US20090045081A1

US20090045081A1 - Carrier container for beverage bottles

Info

Publication number: US20090045081A1
Application number: US11/704,850
Authority: US
Inventors: David L. Hamann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-02-13
Filing date: 2007-02-09
Publication date: 2009-02-19

Abstract

The invention is a carrier container to transport beverage bottles. The carrier has scores which create a portion about the bottles whereas as the bottle is removed the scored portion remains on the bottle which retained portion has holes to attach the beverage bottle to a person or device. That carrier has attachment hoop openings to receive the bottles and finger orifices to carry the multi pack. The attachment hoop openings may have extensions. The generic carrier attachment hoop openings may be affixed to the bottle necks or to the body of the beverage bottle or container.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention is concerned with plastic holder devices that divide into beverage bottle carriers. These holders attach to workpiece bottle necks below shuttle rings or, in some embodiments attach to the body, of the beverage bottle. In the various embodiments of the present invention, bottle carrier loops are parts of the carrier plastic holder devices that holds two or more bottles of beverage together. Hooks or loops may be removably attached to an article of clothing such as a belt, a belt loop or other attachment means on clothing.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Large volumes of beverages whether plain water, soda pop. fruit juice, or flavored water are sold in convenient sizes to be sipped. Typically clear plastic bottles containing about 6 to 24 ounces are sold with different kinds of beverages. At this time there is much advertising of beverages. These advertisements both on television and in printed publications show people who are exercising. This suggests that people who are exercising whether with light or heavy workout should have ready access to water or other beverages which would increase that athlete's performance.
Both in the recent past and historically, convenient amounts of potable water were carried in canteens and other such containers. In the past few decades bottled water and other beverages in about a pint size have become popular items of commerce
Thus, there is a real as well as an advertisement induced need to have ready access to potable water such as ordinary water, flavored water, or exercise beverages such as Gatorade®. Ideally, such beverages could be carried on the person during hiking or other exercises such as climbing. For this reason there is a relatively large body of patent art teaching various ways of carrying beverage bottles on the person.
However, there are perceived limitations on the current art. In some instances the need to carry the beverage bottle is perceived at the time of purchase. In other instances the need is ad hoc, not planned. For this reason, means such as hooks that aid the carrying of the beverage bottle are desired. These means such as hooks should be simple, inexpensive, and easy to use. For many decades, six packs (four packs, eight packs, or twelve packs) especially for carbonated beverages have been widely used. The first six packs were made out of paper to enclose 6 bottles of beverage. To save money some beverage bottlers have moved from paper six-pack containers to carrier plastic holder devices into which are stuck cans or bottles. Thus when a single can or bottle is desired the bottle is forced out of the plastic ring that holds it within the six pack. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the thin plastic constructs which hold two, four, six, or more containers together is manufactured such that when the beverage bottle is removed a piece of the plastic holding the six back together would remain with the bottle. The removed piece of plastic contains a loop or hook. That loop or hook may be designed to connect directly or indirectly to the person's article of clothing. The plastic holder devices that are carriers for beverage bottles may be manufactured by die cutting, or cast molding, co-molding or other such techniques.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention is a carrier container which provides attachment means to transport beverage bottles. That carrier has attachment hoop openings to receive the bottles and finger orifices to carry the multi pack. The attachment hoop openings may have extensions. The carrier has scores which create a portion about the bottles whereas as the bottle is removed the scored portion remains on the bottle which retained portion providing a means to attach the beverage bottle to a person or device. The generic carrier attachment hoop openings may be affixed to the bottle necks or to the body of the beverage bottle or container.
A first embodiment has portions created by scores about the bottle necks which have a C-shaped second scoring line. The open portion of the C shape is a living hinge. A C-shaped second scoring line divides the portion into an attachment hoop and a carrying loop attached by the living hinge. Likewise, portions created by said scores about the bottle necks have one or more carrying openings.
In a second embodiment the retained portions created by scores about the bottle necks or body have a third C-shaped scoring line. The opening of the C-shaped scoring line provides a living hinge which terminates with two carrying opening arms which opening arms have apertures on their distal end.
In a third embodiment, the portions created by scores about the neck or body have a scoring line which creates a spiral loop ribbon with one or more loop ribbon apertures located near the distal end of that loop ribbon. A fourth embodiments has scores that create portions about the bottle necks to make a beveled rectangular part which a beveled rectangular part has an attachment loop and an offshoot. One or more transport apertures are located near the distal end of the offshoot of the fourth embodiment.
A fifth embodiment body carrier has retained portions created by scores about the bottle necks to create a pinched rectangular shaped element. The pinched rectangular shaped element comprises a larger end and a smaller end. The larger end has an opening which opening is less diameter than the outer diameter of shuttle ring and may have thinner extensions to attach larger ring end opening to the shuttle ring of the workpiece bottle when placed on bottle neck. A smaller end aperture has a break to attach to a person's clothes or other devices so that the bottle can be transported. This fifth embodiment is made of thicker plastic.
A sixth embodiment has portions made by scores about the bottle necks which make a generally rectangular shaped retainer. That rectangular shaped retainer has an opening which opening is less diameter than the outer diameter of workpiece shuttle ring. A belt slot is located at end opposite of bottle opening.
A seventh embodiment of the present invention carrier has scores about the bottle necks to make a taper shaped piece with an aperture and an opening. The opening has greater diameter than the outer diameter of workpiece shuttle ring. The opening may have a tongue extension to retain workpiece beverage bottle when placed over the workpiece bottle. The tongue extension of the seventh embodiment may have an elbow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a generic six pack of plastic beverage bottles.

