US1898509A - Spacing device for containers - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 21, 1933. 5 TAYLQR 1,898,509

SPACING DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS Filed July 16, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet l Q C) C) C) C) Q 0 V In I fl (a f Inventor a fz'yel Twyla];

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Feb. 2 1, 1933. s. TAYLOR 1,898,509

SPACING DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS Filed July 16, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2' /7 Inventor $52762 ik UZW,"

Patented Feb. 21, 1933 UNITED STATES SIGEL TAYLOR, OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS SPACING DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS Application filed July 16, 1931. Serial No. 551,268.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements and refinements embodied in the method and means of more satisfactorily handling cartons, containers and the like in transporting and shipping merchandise.

More explicitly related, the invention comprehends simple and economical devices serving as spacers and supporting means between adjacent cartons, boxes, receptacles or the like, either in single or superimposed relationship as required by post office departments, railway express agencies or other common carries, in order to prevent suffocation because of the lack of air circulation and appropriate ventilation.

It is a matter of common knowledge that the present way of fulfilling the requirements of this particular service is to place spacing blocks, wooden strips between the vertically spaced superimposed boxes and cartons. This is a rather unreliable and disorderly method of accomplishing this seemingly important task. Frequently the strips utilized as spacing elements are of proportions so large with respect to the containers themselves as to impede the free circulation of air, thereby failing to fulfill the desired purposes.

lVith the foregoing objections and revelations in mind, I have evolved and produced what I believe to be an innovation in this particular line of endeavor and my idea utilizes a simple and economical spacing bracket or fixture which allows for free circulation and ventilation and provides the desired dependable superposed relationship between the stacked boxes.

The specific physical features of the improved fixtures will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view disclosing a pair of the brackets in use.

Figure 2 is a view in section and elevation showing the method in which the bracket is partially anchored in place.

Figure 3 is a view showing the bracket securely anchored by clenching the retention tongues.

Figure 4 is a viewshowing the assembly of four of the spacers.

Figure 5 is a plan view ofthe metal blank from which the fixture is formulated.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary end View showing a slight modification of the idea.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 of still another modified form of the invention.

Each device is distinguished by the reference numeral 7 and the aperturedshipping and storing carton or box is designated by the numeral 8. I have shown two of these boxes in Figure 1 with the spacers interposed therebetween to provide the desired vertically spaced superposed Ventilating relationship. The devices 7 are securely fastened to the lids of the boxes. Each device is formed from a single blank or strip of metal bent into U-shaped portions, the bight portion being designated by the numeral 9 and the arms by the numeral 10.

These arms have outwardly and laterally bent terminals 11 forming rests or feet and it is from these portions 11 that the retaining tongues are struck. For example, as seen in Figure 5 there is a diagonal cut formed at 12, and spaced parallel cuts formed at the points 13 defining a pair of bendable triangular tongues. These are bent down at so right angles on the score or fold lines 14 so that they occupy the penetrating relationship shown inFigures 2 and 3.

These serve as spurs and may be forced through the cardboard of the box, or the box canbe especially fitted to facilitate insertion of the retaining tongues. After the tongues penetrate the box they are clinched or bent against the underside of the box as repre-v s-ented in Figure 3. Consequently, the U shaped handle-like spacers are permanently attached to the corner or adjacent portion of the lid of each box, allowing the boxes to be stacked one upon the other in the spaced relationship represented in Figure 1.

The same general principle is utilized in the arrangement disclosed in Figure 6, wherein the bight portion of the U-shaped part is designated by the numeral 15, one of the arms by the numeral 16, and the lateral foot by the numeral 17 The numerals 18 designate the fold or bend line.

The foot 17 is here shown as provided with a single pointed struck-out tongue 19 adapted to be bent at right angles to the foot to allow it to penetrate the cover of the container in an obvious manner.

That form of the invention shown in Figure 7 the foot 17 is provided with a pair of pointed struck out tongues 19, the tongues 19 being bendable at right angles to the foot on a line transverse of the foot adjacent the end edge of the foot as will be apparent from a study of the said figure.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthly description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the in vention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. As a new product of manufacture, a spacing and ventilating device of the class described comprising a member of substantially inverted U-shape having a substantially fiat bight for contacting a member which is to be spaced from another member, the extremities of the limbs of the U-shaped member being bent at substantially right angles and extending a relatively short distance to form feet and tongues punched from said feet for penetrating a part of said other member, after which the tongues are bent to fasten the feet to said other member.

2. Means for spacing a pair of containers placed one upon another, the lower container having a lid having ventilating openings in its top, comprising a number of spacers, each of which is independent of the others and is of substantially inverted U-shape with a substantially flat bight for engaging a part of the bottom of the upper container, with the extremities of its limbs bent substantially at right angles outwardly and extending a relatively short distance to form feet for resting on the lid of the under container, each foot having a pair of tongues punched therefrom to penetrate the lid after which the tongues are bentin opposite directions to lock the foot to the lid.

In testimony whereof I afi ix my signature.

SIGEL TAYLOR.

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