OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The object of the present invention application is to register a container-carrying
device which incorporates significant innovations and advantages over the techniques
used up until now.
[0002] More specifically, the invention proposes the development of a container-carrying
device which, because of its particular arrangement, preferably allows the manual
carrying of beverage cans or bottles grouped in the form of a "pack" in a manner that
is more effective, more resistant, safer and simpler for the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Different means for grouping beverage cans or containers in the form of a "pack"
for manual carrying thereof by the user are known in the current state of the art.
[0004] Nevertheless, said grouping means for beverage cans or containers have certain drawbacks,
such as discomfort and difficulty in the manual carrying thereof, and it is particularly
easy for the cans or containers being carried to accidentally or unintentionally slip
or fall out.
[0005] In this sense, the interaction of the cans or containers with the grouping means
can cause the material thereof to tear and, therefore, it is necessary to improve
the resistance of the weakest parts thereof that are most likely to tear.
[0006] The mutual contact between the different grouping means can also lead to wear and
deterioration.
[0007] The present invention helps to solve and overcome the present problems as it allows
the manual carrying of beverage cans or containers grouped together in the form of
a "pack" in a manner that is more effective, more resistant, safer and simpler for
the user.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention has been developed with the aim of providing a container-carrying
device that comprises a body which has on the surface thereof at least one opening
that is sized for a container to be passed and tightly inserted therethrough, said
opening having a contour that has at least one tab extended towards the inside of
the same opening, thereby defining a transition region between the tab and the body.
[0009] Said tab has folding and bending capability in relation to the body and said contour
has, on at least one section adjacent to the transition region of a tab, a rounded
chamfer geometry.
[0010] First, it must be emphasised that the containers may be any type of vessel configured
to store a liquid or solid. As such, the geometry of the opening shall preferably
be in accordance with the geometry of the container to be carried by means of the
carrying device according to the invention, so that in a condition of use of said
carrying device, in which a container has been inserted through the opening, said
container shall be fitted to said opening.
[0011] Said containers are preferably cans or bottles, and more preferably have a neck area.
Thus, the opening will preferably have a geometry of a circumference and in a condition
of use of the carrying device in which a container has been inserted through the opening,
tabs are arranged on this neck area.
[0012] The body can have a polygonal geometry and, more specifically, a rectangular one.
The body preferably has a laminar-type design and can be made of solid fibreboard,
more specifically of the Kraft type (classified by the following grades: SUS, GN4,
CNKand UUK).
[0013] The contour of the opening can be defined or interpreted as the linear perimeter
of said opening.
[0014] The tabs can have a symmetrical geometry, specifically, a circular, elliptical, polygonal,
rectangular or trapezoidal geometry.
[0015] Furthermore, the transition region can also be understood as the intermediate region
between the tab and the body of the carrying device. In other words, the use of this
expression (transition region) refers to the fact that it may be difficult to determine
whether said region belongs to the tab or to the body.
[0016] The section adjacent to the transition region is a section that is characterised
in that it is in contact with the transition region, delimiting it.
[0017] As was previously mentioned, in the carrying device according to the invention, the
contour has on at least one section adjacent to the transition region of at least
one tab, a rounded chamfer geometry. A rounded chamfer geometry can also be interpreted
as a rounded corner geometry, such that a vertex is not defined. The rounded chamfer
geometry is preferably a circular arc.
[0018] It must be emphasised that a rounded chamfer geometry corresponds to a graphic representation
of a mathematical function, of the type that in infinitesimal and vector calculus
is continuous and able to be derived in real numbers.
[0019] In other words, the aim of this adjacent section with a chamfer geometry is to join
the tab to the contour without interruption, thereby preventing said joint from being
made through vertices, given that vertices have less resistance and easily lead to
the tearing of the tabs.
[0020] As a result, the aforementioned rounded chamfer geometry improves the resistance
to tearing of the previously mentioned tabs when they interact with the container
when inserted through the opening.
