EP1826135B1 - Carrier capable of hanging from a side of a container - Google Patents

Abstract

A carrier (112) is formed of foldable sheet material and is usable with a container (110) having a top (108), a bottom and sides (109), the top having a handle (111) and at least one of the sides having a mouth for emptying contents from the container. The carrier comprises a bottom (117) and a plurality of side panels (113, 115) adjoining and connected thereto. It further comprises a handle panel (118) formed with at least one of the side panels and including a first aperture (126) for fitting over the handle of the container so that at least a portion of one of the side panels of the carrier rests against the side of the container. The carrier provides an upwardly open compartment (124) including a pair of cutting lines (138) horizontally forming a band (139) cut into the compartment corner (116). Upon inward depression of the band a partition will be formed in the upwardly open compartment, dividing the compartment.

Description

• Consumers frequently purchase ready-made coffee, and other beverages, in bulk beverage containers, such as for the office and catering. Beverages are often purchased with other food items, such as pastries, sandwiches, and condiments. Many coffee-shops and fast food establishments also carry items such as compact discs, reading material, and coffee brewing equipment.
• Although the bulk beverage containers are often more convenient than carrying several cups of, often hot, beverages, the consumer may still need to carry serving supplies, food items and/or other items in their other hand. This may make it difficult to carry a purse, professional case, and other items that the consumer may have.US 6,068,127 describes a carrier having first and second panels coupled together by a foldable hinge lines. The panels have openings to receive other items such as beverage containers. A slot is formed along the foldable hinge line through which the handle of a base container can pass so that the carrier can be fitted over the base container.
• The present invention provides a carrier as set out inclaim 1. In particular, this invention provides a carrier formed of foldable sheet material, the carrier being usable with a container. The container has a top, a bottom and sides, the top having a handle, and at least one of the sides having a mouth for emptying contents from the container. The carrier includes a bottom, side panels adjoined and connected to the bottom, and a handle panel formed with at least one of the side panels. The handle panel includes a first aperture for fitting over the handle on the top of the container such that at least a portion of one of the side panels of the carrier rests against a side of the container adjacent to the mouth.
• Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container with two assembled carriers.
• FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the interior surface of a blank from which the carrier ofFIG. 1 can be assembled.
• FIG. 3 is a front view of a container with two assembled carriers.
• FIG. 4 is a top view of a container with two assembled carriers.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a carrier separate from a container.
• FIG. 6 is an exploded detail of the head and neck portion of the carrier ofFIG. 1 illustrating a first step of an exemplary folding option.
• FIG. 7 is an exploded detail of the head and neck portion of the carrier ofFIG. 1 illustrating a second step of an exemplary folding option.
• FIG. 8 is an exploded detail view of the head and neck portion of the carrier ofFIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary folding option.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a partially assembled double carrier with an exploded detail illustration of latching components.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two carriers assembled together to form an alternate variation of the carrier.
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another carrier used with the container ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the interior surface of a blank from which the carrier ofFIG. 11 can be assembled.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carrier ofFIG. 11 particularly illustrating the flexibility of the handle flap.
• FIG 14 is a perspective view of the carrier illustrating folding of the alternative handle flaps into the container.
• FIG. 15 is a perspective back view of the carrier ofFIG. 11, with an exploded detail view of an overlapping central portion of the handle flap.
• FIG. 16 is a fully assembled view of carriers combined together.
• FIG. 17 is a perspective back view of the carrier ofFIG. 11 illustrating optional folding of the back flap.
• FIG. 18 is a perspective back view of the carrier ofFIG. 11 and with the back flap folded such that the carrier may be used independent of the container.
• FIG. 19 is a partially assembled view of duplicate carriers illustrating the securing structures.
• FIGS. 20 and21 are exemplary partial perspective views of a fully assembled carrier particularly illustrating the handle flap folding over upright handle panels to form a compartment cover.
• A carrier may be used alone or in combination with a container, such as a bulk beverage container, or other similar containers such as food containers and pet containers. The carrier may be used to carry beverages, condiments and/or other items such as food items. The carrier may fit over a handle of the container and hang on a side and/or back of the container. The carrier may also be used in combination with other carriers to form other configurations of carriers. The carrier may permit an establishment to purchase one carrier-type for multiple uses.
• FIGS. 1,3 and 4 illustrate acontainer110 and acarrier112 in their assembled forms. The carrier includes a storage container which may convert to a one, two or more-cell container. Thecarrier112 may hang from thehandle111 on thetop108 of thecontainer110 to aside109 of acontainer110. Thetop108 of thecontainer110 may be angled, and therefore not parallel with the bottom side, so a portion of thecarrier112 may also be angled.
• Thecarrier112 includes an upwardlyopen compartment124 and ahandle panel118 that may be integral therewith. Thecompartment124 may be of an elongate rectangular configuration, and other shapes may be used. The compartment has afirst end panel114, asecond end panel119, afirst side panel115 and asecond side panel113 extended between the end panels and joined thereto at thecorners116, such as by appropriate fold lines. The bottom of thecompartment117 may support items that are placed inside thecarrier112.
• The compartment may include one or more separate compartments. A single compartment may be transformed to a double-space compartment with the use of acorner area116 of the compartment that containscutting lines 138 that form ahorizontal band139. A compartment divider may be formed by pressing thecorner area116 of the compartment inward. Thecorner area 116 can be replaced in itsoriginal position138 to regain the full space of the compartment.
• Thefirst side panel113 may be extended and form ahandle panel 118 that that fits over thehandle111 of acontainer110. Thehandle panel118 may include two distinct regions: anelongated head region 120; and aneck region122 that may be narrower than thehead region120 and may join thehead region120 to thecompartment124 at thefirst side panel113.
• Thehead region120 may contain fourseparate apertures126. Theseapertures126 may afford the carrier handle panel118 a snug, secure fitting. Theapertures126 may be arranged to permit the compartment to be placed on either side of thecontainer110. Theapertures126 may be angled to accommodate anangled container110 such that when positioned in a resting position on thecontainer110, thecarrier112 may be positioned generally parallel to the ground.
• Twofolds134 in thehandle panel118 align the compartment on either side of thecontainer110.Holes130 in thehandle panel118 assist in aligning thecarrier112 on thehandle111 of the container. Acentral flap region128 may lie between theapertures126 to further secure the carrier'shandle panel118 to thehandle111 of thecontainer110.
  Thehandle panel118 may also contain cutting lines to define analternative handle flap136. Theflap136 is convex only for illustrative purposes. Theflap136 may have other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular. Alternatively, theflap136 may be replaced with one or more finger holes. Pushing inward on theflap136 may reveal a transversely elongated finger opening. The consumer may have the option of using one or twocarriers112 on eachcontainer110, depending on the amount to be carried.
• FIGS. 1,3, and 4 illustrate the use of thecontainer110 with twocarriers112. When used together, onehandle flap118 may lie on top of the other. Onecompartment124 may hang on each side of thecontainer110. Each compartment can hold pastries, bagels, cookies,drinks142,extra cups143, napkins,condiments144, and other store items, such as compact disks, reading material, and cooking utensils. These items may also be carried in thecompartment124.
• FIG. 2 shows an exemplary blank of thecarrier112. The carrier may be composed of a generally flat material having some rigidity and being capable of being bent or scored to facilitate bending along determined lines. An exemplary material is paperboard. The material may be coated, such as to provide increased water or fluid resistance and may have printing on selected portions of the material.
• Alternatively or additionally, thecarrier112 may be composed of corrugated cardboard, chipboard, plywood, SBS, metal, plastic, fabric, ceramic, polymer, fibers, mesh, screen, wood, composite, mixtures or combinations of the foregoing, or the like. Thecarrier112 may be made of one or more layers of one or more of the aforementioned materials. Where multiple layers of material are used they may be joined, such as, but not limited to, being laminated, glued, or otherwise fastened together for increased strength.
• Thecarrier112 may be a die cut from a single sheet of material. Alternatively, two or more segments of material may be used and joined together. While thecarrier112 material is preferably scored, where a plurality of panels or segments are used they can be joined using hinge or joint mechanisms. By score, it is meant to include a cut through a portion of the carrier sheet (either a continuous cut or a line of slits, holes, or perforations), or a weakened area, or a compressed area on at least one face of the sheet or other technique to permit bending of the material along a preferred line. The carrier may be constructed of a series of generally rectangular panels denoted bynumerals113, 114, 115, and119 joined by fold or scorelines116.Flap240 may include an adhesive242, such as glue. Bottom forming panels denoted as117 may form a pressure lock configuration, which may close to form a sturdy bottom when items are placed inside. Scoredlines250 may be used to create flexibility in thehorizontal band139 defined bycut lines138.
• Thefirst side panel113 may extend to form ahandle panel118 that fits over the handle of a container such ascontainer110. First213 and second214 scored fold lines permit thehead region120 to fold. Folding the head region brings a cut outportion212 into alignment with thealternative handle flap136. The cut out212 portion is convex only for illustrative purposes. The cut out212 may have other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular. The cut outportion212 provides clearance for thehandle flap136 when it is punched through to reveal the transversely elongated finger opening. Alatch lug220 may be defined on three sides by cuttinglines244 which allow thelatch lug220 to flex resiliently outward from the correspondingfirst side panel113.
• Numerals246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, and260 provide an illustrative example of possible dimensions of the blank. The detailed description of possible dimensions that follows is merely illustrative and not limiting.
• Dimension246 of thecarrier112 may be 31.0 cm (12.221 inches).Dimension248 of thecarrier112 may be 39.6 cm (15.596 inches).Dimension250 of thecarrier112 may be 1.6 cm (5/8 inches).Dimension252 of thecarrier112 may be 17.1 cm (6¾ inches).Dimension254 of thecarrier112 may be 8.7 cm (3 7/16 inches).Dimension256 of thecarrier112 may be 17.1 cm (6¾ inches).Dimension258 of thecarrier112 may be 8.7 cm (3 13/32 inches).Dimension260 of thecarrier112 may be 11.7 cm (4 5/8 inches). These dimensions are illustrative only and may be varied to tailor the carrier to the dimensions of the container.
• Referring toFIG. 3, thecontainer110 may be fitted with amouth312 for passage of contents from an inside of thecontainer110 to an outside of thecontainer110, and vice versa, such as for loading and/or emptying contents. Thecarriers112 may be duplicates arranged in opposite orientations.Numeral314 illustrates a carrier in an open state where thedivider band139 is not punched in.Numeral316 illustrates a carrier in a multi-compartment state where thedivider band139 is punched in. Either one or both of thecorner areas116 of thecarriers112 may containdivider bands139 may turn a single compartment into a multiple compartment. Bothcarriers112 may lie flat against the sides of thecontainer110 due to folding along the scoredlines134. Thehead portion120 of thehandle panel118 may lie flat against the top of thecontainer110. The head portion of the first carrier may lie flat on top of the head portion of the second carrier.
• FIG. 4 shows a top view of thecontainer110 fitted with the twocarriers112. Thecarriers112 may be suspended from thehandle111 of thecontainer110 by thehandle panel118. Thehead region120 may have angledapertures126 which fit over the container'shandle111. Thecentral flap region128 between the sets ofangled apertures126 may provide a snug, secure fit. Thefirst carrier112 may lie layered on top of thesecond carrier112. Scored bendinglines134 may allow thecarriers112 to lie against the side of thecontainer110.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of thecarrier112 independent of thecontainer110. Thecarrier112 is in a partially unfolded state. By folding thehead region120, or handleflap118, thecarrier112 may be used as a carrier independent of thecontainer110.
• FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an exemplary way to fold thehead portion120 for use of thecarrier112 without acontainer110.FIG. 6 illustrates the first exemplary fold. Folding thehead region120 along thefirst fold line213 brings theflap section128 into outward orientation and the cut outregion212 into inward orientation.FIG. 7 illustrates the second exemplary fold for separate carrier set-up. Folding thehead region120 at the second headregion fold line214 aligns the cut outregion212 with the cutting lines of thealternative handle flap136.FIG. 8 illustrates the final exemplary orientation of the head region in the separate carrier set-up. Theflap section128 is downwardly oriented and secured by aflange215. The cut outregion212 is aligned with the cutting lines of thealternative handle flap136. Pushing in on thealternative handle flap136 creates the transversely elongated finger opening. The carrier as described, may be used either as a companion to a container, as a single unit, or in interlocked tandem with a duplicate carrier.
• FIG. 9 illustrates twocarriers112 being joined together to form another carrier larger than thecarrier112. The joining ofcarriers112 may form a tandem carrier simply and rapidly, such as by utilizing thesingle latch assembly218 and220. The two carriers may be positioned slightly longitudinally offset from each other with the latch lugs220 aligned with thelatch apertures218 of the opposed carrier. The carriers are then longitudinally slid toward each other to engage eachlatch lug220 into thelatch aperture218 of the opposed carrier. Latching the carriers together may restrict lateral separation of the carriers. An example of the possible latching mechanism follows. The example is merely illustrative as other latching mechanisms may be used.
• Thelatch lug220 may be arranged continuous with thefirst end panel114. Thelatch lug220 may be generally rectangular with rounded corners, but other shapes may be used. To further stabilize and insure the integrity of latching, eachlatch lug220 may be retained in its final latching position by a lockingnotch910 in the lower corner and flush with thefirst end panel114. Once thelatch lug220 has been projected completely through thelatch aperture218, it may lie against the respective inner faces of theend panels114 and119. By pushing down on the containers, the lockingnotch910 may engage a portion of thecorner panel116 to secure the latch. When so engaged, possible accidental or unintentional disengagement of the two carriers is reduced, particularly when the compartments are occupied with store items. Any load within the compartment will, by the natural direction of the load force, retain the compartments in lateral engagement with each other. If the carriers are to be disengaged, a positive manual manipulation, involving an upward pivoting and release of the locking notch and subsequent manipulation of thelug220 may be required.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of twocarriers112 assembled together in tandem to form acarrier1000. Folding of thehead region120 and pushing inward on thealternative handle flap136 may reveal transversely elongatedfinger opening1010. Theflap136 of the first carrier, when inserted through thefinger opening1010 of the second carrier may secure the head panels and may provide protection and cushioning for the fingers. This arrangement may allow for the transport ofmultiple beverages142 andcondiments144, or other items. With the two carriers interlocked, the first and second alternative handle flaps136 may align transversely across the assembly and the twoelongate finger openings1010 may be positioned for easy grasping by one hand. The positive interlock between the carriers within the handles themselves, created by insertion of thealternative handle flap136 of the first carrier through theelongate finger opening1010 of the second carrier, provides for a positive retention of the handles against each other in a manner which substantially defines a single handle for ready access thereto.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of anothercarrier1100 in its assembled form. Thecarrier1100 may be made of paperboard or other materials, such as those described above. Thecarrier1100 may hang on the back side of a container, such as thecontainer110 described above. Thecarrier1100 may include one ormore compartments1124. Ahandle panel1118 may be integral with thefirst side panel1113 of thecompartment1124. Thehandle panel1118 may include twoapertures1126 dimensioned to fit over thehandle111 of thecontainer110, permitting a snug fit.
