Beverage Container Interlocking Carrier

Abstract

A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) utilizing a container member that is preferably made of plastic, on which beverage containers are placed. The container member is folded upward following contours of the beverage containers. The beverage containers are secured within the BCIC by inserting each beverage neck, with or without a cap, into one of a plurality of container orifices on the container member. After the BCIC is used to package, transport and/or store beverage containers, the container member can be unfolded and the empty beverage containers removed and inserted into and maintained within the orifices prior to recycling. A grasping member allows a folded or unfolded container member to be carried by hand. Or, at least one strap that secures side edges of the BCIC together can be used as a grasping member. Indicia is placed on the container member and is visible on a folded or unfolded BCIC.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally pertains to carrying apparatuses, and more particularly to a beverage container interlocking carrier that is folded and secured around a group of beverage containers, and includes advertising or other indicia on the carrier.

BACKGROUND ART

One of the most ubiquitous consumer items available today is a beverage, particularly beverage water. There are billions of beverages manufactured, purchased and consumed throughout the world each year.

Typically, beverage containers, are packaged and sold either in a plastic wrapping that envelopes a group of beverage containers, or a plastic holder that is located at the top of a group of beverage containers. The particularly packaging depends on the number of beverage containers grouped together. The plastic wrapping typical used for groups of twelve, twenty-four, or thirty-five, and the holder for groups of six or less.

While these packaging methods have been in use for a long time and are effective, there are problems associated with their use. One problem is that the packaging is not typically conducive to recycling, which produces additional material that eventually ends up in landfills. When in these packages, it can be difficult to extricate beverages, and especially for the wrapping. Once the wrapping is cut or otherwise torn open, the wrapping loses its structural integrity and the beverages within are not maintained in a tight group.

Additionally, there is the well-known problem that the six or less beverage holders often end up in oceans or other bodies of water, where fish/mammals accidentally get caught within the holder and/or ingest these foreign objects and succumb to injury and/or death.

What is needed is a new, improved method of packaging, storing and transporting beverage beverages, both for manufacturers and consumers. Optimally, an improved beverage carrier would allow any number of beverages to be easily secured together in a group, packaged for sale and transportation, and for end-use by a consumer. A beverage carrier that is easy to use by anyone and facilitates the recycling of empty beverages, and could even be recycled along with the beverages would provide a solution to the disposal problem.

Also, a means by which advertising could be visible on the packaging/carrier would provide beverage manufacturers or other an incentive as a result of new/increased service(s) of revenue. Consumers could also benefit from advertising by the inclusion of coups or other money-saving or information advertising.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

PATENT NO.	INVENTOR	ISSUED
application Ser. No. 15/788,180	Patton	Filing Date:
		Oct. 19, 2017
4,022,363	Eliassen	May 10, 1977
4,651,873	Stolcenberg, et al	Jan. 17, 1989
5,267,427	Peterson, et al	Dec. 7,1993
5,501,322	Drebushenko	Mar. 26, 1996
2010/0163445	Egber	Jul. 1, 2010

The application Ser. No. 15/788,180 for Tommy Patton discloses a plastic bottle retaining apparatus and advertisings platform that is used to captively hold at least one, and preferably multiple, plastic beverage bottles and includes advertising or promotional indicia printed thereon. The PBRAAP has a structure which is a strip or a panel which can be resilient and disposable, and have at least one and typically multiple, openings that are each dimensioned to allow a plastic bottle to be inserted and maintained within, or removed from, the opening. When a bottle is inserted into an opening, the PBRAAP with the retained bottle can be packaged, stored, transported or displayed.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,363 patent discloses a device for carrying and storing beverages. The device has a older frame utilizing a series of parallel rails inside the frame. The rails form between them uniform gaps and the edges of the rails have edge portions which yield upon introduction of a beverage neck and then squeeze the neck into a locking arrangement when the beverage is moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the holder.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,873 patent discloses a beverage container holder having a unitary body with apertures therein adapted to receive containers. A handle is also included for easy hand carrying.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,427 patent discloses a recycling container member for holding, storing, toting and returning recyclable beverage containers. The container member has a plurality of collar holes distributed uniformly and unilinearly along the container member. The collar holes have a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of a common beverage container neck and have radial slits forming collars which enable a beverage neck flange to be engaged in the container member. The container member is used for transporting engaged beverage containers and can be recycled with the beverages. The container member is loaded into a dispenser which provides means of storing the container member. The dispenser also holds the container member securely so that a beverage may be engaged in the container member. The dispenser also provides an engagement mechanism, which aligns a collar holed in the container member with the collar opening of the dispenser and prevents the container member from uncontrolled travel out of the dispenser and a disengagement mechanism which meters the travel of the container member.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,322 patent discloses a carrier and storage unity for beverage beverages. A planar member has a plurality of cup-shaped recesses located in a predetermined array across its surface. Each of the recesses has a bottom wall which is sealed about its periphery to the circular wall of the recess. The recesses have a size and configurations adapted to receive and grip the neck of the beverage beverages, capturing the beverage insecure retention in the carrier and closing the neck of the beverage.

The 2010/0163445 publication discloses a beverage holder having a first beverage-holding surface adapted to hold a plurality of beverages at a first orientation, and a second beverage-holding surface adapted to hold a second plurality of beverages at a second orientation. Each beverage-holding surface includes an aperture adapted to receive a cap end of each beverage, and a slot in communication with the aperture and adapted to support a beverage neck of each of the beverages.

For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.

