U.S. patent application number 13/858357 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for container carrier.
The applicant listed for this patent is Toivo Holsmer. Invention is credited to Toivo Holsmer.
Application Number | 20130277241 13/858357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49379111 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130277241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holsmer; Toivo |
October 24, 2013 |
Container Carrier
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a container carrier (110, 210, 310, 410)
that is erectable from a blank. The container carrier (110, 210,
310, 410) having, amongst other things, a first container aperture
(124-1, 224-1, 324-1, 424-1) that is defined in a first top panel
(116, 216, 316, 416) adjacent to a first side panel (114, 214, 314,
414) and & first support wing (126-1, 226-1, 326-1, 426-1) that
rigidly extends from a first side panel (114, 214, 314, 414) in
front of the first container aperture (124-1, 224-1, 324-1, 4244),
the first support wing (126-1, 226-1, 326-1, 426-1) being about as
tail as or taller than the first side panel (114, 214, 314,
414).
Inventors: |
Holsmer; Toivo; (Clarksburg,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Holsmer; Toivo |
Clarksburg |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
49379111 |
Appl. No.: |
13/858357 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/193 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/004 20130101;
B65D 2571/00339 20130101; B65D 2571/00716 20130101; B65D 71/0033
20130101; B65D 2571/00314 20130101; B65D 71/40 20130101; B65D
71/0029 20130101; B65D 2571/00487 20130101; B65D 2571/0066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/193 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/40 20060101
B65D071/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 23, 2012 |
CA |
2774980 |
Claims
1. A container carrier (110, 210, 310, 410) that is electable from
a blank, comprising: a bottom panel (112, 212, 312, 412); a first
side panel (114, 214, 314, 414) and a second side panel (120, 220,
320, 420) upstanding from opposite ends of the bottom panel (112,
212, 312, 412); a first top panel (116, 216, 316, 416) depending
from the first side panel (114, 214, 314, 414); a second top panel
(120, 220, 320, 420) depending from the second side panel (116,
216, 316, 416); the first top panel (116, 216, 316, 416) and the
second top panel (120, 220, 320, 420) being inclined to the first
side panel (116, 216, 316, 416) and the second side panel (120,
220, 320, 420), respectively, to meet at a ridge; a handle (118,
218, 318, 418) extending upwardly from the ridge; a first container
aperture (124-1, 224-1, 324-4, 424-1) being defined in the first
top panel (116, 216, 316, 416) adjacent to the first side panel
(114, 214, 314, 414); and a first support wing (126-1, 226-4,
326-1, 426-4) that rigidly extends from the first side panel (114,
214, 314, 414) in front of the first container aperture (124-1,
224-4, 324-4, 424-1); the first support wing (126-1, 226-1, 326-1,
4264) being about as tall as or taller than the first side panel
(114, 214, 314, 414).
2. The container carrier (110, 210, 310, 410) of claim 1, wherein:
a second container aperture (124-2, 224-2, 324-2, 424-2) is defined
in the second top panel (120, 220, 320, 420) adjacent to the second
side panel (122, 222, 322, 422); a second support wing (126-2,
226-2, 326-2, 426-2) rigidly extends front the second side panel
(122, 222, 322, 422) in front of the second container aperture
(124-2, 224-2, 324-2,424-2); the second support wing (126-2, 226-2,
326-2, 426-2) being about as tall as the second side panel (122,
222, 322, 422) or longer.
3. The container carrier (210, 410) of claim 2, wherein: a third
container aperture (224-3, 424-3) is defined in the first top panel
(216, 416) adjacent to the first side panel (214, 414): a third
support wing (226-3, 426-3) rigidly extends from the first side
panel (214, 414) in front of the third container aperture (224-3,
424-3); the third support wing (226-3, 426-3) being about as tall
as the first side panel (214, 414) or longer.
4. The container carrier (210, 410) of claim 2, wherein: a fourth
container aperture is defined in the second top panel (220, 420)
adjacent to the second side panel (222, 422); a fourth support wing
rigidly extends from the second side panel (222, 422) in front of
the fourth container aperture; the fourth support wing being about
as tall as the second side panel (222, 422) or longer.
5. The container carrier (210, 410) of claim 1, wherein: the first
container aperture (124-1, 224-1, 324-1, 424-1) is elliptical in
shape.
