U.S. patent application number 17/221929 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-14 for paperboard multi-pack carrier.
This patent application is currently assigned to GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC. Invention is credited to Benjamin John Holtz, Jacob William Lingl.
Application Number | 20210316921 17/221929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005653627 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210316921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holtz; Benjamin John ; et
al. |
October 14, 2021 |
PAPERBOARD MULTI-PACK CARRIER
Abstract
A paperboard multi-pack carrier includes a center panel, a first
side panel, and a second side panel. The first side panel is
connected to and folded against the center panel along a first fold
line, and the second side panel is connected to and folded against
the center panel along a second fold line. The center panel defines
plural apertures configured to removably receive and retain
corresponding containers. The side panels define plural bights
having free edges configured to be received within corresponding
grooves defined by upper and lower portions of the containers.
Inventors: |
Holtz; Benjamin John;
(Appleton, WI) ; Lingl; Jacob William; (Sheboygan,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
1000005653627 |
Appl. No.: |
17/221929 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63007741 |
Apr 9, 2020 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/72 20130101;
B65D 2571/00561 20130101; B65D 2571/00444 20130101; B65D 71/44
20130101; B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D 2571/00098 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/44 20060101
B65D071/44; B65D 71/72 20060101 B65D071/72 |
Claims
1. A blank for a paperboard multi-pack carrier configured to
removably receive and retain a plurality of containers, each of the
containers comprising a cylindrical upper portion having a first
radius and a lower portion, the cylindrical upper portion and the
lower portion cooperating to define a circular groove having a
second radius lesser than the first radius, the blank having an
upper surface and a lower surface, the blank comprising: a center
panel; a first side panel connected to the center panel by a first
fold line; and a second side panel connected to the center panel by
a second fold line; wherein the center panel defines a first
plurality of bulb-shaped apertures, each of the first plurality of
bulb-shaped apertures having a first circular portion spaced from
the first fold line and a first neck portion contiguous with the
first circular portion, the first circular portion having a radius
lesser than the first radius, wherein the center panel also defines
a second plurality of bulb-shaped apertures, each of the second
plurality of bulb-shaped apertures having a second circular portion
spaced from the second fold line and a second neck portion
contiguous with the first circular portion, the second circular
portion having a radius lesser than the first radius, wherein the
first side panel defines a first plurality of bights, each of the
first plurality of bights corresponding with a respective one of
the first plurality of apertures and having a radius less than the
first radius, and wherein the second side panel defines a second
plurality of bights, each of the second plurality of bights
corresponding with a respective one of the second plurality of
apertures and having a radius less than the first radius.
2. The blank of claim 1 wherein the first fold line is defined by a
crease formed into the blank.
3. The blank of claim 1 wherein the first fold line is
frangible.
4. The blank of claim 1 wherein the center panel further defines at
least one further aperture configured to receive an appendage of a
user.
5. The blank of claim 1 wherein the radius of at least one of the
first plurality of bights is equal to the radius of the
corresponding one of the first plurality of apertures.
6. The blank of claim 1 wherein the neck portion of at least one of
the first plurality of apertures is adjacent to the first fold
line.
7. The blank of claim 6 wherein the neck portion of at least one of
the first plurality of apertures is contiguous with the first fold
line
8. A paperboard multi-pack carrier formed from the blank of claim
1, wherein the first side panel is folded about the first fold line
so that the lower surface of the first side panel faces the lower
surface of the center panel, and wherein the second side panel is
folded about the second fold line so that the lower surface of the
second side panel faces the lower surface of the center panel.
9. The multi-pack carrier of claim 8 wherein the first fold line is
defined by a crease formed into the blank.
10. The multi-pack carrier of claim 8 wherein the first fold line
is frangible.
11. The multi-pack carrier of claim 8 wherein the center panel
further defines at least one further aperture configured to receive
an appendage of a user.
12. The multi-pack carrier of claim 8 wherein the radius of at
least one of the first plurality of bights is equal to the radius
of the corresponding one of the first plurality of apertures.
