System for applying a container carrier to containers

Description

1 / 18 “CONTAINER CARRIER APPLICATION MACHINE” FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This invention relates generally to a system, method and apparatus for applying container carriers to a plurality of containers to create multiple bundles of beverages. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

[002] Conventional container carriers are frequently used to unitize a plurality of similarly sized containers, such as cans, bottles, jars, and boxes and / or similar containers that require unitization. Flexible plastic ring-type carriers and cardboard boxes are two such conventional container carriers.

[003] However, with growing concerns surrounding the environmental impact of improper disposal of plastic waste, manufacturers are making transitions in their contributions to better support a circular economy. One solution in this regard is plastic ring-type carriers made from 50% post-consumer recycled content. This carrier is operationally efficient, competitively priced, simple, and has a low carbon footprint compared to other beverage multi-pack alternatives. Today, this flexible solution is not considered 100% recyclable from street litter by the FTC Green Guide because more than 60% of consumers cannot recycle flexible plastics.

[004] Multi-packaging systems are generally used in the beer, soft drink, and general product industries. A new and innovative solution for multi-packaging for beverages is conveniently one that includes capacity for 4, 6, 8, and / or 12 beverages. A preferred design is produced using 100% recyclable rigid plastics from street waste, such as HDPE or PET. These carriers would be applied to PET bottles and / or aluminum cans. Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 70 / 91 2 / 18

[005] However, the application technology for these generally rigid carriers lags far behind traditional application systems that can accommodate thousands of containers per minute. Current technology often requires complex manual application or slow systems that cannot handle high volumes at sufficiently high speeds. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] The invention relates generally to a system, method and apparatus for applying a container carrier to a plurality of containers to form a multiple bundle.

[007] A preferred method uses container carriers made from 100% recyclable materials from street waste, in particular generally rigid PET and HDPE plastics, which can enter most municipal recycling streams. Traditionally, these carriers have been applied by hand or in slow, inefficient processes.

[008] Therefore, a method, system and apparatus is desired that will quickly and efficiently attach a generally rigid container holder to a plurality of containers.

[009] Other objectives and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description that follows, taken together with the accompanying claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a top plan view of a container carrier for unitizing twelve containers according to one embodiment; Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of a container carrier chart, each container carrier for unitizing six containers, according to one embodiment; Figure 3 shows a package of eight containers according to a Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 71 / 91 3 / 18 modality; Figure 4 shows a diagram of the system in question according to one modality; Figure 5 shows a diagram of the system in question according to one modality; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a pallet portion of the system according to one modality; Figure 7A shows a perspective view of a robotic arm holding a stack of carriers from the pallet portion of the system; Figure 7B shows a perspective view of the robotic arm from Figure 7A positioning the carrier stack from the pallet portion of the system to the feeding portion of the system; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of the system's feed according to one modality; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of the system's feed according to one modality; Figure 10 shows a detailed perspective view of the feed portion of the system shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a portion of the system's feed according to one modality; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the feeding portion of the system shown in Figure 11 loaded with container carriers; Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a portion of the system's feed according to one modality; Figure 14 shows a top view of a portion of the system's feeder according to one embodiment; Figure 15 shows a side view of a feed portion of the Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 72-91 4 / 18 system according to an embodiment taken along Section 15-15 of Figure 14; Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a portion of the system's feed according to one modality; Figure 17 shows a side view of an application machine according to one embodiment; Figure 18 shows a front perspective view of the application machine shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 shows a front perspective view of a part of the application machine shown in Figure 17; Figure 20 shows a front perspective view of an application machine according to one embodiment; Figure 21 shows a side view of the application machine shown in Figure 20; Figure 22 shows a front perspective view of a portion of the application machine shown in Figure 20; Figure 23 shows a front perspective view of an application machine according to one embodiment; Figure 24 shows a side view of the application machine shown in Figure 23; Figure 25 shows a front perspective view of a portion of the application machine shown in Figure 23; Figure 26 shows a front view of an application drum according to one embodiment; Figure 27A shows a top view of a press-down wheel according to a preferred embodiment; Figure 27B shows an exploded perspective view of the push-down wheel shown in Figure 27A; Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 73 / 91 5 / 18 Figure 27C shows a side view of the push-down wheel shown in Figure 27A; Figure 27D shows an exploded perspective view of the push-down wheel shown in Figure 27A; Figure 28 shows a front view of a push-down wheel according to one embodiment; Figure 29 shows a side view of a press-down wheel according to one embodiment; Figure 30 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to a modality; Figure 31 shows a front perspective view of a roller assembly according to one embodiment; Figure 32 shows an exploded front perspective view of a cutting wheel according to one embodiment; Figure 33 shows a front perspective view of a cutting wheel according to one embodiment; Figure 34A shows a top view of a cutting system according to a preferred embodiment; Figure 34B shows a side perspective view of the cutting system shown in Figure 34A; Figure 34C shows a side perspective view of the cutting system shown in Figure 34A; Figure 34D shows a side perspective view of the cutting system shown in Figure 34A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[010] The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method for applying a container carrier to unitize a plurality of containers into bundles. Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 74 / 91 6 / 18 beverage multiples. Container carriers and various unitized container packages according to various embodiments are shown in Figures 1 to 3. The remaining figures show various embodiments of the system and apparatus in question for applying container carriers. Although the container carrier 10 and the package 120 shown in Figures 1 to 3 are representative of the type that can be used in connection with the system in question, the system in question can be used in connection with any number of styles of container carrier 10 and conveniently meet the same objectives.

