ES1285369U - Beverage can carrier device (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Carrier device for beverage cans constituted from a laminar cardboard body (1), in which a plurality of holes (2) are established, on whose perimeter edge a plurality of tabs are defined through folding lines (3) foldable as teeth (4-4 '), intended to be wedged into the edge or perimeter rim (7) of the upper base of the cans (8), characterized in that each hole (2) has a polyhedral configuration, in the that each of the teeth (4-4') occupies one of the sides of the polyhedron forming a continuous distribution without gaps, and in which each of the teeth (4-4') has a double configuration, presenting a cut by its intermediate zone (5') and presenting the lateral edges (5) of each of the teeth (4-4'), as well as the intermediate cut (5') that is defined between them, a curved configuration in the form of spiral.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Beverage can carrier device

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention relates to a beverage can carrier device, of the type obtained from a cardboard sheet with a series of holes in which a series of tabs are distributed in the form of teeth that adapt to the upper end of the beverage cans to be stabilized by means of the device, forming a grouping or "pack" of beverages that can be easily transported manually through some handles made in it.

The object of the invention is to provide a device with a new structure that substantially improves the level of grip of the device to the cans, so as to improve both the safety with respect to the support of the containers, as well as the relative positioning of the same with with respect to the device, in order to prevent said containers from turning during transport and storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of practical application of the invention, numerous solutions are known for grouping beverage cans from a cardboard sheet with a series of holes in which a series of tabs are distributed in the form of teeth that determine an opening of diameter slightly smaller than the neck of the cans in which it is intended to be applied, so that these flanges are deformed to wedge into the perimeter rim or rim of the upper base of the cans.

In this sense, the pre-existence of the utility model ES 1208411 U can be cited, in which a beverage can carrier device is described and claimed, which comprises a main laminar body of cardboard, devoid of side walls, which presents on its surface the least one opening that defines a contour with proportions that allow the tight passage through it of a beverage can, opening in which a plurality of tabs with the capacity to bend or flex in relation to the body itself and extended towards the interior are established of the same opening, where said tabs have a specific distribution, specifically a distribution in which a sequence is defined in which Two contiguous tabs followed by a gap, followed by another tab, followed by another gap, are involved.

Well, the reality is that this specific distribution contrary to what is pursued in said utility model, the cans come off too easily, in addition to being able to rotate freely on their axis of vertical symmetry.

In addition, another problem that frequently appears in this type of device is breakage in the laminar body in areas with less material.

It is therefore a device that is not very resistant to fatigue.

In addition, the fact that the cans rotate on their own axis once placed in the grouper, although it may seem like a minor problem, it is very important for brands. The companies that market these cans want their product not to be rotated inside the pack and that the brand is always visible to the consumer, so this aspect is also very important.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The beverage can-carrying device that is advocated fully and satisfactorily resolves the aforementioned problems, in each and every one of the aspects discussed, based on a simple but extremely effective solution.

For this, the device of the invention is embodied in a laminar body of cardboard, in which a series of holes are defined for fixing the cans, with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the same, and around which a series of holes are established. of folding tabs, with the special feature that the hole does not have a circular configuration, but polyhedral, the preferred configuration being a dodecahedron-shaped configuration.

This characteristic in itself improves the holding of the cans, although, in accordance with another of the characteristics of the invention, it has been foreseen that the teeth, which are distributed around the entire perimeter of the hole (contrary to what happened in the utility model ES 1208411 U), they have curved lateral edges in the form of a spiral, with a continuous distribution without gaps.

As it is a polyhedral shape, as many teeth as there are sides to the polyhedron have been implemented, so that, in the preferred case of a dodecahedron, each hole will have 12 teeth.

In turn, these teeth have a double configuration, that is, they are partially cut through the center with the same spiral curvature as their lateral edges.

The advantage of this special configuration is that the spiral-shaped teeth facilitate the positioning of the can and prevent it from rotating on its axis, which allows, as has been said before, to guarantee that the cans are perfectly positioned in the device. with your brand facing outwards to make it as visible as possible to consumers.

The main body of the device can have a simple laminar character, in which case it will include some slits or weakening lines with which to control the bending tendency of the plate during its transport through said areas and not through other areas more structurally compromised, so that during transport the plate tends to bend precisely along these lines that have been strategically located in the strongest part of the plate, thus avoiding stress on the weakest part that has less cardboard.

In a variant embodiment of the invention, it has been planned that the plate itself extends along its four major lateral edges in two low-height tabs, which end laterally in fixing fins between them, so that when the device is assembled define a perimeter reinforcement that helps keep the cans grouped, making it difficult for them to move and break the plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is going to be made below and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of its practical embodiment, a set of plans is attached as an integral part of said description. where, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a plan view of a beverage can carrier device made in accordance with the object of the present invention.

Figure 2A.- Shows an enlarged detail "A" of figure 1 at the level of the edge of one of the receiving holes for the beverage cans.

Figure 2B.- Shows the same enlarged detail "A" of figure 2A at the level of the edge of one of the receiving holes for the beverage cans, in which other technical characteristics have been reflected.