[0021] This improvement is especially remarkable with regard to laminar-type bodies made
of Kraft-type solid fibreboard.
[0022] In this sense, it is worth mentioning that the improvement is even more noteworthy
given that on laminar-type bodies made of Kraft-type solid fibreboard, the geometry
of the rounded chamfer corresponds to an arc radius between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm.
[0023] Likewise, it is noteworthy that not all of the sections adjacent to the transition
regions of the tabs of the contour must have a rounded chamfer geometry, given that
some may also be in the form of vertices. This is because it has been demonstrated
that if at least one section adjacent to the transition region between at least one
tab and the body has a rounded chamfer geometry, the degree of resistance is already
improved.
[0024] It must also be mentioned that if the tab has a rectangular or trapezoidal geometry,
the adjacent sections will be situated on the lower part of the sides that join the
tab to the contour.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the container-carrying device according to the invention,
when said container-carrying device is in a condition of use, one region of at least
one tab, such that said region is adjacent to the upper free edge of the same tab,
it is configured to withstand compressive load and force.
[0026] Thus, for example, when a container is inserted through the corresponding opening
of the carrying device according to the invention, at least one region of a tab that
is adjacent to the upper free edge of the same tab is compressed.
[0027] This ensures a better fastening of the container to the carrying device.
[0028] It is noteworthy that the carrying device of the invention according to this preferred
embodiment does not require the tab of the contour on which a section adjacent to
the transition region thereof has a rounded chamfer geometry to be configured so that,
in a condition of use of the carrying device, it withstands compressive load and force.
[0029] In other words, the carrying device of the invention can have at least one tab of
the contour in which a section adjacent to the transition region thereof has a rounded
chamfer geometry and another tab can be configured so that, in a condition of use,
of the carrying device it withstands compressive load and force.
[0030] Likewise, the carrying device of the invention can have at least one tab of the contour
in which a section adjacent to the transition region thereof has a rounded chamfer
geometry, and at the same time this tab can be configured so that, in a condition
of use of the carrying device, it withstands compressive load and force.
[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the container-carrying device according to the
invention, in the case that said container-carrying device has at least one tab in
which a region of said tab adjacent to the upper free edge of the same is enabled
so that, in a condition of use of the carrying device, it withstands compressive load
and force, at least one section of the contour from which a tab does not extend will
be configured so that, in a condition of use of the carrying device, it withstands
tractive load and force.
[0032] It must be noted that in the case that a container is introduced in said opening,
this section of the contour, from which a tab does not extend, is narrowed.
[0033] This narrowing allows the stresses resulting from the compression of the tab to be
released and/or compensated for, thereby preventing tearing of the tabs or of the
carrying device.
[0034] As mentioned above, the carrying device according to the invention can comprise a
plurality of tabs in which one region of the tab that is adjacent to the upper free
edge of the same tab is able withstand compressive load and force in a condition of
use of the carrying device. Likewise, at least one section of the contour of said
carrying device from which no tab extends can be configured so that, in a condition
of use of the same carrying device, it withstands tractive load and force sufficient
to compensate for the compressive load and force of the tabs.
[0035] In another preferred embodiment of the container-carrying device according to the
invention, the contour has two sections adjacent to the transition region between
one same tab and the body with a chamfer geometry and arranged in opposite positions
with respect to the transition region.
[0036] In other words, one same tab would be joined to the body by each side thereof through
an adjacent section with a chamfer geometry.
[0037] In the case that the tab is symmetrical, the sections arranged in opposite positions
with respect to the transition region are preferably symmetrical with respect to the
axis of symmetry of the tab.
[0038] In another preferred embodiment of the container-carrying device according to the
invention, said container-carrying device comprises at least two tabs and the contour
has on at least one section adjacent to the transition region between at least one
of those tabs and the body, a rounded chamfer geometry.
