US3166228A

US3166228A - Separator for bottle carrier

Info

Publication number: US3166228A
Application number: US2225A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arthur J Weiss
Original assignee: Continental Can Co Inc
Current assignee: Continental Can Co Inc
Priority date: 1960-01-13
Filing date: 1960-01-13
Publication date: 1965-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 1982-01-19

Description

Jan. 19, 1965 A. J. WEISS SEPARATOR FOR BOTTLE CARRIER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 13, 1960 INVENTOR.

AETHUR J. Wass AT'302HEY5 Jan. 19, 1965 A. J. WEISS SEPARATOR FOR BOTTLE CARRIER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 15, 1960 ai II INVENTOR.

ARTHUR J. Warss OENEYS Jan. 19, 1965 A. J. WEISS 3,166,228

SEPARATOR FOR BOTTLE CARRIER Filed Jan. 13, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. ARTHUR J. Wass A TozuEYs Jan. 19, 1965 A. J. WEISS 3,166,228

SEPARATOR FOR BOTTLE CARRIER Filed Jan. 13, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Ins--15 52 8 INVENTOR.

Aia'ruulz J. Wanss BY W, MEL 1 27 'A'TTO ZNEYS A. J. WEISS SEPARATOR FOR BOTTLE CARRIER Jan. 19, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 13, 1960 INV EN TOR.

United States Patent M areazzs snrnna'ron non no'rrrn CARRIER Arthur J. Weiss, Eergentield, M5,, assignor to Continental Can Company, Inc, New York, N.Y., a corporation oi New York Filed Jan. 13, 196i Ser. No. 2,225 14 Claims. (Ql. 229-15) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in the container art, and more particularly relates to new and useful separators for use in conjunction with bottle carriers.

The essential requirements of a carrier for bottles, such as soft drink bottles, include a jacket which may be passed around a plurality of bottles and engaged beneath the bottoms thereof, the bottles passing through suitable openings in the top portion of the jacket. The jacket must be provided with a suitable handle to facilitate the carrying of the bottles, and a separator intermediate the bottles to prevent the bottles from striking each other and the resultant chipping or breaking of the bottles. The present invention relates to a jacket of the type which is passed around a series of bottles, for example, six bottles, and secures together the bottles as a unit. In the simplest form, this jacket is merely an elongated blank which is passed down over the necks of the bottles and then is folded beneath the bottoms of the bottles and is connected together. In order to maintain the simplicity of the jacket, it is desirable that the separator for the bottles be separate and independent from the jacket in its initial state. It is to this type of separator that the present invention relates.

It is an object of the invention to provide a separator for use in a bottle carrier, which separator is in the form of a blank having a plurality of partition members cut therefrom, the partition members being swingable with respect to the blank to positions normal to the plane of the blank, and the partition members being so arranged and connected to the blank whereby they may be mechanically pushed from the plane of the blank to their bottle separating positions so that the separator may be mechanically formed and positioned automatically with respect to a group of bottles which are to be packaged within a jacket.

Another object of the invention is to provide a very simple separator for use in conjunction with bottle carriers of the jacket type, the separator being in the form of a blank having a cut-out extending a major portion of the length thereof, the cut-out defining two partitions which are hingedly connected to the body or" the blank and which may be swung from the plane of the blank to positions normal to the plane of the blank, the partition members having generally zig-zag ends which are complemental so that the combined lengths of the partition members may be greater than the length of the cut-out, thus permitting wider partition members than are normally available.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel separator for use in a bottle carrier for separating the individual bottles within the carrier to prevent the engagement of the bottles with each other, the separator being formed from a folded blank which is divided into two halves, and each of the halves is provided with an elongated c'ut-out defining a pair of partition members swingable from the plane of the blank half to a position normal to the plane of the blank half, the partition members of thetwo halves of the blank being generally aligned with each other and being secured together in the formation or" the separator from the blank, and there being a projecting finger on one of the blank halves for each of the partition members whereby when the partition members are swung from the plane of'the folded blank, they will 3,liiii,228 Fatented Jan. 19, 1965 be locked in their bottle separating positions by the projecting fingers.

A further object of the invention is to provide a separator for use in separating the bottles disposed within a bottle carrier, the separator being formed from a folded blank which has a pair of similar halves, each of the halves having an elongated cut-out defining two partition members which are hingedly connected to the blank for swinging out of the plane of the blank to planes normal to the plane of the blank, the partition members of the two blank halves being generally aligned and being secured together to form two ply partition members, one of the plies of each of the partition members being of a larger outline than the other ply, whereby swinging of the partition members from the plane of the folded blank is limited to one direction only.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel separator for use within a carrier for bottles for separating the individual bottles from each other, the separator being formed from a folded blank and including a pair of centrally located partition members which are cut from the blank and are hingedly connected to the blank for swinging from the plane of the blank to positions generally normal to the plane of the blank, the ends of the blank halves being spread apart to form stop portions at the ends of the separator to prevent the outward movement of endmost bottles within the bottle carrier.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a novel separator for use in bottle carriers of the jacket type for separating the individual bottles within the jacket from each other, the separator being in the form of an elongated blank having a plurality of partition members struck therefrom and hingedly connected thereto for swinging movement from the plane of the blank to positions normal to the plane of the blank, each of the partition'members having serrated ends, the adjacent ends of the partition members being complemental and interlocking when in the plane of the blank, the partition members being disposed at spaced points along the length of the separator body and at the ends thereof, whereby the separator serves not only to separate the individual bottles disposed within the bottle carrier, but also to prevent the movement of the bottles out of the ends of the bottle carrier.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel separator for use in a bottle carrier for separating the individual bottles therein to prevent damage to the bottles, the separator being formed from an elongated blank which has the central portion thereof cut out to define a pair of partition members hingedly connected to the blank and swingable from the plane of the blank to positions normal to the plane of the blank, the partition members being adapted to be disposed between adjacent bottles disposed in rows, and the blank having the ends thereof folded to provide stop portions for engaging endmost bottles and thus prevent the movement of bottles from within the confmes of the bottle carrier.

