PROTECTOR DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a protector device (1) for containers (C), and especially for containers (C), such as bottles or cans, containing beverages. The protector device (1) comprises: a plurality of receptacles (2), each of which is configured to receive and hold a respective container (C). Each of the receptacles (2) is configured to extend at least partially around a circumference or periphery of the respective container and comprises a material that is adapted to isolate the respective container from impacts or shocks.

Claims

1. A protector device for beverage containers, the protector device comprising: a plurality of receptacles, each of which is configured to receive and hold a respective container; wherein each of the receptacles is configured to extend at least partially around a circumference or a periphery of the respective container and comprises a material that is adapted to isolate the respective container at least partially from an impact or shock.

2. A protector device according to claim 1, wherein each receptacle includes a band or a sleeve of the said material configured to extend substantially fully around the circumference or outer periphery of the respective container.

3. A protector device according to claim 1, wherein each receptacle forms or defines a generally cylindrical cavity for receiving and accommodating a body of the container.

4. A protector device according to claim 3, wherein, each receptacle comprises one or more aperture that exposes part of a side of the respective container received and held by the receptacle, the aperture preferably being elongate and extending along a side of the respective container received and held by the receptacle.

5. A protector device according to claim 1, wherein each receptacle has a base for supporting a bottom part of the respective container, wherein the base of each receptacle is configured to stack on top of another respective container.

6. (canceled)

7. A protector device according to claim 5, wherein an underside of the base of each receptacle includes a recess configured to receive and/or nest with a top of another respective container arranged below it.

8. A protector device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of receptacles are interconnected with one another in a rectangular array to hold the containers together in a compact group.

9. A protector device according to claim 1, wherein each receptacle includes one or more inwardly directed projection(s) for engaging or contacting a side of a container inserted into the respective receptacle.

10. A protector device according to claim 9, wherein each receptacle includes a plurality of the inwardly directed projections spaced apart around a circumference of the receptacle for engaging or contacting a side of a container inserted into the respective receptacle, wherein each of the inwardly directed projections is formed as an elongate fin or rib or bead.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. A protector device according to claim 1, wherein at least one gripping element is provided to facilitate carrying of the protector device when it accommodates containers, the at least one gripping element formed as a recess or hole for insertion of a finger of a user during lifting or carrying.

14. (canceled)

15. A protector device according to claim 1, wherein a height of each receptacle is less than a height of the respective container.

16. A protector device according to claim 1, wherein the material that is adapted to isolate the respective container from an impact or shock has a hardness in a range of 20 to 80 on the Shore 00 scale.

17. A protector device according to claim 1, wherein the protector device is moulded or 3D-printed as an integral or unitary component from a resilient polymer material.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. A protector device according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of receptacles of the protector device are configured in one of: a 3?2 array for receiving and holding six cans or six bottles; a 2?2 array or in a 4?1 array for receiving and holding four cans or four bottles; or a 2?1 array for receiving and holding two cans or bottles.

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. A protector device for one or more beverage containers, comprising: at least one receptacle configured to receive and hold a container; wherein each receptacle is configured to extend at least partially around a circumference or an outer periphery of the container and comprises a material having a hardness in a range of 0 to 60 on the Shore A scale that is adapted to isolate the container at least partially from an impact or shock; wherein each receptacle has a plurality of inwardly directed projection(s) spaced apart around a circumference of the receptacle for engaging or contacting a side of a container inserted into the respective receptacle.

24. (canceled)

25. A protector device according to claim 23, wherein each receptacle forms or defines a generally cylindrical cavity for receiving and accommodating a body of the container, wherein each receptacle comprises at least one aperture that exposes part of a side of a container received and held by the receptacle, wherein the aperture is extends along a side of the respective container received and held by the receptacle.

26. (canceled)

27. A protector device according to claim 23, wherein each receptacle has a base for supporting a bottom part of the respective container, and wherein an underside of the base of each receptacle includes a recess configured to receive or nest with a top of another respective container arranged below it.

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. A protector device according to claim 23, comprising a plurality of receptacles interconnected with one another in a rectangular array to hold containers together in a compact group.

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. A protector device according to claim 23, wherein each inwardly directed projection is formed as a fin or rib or bead.