[011] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the container holder 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is injection molded or otherwise formed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Alternatively, PET or HDPE plastics may be used. Preferably, the material is generally rigid and 100% post-consumer recyclable in most or all markets.

[012] Once manufactured, the container carrier 10 can be applied to groups of containers 100 to make multiple bales or complete unitized packages 120. It is considered that 4 bales, 6 bales, 8 bales, 10 bales and 12 bales can be unitized without departing from the essential characteristics of this invention.

[013] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the container carrier 10 includes a network of molded ribs 20 forming a plurality of container receiving openings 30 corresponding to a desired size of multiple bales. Thus, Figure 1 shows twelve container receiving openings in a 2x6 arrangement; other desired container carriers may be 2x2 for a bale with four units, 2x4 for a bale with eight units, as shown in Figure 3, 2x3 for a bale with six units, as shown in Figure 2, or other desired arrangements forming a convenient quantity of multiple bales.

[014] As shown, for example, in Figure 2, a card of 90 carriers Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 75 / 91 7 / 18 of adjacent containers 10 to unitize a plurality of containers includes a network of molded ribs 20 forming a plurality, in this case six, of container receiving openings 30. An arrangement of tabs 50 extending inwards are formed in each container receiving opening 30 towards a center of each container receiving opening 30.

[015] Each tab 50 of the tab arrangement 50 can be engaged in a circumferential groove 110 in a corresponding container 100 of the plurality of containers 100 to form the packaging shown in Figure 3. A handle 70 is preferably formed along an edge of the container carrier 10. The handle 70 can be held by the consumer to form a comfortable, compact and firmly unitized plurality of containers 100 within the packaging 120.

[016] In a preferred embodiment, a hinge 75 is formed between the handle 70 and an edge of the container carrier 10. The hinge 75 can be formed with a reduced thickness of material between an edge of the container carrier 10 and the handle 70. In such an arrangement, the handle 70 can be pushed down after application to allow for more compact packaging 120 without undue interference from a handle extending outwards 70.

[017] As shown in Figure 2, the container carrier 10 can be grouped into segments or “cards” 90 of two to six container carriers 10 connected in a unitized card 90. Such cards 90 may or may not include frangible connection points between adjacent container carriers 10. According to a preferred embodiment, these groups of container carriers 10 are formed into cards 90 or segments of two or more container carriers 10. Such cards 90 are preferably placed on stacked carts that can be mounted in a pallet area for application. Each stack of containers is preferably moved in a shuttle system to a loader 85 at an entrance of the application machine 140. The loader 85 can be loaded with a shuttle system that operates Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 76 / 91 8 / 18 continuously. Alternatively, the loader 85 can be loaded with a loading robot comprising a robotic arm that sequentially loads new carrier carts into the loader as each previous loader 85 is emptied. Individual groups of container carriers 10 can be assembled into stacks using rods that move through a vertical stack of carriers 10 and / or cards 90.

[018] Figures 4 and 5 show schematic overviews of the system in question which includes a feeding section, an application section and a cutting section. As shown schematically, the feeding section includes a supply of container carriers 10 which are then applied to the containers and the subsequent packaging 120 of unitized containers 100 exit the system preferably on the same side of the system as the supply of container carriers 10.

