Rigid Plastic Container Carrier for Curbside Recyclability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic ring carriers used for beverage multipacks are not fully curbside recyclable due to their flexible plastic composition, which hinders environmental sustainability and consumer recycling efforts, despite efforts to transition towards more eco-friendly solutions.
Innovation Solution
A container carrier made from 100% curbside recyclable rigid plastics such as HDPE and PET, designed to unitize multiple containers with a network of molded ribs, radial tabs, and raised rings, allowing for easy recycling and structural integrity, while also featuring marketing bands and finger holds for handling and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flexible plastic ring carriers are used for beverage multipacks, then operational efficiency and competitive pricing are achieved, but curbside recyclability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible plastic to rigid plastic (HDPE or PET), which fundamentally alters the recyclability characteristic while maintaining the carrier's structural function and operational efficiency in beverage multipacks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses rigid plastic materials (HDPE or PET) that combine the structural integrity needed for carrier functionality with the curbside recyclability property, creating a composite solution that satisfies both operational and environmental requirements
2Object-generated harmful factors
If 50% post-consumer recycled content plastic is used for ring carriers, then carbon footprint is reduced, but curbside recyclability remains unachieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material form parameter from flexible to rigid plastic, which enables curbside recyclability while maintaining the ability to incorporate recycled content and reduce carbon footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier design incorporates modular structural elements (walls, floors, ceilings, engagement features) that can be manufactured from recycled rigid plastic content and maintain functionality while being curbside recyclable
3Reliability
If rigid plastics like HDPE or PET are used for container carriers, then curbside recyclability is achieved, but structural design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into functional segments (side walls, end walls, floors, ceilings, engagement features) that can be independently designed and manufactured, simplifying the overall structural design while achieving curbside recyclability with rigid plastics
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid plastic carrier structure serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling curbside recyclability, and incorporating engagement features for container retention, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying overall design
Data Source
AI summary
A container carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers includes a network of molded ribs forming a plurality of container receiving openings formed in a first plane and a plurality of radial tabs positioned within each container receiving opening. A plurality of raised rings are each formed over each container receiving opening and formed in a second plane. A band may be formed over each raised ring in the second plane and a rail may be positioned on an underside of the container carrier between each pair of container receiving openings.