With 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 one of the partition members of the separator in a position swung from the plane of the body of the separator. FIGURE 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the section line 8-8 of FIGURE 5, and shows the specific relationship between the separator and bottles carried by the bottle carrier.

FIGURE 9 is a plan view of the blank from which the separator of FIGURE 6 is formed.

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 1 of a bottle carrier employing another form of separator.

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the separator removed from the remainder of the bottle carrier, and shows the specific details thereof.

FIGURE 12 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the section line 12-12 of FIGURE 10, and shows the specific relationship of the separator with respect to bottles disposed within the bottle carrier.

FIGURE 13 is a plan view of the blank from which the separator of FIGURE 11 is formed.

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of a bottle carrier similar to that illustrated in FIGURE 1, and shows still another form of separator.

FIGURE 15 is a perspecitve view of the separator utilized in the bottle carrier of FIGURE 14, and shows the separator removed from the ring of the bottle carrier.

FIGURE 16 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the section line 16--16 of FIGURE 14, and shows the specific relationship between the separator and bottles carried by the bottle carrier.

FIGURE 17 is a plan view of the blank from which j the separator of FIGURE 15 is formed.

FIGURE 18 is another perspective view similar to FIGURE 1, and shows the bottle carrier utilizing still another form of separator.

FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of the separator utilized in the bottle carrier of FIGURE 18 and removed from the remainder of the bottle carrier.

FIGURE 20 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the section line 21-2 of FIGURE 18, and shows the relationship of the separator with respect to bottles disposed within the bottle carrier.

FIGURE 21 is a plan view of the blank fromwhich the separator of FIGURE 19 is formed.

FIGURE 22 is a perspective view on a reduced scale shown an end portion of a modified form of separator corresponding to the separator of FIGURE 19.

Reference is first made to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 4, inclusive, of the drawing. The bottle carrier illustrated in FIGURE 1 is generally referred to by the numeral 25, and is designed for carrying six bottles B. The bottles have been omitted from FIGURE 1 for purposes of clarity, although they are illustrated in FIGURE 3. The bottle carrier 25 is formed of three basic components. These include a jacket 26 which extends about the lower portions of the bottles B. The jacket 26 is not a part of this invention as such, and therefore will not be fully described. The jacket 26 is formed from a single elongated blank which is folded to define an upper portion 27 having two rows openings 28 formed therein for the reception of necks of bottles B. The upper portion 27 is also provided with an elongated slot 29 through which a handle portion 31) passes.

The jacket 26 also includes a bottom portion 31 which is formed by overlapping

flaps

32 and 33, the

flaps

32 and 33 being secured together by means of .a plurality of tabs 34, each of the tabs 34 underlying and being in alignment with a pair of the bottles B. Thus, the bottles B serve to hold the tabs 34 in place.

The bottle carrier 25 also includes a bottle separator, which is generally referred to by the numeral 35. The bottle separator 35 is verticallydisposed within the confines of the jacket 26 and serves to prevent contact of the bottles B with each other, thus preventing damage to the individual bottles.

At this time, it is pointed out that the handle 39 may be a separate component, or may be integrally formed with the separator 35. In the form of separator illustrated in FIGURE 2, the separator does not have connected thereto the handle 39. However, the handle 3% could be formed as an upward continuation of the separator 35, if so desired. This is illustrated with respect to other forms or separators to be described hereinafter.

As is best illustrated in FIGURE 4, the separator 35 is formed from a blank 36 which is generally rectangular in outline and which is formed of a suitable economical material, such as paperboard and the like. The separator 35 not having the handle 3% formed as an integral part thereof, the upper edge of the blank 36 is recessed, as at 37, to provide clearance for the handle 30. Also, the lower edge of the blank 36 is provided with a plurality of recesses 38 which are aligned with and provide clearance for the tabs 34.

The blank 36 is provided with a centrally located cutout 39 which is generally rectangular in outline and which terminates adjacent the side edges of the blank 36. The cut-out 39 defines a pair of

partition members

40, 41 which are separated by a zig-zag line 42 to define comple mental fingers 43 on ends of the

partition members

40, 41.

The cut-out 39 also defines a pair of projecting portions 44 extending in opposed relation from the main portion of the blank 36 into each of the

partition members

40, 41. The projecting portions 44 are generally triangular in outline, and are integrally connected to their respective partition members by fold lines 45 which are in alignment.