FIG. 2 shows top view carrier plastic holder with a portion that has an attachment hoop and a carrying loop attached by a living hinge.

FIG. 3 shows operational details of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows that portions created by scores or partial cuts about the bottle or bottle necks have one or more carrying openings.

FIG. 5 shows operational details of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows portions created by scores about the bottle necks have a third C-shaped deep scoring line. The opening of the C shaped scoring line provides a living hinge which living hinge terminates with two carrying opening arms which have apertures on their distal end.

FIG. 7 shows operational details of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows that portions created by scores about the bottle necks have a fourth scoring line which creates a loop ribbon, and one or more loop ribbon apertures are located near the distal end of that loop ribbon.

FIG. 9 shows operational details of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows portions created by scores about the bottle necks have a beveled rectangular part which part has an attachment loop and an offshoot. One or more transport apertures are located near the distal end of that offshoot.

FIG. 11 shows operational details of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows attachment means created by scores about the bottle necks which scores create a pinched rectangular shaped element with a larger end ring and a smaller end. The larger ring end has an opening which opening has less diameter than the outer diameter of shuttle ring.

This larger end opening has a(n)extension(s) to attach the larger ring end opening to the shuttle ring. The smaller dumbbell end has a break to attach to a body or device so that the bottle can be transported.

FIG. 13 shows operational details of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows the device with portions made by scores about the bottle necks which create a generally rectangular shaped retainer. That retainer has a belt slot as a carrying means.

FIG. 15 shows operational details of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows a carrier with scores about the bottle necks to make a taper shaped piece. This embodiment has a tongue extension to retain workpiece beverage bottle when placed over workpiece shuttle ring.

