Abstract:
A carrier has a bottom, a plurality of side panels connected to the bottom, and a handle panel. The handle panel is connected to one of the side panels or the bottom. The handle panel includes a fold line, a first aperture, a second aperture, a first perforated line in continuation of the first aperture and the second aperture, and a second perforated line defining a finger opening in the handle panel. Pressure applied on the first perforated line tears apart material to produce a third aperture in continuation of the first aperture and the second aperture. Pressure applied inside the second perforated line dislocates material to produce the finger opening. When the third aperture is open in continuation of the first aperture and the second aperture, the handle panel folds along the fold line over a container to facilitate penetration of a handle of the container through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/362,482 filed Feb. 24, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,139 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumers frequently purchase ready-made coffee, and other beverages, in bulk beverage containers, such as for the office and catering. Beverages are often purchased with other food items, such as pastries, sandwiches, and condiments. Many coffee-shops and fast food establishments also carry items such as compact discs, reading material, and coffee brewing equipment. 
     Although the bulk beverage containers are often more convenient than carrying several cups of, often hot, beverages, the consumer may still need carry serving supplies, food items and/or other items in their other hand. This may make it difficult to carry a purse, professional case, and other items that the consumer may have. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A carrier has a bottom, a plurality of side panels connected to the bottom, and a handle panel. The handle panel is connected to one of the side panels or the bottom. The handle panel includes a fold line, a first aperture, a second aperture, a first perforated line in continuation of the first aperture and the second aperture, and a second perforated line defining a finger opening in the handle panel. Pressure applied on the first perforated line tears apart material to produce a third aperture in continuation of the first aperture and the second aperture. Pressure applied inside the second perforated line dislocates material to produce the finger opening. When the third aperture is open in continuation of the first aperture and the second aperture, the handle panel folds along the fold line over a container to facilitate penetration of a handle of the container through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container with two assembled carriers. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the interior surface of a blank from which the carrier of  FIG. 1  can be assembled. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a container with two assembled carriers. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a container with two assembled carriers. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a carrier separate from a container. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded detail of the head and neck portion of the carrier of  FIG. 1  illustrating a first step of an exemplary folding option. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded detail of the head and neck portion of the carrier of  FIG. 1  illustrating a second step of an exemplary folding option. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded detail view of the head and neck portion of the carrier of  FIG. 1  illustrating an exemplary folding option. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a partially assembled double carrier with an exploded detail illustration of latching components. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of two carriers assembled together to form an alternate variation of the carrier. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another carrier used with the container of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the interior surface of a blank from which the carrier of  FIG. 11  can be assembled. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the carrier of  FIG. 11  particularly illustrating the flexibility of the handle flap. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the carrier illustrating folding of the alternative handle flaps into the container. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective back view of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , with an exploded detail view of an overlapping central portion of the handle flap. 
         FIG. 16  is a fully assembled view of carriers combined together. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective back view of the carrier of  FIG. 11  illustrating optional folding of the back flap. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective back view of the carrier of  FIG. 11  and with the back flap folded such that the carrier may be used independent of the container. 
         FIG. 19  is a partially assembled view of duplicate carriers illustrating the securing structures. 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  are exemplary partial perspective views of a fully assembled carrier particularly illustrating the handle flap folding over upright handle panels to form a compartment cover. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A carrier may be used alone or in combination with a container, such as a bulk beverage container, or other similar containers such as food containers and pet containers. The carrier may be used to carry beverages, condiments and/or other items such as food items. The carrier may fit over a handle of the container and hang on a side and/or back of the container. The carrier may also be used in combination with other carriers to form other configurations of carriers. The carrier may permit an establishment to purchase one carrier-type for multiple uses. 
       FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4  illustrate a container  110  and a carrier  112  in their assembled forms. The carrier includes a storage container which may convert to a one, two or more-cell container. The carrier  112  may hang from the handle  111  on the top  108  of the container  110  to a side  109  of a container  110 . The top  108  of the container  110  may be angled, and therefore not parallel with the bottom side, so a portion of the carrier  112  may also be angled. 
     The carrier  112  includes an upwardly open compartment  124  and a handle panel  118  that may be integral therewith. The compartment  124  may be of an elongate rectangular configuration, and other shapes may be used. The compartment has a first end panel  114 , a second end panel  119 , a first side panel  115  and a second side panel  113  extended between the end panels and joined thereto at the corners  116 , such as by appropriate fold lines. The bottom of the compartment  117  may support items that are placed inside the carrier  112 . 
     The compartment may include one or more separate compartments. A single compartment may be transformed to a double-space compartment with the use of a corner area  116  of the compartment that contains cutting lines  138  that form a horizontal band  139 . A compartment divider may be formed by pressing the corner area  116  of the compartment inward. The corner area  116  can be replaced in its original position  138  to regain the full space of the compartment. 
     The first side panel  113  may be extended and form a handle panel  118  that that fits over the handle  111  of a container  110 . The handle panel  118  may include two distinct regions: an elongated head region  120 ; and a neck region  122  that may be narrower than the head region  120  and may join the head region  120  to the compartment  124  at the first side panel  113 . 
     The head region  120  may contain four separate apertures  126 . These apertures  126  may afford the carrier handle panel  118  a snug, secure fitting. The apertures  126  may be arranged to permit the compartment to be placed on either side of the container  110 . The apertures  126  may be angled to accommodate an angled container  110  such that when positioned in a resting position on the container  110 , the carrier  112  may be positioned generally parallel to the ground. 
     Two folds  134  in the handle panel  118  align the compartment on either side of the container  110 . Holes  130  in the handle panel  118  assist in aligning the carrier  112  on the handle  111  of the container. A central flap region  128  may lie between the apertures  126  to further secure the carrier&#39;s handle panel  118  to the handle  111  of the container  110 . 
     The handle panel  118  may also contain cutting lines to define an alternative handle flap  136 . The flap  136  is convex only for illustrative purposes. The flap  136  may have other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular. Alternatively, the flap  136  may be replaced with one or more finger holes. Pushing inward on the flap  136  may reveal a transversely elongated finger opening. The consumer may have the option of using one or two carriers  112  on each container  110 , depending on the amount to be carried. 
       FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4  illustrate the use of the container  110  with two carriers  112 . When used together, one handle flap  118  may lie on top of the other. One compartment  124  may hang on each side of the container  110 . Each compartment can hold pastries, bagels, cookies, drinks  142 , extra cups  143 , napkins, condiments  144 , and other store items, such as compact disks, reading material, and cooking utensils. These items may also be carried in the compartment  124 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an exemplary blank of the carrier  112 . The carrier may be composed of a generally flat material having some rigidity and being capable of being bent or scored to facilitate bending along determined lines. An exemplary material is paperboard. The material may be coated, such as to provide increased water or fluid resistance and may have printing on selected portions of the material. 
     Alternatively or additionally, the carrier  112  may be composed of corrugated cardboard, chipboard, plywood, SBS, metal, plastic, fabric, ceramic, polymer, fibers, mesh, screen, wood, composite, mixtures or combinations of the foregoing, or the like. The carrier  112  may be made of one or more layers of one or more of the aforementioned materials. Where multiple layers of material are used they may be joined, such as, but not limited to, being laminated, glued, or otherwise fastened together for increased strength. 
     The carrier  112  may be a die cut from a single sheet of material. Alternatively, two or more segments of material may be used and joined together. While the carrier  112  material is preferably scored, where a plurality of panels or segments are used they can be joined using hinge or joint mechanisms. By score, it is meant to include a cut through a portion of the carrier sheet (either a continuous cut or a line of slits, holes, or perforations), or a weakened area, or a compressed area on at least one face of the sheet or other technique to permit bending of the material along a preferred line. The carrier may be constructed of a series of generally rectangular panels denoted by numerals  113 ,  114 ,  115 , and  119  joined by fold or score lines  116 . Flap  240  may include an adhesive  242 , such as glue. Bottom forming panels denoted as  117  may form a pressure lock configuration, which may close to form a sturdy bottom when items are placed inside. Scored lines  250  may be used to create flexibility in the horizontal band  139  defined by cut lines  138 . 
     The first side panel  113  may extend to form a handle panel  118  that fits over the handle of a container such as container  110 . First  213  and second  214  scored fold lines permit the head region  120  to fold. Folding the head region brings a cut out portion  212  into alignment with the alternative handle flap  136 . The cut out  212  portion is convex only for illustrative purposes. The cut out  212  may have other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular. The cut out portion  212  provides clearance for the handle flap  136  when it is punched through to reveal the transversely elongated finger opening. A latch lug  220  may be defined on three sides by cutting lines  244  which allow the latch lug  220  to flex resiliently outward from the corresponding first side panel  113 . 
     Numerals  246 ,  248 ,  250 ,  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 , and  260  provide an illustrative example of possible dimensions of the blank. The detailed description of possible dimensions that follows is merely illustrative and not limiting. 
     Dimension  246  of the carrier  112  may be 12.221 inches. Dimension  248  of the carrier  112  may be 15.596 inches. Dimension  250  of the carrier  112  may be ⅝ inches. Dimension  252  of the carrier  112  may be 6¾ inches. Dimension  254  of the carrier  112  may be 3 7/16 inches. Dimension  256  of the carrier  112  may be 6¾ inches. Dimension  258  of the carrier  112  may be 3 13/32 inches. Dimension  260  of the carrier  112  may be 4⅝ inches. These dimensions are illustrative only and may be varied to tailor the carrier to the dimensions of the container. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the container  110  may be fitted with a mouth  312  for passage of contents from an inside of the container  110  to an outside of the container  110 , and vice versa, such as for loading and/or emptying contents. The carriers  112  may be duplicates arranged in opposite orientations. Numeral  314  illustrates a carrier in an open state where the divider band  139  is not punched in. Numeral  316  illustrates a carrier in a multi-compartment state where the divider band  139  is punched in. Either one or both of the corner areas  116  of the carriers  112  may contain divider bands  139  which may turn a single compartment into a multiple compartment. Both carriers  112  may lie flat against the sides of the container  110  due to folding along the scored lines  134 . The head portion  120  of the handle panel  118  may lie flat against the top of the container  110 . The head portion of the first carrier may lie flat on top of the head portion of the second carrier. 
       FIG. 4  shows a top view of the container  110  fitted with the two carriers  112 . The carriers  112  may be suspended from the handle  111  of the container  110  by the handle panel  118 . The head region  120  may have angled apertures  126  which fit over the container&#39;s handle  111 . The central flap region  128  between the sets of angled apertures  126  may provide a snug, secure fit. The first carrier  112  may lie layered on top of the second carrier  112 . Scored bending lines  134  may allow the carriers  112  to lie against the side of the container  110 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the carrier  112  independent of the container  110 . The carrier  112  is in a partially unfolded state. By folding the head region  120 , or handle flap  118 , the carrier  112  may be used as a carrier independent of the container  110 . 
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate an exemplary way to fold the head portion  120  for use of the carrier  112  without a container  110 .  FIG. 6  illustrates the first exemplary fold. Folding the head region  120  along the first fold line  213  brings the flap section  128  into outward orientation and the cut out region  212  into inward orientation.  FIG. 7  illustrates the second exemplary fold for separate carrier set-up. Folding the head region  120  at the second head region fold line  214  aligns the cut out region  212  with the cutting lines of the alternative handle flap  136 .  FIG. 8  illustrates the final exemplary orientation of the head region in the separate carrier set-up. The flap section  128  is downwardly oriented and secured by a flange  215 . The cut out region  212  is aligned with the cutting lines of the alternative handle flap  136 . Pushing in on the alternative handle flap  136  creates the transversely elongated finger opening. The carrier as described, may be used either as a companion to a container, as a single unit, or in interlocked tandem with a duplicate carrier. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates two carriers  112  being joined together to form another carrier larger than the carrier  112 . The joining of carriers  112  may form a tandem carrier simply and rapidly, such as by utilizing the single latch assembly  218  and  220 . The two carriers may be positioned slightly longitudinally offset from each other with the latch lugs  220  aligned with the latch apertures  218  of the opposed carrier. The carriers are then longitudinally slid toward each other to engage each latch lug  220  into the latch aperture  218  of the opposed carrier. Latching the carriers together may restrict lateral separation of the carriers. An example of the possible latching mechanism follows. The example is merely illustrative as other latching mechanisms may be used. 
     The latch lug  220  may be arranged continuous with the first end panel  114 . The latch lug  220  may be generally rectangular with rounded corners, but other shapes may be used. To further stabilize and insure the integrity of latching, each latch lug  220  may be retained in its final latching position by a locking notch  910  in the lower corner and flush with the first end panel  114 . Once the latch lug  220  has been projected completely through the latch aperture  218 , it may lie against the respective inner faces of the end panels  114  and  119 . By pushing down on the containers, the locking notch  910  may engage a portion of the corner panel  116  to secure the latch. When so engaged, possible accidental or unintentional disengagement of the two carriers is reduced, particularly when the compartments are occupied with store items. Any load within the compartment will, by the natural direction of the load force, retain the compartments in lateral engagement with each other. If the carriers are to be disengaged, a positive manual manipulation, involving an upward pivoting and release of the locking notch and subsequent manipulation of the lug  220  may be required. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of two carriers  112  assembled together in tandem to form a carrier  1000 . Folding of the head region  120  and pushing inward on the alternative handle flap  136  may reveal transversely elongated finger opening  1010 . The flap  136  of the first carrier, when inserted through the finger opening  1010  of the second carrier may secure the head panels and may provide protection and cushioning for the fingers. This arrangement may allow for the transport of multiple beverages  142  and condiments  144 , or other items. With the two carriers interlocked, the first and second alternative handle flaps  136  may align transversely across the assembly and the two elongate finger openings  1010  may be positioned for easy grasping by one hand. The positive interlock between the carriers within the handles themselves, created by insertion of the alternative handle flap  136  of the first carrier through the elongate finger opening  1010  of the second carrier, provides for a positive retention of the handles against each other in a manner which substantially defines a single handle for ready access thereto. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of another carrier  1100  in its assembled form. The carrier  1100  may be made of paperboard or other materials, such as those described above. The carrier  1100  may hang on the back side of a container, such as the container  110  described above. The carrier  1100  may include one or more compartments  1124 . A handle panel  1118  may be integral with the first side panel  1113  of the compartment  1124 . The handle panel  1118  may include two apertures  1126  dimensioned to fit over the handle  111  of the container  110 , permitting a snug fit. 
     The compartment may be divided by two foldable handle panels  1110 , which are folded into the compartment  1124  in this configuration. A plane of the foldable handle panels may be transverse to the carrier side panels and parallel to the carrier end panels. The compartment  1124  can contain drinks  142 , extra cups  143 , napkins, condiments  144 , pastries, bagels, and other store items. The fold line  1112  may allow the carrier to lie flat against the back side of the container  110 . This carrier may make transporting numerous items more convenient. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary blank of the carrier  1100 . The carrier  1100  may be advantageously configured to be constructed from a single one piece paper board plank. The carrier may be constructed of a series of generally rectangular panels denoted by numerals  1113 ,  1114 ,  1115 , and  1119  joined by fold lines or score lines  1116 . The flap  1240  may be secured using glue  1242  or another adhesive, from top to bottom. Bottom forming panels denoted as  1217  may be glued  1242 . 
     A perforated central region  1128  may extend between the two apertures  1126  in the handle panel  1118 . The handle panel  1118  may further include several scored folding lines  1212 ,  1213 , and  1214 . The handle panel  1118  may also include two horizontal latching lugs  1220  which may be defined by cutting lines on three sides  1244 . The base of the latching lugs  1220  may be aligned with the second folding line  1213  such that when the handle panel  1118  is folded at the second fold line  1213  and the latching lugs  1220  are punched out, they flex resiliently outward from the second fold line  1213 . The latching lugs  1220  may be aligned with horizontal latching apertures  1218  at near the intersection of the handle panel  1118  with the first side panel  1113 . The latching lugs  1220  are shown associated with the second fold line  1213  only for illustration. The latching lugs  1220  may be multiple or singular, may be of any shape, and may be located anywhere along the handle panel  1118 . The latching apertures  1218  may be altered accordingly. Alternatively, the latching apertures may be omitted from the handle panel  1118 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the carrier  1100 . This view particularly illustrates the ability of the handle panel  1118  to bend such that the apertures  1126  may be fixed over the container handle  111 . This view further illustrates that the carrier  1100  may be expanded into a box-like form from a flattened, collapsed form by asserting pressure on the container&#39;s end panels  1114 , and  1119 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the carrier  1100  particularly illustrating that the foldable handles  1110  may be flexed inward and tucked into the cavity of the compartment  1124 . Folding the foldable handles  1110  into the compartment  1124  may eliminate any interference the handles might create when the carrier is affixed to a container. 
       FIG. 15  provides a back view of the carrier  1100 . The figure illustrates the perforated central region  1128  extending between the apertures  1126 . This region may open to allow passage of the container&#39;s handle  111  while affixing the carrier  1100  to the container  110 . However, it may close under the container handle  111  after assembly, providing a snug fit. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of two carriers  1100  assembled in tandem. Folding the handle panel  1118  and securing two carriers  1100  in tandem results in a four-pack carrier. Pushing in on a perforated aperture  1136  may reveal a transversely elongated finger opening  1637  for carrying the four-pack carrier. The aperture  1136  is rectangular for illustration only. The aperture may be other shapes, or may be replaced with one or more finger holes. Accordingly, the finger opening  1637  may be other than transversely elongated. 
       FIGS. 17-19  illustrate an exemplary folding of the handle panel  1118  and assembly of duplicate carriers  1100  into a four-pack carrier. The following description is by way of example only; other folding mechanisms may be used to accomplish the same end.  FIG. 17  illustrates an exemplary folding of the handle panel  1118 . The handle panel may be folded at a first  1212  and second  1213  fold line. Latching lugs  1220  may be released from the handle panel  1220  by pushing inward along the cutting lines  1244 . 
       FIG. 18  is a back perspective view of the carrier  1100 . Folding at the second folding line  1213  followed by folding at the third folding line  1214  may bring the latching lugs  1220  into immediate alignment with the latching apertures  1218 . The fold may be secured by inserting the latching lug  1220  through the latching apertures  1218 . 
     An example of a possible latching mechanism follows. The example is merely illustrative. Other latching mechanisms may be used. The first side panel  1113  may include a second latching lug  1710  defined by cutting lines along a first and second side. This latching lug may be cut along a third side to create a notch  1712  that divides the second lug  1710  from the body of the carrier  1100  at the corner region  1116 . The lug remains integral with the carrier&#39;s first end panel  1114  at its uppermost region. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an exemplary assembly of two two-compartment carriers  1100  into a four-compartment carrier  1600 . The joining of two carriers  1100  to form a tandem four-compartment carrier  1600  may be effected simply and rapidly utilizing the joining lug  1710 . Attachment may be achieved by first positioning the carriers  1100  slightly offset from each other with the latch lug  1710  of the first duplicate carrier aligned with a hatch  1712  cut into the second duplicate carrier. The latch lug  1710  is inserted into the hatch  1712 , and the opposed carriers are brought into orientation by clockwise rotation such that the latch lug  1710  may fully engage the hatch  1712 . Proper alignment orients the first and second transversely elongated finger openings  1637  such that the handle tongue  1136  of the first carrier  1100  can be inserted through the finger opening  1637  of the second carrier  1100 . Latching the carriers together may restrict lateral separation of the carriers. This latching method may be replaced by or used in combination with other known latching methods. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate how the handle panel  1118  can bend forward and form a compartment cover on a single carrier. With the foldable handle panel divider  1110  erect, the foldable handle panel  1110  may be inserted through the apertures  1126  and central perforated region  1128  and secured by tucking in to the compartment  1124 . 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention.