IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO CONTAINER CARRIERS

Abstract

A carrier having a plurality of apertures for holding a plurality of containers together is provided. The carrier has mutually spaced drive pins holes distributed longitudinally therealong. Each container aperture is positioned longitudinally between drive pin holes and each aperture has a centre which is longitudinally offset from a mid-point between successive drive pin holes.

Claims

1. A carrier having a plurality of apertures for holding a plurality of containers together, the carrier having mutually spaced drive pins holes distributed longitudinally therealong, each aperture is positioned longitudinally between drive pin holes, each aperture has a centre which is longitudinally offset from a mid-point between successive drive pin holes.

2. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, the carrier having a leading drive pin hole and a trailing drive pin hole associated with each aperture, the holes being longitudinally spaced therealong, in which each aperture centre is longitudinally offset towards a respective trailing drive pin hole.

3. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which the carrier comprises two parallel rows of apertures.

4. A carrier as claimed in claim 3, in which the carrier has a centreline between the rows and in which the aperture centres are offset towards the centreline.

5. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which the apertures are oriented with the longer dimension extending longitudinally along the carrier.

6. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which each aperture has a geometry comprising one or more tabs facing the centre.

7. A carrier as claimed in claim 6, in which the or each tab is defined by truncated circular cut-outs.

8. (canceled)

9. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which a handle portion is provided.

10. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which one or more side and/or end panels are provided.

11. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which the aperture centres are offset from the midpoint of the driving pin holes by an amount in the range 2% to 50%.

12. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which a single drive pin hole is provided for each aperture.

13. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which the driving pin holes are provided towards a longitudinal edge of the carrier.

14. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, having apertures configured to fit tightly around a relief formed in a bottle sidewall.

15. A multi container pack comprising a plurality of containers held together by a carrier as claimed in claim 1.

16. A method of side applying unitising container carriers to containers, comprising the steps of: providing an application station comprising a roller drum for applying a carrier to containers, providing a conveyor system for transporting containers and feeding them at a generally constant speed, and a generally constant height, to and through the application station, providing carriers comprising a plastic sheet material having a number of apertures for holding a number of containers, the roller drum in use receiving carriers from a supply system and urging them onto and down the side of the containers without pre-stretching of the apertures.

17. A machine for side applying unitising container carriers to containers, the machine comprising: an application station comprising a roller drum for applying a carrier to containers, a conveyor system for transporting containers and feeding them at a generally constant speed, and a generally constant height, to and through the application station, a supply system for providing carriers comprising a plastic sheet material having a number of apertures for holding a number of containers, the roller drum in use receiving carriers from the supply system and urging them onto and down the side of the containers without pre-stretching of the apertures.

18. A machine as claimed in claim 17, in which the conveyor system includes a caterpillar drive for timing the position of containers with respect to the roller drum.

19. A machine as claimed in claim 17, in which the carriers are also separated at the application station.

20. (canceled)

21. A method or machine as claimed in claim 17, in which the roller drum urges the carrier down to at least 30% of the height of the containers.

22. A machine for continuously applying unitising container carriers formed according to claim 1 to containers, the machine comprising: an application station comprising a roller drum for applying carriers to containers, a conveyor system for transporting containers and feeding them to and through the application station, a supply system for providing carriers formed according to claim 1 to the application station, the carriers being provided as a continuous length, the roller drum comprising means for applying carriers to containers and also for separating carriers.

Description

[0102] The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0103] FIG. 1 illustrates a container carrier stock generally indicated;

[0104] FIG. 2 illustrates a carrier with containers positioned below each aperture;

[0105] FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate application of a carrier to a plurality of containers;

[0106] FIGS. 6A to 6D illustrate a multi-pack generally indicated comprising a carrier;

[0107] FIG. 7 illustrates a carrier;

[0108] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a carrier application system generally indicated;

[0109] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a carrier application system generally indicated;

[0110] FIG. 12 illustrates an optional “caterpillar drive” system;

[0111] FIG. 13 illustrates containers unitised by a carrier;

[0112] FIG. 14 illustrates a carrier;

[0113] FIG. 15 illustrates containers unitized by a carrier;

[0114] FIG. 16 illustrates a carrier;

[0115] FIG. 17 illustrates a carrier;

[0116] FIG. 18 illustrates an “offset aperture” principal;

[0117] FIGS. 19 to 22 illustrate apertures with various truncated circular apertures; and

[0118] FIGS. 23 to 26 illustrate container carriers.