Figure 3.- Shows a perspective view of the device of figure 1 in a working situation, that is to say with six cans stably coupled to it.

Figure 4.- Shows a plan view of a variant embodiment for the device of Figure 1, in which it includes side flanges that are finished off with fixing fins to determine a perimeter reinforcement of the device in the assembly. .

Figure 5.- Shows, finally, a perspective view of the device in figure 4 in a working situation, that is to say with six cans stably coupled to it.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the figures outlined, it can be seen how the beverage can carrier device is part of a laminar cardboard body (1), essentially rectangular, which can have rounded or chamfered vertices, and in which in the example of embodiment chosen practical, two alignments of three holes (2) are distributed longitudinally, as it is intended to group six beverage cans, although the number of holes and distribution could vary according to different needs, without affecting the essence of the invention .

The holes (2) have, as is conventional, a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the cans, so that a plurality of foldable flanges are defined in the form of teeth through folding lines (3), with a continuous distribution without gaps, where the holes (2) have a polyhedral configuration, preferably in the form of a dodecahedron, where the teeth are intended to be wedged into the edge or perimeter rim (7) of the upper base of the cans ( 8).

More specifically, the aforementioned tooth-like flanges have a double configuration, where they are partially cut by their intermediate area, so that, in the embodiment shown in the figures, each hole (2) will have 12 teeth ( 4-4') doubles.

In figures 2A and 2B, where two details of the configuration of these teeth are shown, we can see that each tooth is subdivided into two equal parts (4) and (4'), separated from each other by an intermediate curved cutting line (5). '). The total length of the double tooth on its side closest to the center of the hole (2) will be 2g, therefore corresponding to each part of the tooth a length "g". Obviously this length "g" will vary depending on the size of the holes (2) and the number of sides of the polyhedron that defines the hole (2). In the example of embodiment shown in Figure 1 corresponding to a plate for 6 soft drink cans, where the hole (2) has the shape of a dodecahedron, a preferred value of "g" will be 6mm.

Each double tooth (4-4') will present a separation or height between its two larger sides that has been reflected in figure 2A with the reference "h". This dimension may be varied depending on the greater or lesser rigidity that you want to grant to the double teeth (4-4'), which in turn will also depend on the type of cardboard used. In the example of embodiment shown in Figure 1 corresponding to a plate for 6 soda cans, where the hole (2) has the shape of a dodecahedron, a preferred value of "h" will be 4mm.

For its part, the side furthest from the center of the hole (2) has a configuration such that a folding line (3) of length "f" is located in its central area, which is extended in cut lines to the end of each longer side. Once again, the dimensions of said elements will be variable depending on the type of containers to be transported and the rigidity required. In the example of embodiment shown in Figure 1, a preferred value for the length "f" of the fold line (3), will be 6mm. Likewise, in this example shown, the cutting lines that extend to the right and left of the folding line (3) will have a preferred length of 4mm each.

Therefore, we can conclude that the total length of each double tooth (4-4') on its longest side closest to the center of the hole (2) is less than the total length of each double tooth (4-4') on its side. larger more distant from the center of the hole (2). Thus, in the dodecahedron-shaped example shown in Figure 1, the total length of the double tooth (4-4') on its side closest to the center of the hole (2) will be 12mm and the total length of the double tooth ( 4-4') on its side more distant from the center of the hole (2) will be 14mm, with the separation "h” between both sides being 4mm.

These teeth (4-4') present both on their lateral edges (5) and the intermediate cut (5') that is defined between them, a curved configuration, more specifically in the form of a spiral with respect to the center of the hole (2) , as can be seen in the details of figures 2A and 2B. Said details have graphically reflected an embodiment in which the curvature presented by the lateral edges (5) of each of the teeth (4-4'), as well as the intermediate cut (5') defined between The same, is characterized by the fact that at the intersection points of the start of the cutting lines with the axis defined by each of the folding lines (3), the tangent at this point forms an angle "Beta" with respect to the virtual radius that joins the start of the cutting lines with the center of the hole 2. In the example of embodiment shown, this "beta" angle is 45°, which is considered especially advantageous in view of the required resistance. However, other angles in the range of 30° to 60° are considered equally valid and within the spirit of the present invention.

On the other hand, the detail of Figure 2B also shows the angle between the sides of two consecutive sides of the polyhedron. This angle has been defined with the reference "alpha" and obviously this angle will depend directly on the number of sides of the polyhedron. In the specific case of a dodecahedron, this angle will be 30°.

As stated above, the advantage of this special configuration is that the spiral-shaped teeth (4-4') facilitate the positioning of the can and prevent it from rotating on its axis, guaranteeing that the cans (8) they are in the optimal position for their commercialization and exhibition, so that they do not turn during the maneuvers of transport and storage.

