Applicator for can carriers

Abstract

A manually-operator applicator device for beverage container carriers is provided. The device comprises a base plate for receiving and aligning a plurality of containers, such as beverage cans. The device further comprises press interconnected to a lever arm and a linkage. The lever arm comprises a user interface and a movement of the lever arm is converted to a linear movement of the press to compressively apply at least one carrier to a plurality of containers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An applicator for applying carrier devices to containers, the applicator comprising:
 a base plate operable to receive and orient a plurality of containers in a vertical orientation;   at least one guide member for guiding and/or aligning the plurality of containers on the base plate;   a lever arm comprising a user-interface;   a press member extending in a plane that is substantially parallel to an upper surface of the base plate;   wherein the press member is hingedly connected to the lever arm and wherein the lever arm is operable to apply a force to the carrier-press member and apply a carrier to a plurality of containers provided on the base plate.   
     
     
         2 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising a frame member extending upwardly from the base plate. 
     
     
         3 . The applicator of  claim 2 , wherein the lever arm is hingedly connected to the frame member. 
     
     
         4 . The applicator of  claim 2 , wherein the frame member comprises at least one vertical support member and a linear bearing surface, wherein the carrier-press member is in force-transmitting communication with the linear bearing surface and wherein an arcuate movement of the lever arm produces a linear movement of the carrier-press member. 
     
     
         5 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier-press member is selectively translatable relative to the base plate. 
     
     
         6 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the guide member is selectively translatable relative to the base plate. 
     
     
         7 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the press member comprises at least one recess for receiving a carrier. 
     
     
         8 . An applicator comprising:
 a base member operable to receive and orient a plurality of containers;   at least one guide member for guiding and/or aligning the plurality of containers on the base member;   a rotatable lever arm;   a press member extending in a plane that is substantially parallel to an upper surface of the base member;   wherein the press member is hingedly connected to the rotatable lever arm and wherein the rotatable lever arm is operable to apply a force to the press member and apply a force to an objected provided on the base member.   
     
     
         9 . The applicator of  claim 8 , further comprising a frame member extending upwardly from the base member, and wherein the frame member provides structural support to the rotatable lever arm. 
     
     
         10 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the lever arm is hingedly connected to the frame member. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the frame member comprises at least one vertical support member and a linear bearing surface, wherein the press member is in force-transmitting communication with the linear bearing surface and wherein an arcuate movement of the lever arm produces a linear movement of the press member. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the press member comprises a receiving portion for selectively receiving a can-carrier to be applied to objects provided on the base plate. 
     
     
         13 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the base plate comprises a guide member that is selectively translatable relative to the base plate. 
     
     
         14 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the lever arm comprises a handle operable to receive the hand of a user. 
     
     
         15 . A can-carrier applicator comprising:
 a base member;   a rotatable lever arm;   a press member hingedly connected to the rotatable lever arm and wherein the rotatable lever arm is operable to displace the press member and apply a force to an object; and   wherein the press member comprises a receiving portion for selectively receiving an object to be applied by the press member.   
     
     
         16 . The applicator of  claim 15 , further comprising a frame member extending upwardly from the base member, and wherein the frame member provides structural support to the rotatable lever arm. 
     
     
         17 . The applicator of  claim 15 , wherein the rotatable lever arm is hingedly connected to the press member. 
     
     
         18 . The applicator of  claim 15 , wherein the applicator comprises a frame member having at least one vertical support member and a linear bearing surface, wherein the press member is in force-transmitting communication with the linear bearing surface and wherein an arcuate movement of the lever arm produces a linear movement of the press member. 
     
     
         19 . The applicator of  claim 15 , wherein the press member comprises a receiving portion for selectively receiving a can-carrier to be applied to a plurality of cans. 
     
     
         20 . The applicator of  claim 15 , further comprising a base plate with a guide member that is selectively translatable relative to the base plate.