U.S. patent application number 15/080643 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-29 for package carrying arrangement.
The applicant listed for this patent is Process4, Inc.. Invention is credited to Matthew Hanson, Curtis Taylor.
Application Number | 20160280436 15/080643 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56973947 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160280436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; Curtis ; et
al. |
September 29, 2016 |
Package Carrying Arrangement
Abstract
A portable package carrying arrangement adapted and configured
to carry a plurality of containers which is particularly applicable
for use with canned items and/or items packaged in a container. The
portable package carrying arrangement includes a panel portion and
two handle portion. A loading station can be provided which is
configured to be used with and/or in conjunction with the portable
package carrying arrangement.
Inventors: |
Taylor; Curtis; (Chagrin
Falls, OH) ; Hanson; Matthew; (Chagrin Falls,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Process4, Inc. |
Chagrin Falls |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56973947 |
Appl. No.: |
15/080643 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62138662 |
Mar 26, 2015 |
|
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62149822 |
Apr 20, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 35/10 20130101;
B65D 2571/00283 20130101; B65B 15/00 20130101; B65D 71/502
20130101; B65D 2571/00444 20130101; B65D 67/02 20130101; B65D
2571/00456 20130101; B65B 17/025 20130101; B65D 21/0224 20130101;
B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D 71/50 20130101; B65D 71/44
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/44 20060101
B65D071/44; B65B 35/10 20060101 B65B035/10; B65B 15/00 20060101
B65B015/00 |
Claims
1. A portable package carrying arrangement comprising: a panel
portion, said panel portion being substantially planar and
including a plurality of panel openings that are configured to
receive a body portion of a container to be loaded on the panel
portion, said panel opening spaced from a peripheral edge of said
panel portion, said panel portion having a top and bottom surface;
and, a first handle portion, said first handle portion connected a
first end of said panel portion, said first handle portion
including a first handle opening configured to receive fingers of a
user that grasps said first handle portion, said first handle
opening spaced from said panel openings.
2. The portable package carrying arrangement as defined in claim 1,
including a second handle opening, said second handle portion
connected to a second end of said panel portion, said second end is
at an opposite end from said first end, said second handle portion
including a second handle opening configured to receive fingers of
a user that grasps said second handle portion, said second handle
opening spaced from said panel openings.
3. The portable package carrying arrangement as defined in claim 2,
wherein said first handle portion includes a handle tab pivotally
connected to said first handle opening, said handle tab configured
to be at least partially inserted into said second handle opening
when said panel portion is folded.
4. The portable package carrying arrangement as defined in claim 1,
including one or more panel opening structures positioned about one
or more of said panel openings, said panel opening structures
selected from the group consisting of a notch, a slot, a scored
portion, a tear grove.
5. The portable package carrying arrangement as defined in claim 3,
including one or more panel opening structures positioned about one
or more of said panel openings, said panel opening structures
selected from the group consisting of a notch, a slot, a scored
portion, a tear grove.
6. The portable package carrying arrangement as defined in claim 1,
wherein said panel portion includes six panel openings on each half
of said panel portion, each of said panel openings on each half of
said panel portion spaced and at an equal distance from adjacently
positioned panel openings.
7. The portable package carrying arrangement as defined in claim 1,
wherein the material of said panel portion is paperboard.
8. The portable package carrying arrangement as defined in claim 1,
wherein said top surface of said panel portion includes a plurality
of surface structures extending upwardly from a top surface of said
panel portion, each of said surface structures is spaced from said
panel openings.
9. The portable package carrying arrangement as defined in claim 5,
wherein said top surface of said panel portion includes a plurality
of surface structures extending upwardly from a top surface of said
panel portion, each of said surface structures is spaced from said
panel openings.
10. A loading station suitable for use in facilitating the loading
of a plurality of containers into a portable package carrying
arrangement, said loading station comprising: a loading portion,
said loading portion comprising an outer wall at least partially
defining a loading cavity in said loading portion, said loading
cavity includes a plurality of dividing walls that form a plurality
of container cavities, openings of said container cavities facing
outwardly from a front surface of said loading portion, each of
said container cavities configured to at least partially receive a
body of a container that is being loaded into the package carrying
arrangement; and, a hook arrangement positioned at or near a top of
said loading station, said hook arrangement including a hook
portion that extends outwardly from said front surface of said
loading portion, said hook arrangement configured to support the
portable package carrying arrangement over said front surface of
said loading portion when a container is loaded into the package
carrying arrangement.
11. The loading station as defined in claim 10, including a bottom
flange arrangement positioned at or near a bottom of said loading
portion, said bottom flange arrangement configured to be at least
partially engage the portable package carrying arrangement and
inhibit movement of the portable package carrying arrangement when
the package carrying is positioned over said front surface of said
loading portion.
12. The loading station as defined in claim 10, including a storage
compartment portion, said storage compartment portion including a
cavity that is configured to hold a plurality of portable package
carrying arrangements, said storage compartment portion is
positioned rearwardly of said loading portion.
13. The loading station as defined in claim 11, including a storage
compartment portion, said storage compartment portion including a
cavity that is configured to hold a plurality of portable package
carrying arrangements, said storage compartment portion is
positioned rearwardly of said loading portion.
14. The loading station as defined in claim 12, wherein said
portable package carrying arrangements include a panel portion and
a first handle portion, said panel portion being substantially
planar and including a plurality of panel openings that are
configured to receive a body portion of a container to be loaded on
the panel portion, said panel opening spaced from a peripheral edge
of said panel portion, said panel portion having a top and bottom
surface, said first handle portion connected to a first end of said
panel portion, said first handle portion including a first handle
opening configured to receive fingers of a user that grasps said
first handle portion, said first handle opening spaced from said
panel openings.
15. The loading station as defined in claim 10, including a mount
arrangement at least partially positioned on a back surface of said
loading station, said mount arrangement including a flange
arrangement configured to connect to a shelf system and enable said
loading station to be slidably movable along a front face of the
shelf system.
16. The loading station as defined in claim 13, including a mount
arrangement at least partially positioned on a back surface of said
loading station, said mount arrangement including a flange
arrangement configured to connect to a shelf system and enable said
loading station to be slidably movable along a front face of the
shelf system.
17. A method of loading one or more containers in a carrying
arrangement comprising the steps of: a. providing a portable
package carrying arrangement, said portable package carrying
arrangement includes a panel portion and a first handle portion,
said panel portion being substantially planar and including a
plurality of panel openings that are configured to receive a body
portion of a container to be loaded on the panel portion, said
panel opening spaced from a peripheral edge of said panel portion,
said panel portion having a top and bottom surface, said first
handle portion connected to a first end of said panel portion, said
first handle portion including a first handle opening configured to
receive fingers of a user that grasps said first handle portion,
said first handle opening spaced from said panel openings; b.
providing a plurality of containers, each of said containers
including a body and an upper rim or flange or body transition
region, said upper rim or flange or body transition region having a
larger maximum cross-section area than a maximum cross-sectional
area of said body of each of said containers; and, c. inserting
said body of each of said containers through one of said panel
openings until said upper rim or flange or body transition region
of said container contacts an upper surface of said panel portion,
said size and shape of each of said panel openings configured to
frictionally engage said body of said container position in each of
said panel openings.
18. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein said panel portion
includes one or more panel opening structures positioned about one
or more of said panel openings, said panel opening structures
selected from the group consisting of a notch, a slot, a scored
portion, a tear grove, and further including the step of causing a
cross-sectional size of at least one of said panel openings to
increase as said body of said container is inserted into said panel
openings, said increase in said cross-sectional size of at least
one of said panel openings at least partially enabled by said one
or more panel opening structures positioned about said panel
opening.
19. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein said portable
package carrying arrangement further includes a plurality of
surface structures extending upwardly from a top surface of said
panel portion, each of said surface structures is spaced from said
panel openings, said surface structures configured to improve
strength and rigidity of said portable package carrying
arrangement.
