Container carrier

Abstract

A container carrier (100) having uniformly spaced application features is used to apply the container carrier to containers to form a multi-pack. A series of uniform holes (112) are formed in the container carrier in the machine direction of the multi-pack carrier. The application machine can use the holes to synchronize the container carrier material with the containers so that it is independent of the container spacing. The final internal features of the carrier that will receive the containers can then be changed to best match the containers with little or no impact on the application machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container carrier with uniformly spaced application features having container receiving apertures for grouping a plurality of containers together. Background Art

[0002] Conventional container carriers are often used to group together multiple similarly sized containers (such as cans, bottles, jars, and boxes) and / or similar containers that need to be grouped together. The carrier is typically a flat, annular array, sometimes referred to as a "six-pack carrier." A flexible plastic ring carrier is one such conventional container carrier. The carrier is applied to containers of various sizes and shapes at various points along the sidewall or under the edge of the container. The preferred machine is capable of applying the container carrier to a variety of container sizes.

[0003] Flexible plastic loop carriers having a plurality of container receiving apertures, typically in an oval, circular, or rectangular configuration, each of which engages a corresponding container, can be used to combine four, six, eight, twelve, or other suitable groups of containers into convenient multipacks. Conventional carriers are arranged in an aligned array of longitudinal and transverse rows of container receiving apertures. The flexible loop carriers may include a handle that extends upward from the carrier to enable a consumer to carry the packages from the top (referred to as a "top lift carrier") or extends outward from the sides of the carrier to enable a consumer to carry the packages from the sides (referred to as a "side lift carrier").

[0004] Conventional carriers are typically applied to various containers using an application machine that includes a circular claw drum for applying the carrier to the various containers. The claw drum can stretch the container carrier for application to the various containers. After the randomly oriented containers are packaged in the container carrier, the various containers can also be rotated manually or mechanically to a preferred orientation. The stretching of the carrier and / or the rotation of the container may damage the integrity of the flexible container carrier due to excessive torque applied to the corresponding thermoplastic rings in the container carrier.

[0005] Prior art application machines, systems and methods typically require several different forms or configurations of machines to accommodate different container carriers, package sizes and package configurations. Traditionally, machines have limitations on the range of container diameters, package sizes or package configurations that can be effectively packaged by a single system.

[0006] Finally, different machines or complex setup procedures are also required for containers having different sizes, heights, and / or widths, thereby creating different lengths, referred to herein as "pitch," between each adjacent container. As such, different machines and / or setup procedures are conventionally required to bring the carrier to the correct position around the container. Therefore, there is a need for a container carrier and related applications of a container carrier having improved more general applicability without compromising the integrity of the carrier. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to an evenly spaced application spacing feature on a container carrier for packaging containers, which includes an arrangement of container receiving apertures configured to allow placement on the containers and to allow handling of a combination package of containers.

[0008] The invention is used to apply a container carrier to a container to form a multi-piece package. The invention adds a series of uniform holes to the container carrier in the machine direction of the multi-piece package carrier. This allows the development of a class of application machines that use the holes to synchronize the container carrier material with the containers, making it independent of the container spacing. The internal features of the carrier that should receive the container can then be changed to best match the container with little impact on the machine. The application of the container carrier can be done by rolling the carrier through a circular claw drum or the like; or by pushing the carrier onto the container from above.

[0009] The carrier is suitably configured with a combination of webs and container receiving holes that are coupled to the holes to synchronize, allowing application to the container without stretching the carrier. Conventional carriers are stretched approximately 20-50%, more preferably 30-35%. Conventional carriers also typically include container receiving holes that are elliptical, circular, rectangular or triangular.

[0010] The present invention relates to a container carrier including an arrangement of container receiving apertures and a central cutout having a centrally located cutout. The apertures for synchronizing the container carrier material with the containers are typically located along the peripheral edge and / or the center of the carrier strip. The resulting carrier is configured to be placed on a corresponding container to produce a compact, assembled brick-like package having a cutout configured as a finger-like projection or handhold for a consumer to carry the package. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and other features and purposes of the present invention will be better understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a front view of a uniformly spaced application feature on a container carrier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2A is a front view of a spacing feature on a container carrier having a 2 inch spacing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2B is a front view of a spacing feature on a container carrier having a 2.5 inch spacing according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2Cis a front view of a spacing feature on a container carrier having a 3 inch spacing according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of applying spacing features on a container carrier to form a multi-pack according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 is a side schematic diagram of a machine for applying spacing features on a container carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 is a side schematic diagram of a machine for applying spacing features on a container carrier according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] Figure 6 is a front view of evenly spaced application features on a container carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figure 1-6 The uniform spacing 120, 122, 124 of the container carrier 100 is shown as a feature of application for combining a plurality of containers 102 into a final combined multi-pack 138. Figure 1-6 Various configurations are shown for the uniform spacing application feature of the present invention, but these illustrations are exemplary and the present invention is not limited to the container carrier 100 or multi-pack 138 shown in the figures.