6. The container carrier (210, 410) of claim 1, wherein: an end
(128) of the first support wing (126-1, 226-1, 326-1, 426-1) is
outwardly curved.
7. The container carrier (210, 410) of claim 1, wherein: an end
(128) of the first support wing (126-1, 226-1, 326-1, 426-1) is
inwardly curved.
8. The container carrier (210, 410) of claim 1, wherein: an end
(128) of the first support wing (126-4, 226-4, 326-1, 426-1) is
flat.
9. The container carrier (210, 410) of claim 1, wherein: the first
support wing (126-5, 226-1, 326-1, 426-1) is as tail as the first
container aperture (124-1, 224-1, 324-1, 424-1) is wide.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The teachings disclosed herein generally relate to a
container carrier for carrying a container.
BACKGROUND
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,882 to Wischusen, published on May 15,
2001 discloses a carrier with internal support members for carrying
multiple beverage containers. The carrier is formed from foldable
material that can quickly and easily be erected and loaded with
beverage containers. The internal support structure of the carrier
comprises central support tabs extending from the top panels
connected to bottom support tabs extending from the bottom panels.
The internal support structure gives the carrier the tensile
strength needed to support multiple beverage containers. Arcuate
support members restrain the top portions of tire beverage
containers from lateral movement. The bottom support members
straddle the beverage containers and restrain the bottom portions
of the beverage containers from lateral movement. The elongated
central support tabs extend slightly into the beverage container
receptacles creating a flexure fit when loading beverage containers
into the carrier. External support braces are positionable to hold
the carrier open during loading.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 8,091,702 to Kelp, published on Jan. 10, 2012
discloses a folding cup holder carrier that provides for multiple
cup carrying from a single folded sheet material blank. The cup
carrier has a central handle with opposing tapered sides with
multiple apertured hinged cup engagement flaps formed thereon. A
base is defined between said respective sides below said multiple
apertures to support a cup's bottom once placed through the
corresponding apertures arid retained by resilient retainment by
the hinge flaps.
[0004] GB patent publication 2342637A to Wilson, published on Apr.
19, 2000 discloses a carrier for articles such as bottles or cans
comprises a top panel and a bottom panel, the top panel having at
least one opening for the insertion of articles, and a handle
portion which extends from the bottom panel through the top panel.
In use, the force applied to the handle portion counteracts the
weight of the articles(s) and acts to restrain relative movements
between the panels and handle portion. There may be a side wail
with a further opening(s) which may foe aligned with the top
openings and may be semi-elliptical; the top opening(s) may be
elliptical. The bottom wall may extend below the side-wall
opening(s). The top and side walls may be sloping. The articles may
be confined to individual cells. The handle portion may extend
through a slot in one of the panels, and have a shoulder to support
the weight of the articles in use. There may be means to hold
articles with different cross-sectional areas. There may be
expansion means provided in the carrier which may be in the form of
perpendicular slits at the base of the handle portion. Further
restraint means may be present in the carrier, and the earner may
be made from corrugated cardboard. A blank for forming such a
carrier and a method of manufacturing a carrier from such a blank
are also described.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to a first aspect disclosed herein is a container
carrier that is erectable from a blank. The container carrier
having a bottom panel, a first side panel and a second side panel
upstanding from opposite ends of the bottom panel a first top panel
depending from the first side panel, a second top panel depending
from the second side panel, the first top panel and the second top
panel being inclined to the first side panel and the second side
panel, respectively, to meet at a ridge, a handle extending
upwardly from the ridge, a first container aperture being defined
in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel, and a
first support wing that rigidly extends from the first side panel
in front of the first container aperture, the first support wing
being about as tail as or taller than the first side panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various
examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present
specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is
taught in any way. In the drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a container carrier
according to a first non-limiting
[0008] embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 1B depicts a top view of the container carrier of FIG.
1A;
[0010] FIG. 1C depicts a plan view of a blank from which the
container carrier of FIG. 1A may be erected;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a container carrier
according to a second non-limiting embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of a container carrier
according to a third non-limiting embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 3B depicts a top view of the container carrier of FIG.
