EP1236651A1

EP1236651A1 - Package for photographic film cartridges and method for packaging photographic film cartridges

Info

Publication number: EP1236651A1
Application number: EP01200769A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lourens Kniesenburg
Original assignee: Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe BV
Current assignee: Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe BV
Priority date: 2001-03-01
Filing date: 2001-03-01
Publication date: 2002-09-04

Abstract

Package (1) for photographic film cartridge, comprising a first end closed by a bottom (6) and an opposite open end, the case body being injection moulded, wherein first and second connecting means (12,16) are provided on the case body for coupling said package to a second similar package and a method for packaging photographic film cartridges, wherein a number of packages is injection moulded, each comprising a body casing with a bottom and preferably a lid, and connecting means, wherein in each package a photographic film cartridge is enclosed, said packages being interconnected by said connecting means.

Description

The invention relates to a package for photographic film cartridges.
Photographic film cartridges, suitable for use in for example photo cameras are known to be packaged in a container having a substantially cylindrical form, comprising a case body with a bottom and a removable cap, mounting on the open edge side. The cartridge is enclosed within said container, closed by said cap, after which said container is individually encased within a cardboard box, folded from a blank and closed around said container. On the outer side of said box indications are printed like number of exposures and the photographic speed for the type for photographic film enclosed.
This known type of packaging has the advantage that the photographic film is securely, moisture tight packaged, protected against damage and shielded from for example light. This known package has however the disadvantage that it is relatively complex, especially due to the cardboard outer package. Such packaging is therefore relatively expensive and time consuming in production. Moreover, in discarding this known package two materials have to be separated, plastic and cardboard, which is expensive. A further disadvantage is that the cap has to be fitted and can become separated from said container, which is inconvenient to both the manufacturer and the consumer.
A further package is known from JP-6082982, disclosing a package for photographic film cartridges, comprising three containers of a type as discussed here above, which containers are interconnected in a row by an adapter. The adapter is formed from joined ring portions of substantially a cylindrical shape which join lids of three cases in there circumferential areas. Displays tubs attached to the joining areas are provided on which information can be provided about the photo films contained in said containers. This known package has the advantage that no cardboard outer package is necessary, whereas the containers can be interconnected and sold in a series. This known package has the disadvantage that the adapter has to be provided for by said lids, the containers having a substantially cylindrical form. Therefore, the interconnected containers can easily move relative to each other and, since these are connected by said lids, the containers comprising the cartridges can easily come apart from said row unintentionally.
The present invention relates to a package for photographic film cartridges in which the advantages of the above-mentioned packages are maintained, without the disadvantages thereof. To this end a package for photographic film cartridges according to the present invention is characterised by the features of claim 1.
Using a package according to the present invention enables coupling of a number of such packages in a very simple and advantageous manner. The packages are interconnected directly, without the necessity of further packaging material such as cardboard or the like. The packages can be easily assembled, wherein similar packages containing the same or different film cartridges can be positioned. This allows a variety of series of packages to be coupled, according to the desire of the user.
In an advantageous embodiment the packages have a substantially rectangular, preferably square cross section. This enables stable coupling in an easy manner. However, a package according to the present invention can have substantially any cross section. The connecting means are preferably provided at least on opposite sides of the case body, such that three or more of such packages can be coupled in line. However, said coupling means can also be provided in different positions around said case body.
In a first advantageous embodiment the package is provided with a cap for closing said package, said cap being connected to the case body by a hinge, preferably an injection moulded living hinge. This prevents the cap from being separated from the packages, whereas use of such package is simplified since said cap cannot be positioned incorrectly. The cap can be injection moulded with the case body as a single part injection moulded article. However, in a second advantageous embodiment, the cap is injection moulded with an end part which can be connected to the case body. To that aim, the end part can for example be slid into and/or over said case body. Both parts can then be made of different materials, for example different in colour, texture or the like.
