GB2224259A - Apparatus for packaging and transporting wire - Google Patents

Description

f 1 APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTING WIRE 222425 -9 The present

invention relates to an apparatus for packaging and transporting wire or wire-like material and more particularly to means for packaging wire withotit tensioning or twisting the wire to maintain a large loop cast.

Background:

Wire Is generally pnckagod and transported in coils. Thvso coils include both freestanding coiled wire and wire wound around a spindle or reel. A common problem with the coiling method of pakaging and transporting wire is the tendency for the wire to recoil an it is uncoiled for use. Prenurably this recoiling occurs because of the "memory" introduced into thp wire during the process of initially coiling the wire. The tern "loop cast" is used to describe this recoiling. A wire's loop cast refers to the diameter of the circles or coils formed by the wire as it recoils. A wire with a large loop cast forms larger circlec and therefore recoils less than a wire with a small loop cast.

A wire's loop cast will determine its suitability for applications requiring precim@ measurements. For exarple, tho manufacture of small electronic components or surgical clips requires wires of several millimeters or smaller in length. A wire with a small loop cast will begin to coil over the wevAral millimeter distance and be difficult to procisely measure. A wire with a large loop cast however, will remain much straighter over the several millimeter distance and therefore be much simpler to precisely measure.

Another common problem with coils is the tendency for the wire to tangle or snag upon itself as it is uncoiled. Also, as 2 one portion of the wire is being uncoiled it can be wedged in by the next portion to be uncoiled. This leads to breakage of the wire. A further problem with coiled wire in the tendency for the wire to kink while being uncoiled. This kinking will make the wire difficult to work with and difficult to precisely measure.

Various methods and apparatuses for transporting wire have heretofore been suggested. U.S. Patent Po. 3,061,238 to Taylor, hereinafter Taylor, discloses methods for winding a flexible material to form a self supporting package of the material. One method disclosed by Taylor involves winding the flexible material according to a complex formula and then collapsing the wound material to form a figure S. To dispense the wound material Taylor discloses a board having notches through which extend the legs of a U-shaped spring member. The U-shap"d spring member has legs carrying slightly hooked blocks for engaging the center portion of the figure a. The bights of the figure 8 are restrained by hinged arms. To dispense material the end of the material is pulled from the center of the figure 8 upward away from the board.

This method however, has several disadvantages. First, In order to form the figure 8 pattern, Taylor suggests first winding the material according to his formula and then collapsing the material by applying pressure to the winding. In addition to being complex, winding and then collapsing a wire may irreparably damage or kink the wire. Additionally, the means of winding suggested by Taylor introduces tension into the wire thereby requiring spring tensioning means in the dispensing apparatus. This makes the dispensing apparatus complex. 30 Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of known methods for packaging wire and to provide an apparatus and method for transporting wire which can be simply and effectively utilized. Another object of the present invention is to provide an i 3 apparatus and method for transporting wire which substantially reduces the tendency of the wire to coil an it Is unpackagod.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for transporting wire which substantially reduces the tendency of the wire to catch or snag as it is unpackaged.

A still further object of the present invention Is to provide an apparatus and method for transporting wire which substantially reduces the possibility of the wire breaking or kinking as it is unpackaged.

other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description of the invention.

SUP C1r TITE INVENTION According to the present invention the interior of a container is provided with a plurality of substantially parallo3 members extending perpendicularly from the bottom of the container. Wire in installed in the container around the members in a figure 8 pattern, such that the members extend through the bights of the figure 8 and the crossover of ttiox figure 8 is between the members. No twist or tension In imparted to the wire the net result being wire with a large loop cast. To transport the wire a foam overlay may be placed ovpr the parallel members in the container and the container closed in a conventional manner.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the Interior of the container in additionally provided with a tray. This tray is adapted communicate with the bottom of the container and to allow the parallel members to extend through the tray. The tray contains channels to guide and hold wire in a figure 8 pattern. Wire to be packaged In Installed In the container around the parallel members In a figure a pattern an previously described and falls into the channels in the tray. To transport the wire a foam overlay may be placed over the J 4 parallel inembers and the container closed in a conventional manner.