3A;
[0014] FIG. 3C depicts a plan view of a blank from which the
container carrier of FIG. 3A may be erected;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a container carrier
according to a fourth non-limiting embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to
provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No
embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any
claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not
described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to
apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one
apparatus or process described below or to features common to
multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible
that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment
of any claimed invention. The applicants, inventors and/or owners
contend that any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process
described below that is not claimed in this document may be
protected in one or more other applications, for example in a
continuing application, and that they do not intend to abandon,
disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its
disclosure in this document.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1A, there is depicted a first non-limiting
embodiment of a container carrier 110 that has been structured for
carrying containers (not shown). The type of container that the
container carrier 110 may carry is not particular limited, and may
include, for example, beverage cups, cans or bottles. In
particular, and without specific limitation, the container carrier
110 is particularly well suited for carrying beverage cups having a
tapered sidewall that are often used in fast-food carry out
packaging for holding coffee, tea and other hot beverages.
[0018] The basic structure of the container carrier 110 can be seen
to include a bottom panel 112, a pair of side panels (i.e. a first
side panel 114 and a second side panel 122), a pair of inclined top
panels (i.e. a first top panel 116 and a second top panel 120) and
a handle 118. As can be seen, the first side panel 114 and the
second side panel 122 depend in an upstanding relation from
opposite sides of the bottom panel 112. In turn, the first top
panel 116 and the second side panel 120 depend from the first side
panel 114 and the second side panel 122, respectively. The first
top panel 116 and the second top panel 120 meet to form a ridge
from which a handle 118 upwardly extends. The handle 118 includes a
handle opening 130 that is suitable for engaging the fingers of a
person carrying the container carrier 110.
[0019] With further reference to FIG. 1B, it may be appreciated
that the container carrier 110 also includes a pair of container
apertures (i.e. a first container aperture 124-1 and a second
container aperture 124-2) that are defined centrally in the first
top panel 116 and the second top panel 120 adjacent to die first
side panel 114 and the second side panel 122. The first container
aperture 124-1 and the second container aperture 124-2 are
configured to engage the container sidewall for securing the
container in the container carrier 110. The first container
aperture 124-1 and the second container aperture 124-2 are
generally elliptical in shape with which to most readily engage the
sidewall of the containers (not shown). That being said, the shape
of the first container aperture 1244 and the second container
aperture 124-2 are not so limited and may be differently configured
such as, for example, circular.
[0020] Lastly, each of the pair of container apertures may include
a support wing (i.e. a first support wing 126-1 and a second
support wing 126-2) that rigidly extend (i.e. not hinged) from the
first side panel 114 and the second side panel 122 in front of the
first container aperture 124-1 and the second container aperture
124-2, respectively. The first support wing 126-1 and fee second
support wing 126-2 are configured to further enhance the stability
of the containers when arrange in the respective first container
aperture 124-1 and the second container aperture 124-2. That is,
the first support wing 1244 and the second support wing 124-2 are
configured to bear against the sidewall of the containers to push
them firmly into contact with the back edges of the first top panel
116 and the second top panel 120 that outline the first container
aperture 124-1 and the second container aperture 124-2,
respectively. As shown, the ends 128 of the support wings are
outwardly curved. That being said, the shape of the ends 128 is not
particularly limited and may be otherwise configured, for example,
to foe inwardly carved or flat. Furthermore, it may be appreciated
that the first support wing 126-1 and the second support wing 126-2
are about as tall as the first side panel 114 and rise second side
panel 122, respectively.
[0021] A technical effect of making the first support wing 126-1
and the second support wing 126-2 as tall as, or taller than, the
first side panel 114 and the second side panel 122, respectively;
may include the ability to engage the sidewall of containers having
a wide variety of heights thereby increasing the versatility of the
container carrier 110.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 1C a blank is shown from which the
container carrier 110 may be erected. The blank may be made from
any suitably rigid material that may be scored arid cut to define
the various panels and features of the container carrier 110.
