multipack that includes multiple
containers positioned within two adjacent rows of apertures formed
in a sheet having an integral handle, resulting in a package of two
or more containers and a flexible handle extending therefrom.
Inventors: |
MARCO; Leslie S.; (Westmont,
IL) ; Waldo, II; George E.; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAULEY PETERSON & ERICKSON
2800 W. HIGGINS ROAD, SUITE 365
HOFFMAN ESTATES
IL
60195
US
|
Family ID: |
40549523 |
Appl. No.: |
12/247075 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60978314 |
Oct 8, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/48 20130101;
B65D 73/0085 20130101; B65D 71/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/737 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A multipack for unitizing a plurality of containers, the
multipack comprising: a sheet having a plurality of apertures
arranged in two parallel rows extending longitudinally across the
sheet, each aperture accommodating a container of the plurality of
containers resulting in two parallel rows of containers; and a
foldline extending between the two parallel rows of apertures
permitting the two parallel rows of containers to be folded onto
each other, a lid of each container abutting an adjacent lid of
each transversely adjacent container.
2. The multipack of claim 1 further comprising: a handle formed in
the sheet between the two parallel rows of containers.
3. The multipack of claim 1 further comprising: a weld positioned
between the handle and the two parallel rows of containers.
4. The multipack of claim 1 further comprising: a weld positioned
along the foldline.
5. The multipack of claim 1 further comprising: a panel extending
from an edge of the sheet opposite of the handle.
6. A package of containers comprising: a flexible sheet having an
array of apertures arranged in two rows; a plurality of containers
arranged in the array of apertures; a foldline positioned in the
flexible sheet across which half of the plurality of containers are
folded over on to the remaining half of the plurality of containers
so that a lid of each container is positioned against a lid of an
adjacent container; and a integral handle extending from the
flexible sheet.
7. The package of claim 6 wherein the flexible sheet is formed in
two corresponding halves, each half including a row of apertures
and a handle, the foldline dividing the halves between each
handle.
8. The package of claim 6 wherein the containers each include a
tapered sidewall.
9. The package of claim 6 wherein the containers each include a
chime or flange around at least one end.
10. The package of claim 6 wherein the flexible sheet is
constructed from a flexible plastic material.
11. A multipack comprising: a sheet having a plurality of apertures
arranged in a row; an integrated cover sheet positioned parallel to
the row of apertures a foldline positioned between the row of
apertures and the cover sheet; a plurality of containers positioned
within the apertures so that the cover sheet is folded over onto
the plurality of containers; and a handle positioned between the
row of containers and the cover sheet.
12. The multipack of claim 11 further comprising: a weld sealing at
least one longitudinal edge of the sheet opposite the foldline.
13. The multipack of claim 11 wherein each container includes a
bottom end having product information that is outwardly displayed
from the multipack.
14. The multipack of claim 11 wherein the cover sheet is positioned
over lids of the containers.
15. The multipack of claim 11 further comprising: a row of cover
apertures positioned within the cover sheet, the cover apertures
corresponding with respective lids of the containers.
16. The multipack of claim 11 further comprising: an additional row
of containers positioned on the row of containers and enclosed by
the cover sheet.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/978,314, filed 7 Oct. 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a flexible multipack with an
integral handle for unitizing a plurality of containers,
particularly cups or pots.
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0005] Conventional multipacks are generally paperboard sleeves,
cartons or boxes into which yogurt cups, cat food cans, tuna cans
and similar such containers may be inserted to unitize a group of
two or more such containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, a
multipack preferably includes two layers of a generally planar
flexible sheet having a plurality of apertures. An integral handle
is preferably formed along at least one side of the multipack.
[0007] Accordingly, multiple containers may be placed within the
apertures of the multipack and the sheet is folded to position an
end portion of each container against an end portion of an adjacent
container. At least one edge of the sheet may then be sealed or
otherwise closed to enclose the containers within the multipack.
The resulting package may be displayed and carried using the
integral handle and preferably clearly displays the enclosed
containers.
[0008] Further, the resulting multipack may include a geometry of
containers that permit a freestanding display of each multipack in
the manner of an easel such that graphics and/or product may face
the consumer when the multipack is properly faced on a shelf.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this
invention will be better understood from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a carrier according to
one preferred embodiment of this invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the carrier shown in
FIG. 1, including a plurality of suitable containers;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a multipack using the
carrier shown in FIG. 1, following insertion of the suitable
containers, according to one preferred embodiment of this
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the multipack shown in
FIG. 3 in assembled form;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a carrier according to
one preferred embodiment of this invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the carrier shown in
FIG. 5, including a plurality of suitable containers;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a multipack using the
carrier shown in FIG. 5, following insertion of the suitable
containers, according to one preferred embodiment of this
invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the multipack shown in
FIG. 7 in assembled form;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top elevational view of a carrier according to
one preferred embodiment of this invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a multipack using the
carrier shown in FIG. 9, following insertion of the suitable
containers, according to one preferred embodiment of this
invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top elevational view of a carrier according to
one preferred embodiment of this invention; and
[0021] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a multipack using the
carrier shown in FIG. 11, following insertion of the suitable
containers, according to one preferred embodiment of this
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] FIGS. 1-12 show various preferred embodiments of a multipack
for unitizing a group of containers into a displayable and easily
portable package.
