Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CARRIER CAPABLE OF HANGING
FROM A SIDE OF A CONTAINER
BACKGROUND
[00011 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 establislunents also carry
items
such as compact discs, reading material, and coffee brewing equipment.
[0002] Although the bulk beverage containers are often more convenient than
carrying several cups of, often hot, beverages, the consumer may still need
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.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A carrier is 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.
[0004] 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.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container with two assembled
carriers.
100061 FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the interior surface of a blank from which
the carrier of FIG. I can be assembled.
[0007) FIG. 3 is a front view of a container with two assembled carriers.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a top view of a container with two assembled carriers.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a carrier separate from a
container.
[0010] FIG. 6 is an exploded detail of the head and neck portion of the
carrier
of FIG. 1 illustrating a first step of an exemplary folding option.
[0011] FIG. 7 is an exploded detail of the head and neck portion of the
carrier
of FIG. 1 illustrating a second step of an exemplary folding option.
[0012] FIG. 8 is an exploded detail view of the head and neck portion of the
carrier of FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary folding option.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a partially assembled double carrier
with
an exploded detail illustration of latching components.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two carriers assembled together to
form an alternate variation of the carrier.
(0015) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another carrier used with the
container
of FIG. 1.
(0016) FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the interior surface of a blank from
which
the carrier of FIG. 11 can be assembled.
[0017J FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. I 1 particularly
illustrating the flexibility of the handle flap.
(0018) FIG 14 is a perspective view of the carrier illustrating folding of the
alternative handle flaps into the container.
[0019) FIG. 15 is a perspective back view of the carrier of FIG. 11, with an
exploded detail view of an overlapping central portion of the handle flap.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a fully assembled view of carriers combined together.
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[0021] FIG. 17 is a perspective back view of the carrier of FIG. 11
illustrating
optional folding of the back flap.
[0022] FIG. 18 is a perspective back view of the carrier of FIG. 11 and with
the
back flap folded such that the carrier may be used independent of the
container.
[0023] FIG. 19 is a partially assembled view of duplicate carriers
illustrating
the securing structures.
[0024] FIGS. 20 and 21 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
100251 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.
[0026] FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 illustrate a container 110 and a carrier 112 in their
assembled forms. The carrier includes a storage container which may convert to
a
one, two or more-cell container. The carrier 112 may hang from the handle 111
on the top 108 of the container 110 to a side 109 of a container 110. The top
108
of the container 110 may be angled, and therefore not parallel with the bottom
side, so a portion of the carrier 112 may also be angled.
100271 The carrier 112 includes an upwardly open compartment 124 and a
handle panel 118 that may be integral therewith. The compartment 124 may be of
an elongate rectangular configuration, and other shapes may be used. The
compartment has a first end panel 114, a second end panel 119, a first side
panel
115 and a second side panel 113 extended between the end panels and joined
thereto at the corners 116, such as by appropriate fold lines. The bottom of
the
compartment 117 may support items that are placed inside the carrier 112.
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[0028] The compartment may include one or more separate compartments. A
single compartment may be transformed to a double-space compartment with the
use of a corner area 116 of the compartment that contains cutting lines 138
that
form a horizontal band 139. A compartment divider may be formed by pressing
the corner area 116 of the compartment inward. The corner area 116 can be
replaced in its original position 138 to regain the full space of the
compartment.
[0029] The first side panel 113 may be extended and form a handle panel 118
that that fits over the handle 111 of a container 110. The handle panel 118
may
include two distinct regions: an elongated head region 120; and a neck region
122
that may be narrower than the head region 120 and may join the head region 120
to the compartment 124 at the first side panel 113.
[0030] The head region 120 may contain four separate apertures 126. These
apertures 126 may afford the carrier handle panel 118 a snug, secure fitting.
The
apertures 126 may be arranged to permit the compartment to be placed on either
side of the container 110. The apertures 126 may be angled to accommodate an
angled container 110 such that when positioned in a resting position on the
container 110, the carrier 112 may be positioned generally parallel to the
ground.
[0031] Two folds 134 in the handle panel 118 align the compartment on either
side of the container 110. Holes 130 in the handle panel 118 assist in
aligning the
carrier 112 on the handle 111 of the container. A central flap region 128 may
lie
between the apertures 126 to further secure the carrier's handle panel 118 to
the
handle 111 of the container 110.