[019] Figure 6 shows a pallet apparatus 50 of the system in question in which stacks of container carriers 10 are held in a state ready for application to the containers. The stacks of container carriers 10 are preferably arranged in carriers 85. Figure 7A shows a perspective view of a robotic arm 60 holding a carrier 85 of the pallet portion of the system. Figure 7B shows a perspective view of the robotic arm 60 of Figure 7A positioning the carrier 85 of the pallet portion of the system for the feeding portion of the system.

[020] Figure 8 shows a schematic of a preferred embodiment of the invention in question in which a feeding device 80 provides a supply of carriers 10 to a transport system and to an application drum 170. In this preferred embodiment a belt 160 is used to transfer the carrier between the feeding device and the application drum 170.

[021] Figures 9 to 16 show preferred modes of a device of Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 77 / 91 9 / 18 carrier feed 80 for the system in question to apply a container carrier 10, preferably includes the container carrier 10 loader 85 supplied by the pallet apparatus 50. The loader 85 is preferably transferred from a pallet portion of the system in question and includes a vertical stack 88 of container carriers 10 loaded onto a loader 85. The capacity of the loader 85 is preferably such that an operator, or apparatus such as a robot, replenishing the loader has adequate time to replenish the loader and provide continuous operation of the application system. In a preferred embodiment, one or more photoelectric sensors 126 and 127 are located on the loader 85 to monitor the height of the carrier stack 88.In one embodiment, an upper photoelectric sensor 126 detects when the carrier stack reaches the level at which additional carriers are needed, and a lower photoelectric sensor 127 detects when the height of the carrier stack falls below the minimum functional level of carriers required.

[022] The loader 85 is preferably configured to hold the carrier stack 88 in place and prevents carriers within the stack from moving out of position. A front edge carrier support bar 109 of the loader vertically supports the front edge of the carrier stack 88. Multiple carrier support rails 106 and a carrier support plate 107 on the loader 85 also support one lower end of the carrier stack 10. To prevent unwanted carrier movement and to locate the carrier stack in the front-to-back direction, the loader 85 preferably includes a fixed front vertical guide member 101 and an adjustable rear vertical guide member 102, which can be moved in the horizontal direction to accommodate carriers of different lengths. Side stack guides 103 on the loader are positioned on each side of the stack to locate the lateral position and restrict lateral movement of the bottom of the stack.The charger 85 also locates the carrier stack upstream of a pair of clamping rollers 116 and 117 by an escape bar 105. Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 78-91 10 / 18

[023] The feeding of carriers 10 through the system is preferably carried out by advancing the lower carrier 10 from the stack 88 with reciprocating feed clamps 108, which are guided by linear bearings 118 and a linear bearing rail 119 to restrict the reciprocating motion to the direction in which the carriers should be fed. The feed clamps 108 are positioned vertically to project above the carrier support rails 106 to engage only with the lower carrier and advance it to be secured by the clamping rollers. The escape bar 105 is positioned vertically above the leading edge carrier support bar 109 and the carrier support rails 106 to allow only the lower carrier to be advanced from the carrier stack. In this embodiment, the escape is fixed vertically for carriers of a single thickness; a vertical adjustment could be implemented to accommodate carriers of various thicknesses.The power clamps 108 are arranged and fixed to a mounting plate 110 with keyhole slots 111. The power clamps 108 and the mounting plate 110 preferably comprise interchangeable parts within the system for carriers 100 of a specific size and shape. The keyhole slots 111 are used to connect the mounting plate 110 to a reciprocating motion plate 112 which has corresponding keyhole pins 113. The mounting plate 110 may be further secured with two articulated locking clamps 120. The keyhole mounting design allows power clamp arrangements for different carriers to be quickly interchanged.

[024] The movement of the reciprocating motion plate 112 is achieved, in this embodiment, by a servomotor 122 coupled to a planetary gearbox 121 with a pinion 115 attached to its output shaft. The pinion 115 drives a rack 114 fixed to the reciprocating motion plate 112. The drive of the reciprocating motion plate 112 can also be achieved by other suitable means for Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 79 / 91 11 / 18 achieve the desired oscillating motion, such as a crank-rocker mechanism, multi-bar linkage, indexer, or Geneva wheel. The movement of the servomotor 122 is programmed so that the forward movement of the feed clamps 108 begins slightly behind the point of engagement with the lower carrier. The feed clamps then move forward, engage with the lower carrier, and advance it until the clamping rollers 116 and 117 grip the lower carrier with sufficient force to continue pulling it from the base of the stack and away from the feed clamps. The upper clamping roller 116 has an outer urethane coating with sufficient hardness to apply pressure to the lower carrier, yet soft enough to provide some flexibility to hold the carrier without causing damage.It should be noted that the forward movement of the lower carrier during transfer to the clamping rollers is such that its forward speed equals the speed of the clamping rollers before they grip the carrier. The upper clamping roller is mounted in support bearings 125 allowing it to rotate freely. The upper clamping roller 116 is also fixed vertically for single-thickness carriers, although a vertical adjustment could be implemented to accommodate carriers of various thicknesses. The lower clamping roller 117 is a steel roller which has a straight longitudinal serration pattern to provide a firm grip on the carrier. The lower clamping roller is in a fixed location and is connected to a right-angle gearbox 123 driven by a servomotor 124.

[025] The servomotor speed is preferably controlled to drive the outer surface of the lower clamping roller at the same linear speed as the downstream application drum 170. As the compression rollers continue to advance the lower carrier, the feed clamps are simultaneously retracting to position themselves for the next carrier feed. The trailing edges of the feed clamps are tapered to prevent them from interfering with the carriers above as the clamps retract. As the function of the reciprocating feed is Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 80-91 12 / 18 advance the escape bar carriers to be secured by the compression rollers, and the feed clamps are adjustable to the position of the leading edge of the stack; the travel of the feed clamps does not need to be adjustable. Successive carriers are fed one at a time with a relatively small, controlled space between them, regardless of the carrier length.

[026] Figures 17 to 19, 20 to 22 and 23 to 25 show three preferred embodiments of a system and apparatus for applying container carriers 10 to individual containers 100. According to the preferred embodiments, the stacked carrier loader 85 distributes individual carriers and / or carrier cards 90, one at a time, from the loader to an application drum 170. The cards 90 are preferably dispersed from a lower part of the stack of cards in the loader 85 and channeled one card at a time successively. In this embodiment, the application machine 140 translates a vertical stack of carrier cards 90 into a horizontal row of carrier cards, while closing any gaps between the carrier cards 90 in the row. In this way, a constant flow of carrier cards 90 is presented to the application drum 170 without interruption.

[027] In a preferred embodiment of the carrier 85, an escape bar may be used to hold the carrier stack 10 in position before release, and a retaining wheel may be positioned along a continuously moving belt 160.

[028] According to a preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 8, a continuous belt 160 pulls each lower carrier card 90 from the loader 85 and propels it towards the application drum 170 in a continuous manner. In this embodiment, the associated belt 160 preferably operates at a higher speed than the application drum 170 in order to eliminate gaps between adjacent carrier cards 90. In another preferred embodiment, shown in Figures 9 to 16, a set of pins or shoes engages and continuously and repeatedly pulls each Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 81 / 91 13 / 18 carrier cards 90 move towards the application drum 170 in a continuous, repeated manner. In this mode, the drive system positively engages each carrier card 90 to ensure a continuous supply of adjacent carrier cards 90.

[029] Once received into the application drum 170, each carrier card 90, of two or more container carriers 10, can be engaged into the application drum 170. In one embodiment, the application drum 170 includes indexing pins or carrier shoes 172 that engage a portion of the carrier card 90, such as within the container receiving openings 30 or within the central indexing openings in the carrier card 90. As the application drum 170 rotates, the carrier cards 90 are folded around the circumference of the application drum 170 for engagement with container assemblies 100.

[030] As the application drum 170 continues its rotation, the individual carriers 10 are released somewhat loosely around their respective container necks or rims. This results in a desired grouping of containers, such as six containers, with an associated carrier placed or wrapped around the grouping. In one embodiment, this loose association between the carrier 10 and the containers 100 does not yet result in a viable package 120. Instead, this set of carriers 10 and associated containers 100 then preferably proceeds to a second stage – the press-down wheel 190.

[031] As shown schematically in Figures 4 and 5, a system for applying container carriers 10 to unitize a plurality of containers 100 includes a supply of container carriers 10 and an application drum 170 configured to accept the supply of container carriers 10 and apply one or more container carriers 10 to a corresponding group of containers 100. An applicator 165 is configured to move one or more container carriers 10 from an initial loosely engaged position with the group of containers 100 to a Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 82 / 91 14 / 18 second position in final coupling with the group of containers 100 and thus form a package of unitized containers.

