CA1280095C

CA1280095C - Container connector system

Info

Publication number: CA1280095C
Application number: CA000522470A
Authority: CA
Inventors: John W. Von Holdt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-02-21
Filing date: 1986-11-07
Publication date: 1991-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2008-02-12
Also published as: AU592125B2; AU6498386A; FR2594802A1; JPS62208360A; FR2594802B3; DE3640203A1; CH671556A5; GB8626792D0; GB2186859B; GB2186859A

Abstract

CONTAINER CONNECTOR SYSTEM

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Containers are provided with externally positioned interlock means to engage the corresponding interlock means of other identical containers. This causes the containers to be temporarily retained together without relative motion transverse to their axes except for possible rotational motion about their axes. Additionally, relative motion parallel to their axes can be prevented. Significant advantages are achieved by this when the containers are being processed along a conveyor system, and when they are stacked in large stacks.

Description

~x~s BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
~.
Containers such as paint buckets, and many other containers of various types, are processed by automated means, being placed on a conveyor belt, and automatically filled and 5 capped. Such a conveyor operation is relatively critical, 1,'!
requiring very fine acljustment of the various parameters of operation for efficient processing. For example, plastic containers such as paint bucke-ts, when empty, can be easily thrown out of position as they move along a conveyor belt around curves and the like. Some of the paint buckets can ride up on a paint buc:ket next to it, assuming a tilted configuration i~
which may prevent effective, automated filling of the container, with paint spilling over the edge of the tilted container.
Similarly, filled plastic or metal containers may be stored in warehouses in large stacks. Theoretically there should be no problem with this, even though the containers may be heavy. However, in actual fact, a container may tilt here as well, or the c:entral portion of the stack of containers t'~
may sag slightly out of the plane of each level of containers l,t in the stack, resulting in a focusing of the weight of the stack on one or more of the containers found therein. The result of this may be that such a container may rupture, ruining !
a substantial amount of the inventory and requiring disassembly of the stack of containers and a clean up operation.
In accordance with this invention, a con-tainer interlock system is provided to reduce or eliminate the problems described above. The containers of this invention may be carried in connected relation to each other on a conveyor belt, with their lX8009S

interlocking relationship preventing containers from tilting upwardly or downwardly,or slipping to the side as the conveyor belt proceeds around curves preventing effective processing by automated machinery in the conveyor line.
Similarly, when filled containers of this invention are stacked, their interlocking relationship can maintain them in a precise location without shifting of position, so that the stresses of the load imparted by the stack of containers will not be focused on a single, individual container, resulting in its damage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, a rigid container is provided with externally positioned interlock means to engage corresponding interlock means of other typically identical containers. The e~fect of this is to cause the containers to be temporarily retained together without relative motion transverse to their axes, except for possible rotational motion about their axes. In other words, when the containers are brought together into side-by-side contact, their respective interlock means can engage. When the interlock means are engaged, the containers cannot move horizontally (i.e., transverse to the container axes) except that it may be possible for the containers to rotate relative to each other. Thus, while moving along a conveyor line, the respective containers, if in engaged, interlocking relation, are held together. Individual containers cannot be jostled out of line or the like.
The interlock means prevents the temporarily ~8009S

retained containers from relative motion parallel to their axes, as well as preventing rela-tive motion transverse to their axes. Thus, containers on a conveyor line cannot tilt upwardly one with respect to the other.
Also, when a plurality of such identical containers are horizontally grouped together in physical contact at the interlock means to define rows of containers along two different axes ~ransverse to each other (for example, a layer of containers in a large stack thereof) the containers in the center of the array are prevented from sagging due to the weight of containers on top of them in the stack, by the retaining action of their interlock means. Hence, the focusing of compressive force due to the weight of the s-tack is suppressed.

As a result of this, larger and higher stacks of the containers of this invention may be used in warehouses, for more efficient storage of the containers oE this invention without crushing damage to the cont~inexs in the lower portions of the stacks.
Strap means may be provided to surround each layer of containers, to hold them together in physical contact to assure continued engagement of their interlock means.

Specifically, the interlock means may comprise a series of projections and recesses, alternatingly and circum-ferentially spaced about the container. The projections and recesses are proportioned and shaped to respectively fit with recesses and projections of typically identical containers positioned in side-by-side relation therewith, to achieve the benefits of this invention as described above.
The series of projections and recesses may comprise `
a toothed rack with alternating teeth and spaces, positioned lZ8009~

about the periphery of said container, said spaces being bracketed by walls to prevent teeth positioned in said spaces from moving in a direction generally parallel to the container axis.
Alternatively, the teeth and spaces may be of generally matching, conical shape so that one or more conical teeth of one container fit into conical spaces of the neighbor container for interlocking action.
As a further alternative, the externally positioned interlock means on each container may resemble a ring gear or the like, with teeth of one gear interlock means residing within the spaces between the teeth of another interlock means of another container. However, in this situation there may be no restriction against relative motion of the container in a direction generally parallel to the container axis, but only restriction of sideways motion, transverse to the container axis.
As yet another embodiment, the container oE this invention may deEine a portion oE rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. The corners may, in turn, define a circumferentially extending series o projections and recesses for engaging corresponding projections and recesses of another, typically identical container. Such a container may also define on its flat, rectangular sides a plurality of ridges and slots proportioned to fit with corresponding slots and ridges of a typically identical container.
The containers of this invention are generally rigid.
However, the term "rigid" does not necessarily mean absolutely inflexible as with a ceramic. Self-supporting plastic containers or thin sheet metal containers which are substantially rigid ~;:800~5 are capable for use in accordance with this invention, even though they may have a certain degree of flexibility.
Additionally, a circumferential skirt may be defined on the con-tainer of this invention, adjacent the container rim, with the projections and recesses described above being defined on the outer surface of the skirt.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view of a series of plastic buckets made in accordance with this invention, positioned on a conveyor belt, showing how adjacent buckets can be held in interlocking relation for stabilization of the individual buckets as they move along the conveyor line;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged vertical sectional view of the bucket of FicJ. l;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, enlarged elevational view of a portion of the bucket of Fig. 1 similar to that shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged, transverse sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3, but also showing the interlocking relation with a corresponding fragment of another similar bucket;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, enlarged elevational view si~ilar to Fig. 3 but showing a different embodiment of interlock means;

1;28009S

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, transverse sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5, but also showing the interlocking relation with a corresponding fragment of ano-ther, similar bucket;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of another container or bucket manufactured in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view -taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is an elevational view oE a stack of filled buckets made in accordance with th:is invention, and Fig. 11 is a plan view of the s~ack of Fig. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figs. 1 through 3, a plastic container, specifically a bucket, is shown, being made in accordance with this invention. Molded plastic bucket 10 is shown to be of generally conventional design except for the structure of annular skirt 12 which is positioned about the periphery of bucket 10 adjacent its rim 14. As shown, annular skirt 12 carries interlock means 15 for interlocking engagement with one or more adjacent buckets 10a, which may carry skirt 12a and corresponding l2ao~ss interlock means. Fig. 1 typifies a row of buckets in which bucket 10 may be bracketed on both sides by buckets lOa, having skirts 12a, the row of buckets being carries on a conveyor belt 16 of conventional design, for example for a paint bucket filling operation. A continuous technical problem of automated filling of paint buckets is that the empty, large plastic buckets 10, lOa are of light weight, and thus are easily moved by jostling or other small forces. For example, when conveyor belt 16 goes around a curve, the empty bucket 10 can be easily dislodged, or one bucket ma~ tilt up against the other bucket so as to be pushed out of po~ition for proper processing in the paint filling line.
In accordance with this inven-tion, the interlock means 15 is provided to permit temporary interlocking of buckets 10, lOa, to permit then to be retained together while temporarily interlocked, without relative motion transverse to their axes (with the axis of bucket 10 bein~ identiEied by line 18).
However, as conveyor belt 16 rounds the curve, the respective buckets 10, lOa can rotate about their respective axes 18, while not losing their interlocking relationship.
Likewise, in the specific embodiment shown in Figs.
1 through 4, buckets 10, lOa are temporarily retained to prevent relative motion parallel to their axes 18, i.e., vertical motion from the viewpoint of Figs. 1 through 3. Thus, buckets 10, lOa may be retained together on conveyor belt 16 so that they cannot fall out of their desired position for processing through various stations along conveyor belt 16. This is illustrated by the fact that a slight space 20 exists between bucket 10 and conveyor belt 16. The interlocking relationship between-bucket 10 and ~Z8009~

its adjacent buckets lOa can actually hold bucket 10 away from conveyor belt 16 in a fixed, retained position between buckets lOa, should conveyor belt 16 drop slightly at a point along its path.
Turning to the specific structure of interlock means 15, annular skirt 12 carries about its outer surface an enclrcling Pair of annular serra-ted band$ 22, 24 comprising a series of projections 26 and recesses 28 which are proportioned to fit together in mating relation with corresponding projections and recesses 26, 28 of bucket lOa as shown in Fig. 1. Circumferential 10 walls 30 bracket each recess 28 while each projection 26 of each serrated band or ring 22, 24 projects outwardly from annular circumferential walls 30. The effect of this is for walls 30 to capture the projections 26 of another bucket as they project into recesses 28, to restrict relative motlon between buckets 10, lOa in a direction longitudinal or parallel with respect to axis 18.
~ CCOrd~ 1Y~ bUCketg 10, 1OR can move along conveyor belt 16 with the interlock mearls 15 in en~acJemellt with each other, to hold the respective buckets in R predetermined position of side-by-side contac-t, so that jostling, bouncing, or the like along conveyor belt 16 will not tend to throw the buckets out of position. At the same time, buckets 10, lOa can rotate about their axes 18 as conveyor belt l6 goes around a curve, without the buckets losing their interlocking relationship.
Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, an enlarged fragment of a bucket is ~sclosed which is similar in structure to bucket 10, except for the differences shown therein,and which has advantages of use similar to bucket 10.

~aooss In Fiy. 5, a portion of bucket 10b adjaeent lip 14b is shown in this embodiment. Interlock means 32 are shown whieh comprises two annular rows of alternating pyramids 34 and recesses 36, in which recesses 36 are proportioned to receive structures of similar shape to pyramids 34. For elarity oE disclosure, each pyramid 34 is shown to be casting a shadow, as if the light were coming from the upper left of the drawlng.
Once again, as before, two rows 38, 40 of alternating pyramids and recesses are provided. However, if desired, a single row of projections and recesses either of the type shown in Figs. 1 through 4, or the type shown in Figs. 5 through 6, may be used without a seeond row. Also, while rows 22, 24, 38 and 40 are typieally annular, extending around the entire circumferenee of their bueket, that is not neeessarily a mandatory feature in all embodiments of the buekets of this invention. Instead, short seetions Oe projeetions and recesses may be used, i e desired.
Fig. 6 shows how the projeetions 34 ean projeet into 20 reeesses 42 of an adjaeent bueket 10c when the buckets 10b, 10c are, for example, engaging each other while riding on a eonveyor belt. Correspondingly, projeetions 46 of bucket 10e may projeet into reeesses 36 of bueket 10b, to provide the temporary interloeking relation of this invention. Buckets 10b and 10c may, but not necessarily, be of identical shape.
Figs. 7 through 9 diselose another embodiment of the bueket of this invention. Bueket 10d may be of reetangular eross-seetion, with one eorner being shown. Below bueket rim 14d, bueket 10d may have rounded eorners 48, with the corners 1;~8009S

defining at least one projection 50 and recess 52 for engaging corresponding projections and recesses of another container.
All four corners of bucket 10d may be as illustrated in Fig. 7, but the positions of members 50 and 52 should be reversed in the adjacent corners with that relation continuing around the bucket. Thus, the corner 49 opposite to corner 48 has members 50 and 52 in the position shown, while in the two adjacent corners 51 of the bucket the positions of members 50 and 52 are reversed.
In addition, the flat sides 54 of rectangular bucket 10d may carry ridges 56 and slots 58 which are proportioned to fit with corresponding slots and rldges of another con-tainer.
It could be seen that on flat, rectanyular side 60, around the corner from side 54, the pOSitiOIlS of slots 58 and ridges 56 may be reversed. ~his relationship oE alternating reversal of members 56 and 58 continues on around the other bucket sides.
Thus, the buclcet o~ E'ig. 7 can enter into engaged relation with another bucket oE iclentical design, since the alternating positional relationship of projections 50 and 20 recesses 52, and slots 58 and ridges 56, continues on around the other sides of bucket 10d. By this design, a row of buckets 10d can be placed in interlocking relation, and yet they can rotate on a conveyor belt without losing their interlocking relationship with the adjoining buckets.
Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, a stack of containers or buckets 10 is disclosed, with containers 10 being horizontally grouped together in physical contact at their respective interlock means 15 to define rows of containers along two different axes transverse to each other i.e., axes 62 and 63. Buckets 10 are ~2~30095 locked in their interlocking relationship through interlock means 15, the details of which are shown in Figs. 2 through 4, or alternatively in Figs. 5 through 7.
A strap 64 surrounds each group of containers in a single layer of stacked containers, completely surrounding the enclosed yroup and holding them together in said physical contact which results in the interlocked relation. Containers 10 of course carry lids 66 to permit the stacking as shown.
As the result of this, since each individual horizontal layer 68, 70, 72 of containers is retained in interlocking relation relative to each o-ther, to prevent horizon-tal motion and preferably also vertical motion relative one to the other, the stack oE con~ainers can be piled higher than would be otherwise safe and appropriate, since the individual containers are locked together in their respective la~ers and cannot move relative one to anoth~r. ~ccordingly, chanees are greatly reduced that a contain~r may be inadvertalltly moved so as to be subjected to an exces9, focused, compressive force which might result in rupture. 51nce the containers are all held together in relative posi-tional fixation, the compressive force created by the upper s-tacked containers against the lower ones can be spread out to be borne equally by each individual container in a lower level of the stack.
The above has been offered for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention of this application, which is as defined in the claims below.

Claims

1. In a container, the improvement comprising, in combination:
a circumferentially extending continuous array of longitudinally extending teeth which are spaced from each other by recesses of a shape proportioned to receive identically-shaped teeth of an adjacent container of similar shape, said recesses each defining a radially recessed bottom surface and said teeth each defining a radially projecting top surface; said container also defining a circumferential flange substantially continuously extending across one end of each of said teeth, said flange defining a circumferentially extending surface which occupies a radial level which is between the radial levels of the bottom surfaces and the top surfaces, whereby the interengaging teeth of said container and another, identical container cannot move longitudinally.

2. The container of claim 1 in which no substantial circumferentially extending areas are present between said teeth which are substantially at the radial level of said circumferentially extending surface.

3. The container of claim 1 in which the ends of said teeth slope inwardly toward the top surfaces of said teeth.

4. The container of claim 1 which is of substantially circular cross-section.

5. The container of claim 1 which is of substantially rectangular cross-section.

6. The container of claim 1 which defines an open mouth, said array of teeth being positioned adjacent said open mouth.

7. The container of claim 1 which defines an open mouth, said array of teeth being positioned remotely from said open mouth.

8. The container of claim 1 in which said continuous array of teeth extends about the entire circumference of said container.

9. In a container, the improvement comprising, in combination:
a circumferential skirt substantially surrounding the periphery of said container, said skirt defining a circumferentially outward-facing surface which defines a continuous array of longitudinally extending teeth which are spaced from each other by recesses of a shape proportioned to snugly receive identically-shaped teeth of an adjacent container of similar shape, said recesses each defining a radially recessed bottom surface and said teeth each defining a radially projecting top surface, said skirt also defining a circumferential flange substantially continuously surrounding the periphery of said container at one end of each of said teeth, said flange defining a circumferentially extending surface which occupies a radial level which is between the radial levels of the bottom surfaces and the top surfaces, whereby the interengaging teeth of said container and another, identical container cannot move longitudinally.

10. The container of claim 9 in which no substantially circumferentially extending areas are present between said teeth which are substantially at the radial level of said circumferentially extending surface.

11. The container of claim 9 in which the ends of said teeth slope inwardly toward the top surface of said teeth.

12. The container of claim 10 which is of substantially circular cross-section.

13. The container of claim 10 which is of substantially rectangular cross-section.

14. The container of claim 10 which defines an open mouth, said array of teeth being positioned adjacent said open mouth.

15. The container of claim 10 in which said continuous array of teeth extends about the entire circumference of said container.

16. In a tapered bucket of circular cross-section having an open mouth, the improvement comprising, in combination:
a circumferentially extending, continuous array of longitudinally extending teeth which are spaced from each other by recesses of the shape proportioned to receive identically-shaped teeth of an adjacent container of similar shape, said array being positioned adjacent to the open mouth of said bucket, the individual teeth defining sloping sides so that their outer ends are of less width than inner portions of said teeth, said recesses each defining a radially recessed bottom surface, and said teeth each defining a radially projecting top surface; said container also defining a circumferential flange substantially continuously extending across one end of each of said teeth, said flange defining a circumferentially extending surface which occupies a radial level which is between the radial levels of the bottom surfaces and the top surfaces, whereby the interengaging teeth of said container and another, identical container cannot move longitudinally.