Carrier and package including it

Abstract

 A carrier (20) for carrying a plurality of containers (22) comprises container engaging portions (30,32), each having bands (34) defining apertures (46) therein for holding the containers to form a package (23). Each of the bands has an inner margin portion (36), an outer margin portion (38) and side margin portions (40,42) between said inner (36) and outer (38) margin portions. The inner margin portions (36) of adjacent bands (34) are joined together, the side margin portions (40,42) of adjacent bands (34) are joined together and the side margin portions (40,42) of adjacent bands (34) are joined together. The outer margin portions (38) of the bands (34) on at least one of the container engaging portions (30,32) has a first portion (56), a second portion (58) and separating means (60) between said first and second portions (56,58). The separating means (60) is for selectively separating the second portion (58) from the first portion (56). The first portion (56) of the outer margin portion is capable of being continuous after said second portion (58) has been separated to maintain said containers (22) in said package (23) whilst enabling them to be detached readily.

Description

[0001] This invention is generally directed to a novel carrier which is used to secure containers together to form a package. More particularly, the invention contemplates a carrier which secures containers, such as bottles or the like, together into a package and from which the containers are easily removed.

[0002] Currently, several types of carriers can be found in the art for securing containers together into a package. Some of these carriers provide quick release means for allowing a consumer to quickly and easily release the containers from the carrier.

[0003] One such carrier can be found in United States Patent No. 3,038,602 which discloses a container carrier that holds six cans in a package array. The carrier is positioned near the top of each can. A zipper strip is provided on the carrier and is positioned between the rows of cans. A consumer releases the cans from the carrier by tearing the zipper strip. When the zipper strip is torn, the carrier creates two sets of packages, each consisting of three cans.

[0004] One problem which arises with this type of quick release carrier is that when the zipper strip is torn, two separate packages are formed which may be undesirable for handling the cans.

[0005] Another such carrier can be found in United States Patent No. 5,174,441 which discloses a tear-open container carrier that holds a plurality of cans in a package. Each can is held within a container encircling band. Tear strips are provided on the carrier exterior to the container encircling bands. A consumer releases the cans from the carrier by tearing the tear strips. The removal of the strip ruptures each individual band.

[0006] One problem which arises with this type of quick release carrier is that when the tear strips are torn, each band in the carrier is ruptured which can lead to the cans being uncontrollably dislodged from the carrier.

[0007] The present invention presents a quick release carrier which overcomes or minimizes the problems presented by the prior art and presents several other advantages and features.

[0008] According to this invention, a carrier comprises container engaging portions, each container engaging portion comprising bands defining apertures therein for holding the containers therein to form a package, each of said bands having an inner margin portion, an outer margin portion and side margin portions between said inner and outer margin portions, said inner margin portions of adjacent bands being joined together and said side margin portions of adjacent bands being joined together; said outer margin portions of said bands on at least one of said container engaging portions having a first portion, a second portion and separating means between said first and second portions for selectively separating the second portion from the first portion, said first portion of the outer margin portion being capable of being continuous after said second portion has been separated to maintain said containers in said package.

[0009] A tear strip is positioned on the outer margin portions of the bands. The strip is preferably separated from the remainder of the carrier by a perforation line along which the strip can be torn. Once the strip is torn, a narrow, continuous web remains along the length of the carrier to maintain the containers in a package array. The narrow web is selectively rupturable and may be ruptured by leveraging a container against an adjacent container.

[0010] The perforation line is formed from a series of spaced dots, dashes or the like. A continuous portion of the carrier is provided between each dot or dash. The or each tear strip has a width which is greater than the distance between two adjacent dots or dashes.

[0011] In first and second embodiments of the carrier, each perforation line starts at an end of the carrier and ends in a region that is spaced inwardly from the side margin of the last aperture on the opposite side of the carrier. The perforation line ends in a region within the perimeter of the carrier such that when the strip is separated from the remainder of the carrier, the strip remains attached to the carrier at an end of the strip.

[0012] In a third embodiment of the carrier, the carrier includes container engaging portions which are planar and have a handle attached to one side of one of the container engaging portions. A perforation line is provided along the outer margin of each container engaging portion. Therefore, the perforation line on the side of the carrier which has the handle provided thereon is between the handle and the apertures. The individual dots, dashes or the like in the region where the handle is connected to the outer margin of the container engaging portion are spaced further apart than the dots, dashes or the like along the remainder of the perforation line.

