Container carrier

Abstract

A container carrier includes a plurality of ring members, each ring member including: a central axis, an outer periphery and an inner periphery. The inner periphery is defined by a radially inner edge of a container rim engaging ledge, wherein the cam rim engaging ledge is defined by an upper frustoconical surface portion and a lower frustoconical surface portion.The upper frustoconical surface portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge and the lower frustoconical surface portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to carriers used for containers and, more specifically, to a container carrier that engages the tops of cans or other containers, such as bottles.BACKGROUND

[0002] A variety of container carrier configurations are known. Where a container carrier is molded of plastic material, the container carrier is commonly utilized to carry containers in a multi-pack arrangement so as to carry a plurality of containers simultaneously (e.g., a 4 pack of cans or a 6 pack of cans).

[0003] It would be desirable to provide a container carrier that provides desirable gripping of the tops of cans or other containers while enabling easy application of the carrier and / or providing desirable stacking of the carriers for the purpose of shipping and / or use.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a container carrier includes a plurality of ring members, each ring member including: a central axis, an outer periphery and an inner periphery. The inner periphery is defined by a radially inner edge of a container rim engaging ledge, wherein the cam rim engaging ledge is defined in part by an upper frustoconical surface portion and a lower frustoconical surface portion. The radially inner edge of the cam rim engaging ledge lies substantially in an edge plane. The frustoconical upper surface portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge at a first enclosed angle, relative to the plane, of between about twenty-one degrees and about thirty-one degrees.

[0005] In another aspect, a container carrier includes a plurality of ring members, each ring member including: a central axis, an outer periphery and an inner periphery. The inner periphery is defined by a radially inner edge of a container rim engaging ledge, wherein the cam rim engaging ledge is defined by an upper frustoconical surface portion and a lower frustoconical surface portion. The upper frustoconical surface portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge and the lower frustoconical surface portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge.

[0006] In another aspect, a carrier for attachment to a can top, comprising:

[0007] a plurality of ring members, each ring member including:

[0008] a central axis, an outer periphery and an inner periphery, wherein the inner periphery is defined by a radially inner edge of a can rim engaging ledge, wherein the cam rim engaging ledge is defined by an upper tapered surface portion and a lower tapered surface portion;

[0009] wherein the upper tapered surface portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge and the lower tapered surface portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge

[0010] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of one embodiment of a can carrier;

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the carrier;

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a bottom plan view of the carrier;

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the carrier;

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the carrier;

[0016] FIG. 6 shows the carrier engages to carry cans;

[0017] FIGS. 7-8 show perspective views of portions of a ring member of the carrier;

[0018] FIGS. 9-10 show perspective views of portions of a connecting strip of the carrier;

[0019] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of a seat region of the connecting strip of the carrier;

[0020] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of seat regions in a stacked set of carriers;

[0021] FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the ring member of the carrier;

[0022] FIGS. 14-15 show cross-sections of the ring member of the carrier engaged with a can;

[0023] FIG. 16 shows a stacked set of carriers; and

[0024] FIG. 17 shows a partial cross-section of the stacked set of carriers.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] While the following description focuses on a can carrier, it is recognized that the inventive features could be incorporated into carriers for other types of containers, such as bottled.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-17, a can carrier 10, or portions thereof are shown in isolation, in engagement with other can carriers or in engagement with a can. The carrier 10 may, by way of example, be of a molded plastic or other resilient material. The illustrated carrier 10 is configured as a 4-pack carrier and therefore includes four ring members 12, each of which defines a central ring opening 13 with a central axis 13a and each of which is configured to be connected a top of a respective can. However, it is recognized that other multi-pack configurations are possible (e.g., a 2-pack carrier with 2 rings, a 3-pack carrier with 3 rings, a 5 pack carrier with 5 rings, a 6-pack carrier with 6 rings and so on), and it is also possible that in certain instances a carrier with just a single ring could be produced. Where multiple ring members 12 are provided as shown, the ring members 12 are interconnected to each other by connecting straps 14. A handle member 16 extends between two of the connecting straps 14 and provides a structure by which a user can grip the carrier to carry the carrier and any cans connected to the carrier.

[0027] Each ring member 12 includes an outer periphery 20 and an inner periphery 22. The inner periphery 22 is defined by a radially inner edge 24 of a can rim engaging ledge 26. The cam rim engaging ledge 26 is defined, in part, by an upper frustoconical surface portion 28 and a lower frustoconical surface portion 30. The radially inner edge 24 of the cam rim engaging ledge 26 lies substantially in an edge plane 32.

[0028] Here, the frustoconical upper surface portion 28 extends upwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge 24 at an enclosed angle θ1, relative to the plane 32, of between about twenty-one degrees and about thirty-one degrees. In implementations, enclosed angle θ1 is between about twenty-four degrees and about twenty-eight degrees, such as about twenty-six degrees. Here, the lower frustoconical surface portion 30 extends downwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge 24 at an enclosed angle θ2, relative to the plane 32, of between about thirty-three degrees and about forty-three degrees. In implementations, angle θ2 is between about thirty-six degrees and about forty degrees, such as about thirty-eight degrees. Surface portions 28 and 30 strengthen cantilevered edge 24 for repeated application and removal to cans. Surface portion 30 provides for guidance / alignment with a can when being applied and surface portion 28 provide room for the plastic to pivot to allow easy removal.

[0029] Thus, the apex angle α1 of the frustum formed by surface portion 28 may be between about fifty-nine degrees and about sixty-nine degrees, such as between about sixty-two degrees and about sixty-six degrees, such as about sixty-four degrees. Likewise, the apex angle α2 of the frustum formed by surface portion 30 may be between about forty-seven degrees and about fifty-seven degrees, such as between about fifty degrees and about fifty-four degrees, such as about fifty-two degrees. Notably, the apex angle α1 is greater than the apex angle α2.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the radially inner edge 24 is continuous in the plane 32. The carrier 10 may be a monolithic component formed of a plastic material that is sufficiently resilient to allow the radially inner edge 24 to stretch outward as the carrier is disposed downward over the rim 60 of a can 62. The continuity of the radially inner edge 24 enables secure retention of the cans 62. Here, the radially inner edge 24 is defined by a curved surface 24a (e.g., a convex, annular arcuate surface) that joins the upper frustoconical surface portion 28 to the lower frustoconical surface portion 30.

[0031] Here, in certain circumferential regions, a further lower partially frustoconical surface portion 34, which is not continuous around the ring, extends downwardly and outwardly from the lower frustoconical surface portion 30 at an enclosed angle θ3, relative to the plane 32, of between about seventy-five degrees and about eighty-five degrees, such as about seventy-eight degrees to about eighty-two degrees. A curved surface 36 (e.g., a concave, annular arcuate surface) joins the lower frustoconical surface portion 30 to the lower partially frustoconical surface portion 34. Surface portions 34 provide a feature that can engage with the top of a moving can such that the can pulls the carrier out of a stack or out of a waiting position as the can moves past the carrier (e.g., when the carrier is angled slightly upwardly and the surface portion 34 is at the lower end of the angled carrier).

[0032] A plurality of connecting strips or straps 14 interconnect the plurality of rings 12. Here, each connecting strip 14 includes a peripheral portion 42 that defines a seat region 44 with an upright back wall 44a, a lateral seat 44b extending from the upright back wall 44a and side walls 44c extending upward from the lateral seat 44b and laterally from the upright back wall 44a. A tab 46 extends downward from the connecting strip and is positioned and configured so as to align with and sit within a seat region 44 of a further carrier when the carrier is stacked atop the further carrier (see FIG. 12). This arrangement provides for lateral relative stability between the stacked carriers.

[0033] The outer periphery 20 of each ring member includes at least one outwardly extending ledge 48 and a lower edge region 50 that is positioned and configured to sit atop the outwardly extending ledge 48 of a further carrier when the carrier is stacked atop the further carrier, wherein the outwardly extending ledge 48 is located higher than the plane 32 and below a top edge 52 of the carrier. This arrangement provides desired stackability between carriers at a set density (e.g., number or carriers per unit vertical height of the stack).

[0034] A plurality of cans 62 can be engaged with the carrier, per FIGS. 6 and 14-15, where each can includes an upper rim 60 with a lower edge 60a. Each can is engaged with a respective one of the ring members 12 of the carrier, with the radially inner edge 24 of the respective ring member 12 positioned below the lower edge 60a of the rim 60 of the can.

[0035] It is to be clearly understood that the above description is intended by way of illustration and example only, is not intended to be taken by way of limitation, and that other changes and modifications are possible. For example, while tapered surface portions in the form of frustoconical surface portions 28 and 30 are primarily described, alternative tapered surface portions could be implemented (e.g., surface portions 28 and 30 could be implemented with a slight curvature). In such embodiments, the vertical component of the taper of the upper surface portion would still be less than the vertical component of the taper of the lower surface portion.