The separator 35 is shipped and stored in the blank state of FIGURE 4. When it is desired to utilize the separator 35, the

partition members

40, 41 are swung I out of the plane of the blank 36, preferably by a double prong member, to positions disposed generally normal to the plane of the blank 36, as is best illustrated in FIG- URE 2. After this has been accomplished, the separator 35 is dropped into position between a group of six bottles B as the bottles B pass along the packaging line in the plant. The jacket 26 is then positioned over the tops of the bottles, with the neck portions of the bottles B passing through the openings 28. The

flaps

31 and 32 are then .folded beneath the bottoms of the bottles, and the'tabs 34 interlocked to form the complete package.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 3 in particular, wherein the relationship of the separator 35 with respect to the bottles B is illustrated. It is to be noted that the main body of the separator 35, which may be referred to by the numeral 46, extends longitudinally between the two rows of bottles B. The

partition members

40, 41 are disposed between adjacent bottles of each of the rows of bottles. Thus, each of the six bottles B disposed within the bottle carrier 25 is separated from each other by the separator 35. In this manner, breakage of the bottles B is greatly reduced.

At this time, it is pointed out that due to the separation of the

partition members

40, 41 by the zig-zag line 42, the combined lengths of the partition members 41 41 are greater than the length of the cut-out 39. Thus, without unduly weakening the body 46 of the separator 35 by extending the cut-out 39 too close to the side edges of the blank 36, partition members of the necessary dimensions have been provided. Although oneedge of each of the partition members 49, 41 is in the form of a plurality of spaced fingers 43, the fingers 43 are disposed between the adjacent bottles Band prevent the direct contact of the bottles with each other. Therefore, the omission of the material intermediate the fingers 43 in no way affects the function of the

partition members

40, 41.

Reference is noW made to the form of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 9, inclusive, wherein the bottle carrier illustrated therein is generally referred to by the numeral 59. The bottle carrier 5 includes the jacket 26 and a separator 51. As is best illustrated in FIGURE 9, the separator 51 is formed from an elongated, generally rectangular blank 52. The blank 52 is divided into

halves

53, 54 by a central transverse fold line 55. The half 53 has a reduced width handle-forming extension 56 projecting therefrom remote'from the fold line 55. The half 54 has a similar handle-forming portion 57 projecting therefrom remote from the fold line 55.

The handle-forming portion 56 is provided with a cut out 58 which defines a finger-receiving opening. A portion of the material within the cut-out 53 is removed, as at 59, and the cut-out 58 defines a flap so which is hingedly connected to the remainder of the handle-forming portion 56 by a hinge line 61. It is to be noted that the flap 6b is generally rectangular in outline.

A cut-out 62 is formed in the handle-forming portion 57 generally in alignment with the cut-out 58. A portion of the material of the handle-forming portion 57 defined by the cut-out 62 is removed, as at 63. The cut-out 62 also defines a flap 64 which is connected to the remainder of the handle-forming port-ion 57 by a fold line 65. It is to be noted that the side edges of the cut out 62 are sinusoidal and that the flap 64- also has sinusoidal edges. The maximum width of the flap 64 corresponds generally to the width of-the flap oil, with parts of the handle-forming portion 57 projecting into the opening defined by the cut-out 62 functioning as stop members 66. The purpose of these stop members 66 will be described in detail hereinafter.

The blank half 53 is provided with an elongated, generally rectangular cut-out 67 which terminates adjacent the side edges of the half 53. The cut-out 67 defines a pair of partition member plies 68, 69 which are separated by a zig-zag line 70, the zig-zag line 70 defining complemental fingers 71 on the opposed ends of the

plies

68 and 69.

The shape of the cut-out 67 is such as to define a pair of projecting portions 72 which project into the central part of each of the

plies

68, 69 The projecting portions 72 of each of the plies are disposed inopposed relation and are generally triangular in outline. Each of the projecting portions 72 terminates in an inwardly projecting finger or tab 73. Each pair of the projecting portions 72 are connected to their respective one of the

plies

68, 69 by a pair of aligned fold lines 74. The connection between the

plies

68, 69 and the remainder of the blank half 53 is such as to permit swinging of the

plies

68, 69 out of the plane of the blank half 53.

The blank half 54 is provided with a cut-out 75 which is similar in outline to the cut-out 67, but differs therefrom in that it is slightly smaller than the cut-out 67. The cut-out 75 defines a pair of partition member plies 76, 77 which are separated by a zig-zag line 78, the zigzag line 73 defining a plurality of fingers 79 on the opposed ends of the

plies

76, 77, the fingers 79 being complementary to each other.

The shape of the cut-out 75 is such as to provide a pair of inwardly projecting portions 80 projecting inwardly into each of the plies re, 77. The projecting portions 80 are disposed in opposed relation and are generally triangular in outline. It is to be noted that the projecting portions 8% are slightly wider than the projecting portions 72. The projecting portions 80 are integrally connected to their

respective plies

76 and 77 along 6 aligned fold lines 81 so that the

plies

76 and 77 may swing out of the plane of the blank 52.

The blank 52 is folded along the central fold line 55 and the opposed portions thereof are adhered together. The flaps 60 and 64 are secured together to form a single flap, and the

plies

68 and 76 are secured together to form a partition member 32, whereas the

plies

69 and 77 are secured together to form a partition member 3-3.