The device will be complemented with the classic finger grips (6) established on the main body of the device, for insertion of the user's fingers, which facilitate the manual transport maneuvers of the assembly. These tabs will have the shape of a truncated circumference and are dimensionally defined based on the radius of said circumference and a length "a" of the secant. Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the secant "a" has dimensions very small, and in Figures 3-5 another configuration is shown in which the secant "a" almost coincides with the diagonal of the circle. In the example of Figure 1, the radius of the circumference presents preferred values between 10 and 12mm, preferably 11mm. The secant value in this example shown in Figure 1 presents preferred values between 3 and 5 mm, preferably 4 mm.

According to the embodiment variant of Figures 1 to 3, the body (1) can materialize in a simple cardboard sheet, having foreseen that in order to prevent it from folding and breaking in more structurally critical areas, it includes a series of slits or weakening lines (9) arranged in a radial direction starting from the center of the holes (2) in the direction towards the outer area of the body (1), so that during transport the plate tends to bend precisely by these lines that have been strategically located in the strongest part of the sheet, thus avoiding stress in the weakest part that has less cardboard. As shown in Figure 1, the weakening lines (9) start, both on the smaller and larger sides of the plate, from the center of the holes (2) and go to the intermediate point at the apex of the plate. between every two cans, thus forming a rhomboid figure. A second group of weakening lines (9) are distributed in pairs at the vertices of the rectangular plate, also starting from the center of the holes (2) and directed to two points equidistant to the right and left of each of the four vertices of the body (1) cardboard laminate.

Figures 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment in which the body (1) has chamfered vertices and two rectangular flanges (10) emerge from its four main lateral edges, of low height, which in turn are they extend laterally into fins (11) that are fixed to each other. When assembled, this set of flanges (10) and fins (11) make up a vertical perimeter frame to reinforce the assembly, all as shown in figure 5. Thanks to this perimeter frame, the movement of the cans is limited in greatly, reducing the risk of detachment of the cans or breakage of the body (1) due to fatigue.

In this alternative embodiment, the device can also include weakening lines (9), similar to those described for the embodiment without perimeter frame, as shown in figure 4.

Finally, it should be noted that the laminar cardboard body (1) can be made of different qualities of cardboard according to the required rigidity needs. The present invention contemplates the use of different qualities such as cardboard, compact cardboard or any of the corrugated cardboard channels N, G, F, and E. In general, All solutions based on corrugated cardboard of 3 papers with thicknesses from 0.5 to 2 mm are considered valid for the purposes of their use in the formation of the body (1).

Claims (11)

1. - Carrier device for beverage cans constituted from a laminar cardboard body (1), in which a plurality of holes (2) are established on whose perimeter edge they are defined through folding lines (3) a plurality of folding tabs in the form of teeth (4-4 '), intended to be wedged in the agraft or perimeter rim (7) of the upper base of the cans (8), characterized in that each hole (2) has a polyhedral configuration , in which each of the teeth (4-4') occupies one of the sides of the polyhedron forming a continuous distribution without gaps, and in which each of the teeth (4-4') has a double configuration, presenting a cut through its intermediate zone (5') and presenting the lateral edges (5) of each of the teeth (4-4'), as well as the intermediate cut (5') that is defined between them, a curved configuration spiral shaped. 2. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sides of the polyhedron most distant from the center of the hole (2) have a configuration such that a folding line (3) of length "f", which extends on both sides in respective cutting lines to the end of each longer side. 3. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the curvature presented by the lateral edges (5) of each of the teeth (4-4 '), as well as the intermediate cut (5 ' ) that is defined between them, is characterized by the fact that at the intersection points of the start of the cutting lines with the axis defined by each of the folding lines (3), the tangent at this point forms an angle between 30 ° and 60° with respect to the virtual radius that joins the start of the cutting lines with the center of the hole (2). 4. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the total length of each double tooth (4-4 ') on its longest side closest to the center of the hole (2) is less than the length total of each double tooth (4-4') on its longest side most distant from the center of the hole (2); and because both longer sides are separated from each other by a distance "h". 5. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a series of slits or weakening lines (9) arranged radially to the holes (2) and towards the outer zone of the body (1). 6. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (1) has its chamfered vertices and that two rectangular tabs (10) emerge from the main lateral edges of the body (1). that are extended laterally in fins (11) that are fixed to each other when the device is assembled, defining a vertical reinforcing perimeter frame for the assembly. 7. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (1) includes handles (6) for manual transport. 8. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to claim 7, characterized in that the handles are shaped like a truncated circumference. 9. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holes (2) have a dodecahedron-shaped configuration and contain 12 double teeth (4-4 '). 10. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to claim 9, characterized in that the total length of each of the double teeth (4-4 ') on its longest side closest to the center of the hole (2) is 12mm and the total length of each of the double teeth (4-4') along its longest side furthest from the center of the hole (2) is 14mm; and because the separation or height "h" between the two larger sides is 4mm; and because the fold line (3) has a length "f" of 6mm. 11. - Carrier device for beverage cans, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laminar cardboard body (1) is made of cardboard, or compact cardboard or corrugated cardboard of 3 paper thicknesses from 0.5 to 2mm