	PATENT NO.	INVENTOR	ISSUED
	2,419,040	Stephanian	Apr. 15, 1947
	3,003,805	Glazer	Oct. 10, 1961
	3,633,962	Erickson	Jan. 11, 1972
	4,232,807	Beier, et al	Nov. 11, 1980
	4,735,313	Schoenberg	Apr. 5, 1988
	4,798,286	Muscanelli	Jan. 17, 1989
	5,306,060	Borg	Apr. 26, 1994
	5,735,562	Borg	Apr. 7, 1998
	6,129,397	Borg	Oct. 10, 2000
	7,823,943	Borg	Nov. 2, 2010
	2002/0175103	Kraxner	Nov. 28, 2002

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) that allows a group of beverage containers, to be easily carried by hand and transported to a desired location. The BCIC is a substantially flat container member, preferably plastic, on which a group of beverage containers is placed on an inner surface. The container member is then folded upwards, following the contours of the group of beverage containers. A grasping member with an open section is located at a first section and second side of the container member. Once the container member is folded around the group of beverage containers the two sides of the grasping member interface either on the top of the group of beverage containers or on a side of this group of beverage containers. To secure the two sides of the grasping members together attachment means can be utilized.

Located on the container member is at least one container orifice each of which is dimensioned to allow a beverage container, with or without a cap, to be inserted into the container orifice, thereby maintaining each beverage container within the folded container member. After the BCIC is used to transport a group of beverage containers, especially beverage containers containing a beverage, and the beverage containers have been removed for consumption, the container member can be replaced in the original flat orientation and the empty beverage containers inserted into the container orifices. The container member with empty beverage containers can then be stored and/or transported, such as to a recycling facility. It should be noted that the BCIC is particularly designed to allow the container member with empty beverage containers to be placed within a proprietary machine that facilitates the removal and crushing of the empty beverage containers for further recycling.

To increase the functionality of the BCIC, advertising or other indicia can be placed on the outer surface of the container member, thereby allowing the indicia to be visible when the container member is folded around a group of beverage containers. The indicia is also visible on the container member when the container member is flat and used to store or transport empty beverage containers. The indicia can be applied onto the container member by various means including printing, etching, painting, adhesive or other methods.

Also, the BCIC can utilize various types of container member configurations to secure the open side edges of the BCIC when the BCIC is configured as a carrier. Typically, at least one container member extending from a side edge of the BCIC is inserted into a corresponding slot on an opposing side edge, thereby securing the opposite edges together.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a beverage container interlocking carrier that allows full or empty beverage containers to be easily stored or transported, and also includes advertising or other indicia.

In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to provide a beverage container interlocking carrier that:

• • is easy to use by adults and children,
  • can be used with various types, sizes and shapes of beverage containers,
  • is durable and long-lasting,
  • is easy and economical to manufacture,
  • can be made of a variety of materials,
  • when made of plastic can be recycled along with empty beverage containers,
  • can be used with standard water beverages and larger sport drink beverage containers, and
  • is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's point of view.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an orthographic view showing a beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) enclosing a group of six-beverage containers with a first end and a second end of a container member interlocked with at least one beverage container via a container orifice on the top surface of the BCIC, and the side edges secured together by two horizontal strap and one vertical strap that are configured as a grasping member.

FIG. 2 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC having a container member folded around a group of beverage containers with two ends of the container member terminating on the sides of the BCIC and beverage containers inserted into containers orifices, and a single strap on the open sides of the BCIC, the strap functioning as a grasping member to life or carry the BCIC.

FIG. 3 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC having the container member folded around a group of beverage containers with two ends of the containers member terminating on the sides of the BCIC, and beverage containers inserted into container orifices, and two horizontal straps and one vertical strap on the open sides of the BCIC the straps functioning as a grasping member to lift or carry the BCIC.

FIG. 4 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC with fifty containers orifices, and a first end of the container member on a side of the BCIC and the other second end extending down pat the opposing side, prior to being folded up around the bottom of the group of beverage containers and over the first end.

FIG. 5 is an orthography view showing the BCIC with fifty containers orifices advertising indicia and a first end of the container member on a side of the BCIC and the other second end having been folded down and then up and around the bottom of a group of beverage containers, prior to being folded on top of the first end.

FIG. 6 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC having the container member folded around a group of beverage containers with the two ends of the container member terminating on top of the group of beverage containers, and the two horizontal and one vertical strap that function as a grasping member.

FIG. 7 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of six-beverage containers with side edges secured together by a strap and a grasping member extending upward.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of six-beverage containers and having a first design of multiple openings and areas for advertising for other indicia.

FIG. 9 is an elevational front view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of six-beverage containers and having a first design of multiple openings and areas for advertising or other indicia.

FIG. 10 is an elevational side view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of six-beverage containers.

FIG. 11 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of six-beverage containers, with a first end of a container member interlocked with at least one beverage container via a container orifice on the upper surface of the BCIC, and the side edges secured together by a trap that is configured as a grasping member.

FIG. 12 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of twelve-beverage containers and having the first design of the container orifice and an area for advertising or other indicia.

FIG. 13 is an elevational view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of twelve-beverage containers and having the first design of the container orifice with a grasping member and an area for advertising or other indicia.

FIG. 14 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC for six-beverage containers, having a second design of the container orifice.

FIG. 15 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of six-beverage containers with the two straps secured together, one strap on each side, and having multiple modified cross container orifices and four-sided container orifices.

FIG. 16 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of six-beverage containers with the side straps on each side, multiple T-shaped container orifices, multiple four-sided container orifices, advertising indicia, and a strap surrounding the beverage containers within the BCIC.

FIG. 17 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC in an upright position without beverage containers, and a strap securing the two sides.

FIG. 18 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC in an upright position without beverage containers, and a strap securing the two sides, and a liner placed within the BCIC.

FIG. 19 is an orthographic view showing two BCICs each enclosing six beverage containers, having the first design of the container orifices and secured together by straps inserted into slots on the side edges, and two carrier straps inserted through side edge slots, thereby securing the two BCICs together.

