Balanced multiple container carrier

Abstract

An integrally molded carrier for balanced lifting and carrying of multiple containers by their necks includes a substantially planar web having multiple nodes defining multiple aligned annular support rings, the web being provided with a flexibly attached U-shaped handle. Annular neck-engaging flanges integral with the web are arranged around the inside of the support rings for releasably engaging the necks of containers.

1 . An integrally molded carrier for carrying multiple containers by their necks, comprising a substantially planar web having multiple nodes defining multiple annular supports with each annular support having a flexible annular flange provided with a plurality of radial slots for releasably engaging the necks of the containers, wherein the centers of the annular supports are substantially aligned along a common axis, and a generally U-shaped handle flexibly attached to said web at two points that are substantially equidistant from the centers of said multiple annular supports.  
     
     
         2 . The carrier of  claim 1  wherein said U-shaped handle is provided with flex points that are substantially aligned with said common axis.  
     
     
         3 . The carrier of  claim 2  wherein said web has three nodes defining three annular supports.  
     
     
         4 . The carrier of  claim 2  wherein said web has four nodes defining four annular supports.  
     
     
         5 . The carrier of  claim 2  wherein said flexible annular flange is provided with radial ribs extending inwardly of said annular supports.  
     
     
         6 . The carrier of  claim 5  wherein said flexible annular flange comprises a frusto-conical portion.  
     
     
         7 . (cancelled)  
     
     
         8 . The carrier of  claim 6  wherein said flexible annular flange is discontinuous.  
     
     
         9 . The carrier of  claim 6  wherein said flexible annular flange includes substantially flat inner edge portions.  
     
     
         10 . The carrier of  claim 9  wherein said annular supports are provided with circumferential ridges.  
     
     
         11 . The carrier of  claim 10  wherein said web is provided with ridges along its periphery.  
     
     
         12 . The carrier of  claim 11  made of high density polyethylene.