NO302610B1 - Holder blank and method of multi-packaging of adjacent rows of containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Carrier stock (10) is formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, for machine application to side walls of substantially identical containers (12). Integrally joined band segments (22,24,26,28,32,34,36,40) defining separate apertures (14) to receive the individual containers (12) include longitudinal (22,24), cross (32,34,36,40), and diagonal (26,28) segments. The diagonal segments (26,28) are joined together at generally X-shaped junctions (42). From each junction (42), the generally oblique segments of a first pair (26a,28a) are continuously curved toward the nearer edge of such stock (10) and the diagonal segments of a second pair (26b,28b) are substantially straight and tend toward the other edge of such stock. Each diagonal segment (26a, 28a) of the first pair at each junction has a progressively changing width, being wider at its end (48) joined at such junction (42) than at its other end (46). Each diagonal segment (26b,28b) of the second pair at each junction has a substantially uniform width. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention is concerned with a holder blank for mechanical application to largely identical cans or other containers. More specifically, the invention relates to a holder blank for mechanical application to the side walls of such containers.

A holder blank with separate container-receiver apertures for machine application to largely identical containers can typically be manufactured by punching from a single sheet of elastic polymer material, e.g. polyethylene of low specific gravity.

An example of such a blank for mechanical application to largely identical containers in three longitudinal rows of undetermined length is described in US patent document 4,018,331. According to said patent document, such a blank, after it has been placed on such containers, can be split on across for the production of packages with three containers, six containers or other multiples of three containers. A suitable machine for applying such blanks is known from US patent 3,959,949.

Such a container is usually provided with a layer at its upper end or at each of its ends. When mechanically applied to such containers, it is common for the blank to be transferred to the upper ends of the containers, in such a way that the edges of band segments in the blank are forced upwards against the layers when the individual holders which are separated from the blank are lifted by means of finger openings in the blank.

However, it has been suggested (see for example the above-mentioned patent document, column 2, lines 43 - 45) that such a subject can alternatively be placed on other parts, e.g. the lower ends, of the receptacles. In particular, it is desirable to be able to place the workpiece on the container side walls.

In US Patent Application No. 08/519,860 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Applying Multi-Package Device" there is described a machine for transferring such a blank to the container side walls.

The machine described in the above-mentioned application comprises two battle plates which are brought into edge contact with the workpiece when this is advanced through the machine, in order to guide the workpiece downwards along the container side walls. Considerable friction occurs between the plate edges and the workpiece being advanced. The friction can cause diagonal belt segments to bend or break near the outer edges of previously known holder blanks.

The purpose of the invention is therefore to remedy a need for a holder blank which can be effectively applied to the side walls of such containers, e.g. by using the machine described in the above-mentioned patent application, and with minimal risk of diagonal belt segments being bent or broken near the outer edges of the workpiece.

This is achieved according to the invention by a holder blank as specified in the subsequent claim 1.

Thus, according to the invention, a holder blank, made from a single thin sheet of elastic polymer material, such as polyethylene of low specific gravity, has been produced for mechanical application to largely identical containers. The blank is particularly, but not exclusively, intended for mechanical application to the side walls of the containers. The blank is particularly designed with special band segments that change gradually in width, to reduce the tendency of these special segments to bend or break.

The holder blank according to the invention can be split into individual holders with separate openings for receiving individual containers, when the blank is mechanically applied to the container side walls. The separate openings are arranged in rectangular groups by longitudinal rows, preferably in a number of three, and transverse rows. The blank has two opposite edges, one or both of which can be equipped with an integral handle for each individual holder as desired.

The holder blank according to the invention is equipped with integrating band segments which delimit the separate openings. Longitudinal segments, transverse segments and diagonal segments are arranged. The longitudinal segments form the opposite edges of the blank. The transverse segments extend across.

Each diagonal segment is connected at a first end to one of the generally transverse segments and at a second end to three of the diagonal segments at a junction. Each node is roughly X-shaped when the workpiece is unloaded.

