Multiple container carrier
Improvements in integral carriers for carrying multiple containers by their necks are disclosed, the improvements comprising annular neck-engaging structures having circumferential ribs oriented on an inward bias forming an angle relative to horizontal from about 45° to about 65° that permits nesting of the carriers, and a centrally disposed longitudinal handle with an attachment configuration that promotes a balanced distribution of weight for ease in carrying and handling.
1. In an integrally molded carrier ( 10 ) for carrying multiple containers by their necks, comprising:
(a) a substantially planar web ( 12 ) having a top surface and a bottom surface, said web ( 12 ) defining two parallel rows of annular neck-engaging structures ( 20 ); and
(b) each of said neck-engaging structures ( 20 ) having a respective circumferential rib ( 22 ) and a plurality of flanges ( 24 ) projecting inwardly from said circumferential rib for releasably engaging the necks of the containers
the improvement comprising orienting the entirety of each of said respective circumferential ribs ( 22 ) on an inward bias forming a uniform angle (β) relative to horizontal of from about 45° to about 65°.
2. The carrier of claim 1 wherein said angle (β) is about 55°.
3. The carrier of claim 2 wherein said plurality of flanges ( 24 ) are oriented upwardly at a second substantially uniform angle (β′) relative to horizontal.
4. The carrier of claim 3 wherein said second uniform angle (β′) is from about 35° to about 40°.
5. The carrier of claim 4 wherein said plurality of flanges are provided with bridging ribs ( 30 ) between each of said flanges and each of said circumferential ribs.
6. The carrier of claim 5 formed of a flexible material.
7. The carrier of claim 6 wherein said flexible material is high density polyethylene.
8. The carrier of claim 1 wherein said two parallel rows of annular neck-engaging structures are selected from the group consisting of two rows of four and two rows of three.