The handle panel 118 may also contain cutting lines to define an alternative
handle
flap 136. The flap 136 is convex only for illustrative purposes. The flap 136
may
have other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular. Alternatively, the flap
136
may be replaced with one or more finger holes. Pushing inward on the flap 136
may reveal a transversely elongated finger opening. The consumer may have the
option of using one or two carriers 112 on each container 110, depending on
the
amount to be carried.
[0032] FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 illustrate the use of the container 110 with two
carriers 112. When used together, one handle flap 118 may lie on top of the
other.
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One compartment 124 may hang on each side of the container 110. Each
compartment can hold pastries, bagels, cookies, drinks 142, extra cups 143,
napkins, condiments 144, and other store items, such as compact disks, reading
material, and cooking utensils. These items may also be carried in the
compartment 124.
[00331 FIG. 2 shows an exemplary blank of the carrier 112. 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.
[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the carrier 112 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. The carrier 112 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.
(0035] The carrier 112 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 the carrier 112 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 by numerals 113, 114, 115,
and
119 joined by fold or score lines 116. Flap 240 may include an adhesive 242,
such
as glue. Bottom forming panels denoted as 117 may form a pressure lock
configuration, which may close to form a sturdy bottom when items are placed
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inside. Scored lines 250 may be used to create flexibility in the horizontal
band
139 defined by cut lines 138.
(0036] The first side panel 113 may extend to form a handle panel 118 that
fits over the handle of a container such as container 110. First 213 and
second 214
scored fold lines permit the head region 120 to fold. Folding the head region
brings a cut out portion 212 into alignment with the alternative handle flap
136.
The cut out 212 portion is convex only for illustrative purposes. The cut out
212
may have other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular. The cut out portion
212
provides clearance for the handle flap 136 when it is punched through to
reveal the
transversely elongated finger opening. A latch lug 220 may be defined on three
sides by cutting lines 244 which allow the latch lug 220 to flex resiliently
outward
from the corresponding first side panel 113.
[0037] Numerals 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, and 260 provide an
illustrative example of possible dimensions of the blank. The detailed
description
of possible dimensions that follows is merely illustrative and not limiting.
[0038] Dimension 246 of the carrier 112 may be 12.221 inches. Dimension
248 of the carrier 112 may be 15.596 inches. Dimension 250 of the carrier 112
may be 5/8 inches. Dimension 252 of the carrier 112 may be 6 3/4 inches.
Dimension 254 of the carrier 112 may be 3 7/16 inches. Dimension 256 of the
carrier 112 may be 6 3/4 inches. Dimension 258 of the carrier 112 may be 3
13/32
inches. Dimension 260 of the carrier 112 may be 4 5/8 inches. These dimensions
are illustrative only and may be varied to tailor the carrier to the
dimensions of the
container.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, the container 110 may be fitted with a mouth 312
for passage of contents from an inside of the container 110 to an outside of
the
container 110, and vice versa, such as for loading and/or emptying contents.
The
carriers 112 may be duplicates arranged in opposite orientations. Numeral 314
illustrates a carrier in an open state where the divider band 139 is not
punched in.
Numera1316 illustrates a carrier in a multi-compartment state where the
divider
band 139 is punched in. Either one or both of the corner areas 116 of the
carriers
112 may contain divider bands 139 which may turn a single compartment into a
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multiple compartment. Both carriers 112 may lie flat against the sides of the
container 110 due to folding along the scored lines 134. The head portion 120
of
the handle panel 118 may lie flat against the top of the container 110. The
head
portion of the first carrier may lie flat on top of the head portion of the
second
carrier.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the container 110 fitted with the two
carriers 112. The carriers 112 may be suspended from the handle 111 of the
container 110 by the handle panel 118. The head region 120 may have angled
apertures 126 which fit over the container's handle 111. The central flap
region
128 between the sets of angled apertures 126 may provide a snug, secure fit.
The
first carrier 112 may lie layered on top of the second carrier 112. Scored
bending
lines 134 may allow the carriers 112 to lie against the side of the container
110.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carrier 112 independent of the
container 110. The carrier 112 is in a partially unfolded state. By folding
the head
region 120, or handle flap 118, the carrier 112 may be used as a carrier
independent of the container 110.