[0021] Although container carriers with evenly spaced application features are preferably used for containers 102 such as cans or bottles, containers with any other common combination of evenly spaced application features may be used in accordance with the present invention. The containers 102 preferably (but not necessarily) have the same size within a single container carrier 100 using evenly spaced application features.

[0022] Each container carrier 100 having uniform spacing application features preferably includes a single sheet having a width and length defining a plurality of flexible bands 104 therein, the flexible bands 104 further defining a plurality of container receiving apertures 106, each for receiving a container 102. The plurality of container receiving apertures 106 are preferably arranged in two longitudinal rows and a plurality of transverse rows to form an array of container receiving apertures 106, such as Figure 1 and 6 The two rows x four lines shown are for eight container multipacks 138. Figure 1-2C and Figure 6As shown, the container receiving aperture 106 is preferably slightly elongated generally in the longitudinal direction of the container carrier 100. While conventional carriers preferably contain 30-35% stretch, the sheet allows the container carrier 100 of the present invention to optimally stretch less than 20%. The container carrier 100 most preferably stretches less than 10%, and the container carrier 100 has a stretching capability up to 0%.

[0023] A representative multi-pack 138 produced by a container carrier 100 having a uniform spacing application feature includes a plurality of assembled containers 102. A preferred carrier configuration includes a strip 104 in which two different parallel rows of container receiving apertures 106 are formed. Each row preferably includes two container receiving apertures 106 (one container receiving aperture in each row in the carrier). Figure 1 Each carrier 100 similar to the carrier shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured as a generally continuous carrier strip or container carrier strip 114, 116, 118 (respectively as shown in FIG. Figure 2A -C), where the carrier 100 is stamped or otherwise formed longitudinally adjacent to other carriers. In this manner, a generally continuous carrier strip is formed that can be rolled onto a reel or folded into a box for subsequent unrolling and application to containers 102. The container carrier strips 114, 116, 118 are then cut into individual carriers 100 and formed into individual multi-packs 138.

[0024] The container receiving apertures 106 and the intermediate apertures 128 are preferably formed by the flexible strip 104 with a geometry that allows the carrier 100 to be evenly applied to the containers 102 to produce tightly packed containers 102 within each container carrier 100. In particular, as Figure 1 As shown, the carrier 100 preferably includes a middle hole 128 formed in a diamond shape. As described above, the middle hole 128 is defined as a hole located between each transverse row and each longitudinal row of container receiving holes 106. Each side 130 of each middle hole 128 is preferably parallel to a portion of each adjacent container receiving hole 106. Each side 130 of each middle hole 128 preferably has the same length. In addition, each corner of each middle hole 128 preferably includes a rounded corner 132.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the elliptical holes 134 are located between each container receiving hole 106 in a transverse row. Each transverse elliptical hole 134 is preferably located in the middle between each adjacent container receiving hole 106 in a transverse row. Each transverse elliptical hole 134 is also preferably located in the middle between each adjacent intermediate hole 128. According to a preferred embodiment, the major axis of the transverse elliptical hole 134 is preferably perpendicular to the major axis of the additional longitudinal elliptical hole 136. Each longitudinal elliptical hole 136 is preferably located between each container receiving hole 106 in a longitudinal row. Figure 1As shown, the longitudinal oval hole 136 is preferably narrower than the transverse oval hole 134. The carrier 100 may also include features such as a handle 108 for holding the container carrier 100 along the side or top of the multi-pack 138 and / or a merchandise panel 110 for displaying product and / or promotional information. Additionally, features such as tear tabs and perforations may be included in the carrier 100 to facilitate removal of the container 102 from the container carrier 100.

[0026] As shown, the container carrier 100 may include a plurality of registration apertures 112 positioned longitudinally of the container carrier 100 (handle 108 and / or panel 110). Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of registration apertures 112 may be positioned along the periphery of the container carrier 100, such as the handle 108 and / or the panel 110. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the plurality of registration holes 112 may also be located in other longitudinal rows, such as below the center of the transverse row. As another alternative, the plurality of registration holes 112 may be arranged in any kind of repeatable pattern across the container carrier 100 and the container carrier strips 114, 116, 118. It should be understood that the plurality of registration holes 112 are not limited to their locations disclosed in the figures, and any number of registration holes 112 may be present in any number of locations on the container carrier 100.