34. A set of protector devices for containers, wherein each protector device of the set is a protector device according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For a more complete understanding of the disclosure and advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts, and in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a protector device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the container protector device shown in FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a top or plan view of the protector device shown in FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 4 is an underside perspective view of the protector device shown in FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a lower perspective view of the protector device shown in FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the container protector shown in FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of two protector devices as shown in FIG. 1 in use with containers;

[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protector device according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a top or plan view of the protector device shown in FIG. 8;

[0033] FIG. 10 is an underside perspective view of the protector device shown in FIG. 8;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the protector device shown in FIG. 8;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the protector device shown in FIG. 8;

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protector device according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the protector device shown in FIG. 13;

[0038] FIG. 15 is an underside perspective view of the protector device shown in FIG. 13.

[0039] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. Other embodiments of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0040] It will be appreciated that common and/or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will also be understood that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings, a protector device 1 for containers according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The protector device 1 comprises a plurality of interconnected receptacles 2, each of which is configured to receive and hold a respective container C, such as a bottle or can (e.g., having a volume of 250 ml, or 375 ml or 500 ml) containing a beverage. Thus, each of the receptacles 2 comprises or defines a substantially cylindrical cavity for receiving and accommodating a body of the container therein. The receptacles 2 of the protector device 1 are interconnected with one another in a 3?2 rectangular array for receiving and holding six cans or bottles, typical of a six-pack of beverage containers, together in a compact group.

[0042] In this embodiment, the protector device 1 is integrally moulded from a resilient polymer material, such as food-grade silicone rubber (e.g., Shore Hardness of 0 A to 30 A), and each receptacle 2 comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve 3 with an upper opening 4 into which a respective container is able to be inserted. An upper rim portion 5 of each cylindrical sleeve 3 forms a ring or band that is configured to extend substantially fully around a circumference or periphery of the respective container C. In this way, the sleeve 3 of resilient polymer material operates to isolate the container around its circumference or periphery from an impact or shock being imparted to the bottle or can directly and can absorb such an impact or shock to avoid or prevent any resultant damage to the bottle or can. The material thickness T is preferably in a range of about 3 mm to 8 mm but may vary in different parts of the protector device 1 and may exceed that range, at least in some parts.

[0043] As can be particularly well seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 of the drawings, the sleeve 3 of each receptacle 2 comprises elongate rectangular or oblong apertures 6 which expose parts of a circumferential side of the respective container C received in and held by the receptacle 2. In this way, if the containers C held in the protector device 1 are stored in a refrigerator, cool box, or Esky?, the elongate apertures 6 in the sleeves 3 provide for direct thermal transfer with the container C held in the receptacle 2. In other words, in the regions of the elongate apertures 6, the sleeve 3 does not provide thermal isolation of the container C from the cooling effect of the refrigerator, cool box, or Esky?. Side walls 7 of the sleeve 3 between the apertures 6 of each receptacle 2 also operate to isolate parts of the circumference or periphery of the respective container C from impacts or shocks being imparted to the container directly to avoid or prevent any resultant damage. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the top surface or upper part of the protector device 1 includes two recesses or holes 12 that are formed as gripping elements to facilitate carrying of the protector device 1 when it has containers C accommodated in the receptacles 2. These two recesses or holes 12 are adapted for insertion of a thumb and forefinger of the user for lifting or carrying of the protector device and containers C.

[0044] With reference to drawing FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that each receptacle 2 of the protector device 1 includes a base 8 at a lower end of each sleeve 3 for supporting a bottom part of the respective container C. In this way, each of the containers C can be inserted via the opening 4 into its respective receptacle 2 and seated on the base 8 thereof. An underside of the base 8 of each receptacle 2 includes a circular recess 9 that is configured to receive or nest with a top rim of a can arranged below it. In addition, the underside of the base 8 of the receptacle 2 includes an inner circular recess 9 configured to receive or nest with a top or cap of a bottle arranged below it. In this way, therefore, the protector device 1 is configured for stacking a group of the containers C on top of a corresponding group, as shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings. In FIG. 7, the containers C held in the receptacles 2 of the lower protector device 1 are bottles, such as beer bottles made of glass, and these are stacked upon a group of six containers C provided in the form of cans, with an upper rim of each can C received or nested within the respective circular recess 9 formed in the underside of the base 8 of each receptacle 2 holding a bottle C. A bottom part of each of the cans C could similarly be received and held in a receptacle 2 of another respective protector device 1 (not shown). A second, upper protector device 1 is shown arranged on top of the six bottles C, with a top or cap of each bottle C received within the inner circular recess 9 formed in the base 8 of each receptacle 2 of that upper protector device 1. That upper protector device 1 is ready to receive and accommodate a further group of containers C, C in a stacked arrangement.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 12 of the drawings, a protector device 1 for containers according to another embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The protector device 1 of this embodiment again has a plurality of interconnected receptacles 2, each configured to receive and hold a respective container C (e.g., a bottle or can of volume 250 ml, 375 ml or 500 ml) containing a beverage. Each receptacle 2 comprises or defines a substantially cylindrical cavity for receiving and accommodating a body of the container therein. This time, the receptacles 2 of the protector device 1 are interconnected with one another in a 2?2 square array for receiving and holding four cans or bottles in a compact group.

