IE42600B1 - Packaging container - Google Patents

Abstract

1488074 Containers HILTI AG 3 April 1975 [19 April 1974] 13589/75 Heading B8P A packaging container, e.g. for a milling tool (18), Fig. 8 (not shown), comprises two hollow parts 1, 2, e.g. of polyethylene, one of which may be slid into the other and then locked in position by rotary movement whereby a stop nose 9 on one part enters a stop groove 4 on the other. The parts 1, 2 each have end closures 6, 7, and a series of noses 9 are preferably selectively engageable with grooves 4 in accordance with the length of the article to be packaged. A disc 11 may be located within one of the parts 1, 2 to support the tool (18), &c. In a modification, Fig. 7 (not shown), generally inverted V-shaped protrusions (14) may act to retain the noses 9 within the grooves 4 and the grooves 4 may have axial extensions (16) to locate the noses 9 against rotation.

Description

This invention relates to a packaging container, for elongate objects, of the kind which comprises two elongate hollow parts which are each closed at one end and which are adapted to be connected together by bringing them into coaxial alignment, inserting one of the parts telescopically into the other, and effecting a relative rotary movement of one of the parts about their common longitudinal axis.

If objects of different lengths are to be packed in containers in such a way that they cannot move ,in their longitud10 inal directions or can so move only to a very limited extent it is necessary to provide containers corresponding to the length of each of the objects. This means it is necessary to provide a plurality of packaging containers when a plurality of objects of different lengths are involved, so that not only are the themselves costs for the containers / expensive since different respective moulds or. tools are required for their production, but also storekeeping costs are expensive, since a supply must be constantly available. In addition, the provision of such containers is complicated, for example in the case of drills, chisels and the like, by reason of the fact that such objects have differing peripheral or cross-sectional dimensions, usually in a certain ratio to the length.

In order to minimise the number of parts that have to be kept available for packaging containers of different lengths and/or cross-sectional dimensions, a packaging container has become known 2 6 0 C which consists of two oblong parts which are each closed at one end, these parts being adapted to be connected together by a thread. For objects within a certain range of outer dimensions, the one part can remain constantly the same, whereas the other part is varied in its length and has a correspondingly-designed outer shape. It is thus possible to reduce the costs for production and storekeeping, since, within certain limits, only the length of the second part has to be changed, the first part cooperating therewith being unchanged in its design. However, even this embodiment is still unsatisfactory, since the second part must have lengths corresponding to the goods that are to be packed.

If one takes, as an example, the fact that drills (the sensitive cutting edge’s of which are to be protected) of 20 cm to 40 cm lengths differ only slightly in their diameters, so that they can thus be accommodated by packaging containers having the same diameter, then the first part can indeed remain constantly the same, but the second part must be available in graduated lengths.

The problem underlying the invention is to provide a packaging container in which objects of different lengths in a wide range can be accommodated, without either of the two parts of the container having to be exchanged in spite of the wide range of lengths of the articles the container will accommodate. In this connection the aim is to be able to pack, using one and the same container, objects which can vary from a specific basic or unit length up to twice such length. 43690 ' : ' 1 If one assumes, for example, that a drill of 35' cm length has to have a corresponding packaging container, then the same container is also usable for drills of approximately 60 cm length.

As a solution to this problem the present invention provides 5 a packaging container, of the kind referred to at the introduction of this specification, characterised in that the first part is a sliding fit in the second part so that its outer surface abuts against the inner surface of the second part and has. a longitudinal groove which extends parallel to its longitudinal axis and .10 which emanates from its open end and from which emanate stop grooves which are directed transversely to the longitudinal groove and into which ,at least one inwardly projecting stop nose, formed in the region of the open end'of the second part, can be selectively engaged by the said rotary movement.

The problem posed is thus solved. By reason of the sliding fit of the one part relative to the other and the arrangement of the longitudinal groove having stop grooves, emanating therefrom, in the one part, and the stop nose, which slides in . the longitudinal groove and which can be engaged into any selected one of.the stop grooves, on the other part, it is possible to give the packaging container an effective length which can be varied between limits determined by engagement of the stop nose respectively in the stop groove situated closely to the closed end of the first part and in the stop groove situated adjacent the open end of the first part.

Both parts of the packaging container are preferably substantially cylindrical in configuration. The longitudinal . groove preferably extends to a point close to the-closed end of the first part, in order to make available a greatest possible overall length for the container. The stop grooves are preferably provided over the entire length of the longitudinal groove, at a substantially uniform spacing relative to one another. A spacing of 1.5 to 2 cm has proved to be particularly advantageous.

Although one stop nose on the second part can be sufficient, it is advantageous to provide several such stop noses - preferably three - since by this means a better inter-engagement of the two parts and a greater rigidity of the eventual container is obtained, more especially when the parts are connected to form a relatively long container. The stop noses are preferably circular in cross-section, more especially frusto-conical in configuration with a steep conical angle.

The entry gaps into the stop grooves from the longitudinal groove preferably each have a width which is substantially equal to the diameters of the stop noses or slightly smaller than this diameter, so that a certain resistance has to be overcome, for the relative twisting of the container parts for locking them together or separating them. Also, the base surfaces of the stop grooves can be roof-shaped in design at the transition from the longitudinal groove, that is to say rising from the longitudinal groove to a ridge, lying parallel to this latter, and then falling-off to those partsof the stop groovesin which the stop nose is received in the engaged state of the parts of the container. Furthermore, extensionsjcan be provided, which extensions emanate from the stop grooves and extend parallel 426 0 0 to the longitudinal groove or inclined at a slight angle to this Tatter, and into which the stop noses are inserted by a movement, subsequent to the rotary movement, of the two parts substantially parallel to their longitudinal axis.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:. Figure 1 is a perspective simplified representation of the two parts that are to be connected together to form a preferred embodiment of the packaging container of the TO invention; Figure 2 is a section taken along the line II-II of . Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of the first part of the container, viewed in the direction of the arrows ΙΙί-III of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a section taken along the Tine IV-IV of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the first part of the packaging container of Figures 1 to 4; Figure 6 is art enlarged fragmentary detail of the 20 portion indicated by the designation VI in.Figure 4,. but illustrating a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5, but illustrating yet a further embodiment of the invention; and , . Figure 8 is a longitudinal section illustrating a complete 25 assembled packaging container according to the invention with a tool packed therein. . 2 6 0 0 The first embodiment, illustrated in figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, of the packaging container of the invention for accommodating elongate objects comprises two parts, namely a first part 1 and a second part 2, of which the first part 1, upon bringing the two parts into coaxial alignment, can be inserted telescopically into the second part 2, the first part 1 being a sliding fit in the second part 2, so that its outer surface abuts against the inner surface of the second part 2.

The first part 1 is sleeve shaped or substantially cylindrical in configuration and has an open end 5 and a closed end 5. In its outer cylindrical wall, the first part 1 is formed with a longitudinal groove 3 which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first part 1 and is of constant depth and width. At its end corresponding to the open end 5 of the first part 1, the groove 3 has a convergent entry 3a, and ‘the groove terminates close to the closed end 6. Emanating from the longitudinal groove 3, at uniform intervals relative to one another, are stop grooves 4 which lie transversely to the longitudinal extent of the groove 3 and which have the same depth as the groove 3.

The part 2 is also sleeve-shaped or cylindrical in configuration and has a closed end 7 and an open end 8. At least one radially inwardly-projecting stop nose 9 is provided in the region of the open end 8; preferably there are three such stop noses 9 lying in a row which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the part 2. The stop noses 9 are complementary to the longitudinal groove 3 and have the same spacings, relative to one another, as the stop grooves4.

The parts 1 and 2 can be connected together in order to form anelongate container closed at both ends, by fitting the part 2 onto .the part 1 in an orientation such that the stop noses.9 move along the longitudinal groove 3 until the desired container length is achieved; then the part 2 is rotated relative to the part 1 so that the stop noses 9 engage into the corresponding stop grooves 4; These relative , movements of the two parts 1 and 2 are indicated diagrammatically by the arrows A in Figure 1. The entry 3£ hasbevel 10 to facilitate entry of the hoses 9 into the groove 3.

A disc Tl may be provided in the part 1 to receive or guide the article (such as the tool 18 shown in Figure 8) to be packaged.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the stop noses 9 are circular in cross-section and frusto-conical in form, the largest diameter thereof, within the part 2, being indicated at 9a/ Figure 3 is an end view of the part 1, considered from the open end as indicated by the line III-III. As can be seen, the longitudinal groove 3 is widened at its proximal end by the bevel 10. The disc 11 is also exactly adapted, in register With the longitudinal groove 3 and the. stop grooves 4, to the inner contour of the part 1. Opening 12 in the disc 11 corresponds to the cross-section of the article that is to be packed. Bosses or pips 15 on the inside of the part 1 protect the disc 11 against displacement within the part 1, 3 6 0« Figure 4 is a cross-section through the part 1 in register with one of the stop grooves 4. This figure clearly shows that the longitudinal groove 3 and the stop grooves 4 have the same depth, so that common base surface 13 thereof with is concentric / the outer wall of the part 1. Each stop groove 4 has an outer contour 4a_ which is adapted substantially to the stop nose 9. In this figure, the disc 11 with its central opening 12, and the bosses or pips 15 serving for locating the disc 11 in place, are evident.

Figure 5 shows a portion of the first part 1 in plan.

The stop grooves 4 emanating from the longitudinal groove 3 are particularly clearly evident in this view. Outer contour 4a^ of each stop groove 4 is horse-shoe-shaped in design. Entry openings 4b from the groove 3 to the respective stop grooves 4 are, however, each preferably somewhat smaller than the larqest diameter 9a of the stop noses 9, the difference being dependent on the material used. With such an arrangement, unon passing of the stop noses 9 through the entry openings 4b a specific resistance has to be overcome.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail, in the region of the longitudinal groove 3, of a further embodiment wherein locking of the part 1 is achieved slightly differently. A roof-shaped or inverted-V-shaped prominence 14 is arranged at the transition between the longitudinal groove 3 and the stop groove 4. This prominence 14 extends tangentially into the common base surface 13 of the longitudinal groove 3 and of the stop groove 4. The 426«° prominence 14 co-operates in the radial direction with base surface of the stop nose 9 as a protection against twisting or'torsion. The wall of the outer contour 4a^ of the stop groove 4 is arranged approximately in the radial direction.

The disc11 is shaped to provide small clearance in the region of the stop groove 4 and the longitudinal groove 3. This design facilitates the insertion of the disc 11 into the part 1. The bosses or pips 15 have been produced by deformation of the outer wall.

The part 1 of a further embodiment of the container of the invention is illustrated in Figure 7. In this embodiment the stop grooves 4 emanating from the longitudinal groove 3 are provided with respective extensions 16 extending parallel to the longitudinal groove 3. These extensions 16 serve for locking' the two sleeve parts 1 and 2 mutually. Provided for securing the parts against unintentional relative movement are roof-shaped Or inverted-V-shaped prominences 14 corresponding to those of Figure 6.

The entry opening 4^, can, in this case, be somewhat larger than the largest diameter 9 a of the stop noses 9. To facilitate connection together of the two parts the entry 3a^ of the longitudinal groove 3 is provided, at the open end 5 of the part 1, with a dovetail-shaped widening 17.

In Figure 8 the two parts 1 and 2 are assembled into a complete packaging unit. This is cTosed off at its two ends by the closed ends 6 and 7. The stop noses 9 engage into corresponding ones of the stop grooves 4 and prevent the packaging parts from drawing apart. 2 6 0 0 A disc 11, shown in full lines, has been inserted through the open end 5 into the part 1. This disc 11 is cup-shaped in configuration, being formed with a cylindrical flange, and is thus located at a specific spacing from the closed end 6. b The central opening 12 corresponds in its cross-section to the object that is to be inserted into the container. In the illustrated instance a boring and milling tool 18 is shown as having been inserted into the packaging container. In this connection the disc 11 serves for centering the shank end of IU the tool 18 in the container. The disc Π or a further such disc can, however, as indicated in dotted lines, also be arranged at an expedient point between the open end 5 and the closed end ό. In this connection, a cup-shaped design is advantageous, but not necessary.

In order to facilitate the escape of the air upon bringing together the two parts 1 and 2, and to reduce friction between the two parts 1 and 2, the part 2 has at its open end 8 a collar 19 which is tapered in diameter.

The packaging container of the invention is preferably made of polyethylene and is advantageously produced in a blow moulding process in which the two parts 1 and 2 are produced in one piece and are subsequently separated.

Claims (10)

1. A packaging container, for elongate objects, comprising two elongate hollow parts which are each closed at, one end and which are adapted to be connected together by bringing them

2. ' A packaging container as claimed in Claim 1, further characterised in that the two parts are of substantially cylindrical shape. _ 20

3. A packaging container as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 further to a point characterised in that the longitudinal groove extends/close . to the closed end of the first part and is formed with a plur’ an ality of the stop grooves which are at/ equal spacing relative to one another. 25

4. 2 6 0 Ο 12. A packaging container as claimed in any of Claims 1 to TO, further characterised in that the longitudinal groove has, at its entry end, a bevel situated at the same side as the stop grooves. b 13. A packaging container as claimed in any preceding claim further characterised in that it further comprises at least one disc which is adapted to the inner contour of the first part and which has a central openingcorresponding to the outer shape of the object to be packed. 4 2 6 0 0 4, A packaging container as claimed in Claim 3, further characterised in that the;second part is provided, adjacent its open end, with several of said stop noses which coincide in their spacing with the spacings of the stop grooves and which are arranged in a row substantially parallel to the axis 30 of the second part. - 0-- ' ~ ' 12 5. Cross-section.

5. Λ packaging container as claimed in Claim 4, further characterised in that the second part has three said stop noses. b.

6. A packaging container as claimed in any preceding claim further characterised in that the or each stop nose has a circular 5 into coaxial alignment, inserting one of the parts telescopically into the other, and effecting a relative rotary movement of one of the parts about their common longitudinal axis, character Ϊ - --ised in that the first part is a sliding fit in the second part so that its outer surface abuts against the inner surface 10 of the second part and has a longitudinal groove which extends parallel to its longitudinal axis and which emanates from its open end and from which emanate stop grooves which are directed transversely to the longitudinal groove and into which at least one inwardly projecting stop nose, formed in the region of the 15 open end of the second part, can be selectively engaged by the . said rotary movement.

7. A packaging container as claimed in Claim 6, further characterised in that the or each stop nose is frusto-conical in configuration.

8. A packaging container as claimed in any preceding claim 10 further characterised in that the entry gaps between the stop grooves and the longitudinal groove are substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the stop nose or noses.

9. A packaging container as claimed in any preceding claim of the grooves lb further characterised in that the base surfac^/at the transitions from the longitudinal groove to the stop grooves are provided, in the direction transverse to the longitudinal groove, with of respective prominences/inverted V-shaped cross-section. 10. A packaging container as claimed in any preceding claim 20 further characterised in that the stop grooves each have a prolongation or extension extending parallel or obliquely to the extent of the longitudinal groove, and having a dimension corresponding to the dimensions of the stop nose or noses. 11. A packaging container as claimed in any preceding 2fa claim further characterised in that the longitudinal groove has, as its entry end, a dovetail lead-in, which narrows towards the groove, for the stop nose or noses.

10. - 14. A packaging container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, in Figure 6, in Figure 7, or in Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.