[032] According to a preferred embodiment, in the final engagement, one or more container carriers 10 engage with a surface feature of a corresponding container from the plurality of containers. The surface feature may comprise a circumferential groove in a bottle or a can rim. Alternatively, in the final engagement, one or more container carriers 10 may engage with a predetermined height of container 100.

[033] According to one embodiment, shown schematically in Figures 4 and 5 and in further detail in Figures 27 to 29, the applicator 165 may comprise a push-down wheel 190. The push-down wheel 190 is preferably configured to synchronize generally with the application drum 170, either in a geared manner or with servos. The push-down wheel 190 is used to move the container carriers 10 from loose engagement to final engagement with the containers 10. In one embodiment, shown in Figure 27, the push-down wheel may comprise a plurality of collar pairs 195 spaced circularly around the push-down wheel 190. The collars 195 preferably engage individually around the ends of their respective containers as the carrier 10 is driven over them.The plurality of collar pairs 195 is preferably positioned below an external engagement diameter of the application drum 170.

[034] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 28, the press-down wheel 190 may comprise a plurality of bars 200 positioned circularly around the press-down wheel 190, each bar 200 of the plurality of bars spaced to extend between pairs of containers. As shown in Figure 30, the applicator 165 may alternatively comprise a rotary stomper 220 for impinging carriers Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 83 / 91 15 / 18 individuals on groups of containers.

[035] In each preferred device, the applicator 165 preferably releases one or more container carriers 10 onto the necks of the respective containers 100, such as bottles. At the final engagement, preferably enabled with the applicator 165, the one or more container carriers 10 engage on a surface feature of a corresponding container from the plurality of containers. Alternatively, at the final engagement, the one or more container carriers engage at a predetermined height of the container.

[036] According to one embodiment, the applicator 165 may comprise a tapered plate 230 positioned within a rotation of the push-down wheel 190. As shown in Figure 29, as the push-down wheel 190 rotates through the carrier 10, the tapered plate 230 propels the carrier 10 between the first position and the second position.

[037] In a preferred embodiment, a radius of the press-down wheel 190 is vertically lower than a radius of the application drum 170. The press-down wheel 190, best shown in isolation in Figures 27 and 28, preferably includes a plurality of collars located in pairs around a circumference of the press-down wheel 190. Specifically, the plurality of collar pairs is preferably positioned below an outer engagement diameter of the application drum 170. As the press-down wheel 190 is rotated over the containers 100 and the associated carrier 10, the respective collars preferably forcibly lower the container receiving openings 30 of the respective carrier 10 until full engagement with the respective containers 100.In a preferred embodiment, each container 100 includes a groove 110 or similar surface feature that engages positively with the carrier ribs forming each container receiving opening 30 within the carrier 10. Alternatively, the push-down wheel 190 pushes the carrier 10 at a distance. Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 84 / 91 16 / 18 predetermined downwards on container 100.

[038] Figures 27A-D show various views of the press-down wheel 190 according to an embodiment having collars in pairs, as described above. Figure 27 shows a front view of a press-down wheel 190 according to an alternative embodiment in which a plurality of bars 200 are circularly spaced around the press-down wheel 190 and are spaced so that each bar is positioned between each pair of containers 100 as the press-down wheel 190 rotates over the containers 100.

[039] Once applied to a finished package 120, the individual packages 120 can be directed through a travel path that includes a folding device for folding the handle 70 along the hinge 75 and into a generally flat engagement with one side of the package 120. As shown in one embodiment in Figure 31, the folding device may comprise a roller carrier 210 including two or more rollers 215 arranged in different alignments and configured to fold a handle 70 of the carrier 10 against the plurality of containers 100 in a generally level position.

[040] This leveled position of the handle 70 enables more efficient transport and shelf placement of the package 120. According to a preferred embodiment, a series of rollers 215 successively and iteratively bend the handle 70 over a plate to propel the handle 70 into a position perpendicular to a plane of the remaining carrier 10.

[041] According to a preferred embodiment, a 180° cutting system, shown in Figures 32 to 34, is presented as the carrier plates 90 move around the application drum 170. The 180° cutting system may include a wheel with a plurality of circularly spaced knives, or pairs of knives, as shown in Figures 32 and 33. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 34A to 34D, the 180° cutting system may include a cam-equipped knife that is synchronized Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pages 85 / 91 17 / 18 with the application drum 170 and the desired size of each carrier 10 within the 90 card. Synchronization can be achieved with servos, as shown in Figure 32, or direct gearing, as shown in Figure 33.