[0013] Each perforation line starts at an end of the carrier and ends in a region proximate to the last aperture on the opposite side of the carrier. The carrier may have a pair of spaced slits provided at the end of the perforation line between the perforation line and the aperture which will direct tearing forces when the tear strip is torn into the last aperture in the carrier to release the container therein. The spaced slits are parallel to the perforation line. Alternatively, the carrier may have a single, angled slit provided at the end of the perforation line between the perforation line and the aperture which will direct tearing forces when the tear strip is torn into the last aperture in the carrier to release the container therein. When the strip is separated from the remainder of the carrier, the strip remains attached to the carrier.

[0014] The start of the perforation line may be aligned with the remainder of the perforation line, or alternatively, the start of the perforation line may be angled approximately five degrees relative to the remainder of the perforation line. The material proximate to the aperture near the start of the perforation line is increased to prevent tearing forces from being directed into the first aperture. This defines a point which is closest to the perforation line. The angled perforation line meets the remainder of the perforation line prior to the point of the aperture closest to the perforation line.

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:-

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a carrier which incorporates the features of a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top elevational view of a carrier which incorporates the features of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIGURE 1 shown surrounding a plurality of containers to form a package;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the carrier shown as indicated in FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 5 is a top elevational view of a third embodiment of the carrier which incorporates several features of the invention.

[0016] While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.

[0017] As shown in the drawings, a multi-packaging device or carrier device 20, 20a, 20b, constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, is shown holding a plurality of containers 22. A first embodiment of the carrier 20 is shown in FIGURES 1 and 3. A second embodiment of the carrier 20a is shown in FIGURE 2 and a third embodiment of the carrier 20a is shown in FIGURE 5. Like elements in each embodiment are denoted by like reference numerals with the like elements of the second embodiment having the suffix "a" thereafter and with the like elements of the third embodiment having the suffix "b" thereafter.

[0018] As shown in FIGURE 3, the carrier device 20, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, is used to carry six bottles 22 to form a package 23. Of course, the embodiments of the carrier device 20a, 20b shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, respectively, are employed in a like manner to form a package. Each bottle 22 includes a side wall 24, a bottom wall 26 and a top or cap 28. It is to be understood that other types of containers can be carried by the carrier 20, 20a, 20b, such as cans and the like.

[0019] The general structure of the first embodiment of the multi-package device or carrier device 20 shown in FIGURE 1 and the method for forming the same is disclosed in United States Patent Application Serial No. 08/230,308 entitled "Container Carrier" and owned by the assignee herein and which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. The general structure of the second and third embodiments of the multi-package device or carrier 20a, 20b, shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 respectively, is a carrier 20a, 20b formed from a substantially planar blank or sheet by suitable known means.

[0020] Each carrier 20, 20a, 20b is made of a suitable flexible, resilient, stretchable material, such as plastic. Preferably, the carrier 20, 20a, 20b is made of a low density polyethylene so that the carrier 20, 20a, 20b can be stretched over the containers 22 and conform to the side walls 24 of the containers 22. The carrier 20, 20a, 20b may be applied to the containers 22 by known means, for example, by the machines disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,250,682 to Braun or United States Patent No. 3,204,386 to Creed et al.

[0021] When the containers 22 are secured in a package arrangement by the carrier 20, 20a, 20b, the containers 22 are aligned in an array so to form two rows. As shown in the carrier 20 in the first embodiment, each row has three bottles. The carrier 20a, 20b carry four bottles. It is to be understood that the carrier 20, 20a, 20b operates equally well with any number of containers.

[0022] Directing attention to the general structure of the first embodiment of the carrier 20 shown in FIGURE 1, the carrier 20 includes container engaging portions 30, 32, each formed from a plurality of annular rings or bands 34. Each band 34 has an inner margin 36, an outer margin 38 and side margins 40, 42 which connect the inner margin 36 of each band 34 to the outer margin 38 of the same band 34. The side margins of adjacent bands 34 are integrally joined together so that the outer margins 38 of the bands 34 are continuous and uninterrupted along the length of the carrier 20.

