US20100264058A1 - Product multi-pack - Google Patents
Product multi-pack Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100264058A1 US20100264058A1 US12/424,139 US42413909A US2010264058A1 US 20100264058 A1 US20100264058 A1 US 20100264058A1 US 42413909 A US42413909 A US 42413909A US 2010264058 A1 US2010264058 A1 US 2010264058A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- web
- containers
- product
- product containers
- carton
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
- B65B35/30—Arranging and feeding articles in groups
- B65B35/44—Arranging and feeding articles in groups by endless belts or chains
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B27/00—Bundling particular articles presenting special problems using string, wire, or narrow tape or band; Baling fibrous material, e.g. peat, not otherwise provided for
- B65B27/04—Bundling groups of cans or bottles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B17/00—Other machines, apparatus, or methods for packaging articles or materials
- B65B17/02—Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling
- B65B17/025—Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling the articles being joined by a top carrier element
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
- B65B5/02—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
- B65B5/024—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles for making containers from preformed blanks
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
- B65B5/06—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
- B65B61/04—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages
- B65B61/06—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages by cutting
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/4204—Inspection openings or windows
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/4208—Means facilitating suspending, lifting, handling, or the like of containers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/50—Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
- B65D5/5028—Elements formed separately from the container body
- B65D5/5088—Plastic elements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
- B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
- B65D71/14—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls
- B65D71/16—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls with article-locating elements
- B65D71/22—Openings or windows formed in the side walls
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
- B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
- B65D71/36—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers, with end walls
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
- B65D77/0413—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks, e.g. carton
- B65D77/0426—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks, e.g. carton the inner container being a bottle, canister or like hollow container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
- B65D2203/02—Labels
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
- B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
- B65D2571/00141—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper glued
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
- B65D2571/0032—Locating elements for the contents inserted the wrapper
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
- B65D2571/00456—Handles or suspending means integral with the wrapper
- B65D2571/00475—Handles or suspending means integral with the wrapper and extending ion a substantially vertical plane
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
- B65D2571/00654—Blanks
- B65D2571/0066—Blanks formed from one single sheet
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
- B65D2571/00722—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00808—Inserts
- B65D2571/0082—Supplementary boundling elements, e.g. straps
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- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
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- B65D2571/00833—Other details of wrappers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
- B65D2577/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
- B65D2577/041—Details of two or more containers disposed one within another
- B65D2577/042—Comprising several inner containers
- B65D2577/043—Comprising several inner containers arranged side by side
Definitions
- One or more embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a product multi-pack for securing a plurality of oriented containers relative to each other and for displaying the containers at a point of purchase.
- Container connectors for attaching a plurality of beverage containers, such as beer or soft drink cans, are well known. Such connectors are typically thin flexible sheets of plastic that include a series of apertures. Each aperture is sized for receiving a portion of the can. For example, common “six-pack” connectors include six apertures that are each engageable about an upper ridge of a can. Similar connectors have been used to hold bottles, and non fluid containers.
- Container positioners have been incorporated into cardboard cartons, such as those currently used to display two ounce bottles of 5-hour ENERGY® dietary supplements.
- Such container positioners include a cardboard panel having a series of apertures. Each aperture receives a cap of a bottle. The apertures provide frictional resistance that opposes the rotation of the bottles.
- the carton also includes a window to display the bottles. Once the bottles are placed in the carton, and are engaged by the panel, they may be manually rotated to orient the bottle labels such that they are facing out of the window.
- a product multi-pack is provided with a plurality of elongate product containers.
- the containers each include a bottom, an open top that is closed by a cap and a wall extending there between.
- the wall includes a label having a front portion extending about a limited section of the wall circumference.
- a carton is provided that is sized to display the plurality of product containers retained therein.
- a locator web is provided that is formed of a thin sheet of plastic having a plurality of spaced apart apertures formed therein. The apertures are sized to be at least partially elastically deformed when installed over the caps of the product containers. Additionally, the locator web provides frictional resistance to rotation of the product containers, which enables the containers to be positioned and held in place relative to the carton open face so that the label front portions are visible.
- a method of packaging at least two of generally circumferentially symmetrically shaped product containers provided with a label having a front portion extending about a limited section of the circumference in an open face carton includes inserting an end of each of at least two product containers into one of a plurality of spaced apart apertures in a plastic web. Additionally the method includes optically sensing the orientation of the product containers. The method provides automatically rotating the product containers to a desired position based on the sensed orientation and the location of the label front portion. The method also includes enclosing the at least two product containers and the interconnecting plastic web into an open face multi-pack carton so that the label front portions of the plurality of product containers are oriented to be visible through the carton open face.
- FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a product multi-pack according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a system for packaging a product multi-pack according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevation view of a product container of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged side perspective view of the product container of FIG. 1 , illustrated with a removable top;
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an elongate web member for receiving the product container of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a carton blank of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a carton erected from the carton blank of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a product multi-pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated with four product containers;
- FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a product multi-pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated with three product containers.
- FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an elongate web member for receiving the products of the product multi-pack of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a product multi-pack for securing and displaying product at a point of purchase, and is generally referenced as numeral 10 .
- a product multi-pack 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of product containers 12 , a web 13 and a carton 14 coupled to each other.
- the product containers 12 are elongate containers that are sized for enclosing a consumable product.
- the containers 12 may be blow molded and generally cylindrical in shape.
- the web 13 is a thin sheet of elastic material that attaches a pair of containers 12 together.
- the web 13 is sized for receiving a portion of each of the containers 12 , and provides a frictional resistance that opposes rotation of the container 12 relative to the web 13 .
- the carton 14 supports and displays the pair of containers 12 at the point of purchase.
- the containers 12 are circumferentially symmetrical about a vertical axis 16 ( FIG. 2 ). Alternate embodiments envision containers having other shapes such as spherical or an “hourglass”.
- the containers 12 include a bottom region 18 for resting upon an underlying surface.
- the containers 12 also include a re-closeable top 20 .
- a tubular wall 22 extends between the bottom 18 and top 20 of each container 12 .
- a label 24 is disposed over a limited section of the circumference of the wall 22 .
- the label 24 includes a logo for the product, such as the 5-hour Energy® logo.
- the containers 12 are oriented such that the labels 24 are both facing the same direction.
- An indicator 26 is provided on the exterior of the container 12 , for indicating a rotational position of the label 24 relative to the current position of the container 12 .
- the indicator 26 may be a marking on the top 20 that correlates to a lateral edge or seam of the label 24 .
- the indicator 26 may be a lateral marking, edge, seam or an image on the label 24 itself.
- Another embodiment of the indicator 26 envisions an indentation (not shown) on the bottom region 18 , that correlates to a label 24 position.
- a system 28 is provided for orienting and packaging the product multi-pack 10 .
- the system 28 includes a first conveyor belt 29 for conveying the product containers 12 through a series of stations. Each station contributes to the overall packaging and orienting of the product containers 12 .
- the conveyor 29 is configured to generally convey the containers 12 in a linear direction. Alternate embodiments of the conveyor 29 envision conveying the containers in a non linear direction, or linear with curved portions.
- a controller 30 is provided for communicating with the series of stations of the system 28 .
- the controller 30 generally includes any number of microprocessors, ASICs, ICs, memory (e.g., FLASH, ROM, RAM, EPROM and/or EEPROM) and software code to co-act with one another to communicate with the stations of system 28 .
- the controller 30 is configured for receiving signals from the series of stations, indicating various aspects of the individual stations as the containers 12 are conveyed along the system 28 .
- the controller 30 is also configured for analyzing the received signals, and transmitting signals/commands back to the stations.
- the system 28 includes a feed station 32 for controlling the flow of the conveyed product containers 12 .
- the feed station 32 receives a plurality of product containers 12 , each positioned in a generally upright orientation.
- the feed station 32 is coupled to the conveyor 29 , such that the feed station 32 controls the width and longitudinal spacing of the conveyed containers 12 .
- the feed station 32 controls the width of the conveyed containers 12 by funneling the containers 12 into a pre determined lateral spacing. For example, the feed station 32 may only permit the containers 12 to proceed in a single file line along the conveyor 29 .
- Alternate embodiments of the feed station 32 envision the station 32 grouping the product containers 12 side by side, with multiple containers 12 (e.g. two or three) laterally aligned on the conveyor 29 . Additionally, the feed station controls the longitudinal spacing, such that there generally is no space between consecutive containers 12 .
- the system 28 also includes a web application station 34 .
- the elongate plastic web 13 is installed over the laterally aligned series of conveyed containers 12 .
- the web 13 attaches the containers 12 to each other.
- the web application station 34 includes a drive sprocket (spool) 38 for the web 13 to be wound upon.
- the spool 38 is positioned above the conveyor 29 , such that the web 13 extends downward from the spool 38 to longitudinally align with the conveyed containers 12 .
- the web application station 34 also includes an applicator mechanism 40 having multiple small spools for installing the web 13 to each container 12 .
- the web 13 is a thin elongate strip of flexible elastically deformable plastic.
- the web 13 is provided with a series of apertures 42 projecting through the thickness of the web 13 .
- Each aperture 42 is sized for receiving an outer diameter of the top 20 of the container 12 .
- the web 13 elastically deforms around each aperture 42 to conform to and frictionally engage the top 20 of each container 12 .
- the apertures 42 are generally centrally oriented about a width of the web 13 , and longitudinally aligned about a length of the web 13 .
- the system 28 includes a rotation sensor 44 , that is configured for measuring the rotational position of each product container 12 , after the web 13 is installed.
- the sensor 44 detects the indicator 26 on the container 12 and takes a measurement of the position of the indicator 26 relative to a pre-determined coordinate system to measure the rotational position of each container 12 .
- the sensor 44 transmits a rotation signal 46 corresponding to the position of each container 12 , to the controller 30 .
- the pre-determined coordinate system may be a 360 degree polar coordinate system centered about the vertical axis 16 of each container 12 . It is generally recognized that other sensors/measuring devices may be used.
- the particular type of measuring device that is implemented may vary based on the desired criteria of a particular implementation.
- the controller 30 receives the rotation signal 46 from the sensor 44 .
- the controller 30 may include signal conditioning equipment (not shown) for adjusting and digitizing any such received signals.
- the controller 30 accesses and analyzes the digitized signals.
- the controller 30 may assign an incremental number to the signal 46 , to associate each received signal 46 to a corresponding container 12 .
- the controller 30 may track the rotational position of each container 12 .
- An alignment station 48 receives each container 12 .
- the alignment station 48 includes a pair of drive members 50 that upwardly extend from fixtures (not shown) positioned on opposing sides of the conveyor 29 .
- Each drive member 50 operates a rotating belt 52 that tangentially contacts the wall 22 of each of a series of conveyed containers 12 .
- the pair of belts 52 are transversely spaced apart and generally aligned parallel to each other.
- the pair of drive members 50 are configured such that their respective belts 52 frictionally engage opposing walls 22 of the conveyed containers 12 .
- the belts 52 may be sized to simultaneously engage three consecutive conveyed containers 12 .
- the controller 30 independently controls the speed of each drive member 50 , to selectively rotate the containers as they translate through the alignment station 48 .
- the controller 30 may allow the containers to translate through the alignment station, without rotating relative to the web 13 , by commanding the drive members 50 to drive the belts 52 at the same tangential velocity. Additionally, the controller 30 may rotate the containers 12 about their respective axis 16 and relative to the web 13 , by commanding the drive members 50 to operate the belts 52 at different tangential velocities.
- the controller 30 is programmed with pre-determined data regarding the desired rotational position of each container 12 once it exits the alignment station 48 .
- a cutting station 54 receives the series of connected and oriented conveyed containers 12 from the alignment station 48 , and separates them into subassemblies of linked containers 12 .
- the cutting station 54 of the illustrated embodiment separates the containers 12 into subassemblies of two linked containers 12 .
- the cutting station 54 includes a feed sensor 56 and a transverse cutting mechanism 58 operatively coupled to each other.
- the sensor 56 measures the longitudinal position of the containers 12 and transmits a corresponding feed signal 60 to the controller 30 .