FIG. 17 shows operational details of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows clear plastic bottles with their body. Generic plastic holder may be affixed to the bottle at the bottle body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a generic six pack of plastic beverage bottles with the carrier container which provides attachment mean's to transport beverage bottles. While a generic six pack is shown, the principle of the present invention may be used for other multi packs such as a four pack or an eight pack. Clear plastic bottles 101 are shown with their body 103 and bottom 105. Standard screw caps 107 are shown. A generic carrier plastic holder 111 is shown. As will be demonstrated later some of the generic carrier plastic 111 may be thin in some embodiments or thicker and rigid in other embodiments. In the process of bottling, the beverage bottles 101 are filled with the beverage, in this case “Pete's Pop.” In the process of bottling, the filled beverage bottles are gathered together and packaged. In the case of the present invention the bottles are gathered in a six pack and the pre-made cut plastic carrier is urged down over the shuttle ring 113 or body 101. Carrier plastic holder 111 with 6 bottles of “Pete's Pop” is carried with finger holes 109 placed conveniently in the carrier plastic holder 111. In each of the embodiments of the present invention the openings which go over the shuttle ring may be enlarged to be placed on the body portion 103 of bottle 101 if the beverage container.
An isolated bottle of soda 115 is shown with a generic hook portion 117. Generic hook portion 117 is made by removing hook portion 117 via scores 139 in the generic carrier plastic holder 111. This is a generic description of a carrier with loop openings to receive bottle necks, and finger orifices to carry the multi pack. The carrier has scores 139 which create a portion about the bottle neck. When the bottle is removed from the six pack the scored portion remains on the bottle neck providing a means to attach the beverage bottle to a person or device.
This generic description will apply to the specific embodiments that will be shown in following figures. It is to be noted that only a top view will be shown to illustrate the details of each specific embodiment. However after each embodiment an isolated bottle of “Pete's Pop” will be shown with an illustration of the individual isolated bottle 111.
An example of each embodiment will be shown removed from the six pack.
FIG. 2 shows top view carrier plastic holder 211 which creates a six pack of bottles 101. FIG. 2 in operation is described in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 shows the workpiece bottle 101 and workpiece screw cap 107. Shuttle ring 113 is shown. Attachment hoop 219 has attachment hoop opening 221. Note the diameter of opening 221 is less than the outer diameter 223 of shuttle ring 113. Attachment hoop 219 is snugly affixed to the neck 227 of the bottle 101 below the shuttle ring 113. Surrounding and creating attachment hoop 219 is a C shaped deep scoring line 231. The open portion 233 of the C shape is a living hinge. C-shaped scoring line 231 provides a living hinge 241 with carrying loop 235. Rounded corner 237 continues via a deep scoring separation line 239 so that bottle 101 may be purposely removed from the carrier plastic holder 311. Note finger orifices 119 that are used to carry the six pack of FIG. 2.
FIG. 3 shows details of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 will be a typical example of the various embodiments. Bottle 101 is shown with its screw cap 107 below which is shuttle ring 113. Attachment hoop 219 has attachment hoop opening 221. Note the diameter of attachment hoop opening 221 is less than the outer diameter 223 of shuttle ring 113. For all the embodiments of the present series of bottles 101, the shuttle opening 221 will be less than the outer diameter 223 of shuttle ring 113 when the device is attached below shuttle ring 113. The bottle 101 must be securely attached to generic carrier plastic holder 311. Attachment hoop 219 is snugly affixed to the neck 227 of the bottle 101 below the shuttle ring 113. Surrounding and creating attachment hoop 219 is a second C shaped deep scoring line 231. Opening 233 of the C-shaped scoring line 231 provides a living hinge 241 with carrying loop 235. Rounded corner 237 continues via a deep scoring separation line 239 so that bottle 111 101 may be purposely removed from the carrier plastic& holder 311.
Bottle 101 illustrates the present embodiment which will be similar to other embodiments of the present invention. The attachment hoop 219 remains affixed to the neck 227 of the bottle 101 below shuttle ring 113. As can be seen, carrying loop 235 can be flipped over cap 107 as illustrated shown by arrow D. Carrying loop 235 may be attached to a person by any convenient means.