[0023] The bands 34 are connected or joined together by a seam or a joined portion 44, as described herein, along the inner margins 36 of each band 34. The annular bands 34 define a plurality of shaped apertures 46 for securely holding the containers 22 therein as shown in FIGURE 3. The outer margin 48 of each aperture 46 is slightly contoured for reasons described herein.

[0024] The container engaging portions 30, 32 freely extend from the joined portion 44. The joined portion 44 projects generally perpendicular to the plane of the container engaging portions 30, 32 when the carrier 20 is assembled with containers 22.

[0025] The joined portion 44 is formed by extruding a strip or layer of resilient, stretchable material, such as plastic, preferably low density polyethylene material, between the inner margins 36 of each annular band 34 and thereafter sufficiently melting and merging the inner margins 36 of the container engaging portions 22, 24 and the layer of extruded plastic together by known means, preferably by heat sealing and fusing the layers together, to form a strong, integral bond. The joined portion 44 is interrupted along its length by cutouts 50 which form apertures between the container engaging portions 30, 32.

[0026] Preferably, the carrier 20 is formed by joining two separate sheets of plastic material together at the joined portion 44. However, it is within the scope of the invention that a single sheet of plastic material may be used to form the carrier 20 by folding the sheet in half and applying a layer of plastic or otherwise fusing the sheets together to form the joined portion 44.

[0027] The carrier 20 includes a handle portion 52 which extends upwardly from the joined portion 44 of the carrier 20. The handle portion 52 includes two sides portions which are formed from the two sheets that are used to form the carrier 20. A bond 54, formed by heat sealing or by extruding a layer of plastic material between the side portion, is provided along an upper portion of the handle portion 52 to prevent the side portions of the handle portion 52 from separating thereby making the handle portion 52 easy to grasp by a consumer. Alternatively, the carrier device 20 can be constructed without a handle portion.

[0028] Now directing attention to the general structure of the second embodiment of the carrier 20a shown in FIGURE 2, the carrier 20a is formed from a substantially planar blank or sheet having container engaging portions 30a, 32a, each formed from a plurality of annular rings or bands 34a. Each band 34a has an inner margin 36a, an outer margin 38a and side margins 40a, 42a which connect the inner margin 36a of each band 34a to the outer margin 38a of the same band 34a. The inner margins of adjacent bands 34a are integrally joined together. The side margins of adjacent bands 34a are integrally joined together so that the outer margins 38a of the bands 34a are continuous and uninterrupted along the length of the carrier 20a.

[0029] The annular bands 34a define a plurality of shaped apertures 46a for securely holding containers therein. The outer margin 48a of each aperture 46a is slightly contoured for reasons described herein. The integrally joined inner margins 36a are interrupted by cutouts 50a which form apertures between the container engaging portions 30a, 32a. A consumer can easily grasp the package by inserting his or her fingers into the apertures 50a.

[0030] Now directing attention to the specifics of the features of the present invention, each carrier device 20, 20a includes novel tear strips 58, 58a. For clarity in the description of the tear strips 58, 58a, the tear strips of the present invention are described in reference to the embodiment of the multipackaging device or carrier device 20 shown in FIGURE 1. The differences between the tear strips 58 of the first embodiment and the tear strips 58a of the second embodiment are noted herein.

[0031] The continuous outer margins 38 of the bands 34 on each side of the carrier device 20 are separated into a first portion 56 and a second portion 58 by a fine, linear perforation line 60 for reasons described herein. The second portion 58 forms a tear strip on each side of the rows of containers 22 along the continuous outer margins 48 of the bands 34. Each tear strip 58 is formed from a substantial portion of the continuous outer margins 48 of the bands 34. The strips 58, once separated from the remainder of the carrier 20, allow the containers 22 to be easily and quickly released from the carrier 20.

[0032] The perforation line 60 which separates the tear strip or second portion 58 from the first portion 56 may be formed from a series of spaced dots, as shown in FIGURE 4, or, alternatively, a series of spaced short lines. Each dot in the perforation line 60 is separated from each other by a continuous, uninterrupted portion of the carrier 20. The perforation lines 60 do not significantly reduce package integrity while facilitating tearing and removal of the tear strips 58 on each side of the carrier device 20. It is envisioned that an extruded bead of material could be used instead of the perforation line. The perforation line 60 is formed by suitable known means.

[0033] Each perforation line 60 starts at an end 62 of the carrier device 20 and preferably ends at point 64 which is within the perimeter of the carrier device 20 so that the strip 58 is integrally joined with the remaining portion of the carrier device 58 at point 64. The tear strips 58 used in the first embodiment of the carrier device 20, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, both start at the same end of the carrier device 20. The tear strips 58a used in the second embodiment of the carrier device 20a, as shown in FIGURE 2, start at opposite ends of the carrier device 20a. While these configurations are shown in the drawings, the first embodiment of the carrier device 20 may have the perforation lines 60 starting at opposite ends and the second embodiment of the carrier device 20a may have the perforation lines 60a starting at the same end.

[0034] When each strip 58 is torn along its perforation line 60, the strip 58 remains attached to the carrier device 20 at point 64 and does not separate into a distinct, discardable device from the remainder of the carrier device 20. Each perforation line 60 also ends at point 64 which is spaced inwardly from the end margin of the last aperture on each side of the carrier device 20 for reasons described herein.

[0035] The perforation lines 60 allow a consumer to tear the tear strips 58 to separate the strips 58 from its associated first portion 56. Once each strip 58 is separated from its associated first portion 56, as shown in FIGURE 3, a very narrow, continuous web of material, which is formed from the first portion 56, remains and is not torn or ruptured by the tearing of the strip 58. The containers 22 are retained in the package array by the narrow web 56 so as to not separate from each other. The narrow, continuous web 56 prevents the containers 22 from becoming dislodged uncontrollably when the consumer wants to open the package 23. The tearing action of the strip 58 from the remaining portion of the carrier device 20 may form a jagged edge along the length of the web 56. Preferably, as shown in FIGURE 4, the width of the first portion 56, which later forms the narrow web after the tear strip 58 is torn, is greater than the distance between two adjacent dots or lines in the perforation line 60, so that the strip 58 may be removed with a minimal chance of the forces of removing the strip 58 being directed into the apertures 46 of the carrier device 20 prematurely.

[0036] To release the containers 22 from the carrier device 20, the narrow web 56 is selectively ruptured. Since the carrier device 20 is positioned along the side walls 24 of each of the bottles 22, the web 56 may be selectively and easily ruptured through a leveraging of the bottles 22 against adjacent bottles 22 to break the remaining narrow web 56 which holds the bottles 22 together in the package array.

[0037] Since the outer margins 48 of the apertures 36 in the carrier device 20 are slightly contoured and each tear strip 58 is linear, this creates a region 57 of specific reduced width of the remaining web 56, and therefore a stress concentration and weakness to facilitate the easy rupturing of the web 56 and removal of-the containers 22 thereafter. Furthermore, since each perforation line 60 ends at point 64 which is spaced inwardly from the end margin of the last aperture 46, depending on the amount of force used to tear the strip 58, the final forces of the tearing of the strip 58 may be directed inwardly into the aperture 46 which releases the container 22 in that aperture 46 while retaining the containers in all other apertures.

[0038] Attention is now directed to the third embodiment of the carrier 20b shown in FIGURE 5. The structure of the third embodiment of the carrier 20b is similar in form to that of the second embodiment of the carrier 20a and, as such, only the differences between the second embodiment of the carrier 20a and the third embodiment of the carrier 20b are described herein.

[0039] A handle portion 70 is integrally formed along the outer margin 38b of one of the container engaging portions, shown as container engaging portion 32b, and is, in effect, part of the tear strip 58b. The handle portion 70 has connecting portions 72, 74 which are integrally formed with the outermost extent of the tear strip 58b and a gripping portion 75 which is between the connecting portions 72, 74 and integrally connects the portions 72, 74 together. An aperture 77 is formed through the handle portion 70. To carry the package, a consumer places his or her fingers through the aperture 77 and grasps the middle gripping portion 75. When the package is carried by a consumer, the containers are on their sides.

[0040] The perforation line 60b which separates the tear strip or second portion 58b and the handle portion 70 from the first portion 56b may be formed from a series of individual dots which are spaced apart from each other or, alternatively, a series of spaced, individual short lines or slits. Each dot or slit in the perforation line 60b is separated from each other by a continuous, uninterrupted portion of the carrier 20b.

[0041] Each perforation line 60b starts at an end 62b of the carrier device 20b and ends at point 64b. Point 64b is within the perimeter of the carrier device 20b and is proximate to the inner edge of the last aperture 46b" on the side of the carrier 20b which is opposite to the side which the perforation line 60b starts. As shown, the perforation line 60b extends approximately one-fourth of the way across the width of the aperture 64b". It is to be understood that the perforation line 60b may end at a point which is further than that shown so long as the perforation line 60b ends within the perimeter of the carrier device 20b.

[0042] As shown on one side of the carrier 20b, a pair of slits 76 are provided between the end 64b of the perforation line 60b and the last aperture 64b" so that when the strip 58b is torn, the tearing forces are directed inwardly into the last aperture 64b" to free the container held therewithin. The slits 76 are parallel to the perforation line 60b and staggered apart from each other. The slits 76 are spaced from the end of the perforation line 60b, from each other, and from the aperture 46b" by a continuous portion of the carrier 20b. More than two slits may be provided. The slits 76 are formed by suitable means.

[0043] Alternatively, as shown on the other side of the carrier 20b, a single slit 81 is provided between the end 64b of the perforation line 60b and the last aperture 64b" so that when the strip 58b is torn, the tearing forces are directed inwardly into the last aperture 64b" to free the container held therewithin. The slit 81 is slightly angled relative to the perforation line 60b and is spaced from the end of the perforation line 60b and from the aperture 46b" by a continuous portion of the carrier 20b. The slit 81 is formed by suitable means. -While the two slits 76 are shown on one side of the carrier 20b and the slit 81 is illustrated on the other side of the carrier 20b, it is to be understood that the two slits 76 may be provided on both sides of the carrier 20b or that the single, angled slit 81 may be provided on both sides of the carrier 20b.

[0044] As shown in FIGURE 5, the tear strips 58b on each side of the carrier 20b, both start at the same end of the carrier device 20. While this configuration is shown in the drawings, the carrier device 20b may have the perforation lines 60b starting at opposite ends like that of the second embodiment of the carrier device 20a.

[0045] The width of the first portion 56b, which later forms the narrow web after the tear strip 58b is torn, is greater than the distance between any two adjacent dots or lines in the perforation line 60b. The dots, dashes or the like in the perforation line 60b in this embodiment of the carrier 20b are not equally spaced along the entire length of the perforation line 60b. As shown in FIGURE 5, the spacing between the dots, dashes or the like in the perforation line 60b in the region 80 (shown by an oval in the drawing) which is at the base of each of the connecting portions 72, 74, are spaced further apart than the other dots, dashes or the like along the remainder of the perforation line 60b. The remainder of the dots, dashes or the like (outside of regions 80) are densely spaced along the perforation line 60b. The dots, dashes or the like in the perforation line 60b in the region 80 are spaced further apart than the other dots, dashes or the like along the remainder of the perforation line 60b to provide structural integrity at the point where the handle portion 70 and the tear strip 58b connect with the first portion 56b. Thus, the perforation line 60b is able to withstand the stress that is created by the consumer pulling the handle portion 70 upwardly with respect to the remainder of the package when the package is being carried. This prevents or at least minimizes the possibility of the perforation line 60b prematurely rupturing in regions 80 due to these stresses. The dots, dashes or the like in region 80, however, are not spaced so far apart so that the perforation line 60b cannot be torn, but the region 80 is more difficult to tear than the remainder of the perforation line 60b. In addition, the dots, dashes or the like in region 80 are spaced apart from each other a distance which is less than the width of the first portion 56b.

[0046] The shape of the apertures 46b, 46b" away from the start of the perforation line 60b are similar in shape to that shown in the second embodiment. Specifically, each aperture 46b has an inner margin 47b, an outer margin 48b and side margins 49b. The inner margin 47b and side margins 49b are substantially linear. The inner margin 47b and each side margin 49b are connected by rounded corner margins 51b. The outer margin 48b of each aperture 46b is slightly contoured and is arc-shaped. The contoured, rounded outer margin 48b and each side margin 49b are connected by rounded corner margins 53b. The outer margin 48b is concave with respect to the remainder of the aperture 46b such that the distance between the outer margin 48b of the aperture 46b and the perforation line 60b is the smallest in the center of the arc.

[0047] The shape of the aperture 46b' closest to the start of the perforation line 60b in this embodiment of the carrier 20b has been modified from the remainder of the apertures 46b, 46b" in the carrier device 20b' Specifically, on the side of aperture 46b' closest to the start of the perforation line 60b, the width 82 between the outer margin 48b' of the first aperture 46b' and the perforation line 60b has been widened and tapered so as to increase the amount of material between the aperture 46b' and the start of perforation line 60b. Margins 47b', 49b', 51b' and 53b' are identical in shape to the like margins 47b, 49b, 51b and 53b, respectively, of the other apertures 46b, 46b" in the carrier device 20b. Outer margin 48b' has been modified to include an arc-shaped margin portion 55b' and a linear margin portion 57b'. The arc-shaped margin portion 55b' has a first end which connects to the rounded corner margin 53b' which is farthest away from the start of the perforation line 60b and a second end which connects to the end of the linear margin portion 57b' at point 83 which is preferably located more than half way across the aperture 46b'. Point 83 also defines the point of minimum distance of the outer margin of the aperture 46b' from the perforation line 60b. The opposite end of the linear margin portion 57b' connects to the rounded corner margin 53b' which is closest to the start of the perforation line 60b. The arc-shaped margin portion 55b' of the outer margin 48b' is generally concave such that the distance between the arc-shaped margin portion 55b' of the outer margin 48b' of the aperture 46b' and the perforation line 60b lessens from the first end of the arc-shaped margin portion 55b' to the second end of the arc-shaped margin portion 55b'. Therefore, the distance between the linear margin portion 57b' of the outer margin 48b' of the aperture 46b' and the perforation line 60b increases from the end of the linear margin portion 57b' which is connected to the arc-shaped margin portion 55b' to the opposite end of the linear margin portion 57b' which is connected to the corner margin 53b' that is closest to the start of the perforation line 60b. This increase in material in width 82 eliminates or at least minimizes the possibility of inadvertent rupturing of the first aperture 46b' during the start of the tearing of the tear strip 58b.

[0048] As shown on one side of the carrier 20b, the start of the perforation line 60b is aligned with the remainder of the perforation line 60b such that the entire perforation line 60b is linear. Alternatively, as shown on the opposite side of the carrier 20b, the starting portion 85 of the perforation line 60b which is adjacent to the first aperture 4.6b' may be angled approximately five degrees outwardly toward the outer margin of the carrier 20b relative to the remainder of the perforation line 60b which is linear. As illustrated, the starting portion 85 of the perforation line 60b is a series of spaced slits, however, it is to be understood that the starting portion 85 of the line 60b may be a series of spaced dots like that of the remainder of the perforation line 60b. The angled starting portion 85 of the perforation line 60b merges with the remainder of the perforation line 60b at point 87 which is prior to the point 83 of the aperture 46b'. That is, point 87 is closer to the end 62b of the carrier 20b than point 83. It is to be understood that the start of the perforation line 60b can be aligned with the remainder of the perforation line 60b on both side of the carrier 20b, if desired, or, alternatively, the angled starting portion 85 may be provided on both sides of the carrier 20b.

[0049] When each strip 58b is torn along its perforation line 60b, the slits 76 at the end of the perforation line 60b direct the tearing forces inwardly into the aperture 46b" to free the container held within the last aperture 46b". The end of the tear strip 58b remains attached to the carrier device 20b at point 64b to the remainder of the outer margin 38b of the carrier 20b and does not separate into a distinct, discardable device from the remainder of the carrier device 20b. When the tear strip 58b with the handle portion 70 integrally formed therewith is torn, the handle portion 70 separates with the tear strip 58b.

[0050] Once each strip 58b is separated from its associated first portion 56b, a very narrow, continuous web of material, which is formed from the first portion 56b, remains adjacent to the apertures 46 with the exception of the last aperture 46b" since the slits 76 direct the tearing forces inwardly to free the container held therewithin. The remainder of the web 56b is not torn or ruptured by the tearing of the strip 58b which retains the remainder of the containers in the package array so as to not separate from each other. The tearing action of the strip 58b from the remaining portion of the carrier device 20b may form a jagged edge along the length of the web 56b.

[0051] To release the remaining containers from the carrier device 20b, the narrow web 56b is selectively ruptured. Since the carrier device 20b is positioned along the side walls 24 of each of the bottles, the web 56b may be selectively and easily ruptured through a leveraging of the bottles against adjacent bottles to break the remaining narrow web 56b which holds the bottles together in the package array.

[0052] As shown in the drawings, each tear strip 58, 58a, 58b may include an enlarged portion 66, 66a, 66b at its starting end with an aperture 68, 68a, 68b therein. To tear the strip 58, 58a, 58b, the consumer grasps the enlarged portion 66, 66a, 66b of the strip 58, 58a, 58b and may place a finger through the aperture 68, 68a, 68b in the enlarged portion 66, 66a, 66a to facilitate gripping of the tear strip 58, 58a, 58b so that the strip 58, 58a, 58b can be easily torn.

[0053] The carrier device 20, 20a, 20b of the present invention presents several other advantages. For example, the carrier device 20, 20a, 20b are sturdy while allowing a consumer to easily and quickly remove the containers 22. The carriers device 20, 20a, 20b of the present invention can be manufactured at a low cost.

Claims

1. A carrier (20) for carrying a plurality of containers (22) comprising:
   container engaging portions (30,32), each container engaging portion comprising bands (34) defining apertures (46) therein for holding the containers therein to form a package (23), each of said bands having an inner margin portion (36), an outer margin portion (38) and side margin portions (40,42) between said inner (36) and outer (38) margin portions, said inner margin portions (36) of adjacent bands (34) being joined together and said side margin portions (40,42) of adjacent bands (34) being joined together and said side margin portions (40,42) of adjacent bands (34) being joined together; said outer margin portions (38) of said bands (34) on at least one of said container engaging portions (30,32) having a first portion (56), a second portion (58) and separating means (60) between said first and second portions (56,58) for selectively separating the second portion (58) from the first portion (56), said first portion (56) of the outer margin portion being capable of being continuous after said second portion (58) has been separated to maintain said containers (22) in said package (23).

2. A carrier as defined in Claim 1, wherein after said second portion (58) is separated from said first portion (56), said first portion (56) forms a narrow, continuous web along the length of the carrier (20).

3. A carrier as defined in Claims 1 or 2, wherein said apertures (46) have outer margins spaced from said separating means (60), said spacing of said outer margins of the apertures (46) at the starting point of said separating means (60) being substantially greater than said spacing of said outer margins of the apertures (46) at locations spaced longitudinally from said starting point for promoting separation of said second portion (58) without rupturing said apertures (46) adjacent to said starting point.

4. A carrier as defined in Claim 7, wherein said outer margin (57b') of the aperture (46) closest to the start of the separating means (60) defines a contour which is different in shape than the outer margins of the remaining apertures (46) in said container engaging portion (30,32).

5. A carrier as defined in Claims 3 or 4, wherein said outer margin of the aperture (46) closest to the start of the separating means (60) has an arc-shaped portion (55b') and a linear portion (57b') said linear portion (57b') being proximate to said start of said separating means (60) and said arc-shaped portion (55b') and said linear portion (57b') meet at a juncture (83), said juncture (83) being spaced a smaller distance away from said separating means (60) than the remainder of said outer margin of said aperture (46).

6. A carrier as defined in any preceding claim, wherein said separating means (60) is a perforation line.

7. A carrier as defined in Claim 6, wherein said perforation line (60) ends in a region within the perimeter of the carrier (20) such that when said second portion (58) is separated from said first portion (56), said second portion (58) remains attached to the first portion (56) at an end of the second portion (58).

8. A carrier as defined in any preceding claim, wherein a handle portion (54,70) is integrally formed with it and extends from the inner margin portions (36) of adjacent bands (34) or is integrally formed with one of said second portions.

9. A carrier as defined in Claim 8, wherein said handle portion (70) includes a gripping portion (75) and connecting portions (72) said connecting portions (72) being integrally formed with said second portion (58) thereby defining junctures (80) between said connecting portions (72) and said second portion (58) said gripping portion (75) connecting said connecting portions (72) together, said separating means (60) having a portion which is adjacent to each of said junctures (80) and which is more difficult to separate than the remainder of said separating means (60).

10. A package comprising a carrier (20) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims and a plurality of containers (22) located in the apertures (46) of the carrier (20) and held together by the bands (34) of the container engaging portions (30,32).

Drawing