U.S. patent application number 16/166999 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-25 for shipping lock and bottle hanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to PRODUCT ARCHITECTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is PRODUCT ARCHITECTS, INC.. Invention is credited to ROBERT HEIBERGER.
Application Number | 20190119014 16/166999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66169770 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-25 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190119014 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HEIBERGER; ROBERT |
April 25, 2019 |
SHIPPING LOCK AND BOTTLE HANGER
Abstract
A bottle hanger for use with a sport bottle is disclosed. The
hanger is configured to secure a movable valve associated with the
bottle in an open position during shipping, to maintain pressure
equalization inside and outside the bottle. The hanger is further
designed to flex without being dislodged from the bottle in the
event a lateral force is applied to the handle portion of the
hanger. The hanger is further configured to secure a merchandising
tag in a forward-facing orientation for optimized viewing of the
tag. The hanger may also be used with a variety of differently
shaped bottle valves.
Inventors: |
HEIBERGER; ROBERT; (BOULDER,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PRODUCT ARCHITECTS, INC. |
Boulder |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PRODUCT ARCHITECTS, INC.
BOULDER
CO
|
Family ID: |
66169770 |
Appl. No.: |
16/166999 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62575947 |
Oct 23, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/104 20130101;
A45F 5/10 20130101; B65D 51/242 20130101; B65D 47/243 20130101;
A45F 2200/0583 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/24 20060101
B65D051/24; B65D 47/24 20060101 B65D047/24 |
Claims
1. A bottle hanger, comprising: a pliable collar having a first
open end and a second open end spaced from and opposite the first
open end, the first and second open ends defining a longitudinal
dimension of the collar, a side wall extending between the first
and second ends, the side wall having a first longitudinal edge and
a second longitudinal edge spaced from the first longitudinal edge
defining an open side of the collar; and, a handle having a first
end and a second end, the first end connected to the side wall at a
first location and the second end connected to the side wall at a
second location, the handle forming a closed loop positioned above
the first end of the collar.
2. The bottle hanger of claim 1, wherein the collar defines an
interior space and a portion of the side wall extends inwardly into
the interior space.
3. The bottle hanger of claim 1, further comprising a flange
extending outwardly from the second open end of the body.
4. The bottle hanger of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a
first leg extending from the first end, a second leg extending from
the second end, and a third leg interconnecting the first and
second legs.
5. The bottle hanger of claim 4, wherein the third leg of the
handle comprises a first segment and a second segment that join at
an angle to form a highpoint along the inside edge of the third
leg.
6. The bottle hanger of claim 1, further comprising an opening
formed in the side wall.
7. The bottle hanger of claim 1, wherein the body is made from a
pliable material that bends but returns to its original shape.
8. The bottle hanger of claim 4, wherein the third leg comprises
one of a notch, flat, groove, indentation and channel to engage a
merchandizing display rack.
9. The hanger of claim 4, wherein the first leg comprises a first
portion and a second portion wherein the cross section of the first
portion is different from the second portion, and wherein the
second leg comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein
the cross section of the first portion is different from the second
portion, and wherein when a lateral force is applied to the handle,
the first portions of the first and second legs flex before the
second portions.
10. The hanger of claim 9, wherein the second portion of the first
and second legs comprise a rib of additional material not present
in the first portion of the first and second legs.
11. In combination, (a) a container; (b) a sports bottle cap
configured to attach to the container, the cap having an outer
surface and a cylindrically walled sleeve extending from the outer
surface and forming an outer opening in the cap at the proximal end
of the sleeve; (c) a movable nozzle valve having a generally
cylindrical hollow body disposed for longitudinal movement within
the cylindrically walled sleeve between an open position to permit
flow of a fluid through said hollow body from the container and a
closed position to prevent flow of a fluid through the hollow body,
the valve body having an enlarged proximal end positioned exterior
of the proximal end of the sleeve and extending radially outwardly
of the sleeve; (d) a bottle hanger having a collar with a first
open end and a second open end spaced from and opposite the first
open end, the first and second open ends defining a longitudinal
dimension of the collar, a side wall extending between the first
and second ends, the side wall having a first longitudinal edge and
a second longitudinal edge spaced from the first longitudinal edge,
the collar coupled to the sleeve and extending between the outer
surface of the cap and the enlarged proximal end of the nozzle
valve, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the collar precludes
the nozzle valve from moving to a closed position.