[0046] As like reference signs designate like parts in the protector device 1 shown in the drawing FIGS. 8 to 12, it will not be necessary to repeat the description of those features already discussed in detail above. This description therefore concentrates on the features of this embodiment which differ from the protector device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. In this regard, for example, it will be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 that the base 8 of each receptacle 2 includes a central hole or aperture 10 that extends through the base 8 to the inner circular recess 9 that receives or nests with a top or cap of a bottle arranged below. This hole or aperture 10 operates to provide an outlet for air that may otherwise be compressed below a container C as it is inserted into a lower or bottom part of the sleeve 3 of a respective one of the receptacles 2. Furthermore, the sleeve 3 of each receptacle 2 includes four inwardly directed projections 11 in the form of vertically extending fins or ribs spaced apart around an inner periphery of the upper rim portion 5 of each receptacle 2 for engaging or contacting the side of a container C as it is inserted into the receptacle 2. Each of these inwardly directed fins or ribs 11 is formed unitarily or integrally with the rest of the protector device 1 and is configured to flex and bend laterally against the sides of the container as it is inserted. The narrow or thin contact area of the fins or ribs 11 makes insertion and removal of the container easier. In addition, the flexible nature of the fins or ribs 11 is able to accommodate variations in the diameter of the containers C to be inserted and held in the receptacles 2, thus making the protector device 1 suitable for e.g., different sized cans or bottles. These fins or ribs 11 also provide greater structural stability to the receptacles, especially when the material is a particularly soft polymer, and enhance the isolation of the container C from shocks.

[0047] With reference to drawing FIGS. 13 to 15, a protector device 1 for containers according to a further embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The protector device 1 of this embodiment again has interconnected receptacles 2, each receptacle 2 comprising a generally cylindrical sleeve 3 into which a respective beverage container C (e.g., bottle or can of volume 250 ml, 375 ml or 500 ml) is able to be inserted. Thus, each receptacle 2 comprises or defines a substantially cylindrical cavity for receiving and accommodating a body of the container therein. In this embodiment, the receptacles 2 are interconnected with one another in a 4?1 linear array for receiving and holding four cans or bottles in a compact group. As like reference signs designate like parts of the protector device 1 in drawing FIGS. 13 to 15, it will not be necessary to repeat the description of those features already discussed in detail above. In this embodiment, the inwardly directed projections (i.e., fins or ribs) 11 are less pronounced and project inwardly into the receptacles 2 to a lesser extent or degree than in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 12. These fins or ribs 11 may also be less rounded and more linear, in the form of elongate beads. As such, the fins or ribs 11 of this embodiment are less adapted to flex and bend laterally against the sides of a container as it is inserted, but to deform in compression.

[0048] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that each exemplary embodiment is an example only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. By way of example, a skilled person will readily appreciate that the protector device of the disclosure is not limited to being made from a specific material as described in the embodiments. Rather, the skilled person will appreciate that a range of suitable materials exist and the skilled person can select a material based upon the known mechanical properties of that material which make it suitable for use in the protector device.

[0049] It will also be appreciated that the terms comprise, comprising, include, including, contain, containing, have, having, and any variations thereof, used in this document are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus, or system described herein is not limited to those features, integers, parts, elements, or steps recited but may include other features, integers, parts, elements, or steps not expressly listed and/or inherent to such process, method, process, method, device, apparatus, or system. Furthermore, the terms a and an used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms first, second, third, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects. In addition, reference to positional terms, such as upper, lower, and underside, used in the above description are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting this disclosure to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee in the appropriate context.