FIG. 20 is an orthographic view showing two BCIC each enclosing six beverage containers, each having the second design of the container orifices and secured together by straps inserted into slots on the side edges, and two carrier straps inserted through side edge slots, thereby securing the two BCICs together.

FIG. 21 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC with attachment tubes that are dimensioned to side into each other at each corner for securing multiple BCICs together.

FIG. 22 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC with adhesive beads that secure enclosed beverage containers within the BCIC.

FIG. 23 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC with strap tubes at each corner that are dimensioned to accept a strap which secures showing multiple BCICs together.

FIG. 24 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC secured together by an adhesive between the two sides of the grasping member, and the beverage containers secured by adhesive on each container's lower surface.

FIG. 25 is a detail view showing the container orifices elongated as the container member is folded around the beverage container and the orifice segment forceably interlocked with the beverage container neck and neck ring.

FIG. 26 is a detail view showing a lower surface of a beverage container located within a cavity formed on the container member.

FIG. 27 is an orthographic view showing the BCIC enclosing a group of twelve-beverage containers with a first end and a second end of a container member interlocked with at least one beverage container via a container orifice on the upper surface of the BCIC, and the side edges secured together by two straps that are configured with an upper strap as a grasping member and a lower strap to securely maintain the bottles within the BCIC.

FIG. 28 is an elevational side view showing a scanning device reading a bar code on beverage containers inserted into the BVIC, or counting beverage containers inserted into the BCIC.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment of a beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) 10. There are various conventional methods of packaging and/or carrying beverage containers. Two of the most common methods are a plastic holder that is placed on a group of beverage containers and holds the beverage containers by the necks, or a plastic wrapping that encloses a group of beverage containers. The holder on the necks is typically used to hold groups of six beverage containers or less, and the plastic wrapping is used for groups of twelve, twenty-four or thirty-five beverage containers.

While these two methods do function as intended, there are problems associated with their use. The beverage container are removed from the holder or wrapping, which is then usually discarded to end up in a landfill. Also, the holder can often end up in oceans which presents serious danger to fish and other aquatic life.

The BCIC 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-28, provides an alternate method of packaging and carrying beverage containers and provides a solution to the problems associated with the other conventional methods. It must be noted that the BCIC 10 can hold or enclose any number of full or empty beverage containers, either in a flat, open orientation (which is particularly effective for recycling) or in an upward-folded, carrier orientation. The number of beverage containers that are held or enclosed can vary.

The BCIC's 10 first orifice design configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2, 7-9, 14-16, 22 and 23, includes a substantially flat container member 12 with an outer surface 14, an inner surface 16, a first end 18, a second end 20, a first edge 22 and a second edge 24. The container member 12 can be made of various materials such a plastic, rubber, cardboard, or a composite material, with plastic preferred. As shown in FIGS. 2, 7-9, 14-16, 22 and 23, extending through the container member 12 and linearly positioned equidistant from each other, are the container orifices 26. Each container orifice 26 has at least one segment 30 that extends into the center orifice 26, and a slice 32 that extends from the container orifice 26. Additionally, each slice 32 can also have a cutline 34 located perpendicular to and adjacent an outer end of each slice 32, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6-21. This proprietary container orifice 26 design facilitates the insertion of a beverage container neck, with or without a cap 126, into a container orifice, thereby securing the beverage container 64 onto the container member 12.

There are multiple shapes and designs of the container orifice 26 that can be used with efficacy. Each orifice has preferably triangular shaped segments 30 that extend inward towards the center of the container orifice and slices 32 that extend outward from the edges of the container orifice. The cutlines 34 are perpendicularly located adjacent a distal end of each slice, or each container orifice can be configured similar to the first design but does not have the cutouts. There are also other orifices designs which will be disclosed supra.

As shown in FIGS. 7-10 and 12-24, extending from the container member's 12 first end 18 is a grasping member with a side having an open section. Extending from the container member's 12 second end 20 is a grasping member with a side having an open section. The two sides are equally shaped and sized. This allows the grasping handle sides to interface with each other, effectively creating a single grasping member.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 10-12 and 14-16, when the container member 12 is folded upward around contours of a group of beverage containers 124 that are placed on the container member, folded sections 52 are created with the beverage containers 124 inserted into the container orifices and the two sides of the grasping member interfacing. It should be noted that the most important proprietary characteristic of the BCIC 10 is the interlocking function, as best shown in FIG. 20. When a beverage container is placed on the container member, the lower surface 128 of the beverage container 124 rests within a cavity 136, as shown in FIG. 21. When the two ends of the container member 12 are folded upward around the beverage containers, the neck 130 of each beverage container is inserted into the container orifice 26. As the container member 12 continues folding, the container orifice 26 is elongated into an elliptical shape 140 with the at least one segment 30 interfacing with a neck ring 132 below the cap 126, as best shown in FIG. 25. The elongation creates pressure that causes the segment 30 to interlock with the neck and ring. A result, the beverage container 124 is maintained within the BCIC with maximum securement.

Also when the container member 12 is folded around a group of beverage containers 124, the grasping member can be located at the substantial center above the group of beverage containers, as shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 10, 12, 14-16 and 19-24, or alternately the grasping member can be located on a side of a group of beverage containers (not shown). If desired, attachment means 50 can be utilized to secure the two edges of the gasping member together. The attachment means are preferably non-permanent such as an adhesive 66 double-sided tape, male and female detents, or at least one clip. As shown in FIG. 24, the adhesive 66 can also be used to secure the folded container member together, and the adhesive 66 can be placed on the lower surface 128 of each beverage container 124 to secure the beverage container within the BCIC 10.

Forty container orifices 26 allows the insertion and securement of six beverage containers to create a six-beverage container interlocking carrier 52 when the container member is folded around the group of six-beverage containers, or forty beverage containers when the container member 12 is in an open, flat orientation.