12. The combination of claim 11, further comprising a handle having
a length and a first end and a second end, the first end connected
to the side wall at a first location and the second end connected
to the side wall at a second location, the length of the handle
forming a closed loop positioned above the first end of the
collar.
13. The combination of claim 11, wherein the collar defines an
interior space and a portion of the side wall extends inwardly into
the interior space.
14. The combination of claim 11, further comprising a flange
extending outwardly from the second open end of the collar.
15. The combination of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises a
first leg extending from the first end, a second leg extending from
the second end, and a third leg interconnecting the first and
second legs.
16. The combination of claim 11, wherein the first leg comprises a
first portion and a second portion wherein the cross section of the
first portion is different from the second portion, and wherein the
second leg comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein
the cross section of the first portion is different from the second
portion, and wherein when a lateral force is applied to the handle,
the first portions of the first and second legs flex before the
second portions.
17. The combination of claim 11, further comprising a merchandising
tag, the tag having a body with an aperture formed in the body, the
aperture sized to receive the sleeve of the cap, and the tag
positioned between the flange of the collar and the exterior
surface of the cap.
18. The combination of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of
splines formed in the body of the tag surrounding the aperture.
19. The combination of claim 17, wherein the body comprises a flat
portion to receive and display information.
20. The combination of claim 17, wherein the body comprises a first
portion and a second portion, the aperture is disposed in the first
portion and the second portion is oriented at an angle relative to
the first portion and the second portion includes an area to
receive and display information.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/575,947
filed Oct. 23, 2017 entitled "Shipping Lock and Bottle Hanger," the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a bottle hanger for
mounting a sport bottle available for purchase on a display rack.
It also relates to a device for securing the valve of the bottle in
an open position for purposes of maintaining pressure equilibrium
inside the bottle or container relative to the outside of the
bottle or container, for example, during shipping, and separately
for maintaining the position of a merchandising tag centered and
aligned with the bottle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In a retail environment, there is a need to hang sport
bottles, water bottles or similar beverage containers, hereinafter
sports bottles or bottles, from a merchandising peg such that they
hang vertically. A vertical orientation maximizes the number of
bottles on a single peg. A vertical display also optimizes the
visual impact of the bottles and provides an overall tidiness to
the wall display without adding significant cost to the product and
the display. Similarly, there is a need for ensuring a
merchandising tag associated with a bottle is properly aligned
relative to the bottle and the position maintained in handling,
shipping and displaying the bottle.
[0004] Separately, a need exists to prevent damage to a sports
bottle following manufacture through delivery to a point of sale
display. Often, such bottles are manufactured in one location and
shipped and sold throughout a large region, including throughout
the world. When a sports bottle has a closeable valve, which is in
a closed position, and the bottle is shipped from one location to
another, changes in atmospheric conditions can create a pressure
differential between conditions inside and outside of the bottle.
If the pressure differential remains unabated because the valve
remains closed, the walls of the bottle may become distorted and
damaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method and
device are disclosed for hanging sports bottles that incorporate a
push-pull valve within a nozzle protruding from the top of a bottle
cap. The valve dispenses fluids from the flexible sports bottle by
gravity or when the bottle is squeezed, and the cap valve is pulled
upward to the open position. In one embodiment, the device
partially surrounds and is secured to a bottle nozzle. The device
is sized to require the valve associated with the nozzle be in an
open position such that when the device is attached to the nozzle,
the valve cannot close. The nozzle and valve may be most any
cross-sectional shape.
[0006] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the
device may include a loop or handle that extends from the body of
the device for hanging the bottle on a display rack and generally
for handling and transferring the bottle, for example from a
shipping container to a display rack, and to and from the display
rack. The handle may include a notch, flat, groove, indentation,
channel or other feature that nests with, engages or aligns the
sports bottle relative to the display rack. Also, the loop may be
structured to bend or deform at certain preferred locations. In one
embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the handle varies such
that, when a lateral force is applied, specifically targeted areas
of the handle flex or bend first. This is to prevent the device
from being detached or dislodged from the bottle nozzle during
handling of the bottle.
[0007] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the
device may assist in positioning and maintaining the position of a
merchandising or hang tag. As noted, the device is sized to hold
the nozzle valve in an open position. In doing so, the body of the
device generally spans the distance between the underside of the
valve and the upper surface of the bottle cap. As a result, a
merchandising tag may be secured to the nozzle and held in a
desired position or orientation by a friction fit between the body
of the device and the surface of the bottle cap.