Furthermore, each node is formed by two pairs of diagonal segments, namely a first and a second pair. From each node, the diagonal segments in the first pair diverge towards the nearest edge of the holder blank, while the diagonal segments in the second pair diverge towards the other edge of the blank.

In accordance with the invention, at least one diagonal segment in the first pair, which starts from at least one node, will have a width that changes gradually when the holder blank is unloaded.

In particular, the other end of each diagonal segment has a gradually changing width that is wider than the other end. Preferably, each diagonal segment in the first pair at each node has such a gradually changing width.

If the separate openings are arranged in three longitudinal rows, each diagonal segment in the second pair at each node preferably has a substantially uniform width, when the holder blank is unloaded. It is further preferred that each diagonal segment in the first pair at each node has arcuate edges, when the blank is unloaded.

The holder blank according to the invention can be effectively placed on the side walls of largely identical containers, e.g. using the machine described in the above-mentioned patent application, with minimal risk of the diagonal segments forming the first pair emanating from each node being bent down or broken.

The invention also includes a method for multi-packaging three or more largely adjacent rows of containers for packages with a selected number of containers, as stated in the subsequent claim 2.

The invention is described in more detail below in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a package comprising six identical containers and a holder with an integrating handle, which is separated from the holder blank according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a plan view of the preferred version of the holder blank according to the invention. Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail from Figure 2, which illustrates certain belt segments with characteristic shapes, according to the invention. Figure 4 shows a plan view of a modified embodiment according to the invention. Figure 5 shows a perspective view illustrating how certain elements of a machine are brought into contact with the preferred version of the holder blank according to the invention, when the blank is placed on six largely identical containers. One of the containers is shown cut through without contents.

Figures 1-3 show a preferred version of the container blank 10, for mechanical application to largely identical containers 12. The blank 10 is designed with separate openings 14 for receiving the individual containers 12. The holder blank 10 can be split along transverse lines, as described in the following, to form largely identical individual holders 20.

The containers 12 which are shown in Figure 1 consist of beverage cans of a common type for beer, non-alcoholic drinks and the like. Furthermore, each container 12 is provided at one end with a layer 16 with a drawbar 18. However, the invention is not limited to use with such cans, but can also be used with cans, bottles and other containers of various types.

Figure 1 shows a package comprising six such containers 12 and a holder 20 which is separated from the blank 10. One of these holders 20 is shown completely in Figure 2 together with parts of the next holder 20. Each holder 20 is shown in unloaded state in Figure 2.

The holder blank 10 is manufactured in an indefinite length, e.g. by punching from a single sheet of elastic polymer material. When using such a material, each blank 10 in the unloaded state can have a preferred thickness of approx. 0.35 mm.

For each individual holder 20, the holder blank 10 is equipped with integrating band segments that define six separate openings 14. As shown in Figure 2, the openings are arranged in a rectangular pattern with three longitudinal rows and two transverse rows for each individual holder 20.

The holder blank 10 is placed on the side wall portion of the respective containers 12, which faces away from the layer 16 of each container 12. The blank 10 can be applied efficiently using the machine described in the above-mentioned patent application.

As shown in Figure 5, the machine comprises a conveyor C for advancing an indefinite number of containers 12 in a rectangular group with three longitudinal rows and an indefinite number of transverse rows, of which three are shown. Furthermore, the machine comprises two battle plates P which are fixed in a mutually parallel position and in edge contact with the holding blank 10 which is advanced through the machine. For further details of the machine, please refer to the above-mentioned patent application.

Because it is placed on the side walls of the respective containers 12, the holder blank 10 will require less material and can consequently be made of thinner material with narrower belt segments, leveled with the holder blank (not shown) which is placed directly under the layers 16 which rest against the edges of the blank.

The band segments comprise relatively narrow outer and diagonal segments and relatively wide transverse segments. The outer segments include the outer segments 22 which extend along the so-called handle edge of each workpiece 10, and the outer segment 24 which extends along the opposite edge of the workpiece 10. The outer segments 22, 24 run largely in the longitudinal direction of the machine, when the workpiece 10 is unloaded. The diagonal segments generally run along diagonal lines, when the blank 10 is unloaded. Diagonal segments 26a, 28a and diagonal segments 26b, 28b are arranged. The diagonal segments largely delimit diamond-shaped openings 30. There are arranged transverse segments 32, 34 which are directly connected to the outer segments 22 along one edge, and transverse segments 36, 38 which are connected directly to the outer segments 24 along the opposite edge, and transverse segments 40 which extend between the openings 30.

It should be noted that although in the preferred version according to the invention the segments 26a, 28a are curved and the segments 26b, 28b straight, the segments 26a, 28a can be straight or the segments 26a, 28b can be curved, without the frame and idea of the invention thereby changing.

As the holder blank 10 is designed with the generally diamond-shaped openings 30 which are bounded by the diagonal segments 26a, 28a, 26b and 28b, the blank 10 is without excess material. This will consequently result in cost and weight savings.

For each individual holder 20, there are nodes 42 arranged in the holder blank 10, where each of the diagonal segments run together with three other diagonal segments. Each node 42 is generally X-shaped with an elongated central portion 44, as shown in Figure 2, when the blank 10 is unloaded. Furthermore, each node 42 is formed by two pairs of diagonal segments, namely a first pair consisting of a diagonal segment 26a and a diagonal segment 28a, and a second pair consisting of a diagonal segment 26b and a diagonal segment 28b.

From each node 42, the diagonal segments 26a, 28a in the first pair diverge towards the nearest edge of the holder blank 10. From each node 42, the diagonal segments 26b, 28b in the second pair diverge towards the other edge of the blank 10.

Each of the diagonal segments 26a, 28a is connected at a first end 46 to one of the transverse segments 32, 34, 36 and 40, and at another end 48 to one of the nodes 42. Furthermore, each of the diagonal segments 26a, 28a has a gradually changing width, when the holder blank 10 is unloaded. In particular, the second end 48 of each diagonal segment 26a, 28a is wider than the first end 46.

The wider, other ends 48 can better absorb the high load that affects these belt zones as a result of the frictional contact between the cam plates P (shown with broken lines in Figure 2) and the hub 42.

Furthermore, each of the diagonal segments 26a, 28a has curved edges, as shown in figure 2, when the blank 10 is unloaded. One of the curved edges is convex and defines one of the openings 14. The other, curved edge is convex.

Each of the diagonal segments 26b, 28b can also have a gradually changing width which is wider at the node 42 than at the transverse segment 40, when the holder blank 10 is unloaded. Furthermore, each of the diagonal segments 26b, 28b has rectilinear edges when the blank 10 is unloaded.

For each individual holder 20, the holder blank 10 can be equipped with an integrating handle 50 which is arranged at the outer segments 22. The handle 50 has two ends 52 and a middle branch 54 between the ends 52. The middle branch 54 is connected by a junction (where the outer segments 22 run together) through a perforated line 56 which forms a fracture joint. With the help of the break joint, the middle branch 54 can easily be broken away from the other parts of the handle 50 by lifting, but will still be connected to the outer band segment, to help with the recovery of the product during production. When the middle branch 54 is removed, the handle 50 and the outer segments 22 will form a finger opening of sufficient size to accommodate two or more of the user's fingers.

Additional details regarding the transition between each end 52 of the handle 50 and other parts of the holder blank 10 and the characteristic shape of certain opening-defining edges 64 (which include concave sections 66 and convex sections 68 forming lugs 70) are described in US patent application no. 08/519 858 entitled "Carrier Stock With Integral Handles".

When the holder blank 10 is applied, e.g. when using the previously described machine, lateral forces are transferred to the outer segments 24, as shown by arrows in figure 2. These forces will stretch the belt segments, especially but not exclusively the diagonal segments 26a, 28a. Furthermore, the cam plates P which are forced downwards towards the nodes 42, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, will cause significant friction between the plates P and the nodes 42. The belt segments 26a, 28b in zones at the nodes 42 are therefore particularly prone to bending or breaking due to this excessive stress concentration.

Due to its characteristic features, including the gradually changing widths of the diagonal segments 26a, 28a which have curved edges, when the holder blank 10 is unloaded, the blank 10 can be effectively placed on the side wall of the containers 12, e.g. using the previously described machine, with minimal risk of any of the diagonal segments 26a, 28a being bent or broken.

The holder blank 10 preferably has an asymmetrical shape, as described in US patent 4,356,914.

According to Figure 4, which shows a modified embodiment according to the invention, the handles 50 for each individual holder 20 can be omitted from the holder blank 10, and there can instead be arranged band segments 58 that serve as handles, as described in US patent 4 018 331.

Claims (2)

1. Holder blank for mechanical application to the side walls of substantially identical containers, which blank (10) is made from a single thin plate of elastic polymer material and can be divided into individual holders (20) with separate openings (14) in rectangular groups with longitudinal rows and transverse rows for receiving the individual containers, where the blank has two opposite edges and is equipped with integral band segments which delimit the separate openings and which include outer segments (22, 24) which form the opposite edges of the blank, transverse segments (32, 34, 36, 40) which extends across diagonal segments (26a, 28a, 26b, 28b) each of which has a first end where the diagonal segment is connected to one of the transverse segments, and a second end where the diagonal segment is connected to three other diagonal segments at a junction (42), in that each node (42) is largely X-shaped when the blank (10) is unloaded, and is formed by two such diagonal segments (26a, 28a) which form a first pair and diverge ers from the junction point (42) towards the nearest edge of the workpiece, and that two diagonal segments (26b, 28b) which form a second pair and diverge from the junction point towards the other edge of the workpiece, characterized in that at least one diagonal segment (26a, 28a; 26b, 28b) in the first and/or second pair emanating from an associated node (42), have a gradually changing width when the blank (10) is unloaded, each such segment's second end (48) being wider than its first end (46). 2. Method for multi-packaging three or more generally adjacent rows of containers into packages with a selected number of containers, comprising the following steps: using a holder blank (10) which is made of a single thin plate of elastic polymer material and which can be split into individual holders (20) with separate openings (14) in rectangular groups with three or more longitudinal rows and transverse rows for receiving the individual containers, the blank having two opposite edges and comprising integrating band segments which delimit the separate openings and which include outer segments (22, 24) forming opposite edges of the blank, transverse segments (32, 34, 36, 40) extending across and diagonal segments (26a, 28a, 26b, 28b), each having a first end where the diagonal segment is connected to one of the transverse segments, and a second end where the diagonal segment is connected to three other diagonal segments in a node (42), where each node is generally X-shaped when hol deren is unloaded and which is also formed by two such diagonal segments (26a, 28a) which form a first pair and diverge from the node (42) towards the nearest edge of the workpiece, and by two diagonal segments (26b, 28b) which form a second pair and diverges from the nodal point (42) towards the other edge of the workpiece, characterized by transfer of lateral tensile forces to opposite edges of the workpiece (10), to restore the shape of the openings, and transmission of downward-acting and linearly directed, longitudinal forces to the workpiece's nodes (42) through the cam plates, for lowering the workpiece along the container side walls, in that the extended parts of the diagonal segments take up the load from the cam plates, without the diagonal segments bending down or breaking, where among the diagonal segments used is at least one diagonal segment (26a, 28a) in the first and/or the second pair, which extends from at least one node , each such segment having a gradually changing width when the blank is unloaded, where the second end (48) of the segment is wider than the first (46) end of the segment. ■