As is best illustrated in FIGURE 6, the

partition members

82 and 83 can be swung from the plane of the separator 51 in one direction only. This is due to the fact that the plies 6S and 69 are larger than the

plies

76 and 77, respectively. As before, the

partition members

82 and 33 will be moved out of the plane of the separator 51 by mechanical fingers which will push on them. Once the

partition members

32 and 33 have been swung to positions approximately at right angles to the plane of the separator 51, they will be locked against return by the fingers 73, as is best shown in FIGURE 7. For example, with respect to the partition member 83, it will be seen that as the partition member 83 is swung at right angles to the plane of the separator 51, the ply 77 will pass over the finger 73 and down behind the finger 73, thus precluding the return of the partition member 83 t0 the plane of the separator 51.

As is best illustrated in FIGURE 8, the separator 51 is intended to separate six bottles B disposed within the jacket 26. The main portion of the separator 51 is disposed between two rows of three bottles each and the

partition members

82 and 83 are disposed between adjacent bottles of the individual rows. During the packaging operation, the partition member 51 is first positioned between the six bottles B as they pass along a conveyor. The jacket 26 is then placed down over the bottles and the separator 51 with the handle-forming

portions

56 and 57 passing upwardly through the slot 29 in the upper portion of the jacket 26 and defining a handle referred to by the numeral 84. The jacket 26 is then wrapped around the bottoms of the bottles B and the bottom portions thereof secured together to complete the package. The flaps 6i) and 64, which have been secured together, are then swung out of the plane of the handle 84 with the flap 63 being disposed behind the cars 66 and thus retaining the flaps in a suitable carrying position, as is best illustrated in FIGURE 6.

Reference is now made to FIGURES 10 through 13, inclusive, wherein another form of the invention is illustrated. In FIGURE 10 there is illustrated a bottle carrier, generally referred to by the numeral 96. The bottle The blank 92 is provided in the central portion thereof with three cut-outs 93, 94 and 95. The cut-outs are each of an elongated, rectangular configuration, and the cutouts are in spaced alignment transversely of the blank 92 along the center line thereof. The spacing of the cutouts 93, 9d and 95 corresponds generally to the spacing of the tabs 34 which lock together the bottom portions of the jacket 26.

Fold

lines

97 and 98 extend between the cutouts )3, 94 and 5 along the center line of the blank 92. A pair of outwardly diverging fold lines 99 extend outwardly from the outer corner of the cut-out 93 to the outer edge of the blank 92 and define a wedge-shaped spreader member 160. Similar outwardly diverging fold lines 161 extend outwardly from the outer corners of the cut-out 95 to the opposite edge of the blank 92 and define a wedge-shaped spreader member 192.. The fold lines 97, 98, 9?, and till, together with the cut-outs 93, 94 and 95 divide the blank 92 into

halves

163 and 164.

in the blank half 104. separator 91 does not have a handle formed integral other.

7 The blank half 1113 is provided with a recess 195 in the upper edge thereof. A similar recess 106 is formed It is to be understood that the therewith, as in the case of the separator 51, and therefore, the upper portion of the separator 91 is recessed to provide clearance for a handle 107 which is separate and independent from both the jacket 26 and the separator 91, and which extends upwardly through the upper portion of the jacket 26 through the slot 29 formed therein.

The blank half 103 has a large rectangular cut-out 108 formed therein, the cut-out 108 terminating adjacent the side edges of the blank half 103. The cut-out 103 defines a pair of partition

member forming plies

109 and 110 which are separated by a zig-zag cut line 111 defining a plurality of fingers 112 on opposed edges of the plies 199, 110, the fingers being complemental to each The cut-out 168 also defines a pair of generally triangular projecting portions for each of the

plies

109, 110, the projecting portions being referred to by the numeral 113 and projecting inwardly into their respective plies. The projecting portions 113 are integrally connected to their

respective plies

109, 110 along aligned fold lines 114, which permits the swinging of the

plies

109, 110, out of the plane of the blank half 1113. The inner portion of each of the projecting portions 113 terminates in a finger or tab 115 which functions as a locking device in a manner to be described in detail hereinafter.

The blank half 1114 is also provided with an elongated generally rectangular cut-out 116. The cut-out 116 defines a pair of partition

member forming plies

117, 118. The outline of the cut-out 116 is slightly smaller than that of the cut-out 108, with the result that the

plies

117 and 118 are slightly smaller than the

plies

109, 110. At this time, it is pointed out that the cut-out 108 is aligned with the cut-out 116.

The cut-out 116 defines a pair of inwardly projecting portions 119 for each of the

plies

117, 118. The inwardly projecting portions 119 project inwardly into their respective one of the plies and are generally triangular in outline. Each pair of inwardly projecting portions 119 is integrally connected to its associated ply by aligned fold lines 120 which facilitate the swinging of the

plies

117, 118 out of the plane of the blank half 1114.

It is to be noted that the

plies

117, 113 are separated by a zig-zag out line 121 which defines a plurality of complemental fingers on the opposed ends of the

plies

117, 118. The fingers defined by the out line 121 are referred to by the numeral 122.