To increase the functionality of the BCIC 10, the container member can also be used. Indicia 60 is placed on the outer surface 14 of the container member 12, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 11-14 and 16, such that when the container member is folded around a group of beverage containers 64, the indicia 60 is clearly visible. The indicia 60 can be any words and/or images and can be applied onto the container member 12 by various means including printing, etching, or a sticker held by adhesive. When the container member is made of a transparent material, the indicia can be placed on the inner surface viewable through the material. The amount of space allocated for indicia 60 is determined by the number of container orifices. As shown in FIG. 27, an entire side section of the BCIC can be used for indicia when the container orifices are not present.

The second design configuration of the BCIC 10, as shown in FIGS. 11-13, is essentially the same as the first design configuration, except the second configuration has additional container orifices 26 which facilitate the insertion and securement of twelve beverage containers 124 which creates a twelve beverage container interlocking carrier 54 or the additional orifices can maintain the beverage containers when the container member is in the open, flat orientation.

In addition to the basic designs of the BCIC 10 as disclosed above, other modifications can be made or features added to increase the functionality of the BCIC 10. Other shapes and styles of container orifices can be utilized, including a four-sided container orifice 58 with indented side edges to varying degrees and rounded corners, as shown in FIGS. 15-18; modified cross container orifice 104, as shown in FIGS. 2, 6-11-15, 17 and 18, with indented side and top edges to varying degrees and rounded corners; and a modified T-opening 106, as shown in FIGS. 16-20, that appears as a standard T-shape with indented edges and rounded corners or a block T-shape with indented edges and rounded corners.

In order to secure the open sides when the BCIC 10 is configured as a carrier, various designs and uses of straps can be utilized. As shown in FIG. 10, two opposing strap 70 pieces that extend from opposing side edges of the BCIC are used. One piece has an end with truncated triangular tab 68 and the other piece has an end with a slot 72 that is dimensioned to accept and maintain the triangle tab. When the BCIC 10 is enclosing beverage containers, the ends of the two strap pieces are brought together and the tab is inserted into the slot, thereby securing the side edges of the BCIC 10 and the beverage containers within.

An additional design includes at least one non-attached/separate strap 76 with one end having a truncated triangle tab 78 and extending from the opposite distal end 80, a row of triangular/downward pointing tabs 82. Located adjacent the side edges of the BCIC are slots 84 that are dimensioned to accept and maintain the ends of the strap 76, which are inserted into one of the slots 84.

A further design, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, includes at least one integrally attached strap 86 that extends from a side edge of the BCIC 10. At a distal end 88 of the strap 86 is a row of triangular/downward pointing tabs 90. Located adjacent a side edge of the BCIC 10 is at least one slot 92 that is dimensioned to accept and maintain the end of the strap when the strap is inserted into the slot. As specifically shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the strap design can be effectively utilized to secure multiple container members 12 together in a daisy-chain type arrangement.

An alternate depiction of a single strap 94 is shown in FIGS. 2, 16-18. A single, narrow strap 94 extending from a side edge of the BCIC is inserted into a slot 94 located near the bottom of the BCIC when enclosing beverage containers 124. When using any of the strap designs, either one or two of the straps can be utilized as a grasping member that allows the BCIC to be lifted and/or carried by the strap 70, 76, 86, 94. This capability is especially effective when the BCIC is maintaining larger numbers of beverage containers particularly when the beverage containers have a beverage within.

In another alternate design, as shown in FIGS. 2, 11 and 27, beverage containers 124 are placed on the container member 12, preferably with the lower surface 128 of each beverage container resting within a cavity 136 on the container member 12. The two ends of the container member are then folded upward around the beverage containers 124, with each beverage container's neck entering the container orifice 26. The container member 12 is folded further, elongating the container orifice 26 into an elliptical shape with the orifice's at least one segment 30 circumventing the beverage container's neck 130 or a bottle cap 126. The elongation of the orifice creates pressure that causes the segment 30 to interlock with the beverage container neck and neck ring or bottle cap. The fully folded container member 12 lies substantially flat on the upper surface of the beverage container(s), with the container member 12 secured in the flat configuration by the beverage container(s) interlocked within the container orifice(s), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 27. Removal of the beverage container(s) from the BCIC 10 is accomplished by pulling upward on a corner edge 28 of the container member. The upward pulling actin releases the beverage container(s) from the container orifice(s), and allows the container member 12 to be pulled off and away from the beverage container(s). This alternate design is equally effective for use as a six-pack BCIC, as shown in FIG. 7, or as a twelve-pack BCIC, a shown in FIGS. 11 and 27. For lifting or carrying this design of the BCIC 10, the strap is optimally used as a grasping member, as previously disclosed. If two straps are utilized, as shown in FIG. 27, the upper strap is utilized as a grasping member and the lower strap securely maintains the beverage containers within the BCIC 10.

In a further alternate design the BCIC 10 is configured with twenty-five or fifty container orifices 26 on the container member 12, as shown in FIGS. 3-6. To accommodate the fifty orifices, the fifty orifice carrier 158, typically has an extended length compared to the previous designs. As a result of the extended length, the fifty orifice carrier 158 can enclose a group of beverage containers in two unique configurations. Other than the number of container orifices and the enclosing configurations, the twenty-five or fifty orifice carrier 158 have a substantially same structure as the previous designs and each includes most of the same structural and functional elements including a substantially flat container member having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end, a first edge and a second edge. All configurations of the twenty-five or fifty orifice carrier 158 have a first horizontal strap 160 extending from the first edge to the second edge across the open side of the carrier, a second horizontal strap 162 extending from the first edge to the second edge and located below the first horizontal strap 160, and a vertical strap 164 extending from the substantial center of the first horizontal strap 160 to the substantial center of the second strap horizontal strap 162. The horizontal straps 160, 162 are secured to opposed side edges and all of the strap can function as a grasping member(s) 166, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, to allow a person to grasp and then lift and carry the BCIC 10. Also, the straps 160, 162, 164 provide securement of the beverage containers within the BCIC 10.