[0008] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a
cut-out may be formed in the body of the device to facilitate
attaching and detaching the device to a bottle nozzle and cap. The
device is secured to the bottle cap and nozzle by a friction fit,
which requires the body be pliable and capable of being twisted or
contorted to either attach or detach to the nozzle. Removing
material from the body of the device by way of forming a cut-out
reduces the force needed to attach and detach the device. The
location of the cut-out or window may also alter the required force
for attaching and detaching the device. For example, forming the
cut-out or window at a location where the body physically engages
the nozzle and/or valve can reduce the needed force by a greater
degree compared to forming the same sized cut-out at a location
where the body does not directly engage the nozzle or valve.
Similarly, changing the material from which the body is made, and
or the thickness of the material, will alter the pliability of the
body.
[0009] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a bottle
hanger for a sports bottle comprises a pliable collar having a
first open end and a second open end spaced from and opposite the
first open end. The first and second open ends define a
longitudinal dimension of the collar. A side wall extends between
the first and second ends, and the side wall has a first
longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge spaced from the
first longitudinal edge defining an open side of the collar. A
handle is also provided having a first end and a second end. The
first end is connected to the side wall at a first location and the
second end is connected to the side wall at a second location. The
handle forms a closed loop positioned above the first end of the
collar.
[0010] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the collar
defines an interior space and a portion of the side wall extends
inwardly into the interior space. In a preferred embodiment, the
collar may include a flange extending outwardly from the second end
of the open body. The flange interfaces with the upper surface of
the cap or lid of the bottle.
[0011] According to aspects of the disclosure, the handle comprises
a first leg extending from the first end, a second leg extending
from the second end, and a third leg interconnecting the first and
second legs. Optionally, the third leg of the handle comprises a
first segment and a second segment that join at an angle to form a
highpoint along the inside edge of the third leg.
[0012] According to other aspects of the disclosure, the first leg
of the handle comprises a first portion and a second portion
wherein the cross section of the first portion is different from
the second portion, and wherein the second leg comprises a first
portion and a second portion wherein the cross section of the first
portion is different from the second portion, and wherein when a
lateral force is applied to the handle, the first portions of the
first and second legs flex before the second portions.
[0013] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a
system of displaying a sports bottle includes a container, a sports
bottle cap configured to attach to the container, the cap having an
outer surface and a cylindrically walled sleeve extending from the
outer surface and forming an outer opening in the cap at the
proximal end of the sleeve, a movable nozzle valve having a
generally cylindrical hollow body disposed for longitudinal
movement within the cylindrically walled sleeve between an open
position to permit flow of a fluid through said hollow body from
the container and a closed position to prevent flow of a fluid
through the hollow body, the valve body having an enlarged proximal
end positioned exterior of the proximal end of the sleeve and
extending radially outwardly of the sleeve, and a bottle hanger
having a collar with a first open end and a second open end spaced
from and opposite the first open end, the first and second open
ends defining a longitudinal dimension of the collar, a side wall
extending between the first and second ends, the side wall having a
first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge spaced from
the first longitudinal edge, the collar coupled to the sleeve and
extending between the outer surface of the cap and the enlarged
proximal end of the nozzle valve, wherein the longitudinal
dimension of the collar precludes the nozzle valve from moving to a
closed position.
[0014] According to other aspects of the disclosure, the system may
optionally include a merchandising tag, the tag having a body with
an aperture formed in the body, the aperture sized to receive the
sleeve of the cap, and the tag positioned between the flange of the
collar and the exterior surface of the cap. Further still, the tag
may comprise a plurality of splines formed in the body of the tag
surrounding the aperture. According to preferred aspects of the
present disclosure, the body may include a first portion and a
second portion, the aperture is disposed in the first portion and
the second portion is oriented at an angle relative to the first
portion and the second portion includes an area to receive and
display information.
[0015] The present disclosure will be further understood from the
drawings and the following detailed description. Although this
description sets forth specific details, it is understood that
certain embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these
specific details.
[0016] The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should
it be construed as being representative of the full extent and
scope of the present invention. Moreover, reference made herein to
"the present invention" or aspects thereof should be understood to
mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not
necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a
particular description. The present invention is set forth in
various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as
in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the
Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present
invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the general description of the
disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosures.