When it is desired to form the separator 91, the blank 92 is folded along the fold lines 97, 93, 99 and 191. This folding of the blank 92 results in the central portion of the separator 91 being in opposed touching relation whereas the outer portions thereof are spaced apart by the spreader members 100 and 1132. Thus, the individual

blank halves

103, 104 retain their identity. The ply 109 is aligned with the ply 117 and combines therewith to form a partition member 123. Also, the ply 111) is aligned with the ply 118 and combines therewith to define a partition member 124. When the blank 92 is so folded, the

partition members

123, 124 are swung out of the general plane of the folded blank to positions substandaily at right angles to the plane of the folded blank, as is best illustrated in FIGURE 11. This is preferably done by mechanical means in an automatic assembly (not shown). \Vhen the

partition members

123, 124 are swung to the positions illustrated in FIGURE 11, the plies 199, 110 swing past the fingers 115 and the fingers 115 function as stop members or latches against the return of the

partition members

123, 124 to the general planes of the blank 92. The

partition members

123, 124 now serve to hold together the central portion of the her 141 in opposed relation.

separator 91, as is best illustrated in FIGURE 11. Incidentally, if it is so desired, small quantities of adhesive may be placed generally in alignment'with the projecting

portions

113 and 119 to accomplish the desired securing together of the central portion of the separator 91.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 12 in particular, wherein it is shown that the separator 91 is to be used in conjunction with six bottles B disposed within the jacket 26. The main body of the separator 91 is disposed between two rows of three bottles each, and the

partition members

123, 124 are disposed between adjacent bottles in the individual rows. It is to be noted that the spread ends of the separator 91 function as stops to prevent the outward movement of the outermost bottles within the bottle carrier 90.

In assembling a. package utilizing the bottle carrier 99, the separator 91 is positioned with respect to the six bottles as they pass along a conveyor to the packaging station. Then, the jacket 26, equipped with the handle 107, is placed down over the bottles B with the necks of the bottles passing through the openings 28 in the upper portion of the jacket 26. The bottom part of the jacket 26 is then folded inwardly and is locked together by the tabs 34 to complete the package.

Reference is now made to FIGURES 14 through 17, inclusive, wherein there are illustrated the details of a bottle carrier, generally referred to by the numeral 130. The bottle carrier is formed of a jacket 26 having a handle, such as the handle 30, projecting upwardly therefrom. The bottle carrier 130 also includes a separator 131 which is disposed within the jacket 26 and which separates the individual bottles carried by the bottle carrier 130.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 17, wherein there is illustrated a blank, generally referred to by the numeral 132, from which the sepanator 131 is formed. The blank 132 includes a generally rectangular body portion 133 which is provided at the opposite ends thereof with reduced, generally

rectangular extensions

134, 135. The

extensions

134, 135 terminate remote from themain body 133 of the blank in

fingers

136, 137, respectively. It is to be noted that the

fingers

136, 137 are complementary to each other. This formation permits a saving of materials and the simultaneous cutting of the

fingers

136, 137 of two adjacent blanks 132.

A pair of cut lines 138, 139 extend the full width of the blank main body 133 and terminate in the

extensions

134, 135. It is to be noted that the cut lines 133, 139 are interrupted at intermediate points in a manner to be described hereinafter.

A plurality of transverse zig-zag cut lines 140 extend between the cut lines 138, 139 and define a pair of

end partition members

141, 142 and a pair of

central partition members

143, 144. Each of the cut lines 140 defines a plurality of complemental fingers 145 on the opposed ends of the partition members. The formation of complemental fingers on the ends of the partition members permits the partition members to be longer than otherwise would be possible. This, of course, provides a more desirable partition member in that it may extend sufficiently between adjacent bottles to prevent contact of the bottles with each other.

The extension 134 forms a part of the partition memher 141 and is connected to the blank main body 133 by a pair of aligned fold lines 146. The fold lines 146 extend inwardly towards each other from the edges of the extension 134 and intersect with the ends of the cut lines 138, 139. The cut lines 138, 139 combine with the fold lines 146 to define generally triangular projecting portions 147 which project inwardly into the partition mem- The arrangement is such that the partition member 141 may swing with respect to the blank 132 about the fold lines 146 to a position generally normal to the plane of the blank 132.

move along a conveyor.

in outline.

The extension 135 is also connected to'the blank main body 133 by a pair of inwardly projecting aligned fold lines 148, which fold lines terminate at their inner ends in intersections with the cut lines 138, 139. The end portions of the cut lines 138, 139, together with the fold lines 148, define inwardly projecting, generally triangular portions 149 which are disposed in opposed relation and project into the partition member 142 of which the extension 135 forms a part. The partition member 142 is, accordingly, swingable about the fold lines 148 to a position out of the general plane of the blank 132.

The cut lines 138, 139 are interrupted by opposed and aligned fold lines 150. The fold lines 150, together with the cut lines 138, 139 define generally triangular inwardly projecting portions 151 which project into the partition member 143 in opposed relation. The partition member 143 being cut from the blank 132 with the exception of the fold lines 150, is swingable to a position out of the plane of the blank 132.