20. The method as defined in claim 17, further including a loading
station configured to facilitate in loading of a plurality of said
containers into said portable package carrying arrangement, said
loading station comprising: i. a loading portion, said loading
portion comprising an outer wall at least partially defining a
loading cavity in said loading portion, said loading cavity
includes a plurality of dividing walls that form a plurality of
container cavities, openings of said container cavities facing
outwardly from a front surface of said loading portion, each of
said container cavities configured to at least partially receive a
body of a contain that is being loaded into said portable package
carrying arrangement; and, ii. a hook arrangement positioned at or
near a top of said loading station, said hook arrangement including
a hook portion that extends outwardly of said front surface of said
loading portion, said hook arrangement configured to support said
package carrying arrangement over said front surface of said
loading portion when a container is loaded into said portable
package carrying arrangement; and further including the step of
inserting said first handle opening at least partially over said
hook portion of said hook arrangement such that said panel portion
of said portable package carrying arrangement overlies said loading
cavity of said loading portion, each of said panel openings in said
panel portion oriented with a different one of said container
cavities of said loading portion when said panel portion overlies
said loading cavity of said loading portion.
21. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said loading station
includes a storage compartment portion, said storage compartment
portion including a cavity that is configured to hold a plurality
of said portable package carrying arrangements, said storage
compartment portion rearwardly of said loading portion, and further
including the step of removing one of said portable package
carrying arrangement from said storage compartment portion and
positioning said portable package carrying arrangement to overlie
said loading cavity of said loading portion.
22. The method as defined in claim 21, further including the steps
of moving at least a portion of said body of said container into
one of said container cavities was said container is inserted into
one of said panel openings while said portable package carrying
arrangement overlies said loading cavity of said loading portion.
Description
[0001] The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/138,662, filed Mar. 26, 2015 and
62/149,822, filed Apr. 20, 2015, which are both fully incorporated
herein.
[0002] The present invention relates to an arrangement to
conveniently transport a plurality of food items, particularly to
an arrangement to conveniently transport a plurality of packaged
food items that are packaged in the same or similarly shaped, sized
and configured packaging, more particularly to a portable package
carrying arrangement that is configured to conveniently transport a
plurality of packaged food items that are packaged in the same or
similarly shaped, sized and configured packaging, and still more
particularly to a portable package carrying arrangement that is
configured to enable convenient loading, unloading and transporting
of a plurality of packaged good items that are packaged in the same
or similarly shaped, sized and configured packaging.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cans and/or containers are commonly used to store food and
drink items for a variety of reasons including convenient
production, convenient storage, and long-term storage due to a
generally air-tight seal. Non-limiting examples of foods packed in
a can include pet food, canned soup, canned meat, etc. Such cans
are often generally cylindrical in shape and traditionally
manufactured from a durable material such as aluminum, tin, plastic
or steel. During the can manufacturing process, a bead or top rim
is formed where the sidewall and the end walls of the container
meet. The bead or top rim generally defines a shoulder and/or rim
along the top edge, or top and bottom edges of the can. Oftentimes,
the canned goods are placed in a cart and/or basket by a consumer
along with other items. As such, during the checking out and
bagging of many items, similar types of can goods are commonly
placed in separate bags, thus requiring resorting when the consumer
unpacks the purchased items. Additionally, selecting and carrying
large quantities of canned goods (e.g., canned cat food, etc.) can
be inconvenient to a consumer.
[0004] It would be desirable to provide a lightweight package
carrying device that is capable of releasably securing one or more
canned goods, which can maintain the cans together, and which can
include a handle portion for the purpose of easily and conveniently
carrying or transporting the package carrying device. It would also
be desirable to provide an easy-to-use loading station for loading
the cans in the lightweight package carrying device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a package carrying
arrangement that can be used with food container items. In
particular, the present invention is directed to an arrangement to
conveniently transport a plurality of packaged food items that are
packaged in the same or similarly shaped, sized and configured
packaging. In one non-limiting arrangement, the present invention
is directed to a portable package carrying arrangement that is
configured to enable convenient loading, unloading, and
transporting of a plurality of packaged good items that are
packaged in the same or similarly shaped, sized and configured
packaging. The package carrying arrangement is configured to
releasably secure food container items. As can be appreciated, the
package carrying arrangement can be used to releasably secure
container items other than food container items.
[0006] In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the
package carrying arrangement of the present invention is directed
to a carrying device that can be easily and conveniently used by
consumers to carry a plurality of container items. The package
carrying arrangement is particularly applicable for use with canned
items or items packaged in a container (e.g., pet food, canned
soup, canned meat, canned seafood, canned fruit, canned vegetables,
containers of mints/breath fresheners, containers of gum,
containers of candy, beverage containers, spice containers, frozen
beverage concentrate containers, containers of yogurt, containers
of refrigerated or frozen bakery goods, containers of ice cream or
sorbet, votive candles, etc.) and will be described with particular
reference thereto.
[0007] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a package carrying arrangement
suitable for use in carrying containers of different sizes (e.g., 2
ounce containers, 3 ounce containers, 5 ounce containers, 5.5 ounce
containers, 8 ounce containers, 13 ounce containers, 16 ounce
containers, 20 ounce containers, etc.); however, this is not
required. The package carrying arrangement of the present invention
is particularly useful in carrying two or more container items
(e.g., two containers, three containers, four containers, five
containers, six containers, eight containers, twelve containers,
sixteen containers, twenty containers, twenty-four containers,
etc.). The package carrying arrangement as described in the present
invention enables a user to load, releasably secure, and unload
container items so as to easily and conveniently transport and/or
carry canned goods.
[0008] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a package carrying arrangement
that includes a substantially planar panel portion. The package
carrying arrangement generally also includes a handle portion;
however, this is not required. The material and colors of the
components of the carrying device are non-limiting. Generally, the
materials are durable, lightweight, and/or liquid resistant.
Non-limiting materials that can be used include plastic, rubber,
metal, resinous material, composite material, paperboard,
cardboard, etc. The panel portion can comprise single-layered or
multi-layered materials. The shape of the panel portion and the
handle portion are non-limiting. For example, the panel portion can
include a rectangular, circular, oval and/or polygonal
cross-sectional shape; and the handle portion can include a
rectangular and/or polygonal cross-sectional shape; however, this
is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the handle
portion (when used) is continuous with the panel portion and is
optionally formed in a one-piece construction therewith; however,
this is not required.
[0009] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of
the present invention, the thickness of the panel is generally
selected to be substantially thin; however, this is not required.
The thin profile (when used) enables the panel to be lightweight
and easily folded. Generally, the maximum thickness of the panel of
the carrying device is less than five millimeters; however, this is
not required. In one non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of
the panel of the carrying device is less than four millimeters. In
another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the panel of
the carrying device is less than three millimeters. In still
another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the panel of
the carrying device is about 0.5-4 millimeters. In yet another
non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the panel of the
carrying device is about 0.5-3 millimeters. In still yet another
non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the panel of the
carrying device is about 1-3 millimeters.
[0010] In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect
of the present invention, the size of the panel portion of the
package carrying arrangement is generally selected to accompany a
plurality of containers; however, this is not required. Generally,
the panel portion is about 4 inches to about 40 inches in length
(and all values and ranges therebetween) and from about 2 inches to
about 24 inches in width (and all values and ranges therebetween);
however, this is not required. In one specific embodiment, the
panel is about 24 inches in length and about 16 inches in width;
however, this is not required. In one non-limiting specific
configuration, the panel portion (plus any optional handle portion)
has a width of about 10-18 inches, and a length of about 20-34
inches. In another non-limiting specific configuration, the panel
portion (plus any optional handle portion) has a width of about
10-14 inches, and a length of about 20-28 inches. In another
non-limiting specific configuration, the panel portion (plus any
optional handle portion) has a width of about 10-14 inches, and a
length of about 10-16 inches. In another non-limiting specific
configuration, the panel portion (plus any optional handle portion)
has a width of about 13-17 inches, and a length of about 24-34
inches. In another non-limiting specific configuration, the panel
portion (plus any optional handle portion) has a width of about
13-17 inches, and a length of about 12-17 inches. Generally, the
package carrying arrangement has a constant thickness; however,
this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the
thickness of the package carrying arrangement is about 0.01 inch to
0.25 inch (and all values and ranges therebetween).