FIG. 4 shows top view carrier plastic holder 411 which creates a six pack of workpiece bottles 101. FIG. 4 shows the workpiece bottle 101, workpiece screw cap 107 and shuttle ring 113. Lengthwise scoring line 439 passes though finger orifices 119 that are used to carry the six pack of FIG. 4. A pair of lateral division scoring lines 441 also pass though finger orifices 119 that are used to carry the six pack of FIG. 4. One or more carrying openings 443 allow the workpiece bottle 101 to be transported with the portions 445 and 449 which are removed with the workpiece bottle 101. Shuttle ring 113 retains the portion 445 or 449.
FIG. 5 shows isolated bottle 101 with shuttle ring 113 with attached portions 445 or 449. Carrying openings 443 receive carrying strap 455 to transport the bottle.
FIG. 6 shows top view carrier plastic holder 611 which creates a six pack of bottles 101. Workpiece bottle 101, workpiece screw cap 107 with shuttle ring 113 is shown. Attachment loop 619 has attachment loop opening 221. Note the diameter of attachment loop opening 221 is less than the, outer diameter 223 of shuttle ring 113. Attachment loop 619 is snugly affixed to the neck 227 of the bottle 101 below the shuttle ring 113. Surrounding and creating attachment loop 619 is a third C shaped deep scoring line 631. The opening 633 of the C shaped scoring line 631 provides a living hinge 241 with carrying opening arms 635. Deep scoring second line 658 allows the removal of attachment loop 619 with opening arms 635 as a unit with bottle 101 attached. Near the distal ends 666 of opening arms 635 are apertures 671. Finger orifices 119 are shown.
FIG. 7 shows isolated bottle 101 with shuttle ring 113 with attached attachment loop 619. Living hinge 241 connects with carrying opening arms 635. Near the ends 666 of opening arms 635 are apertures 671. Apertures 671 receive strap 455 to transport the bottle 101.
FIG. 8 shows top view carrier plastic holder 811 which creates a six pack of bottles 101. Workpiece bottle 101, workpiece screw cap 107 with shuttle ring 113 is shown. Attachment loop 819 has attachment loop opening 821. Note the diameter of attachment loop opening 821 is less than the outer diameter 223 of shuttle ring 113. Attachment loop 819 is snugly affixed to the neck 227 of the bottle 101 below the shuttle ring 113. Surrounding and creating attachment loop 819 is fourth scoring line 831. Scoring line 831 isolates attachment loop 819 and creates spiral loop ribbon 825. Scoring line 831 makes a U turn at end 866 of loop ribbon 825 and continues to create the loop ribbon 825.
One or more loop ribbon apertures 871 are located near the distal end of loop ribbon 825. By pushing or pulling end 866 of loop ribbon 825, scoring line 831 creates isolated loop ribbon 825 which attaches to attachment loop 819 to isolate bottle 101 with means to carry bottle 101 on body. Finger orifices 119 are shown.
FIG. 9 shows isolated bottle 101 with shuttle ring 113 with attached attachment loop 819. Attachment loop 819 is attached to loop ribbon 825. Aperture 871 is located near the end of loop ribbon 825. Apertures 871 receives carrying strap 455 455 to transport the bottle 101.
FIG. 10 shows top view carrier plastic holder 1011 which creates a six pack of workpiece bottles 101. FIG. 10 shows the workpiece bottle 101, workpiece screw cap 107 and shuttle ring 113. Finger orifices 1099 are used to carry the six pack of FIG. 1011. Scoring lines 1031 creates a beveled rectangular part 1015. Beveled rectangular part 1015 has an attachment loop 1019 and offshoot 1021. One or more beveled rectangular part 1015 has an attachment loop 1019 and offshoot 1021. One or more transport apertures 1071 are located near the distal end of offshoot 1021. As one or more of beveled rectangular parts 1015 are removed by ripping scoring line 1031 from central piece 1051, central piece 1051 will continue to store remaining bottles 101. Central piece 1051 has finger orifices 1099.
FIG. 11 shows isolated bottle 101 with shuttle ring 113 with attached attachment loop 1019. Beveled rectangular part, 1015 has an attachment loop 1019 and offshoot 1021. One or more apertures 1071 are located near the end of offshoot 1021. Apertures 1071 receives carrying strap 455 to transport the bottle 101.
The above embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 through 11 are created of relatively thin plastic such as polyethylene in thickness of about 0.020 inch. The remaining embodiments in FIGS. 12 through 17 are constructed of relative thicker and more rigid plastic such as polycarbonate with a thickness of about 0.030 to 0.080 inch.