Claims

1. A carrier for attachment to a container top, comprising:a plurality of ring members, each ring member including:a central axis, an outer periphery and an inner periphery, wherein the inner periphery is defined by a radially inner edge of a container rim engaging ledge, wherein the container rim engaging ledge comprises an upper frustoconical surface portion and a lower frustoconical surface portion;wherein the radially inner edge of the container rim engaging ledge lies in an edge plane;wherein the upper frustoconical surface portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge;wherein the carrier is comprised by a plastic material, wherein the plastic material is continuous in a region spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner edge and extending axially between the upper frustoconical surface portion and the lower frustoconical surface portion.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the upper frustoconical surface portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge at a first enclosed angle, relative to the edge plane, of between twenty-one degrees and thirty-one degrees, and the lower frustoconical surface portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge at a second enclosed angle, relative to the edge plane, of between thirty-three degrees and forty-three degrees.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the first enclosed angle is between twenty-four degrees and twenty-eight degrees, and the second enclosed angle is between thirty-six degrees and forty degrees.

4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein the radially inner edge is continuous in the edge plane.

5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the carrier is a monolithic component formed of the plastic material that allows the radially inner edge of each ring member to stretch outward as the carrier is disposed downward over a container top.

6. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the radially inner edge is defined by a first curved surface that joins the upper frustoconical surface portion to the lower frustoconical surface portion.

7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the first curved surface is arcuate.

8. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the lower frustoconical surface portion is a first lower frustoconical surface portion, wherein a second lower frustoconical surface portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the first lower frustoconical surface portion at a third enclosed angle, relative to the edge plane, of between seventy-five degrees and eighty-five degrees.

9. The carrier of claim 8, wherein a second curved surface joins the first lower frustoconical surface portion to the second lower frustoconical surface portion.

10. The carrier of claim 1, wherein a plurality of connecting strips interconnect the plurality of ring members, wherein each connecting strip includes a peripheral portion that defines a seat region with an upright back wall, a lateral seat extending from the upright back wall and side walls extending upward from the lateral seat and laterally from the upright back wall, wherein a tab extends downward from the connecting strip and is positioned and configured so as to align with and sit within a seat region of a further carrier when the carrier is stacked atop the further carrier.

11. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of each ring member includes at least one outwardly extending ledge and a lower edge region that is positioned and configured to sit atop the outwardly extending ledge of a further carrier when the carrier is stacked atop the further carrier, wherein the outwardly extending ledge is located higher than the edge plane and below a top edge of the carrier.

12. A carriable can assembly, comprising:a plurality of cans, each can including rim with a lower edge;wherein each can is engaged with a respective one of the ring members of the carrier of claim 1, with the inner edge of the respective ring member positioned below the lower edge of the rim of the can.

13. A carrier for attachment to a container top, comprising:a plurality of ring members, each ring member including:a central axis, an outer periphery and an inner periphery, wherein the inner periphery is defined by a radially inner edge of a container rim engaging ledge, wherein the container rim engaging ledge comprises an upper frustoconical surface portion and a lower frustoconical surface portion;wherein the radially inner edge defines a through opening of the ring member such that a container top engaged with and supported by the container rim engaging ledge is exposed by the through opening;wherein the upper frustoconical surface portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge and the lower frustoconical surface portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge.

14. A carrier for attachment to a container top, comprising:a plurality of ring members, each ring member including:a central axis, an outer periphery and an inner periphery, wherein the inner periphery is defined by a radially inner edge of a container rim engaging ledge, wherein the container rim engaging ledge comprises an upper surface portion and a lower surface portion;wherein the upper surface portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge and the lower surface portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the radially inner edge;wherein a plurality of connecting strips interconnect the plurality of ring members, wherein each connecting strip includes a peripheral portion that defines a seat region and a downwardly extending tab below the seat region and positioned and configured so as to align with and extend into a seat region of a further carrier when the carrier is stacked atop the further carrier.

15. The carrier of claim 13, wherein the lower frustoconical surface portion is a first lower frustoconical surface portion, wherein a second lower frustoconical surface portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the first lower frustoconical surface portion.

16. The carrier of claim 15, wherein the second lower frustoconical surface portion extends downwardly at an angle that is steeper than an angle at which said first lower frustoconical surface portion extends downwardly.

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