[0018] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible
sports bottle with a push-pull valve bottle cap in the closed
position.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottle cap illustrated
in FIG. 1, with the nozzle valve pulled upward in the open
position.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of one embodiment of a bottle
hanger attached to the bottle illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a
bottle hanger.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side view of the bottle hanger of FIG. 4.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a top view of the bottle hanger of FIG. 4 attached
to a bottle.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bottle hanger attached to
a bottle and further including a first embodiment of a
merchandising tag.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a flat merchandising
tag.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottle hanger of FIG. 4
attached to a bottle and further disclosing an L-shaped
merchandising tag.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the bottle hanger of
FIG. 4 attached to a second embodiment of a bottle having a
differently shaped push-pull valve in the open mode and cap having
an alternative profile.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a bottle hanger.
[0030] FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the bottle hanger of FIG.
11.
[0031] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the invention is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] FIG. 1 discloses the structure of a typical flexible sports
bottle (10). The sports bottle incorporates a sport bottle cap (12)
with one embodiment of a push-pull valve (14) within a protruding
cylindrical nozzle (16) that is shown in the closed position. When
the push-pull valve (14) is in the closed position, it seals the
liquid and liquid vapor contents within the bottle. When the
push-pull valve (14) is moved to the open position, fluid is
dispensed by gravity or when the bottle walls (18) are
squeezed.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates the push pull valve (14) of a sport
bottle cap (12) in the open position. The nozzle (16) extends from
the upper surface (20) of the cap (12). As shown, the push-pull
valve comprises an enlarged top portion (22) at the proximal end of
the valve having a diameter larger than the diameter of the nozzle
(16) and a cylindrical body (24) that slides within the nozzle (16)
between an open and closed position. The enlarged top portion (22)
has lower or bottom surface (26) that engages the top edge (28) of
the nozzle (16) with the push-pull valve is in the closed position.
(See, FIG. 1). The nozzle (16) and the valve (14) need not be
cylindrical but could have any geometric cross-sectional shape
other than a circle.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a bottle hanger (30)
assembled onto the push-pull valve (14) of FIG. 2 with the
push-pull valve (14) in the open position. FIG. 4 shows a front
view of the bottle hanger (30). FIG. 5 shows a side view of the
bottle hanger (30).
[0035] Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bottle hanger is positioned
between the lower surface (26) of the enlarged top portion (22) of
the push-pull valve (14) and upper surface (20) of the sport bottle
cap (12). The bottle hanger (30) generally comprises a body portion
(34) and a handle (32). The body portion (34) generally comprises
an open collar. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the collar is a
C-shaped generally cylindrical body and engages or snaps into the
engaged position illustrated in FIG. 3 by the geometry and
mechanism of a C-shaped body (34). The C-shaped body (34) is also
referred to as a C-clip. The C-shape is also illustrated in FIG. 6,
a top view of the hanger (30). The body portion or collar (34)
includes an upper or top collar (36), a lower or bottom flange (38)
and a contoured center portion (40) having a pinched or reduced
diameter (42). The contour of the center portion (40) may be
altered from that illustrated in the accompanying figures to match
or correspond to the shape of the valve (14) and nozzle (16) of
different bottles. The collar or body portion (34) has an open
first end (80) and an open second end (82), opposite the first end,
and an open side (84) defined by a first longitudinal edge (86)
spaced from a second longitudinal edge (88). The body portion (34)
defines an interior space (S).
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the angular circumference of the
collar is approximately 250 degrees, measured between the
longitudinal edges (86) and (88). A larger open side (84) makes it
easier to locate the hanger onto the mating geometry of the nozzle
(16) and valve (14) before snapping it into place but the wider the
opening (84) the easier it is for unintended removal. As will be
appreciated by those of skill in the art upon review of the present
disclosure, material pliability is also related to body wall
thickness. In one embodiment, a 0.050 inch wall of polypropylene
(recycle #5) is used. Other material choices would be high density
polyethylene, low density polyethylene, nylon, ABS, polycarbonate,
and polyester. The stronger stiffer materials like polycarbonate
and polyester would require a thinner wall section. Elastomeric
materials could be used but would require thicker wall sections to
find the right balance between flex and rigidity.
