GB2389842A

GB2389842A - Device for aligning and securing stacked boxes or containers

Info

Publication number: GB2389842A
Application number: GB0214106A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Hawke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-20
Filing date: 2002-06-20
Publication date: 2003-12-24
Also published as: GB0214106D0

Abstract

A device enabling the correct alignment of boxes, cases or containers in a stack of such items. The device is a clip comprising a horizontal plate 3, 4 with locating pins 5 projecting from both sides, and a vertical plate 1, 2 attached to the horizontal plate 3, 4. The vertical plate 1 may be either L-shaped for use at the corners of the stack or it may be flat 2 for use in connecting boxes in a side-by-side as well as vertical relationship. In use, the vertical plate 1, 2 is aligned with a vertical wall of a box (or two boxes in side-by-side relationship) and a downwardly projecting locating pin 5 is inserted into a hole 6 in the top surface of the box. A further box can then be added to the stack, an upwardly projecting locating pin 5 engaging with a hole 6 in the bottom surface of the box. The device connects the individual boxes of the stack together and prevents movement of one box relative to its neighbours.

Description

Page 1 CASE SECURING CLIP

This invention relates to locating and securing stacked cases.

There exists in the market place many examples of packaging used for containing and displaying product of all kinds. Many of these packages are stacked and require some form of securing feature to keep the stack from miss alignment or collapse.

Current methods of retaining stacks of cases, particularly in the retail environment, tend to require a secondary securing structure and/or unsightly wrapping covering a vast majority of the stacked containers. Existing designs of this nature can be considered expensive or aesthetically undesirable as they either comprise of an additional shroud or strapping / shrink-wrap.

According to the present invention, there is provided a single component comprising of a vertical section attached to a horizontal plain and features a number of protruding locating pins emerging above and below the horizontal section. These fixtures locate into a hole(s) or an 'X' shaped cut (otherwise known as a Star burst) situated in the top or bottom of the stacked case(s). The vertical section fits flush against the walls of the case(s) helping to prevent misalignment. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1: Shows in perspective, the case securing clip (Corner clip shown).

Figure 2: Shows in perspective, the case securing clip (Flat clip shown).

Page 2 f Figure 3: Illustrates the Case Securing Clip (Corner profile) aligning for fitment onto a case.

Figure 4: Illustrates the Case Securing Clip (Flat) aligning for fitment onto two cases.

Figure 5: Illustrates the Case Securing Clip (Corner profile) fitted onto a case and ready to receive the next case to be stacked.

Figure 6: Illustrates the Case Securing Clip (Flat profile) fitted onto two cases and ready to receive the next case to be stacked.

Referring to the drawing, the component comprises of a single piece (Fig, 1 and 2), which encapsulates a vertical section (1 and 2) used to prevent misalignment of cases when stacked (Fig, 5 and 6). The locating pin (5) penetrates the case(s) through a hole (6) or 'star burst' (Fig, 3 and 4) allowing the horizontal section (3 and 4) to sit on the top or bottom surfaces (if penetrating a case from the underside) of the case to be stacked (Fig, 5 and 6).

A second case is introduced to the clip in the same manner continuing the stacking process. These clips are to be applied on each tier that is to be stacked. The cases can be disassembled by reversing the stacking process described.

Claims

Page 3 CLAIMS

Note: 1. A securing clip comprising of a vertical wall and horizontal plane with locating pin.
2. A securing clip as claimed in claim 1 where the vertical wall aligns a case or a number of container devices for aligned stacking.
3. A securing clip as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locating pin penetrates and locates a case when the clip is introduced from either the top and/or bottom of a case(s) or container device(s),
4. A securing clip as described in any proceeding claim, wherein the locating pin penetrates a container and is secured in place using either a barb or swollen' feature on either end of the locating pin or the weight placed on the securing clip by the container device(s) or case(s) being stacked.
5. A securing clip as described in any proceeding claim, wherein the locating pin and vertical wall aligns, locates and secures both a container device(s) or case(s) situated above and below the clip into whatever so desired orientation.
6. A securing clip as described herein with reference to figures 1-6 of the accompanying drawings.