US3128119A - Holder for can bodies - Google Patents

Description

April 7, 1964 c. T. WALTER HOLDER FOR CAN BODIES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 1, 1960 CHARLfS T M44472? IN V EN TOR.

April 7, 1964 c. T. WALTER 3,128,119

' HOLDER FOR CAN BODIES Filed June 1, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 6

CHAR4$ T ,VVAZJZQ IN VEN TOR.

United States Patent Ofiice 3,128,119 Patented Apr. 7, 1964 3,128,1w HQLDER FOR CAN BUDEES Charles T. Waiter, Lemont, 113., assignor to Continental Can Company, line, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed lune 1, 196GB, Ser. No. 33,330 11 Claims. (Cl. 29499) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in means for conveying can bodies, and more particularly relates to a novel holder for can bodies.

It has been proposed to provide aluminum can bodies wherein the can bodies are extruded and have integral bottoms. When these can bodies are used as containers for certain products, for example beer, it is necessary that the interiors thereof be lacquered. In a can lacquering operation, the lacquer is sprayed onto the surfaces of the can body, after which the lacquered can body is passed through an oven to accelerate the curing of the lacquer. In order to accomplish both the spraying and lacquer curing operation, it is necessary that the can bodies be carried by suitable conveyors and the can bodies be disposed in holders of the conveyors which are particularly designed for ease of insertion and removal of the can bodies.

Conventional spring loaded holders have proved to be unsatisfactory for holding aluminum can bodies in that in order for the holders to properly hold the can bodies, they must exert a considerable pressure on the side walls of the can bodies. When too much pressure is exerted on the side wall of an aluminum can body remote from the bottom, as in the case of a holder exerting a sufficient holding pressure on the can body, and the aluminum can body is conveyed through an oven and subjectedto temperatures in the range of 400 to 500 degrees F., 'at which temperatures the aluminum of the can body becomes slightly thermoplastic, the pressure will indent the side wall of the can body. On the other hand, if the gripping pressure of the holder on the can body is reduced, insuflicient pressure is exerted on the can body to properly retain it in the holder.

In view of the foregoing, it is the object of the present invention to provide a holder for can bodies which is of a configuration to firmly grip a can body so as to retain the can body Within the confines thereof, and at the same time so apply the gripping pressure on the can body that even when the can body is heated to a temperature in the vicinity of 500 degrees F. and the aluminum thereof becomes slightly thermoplastic, the pressure exerted on the can body by the holder will not prove to be detrimental.

Another object of the invention is to provide a holder for can bodies having ends, the holder being particularly designed to grip the can body for a large portion of the height thereof to provide the necessary contact between the holder and the can body, and at the same time to apply the maximum holding pressure on the can body adjacent the end thereof so that the end of the can body reinforces the can body side wall and thus prevents indentation of the side wall where engaged by the holder.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel can body holder which includes a generally U-shaped metal clip formed of a spring metal and having a back and side walls, the back and side walls being disposed parallel to the axis of the holder and the side walls being in converging relation, the back and side walls carrying plastic strips which are engageable with a can body for elfectively gripping the can body without marring the exterior surface thereof, and the plastic strips carried by the side walls having converging surfaces whereby as the holder grips a can body, and the gripping surfaces of the strips carried by the side wall assume parallel positions, a maximum gripping is effected at those ends of the strips having an initial minimum spacing, thus localizing the maximum gripping pressure on a can body so that the gripping pressure of the holder may be exerted on a can body at an end thereof reinforced by an end wall that is in place on the can body.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel conveyor for can bodies, the conveyor including an endless chain formed of a plurality of links, mounting brackets carried by certain of the links, and can holders carried by the mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets including a plate having notched edges defining opposed seats, and each of the can body holders including a spring clip having a back and converging sides, the back being provided with opposed retainers wln'ch are seated in the seats of the mounting bracket to releasably retain the can body holder in place thereon.

With the above, and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the can body holder, and shows the relative positions of the can body engaging strips carried by the spring clip.

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of the can body holder of FIGURE 1, and shows further the details thereof.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view similar to FIGURE 1, and shows a can body engaged within the can body holder.

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of the can body holder and can body assembly of FIGURE 3, and shows furtherthe relationship of the can body holder with respect to the can body.

FIGURE 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken through the can body holder, and shows the manner in which it is attached to a mounting bracket.

FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a portion of a conveyor incorporating the can body holders and shows a series of mounting brackets carried by the chain of the conveyor.

FIGURE 7 is an elevational view of the conveyor chain and mounting brackets carried thereby, with the can body holders omitted to show the details of the individual mounting brackets.

Reference is first made to FIGURES 1 through 5, inclusive, of the drawings, wherein the details of one of the can body holders are illustrated. The can body holder is generally referred to by the numeral 10, and includes a generally U-shaped clip, which clip is generally referred to by the numeral 11. The clip 11 is formed of a spring metal and includes a back 12 and a pair of sides 13, which sides 13 are connected to the back 12 by arcuate intermediate portions 14. The back 12 and the' sides 13 are disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the clip 11, with all lines extending axially along the surfaces of the back 12, the sides 13 and the intermediate portions 14 being disposed in parallel relation. The intermediate portions 14 extend through an angle in excess of 90 degrees, with the result that the sides 13 converge towards each other.

I In order that the clip 11 may be suitably supported in a manner to be described in detail hereinafter, a retainer 15 extends rearwardly from the back 12 at the upper end thereof, as is best shown in FIGURE 1. Also, a second retainer 16 extends rearwardly of the back 12 at the lower end thereof. The retainer 16 is best illustrated in FIGURE 5. The retainers 15 and 16 are disposed in opposed relation, and the retainer 15 has a downwardly directed intermediate rib 17 which opposes an upwardly directed intermediate rib 18 on the retainer 16. The ribs 17 and 15 are spaced rearwardly of the back 12. The retainers 15, 16 are provided with aligned pin receiving openings 20.

A can body engaging strip or rib 21 is secured to the forward face of the back 12 along the longitudinal center line of the back 12. The strip 21 is provided with a pair of rearwardly extending pins 22 (see FIGURE The pins 22 extend rearwardly through sleeved openings 23 in the back 12, with the material of the sleeved openings 23 gripping and interlocking with the pins 22 to retain the pins 22 and the strip 21 in place.

A pair of can body engaging strips or ribs 24 are carried by the sides 13. The strips 24 are disposed along the terminal edges of the sides 13 remote from the back 12. Each of the strips 24 is provided with a pair of vertically spaced pins 25 which extend outwardly from the rear or outer surface of the respective strip 24, as is best shown in FIGURE 2. The pins 25 pass through sleeved openings 26, with the material of the sleeves 26 engaging and interlocking with the pins 25 to resist the removal of the strips 24. Although the strips 21 and 24 are securely connected to the clip 11, it is to be understood that they are readily removable and replaceable.

It is to be understood that the strips 21 and 24 engage can bodies and so support the can bodies by a gripping action. In order to prevent the marring of the can bodies and at the same time to provide for a relatively tight gripping thereof, it is necessary that the strips 21 be formed of a Wear resistant, flexible and relatively soft material. Plastic materials are suitable for this purpose, and a plastic material such as Teflon is preferred.

The strip 21 is generally of a rectangular cross-section, and is of a constant thickness throughout its length, as is best illustrated in FIGURE 5. Accordingly, the can body engaging surface of the strip 21 is disposed parallel to the back 12. On the other hand, the strips 24 have can body engaging surfaces which converge upwardly, as is best illustrated in FIGURE 2. Thus, when a can body, such as the can body C of FIGURES 3 and 4, is positioned within the holder and the strips 21, 24 engage the side wall of the can body C, the can body engaging surfaces of the strip 24 will assume parallel positions, as is best illustrated in FIGURE 4. This results in the outward deflection of the upper portions of the sides 13, as opposed to the lower portions of the sides 13. As a result, the upper portions of the strips 24 more tightly grip the can bodies C than the lower portions of the strips 24. This is highly desirable.

The can body C illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4 is an extruded aluminum can body. The can body C has a bottom end 27 formed integrally therewith. When the can body C is positioned within the holder 10, the can body is inverted, with the result that the bottom end 27 is disposed uppermost, and the upper end of the inverted can body is disposed generally flush with the upper end of the holder 10. As a result, a maximum gripping pressure is applied on the side walls of the can body C at the point where it is reinforced by the bottom end 27 thereof. This permits the necessary pressure gripping of the side wall of the can body C without the application of un- 4 due pressures in the central portions of the side wall, where such pressure might result in the undue indenting of the side wall, thus to avoid indenting of the side wall.

In order to insure against the central portion of a can body C accidentally becoming dislodged from within the confines of the holder 1%, the lower portions of the strips are provided with forwardly projecting extensions or portions 23. These extensions 28 extend well beyond the forward edges of the sides 13, and lightly grip the can body to prevent any accidental outward swinging of the lower end of the can body.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 6, wherein there is illustrated a portion of a conveyor embodying the can body holders 11), the conveyor being generally referred to by the numeral 319. The conveyor 30 includes an endless chain, generally referred to by the numeral 31. The chain 31 is formed of a plurality of links 32 with adjacent ones of the links being connected together alternatingly by vertical pins 34 and horizontal pins 33 so as to be of the swivel type. It is to be noted that each of the links 32 is of the type which includes an upstanding web 35 to which there is connected a pair of horizontally disposed legs 36 which are spaced apart, and together with the web 35 define a generally C-shaped outline. Also, a pair of vertical legs 37 are connected to each web 35 and extend in a longitudinal direction opposite from the direction of extent of the legs 36. The legs 37, together with the web 35, also define a generally C-shaped arrangernent.

The uppermost horizontal leg 36 of certain of the links 32 is enlarged to facilitate the supporting of a mounting bracket. In the present arrangement, three separate mounting brackets are utilized. These mounting brackets include a central mounting bracket, generally referred to by the numeral 38, a left hand mounting bracket generally referred to by the numeral 40, and a right hand mounting bracket generally referred to by the numeral 41. The series of mounting brackets 38, 40 and 41 is repeated throughout the length of the chain 31.

The mounting bracket 38 includes a large plate 42 which is secured to the enlarged leg 36 of its respective chain link 32 by a pair of rivets 43. The plate 42 also has a large opening 44 for clearing the head of a pin 34 which underlies the same. An upstanding plate 45 is integrally connected to one end of the plate 42 and the angle between the plates 42, 45 is reinforced by a gusset 46 which is formed from the materials of the plates 42, 45.

As is best illustrated in FIGURE 7, the plate 45 has a shallow notch in the upper edge thereof defining a seat 47. A relatively deep notch is formed in the lower portion of the plate 45 to define a seat 48. A pair of openings 49 are formed in the plate in alignment with the seats 47, 48.

The mounting bracket 41 includes a narrow plate 50 which is secured to the enlarged leg 36 of its respective link 32 by means of rivets 51. The plate 51) is also provided with an enlarged opening 52 to provide clearance for the head of the pin 34 which underlies the plate 50.

A second plate 53 is integrally connected to the plate 50 and extends upwardly therefrom along one edge thereof. The connection between the plates 51) and 53 is reinforced by means of an integral gusset 54 which is pressed from the materials of the plates 50, 53.

As is best shown in FIGURE 7, the plate 53 is much wider than the plate 511, and projects to the left thereof. That portion of the plate 53 disposed to the left of the plate 50 is provided with a shallow notch on the upper edge thereof defining an upper seat 55. A deeper notch is formed in the lower edge of the plate 53 in alignment with the seat 55 to define a lower seat 56. A pair of openings 57 are formed in the plate 53 in alignment with the seats 55, 56.

The mounting bracket 41 includes a relatively narrow plate 58. The plate 58 overlies and is secured to the enlarged leg 36 of its respective link 32 by means of rivets 60. The plate 58 is also provided with an enlarged opening 61 to provide clearance for the head of the pin 34 which underlies the plate 58.

A relatively wide plate 62 is integrally connected to the plate 58 along one edge thereof and projects upwardly therefrom. The connection between the plates 58 and 62 is reinforced by an integral gusset 63 pressed from the material of the plates 58, 62.

As is best illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7, the plate 62 extends to the right of the plate 58. The upper portion of that part of the plate 62 which projects to the right of the plate 58 is provided with a shallow notch defining a seat 64. A lower seat 65 is formed in the lower portion of the extending portion of the plate 62 in alignment with the seat 64. A pair of openings 66 are formed in the plate 62 in alignment with the seats 64, 65.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 5, which illustrates a typical mounting of one of the holders 10 on one of the mounting brackets, the mounting bracket illustrated being the mounting bracket 41. The retainers and 16 engage the seats 64, 65 with the projections or ribs 17, 18 being locked behind the plate 62. At the same time, the pins 22 and the sleeved portions of the sleeve openings 23 project through the openings 66 in the plate 62. The resiliency of the retainers 15, 16 normally Will be sutficient to releasably retain a holder 10 in place. However, in order to assure against the accidental disengagement of one of the holders 10, an elongated headed pin 67 is passed through the aligned openings in the retainers 15 and 16 rearwardly of the plate 62.

It is to be understood that the conveyor 39 may be used for conveying can bodies, such as the can body C, through any desired mechanism. However, the conveyor is particularly adapted for conveying aluminum can bodies of the type illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4 through ovens. On the other hand, can bodies other than extruded aluminum can bodies may be supported by the holders 10. For example, a conventional can body having one end seamed thereto may be readily supported by the holder 10.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that novel and advantageous provision has been made for carrying out the desired end. However, attention is again directed to the fact that variations may be made in the example apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A can body holder comprising a spring clip of a generally U-shaped cross section in a transverse plane and having a longitudinal axis normal to said transverse plane, said spring clip including a back and two sides, said back and sides having can body engageable portions with can body engageable faces, said faces of said side portions being disposed in longitudinal converging relation with respect to said longitudinal axis.

2. A can body holder comprising a spring clip of a generally U-shaped cross section in a transverse plane and having a longitudinal axis normal to said transverse plane, said spring clip including a back and two sides, said sides having can body engaging portions with can body engaging faces, said engaging faces being disposed in longitudinal converging relation with respect to said longitudinal axis; said can body engaging portions having outwardly projecting parts thereon to prevent any accidental outward swinging of the can body from the can holder.

3. A can body holder comprising a spring clip of a generally U-shaped cross section in a transverse plane and having a longitudinal axis normal to said transverse plane, said spring clip including a longitudinally extending back and two longitudinally extending sides, rigid V 6 can body engaging portions attached along said back and said sides; said portions providing for longitudinal line contact, with a can body, along said back and along said two sides; can body engaging faces on said engaging portions, said engaging faces converging along said longitudinal axis, whereby when a can body is disposed Within said holder said faces are forced apart and different pressures are exerted on the can body at longitudinally spaced points.

4. A can body holder of claim 3 wherein said can body engaging portion of said back is located centrally of said back and said can body engaging portions of said sides are disposed along terminal edges of said sides re mote from said back.

5. The can body holder of claim 3 wherein said can body engaging portions are formed of soft wear resistant plastic.

6. The can body holder of claim 3 wherein said can body engaging portions are formed of polytetrafluoroethylene.

7. The can body holder of claim 3 wherein said can body engaging portions have a pair of projecting pins, said sides and back have openings therein whereby said pins passing through said openings, attach the body engaging portions to the said clip.

8. A can body holder comprising a spring clip of a generally U-shaped cross section in a transverse plane and having a longitudinal axis normal to said transverse plane, said spring clip including a back and two sides, said back and sides having can body engageable portions with can body engageable faces, said faces of said side portions being disposed in longitudinal converging relation with respect to said longitudinal axis, and opposed retainers on said back disposed outwardly of the general confines of said holder for releasably mounting the clip on a support.

9. A can body holder comprising a clip formed of a spring material and including a fiat back and converging flat sides connected to said back by arcuate intermediate portions, and can body engaging strips extending axially along inner surfaces of said back and sides, said side strips having axially converging can body engaging surfaces whereby when a can body is disposed within said clip and said can body engaging surfaces are parallel to each other a greater pressure is exerted on a can body by the normally more closely spaced portions of said side strip can body engaging surfaces, said side strips each having corresponding first ends and second ends, said first ends normally being spaced apart further than said second ends, and outwardly projecting portions on each of said first ends to prevent any accidental outward swinging of the can body from within the holder.

10. In a can body conveyor of the type for conveying can bodies through an oven wherein the can bodies are subjected to high temperatures, and which includes an endless chain formed of a plurality of interconnected links with certain of said links carrying mounting brackets for can body holders; the improvement comprising: a plate portion fixedly connected to each mounting bracket and extending angularly therefrom along one edge thereof and having notched edges defining opposed seats; a can body holder carried by each of said mounting brackets; each holder including a general U-shaped clip having a back and converging sides, and opposed retainers projecting rearwardly from said back and seated in said seats to releasably retain each holder in place on its respective mounting bracket.

11. In a can body conveyor of the type for conveying can bodies through an oven wherein the can bodies are subjected to high temperatures, and which includes an endless chain formed of a plurality of interconnected links with certain of said links carrying mounting brackets for can body holders; the improvement comprising: a plate portion fixedly connected to each mounting bracket and extending angularly therefrom along one edge and having notched edges defining opposed seats; a can body holder carried by each of said mounting brackets; each holder including a generally U-shaped clip having a back and converging sides and opposed retainers projecting rearwardly from said back and seated in said seats to releasably retain each holder in place on its respective mounting bracket, and can body engaging strips extending axially along the inner surfaces of said back and sides, said side stnips having axially converging can body engaging surfaces whereby when a can body is disposed within said clip and said can body engaging surfaces are parallel to each other a greater pressure is' exerted on the can body by the normally more closely spaced portions of said side strip can body engaging surfaces.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Campbell May 26, 1931 Christensen .et a1 Aug. 2, 1938 Kur-arth Aug. 5, 1941 IStabler Aug. 17, 1948 Broersma Nov. 22, 1949 Ward June 3, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain June 6, 1956

Claims (1)

1. A CAN BODY HOLDER COMPRISING A SPRING CLIP OF A GENERALLY U-SHAPED CROSS SECTION IN A TRANSVERSE PLANE AND HAVING A LONGITUDINAL AXIS NORMAL TO SAID TRANSVERSE PLANE, SAID SPRING CLIP INCLUDING A BACK AND TWO SIDES, SAID BACK AND SIDES HAVING CAN BODY ENGAGEABLE PORTIONS WITH CAN BODY ENGAGEABLE FACES, SAID FACES OF SAID SIDE PORTIONS BEING DISPOSED IN LONGITUDINAL CONVERGING RELATION WITH RESPECT TO SAID LONGITUDINAL AXIS.

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