EP1442996A1 - Récipient emballé à plat perfectionne - Google Patents

Récipient emballé à plat perfectionne Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1442996A1
EP1442996A1 EP03250590A EP03250590A EP1442996A1 EP 1442996 A1 EP1442996 A1 EP 1442996A1 EP 03250590 A EP03250590 A EP 03250590A EP 03250590 A EP03250590 A EP 03250590A EP 1442996 A1 EP1442996 A1 EP 1442996A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
groove
tube
projections
wall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03250590A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Michael c/oAssociated Marketing Direction Deekes
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Associated Marketing Direction
Original Assignee
Associated Marketing Direction
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Associated Marketing Direction filed Critical Associated Marketing Direction
Priority to EP03250590A priority Critical patent/EP1442996A1/fr
Publication of EP1442996A1 publication Critical patent/EP1442996A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D59/00—Plugs, sleeves, caps, or like rigid or semi-rigid elements for protecting parts of articles or for bundling articles, e.g. protectors for screw-threads, end caps for tubes or for bundling rod-shaped articles
    • B65D59/04—Sleeves, e.g. postal tubes
    • 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
    • B65D15/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials
    • B65D15/02—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums
    • B65D15/04—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums with curved, or partially curved, walls made by winding or bending paper
    • B65D15/08—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums with curved, or partially curved, walls made by winding or bending paper with end walls made of plastics material
    • 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
    • B65D15/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials
    • B65D15/02—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums
    • B65D15/16—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums with curved, or partially curved, walls made of plastics material
    • 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
    • B65D59/00—Plugs, sleeves, caps, or like rigid or semi-rigid elements for protecting parts of articles or for bundling articles, e.g. protectors for screw-threads, end caps for tubes or for bundling rod-shaped articles
    • B65D59/06—Caps

Definitions

  • This invention relates to flat-pack containers of the kind comprising a flat rectangular sheet of e.g. cardboard, plastics, or metal film, which can be rolled or folded into a length of tube and assembled into a container by fitting end caps.
  • a container of circular, rectangular, or polygonal cross-section can be formed simply by fitting bottom and top caps to its ends, each cap defining a groove of appropriate shape, into which the adjacent edge of the tube length is located.
  • Such containers are normally used as pots for lightweight contents, e.g. for containing pens, pencils etc, and also as wastepaper baskets.
  • the object of this invention is to provide a flat-pack container of the kind discussed above which provides positive locking for at least the bottom end cap.
  • a flat-pack container of the kind comprising a sheet of suitable material to be rolled or folded into a tube length of a required cross-section and top and bottom end caps for the ends of the tube, each end cap defining an endless groove corresponding to the cross-section into which an adjacent end edge of the tube is to fit, wherein one of the groove walls of the bottom end cap is provided at spaced locations with a projection which is shaped to provide a lead-in face and a rear retaining face, wherein the other groove wall at least at said spaced locations has an opposed face directed towards said retaining face, and wherein the sheet is provided with appropriately shaped apertures at spaced locations corresponding to the projections adjacent one end edge thereof, the arrangement being such that, in fitting the bottom end cap to its adjacent tube end, the apertures of said tube end are guided by said lead-in and opposed faces of the bottom end cap, to locate over and be positively retained by the retaining faces of their corresponding projections.
  • at least one of said end caps is provided with a
  • a flat-pack container comprises a sheet of suitable material to be rolled or folded into a tube length of a required cross-section and top and bottom caps for the ends of the tube, each end cap defining an endless groove corresponding to the cross-section into which the adjacent end edge of the tube is to fit, wherein one of the groove walls of the bottom end cap is provided at spaced locations with a projection which is shaped to provide a chamfered lead-in face and a rear retaining face, wherein the other groove wall is angled towards said retaining face, and wherein the sheet is provided with appropriately shaped apertures at spaced locations corresponding to the projections adjacent its bottom end edge, whereby, for fitting, the tube end and bottom end cap are aligned with respective projections and apertures in registration and pushed together, thereby causing portions of the tube edge adjacent the projections to be guided by the lead-in and the angled face of the projections to locate the apertures over their respective projections and be retained by said retaining faces.
  • top end cap is also provided with similar projections and the top edge of the sheet is provided with corresponding apertures.
  • Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways of putting the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved.
  • the tubular body of the container may be formed from a rectangular sheet of suitable material e.g. polypropylene that is rolled into a tube and retained in this form by the end caps.
  • the tubular body may be provided as a tubular unit; this tubular unit may be folded flat for storage or transportation of the container.
  • a container sheet 1 which is preferably of plastics such as polypropylene, is rectangular, with a series of three flaps 2 at one end, and a corresponding series of three shaped tabs 3 at the other end, for retaining the sheet in the form of a tube 4 (see Figure 4) after rolling or folding.
  • a bottom end cap 6 is circular in this embodiment and has a peripheral wall 7 in which is defined an endless, circular groove 8 corresponding to the circular cross-section of the tube 4.
  • the cap in this embodiment is also preferably of plastics, such as PVC, and the end wall 9 thereof is suitably strengthened to resist significant loading, in the embodiment by ribs 10.
  • one groove wall 8A (see Figure 4A) is provided with projections each being shaped to provide a chamfered lead-in 12 and a rear retaining face 13, and the other groove wall 8B is angled towards the projection, as shown.
  • the tube 4 is aligned with the bottom end cap 6 with its incisions 5 in registration with the projections, which operation can be facilitated by a registration mark or projection 14 on the wall 7 of the bottom cap 6 (see Figure 5).
  • the two components are pushed together, whereby the lead-in chamfers 12 of projections 11 cause adjacent portions of the tube end to be pushed inwardly, and thereafter outwardly by the angle of the groove wall 8B, and hence cause respective incisions 5 to ride over and be positively retained by the retaining faces 13.
  • top end cap in the form of an annular ring, could be similarly provided with spaced projections for the incisions 5 at the top end of the tube 4.
  • engagement means to retain the tubular body of the container within the groove 8 of the end cap are provided by a positive interlocking between the incisions 5 in the container sheet 1 and the projections of the groove of the end cap.
  • incision means any cut or series of cuts or penetration(s) which serve to provide a seat for projection(s) located on the groove wall, wherein the cut or cuts are shaped, positioned and aligned in any arrangement which creates a surface or surfaces capable of engaging with projection(s) to anchor the tubular container body to the end cap, and wherein the incision does not remove any material from the container sheet.
  • the positive interlocking between the incisions and the projections of the end cap may be achieved by using single spaced cuts to maintain the position of the container body within the end cap, as in Figure 2. It will be appreciated that the number of cuts per incision and number of spaced incisions along the longitudinal edge of the container sheet is determined by the arrangement of the projections of the groove.
  • the incisions are formed in the manufacturing process as at least one cut in substantially parallel alignment with the longitudinal edge of the container sheet.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention in which each incision comprises a rectangular aperture cut out of the sheet.
  • the incisions are at spaced locations along the length of the longitudinal edge of the container sheet, corresponding to the spacing of the projections of the inner groove of the end cap.
  • FIGS 3 and 3A illustrate a further preferred embodiment of the invention, each incision comprising a cut 5 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal edge of the container sheet wherein a transverse cut of considerably lesser length is positioned at each end, having substantially orthogonal alignment and being continuous with the longitudinally aligned cut, said combination being commonly referred to as a flap. It is preferred that the flap is oriented such that the longitudinal edge of the flap is aligned with the ends of the respective lateral, short cuts having closest proximity to the adjacent edge of the container sheet
  • the flat-pack container when assembled, has a far wider range of uses than heretofore. Also, by suitable choices of materials, it can be used to contain significant weights and be weatherproof, e.g. for use as plant pots and shrub containers.
  • Figure 6 illustrates flanges 30, 31 located internally within a groove 33 around end cap 32.
  • the flanges consist of thin plastic protrusions extending from the inside wall and the base of the tube. They are substantially rigid and their function is to force the tube body against the outer wall of the groove and thus retain the locking projections with their respective apertures when the container is in its assembled state.
  • the gap between the outer edge of the flange and opposing groove wall approximates to the thickness of sheet material from which the body is formed. Naturally there is allowance for a clearance fit.
  • the top edge of flange 30 is angled down, directing the tube body into the groove 33 during assembly.
  • the locking projections 38 are positioned between adjacent flanges such that they do not interfere, one with another. There are flanges spaced all around the circumference of the groove by generally only four locking projections.
  • Figures 7 and 8 show cross sections though part of an improved end cap according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • the end cap 100 contains a groove 102 that has an outer wall 103 and an inner wall 104.
  • the tube end 105 is positioned inside the groove as shown.
  • a retaining surface 106, 107 is provided on one of the groove walls, in this example, on the outer wall 103 and the retaining surface comprises two protrusions 106 and 107.
  • the protrusions 106 and 107 are spaced apart such that one is substantially vertically above the other as shown in Figure 12.
  • the other groove wall, in this example, the inner wall 104 is provided with a lug 108.
  • the lug 108 is provided by a protrusion in the inner wall as shown and is directed towards the retaining surface 106,107.
  • the lug 108 is directed towards the space between the two protrusions 106 and 107 as shown in Figure 7.
  • the lug 108 is provided by a protrusion that forms a ring around the groove wall in the end cap.
  • lugs 108 can be provided as protrusions spaced at intervals around the groove wall.
  • indentations 113, 114 and 115 form as shown in Figure 7.
  • the protrusions 106, 107 and the lug 108 fit into these indentations in the tube wall so that the tube is held firmly in the end cap.
  • the indentations can also be pre-formed in the tube. For example, if the tube is made from plastics material then the indentations can be formed by heat-treating the end of the tube.
  • the indentations or dimples, 113, 114 and 115 can be formed simply as a consequence of the flexing or bending of the tube end wall as it is pushed into the end cap.
  • the dimples or indentations may be pre-formed in the tube end wall. This can be done during the manufacturing process, for example by moulding, or heat-treating the tube end wall.
  • This method of using indentations or dimples in the tube end wall to hold the tube in place around protrusions or lugs in the end cap can be used with many types of flat-pack container. For example, it can be used with flat-pack containers that have two nested tubes.
  • the lug 108 and the protrusions 106 and 107 do not need to extend more than half way across the groove and they may be rectangular. Also the lug 108 and the protrusions 106 and 107 are not necessarily wedge shaped. This means that during the manufacturing process it is possible to use a conventional moulding tool to form the groove profile without deforming or knocking off the protrusions 106, 107 or 108 from the groove walls when the moulding tool is withdrawn.
  • protrusions and the lug may be tapered or wedged for example as shown in Figure 9.
  • the lower face of the protrusions and lugs have sloping edges 120 as shown. The gradient of these sloping edges may be adjusted to suit the particular moulding tool and design requirements. Once the edges are sloping then this helps the moulding tool used to form the groove profile to be withdrawn without damaging the protrusions 106, 107 or 108.
  • Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the invention where the tube end contains a perforation 109 as described above.
  • Protrusion 108 fits at least partially into the perforation 109 to enable the tube end to engage positively with the end cap.
  • the protrusions 106 and 107 act to push the tube end towards the lug 108 so that the perforation 109 engages with it.
  • the combined effect of this engaging mechanism and the flexing of the tube end around the lug 108 and protrusions 106 and 107 ensure that the tube end is held within the groove.
  • protrusions 106 and 107 are not provided the outer groove wall 103 can itself act to retain the tube end wall against the lug 108. The tube is then held in the end cap 101.
  • Figures 10 and 11 show a further embodiment of this aspect of the present invention.
  • the end cap 130 contains a groove 132 comprising an inner wall 134 and an outer wall 133.
  • the tube end is positioned within the groove as shown.
  • the retaining surface in this example comprises a protrusion or nib 137 which projects into the groove.
  • the nib 137 is positioned some distance up from the bottom of the groove to allow room for an outwardly extending dimple 136 to nest below it in a co-operatively engaging fit.
  • the dimple 136 may be formed by deforming the end of the tube in the required region. Methods and equipment for forming such distending dimples are known per se to the person skilled in the art. They usually involve the application of pressure or heat or both whilst forcing the tube material into an appropriately shaped die.
  • Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • the end cap 140 contains a groove 142 comprising an inner wall 144 and an outer wall 143.
  • the tube end is positioned within the groove as shown.
  • the retaining surface in this example comprises a channel 147 which extends for substantially the whole circumference of the groove.
  • the channel 147 is positioned some distance up from the bottom of the groove such that when the tube end is engaged in the groove an outwardly extending dimple 136 nests within it in a co-operatively engaging fit.
  • An indentation positioned in the side of the tube wall opposite the side containing the dimple co-operatively engages with a further protrusion or lug 148 on the inner groove wall 144.
  • the corresponding indentation may be absent and the wall of the tube may then be flexed about the protrusion of lug 148 such that the tube end is urged towards the outer groove wall 143. This has the effect of ensuring a more secure fit of the tube wall within the groove.
  • the protrusion or nib can take a wide variety of forms. Any extension or projection from one of the groove walls into the groove which can co-operatively engage with a pre-formed shape on the tube wall such that there is a snug, engaging fit will suffice.
  • nib 137 this is illustrated in Figure 10 as a ridge with generally rounded edges. Unlike the previous examples, where a wedge-shaped protrusion is essential to engage firmly with an aperture in the tube wall, this is no longer necessary. Any shape with an engaging surface 139 directed substantially towards the bottom of the groove will suffice.
  • the chamfered rounded edges on the nib 137 offer definite advantages. They simplify manufacture considerably and ease the passage of the tube end as it is forced into the bottom of the groove.
  • the nib 137 runs substantially the whole circumference of the groove.
  • the dimples may be spaced periodically around the tube wall end. Their spacing is not critical, providing they are distanced from the edge of the tube wall end to form a tight engaging fit with the nibs/ridge 137 once inserted.
  • the dimple 136 may extend for substantially the whole length of the tube end. Once again this may simplify manufacture because the tube ends can simply pass through a heated roller/die during the production process.
  • the ribs 10 shown in Figure 5 can also serve another purpose as well as acting as strengtheners. They can be arranged to urge the tube body against the outer groove wall. That is to say, the ribs 10 may extend almost to the outer groove wall, leaving a gap substantially equivalent to the thickness of the tube material. This arrangement provides a particularly solid feel to the assembled product.
  • This arrangement also creates discreet cavities or sectioned off areas 151 within the perimeter of the end cap. It has unexpectedly been discovered that, by forming foldable tabs 150 in the edges of the tube body, these engage in these cavities to prevent rotation of the tube with respect to the end cap. This prevents inadvertent dis-assembly of the container.
  • the tabs 150 are formed by making two small cuts in the edge of the sheet and at right angles to the edge. Perforations are formed parallel to the edge of the sheet and in a line between the two cuts and displaced from the edge of the sheet by a dimension substantially the same as the depth of each cut.
  • tabs 150 are bent inwards towards the centre of the container. They then automatically engage with one of the cavities 151. Whilst one tab is sufficient to add rotational stability, it is preferable to include a plurality of tabs at each end of the tube.
  • tab has a broad meaning. It is intended to encompass any size or shape of feature adapted to engage with a corresponding feature in an end cap.
  • This modification can be applied to any of the containers previously described herein.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
EP03250590A 2003-01-30 2003-01-30 Récipient emballé à plat perfectionne Withdrawn EP1442996A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03250590A EP1442996A1 (fr) 2003-01-30 2003-01-30 Récipient emballé à plat perfectionne

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03250590A EP1442996A1 (fr) 2003-01-30 2003-01-30 Récipient emballé à plat perfectionne

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1442996A1 true EP1442996A1 (fr) 2004-08-04

Family

ID=32605398

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03250590A Withdrawn EP1442996A1 (fr) 2003-01-30 2003-01-30 Récipient emballé à plat perfectionne

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1442996A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1645516A1 (fr) * 2004-10-11 2006-04-12 Julian Haswell Récipient tubulaire

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0837004A1 (fr) * 1995-02-15 1998-04-22 Associated Marketing Direction Récipient emballé à plat
GB2318569A (en) * 1996-10-24 1998-04-29 Associated Marketing Direction Combined display device and tubular container
WO2000027729A1 (fr) * 1998-11-11 2000-05-18 Associated Marketing Direction Contenant perfectionne se presentant a plat

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0837004A1 (fr) * 1995-02-15 1998-04-22 Associated Marketing Direction Récipient emballé à plat
GB2318569A (en) * 1996-10-24 1998-04-29 Associated Marketing Direction Combined display device and tubular container
WO2000027729A1 (fr) * 1998-11-11 2000-05-18 Associated Marketing Direction Contenant perfectionne se presentant a plat

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1645516A1 (fr) * 2004-10-11 2006-04-12 Julian Haswell Récipient tubulaire

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3986659A (en) End caps for tubular containers
US3913774A (en) End caps for containers
EP3647226B1 (fr) Dispositif de portage de boîtes de boissons
AU2010202814B2 (en) Device for producing a stacking projection on a container wall and container with same
JP2011503488A (ja) ２ピース型の拡張可能な封止プラグ
EP2592011A1 (fr) Récipient et bouchon
DE60316302T2 (de) Produktbehälter mit verriegelbarer endkappe
DE1136599B (de) Becher
EP0837004A1 (fr) Récipient emballé à plat
CA2200939C (fr) Bouchon muni d'un anneau a tirer integre
US20060191947A1 (en) Tubular container with twist lock cover
NZ211116A (en) Sheetmetal container with outwardly folded integral rim
DE2137586A1 (de) Verschachtelbare Behälter
US8020698B2 (en) Product packaging systems and methods
CA2501604A1 (fr) Manchon de transport enveloppant a caracteristique de retenue ameliore
JP2008514511A (ja) 大きな穿孔を設けた飲料缶用シートメタル製蓋
GB2040267A (en) Container having pilfer indication means
DE2335244A1 (de) Behaelter aus kunststoff fuer in erde eingesetzte pflanzen, samen, setzlinge oder dergleichen
EP1442996A1 (fr) Récipient emballé à plat perfectionne
US4950098A (en) Slat fence retainer
EP1365160B1 (fr) Rivet aveugle multi-prise
CA2700286C (fr) Appareils et procedes d'interconnexion de sections tubulaires
US20220258942A1 (en) Three-dimensional carrier with adaptable tabs
EP0302236A2 (fr) Récipient pour transporter des animaux
WO2020160416A1 (fr) Support de récipient multiple à emballage groupé

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO

AKX Designation fees paid
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8566

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20050205