[0039] It must be emphasised that in the case of a plurality of tabs there are multiple
possible configurations, some of which are included below:
- Each one of the sections of the contour with a rounded chamfer geometry adjacent to
the transition region can be arranged between a different tab and the body; or,
- Pairs of sections of the contour with a rounded chamfer geometry adjacent to the transition
region can be arranged between one same tab and the body in opposite positions with
respect to said transition region and each one of the rest of the sections with a
rounded chamfer geometry adjacent to the transition region between another tab and
the body.
[0040] In another preferred embodiment of the container-carrying device, said container-carrying
device comprises two contiguous tabs. In this case, preferably, at least one section
of the contour with a rounded chamfer geometry is arranged adjacent to the transition
region between one of the contiguous tabs and the body and is free from contact with
the other contiguous tab (meaning, with the transition region between the other contiguous
tab and the body).
[0041] The container-carrying device can comprise a spacing between at least two tabs. In
this case, the contour preferably has two sections adjacent to each transition region
between a tab and the body with a chamfer geometry arranged in opposite positions
with respect to the spacing. This means that the joining area of one tab to the contour
and the joining area of the other tab (separated from the first by the spacing) to
the contour closest to the aforementioned first joining area have a chamfer geometry.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, at least one region of at least one of these tabs, such
that the region is adjacent to the upper free edge of the same tab, is enabled so
that in a condition of use of the container device, it withstands compressive load
and force.
[0043] Preferably, the spacing (and more specifically the region of the contour that is
adjacent to the spacing) existing between these two tabs is enabled so that it withstands
tractive load and force in a condition of use of the carrying device and, even more
preferably, to such a degree that it is able to essentially compensate the load and
force of compression withstood by the aforementioned tabs.
[0044] As was mentioned above, the balance obtained between the stress of compression and
traction ensures an improved fastening of the container to the carrying device.
[0045] In this sense, in one of these preferred embodiments of the container-carrying device
of the proposed invention, the fastening of the container based on the weight exerted
by the same results in 60% compressive load and force withstood by the tabs, and in
40% tractive load and force withstood by the spacings.
[0046] It must be mentioned that the position of the tabs in a condition of use of these
preferred embodiments of the carrying device can surpass 90° with respect to the horizontal
plane formed by the container lid.
[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the spacing has a symmetrical geometry which preferably
allows the sections mentioned in the previous paragraph to be symmetrical with respect
to the axis of symmetry of the spacing.
[0048] Preferably, the region of the contour of the opening that corresponds to the spacing
has a rectilinear geometric path and, more specifically, a straight path.
[0049] Likewise, the container-carrying device according to the invention can comprise a
contour with at least three tabs, at least two tabs being contiguous and at least
one spacing existing between two tabs. Preferably, the contour has at least one section
with a rounded chamfer geometry adjacent to the transition region between one of the
tabs which is contiguous and the body and/or a section with a rounded chamfer geometry
adjacent to the transition region of one of the tabs separated by the spacing.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the carrying device according to the invention, the
contour of said carrying device has at least one distribution of tabs according to
a sequence that repeats at least once throughout the contour.
[0051] It must be noted that this allows there to be both a distribution of tabs along the
contour according to a sequence that repeats at least once, as well as a distribution
with another tab or other tabs that do not follow the same sequence.
[0052] This sequence can comprise at least two contiguous tabs and/or a space. Specifically,
this space can be between two tabs and/or can be situated at the beginning of the
sequence and/or at the end of the sequence.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, at least one tab of the sequence comprises a region which
is adjacent to the upper edge of said tab in which the aforementioned region is configured
so that, in a condition of use of the carrying device, it withstands compressive load
and force.
[0054] Preferably, at least one region of the contour that is adjacent to at least one space
of the sequence is configured so that, in a condition of use of the carrying device,
it withstands tractive load and force and, even more preferably, to such a degree
that it is able to compensate for at least the compressive load and force withstood
by a tab.
[0055] This means that in a sequence in which the tabs and spaces alternate, the regions
of the contour that are adjacent to at least one space of the sequence are configured
so that, in a condition of use of the carrying device, they withstand tractive load
and force to such a degree that they are able to compensate for the compressive load
and force withstood by the tabs.
[0056] Thus, the spaces are configured to release the stresses created by the compression
of the tabs, thereby preventing possible tearing.
[0057] In this sense, in one of these preferred embodiments of the container-carrying device
of the proposed invention, the fastening of the container based on the weight exerted
by the same results in 60% compressive load and force withstood by the tabs, and in
40% tractive load and force withstood by the region of the contour of the opening
of the body that corresponds to the spaces.
[0058] It must be mentioned that the position of the tabs in a condition of use of these
preferred embodiments of the carrying device can surpass 90° with respect to the horizontal
plane formed by the container lid.
[0059] Preferably, the region of the contour of the opening that corresponds to the space
has a straight geometric path and, more specifically, a straight path.
[0060] In this sense, examples of possible tab sequences could either be: tab-space; tab-tab-space;
tab-tab-tab-space; tab-space-tab, tab-space-tab-tab; tab-tab-space-tab; tab-tab-space-tab-space;
etc.
[0061] In these cases, the section of the contour adjacent to the transition region between
a tab and the body that has a rounded chamfer geometry can be in the transition region
between a tab of the sequence and the body, or in the transition region between another
tab of the body that does not follow any type of sequence.
[0062] Preferably, the section adjacent to the transition region between a tab and the body
that has a rounded chamfer geometry is in the transition region between a tab of the
sequence and the body.
[0063] In another preferred embodiment, the contour has, on two sections adjacent to the
transition region between a tab according to the sequence and the body in opposite
positions with respect to the transition region, a rounded chamfer geometry.
[0064] In the case that in the sequence there is a space between a first tab and a second
tab, the contour preferably has at least on one section adjacent to the transition
region between the first tab according to the sequence and the body closest to the
space, a rounded chamfer geometry and in another section adjacent to the transition
region between the second tab according to the sequence and the body closest to the
space, a rounded chamfer geometry.
[0065] It must be emphasised that the advantages of resistance offered by the sections of
the contour with a rounded chamfer geometry are especially optimal in the case of
tab sequences and, even more optimal in tabs of the sequence separated by a space.
[0066] Thanks to the present invention, the manual carrying of containers grouped together
in the form of a "pack" is achieved in a manner that is more effective, more resistant,
safer and simpler for the user.
[0067] Other features and advantages of the container-carrying device will become apparent
from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment illustrated by way
of non-limiting example in the attached drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0068]
Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of the container-carrying
device of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of an enlarged detail of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a schematic view of the way in which the compressive and tractive load
and force act in an embodiment of the carrying device according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0069] As schematically shown in the plan view of Figure 1, the container-carrying device
of the invention proposed comprises a laminar-type body 1 with a rectangular geometry,
which has on the surface thereof at least one opening 2.
[0070] Said openings 2 are sized for a beverage can or container to be tightly pass therethrough
and have a contour 3, understood as the linear perimeter thereof, which has at least
one tab 4 extended toward the inside of the same opening 2.
[0071] As was previously explained, defined between the tab 4 and the body 1 is a transition
region 5, which may also be called intermediate region, as seen more clearly in enlarged
detail A of Figure 2. Likewise, said tab 4 has folding or bending capability in relation
to the body 1.
[0072] The distribution of tabs 4 on the contour 3 follows a specific sequence 8 that is
repeated at least once throughout the same contour 3, as seen in Figure 1. Said sequence
8 comprises at least one space 9 that is between two tabs 4 and also two contiguous
tabs 4. In Figure 1, the sequence 8 is shown inside a dashed line, and it is repeated
four times, occupying the entire contour 3 of the opening 2.