The first unique configuration of the twenty-five or fifty orifice carrier 158 has the neck of each beverage container extending upward through one of the container orifices, wherein the container member is placed on top of a group of beverage containers with the first end of the container member folded downward onto a first side of the group of beverage containers. The second end of the container member extends downward past an opposite second side of the group of beverage containers The second end is folded across a lower surface of the group of beverage containers and then upward onto the first side such that the second end is configured on top of the first end, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the attachment means secure the second end.

In a second design configuration of the twenty-five or fifty orifice carrier the neck of each beverage container extends upward through one of the container orifices. The container member is placed on top of a group of beverage containers with the first end of the container member folded downward onto a first side of the group of beverage containers. The second end of the container member extends downward past an opposite second side of the group of beverage containers. The second end is folded across a lower surface of the group of beverage containers and then upward across the first side, and then folded downward onto an upper surface such that the second end is configured on top of the first end, as shown in FIG. 26, and attachment means secure the second end.

A third unique configuration of the twenty-five or fifty orifice carrier has the first end of the container member folded upward and over onto the beverage container necks with each container neck inserted into a container orifice, and then downward onto a second side of the carrier. The second end extends upward and is then folded downward across the previously folded first end and terminates at a first side of the carrier, opposite the second side, and the attachment means secure the second end.

As with the previous designs of the BCIC 10, the twenty-five or fifty orifice carriers 158 are configured to provide space 62 for advertising indicia 60 or other indicia 60. The attachment means 174 for securing the second ends of the container member 12, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, an adhesive, at least one snap closer, at least one male and female detent, a tab and slot, a hook and loop fastener, at least one clip, at least one hook, and at least one plastic interlocking latch. To increase the functionality of the twenty-five or fifty orifice carriers 158, a grasping opening 176 can be located adjacent the first end and second end, as shown in FIG. 3. The grasping opening 176 is typically utilized in lieu of the grasping member(s) 166 created by the strap 160, 162, 164 and particularly when the BCIC 10 is not used as an enclosing carrier but rather in a flat configuration to carry beverage container for recycling or other purposes.

It should be noted that the use of fifty container orifices allows the total number of beverage containers on the flat configuration container member to be quickly and easily determined. This ability significantly increases the BCIC 10 functionality when utilized for recycling and can be considered a de facto requirement as a mandatory count of beverage containers rather than by weighing the beverage containers.

In yet another alternate design, the BCIC 10 is configured to enclose eight beverage containers 170, as shown in FIG. 1. Other than the enclosing of eight beverage containers the structure and functionality, including all of the various configurations, is the same as the BCIC 10 for six or twelve beverage containers. It is anticipated that the eight beverage container carrier 170 could become widely used to package, transport and sell beverages.

Other additions and modifications include a liner 108, as shown in FIG. 18. The liner 108 (which is preferably a bag made of plastic or another material) allows a person to carry a variety of items in the BCIC 10. In order to secure the beverage containers 124 themselves within the BCIC 10, a beverage container strap 98, as shown in FIG. 16, can be utilized. The beverage container strap 98 is wrapped around the beverage containers themselves. When used in combination with one of the side edge securement straps, the beverage container strap 98 provides a significant increase in the maintaining the beverage containers within the BCIC 10. Also, an adhesive bead 112, as shown in FIGS. 21-23, can be placed beneath or on the side of each beverage container 124 to secure the beverage containers within the BCIC 10.

It could be advantageous to secure multiple BCICs 10 together for storage or transportation. To facilitate the securement of multiple BCICs 10 there are different means that can be used. First, as shown in FIG. 21, an attachment tube 110 can be placed at each corner of the BCIC 10. The tubes 110 are designed such that a lower portion of the tube can slide down into the upper portion, thereby allowing the corner of one BCIC to be secured to the corner of another BCIC 10. Second, as shown in FIG. 20, a carrier strap 118 is inserted through multiple slots 120 located around the BCIC. When two or more BCICs are placed next to each other, a single carrier strap 118 can be inserted through sequential slots on each of the BCICs, thereby securing the BCICs together.

In conclusion it must be noted that when the container member 12 is used in an open, flat orientation to carry empty or full beverage containers, the beverage containers can be inserted from the top or inner surface 16 or the bottom or other surface 14. Also, the BCIC container orifice 26 can accept almost any size beverage container 124, with or without a cap 126. This includes all types and sizes of water beverage containers as well as larger beverage containers such as Gatorade™.

Also, the BCIC 10 can be utilized to quickly and accurately count the number of beverage containers within the BCIC or when the BCIC is in the unfolded, flat configuration, empty or full. Beverage container can be counted visually by a person, with or without the assistant of numerical indicators adjacent each container orifice, or a scanning device 174, as shown in FIG. 28, can be used to automate the scanning process This ability to count the beverage containers is a significant improvement over weighting the beverage containers.

While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modification may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) comprising: a substantially flat container member having: an outer surface,an inner surface,a first end,a second end,a first edge,a second edge,at least one container orifice,a grasping member having: a first side extending from the first end and having an open section, anda second side extending from the second end and having an open section, the container member is folded upward around contours of multiple beverage containers that are placed on the container member and the two sides of the grasping member interface.

2. The BCIC of claim 1, wherein the container member is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of plastic, cardboard, paper, metal and composite material.

3. The BCIC of claim 1, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice, andat least one slice that extends from the orifice.

4. The BCIC of claim 1, further comprising indicia on the outer surface of the container member, the indicia selected from the group consisting of advertising, promotional, instructional and educational.

