Beverage Container Interlocking Carrier

Abstract

A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) utilizing a container member that is preferably made of plastic, on which beverage containers are placed. The container member is folded upward following contours of the beverage containers. The beverage containers are secured within the BCIC by inserting each beverage neck, with or without a cap, into one of a plurality of container orifices on the container member. After the BCIC is used to package, transport and/or store beverage containers, the container member can be unfolded and the empty beverage containers removed and inserted into and maintained within the orifices prior to recycling. A grasping member allows a folded or unfolded container member to be carried by hand. Or, at least one strap that secures side edges of the BCIC together can be used as a grasping member. Indicia is placed on the container member and is visible on a folded or unfolded BCIC.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The invention generally pertains to carrying apparatuses, and more particularly to a beverage container interlocking carrier that is folded and secured around a group of beverage containers, and includes advertising or other indicia on the carrier.BACKGROUND ART[0002]One of the most ubiquitous consumer items available today is a beverage, particularly beverage water. There are billions of beverages manufactured, purchased and consumed throughout the world each year.[0003]Typically, beverage containers, are packaged and sold either in a plastic wrapping that envelopes a group of beverage containers, or a plastic holder that is located at the top of a group of beverage containers. The particularly packaging depends on the number of beverage containers grouped together. The plastic wrapping typical used for groups of twelve, twenty-four, or thirty-five, and the holder for groups of six or less.[0004]While these packaging methods have been in use for a long time and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]Located on the container member is at least one container orifice each of which is dimensioned to allow a beverage container, with or without a cap, to be inserted into the container orifice, thereby maintaining each beverage container within the folded container member. After the BCIC is used to transport a group of beverage containers, especially beverage containers containing a beverage, and the beverage containers have been removed for consumption, the container member can be replaced in the original flat orientation and the empty beverage containers inserted into the container orifices. The container member with empty beverage containers can then be stored and/or transported, such as to a recycling facility. It should be noted that the BCIC

Problems solved by technology

While these packaging methods have been in use for a long time and are effective, there are problems associated with their use.

One problem is that the packaging is not typically conducive to recycling, which produces additional material that eventually ends up in landfills.

When in these packages, it can be difficult to extricate beverages, and especially for the wrapping.

Once the wrapping is c

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