Suitable materials may include, for example, cardboard, card stock
or plastic. The various panels of the container carrier 110 are
separated by fold lines (dashed lines--not separately numerated)
that may be defined, for example, as a crease or a series of
perforations in the blank. The blank is constructed with the bottom
panel 112 at the centre thereof. To the one side of the bottom
panel 112 are, in order, the first side panel 114, the first top
panel 116 and a first handle panel segment 118-1. Likewise, to the
opposite side of the bottom panel 112 are the second side panel
122, the second top panel 120 and a second handle panel segment
118-2. Once erected the first handle panel segment 118-1 and the
second handle panel segment 118-2 meet, as shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B, to define the handle 118. As such, the first handle panel
segment 118-1 and the second handle panel segment 118-2 each define
a first handle opening 130-1 and a second handle opening 130-2 that
cooperate in providing the handle opening 130. In addition, to keep
the blank in the erected state, a retaining system is provided with
which to releasably lock the first handle panel segment 118-1 to
the second handle panel segment 118-2. The retaining system
includes a first tab 132 and a first tab receptacle 136 that are
defined on opposite sidewalls of the first handle panel segment
118-1 and a second tab 134 and a second tab receptacle 138 that are
defined on. opposite sidewalls of the second handle panel segment
118-2. As may be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
first tab 132 may be bent to engage the second tab receptacle and
likewise the second tab 134 may be bent to engage the first tab
receptacle 136 thereby locking the first handle panel segment 118-1
to the second handle panel segment 118-2.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 2, an alternative non-limiting
embodiment of the container carrier 210 is shown. This particular
non-limiting embodiment serves to illustrate that the general
teachings disclosed herein may be easily extended to container
carriers that are configured to accommodate a different number of
containers--such as, for example, the four that are depicted in
this further non-limiting embodiment.
[0024] The basic structure of the container carrier 210 is the same
as the container carrier 110 described previously. In particular,
the container carrier 210 can be seen to include a bottom panel
212, a pair of side panels (i.e. a first side panel 214 and a
second side panel 222), a pair of inclined lop panels (i.e. a first
top panel 216 and a second top panel 220) and a handle 218. As can
be seen, the first side panel 214 and the second side panel 222
depend in an upstanding relation from opposite sides of the bottom
panel 212. In turn, the first top panel 216 and the second side
panel 220 depend from the first side panel 214 and the second side
panel 222, respectively. The first top panel 216 and the second top
panel 220 meet to form a ridge from which a handle 218 upwardly
extends. The handle 218 includes a handle opening 230 that is
suitable for engaging die fingers of a person carrying the
container carrier 210.
[0025] The container carrier 210 also includes a set of four
container apertures (i.e. a first container aperture 224-1, a
second container aperture 224-2, a third container aperture 224-3,
and a fourth container aperture--hidden from view). The first and
third container apertures 224-1 and 224-3 are defined side by side
in the first top panel 216 adjacent to the first side panel 214,
whereas the second container aperture 224-2 and the fourth
container aperture (not shown) are defined in the second top panel
220 adjacent to the second side panel 222. The container apertures
are configured to engage the container sidewalls for securing the
containers (not shown) in the container carrier 210. The container
apertures are generally elliptical is shape so as to most readily
engage the sidewall of the containers (not shown). That being said,
the shape of the container apertures are not so limited and may be
differently configured such as, for example, circular.
[0026] Lastly, each of the container apertures may include a
support wing (i.e. a first support wing 226-1, a second support
wing 226-2, a third support wing 226-3 and a fourth support
wing--not shown) that rigidly extend from the first side panel 214
and the second side panel 222 in front of the respective container
apertures. The support wings are configured to further enhance the
stability of the containers when arrange in the respective
container apertures in the manner described previously.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3A, there is depicted yet another
non-limiting embodiment of a container carrier 310 that has been
structured for carrying containers (not shown).
[0028] Similar to the container carrier 110 described previously,
the basic structure of the container carrier 310 can be seen to
include a bottom panel 312 (i.e. having a first bottom panel
segment 312-1 and a second bottom panel segment 312-2), a pair of
side panels (i.e. a first side panel 314 and a second side panel
322), a pair of inclined top panels (i.e. a first top panel 316 and
a second top panel 320), a handle 318, and a central support wail
319 that connects the bottom panel 312 with the handle 318. As can
be seen, the first side panel 314 and the second side panel 322
depend in an upstanding relation from opposite sides of the bottom
panel 312. In turn, the first top panel 316 and fee second side
panel 320 depend from the first side panel 314 and the second side
panel 322, respectively. The first top panel 316 and the second top
panel 320 meet to form a ridge from which a handle 318 upwardly
extends. The handle 318 includes a handle opening 330 that is
suitable for engaging the fingers of a person carrying the
container carrier 310.
[0029] With further reference to FIG. 3B, it may be appreciated
that the container carrier 310 also includes a pair of container
apertures (i.e. a first container aperture 324-1 and a second
container aperture 324-2) that are defined centrally in the first
top panel 316 and the second top panel 320 adjacent to the first
side panel 314 and the second side panel 322. The first container
aperture 324-1 and the second container aperture 324-2 are
configured to engage the container sidewall for securing containers
in the container carrier 310. The first container aperture 324-1
and the second container aperture 324-2 are generally elliptical in
shape with which to most readily engage the sidewalk of the
containers (not shown). That being said, the shape of the first
container aperture 324-1 and the second container aperture 324-2
are not so limited and may be differently configured such as, for
example, circular.
[0030] Lastly, each of the pair of container apertures may include
a support wing (i.e. a first support wing 326-1 and a second
support wing 326-2) that rigidly extend from the first side panel
314 and the second side panel 322 in front of the first container
aperture 324-1 and the second container aperture 324-2,
respectively. The first support wing 326-1 and the second support
wing 326-2 are configured to further enhance the stability of the
containers when arrange in the respective first container aperture
324-1 and the second container aperture 324-2--in the manner
previously described.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 3C a blank is shown from which the
container carrier 310 may be erected. The blank is constructed with
a handle aperture 332 defined centrally therein. To the one side of
the handle aperture 332 are, in order, the first top panel 316, the
first side panel 314, the first bottom panel segment 312-1, a first
central support wail segment 319-1 and a first handle panel segment
318-1. Likewise, to the opposite side of the handle aperture 332
are, in order, the second top panel 320, the second side panel 322,
the second bottom panel segment 312-2, a second central support
wall segment 319-2 and a second handle panel segment 318-2. Once
erected, the first handle panel segment 318-2 and the second handle
panel segment 318-2 meet, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, to define
the handle 318. As such, the first handle panel segment 318-1 and
the second handle panel segment 318-2 each define a first handle
opening 330-1 and a second handle opening 330-2, respectively, that
cooperate in providing the handle opening 330. When erecting the
blank into the container carrier 310, the first handle segment
318-1 and the second handle segment 318-2 are to meet and pass
together through the handle aperture 332.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 4, yet another alternative
non-limiting embodiment of the container carrier 410 is shown.
[0033] The basic structure of the container carrier 410 is the same
as the container carrier 310 described previously. In particular,
the container carrier 410 can be seen to include a bottom panel
412, a pair of side panels (i.e. a first side panel 414 and a
second side panel 422), a pair of inclined top panels (i.e. a first
top panel 416 and a second top panel 420), a central support wall
419 and a handle 418. As can be seen, the first side panel 414 and
the second side panel 422 depend in an upstanding relation from
opposite sides of the bottom panel 412. In turn, the first top
panel 416 and the second side panel 420 depend from the first side
panel 414 and the second side panel 422, respectively. The first
top panel 416 and fee second top panel 420 meet to form a ridge
from which a handle 418 upwardly extends. The handle 418 includes a
handle opening 430 that is suitable for engaging the fingers of a
person carrying the container carrier 410.
[0034] The container carrier 410 also includes a set of four
container apertures (i.e. a first container aperture 424-1, a
second container aperture 424-2, a third container aperture 424-3,
and a fourth container aperture--hidden from view). The first and
third container apertures 424-1 and 424-3 are defined side by side
in the first top panel 416 adjacent to the first side panel 414,
whereas the second container aperture 424-2 and the fourth
container aperture (not shown) are defined in the second top panel
420 adjacent to the second side panel 422. The container apertures
are configured to engage the container sidewalls for securing the
containers (not shown) in the container carrier 410. The container
apertures are generally elliptical in shape so as to most readily
engage the sidewall of the containers (not shown). That being said,
the shape of the container apertures are not so limited and may be
differently configured such as, for example, circular.
[0035] Lastly, each of the container apertures may include a
support wing (i.e. a first support wing 426-1, a second support
wing 426-2, a third support wing 426-3 and a fourth support
wing--not shown) that rigidly extend from the first side panel 414
and the second side panel 422 in front of the respective container
apertures. The support wings are configured to further enhance the
stability of the containers when arrange in the respective
container apertures in the manner described previously.
[0036] While the above description provides examples of one or more
processes or apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other
processes or apparatuses may be within the scope of the
accompanying claims.
* * * * *