WO2019134019A1

WO2019134019A1 - Container carrier

Info

Publication number: WO2019134019A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/050001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giles Frederick Matthews; Joseph La Delfa
Original assignee: Beretta Packaging Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-03
Filing date: 2019-01-02
Publication date: 2019-07-11

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container carrier (10, 60) for engaging and holding together a plurality of containers. The container carrier (10, 60) comprises: a plurality of ring elements (20, 61); a spine (12, 62) attached to and between adjacent ring elements (20, 61); and a frangible section (50, 67) associated with each ring element. Each ring element (20, 61) is adapted to fit over a container (100) and engage a section of the container (100), and the frangible section (50, 67) associated with a ring element (20, 61) is adapted to fracture when a fracturing force is applied by rotation of a container (100) onto which said ring element (20, 61) is fitted relative to the spine (12, 62) to enable removal of the container (100) from the container carrier (10, 60).

Description

CONTAINER CARRIER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a container carrier for engaging and holding together a plurality of containers, particularly drink cans.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] There exist a few types of packaging for holding together multiple beverage cans, each of which has one or more drawbacks. A first type of packaging that is presently in use is formed from cardboard or a similar paper- based material. These items of packaging can be in the form of a box which surrounds the cans on all sides. Alternatively, cardboard or similar packages exist which surround cans but have opposite sides left open to allow access to the cans. The top of such packaging can include cut out sections through which a part of the rim of each can may protrude. These types of packages are not very sophisticated, they are also susceptible to becoming significantly weakened when wet, are not strong enough to cope with being manhandled and are not aesthetically appealing. The box type packages also prevent the cans from being easily visible and the packages with open side portions may allows cans to unwantedly slip through an open side too easily.

[0003] Other packaging used for holding together or carrying multiple cans is made from transparent low density polyethylene (LDPE). An example of such a can carrying packaging formed using LDPE is shown in Australian patent application AU 2004200307 A1. The LDPE material of this packaging is very flexible and can be stretched or torn to remove a can from the packaging. Once stretched, the LDPE material will not return to its original shape and size.

[0004] The LDPE flexible packaging suffers from a number of problems. It can be difficult to hand assemble cans into the packaging and often attempts to insert a can into the packaging will cause the packaging to break or stretch, such that a specific section can no longer be used and must be disposed of. The general public are not readily aware of how the thin and flexible LDPE material which is used to form these types of containers may be recycled. This product also suffers from a further perceived negative environment impact due to this type of packaging trapping or suffocating marine life, birds or other creatures. LDPE packages also have a perceived high cost.

[0005] Another type of can carrying packaging in use is formed from a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material. An example of this type of packaging is shown in US patent 7,588,275 B2. These types of carriers have portions that completely surround the rim and upper section of each can to enclose and protect the rim of the can. However, it is very difficult for some individuals to remove cans from these types of carriers. These carriers also use a large amount of HDPE plastic material in their construction which means that they are high in cost. Another problem with these carriers is that they are restricted to carrying only a fixed number of cans, such as six packs, and are not very adaptable.

[0006] It would be desirable to overcome one or more of the problems associated with the prior art. It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved container carrier which also provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect there is provided a container carrier for engaging and holding together a plurality of containers, the container carrier comprising: a plurality of ring elements; a spine attached to and between adjacent ring elements; and a frangible section associated with each ring element, wherein each ring element is adapted to fit over a container and engage a section of the container, and wherein the frangible section associated with a ring element is adapted to fracture when a fracturing force is applied by rotation of a container onto which said ring element is fitted relative to the spine to enable removal of the container from the carrier. [0008] According to an embodiment, each ring element has a circumference and a resilient part, the resilient part enabling the circumference of the ring element to expand when fitted over the container and to be biased towards an unexpanded condition to engage the section of the container. In a particular embodiment, the resilient part comprises a deviation on a perimeter of the ring element. Preferably, the deviation functions as a spring.

[0009] In one embodiment, the ring element is part circular in shape and the deviation is part triangular in shape.

[0010] In an embodiment, each frangible section is located on the associated ring element. In another embodiment, each frangible section is located where the associated ring element attaches to the spine.

[001 1 ] In a preferred embodiment, each frangible section comprises a region of reduced cross section. In a further embodiment, the frangible section comprises an inclined connection region between the ring element and the spine that includes the region of reduced cross section.