[0037] A cut-out (44) may be formed in the center portion (40) to
alter the quantity of force needed to deform the body portion (34)
when the hanger (30) is attached or detached from the push-pull
valve (14) and nozzle (16). The size and shape of the cut-out (44)
may vary to change the amount of force needed to connect the hanger
(30) to the push-pull valve (14) and nozzle (16). In general terms,
the force needed to attach or detach the hanger (30) decreases as
the cut-out (44) increases in size, e.g., as material is
removed.
[0038] When the hanger (30) engages the push-pull valve (14) the
open first end (80) or collar (36) engages the push-pull valve (14)
underneath the enlarged proximal end (22) of the valve (14). In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, diameter (46) is immediately
adjacent the enlarged end (22) and interfaces with the collar (36).
The pinched portion (42) of the body portion (34) engages the
nozzle (16) at diameter (48) (the outer wall of the nozzle (16)).
The hanger body (30) will only properly engage the valve (14) and
nozzle (16) when the push-pull valve (14) is in the open position.
When the hanger body (34) is properly affixed or engaged, the top
surface (50) of the collar (36) is positioned proximate the lower
surface (26) of the enlarged top portion (22) and bottom flange
(38) of bottle hanger (30) abuts or is proximate the upper surface
(20) of the cap (12). Stated differently, the longitudinal
dimension (D1) of the central body portion (34) approximates the
longitudinal dimension (D2) between the upper surface (20) of the
cap and the lower surface (26) of the enlarged portion (22) of the
push-pull valve (14) when the valve (14) is in the open position.
These geometries prevent the valve (14) from closing when the
hanger (30) is engaged. Importantly, this also enables the internal
pressure of the sports bottle (10) to equilibrate with the
surrounding atmospheric pressures throughout the shipping, packing
and sales cycle. Furthermore, this feature prevents the side walls
(18) of the sports bottle (10) from being pushed inward when the
internal pressure within the bottle is less than the pressure
surrounding it for long periods of time. One example of this
condition will occur if the push pull valve (14) of the sports
bottle (10) is pushed closed inadvertently in the process of
shipping and handling at a distribution warehouse at a first
location having one set of ambient conditions (for example, Denver
Colo.) and is shipped to a second location having a different set
of ambient conditions (for example, Miami, Fla.) such that the
bottle's internal pressure will generally be that of the first
location when arriving at the second location. In this example, the
difference between the pressure internal to the sports bottle (10)
and the ambient pressures external to the said sports bottle can be
approximately two psia due to the difference in atmospheric
pressures generally observed at the elevations of Denver and Miami:
5280 ft. and 6 ft. above sea level, respectively.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the bottle
hanger (30). The hanging loop or handle (32) includes a first leg
(92) connected to the body portion (34) at a first location, a
second leg (94) connected to the body (34) at a second location,
and a third leg (96) interconnecting the first leg (92) and the
second leg (94). The first leg (92) has a first portion (100) and a
second portion (102), the second leg has a first portion (200) and
a second portion (202), and the third leg has a first portion (300)
and a second portion (302). A pair of outwardly extending segments
or ribs (104 and 106) are positioned on the lateral edges of the
third leg (96) and the second portions (102 and 202) of the first
and second legs (92 and 94).
[0040] FIG. 5 discloses a side view of the bottle hanger (30) of
FIG. 4. With the handle or hanging loop (32) shown from the side,
the thinner cross-section of the first portion (200) of the second
leg (94) is readily seen. The thinner first portions (100 and 200)
of the first and second legs (92 and 94) are designed to flex when
a mechanical impulse (F) is applied to the upper most point (56) of
the hanging loop (32). More particularly, the first portions (100
and 200) will flex in response to the impulse rather than the
C-clip feature being unclipped from its mating surfaces (46) and
(48) of the push pull valve (14) and cylindrical nozzle (16) of the
sports cap (12), respectively. This feature is important because
the mechanical impulse described above may occur when a consumer is
trying to place the bottle onto a display peg after removing it for
closer inspection. A mechanical impulse may also occur at point
(56) when the bottles are being placed into to a shipping
container. This feature assists in reducing accidental removal of
the hanger (30) from the bottle (10).
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the first
portion (300) and second portion (302) of the third leg (96) are
oriented at an angle relative to each other to form a high point
(98) on the inside surface of the third leg (96). The highpoint
(98) will cause the third leg (96) of the handle (32) to
self-center on the peg of a merchandising display rack (not shown).
Alternatively, the highpoint (98) may be a notch, groove, channel,
flat, indentation or other structural element known to those of
skill in the art for centering the hanger body (30), and associated
bottle and cap, on a merchandising display rack.
[0042] FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose a perspective view of a bottle hanger
(30) attached to a bottle (10) having a flat merchandising tag (60)
secured to the bottle (10) (FIG. 7) and removed from the bottle
(10). The merchandising tag has an aperture or hole (62) large
enough to allow the push-pull valve (14) and nozzle (16) to pass
through it by bending the splines (64) as needed. With the hanger
(30) installed, the flange (38) cooperates to secure the
merchandising tag (60) to the bottle (10) (FIG. 8). The splines
(64) function to center the merchandising tag (60) when they are
pushed downward by flange (38) of the bottle hanger (30) after it
is clipped into place. The tag (60) includes a flat portion (66)
designed to receive and display information, for example,
advertising, brand information, product information, and required
disclosures. The entrapment of the merchandising tag (60) between
flange (38) of the bottle hanger (30) and surface (20) of the
bottle cap (12) functions to keep the hang tag (60) uniformly
positioned and axially oriented creating an impression of
organization amongst a group of bottles merchandised together.
Without the bottle hanger (30), the merchandising tag (60) will
slide up and down at various points along the protruding
cylindrical nozzle (16) of cap (12) and tilt at various degrees
relative to the longitudinal axis of the said nozzle. The bottle
hanger (30) also functions to keep the merchandising tag from
falling off during the shipping, handling and sales cycle. FIG. 9
discloses an L-shaped style merchandising tag (68) that is more
likely to fall off without the entrapment of bottle hanger (30)
during the shipping, handling and sales cycle due to the size and
geometry of the L-shaped tag shown. The tag (68) includes a first
portion (610) and a second portion (612) joined together at a fold
or crease (615). Each of the first and second portions (610 and
612) include flat areas (614 and 616) designed to receive and
display information, for example, advertising, brand information,
product information, and required disclosures.
[0043] FIG. 10 discloses a front view of a bottle hanger (30)
attached to a bottle (10) in the open mode with a push pull valve
(70) and cap (72) having an alternative profile than the embodiment
of FIG. 1. More specifically, the push-pull valve (70) has a
generally hourglass shape compared to the T-shape or mushroom shape
of the push-pull valve (14) of the first embodiment. In FIG. 10, it
can be seen that the push pull valve (70) is engaged by the C-clip
surfaces (74) and (76) of the bottle hanger (30). (See, FIG. 4.) It
can also be seen that there is a space or gap (G) between surface
(38) of the bottle hanger (30) and surface (78) of the sport cap
(72) that can be used to entrap a merchandising tag as described
earlier.
[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a
bottle hanger (30'). The bottle hanger (30') has a handle portion
(32') and a body portion (34'). The handle portion (32') is
essentially the same as the handle portion (32) of the first
embodiment, including a first leg (92'), a second leg (94') and a
third leg (96'), where the first and second legs include a first
portion (100' and 200', respectively) that has a reduced or thinner
cross-section relative to the second portions (102' and 202') and
third leg (96') to prevent the hanger (30') from being accidentally
removed from a water bottle by flexing of the handle portion (32').
The body portion (34') is slightly different from that of the first
embodiment. Specifically, the dimension D1' is longer and the
exterior surface (104) substantially cylindrical rather than
contoured. The interior surface (106) is contoured and includes a
reduced diameter portion (108) to assist in engaging the nozzle
(16) of a bottle cap (12). This alternative embodiment includes a
window (44'), whose dimensions may vary, for adjusting the
flexibility of the C-shaped body portion (34'), a flange (38') for
engaging the top surface of the bottle cap, and an open top portion
(80') that is reduced in diameter relative to main body portion
(34') of the hanger (30').
[0045] In FIGS. 4 and 11, features (90 and 90') are used as
surfaces to push against while ejecting hanger (30 and 30') from
the injection mold as part of the manufacturing process. These
features are positioned to allow the C-clip geometry to flex off
the injection mold core that forms the internal surface of the
hanger body (34 and 34').
[0046] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and
alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such
modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of
the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Other
modifications or uses for the present invention will also occur to
those of skill in the art after reading the present disclosure.
Such modifications or uses are deemed to be within the scope of the
present invention.
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