EP3114042B1 - Container carrier - Google Patents
Container carrier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3114042B1 EP3114042B1 EP15705855.3A EP15705855A EP3114042B1 EP 3114042 B1 EP3114042 B1 EP 3114042B1 EP 15705855 A EP15705855 A EP 15705855A EP 3114042 B1 EP3114042 B1 EP 3114042B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- carrier
- container receiving
- receiving apertures
- apertures
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
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
- 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
- B65D71/50—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 comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed otherwise than by folding a blank
- B65D71/504—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 comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed otherwise than by folding a blank the element being formed from a flexible sheet provided with slits or apertures intended to be stretched over the articles and adapt to the shape of the article
Definitions
- This invention relates to a container carrier having at least three rows of container receiving apertures for unitizing a plurality of containers.
- Conventional container carriers are often used to unitize a plurality of similarly sized containers, such as cans, bottles, jars and boxes and/or similar containers that require unitization.
- Flexible plastic ring carriers are one such conventional container carrier.
- Flexible plastic ring carriers having a plurality of container receiving apertures that each engage a corresponding container may be used to unitize groups of four, six, eight, twelve or other suitable groups of containers into a convenient multipackage.
- Flexible ring carriers may include a handle that extend upwardly from the carrier to enable a consumer to carry the package from the top (called a “top lift carrier”) or outwardly from a side of the carrier to enable a consumer to carry the package from the side (called a “side lift carrier").
- EP 0 318 619 A1 upon which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses a flexible container carrier with container receiving apertures, a handle and dividing apertures.
- the present invention is directed to a flexible carrier according to claim 1 for packaging containers that includes an arrangement of container receiving apertures that are configured to permit placement over containers in three distinct rows.
- the carrier is suitably configured with a combination of webs and container receiving apertures that permit opening up and generally even, distributed stretching for application to the containers.
- a flexible sheet forms webs defining container receiving apertures wherein tapered oblique bands at least partially define the respective container receiving apertures and a handle is positioned parallel with the three rows of container receiving apertures.
- the resulting carrier is configured to enable placement over at least three rows of containers to result in a tight, unitized bricklike package.
- Figs. 1-8 show flexible carrier 10 for unitizing six or more containers and a resulting unitized package, shown in one embodiment in Fig. 9 .
- Figs. 1-9 illustrate various structures for flexible carrier 10 of the invention, the illustrations are exemplary, and the invention is not limited to the flexible carriers 10 or packages shown for six, twelve or fifteen containers.
- flexible carrier 10 may be alternatively configured and used to unitize three, nine, eighteen, or any other desired number of containers.
- Containers are preferably cans, however, bottles or any other commonly unitized container may be used with flexible carrier 10 according to this invention.
- the containers are preferably, though not necessarily, like-sized within a single flexible carrier 10.
- Each flexible carrier 10 preferably includes a single layer of flexible sheet 20 having a width and length defining therein a plurality of container receiving apertures 25, each for receiving a container.
- the plurality of container receiving apertures 25 are arranged in at least three longitudinal rows and multiple longitudinal ranks so as to form an array of container receiving apertures 25, such as three rows by two ranks for a six container multipackage as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 or three rows by four ranks for a twelve container multipackage as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 or three rows by five ranks for a fifteen container multipackage as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 .
- Figs. 7 and 8 show three rows by four dividable ranks for a dividable twelve container multipackage.
- Container receiving apertures 25 are preferably elongated in a longitudinal direction of flexible carrier 10.
- Fig. 9 shows a representative package 100 resulting from flexible carrier 10 that includes a plurality of unitized containers.
- Flexible carriers 10 are generally applied to containers by stretching flexible sheet 20 surrounding container receiving apertures 25 around container, and requiring the stretched carrier 10 to recover, thereby providing a tight engagement.
- a preferred carrier configuration includes three distinct parallel rows of container receiving apertures 25 including a middle row and two outer rows of container receiving apertures 25.
- Each rank includes three container receiving apertures 25 (one for each row in the carrier 10). Of these three container receiving apertures 25 per rank, there are two outer apertures and one center aperture formed therebetween.
- each container receiving aperture 25 in a single row is configured identically from the other. As shown, this means that each container receiving aperture 25 in the center row is identical, each container receiving aperture in one outer row is identical and each container receiving aperture 25 in the other outer row is likewise identical.
- the container receiving apertures 25 in one outer row are mirror images of the other outer row.
- Container receiving apertures 25 are preferably formed in a geometry that results in a uniform application of the carrier 10 to containers to produce a tight unitization of containers within flexible carrier 10. Such a result is difficult when carrier 10 is engaged with three rows of container receiving apertures 25 over three rows of containers as described herein.
- one or more jaws engage with an edge of the container receiving apertures 25 in outer rows and stretch the carrier open so as to apply the carrier to individual containers.
- the jaws cannot directly engage container receiving apertures in that row which results in inadequate stretching of the container receiving apertures in that row and/or misapplication of the carrier to the plurality of containers.
- the subject invention is configured to enable that the container receiving apertures 25 in that intermediate row to adequate stretch and engage the associated containers resulting in a desired package shown in Fig. 9 .
- the subject carrier 10 preferably stretches between approximately 31 % and 51 % thereby permitting application to a range of container diameters from 5.715 cm to 6.604 cm (2.25" to 2.6").
- container carrier 10 includes a series of interconnecting webs 30 that define the plurality of container receiving apertures 25.
- Webs 30 are stretchable around container during application and recoverable around container following application.
- the flexible sheet 20 forms webs 30 defining container receiving apertures 25 wherein the webs 30 are tapered oblique bands 35 at least partially defining the respective container receiving apertures 25.
- the oblique bands 35 taper toward the web between the rows of container receiving apertures 25.
- container receiving apertures 25 in the outer rows are longitudinally asymmetric while the container receiving apertures 25 in the middle rows are longitudinally symmetric.
- the particular arrangement of apertures described enables the carrier 10 uniformly open up and stretch for application to containers despite having three rows of container receiving apertures 25.
- a handle 50 extends from a longitudinal edge of carrier 10.
- Handle 50 may comprise one or more elongated apertures positioned along the outer periphery of handle 50 or may comprise a similar configuration that provides an ample area for a consumer to grasp by inserting his hand through and still maintain the purpose and integrity of package.
- a pair of secondary handles 55 may be positioned along a longitudinal edge of the carrier 10 opposite the edge of the handle 50.
- one or both of the handle 50 and/or the secondary handles 55 may be divisible along a line of weakness 80.
- the package may be configured as a twelve pack or a six pack or any similar combination depending on the number of container receiving openings 25 and the configuration of the handles 50, 55 employed.
- each such tab 60 extends into a container receiving aperture 25 in outer rows of the three longitudinal rows.
- each container receiving aperture 25 in outer rows includes only one tab 60.
- each tab 60 preferably extends from an inner portion of each container receiving aperture 25 in the outer rows.
- the container carrier 10 further includes asymmetric dividing apertures 70 positioned between adjacent ranks of container receiving apertures 25. Further, dividing apertures 70 are preferably positioned between adjacent carriers 10 when formed in a generally continuous string of carriers prior to application.
- a slit 75 is preferably positioned between each container receiving aperture 25 in a center row and an outer row.
- the slit 75 also assists in a desired v-shape in the center web of the carrier following application to containers.
- the configuration of the carrier 10 described above includes a combination of webs and container receiving apertures that permit opening up and even stretching for application to the containers.
- the shape and design of the center row of container receiving apertures 25 is different from that of the outer rows of container receiving apertures 25. Such a design overcomes the natural tendency of the central apertures to foreshorten during stretching.
- the subject carrier 10 preferably accommodates at least four different standard container sizes including 54/68 (202/211), 54/62 (202/209), 54/60 (202/207.5) and 54/58 (202/206.5) (6.604 cm (2.6"), 6.299 cm (2.48”), 5.994 cm (2.36”) and 5.715 cm (2.25”) diameters, respectively).
- Standard container heights between approximately 250 ml to 568 ml can also utilize the subject carrier 10.
- adjacent containers touch in a transverse direction (TD) and are spaced at various intervals depending on container size in the longitudinal or machine direction (MD).
- TD transverse direction
- MD longitudinal or machine direction
- the flexibility of the carrier 10 thereby permits a single applicating machine and carrier to accommodate a whole range of containers without changeover to a new carrier. This enables a more compact footprint for equipment, minimizes required inventories for carrier stock and simplifies changeover to different multipackages.
Description
- This invention relates to a container carrier having at least three rows of container receiving apertures for unitizing a plurality of containers.
- Conventional container carriers are often used to unitize a plurality of similarly sized containers, such as cans, bottles, jars and boxes and/or similar containers that require unitization. Flexible plastic ring carriers are one such conventional container carrier.
- Flexible plastic ring carriers having a plurality of container receiving apertures that each engage a corresponding container may be used to unitize groups of four, six, eight, twelve or other suitable groups of containers into a convenient multipackage. Flexible ring carriers may include a handle that extend upwardly from the carrier to enable a consumer to carry the package from the top (called a "top lift carrier") or outwardly from a side of the carrier to enable a consumer to carry the package from the side (called a "side lift carrier").
- Typically, larger-capacity carriers result in challenges in application to containers in that carriers having more than two rows tend to open in an undesirable sequence and thus cannot be applied at high speeds. In addition, the resulting package tends to sag at the ends when lifted resulting in a sloppy appearance. As such, a need arises for a carrier capable of carrying a large number of containers that permits high speed application and results in an aesthetically pleasing package for the consumer to handle.
EP 0 318 619 A1 , upon which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses a flexible container carrier with container receiving apertures, a handle and dividing apertures. - The present invention is directed to a flexible carrier according to claim 1 for packaging containers that includes an arrangement of container receiving apertures that are configured to permit placement over containers in three distinct rows.
- The carrier is suitably configured with a combination of webs and container receiving apertures that permit opening up and generally even, distributed stretching for application to the containers. In the described configuration, a flexible sheet forms webs defining container receiving apertures wherein tapered oblique bands at least partially define the respective container receiving apertures and a handle is positioned parallel with the three rows of container receiving apertures. The resulting carrier is configured to enable placement over at least three rows of containers to result in a tight, unitized bricklike package.
- The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein:
-
Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; -
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. -
Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. -
Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. -
Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. -
Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. -
Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. -
Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of a container carrier according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. -
Fig. 9 is a top view of a package of unitized containers according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. -
Figs. 1-8 showflexible carrier 10 for unitizing six or more containers and a resulting unitized package, shown in one embodiment inFig. 9 . AlthoughFigs. 1-9 illustrate various structures forflexible carrier 10 of the invention, the illustrations are exemplary, and the invention is not limited to theflexible carriers 10 or packages shown for six, twelve or fifteen containers. For example,flexible carrier 10 may be alternatively configured and used to unitize three, nine, eighteen, or any other desired number of containers. - Containers are preferably cans, however, bottles or any other commonly unitized container may be used with
flexible carrier 10 according to this invention. The containers are preferably, though not necessarily, like-sized within a singleflexible carrier 10. - Each
flexible carrier 10 preferably includes a single layer offlexible sheet 20 having a width and length defining therein a plurality ofcontainer receiving apertures 25, each for receiving a container. The plurality ofcontainer receiving apertures 25 are arranged in at least three longitudinal rows and multiple longitudinal ranks so as to form an array ofcontainer receiving apertures 25, such as three rows by two ranks for a six container multipackage as shown inFigs. 1 and 2 or three rows by four ranks for a twelve container multipackage as shown inFigs. 3 and 4 or three rows by five ranks for a fifteen container multipackage as shown inFigs. 5 and 6 .Figs. 7 and 8 show three rows by four dividable ranks for a dividable twelve container multipackage.Container receiving apertures 25 are preferably elongated in a longitudinal direction offlexible carrier 10. -
Fig. 9 shows a representative package 100 resulting fromflexible carrier 10 that includes a plurality of unitized containers.Flexible carriers 10 are generally applied to containers by stretchingflexible sheet 20 surroundingcontainer receiving apertures 25 around container, and requiring the stretchedcarrier 10 to recover, thereby providing a tight engagement. - A preferred carrier configuration includes three distinct parallel rows of
container receiving apertures 25 including a middle row and two outer rows ofcontainer receiving apertures 25. Each rank includes three container receiving apertures 25 (one for each row in the carrier 10). Of these threecontainer receiving apertures 25 per rank, there are two outer apertures and one center aperture formed therebetween. - As shown in
