Special receptacle or package – Portable segregating carrier for plural cylindrical... – Pendent from handle
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-04
2001-05-29
Moy, Joseph M. (Department: 3727)
Special receptacle or package
Portable segregating carrier for plural cylindrical...
Pendent from handle
C206S480000, C206S427000, C206S485000, C206S486000, C206S503000, C206S507000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237758
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a stackable container case for use in retaining and transporting cans and other containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
During the transport of containers such as canned goods, jostling and rough handling of the packaging may occur. Under these circumstances, the containers may potentially become dislodged from the packaging and become dented or otherwise damaged. Even in the absence of rough handling it may be easier or convenient—depending on the person transporting the containers—to carry the same at an angle away from horizontal. For example, if the person transporting the goods has two cases of canned goods, instead of making two trips, the person may lift one case in each hand. Again, however, the possibility arises that the containers may become dislodged from the packaging. Prior art cases are also formed of corrugated paperboard which typically does not have a long life, even under normal wear and especially when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Such paperboard cases are often scrapped and are otherwise not re-usable long term.
Consequently, containers such as an improved packaging or case is desired for containers such as canned goods, bottles and other packaged foodstuffs, which is reasonably inexpensive, lightweight and sturdy. The improved case should be able to retain the containers therein given reasonable rough handling and transport. The improved case should also have sufficient stiffness to support the handling and retention of the containers therein. The case should also be easily stored and transported, with and without goods therein. The case should also be reusable and have a long-term use life.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object according to the present invention to provide an improved stackable case with high stability for stored containers, full label visibility for display purposes, an easily gripped handle structure, a stable cross-stacking ability, and improved structural integrity for long life.
It is another object according to the present invention to provide an improved stackable case in which containers are securely retained therein during shipping and transport. The case is also designed to be nested with other similar cases which have no containers retained therein, for ease of storage.
These and other problems of the prior art are overcome by the stackable can case according to the present invention. The present invention provides a stackable case in which a handle structure is provided at opposing ends thereof which may be freely grasped about substantially the entire periphery thereof, and an integrally molded structural reinforcement member is provided below each handle for increased structural integrity, and is spaced sufficiently away from the respective handle structure to prevent interference with the grasping of the handle structure.
The stackable case for retaining and transporting containers also has opposing side walls and opposing end walls that form an outer shell having a bottom panel disposed substantially within the outer shell. The side walls include a lower wall portion and a plurality of spaced upwardly projecting pylons, including four corner pylons defining four corners of the case. A plurality of spaced upwardly projecting columns is generally disposed within the outer shell and defines, in combination with the bottom panel, the side walls and the end walls, a plurality of can retaining pockets. The end walls each include an integrally molded handle structure suspended proximate to the end wall between an upper portion of adjacent corner pylons to thereby defines a generally open end wall area below the handle structure. The end walls further include an integrally molded structural reinforcement member extending between the adjacent corner pylons below the respective handle structure and sufficiently spaced away from the respective handle structure to prevent interference with the grasping of the handle structure.
The integrally molded structural reinforcement member adds significant structural integrity to the case, thereby improving the durability and useful life of the case.
One or more retention members such as raised ribs are also integrally provided on the side walls and/or pylons of the case. These retention members provide the case with additional torsional strength and also provide an interference fit for containers retained in the case. Moreover, the retention member on the lower side walls define a recess with the bottom panel in order to securely receive therein a protruding portion of a container such as a lip of a can or the bulbous bottom portion of a bottle.
The above objects and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Moy Joseph M.
Rehrig Pacific Company
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