5. The BCIC of claim 4, wherein the indicia is applied by means selected from the group consisting of printing, etching, and adhesion.

6. The BCIC of claim 1, further comprising securing means for maintaining the folded container member together, the securing means selected from the group consisting of adhesive, snap closure, male and female detents, interlock, clip, tape, hook and loop fastener, sliding rod through openings, buckle and strap.

7. A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) comprising: a substantially flat container member having: an outer surface,an inner surface,a first end,a second end,a first edge,a second edge,at least one container orifice,a grasping member having: a first side extending from the first end and having an open section, anda second side extending from the second end and having an open section, the container member is folded upward around contours of multiple beverage containers that are placed on the container member and the two sides of the grasping member interface.

8. The BCIC of claim 7, wherein the container member is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of plastic, cardboard, paper, metal and composite material.

9. The BCIC of claim 7, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice, andat least one slice that extends from the orifice.

10. The BCIC of claim 7, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice,at least one slice that extends from the perimeter edge of the orifice and is adjacent the slice and,a cutline that is adjacent a distal end of the slice, and that extends perpendicularly across the slice.

11. The BCIC of claim 7, wherein the at least one container orifice is positioned to provide space for advertising or other indicia on the container member.

12. The BCIC of claim 7, further comprising at least one aperture positioned adjacent to and between each of the at least one orifice, wherein the aperture comprises an outward perimeter edge curving that taper to a terminating edge, thereby creating a stylized cross.

13. The BCIC of claim 7, further comprising at least one upper aperture positioned below the grasping member, wherein each upper aperture comprises a bottom first section with perimeter edges tapering outward and a second section that extends across from a top termination, thereby creating a stylized T-shape or triangle.

14. The BCIC of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of cutouts in the two side edges of the container member wherein each cutout curves inward to a point, with the curves creating a semi-circular shape section with multiple sections along the container member edges.

15. A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) comprising: a substantially flat container member having: an outer surface,an inner surface,a first end,a second end,a first edge,a second edge,at least one container orifice,a grasping member having: a first side extending from the first end and having an open section, anda second side extending from the second end and having an open section, the container member is folded upward around contours of multiple beverage containers that are placed on the container member and the two sides of the grasping member interface.

16. The BCIC of claim 15, wherein the container member comprising indicia that is selected from the group consisting of advertising, promotional, instructional and educational.

17. The BCIC of claim 15, wherein the indicia is applied by means selected from the group consisting of printing, etching and adhesion.

18. The BCIC of claim 15, further comprising a container strap that is placed around a group of beverage containers that are located within the BCIC, the container strap securing the containers together as a single body that is within or removed from the BCIC.

19. The BCIC of claim 15, further comprising four side straps that extend outward from each side edge of the container member, wherein two of the straps, one on each opposing side edge, include truncated-triangle shaped tabs on a distal end, and two straps, one on each opposing side edge, that are positioned to interface with the triangle tabs and having at least one slot that is dimensioned to accept and maintain the triangle shape tabs, wherein when the BCIC has beverage containers within, the side straps secure open sides of the BCIC together.

20. The BCIC of claim 15, further having four slots, with two slots correspondingly positioned on each opposite side edge of the container member, and a securing strap comprising a length of material with a truncated triangle shaped tab on one distal end and a row of triangle shaped tabs correspondingly positioned and extending inward from the opposite distal end, wherein the strap end with the single tab is inserted into one of the slots on the container member side edge, and the strap edge with the series of tabs is inserted into one of the slots on the opposite side edge of the container member, wherein when the BCIC has beverage containers within, the side straps secure open sides of the BCIC together.

21. The BCIC of claim 23 further comprising two straps that are correspondingly positioned on opposite side edges of the container member and have a series of triangle shaped tabs, with a row of tabs on each side edge extending outward from a distal end of the strap, wherein correspondingly positioned on each opposite side edge of the container member is a slot that is dimensioned to accept and maintain the triangle tabs on each strap, wherein when the BCIC has beverage containers within, each strap is inserted into the corresponding slot, thereby securing open sides of the BCIC.

22. A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) comprising: a substantially flat container member having: an outer surface,an inner surface,a first end,a second end,a first edge,a second edge,at least one container orifice,a grasping member having: a first side extending from the first end and having an open section, anda second side extending from the second end and having an ° open section, the container member is folded upward around contours of multiple beverage containers that are placed on the container member and the two sides of the grasping member interface.

23. The BCIC of claim 22, wherein the container member is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of plastic, cardboard, paper, metal and composite material.

24. The BCIC of claim 22, wherein each of the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice, andat least one slice that extends from the orifice.

25. The BCIC of claim 22, further comprising indicia on the container member, the indicia selected from the group consisting of advertising, promotional, instructional educational and image.

26. The BCIC of claim 22, wherein the indicia is applied by means selected from the group consisting of printing, etching, and adhesion.

27. The BCIC of claim 22, further comprising a liner within the BCIC.

28. A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) comprising: a substantially flat container member having: an outer surface,an inner surface,a first end,a second end,a first edge,a second edge,at least one circular container orifice comprising, at least one segment inwardly angled and directed into the orifice,at least one slice that extends from the orifice,a grasping member having: a first side extending from the first end and having an open section, anda second side extending from the second end and having an open section, a beverage container is placed on the container member, with a lower surface of the beverage container resting within a cavity on the container member, the container member is folded around the beverage container with the beverage container neck entering the container orifice, the container member is folded further, elongating the container orifice into an elliptical shape with the at least one segment interfacing with a neck ring that circumvents the beverage container neck, the elongation creating pressure that causes the segment to interlock with the beverage container neck and neck ring.

29. The BCIC of claim 28, wherein the container member is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of plastic, cardboard, paper, metal and composite material.