Figs. 1-8 , three parallel rows ofcontainer receiving apertures 25 are preferably formed withinflexible sheet 20. As such, one row ofcontainer receiving apertures 25 is preferably formed along each side of thecarrier 10 and one intermediate row is formed therebetween. As shown, it is preferable that eachcontainer receiving aperture 25 in a single row is configured identically from the other. As shown, this means that eachcontainer receiving aperture 25 in the center row is identical, each container receiving aperture in one outer row is identical and eachcontainer receiving aperture 25 in the other outer row is likewise identical. Preferably, thecontainer receiving apertures 25 in one outer row are mirror images of the other outer row. -
Container receiving apertures 25 are preferably formed in a geometry that results in a uniform application of thecarrier 10 to containers to produce a tight unitization of containers withinflexible carrier 10. Such a result is difficult whencarrier 10 is engaged with three rows ofcontainer receiving apertures 25 over three rows of containers as described herein. - In particular, one or more jaws engage with an edge of the
container receiving apertures 25 in outer rows and stretch the carrier open so as to apply the carrier to individual containers. When an intermediate row is formed between the outer rows, the jaws cannot directly engage container receiving apertures in that row which results in inadequate stretching of the container receiving apertures in that row and/or misapplication of the carrier to the plurality of containers. The subject invention is configured to enable that thecontainer receiving apertures 25 in that intermediate row to adequate stretch and engage the associated containers resulting in a desired package shown inFig. 9 . - In particular, the
subject carrier 10 preferably stretches between approximately 31 % and 51 % thereby permitting application to a range of container diameters from 5.715 cm to 6.604 cm (2.25" to 2.6"). - As described above,
container carrier 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a series of interconnectingwebs 30 that define the plurality ofcontainer receiving apertures 25.Webs 30 are stretchable around container during application and recoverable around container following application. Specifically, in the described configuration, theflexible sheet 20forms webs 30 definingcontainer receiving apertures 25 wherein thewebs 30 are taperedoblique bands 35 at least partially defining the respectivecontainer receiving apertures 25. In particular theoblique bands 35 taper toward the web between the rows ofcontainer receiving apertures 25. - In addition, according to one embodiment
container receiving apertures 25 in the outer rows are longitudinally asymmetric while thecontainer receiving apertures 25 in the middle rows are longitudinally symmetric. The particular arrangement of apertures described enables thecarrier 10 uniformly open up and stretch for application to containers despite having three rows ofcontainer receiving apertures 25. - As shown in
Figs. 1-8 , ahandle 50 extends from a longitudinal edge ofcarrier 10.Handle 50 may comprise one or more elongated apertures positioned along the outer periphery ofhandle 50 or may comprise a similar configuration that provides an ample area for a consumer to grasp by inserting his hand through and still maintain the purpose and integrity of package. As shown inFigs. 7 and 8 , a pair ofsecondary handles 55 may be positioned along a longitudinal edge of thecarrier 10 opposite the edge of thehandle 50. As shown inFigs. 7 and 8 , one or both of thehandle 50 and/or thesecondary handles 55 may be divisible along a line ofweakness 80. In this manner, the package may be configured as a twelve pack or a six pack or any similar combination depending on the number ofcontainer receiving openings 25 and the configuration of thehandles - According to an embodiment of the invention shown in
Figs. 2 ,4 ,6 and8 , a plurality oftabs 60 are positioned within eachcarrier 10. Preferably, eachsuch tab 60 extends into acontainer receiving aperture 25 in outer rows of the three longitudinal rows. As shown, eachcontainer receiving aperture 25 in outer rows includes only onetab 60. Further eachtab 60 preferably extends from an inner portion of eachcontainer receiving aperture 25 in the outer rows. Thesetabs 60 form a desirable configuration in a center web of the carrier following application to containers and preferably prevent inversions in that web which would jeopardize a sturdy package and the aesthetics of the package. - As shown in the figures, the
container carrier 10 further includesasymmetric dividing apertures 70 positioned between adjacent ranks ofcontainer receiving apertures 25. Further, dividingapertures 70 are preferably positioned betweenadjacent carriers 10 when formed in a generally continuous string of carriers prior to application. - In addition, a
slit 75 is preferably positioned between eachcontainer receiving aperture 25 in a center row and an outer row. Theslit 75 also assists in a desired v-shape in the center web of the carrier following application to containers. - The configuration of the