[0011] In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect
of the invention, the panel portion of the package carrying
arrangement can include one or more folds lines, wherein the one or
more fold lines allow one side of the panel portion to pivot or be
folded relative to the other side of the panel portion between the
open (i.e., unfolded) and closed (i.e., folded) position; however,
this is not required. The one or more fold lines can be connected
to and/or be formed on the panel portion and can comprise one or
more pivot points or pivot grooves; however, this is not required.
In non-limiting embodiments, the one or more fold lines can be a
thin section of the panel portion with increased flexibility;
however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the
panel portion of the package carrying arrangement includes a
groove, scoring and/or other type of arrangement that enables the
panel portion to be folded along such groove, scoring and/or other
type of arrangement; however, this is not required. In one
non-limiting arrangement, the panel portion includes a groove,
scoring and/or other type of arrangement that allows a user to
easily fold the panel portion in half along the longitudinal axis
(along the longitudinal length) or latitudinal axis (along the
width) of the panel portion. In one specific arrangement, the panel
portion includes a groove, scoring and/or other type of arrangement
that allows a user to easily fold the panel portion in half along
the latitudinal axis (along the width) of the panel portion. In one
specific embodiment, the one or more fold lines extend laterally
across the entire panel portion from a first side edge to a second
side edge; however, this is not required. In still another and/or
alternative non-limiting embodiment, the one or more fold lines
extend laterally across the majority of the panel portion; however,
this is not required. The one or more fold lines can permit the
panel portion to be folded in half such that the two longitudinal
ends meet when in a folded position; however, this is not required.
In non-limiting embodiments where two pivot points or pivot grooves
are used, the distance between the first and second pivot points
can be from about 0.25 inches to about 2.5 inches (and all values
and ranges therebetween). In one specific embodiment, the distance
from the first fold line to the imaginary center line is the same
distance as from the second fold line to the imaginary center line;
however, this is not required.
[0012] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the panel portion of the package carrying
arrangement includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top
and/or bottom surfaces can include a plurality of support
structures (e.g., ribs, grooves, additional material layers,
additional thickness, etc.); however, this is not required. In one
non-limiting arrangement, the support structure is an additional
layer thickness of the panel portion and/or additional layer of
material connected to the top and/or bottom surface of the panel
portion; however, this is not required. The support structures are
generally located on the sides of the panel portion, and/or on the
top and/or bottom of the panel portion; however, this is not
required. When the one or more support structures are separate
structures, the means of attachment of the one or more support
structures to the panel portion is non-limiting and can include
tape, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, etc. As can be appreciated,
the one or more surface structures can be integrally formed with
the panel portion; however, this is not required. The one or more
surface structures can be provided to add strength, durability and
rigidity to the carrying arrangement panel; however, this is not
required. The surface structures or one or more portions of one or
more surface structures can be magnetic such that when the panel
portion is folded into a folded position, the folded panel sections
of the panel portion are magnetically held in the folded position;
however, this is not required. Similarly, the surface structures or
one or more portions of one or more surface structures can include
other non-limiting means of attachment (e.g., snaps, buttons,
hooks, hook and loop fastener, adhesive, etc.); however, this is
not required.
[0013] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the panel portion of the package carrying
arrangement includes one or more panel slots or openings. In one
non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the one or more panel
openings can be configured to be container-receiving cutouts;
however, this is not required. The one or more panel openings can
include a center portion releasably attached to the panel portion
by a perforated edge, serrated edge, groove, etc. such that a user
can "punch out" the center portion of the panel opening prior to
use; however, this is not required. The one or more panel openings
can be used to releasably secure one or more containers (e.g.,
canned goods, etc.) to the panel portion; however, this is not
required. A stretchable and/or bendable material can be optionally
used for the panel portion to permit the container body to pass
through the panel opening and frictionally engage with the side of
the body of the container; however, this is not required. The one
or more panel openings can optionally include one or more notches,
slits, scored regions, etc. for the purpose of facilitating in the
sliding of the can into the panel opening; however, this is not
required. The one or more notches, slits, scored regions, etc.
(when used) can provide a tight fit to hold the can in position in
the panel opening and also optionally provide a tear-point for when
a can is to be removed from the panel opening; however, this is not
required. As such, the panel opening can receive a container body
and also be releasably secured to the container. The one or more
panel openings can be arranged in a generally rectangular array;
however, this is not required. In non-limiting embodiments, the
panel portion can include one or more rows of one or more panel
openings. The one or more rows of panel openings can be parallel to
one or more fold lines in the panel portion; however, this is not
required. In one specific non-limiting embodiment, each half of the
panel portion includes at least one row of panel openings wherein
each row of panel openings includes at least two panel openings,
and each of the rows of panel openings are parallel to an imaginary
center line (i.e., parallel to the one or more fold lines) that
runs along the latitudinal axis of the panel portion; however, this
is not required. Generally, the shape of the one or more panel
openings is selected to correspond with the shape of the container
to be secured; however, this is not required. As such, a generally
circular cross-sectional panel opening can be used in conjunction
with generally circular cross-sectional shaped containers (e.g.,
cat food cans, etc.); however, this is not required. In still yet
another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present
invention, the one or more panel openings optionally include
structures (e.g., adhesive, magnet, friction material such as
silicon, rubber, etc.) that can be used to inhibit and/or prevent
releasing the container from the panel opening without excessive
force when at least a portion of the container is retained by panel
opening; however, this is not required. The size of the one or more
panel openings is non-limiting. Generally, the size and shape of
the panel openings are the same; however, this is not required. In
one non-limiting arrangement, the cross-sectional shape of the
panel openings is circular and has a diameter of about 1-6 inches
(and all values and ranges therebetween). In another non-limiting
arrangement, the diameter of the panel opening is generally the
same or slightly less (0.01%-5% less) than the diameter of the
container to be inserted into the panel opening; however, this is
not required. For example, if the container body has a diameter of
three inches, the diameter of the panel opening is generally 2.9-3
inches. For example, if the container body has a diameter of four
inches, the diameter of the panel opening is generally 3.9-4
inches. When the panel openings include one or more notches, slits,
scored regions, etc. about the peripheral edge of the panel
openings, these structures can be used to facilitate in the sliding
of the can into the panel opening; however, this is not required.
Generally, the top of the container includes a flange or rim or
body transition region between the body of the container and the
flange or rim that has a diameter which is greater than the
diameter of the body of the container. The panel openings are
generally configured to allow the body of the container to pass
through the panel opening, but the panel openings are generally
sized to prevent the flange or rim or body transition region of the
container to pass through the panel opening. Generally, if the
flange or rim or body transition region of the container is forced
through the panel opening, the panel opening is damaged; however,
this is not required. As such, the flange or rim or body transition
region of the container generally functions as a stop of the
container as it is being inserted through the panel opening and,
generally, the bottom surface of the flange or rim or portion of
the body transition region rests on the top surface of the panel
portion that surrounds the panel opening when the body of the
container is fully inserted into the panel opening; however, this
is not required.
[0014] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
invention, the package carrying arrangement optionally includes a
handle portion that is configured to facilitate in the carrying by
the user of the package carrying arrangement. The shape, size, and
materials of the handle portion are non-limiting. The handle
portion can optionally be formed of a lightweight, durable and
liquid resistant material (e.g., plastic, rubber, composite
material, metal, coated paper board, etc.); however, this is not
required. The handle portion can be integrally formed as part of
the panel portion; however, this is not required. In one specific
non-limiting embodiment, a handle portion can be portioned at one
or both ends of the panel portion. In one non-limiting
configuration, a handle portion is positioned at both ends of the
panel portion. The handle portion includes a handle opening that is
spaced from the edge of the handle portion. The size and shape of
the handle opening is non-limiting. In one non-limiting
configuration, the handle opening has a generally rectangular shape
wherein the width of the handle opening is substantially parallel
to the latitudinal axis of the panel portion; however, this is not
required. When the panel portion includes two handle portions
located at both ends of the panel portion, the handle openings in
the two handle portions can have the same shape and size; however,
this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the panel
portion includes two handle portions located at both ends of the
panel portion, and the handle openings in the two handle portions
have the same or similar shape and size. When the panel portion is
folded in half, the handle openings of the two handle portions
partially or fully align with one another such that a user can
insert one or more fingers through the two handle opens when
carrying the folded panel portion; however, this is not
required.