[0012] In preferred embodiments, the rotation of the container relative to the spine causes a concentration of stress at a point on the frangible section which fractures and propagates as a tear along the frangible section.

[0013] In further preferred embodiments, once the frangible section has been fully fractured, a part of the associated ring element remains attached to the spine.

[0014] Preferably, the spine is less flexible than the ring elements. The spine may be substantially rigid. Alternatively, the spine may be formed of rigid material. It is preferred that the spine and ring elements are formed from the same material. According to embodiments, the container carrier is formed from a substantially rigid material which is substantially resistant to stretching. The ring elements will preferably be formed from thinner sections of the material than the spine to increase their flexibility compared to the spine. The spine is preferably thicker or formed in a manner that causes it to have greater resistance to bending or flexing compared to the ring elements.

[0015] According to embodiments, the container carrier is formed from a plastics material. Preferably, the container is formed from a high density polyethylene (HDPE). The container carrier could also be formed from another material that has similar properties to HDPE.

[0016] According to embodiments, the container is a drink can and the ring element fits over and engages an upper lip or part of the upper lip on the drink can.

[0017] Optionally, the container carrier comprises a plurality of spines and at least one hinge element connects adjacent spines.

[0018] According to embodiments, the container carrier comprises a means for connecting the container carrier to another similar container carrier. In some embodiments, the means for connecting the container carrier to another container carrier comprises a tab and a landing, and wherein the tab on the carrier can be attached to the landing on the other carrier. The container carrier and the other container carrier may be connected through the process of ultra-sonic welding.

[0019] According to a further aspect there is provided a chain of

interconnected container carriers, comprising a plurality of the container carriers of the first aspect that have been connected together in a chain.

[0020] Another aspect provides a method of forming a chain of interconnected container carriers comprising providing a plurality of container carriers each having means for connecting the container carrier to another container carrier and forming a chain of interconnected container carriers by attaching the means for connecting the container carrier to the other container carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021 ] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container carrier according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 shows a front view of the container carrier according to the first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the container carrier according to the first embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a side view of the container carrier according to the first embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a bottom plan view of the container carrier according to the first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of a ring of the container carrier of the first embodiment along line A-A of figure 3;

[0028] Figures 7A and 7B show a close up view of a frangible section of the first embodiment and cross section thereof along line B-B;

[0029] Figure 8 shows an example of a chain of carrier according to the first embodiment. [0030] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a container carrier according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0031 ] Figure 10 shows a front view of the container carrier according to the second embodiment;

[0032] Figure 1 1 shows a top plan view of the container carrier according to the second embodiment;

[0033] Figure 12 shows a side view of the container carrier according to the second embodiment;

[0034] Figure 13 shows a bottom plan view of the container carrier according to the second embodiment;

[0035] Figure 14 shows a front view of the container carrier according to the first embodiment attached to a container; and

[0036] Figure 15 shows a cross sectional side view of the container carrier according to the first embodiment attached to a container along line Y-Y of figure 14.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] A first embodiment of a carrier 10 is shown in figures 1 to 7 of the appended drawings. The carrier 10 may be attached to four drink cans (not shown) via the four ring elements 20. It is envisaged that the carrier 10 may be formed as required to carry any number of containers or cans that are required. For example, the embodiments shown may be formed in a 2 x 2 arrangement to carry four containers/cans or in a 2 x 3 arrangement to carry six containers/cans. Similarly, 2 x 5 for 10 container/cans, 2 x 6 for 12 containers/cans and other arrangements are envisaged as possible through the present invention.

[0038] A spine 12 is provided between each adjacent pair of ring elements 20. The embodiment shown in figure 1 has two spines 12, but it is possible that a single spine could be used between all four ring elements 20 shown. In this embodiment, the spines 12 are the most rigid parts of the carrier 10. The spine 12 should be more rigid and less easily bent than the ring elements 20. The spine 12 has a substantially hourglass shape in one direction to provide a continuation of the shape of the ring elements 20. For application as a carrier of drink cans, the spine 12 preferably has a thickness between its top side and lower side of about 4mm to about 6mm. According to preferred embodiments the thickness of the spine 12 is about 5mm. The container carrier according to the present invention could still function with a spine thickness outside of these regions however its effectiveness could be reduced. For example, a spine thickness that is lower may compromise the strength of the carrier, whereas a spine thickness that is higher will use more material, increasing cost, and may cause the carrier to protrude undesirably from the portion of the container onto which it is attached.