carrier 10 described above includes a combination of webs and container receiving apertures that permit opening up and even stretching for application to the containers. In the described configuration, the shape and design of the center row ofcontainer receiving apertures 25 is different from that of the outer rows ofcontainer receiving apertures 25. Such a design overcomes the natural tendency of the central apertures to foreshorten during stretching. - As described, the
subject carrier 10 preferably accommodates at least four different standard container sizes including 54/68 (202/211), 54/62 (202/209), 54/60 (202/207.5) and 54/58 (202/206.5) (6.604 cm (2.6"), 6.299 cm (2.48"), 5.994 cm (2.36") and 5.715 cm (2.25") diameters, respectively). Standard container heights between approximately 250 ml to 568 ml can also utilize thesubject carrier 10. In an applied condition, adjacent containers touch in a transverse direction (TD) and are spaced at various intervals depending on container size in the longitudinal or machine direction (MD). The flexibility of thecarrier 10 thereby permits a single applicating machine and carrier to accommodate a whole range of containers without changeover to a new carrier. This enables a more compact footprint for equipment, minimizes required inventories for carrier stock and simplifies changeover to different multipackages. - While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
flexible carrier 10 and package 100 susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (11)
- A container carrier (10) for unitizing a plurality of containers comprising:a flexible web (30) forming a plurality of container receiving apertures (25) arranged in transverse ranks and in at least three longitudinal rows;a handle (50) extending along one edge of the flexible web (30) and parallel to the three longitudinal rows;characterized in that the flexible web (30) includes asymmetric dividing apertures (70) positioned between adjacent ranks of container receiving apertures (25) to form a plurality of tapered oblique bands (35) defining a center row of container receiving apertures (25).
- The container carrier of Claim 1 wherein the three longitudinal rows are arranged in the center row and two outer rows, wherein container receiving apertures (25) in the outer rows are shaped differently from container receiving apertures (25) in the center row.
- The container carrier of Claim 2 wherein each container receiving aperture (25) is shaped identical to each other container receiving aperture (25) within a respective row.
- The container carrier of Claim 1 further comprising plurality of tabs (60), each tab (60) extending into a container receiving aperture (25) in outer rows of the three longitudinal rows.
- The container carrier of Claim 4 wherein each container receiving aperture (25) in outer rows includes only one tab (60).
- The container carrier of Claim 1 wherein container receiving apertures (25) in a center row are symmetric and container receiving apertures (25) in outer rows are asymmetric.
- The container carrier of Claim 1 comprising four ranks of container receiving apertures (25).
- The container carrier of Claim 1 comprising five ranks of container receiving apertures (25).
- The container carrier of Claim 1 further comprising a slit (75) positioned between each container receiving aperture (25) in a center row and an outer row.
- The container carrier of Claim 1 wherein the dividing apertures (70) are positioned between adjacent ranks of adjacent container carriers (10).
- A package (100) formed by applying a carrier (10) in accordance with Claim 1 to a plurality of containers.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201461947232P | 2014-03-03 | 2014-03-03 | |
US14/517,155 US9669977B2 (en) | 2013-10-21 | 2014-10-17 | Container carrier |
PCT/US2015/012406 WO2015134126A1 (en) | 2014-03-03 | 2015-01-22 | Container carrier |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3114042A1 EP3114042A1 (en) | 2017-01-11 |
EP3114042B1 true EP3114042B1 (en) | 2018-01-10 |
Family
ID=54055714
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15705855.3A Active EP3114042B1 (en) | 2014-03-03 | 2015-01-22 | Container carrier |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3114042B1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR212016020491U2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2664791T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015134126A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11434058B2 (en) * | 2015-12-03 | 2022-09-06 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Divisible container carrier |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2042586T3 (en) * | 1987-12-04 | 1993-12-16 | Illinois Tool Works | PACK OF MULTIPLE JARS. |
US5018620A (en) * | 1990-05-07 | 1991-05-28 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Carrier stock with band segments extending between opposite edges |
US5139137A (en) * | 1990-06-14 | 1992-08-18 | Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | Carrier stock with tear-open tabs |
-
2015
- 2015-01-22 BR BR212016020491U patent/BR212016020491U2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2015-01-22 ES ES15705855.3T patent/ES2664791T3/en active Active
- 2015-01-22 WO PCT/US2015/012406 patent/WO2015134126A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-01-22 EP EP15705855.3A patent/EP3114042B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2664791T3 (en) | 2018-04-23 |
BR212016020491U2 (en) | 2018-05-29 |
EP3114042A1 (en) | 2017-01-11 |
WO2015134126A1 (en) | 2015-09-11 |
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