Manufacturing container or tube from paper; or other manufacturi – With coating – Plural diverse materials
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-16
2001-05-22
Fidei, David T. (Department: 3728)
Manufacturing container or tube from paper; or other manufacturi
With coating
Plural diverse materials
C493S363000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234945
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a multi-packaging device for unitizing and carrying a plurality of containers having a range of possible container diameters.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Multi-packaging devices, such as the device according to this invention, are used to unitize a plurality of containers. Typically, containers include bottles, cans and other containers having a sidewall and a chime or raised rib around an upper portion of the container. Much of the prior art in this area, specifically multi-packaging devices constructed from elastic, polymeric materials, comprises multi-packaging devices that engage the chime or rib around the upper portion of the container. Another style of multi-packaging device is the sidewall applied carrier wherein the multi-packaging device engages the sidewall of the container.
Regardless of the style of multi-packaging device, one challenge in the art is to provide a multi-packaging device that can be used with a range of container sizes, specifically a range of container diameters. Because the container engaging portions of the multi-packaging device are generally elastic, which is governed by the modulus of elasticity or “modulus” of the multi-packaging device, the multi-packaging device relies upon the engagement of a stretched container engaging portion with the container sidewall or chime. Container diameters outside of a narrow range of diameters will either stretch the container engaging portion too much thereby permanently losing elasticity, called “neck-down,” or not stretch the container engaging portion at all, both scenarios resulting in package failure.
Prior art multi-packaging devices generally require several different versions or configurations to accommodate different diameters of containers. Typically, a single design multi-packaging device can accommodate a range of container diameters of 0.200 inches. It is therefore desirable to provide a multi-packaging device that can accommodate an increased range of container diameters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of this invention to provide a multi-packaging device that can accommodate an increased range of container diameters over the prior art.
It is another object of this invention to provide a multi-packaging device that unitizes a plurality of containers into a package that resists movement of the containers relative to each other.
It is another object of this invention to provide a device that unitizes a plurality of containers having a first diameter, which device is also capable of unitizing a plurality of containers having a second diameter.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a device that may be used in a wide range of applications thus obviating production of many different devices of varying size.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a device that is positioned around the sidewall of a container when a sidewall diameter is within an approximately one inch range of diameters.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a device that contains weakened material that will stretch but not break and/or neck-down.
A multi-packaging device capable of accommodating a range of container diameters is preferably constructed from a thermoplastic material, such as a plastic sheet. A resilient polymer having a lower modulus than the plastic sheet is preferably integrated with the plastic sheet. The resilient polymer preferably forms discrete segments within the plastic sheet so that the multi-packaging device comprises a single, generally linear thickness.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, longitudinally arranged lines of weakness, preferably perforations or a reduced thickness of the plastic sheet, are positioned in the plastic sheet at predetermined intervals. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the resilient polymer is positioned on the plastic sheet contiguous with at least a portion of the line of weakness.
The plastic sheet having the integrated resilient polymer is next preferably die-cut to form a plurality of apertures, each aperture capable of receiving a container. The apertures are preferably arranged in an array of lateral rows and longitudinal ranks and formed so that the resilient polymer is adjoining the plastic sheet in one of several preferred locations. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the resilient polymer is positioned in discrete segments within the plastic sheet and between the apertures in the lateral rows of apertures. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the resilient polymer is positioned along outer bands in the lateral rows of apertures adjacent to the plastic sheet so that the plastic sheet is contained in the inner bands of the lateral rows of apertures. In still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the resilient polymer is positioned on the plastic sheet between the apertures in the lateral rows of apertures and contiguous with at least a portion of the perforations.
A container is then inserted into each aperture to form an assembled multi-packaging device and, depending upon the diameter of the container, the plastic sheet and/or the resilient polymer will stretch accordingly. In the embodiment of this invention having a line of weakness such as perforations or a reduced thickness of the plastic sheet, the perforations or the reduced thickness may rupture upon insertion of a large diameter container. Once the line of weakness is ruptured with a container having a large diameter, the resilient polymer will elongate to a required aperture diameter corresponding with the container. However, in any preferred embodiment of the invention, the multi-packaging device will remain in operative condition because the resilient polymer will maintain its elasticity and thus the elasticity of the entire multi-packaging device.
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Electronic Connectors: Modulus of Elasticity, Apr. 4, 2000.*
Thomas Bezigian: Designer resins offer unique combination of properties,Converting Magazine, 46-48 Dec. 1997.
Fidei David T.
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Pauley Petersen Kinne & Fejer
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