[0042] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an exemplary way to fold the head portion 120 for
use of the carrier 112 without a container 110. FIG. 6 illustrates the first
exemplary fold. Folding the head region 120 along the first fold line 213
brings
the flap section 128 into outward orientation and the cut out region 212 into
inward orientation. FIG. 7 illustrates the second exemplary fold for separate
carrier set-up. Folding the head region 120 at the second head region fold
line 214
aligns the cut out region 212 with the cutting lines of the alternative handle
flap
136. FIG. 8 illustrates the final exemplary orientation of the head region in
the
separate carrier set-up. The flap section 128 is downwardly oriented and
secured
by a flange 215. The cut out region 212 is aligned with the cutting lines of
the
alternative handle flap 136. Pushing in on the alternative handle flap 136
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.
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100431 FIG. 9 illustrates two carriers 112 being joined together to form
another
carrier larger than the carrier 112. The joining of carriers 112 may form a
tandem
carrier simply and rapidly, such as by utilizing the single latch assembly 218
and
220. The two carriers may be positioned slightly longitudinally offset from
each
other with the latch lugs 220 aligned with the latch apertures 218 of the
opposed
carrier. The carriers are then longitudinally slid toward each other to engage
each
latch lug 220 into the latch aperture 218 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.
100441 The latch lug 220 may be arranged continuous with the first end panel
114. The latch lug 220 may be generally rectangular with rounded corners, but
other shapes may be used. To further stabilize and insure the integrity of
latching,
each latch lug 220 may be retained in its final latching position by a locking
notch
910 in the lower corner and flush with the first end panel 114. Once the latch
lug
220 has been projected completely through the latch aperture 218, it may lie
against the respective inner faces of the end panels 114 and 119. By pushing
down on the containers, the locking notch 910 may engage a portion of the
corner
panel 116 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 the lug 220 may be required.
(0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two carriers 112 assembled together in
tandem to form a carrier 1000. Folding of the head region 120 and pushing
inward on the alternative handle flap 136 may reveal transversely elongated
finger
opening 1010. The flap 136 of the first carrier, when inserted through the
finger
opening 1010 of the second carrier may secure the head panels and may provide
protection and cushioning for the fmgers. This arrangement may allow for the
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transport of multiple beverages 142 and condiments 144, or other items. With
the
two carriers interlocked, the first and second alternative handle flaps 136
may
align transversely across the assembly and the two elongate finger openings
1010
may be positioned for easy grasping by one hand. The positive interlock
between
the carriers within the handles themselves, created by insertion of the
alternative
handle flap 136 of the first carrier through the elongate finger opening 1010
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.
[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of another carrier 1100 in its
assembled form. The carrier 1100 may be made of paperboard or other materials,
such as those described above. The carrier 1100 may hang on the back side of a
container, such as the container 110 described above. The carrier 1100 may
include one or more compartments 1124. A handle panel 1118 may be integral
with the first side panel 1113 of the compartment 1124. The handle panel 1118
may include two apertures 1126 dimensioned to fit over the handle 111 of the
container 110, permitting a snug fit.
[0047] The compartment may be divided by two foldable handle panels 1110,
which are folded into the compartment 1124 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. The compartment 1124 can contain drinks 142, extra
cups
143, napkins, condiments 144, pastries, bagels, and other store items. The
fold
line 1112 may allow the carrier to lie flat against the back side of the
container
110. This carrier may make transporting numerous items more convenient.
[0048] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary blank of the carrier 1100. The carrier
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 by numerals 1113, 1114, 1115, and 1119 joined by
fold lines or score lines 1116. The flap 1240 may be secured using glue 1242
or
another adhesive, from top to bottom. Bottom forming panels denoted as 1217
may be glued 1242.
