Consumer Goods Package Carrier

Abstract

This present invention relates to a case or package carrier for holding consumer goods, such as bottles of water, juice, or other beverages or drinks, and enables a user to easily carry and lift the case carrier. The case or package carrier comes with either an integrated handle or a standalone handle, which may be applied by the user to the carrier. Additionally, the handle of the case carrier is made of a durable collapsible plastic which allows the user to save space while storing the cases, as the user can easily stack the cases one on top of the other. The case carrier helps to reduce the strain on the user's back and body due to lifting of the cases.

Claims

1. A consumer product package carrier comprising: a strip of plastic material comprised of a first side, a second side, a mid-portion, a first end and a second end, wherein each of the first and second ends are comprised of an attachment panel; the mid-portion having a gripping area; and the first and second sides are curvilinear such that each of the first and second ends of the strip of plastic material are wider than the mid-portion of the strip of plastic material.

2. The consumer product package carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the attachment panels have an adhesive.

3. The consumer product package carrier as recited in claim 2, wherein the adhesive is an active, tacky adhesive, and is covered by a release liner.

4. The consumer product package carrier as recited in claim 2, wherein the adhesive is an inactive adhesive that is activated by moisture.

5. The consumer product package carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the strip of plastic material is further comprised of plurality of reinforcing elements.

6. The consumer product package carrier as recited in claim 5, wherein the plurality of reinforcing elements are comprised of one of a fiberglass filament, a plastic string, a synthetic string, or a combination thereof.

7. The consumer product package carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the strip of plastic material is between 15 and 30 inches in length.

8. The consumer product package carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the strip of plastic material is selected from at least one of a PET (polyethylene terephthalate); a HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene); a PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride); a PP (polypropylene); a LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), or a combination thereof.

9. The consumer product package carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the strip of plastic material has a thickness of between 2 mils and 6 mils.

10. The consumer product package carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second ends is comprised of two separate attachment panels separated by a fold line.

11. A consumer product package and handle comprising: a consumer product package containing a plurality of individual consumer products and comprising a base carrier for holding and positioning the plurality of individual consumer products; and a handle comprised of a strip of plastic material having a first end and a second end, wherein each of the first and second ends is comprised of an attachment panel, and further wherein each of the attachment panels are placed on the base carrier for securing the handle to the base carrier.

12. The consumer product package and handle as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the attachment panels is comprised of an adhesive.

13. The consumer product package and handle as recited in claim 12, wherein the adhesive is a tacky pressure sensitive adhesive that is covered by a removable release liner.

14. The consumer product package and handle as recited in claim 12, wherein the adhesive is a non-tacky adhesive that is activatable with moisture.

15. The consumer product package and handle as recited in claim 11, wherein the strip of plastic material has a thickness of between 2 and 6 mils, and is selected from one of a PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), a PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), a PP (polypropylene), a LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), or a combination thereof.

16. The consumer product package and handle as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the first and second ends of the handle has two attachment panels separated by a fold line.

17. The consumer product package and handle as recited in claim 11, wherein the handle is printed with an indicia and a machine readable code.

18. The consumer product package and handle as recited in claim 11, wherein the handle is further comprised of a first curvilinear side and a second curvilinear side.

19. A case carrier comprising: a base panel for supporting a plurality of individual consumer products; a handle comprised of a first end and a second end, wherein the handle is curvilinear in shape and is connected to the base panel by an adhesive attachment panel positioned on each of the first and second ends, and further wherein a first width of the handle at the first end is wider than a second width of the handle at a midpoint of the handle; and a grip positioned at the midpoint of the handle, wherein the handle is comprised of a plastic material selected from one of a PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), a PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), a PP (polypropylene), a LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), or a combination thereof.

20. The case carrier as recited in claim 19, wherein the handle further comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements and has a thickness ranging from between 2 and 6 mils.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a consumer product case or package carrier of the present invention having a handle integrated into the carrier in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pair of consumer product cases or package carriers of the present invention, each having a handle integrated into the carrier in accordance with the disclosed architecture to enable a single user to transport both carriers;

[0021] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the consumer product case or package carrier of the present invention having a standalone plastic handle adhered to the base panel in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 3B illustrates a side elevational view of one potential embodiment of the standalone plastic handle of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 3C illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the standalone plastic handle of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and having an adjustable size mechanism;

[0024] FIG. 3D illustrates a top perspective view of an alternative potential embodiment of the standalone plastic handle of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 3E is a partial side perspective view of one end of the handle of the present invention wrapped around the end of a carrier or case in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the handle is comprised of first and second adhesive pads for affixing the handle to the carrier or case;

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an individual using one hand to carry one potential embodiment of the packed bottle case carrier with integrated handle of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an individual using one potential embodiment of the packed bottle case carriers having an integrated handle of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture to transport two cases of bottled water in a single instance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0029] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a bottle case carrier that allows a user to easily carry and transport a bundle or case of bottles of, for example, water, juice, other beverages or drinks, canned goods, and other consumer products, and that enables a user to stack the cases one on top of the other. There also exists a long felt need in the art for a case or package carrier that reduces the number of trips necessary to transport a plurality of cases, and that prevents the case or package from breaking or causing any inadvertent loss to the owner. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a consumer goods case or package carrier that enables a user to carry multiple cases or packages at the same time, and that enables a user to lift the case or package using a single hand. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a case or package carrier that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, does not put any unnecessary strain on the individual's back or body, and that is safe and easy to use.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a consumer product case or package carrier 100 of the present invention having a handle 120 integrated into the carrier in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, in one embodiment, the package carrier 100 is comprised of a base panel 110 and an integrally formed handle 120. The base panel 110 is a generally rectangular or square panel having a bottom 1102 on which the bottles or other consumer products 130 are positioned during packaging. The bottom 1102 of the base panel 110 may include slots or dividers to properly hold the bottles or other items in place prior to their use. The base panel 110 is further comprised of an open top 1101 through which the bottles 130 are kept or extend outwardly therefrom, and the base panel 110 or the packaging may be tapered in a shape going from the bottom surface 1102 to the open top surface 1101. Alternatively, the base panel 110 may have a circular, oval or any geometric shape to carry the bottles 130.

[0031] The handle 120 is comprised of a gripping portion 122, a first end 140 and a second end 150 opposite to the first end 140, which is integrated into the base panel 110. The handle 120 is present across the length (or width) of the generally rectangular, square or other geometrically shaped base panel 110, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The handle 120 is preferably comprised of a durable plastic and is collapsible in nature, thus becoming flat when not in use in order to place multiple case carriers 100 over one another to conserve storage space. The grip portion 122 is preferably placed in the middle of the handle 110 to allow a user to comfortably and safely grip the handle 120 to lift and carry the case 100. The grip area 122 may include a foam or other padded material so that the edges of the handle 120 do not cut into the hands of the user.

[0032] In alternative embodiments, the handle 120 may be pre-applied to, or integrally formed with, the base panel 110 at the point of manufacture. For example, manufacturing techniques such as polymer welding, stitching or the use of a relatively strong adhesive may be used to integrate the handle 120 with the panel 110 and provide sufficient strength to carry the contents of the carrier 100. The integrated case carrier 100 provides the same level of functionality as traditional bags, but uses only a fraction of the material associated therewith, thereby decreasing manufacturing costs and having less impact on the environment.

[0033] In one embodiment, the handle 120 may be pre-laminated to the base panel 110, and may further comprise a design or logo 123 to drive brand awareness, display information, etc. In a further embodiment, the case carrier 100 may further comprise a machine readable QR code or other code 125 that enables a user to use a smart phone to learn more about the product, its origin, obtain coupons for future purchases and/or track the purchased product. Additionally, the package area 160 present on the base panel 110 may also be used to print a brand name, product information and other relevant information 161, such as instructions on use or brand promotion.

[0034] The case or package carrier 100 of the present embodiment is preferably manufactured from a single sheet of plastic, and may not have any joints between the base panel 110 and the integrated handle 120. In an alternative embodiment, the base panel 110 and the integrated handle 120 may have a joint, and be laminated to one another. Within the base panel 110, the bottles 130 are preferably positioned in orderly columns and rows, and the handle 120 is centrally disposed of the package, such as over the central column or row to enable the user to maintain proper balance while lifting and carrying the case carrier 100.