[042] The cutting knife divides the carrier card 90 at the desired intervals, without interfering in the spaces between adjacent carrier cards 90. Thus, for a card of 4 carriers, the cutting system will approach and cut three times within the card, but will avoid approaching after the fourth carrier which is separated and already detached from the card of the adjacent carrier container 90. Alternatively, a cutting wheel 175 can be used as shown in Figures 32 and 33, which includes a series of blades fixed in position. The cutting wheel 175 rotates constantly and the fixed knives can thus cut at constant intervals.

[043] As described, the 180 cutting system is configured to synchronize with the movement of the application drum 170. The 180 cutting system can therefore be configured to pause between unconnected trays of container carriers, particularly an arrangement having an eccentric knife with cam, as shown in Figures 34A to 34D. Alternatively, in the 180 cutting system having a plurality of knives spaced around a perimeter of the cutting wheel, knives can be omitted from the perimeter of the cutting wheel where adjacent unconnected trays 90 are engaged. Thus, every third station or every fourth station around the perimeter of the cutting wheel 175 can omit a knife or a pair of knives.

[044] The cutting system 180 can be configured to cut the container carrier cards 90 before application while engaged with the application drum 170 or after application on the carrier 10 is fully engaged with the containers 100.

[045] The 120 packages are then preferably directed through a turner / diverter for final processing such as compaction, palletizing and / or other packaging and / or distribution steps. Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 86 / 91 18 / 18

[046] The invention illustratively disclosed herein can be carried out in the absence of any element, part, step, component or ingredient not specifically disclosed herein.

[047] Although in the preceding detailed description this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been presented for illustrative purposes, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain details described herein may be considerably varied without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 87 / 91

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. A system for applying a container carrier to unitize a plurality of containers, the system CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a supply of container carriers; an application drum configured to accept the supply of container carriers and apply one or more container carriers to a corresponding group of containers; and an applicator configured to move the one or more container carriers from a first loosely engaged position with the group of containers to a second tightly engaged position with the group of containers and thus form a package of unitized containers.

2. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that, at the final coupling, one or more container carriers engage with a surface feature of a corresponding container from the plurality of containers; and / or in that the surface feature comprises a circumferential groove; and / or in that, at the final coupling, one or more container carriers engage with a predetermined height of the container; and / or in that two to four container carriers are connected in a unitized card and the supply of container carriers comprises a stack of cards.

3. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the applicator comprises a downward pressing wheel with a plurality of pairs of collars spaced circularly around the downward pressing wheel; and / or in that the plurality of collar pairs is positioned below an external engagement diameter of the application drum; and / or in that the applicator comprises a downward pressing wheel with a plurality of bars positioned circularly around the downward pressing wheel, each bar of the plurality of bars spaced to extend between pairs of containers; and / or in that the application drum comprises a plurality of carrier shoes configured to engage the respective containers.

4. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the applicator comprises a rotary crimping device for impinging individual carriers onto groups of containers; and / or in that the applicator releases one or more container carriers onto the necks of the respective containers.

5. System for applying a container carrier to unitize a plurality of containers, the system CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a supply of container carriers, wherein two to four container carriers are connected in a unitized card and the supply of container carriers comprises a stack of cards; an application drum configured to accept the supply of container carriers and apply a card of container carriers to a corresponding group of containers; and a press-down wheel with a plurality of pairs of collars spaced circularly around the press-down wheel, the press-down wheel configured to move the card of container carriers from a first position in loose engagement with the group of containers to a second position in final engagement with the group of containers and thus form a package of unitized containers.

6. System, according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that at the final coupling, one or more container carriers engage with a surface feature of a corresponding container from the plurality of containers; and / or in that at the final coupling, one or more container carriers engage with a predetermined height of the container.

7. System according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a tapered plate positioned within a rotation space of the downward pressing wheel, the tapered plate driving the container carrier card between the first position and the second position.

8. System according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the downward pressing wheel is driven by a flow of containers; and / or in that the downward pressing wheel is actively driven by a synchronized motor.

9. System according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the plurality of collars comprises a plurality of bars positioned circularly around the pressing-down wheel, each bar of the plurality of bars spaced to extend between pairs of containers; and / or in that the supply of container carriers is positioned on the same side of the system as an outlet of unitized containers.

10. System according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a roller carrier including two or more rollers arranged in different alignments and configured to bend a handle of the carrier against a plurality of containers. Petition 870250094942, dated 10 / 17 / 2025, pp. 90 / 91

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