In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention the parallel members and the tray form a single integral unit. This integral unit is adapted to communicate with bottom of the container. The integral unit contains both parallel members and channels to guide and hold wire in a figure 8 pattern. Wire to be packaged in installed in the container around the parallel members in a figure 8 pattern as previously described and falls into the channels in the tray. To transport the wire a foam overlay may be placed over the parallel members and the container closed in a conventional manner.

While this summary has only discussed use of the prenant invention to package and transport wire the present invention In ideally suited for packaging and transporting a wide variety of materials having the recoiling, kinking, snagging and other problems discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 in a cross-sectional view in sidA elevation of an embodiment of the present Invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view In side elevation of Figure 1 for transporting wire.

Figure 3 in a top plan view of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view In side elevation of an embodiment of the present Invention.

Figure 5 In a cross-sectional view in side elevation of Figure 4 prepared for transporting wire.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of Figure 4.

Figure 7 In a top plan view of the tray of the present 30 invention.

Figure a in a cross-sectional view across line A-A' of Figure 7.

Figure 9 Is a cross-sectional view across line B-D' of z 1 Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a crops-pectional view of nide elevation of ^n embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 in a crons-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 10 Including wire.

Figure 12 In a cronc-sectional view In Ride elevatIon of ^n embodiment of the present Invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OP TRE INVErITION

An embodiment of the present Invention is shown in Figure 1.

The invention comprises a container 10 having a bottom 12. Two members 20 and 22 extend from bottom 12. The distance between the members in approximately twice the distance from each romber to the well of the container. Wire 2 Is installed in the container around member 20 and 22 In a figure eight pattern, such that the members extend through the bightn of thn figure 8 and the cross-over of the figure 8 In between the members. In Figure 1 the top flaps 40 and 42. of container 10 remain open to enable container 10 to receive additional wire. For trannporting the wire top flaps (42 and 44 shown) of containor 10 are closed, or, an nhown Ill Figure 2, foam overlay 50, adapted to allow members 20 end 22 to extend through the overlay, may be placed over wire 2 ^lid top flnp-", 40, 47, and 44 of container 10 folded over foam overlay so to clone contnintr 10. If desired the contniner may then be sealed in a conventional manner. To remove wiro 2 from container 10 f18pn (40, 42, and 44 shown) are folded open and foam overlay 50, If utilized, In removed. The desired quantity of wire 2 In then pulled upward and lifted out the open top of container 10. The figure eight configuration of the wire 2 In inore clearly shown In Figure 3. Figure 3 additionally shown the remaining top flap 46 of container 10.

Another embodimg!bnt of the present Invention In shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment the bottom 12 of container 10 in 1 6 provided with a tray 60 having channels 62, 64 and 66. The tray in adapted to allow members 20 and 22 to extend through the tray into the Interior of container 10. Wire 2 In Installed in the container around members 20 and 22 in a figure eight pattern, such that the members extend through the bights of the figure a and the cross-over of the figure 8 Is between the reembfrs.

Channels 62, 64 and 66 help guide wire 2 Into the figure eight pattern and restrain wire 2 from moving around the interior of container 10. The top flaps (40 and 42 shown) of container 10 may then be closed to transport the wire 2. Alternatively, an shown in Figure 5, foam overlay 50, adapted to allow members 20 and 22 to extend through the overlay, may be placed over wire 2 and top flaps 40, 42 and 44 folded over foam overlay 50 to clone container 10. To remove wire 2 from container 10 flaps (40, 42 and 44 shown) are folded cpen and foam overlay 50, If utilized, in removed. The desired quantity of wire 2 Is then pulled upward and lifted out the open top of container 10. Figure 6 shown a top plan view of this embodiment of the present invention.

Tray 60 is also shown In Figures 7, 8 and 9.

Figure 7 shown a top plan view of tray 60. In this view channels 62, 64 and 66 are clearly shown. This view additionally shows cut out areas 70 and 72 adapted to allow parallel members 20 and 22 to extend through tray 60.

Preferably tray 60 is formed from a lightweight rnaterial such an plastic so that the tray does not add a great amount of additional weight to the container.

Figure 8 in a cross sectional view across line A-A' of Figure 7 showing a different perspective of tray-60 and rore particularly channels 62 and 66. The depth and width of channels 62 and 66 are shown an Ox" and wy" respectively.

Figure 9 is a cross sectional view across line B-B' of Figure 7 showing another perApective of tray 60 and more particularly ebannel 64. The depth and width of channel 64 are Z 1 C 7 nhown ai lIZII and 11w11 respectively.

Anotti"r cml)ocllm^vit of thn prement Itivrntlon in nhown Ill riguro io. In thin eml)oclirnkntit memberr, 20 nvid 22 nro forinotl an V,irt at nit Integral unit;0 n(lnptrd to br. isinerterl Into container 10 avid commuviicntt% with bottom 12. Thin f%inbedimomtit of tile prenclit itivostitioli 1TIRY bob litilized All lifVrr^1. wnYR. T110% Integral unit 70 inny be firnt l)lncod Into contnitior 30 ntirt thrn wire 2 iiintalled around mernbern 20 end 22 ill n fIgure oight pattern no that the bightn of the figure f; extend tlirouqlt tlic, inc-.vnbo%rc; end thp croq-n-ove.r of the figure 0 In between tlx" iTievnborn. Alternatively, an nhown In Figure 11, wiros. 2 may lip fArnt ilintalled nround m^mbern 20 and 22 ill a figure ohight V,nttorti an pro-aviounly dencribed ^rid then unit 70 plnced Into colithilissr 10. After both tltc% ltintnllntion of wit#% 2 nround inernhern 20 end 22 rind thos oprnplnco%Tn"tit of unit 70 Ill coiitniticr 10, container 10 may be cloned:ii proviounly tlrncribrrl, with fir without fonm overlay 50, for trevinport. Obviounly, 111 thle, embodiment, cotit.iister 10 P-i,%y b^ unpacked by rernoving wirp 2 frnm linit 70 while unit 70 in Inpidn or mpnrt from containor 30.

A Rimilar embodimont of tho pronrilt Invelition Ill myinwil ill rigurn 12. In thin Pinbodiment, Integral lonit 70 coriprir.on chrinnell; 62, 64, end 66 Ill addition to vno%mbern 20 Mid 22.

Again, In thin embodiment, unit 70 in nd.iptol(l to hO Jtl^fbrto%fl Into contninpr 10 avid comTnt)yiic^t#l with hOttOM 12.. 'Wlrqb 2 Jr.

Irintalled around membern 20 and 22 fli n, figure opight pnttowrn en that tho bights of the figure a extend through thn prinbors antl the cronn-over of the figurot 9 in hotw"o%ti the momhern, el ther before or after unit 70 In Irintalled Ill container 10. and falls to rent In channels 62, 64, and 66. After both the Ilintrillation of wire 2 around memberet 20 and 22 and the clinplftcPvncnt Of unit in container 10, r.ontnitirr 10 may b#11 clonkRde with or Vithout foam overlay 50, an previounly dencribed for tralinport.

obviounly, In thin embodiment, container 10 nay b" utipac),,fbd by removing wire 2 from unit 70 whilot unit 70 in innide or apart from container lo.

In one embodiment of the present Invention container 10 In 21 inches In length by 11 inches in width by 6 Inches In height. Parallel members 20 and 22 are columns approximately 6 incher, in height by 6 inches In diameter. The foam Insert 50 Is approximately 21 inches by 11 inches by 3 inches, and Eontainn two substantially circular cut-out@ approximately 6 Inchen In diameter to allow the insert to fit over members 20 and 22.

In another embodiment of the present Invention, utilizing wire tray 60, container 10 In 21 Inches In length by 11 inchen In width by 6 Inches In height. Parallel members 20 and 22 aro columns approximately 6 Inches In height by 6 Inches In diameter. Wire tray 60 in made from a lightweight plastic material. "X" (f Igure 8) In 5 Inches. "Y" (f Igure 8) In 2 Inches. OZ" (figure 9) is 6 Inches. And 11w11 (figure 9) let 4 Inches. The foam insert In approximately 21 Inches by 11 lncliom,.; by 3 Inches and contains two substantially circular cut-out% approximately 6 Inches in diameter to allow the insert to fit over members 20 and 22.

In a further embodiment of thom present invention utilizing integral unit 70, container 10 in 21 Inches In length by 11 inches In width by 6 Inches in height. The integral unit 70 In approximately 6 inches In height with a substantially rectangular base approximately 11 Inches In width by 21 lfictich-R in length. Channels 62 end 66 are approximately 2 Inches In width. Channel 64 at Its widest portion between members 20 and 22 In approximately 4 inchen in width. The foam insert In approximately 21 Inches by 11 inches by 3 inches and contains two cut out substantially circular sections appr6ximately 6 Inches In diaimeter to allow the insert to fit over members 20 and 22.

The present invention in particularly well suited for packaging and trangporting wire nuch an tantalum wire. Boqcntina tantalum wire In generally shipped In a fully annealed form It t.

Z 1 9 is very soft and malleable and easily damaged by generally known packaging and transporting means. Thene generally known packaging and transporting means also produce tantalum wire with a small loop cast, kinks, and tendency to break. However, tantalum wire may be safely and easily packaged and transported using any of the aforementioned embodiments of the prea@nt invention. For example, tantalum wire can be packaged and transported utilizing the embodiment of the present invention 'depicted in Figure 12. in this embodiment the tantalum wire In installed around members 20 and 22 in a figure 8 pattern and falls into channels 62, 64, 66. roam overlay 50 in placpd ovor the wire and container 10 closed for transport. Thot tantalum wire CbTi be easily removed from container 10 by opening th" container, removing foam tray 50 and pulling the desired quantity or the tantalum wire upward and out of the top Of container 10. rackaning and transporting tantalum wire according to the present invention greatly reduces the. chatics'n of the tantalum wire tangling or snagging as it is unpackagod. The unpackaged tantalum wire will also have a large loop cast and tend not to recoil. And, as previously discussed, tho present invention also provides a means for packaging and transporting tantalum wire without tensioning or twisting the tantalum wire, thus reducing the chances of kinking or otherwise damaging the tantalum wire.

The present invention is also well suited for packaging and transporting a columbium-zirconium alloy wire. Like tantalum wire, columbium-zirconium alloy wire in easily damaged by generally known packaging and transporting moons. Thenft generally known means also have all the previously discusn"d problems resulting in columbium-zirconium wire with a small loop cast kinks, and a tendency to break. Columbium-zirconium 6110Y wire, however, can be safely and @&oily packaged utilizing the present invention. For example, columbium-zirconium wire can he packaged and transported utilizing the embodiment of the present p Invention depleted in Figure 12. Columbium-zircOtlium 8110Y Wirc Is installed around members 20 and 22 In a figure 8 pattern and falls Into channels 62, 64 and 66. Foam overlay 50 in placrd over the wire and container 10 closed for traneport. The columblum-zirconium wire can be easily removed from container 10 by opening the container, removing foam tray 50 andolilli.tlpm the desired quantity of the wire upward and out of the top of container 10. Packaging and tranRporting columblum-zirconixim wire according to the present invention greatly reduces tho chances of the wire tangling or snagging an It Is unpackagod.

The unpnckaged wire will alory have a large loop cart and tend not to recoil. Further the clictnces of the wire kinking or hosincl otherwise damaged are greatly reduced.

Numerous variations and modifications may obviously be rndc, in the structure herein dencribed without departing from tlic! prenent invention. Accordingly, it should he clearly unclimrrtooel that the forms of the Invention herein described and shown In the figures of the accompanying drawings are IlluRtrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the Invention. Tho present Invention includes all modifications falling within the scope of the following claims.

k I 1 11

Claims (22)

1. CLAIMS j An apparatus comprising:

   container; plurality of substantially parallel members attached to and extending from an interior surface of said container; and, a material having recoiling, kinking and snagging problems in a substantially figure 8 pattern with the bights of said figure 8 encircling said members and the cross-over of said figure 8 between said members.
2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising; a tray communicating with said interior surface of said container and having channels for said material.
3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said tray and said substantially parallel members comprise an integral unit adapted to communicate with said interior surface of said container.
4. 4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 - 3 wherein said material comprises a plurality of layers each formed of a plurality of figure eight winds wherein the bights of said figure 8's encircle said members and the cross-overs of said figure 8's are between said members.
5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said material further comprises tantalum wire.
6. 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said material further comprises a columbium-zirconium alloy wire.

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7. 7. The apparatus of any one of the preceeding claims wherein said interior surface comprises the bottom of said container.
8. 8. A method for packaging material having recoiling, kinking and snagging problems comprising: placing a material having recoiling, kinking and snagging problems in a figure 8 pattern in a container having a plurality of substantially parallel members attached to and extending from an interior surface of said container wherein the bights of said figure 8 encircle said members and the cross-over of said figure 8 is between said members.
9. 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising: a tray communicating with said interior surface of said container and having channels for said material.
10. 10. - The method of claim 9 wherein said tray and said substantially parallel members comprise an integral unit adapted to communicate with said interior surface of said container.
11. 11. The method of any one of claims 8 - 10 wherein said material comprises a plurality of layers each formed of a plurality of figure 8 winds wherein the bights of said figure 8's encircle said members and the cross-overs of said figure 8's are between said members.
12. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said material furthercomprises tantalum wire.
13. 13. The method of claim 11 wherein said material further comprises a columbium-zirconium alloy wire.
14. 14. The method of any one of claims 8 - 13 wherein said interior surface comprises the bottom of said container.

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15. 15. A method for transporting wire comprising: placing a material having recoiling, kinking and snagging problems in a substantially figure 8 pattern in a container having a plurality or substantially parallel members attached to and extending from an interior surface of said container wherein the bights of said figure 8 encircle said members and the crossover of said figure 8 is between said members.
16. 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: a tray communicating with said interior surface of said container and having channels for said material.
17. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein said tray and said substantially parallel members comprise an integral unit adapted to communicate with said interior surface of said container.
18. 18. The method of claim 17 wherein said material comprises a plurality of layers each formed of a plurality of figure 8 winds wherein the bights of said figure 8's encircle said members and the cross-overs of said figure 8's are between said members.
19. 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said material further comprises tantalum wire.
20. 20. The method of claim 18 wherein said material further comprises a columbium-zirconium alloy wire.
21. 21. The method of any one of claims 15 - 20 wherein said interior surface comprises the b6ttom of said container.
22. 22. An apparatus according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with teference to Figure 1 - 3, 4 - 9 or 10 - 12 of the drawings.

    PubIMOd 1990&tTh6]P&t8ntOMOe.9%&t& HOuU.e6'71 High Halbarz.1andonWCIIR4TP. Purtheroopies maybedbudned froinThe Patentomce JW" Branch. Ift Mary Cray. Orpingwn. Rent SM 3RD. Printed by MWuplex t9chnIques ltd, at Mary Cray. Xtnt. Con 1187