[0023] FIGS. 1-4 show multipack 10 for carrying two or more
containers 80, according to various preferred embodiments of this
invention. Containers 80, such as those shown in packages 90 in
FIGS. 4 and 8, are preferably short containers such as yogurt cups,
pet food cans, tuna cans and similarly sized and proportioned
containers. Such containers 80 preferably include tapered sidewalls
and/or a flange or chime around an edge. According to two preferred
embodiments of the invention, pet food cans are shown in FIGS. 1-4
and pudding cups are shown in FIGS. 5-8. Any other similar
containers 80 may also be used with multipack 10 according to this
invention.
[0024] Containers 80 are preferably, though not necessarily as
shown in FIG. 6, like-sized within a single multipack 10.
Alternatively, complimentary containers 80 may be unitized within a
single multipack 10. For instance, pudding containers may be
unitized with containers of sprinkles or similar toppings or
containers of salad may be unitized with containers of
dressings.
[0025] Multipack 10 unitizes one or more containers 80 to create
package 90, such as package 90 shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. Multipack 10
preferably comprises sheet 15, preferably, though not necessarily,
constructed from a flexible, resilient material such as, in one
preferable embodiment, low density polyethylene. For some preferred
applications, sheet 15 may have a thickness of about 5-30 mils,
commonly about 10-20 mils.
[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, sheet
15 used to form multipack 10 is extruded from a polymer composition
which includes a high pressure low density polyethylene polymer.
The composition provides the multipack 10 with improved recovery
after stretch, improved elongation and strength at break, and
improved resistance to tearing when the multipack is notched or
scratched. The low density polyethylene polymer may have a density
of about 0.910-0.950, grams/cm.sup.3, suitably about 0.920-0.940
grams/cm.sup.3, desirably about 0.925-0.935 grams/cm.sup.3. In
other words, the term "low density polyethylene polymer" includes
polyethylene polymers commonly considered as having medium density,
as well as polyethylene polymers commonly considered as having low
density.
[0027] Alternatively, sheet 15 may be formed of a higher density
plastic, paperboard, or any similar material having desirable
strength and flexibility properties.
[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, sheet
15 is preferably cut, using means known to those skilled in the
art, such as a stamping die, to form a perimeter of multipack 10.
Multipack 10 is preferably formed with a plurality of apertures 40
arranged in two parallel rows extending longitudinally across sheet
15. Each aperture 40 preferably accommodates a container 80
resulting in two parallel rows of containers 80. Apertures 40 are
preferably configured to accommodate a perimeter of container 80,
as such FIG. 2 shows generally circular apertures 40 accommodating
generally circular containers 80 and FIG. 6 shows generally
rectangular apertures 40 accommodating generally rectangular
containers 80.
[0029] Foldline 30 preferably extends between the two parallel rows
of apertures 40. Foldline 30 permits the two parallel rows of
containers to be folded onto each other, preferably such that an
end portion or lid of each container abuts an adjacent end portion
of each transversely adjacent container.
[0030] Following folding along foldline 30, the two layers of sheet
15 may additionally be joined across a top and bottom of multipack
10 using lower weld 45 and/or upper weld 50, as best shown in FIGS.
1 and 4, extending longitudinally across multipack 10. Welds 45, 50
may comprise any suitable reinforcement that joins two or more
layers of sheet 15 together. "Weld" as used in the specification
and claims may be defined as a hot weld, cold weld, lamination or
any other manner of connection that joins two sheets of material
known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
[0031] As a result of the preferred placement of foldline 30 and/or
one or more welds 45, 50 along edges of sheet 15, multipack 10 is
formed into two "halves" that are foldable onto each other.
Containers 80 are preferably loaded into apertures 40 of multipack
10 such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. As a result of the taper of the
sidewalls of the respective containers 80 and/or a chime or flange
extending from an end of containers 80, such containers are
securely positioned within respective apertures 40 in one
direction. Following loading of containers 80 within apertures 40,
sheet 15 is folded onto itself such that one end of each container
abuts an adjacent container in the parallel rows of containers
80.
[0032] Containers 80 may be dropped into apertures 40 and snugly
engaged with a taper, a chime, a lid and/or an alternative physical
feature of the container 80. Alternatively, sheet 15 may be
stretchingly engaged with containers 80 by placement of container
80 within a respective undersized aperture 80 thereby creating a
snug, engaged fit between container 80 and multipack 10.
[0033] According to one preferred embodiment of multipack 10,
containers 80 are inserted into apertures 40 so that lids are
upwardly facing prior to folding sheet 15 across foldline 30. As a
result, following folding, multipack 10 is arranged so that a
bottom end of container 80 protrudes and is visible from multipack
10. As a result, it may be preferable to include decorative
markings and/or container information on the bottom end of
container 80 to provide effective display of multipack 10 and the
corresponding unitized containers 80.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1-12, handle 60 is preferably positioned
on multipack 10, for instance, adjacent to one of welds 45, 50, for
example, upper weld 45. Handle 60 is preferably positioned on
multipack 10 to provide an ample area for a purchaser to grab by
inserting his hand or fingers through and still maintain the
integrity of multipack 10.
[0035] Handle 60 may comprise finger aperture 65 positioned within
an extension of at least one layer of plastic sheet 15, such as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Handle 60 may be formed in both layers of
sheet 15 or in only one of two layers of sheet 15. According to one
preferred embodiment of this invention, handle 60 is preferably
centered over containers 80 within multipack 10.
[0036] As described, multipack 10 is preferably arranged in such a
geometry so as to permit a freestanding package suitable for
placement on a store shelf or hanging from a peghook style display.
Because of the arrangement of the adjacent containers 80, whereby
an end of each container, such as a lid, abuts an end of an
adjacent container, multipack 10 is configured to freely stand on a
surface thereby permitting access to the upwardly extending handle
60 and permitting prominent display of portions of the outwardly
extending containers 80.
[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, at
least one line of weakness 70 may extend across at least one layer
of sheet 15 of multipack 10. For example, two spaced and generally
parallel lines of weakness 70, forming a "zipper," may extend
across an upper portion of multipack 10. A pull tab may be
positioned on one or both sides of the zipper to facilitate pulling
and opening.
[0038] Line of weakness 70 may comprise perforations, serrations,
slits, reduced thickness or combination thereof formed in sheet 15
and are preferably tearable or frangible to permit separation of
sheet 15 along a defined line. Following such separation,
containers 80 are preferably readily accessible within package
90.
[0039] According to embodiments of the invention best shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIGS. 6 and 7, a method of packaging containers
80 preferably includes inserting two or more containers 80 into
apertures 40 in multipack 10. Sheet 15 may then be folded over to
abut end portions of adjacent containers 80 in package 90. The
resulting package 90 preferably includes a sealed multipack 10
containing multiple containers 80 that is portable and/or
displayable with handle 60.
[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention,
multipack 10 is formed of generally transparent plastic sheet 15.
However other materials and compositions of sheet 15 may be used.
For instance, one layer of sheet 15 may be formed of a generally
opaque pigmented material and another layer of sheet 15 may be
transparent, tinted, printed or similarly configured to best
display the included containers 80 within package 90. Any other
similar configurations may be combined that result in an
aesthetically pleasing and/or functional package 90.
[0041] FIGS. 9 and 10 show one preferred embodiment of this
invention having a single row of apertures 40. According to this
preferred embodiment of multipack 10, containers 80 are inserted
into a single row of apertures 40 so that lids are upwardly facing
prior to folding cover sheet 35 across foldline 30 and over the top
of the aligned lids of containers 80. As a result, following
folding, multipack 10 is arranged so that a bottom end of container
80 protrudes and is visible from multipack 10 and cover sheet 35
provides ample billboard area for decorative markings and/or
container information, such as shown in FIG. 10.
[0042] FIGS. 11 and 12 show one preferred embodiment of this
invention having a single row of apertures 40 and an adjacent row
of cover apertures 55. Preferably cover apertures 55 do not engage
containers 80 but instead provide visual and/or physical access to
lids and/or other portion of containers 80. According to this
preferred embodiment of multipack 10, containers 80 are inserted
into a single row of apertures 40 so that lids are upwardly facing
prior to folding cover sheet 35 across foldline 30 and over the top
of the aligned lids of containers 80. As shown in FIG. 12, an
additional row of containers 80 may be inserted on top of
containers 80 in apertures 40 and cover sheet 35 may be folded over
and around such additional row of containers 80. As a result,
following folding, multipack 10 is arranged so that a bottom end of
container 80 protrudes and is visible from multipack 10 and cover
sheet 35 encloses and surrounds an additional row of containers 80
and yet still provides ample billboard area for decorative markings
and/or container information, such as shown in FIG. 12.
[0043] While in the foregoing specification this invention has been
described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and
many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that multipack 10 and
the related method of manufacture are susceptible to additional
embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be
varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of
the invention.
* * * * *