[0119] Example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0120] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0121] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0122] Referring first to FIG. 1 there is shown a container carrier stock generally indicated 10. The carrier 10 is generally rectangular in plan and formed from a sheet of polyethylene. The direction of application in use is indicated by the arrow. In FIG. 1, for example, the “leading” side of the carrier is to the right and the trailing side is to the left.

[0123] The carrier 10 has eight apertures 15a-15h, which in this embodiment are identical. The apertures are arranged in two rows, providing four ranks each with an aperture either side of a notional centreline C.

[0124] Each aperture (only one 15a is described in detail) is generally rectangular, oriented to extend longitudinally along one side of the carrier, and has a centre point 20a.

[0125] One of the shorter sides 25a of the aperture is a leading edge and the opposite side 30a is a trailing edge. The side 25a is generally straight. The side 30a is comprised of an arcuate tab 31a defined by two truncated circular/arcuate ear-like corner cut-outs 32a, 33a and faces the centre of the aperture. The tab 31a may act like a flap and in some embodiments “hinges” as the aperture is applied to a container.

[0126] This means that the trailing edge tab/flap will naturally fold upwards as the carrier is moved down over a container; in effect the tab “wipes” down the container, which ensures that it maintains a upward inclination.

[0127] Outboard of the aperture 15a is a leading edge drive pin hole 35a and a trailing edge drive pin hole 40a.

[0128] The holes are mutually longitudinally spaced and the aperture is located longitudinally between the holes (with no overlap i.e. the leading and trailing edges are longitudinally spaced from the respective leading and trailing drive pin holes). The holes 35a, 40a are positioned towards an outside edge 45 of the carrier.

[0129] The distance between the centres of the holes provides a notional midpoint. The centre point 20a of the aperture is offset with respect to the midpoint, in this embodiment being offset longitudinally towards the trailing drive pin hole 40a.

[0130] The centre point 20a of the aperture is also offset towards the longitudinal centre line C. In other words the aperture is not positioned centrally with respect to a point longitudinally between the centre line C and the outside edge 45.

[0131] Along the centre of the carrier alternating oval cut-outs 50 (for weight-saving) and diamond shape cut-outs 55 (for machine manipulation) are provided.

[0132] Approximately half way along the edge 45 a handle portion 60 is provided. Two finger grip tabs 64 are provided on the portion 60.

[0133] FIG. 2 shows the carrier 10 with containers 65 positioned below each aperture to show the relative dimensions. It will be noted that the diameter of the containers 65 is larger than the size of the apertures.

[0134] FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate application of a carrier 10 to a plurality of containers 65. In this embodiment the carrier is configured to engage a recess 70 formed in the sidewall of the container.

[0135] The carrier is provided on a roll which is cut into sections after application. In this embodiment the cut line is between the leading edge of one aperture and the trailing edge of the next aperture.

[0136] The carrier is presented to the containers at a defined angle of incidence.

[0137] In FIG. 4 the aperture 15a has been moved down onto the container so that the trailing edge 30a engages the recess 70. The tab 31a will flex (helped by the cut-outs 32a, 33a) and this helps the aperture to stretch over the container and into the recess.

[0138] Because the aperture is displaced towards the trailing edge drive pin, this means that the aperture does not foul on the next container in line as it is applied. The trailing edge therefore engages the recess, then the aperture stretches around the container and finally the leading edge engages in the recess. This is a continuous roll-on process, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0139] FIGS. 6A to 6D show a multi-pack generally indicated 105 and comprising a carrier 110 formed according to an alternative embodiment which holds together (in this embodiment) six containers 165. The carrier apertures are shown engaged around the container recesses 170. A top handle 175 is provided, in this embodiment being a separate piece which is welded in position.

[0140] FIG. 7 shows a carrier 210 formed according to a further embodiment. The carrier 210 is very similar to the carrier 10. In this embodiment longitudinally between each aperture a lateral slot 280 is provided. In addition, longitudinal slots 285 are provided alongside (outboard) each aperture. An integral side handle 260 is provided.

[0141] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a carrier application system generally indicated 390. The system 390 includes a linear conveyor 391, which in this embodiment transports containers 365 along a generally flat path. The system 390 further comprises a rotary application drum 392. The drum is positioned above the line of containers, although it will be noted that the diameter of the drum means that when passing under the drum, containers move inside the outer periphery. In this embodiment the drum 392 is provided with a plurality of internal cutting blades 393.

[0142] In use, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, the rotary drum 392 is fed with a continuous length of carrier stock 394. The stock is urged downwards and onto containers so that carrier stock apertures pass down the sides. The blades 393 are positioned at precise rotational points so that they engage the carrier stock between adjacent carriers 310 and divide off packs 395.

[0143] The system 490 of FIGS. 10 and 11 is similar to the system 390. In this embodiment the blades 493 in the drum 492 do not radiate from the centre point. Rather, they are inclined from notional radial lines.

[0144] This means that cuts made by the blades occur after at least the first rank of the trailing set of containers has been engaged by the next carrier. The cuts are therefore made between two containers that are engaged by a carrier.

[0145] FIG. 12 shows an optional “caterpillar drive” system which comprises a pair of opposed tracks 596, 597 each having respective teeth 598, 599 positioned so that containers 565 are moved along and their position along a conveyor can be determined and controlled as they pass under a carrier applying drum. Such a drive system could be used in conjunction with any application system formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0146] FIG. 13 shows eight containers 665 that have been unitised by a carrier 610 formed in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, along one longitudinal side a merchandising panel 612 is provided.

[0147] FIG. 14 shows a carrier 710 similar to the carrier 610. In this embodiment an integral handle 760 is provided.

[0148] FIG. 15 shows twelve containers 865 that have been unitised by a carrier 810 formed in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, along one longitudinal side a merchandising panel 812 is provided.

[0149] FIG. 16 shows a carrier 910 formed according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment a promotional panel 912 is provided outboard of a handle slot 911. Lateral slots 980 are provided and positioned between each successive aperture. It will be noted that in this embodiment the slots are slightly curved, which improves rotary die cutting manufacture. In use the slots 980 isolate the “bands” between successive apertures i.e. the material that fits around containers; they also help to ensure that the bands are correctly orientated (in this embodiment the preference is for the bands to sit inclined inwardly and upwardly).

[0150] FIG. 17 shows a carrier 1010 which is similar to the carrier 910. In this embodiment the lateral slots 1080 are generally elliptical. Dimensions are shown and in some embodiments a carrier formed substantially to the dimensions may be provided.

[0151] FIG. 18 illustrates an “offset aperture” principle of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 a single generally curved rectangular aperture is shown. The direction of application is shown e.g. in the case that a drum is rotating clockwise and the containers move from right to left. This means that the leading drive pin (i.e. the pin first engaged by the drum) for this aperture is to the left (marked as 1135a) and the trailing drive pin is to the right (marked as 1140a). This also means that the leading edge of the aperture (i.e. the edge that first passes over and down onto the container) is to the left (marked as 1117a) and the trailing edge of the aperture is to the right (marked as 1116a). The centreline between the leading and trailing drive pins is marked as dotted line C1. It can be seen that the centreline C2 of the aperture is shifted towards the trailing pin (i.e. to the right). In use this means that as the carrier is clockwise rotated/rolled down onto a container (with the container moving on a conveyor from right to left) the trailing edge 1116a is less likely to foul on the top of the container before it starts to “wipe” down the side of the container.

[0152] In FIGS. 19 to 22 apertures with one, two, three and four truncated circular apertures are shown. In each case the offset aperture principle is applied. A curved edge of the aperture is on the trailing edge, which is also the direction in which the aperture is offset.

[0153] FIGS. 23 to 26 show container carriers 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510 formed according to further embodiments. In each case a merchandising/display panel 1212, 1312, 1412, 1512 is provided along one side and a single oval handle cut-out 1299, 1399, 1499, 1599 is provided.

[0154] The present inventions can be embodied in other specific apparatus and/or methods. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. In particular, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the description and figures herein. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.