Other aligned fold lines 152 extend between the interrupted portions of the cut lines 138, 139 in the area of the partition member 144. The fold lines 152, together with the cut lines 133, 139 define generally triangular inwardly projecting portions 153 which'project inwardly into the partition 144 in opposed relation. The partition member 144 being separated from the blank 132 except for its connection with the projecting portions 153 along the fold lines 152, is free to swing from the plane of the blank 132.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 15 wherein the separator 131 is illustrated. It is to be noted that when it is desired to form the separator 131, it is merely necessary to take the blank 132 and to swing the

partition members

141, 142, 143 and 144 out of the general plane of the blank 132 and to positions normal to the plane thereof. The partition members, when so oriented, transform the blank 132 into the separator 131.

Reference is nowmade to FIGURE 16, wherein bottles B are illustrated within the jacket 26. It is to be noted that six bottles B are to be packaged within the bottle carrier 130, and that the separator 131 serves to both separate all of the bottles with respect to each other and to prevent the endmost ones of the bottles from moving out of the ends of the jacket 26. The main body portion of the separator 131, which is referred to by the numeral 154, is disposed between the two rows of bottles, and the

partition members

143, 144 are disposed intermediate the bottles of the rows. The

partition members

141, 142 are disposed at the ends of the jacket 26 to prevent the outward movement of the outermost bottles.

In forming a package utilizing the bottle carrier 136, the blank 132 is folded to form the separator 131. separator 131 is then positioned with respect to the six bottles to be placed in the bottle carrier 136 as the bottles Then, the jacket 26, with the handle 30 attached thereto, is positioned over the tops of the bottles, and is folded beneath the bottoms of the bottles with the bottom portion of the jacket 26 being completed by the locking of the tabs 34.

In FIGURE 18, there is illustrated still another form of bottle carier, generally referred to by the numeral 166. The bottle carrier 160 also employs the jacket 26 having a handle 30. A separator, generally referred to by the numeral 161, is disposed within the jacket 26 for separating individual bottles to be disposed therein. The separator 161 is best illustrated in FIGURE 19.

The separator 161 is formed from an elongated, generally rectangular blank, generally referred to by the numeral 162. The blank 162 is best illustrated in FIG- URE 21. The opposite ends of the blank 162 are provided with a pair of reduced extensions in the form of flaps163, 164. The blank 162 is otherwise rectangular The blank 162 is divided into three

primary panels

165, 166 and 167 by a pair of

vertical fold lines

168, 169. It is to be noted that the

panels

165, 167 are The.

19 identical and are disposed on opposite sides of the panel 166.

The panel 166 includes a generally rectangular cut-out 170 which extends between the

fold lines

168, 163 and terminates thereat, the ends of the cut-out 176 being aligned with the

fold lines

168, 163. The cut-out 170 defines a pair of partition members 171, 172 which are separated by a zig-zag line 173 which defines a plurality of complemental fingers on the opposed ends of the partition members 171, 172, the fingers being referred to by the numeral 174.

The cut-out 170 defines a pair of generally triangular projecting portions 175 which project into each of the partition members 171, 172 in opposed relation. Each of the partition members 171, 172 is cut from the blank panel 166 with the exception of an integral connection with its respective projecting portions 175 along spaced aligned fold lines 176. This arrangementpermits the swinging of the partition members 171, 172 out of the plane of the blank 162.

Each of the

panels

165, 167 is provided with a pair of oppositely directed, generally C-shaped cut lines 177 which correspond in size to the ends of the cutout 1'76. Transverse fold lines 178 extend from the ends of the cut lines 177 to the edges of the blank 162. The fold lines 178 and the cut lines 177 divide each of the

panels

165, 167 into a central flap 179 and a pair of

outer flaps

130 and 181, the flaps 181 being integrally connected to the panel 166, and the flaps 189 carrying the

flaps

163 and 164, the

flaps

163 and 164 being connected to the flaps 180 along fold lines 152.

In the formation of the separator 161, the blank 162 is folded along the

fold lines

163, 169 and 178 to define triangular end portions 183. These triangular end portions are defined by the

flaps

179, 186 and 181 and are retained in shape by passing the

flaps

163 and 164 through the ends of the cut-out 170, the shape of each of the

flaps

163, 164 being such as to interlock in the ends of the cut-out 170.

As is best illustrated in FIGURE 19, the C-shaped cut lines 177 define flaps 184 which are of a reduced height as compared to the

flaps

179, 130, 181, and which fiaps 184 are integrally connected to the fiap 179 and remain coplanar therewith, the

flaps

179 and 184 being disposed normal to the general plane of the separator 161. The partition members 171 and 172 are also swung out of the plane of the separator 161 and are disposed substantially normal thereto.

Reference is now had to FIGURE 20, wherein the relationship of the separator 161 with respect to six bottles B carried by the bottle carrier 166,-is illustrated. It is to be noted that the bottles B are arranged in two rows of three bottles each, and that the main portion of the separator 161'extends down between the two rows to separate'the bottles of the two rows from each other. The partition members 171, 172, being at right angles to the main body of the separator 161, are disposed intermediate the bottles of the rows. The end portions 183 are disposed outwardly of the endmost ones of the bottles and serve as stops, thus preventing the outward movement of the bottles from the ends of the jacket 26.

