Clip for elliptically-shaped containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for retaining a plurality of containers. The device has a frame having a length dimension with opposite sides and a plurality of arms extending from opposite sides of the frame. Each arm has an arm portion extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame length and a curved portion connecting the arm portion to the frame length to form an open cavity between the frame and the arm. The cavity is adapted to receive and retain one of the elliptically-shaped containers. The cavity has at least one width dimension that is slightly smaller than the corresponding diameter dimension of the elliptically-shaped container when the container is not retained within the cavity.

1 . A clip for retaining a plurality of elliptically-shaped containers, said clip comprising a frame having a length dimension with opposite sides and a plurality of arms extending from opposite sides of the frame, wherein: 
 a. each arm has an arm portion extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame and a curved portion connecting the arm portion to the frame to form at least one open container-retaining cavity between the frame and the arm;    b. the cavity is adapted to receive and retain one of the elliptically-shaped containers; and    c. the cavity has at least one width dimension that is slightly smaller than the corresponding diameter dimension of the elliptically-shaped container when the container is not retained within the cavity.    
   
   
       2 . The clip according to  claim 1 , wherein the cavity has multiple width dimensions that are slightly smaller than the corresponding diameter dimensions of the elliptically-shaped container.  
   
   
       3 . The clip according to  claim 1 , wherein the arms flexibly adjust to receive and retain the elliptically-shaped container.  
   
   
       4 . The clip according to  claim 1 , comprising multiple cavities.  
   
   
       5 . The clip according to  claim 1 , wherein a retention barb is located at the terminal end of each arm.  
   
   
       6 . The clip according to  claim 1 , wherein an additional retaining member is positioned on the frame at the opening of the cavity.  
   
   
       7 . The clip according to  claim 6 , wherein the additional retaining member is elbow-shaped.  
   
   
       8 . The clip according to  claim 6 , wherein the additional retaining member is prong-shaped.  
   
   
       9 . The clip according to  claim 1 , wherein each cavity opens in the same direction.  
   
   
       10 . The clip according to  claim 1 , wherein the cavities on one side of the frame open in one direction and the cavities on the other side of the frame open in the opposite direction.  
   
   
       11 . The clip according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is formed from a plastic material.  
   
   
       12 . The clip according to  claim 1  comprising at least six arms.  
   
   
       13 . The clip according to  claim 11 , wherein at least three arms are located on each side of the frame.  
   
   
       14 . The clip according to  claim 1 , further comprising a handle fixedly attached to the frame.  
   
   
       15 . A packaging assembly for retaining a plurality of elliptically-shaped containers, said packaging assembly comprising a packaging clip according to  claim 1  and a plurality of elliptically-shaped containers retained within said cavities.  
   
   
       16 . The packaging assembly according to  claim 14 , wherein the packaging assembly is shrink-wrapped.  
   
   
       17 . The packaging assembly according to  claim 14 , wherein the packaging assembly is packaged in a cardboard container.  
   
   
       18 . The packaging assembly according to  claim 14 , wherein the packaging assembly is mounted on a tray.