U.S. patent application number 12/983933 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-05 for heat-shrinkable holder for articles and heat-shrinkable package of articles.
This patent application is currently assigned to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.. Invention is credited to Mark W. Davidson, William R. Hartness, III, Thomas P. Hartness, Ernst Van Wickeren.
Application Number | 20110099949 12/983933 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39149453 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110099949 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hartness; Thomas P. ; et
al. |
May 5, 2011 |
Heat-Shrinkable Holder for Articles and Heat-Shrinkable Package of
Articles
Abstract
A heat-shrinkable holder is disclosed for securing a plurality
of articles. The holder may include a first sheet formed of
heat-shrinkable material, and a second sheet formed of
heat-shrinkable material and joined to the first sheet. The first
sheet and the second sheet each have a substantially equal
pre-shrinking length, and are joined so as to create at least two
openings therebetween. Each of the openings is sized larger than
one of the articles. The first and second sheets are
heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to
secure two of the articles together into a unit. Various
modifications and additions are possible, including use of more
than three sheets, providing for the reading of printed indicia on
the articles or holder, providing a handle. Numerous orientations
and collections of articles are possible. Related packages
including a holder and articles are also disclosed, as well as
related methods of manufacture of the holder and package.
Inventors: |
Hartness; Thomas P.;
(Greenville, SC) ; Hartness, III; William R.;
(Greenville, SC) ; Davidson; Mark W.; (Greer,
SC) ; Van Wickeren; Ernst; (Weeze, DE) |
Assignee: |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
Glenview
IL
|
Family ID: |
39149453 |
Appl. No.: |
12/983933 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11588844 |
Oct 27, 2006 |
7861490 |
|
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12983933 |
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11384031 |
Mar 17, 2006 |
7850003 |
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11588844 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/442 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 21/245 20130101;
B65D 71/08 20130101; B65D 71/508 20130101; B65B 53/063 20130101;
B65B 27/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/442 |
International
Class: |
B65B 53/02 20060101
B65B053/02 |
Claims
1. A heat-shrinkable holder for securing a plurality of articles,
the holder comprising: a first sheet formed of heat-shrinkable
material and having a pre-shrinking length; and a second sheet
formed of heat-shrinkable material substantially equal to the first
sheet pre-shrinking length, the second sheet being joined to the
first sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet joined so as to
create at least two openings therebetween, each of the openings
sized larger than one of the articles, the first and second sheets
being heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the openings
sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a
unit.
2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the holder includes two of the
first sheets and two of the second sheets joined together in a
unit.
3. The holder of claim 2, wherein the holder is configured with a
plurality of openings arranged in two rows.
4. The holder of claim 2, wherein the holder is configured with six
openings for securing six articles in a two-by-three
arrangement.
5. The holder of claim 1, wherein the articles do not contact each
other directly when secured.
6. The holder of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first or
second sheets includes printed indicia relating to the article.
7. The holder of claim 1, wherein the first and second sheets are
joined via at least one of heating or an adhesive.
8. The holder of claim 1, wherein the openings have an internal
circumference larger than an outer circumference of the article to
be placed therein.
9. The holder of claim 1, wherein the holder is formed in a group
of separable holders formed sequentially from the first and second
sheets.
10. The holder of claim 9, wherein perforations are provided for
separating adjacent holders formed from the first and second
sheets.
11. The holder of claim 1, wherein the holder further includes a
handle extending from at least one of the first and second
sheets.
12. The holder of claim 1, wherein the articles are containers.
13. The holder of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first or
second sheets includes perforations configured for allowing an
article to be removed from the unit after heat shrinking.
14. A package of articles comprising: a plurality of articles; a
first sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material and having a
pre-shrinking length; and a second sheet formed of heat-shrinkable
material substantially equal to the first sheet pre-shrinking
length, the second sheet being joined to the first sheet, the first
sheet and the second sheet joined so as to create at least two
openings therebetween, each of the openings sized larger than one
of the articles, the first and second sheets being heat-shrinkable
to an extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to secure two of
the articles together into a unit.
15. The package of claim 14, wherein the articles do not contact
each other directly when secured.
16. The package of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first or
second sheets includes printed indicia relating to the article.
17. The package of claim 14, wherein the first and second sheets
are joined via at least one of heating or an adhesive.
18. The package of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first or
second sheets includes perforations configured for allowing an
article to be removed from the unit after heat shrinking.
19. A package of articles comprising: a plurality of articles; and
at least four sheets of heat-shrunken material having substantially
equal pre-shrinking lengths, the sheets being joined at a plurality
of discrete joinder portions thereby forming a plurality of
openings arranged in at least two rows, each opening sized to
secure an article therein, the heat-shrunken material and articles
thereby forming a unitary heat-shrunken package configured with a
plurality of articles arranged in at least two rows.
20. The package of claim 19, wherein the package is configured so
that the articles are drawn together in two perpendicular
directions by the shrinking.
21. The package of claim 19, wherein the package is configured with
a plurality of openings arranged in two-by-four arrangement.
22. The package of claim 19, wherein the package is configured with
six openings for securing six articles in a two-by-three
arrangement.
23. The package of claim 19, wherein the package is configured so
that articles do not contact each other directly when secured.
24. The package of claim 19, wherein at least one of the sheets
includes printed indicia relating to the article.
25. The package of claim 19, wherein the sheets are joined via at
least one of heating or an adhesive.
26. The package of claim 19, wherein the openings have an internal
circumference contacting an outer circumference of the article to
be placed therein.
27. The package of claim 19, wherein the package further includes a
handle extending from at least one of the sheets.
28. The package of claim 19, wherein the articles are
containers.
29. The package of claim 19, wherein at least one of the sheets
includes perforations configured for allowing an article to be
removed from the unit.
30. The package of claim 29, wherein the perforations are arranged
to allow a portion of the at least one sheet to remain on the
article.
31. A heat-shrinkable holder for securing a plurality of articles,
the holder comprising: at least four sheets of heat-shrunken
material having substantially equal pre-shrinking lengths, the
sheets being joined at a plurality of discrete joinder portions
thereby forming a plurality of openings arranged in at least two
rows, each of the openings sized larger than one of the articles,
the sheets being heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the
openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a
unit having at least two rows of articles.
32. The holder of claim 31, wherein the holder is configured with
four openings arranged in two-by-four arrangement.
33. The holder of claim 31, wherein the holder is configured with
six openings in a two-by-three arrangement.
34. The holder of claim 31, wherein at least one of the sheets
includes perforations configured for allowing an article to be
removed from the unit.
35. The holder of claim 31, wherein at least one of the sheets
includes printed indicia relating to the article.
36-46. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to and is a
continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No.
11/384,031, filed on Mar. 17, 2006, and which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a heat-shrinkable
holder for securing articles, a package securing such articles
using heat-shrinkable sheets, and a method of securing such
articles using heat-shrinkable sheets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Articles such as beverage containers are often secured
together using thermoplastic ring-type carriers. Some such carriers
are sometimes known as "six-pack" carriers, although carriers for
holding various numbers of containers have been used. Typically,
such carriers comprise a flexible plastic, for example made from a
low-density polyethylene. The carriers have openings formed smaller
than the containers. The carriers are stretched over a suitably
positioned group of the containers. When released, the openings
conform to the sides of the containers, thereby unitizing the
containers into a package.
[0004] The characteristics of the plastics used in such
stretch-loaded carriers are such that it can be difficult to remove
individual containers or groups of containers together due he the
amount of force required. In particular, the complexity of
manufacture and use of such carriers increases substantially with
the number of containers being held by the carrier. Also, the
carriers used are generally small strips, located around the top
portion of the containers, for example along a ridge at the top of
a can. The plastics are thus not susceptible to carrying printed
indicia, and are typically not sufficiently transparent or
translucent so as to allow the view of any indicia on the
containers being held. Also, a fair amount of force and complicated
machinery is required to stretch the carriers so as to place them
over the containers. Therefore, although stretch-loaded carriers
have been used for many years, various drawbacks do exist with
regard to stretch-loaded carriers.
[0005] In conventional shrink-wrapping, a load is fed to a wrapping
zone in which a shrink-wrap film is placed on the load in some
fashion. The film is cut into pieces or sheets before or during the
placement on the load. Typically, the film makes a complete
revolution around the load so that two cut ends overlap. The load
and film are then passed into a heating tunnel causing the film to
shrink and compress against the load. Typically, the film is cut
into sheets large enough to allow for some overlap between edges
when placed on the load. During the heating process, the edges may
therefore be sealed together forming a unitary package.
[0006] Groups of articles such as containers have been wrapped with
shrink-wrap in such fashion previously. However, due to the nature
of conventional shrink-wrapping, the film extends only around the
outside of the articles. Therefore, individual articles may not be
removed without compromising the integrity of the entire package,
and individual articles may contact each other while packaged,
possibly leading to damage. To address issues such as thee,
sometimes, articles are even placed in a first container such as a
box or a stretch wrap carrier, and then shrink-wrapped. Such
packaging adds cost and wastes material.
[0007] Accordingly, an improved holder for articles such as
containers, an improved package of unitized containers, and
improved methods of packaging would be welcome, addressing one or
more of the above drawbacks of conventional packaging technology,
and/or other disadvantages of currently available technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to certain aspects of the invention, a
heat-shrinkable holder is disclosed for securing a plurality of
articles, the holder including a first sheet formed of
heat-shrinkable material and having a pre-shrinking length, and a
second sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material substantially equal
to the first sheet pre-shrinking length, the second sheet being
joined to the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet are
joined so as to create at least two openings therebetween, each of
the openings sized larger than one of the articles, the first and
second sheets being heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the
openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a
unit. Various options and modifications are possible.
[0009] For example, the holder may include two of the first sheets
and two of the second sheets joined together in a unit, and the
holder may be configured with a plurality of openings arranged in
to rows and/or with six openings for securing six articles in a
two-by-three arrangement.
[0010] The articles may be arranged so that they do not contact
each other directly when secured. At least one of the first or
second sheets may include printed indicia relating to the article.
The first and second sheets are may be joined via at least one of
heating or an adhesive. The openings may have an internal
circumference larger than an outer circumference of the article to
be placed therein. The holder may be formed in a group of separable
holders formed sequentially from the first and second sheets, and
perforations may be provided for separating adjacent holders formed
from the first and second sheets. The holder may further include a
handle extending from at least one of the first and second sheets,
and the articles may be containers. At least one of the first or
second sheets may include perforations configured for allowing an
article to be removed from the unit after heat shrinking.
[0011] According to other aspects of the invention, a package of
articles is disclosed including a plurality of articles, a first
sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material and having a pre-shrinking
length, and a second sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material
substantially equal to the first sheet pre-shrinking length, the
second sheet being joined to the first sheet. The first sheet and
the second sheet are joined so as to create at least two openings
therebetween, each of the openings sized larger than one of the
articles, the first and second sheets being heat-shrinkable to an
extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to secure two of the
articles together into a unit. As above, various options and
modifications are possible.
[0012] According to other aspects of the invention, a package of
articles is disclosed including a plurality of articles, and at
least four sheets of heat-shrunken material having substantially
equal pre-shrinking lengths, the sheets being joined at a plurality
of discrete joinder portions thereby forming a plurality of
openings arranged in at least two rows, each opening sized to
secure an article therein, the heat-shrunken material and articles
thereby forming a unitary heat-shrunken package configured with a
plurality of articles arranged in at least two rows. As above
various options and modifications are possible.
[0013] For example, the package may be configured so that the
articles are drawn together in two perpendicular directions by the
shrinking, and/or with the openings arranged in a two-by-four
arrangement or a two-by-three arrangement. The package may be
configured so that articles do not contact each other directly when
secured.
[0014] According to certain other aspects of the invention, a
heat-shrinkable holder is disclosed for securing a plurality of
articles, the holder including at least four sheets of
heat-shrunken material having substantially equal pre-shrinking
lengths, the sheets being joined at a plurality of discrete joinder
portions thereby forming a plurality of openings arranged in at
least two rows, each of the openings sized larger than one of the
articles, the sheets being heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink
the openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together
into a unit having at least two rows of articles. Again, various
options and modifications are possible.
[0015] According to other aspects of the invention, a method of
packaging articles is disclosed including providing a first sheet
of heat-shrinkable material, the first sheet defining a plurality
of pre-shrinking holder lengths; providing a second sheet of
heat-shrinkable material, the second sheet defining a plurality of
pre-shrinking holder lengths substantially equal to those of the
first sheet; joining the first sheet to the second sheet at
discrete joinder portions spaced along the first and second sheet
so as to form a plurality of openings, each opening located between
each adjacent pair of joinder portions, the joinder forming a
plurality of holders each having the pre-shrinking holder lengths
of the first and second sheets; inserting an article into each of
the openings; and heating the first and second sheets to shrink the
first and second sheets thereby forming a unitary package of the
sheets and the inserted articles. Various options and modifications
are possible with this method as well.
[0016] For example, the method may further include cutting the
first and second sheets to form an article holder of the
pre-shrinking holder length before the heating step. Also, the
method may further include providing two of the first and second
sheets of heat-shrinkable material. The method may involve joining
the first and second sheets so as to form a plurality of openings
arranged in two rows. Also, the method may include forming
perforations in at least one of the first or second sheets to allow
removal of individual articles. The joining step may be achieved by
at least one of applying an adhesive or applying heat. The method
may further include opening the openings before the inserting step.
The opening step may include one of blowing a gas, applying
suction, or using one or more mechanical fingers to open the
openings. The articles may be containers, and the first and second
sheets are sized so that during the heating step the articles are
drawn together in two perpendicular directions. The method may
include providing a handle for the package.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective schematic view of one possible line
configuration of a line for manufacturing heat-shrinkable holders
according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 1B is a perspective schematic view of one possible line
configuration of a line for placing articles in heat-shrinkable
holders so as to create a package.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one example of an empty
heat shrinkable holder.
[0020] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the heat shrinkable holder
as in FIG. 2A, with articles located within the openings of the
holder, before heat-shrinking.
[0021] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the holder and articles as
in FIG. 2B, after heat-shrinking
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top view of a heat-shrunken holder as in FIG.
2C, with the articles removed for clarity.
[0023] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, as in FIG. 2C, wherein the holder includes
perforations for assisting in removing individual articles.
[0024] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, as in FIG. 2C, wherein the holder has a
smaller vertical dimension.
[0025] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, as in FIG. 2C, wherein the articles are held
by two holders as in FIG. 4B.
[0026] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, as in FIG. 2C, wherein the holder is smaller
and centrally located vertically along the articles.
[0027] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, as in FIG. 2C, wherein the holder includes
printed indicia thereon.
[0028] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, as in FIG. 2C, wherein printed indicia on the
articles may be seen through at least a portion of the holder, and
including an optional handle.
[0029] FIG. 4G is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, as in FIG. 2C, wherein the holder extends
along the entire side surfaces and at least partially onto the top
and bottom surfaces of the articles.
[0030] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, as in FIG. 2C, wherein the holder holds more
articles in a two by six arrangement.
[0031] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, as in FIG. 2C, wherein the holder holds more
articles in a three by four arrangement.
[0032] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an alternate empty
heat-shrinkable holder.
[0033] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the heat shrinkable holder
as in FIG. 6A, with articles located within the openings of the
holder, before heat-shrinking.
[0034] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the holder and articles as
in FIG. 6B, after heat-shrinking.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a top view of a heat-shrunken holder as in FIG.
6C, with the articles removed for clarity.
[0036] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, wherein the holder includes an optional
handle.
[0037] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
holder and articles, wherein the holder includes an alternate
optional handle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For
example, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a
third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include
these and other modifications and variations. In discussing various
embodiments, like or similar reference numerals are used below with
like or similar parts of various embodiments.
[0039] As described herein, a shrink-wrapping material may be used
to form holder for articles. Preferably, the holder is formed from
at least two sheets of the heat shrinkable material for holding at
least one row of articles. However, more sheets and various
configurations could be employed. For example, three sheets could
be used for two rows of articles, as in a conventional six-pack
(two by three) arrangement. If desired the sheets may have
different properties, and all sheets need not be heat-shrinkable.
For example, one of two sheets may be heat shrinkable, or two of
three sheets may be heat shrinkable, as discussed below. The
non-shrinkable sheets may be provided for structural stability (for
example, use as a center sheet or a handle), for carrying printed
indicia, or for other purposes. The present disclosure also
includes various packages for holding articles, and methods for
creating such holders and packages.
[0040] FIGS. 1A through 3 disclose one possible method for
manufacturing such holders and creating such packages. The example
used therein is for a conventional six-pack of cans. It should be
understood also that the present invention has utility with various
articles, not just containers, and with various containers, not
just cans, as shown.
[0041] More particularly, FIG. 1A is a perspective schematic view
of one possible line configuration of a line for manufacturing
heat-shrinkable holders, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2A.
As shown in FIG. 1A, line 10a includes film supply rolls 12, 14, 16
at one end and take up roll 18 at the other. Between the rolls lies
a forming zone 20, where film from rolls 12, 14, 16 is formed into
holders for articles.
[0042] Forming zone 20 includes spreaders 22 and sealers 24. As
shown in FIG. 1A, spreaders 22 are rods inserted between films 26,
28, 30 to create openings 32. At the rightmost end of forming zone
20, spreaders 22a are being inserted between the films 26, 28, 30,
closely adjacent to film 28. Spreaders 22 generally travel along
direction D with the films once inserted. By the time spreaders 22a
move along direction D and reach the position of spreaders 22b,
spreaders 22a will have moved outward from film 28 in the
directions of arrows O. Simultaneously sealers 24 are sealing films
26 and 30 to film 28. As illustrated, sealers 24 are heat-sealing
devices, although other devices could be used to seal the films
together, such as adhesive applying devices. Sealers 24a hold and
seal the films 26, 28, 30 together thereby forming joinder portions
while spreader 22a moves to the position of spreader 22b. Then,
another sealer 24 (not shown) will contact films 26, 28, 30 and
seal them together to create another opening (not shown) upstream
from opening 32a.
[0043] As shown, each opening 32 is formed by one spreader 22 and
two sealers 24. It is also possible to form adjacent openings
utilizing common sealers 24 between them. Therefore, only one
sealer set 24 could be provided above and below the films between
openings 32a and 32b, for example. Such sealer set could make a
single point contact, thereby changing the shapes of the openings a
bit to widen them, or could extend along direction D between
openings 32a and 32b and seal the entire area between sealers 24b
and 24c. All openings 32 need not be the same size. For example,
the outermost openings may be larger than the center opening in a
common six pack arrangement (not different sizes of openings being
formed in FIG. 1A). Thus, the loops of film 26 may have different
sizes along a given holder. Making the central loops smaller may
help pull the resulting package together more tightly during
heat-shrinking.
[0044] Spreaders 22 and sealers 24 should remain in contact with
films 26, 28, 20 long enough to reliably seal them together to form
a blank 42. The amount of contact time may vary according to line
speed, sealer type (heat versus adhesive), sealer temperature, film
properties, etc. FIG. 1A shows only one of the possible
arrangements of spreader 22 and sealer 24 contact ranges.
[0045] Spreaders 22 and sealers 24 may be moved laterally,
vertically, pivotally, or some combination, into and out of place,
by suitable motors, drives, etc. For example, the spreaders and
sealers may be mounted on a rotating device that places the
elements in the upstream position, drives them in direction D,
removes them in the downstream position, and then returns them to
the upstream position. A programmable logic controller, motors and
sensors can be used to control such movement as desired. Various
guide rollers 34, which may be driven or idlers, may be provided to
guide the films thorough line 10a. The films may be paid off rolls
12, 14, 16 at different speeds to account for the different lengths
of films used in forming zone 20. That is, more of films 26 and 30
is needed than of film 28, as configured in FIG. 1A. Some or all of
the film supply rolls 12, 14, 16 may therefore be driven, and other
flow controlling structures such as gimballing rollers or the like
may be used.
[0046] Perforating devices 36, 38, and 40, schematically shown in
FIG. 1A, may also be employed, if desired. As shown, perforating
device 36 perforates all three films 26, 28, 30, so as to allow for
division of the films into separate holders. Perforating device 38
perforates film 26, and perforating device 40 perforates film 30.
These latter perforations allow individual articles to be removed
from the formed holders later. Perforating devices 36, 38, 40 may
be linearly or rotationally moving knife devices. Controllers and
servomotors and the like may cause the perforating devices to
operate at desired times, to achieve perforations where desired in
the films.
[0047] Take up roll 18 may be eliminated if desired, and line 10a
of FIG. 1A may lead directly to line 10b of FIG. 1B. Alternatively,
take up roll 18 may be replaced by a box or the like, with the film
material being fan folded in place. Use of a box may provide easier
splicing and changeout opportunities, while use of a roll may
provide more secure control and denser packaging. Either is an
acceptable modification of that shown.
[0048] FIG. 1B is a perspective schematic view of one possible line
configuration of a line 10b for placing articles in heat-shrinkable
holders so as to create a package. As stated, lines 10a and 10b may
be merged into one line, eliminating the need for use of take up
rolls 18, if desired. As shown, roll 18 supplies blank 42 material,
comprising in FIG. 1B adjacent six-pack holders 100 separated by
perforations 44 formed by device 36. Blank 42 travels to an opening
station 46, where an opener such as a blower 48, a suction device
49, or a mechanical finger device 50, or some combination of both
opens the openings 32 of holders 100. Articles 102 are then loaded
into openings 32 (see arrow L). As shown, six cans are vertically
moved into the openings 32. However, the articles may instead be
vertically stationary and the blank material may be placed over the
articles from above or below, if desired. Blank 42 is then
separated at perforations 44 by a divider 52 to form individual
loaded holders. It is possible to not make the perforations where
illustrated in line 10a, and to simply cut the blank 42 when
indicated in line 10b. The loaded holders 100 are then passed into
a heating device 54 such as a heat tunnel. Any of the films within
the holders 100 that are heat-shrinkable will then contract,
forming unitary packages 200.
[0049] If desired, packages 200 may be further combined in various
ways, such as by heat sealing or shrinking or adhesives to create
still larger packages. For example, two six packs could be combined
to create a twelve pack (see FIG. 5B); four six packs could be
combined to create a case, etc. Also, packages 200 may be connected
vertically.
[0050] It should be understood that the representations of FIGS. 1A
and 1B are not intended to be to scale and are schematic
illustrations only. It should also be understood that the line10a
need not use three films; any number of films greater than two may
be employed with modification of the line. For example, two films
could be used to create a linear collection of articles. Four or
five films could be used to create a grouping of articles three
across (as opposed to two across). Modifications to the heat
sealing and possible use of adhesives, whether heat activated, heat
cured, contact adhesives, or otherwise, could be used to create
larger arrays of openings and larger packages.
[0051] FIGS. 2A-2C show enlarged views of a holder 100 and articles
102, in this case cans. FIG. 2A shows a holder 100, as separated
along perforations 44. It would be possible to separate the holders
100 before filling them with articles 102, if desired. FIG. 2B
shows six articles 102 in openings 32 of holder 100 before heat
shrinking FIG. 2C shows unitized package 200 after heat shrinking
FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate that heat-shrinking can beneficially
cause the articles 102 to be pulled together in two perpendicular
dimensions, that is along the line of central film 28 and
perpendicular to it. This shrinking helps ensure a solid unitized
package 200. Adjacent articles 102 all have film between their
sides to the will not "clank" into each other, possibly damaging
the articles during handling or shipping. This is especially useful
if the articles are containers, such as glass bottles. Also, the
heat shrinking maintains the articles in a solid formation, as
opposed to certain container holders where the bottoms of the
containers may swing out from the tops when moved about. Again, the
disclosed holder 100 prevents such swinging, and potentially
prevents damage resulting therefrom. Articles are unlikely to slip
out of holder 100 due to the tensions caused by heat shrinking,
making them easy to handle and carry. Also, the resulting unitary
package can be readily stacked and or used in displays. Because
each article is packaged in its own heat-shrunken opening,
individual containers are readily removed without damaging the
integrity of the rest of the package.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a top view of a heat-shrunken holder 100 as in
FIG. 2C, with the articles removed for clarity. As seen, shrinking
along the central line followed by film 28 helps draw the six
containers in to form a unitized shape, with all adjacent
containers having at least one buffering piece of film between them
for protection. As can be seen, the amount of film used from films
26 and 30 is much greater than from central film 28, and the
outermost openings 32 are larger than the central openings. Based
on the size and shape of the articles to be packaged, the operation
of forming zone 20 can be readily designed so as to achieve a
desired resulting configuration. The amount of film used for outer
films 26 and 30 may thus be two times more than that of film 28,
and could be as much as four or more times greater as well,
depending on the application.
[0053] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an alternate package 210
including heat-shrunken holder 110 and articles 102, as in FIG. 2C,
wherein the holder includes additional perforations 112 for
assisting in removing the individual articles. Perforations 112 are
made by devices 38 and 40 in line 10a, as discussed above. As
shown, two perforations 112 are provided for each article 102, but
more or fewer may be provided. Also, the area of film 114 between
the perforations may be bonded to the article 102, if desired, for
example, by an adhesive that could be applied to the film or
article, or activated during heat shrinking or otherwise. Thus, the
holder 100 would provide a label for the article 102 via film piece
114, eliminating the necessity of separately labeling the article.
(See FIG. 4E below for printed indicia on film).
[0054] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
package 220 including holder 120 and articles 102, as in FIG. 2C,
wherein the holder has a smaller vertical dimension. If desired,
holder 120 may thus cover less of the articles, but the protective
abilities may be lessened at some point with a smaller holder.
Also, the holder may be placed around a bottle neck or along a can
ridge, if desired.
[0055] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken
package 230 including holder 120 and articles 102, as in FIG. 2C,
wherein the articles are held by two holders 120 as in FIG. 4B. Use
of two smaller holders 120 requires less film than holder 100 and
addresses protection issues noted above, although assembly of the
package 230 may be more complex.
[0056] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of another alternate package
240 including a heat-shrunken holder 120 and articles 102, as in
FIG. 2C, wherein the holder is smaller and centrally located
vertically along the articles. Central location of a smaller holder
may also address protection issues while reducing material
used.
[0057] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of an alternate package 250
including a heat-shrunken holder 150 and articles 102, as in FIG.
2C, wherein the holder 150 includes printed indicia 152 thereon.
The printed indicia 152 may be individual elements or a common
element across the various articles or across multiple packages, as
desired. Thus all article labeling or supplemental article labeling
may be accomplished via the package holder portion.
[0058] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of an alternate package 260
including a heat-shrunken holder 160 and articles 102, as in FIG.
2C, wherein printed indicia 162 on the articles 102 may be seen
through at least a portion of the holder, and including an optional
handle 164. In this embodiment, the outer films 26 and 30 would be
at least partially translucent or transparent in whole or part. If
such a handle 164 were provided, it could be part of a film, such
as central film 28 as shown, or an entirely separate piece attached
in some way, such as via heat or adhesive. Handle 164 could need to
be made of a more robust and/or less or non-shrinkable film or
other material, depending on the size and weight of the
package.
[0059] FIG. 4G is a perspective view of an alternate package 270
including heat-shrunken holder 170 and articles 102, as in FIG. 2C,
wherein the holder extends along the entire side surfaces and at
least partially onto the top and bottom surfaces of the articles.
Thus, as shown, the articles 102 are substantially wrapped and
secured in three dimensions using holder 170.
[0060] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternate package 280
including a heat-shrunken holder 180 and articles102, wherein the
holder holds articles in a two by six arrangement. Thus, it should
be understood that various arrangements of articles is possible.
For example, as further shown in FIG. 5B alternate package 290
includes a heat-shrunken holder 190 and articles 102, wherein the
holder holds articles in a three by four, twelve-pack arrangement.
Such arrangement can be achieved in various ways, and in various
steps as mentioned above. As shown herein, the package 290 is
essentially equivalent to two side-by-side six pack packages 200,
with an added film layer 292 therebetween. Layer 292 could be
applied via heat and/or adhesive. Alternatively, the entire twelve
article holder 190 could be constructed in one pass on a modified
version of line 10a.
[0061] FIGS. 6A-6C show enlarged views of an alternate holder 300
and articles 302, in this case bottles. Holder 300 is made from
four sheets of film, 324, 326, 328, 330. Holder 300 may be formed
from a blank holding a plurality of such holders, separable along
perforations, such as perforations 44 discussed above. Separation
of holders 300 results in two edges 322 at each end of the holder.
As shown, holder 300 has eight openings 332 for receiving the
articles 302, although as discussed above, practically any number
could be employed. Other openings 333 are created by the
manufacturing process, but these are not necessarily sized to
accept articles 302, or at least articles of the same size. FIG. 6B
shows eight articles 302 in openings 332 of holder 300 before heat
shrinking FIG. 6C shows unitized package 400 after heat shrinking.
As with FIGS. 2B and 2C above, heat-shrinking can cause the
articles 302 to be pulled together in two perpendicular dimensions,
helping ensure a solid unitized package 400. Adjacent articles 302
all have film between their sides, as above, and each article is
again packaged in its own heat-shrunken opening so that individual
containers are readily removed without damaging the integrity of
the rest of the package.
[0062] Holder 300 beneficially includes sheets of substantially
equal length between edges 322. Such equal sheet length allows
holder 300 or a blank of multiple holders to lie flat or be readily
rolled. In some applications, such abilities may be desirable, as
compared to the holders described above.
[0063] It should be understood that although holder 300 is
illustrated as having four sheets and eight openings, various
different sizes are possible. For example, holder 300 could have
two sheets holding a linear grouping of articles, or could have six
or eight sheets, holding wider groupings.
[0064] FIG. 7 is a top view of a section through heat-shrunken
holder 300, with the articles removed for clarity. As seen,
shrinking helps draw the eight containers in to form a unitized
shape, with all adjacent containers having at least one buffering
piece of film between them for protection. Since the amount of film
used from films 324-330 is somewhat equal, the resulting package is
somewhat symmetrical.
[0065] Based on the size and shape of the articles to be packaged,
the operation of forming zone as shown in FIG. 1A and the filling
zone in FIG. 1B can be readily modified to form holder 300. For
example, an even number of film supply rolls could be used, and the
spreaders and sealers could be arranged as needed to form the
desired configuration. It would be possible to first join two films
to form an initial blank having one row of openings for articles,
and then to join two or more of those blanks so as to create a
package having more than one row. It would also be possible to join
the films using a heat sealer while joining the blanks using an
adhesive, or vice versa. The ultimate processes and machinery will
depend on the desired package shape.
[0066] FIGS. 8A and 8B show two modifications to package 400
including handles. In FIG. 8A, package 410 includes a handle 464,
similar to that shown above. Handle 464 may extend from one of the
sheets forming holder 300' or may be an added sheet. In FIG. 8B,
handle 564 of package 420 is attached to an outer sheet of holder
300''. Handle 564 may be attached at any location via heat sealing
or adhesive. Either handle may be made of shirnkable or
nonshrinkable plastic or other materials, as desired. Handle 564
may also extend further around package for a more secure hold, if
desired.
[0067] Various types of films may be used for the holders' films
and handles, such as commercially available heat-shrink films, such
as polyethylene (LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE), PVC, polypropylene, styrene
copolymer, or the like. The ultimate material selected and its
properties can be selected to achieve the needs of the size, shape,
weight, and number of the articles being packaged, the method of
shipment, sale and use, etc.
[0068] Therefore, it should be understood that the types of
holders, packages, and articles utilized with the teachings of the
present disclosure should not be limited to those embodiments shown
herein. It should also be understood that features of the various
embodiments above may be recombined in other ways to achieve still
further embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *