Integrally-Molded Six-Pack Carrier with Radiused Finger Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing six-pack carriers obscure product labels and are uncomfortable to carry due to thin plastic material and sharp edges, with inadequate support leading to sagging containers during handling.
Innovation Solution
An integrally-molded carrier with radiused finger loops and annular neck-engaging structures, made of high-density polyethylene, providing comfortable gripping and secure container support with minimal material usage, allowing easy application and removal of containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If thin gauge plastic sheet is used to fabricate the carrier, then the carrier can be made lightweight and inexpensive, but the carrier becomes uncomfortable to carry and requires substantial structural surface area that obscures product visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin gauge plastic sheet (0.030 to 0.060 inches thick) that is thermo-formed into a three-dimensional shape with raised structural ribs. This creates a flexible yet structurally sound carrier that maintains comfort during carrying while using minimal material weight. The thermo-forming process transforms the flat thin sheet into a contoured structure that provides necessary support without adding substantial material mass.
2Weight of moving object
If thin gauge plastic sheet is used to fabricate the carrier, then the carrier can be made lightweight and inexpensive, but the carrier requires substantial structural surface area that obscures product visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat sheet to a three-dimensional structured form through thermo-forming. The raised ribs and contoured surfaces add vertical dimension to the carrier structure, providing structural support and container engagement capabilities without increasing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional transformation reduces the overall surface area required while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing product obscuration.
3Strength
If rigid keyhole-shaped neck retainers are used, then the carrier can be made structurally sound, but the containers become difficult to fit over and remove from the carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid keyhole-shaped retainers with flexible finger loops that can dynamically adapt to the container necks. The finger loops are formed from the same thin gauge plastic sheet and possess sufficient flexibility to stretch over container necks during application, then maintain secure engagement during carrying. The flexible material allows easy removal by simply pulling the containers off, eliminating the difficulty associated with rigid retainers.
4Strength
If the carrier uses substantial structural surface area to support containers, then the carrier can provide adequate support, but the product and advertising labels become further hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the structural support function into discrete localized elements rather than requiring continuous broad surface area. Raised ribs are positioned strategically at specific locations where container support is needed, such as beneath the container bases and along the sides. This segmented approach provides adequate structural support and container stability while minimizing the total surface area of the carrier, thereby maximizing product and label visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An integral carrier for carrying multiple containers by their necks is disclosed that has a plurality of annular neck-engaging structures and a pair of centrally located opposing finger loops that promote a balanced distribution of weight for ease in carrying and handling.