GB2262734A

GB2262734A - Case divider system

Info

Publication number: GB2262734A
Application number: GB9127361A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Alan Bubb
Original assignee: Cundell Corrugated Ltd
Current assignee: Smurfit Kappa Corrugated UK Ltd
Priority date: 1991-12-24
Filing date: 1991-12-24
Publication date: 1993-06-30
Also published as: GB9127361D0

Abstract

A partition 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 for a case divider comprises a web provided with a slot 25, 27 extending inwardly from an open slot end 39 at one edge 29 of the web and terminating in a closed slot end 43. The slot is substantially straight except for a deviation defining a protrusion at a position between said open and closed ends. The web is provided with an opening 33, 35 spaced apart from said slot but not intersecting an edge of the web, for receiving a protrusion from a like said partition. The complete case divider comprises a plurality of such case dividers interlocked by means of their respective slots. <IMAGE>

Description

CASE DIVIDER SYSTEM The present invention relates to a partition for a case divider and in particular to a set of interlocking partitions for dividing a case into cells or compartments, for separating products from one another within the case.

It is well known to provide packing cases with interlocking partitions to form a network of cells for respectively receiving individual products, for example to protect the products during transport.

A familiar example of such a system is commonly used in wine cases.

A wine case usually consists of a corrugated board box in which is located a divider defining twelve compartments. The divider is formed of a first set of two substantially parallel spaced apart planar cardboard members intersected by a second set of three substantially parallel and regularly spaced apart members at right angles thereto. The first and second sets interlock by means of appropriately orientated slots in each. Wine bottles are thus prevented from knocking against one another and suffering damage during transit.

One particular known divider system is illustrated in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

The main divider comprises two partitions 200, 202.

These are respectively provided with three slots 204, 206 and 208 and two slots 210, 212. The slots extend inwardly from one edge of each partition.

The slots terminate in closed ends 214, 216, 218 and 220, 222. At their open ends, one wall of each is provided with a cutaway portion 224, 226, 228 and 230, 232. The other wall of each slot at the open end is provided with respective tab 234, 236, 238 and 240, 242 opposing the respective cutaway portions.

On an edge opposing the open ends of the slot, there are provided respective notches 244, 246, 248 and 250, 252.

As shown, one of the partitions is inverted relative to the other. In practice, for a twelve compartment case, there will be provided two partitions in the form and in the orientation of partition 200 and three in the form and orientation of partition 202.

In use, partition 202 is arranged substantially at right angles to partition 200. For example, slot 210 is slid into slot 204 and pushed home until the closed ends 214, 220 abut. At that point, the tab 240 of slot 210 will engage with notch 244 on partition 200. At the same time, tab 234 of slot 204 will engage with notch 250 of partion 202.

The interfitting of the respective tabs and notches maintain the integrity of the divider. However, the partitions are somewhat awkward to slot together because when the open end of respective slots are brought together, the tabs on each have to slide past one another. Although this is helped by the cutaway portions, there is a tendency for the tabs become damaged. The partitions are also relatively difficult to pull apart again if required. Yet again, the known system requires the partitions to be formed of flexible material such as thin chipboard, which is undesirable when strength is needed.

We have now overcome these disadvantages by providing, according to the present invention, a partition for a case divider, the partition comprising a web provided with a slot extending inwardly from an open slot end at one edge of the web and terminating in a closed slot end, said slot being substantially straight except for a deviation defining a protrusion at a position between said open and closed ends, the web being provided with an opening spaced apart from said slot but not intersecting an edge of the web, for receiving a protrusion from a like said partition.

The partition may be formed of strong rigid material when strength is required for the divider and/or the case as a whole. Examples of such materials are described hereinbelow.

In many embodiments, the web will be provided with a plurality of substantially similar spaced apart and substantially parallel slots and a plurality of openings respectively spaced apart from said slots but with substantially equal spacing from each other.

Preferably, the or each protrusion has a smooth curved radius.

Often, the web will be substantially square or substantially rectangular and the slot or slots will be substantially parallel to one edge thereof. Although a plurality of slots may extend alternately from opposite edges, preferably they extend from the same edge.

Normally, the or each opening will be substantially in-line with the or each respective slot. Conveniently, the or each opening is in the form of a slit extending in the same direction as the or each respective slot.

In use, one or more such webs parallel to each other interlock with one or more other such webs at right angles thereto by means of their respective slots, so that a closed end of a slot of one web abuts the closed end of a slot of another web arranged substantially at right angles to said one web. The protrusion defined in the deviation of the slot of the one web locates in the opening of the other and vice versa.

Although the resulting divider has a substantially square or rectangular outline in plan view, it is possible to deform it somewhat, into a rhomboid shape.

Naturally, the present invention encompasses a case divider comprising a plurality of interlocked partitions according to the present invention and as hereinbefore defined. However, the applicants may also claim in accordance with the invention, a case divider comprising a plurality of interlocking partitions in which interlocking of at least two of said partitions is secured by a protrusion on one of said at least two partitions and an opening on the other, wherein said opening does not intersect an edge of said other partition.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing, and also in the light of a following description of a preferred embodiment that it is preferred for both said one and said other partition referred to in the preceding paragraph to have a protrusion and an opening which does not intersect an edge of the respective partition, for complementary interfitting of said protrusions and openings. Normally, all of the partitions will have respective such protrusions and openings.

A case divider according to the present invention, however defined, may provide four or more cells or compartments depending on the intended application. For example, as many as 100 cells are easily provided.

Usually, the cells will be square but they could be rectangular or another shape.

Although the partitions will usually be substantially flat, that is not absolutely necessary and for certain specialist applications, it is possible that they could be curved.

The partitions may be made of any of a wide range of materials, for example chipboard, corrugated board, plastics material (planar or corrugated) or any other semi-rigid medium capable of hand or machine assembly and capable of affording the desired degree of cushioning compatible with the desired product and the overall strength of the package.

In the context of the present invention, the term case refers to any box, case or other form of packaging which it is desired to divide up into separate compartments using a case divider according to the present invention. Clearly, such case may be made of any suitable material, for example chipboard, corrugated board or plastics, ie from wood or metal.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail by the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a pair of partitions for a known case divider; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a case divider according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows how the partitions of a case divider shown in Figure 2 are slotted together; Figure 4 shows the detail of the slot and openings of a partition of the case divider shown in Figure 2; and Figure 5 shows a modification of the case divider shown in Figure 2, wherein the partitions are of different heights.

As shown in Figure 2, a case divider 1 according to the present invention comprises two spaced apart and parallel partitions 3, 5 and three shorter spaced apart and parallel partitions 7, 9, 11.

Construction of this case divider will now be explained with particular reference to two of the partitions, namely long partition 5 and short partition 11.

The long partition 5 is provided with respective slots 13, 15 etc. Extending from one edge spaced apart from, and in line with these slots are arranged respective slit openings 19, 21, 23.

Similarly, the shorter partition 11 has two slots 25, 27 extending from an edge 29. Also, a pair of respective slit shape openings 33, 35 are provided in line with and spaced apart from the slots.

It will be appreciated that each of the long partitions and each of the short partitions are substantially identical.

The short partitions are inverted relative to the long partitions and the slots are interfitted as follows.

Referring in particular, to Figure 3, an open end 37 of slot 13 in long partition 5 is mated at an acute angle relative to the vertical, with an open end 39 in slot 25 of short partition 11. The partitions are pushed together until the closed end 41 of slot 13 abuts the closed end 43 of slot 25. Other respective short and long partitions are interconnected likewise to form the divider.

Referring in particular now to Figure 4, the construction of the slots will now be explained. It will be appreciated that the construction of all slots in all the partitions is substantially identical. A description will be given for the slot 27 in the short partition 11.

An open end 45 of slot 27, at edge 29 of the partition is provided with a V-shaped notch 47 for engagement with a corresponding notch in the open end of the slot in the long partition 3. A deviation 49 is provided approximately mid way along the slot between open end 45 and a closed end 51. This deviation provides a curved protrusion 53 in the slot. Thus, the protrusion 53 corresponds to the parallel indent 55 in the opposing wall of the slot.

The radii of the protrusion and indent are such that they allow smooth assembly. As the partitions are pushed together, the protrusion rides over the surface of the partition with which it is being mated. When the respective partitions have been pushed completely together, the curved protrusion will lock into the corresponding slit shape opening in the other partition.

After pushing the partitions together at an acute angle, the pieces are squared-up so that all the protrusions lock into their appropriate slots.

In general, the width of the slot will be equivalent to two to three times the thickness of the material being used.

Referring now to Figure 5, another divider 61 is shown, being a modification of the case divider in Figure 2.

All parts are substantially identical to those of the divider shown in Figure 2, except that the short partitions are not as high as the long partitions. As a result, when assembled, lower edges 63, 65, 67 of the short partitions do not extend down as far as the lower edges 69, 71 of the long partitions.

In the light of this disclosure, it will now be apparent to persons skilled in the art that other modifications of the described embodiment, as well as other embodiments, all within the scope of the present invention as hereinbefore defined will be possible.

Claims

1. A partition for a case divider, the partition comprising a web provided with a slot extending inwardly from an open slot end at one edge of the web and terminating in a closed slot end, said slot being substantially straight except for a deviation defining a protrusion at a position between said open and closed ends, the web being provided with an opening spaced apart from said slot but not intersecting an edge of the web, for receiving a protrusion from a like said partition.

2. A partition according to claim 1, wherein the web is provided with a plurality of substantially similar spaced apart and substantially parallel slots and a plurality of openings respectively spaced apart from said slots but with substantially equal spacing from each other.

3. A partition according to either preceding claim, wherein the or each protrusion has a smooth curved radius.

4. A partition according to any preceding claim, wherein the web is substantially square or substantially rectangular and the slot or slots are substantially parallel to one edge thereof.

5. A partition according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of slots extend alternately from opposite edges.

6. A partition according to any of claims 1-4, wherein, a plurality of slots extend from the same edge.

7. A partition according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each opening is substantially in-line with the or each respective slot.

8. A partition according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each opening is in the form of a slit extending in the same direction as the or each respective slot.

9. A case divider comprising a plurality of interlocked partitions according to any preceding claim.

10. A case divider according to claim 8, wherein one or more webs of respective case dividers are interlocked with one or more other such webs of other respective case dividers at right angles thereto by means of their respective slots, so that a closed end of a slot of one web abuts the closed end of a slot of another web arranged substantially at right angles to said one web.

11. A case divider according to claim 10, wherein the protrusion defined in the deviation of the slot of the one web is located n the opening of the other and vice versa.

12. A case divider substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 3-5 of the accompanying drawings.

12. A case divider comprising a plurality of interlocking partitions in which interlocking of at least two of said partitions is secured by a protrusion on one of said at least two partitions and an opening on the other, wherein said opening does not intersect an edge of said other partition.

13. A case divider according to claim 12, wherein both said one and said other partition have a respective protrusion and an opening which does not intersect an edge of the respective partition, for complementary interfitting of said protrusions and openings-.

14. A case divider according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein all of the partitions will have respective such protrusions and openings.

15. A partition for a case divider, the partition being substantially hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 2-5 of the accompanying drawings.

16. A case divider substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 3-5 of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A partition for a case divider, the partition comprising a web provided with a slot extending inwardly from an open slot end at one edge of the web and terminating in a closed slot end, said slot being substantially straight except for a deviation defining a protrusion having a smooth curved radius and being located at a position between said open and closed ends, the web being provided with an opening spaced apart from said slot but not intersecting an edge of the web, for receiving a protrusion from a like said partition.

3. A partition according to any preceding claim, wherein the web is substantially square or substantially rectangular and the slot or slots are substantially parallel to one edge thereof.

4. A partition according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of slots extend alternately from opposite edges.

5. A partition according to any of claims 1-3, wherein, a plurality of slots extend from the same edge.

6. A partition according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each opening is substantially in-line with the or each respective slot.

7. A partition according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each opening is in the form of a slit extending in the same direction as the or each respective slot.

8. A case divider comprising a plurality of interlocked partitions according to any preceding claim.

9. A case divider according to claim 7, wherein one or more webs of respective case dividers are interlocked with one or more other such webs of other respective case dividers at right angles thereto by means of their respective slots, so that a closed end of a slot of one web abuts the closed end of a slot of another web arranged substantially at right angles to said one web.

10. A case divider according to claim 9, wherein the protrusion defined in the deviation of the slot of the one web is located in the opening of the other and vice versa.

11. A partition for a case divider, the partition being substantially hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 2-5 of the accompanying drawings.