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[0049] A perforated central region 1128 may extend between the two apertures
1126 in the handle panel 1118. The handle panel 1118 may further include
several scored folding lines 1212, 1213, and 1214. The handle panel 1118 may
also include two horizontal latching lugs 1220 which may be defined by cutting
lines on three sides 1244. The base of the latching lugs 1220 may be aligned
with
the second folding line 1213 such that when the handle panel 1118 is folded at
the
second fold line 1213 and the latching lugs 1220 are punched out, they flex
resiliently outward from the second fold line 1213. The latching lugs 1220 may
be
aligned with horizontal latching apertures 1218 at near the intersection of
the
handle panel 1118 with the first side panel 1113. The latching lugs 1220 are
shown associated with the second fold line 1213 only for illustration. The
latching
lugs 1220 may be multiple or singular, may be of any shape, and may be located
anywhere along the handle panel 1118. The latching apertures 1218 may be
altered accordingly. Alternatively, the latching apertures may be omitted from
the
handle panel 1118.
[0050] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carrier 1100. This view
particularly illustrates the ability of the handle panel 1118 to bend such
that the
apertures 1126 may be fixed over the container handle 111. This view further
illustrates that the carrier 1100 may be expanded into a box-like form from a
flattened, collapsed fonn by asserting pressure on the container's end panels
1114,
and 1119.
[0051] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the carrier 1100 particularly
illustrating
that the foldable handles 1110 may be flexed inward and tucked into the cavity
of
the comparhnent 1124. Folding the foldable handles 1110 into the compartment
1124 may eliminate any interference the handles might create when the carrier
is
affixed to a container.
[0052] FIG. 15 provides a back view of the carrier 1100. The figure
illustrates
the perforated central region 1128 extending between the apertures 1126. This
region may open to allow passage of the container's handle 111 while affixing
the
carrier 1100 to the container 110. However, it may close under the container
handle 111 after assembly, providing a snug fit.
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[0053] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of two carriers 1100 assembled in
tandem. Folding the handle panel 1118 and securing two carriers 1100 in tandem
results in a four-pack carrier. Pushing in on a perforated aperture 1136 may
reveai
a transversely elongated finger opening 1637 for carrying the four-pack
carrier.
The aperture 1136 is rectangular for illustration only. The aperture may be
other
shapes, or may be replaced with one or more finger holes. Accordingly, the
finger
opening 1637 may be other than transversely elongated.
10054] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate an exemplary folding of the handle panel 1118
and assembly of duplicate carriers 1100 into a four-pack carrier. The
followin;
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 the
handle
panel 1118. The handle panel may be folded at a first 1212 and second 1213
fold
line. Latching lugs 1220 may be released from the handle pane11220 by pushing
inward along the cutting lines 1244.
[0055] FIG. 18 is a back perspective view of the carrier 1100. Folding at the
second folding line 1213 followed by folding at the third folding line 1214
may
bring the latching lugs 1220 into immediate alignment with the latching
apertures
1218. The fold may be secured by inserting the latching lug 1220 through the
latching apertures 1218.
[0056] An example of a possible latching mechanism follows. The example is
merely illustrative. Other latching mechanisms may be used. The first side
panel
1113 may include a second latching lug 1710 defined by cutting lines along a
first
and second side. This latching lug may be cut along a third side to create a
notch
1712 that divides the second lug 1710 from the body of the carrier 1100 at the
corner region 1116. The lug remains integral with the carrier's first end
panel
1114 at its uppermost region.
100571 FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary assembly of two two-compartment
carriers 1100 into a four-compartment carrier 1600. The joining of two
carriers
1100 to form a tandem four-compartment carrier 1600 may be effected simply and
rapidly utilizing the joining lug 1710. Attachment may be achieved by first
positioning the carriers 1100 slightly offset from each other with the latch
lug
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1710 of the first duplicate carrier aligned with a hatch 1712 cut into the
second
duplicate carrier. The latch lug 1710 is inserted into the hatch 1712, and the
opposed carriers are brought into orientation by clockwise rotation such that
the
latch lug 1710 may fully engage the hatch 1712. Proper alignment orients the
first
and second transversely elongated finger openings 1637 such that the handle
tongue 1136 of the first carrier 1100 can be inserted through the finger
opening
1637 of the second carrier 1100. Latching the carriers together may restrict
latvta:
separation of the carriers. This latching method may be replaced by or used in
combination with other known latching methods.
[0058] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate how the handle pane11118 can bend forward
and form a compartment cover on a single carrier. With the foldable handle
panel
divider 1110 erect, the foldable handle panel 1110 may be inserted through the
apertures 1126 and central perforated region 1128 and secured by tucking in to
the
compartment 1124.
[0059] 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 invention.
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