In the formation of a package utilizing the bottle carrier 160, the separator 161 is first formed and then is placed with respect to the six bottles B as they move along a conveyor to the packaging station. The jacket 26, with the handle 30 attached thereto, is then placed over the bottles and the separator to form the bottle carrier 160 and the completed package.

In FIGURE 22, there is illustrated a modified form of the separator 161, the separator being referred to by the numeral 161'. The separator 161 differs from the separator 161 only in the construction of the end portion thereof, the end portion of this separator being referred to by the numeral 133'. The end portion 183' is formed of three flaps 179, 180' and 181'. The flap 179' is connected to the flaps 180' and 181" by fold lines 178'. It is to be noted that the fold lines 178 extend the full length of the flap 179', whereas the fold lines 178 of the separator 16]; were separated by the cut-out 177. In other words, the separator 161' differs from the separator 161 only in that the flaps 184 have been omitted. All other parts of the separator 161' correspond to the separator 161 and are identified by like numerals.

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

I claim:

1. A cell forming partition structure for a container which has a rectangular bottom with side walls extending upwardly from said bottom, said partition structure comprising a panel adapted to provide a longitudinally extending main divider wall substantially parallel to and intermediate between the side walls of said container, at least two sections formed entirely from the material within said panel and hingedly connected thereto to provide other divider walls extending transverse to and on either side of said main wall when pivoted out of the plane of the panel, each of said divider sections being defined by cuts extending continuously entirely within said panel except along two spaced apart hinge connection lines for each section in said panel located substantially midway between and extending in the same general direction as the ends of such sections to provide pivotal connections permitting said sections to be pivoted to a position transverse to said main divider wall in said partition structure and thereby form cells substantially uniform in size on either side of said main divider wall, said cuts within said panel together with said hinge connection lines defining an outer unbroken border which forms said main divider wall, the adjacent ends of said sections in the panel being segregated by a out common to both sections, said common cut being of such shape as to define at least one projecting end tab portion on one section captured from material of the other section thus providing a recess in said other section, the combined lengths of said sections being greater than the length of the space from which said sections are cut, and the lengths of said sections between their extremities being substantially the same.

2. A cell forming partition structure comprising a panel adapted to provide a longitudinally extending main divider wall, at least two sections formed entirely from the material within said panel and hingedly connected thereto to provide other divider Walls extending transverse to and on either side of said main wall when pivoted out of the plane of the panel, each of said divider sections being defined by cuts extending continuously entirely within said panel except along two spaced apart hinge connection lines for each section in said panel located substan- -in the panel being segregated by a cut common to both sections, said common cut being of such shape as to define at least one projecting end tab portion on one section captured from material of the other section thus providing a recess in said other section, the combined lengths of said sections being greater than the length of the space from which said sections are cut, and the lengths of said sections between their extremities being substantially the same.

- 3. A cell forming partition structure comprising a panel adapted to provide a longitudinal extending main divider wall, at least two sections formed entirely from the material within said panel and hingedly connected thereto to provide other divider wall extending transverse to and on either side of said main wall when pivoted out of the plane of the panel, each of said divider sections being defined by cuts extending continuously entirely within said panel except along two spaced apart hinge connection lines for each section in said panel located substantially midway between and extending in the same general direction as the ends of such section to provide pivotal connections permitting said sections to be pivoted to a position transverse to said main divider wall in said partition structure and thereby form cells substantially uniform in size on either side of said main divider wall, said cuts within said panel together with said hinge connection lines defining an outer unbroken border which forms said main divider wall, the adjacent ends of said sections in the panel being segregated by a cut at least in part common to both sections, said out being of such shape to define at least one projecting end tab portion on one section captured from material of the other section thus providing a recess in said other section, the combined lengths of said sections being greater than the length of the space from which said sections are cut, and the lengths of said sections between their extremities being substantially the same.

4. The separator of claim 3 together with outer partition members disposed at the ends of said panel.

5. The partition of claim 4 wherein said outer partition members are similar to the first mentioned partition members and are hingedly connected to said panel.

6. The partition of claim 4 wherein said outer partition members are similar to the first mentioned partition members and are hingedly connected to said panel, said outer partition members being partially struck from said panel and partially extending from said panel.

7. The separator of claim 3 wherein said panel has end portions reversely folded outwardly of the plane of said panel to one side, reversely to the opposite side of said panel, and then inwardly to define wide end portions on said panel to function as bottle stops.

8. The separator of claim 7 wherein said end portions are tubular.

9. The separator of claim 7 wherein said end portions include outwardly directed flaps struck from said outwardly directed and inwardly directed folded portions, said flaps lying generally in the plane of said reversely folded portion.

10. A blank for a cell forming partition structure which includes a longitudinally extending main divider wall and transversely extending divider sections hingedly connected to the main divider wall and projecting to opposite sides thereof, said blank being of an elongated generally rectangular outline and being provided with cuts defining divider sections, said cuts extending continuously entirely within said generally rectangular member except along two spaced apart hinged connection lines for each divider section located substantially midway between and extending in the same general direction as the ends of such sections to provide pivotal connections between said divider sections and the remainder of the generally rectangular member whereby said divider sections may be pivoted to a position out of the plane of and transverse to the generally rectangular member to form from cells substantially uniform in size oneither side of the remainder of said generally rectangular member, said cuts with said generally rectangular member defining an outer unbroken border which forms the main divider wall of the cell forming partition structure, said generally rectangular member further having a cut at least in part common to both of said divider sections with said last mentioned cut segregating adjacent ends of said divider sections and being of such shape as to define at least one projecting end tab portion on each divider section captured from the material of the outer divider section thus providing a recess in said other divider section, the combined lengths of said divider sections being greater than the length of the space from which said divider sections are cut, and the lengths of said divider sections between their extremities being substantially the same.

11. The blank of claim wherein said blank includes a generally rectangular main portion and edge extensions, said divider sections being formed in said main portion, other cuts in said main portion defining parts of two outer partition members with said edge extensions defining the remainders of said outer partition members and said blank having a pair of portions projecting into central portions of said outer partition members in generally opposed relation and being integrally connected to a respective one of said outer partition members along spaced aligned hinge lines.

12. The blank of claim 10 wherein said panel has a pair of opposite edge portions, and parallel fold lines on said edge portions to facilitate the folding of said edge portions to define end stop portions projecting on opposite sides of said blank.

13. The blank of claim 12 wherein said fold lines define narrow panels, and certain of said narrow panels have flaps cut therefrom for providing extensions for said end stop portions.

14. A cell forming partition structure comprising a panel adapted to'provide a longitudinally extending main divider wall, at least two sections formed entirely from thematerial within said panel and hingedly connected thereto to provide other divider Wall extending transverse to and on either side of said main wall when pivoted out of the plane of the panel, each of said divider sections being defined by cuts extending continuously entirely Within said panel except along at least one hinge connection line for each section in said panel located substantially midway between and extending in the same general direction as the ends of such section to provide pivotal connections permitting said sections to be pivoted to a position transverse to said main divider wall in said partition structure and thereby form cells substantially uniform in size on either side of said main divider wall, said cuts within said panel together with said hinge connection lines defining an outer unbroken border which forms said main divider wall, the adjacent ends of said sections in the panel being segregated by a cut at least in part common to both sections, said out being of such shape to define at least one projecting end tab portion on one section captured from material of the other section thus providing a recess in said other section, the combined lengths of said sections being greater than the length of the space from which said sections are cut, and the lengths of said sections between their extremities being substantially the same.

References Cited by the Examiner i UNITED STATES PATENTS THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner.

EARLE I. DRUMMOND, GEORGE O. RALSTON,

Examiners.

Claims

1. A CELL FORMING PARTITION STRUCTURE FOR A CONTAINER WHICH HAS A RECTANGULAR BOTTOM WITH SIDE WALLS EXTENDING UPWARDLY FROM SAID BOTTOM, SAID PARTITION STRUCTURE COMPRISING A PANEL ADAPTED TO PROVIDE A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING MAIN DIVIDER WALL SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO AND INTERMEDIATE BETWEEN THE SIDE WALLS OF SAID CONTAINER, AT LEAST TWO SECTIONS FORMED ENTIRELY FROM THE MATERIAL WITHIN SAID PANEL AND HINGEDLY CONNECTED THERETO TO PROVIDE OTHER DIVIDER WALLS EXTENDING TRANSVERSE TO AND ON EITHER SIDE OF SAID MAIN WALL WHEN PIVOTED OUT OF THE PLANE OF THE PANEL, EACH OF SAID DIVIDER SECTIONS BEING DEFINED BY CUTS EXTENDING CONTINUOUSLY ENTIRELY WITHIN SAID PANEL EXCEPT ALONG TWO SPACED APART HINGE CONNECTION LINES FOR EACH STATION IN SAID PANEL LOCATED SUBSTANTIALLY MIDWAY BETWEEN AND EXTENDING IN THE SAME GENERAL DIRECTION AS THE ENDS OF SUCH SECTIONS TO PROVIDE PIVOTAL CONNECTIONS PERMITTING SAID SECTIONS TO BE PIVOTAL TO A POSITION TRANSVERSE TO SAID MAIN DIVIDER WALL IN SAID PARTITION STRUCTURE AND THEREBY FORM CELLS SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORM IN SIZE ON EITHER SIDE OF SAID MAIN DIVIDER WALL, SAID CUTS WITHIN SAID PANEL TOGETHER WITH SAID HINGE CONNECTION LINES DEFINING AN OUTER UNBROKEN BORDER WHICH FORMS SAID MAIN DIVIDER WALL, THE ADJACENT ENDS OF SAID SECTIONS IN THE PANEL BEING SEGREGATED BY A CUT COMMON TO BOTH SECTIONS, SAID COMMON CUT BEING OF SUCH SHAPE AS TO DEFINE AT LEAST ONE PROJECTING END TAB PORTION ON ONE SECTION CAPTURED FROM MATERIAL OF THE OTHER SECTION THUS PROVIDING A RECESS IN SAID OTHER SECTION, THE COMBINED LENGTHS OF SAID SECTIONS BEING GREATER THAN THE LENGTH OF THE SPACE FROM WHICH SAID SECTIONS ARE CUT, AND THE LENGTHS OF SAID SECTIONS BETWEEN THEIR EXTREMITIES BEING SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME.