Returnable can carrier

Abstract

 A container carrier (10) of flexible resilient material includes an array of loops (16) for surrounding and holding full containers (14). Slots (20) are provided in the carrier (10) for receiving levers (30) of empty pop top containers therein and for holding emptied containers (14) by the pop top levers (30) being held in the slots (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to plastic carriers having an array of loops for engaging and holding individual containers, such as aluminum containers containing beverages.

[0002] Container carriers are used frequently to unitize a plurality of containers into conveniently saleable quantities. Plastic carriers have achieved wide acceptance for their performance, lightweight, low cost and versatility in being adaptable for containers of different sizes and shapes. The general design for plastic carriers includes apertures in a stretchable plastic. The apertures are sized and shaped to stretch around the periphery of the containers to be held. Automated machinery is available for attaching stretchable plastic carriers to containers quickly and efficiently. Typically, the carrier includes some type of hand grasp or handle, which may be at the side of the containers, or may rise above the containers.

[0003] Carriers of this type are known in many different styles and shapes. Some are single ply, and others multiply, at least in portions thereof. Carriers of this type have been used widely and have achieved great acceptance.

[0004] The need for and desirability of recycling containers are ever increasing. Many communities have enacted strict recycling laws. To encourage recycling of containers, it is known to require payment of a deposit on the container when the product is purchased. Upon returning the empty containers, the container deposit is refunded to the individual returning the containers.

[0005] It has been known to crush aluminum containers to reduce the space required for storing and transporting them for recycling. Many crushed containers can be contained in a relatively small bag or box. Since payment from recyclers to those returning the containers typically has been based on weight, crushing the containers before returning has been an acceptable and widespread practice.

[0006] It is now known in some jurisdictions to provide relatively expensive deposits on aluminum containers to encourage the return thereof. Since the deposit is calculated on a per container basis, it is necessary to count the containers to calculate the refund. While counting crushed containers is possible, the task is somewhat time consuming, difficult and can be messy in that small amounts of the beverage may remain in the container and spill from the crushed container which often is ruptured along the side or bottom when crushed. So-called "reverse vending" machines are gaining popularity. The empty container is placed in the machine, and payment is dispensed from the machine based on container count received. The machines work best if the containers being deposited are relatively intact.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a means for returning containers intact for deposit into the machine, and for carrying the containers conveniently.

[0008] The present invention meets these objectives by providing a plastic carrier of the stretchable type with additional slots for securing the empty containers. The carrier can then be used to return the containers in the same quantity and package as originally purchased. Further advantageously, the carrier itself can be recycled at the location at which the containers are received.

[0009] In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a container carrier and a plurality of pop top containers each having a rupturable opening and a lever integral with the container for rupturing the opening upon elevating the lever relative to the container to open the container, with an array of interconnected loops for holding unopened containers. The array includes material forming a margin around the loops; and slots in the margin are configured for attachment to open containers.

[0010] In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a container carrier for pop top containers having a rupturable opening and a lever integral with the can for opening the can upon elevating the lever relative to the can. The carrier has an array of interconnected loops for encircling individual containers. The array includes material forming a margin around each loop; and slots in the margin are configured to encircle a lever of an opened container.

[0011] In a further aspect thereof, the present invention provides a package of opened pop top containers having bendable levers associated therewith for opening the container. The package includes a carrier of substantially sheet-like material forming an array of loops for surrounding containers, and at least one empty container having a lever inserted through a slot defined in a margin of the material.

[0012] An advantage of the present invention is providing a carrier that can be used for returning empty containers for recycling in addition to carrying the full containers from the retailer.

[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is providing a more sanitary way for handling empty beverage containers for recycling.

[0014] A particular embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings; in which:-

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a container carrier in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the carrier shown in Fig. 1, with full beverage containers held thereby; and

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the carrier shown in Fig. 1, with empty beverage containers held thereby.

[0015] Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to Fig. 1 in particular, a container carrier 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown. Carrier 10 is used to form a package 12 (Fig. 2) that includes a plurality of containers 14. Commonly, carrier 10 is used for beverage containers 14, but also can be used with containers 14 or containers of other types holding other fluids.

[0016] Carrier 10 includes an array of a plurality of loops 16, each of which can be stretched to receive a can therein, as known to those skilled in the art. A handle portion 18 is provided along the side of the containers, with the loops 16 receiving the containers substantially midway between the top and bottom of the containers. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific type of carrier shown. The invention can be used with carriers having top handles or no handles, carriers for more or fewer containers 14, carriers for containers of other shapes and for carriers that grasp the containers near ends of the containers.

[0017] Carrier 10 is made of a flexible, resilient material that can be stretched significantly without breaking. Low-density polyethylene is a suitable plastic from which carrier 10 can be made. In some embodiments of carrier 10, two juxtaposed webs or sheets may be used welded together and having a central handle. In other known forms of carrier, a single ply of sheet-like material is used. The present invention can be used for these as well as other carrier constructions.

[0018] A plurality of relatively narrow slots 20 is provided in carrier 10, one slot 20 for each can 14 that carrier 10 is designed to hold. Thus, for each loop 16 a corresponding slot 20 is provided. In the example shown in the drawings, six containers 14 are held by carrier 10 in six loops 16, and six slots 20 are provided. Slots 20 are provided in the margin of material that forms loops 16. In the example shown slots 20 are provided in slightly enlarged flaps 22 of the margin material forming loops 16.

[0019] Carrier 10 may further define one or several voids 24 to allow stretching of loops 16 by automated equipment for attaching carrier 10 to a group of containers 14. The size, shape, location and number of voids 24 will vary depending upon the type of carrier 10 and containers 14 being used. Such features of carrier 10 are well-known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in greater detail herein.

[0020] Containers 14 held by carrier 10 are typical pop-top type containers having a lever or key 30 that is lifted to pivot above its fulcrum 32, to rupture an opening 34 in container 14 from which the contents of can 14 is poured. Thus, each lever 30 has a first end 36 by which it is grasped and operated, and a second end 38 forming the opening 34 by depressing a rupturable area of container 14. First end 36 and second end 38 are provided on opposite sides of fulcrum 32.

[0021] Carrier 10 is used as known to package containers 14 for distribution and sale. Automated equipment can be used to stretch each loop 16 and insert a container 14 therein. Flaps 22 will lie substantially flat against the sides of containers 14. Containers 14 are removed from carrier 10 in known fashion, by twisting or pulling each container 14 to release it from loop 16 in which it is held. In some embodiments of carrier 10, it is known to provide an outer margin portion having tabs and tear lines for releasing containers 14 held in loops 16 by tearing the carrier to open each loop 16. The present invention can be used with such carriers by providing slots 20 in inward portions of the material forming each loop 16, so that the locations of slots 20 are relatively stable even after loops 16 have been opened to release the individual containers 14 held therein.

[0022] After a container 14 has been is emptied, it can be re-attached to carrier 10 via one of the slots 20. First end 36 of lever 30 is inserted into slot 20 and slid therethrough until the material adjacent slot 20 encounters fulcrum 32. Slot 20 can be stretched to slide over second end 38, then surrounding fulcrum 32. As illustrated in the fragmentary view of Fig. 3, lever 30 is disposed on one side of carrier 10, with the bulk of container 14 disposed on the opposite side of carrier 14. Empty containers 14 are held securely by carrier 10, suspended therefrom by each lever 34. Handle 18 or one or another of the empty loops 16 can be used as a handle for carrying the package of empty containers. The empty containers are held securely, yet are removed easily for deposit into a reverse vending machine or the like. Containers 14 are held upright, reducing accidental spillage of any beverage or other fluid remaining in opened containers 14.

[0023] Repackaging carrier 10 with empty containers 14 also facilitates recycling of carrier 10. After containers 14 have been removed at the recycling facility, carriers 10 also can be collected separately.

[0024] The present invention provides an easy and convenient device for carrying empty containers for the purpose of returning and recycling the containers to receive a return of the deposit therefrom. The containers along with the carrier can be properly recycled.

Claims

1. A container carrier (10) and a plurality of pop top containers (14) each having a rupturable opening (34) and a lever (30) integral with the container (14) for rupturing the opening (34) upon elevating the lever (30) relative to the container (14), to open the container comprising:

an array of interconnected loops (16) for holding unopened containers, said array including material forming a margin around the loops (16); and,

slots (20) in said margin configured for attachment to the levers of opened containers.

2. A carrier according claim 1, wherein said margin includes one said slot (20) for each said loop (16).

3. A carrier according to claim 1 or 2, including flaps (22) in said margin, and said slots (20) being defined in said flaps (22).

4. A carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said array is made of stretchable resilient material.

5. A carrier according to claim 5, wherein said material is low-density polyethylene.

6. A package comprising a container carrier in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, and a plurality of pop top containers (14) each having a rupturable opening (34) and a lever (30) integral with the container (14) for rupturing the opening (34) upon elevating the lever (30) relative to the container (14), to open the container;
   a container (14) being located in and held by each loop (16); and,
   the slots (20) each being configured to encircle a lever (30) of a container (14) after it has been opened to attach an opened container (14) to the carrier (10).

7. A package comprising a carrier (10) in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 5, and at least one empty pop top container having a ruptured opening (34) and a lever (30) integral with the container (14), said lever being inserted through one of said slots (20) and, said slot (20) being configured to grasp said lever (30) and to attach said opened container (14) to the carrier (10).

8. A package according to claim 7, including a plurality of said opened containers (14) each secured in a different slot (20).

9. A package according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein each said slot (20) is configured to receive a first end (36) of a lever (30) of a container (14), and to be pulled over a second (38), opposite end of the lever (30) and thereby be captured.

10. A package according to any one of claims 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein said lever (30) has first (36) and second (38) ends and a fulcrum (32) connecting said lever (30) to its respective container (14) between said ends (36, 38), said slot (20) surrounding said fulcrum (32) with said lever (30) on an opposite side of said carrier from said container (14).

Drawing