US3462009A - Package means for container means - Google Patents
Package means for container means Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3462009A US3462009A US621254A US3462009DA US3462009A US 3462009 A US3462009 A US 3462009A US 621254 A US621254 A US 621254A US 3462009D A US3462009D A US 3462009DA US 3462009 A US3462009 A US 3462009A
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- package
- cans
- yieldable
- rod
- cylindrical
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- Expired - Lifetime
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 22
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 18
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 16
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 14
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021438 curry Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002654 heat shrinkable material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
- B65D71/08—Wrappers shrunk by heat or under tension, e.g. stretch films or films tensioned by compressed articles
- B65D71/10—Wrappers shrunk by heat or under tension, e.g. stretch films or films tensioned by compressed articles and provided with inserts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00006—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
- B65D2571/00012—Bundles surrounded by a film
- B65D2571/00018—Bundles surrounded by a film under tension
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/54—Cards, coupons or other inserts or accessories
- B65D75/56—Handles or other suspension means
Definitions
- Another feature of this invention is to provide package means for a plurality of individual containers having yieldable rod-like means arranged between and substantially transverse to the central axes of such containers and including overwrapping means for overwrapping such containers to compress and'pa'rtially yieldingly deform such yieldable rod-like means between exterior side surface means of such containers to prevent relative movement therebetween.
- Another feature of this invention is to provide a package for a plurality; of substantially cylindrical cans which utilizes yieldable rod-like'meansof the "character mentioned and wherein such yieldable rod-dike" means also defines handle means for such package,
- Another feature'of this invention is to "provide'an improved method of packaging container "means in an economical manner. 7
- Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved method of packaging container means which utilizes comparatively small amounts-of packaging materials.
- an improved method of packaging-cylindrical cans which utilizes yieldable rod-like means arranged substantially transverse to the central axes ,of. such cans,. t o. provide yieldable spacing means betweensuch cans to thereby prevent chime ride between cans arranged immediately adjacent each other.
- Another feature of this invention is to providean improved method of the character mentioned wherein such yieldable rod-like spacing means also defines integral handle means for the resulting package construction.
- FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of package means of this invention.
- FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the manner of carrying the package means of FIGURE 1 using integral handle means provided therein.
- FIGURE 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of FIG- URE 1.
- FIGURE 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 1.
- FIGURE 5 is a side elevation illustrating a plurality of two package means identical to the package means of FIGURE 1 arranged in side by side relation and particularly illustrating the manner of nesting the integral handle means of one package means within the adjoining package means without lost space therebetween.
- FIGURE 6 is a view on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5.
- FIGURE 7 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of package means of this invention.
- FIGURE 8 is a side view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of package means of this invention.
- FIGURE 9 is a perspective view illustrating the manner of carrying the package means of FIGURE 8.
- FIGURE 10 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of package means of this invention.
- FIGURE 11 is a sectional view on the line 1111 of FIGURE 10.
- FIGURE 12 is a sectional view on the line 12-12 of FIGURE 10.
- FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating one example of elongated tubular stock material which may be used to make yieldable rod-like means used in the various embodiments of package means of the invention.
- FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating another example of elongated stock material, of solid cross-sectional configuration, which may also be used to make yieldable rod-like means used in the various embodiments of package means of this invention.
- FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of package means ofthis invention.
- an improved package means shown as a package 20 containing a plurality of six container means or cans each designated generally by the numeral 21.
- Cans 21 of this example are arranged in a plurality of two rows having three cans in each row.
- Cans 21 are overwrapped bysuitable overwrap means shown in this example as a plastic overwrap designated generally by the numeral 22.
- Each can 21 of this exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown as a right circular cylindrical can having a cylindrical side wall 23 and a pair of end closures each designated by the numeral 24.
- Each exemplary can 21 also has a chime-like end means or a chime end 25 defining the peripheral edge of each end closure 24.
- Yieldable rod-like means shown as a yieldable member 26 is arranged between adjacent side surface means, i.e. adjacent cylindrical surfaces 23, of cans 21 so that yieldable member 26 extends substantially transverse to the central axes of cylindrical cans 21.
- cans 21 are shown arranged in parallel relation with their central axes extending substantially vertically and yieldable member 26 is arranged with its main portion substantially horizontally between cans 21.
- Yieldable member 26 is placed between the two rows of cylindrical cans 21 so that the cylindrical surface 23 of each can engages a portion thereof.
- Plastic overwrap 22 is overwrapped around cans 21 and yieldable member 26 in such a manner that member 26 is compressed between cooperating portions of cylindrical surfaces 23 of each pair of side by side cans to form flattened yieldable surface means designated by the numeral 27.
- Base portion 32 of yieldable member 26 is arranged so that it extends outwardly beyond peripheral surface means of cylindrical cans 21 immediately adjacent thereto and a space is provided as illustrated at 34 between leg portion 32 and the immediately adjacent end cans 21. Space 34 enables one to insert his fingers or hand therethrough for easy carrying of package 20 in suspended relation essentially as illustrated in FIGURE 2 of the drawings.
- the overwra-p means 22 is preferably made of a plastic material and in this example of the invention such plastic material is preferably a heat-shrinkable transparent material.
- Heat-shrinkable transparent plastic 22 is heat shrunk around cylindrical cans 21 after placing yieldable member 26 in position to thereby urge cylindrical cans 21 toward each other and compress yieldable member 26 between adjacent cylindrical surfaces 23 of cans 21 arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of member 26 as previously described. This urging-compressing action is created by contraction of the plastic material 22 and is achieved in a known manner using any suitable plastic material.
- the heat-shrinkable plastic overwrapping material 22 may be wrapped around cylindrical cans 21 with yieldable member 26 in position in any known manner prior to heat shrinking thereof.
- plastic overwrap 22 is initially preferably of tubular construction having open ends and cylindrical cans 21 with yieldable member 26 in position are simply placed therewithin and the entire package is then subjected to a controlled temperature environment to provide the package construction illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings.
- Yieldable member 26 is quite flexible and easily bent yet without losing its resilient characteristics in a direction substantially transverse to its elongated axis.
- FIGURES 5 and 6 it is a simple matter to arrange a plurality of packages (two in this example) endto-end and merely to deform each handle portion 32 into the available space at the end of an associated adjoining package without lost space between adjoining packages.
- This feature makes it possible to easily stack a plurality of packages 20 for transportation and storage with maximum utilization of space yet without damage to yieldable member 26 and specifically to its handle portion.
- each end portion 37A extends sufiiciently beyond its associated end of package 20A to define a handle for package 20A at each end thereof, it will be appreciated that the oval-shaped member 35A may be arranged so that handle means is provided only at one end. Further, both end portions 37A may be arranged within the peripheral outlines of associated end cans so that oval member 35A provides its spacing function to provide the improved package means of this invention and the resulting package may be carried in any suitable manner, for example, as shown in FIG- URE 9.
- the basic dilference between members 26 and 35A is that member 26 is arranged in a substantially U-shaped pattern between associated cans 21 while member 35A is arranged in a substantially oval-shaped pattern between its associated cans 21A.
- FIGURES 8 and 9 of the drawings Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9 of the drawings.
- the package illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9 is quite similar to the package 20 previously illustrated and described and therefore such package will be designated by the numeral 20B and similar component parts thereof will be designated by the same numeral as in package 20 and also followed by the letter designation B.
- yieldable member 26B of package 203 is arranged so that its base portion 32B is within the outer outline of cylindrical side walls 23B of associated end cans 21B.
- transverse leg portion 32B of U- shaped member 26B is not usable as handle means.
- yieldable spacing is still provided by member 263 in the same manner as described in connection with member 26 of package 20.
- Package 20B may be carried essentially as illustrated in FIGURE 9 of the drawings by using one hand as shown to grasp thereacross.
- the embodiment illustrated in FIG- URES 8 and 9 is preferably used with cylindrical cans 20B of comparatively small diameter to enable the simple grasping annd carrying in the manner illustrated.
- FIGURES 10-12 of the drawings Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURES 10-12 of the drawings.
- the package means or package of FIGURES l0-12 is similar to package therefore, such latter package will be designated by the numeral 20C and parts thereof which are similar to corresponding parts of package 20 will be designated by the same numeral as previously also followed by the letter designation C.
- the only difference between package 20C and package 20 is in the construction and arrangement of the yielable rod-like means provided between the rows of parallel cans.
- Package 20C utilizes an elongated substantially straight rod-like member designated by the numeral 400 between the pair of parallel rows of cylindrical cans 21C.
- Yieldable rod-like member 40C of this exemplary embodiment of the invention is preferably of circular cross-sectional outline and preferably solid in cross secion.
- Elongated member 40C is arranged transverse, i.e. substantially perpendicular, to the axes of cylindrical cans 21C.
- Member 40C also has integral handle means designated by the numeral 42C defining terminal end means thereof to enable package 20C and hence cylindrical cans 21C to be carried by handle 42C in suspended relation.
- Handle 42C in this exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated as being provided at one end of elongated straight member 40C and has an opening therein designated by the numeral at 43C which enables one to insert a hand or grasping fingers therethrough to suspend package 20C essentially as illustrated in FIGURE l2.and enable easy carrying thereof.
- the elongated straight member 40C of this exemplary embodiment of the invention has handle 42C provided at one end thereof, it will be appreciated that such handle 42C may be provided at both ends, if desired.
- the shrunk plastic material 22C urges the cylindrical side surfaces 230 of cans 21C against yieldable member 40C essentially as illustrated at 44C in FIGURES 11 and 12 to define an oval configuration.
- the previously circular cross-sectional configuration of member 40C is flattened to form an elongated oval configuration at three spaced apart locations therealong as determined by three associated pairs of cans 210.
- member 40C provides adequate spacing between immediately adjacent cans 21C to prevent relative movement therebetween and hence prevent the chime ends 25C of immediately adjacent cans from riding one on top of the other.
- Exemplary package 20C of FIGURES 10-12 is shown utilizing a single elongated member 40C having integral handle means 42C provided at one end thereof.
- a plurality of elongated straight yieldable members each designated by the numeral 48C and shown in FIGURE 15 may be used in lieu of a single member.
- one or more of such plurality of straight members may have handle means provided at one or both ends thereof.
- one or more straight rod-like members 48C are utilized they are preferably arranged in essentially parallel relation with a pair of such straight members being arranged immediately adjacent chime end means at each end of each cylindrical can 21C.
- Each yieldable rod-like member used in each exemplary package of this disclosure is generally an elongated slender member of comparatively small cross-sectional area.
- each yieldable member may be arranged to define a substantially U-shaped configuration, an oval-shaped configuration, or may be arranged essentially in a rectilinear path.
- each yieldable member may have a cross-sectional configuration which is either solid or annular and each yieldable member of either solid or annular configuration may have a peripheral outline which is either circular or non-circular such as elliptical, rectangular, etc.
- FIGURE 13 illustrates a section of tubular stock designated generally by the numeral 45 which is of tubular constmction and substantially rectangular, i.e. square in this instance, peripheral outline.
- member 45 may be suitably arranged to define substantially U-shaped members 26 and 26B, a substantially over-shaped member 35A, or straight members 400 and 48C.
- FIGURE 14 illustrates a section of elongated stock material which is of solid cross section and circular peripheral outline and such stock material is designated generally by the numeral 47.
- Stock 47 may be formed in any suitable manner to define yieldable members 26, 26B, 35A, 400, and 48C.
- Each yieldable member of this disclosure may be formed in its particular illustrated configuration by any suitable manufacturing method.
- such yieldable members may be made of plastic-like materials by molding, or the like.
- members 26, 26B, 35A, 400, and 48C of plastic-like materials, by way of example; however, it is to be understood that such members may be made of any suitable material including but not being limited to plastic, rubber-like material, yieldable paper constructions, any gasket-like material, and generally any yieldable material which can be made in rod-like form and shaped in the kinds of configurations illustrated.
- each yieldable member is such that it is resiliently compressible transverse to its elongated axis yet comparatively stable in dimension in a direction substantially along its central axis once such yieldable member is installed between an associated pair of parallel rows of cans.
- This preferred feature assures, for example, that the cylindrical cans in each row will not be urged together so as to cause chime ride therebetween.
- portions 31 of member 26, 31B of member 26B, 36A of member 35A, and members 40C and 48C (which are all arranged substantially transverse to the axes of their associated cans) assure that chime ride between cans in each associated row on each side of a given yieldable member is not possible.
- each cylindrical side wall of each can is urged into an adjoining portion of an associated yieldable member to form a concave impression.
- a concave impression is exaggerated in the drawings, it still exists to a certain degree and the concave surface provided together with the substantially resilient character of each associated yieldable member further assures that upon suspending each package essentially from its associated yieldable member such package may be carried without likelihood of coming apart.
- each examplary package means 20, A, 20B, and 20C of this invention is of simple and economical construction, is provided with a minimum amount of packaging material, requires only two structural units to hold its associated cans together, and is easily provided without requiring special equipment. This, in effect, results in the provision of package means and a method of making package means which adds minimal cost to the product being sold.
- overwrap means shown in the various exemplary embodiments of this invention is shown as a transparent plastic overwrap made of a heat-shrinkable material.
- overwrap means may be made of any suitable material whether plastic or not and the only action that is required by such overwrap means is that the oppositely arranged cans or container means be urged toward each other so as to compress the yieldable member therebetween essentially in the manner illustrated and described previously.
- Each exemplary embodiment of this invention presented above illustrates a plurality of six cylindrical container means or cans in each particular package construction; however, it will be appreciated that any desired number of cans may be suitably packaged in accordance with the teachings of this invention.
- a plurality of more than two parallel rows of cylindrical cans may be suitably arranged with yieldable rod-like means between each immediately adjacent pair of parallel rows to provide the simple and economical construction afforded by package means of this invention.
- each yieldable member in each exemplary embodiment may be merely placed substantially transverse to the axes of the various cans involved and upon overwrapping the particular associated cans in any suitable manner, as by 8 heat shrinking a plastic material therearound, an improved economical package construction is provided wherein chime ride between adjoining cans is prevented.
- the thickness of each yieldable rod-like member perpendicular to its elongated axis and between each pair of parallel rows of cans is determined in each instance by the particular container means, such as cans, being overwrapped. For example, in the case of cans having chime end means at one or both ends, such material would be substantially equal to (i.e. slightly thicker) than the radial thickness of such chime end means.
- this invention provides an improved method of packaging container means such as cylindrical cans, or the like.
- said rod-like means is formed to define an oval-shaped member and arranged between said adjacent side surface means, said oval-shaped member having a pair of side portions, and said pair of side portions providing a pair of spaced concave resiliently yieldable surface means engaging each container.
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Description
Aug. 19,-1969 n. c. MOORE PACKAGE MEANS FOR. CONTAINER MEANS 3 Sheets-Sheetl Filed March 7, 1967 INVENTOR. DONALD c. MOORE ms ATTORNEYS g- 1959 o. c. MOORE 3,462,009 I PACKAGE MEANS FOR CONTAINER MEANS Filed Narh 7, 1967 I 5 Sheets-Shut 2 v. f A v 25 24 32 24 INVENTOR. DONALD c. MOORE HIS ATTORNEYS Aug. 19,1 969 o. c. MOORE 3 6 ,0 I
PACKAGE MEANS FOR CONTAINER MEANS Filed March 'i, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. DONALD C. MOORE ms ATTORNEY$ United States Patent 3,462,009 PACKAGE MEANS FOR CONTAINER MEANS Donald C. Moore, Richmond, Va., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va.-, a corporation of Delaware Filed Mar. 7, 1967, Ser. No. 621,254 Int. Cl. B65d 85/62 15 Claims US. Cl. 206-65 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to packaging and more particularly to improved package means for container means and a method of packaging such container means.
Many products are sold in packages containing a plurality of individual containers such as cans, for example, wherein it is desirable to package such cans in a package which is easy to transport, store, and carry yet which is inexpensive to provide.
Accordingly, it is a feature of this invention to provide improved package means for a plurality of individual containers which is of simple and economical construction and which enables such containers to be easily transported and handled.
Another feature of this invention is to provide package means for a plurality of individual containers having yieldable rod-like means arranged between and substantially transverse to the central axes of such containers and including overwrapping means for overwrapping such containers to compress and'pa'rtially yieldingly deform such yieldable rod-like means between exterior side surface means of such containers to prevent relative movement therebetween. v
Another feature of this invention is to provide a package for a plurality; of substantially cylindrical cans which utilizes yieldable rod-like'meansof the "character mentioned and wherein such yieldable rod-dike" means also defines handle means for such package,
Another feature'of this invention "is to "provide'an improved method of packaging container "means in an economical manner. 7
Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved method of packaging container means which utilizes comparatively small amounts-of packaging materials. a
-Another feature. of this invention is to provide: an improved method of packaging-cylindrical cans which utilizes yieldable rod-like means arranged substantially transverse to the central axes ,of. such cans,. t o. provide yieldable spacing means betweensuch cans to thereby prevent chime ride between cans arranged immediately adjacent each other. A, v v
Another feature of this invention is to providean improved method of the character mentioned wherein such yieldable rod-like spacing means also defines integral handle means for the resulting package construction.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to' provide improved package means for container means and an 3,462,009 Patented Aug. 19, 1969 "ice improved method of packaging such container means having one or more of the novel features of this invention as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.
Other objects, uses, and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of package means of this invention.
FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the manner of carrying the package means of FIGURE 1 using integral handle means provided therein.
FIGURE 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of FIG- URE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 5 is a side elevation illustrating a plurality of two package means identical to the package means of FIGURE 1 arranged in side by side relation and particularly illustrating the manner of nesting the integral handle means of one package means within the adjoining package means without lost space therebetween.
FIGURE 6 is a view on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5.
FIGURE 7 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of package means of this invention.
FIGURE 8 is a side view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of package means of this invention.