[0015] When the panel portion includes two handle portions located
at both ends of the panel portion, at least one of the handle
portions can include a connector that is configured to connect the
handle portions together and/or portions of the panel portion
together when the panel portions are folded (e.g., folded in half,
etc.). Many different types of arrangement can be used to form the
connection (e.g., adhesive, tape, hook and loop fastener, magnet,
snap, friction engagement, latch, etc.) Generally, the connection
is a releasable connection; however, this is not required. In one
non-limiting configuration, a handle tab which is located on a
handle portion is configured to be folded up through a handle
opening of another handle portion when the panel portion is folded
(e.g., folded in half, etc.); however, this is not required. The
size and shape of the handle tab is non-limiting. In one
non-limiting configuration, the handle tab (when used) can be
substantially U-shaped such that three sides of the handle tab are
absent attachment to the handle portion or panel portion, and the
fourth connected edge provides a pivot point for the tab; however,
this is not required. As can be appreciated, the shape of the
handle tab can be other and/or alternative shapes.
[0016] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the invention,
the handle tab can be from about 0.5 to about 14 inches in length
(and all values and ranges therebetween) and about 0.5-4 includes
in width (and all values and ranges therebetween); however, this is
not required. In one non-limiting specific arrangement, the length
of the handle tab is about 2-8 inches. A portion of the peripheral
edge of the handle tab can include a perforated region, serrated
region, grooved region, etc. that enables a user to "punch out" the
handle tab at such regions. Generally, the handle tab is configured
to remain connected to the handle portion or panel portion such
that after the other portions of the handle tab are "punched out",
the handle tab still pivots on the location that is still connected
to the handle portion or panel portion. In one non-limiting
configuration, the handle tab includes three edges that are
releasably attached to the handle portion and/or panel portion by a
perforated region, serrated region, grooved region, etc. that
enables a user to "punch out" the handle tab at the three edges of
the handle tab; however, this is not required. In another
non-limiting arrangement, the handle tab can pivot relative to an
imaginary plane through its connected edge and parallel to the fold
midline on the panel portion; however, this is not required. The
handle tab can be configured to fold or pivot along its connected
edge and enter through the handle opening in the other handle
portion when the panel portion is folded in half; however, this is
not required. In such an arrangement, the handle tab can facilitate
in releasably connecting the handle portions together while the
panel portion is folded in half. As can be appreciated, other or
additional arrangements can be used to releasably connect the two
handle portions together (e.g., magnet, tape, releasable adhesive,
hook and loop fastener, etc.).
[0017] According to another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect
of the invention, the handle portion can be configured for improved
comfort and ease of use to the user; however, this is not required.
As such, the handle opening in the handle portion can include a
plurality of ergonomic grooves to accommodate a user's hand;
however, this is not required. Additionally, the handle tab and/or
other type of connection arrangement can be configured to hold the
panel portion in the folded position, thereby alleviating the need
of a user to continuously squeeze the two handle portions together;
however, this is not required.
[0018] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, a method of using a package carrying arrangement
can include the steps of: 1) loading one or more containers into
the panel openings provided in the package carrying arrangement;
and 2) carrying the package carrying arrangement panel with the
loaded cans to a desired location.
[0019] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of
the present invention, a method of using a package carrying
arrangement can include the steps of: 1) loading one or more
containers into the panel openings provided in the package carrying
arrangement; 2) folding the package carrying arrangement panel such
that the handle portions located at the ends of the panel portion
are brought together; and 3) carrying the package carrying
arrangement panel with the loaded cans by the handle portion to a
desired location.
[0020] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, a method of using a package carrying arrangement
can include the steps of: 1) loading one or more containers into
the panel openings provided in the package carrying arrangement; 2)
folding the package carrying arrangement panel such that the handle
portions located at the ends of the panel portion are brought
together; 3) connecting the folded panel portions together, wherein
one non-limiting arrangement for connection is to fold a handle tab
of one handle portion into and through the handle opening in the
other handle opening, and 4) having the user place his/her fingers
through the handle openings of both handle portions and carry the
package carrying arrangement panel with the loaded cans to a
desired location.
[0021] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a loading station that is
configured for use with the package carrying arrangement; however,
this is not required. The loading station can be configured to be
permanently or movably mounted to a shelf system that holds canned
goods (e.g., canned cat food, etc.); however, this is not required.
The loading station is generally made of a durable material (e.g.,
metal, wood, plastic, composite material, etc.). In one specific
non-limiting embodiment, the loading station material is a plastic
material such as, but not limited to, polypropylene. The size and
shape of the loading station is non-limiting. In one non-limiting
arrangement, the loading station has a generally rectangular shape
such that the overall length is greater than the width of the
loading station; however, this is not required. According to
another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,
the loading station can include one or more dividers and/or walls
extending along the longitudinal and latitudinal axis of the
loading station to form one or more cavities in the loading
station; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting
arrangement, the loading station includes a plurality of container
cavities (e.g., two cavities, three cavities, four cavities, five
cavities, six cavities, eight cavities, twelve cavities, sixteen
cavities, twenty cavities, twenty-four cavities, etc.). The shape
and size of the container cavities is non-limiting. Generally, each
container cavity has generally the same shape and size; however,
this is not required. Generally, the shape and size of the
container cavity is selected to receive a body of a container that
is to be used with the loading station; however, this is not
required. Generally, the loading station has at least the same
number of container cavities and the number of panel openings of
the package carrying arrangement that is to be used with the
loading station; however, this is not required. The depth of the
container cavities is generally .+-.10% the height of the body
portion the container; however this is not required. In one
non-limiting arrangement, each container cavity in the loading
station has the same size and shape (e.g., square cross-sectional
shape, circular cross-sectional shape, polygonal cross-sectional
shape, etc.) and the depth of the container cavities is about
.+-.3% the height of the body portion the container.
[0022] In another non-limiting aspect of the invention, the loading
station can include one or more station compartments that are
different from the one or more cavities. The one or more station
compartments can be partially or fully separated from the one or
more cavities. In one non-limiting arrangement, at least one
station compartment is configured to hold one or more package
carrying arrangement; however, this is not required. In one
non-limiting embodiment, the station compartment used to hold the
one or more package carrying arrangements is positioned rearwardly
of the cavities on the loading station; however, this is not
required. As can be appreciated, the loading station can include a
plurality of station compartments wherein each station compartment
is configured to hold a different package carrying arrangement. In
one non-limiting arrangement, the loading station includes one or
more station compartments wherein at least one of the station
compartments has an opening located at the top of the loading
station; however, this is not required. The opening of the station
compartment is located generally at or above the top cavity on the
loading station; however, this is not required. The depth of the
chamber of the station compartment is generally equal to or less
than the length of the package carrying arrangement; however, this
is not required.
[0023] In another non-limiting aspect of the invention, the loading
station can include an upper outwardly extending flange than can be
used as hook feature for at least partially supporting the package
carrying arrangement as the containers are loaded into the panel
openings on the package carrying arrangement; however, this is not
required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the upper outwardly
extending flange is positioned at or near the top of the loading
station and extends outwardly toward the front of the loading
station. The flange can be configured to allow the hanging of a
panel; however, this is not required. The upper outwardly extending
flange can include a lip and/or hook portion at the end of the
upper outwardly extending flange; however, this is not required.