In a further advantageous embodiment, a package according to the present invention is further characterized by the features of claim 8.
In such embodiment, the package can be hung on for example a rack, suspending from said plate-shaped element, whereas said plate-shaped element provides for a surface which can be printed.
A package according to the present invention is preferably provided with decorations, which can for example be provided by in mould labelling, screen printing, embossing or the like. Such decoration is especially useful for identifying the film supplied. Especially when the decoration cannot be removed from the package without damage to said package and/or decoration said decoration can be used as a security means.
Furthermore, tamper evident means can be provided extending over at least part of said cap and at least part of said case body, thereby preventing undesired removal of the cartridge from said package.
In a further advantageous embodiment, a package according to the present invention is further characterized by the features of claim 14.
In such embodiment, movement of the cartridge within said package is prevented, thereby further minimizing the risk of damage to said film cartridge.
The present invention is further directed to a series of packages, coupled to each other releasably by first and second connecting means.
The invention further relates to a method for packaging photographic film cartridges, characterized by the features of claim 16.
Such method provides for an easy manner of connecting containers for photographic film cartridges, which can be easily filled and used, both by manufacturers and by consumers. In this method, said containers are preferably made in mono-material or at least recyclable materials which can be injection moulded.
In the further dependent claims further advantageous embodiments of a package and method according to the present invention are presented.
For a better understanding of the present invention packages and methods according to the present invention are further elucidated in the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 shows, in exploded view, a package according to the present invention, in a first embodiment;
figure 2 the package according to figure 1, in assembled position;
figure 3 in exploded view a package according to the present invention, in a second embodiment;
figure 4 the package according to figure 3, in assembled position;
figure 5 two separate packages according to the present invention, in a third embodiment;
figure 6 in assembled position three packages according to figure 5;
figure 7 a package according to figures 5 and 6, together with a sealing means;
figure 8 in assembled position a package according to figure 7;
figure 9 in opened condition a package according to figures 5-8, shown transparently, with an inserted cartridge;
figure 10 in top view part of two containers with connection means;
figure 11 a label to be used with a package according to the invention, in side view; and
figure 12 an alternative embodiment of a package according to the present invention.
In these drawings corresponding parts have corresponding reference signs.
Figure 1 shows in perspective view a package 1 according to the present invention, in exploded view. This package 1 comprises a body part 2, partly shown transparently, having a side wall 4, a closed bottom 6 and an open top end 8. In this embodiment the top end 8 encloses an angle with the bottom 6. On the relative high side 10, further to be referred to as back side 10, a ridge 12 extends, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the body part 4. This ridge 12 extends from the bottom 6 to a distance X from the top end 8 of the back wall 10. On the opposite side 14, to be referred to as front side 14, a groove 16 extends, parallel to the ridge 12, which groove extends from the bottom 6 to the upper end 8 of the case body 2 and is open to both sides. The ridge 12 and groove 16, more closely shown in figure 10 are dimensioned such that the ridge 12 can be slid into the groove 16, preferably in a slightly clamping manner, such that the ridge 12 can be securely coupled within the groove 16. Through the ridge 12 and groove 16 two packages 1 can be interconnected. In this embodiment the case body 2 has a substantially rectangular, more specifically a substantially square cross section, as shown in figure 10.
Figure 1 further shows an end part 18, comprising a substantially tubular part 20, open at the top and closed at the bottom side, having a cross section somewhat smaller than the inner space of the case body 2. At the upper side of the end part 18, as shown in figure 1, a skirt 22 is provided, extending outward, having an upper surface 24 which has a cross section comparable to the cross section of the case body 2 and a sloping lower surface 26. Just below the skirt 22 four ridges 28 extend, parallel to the longitudinal axis L along the tubular part 20, dimensioned such that when the tubular part 20 is slid into the case body 2 through the upper end 8 the end part 18 will be securely clamped within said case body 2. In this position the upper surface 24 is substantially parallel to the bottom 6 whereas the lower surface 26 is parallel to and in abutment with the upper end 8 of the case body 2, the wall part 4 smooth with the outer surface 13 of the skirt 22. The end part 18 may also be attached to the case body 2, for example by welding, glue or the like or preferably by a snap ring or similar snap lock connection.
The end part 18 is provided with a cap 32, connected to the skirt 22 by a flexible hinge 34, for example a living hinge, injection moulded with the end part 18. The upper part of the tubular part 20 extends somewhat above the upper surface 24 of the skirt 22, providing for a ring-shaped element 36. Within the cap 32 a similar ring-shaped element 38 is provided, which can be snapped under the ring-shaped element 36 of the skirt 22, thereby securing the cap 32 in a moisture and light tight manner. An indentation 39 is provided in the skirt 22, such that when the cap 32 is brought into said closed position a finger, or for example, thump can be positioned at least partly in the indentation 39 under said cap 32 for removal thereof. Since the cap 32 is connected to the skirt 22 it can be flipped open without the risk of it coming apart.
As is clear from for example figure 1 the groove 16 will be closed-off on the upper side when the skirt 22 is connected to the upper end 8 of the case body 2. Therefore, when a ridge 12 is slid into said groove 16 it can only be moved until the upper end of said ridge 12 abuts the skirt 22. Therefore, coupling of two packages 1 to each other is very easy.
Since the end part 18 and the case body 2 are manufactured separately, for example by injection moulding, both parts can be made of the same or different materials, having for example different properties. As an example, which should not be seen as limiting the scope in any way, the case body 2 can be made of a first material in for example green, whereas the end part 18 can be made of a second material, for example ISO-colour like red, purple or blue.
In figure 2, the package 1 is shown in assembled position, the end part 18 being inserted into the case body 2 until the skirt 22 abuts the case body 2. In figure 2 the cap 32 is shown closed. Decoration 40 is shown both on the case body 2 and the cap 32. On the case body 2 the decoration 40 is for example provided by in mould labelling, stickers, printing, imprinting, embossing or the like, as is the decoration 40 on top of the cap 32.
It will be clear that a photographic film cartridge can be slid into the package 1 through the ring-shaped element 36 into the tubular part 20, which cartridge (not shown) can rest on the bottom of the tubular part 20, after which the cap 32 can be closed as described here above. Preferably said cartridge is then clamped between the bottom of part 20 and the cap 32. Thus said cartridge is prevented from excessive movement and possible damage within said package.
In figures 3 and 4 a second embodiment of a package 1 according to the present invention is shown, having a case body 2 and cap 32, connected by a hinge 34 and injection moulded in a single part. In this embodiment, in which said case body 2 once again has a substantially rectangular, or square cross section and an open end 8, surrounded by a inwardly extending ring-shaped element 36 under which a skirt 38 of the cap 32 can snap for a light and moisture tight closure of said cap 32 on said case body 2. A resilient finger 35 extends upward from the upper end 8 of the wall 4 of the case body 2, which finger can snap into an indentation 37 in said cap 32 for keeping closed said cap 32. Pulling the tamper evident finger 35 outward will break said finger from the package 1 and release the cap 32, which can then be opened.
As shown in figure 3 a label 50 is used, which extends across the bottom 6 and onto opposite sides of the wall 4 of the case body 2. Said label 50 is preferably an in mould label attached to the case body 2 during injection moulding of the package 1. Any known in mould label technique can be used. However, said label 50 can also be provided as a label to be stuck to said case body 2 after injection moulding of the package 1, for example like a sticker. It will be clear that such label can also be provided on one side only, on multiple sides or the like. The label 50 can be provided with a print of any desired shape or colour.
In this embodiment a ridge 12 is provided on a first side, a groove (shown in figure 4) being provided on the opposite second side. The first and second side are in this embodiment not provided with said label 50. Therefore, the groove 16 can be slid over the ridge 12 for connecting two of said packages 1. Once again a photo cartridge can be enclosed within said package, preferably slightly clamped between the bottom 6 and the cap 32.
In figures 5-8 a third embodiment of a package 1 according to the present invention is shown, once again injection moulded in one piece. Said package 1 comprises a case body 2 and a cap 32 attached thereto by a living hinge 34. In this embodiment three parallel grooves 16 are provided on a first side, three parallel ridges 12 for co-operation therewith are provided on the opposite second side. The grooves 16 extend parallel to the bottom 6 and are open to the front side 14 and back side 10 of the package 1. For injection moulding these packages injection moulds can be used with moving cores. As is shown in figure 6 a series of these packages can be easily connected to each other by sliding or pushing said ridges 12 into said grooves 16 for a secure connection. The ridges 12 and grooves 16 can be similar to these as shown in figure 10. In this embodiment the cap 32 can be similar to the cap as for example shown in figure 3, with similar closing elements 36, 38. An indentation 37 is once again provided in which a finger can be brought under part of the cap 32, for easy opening.
In the upper part of the front wall 14 a portion 54 is provided, bordered by a curved line 56. This can for example be accentuated by different colouring of said portion 54 and the part 58 under said line 56. Once again the package 1, especially the case body 2 and/or the lid 32 can be provided with labelling, preferably in mould label, for providing colouring and/or decoration. As shown in figure 7, an advertising means 60, for example a self adhering sticker can be provided, having a first part 62 to be stuck to the top of the cap 32 and a second part 64 to be stuck to the portion 54, preferably such that it abuts said line 56 and is substantially smooth with said lower part 58. Said second part 64 covers at least part of the indentation 39 and prevents undesired opening of the cap 32.
In figure 11 an alternative tamper evidence is provided, in which the top part 62 has been folded such that a part 66 of said top part 62 extends substantially vertically, parallel to said second part 64. In said part 66 an opening 68 is provided on which that package 1 can be hung for example in a rack. In an alternative embodiment other means can be provided to which an element can be stuck for hanging said package, for example a groove or ridge in or on the cap 32, in or on which a plastic or cardboard substantially plate-shaped element can be slid, said element for example being hook-shaped or provided with an opening. Such plate-shaped element could also be slid into a groove 16 or on a ridge 12, hanging said package on its side. Various solutions to this end will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
Figure 8 shows the package according to figure 7 being sealed by said sealing means 60.
In figure 9 a package 1 according to figures 5-8 is shown, in an opened position. A photographic film cartridge 70 is shown, positioned in the case body 2, which case body is presented partly transparent. Near the bottom 6 a resilient member 72 is shown within said case body 2, biased in an upward direction as shown by the arrow 74. When the cartridge 70 is introduced into the case body 2 this rests on said member 72, which is for example a metal or plastic tongue. The cartridge 70 does extend upward outside the case body 2, above the upper end 8. When the cap 32 is closed onto the case body 2, the cartridge 70 is pushed downward against the resilient member 72, elastically deforming this somewhat. Therefore, the cartridge 70 is clamped between the cap 32 and the resilient member 72, prevented from at least axial movement. Moreover, when the cap 32 is opened the cartridge 70 is slightly pushed upward for easy access. Such member 72 could also be used in other embodiments of a package.
Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of a package 1 according to the present invention, comprising a case body 2 and a cap 32, preferably hingedly connected to said case body 2. Ridges 12 (not shown) and grooves 16 are once again provided on the wall 4 of the case body 2. In closed position, as shown in figure 12, a tear strip 35 is provided, connected to the case body 2 and extending around a corner 32A of the cap 32, especially over an outwardly extending rib 32B thereof. This tear strip 35 is a tamper evident means since the cap 32 cannot be opened without removing said rib 35, breaking this loose from the case body 2. In the top surface of the cap 32 a groove 82 is provided, which substantially lowers production time and use of material. Furthermore, a plate shaped element 80 such as a piece of cardboard can be positioned in said groove 82, clamped therein with a lower end. Said element 80 can be provided with an opening 84 from which the package 1 can be suspended. Information can of course be provided on said element 80.
The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments shown and discussed in the description. Various different embodiments are possible within the scope of protection as sought by the claims.
For example, a package according to the present invention can have a different cross section, for example oblong, round, non-square, multiple angled or the like. Furthermore, the case body and the cap can be injection moulded or formed otherwise separately from each other and then be assembled such that during use the cap will be hinged to the case body and will come apart. Different connecting means can be used, for example push button type connection means, hook-like connecting means and the like, whereas the ridges and grooves as shown can also extend in different angles, for example diagonally to the relevant sides. As shown in figure 10 ridges and/or grooves can also be provided on more than two sides of said case body, thus enabling coupling of packages in more than one direction. Also packages can be provided as shown in the drawings having only one of said coupling means or no coupling means at all. This still provides for packages for light and moisture tight packaging of for photographic film cartridges of substantially mono- material. Ribs or the like protrusions can be provided in the package, for example on the inside of the lid, for clamping the cartridge within a closed package, comparable to the function of the resilient member 72.
These and various other embodiments are considered to fall within the scope of protection as sought by the appending claims.

Claims

Package for photographic film cartridge, comprising a first end closed by a bottom and an opposite open end, the case body being injection moulded, wherein first and second connecting means are provided on the case body for coupling said package to a second similar package.
Package according to claim 1, wherein the case body has a substantially rectangular cross-section parallel to said bottom.
Package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second connecting means are provided on opposite sides of the case body.
Package according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein a cap is provided for closing said second end, said cap being injection moulded with said case body and connected to said case body by a hinge, preferably a living hinge.
Package according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein a cap is provided for closing said second end, said cap being injection moulded with an end part and connected to said end part by a hinge, preferably a living hinge, wherein the end part is connected to said case body, preferably by at least partly sliding said end part in or over at least part of said case body.
Package according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein said connecting means are provided as ridges and corresponding indentations, preferably extending substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said case body, such that said first connecting means can be slid into and/or over said second connecting means.
Package according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the wall of said case body is provided with an indentation close to said open end, said indentation being dimensioned for at least partly receiving the tip of a finger under an edge of said lid.
Package according to any one of claims 1- 7, wherein a cap is provided comprising means by which a plate shaped element can be positioned and/or connected such that said plate shaped element extends above said cap and said package can be carried by said plate shaped element.
Package according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein said package is moisture tight in closed position.
Package according to any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein said case body and/or lid is provided with a decoration.
Package according to claim 10, wherein said decoration is provided for by in-mould-labelling.
Package according to any one of claims 1 - 11, wherein a cartridge is enclosed within said case body, closed by a lid, sealing means being provided extending over at least part of said cap and at least part of said case body, such that said cartridge cannot be removed from said case body without severing said seal means.
Package according to claim 12, wherein said sealing means are provided along part of an edge of said cap and said case body.
Package according to any one claims 1 - 13, wherein means are provided within said case body and/or on said cap for positively enclosing a cartridge between said bottom and said cap against at least axial movement of said cartridge within said closed container.
A series of packages according to any one of the preceding claims, interconnected realisably by said first and second connecting means.
Method for packaging photographic film cartridges, wherein a number of packages is injection moulded, each comprising a body casing with a bottom and preferably a lid, and connecting means, wherein in each package a photographic film cartridge is enclosed, said packages being interconnected by said connecting means.
Method according to claim 16, wherein on the outer side of each package a decoration is provided indicating the film type enclosed within said package.
Method according to claim 17, wherein each package is provided by a decoration through in-mould-label technique.
Method according to claim 17, wherein said decoration is provided by printing on said container.
Method according to any one of claims 16 - 19, wherein said container is manufactured in at least two inter connectable parts, wherein said at least two parts are injection moulded from materials differing in at least colour or texture to be obtained.
Method according to any one of claims 16 - 21, wherein in at least part of said container, preferably in said cap a relief is provided, specific for the manufacturer of the cartridge to be enclosed or the type of film to be enclosed.