[0073] The contour 3 of the opening 2 has at least one section 7 with a rounded chamfer
geometry, as can be seen in enlarged detail A of Figure 2. Said section 7 is adjacent
to or in contact with the transition region 5.
[0074] As can be seen in enlarged detail A of Figure 2, the rounded chamfer has rounded
corners with no vertices and corresponds to an arc. The radius of this arc is preferably
between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm.
[0075] The enlarged detail A of Figure 2 shows how the contour 3 has two sections 7 with
a rounded chamfer geometry arranged in opposite positions with respect to the space
9.
[0076] Enlarged detail A of Figure 2 also shows how the space 9 is between a first tab 4a
and a second tab 4b. The section 7 with a rounded chamfer geometry is adjacent to
the transition region 5 between the first tab 4a and the body 1 closest to the space
9. Another section 7 with a rounded chamfer geometry is adjacent to the transition
region 5 between the second tab 4b and the body 1 closest to the space 9.
[0077] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the tabs 4 have a symmetrical polygonal, rectangular
or trapezoidal geometry.
[0078] Likewise, the space 9 also has a symmetrical geometry, the two sections 7 of the
contour 3 having symmetrical rounded chamfer geometries with respect to the axis of
symmetry of the same space 9.
[0079] As can be seen particularly in enlarged detail A of Figure 2, each one of the two
sections 7 of the contour 3 connects by means of the rounded chamfer to the sides
of the tabs 4a and 4b arranged on either side of the axis of symmetry of the space
9.
[0080] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the region of the contour 3 of the opening 2 that
corresponds to the space 9 has a straight path.
[0081] In the use of the container-carrying device of the invention, the sections 7 with
the rounded chamfer adjacent to or in contact with the transition region 5 of the
tabs 4 prevent the tearing of the material of the body 1 when tightly passing the
beverage can or container through the openings 2 of the same body 1.
[0082] As can be seen in Fig. 3, another highly advantageous aspect of the arrangement of
the container-carrying device of the proposed invention is that in the use thereof,
by tightly inserting and arranging a container through the opening 2, the action of
the weight of the container itself causes the region of the tabs 4 that corresponds
to the upper free edge of the same tabs 4 to withstand compressive load and force.
[0083] At the same time, and due to the same action of the weight of the same container,
in the same condition of use with the container tightly inserted and arranged through
the same opening 2, the region of the same contour 3 of the opening 2 that corresponds
to the spaces 9 withstands tractive load and force.
[0084] In a highly advantageous way and as a result of the foregoing, in the container-carrying
device of the proposed invention, the fastening of the container based on the weight
exerted by the same results in around 60% compressive load and force withstood by
the tabs 4 and around 40% tractive load and force withstood by the region of the contour
3 of the opening 2 of the body 1 that corresponds to the spaces 9 or spacings.
[0085] This results in a much more effective fastening of the container in the use of the
container-carrying device of the invention by allowing for a more advantageous distribution
of the loads and forces to which the contour 3 of the opening 2 of the body 1 is subjected
as a result of the weight of the container itself.
[0086] The details, shapes, dimensions and other secondary elements, as well as the materials
used in manufacturing the container-carrying device of the invention, may be suitably
replaced with others that are technically equivalent and do not depart from the essential
nature of the invention or from the scope defined by the claims included below.
1. A container-carrying device comprising a body (1) that has on the surface thereof
at least one opening (2) that is sized for a container to be passed and tightly inserted
therethrough, said opening (2) having a contour (3) that has at least one tab (4)
extended towards the inside of the same opening (2) thereby defining a transition
region (5) between the tab (4) and the body (1), said tab (4) having folding or bending
capability in relation to the body (1), said contour (3) having on at least one section
(7) adjacent to the transition region (5) between at least one tab (4) and the body
(1), a rounded chamfer geometry.