The upper outwardly extending flange provides a means of releasably
securing the package carrying arrangement to the loading station;
however, this is not required. The shape and size of the package
carrying arrangement is non-limiting. Generally, the lip and/or
hook portion at the end of the upper outwardly extending flange is
U-shaped; however, other or additional shapes can be used (e.g.,
rectangular, square, oval, polygonal, etc.). In use, the handle
opening on the package carrying arrangement receives the front
portion of the upper outwardly extending flange and supports the
package carrying arrangement over the cavity face on the loading
station. The lip and/or hook portion at the end of the upper
outwardly extending flange is configured to inhibit or prevent the
package carrying arrangement from slipping off the upper outwardly
extending flange as the containers are loaded into the panel
openings of the package carrying arrangement. As can be
appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to hold
the package carrying arrangement in position on the loading station
as the containers are loaded into the panel openings of the package
carrying arrangement.
[0024] In another non-limiting aspect of the invention, the loading
station can include side faces that extend partially or the full
vertical length of the loading station. The side faces can be
configured to provide structural support and/or rigidity to the
loading station and/or facilitate in the loading of the containers
into panel openings of the package carrying arrangement. In one
non-limiting arrangement, the side faces in combination with the
cavity walls of the loading station inhibit or prevent the bending
of the package carrying arrangement as the containers are loaded
into the panel openings of the package carrying arrangement;
however, this is not required.
[0025] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the loading station can include one or more
lower outwardly extending flanges; however, this is not required.
The lower outwardly extending flanges are located generally at or
near the bottom of the loading station. The shape and size of the
one or more lower outwardly extending flanges is non-limiting. In
use, the handle opening on the package carrying arrangement
receives the front portion of the lower outwardly extending flange
when the package carrying arrangement is positioned over the
container cavity face on the loading station. The lower outwardly
extending flange is configured to inhibit or prevent lateral
movement of the package carrying arrangement as the containers are
loaded into the panel openings of the package carrying arrangement;
however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, other or
additional arrangements can be used to hold the package carrying
arrangement in position on the loading station as the containers
are loaded into the panel openings of the package carrying
arrangement.
[0026] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a loading station which can be
immovably secured to or moveably secured to a shelf system;
however, this is not required. When the loading station is
immovably secured to the shelf system, the securing arrangement can
include, but is not limited to, magnets, tape, adhesive, bolts,
rivets, screws, clamp, solder, welding, hook and loop fastener,
etc. The shelf system can include a sliding track wherein the
loading station can be mounted so as to slide across the shelf;
however, this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the
loading station includes a rear mount that is configured to be
connected to the front end of a shelf. The rear mount is configured
to extend outwardly from the rear face of the loading station. The
rear mount can optionally include a recessed portion that receives
a lower front edge of the shelf; however, this is not required. The
back end of the rear mount includes a flange that secures to a back
groove in the front edge of the shelf so as to secure the loading
station to the shelf. As can be appreciated, other rear mount
arrangements can be used to secure the loading station to the
shelf.
[0027] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, a method of using the loading station can
include the steps of: 1) selecting a package carrying arrangement;
2) removably securing the package carrying arrangement to the
loading station; 3) inserting the base of a container through a
panel opening of the package carrying arrangement until one or more
of the panel openings include a container; and 4) removing the
package carrying arrangement from the loading station.
[0028] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of
the present invention, a method of using the loading station can
include the steps of: 1) selecting a package carrying arrangement;
2) removably securing the package carrying arrangement to the
loading station by hanging the handle portion of the package
carrying arrangement on the upper outwardly extending flange of the
loading station, 3) inserting the base of a container through a
panel opening of the package carrying arrangement until one or more
of the panel openings include a container; and 4) removing the
package carrying arrangement from the loading station by lifting
the handle portion off of the upper outwardly extending flange of
the loading station.
[0029] In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect
of the present invention, a method of using the loading station can
include the steps of: 1) selecting a package carrying arrangement;
2) removing the package carrying arrangement from the opening of
the station compartment; 3) removably securing the package carrying
arrangement to the loading station by hanging the handle portion of
the package carrying arrangement on the upper outwardly extending
flange of the loading station such that the top surface of the
package carrying arrangement faces away from the loading station
and the bottom surface of the package carrying arrangement faces
toward the loading station, 4) inserting the base of a container
through a panel opening of the package carrying arrangement until
one or more of the panel openings include a container and the body
of the containers are at least partially inserted in a container
cavity of the loading station; and 5) removing the package carrying
arrangement from the loading station after the desired number of
containers have been loaded in the package carrying arrangement by
lifting the handle portion off of the upper outwardly extending
flange of the loading station.
[0030] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, a method of using the loading station can
include the steps of: 1) selecting a package carrying arrangement;
2) removing the package carrying arrangement from the opening of
the station compartment; 3) removably securing the package carrying
arrangement to the loading station by hanging the upper handle
portion of the package carrying arrangement on the upper outwardly
extending flange of the loading station such that the top surface
of the package carrying arrangement faces away from the loading
station and the bottom surface of the package carrying arrangement
faces toward the loading station, 4) positioning a portion of the
lower outwardly extending flange through the handle opening of the
lower handle portion of the package carrying arrangement to limit
lateral movement of the package carrying arrangement relative to
the loading station; 5) inserting the base of a container through a
panel opening of the package carrying arrangement until one or more
of the panel openings include a container and the body of the
containers are at least partially inserted in a container cavity of
the loading station; and 6) removing the package carrying
arrangement from the loading station after the desired number of
containers have been loaded in the package carrying arrangement by
pulling the lower handle portion from the lower outwardly extending
flange and then lifting the upper handle portion off of the upper
outwardly extending flange of the loading station.
[0031] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, a method of using the loading station can
include the steps of: 1) selecting a package carrying arrangement;
2) removing the package carrying arrangement from the opening of
the station compartment; 3) removably securing the package carrying
arrangement to the loading station by hanging the upper handle
portion of the package carrying arrangement on the upper outwardly
extending flange of the loading station such that the top surface
of the package carrying arrangement faces away from the loading
station and the bottom surface of the package carrying arrangement
faces toward the loading station, 4) positioning a portion of the
lower outwardly extending flange through the handle opening of the
lower handle portion of the package carrying arrangement to limit
lateral movement of the package carrying arrangement relative to
the loading station; 5) loading the desired number of containers in
the package carrying arrangement by inserting each base of a
container through a panel opening of the package carrying
arrangement until one or more of the panel openings include a
container and the body of the containers are at least partially
inserted in a container cavity of the loading station; 6) pulling
the lower handle portion from the lower outwardly extending flange;
7) folding the panel portion of the package carrying arrangement by
hanging the lower handle portion of the package carrying
arrangement on the upper outwardly extending flange of the loading
station while the upper handle portion of the package carrying
arrangement remains on the upper outwardly extending flange of the
loading station; and 8) removing the package carrying arrangement
from the loading station by lifting the upper handle portion and
lower handle portion off of the upper outwardly extending flange of
the loading station.
[0032] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, a method of using the loading station can
include the steps of: 1) selecting a package carrying arrangement;
2) removing the package carrying arrangement from the opening of
the station compartment; 3) removably securing the package carrying
arrangement to the loading station by hanging the upper handle
portion of the package carrying arrangement on the upper outwardly
extending flange of the loading station such that the top surface
of the package carrying arrangement faces away from the loading
station and the bottom surface of the package carrying arrangement
faces toward the loading station, 4) positioning a portion of the
lower outwardly extending flange through the handle opening of the
lower handle portion of the package carrying arrangement to limit
lateral movement of the package carrying arrangement relative to
the loading station; 5) loading the desired number of containers in
the package carrying arrangement by inserting each base of a
container through a panel opening of the package carrying
arrangement until one or more of the panel openings include a
container and the body of the containers are at least partially
inserted in a container cavity of the loading station; 6) pulling
the lower handle portion from the lower outwardly extending flange;
7) folding the panel portion of the package carrying arrangement by
hanging the lower handle portion of the package carrying
arrangement on the upper outwardly extending flange of the loading
station while the upper handle portion of the package carrying
arrangement remains on the upper outwardly extending flange of the
loading station, 8) folding the handle tab of one of the handle
portions through the handle opening of the other handle portion;
and 9) removing the package carrying arrangement from the loading
station by lifting the upper handle portion and lower handle
portion off of the upper outwardly extending flange of the loading
station.
[0033] In all of the method set forth above, if the package
carrying arrangement includes "punch out" portions for one or more
of the panel openings, the "punch out" can be partially or fully
removed prior to or during the insertion of the body of the
container through the panel opening. If the handle tab requires
partial "punching out", the handle tab can be partially "punched
out" prior to or during any of the method steps. If the loading
station is moveably connected to a shelf system, the loading
station can be moved to a desired position prior to or during of
the method steps.
[0034] One non-limiting object of the present invention is the
provision of a package carrying arrangement configured to
conveniently transport a plurality of containers.
[0035] Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention is the provision of a package carrying
arrangement configures to conveniently transport a plurality of
containers that are packaged in the same or similarly shaped, sized
and configured packaging.
[0036] Yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention is the provision of a package carrying
arrangement configured to enable convenient loading, unloading and
transporting of a plurality of containers that are packaged in the
same or similarly shaped, sized and configured packaging.
[0037] Yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention is the provision of a package carrying
arrangement that can be used to releasably secure a plurality of
containers.
[0038] Yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention is the provision of a loading station suitable
for use in facilitating the loading of a package carrying
arrangement according to the present invention.
[0039] Still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of
the present invention is the provision of a method for loading and
unloading a package carrying arrangement in accordance with the
present invention.
[0040] These and other objectives will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon reading and following the description taken
together with the accompanied drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate
various non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in
physical form and in certain parts and arrangements of parts
wherein:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of the bottom surface
of one non-limiting package carrying arrangement according to the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the top surface of
the package carrying arrangement of FIG. 1;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the package carrying
arrangement of FIG. 2 wherein the panel portion is partially loaded
with containers;
[0045] FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the package carrying
arrangement of FIG. 2 wherein the loaded panel portion is folded in
half and releasably secured in the folded position by a connection
arrangement;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of a loading station
according to the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the loading station of
FIG. 5 wherein the loading station is attached to a track system of
a shelf;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of the loading station
of FIG. 5 wherein a package carrying arrangement of FIG. 1 is hung
so that the bottom surface is facing the loading station;
[0049] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of the loading station
of FIG. 7 wherein the package carrying arrangement panel is being
loaded with containers;
[0050] FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of the loading station
of FIG. 8 wherein the loaded package carrying arrangement is folded
on the loading station; and
[0051] FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of the loading station
of FIG. 9 wherein the folded package carrying arrangement is
removed from the loading station.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
the purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the
invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention,
FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a package carrying arrangement 100 that can
be used in and/or in conjunction with the loading, unloading, and
transport of a plurality of packaged food items in accordance with
the present invention, and a loading station 500 which can be used
with the package carrying arrangement 100.
[0053] The package carrying arrangement 100 includes a panel
portion 200 and first and second handle portions 300, 320. The
first handle portion is connected to one end of the panel portion
and the second handle portion is connected to the other end of the
panel portion. Generally, the first and second handle portions are
integrally formed with the panel portion; however, this is not
required. The package carrying arrangement is not limited in
material, size, shape or color. Generally, the package carrying
arrangement is formed of a lightweight, durable material such as a
paperboard material; however, other or additional materials can be
used (e.g., cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, etc.). The panel
portion can be formed of one or more layers. As illustrated in FIG.
1, the panel of the package carrying arrangement has a generally
rectangular shape; however, other or additional shapes can be used.
The package carrying arrangement is illustrated as having a first
longitudinal edge 202, a second longitudinal edge 206, a front end
204 and a distal end 208. The package carrying arrangement has a
bottom surface 210 and a top surface 230. The top and/or bottom
surfaces can optionally display various types of information (e.g.,
instructions of use, advertising, coupons, labels, bar codes,
etc.). Information can also or alternatively be impressed into the
package carrying arrangement (e.g., brand names, labels, etc.);
however, this is not required.
[0054] The top surface 230 of package carrying arrangement 100 can
optionally include a plurality of support structures 231, 232, 233,
234, 235, 236 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The support structures are
not limited in shape. Generally, the support structures are
positioned about the outer peripheral portion of the package
carrying arrangement; however, this is not required. The material
used to form the one or more support structures can be the same as
or different from the material used to form the panel portion. The
thickness of the support structures can be the same or different.
The thickness of the support structures can be the same as or
different from the thickness of the panel portion. The means of
attachment of support structures 231, 232, 234, 235, 236 to the top
surface 230 of package carrying arrangement 100 is not limiting.
Generally, the support structures are adhesively secured to the top
surface of the package carrying arrangement 100; however, one or
more of the support structures can be integrally formed on the top
surface or connected to the top surface by other or additional
attachment means (e.g., tape, hook and loop fastener, melted seam,
solder, etc.).
[0055] Support structures 231, 232, 234, 235 can optionally include
one or more projections, wherein the projections extend at least
partially between adjacent panel openings 220 in the panel portion
200 as illustrated in FIG. 2; however, this is not required. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, support structures 231, 232, 234, 235 are
spaced from the panel openings; however, this is not required. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, when a container 400 is inserted into the
panel opening, the body transition region or rim or top flange 410
of the container is spaced from the support structures; however,
this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 2, support structures
231, 232, 234, 235 extend to the side edges of first edge 202 or
second edge 206 of the package carrying arrangement; however, this
is not required. Support structures 231, 232, 234, 235 can be
spaced from one another; however, this is not required. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, support structures 231 and 232 are spaced
from one another about the center line of the package carrying
arrangement. Likewise, support structures 234 and 235 are spaced
from one another about the center line of the package carrying
arrangement. The shape of the spacing is generally V-shaped;
however, this is not required. This spacing facilitates in allowing
the package carrying arrangement to be folded in half about the
centerline of the package carrying arrangement. Support structures
233, 236 can partially or completely surround the handle openings
310, 322, respectively.
[0056] The support structures (when used) can add strength and/or
rigidity to the package carrying arrangement and/or inhibit or
prevent the tearing of the panel portion and/or handle portion. In
one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the one or
more surface structures are magnetic such that when the package
carrying arrangement is folded in half, one or more magnets on the
support structures can facilitate in maintaining the package
carrying arrangement in the folded position; however, this is not
required. As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangements
can be used to facilitate in maintaining the package carrying
arrangement in the folded position.
[0057] The package carrying arrangement 100 can include a fold line
extending laterally across the panel 200 from a first edge 202 to a
second edge 206; however, this is not required. Generally, the fold
line is formed along axis 214. As such, when the panel 200 is
folded along fold line 214, the two ends 204, 208 are brought
together and meet when in a folded position. The fold line can
optionally include a groove, scoring or some other structure to
facilitate in the folding of the package carrying arrangement along
the fold line. FIG. 2 illustrates scoring as represented by the
fold line on the top surface of the package carrying
arrangement.
[0058] The panel portion 200 of the package carrying arrangement
can include a plurality of panel openings 220. The panel openings
220 are not limited in size or shape. Generally, the panel openings
are formed in circular shapes having a diameter of about 2-5
inches; however, other or additional shapes and sizes can be used.
The shape of the panel openings is generally selected based on the
shape of the body of the container that is to be inserted into the
panel opening. The panel openings are illustrated in FIG. 1 as
being spaced from one another and spaced from the peripheral edge
of the package carrying arrangement; however, this is not required.
Generally, adjacently positioned panel openings that are positioned
on the same side of axis 214 are spaced the same distance from one
another; however, this is not required. The panel openings are also
illustrated as being spaced from the handle openings; however, this
is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the spacing of the panel
openings that are positioned on the same side of axis 214 is less
than the spacing between the panel openings located on each side of
axis 214; however, this is not required.
[0059] The one or more of the panel openings 220 can optionally
include one or more notches 222 and/or slits 224. The one or more
notches 222 and/or slits 224 are illustrated as being located along
a portion of the peripheral edge of the panel opening; however,
this is not required. As can be appreciated, scoring can also or
alternatively be used about the peripheral edge of the panel
opening; however, this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 1,
each panel opening includes a plurality of sets of notches and/or
slits. Each set is illustrated as including two notches and three
slits; however this is not required. Adjacent sets of notches
and/or slits are illustrated as being spaced at equal distances
apart from one another about the peripheral edge of the panel
opening; however, this is not required.
[0060] The notches and/or slits and/or scoring and/or tear grooves
(when used) are configured to allow a portion of the outer
peripheral edge of the panel opening to flex and/or bend, and/or
further open up as a container is inserted into the panel opening.
When the size of the panel opening is slightly smaller than the
container body, the flexing and/or bending of the outer peripheral
edge of the panel opening and/or the further opening up or increase
in the size of the panel opening allows the container body to be
inserted into the panel opening and results in a tight fit, thereby
maintaining the container in the panel opening; however, this is
not required. Additionally, the notches and/or slits and/or scoring
and/or tear grooves, when used, can be configured to provide tear
points for when a user removes a container from the panel opening;
however, this is not required. The number of notches and/or slits
and/or scoring and/or tear grooves about a panel opening is
non-limiting. Generally, each panel opening includes the same
number, same type and same configuration about the panel open or
notches and/or slits and/or scoring and/or tear grooves; however,
this is not required.
[0061] The package carrying arrangement 100 can include a first
handle portion 300 and/or a second handle portion 320. The handle
portions 300, 320 can be integrally formed with the panel portion
200; however, this is not required. When the package carrying
arrangement is folded along fold line 214, the two ends 204, 208
and two handle portions 300, 320 are brought together and meet when
in a folded position. In the folded position, the handle openings
310, 322 are partially or fully aligned with one another. The each
of the two side edges of each handle portion is illustrated as
angling inwardly from the peripheral edge of the panel portion;
however, this is not required.
[0062] The first handle portion 300 includes a handle tab 311. The
handle tab 311 is capable of folding up through an opening 322 on a
second handle portion 320 when the package carrying arrangement is
folded along fold line 214. The handle tab 311 is not limited in
size or shape. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the handle tab is
substantially oval; however, other or additional shapes can be
used. The handle tab 311 can include three adjacent edges 312, 316,
318 that are configured to separate from the adjacent material of
the handle portion and/or panel portion. The separation can be
achieved by scoring, slits, slots, tear groove, etc. Edge 314 is
configured to least partially maintain it connection to the
adjacent material of the handle portion. As such, the portion of
edge 314 of handle tab 311 provides a means of pivoting and/or
rotating the handle tab when edges 312, 316, 318 are caused to be
separated from the adjacent material of the handle portion and/or
panel portion; however, this is not required. As can be
appreciated, the first handle portion can be absent a handle tab
and merely include handle opening 310; however, this is not
required.
[0063] The second handle portion 320 of package carrying
arrangement 100 includes a handle opening 322. The handle opening
322 is not limited in size or shape. The handle opening can be
substantially oval as illustrated in FIG. 1; however, other or
additional shapes can be used. Opening 322 can be configured to
have the same or similar shape and/or size as handle opening 310 of
the first handle portion 300; however, this is not required. In
such an arrangement, handle opening 322 can receive handle tab 311
when the package carrying arrangement is folded in half. The
insertion of the handle tab through handle opening 322 facilitates
in maintaining the packaging carrying arrangement in the folded
position; however, this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 1,
the two end regions of handle opening 322 include a portion 323
that extends closer to distal end 208 of the package carrying
arrangement. Likewise, two end regions of handle opening 310
include a portion 313 that extends closer to front end 204 of the
package carrying arrangement. These regions on each of the handle
openings can be used with features of the loading station as
discussed below to facilitate in the handling and/or orientation of
the package carrying arrangement to the loading station; however,
this is not required.
[0064] In use, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, a container 400
with rim 410 and body 420 can be held in each panel opening in the
package carrying arrangement 100. Generally, container 400 is held
around the body 420 by panel opening as illustrated in FIG. 3. A
plurality of notches 222 and slits 224 facilitate allowing the
container to be pushed into the panel opening. The container is
retained in the panel opening about the outer surface of the body
of the container, typically at or near the location on the
container where the larger diameter rim 410 meets the smaller
diameter body 420; however, this is not required.
[0065] With continued reference to FIGS. 3-4, as the two handle
portions and edges 204, 208 are brought together, the package
carrying arrangement folds along fold line 214. In the folded
position, edges 204, 208 are brought together such that handle tab
311 of the first handle portion is aligned with handle opening 322
of the second handle portion. Handle tab 311 can be pushed through
the handle opening 322 of the second handle portion and folded
along its pivot edge 314 such that the top surface 315 of handle
tab 311 engages with the bottom surface 210 of the package carrying
arrangement. As such, when the handle tab is folded through handle
opening 322, the package carrying arrangement is prevented from
unfolding.
[0066] With reference to FIG. 4, when the package carrying
arrangement is in a folded position, the top surface 230 of the
package carrying arrangement and lids of the plurality of container
face one another; however, this is not required. Generally, at
least a portion of the top surface of one half of the package
carrying arrangement engages with at least a portion of the top
surface of the other half of the package carrying arrangement when
in a folded position; however, this is not required. As illustrated
in FIG. 4, when the package carrying arrangement is loaded with one
or more containers, a majority of the body of the container
protrudes from the bottom surface of the package carrying
arrangement panel. The one or more surface structures 231, 232,
233, 234, 235, 236 (when used) can serve the purpose of adding
strength and rigidity to the package carrying arrangement panel to
inhibit or prevent the package carrying arrangement from tearing
due to the weight of the containers loaded in the package carrying
arrangement; however, this is not required.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 5-10, there is illustrated a loading
station 500 in accordance with the present invention, which can be
used with a package carrying arrangement 100 as described above.
The loading station can be attached to a shelf system that holds
canned goods, etc. and can be used to facilitate the loading of
cans into said package carrying arrangement; however, this is not
required.
[0068] The loading station 500 includes a loading portion 600. The
loading portion 600 is not limited in size, shape, material or
color. Generally, the loading portion is formed of a durable
material such as plastic, metal, wood, composite material, etc.;
however, other or additional materials can be used. As illustrated
in FIG. 5, the loading portion is formed in a rectangular shape;
however, other or additional shapes can be used (e.g., square,
polygonal, circular, oval, etc.). The loading portion includes an
outer peripheral wall 602 extending continuously through the
corners in a substantially rectangular shape, thereby creating a
loading cavity 612 defined partially by the outer wall 602. As can
be appreciated, the outer peripheral wall is not required to be
continuous and can be formed of multiple pieces. Also, the outer
peripheral wall is not required to have curved corners as
illustrated in FIG. 5. The loading cavity that is at least
partially formed by the outer wall 602 of loading portion 600 can
be subdivided by a plurality of longitudinal walls, one of which is
marked as 610 and a plurality of horizontal walls, one of which is
marked as 620. Walls 610, 620 divide loading cavity 612 into a one
or more container cavities 630. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the
loading portion 600 includes two longitudinal walls and three
horizontal walls arranged to create twelve container cavities;
however, it can be appreciated that a different number of walls can
be used to form a different number of container cavities in loading
cavity 612. The loading station 600 can be attached to or formed on
the front surface of a storage compartment portion 700 such that
the front wall 702 of storage compartment portion 700 defines the
back surface of the plurality of container cavities 630 of loading
portion 600; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated,
loading cavity 612 can have a separate rear wall from the
structures of the storage compartment portion 700. Also, it can be
appreciated that the loading portion can be absent storage
compartment portion 700.
[0069] The storage compartment portion 700 (when used) is not
limited in shape, size, material or color. Generally, the storage
compartment portion is formed of a durable material such as
plastic, metal, wood, composite material, etc.; however, other or
additional materials can be used. The material of the storage
compartment portion 700 and the material of the loading portion 600
can be the same or different. The storage compartment portion 700
and the loading portion 600 can be integrally formed as a one-piece
construction; however, it can be appreciated that the loading
portion and the storage compartment portion can be two separate
components can be optionally connected together by some type of
connection means (e.g., adhesive, rivet, screw, bolt, melted
connection, solder, weld, etc.). As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and
8-10, the storage compartment portion is formed in a substantially
rectangular shape; however, other or additional shapes can be used
(e.g., square, circular, polygonal, oval, etc.). The storage
compartment portion includes a compartment 710 suitable for use in
storing a plurality of package carrying arrangement panels 100, as
described above. The storage compartment portion can be configured
to enclose at least a portion of the package carrying arrangement
panels. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the majority of the panel is
enclosed by the storage compartment portion (e.g., 60-95% enclosed,
etc.); however, this is not required. The height of the storage
compartment portion 700 can optionally be greater than the height
of the loading portion 600 as illustrated in FIG. 5; however, this
is not required.
[0070] The loading station 500 can optionally include an upper
outwardly extending flange 720 which includes a support wall 724
and hook arrangement 722; however, this is not required. At least a
portion of the upper outwardly extending flange 720 is illustrated
as extending outwardly (e.g., perpendicularly, etc.) from the front
surface of the compartment portion at or near the top front edge of
the compartment portion. The end portion of hook 722 extends
upwardly from the body of the hook; however, this is not required.
The upper outwardly extending flange 720 is not limited in size,
shape, material or color. Generally, the upper outwardly extending
flange 720 is formed of the same material as the storage
compartment portion 700; however, other or additional materials can
be used. As illustrated in FIG. 5, two support walls 724 are
positioned under the two arms of hook 722. The support wall can
extend from the top surface of the outer wall 602 of loading
portion 600 to the bottom surface of the hook 722; however, this is
not required.
[0071] Hook 722 is configured to support the package carrying
arrangement 100 on the loading station as illustrated in FIG. 7.
The front portion of the hook is configured to pass through one of
the handle openings of the package carrying arrangement. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, the front portion of the hook passes through
handle opening 322 of the package carrying arrangement. The
upwardly extending end portions of the hook are configured to
maintain the package carrying arrangement on the hook to hold and
support the package carrying arrangement on the front-facing
surface of the loading station and to limit lateral movement of the
package carrying arrangement while position on the front-facing
surface of the loading station. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the front
face of the package carrying arrangement faces outwardly from the
loading station when positioned on the front-facing surface of the
loading station; however, this is not required.
[0072] The loading station 500 can optionally include two lower
outwardly extending flanges 604, 606. Lower outwardly extending
flanges 604, 606 generally descend as surface projections from the
bottom wall 608 of loading portion 600; however, it can be
appreciated that the lower outwardly extending flanges can extend
partially or fully across the bottom surface of the loading station
500. Lower outwardly extending flanges are not limited by material,
size, shape or color. Generally, lower outwardly extending flanges
are the same material as the loading portion 600; however, other or
additional materials can be used. Lower outwardly extending flanges
can optionally end in a hook feature; however, this is not
required. Generally, the lower outwardly extending flanges extend
at an angle of about 80-110.degree. (e.g., 80-90.degree., etc.)
from the bottom surface of the loading station 500; however, this
is not required.
[0073] The two lower outwardly extending flanges 604, 606 are
configured to be inserted through one of the handle openings on the
package carrying arrangement. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the two
lower outwardly extending flanges at least partially pass through
handle opening 310 and cause the handle tab 311 to be maintained in
the at least partially open position. The two lower outwardly
extending flanges are configured to maintain the package carrying
arrangement in position relative to the loading station and to
support the package carrying arrangement on the front-facing
surface of the loading station and to limit lateral movement of the
package carrying arrangement while position on the front-facing
surface of the loading station.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 6, the loading station 500 can be
attached to a shelf system 510. The configuration of the shelf
system 510 is non-limiting. The attachment between the loading
station 500 and the shelf system 510 is non-limiting. Generally, a
track system 540 can be formed on or attached to the underside of a
shelf system 510 such that the loading station 500 can slide left
and right across the front edge of a shelf; however, this is not
required. As can be appreciated, the loading station can be mounted
so as to be immovable on the shelf system. One non-limiting
advantage of using a track system 540 is that the loading station
500 can move across the shelf along the track such that no area of
shelf is permanently blocked by the loading station 500. The
attachment between the loading station 500 and the track system 540
is non-limiting.
[0075] FIGS. 5-10 illustrate the loading station 500 in use in
accordance with the present invention. In use, package carrying
arrangement can be removed from the compartment portion 700 of
loading station 500. In embodiments where the compartment 700 is
open on a top surface of the loading station, the package carrying
arrangement can be lifted out from the compartment portion of the
loading station. The package carrying arrangement can then be hung
from a handle portion from the top of the loading station. In one
non-limiting arrangement, the opening 322 of handle opening 322 is
inserted partially over hook 722 of upper outwardly extending
flange 720, and handle opening 310 inserted partially over lower
outwardly extending flanges 604, 606 so as to position and support
the package carrying arrangement on the front-facing surface of the
loading station. As handle opening 310 is inserted partially over
lower outwardly extending flanges 604, 606, handle tab 311 is
slightly pushed out from handle portion 310. Generally, the package
carrying arrangement is hung such that the top surface faces
outwardly from the loading station 500 and the bottom surface faces
toward the loading station; however, this is not required. Once the
package carrying arrangement is in position on the loading station
500, one or more containers 400 can be loaded onto the package
carrying arrangement. During the loading of the package carrying
arrangement, each container is pushed into a separate panel opening
by leading the base of the container through the panel opening. As
the body of the container is continued to be inserted through the
panel opening, the body of the container enters into a certain
container cavity that is located behind the panel open that is
being loaded. This process is repeated until the desired number of
containers is loaded into the package carrying arrangement. The
container cavities support the container during the loading process
and reduce the torquing force and weight of the container on the
package carrying arrangement to thereby reduce or prevent damage to
the package carrying arrangement (e.g., tearing, bending, etc.)
while the package carrying arrangement is being loaded with
containers; however, this is not required.
[0076] Once the desired number of containers is loaded into the
package carrying arrangement, handle portion 300 can be pulled off
lower outwardly extending flanges 604, 606 and then optionally be
folded upwardly towards handle portion 320. As illustrated in FIG.
9, handle openings 310 and 322 are inserted partially over hook 722
of upper outwardly extending flange 720 thereby causing the package
carrying arrangement to be folded in half. The body of some of the
containers is illustrated as extending outwardly from the bottom
surface of the package carrying arrangement and also extending
outwardly from the loading station, and at least a portion of the
body of some of the container remains located in the container
cavities of the loading station. Referring now to FIG. 10, a user
can grasp both handle portions of the package carrying arrangement
and remove the handle portions from hook 722 while the package
carrying arrangement remains in the folded position. Handle tab 311
can be inserted through handle opening 322 to facilitate in
maintaining the package carrying arrangement in the folded
position; however, this is not required. If there is any printed
material on the bottom side of the package carrying arrangement, it
can be viewed when the package carrying arrangement is in the
folded position. The spacing of the panel openings from one another
is generally selected and/or the one or more surface structures is
generally used to reduce or prevent damage to the package carrying
arrangement (e.g., tearing, bending, etc.) while the package
carrying arrangement is loaded with containers, folded while the
container are loaded on the package carrying arrangement, and/or
the package carrying arrangement is carried while in the folded
position. Also or alternatively, the spacing of the panel openings
from one another is generally selected and/or the one or more
surface structures is generally used to inhibit or prevent the
bodies containers that are loaded in the package carrying
arrangement and extending outwardly from the package carrying
arrangement from contacting one another while the package carrying
arrangement is in the folded position; however, this is not
required.
[0077] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently
attained, and since certain changes may be made in the
constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the
above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The
invention has been described with reference to preferred and
alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding
the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This
invention is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present
invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims
are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of
the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of
the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to
fall therebetween.
* * * * *