This invention relates generally to container designs and, more particularly, to container designs for multi-pack arrangements of containers.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

It has been common to employ connected plastic rings such as having the form of six pack rings or six pack yokes to form multi-packs arrangements of containers such as commonly referred to as six packs of beverage cans. Unfortunately, careless disposal of such connected plastic rings can present serious challenges. Thus, options for forming, producing or creating multi-pack arrangements of containers which avoid or eliminate the use of such connected plastic rings are desired and sought.

To that end, one recently announced method of forming vertical multi-packs has been through a redesign of the primary container (e.g., beverage container, such as in the form of an aluminum can). Such vertical multi-packs are the result of a stackable system that screws a plurality of cans together, using only the design of the can, without the need for additional material. More specifically, it has been reported that such a system relies on lockable teeth located at the top and bottom of each can, allowing for the cans to stack on top of each other. The design is directed at eliminating the need for secondary packaging.

Nevertheless, there remains a need and demand for alternative multi-pack assembly options including multi-pack assembly options that permit multi-pack matrix options other than matrices built vertically such as through end to end interactions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A general object of the invention is to provide improvements in container designs for multi-pack arrangements of containers as well as improved multi-pack arrangements of containers.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a new container design for use in multi-pack arrangements of containers. Thus, in one embodiment, a package includes a plurality of containers each having a side wall with an exterior surface including spaced apart first and second complimentary features for interlocking a respective container with an adjacent container. With containers so designed, the first interlocking feature of a respective container is configured to interlock with a second interlocking feature of an adjacent container to at least in part form a package matrix. In accordance with certain preferred embodiments, the incorporation and/or integral formation, i.e., one piece form or construction, of a container with first and second complimentary features for interlocking the respective container with an adjacent container, allows the formation of multi packs or package matrices containing or including multiple containers through side on interactions. Furthermore, such multi packs can desirably be formed or created without the use or need for secondary packaging such as paperboard cartons, rigid plastic can top interlocks and/or the connected plastic rings described above. Either or both the elimination of the use of such secondary packaging and the ability to make the containers and the interlocking features of the same material can dramatically facilitate reuse and/or recycling.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, a respective container and first and second complimentary features for interlocking the respective container with an adjacent container are constructed of a single material.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, a respective container side wall and first and second complimentary features for interlocking the respective container with an adjacent container are of integral one piece construction.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, the side wall of the container at least partially encloses a volume within the container.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, the enclosed volume is cylindrical.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, containers include first and second planar end walls oppositely disposed at first and second opposite ends of the side wall.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, the containers are cylindrical cans.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, the containers include a planar base end wall disposed at a first end wall of the side wall and a nozzle disposed on a second end of the side wall, opposite the first end.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, the containers are bottles.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, the containers each have a longitudinal axis and whereat at a right angle to the longitudinal axis, the side wall has a square cross section.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, at least one of a plurality of containers includes spaced apart first and second complimentary features for interlocking a respective container with an adjacent container in an alternating placement on the exterior surface of the side wall.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, the package matrix includes at least three containers.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, the package matrix includes at least four containers.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, the package matrix includes at least two containers in each of at least two perpendicular directions.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, a package additionally includes a longitudinally extending handle having first and second opposite longitudinal ends each having an interlocking feature configured to interlock with at least one of the first and second interlocking features of containers of the package matrix.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, one of the first and second interlocking features includes two spaced apart parallel raised ribs and wherein the other of the first and second interlocking features includes a raised rib having a spiked end, wherein the raised rib having the spiked end is configured to interlock with the two spaced apart parallel raised ribs.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a method for forming a package of a plurality of containers each having a side wall with an exterior surface including spaced apart first and second complimentary features for interlocking a respective container with an adjacent container.

In accordance with one particular embodiment, such a method involves interlocking the first interlocking feature of the respective container with the second interlocking feature of the adjacent container to at least in part form a package matrix.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the package container shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a first container interlocking feature according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a second container interlocking feature according to one embodiment of the invention and configured to interlock with the first container interlocking feature shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a package matrix in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a package matrix in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a package container in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a package container in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 A and FIG. 9B are each a simplified top view of package matrices in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a simplified top view of a package matrix in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The subject development provides improvements in container design. More particularly and as detailed further below, the subject development provides improvements in container design such as to provide improved packaging of containers.

FIG. 1 illustrates a package container, generally designated by the reference numeral 100, in accordance with one aspect of the subject invention development. The package container 100 and/or specific features thereof are further shown and illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

As shown, the package container 100 has the general shape or form of a right circular cylinder such as commonly associated with beverage cans such as commonly fabricated of aluminum and referred to as “aluminum cans.” The package container 100 includes a side wall 102 with an exterior surface 104 including spaced apart first and second complimentary features 106a, 106b, 108a and 108b such as may be used, as described further below, to interlock adjacent containers. The package container 100 includes four first and second complimentary features 106a, 106b, 108a and 108b generally equally spaced and alternating manner. Those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided will, however, understand and appreciate that the broader practice of the invention is not necessarily limited to such number, placement and/or specific location or placement of the features.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are more detailed presentations of first and second complimentary features 206 and 208, respectively, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention. The features 206 and 208 are generally designed to interlock with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the feature 206 generally comprises a raised rib 222 having a spiked end 224 and the feature 208 generally comprises two spaced apart parallel raised ribs 228 wherein the raised rib 222 having the spiked end 224 is designed or otherwise appropriately configured to interlock with the two spaced apart parallel raised ribs 228 such as with the rib 222 disposed between the ribs 228 and with the spiked end 224 appropriately interlocked therewith.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided, other types or forms of interlocking features are herein contemplated and herein encompassed and the broader practice of the invention is not necessarily limited by or to specific forms of the interlocking features.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a package matrix 310 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The package matrix 310 is generally a two container by two container matrix composed of containers 312, 314, 322 and 324, with width (w) and length (1). Thus, the container 312 is interlocked with both the containers 314 and 322, the container 314 is interlocked with both the containers 312 and 324, the container 322 is interlocked with both the containers 312 and 324, and container 324 is interlocked with both the containers 314 and 322. As will be appreciated, the matrix can be appropriately extended in either or both the (w) and/or (1) directions by appropriately interlocking additional package containers in a similar manner.

FIG. 6 illustrates a package matrix 410 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The package matrix 410 includes first and second packages containers 412 and 414 appropriately interlocked such as in a manner described above. The package matrix 410 additionally includes a longitudinally extending handle 422. The handle 422 includes first and second opposite longitudinal ends 432 and 434. Each of the ends 432 and 434 each include or have disposed thereat an interlocking feature 442 and 444 such as configured to interlock with an interlocking feature of a container of the package matrix. In this specifically illustrated embodiment, the end 432 includes an interlocking feature 442 to inlock with an interlocking feature of the container 412 while the end 434 includes an interlocking feature 444 to inlock with an interlocking feature of the container 414. As a result, the handle 422 such as attached to or at multiple points of the package matrix can dramatically simplify and/or improve package matrix movement, transfer or transport.

While the invention has been illustrated and described above making specific reference to containers for package matrices wherein the containers have the general shape or form of a right circular cylinder, those skilled in the art and guided by the teaching herein provided will understand and appreciate that the broader practice of the invention is not necessarily so limited. To that end, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate package containers in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention. FIG. 7 specifically illustrates a container 700 having the general form of a square or rectangular prism, e.g., whereat a right angle to the longitudinal axis, the side wall 702 has a square or rectangular cross section. Similar to the container 100 discussed above, the container 700 side wall 702 has or includes an exterior surface 704 including spaced apart first and second complimentary features 706 and 708 such as may be used, as described above, to interlock adjacent containers. Similarly, FIG. 8 specifically illustrates a generally cylindrical container 800. Similar to the container 100 discussed above, the container 800 includes a side wall 802 that has or includes an exterior surface 804 including spaced apart first and second complimentary features 806 and 808 such as may be used, as described above, to interlock adjacent containers. The container 800 further includes a planar base end wall 840 disposed at a first end 842 of the side wall 802 and a nozzle 844 disposed on a second end 846 of the side wall 802, opposite the first end 842. Further, other shapes or forms of containers such as will be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the disclosures herein are contemplated and are herein encompassed.

While the invention has been above described and shown making specific reference to one or more packaging embodiments wherein containers are joined or effectively interlocked in generally an orthogonal arrangement, such as utilizing interlocking features disposed or spaced 90 degrees relative to each other, those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided will understand and appreciate that the broader practice of the invention is not necessarily so limited. That is, unlike traditional packages that include containers aligned in both lateral and longitudinal directions, the invention is well adapted for use in producing or forming packages wherein at least some selected containers are joined or effectively interlocked in a generally non-orthogonal arrangement.

For example, FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate alternative package matrices 510 and 610, respectively, in accordance with some alternative embodiments of the invention.

The package matrix 510 is shown as generally composed of containers 512, 514, 516, and 518, each including respective interlocking features 522 generally disposed or spaced 60 degrees relative to each other. In this package matrix, the containers are shown in a staggered lane arrangement as may be desired for or in some production or manufacture applications

The package matrix 610 is shown as generally composed of containers 612, 614, 616, and 618, each also including respective interlocking features 622 generally disposed or spaced 60 degrees relative to each other. In this package matrix, however, the containers are shown in a non-staggered arrangement or lanes.

FIG. 10 illustrates a package matrix 910 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention wherein at least some selected containers are joined or effectively interlocked in a generally non-orthogonal arrangement. The package matrix 910 is generally composed of containers 912, 914, 916, 918 and 920. In this illustrated embodiment, the centermost container, i.e., container 912, is shown as having interlock features 922 generally each spaced about 30 degrees from an adjacent interlock feature with the container 912 being joined or effectively interlocked with containers 914, 916, 918, and 920, respectively, in accordance with the invention in a non-orthogonal arrangement.

As will be appreciated, the ability to form or create package containers wherein containers can be disposed in non-orthogonal arrangements and/or the ability to appropriately select the spacing between adjacent interlock features can provide increased or desired packaging flexibility to manufacturers and producers such as may be desired to satisfy packaging needs or demands in particular applications or uses.

Thus, specific aspects of the invention involve beverage containers that are designed to have a feature, that is an integral part of the container, that allows the containers to interact in a multipack that can support the weight of the interacting units, as a whole, when a carrying appliance or if and when a handle is applied.

Specific aspects of the invention involve inclusion of a feature designed in such a way that allows for rapid production of a single container with the feature oriented in a way that the containers can interact in multiple directions to form a matrix-like multipack.

Specific aspects of the invention involve inclusion of a feature that allows containers to interact in such a way that they support the multi-pack when it is lifted from a single point or from a single device or handle attached at multiple points.

Specific aspects of the invention involve inclusion of a feature that allow single containers to be removed from the multipack without diminishing the integrity of the overall matrix.

Those skilled in the art and guided by the teaching herein provided will understand and appreciate that containers such as including or having interlocking features such as herein described and such as may be suitably utilized in conjunction with beverage containers allows the containers to interact in a multipack arrangements that can desirably suitably support the weight of the interacting units, as a whole and when a carrying appliance or handle is applied thereto. Moreover, in accordance with preferred embodiments, subject containers are well suited for rapid production and with suitable interlocking features to permit containers to interact in multiple directions to form various multi-pack matrices as may be desired for particular specific applications. Further, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments, the interlocking features may, if desired, be utilized to allow the containers to interact in such a way that the multi-pack package matrix is suitably supported even when the package matrix is lifted from a single point or from a single device or handle attached at multiple points. Still further, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments, the interlocking features allow single containers to be removed from a multi-pack matrix without diminishing the integrity of the overall matrix.

This invention involves a beverage container that is designed to have a feature, that is an integral part of the container that allows the containers to interact in a multipack that can support the weight of the interacting units, as a whole, when a carrying appliance or handle is applied. The feature is designed in such a way that allows for rapid production of a single container with the feature oriented in a way that the containers can interact in multiple directions to form a matrix-like multipack. The feature allows the containers to interact in such a way that they support the multipack when it is lifted from a single point or from a single device or handle attached at multiple points. The feature also allows single containers to be removed from the multipack without diminishing the integrity of the overall matrix.