2. The container-carrying device according to the preceding claim, wherein the contour
(3) has two sections (7) with a rounded chamfer geometry adjacent to one same transition
region (5), said sections (7) arranged in opposite positions with respect to said
transition region (5).
3. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
tab (4) has a polygonal geometry.
4. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
tab (4) has a symmetrical geometry.
5. The container-carrying device according to claim 4 when it is dependent on claim 2,
wherein the sections (7) are symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry of the
tab (4).
6. The container-carrying device according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the tab (4)
has a rectangular geometry.
7. The container-carrying device according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the tab (4)
has a trapezoidal shape.
8. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
contour (3) has at least two contiguous tabs (4).
9. The container-carrying device according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one
section (7) with a rounded chamfer geometry of the contour (3) is arranged adjacent
to the transition region (5) between a tab (4) of the two contiguous tabs (4) and
the body (1) which is free from contact with the other contiguous tab (4).
10. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
contour (3) has at least two tabs (4) and at least one spacing between two tabs (4).
11. The container-carrying device according to the preceding claim, wherein the contour
(3) has at least two sections (7) with a rounded chamfer geometry arranged in opposite
positions with respect to the spacing.
12. The container-carrying device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the spacing has
a symmetrical geometry.
13. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
contour (3) has at least three tabs (4), at least two tabs (4) being contiguous and
at least one spacing being between two tabs (4).
14. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
contour (3) has a plurality of tabs (4) distributed according to a sequence (8) that
repeats at least once throughout the contour (3).
15. The container-carrying device according to claim 14, wherein the sequence (8) comprises
at least two mutually contiguous tabs (4).
16. The container-carrying device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the sequence (8)
comprises at least one space (9).
17. The container-carrying device according to the preceding claim, wherein there is at
least one space (9) between a first tab (4a) and a second tab (4b).
18. The container-carrying device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein there is at least
one space (9) at the beginning of the sequence (8) and/or at the end of the sequence
(8).
19. The container-carrying device according to any of the claims 14 to 18, wherein at
least one section (7) with a rounded chamfer geometry is adjacent to the transition
region (5) between at least one tab (4), which is included in the sequence (8), and
the body (1).
20. The container-carrying device according to claim 19 when it is dependent on claim
17, wherein the contour (3) has at least one section (7) with a rounded chamfer geometry
that is adjacent to the transition region (5) between the first tab (4a) and the body
(1) closest to the space (9), and another section (7) with a rounded chamfer geometry
that is adjacent to the transition region (5) between the second tab (4b) and the
body (1) closest to the space (9).
21. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
body (1) is a laminar-type body.
22. The container-carrying device according to claim 21, wherein the body (1) has a polygonal
geometry.
23. The container-carrying device according to claim 22, wherein the body (1) has a rectangular
geometry.
24. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
body (1) is made of solid fibreboard.
25. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
rounded chamfer geometry of the section (7) corresponds to an arc.
26. The container-carrying device according to claim 25, wherein the arc has a radius
between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm.
27. The container-carrying device according to any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the region
of the contour (3) of the opening (2) that corresponds to the spacing has a rectilinear
geometry.
28. The container-carrying device according to any of claims 16 to 26, wherein the region
of the contour (3) of the opening (2) that corresponds to the space (9) has a rectilinear
geometry.
29. The container-carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a
region of the tab (4) that is adjacent to the upper free edge of the same tab (4)
is enabled so that in a condition of use of the carrying device, it withstands a compressive
load and force.
30. The container-carrying device according to any of claims 10 to 15 or according to
claim 29 when it is dependent on one of the claims 10 to 15, wherein the spacing is
enabled so that in a condition of use of the carrying device, it withstands a tractive
load and force.
31. The container-carrying device according to any of claims 16 to 29, wherein the region
of the contour (3) of the opening (2) that is adjacent to the space (9) is enabled
so that, in a condition of use of the carrying device, it withstands a tractive load
and force.