- the feed sensor 56 may be a laser sensor that is positioned to indicate the presence of a container 12 . It is generally recognized that other sensors/measuring devices may be used. The particular type of measuring device that is implemented may vary based on the desired criteria of a particular implementation.
- the controller 30 analyzes the signal 60 and commands the cutting mechanism 58 to actuate and transversely cut the web 13 thereby separating the series of containers 12 into subassemblies of linked containers 12 .
- the system 28 includes a carton conveyor line 62 that is positioned adjacent to the first conveyor 29 .
- the carton conveyor 62 receives a plurality of carton blanks 64 .
- the conveyor 62 passes the blanks 64 through a series of carton erecting stations 66 to erect the carton 14 .
- the carton 14 is positioned for receiving a subassembly of linked containers 12 .
- the first conveyor 29 includes a transfer station 68 for individually transferring subassemblies of linked containers 12 to the carton conveyor line 62 .
- the transfer station 68 includes a transverse dial 70 for receiving linked containers 12 .
- the dial 70 is transversely aligned relative to the longitudinal length of the first conveyor 29 .
- the dial 70 rotates about an axis (not shown) that is positioned below an upper planar surface of the conveyor 29 , such that a portion of the circumferential edge of the dial 70 extends above the conveyor 29 .
- a series of pockets 72 are formed within the portion of the circumferential edge of the dial 70 .
- the pockets 72 are sized for receiving the linked containers 12 . At a first dial position, the pocket 72 receives the linked containers 12 .
- the controller commands the dial 70 to rotate from the first dial position to a second dial position.
- An ejection system (not shown) is coupled to the dial 70 , for ejecting the linked containers 12 at the second dial position.
- the linked containers 12 are ejected from the second dial position, and received by the carton 14 of the carton conveyor line 62 .
- An opened carton 14 is positioned on the carton conveyor line 62 to receive the linked containers 12 and proceeds to complete the packaging process. After receiving the containers 12 within the open carton 14 , the conveyor line 62 closes the carton 14 to form a multi-pack 10 .
- the carton conveyor line 62 may include additional stations for packaging an assortment of multi-packs 12 within a box 76 , and palletizing a plurality of boxes on a pallet 78 .
- a leak test station for detecting defective containers.
- a leak test station may be coupled to the conveyor 29 , upstream of the feed station 32 .
- a leak test station would squeeze containers 12 for detecting fractures or improper product volumes within the containers 12 .
- the container 12 is provided with the re-closeable top 18 , so that a user may open the top 18 , consume some of the product inside, then re-close the top 18 .
- the container 12 includes an opening 80 and a cap 82 that are operatively coupled to each other.
- the opening 80 may be an externally threaded neck, and the cap 82 may include internal threads (not shown).
- the container 12 is sized for enclosing a nominal volume of fluid, such as 2 fluid ounces. Alternate embodiments envision containers for enclosing solid products such as medicine or vitamins. Additional alternate embodiments envision containers for larger volumes of fluid, such as 4 or 6 ounces.
- a shrink wrap plastic covering 84 is disposed over a substantial portion of the outer circumference of the container 12 and acts as a seal.
- the covering 84 axially extends along the wall 22 of the container 12 to partially cover the cap 82 .
- the covering 84 includes a pair of perforated regions that act as a seal for the container 12 , by both preventing the cap 82 from inadvertently unscrewing and also for visually indicating to a user that the cap 82 had previously been unscrewed or “tampered with”.
- a perforated ring 85 extends along the circumference of container 12 at the base of the cap 82 .
- a tear strip 86 extends from the ring 85 to an edge of the covering 84 on the top of the cap 82 .
- a user may remove the tear strip 86 , then unscrew the cap 82 , which breaks the perforated ring 85 .
- the covering 84 may include the label 24 formed within, or the covering 84 may be generally transparent and formed over the label 24 .
- Alternate embodiments of the container 12 envision a seal, comprised by a 2-piece cap assembly (not shown), whereby a lower ring is detached from the cap during the first time the seal is broken. Such a seal is commonly used in the soft drink industry.
- the web 13 is made of a thin elastic polymer that is sized for receiving the containers 12 .
- the web 13 may be formed of an elastic polymer such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or low density polyethylene (LDPE).
- the web 13 includes the series of apertures 42 for receiving the caps 82 ( FIGS. 3-4 ) of the containers 12 .
- the outer diameter of the cap 82 is generally larger than the inner diameter of the aperture 42 , thereby providing an interference fit.
- the web 13 elastically deforms to receive the cap 82 of the container 12 .
- the cap/web interface provides a frictional resistance that opposes the rotation and translation (pull-out) of the container 12 relative to the web 13 .
- an interference fit may be provided by a web 13 having apertures 42 with inner diameters of 0.812 inches, that are sized to receive containers 12 having caps 82 with outer diameters of 0.895 inches.
- the web 13 includes a series of pairs of perforations (perf-pairs) 88 for maintaining tension within the web 13 during application of the web 13 to the containers 12 .
- the perf-pairs 88 are transversely spaced apart pairs of slots that are longitudinally spaced along the length of the web 13 .
- the perf-pairs 88 are sized for receiving pins (not shown) that radially extend from the circumference of the spool 38 ( FIG. 2 ), and also radially extend from the circumference of the small spools of the applicator 40 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the web 13 also includes a series of transverse slits 90 that assist the cutting station 54 ( FIG. 2 ) in separating the series of containers 12 into subassemblies of linked containers 12 .
- the slits 90 extend partially across the width of the web 13 . However the slits 90 terminate short of the opposed transverse edges of the web 13 .
- the width of the web 13 is approximately equal to the maximum diameter of the container 12 .
- the controller 30 commands the transverse cutting mechanism 58 to cut the web 13 at each slit 90 , thereby separating the series of containers 12 into linked containers 12 .
- the cutting station 54 separates the series of containers 12 into subassemblies of two linked containers 12 .
- the length of a portion of the web 13 after it is cut by the cutting station 54 , is approximately equal to the maximum diameter of the container 12 multiplied by the number of containers 12 that are linked in the subassembly.
- a carton 14 is provided for supporting and displaying product containers 12 that are retained therein.
- a die-cut carton blank 64 may be formed from a sheet of cardboard.