30. The BCIC of claim 28, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap.

31. The BCIC of claim 28, wherein the grasping member is located at a substantial mid-point above the beverage containers.

32. The BCIC of claim 28, wherein the grasping member is located on a side of the beverage containers.

33. The BCIC of claim 28, wherein the at least one container orifice is positioned to provide space for advertising or other indicia on the container member.

34. The BCIC of claim 28, further comprising at least one aperture positioned adjacent to and between each of the at least one orifice, wherein the aperture comprises an outward curving perimeter edge that tapers to a terminating edge, thereby creating a stylized cross.

35. The BCIC of claim 28, further comprising at least one upper aperture positioned below the grasping member, wherein each upper aperture comprises a bottom first section with perimeter edges tapering outward and a second section that extends across from a top termination, thereby creating a stylized T-shape or triangle.

36. The BCIC of claim 28, further comprising a plurality of cutouts in the two side edges of the container member wherein each cutout curves inward to a point, with the curves creating a semi-circular shape section with multiple sections along the container member edges.

37. A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) comprising: a substantially flat container member having: an outer surface,an inner surface,a first end,a second end,a first edge,a second edge,at least one strap extending from the first edge to the second edge,at least one circular container orifice, with at least one beverage container placed on the container member, a lower surface of each beverage container resting within a cavity on the container member, the container member is folded upward around the beverage container with the beverage container neck entering the container orifice, the container member is folded further, elongating the container orifice into an elliptical shape with the at least one segment interfacing with a neck ring that circumvents the beverage container neck or a bottle cap, the elongation creating pressure that causes the segment to interlock with the beverage container neck and neck ring or bottle cap, the fully folded container member lying substantially flat on an upper surface of the at least one beverage container, and the container member secured in the flat configuration by the beverage container interlocked within the container orifice, with removal of the beverage containers from the BCIC accomplished by pulling upward on a corner edge of the container member, thereby releasing the beverage containers from the container orifices and allowing the container member to be pulled off of and away from the beverage containers.

38. The BCIC of claim 37, wherein the container member is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of plastic, cardboard, paper, metal and composite material.

39. The BCIC of claim 37, wherein the at least one strap is permanently attached to one side edge and removably attached to an opposing side edge.

40. The BCIC of claim 37, wherein the at least one strap is configured as a grasping member that allows a person to grasp the strap and carry or lift the BCIC.

41. The BCIC of claim 37, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice, andat least one slice that extends from the orifice.

42. The BCIC of claim 37, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice,at least one slice that extends from the perimeter edge of the orifice and is adjacent the slice and,a cutline that is adjacent a distal end of the slice, and that extends perpendicularly across the slice.

43. The BCIC of claim 37, wherein the at least one container orifice is positioned to provide space for advertising or other indicia on the container member.

44. The BCIC of claim 37, wherein a plurality of container orifices are linearly arranged, equidistant from each other.

45. The BCIC of claim 37, wherein the number of beverage containers enclosed within the BCIC is selected from the group consisting of four, six, eight, ten, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four and thirty-six.

46. The BCIC of claim 37, further comprising at least one upper aperture positioned below the grasping member, wherein each upper aperture comprises a bottom first section with perimeter edges tapering outward and a second section that extends across from a top termination, thereby creating a stylized T-shape or triangle.

47. A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) comprising: a substantially flat container member of material having: an outer surface,an inner surface,a first end,a second end,a first side edge,a second side edge,at least one opening,a grasping member having: a first side extending from the first end and having an open section, anda second side extending from the second end and having an open section, the container member is folded upward around contours of multiple beverage containers that are placed on the container member and the two sides of the grasping member interface.

48. The BCIC of claim 47, further comprising securing means for securing the handle side edges together, the attachment means are selected from the group consisting of adhesive, snap closure, male and female detents, interlock, clip, tape, hook and loop fastener, sliding rod through openings, buckle and strap.

49. The BCIC of claim 47, further comprising means for securing at least two BCICs together, the securing means selected from the group comprising at least one attachment tube, at least one strap tube and at least one carrier strap.

50. The BCIC of claim 47, further comprising at least one adhesive bead for securing an individual beverage container within the BCIC to at least one other beverage container.

51. The BCIC of claim 47, further comprising indented corners.

52. A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) comprising: a substantially flat container member having: an outer surface,an inner surface,a first end,a second end,a first edge,a second edge,a plurality of container orifices,a first horizontal strap extending from the first edge to the second edge,a second horizontal strap extending from the first edge to the second edge and below the first strap,a vertical strap extending from the substantial center of the first horizontal strap to the substantial center of the second horizontal strap, and a group of containers is placed on the container member with a lower surface of each beverage container resting within a cavity on the container member, the container member is folded around the beverage container with one beverage container neck entering one of the container orifices, as the container member is folded the container orifice is elongated into an elliptical shape with at least one orifice segment interfacing with a neck ring that circumvents the beverage container neck or a bottle cap, the elongation creating pressure that causes the segment to interlock with the beverage container neck and neck ring or bottle cap, the fully folded container member configured as a four surface structure having the two opposed side edges substantially open, and attachment means securing the side ends, with removal of the beverage containers from the BCIC accomplished by pulling upward on a corner edge of the container member first end and second end, thereby releasing the beverage containers from the container orifices and allowing the container member to be pulled off of and away from the beverage containers.

53. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the neck of each beverage container extending upward through one of the container orifices, wherein the container member is placed on top of a group of beverage containers with the first end of the container member folded downward onto a first side of the group of beverage containers, wherein the second end of the container member extends downward past an opposite second side of the group of beverage containers, wherein the second end is folded across a lower surface of the group of beverage containers and then upward onto the first side such that the second end is configured on top of the first end, wherein the attachment means secure the second end.

54. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the neck of each beverage container extending upward through one of the container orifices, wherein the container member is placed on top of a group of beverage containers with the first end of the container member folded downward onto a first side of the group of beverage containers, wherein the second end of the container member extends downward past an opposite second side of the group of beverage containers, wherein the second end is folded across a lower surface of the group of beverage containers and then upward across the first side and then folded downward onto an upper surface such that the second end is configured on top of the first end, wherein attachment means secure the second end.

55. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the first end of the container member is folded upward and over onto a group of beverage containers with each container neck inserted into a container orifice, and then downward onto a second side of the carrier, wherein the second end extends upward and is then folded downward across the previously folded first end and terminating at a first side of the carrier, opposite the second side, wherein the attachment means secure the second end.

56. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the container member is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of plastic, cardboard, paper, metal and composite material.

57. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the plurality of container orifices are comprised of twenty-five orifices.

58. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the plurality of container orifices are comprised of fifty orifices.

59. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the horizontal straps and vertical strap are configured as grasping members that allow a person to grasp the straps and carry or lift the BCIC.

60. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice, andat least one slice that extends from the orifice.

61. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice,at least one slice that extends from the perimeter edge of the orifice and is adjacent the slice and,a cutline that is adjacent a distal end of the slice, and that extends perpendicularly across the slice.

62. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the segment having two sides that are inwardly angled and directed into the orifice.

63. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the container orifices are configured to provide space for advertising or other indicia on the container member.

64. The BCIC of claim 52, wherein the attachment means are selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, at least one snap closer, at least one male and female detent, a hook and loop fastener, at least one clip, a tab and slot, at least one hook, and at least one plastic interlocking latch.

65. The BCIC of claim 52, further comprising a grasping opening adjacent the first end and second end of the container member.

66. The BCIC of claim 52, further comprising at least one aperture positioned adjacent to and between each of the at least one orifice, wherein the aperture comprises an outward curving perimeter edge that tapers to a terminating edge, thereby creating a stylized cross.

67. A beverage container interlocking carrier (BCIC) comprising: a substantially flat container member having: an outer surface,an inner surface,a first end,a second end,a first edge,a second edge,fifty container orifices,a first horizontal strap extending from the first edge to the second edge,a second horizontal strap extending from the first edge to the second edge and below the first strap,a vertical strap extending from the substantial center of the first horizontal strap to the substantial center of the second horizontal strap, and eight beverage container is placed on the container member with a lower surface of each beverage container resting within a cavity on the container member, the container member is folded around the eight beverage containers with one beverage container neck entering one of the container orifices, as the container member is folded the container orifice is elongated into an elliptical shape with at least one orifice segment interfacing with a neck ring that circumvents the beverage container neck or a bottle cap, the elongation creating pressure that causes the segment to interlock with the beverage container neck and neck ring or bottle cap, the fully folded container member configured as a four surface structure having the two opposed side edges substantially open, and attachment means securing the side ends, with removal of the beverage containers from the BCIC accomplished by pulling upward on a corner edge of the container member first end and second end, thereby releasing the beverage containers from the container orifices and allowing the container member to be pulled off of and away from the beverage containers.

68. The BCIC of claim 67, wherein the neck of each beverage container extending upward through one of the container orifices, wherein the container member is placed on top of a group of eight beverage containers with the first end of the container member folded downward onto a first side of the group of beverage containers, wherein the second end of the container member extends downward past an opposite second side of the group of beverage containers, wherein the second end is folded across a lower surface of the group of beverage containers and then upward onto the first side such that the second end is configured on top of the first end, wherein the attachment means secure the second end.

69. The BCIC of claim 67, wherein the neck of each beverage container extending upward through one of the container orifices, wherein the container member is placed on top of a group of beverage containers with the first end of the container member folded downward onto a first side of the group of beverage containers, wherein the second end of the container member extends downward past an opposite second side of the group of beverage containers, wherein the second end is folded across a lower surface of the group of beverage containers and then upward across the first side and then folded downward onto an upper surface such that the second end is configured on top of the first end, wherein attachment means secure the second end.

70. The BCIC of claim 67, wherein the first end of the container member is folded upward and over onto a group of beverage containers with each container neck inserted into a container orifice, and then downward onto a second side of the carrier, wherein the second end extends upward and is then folded downward across the previously folded first end and terminating at a first side of the carrier, opposite the second side, wherein the attachment means secure the second end.

71. The BCIC of claim 67, wherein the container member is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of plastic, cardboard, paper, metal and composite material.

72. The BCIC of claim 67, wherein the horizontal straps and vertical strap are configured as grasping members that allow a person to grasp the straps and carry or lift the BCIC.

73. The BCIC of claim 67, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice, andat least one slice that extends from the orifice.

74. The BCIC of claim 67, wherein the at least one container orifice is configured to allow the insertion/removal of a beverage container neck and cap, and is comprised of: at least one segment that extends into the orifice,at least one slice that extends from the perimeter edge of the orifice and is adjacent the slice and,a cutline that is adjacent a distal end of the slice, and that extends perpendicularly across the slice.

75. The BCIC of claim 67, wherein the container orifices are configured to provide space for advertising or other indicia on the container member,

76. The BCIC of claim 67, wherein the attachment means are selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, at least one, snap closer, at least one male and female detent, a hook and loop fastener, at least one clip, a tab and slot, at least one hook, and at least one plastic interlocking latch.

77. The BCIC of claim 67, further comprising a grasping opening adjacent the first end and second end of the container member.

78. The BCIC of claim 67, further comprising at least one aperture positioned adjacent to and between each of the at least one orifice, wherein the aperture comprises an outward curving perimeter edge that tapers to a terminating edge, thereby creating a stylized cross.

79. The BCIC of claim 67, further comprising scanning means that facilitates automated counting or other identification of beverage containers within the carrier or on the container member when the member is in an unfolded, flat configuration.