Special receptacle or package – Portable segregating carrier for plural cylindrical... – Receptacle chime – or closure cap flange – engaging type
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-24
2001-02-06
Sewell, Paul T. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
Portable segregating carrier for plural cylindrical...
Receptacle chime, or closure cap flange, engaging type
C206S427000, C206S459500, C294S087200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182821
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a carrier for carrying a plurality of containers in a package having handle and carrier tear lines for dividing the container carrier into one or more packages.
2. Description of Prior Art
Conventional container carriers are often used to unitize a plurality of similarly sized containers, such as cans, bottles, jars and boxes, although other packages or containers may be unitized. Conventional container carriers are typically configured to hold 6 containers (“6 pack”), 12 containers (“12 pack”) or 24 containers (“case”), although many other multi-package configurations are possible.
One problem encountered with conventional multi-packages, such as 6 packs and 12 packs, is a lack of flexibility for the merchandiser. If the merchandiser stocks only 12 packs, then the consumer cannot purchase a smaller package. Likewise, if the merchandiser stocks only 6 packs, the consumer cannot purchase larger packages at a discount typically associated with such larger packages. This merchandising problem is especially acute for smaller, low-volume merchandisers which do not have the shelf space or the inventory capabilities to stock multiple sizes of multi-packages.
Merchandisers have attempted several solutions of the above problem. Some merchandisers use a utility knife to cut 12 packs in half, resulting in an unstable package, often without an effective handle for the consumer. Some merchandisers purchase multiple cardboard flats of loose containers and re-package the containers on the premises according to demand. This procedure is time consuming and also results in unstable and inconsistent multi-packages.
Both of the above inadequate solutions also result in multi-packages that must be re-priced according to the size of the multi-package. Often UPC symbols or other means of pricing reflect the price of the previously sized multi-package, thus resulting in improper scans and incorrect labeling of the re-packaged multi-package.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of this invention to provide a container carrier that unitizes a plurality of containers into a tight, solid and divisible package.
It is another object of this invention to provide a container carrier that provides separable pricing information for at least two sizes of multi-packages.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a package which is quickly and clearly divisible into at least two sub-packages.
It is another object of this invention to provide a divisible package and divided sub-packages that are easy to carry.
A carrier according to this invention is preferably used to unitize multiple containers into a package. The carrier preferably comprises a flexible, resilient planar sheet of plastic having a first edge, a second edge and two lateral edges.
The sheet is preferably formed with a plurality of container receiving openings in sheet. The carrier further comprises a carrier tear line extending across the sheet. The carrier tear line is preferably a line of perforations through the sheet.
The carrier further comprises at least one handle integrally formed with the sheet. The handles are preferably positioned along the first edge and/or the second edge of the sheet. The carrier preferably comprises three handles: two handles along the first edge of the sheet and one handle along the second edge of the sheet.
Each handle preferably includes a label or other means for pricing the package. The labels may contain different pricing information depending upon the size of the intended package.
The handle is removable along a handle tear line. The handle tear lines are preferably formed between each handle and the sheet. The handle tear line may be formed with a series of perforations, preferably having an unequal distribution, through the sheet. A pull tab may be integrally formed with the sheet to facilitate tearing of the handle tear line.
After the carrier is filled with containers, the package may be adjusted for sale of the package or divided for sale of multiple sub-packages. If a large package is required then one or more smaller handles are removed from the package along the handle tear line. The package is then priced on the label on the remaining handle.
If one or more smaller packages are required, then one or more larger handles are removed along the respective handle tear line. The package is then divided along the carrier tear line into two or more smaller sub-packages. Each sub-package is then independently priced on the label on the two or more remaining handles.
In the above manner, a merchandiser may purchase a single package that has multiple flexible merchandising possibilities. No tools are required for conversion of the single package into sub-packages and the conversion is time-efficient. Most importantly, the package and any resulting sub-packages are tight, solid and easy to carry.
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Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Luong Shian
Pauley Petersen Kinne & Fejer
Sewell Paul T.
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