FIGURE 9 is a perspective view illustrating the manner of carrying the package means of FIGURE 8.
FIGURE 10 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of package means of this invention.
FIGURE 11 is a sectional view on the line 1111 of FIGURE 10.
FIGURE 12 is a sectional view on the line 12-12 of FIGURE 10.
FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating one example of elongated tubular stock material which may be used to make yieldable rod-like means used in the various embodiments of package means of the invention.
FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating another example of elongated stock material, of solid cross-sectional configuration, which may also be used to make yieldable rod-like means used in the various embodiments of package means of this invention.
FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of package means ofthis invention.
While the variousfeatures of this invention are hereinafter illustrated and described asbeing particularly adaptable for providing improved package means for container means such as cylindrical cans containing food products, such as beverages, for example, and to an improved method of packaging such cans, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be utilized singly OI'ziD. any combination thereof to provide improved package means for and an improved method of packaging container means containing other products, as desired. 7 a
Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, because the drawings are merely utilized to illustrate examples-of the wide variety of uses of this invention.
In the exemplary embodiment of this invention illustratedin FIGURES 1-6, an improved package means shown as a package 20 containing a plurality of six container means or cans each designated generally by the numeral 21. Cans 21 of this example are arranged in a plurality of two rows having three cans in each row. Cans 21 are overwrapped bysuitable overwrap means shown in this example as a plastic overwrap designated generally by the numeral 22.
Each can 21 of this exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown as a right circular cylindrical can having a cylindrical side wall 23 and a pair of end closures each designated by the numeral 24. Each exemplary can 21 also has a chime-like end means or a chime end 25 defining the peripheral edge of each end closure 24.
Yieldable rod-like means shown as a yieldable member 26 is arranged between adjacent side surface means, i.e. adjacent cylindrical surfaces 23, of cans 21 so that yieldable member 26 extends substantially transverse to the central axes of cylindrical cans 21. In the exemplary illustration of FIGURE 1, cans 21 are shown arranged in parallel relation with their central axes extending substantially vertically and yieldable member 26 is arranged with its main portion substantially horizontally between cans 21.
As seen particularly in FIGURES 3 and 4 of the drawings, flattened yieldable surface means 27 is defined in member 26 at each location where a pair of side by side cans are compressed thereagainst and the resulting construction assures that cans 21 will not move relative to member 26 and hence relative to each other during transportation and handling of package 20 thereby preventing chime ride between adjoining cans while making each package easier to handle. In addition, the clamping action provided by overwrap 22 urging cans 21 tightly against member 26 assures that upon grasping a portion of yieldable member 26, essentially as illustrated in FIGURE 2, such yieldable member remains firmly clamped enabling it to be used as a carrying handle enabling the six cans 21 to be carried in suspended relation.
As previously mentioned, the overwra-p means 22 is preferably made of a plastic material and in this example of the invention such plastic material is preferably a heat-shrinkable transparent material. Heat-shrinkable transparent plastic 22 is heat shrunk around cylindrical cans 21 after placing yieldable member 26 in position to thereby urge cylindrical cans 21 toward each other and compress yieldable member 26 between adjacent cylindrical surfaces 23 of cans 21 arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of member 26 as previously described. This urging-compressing action is created by contraction of the plastic material 22 and is achieved in a known manner using any suitable plastic material.
The heat-shrinkable plastic overwrapping material 22 may be wrapped around cylindrical cans 21 with yieldable member 26 in position in any known manner prior to heat shrinking thereof. However, plastic overwrap 22 is initially preferably of tubular construction having open ends and cylindrical cans 21 with yieldable member 26 in position are simply placed therewithin and the entire package is then subjected to a controlled temperature environment to provide the package construction illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings.
Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURE 7 of the drawings. the package construction or package illustrated in FIGURE 7 is quite similar to package 20; therefore, such latter package will be designated by the numeral 20A and corresponding component parts thereof will be designated by the same numeral as package 20 also followed by the letter designation A and not described again. The only part of package 20A which is basically different from package 20 is the yieldable member provided therein and such yieldable member will be designated generally by the numeral 35A and described in detail.
While in this exemplary embodiment each end portion 37A extends sufiiciently beyond its associated end of package 20A to define a handle for package 20A at each end thereof, it will be appreciated that the oval-shaped member 35A may be arranged so that handle means is provided only at one end. Further, both end portions 37A may be arranged within the peripheral outlines of associated end cans so that oval member 35A provides its spacing function to provide the improved package means of this invention and the resulting package may be carried in any suitable manner, for example, as shown in FIG- URE 9.
The substantially diametrically opposed portions 36A extend along the cylindrical side surfaces of associated cylindrical cans 21A and are arranged immediatel inwardly of associated chime ends 25A. Thus, yieldable spacing is provided at opposite ends of each can 21A in essentially the same manner as described in connection with the U-shaped yieldable member 26 comprising package construction 20. I
Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9 of the drawings. The package illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9 is quite similar to the package 20 previously illustrated and described and therefore such package will be designated by the numeral 20B and similar component parts thereof will be designated by the same numeral as in package 20 and also followed by the letter designation B.
Basically, the only difference between package 20 and package 20B is that yieldable member 26B of package 203 is arranged so that its base portion 32B is within the outer outline of cylindrical side walls 23B of associated end cans 21B. Thus, transverse leg portion 32B of U- shaped member 26B is not usable as handle means. Nevertheless, yieldable spacing is still provided by member 263 in the same manner as described in connection with member 26 of package 20. v
Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURES 10-12 of the drawings. The package means or package of FIGURES l0-12 is similar to package therefore, such latter package will be designated by the numeral 20C and parts thereof which are similar to corresponding parts of package 20 will be designated by the same numeral as previously also followed by the letter designation C. Basically, the only difference between package 20C and package 20 is in the construction and arrangement of the yielable rod-like means provided between the rows of parallel cans.
In much the same manner as described in connection with the previous embodiments of this invention, cylindrical cans 21C are arranged in two parallel rows of three cans in each row and elongated yieldable member 400 is suitably placed therebetween. Cans 21C and yieldable member 40C are then overwrapped with heat-shrinkable plastic-material 22C and the entire assembly is subjected to a controlled heat environment, for example, as provided by a suitable heating oven to thereby heat shrink plastic 22C in position to define the package 20C shown in FIGURE 10.
The shrunk plastic material 22C urges the cylindrical side surfaces 230 of cans 21C against yieldable member 40C essentially as illustrated at 44C in FIGURES 11 and 12 to define an oval configuration. Thus, it is seen that the previously circular cross-sectional configuration of member 40C is flattened to form an elongated oval configuration at three spaced apart locations therealong as determined by three associated pairs of cans 210.
In the same manner as discussed in connection with previous embodiments of this invention, the yieldable resilient nature of member 40C together with the force exerted by heat shrimk plastic film 22C assures that member 40C is firmly held in position enabling package 200 to be suspended for carrying using the handle portion 42C of member 40C. Further, member 40C provides adequate spacing between immediately adjacent cans 21C to prevent relative movement therebetween and hence prevent the chime ends 25C of immediately adjacent cans from riding one on top of the other.
Each yieldable rod-like member used in each exemplary package of this disclosure is generally an elongated slender member of comparatively small cross-sectional area. As presented above each yieldable member may be arranged to define a substantially U-shaped configuration, an oval-shaped configuration, or may be arranged essentially in a rectilinear path. Also, each yieldable member may have a cross-sectional configuration which is either solid or annular and each yieldable member of either solid or annular configuration may have a peripheral outline which is either circular or non-circular such as elliptical, rectangular, etc.
By way of example, FIGURE 13 illustrates a section of tubular stock designated generally by the numeral 45 which is of tubular constmction and substantially rectangular, i.e. square in this instance, peripheral outline. As previously indicated, member 45 may be suitably arranged to define substantially U-shaped members 26 and 26B, a substantially over-shaped member 35A, or straight members 400 and 48C.
Again by way of example, FIGURE 14 illustrates a section of elongated stock material which is of solid cross section and circular peripheral outline and such stock material is designated generally by the numeral 47. Stock 47 may be formed in any suitable manner to define yieldable members 26, 26B, 35A, 400, and 48C.
Thus, it is seen that the novel features of this invention are provided in the various package constructions irrespective of whether the elongated yieldable members are of solid or tubular construction. Further, the unique action is provided by each yieldable member irrespective of its peripheral cross-sectional outline. Accordingly, and repeating for emphasis,'the configurations presented in FIGURES 13 and 14 are presented merely to show examples of the many constructions capable of being used to define the yieldable members of this invention.
Each yieldable member of this disclosure may be formed in its particular illustrated configuration by any suitable manufacturing method. For example, such yieldable members may be made of plastic-like materials by molding, or the like.
Reference is made above to the making of members 26, 26B, 35A, 400, and 48C of plastic-like materials, by way of example; however, it is to be understood that such members may be made of any suitable material including but not being limited to plastic, rubber-like material, yieldable paper constructions, any gasket-like material, and generally any yieldable material which can be made in rod-like form and shaped in the kinds of configurations illustrated.
Irrespective of the particular material which is used to form the yieldable rod-like means of this invention it is preferred that the material construction of each yieldable member is such that it is resiliently compressible transverse to its elongated axis yet comparatively stable in dimension in a direction substantially along its central axis once such yieldable member is installed between an associated pair of parallel rows of cans. This preferred feature assures, for example, that the cylindrical cans in each row will not be urged together so as to cause chime ride therebetween. Thus, portions 31 of member 26, 31B of member 26B, 36A of member 35A, and members 40C and 48C (which are all arranged substantially transverse to the axes of their associated cans) assure that chime ride between cans in each associated row on each side of a given yieldable member is not possible.
As illustrated particularly in FIGURES 3 and 12, each cylindrical side wall of each can is urged into an adjoining portion of an associated yieldable member to form a concave impression. Although such impression is exaggerated in the drawings, it still exists to a certain degree and the concave surface provided together with the substantially resilient character of each associated yieldable member further assures that upon suspending each package essentially from its associated yieldable member such package may be carried without likelihood of coming apart.
Thus, it is seen that each examplary package means 20, A, 20B, and 20C of this invention is of simple and economical construction, is provided with a minimum amount of packaging material, requires only two structural units to hold its associated cans together, and is easily provided without requiring special equipment. This, in effect, results in the provision of package means and a method of making package means which adds minimal cost to the product being sold.
The overwrap means shown in the various exemplary embodiments of this invention is shown as a transparent plastic overwrap made of a heat-shrinkable material. However, it is to be understood that such overwrap means may be made of any suitable material whether plastic or not and the only action that is required by such overwrap means is that the oppositely arranged cans or container means be urged toward each other so as to compress the yieldable member therebetween essentially in the manner illustrated and described previously.
Each exemplary embodiment of this invention presented above illustrates a plurality of six cylindrical container means or cans in each particular package construction; however, it will be appreciated that any desired number of cans may be suitably packaged in accordance with the teachings of this invention. Thus, a plurality of more than two parallel rows of cylindrical cans may be suitably arranged with yieldable rod-like means between each immediately adjacent pair of parallel rows to provide the simple and economical construction afforded by package means of this invention.
The utilization of yieldable members such as members 26, 26B, A, C, and 48C enables placing such member between associated parallel rows of cylindrical cans without special concern for the exact placement of the particular elongated yieldable member. Thus, each yieldable member in each exemplary embodiment may be merely placed substantially transverse to the axes of the various cans involved and upon overwrapping the particular associated cans in any suitable manner, as by 8 heat shrinking a plastic material therearound, an improved economical package construction is provided wherein chime ride between adjoining cans is prevented. The thickness of each yieldable rod-like member perpendicular to its elongated axis and between each pair of parallel rows of cans is determined in each instance by the particular container means, such as cans, being overwrapped. For example, in the case of cans having chime end means at one or both ends, such material would be substantially equal to (i.e. slightly thicker) than the radial thickness of such chime end means.
Terms such as ends, side wall, inwardly, transverse, vertically, horizontally, and the like, have been used in this disclosure of the invention merely for ease of description and to correspond to the arrangement of the various component parts as illustrated in the drawings, and such terms should not be considered as limiting the scope of this invention in any way.
Thus, it is seen that an improved package means has been provided by this invention which is of simple and economical construction.
Further, this invention provides an improved method of packaging container means such as cylindrical cans, or the like.
While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by statute, other form may be used, all coming within the scope of the claimed subject matter which follows.
What is claimed is:
1. In combination: a plurality of containers arranged with their central axes in parallel relation with each container having side surface means and package means for said containers, said package means comprising, resiliently yieldable rod-like means arranged between adjacent side surface means of said containers and substantially transverse to said central axes, and overwrap means for overwrapping said containers, said overwrap means yieldingly urging a side surface means of each container against said rod-like means to define an associated substantially concave resiliently yieldable surface means therein, said concave resiliently yieldable surface means holding said containers in spaced relation including in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of said rod-like means and preventing relative movement between said containers and said rod-like means during transportation and handling of said containers.
2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said plurality of containers comprises a plurality of substantially right circular cylindrical cans having chime end means and said rod-like means in addition to holding said cans in spaced relation and preventing relative movement between said cans and said rod-like means also prevents chime ride between said plurality of cans.
3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said plurality of containers comprises a plurality of parallel rows of containers and said rod-like means comprises rod-like means arranged between each immediately adjacent pair of parallel rows.
4. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod-like means comprises an elongated substantially straight member.
5. The combination as set forth in claim 4 in which said straight member has integral handle means defining terminal end means thereof to enable said container to be carried in suspended relation by said handle means.
6. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod-like means comprises a plurality of elongated substantially straight members arranged in spaced relation and providing a plurality of concave resiliently yieldable surface means engaging each container.
7. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod-like means comprises a substantially U-shaped member having its outwardly extending legs arranged substantially transverse to said central axes, said outwardly extending legs providin a pair of spaced con- 9 cave resiliently yieldable surface means engaging each container.
8. The combination as set forth in claim 7 in which said U-shaped member is arranged with its base portion extending outwardly from peripheral surface means of containers adjacent thereto to define handle means enabling said containers to be carried in suspended relation thereby.
9. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod-like means is formed to define an oval-shaped member and arranged between said adjacent side surface means, said oval-shaped member having a pair of side portions, and said pair of side portions providing a pair of spaced concave resiliently yieldable surface means engaging each container.
10. The combination as set forth in claim 9 in which said oval-shaped member has at least one end portion thereof extending outwardly beyond peripheral surface means of containers immediately adjacent thereto to define handle means enabling said containers to be carried in suspended relation thereby.
11. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod-like means is initially of substantially circular cross-sectional outline prior to urging said adjacent side surface means of said containers thereagainst.
12. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod-like means is initially of substantially non-circular cross-sectional outline prior to urging said adjacent side surface means of said containers thereagainst.
13. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said overwrap means comprises heat shrinkable plastic overwrap means.
14. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod-like means is formed as a tubular means, said tubular means being more easily compressible to define said substantially concave resiliently yieldable surface means.
15. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod-like means is formed as a solid member.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,186,544 6/1965 Curry et a1. 224-4525 3,371,105 7/1967 Gordon. 3,387,702 6/ 1968 Reynolds et a1.
JAMES B. MARBERT, Primary Examiner U.S. C1. X.R. 29487.2
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US62125467A | 1967-03-07 | 1967-03-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US3462009A true US3462009A (en) | 1969-08-19 |
Family
ID=24489404
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US621254A Expired - Lifetime US3462009A (en) | 1967-03-07 | 1967-03-07 | Package means for container means |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3462009A (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3628823A (en) * | 1968-10-14 | 1971-12-21 | Illinois Tool Works | Multipack carriers |
| US3746179A (en) * | 1971-07-30 | 1973-07-17 | G Paumgardhen | Flexible suspended wine rack |
| US4793647A (en) * | 1987-11-02 | 1988-12-27 | Marvin Claire C | Cup caddy |
| US5092456A (en) * | 1986-11-18 | 1992-03-03 | Straub Albert H | Coaster carrier and coaster |
| US20070215505A1 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Walker Terry D | Shrink-Wrap Packaging Incorporating Reinforced Integral Handle |
| US20070215504A1 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Walker Terry D | Shrink-wrap packaging incorporating reinforced integral handle |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3186544A (en) * | 1962-02-23 | 1965-06-01 | Byron V Curry | Multiple container package and carrier |
| US3371105A (en) * | 1964-11-30 | 1968-02-27 | Dow Chemical Co | Method for the production of 10-chlorophenoxarsine |
| US3387702A (en) * | 1965-03-15 | 1968-06-11 | Reynolds Metals Co | Package construction and method of making the same or the like |
-
1967
- 1967-03-07 US US621254A patent/US3462009A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3186544A (en) * | 1962-02-23 | 1965-06-01 | Byron V Curry | Multiple container package and carrier |
| US3371105A (en) * | 1964-11-30 | 1968-02-27 | Dow Chemical Co | Method for the production of 10-chlorophenoxarsine |
| US3387702A (en) * | 1965-03-15 | 1968-06-11 | Reynolds Metals Co | Package construction and method of making the same or the like |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3628823A (en) * | 1968-10-14 | 1971-12-21 | Illinois Tool Works | Multipack carriers |
| US3746179A (en) * | 1971-07-30 | 1973-07-17 | G Paumgardhen | Flexible suspended wine rack |
| US5092456A (en) * | 1986-11-18 | 1992-03-03 | Straub Albert H | Coaster carrier and coaster |
| US4793647A (en) * | 1987-11-02 | 1988-12-27 | Marvin Claire C | Cup caddy |
| US20070215505A1 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Walker Terry D | Shrink-Wrap Packaging Incorporating Reinforced Integral Handle |
| US20070215504A1 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Walker Terry D | Shrink-wrap packaging incorporating reinforced integral handle |
| US7775349B2 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2010-08-17 | Millercoors Llc | Shrink-wrap packaging incorporating reinforced integral handle |
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