Envelopes – wrappers – and paperboard boxes – Paperboard box – Miscellaneous joint construction
Patent
1995-05-10
1996-12-31
Elkins, Gary E.
Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
Paperboard box
Miscellaneous joint construction
2291032, C65D 7722
Patent
active
055885861
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an arrangement for interlocking two pieces of sheet material, particularly but not necessarily made from paperboard.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One particular but not exclusive use is in the packaging sleeves used to form a multipack of bottles. Such sleeves are typically wrapped around a number of bottles and the ends of the sleeve are interlocked at the base. However, bottles are generally made with relatively large tolerances which can result in sleeves being too loose or impossible to interlock.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided an interlocking arrangement for coupling two pieces of sheet material the arrangement has guide members which enable the two pieces to be moved towards and away from each other. The guide means comprises at least one projecting portion on one piece and one or more associated openings in a second piece for receiving the one or more projecting portions. The arrangement also includes locking members comprising one or more hinged tongues formed in one of the first or second pieces so as in use to extend towards the other piece and one or more flaps formed in the other piece and being hingedly connected to the other piece to thereby define a hole. In use, the first and second pieces are brought together so that the projecting portion engages the opening and the tongue is pushed into engagement with its associated flap which hinges to allow the tongue to pass through the hole. The tongue is pushed past the flap and the free end of the tongue opposite its hinge is bent back such that the flap snaps back to engage the tongue behind the bent back free end. The resilience of the tongue and flap causing interlocking between the two pieces.
In preferred arrangements the tongue and the opening are both provided on the second piece. Conveniently one projecting portion is provided having oppositely disposed, generally parallel side edges, the flap being at least partly located between said side edges and one opening is provided, the width of the opening being generally equal to the width of the projecting portion.
According to a preferred arrangement the edge part of the second piece forward of the opening is hingedly connected to the remainder of the second piece. Ideally the opening is an enclosed opening within the second piece and also the opening is generally arcuate with the edge part being narrowest generally centrally of the opening.
Preferably the tongue forms its hinge generally between the widest points of the opening and further, the tongue is generally central of the opening and extends beyond the general arc of the opening.
In preferred arrangements the flap is generally rectangular and the width of the hole is generally the same as the tongue. Also the hinge of the flap may be generally perpendicular to the side edges of the projecting portion. Preferably the flap has a nipple formation on its edge opposite the hinge.
With a preferred application the two pieces are constituted by the two ends of a paperboard wrap for wrapping an article or a number of articles. In use the article or articles may press on the free end of the projecting portion of the first piece and the edge part of the second piece.
Preferably the wrapper is for a plurality of bottles and has further apertures for receiving the heels and tops of the bottles. Ideally two or more of said locking arrangements are provided on each wrapper. At the side edges of the wrapper the openings in the second piece may not be enclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail. The description makes reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows in plan view the two ends of a paperboard sleeve according to the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of part of the FIG. 1 arrangement being assembled,
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 arrangement in a later stage of assembly,
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of part of the FIG
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4093116 (1978-06-01), Watkins et al.
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patent: 4328893 (1982-05-01), Oliff et al.
patent: 4355717 (1982-10-01), Oliff
patent: 4600140 (1986-07-01), Milliens
patent: 4878612 (1989-11-01), Schuster
patent: 5180100 (1993-01-01), Shimizu
Elkins Gary E.
Riverwood International Ltd.
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