13. The multi-pack carrier of claim 8 wherein the neck portion of
at least one of the first plurality of apertures is adjacent to the
first fold line.
14. The multi-pack carrier of claim 8 wherein the neck portion of
at least one of the first plurality of apertures is contiguous with
the first fold line.
15. A method of using a multi-pack container to removably retain
and receive a plurality of containers, each of the containers
comprising a cylindrical upper portion having a first radius and a
lower portion, the cylindrical upper portion and the lower portion
cooperating to define a circular groove having a second radius
lesser than the first radius, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a blank for a paperboard multi-pack carrier, the blank
comprising: a center panel; a first side panel connected to the
center panel by a first fold line; and a second side panel
connected to the center panel by a second fold line; wherein the
center panel defines a first plurality of bulb-shaped apertures,
each of the first plurality of bulb-shaped apertures having a first
circular portion spaced from the first fold line and a first neck
portion contiguous with the circular portion, the first circular
portion having a radius lesser than the first radius, wherein the
center panel also defines a second plurality of bulb-shaped
apertures, each of the second plurality of bulb-shaped apertures
having a second circular portion spaced from the second fold line
and a second neck portion contiguous with the circular portion, the
second circular portion having a radius lesser than the first
radius, wherein the first side panel defines a first plurality of
bights, each of the first plurality of bights corresponding with a
respective one of the first plurality of apertures and having a
radius less than the first radius, wherein the second side panel
defines a second plurality of bights, each of the second plurality
of bights corresponding with a respective one of the second
plurality of apertures and having a radius less than the first
radius; inserting the cylindrical upper portion of one of the
plurality of containers through a corresponding one of the first
plurality of apertures so that a free edge of the circular portion
of the corresponding one of the first plurality of apertures
engages with the cylindrical groove of the one of the plurality of
containers; and folding the first side panel about the first fold
line so that the lower surface of the first side panel faces the
lower surface of the center panel and so that a free edge of a
corresponding one of the first plurality of bights engages with the
cylindrical, circumferential groove of the one of the plurality of
containers.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first fold line is defined
by a crease formed into the blank.
17. The multi-pack carrier of claim 15 wherein the first fold line
is frangible.
18. The multi-pack carrier of claim 15 wherein the center panel
further defines at least one further aperture configured to receive
an appendage of a user.
19. The multi-pack carrier of claim 15 wherein the radius of at
least one of the first plurality of bights is equal to the radius
of the corresponding one of the first plurality of apertures.
20. The multi-pack carrier of claim 15 wherein the neck portion of
at least one of the first plurality of apertures is adjacent to the
first fold line.
21. The multi-pack carrier of claim 15 wherein the neck portion of
at least one of the first plurality of apertures is contiguous with
the first fold line.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 63/007,741 filed Apr. 9, 2020 which is incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a multi-pack
carrier, and more specifically to a paperboard multi-pack carrier
configured to removably receive and retain containers, for example,
beverage cans.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Multi-pack carriers for removably receiving and retaining
beverage cans and other containers are known in the art. Many such
carriers are in the form of interconnected plastic rings, with each
ring configured to removably receive and retain a corresponding
container. The use of plastic for such carriers has several
drawbacks. For one, plastic is manufactured from petroleum base
stock, which may be in limited supply and costly. For another, such
plastic carriers are single-use items that contribute significantly
to the waste stream. Also, such plastic carriers are chemically
stable and do not readily break down for long periods of time.
Further, such plastic carriers present a hazard to wildlife that
may come into contact with them.
[0004] It would be desirable to provide a multi-pack carrier that
does not suffer from the foregoing drawbacks.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the
following features and combinations thereof.
[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a blank
for a paperboard multi-pack carrier is configured to removably
receive and retain a plurality of containers, each of the
containers including a cylindrical upper portion having a first
radius and a lower portion. The cylindrical upper portion and the
lower portion cooperate to define a circular groove having a second
radius lesser than the first radius. The blank has an upper surface
and a lower surface, and includes a center panel, a first side
panel connected to the center panel by a first fold line, and a
second side panel connected to the center panel by a second fold
line.
[0007] The center panel defines a first plurality of bulb-shaped
apertures. Each of the first plurality of bulb-shaped apertures has
a first circular portion spaced from the first fold line and a
first neck portion contiguous with the first circular portion. The
first circular portion has a radius lesser than the first radius.
The center panel also defines a second plurality of bulb-shaped
apertures. Each of the second plurality of bulb-shaped apertures
has a second circular portion spaced from the second fold line and
a second neck portion contiguous with the first circular portion.
The second circular portion has a radius lesser than the first
radius. In some embodiments, the center panel further defines at
least one further aperture configured to receive an appendage of a
user.
[0008] The first side panel defines a first plurality of bights.
Each of the first plurality of bights corresponds to a respective
one of the first plurality of apertures and has a radius less than
the first radius. The second side panel defines a second plurality
of bights. Each of the second plurality of bights corresponds to a
respective one of the second plurality of apertures and having a
radius less than the first radius.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first fold line is defined by a
crease formed into the blank. The first fold line may be
frangible.
[0010] In some embodiments, the radius of at least one of the first
plurality of bights is equal to the radius of the corresponding one
of the first plurality of apertures.
[0011] In some embodiments, the neck portion of at least one of the
first plurality of apertures is adjacent to the first fold line. In
some embodiments, the neck portion of at least one of the first
plurality of apertures is contiguous with the first fold line
[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
paperboard multi-pack carrier is formed from a blank according to
any of the embodiments described above by folding the first side
panel about the first fold line so that the lower surface of the
first side panel faces the lower surface of the center panel, and
by folding the second side panel about the second fold line so that
the lower surface of the second side panel faces the lower surface
of the center panel.
[0013] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides for a
method of using a multi-pack container to removably retain and
receive a plurality of containers, each of the containers including
a cylindrical upper portion having a first radius and a lower
portion, the cylindrical upper portion and the lower portion
cooperating to define a circular groove having a second radius
lesser than the first radius. The method includes providing a blank
for a paperboard multi-pack carrier according to any of the
embodiments described above. The method also includes inserting the
cylindrical upper portion of one of the plurality of containers
through a corresponding one of the first plurality of apertures so
that a free edge of the circular portion of the corresponding one
of the first plurality of apertures engages with the cylindrical
groove of the one of the plurality of containers and folding the
first side panel about the first fold line so that the lower
surface of the first side panel faces the lower surface of the
center panel and so that a free edge of a corresponding one of the
first plurality of bights engages with the cylindrical,
circumferential groove of the one of the plurality of
containers.
[0014] These and other features of the present disclosure will
become more apparent from the following description of the
illustrative embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-pack carrier
according to the present disclosure and a plurality of containers
removably received by the multi-pack carrier;
[0016] FIG. 2A is an end elevation view of the multi-pack carrier
and containers of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 2B is a detail view showing the engagement of the
multi-pack carrier with one of the containers
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of one of the containers of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a blank from which the
multi-pack carrier of FIG. 1 may be erected;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the blank of FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a roll of a plurality of
ones of the blanks shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 interconnected along
frangible connections;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the multi-pack carrier of
FIGS. 1 and 2A erected from the blank of FIGS. 4 and 5;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an end elevation view of the multi-pack carrier of
FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a plurality of containers
with upper ends thereof received within apertures defined by the
blank of FIGS. 4 and 5;
[0025] FIG. 10 is an end elevation view of the containers and blank
of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the multi-pack carrier and
containers of FIG. 1 showing a container being removed from the
multi-pack carrier
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a
number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and
specific language will be used to describe the same.
[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2A show a paperboard multi-pack carrier 10
according to the present disclosure and a plurality of containers C
removable received by the multi-pack carrier 10. As best shown in
FIG. 3, each of the containers C has a cylindrical upper portion U
and a lower portion L. The cylindrical upper portion U and the
lower portion L cooperate to define a circumferential groove G
therebetween. The cylindrical upper portion U has a first radius
R1. The circular groove G has a second radius R2 lesser than the
first radius R1.
[0029] In the embodiment shown, the container C is a can, for
example, a beverage can. As best shown in FIG. 3, the lower portion
L of the can C is a right cylindrical vessel, and the upper portion
U of the can C is a lid that is crimped to the lower portion U. The
lid U overlies and is crimped to the upper end of the lower portion
L. The outer perimeter of the lid U cooperates with the upper end
of the lower portion L to define the groove G.
[0030] In other embodiments (not shown), the container C could be
an alternative form of container. The lower portion L of the
alternative form of the container C would have a cylindrical upper
end interfacing with the upper portion U, for example, as described
above. The remainder of the lower portion, however, could have
other, non-cylindrical profiles, for example, without limitation,
oval, square, rectangular, or other polygonal or non-polygonal
profiles.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the multi-pack carrier 10 and
the containers C are configured so that the lower portion L of each
of the containers C is in abutment with the lower portion L of
adjacent containers C.
[0032] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an illustrative blank 100 from which the
paperboard multi-pack carrier 10 may be erected. The blank 100 has
a first or upper surface and a second or lower surface. The blank
100 is made of paperboard, for example, without limitation,
clay-coated or bare solid unbleached sulfate (SUS) paperboard in 16
pt, 18 pt, 20 pt, or 24 pt thicknesses.
[0033] The blank 100 includes a center panel 112, a first side
panel 114, and a second side panel 116. Each of the center panel
112, the first side panel 114, and the second side panel 116 has a
first or upper surface corresponding to the first or upper surface
of the blank 100, and a second or lower surface corresponding to
the second or lower surface of the blank 100. The first side panel
114 is connected to the center panel 112 along a first fold line
118. The second side panel 116 is connected to the center panel 112
along a second fold line 120. The second fold line 120 may be
parallel to the first fold line 118.
[0034] Each of the first and second fold lines 118, 120 may be
defined by a crease or scoring formed into the blank 100. In some
embodiments, the first and second fold lines 118, 120 may be
defined by skiving or the like. As such, each of the first and
second fold lines 118, 120 may define a region of reduced thickness
compared to other portions of the blank 100. This feature may
facilitate folding of the first and second side panels 114, 116
about the first and second fold lines 118, 120, respectively. In
some embodiments, at least a portion of the first and second fold
lines 118, 120 may be frangible. In some embodiments, at least a
portion of the first and second fold lines 118, 120 may be
perforated.
[0035] The center panel 112 defines a plurality of apertures 122.
In the embodiment shown, the center panel defines six apertures 122
arranged in two columns and three rows. As such, three of the
apertures 122 are adjacent the first fold line 118, and another
three of the apertures 122 are adjacent the second fold line 120.
In other embodiments, the center panel 112 may define fewer or more
apertures 122 in fewer or more rows of apertures 122.
[0036] Each of the apertures 122 incudes a circular portion 124 and
a neck portion 126 contiguous with the circular portion 124. In the
embodiment shown, the circular portion 124 and the neck portion of
each of the apertures 122 cooperate to form a bulb shape. Each of
the circular portions 124 is spaced from the first and second fold
lines 118, 120. Each of the circular portions 124 has a third
radius R3 lesser than the first radius R1. The third radius R3 may
be less than, equal to, or greater than the second radius R2. In
the embodiment shown, each of the neck portions 126 is adjacent to
and contiguous with the corresponding first or second fold line
118, 120. In some embodiments, the neck portions 126 could be
adjacent to but spaced apart from the respective fold lines 118,
120. In some other embodiments, the neck portions 126 could be
spaced apart from but not adjacent to the respective fold lines
118, 120.
[0037] The center panel 112 may also define one or more holes 125
configured to receive a user's appendage to facilitate carrying of
the multi-pack carrier 10 by the user.
[0038] The first side panel 114 defines a plurality of arcuate
portions or bights 128. Each of the bights 128 has a fourth radius
R4. In the embodiment shown, the fourth radius R4 is equal to the
third radius R3. In other embodiments, the fourth radius R4 may be
lesser than or greater than the third radius R3, and lesser than
the first radius R1. Each of the bights 128 is configured to
coincide with a corresponding portion of a corresponding aperture
122 when the first side panel 114 is folded about the first fold
line 118 and against the center panel 112.
[0039] The second side panel 116 is the mirror image of the first
side panel 114 and will not be discussed in further detail.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of blanks 100 may be
provided in the form of a roll R of blanks 100. The plurality of
blanks 100 may be fabricated from a single piece of paperboard
stock. Each of the blanks 100 on the roll R is connected to at
least one other of the blanks 100 by a corresponding region of
connection X. In some embodiments, the region of connection X may
be frangible. For example, the region of connection X may be in the
form of perforations between adjacent ones of the blanks 100. In
some other embodiments, the region of connection X could simply be
defined as a space between adjacent rows or columns of apertures
122. In such other embodiments, the number of apertures defined by
the blank 100 could be scaled as desired by cutting the blank 100
to include any suitable number of apertures 122.
[0041] As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the blank 100 may be
converted into the multi-pack carrier 10 by folding the first side
panel 114 about the first fold line 118 so that the lower surface
of the first side panel 114 faces the lower surface of the center
panel 112, and by similarly folding the second side panel 116 about
the second fold line 120 so that the lower surface of the second
side panel 116 faces the lower surface of the center panel 112.
[0042] As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 5, 9 and 10, a container C
may be removably received and retained in the multi-pack carrier 10
by inserting the upper portion U of the container C through a
corresponding one of the apertures 122. Because the first radius R1
of the upper portion U of the container is greater than the third
radius R3 of the aperture 122, some force may be required to insert
the upper portion U of the container C through the aperture 122.
The presence of the neck portion 126 of the aperture 122 may allow
for some temporary distortion of the free edge of the circular
portion 124 of the aperture 122, thereby facilitating insertion of
the upper portion U of the container in the aperture 122 without
tearing or otherwise damaging the multi-pack carrier 10. With the
upper portion U of the container C received through the aperture
122, a free edge 130 of the circular portion 124 of the aperture
122 may become engaged within the groove G of the container C.
[0043] The first side panel 114 may be then be folded against the
center panel 112 so that a free edge 132 of the bight 128 of the
first side panel 114 becomes engaged with the groove G of the
container C. In some embodiments, the aperture 122, the bight 128,
and the groove G are configured so that there is 360 degree contact
between the free edge 130 of the aperture 122, the free edge 132 of
the bight 128, and the groove G when the container C is removably
received and retained in the multi-pack carrier 10 as discussed
above. In other embodiments, there may be less than 360 degree
contact between the free edge 130 of the aperture 122, the free
edge 132 of the bight 128, and the groove G when the container C is
removably received and retained in the multi-pack carrier 10 as
discussed above.
[0044] The container C may be removed from the multi-pack carrier
10 in a conventional manner, for example, by a user holding the
multi-pack carrier with one hand, and pulling the container from
the multi-pack carrier 10 with the other hand. The multi-pack
carrier 10 may, but need not, fracture or tear as shown in FIG. 11
upon removal of the container C from the multi-pack carrier 10. As
suggested above, the first and second fold lines 118, 120 may be,
but need not be, at least partially perforated, or may otherwise at
least partially embody a frangible connection that may be broken to
facilitate removal of the container C from the multi-pack carrier
10.
[0045] References to orientation, for example upper and lower that
may be used herein refer to relative, and not absolute, orientation
unless context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0046] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in
detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be
considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being
understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been
shown and described and that all changes and modifications that
come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be
protected.
* * * * *