• The compartment may be divided by twofoldable handle panels1110, which are folded into thecompartment1124 in this configuration. A plane of the foldable handle panels may be transverse to the carrier side panels and parallel to the carrier end panels. Thecompartment1124 can containdrinks142,extra cups143, napkins,condiments144, pastries, bagels, and other store items. Thefold line1112 may allow the carrier to lie flat against the back side of thecontainer110. This carrier may make transporting numerous items more convenient.
• FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary blank of thecarrier 1100. Thecarrier 1100 may be advantageously configured to be constructed from a single one piece paper board plank. The carrier may be constructed of a series of generally rectangular panels denoted bynumerals1113, 1114, 1115, and1119 joined by fold lines or scorelines1116. Theflap1240 may be secured usingglue1242 or another adhesive, from top to bottom. Bottom forming panels denoted as1217 may be glued1242.
• A perforatedcentral region1128 may extend between the twoapertures1126 in thehandle panel1118. Thehandle panel1118 may further include several scoredfolding lines1212, 1213, and1214. Thehandle panel1118 may also include two horizontal latching lugs 1220 which may be defined by cutting lines on threesides1244. The base of the latching lugs1220 may be aligned with thesecond folding line1213 such that when thehandle panel1118 is folded at thesecond fold line1213 and the latching lugs1220 are punched out, they flex resiliently outward from thesecond fold line1213. The latching lugs1220 may be aligned withhorizontal latching apertures1218 at near the intersection of thehandle panel1118 with thefirst side panel1113. The latching lugs1220 are shown associated with thesecond fold line1213 only for illustration. The latching lugs1220 may be multiple or singular, may be of any shape, and may be located anywhere along thehandle panel1118. The latchingapertures1218 may be altered accordingly. Alternatively, the latching apertures may be omitted from thehandle panel1118.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of thecarrier1100. This view particularly illustrates the ability of thehandle panel1118 to bend such that theapertures1126 may be fixed over thecontainer handle111. This view further illustrates that thecarrier1100 may be expanded into a box-like form from a flattened, collapsed form by asserting pressure on the container'send panels1114, and 1119.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of thecarrier1100 particularly illustrating that the foldable handles1110 may be flexed inward and tucked into the cavity of thecompartment1124. Folding the foldable handles1110 into thecompartment1124 may eliminate any interference the handles might create when the carrier is affixed to a container.
• FIG. 15 provides a back view of thecarrier1100. The figure illustrates the perforatedcentral region1128 extending between theapertures1126. This region may open to allow passage of the container'shandle111 while affixing thecarrier1100 to thecontainer110. However, it may close under the container handle111 after assembly, providing a snug fit.
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view of twocarriers1100 assembled in tandem. Folding thehandle panel1118 and securing twocarriers1100 in tandem results in a four-pack carrier. Pushing in on aperforated aperture1136 may reveal a transversely elongatedfinger opening1637 for carrying the four-pack carrier. Theaperture1136 is rectangular for illustration only. The aperture may be other shapes, or may be replaced with one or more finger holes. Accordingly, thefinger opening 1637 may be other than transversely elongated.
• FIGS. 17-19 illustrate an exemplary folding of thehandle panel1118 and assembly ofduplicate carriers1100 into a four-pack carrier. The following description is by way of example only; other folding mechanisms may be used to accomplish the same end.FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary folding of thehandle panel1118. The handle panel may be folded at a first1212 and second1213 fold line. Latching lugs1220 may be released from thehandle panel1220 by pushing inward along the cutting lines1244.
• FIG. 18 is a back perspective view of thecarrier1100. Folding at thesecond folding line1213 followed by folding at thethird folding line1214 may bring the latching lugs1220 into immediate alignment with the latchingapertures1218. The fold may be secured by inserting the latchinglug1220 through the latchingapertures1218.
• An example of a possible latching mechanism follows. The example is merely illustrative. Other latching mechanisms may be used. Thefirst side panel1113 may include asecond latching lug1710 defined by cutting lines along a first and second side. This latching lug may be cut along a third side to create anotch1712 that divides thesecond lug1710 from the body of thecarrier1100 at thecorner region1116. The lug remains integral with the carrier'sfirst end panel1114 at its uppermost region.
• FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary assembly of two two-compartment carriers 1100 into a four-compartment carrier1600. The joining of twocarriers1100 to form a tandem four-compartment carrier1600 may be effected simply and rapidly utilizing the joininglug1710. Attachment may be achieved by first positioning thecarriers1100 slightly offset from each other with thelatch lug 1710 of the first duplicate carrier aligned with ahatch1712 cut into the second duplicate carrier. Thelatch lug1710 is inserted into thehatch1712, and the opposed carriers are brought into orientation by clockwise rotation such that thelatch lug1710 may fully engage thehatch1712. Proper alignment orients the first and second transversely elongatedfinger openings1637 such that thehandle tongue1136 of thefirst carrier1100 can be inserted through thefinger opening1637 of thesecond carrier1100. Latching the carriers together may restrict lateral separation of the carriers. This latching method may be replaced by or used in combination with other known latching methods.
• FIGS. 20 and21 illustrate how thehandle panel1118 can bend forward and form a compartment cover on a single carrier. With the foldablehandle panel divider1110 erect, thefoldable handle panel1110 may be inserted through theapertures1126 and centralperforated region1128 and secured by tucking in to thecompartment1124.
• While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the claims.

Claims (9)

1. A carrier (112) formed of foldable sheet material, the carrier (112) usable with a container (110) of the type having a top (108), a bottom and sides (109), the top (108) having a handle (111), at least one of the sides (109) having a mouth for emptying contents from the container (110), the carrier (112) comprising:

   a bottom (117);

   a plurality of side panels (113, 115) adjoined and connected to the bottom (117); and

   a handle panel (118) formed with at least one of the side panels (113, 115), wherein the handle panel (118) includes a first aperture (126) for fitting over the handle (111) on the top of the container (110) such that at least a portion of one of the side panels (113, 115) of the carrier (112), when used with a container, rests against a side (109) of the container (110); and

   characterised in that the handle panel folds to form a handle such that the carrier can be used independently of the container; and

   the handle panel includes a second aperture (126) for fitting over the handle on the top of the container wherein the first and second apertures in the handle panel are angled enabling the carrier to be positioned on either side of the container adjacent to the mouth.
2. A carrier (112) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier handle panel (118) is able to securely fit the container handle (111).
3. A carrier (112) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second apertures (126) are connected by a central overlapping region (128).
4. A carrier (112) as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the carrier handle panel (113) contains a flap section between the first and the second aperture (126).
5. A carrier (112) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (118) panel includes folding lines to accommodate the shape of the container (110) such that part of the handle panel (118) is on the top (108) of the container (110) and part of the handle panel (118) is on the side (109) of the container (110).
6. A carrier (112) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the carrier (112) provides an upwardly open compartment (124) including a first side panel and a second side panel connected to the bottom; the first side panel (115) and the second side panel (113) extending between end panels (114, 119); the end panels and the side panels being joined corners (116), and wherein a pair of cutting lines (138) respectively horizontally form a band (139) cut into the compartment corner (116); wherein upon inward depression of the band (139), a partition will be formed in the upwardly opening compartment (124), dividing the compartment (124).
7. A carrier (112) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier handle panel (118) includes an elongated head portion (120) containing the first and second apertures (126), and a narrower neck portion (122) joining the head (120) to the side panel (113).
8. A carrier as claimed in claim 7, wherein the head portion (120) is generally octagonally shaped.
9. A carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the carrier can be assembled with a second carrier.

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