[0039] The spine also has a substantially hourglass shape in a perpendicular direction to allow for the provision of finger or thumb holes and/or grips. Opposite ends of the spine 12 provide curved grips 13, 14. The grips 13, 14 allow finger or thumb holes 1 1 to be formed between the containers/cans being carried by the carrier 10. At one end of the spine 12 the carrier includes a landing 15, which is an area of the carrier recessed lower than a top surface of the spine 12. The outer edge of the landing 15 is shaped to provide the curved grip 13.

[0040] At the opposite ends of the spine 12, the carrier is provided with a tab 16. The tab 16 is connected to the end of the spine 12 by hinges 18. The tab 16 is provided to allow the carrier 10 to be attached to another similar carrier 10 by connection of the tab 16 of one carrier 10 with the landing 15 of the other carrier 10. The attachment of the tab 16 of one carrier 10 to the landing 15 of another carrier 10 may be through any known process. For example, the attachment could be caused by any one or more of mechanical interlock, snap fit, heat welding, adhesive or ultra-sonic welding. Depending on the material used to form the carrier, a particular process may be more appropriate.

[0041 ] A preferred method of the applicant to attach the tab 16 of one carrier 10 to the landing 15 of another carrier 10 is by ultra-sonic welding. This is effective for carriers 10 formed from a HDPE material. Ultra-sonic welding is an industrial technique whereby high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations are locally applied to workpieces being held together under pressure to create a solid-state weld. The ultra-sonic welding process is found to be quick and to provide consistent results without excess damage to the carriers 10. To aid the ultra sonic welding process, the under side of the tab 16 is provided with radiating rib features, also known as energy directors 17, for example as shown in figure 5. The energy directors 17 are not restricted to being a radiating shape and may be in any shape or form which aids the ultra-sonic welding process. The

corresponding landing 15 on the other carrier 10 preferably has a textured surface on its recessed upper surface. During manufacture the respective landing 15 upper surface and tab 16 lower surface are held together and high- frequency ultrasonic vibrations are applied to fuse the surfaces together. Of course, as discussed above, it is possible that other methods of attaching a landing 15 to a tab 16 may be used.

[0042] The hinges 18 which connect the tab 16 to the spine 12 are more flexible than other parts of the carrier 10. The hinges 18 are positioned on opposite sides of the finger or thumb hole 11 from one another. The majority of the hinges 18 are thinner than the other parts of the carrier 10 to assist in the flexibility. Ribs 19 are provided on each hinge 18 to prevent fatigue and to increase the overall strength of the hinges 18. The hinges 18 enable adjacent pairs of cans/containers to be moved relative to one another. This flexibility can assist a person handling or carrying the carrier 10 when loaded with cans/containers.

[0043] The hinges also mean that a chain of carriers 40 that have been connected to one another can be easily transported in reduced space. For example, the chain 40 can fold back upon itself at the hinge in a concertina formation. This folding allows for easier shipping of a large number of carriers 10 in a chain of carriers 40. The length of the hinge is preferably selected such that it allows the carriers 10 to be folded over 180° at the hinge such that adjacent spines 12 substantially lie one on top of the other. Due to the reduced thickness of the hinges 18, the carrier 10 or chain of carriers 40 can be cut across the hinge. For example the hinge may be cut using a knife, scissors or other means. Being able to easily cut the chain of carriers 40 into a desired number of ring elements 20 means that a desired pack of containers can be created from the chain 40. For example, six pack or four pack sizes can be easily cut from a larger chain of carriers 40.

[0044] Figure 8 shows an example of a chain of carriers 40 according to the first embodiment. The representation in figure 8 has been cut-off through the ring elements at either side, however it will be appreciated that the chain of carriers 40 could extend over a much greater distance as desired. Such a chain of carriers 40 could be formed from a large number of individual carriers 10 using the ultra sonic welding process already discussed or any other method. It may be possible for a chain of carriers 40 to be produced from a single process instead of forming an individual carrier 10 and then connecting adjacent carriers 10 together to form the chain 40. It is preferable that a larger number of carrier parts in a chain are formed in the initial formation process such that connection of one formed carrier part to another is required less frequently. For example, in a specific preferred embodiment, the carriers are formed in a chain in an injection moulding process and then two or more of these carrier chains can be bonded together, such as through the ultra-sonic welding process discussed above. [0045] The carrier 10 shown in figure 1 may be formed as a single piece in a single process, such as through injection moulding. In this embodiment, the central section 30 would be formed in the initial formation process, such as through injection moulding. Alternatively, the carrier 10 shown in figure 1 may be formed from two carriers of 2 x 1 configuration that have been connected together through a method of attaching a tab 16 to a landing 15 as provided herein. In this alternative embodiment the central section 30 shown in figure 1 would be a combined attachment of a landing 15 to a tab 16. In other embodiments, an initial process, such as injection moulding, may form a carrier with a larger number of its parts, including spines, ring elements and hinges, in the initial process as required. The desired size of container carrier 10 to be used to hold a specific number of containers/cans could then be cut from the larger carrier chain.

[0046] The space defined by the grip 14 on the spine 12, the inner side of each hinge 18 and the grip 13 on the tab 16 provides the desired finger or thumb hole 1 1. To carry the container carrier 10 when holding a number of

cans/containers, a user can use a single finger in one of the finger or thumb holes 1 1. Alternatively, such as for a six pack size, the user may use a finger and thumb to carry the carrier through two separate holes 1 1 , respectively. It is also possible that a user can place a finger through a central hole 1 1 and engage an outer grip 13 or 14 with their thumb.

[0047] The ring elements 20 connect to or join the spine at two locations 21 , 22. In alternative embodiments, the ring elements could connect to the spine at a single location, providing the adequate strength of carrier for this arrangement could be ensured. In the embodiment where the container carrier 10 is

configured for carrying drink cans, the cross section of the ring elements 20 are inwardly tapered from the bottom of the ring to the top. An example of the inward tapering is shown in figure 6 with the parts in cross section shown in shading.

The inward tapering of the ring elements 20 aids the ring elements 20 to fit over the upper part of the can or container for assembly. The inward tapering also aids the ring elements 20 to be retained underneath the upper lip of a container or can.

[0048] The embodiments shown in the figures relate to ring elements 20 that are intended to fit over and retain the upper lip or rim of a drinks can. The inwardly tapered cross section guides the ring elements 20 over the lip of a can as a ring element is pushed over the can lip. The can lip has a small undercut feature created by the canning sheet metal hemming process. The circular internal top edge 23 of the inward tapered cross section of the ring element 20 fits underneath the undercut feature of the lip of the can. Secure retention of the ring elements 20 under the can lip is aided by the internal wall 24 of the inwardly tapered cross section of the ring element 20 fitting against the curved upper neck of the can to align the two elements together.

[0049] Figures 14 and 15 show a carrier 10 with four ring elements 20 where one ring element 20 has been fitted in place on a drink can 100. As shown in the cross sectional view in figure 15, the inclined internal wall 24 of the ring element 20 fits against the curved upper neck 103 to align the elements. The circular internal top edge 23 of the inward tapered cross section of the ring element 20 fits underneath the undercut feature 102 of the lip 101 of the drink can 100. Fitting the ring element 20 over the lip 101 of the drink can 100 causes the resilient deviation 25 in the ring element 20 to straighten out at least partially over the lip. Once the circular internal top edge 23 of the ring element 20 has fully passed below the lip 101 , the resilient deviation 25 is biased towards its original shape. This arrangement means that the drink can 100 is retained securely on the carrier 10 by the ring element 20. Removal of the drink can 100 from the carrier 10 can be achieved through the procedure of fracturing the break feature 50, as discussed further below.

[0050] It is possible that the same concept to the disclosures herein could be adapted for use with fitting onto and retention on other types of containers within the scope of the present invention. In the present embodiment, depending on the diameter of the upper part of the can over which the ring elements are to be fitted, the ring elements 20 will be sized with a circumference determined accordingly.

[0051 ] Each ring element 20 is provided with a resilient part to allow the circumference of the ring element 20 to be increased when placed over the top of the can or container. In the present embodiments the resilient part is provided by deviation 25 in the form of a kink in the outer part circular circumference of the ring element 20. The deviation 25 is preferably a small part triangular feature.

The deviation 25 element allows the ring element 20 to flex over the lip of the can. The deviation 25 acts like a spring that is biased towards its original shape. As the ring element 20 is forced over the top of a can or container, the deviation 25 flexes with the triangular shape flattening partly. Once over the top or lip of the container/can, the deviation 25 is biased towards its original configuration to retain the ring element 20 of the carrier 10 on the container/can. Preferably, the circumference of the ring element 20 compared to the can or container on which it is fitted permits the deviation 25 to return fully to its original shape, while also remaining securely fitted to the container or can. Alternatively, the deviation 25 may not return fully to its original shape and may remain in a state of biasing the ring element 20 inwards towards the container or can.

[0052] It is anticipated that other shaped deviations could perform the same function and would be included in the scope of the present invention.

Alternatively, other biasing or resilient means may be used in place of the deviation, such as a spring member, within the spirit of the present disclosures. It may be possible that the material of the ring elements 20 itself has an amount of resilience such that it allows the ring elements to expand over the lip or top of the container or can and then be biased back towards its original circumference, this would negate the need for a separate deviation. Any resilience of the material of the ring element would only be sufficient for the ring element 20 to increase in circumference slightly to fit over the lip of a can or container, but not to increase to any great extent beyond this size. [0053] When in place on the can or container, the inner wall 24 of the ring element 20 is in contact with the surface of the can or container and an inner surface 28 of the spine 12 forming an extension of the part circular ring element 20 is also in contact with the can or container.

[0054] In order to remove a can or container from the carrier 10 a break on demand feature 50 is provided. The break feature 50 is preferably in the form of a frangible section of the ring element 20 or frangible section of locations 21 or 22 where the ring element 20 meets the spine 12. The break feature 50 may be in any form providing it is strong enough to cope with carriage of container/cans by the carrier 10, but also configured such that removal of a can/container does not require excessive force. It is preferred that the break feature 50 is formed by a reduced thickness of material at a specific point or points or a location. In the preferred embodiments the break feature 50 is a precise reduced thickness of material 52 connecting the ring element 20 to the spine 12 at location 22.

According to preferred embodiments, the break feature 50 utilises a reduced thickness of material of about 0.3mm to about 0.5mm. For example, the break feature 50 may have a thickness of about 0.4mm

[0055] In this embodiment the break feature 50 includes a ramp 51. The ramp 51 follows the accurate shape of the ring element 20. The ramp 51 includes a thinned section of material 52 which connects the ring element 20 to the spine 12. The ramp 51 is in the form of an upward incline that travels from the lower edge 53 of where the spine 12 first meets the ring element 20 upwardly following the curved profile of the ring element 20. Before reaching the upper edge of the spine 12 and ring element 20, the ramp 51 reaches a small landing area 55. The underside 54 of the ring element 20 directly adjacent the ramp 51 also has an upward incline to follow the same path as the contour of the ramping arc to maintain the reduced thickness of material 52 along the ramp 51 between the spine 12 and the ring element 20. The ring element 20 stops where the ramp 51 meets the landing area 55 leaving a gap 56 between the edge 26 of ring element 20 and edge 27 of the section of the spine 12 which continues the curved shape of the ring element 20.

[0056] The manner in which the can or container is removed from the carrier 10 is through holding the can or container and lifting it upwards relative to the spine 12 of the carrier 10. The can or container will pivot about the spine 12. The action of twisting the can or container upwards in relation to the spine 12 also means that the ring element 20 is made to similarly pivot about the spine 12. The spine 12 provides a more rigid and stronger feature compared to the ring element 20 and break feature 50. The action of lifting and pivoting the can or container relative to the spine 12 results in a stress being applied to the ramp 51 of the break feature 50. The stress causes a fracture starting at the lower edge 53 of the ramp 51 which creates a tear that propagates rapidly along the reduced thickness of material 52 toward the landing area 55 where the connecting material of reduced thickness 52 stops. This fracture and tear disconnects the end of the ring element 20 from the spine 12 at the connection 22. The other end of the ring element 20 remains connected to the spine 12 at the connection 21 which ensures that no material is completely disconnected from the carrier 10 and potentially discarded. It is desired that the plastics material of the entire carrier unit 10 would be recycled after use.

[0057] The shape of the ramp feature 51 has benefits that during assembly when the ring elements 20 are placed over cans/containers the stress will be spread evenly across the entire length of reduced thickness of material 52 rather than at a point. This prevents or at least reduces the possibility of the break feature 50 breaking unexpectedly during assembly. Instead, when the ring element 20 is pivoted upwardly away from its resting orientation, by pivoting the respective can or container, the stress will be focused at a single point on the lower edge 53 of the ramp 51. The stress created on this lower edge 53 is higher when the can or container is being held by the ring element 20 than when no can or container is present due to the additional tension that is provided by the rigidity of the can or container on the inner wall 24 of the ring element 20. [0058] A container carrier 60 according to an alternative embodiment is shown in figures 9 to 13. The overall outer shape of the container carrier 60 is similar to the first embodiment. The ring elements 61 , hinges 63, landing 64, tab 65, deviations 66 and break feature 67 of the embodiment shown in figure 8 function in the same manner as the equivalent features of the embodiment of figure 1. The embodiment shown in figures 9 to 13 provides a further advantage of reduced usage of material used to form the carrier 60.

[0059] As shown in figures 9 and 1 1 , the top surface of the spine 62 includes recessed regions 70 separated by ribs 71. The recessed regions 70 are substantially rectangular areas cut out from the spine 62 and are arranged in an elongate curve. The recessed regions 70 and ribs 71 are positioned adjacent to the curved profile 68 of the spine 62 that follows the shape of the ring elements 61. Therefore, the recessed regions 70 and ribs 71 on the upper surface of the spine 62 accentuate the shape of the ring elements 61 and provide the impression that the ring elements are complete rings other than gap portions 69 between the spine and the ends of the rings where the break feature 67 is provided. The arrangement of recessed regions 70 and ribs 71 substantially maintains the strength and rigidity of the spine 62 and also does not alter the manner in which the break feature 67 functions compared to the spine 12 of the first embodiment.

[0060] The underside of the spine 62, as shown in figure 13, also includes recessed regions 72 and ribs 73. The recessed regions 72 have been formed as triangular sections cut out from the material of the spine 62. The recessed regions 72 are separated by the ribs 73. The triangular shape of the recessed regions 72 assist in ensuring the spine 62 remains strong and rigid despite the reduced amount of material used. Other arrangements of recessed regions are also possible. It is preferable that the arrangement of recessed regions 72 and ribs 73 provides a reduction in the use of material, while also retaining a rigidity in the spine 62. The use of recessed regions 70, 72 and ribs 71 , 73 on the spine 62 reduces the amount of material used to form the carrier 60, which reduces the manufacturing cost, which is particularly an advantage where large numbers of carriers or long carrier chains are being formed. The arrangement of recessed regions 70 and ribs 71 are on the top surface of the spine 62 rather than the underside adjacent the regions 72 and ribs 73 because of the inwardly tapered cross section of the ring elements 61 and the circumference of the ring elements being lower at the top side compared to the circumference at the underside. The inwardly tapered walls of the ring elements 61 would not allow for uniform wall thickness to be continued throughout the rib elements 61 if they were to be positioned on the underside of the spine 62. Placing the ribs 71 on the top surface of the spine around the curved profile 68 allows a reduction in the use of material, avoid moulding imperfections and maintain strength around the hourglass shape of the spine 62 and ring elements 61 of the carrier 60.

[0061 ] The container carriers 10, 60 of the described embodiments are preferably formed from an easily recyclable material or material that has a low environmental impact. The embodiments shown are formed from a high density polyethylene (HDPE). It is conceived that other materials having similar properties to HDPE could be used to form the container carriers 10, 60. It is important however that the material used can form a spine which is rigid enough to allow the release of a container. For example, it is possible that polypropylene could be used, although the effectiveness of the polypropylene forming a carrier could be detrimentally affected if exposed to cold environments such as refrigerators. The material used should also result in the carriers 10, 60 being relatively low cost to manufacture.

[0062] A preferred method for forming the carriers 10 described herein that are formed of a HDPE material is through injection moulding. However, any other known manufacturing method which is suitable could be used. For example, the carriers 10 or a chain of carriers 40 could be formed using 3D printing.

[0063] It is envisaged that the shape, design, size and thickness of the parts of the carriers could be altered or optimised, while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, methods of mass production could be used which allows long chains of carriers to be produced easily. The ultra-sonic attachment of adjacent carriers described herein is one manner in which long chains could be formed and alternative methods are envisaged. Other methods of reducing the amount of material used to form the carriers are also envisaged within the scope of the present disclosures. It is also considered that the deviation detail on the ring elements may be replaced with an alternative resilient means which serves the same purpose of allowing the ring elements to be fitted onto containers or cans and to remain securely in place once fitted. The arrangement and location of the ramp feature described above could also be altered or optimised. Important features of the carrier are that it is robust during assembly onto a can or container, when in storage or when in use for carrying the cans or container and that there is an ease of breaking on demand.

[0064] The tab and landing features on the carrier may be replaced with alternative features which serve a similar purpose or may be removed altogether depending on the material used to form the carrier or manufacturing method in use. It is preferable that the finger holes will remain even if the tab and landing features are altered or removed as they provide an ease of carrying the carrier for a user. In other embodiments the finger or thumb holes and/or grips could be replaced by some other handle means for ease of carriage.

[0065] The embodiments shown in the accompanying figures all relate to carriers for drink cans. The same concepts as disclosed herein could be used to provide carriers for other types of containers. The shape and size of the ring elements may be altered to adapt to the shape of different sized or shaped containers for example.

[0066] Comprises/comprising and grammatical variations thereof when used in this specification are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A container carrier for engaging and holding together a plurality of containers, the container carrier comprising:

a plurality of ring elements;

a spine attached to and between adjacent ring elements; and

a frangible section associated with each ring element,

wherein each ring element is adapted to fit over a container and engage a section of the container, and wherein the frangible section associated with a ring element is adapted to fracture when a fracturing force is applied by rotation of a container onto which said ring element is fitted relative to the spine to enable removal of the container from the carrier.

2. The container carrier according to claim 1 , wherein each ring element has a circumference and a resilient part, the resilient part enabling the circumference of the ring element to expand when fitted over the container and to return towards an unexpanded condition to engage the section of the container.

3. The container carrier according to claim 2, wherein the resilient part comprises a deviation on a perimeter of the ring element.

4. The container carrier according to claim 3 wherein the ring element is part circular in shape, and the deviation is part triangular in shape.

5. The container carrier according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the deviation functions as a spring.

6. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each frangible section is located on the associated ring element.

7. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each frangible section is located where the associated ring element attaches to the spine.

8. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each frangible section comprises a region of reduced cross section.

9. The container carrier according to claim 8, wherein the frangible section has a reduced cross section of about 0.3mm to 0.5mm, preferably the reduced cross section is about 0.4mm.

10. The container carrier according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the frangible section comprises an inclined connection region between the ring element and the spine that includes the region of reduced cross section.

1 1. The container carrier according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the rotation of the container relative to the spine causes a concentration of stress at a point on the frangible section which fractures and propagates a tear along the frangible section.

12. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein once the frangible section has been fully fractured, a part of the associated ring element remains attached to the spine.

13. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spine is less flexible than the ring elements.

14. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container carrier is formed from a substantially rigid material which is substantially resistant to stretching.

15. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container carrier is formed from a plastics material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE).

16. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a drink can and the ring element fits over and engages an upper lip or part of the upper lip on the drink can.

17. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container carrier comprises a plurality of spines and at least one hinge element connects adjacent spines.

18. The container carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container carrier comprises a means for connecting the container carrier to another similar container carrier.

19. The container carrier according to claim 18, wherein the means for connecting the container carrier to another container carrier comprises a tab and a landing, and wherein the tab on the carrier can be attached to the landing on the other carrier.

20. The container carrier according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the container carrier and the other container carrier are connected through the process of ultra sonic welding.

21 . A chain of interconnected container carriers comprising a plurality of the container carriers according to any one of claims 18 to 20 that are connected together to form a chain.

22. A method of forming a chain of interconnected container carriers comprising providing a plurality of container carriers each having means for connecting the container carrier to another container carrier and forming a chain of interconnected carriers by attaching the means for connecting the container carrier to the other container carrier.