[0035] The case carrier 100 of the present invention is flexible, slightly elastic, durable and strong enough to store and transport the goods stored therein, such as bottled water. Further, the design and positioning of the handle 120 reduces the amount of strain and labor otherwise associated with picking up and transporting cases of bottles, and reduces the number of trips needs to move multiple cases. The case carrier 100 can be optimized for 8, 16, 24 or 32 bottle cases of different sizes.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pair of consumer product cases or package carriers 100 of the present invention, each having a handle 120 integrated into the carrier 100 in accordance with the disclosed architecture to enable a single user to transport both carriers 100. More specifically, in this embodiment, the case 100 with the integrated handle 120 is used to carry twenty-four bottles 130 housed within the base panel 110. The handle 120 is dimensioned to accommodate the size of the base panel 110. For example, a large bottle case carrier 200 with integrated handle 220 is used to carry thirty-two bottles 130 housed within the base panel 210. The height of each of the base panels 110, 210 is such that the cap of the bottles is visible to the user. The sides of the handle 220 have a curvilinear configuration with a broader area of the handle 221 near the base panel 110 and a narrow portion near the grip 122. The area of the handle 220 near the base panel 110 is preferably twice the width of the area near the grip 122. The case carrier 100, 200 of the present invention easily transforms bulky case carriers into easy to carry packages, and can be customized as per the profile of the retail stores. The integrated handle 220 is a convenient loop handle creating a curve or dome at the grip section 122 so that a user can conveniently hold and carry the case carrier 200 with one hand.

[0037] Additionally, the handle 220 has sufficient rigidity to maintain an arcuate shape, and may be comprised of one or more of a PET (polyethylene terephthalate); HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene); PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride); PP (polypropylene); LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene); or a combination thereof. The thickness of the handle 220 preferably ranges from between 2 mils to about 6 mils, and may include reinforcing elements 133 such as fiberglass filaments, plastic or synthetic string and combinations thereof, that run from one end of the handle 220 to the other to provide additional strength and carrying capacity.

[0038] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the consumer product case or package carrier 300 of the present invention having a standalone plastic handle 320 adhered to the base panel 310 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the case carrier 300 is comprised of a standalone and independent handle 320, which can be adhered or otherwise affixed to a conventional base panel 310 housing a plurality of bottles 130. The standalone handle 320 is comprised of a first end 340 and a second end 350, wherein each of the first and second ends 340, 350 is comprised of an adhesive tape 324 for adhering the handle 320 to the outer surface of the base panel 310.

[0039] More specifically, to attach the standalone handle 320 to the base panel 310, the inner surface 3242 of the adhesive tape 324 is applied to the package area 360 on the outer surface of the base panel 310. The adhesive 324 at each opposite end 340, 350 may be 6 inches in length to provide the required force and strength for the handle 320 to attach to the base panel 310 when the case carrier 300 is lifted and carried. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive tape 324 positioned at each opposite end 340, 350 of the handle 320 may be more than 8 inches in length. The adhesive 324 may be any adhesive known in art, such as active or tacky permanent adhesives covered by a release liner, or re-moistenable adhesives that can be activated by the user with water at any time prior to use. The width of the adhesive 324 at each opposite end 340, 350 may be in the range of 3-6 inches to provide a strong enough connection to support the carrier 300 and its contents.

[0040] FIG. 3B illustrates a side elevational view of one potential embodiment of the standalone plastic handle 320 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the handle 320 has active adhesive tape 324 positioned at the ends of the handle 340, 350, wherein the adhesive 325 of the tape 324 is covered by a release liner 327, which is a sheet having a release surface on one side, such as a silicone, or, in the alternative, a highly calendared paper covering the adhesive 325, which will readily release from the adhesive 325 when needed. Alternatively, the adhesive 325 may be a re-moistenable adhesive (i.e., without a release liner), which may be activated at the time of use by the individual, such as by applying moisture to the adhesive area until the adhesive 325 becomes tacky to the touch. Adhesives such as pressure-sensitive rubber resin may also be used.

[0041] FIG. 3C illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the standalone plastic handle 320 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and having an adjustable size mechanism. More specifically, each of the first and second ends 340, 350 of the handle 320 is comprised of multiple adhesive areas 324 such that the user may select the length of the handle 320 by removing one of the adhesive areas 324 by a line of weakness, or perforation line 329. In this way, a user can provide a handle 320 to carry wider or narrower packages by removing the outermost adhesive area 324 by tearing along the line of weakness 329.

[0042] In one embodiment, the length of the standalone handle 320 is preferably in the range of between 15 and 30 inches with a central non-adhesive region containing the grip 322 by which the user would hold the handle 320 when lifting or carrying the case carrier 300. The central non-adhesive region of the handle 320 may be in the range 60-80% of the total length of the handle 320. Further, the adhesive tape 324 present at each opposite end 340, 350 of the handle 320 may be in the range of 10-20% of the total length of the handle 320. The width of the handle 320 at the ends 340, 350 may be the same or more than the width of the handle 320 along the non-adhesive areas.

[0043] Notwithstanding, the handle 320 may be manufactured in various different lengths and widths to suit user need and/or preference, or to accommodate different product configurations. The standalone handle 320 creates a convenient looped handle, when the adhesive tape 324 is attached to both sides of the base panel 310. The standalone handle 320 may also be printed upon to provide, for example, branding information for the product, bar-codes/QR codes/UPC information, or for other similar purposes, as best shown in FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 3D illustrates a top perspective view of an alternative potential embodiment of the standalone plastic handle 320 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the handle 320 comprises adhesive pads 324 on each of its first and second ends 340, 350, and the first and second curvilinear or arched sides 357 and 359. The curvilinear sides 357, 359 provide for first and second widths 351, 353 of the handle 320, in which the first width 351 (i.e., at the first and second ends 340, 350) is more than twice as wide as the second width 353 (i.e., at the grip area 322).

[0045] FIG. 3E is a partial side perspective view of one end of the handle 320 of the present invention wrapped around the end of a base plate 110 of the carrier 100 in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the handle is 320 comprised of first and second adhesive pads 324 for affixing the handle 320 to the carrier 100. More specifically, each of the first and second adhesive pads 324 are wrapped around the bottom edge of the base plate 110 of the carton or package 110. The first and second adhesive pads are separated by a fold line 329, which allows the handle 120 to remain secured to the base plate 10 in the event one of the adhesive pads 324 fails. Also, as previously stated, the length of the handle 320 may be shortened to suit a particular application by breaking the same at the fold line 329.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 400 using one hand 402 to carry one potential embodiment of the packed bottle case carrier with an integrated handle 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, a user 400 is able to carry the packed case carrier 100 with an integrated handle 120 easily by one hand 402 by holding the handle 120 in the grip region present at the top of the looped handle 120, and carrying the case carrier 100 in a manner similar to carrying a bag. The integrated handle 120 can be collapsed once the user places the case carrier 100 at a desired location. Also, the handle 120 may be cylindrical or flat in shape, and is preferably comprised of a recyclable and durable plastic.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 500 using one potential embodiment of the packed bottle case carrier having an integrated handle 300 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture to transport two cases of bottled water in a single instance. More specifically, the user 500 can carry multiple case carriers 300 at the same time with one case carrier 300 being carried in one hand 502 and a second case carrier 300 being held in a second hand 504, thereby reducing the number of trips needs to move multiple cases.

[0048] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of lifting and carrying a cluster pack of bottles of water, juice or the like is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of initially providing a standalone handle of the present invention, and then adhering the standalone handle to the case containing the pack of consumer product using a fastening mechanism, such as adhesive on each of the ends of the handle. The handle may then be used to lift and transport the case by holding the handle through a grip section present in the middle of the handle.

[0049] The case carriers 100, 300 of the present invention can be used for club store packs or warehouse packs, and for multipacks of bottled or other consumer products sold through supermarkets, convenience stores and carry-out beverage stores. All components of the case carrier 100, 300 may be made up of 100% recyclable HDPE. In one embodiment, a plastic sheet extrusion process may be used for manufacturing the case carrier. Bottles with various diameters such as 28 mm, 38 mm, 43 mm and 48 mm cap sizes can be carried easily with the case carrier and handle of the present invention.

[0050] Additionally, the standalone handle 320 may be made available in different sizes and colors to accommodate user need and/or preference, and the exact size, measurement, construction and design specifications of the standalone handle 320 of the present invention may vary upon manufacturing or the particular material that is used. The surface of the standalone handle 320 is preferably flat, but may optionally contain raised and/or lowered portions creating patterns or ridges for assured gripping. As previously stated, the standalone handle 320 and/or base panel may further comprise logos, indicia, trademarks, geometric patterns, customizable colors and fonts, embroidery and prints and/or images on its surface.

[0051] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “bottle case carrier”, “case carrier”, “water case carrier”, “case”, “packed bottle case carrier” and “water case” are interchangeable and refer to the bottle case carrier 100, 300 of the present invention.

[0052] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the bottle case carrier 100, 300 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the bottle case carrier 100, 300 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the bottle case carrier 100, 300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the bottle case carrier 100, 300 are important design parameters for user convenience, the bottle case carrier 100, 300 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0053] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0054] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.