[0027] The outer periphery of the container carrier 100 may include product information, proof of purchase information, price, scannable code, sales materials, and / or other information related to the design and / or multi-pack 138. The registration aperture 112 may help apply the container carrier 100, and in particular the container receiving aperture 106 of the container carrier 100, to the container 102. Figure 1-2C As shown, the registration holes 112 are arranged equidistant from each other along the uniform container carrier strip 114, 116, 118. This equidistant spacing results in a uniform spacing 120, 122, 124 application along the entire surface area of ​​the carrier strip. This allows the internal features of the uniform container carrier strip (e.g., to accommodate cans or bottles) to be changed, thereby allowing the spacing 120, 122, 124 of each container 102 to be changed without requiring any modification to the application machine 144, 200, 300. This is in Figure 2A - is further shown in C.

[0028] Figure 2A A 2 inch spacing 120 is shown on the container carrier strip 114. As shown, the center-to-center distance 126 between the centers of each registration aperture 112 is .38 inches. Figure 2B A 2.5 inch spacing 122 is shown on another container carrier strip 116. Although this spacing 122 is similar to Figure 2A Different, but Figure 2BThe distance 126 between the centers of each registration aperture 112 in is maintained at .38 inches. In addition, Figure 2C 3 inches spacing 124 is shown on the container carrier strip 118. Again, although this spacing 124 is similar to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The spacing is different, but Figure 2C The distance 126 between the centers of each registration aperture 112 is also .38 inches. Thus, the application machines 144, 200, 300 of the present invention can operate independently of the spacing. The dimensions can be adjusted depending on the desired container and carrier.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the registration apertures 112 are preferably adapted to receive the insertion pins 202, 302. The insertion pins 202, 302 can manipulate the container carrier 100 to maintain the proper arrangement of the container carrier 100 on the container 102 during placement to form the multi-pack 138. Figure 3 As shown, applying the container carrier to form a multi-pack 138 includes feeding 140 of container carrier strips 114, 116, 118, and applying machine 144 to apply the container carrier strips 114, 116, 118 to a plurality of containers 102 via a centerline 142 of the application machine 144. After the individual container carriers 100 are applied to the appropriate number of containers 102, the final multi-pack 138 is formed. Figure 3 1, a feedstock 140 of container carrier strips 114, 116, 118 moves through an application machine 144 where the feedstock 140 is applied to the containers 102 and then separated into individual, combined multi-piece packages 138. Due to the uniform spacing application feature of the present invention, if uniform groups of same-sized containers with different sizes need to be packaged and / or if different carriers are desired, a separate machine is not required and the application machine 144 does not need to be reconfigured or adjusted.

[0030] Thus, an application machine 144 for packaging a plurality of containers 102 into multiple sized packages in accordance with the present invention allows a single machine to be used in conjunction with various sized containers and / or various sized and configured carriers and / or packages.

[0031] In such Figure 4In one embodiment shown, the container carrier strips 114, 116, 118 are preferably moved from a reel support 206 through an application machine 200 where the carriers 100 are dispensed in a continuous band and ultimately to a package where each carrier is divided into combined packages each containing a plurality of uniform containers 102. The application machine 200 includes a frame and a plurality of insertion pins 202 positioned along the outer periphery of the reel support 206. The reel support 206 is adapted to feed the container carrier strips 114, 116, 118 through the application machine 200 as a claw drum 204. A plurality of insertion pins 202 are adapted to be inserted into the plurality of registration holes 112 along the container carrier strips 114, 116, 118, wherein the application machine 200 is adapted to pull the container carrier strips 114, 116, 118 via the insertion pins 202, and to apply the container carrier strips 114, 116, 118 to the plurality of containers 102 by releasing the registration holes 112 from the insertion pins 202 when applied to the containers 102.