FIG. 12 shows top view carrier plastic holder 1211 which creates a six pack of workpiece bottles 101. FIG. 12 shows the workpiece bottle 101, workpiece screw cap 107 and shuttle ring 113. Finger orifices 1299 are used to carry the six pack of FIG. 1211. Scoring line 1231 creates am elongated shaped or pinched rectangular part 1215 with a first end and a second end. The first end of pinched rectangular shaped part 1215 has opening, first ring 1221 which opening is less in diameter than the outer diameter 223 of shuttle ring 113. Opening 1221 has thinner extensions 1223 to aid elongated shaped part 1215 when placed on bottle 101. Apertures 1271 is located in 1217. Pinched rectangular shaped part 1215 with attached bottle 101 is removed by ripping scoring line 2131 from central piece 1251. Central piece 1251 will continue to store remaining bottles 101. Central piece 1251 has finger orifices 1299. Second ring end 1217 has a break 1235 which allows apertures 1271 in the second end to be placed on a loop or belt loop.
FIG. 13 shows isolated bottle 101 with shuttle ring 113 with attached pinched rectangular shaped part 1215. Pinched rectangular shaped part 1215 has aperture 1271 located in the second ring end 1217. Aperture 1271 receives carrying strap 455 through break 1235 to transport the bottle 101. First opening 1221 has radial extensions 1223 which allow the placement of carrier plastic holder 1211 of over the shuttle ring 113.
FIG. 14 shows top view carrier plastic holder 1411 which creates a six pack of workpiece bottles 101. FIG. 14 shows the workpiece bottle 101, workpiece screw cap 107 and shuttle ring 113. Finger orifices 1419 are used to carry the six pack of FIG. 1411. Scoring lines 1431 creates an a generally rectangular shaped retainer 1415 with a bottle end and a slot end. Rectangular shaped retainer 1415 has opening 1421 which opening is less diameter than the outer diameter 223 of shuttle ring 113. Opening 1421 has extensions 1423 to aid rectangular retainer 1415 when placed on bottle 101. Belt slot 1471 is located at end opposite opening 1421. Rectangular retainer 1415 with attached bottles 101 is removed by ripping scoring line 1431 from central piece 1451. Central piece 1451 will continue to store remaining bottles 101. Central piece 1451 has finger orifices 1419.
FIG. 15 shows isolated bottle 101 with shuttle ring 113 with attached rectangular retainer 1415. Belt slot 1471 is located at end opposite opening 1421. Radial extensions 1423 allow the placement of rectangular retainer 1415 over bottles 101. Belt slot 1471 receives belt 1455 to transport bottle 101.
FIG. 16 shows top view carrier plastic holder 1611 which creates a six pack of workpiece bottles 101. FIG. 16 shows the workpiece bottle 101, workpiece screw cap 107 and shuttle ring 113. I-shaped handle 1627 is used to carry the six pack of FIG. 16. Taper shaped piece 1615 contains apertures 1671 and opening 1621. Opening 1621 has a greater diameter than the outer diameter 223 of shuttle ring 113. Opening 1621 has tongue extension 1629 to aid taper shaped retainer 1615 when placed on bottle 101. Optionally, tongue extension 1629 has an elbow 1651. Tongue extension 1652 1659 with elbow 1651 is illustrated as a side view of cut AA. Angle 1651 provides a convenient finger hold to move tongue and removes bottle from carrier holder. The elbow 1651 and tongue 1629 may be thinner than the rest of the taper shaped piece 1615. Aperture 1671 is located in narrow slot end of taper shaped piece 1615 opposite opening 1621 Taper shape 1615 with attached bottles 101 is remove by ripping scoring line 1631 from handle 1627. I-shaped handle 1627 will continue to store remaining bottles 101.
FIG. 17 shows isolated bottle 101 with shuttle ring 113 attached to taper shaped piece 1615. Aperture 1671 is located in narrow end of taper piece 1615 opposite opening 1621. Tongue 1629 retains bottle 101 in taper piece 1615.
FIGS. 18A, B, and C shows clear plastic bottles 101 with their body 103 and bottom 105. Standard screw caps 107 are shown. A generic carrier plastic holder 1811 is shown. In the process of bottling, the filled beverage bottles are gathered together and packaged. In the case of the present invention the bottles are gathered in a six pack and the pre cut plastic carrier is urged down over the shuttle ring 113 or body 103. The carrier plastic holder may be placed under the shuttle ring 113 as shown in the prior embodiments. However, the present invention illustrated by generic plastic holder 1811 may be affixed to the bottle 101 at the bottle body 103. 18 B shows an assembled pack with bottles 101 attached to body 103 via attachment hoop 1821. Carrying strap 455 is illustrated. Assembled pack is carried with finger orifices 1819. Score lines 1831 allow the bottles to be separated with carrier portion remaining. 18 C show a single isolated bottle with carrying strap 455

Claims

1) A carrier container which provides attachment means to transport beverage bottles comprising:

a carrier with attachment hoop openings to receive the bottles;

one or more finger orifices to carry the multi pack;

said carrier has scores which create a portion about the bottles;

whereas as a bottle is removed said scored portion remains on the bottle;

said scored portion providing a means to attach the beverage bottle to a person or device.

2) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said portion created by said scores about the bottle necks or bodies have a C-shaped second scoring line;

the open portion of said C-shape is a living hinge.

said C-shaped second scoring line divides said portion into an attachment hoop and a carrying loop attached by said living hinge.

3) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said portion-created by said scores about the bottle necks or bodies have one or more carrying openings.

4) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said portion created by said scores about the bottle necks or bodies have third C-shaped scoring line;

the opening of the C-shaped scoring line provides a living hinge;

said living hinge terminates with two carrying opening arms;

said opening arms have apertures on their distal end.

5) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said portions created by said scores about the neck or body have a scoring line which creates a spiral loop ribbon;

one or more loop ribbon apertures are located near the distal end of said loop ribbon.

6) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said portions created by said scores about the bottle necks have a beveled rectangular part said beveled rectangular part further comprises an attachment hoop and an offshoot;

one or more transport apertures are located near the distal end of said offshoot.

7) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said portions created by said scores about the bottle necks creates elongated shaped elements.

said elongated shaped element comprises a first end and a second end;

said elongated element may be a pinched rectangular shaped;

said first end has an opening said opening is less diameter than the outer diameter of shuttle ring.

said first end opening has extension to attach first end opening to the shuttle ring of said workpiece bottle when placed on bottle neck;

said second end has a break to attach to a body or device so that the bottle can be transported.

8) A carrier container as in claim 7) wherein said portions created by said scores about the bottle necks wherein said carrier container is made of thicker plastic.

9) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said portions made by said scores about the bottle necks creates generally rectangular retainers;

said rectangular retainer has a bottle end and a slot end;

said bottle end has an opening;

said opening is less diameter than the outer diameter of workpiece shuttle ring;

a belt slot is located in said slot end.

10) A carrier container as in claim 9) wherein said carrier container is made of thicker plastic.

11) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said carrier has said scores about the bottle necks to make a taper shaped piece;

said taper shaped piece contains an aperture and an opening;

said opening has greater diameter than the outer diameter of workpiece shuttle ring;

said opening has tongue extension to retain workpiece beverage bottle when placed over said workpiece bottle.

12) A carrier container as in claim 11) wherein said tongue extension has an elbow.

13) A carrier container as in claim 11) wherein said container is made of thicker plastic.

14) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said attachment hoop openings has extensions.

15) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said attachment hoop opening is affixed to bottle necks.

16) A carrier container as in claim 1) wherein said attachment hoop opening is affixed to body of said container.