- the blank 64 includes a window 92 , a pair of hanger apertures 94 , a glue tab 96 and a plurality of fold seams 98 formed therein.
- the blank 64 is erected into a carton 14 by the erecting stations 66 of the carton conveyor 62 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the erecting stations 66 include equipment (not shown) to fold the blank 64 at the seams 98 and apply adhesive to the glue tab 96 to erect the carton 14 .
- the window 92 provides an internal view of the contents retained within the carton 14 .
- the containers 12 within the multi-pack 10 are externally displayed through the window 92 .
- the pair of hanger apertures 94 are aligned during the erecting of the carton 14 to provide a location for receiving a post or hanger (not shown) for organizing the multi-packs 10 at the point of purchase.
- the blank 64 includes an assortment of additional sections that form the support structure of the carton including: a top, bottom, back and side walls.
- alternate embodiments of the product multi-pack 10 envision multi-packs of different quantities of containers 12 . These alternate embodiments may include multiples of the two-pack configuration (e.g., four-packs, six-packs). Alternatively, embodiments contemplate a three-pack, or multiples thereof (e.g., six-packs, nine-packs). Still further embodiments envision combinations of two-packs with three-packs (e.g., five-packs and seven-packs).
- FIG. 8 illustrates a Four-Pack 100 for supporting and displaying four containers 12 .
- the Four-Pack 100 includes a dual window carton 102 , having a pair of windows that open on opposite sides of the carton 102 .
- Two pairs of containers 12 are retained within the Four-Pack 100 .
- Each pair of containers 12 is connected by a web 13 (not shown).
- Each container 12 is oriented relative to its connected container 12 , such that the labels 24 face in the same direction, outward of the carton 102 .
- FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a Three-Pack 104 for supporting and displaying three containers 12 .
- the Three-Pack 104 includes a large window carton 106 , having a large window that extends along a side of the carton 106 .
- Three containers 12 are retained within the Three-Pack 104 .
- the containers 12 are connected by a three-web 108 .
- the three-web 108 includes a series of apertures 110 for receiving the caps 82 (not shown) of the containers 12 .
- the three-web 108 also includes a series of perf-pairs 112 for maintaining tension within the three-web 108 during application to the containers 12 .
- the three-web 108 also includes a series of transverse slits 114 that assist the cutting station 54 ( FIG.
- each container 12 is oriented relative to its connected containers 12 , such that the labels 24 of the containers face the same direction outward of the carton 104 .
Abstract
Description
- 1. Technical Field
- One or more embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a product multi-pack for securing a plurality of oriented containers relative to each other and for displaying the containers at a point of purchase.
- 2. Background Art
- Container connectors for attaching a plurality of beverage containers, such as beer or soft drink cans, are well known. Such connectors are typically thin flexible sheets of plastic that include a series of apertures. Each aperture is sized for receiving a portion of the can. For example, common “six-pack” connectors include six apertures that are each engageable about an upper ridge of a can. Similar connectors have been used to hold bottles, and non fluid containers.
- Container positioners have been incorporated into cardboard cartons, such as those currently used to display two ounce bottles of 5-hour ENERGY® dietary supplements. Such container positioners include a cardboard panel having a series of apertures. Each aperture receives a cap of a bottle. The apertures provide frictional resistance that opposes the rotation of the bottles. The carton also includes a window to display the bottles. Once the bottles are placed in the carton, and are engaged by the panel, they may be manually rotated to orient the bottle labels such that they are facing out of the window.
- In at least one embodiment a product multi-pack is provided with a plurality of elongate product containers. The containers each include a bottom, an open top that is closed by a cap and a wall extending there between. The wall includes a label having a front portion extending about a limited section of the wall circumference. A carton is provided that is sized to display the plurality of product containers retained therein. A locator web is provided that is formed of a thin sheet of plastic having a plurality of spaced apart apertures formed therein. The apertures are sized to be at least partially elastically deformed when installed over the caps of the product containers. Additionally, the locator web provides frictional resistance to rotation of the product containers, which enables the containers to be positioned and held in place relative to the carton open face so that the label front portions are visible.
- In another embodiment, a method of packaging at least two of generally circumferentially symmetrically shaped product containers provided with a label having a front portion extending about a limited section of the circumference in an open face carton is provided. The method includes inserting an end of each of at least two product containers into one of a plurality of spaced apart apertures in a plastic web. Additionally the method includes optically sensing the orientation of the product containers. The method provides automatically rotating the product containers to a desired position based on the sensed orientation and the location of the label front portion. The method also includes enclosing the at least two product containers and the interconnecting plastic web into an open face multi-pack carton so that the label front portions of the plurality of product containers are oriented to be visible through the carton open face.
-
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a product multi-pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a system for packaging a product multi-pack according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevation view of a product container ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side perspective view of the product container ofFIG. 1 , illustrated with a removable top; -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an elongate web member for receiving the product container ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a carton blank ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a carton erected from the carton blank ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a product multi-pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated with four product containers; -
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a product multi-pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated with three product containers; and -
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an elongate web member for receiving the products of the product multi-pack ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 1 illustrates a product multi-pack for securing and displaying product at a point of purchase, and is generally referenced asnumeral 10. A product multi-pack 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes a pair ofproduct containers 12, aweb 13 and acarton 14 coupled to each other. - The
product containers 12 are elongate containers that are sized for enclosing a consumable product. Thecontainers 12 may be blow molded and generally cylindrical in shape. Theweb 13 is a thin sheet of elastic material that attaches a pair ofcontainers 12 together. Theweb 13 is sized for receiving a portion of each of thecontainers 12, and provides a frictional resistance that opposes rotation of thecontainer 12 relative to theweb 13. Thecarton 14 supports and displays the pair ofcontainers 12 at the point of purchase. - The
containers 12 are circumferentially symmetrical about a vertical axis 16 (FIG. 2 ). Alternate embodiments envision containers having other shapes such as spherical or an “hourglass”. Thecontainers 12 include abottom region 18 for resting upon an underlying surface. Thecontainers 12 also include are-closeable top 20. Atubular wall 22 extends between thebottom 18 andtop 20 of eachcontainer 12. Alabel 24 is disposed over a limited section of the circumference of thewall 22. Thelabel 24 includes a logo for the product, such as the 5-hour Energy® logo. Thecontainers 12 are oriented such that thelabels 24 are both facing the same direction. - An
indicator 26 is provided on the exterior of thecontainer 12, for indicating a rotational position of thelabel 24 relative to the current position of thecontainer 12. For example theindicator 26, may be a marking on thetop 20 that correlates to a lateral edge or seam of thelabel 24. Alternatively theindicator 26 may be a lateral marking, edge, seam or an image on thelabel 24 itself. Another embodiment of theindicator 26 envisions an indentation (not shown) on thebottom region 18, that correlates to alabel 24 position. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , asystem 28 is provided for orienting and packaging the product multi-pack 10. Thesystem 28 includes afirst conveyor belt 29 for conveying theproduct containers 12 through a series of stations. Each station contributes to the overall packaging and orienting of theproduct containers 12. Theconveyor 29 is configured to generally convey thecontainers 12 in a linear direction. Alternate embodiments of theconveyor 29 envision conveying the containers in a non linear direction, or linear with curved portions. - A
controller 30 is provided for communicating with the series of stations of thesystem 28. Thecontroller 30 generally includes any number of microprocessors, ASICs, ICs, memory (e.g., FLASH, ROM, RAM, EPROM and/or EEPROM) and software code to co-act with one another to communicate with the stations ofsystem 28. Thecontroller 30 is configured for receiving signals from the series of stations, indicating various aspects of the individual stations as thecontainers 12 are conveyed along thesystem 28. Thecontroller 30 is also configured for analyzing the received signals, and transmitting signals/commands back to the stations. - The
system 28 includes afeed station 32 for controlling the flow of the conveyedproduct containers 12. Thefeed station 32 receives a plurality ofproduct containers 12, each positioned in a generally upright orientation. Thefeed station 32 is coupled to theconveyor 29, such that thefeed station 32 controls the width and longitudinal spacing of the conveyedcontainers 12. Thefeed station 32 controls the width of the conveyedcontainers 12 by funneling thecontainers 12 into a pre determined lateral spacing. For example, thefeed station 32 may only permit thecontainers 12 to proceed in a single file line along theconveyor 29. Alternate embodiments of thefeed station 32 envision thestation 32 grouping theproduct containers 12 side by side, with multiple containers 12 (e.g. two or three) laterally aligned on theconveyor 29. Additionally, the feed station controls the longitudinal spacing, such that there generally is no space betweenconsecutive containers 12. - The
system 28 also includes aweb application station 34. At theweb application station 34, the elongateplastic web 13 is installed over the laterally aligned series of conveyedcontainers 12. Theweb 13 attaches thecontainers 12 to each other. Theweb application station 34 includes a drive sprocket (spool) 38 for theweb 13 to be wound upon. Thespool 38 is positioned above theconveyor 29, such that theweb 13 extends downward from thespool 38 to longitudinally align with the conveyedcontainers 12. Theweb application station 34 also includes anapplicator mechanism 40 having multiple small spools for installing theweb 13 to eachcontainer 12. - The
web 13 is a thin elongate strip of flexible elastically deformable plastic. Theweb 13 is provided with a series ofapertures 42 projecting through the thickness of theweb 13. Eachaperture 42 is sized for receiving an outer diameter of the top 20 of thecontainer 12. Theweb 13 elastically deforms around eachaperture 42 to conform to and frictionally engage the top 20 of eachcontainer 12. Theapertures 42 are generally centrally oriented about a width of theweb 13, and longitudinally aligned about a length of theweb 13. - The
system 28 includes arotation sensor 44, that is configured for measuring the rotational position of eachproduct container 12, after theweb 13 is installed. Thesensor 44 detects theindicator 26 on thecontainer 12 and takes a measurement of the position of theindicator 26 relative to a pre-determined coordinate system to measure the rotational position of eachcontainer 12. Thesensor 44 transmits arotation signal 46 corresponding to the position of eachcontainer 12, to thecontroller 30. The pre-determined coordinate system may be a 360 degree polar coordinate system centered about thevertical axis 16 of eachcontainer 12. It is generally recognized that other sensors/measuring devices may be used. The particular type of measuring device that is implemented may vary based on the desired criteria of a particular implementation. - The
controller 30 receives therotation signal 46 from thesensor 44. Thecontroller 30 may include signal conditioning equipment (not shown) for adjusting and digitizing any such received signals. Thecontroller 30 accesses and analyzes the digitized signals. Thecontroller 30 may assign an incremental number to thesignal 46, to associate each receivedsignal 46 to a correspondingcontainer 12. Thus thecontroller 30 may track the rotational position of eachcontainer 12. - An
alignment station 48 receives eachcontainer 12. Thealignment station 48 includes a pair ofdrive members 50 that upwardly extend from fixtures (not shown) positioned on opposing sides of theconveyor 29. Eachdrive member 50 operates arotating belt 52 that tangentially contacts thewall 22 of each of a series of conveyedcontainers 12. The pair ofbelts 52 are transversely spaced apart and generally aligned parallel to each other. The pair ofdrive members 50 are configured such that theirrespective belts 52 frictionally engage opposingwalls 22 of the conveyedcontainers 12. Thebelts 52 may be sized to simultaneously engage three consecutive conveyedcontainers 12. - The
controller 30 independently controls the speed of eachdrive member 50, to selectively rotate the containers as they translate through thealignment station 48. Thecontroller 30 may allow the containers to translate through the alignment station, without rotating relative to theweb 13, by commanding thedrive members 50 to drive thebelts 52 at the same tangential velocity. Additionally, thecontroller 30 may rotate thecontainers 12 about theirrespective axis 16 and relative to theweb 13, by commanding thedrive members 50 to operate thebelts 52 at different tangential velocities. Thecontroller 30 is programmed with pre-determined data regarding the desired rotational position of eachcontainer 12 once it exits thealignment station 48. - A cutting
station 54 receives the series of connected and oriented conveyedcontainers 12 from thealignment station 48, and separates them into subassemblies of linkedcontainers 12. For example the cuttingstation 54 of the illustrated embodiment separates thecontainers 12 into subassemblies of two linkedcontainers 12. The cuttingstation 54 includes afeed sensor 56 and atransverse cutting mechanism 58 operatively coupled to each other. Thesensor 56 measures the longitudinal position of thecontainers 12 and transmits acorresponding feed signal 60 to thecontroller 30. Thefeed sensor 56 may be a laser sensor that is positioned to indicate the presence of acontainer 12. It is generally recognized that other sensors/measuring devices may be used. The particular type of measuring device that is implemented may vary based on the desired criteria of a particular implementation. Thecontroller 30 analyzes thesignal 60 and commands thecutting mechanism 58 to actuate and transversely cut theweb 13 thereby separating the series ofcontainers 12 into subassemblies of linkedcontainers 12. - The
system 28 includes acarton conveyor line 62 that is positioned adjacent to thefirst conveyor 29. Thecarton conveyor 62 receives a plurality ofcarton blanks 64. Theconveyor 62 passes theblanks 64 through a series ofcarton erecting stations 66 to erect thecarton 14. Thecarton 14 is positioned for receiving a subassembly of linkedcontainers 12. - The
first conveyor 29 includes atransfer station 68 for individually transferring subassemblies of linkedcontainers 12 to thecarton conveyor line 62. Thetransfer station 68 includes atransverse dial 70 for receiving linkedcontainers 12. Thedial 70 is transversely aligned relative to the longitudinal length of thefirst conveyor 29. Thedial 70 rotates about an axis (not shown) that is positioned below an upper planar surface of theconveyor 29, such that a portion of the circumferential edge of thedial 70 extends above theconveyor 29. A series of pockets 72 are formed within the portion of the circumferential edge of thedial 70. The pockets 72 are sized for receiving the linkedcontainers 12. At a first dial position, the pocket 72 receives the linkedcontainers 12. The controller commands thedial 70 to rotate from the first dial position to a second dial position. An ejection system (not shown) is coupled to thedial 70, for ejecting the linkedcontainers 12 at the second dial position. The linkedcontainers 12 are ejected from the second dial position, and received by thecarton 14 of thecarton conveyor line 62. - An opened
carton 14 is positioned on thecarton conveyor line 62 to receive the linkedcontainers 12 and proceeds to complete the packaging process. After receiving thecontainers 12 within theopen carton 14, theconveyor line 62 closes thecarton 14 to form amulti-pack 10. Thecarton conveyor line 62 may include additional stations for packaging an assortment ofmulti-packs 12 within abox 76, and palletizing a plurality of boxes on apallet 78. - Alternate embodiments of the
system 28, envision the addition of a leak test station (not shown) for detecting defective containers. Such a leak test station may be coupled to theconveyor 29, upstream of thefeed station 32. A leak test station would squeezecontainers 12 for detecting fractures or improper product volumes within thecontainers 12. - Regarding
FIGS. 3-4 , thecontainer 12 is provided with the re-closeable top 18, so that a user may open the top 18, consume some of the product inside, then re-close the top 18. Thecontainer 12 includes anopening 80 and acap 82 that are operatively coupled to each other. For example theopening 80 may be an externally threaded neck, and thecap 82 may include internal threads (not shown). - The
container 12 is sized for enclosing a nominal volume of fluid, such as 2 fluid ounces. Alternate embodiments envision containers for enclosing solid products such as medicine or vitamins. Additional alternate embodiments envision containers for larger volumes of fluid, such as 4 or 6 ounces. - A shrink wrap plastic covering 84 is disposed over a substantial portion of the outer circumference of the
container 12 and acts as a seal. The covering 84 axially extends along thewall 22 of thecontainer 12 to partially cover thecap 82. The covering 84 includes a pair of perforated regions that act as a seal for thecontainer 12, by both preventing thecap 82 from inadvertently unscrewing and also for visually indicating to a user that thecap 82 had previously been unscrewed or “tampered with”. Aperforated ring 85 extends along the circumference ofcontainer 12 at the base of thecap 82. Atear strip 86 extends from thering 85 to an edge of the covering 84 on the top of thecap 82. To open acontainer 12, a user may remove thetear strip 86, then unscrew thecap 82, which breaks theperforated ring 85. The covering 84 may include thelabel 24 formed within, or the covering 84 may be generally transparent and formed over thelabel 24. Alternate embodiments of thecontainer 12, envision a seal, comprised by a 2-piece cap assembly (not shown), whereby a lower ring is detached from the cap during the first time the seal is broken. Such a seal is commonly used in the soft drink industry. - With respect to
FIG. 5 , theweb 13 is made of a thin elastic polymer that is sized for receiving thecontainers 12. Theweb 13 may be formed of an elastic polymer such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or low density polyethylene (LDPE). Theweb 13 includes the series ofapertures 42 for receiving the caps 82 (FIGS. 3-4 ) of thecontainers 12. The outer diameter of thecap 82 is generally larger than the inner diameter of theaperture 42, thereby providing an interference fit. Theweb 13 elastically deforms to receive thecap 82 of thecontainer 12. The cap/web interface provides a frictional resistance that opposes the rotation and translation (pull-out) of thecontainer 12 relative to theweb 13. The frictional resistance helps maintain the oriented position of thecontainers 12. For example, an interference fit may be provided by aweb 13 havingapertures 42 with inner diameters of 0.812 inches, that are sized to receivecontainers 12 havingcaps 82 with outer diameters of 0.895 inches. - The
web 13 includes a series of pairs of perforations (perf-pairs) 88 for maintaining tension within theweb 13 during application of theweb 13 to thecontainers 12. The perf-pairs 88 are transversely spaced apart pairs of slots that are longitudinally spaced along the length of theweb 13. The perf-pairs 88 are sized for receiving pins (not shown) that radially extend from the circumference of the spool 38 (FIG. 2 ), and also radially extend from the circumference of the small spools of the applicator 40 (FIG. 2 ). - The
web 13 also includes a series oftransverse slits 90 that assist the cutting station 54 (FIG. 2 ) in separating the series ofcontainers 12 into subassemblies of linkedcontainers 12. Theslits 90 extend partially across the width of theweb 13. However theslits 90 terminate short of the opposed transverse edges of theweb 13. The width of theweb 13 is approximately equal to the maximum diameter of thecontainer 12. At the cuttingstation 54, thecontroller 30 commands thetransverse cutting mechanism 58 to cut theweb 13 at each slit 90, thereby separating the series ofcontainers 12 into linkedcontainers 12. In the illustrated embodiment, there are at least twoapertures 42 and three pairs ofperforations 88 betweenadjacent slits 90, therefore the cuttingstation 54 separates the series ofcontainers 12 into subassemblies of two linkedcontainers 12. The length of a portion of theweb 13, after it is cut by the cuttingstation 54, is approximately equal to the maximum diameter of thecontainer 12 multiplied by the number ofcontainers 12 that are linked in the subassembly. - Regarding
FIGS. 6-7 , acarton 14 is provided for supporting and displayingproduct containers 12 that are retained therein. A die-cut carton blank 64 may be formed from a sheet of cardboard. The blank 64 includes awindow 92, a pair ofhanger apertures 94, aglue tab 96 and a plurality of fold seams 98 formed therein. The blank 64 is erected into acarton 14 by the erectingstations 66 of the carton conveyor 62 (FIG. 2 ). The erectingstations 66 include equipment (not shown) to fold the blank 64 at theseams 98 and apply adhesive to theglue tab 96 to erect thecarton 14. Once erected, thewindow 92 provides an internal view of the contents retained within thecarton 14. For example, thecontainers 12 within themulti-pack 10, are externally displayed through thewindow 92. The pair ofhanger apertures 94 are aligned during the erecting of thecarton 14 to provide a location for receiving a post or hanger (not shown) for organizing themulti-packs 10 at the point of purchase. The blank 64 includes an assortment of additional sections that form the support structure of the carton including: a top, bottom, back and side walls. - With reference to
FIGS. 8-10 , alternate embodiments of theproduct multi-pack 10 envision multi-packs of different quantities ofcontainers 12. These alternate embodiments may include multiples of the two-pack configuration (e.g., four-packs, six-packs). Alternatively, embodiments contemplate a three-pack, or multiples thereof (e.g., six-packs, nine-packs). Still further embodiments envision combinations of two-packs with three-packs (e.g., five-packs and seven-packs). -
FIG. 8 illustrates a Four-Pack 100 for supporting and displaying fourcontainers 12. The Four-Pack 100 includes a dual window carton 102, having a pair of windows that open on opposite sides of the carton 102. Two pairs ofcontainers 12 are retained within the Four-Pack 100. Each pair ofcontainers 12 is connected by a web 13 (not shown). Eachcontainer 12 is oriented relative to itsconnected container 12, such that thelabels 24 face in the same direction, outward of the carton 102. -
FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a Three-Pack 104 for supporting and displaying threecontainers 12. The Three-Pack 104 includes alarge window carton 106, having a large window that extends along a side of thecarton 106. Threecontainers 12 are retained within the Three-Pack 104. Thecontainers 12 are connected by a three-web 108. The three-web 108 includes a series ofapertures 110 for receiving the caps 82 (not shown) of thecontainers 12. The three-web 108 also includes a series of perf-pairs 112 for maintaining tension within the three-web 108 during application to thecontainers 12. The three-web 108 also includes a series oftransverse slits 114 that assist the cutting station 54 (FIG. 2 ) in separating the series ofcontainers 12 into linked sub-assemblies. In this embodiment, there are threeapertures 110 and four pairs ofperforations 112 betweenadjacent slits 114, therefore the cuttingstation 54 separates the series ofcontainers 12 into subassemblies of three linkedcontainers 12. Eachcontainer 12 is oriented relative to itsconnected containers 12, such that thelabels 24 of the containers face the same direction outward of thecarton 104. - While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (21)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/424,139 US20100264058A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | Product multi-pack |
BRPI0923971-5A BRPI0923971B1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | SYSTEM TO GUIDE AND PREPARE LABELED PRODUCT CONTAINERS FOR MULTIPLE PRODUCT PACKAGING |
MX2011010755A MX2011010755A (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs. |
AU2009344301A AU2009344301B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
PT98434699T PT2419339E (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
CN200980158807.5A CN102438907B (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
SG2014006019A SG2014006019A (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
EP09843469.9A EP2419339B1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
CA2754099A CA2754099C (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
ES09843469.9T ES2540234T3 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Multiple product packaging and a system for orienting and packing such multiple packages |
PCT/US2009/045970 WO2010120319A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
SG2011057114A SG173600A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
KR1020117024179A KR101640276B1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
JP2012505872A JP5270039B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-06-02 | Product multipack and system for packaging the product multipack in an orientation |
IL214889A IL214889A (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2011-08-30 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi-packs |
EC2011011312A ECSP11011312A (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2011-09-19 | MULTI-PRODUCT PACKAGE AND A SYSTEM TO GUIDE AND PACK THOSE MULTI-PACKAGES |
CL2011002322A CL2011002322A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2011-09-20 | A multi-product package comprising a plurality of elongate product containers generally shaped circumferentially and symmetrically; a cardboard box sized to show the plurality of product containers and a locator tape formed of a thin plastic sheet having a plurality of separate openings, wherein the locator tape provides frictional resistance to the rotation of the product containers. |
CO11128533A CO6501172A2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2011-09-30 | MULTI-PRODUCT PACKAGE AND A SYSTEM TO GUIDE AND PACK THOSE MULTI-PACKAGES |
HK12102537.2A HK1162161A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2012-03-13 | Product multi-pack and a system for orienting and packaging such multi- packs |
US13/460,057 US8424276B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2012-04-30 | Product multi-pack |
CL2013001809A CL2013001809A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2013-06-19 | System for filling a multipackage box with a plurality of elongate product connectors generally shaped circumferentially and symmetrically comprising a conveyor, a controller for receiving signals from the stations, a power station, an application station, a rotation sensor , an adjustment station, a feed sensor, a tape cutting station, a transfer station and a closing station. |
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US (2) | US20100264058A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2419339B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5270039B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101640276B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102438907B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2009344301B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2754099C (en) |
CL (2) | CL2011002322A1 (en) |
CO (1) | CO6501172A2 (en) |
EC (1) | ECSP11011312A (en) |
ES (1) | ES2540234T3 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1162161A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL214889A (en) |
MX (1) | MX2011010755A (en) |
PT (1) | PT2419339E (en) |
SG (2) | SG2014006019A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010120319A1 (en) |
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US20140102934A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-17 | Celgene Corporation | Packaging for medicine for clinical trials or commercial use |
US20150210414A1 (en) * | 2012-09-29 | 2015-07-30 | Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc | Packaging machine and method of packaging articles |
WO2016066547A1 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2016-05-06 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Method for attaching a bottle clip and packaging device |
US9339437B2 (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2016-05-17 | Atlantic Health System, Inc. | Medicinal storage, safety, organizational and delivery device |
US20170247176A1 (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2017-08-31 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door glass pane packaging assembly |
USD839031S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2019-01-29 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door display |
US10280666B2 (en) | 2015-07-31 | 2019-05-07 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door guide assembly |
US10364082B2 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2019-07-30 | Coopervision International Holding Company, Lp | Contact lens packaging and methods of manufacturing packaged contact lenses |
US10413094B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2019-09-17 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Article divider assembly |
US10589915B2 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2020-03-17 | Celgene Corporation | Nested packaging for pharmaceutical products, and methods of distributing pharmaceutical products using same |
US10710767B2 (en) | 2017-04-18 | 2020-07-14 | Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc | Carton and blank therefor |
USD903387S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2020-12-01 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door display |
USD921480S1 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2021-06-08 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Package for oral care products |
US20210186809A1 (en) * | 2018-07-27 | 2021-06-24 | Sanofi Pasteur | Ready-to-sell packaging unit containing at least one pharmaceutical product, set including a plurality of such packaging units and method for producing such packaging unit |
US11058237B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2021-07-13 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
US11365020B1 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2022-06-21 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Defect prevention for flexible container sealing systems |
US11439255B2 (en) | 2012-05-30 | 2022-09-13 | Liberty Hardware Mfg Corp. | Shower door assembly display and retail |
US11453523B2 (en) * | 2016-07-12 | 2022-09-27 | Krones Ag | Method and apparatus for labelling primary packagings |
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KR200482053Y1 (en) * | 2014-12-02 | 2016-12-09 | 주식회사 두남 | Packing structure for multi tap |
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Cited By (25)
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US11439255B2 (en) | 2012-05-30 | 2022-09-13 | Liberty Hardware Mfg Corp. | Shower door assembly display and retail |
US9988166B2 (en) * | 2012-09-29 | 2018-06-05 | Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc | Packaging machine and method of packaging articles |
US20150210414A1 (en) * | 2012-09-29 | 2015-07-30 | Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc | Packaging machine and method of packaging articles |
US9051110B2 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2015-06-09 | Celgene Corporation | Packaging for medicine for clinical trials or commercial use |
US20140102934A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-17 | Celgene Corporation | Packaging for medicine for clinical trials or commercial use |
US11058237B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2021-07-13 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
USD903387S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2020-12-01 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door display |
USD839031S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2019-01-29 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door display |
US11641956B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2023-05-09 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
US10329082B2 (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2019-06-25 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door glass pane packaging assembly |
US11254489B2 (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2022-02-22 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door glass pane packaging assembly |
US11089887B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2021-08-17 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
US20170247176A1 (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2017-08-31 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door glass pane packaging assembly |
US10364082B2 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2019-07-30 | Coopervision International Holding Company, Lp | Contact lens packaging and methods of manufacturing packaged contact lenses |
US9339437B2 (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2016-05-17 | Atlantic Health System, Inc. | Medicinal storage, safety, organizational and delivery device |
WO2016066547A1 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2016-05-06 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Method for attaching a bottle clip and packaging device |
US10743681B2 (en) * | 2015-03-13 | 2020-08-18 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Article divider assembly |
US10413094B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2019-09-17 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Article divider assembly |
US10280666B2 (en) | 2015-07-31 | 2019-05-07 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door guide assembly |
US10589915B2 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2020-03-17 | Celgene Corporation | Nested packaging for pharmaceutical products, and methods of distributing pharmaceutical products using same |
US11453523B2 (en) * | 2016-07-12 | 2022-09-27 | Krones Ag | Method and apparatus for labelling primary packagings |
US10710767B2 (en) | 2017-04-18 | 2020-07-14 | Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc | Carton and blank therefor |
USD921480S1 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2021-06-08 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Package for oral care products |
US20210186809A1 (en) * | 2018-07-27 | 2021-06-24 | Sanofi Pasteur | Ready-to-sell packaging unit containing at least one pharmaceutical product, set including a plurality of such packaging units and method for producing such packaging unit |
US11365020B1 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2022-06-21 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Defect prevention for flexible container sealing systems |
Also Published As
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AU2009344301A1 (en) | 2011-09-01 |
JP2012523999A (en) | 2012-10-11 |
CA2754099C (en) | 2016-11-29 |
EP2419339A1 (en) | 2012-02-22 |
CA2754099A1 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
CN102438907A (en) | 2012-05-02 |
KR101640276B1 (en) | 2016-07-15 |
ES2540234T3 (en) | 2015-07-09 |
CL2011002322A1 (en) | 2012-01-20 |
US8424276B2 (en) | 2013-04-23 |
IL214889A0 (en) | 2011-11-30 |
EP2419339B1 (en) | 2015-03-25 |
CO6501172A2 (en) | 2012-08-15 |
CN102438907B (en) | 2014-09-17 |
WO2010120319A1 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
AU2009344301B2 (en) | 2015-03-19 |
ECSP11011312A (en) | 2011-11-30 |
EP2419339A4 (en) | 2012-10-03 |
BRPI0923971A2 (en) | 2020-08-04 |
SG173600A1 (en) | 2011-09-29 |
IL214889A (en) | 2015-08-31 |
CL2013001809A1 (en) | 2013-10-25 |
JP5270039B2 (en) | 2013-08-21 |
MX2011010755A (en) | 2011-10-24 |
PT2419339E (en) | 2015-07-31 |
HK1162161A1 (en) | 2012-08-24 |
US20120211393A1 (en) | 2012-08-23 |
KR20140014352A (en) | 2014-02-06 |
SG2014006019A (en) | 2014-03-28 |
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