[0032] In such Figure 5 In another embodiment of the present invention shown, strips of container carriers 114, 116, 118 are preferably moved from a folded strip stack in a box through an application machine 300 where the carriers are dispensed in continuous strips and ultimately to packages where each carrier is divided into assembled packages each containing a plurality of uniform containers 102. The application machine 300 in this embodiment includes a linear frame 304. The linear frame 304 may be rectangular and function like a conveyor belt. The linear frame 304 includes a plurality of insertion pins 302 positioned along at least one perimeter of the linear frame 304. The application machine 300 is adapted to feed the strips of container carriers 114, 116, 118 through the application machine 300 as a conveyor belt. A plurality of insertion pins 302 are adapted to be inserted into the plurality of registration holes 112 along the container carrier strips 114, 116, 118, wherein the application machine 300 is adapted to pull the container carrier strips 114, 116, 118 via the insertion pins 302 and push each container receiving hole 106 of the container carrier 100 onto the container 102 to form a multi-piece package 138, after which the insertion pins 302 are released from the container carrier 100.

[0033] Although the present invention has been described in the foregoing specification with respect to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the uniform spacing application features are susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain details described herein may be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container carrier for combining a plurality of containers, comprising: a plurality of flexible strips forming an array of container receiving apertures, the array being arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse rows; as well as a plurality of first registration apertures aligned on each longitudinal row of said container carrier, adjacent to and outside of said array of said container receiving apertures, Wherein a second plurality of registration apertures extend between said longitudinal rows of said array of said container receiving apertures.

2. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first registration apertures extend along an outer periphery of the container carrier.

3. The container carrier of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a handle and a panel formed adjacent to the array of container receiving apertures.

4. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein the array of container receiving apertures forms a container carrier strip.

5. The container carrier of claim 4, wherein the plurality of first and second registration apertures extend to the container carrier strip.

6. The container carrier of claim 5, wherein the container carrier strip has a stretch of less than 20%.

7. The container carrier of claim 5, wherein the container carrier strip has a stretch of less than 10%.

8. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities of registration apertures are equally spaced from one another.

9. The container carrier of claim 1 wherein said array of said container receiving apertures comprises a spacing between 2 and 3 inches.

10. The container carrier of claim 9, wherein the first and second pluralities of registration apertures have a measurable center-to-center distance adapted for respective spacings of 2 to 3 inches.

11. The container carrier of claim 10, wherein the measurable center-to-center distance between each of the first and second pluralities of registration apertures is the same regardless of the spacing of the container receiving apertures.

12. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first and second registration apertures are circular.

13. The container carrier of claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities of registration apertures have a uniform shape.

14. The container carrier of claim 11, wherein the first and second pluralities of registration apertures are configured to accommodate containers having different diameters.

15. The container carrier of claim 1, further comprising diamond-shaped holes formed between each pair of container receiving holes, wherein each side of each diamond-shaped hole is parallel to a portion of an adjacent container receiving hole.

16. A method of packaging a plurality of containers using a container carrier strip formed from the container carrier of claim 4 and containers to form individual multi-packs, the container carrier strip being uniform, the method comprising: providing said container carrier strip from a feedstock to an application machine; inserting a plurality of pins from the application machine into a plurality of registration holes on the container carrier strip; Transfer multiple containers in fixed positions to the centerline; applying the container carrier strip to the container at the centerline; as well as The plurality of pins are removed from the plurality of registration apertures, thereby forming a container carrier.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the container carrier strip is applied to the containers by rolling the container carrier strip around a drum using the plurality of pins.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the container carrier strip is applied to the container by using the plurality of pins to linearly push the container carrier strip from a belt onto the container.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the container carrier strip is applied to the container by pushing the container carrier strip from a tape onto the container in a pattern using the plurality of pins.

20. A container carrier for combining a plurality of containers, comprising: a plurality of flexible strips forming an array of container receiving apertures, the array being arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse rows; as well as a plurality of registration apertures aligned in each longitudinal row of said container carrier, adjacent to and outside of said array of said container receiving apertures; Wherein the plurality of registration apertures are equally spaced apart from one another.

21. A container carrier for combining a plurality of containers, comprising: a plurality of flexible strips forming an array of container receiving apertures, wherein the array of container receiving apertures comprises a spacing between 2 and 3 inches, the array being arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse rows; and a plurality of registration apertures aligned on each longitudinal row of the container carrier, adjacent to and outside of the array of container receiving apertures, each registration aperture defining a respective center, wherein the plurality of registration apertures have a measurable center-to-center distance between adjacent registration apertures for respective spacings of 2 to 3 inches, and wherein the measurable center-to-center distance between adjacent registration apertures of the plurality of registration apertures is the same regardless of the spacing of the container receiving apertures.

22. The container carrier of claim 21 further comprising diamond-shaped apertures formed between each transverse and longitudinal pair of the container receiving apertures, wherein each side of each diamond-shaped aperture is parallel to a portion of an adjacent container receiving aperture.

Images