U.S. patent application number 17/000614 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-04 for multipack packaging rings for beverage cans.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kim Louise Johnston, Rodney David Johnston. Invention is credited to Kim Louise Johnston, Rodney David Johnston.
Application Number | 20210061502 17/000614 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005049224 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210061502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnston; Rodney David ; et
al. |
March 4, 2021 |
MULTIPACK PACKAGING RINGS FOR BEVERAGE CANS
Abstract
Multipack packaging rings for holding a plurality of beverage
cans of a type haying a upper portions formed into circular necks
of reduced diameter which seal to lids around circumferential
seams. The rings are formed from a foldable sheet material having
in a first panel a first set of circular apertures with inwardly
directed tabs. In use of the rings the tabs engage under the
circular necks. In an adjoining second panel a second set of
substantially smooth edged circular apertures correspond in layout
to the first set so that when the second panel is folded over along
a line between the panels apertures of said second set correspond
in position to those of the first set and the second panel overlies
and reinforces the first panel.
Inventors: |
Johnston; Rodney David;
(Condell Park, AU) ; Johnston; Kim Louise;
(Condell Park, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnston; Rodney David
Johnston; Kim Louise |
Condell Park
Condell Park |
|
AU
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005049224 |
Appl. No.: |
17/000614 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/42 20130101;
B65D 2571/00444 20130101; B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65B 17/025
20130101; B65D 2571/00265 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 17/02 20060101
B65B017/02; B65D 71/42 20060101 B65D071/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 2019 |
AU |
2019903258 |
Claims
1. Multipack packaging rings for holding a plurality of beverage
cans of a type having a upper portions formed into circular necks
of reduced diameter which seal to lids around circumferential
seams, said rings being formed from a foldable sheet material
having in a first panel thereof a first set of circular apertures
with inwardly directed tabs which in use of the rings engage under
said circumferential seams and in an adjoining second panel thereof
a second set of substantially smooth edged circular apertures
corresponding in layout to said first set whereby when said second
panel is folded over along a line between said panels apertures of
said second set correspond in position to respective ones of said
first set and said second panel overlies and reinforces said first
panel.
2. Multipack packaging rings as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
inwardly directed tabs are formed between notches arranged around
the circumference of said first set of apertures.
3. Multipack packaging rings as claimed in claim 2 wherein
diameters of said first set of apertures as measured between inside
edges of opposite ones of said tabs are sufficiently less than the
diameters of the seams whereby during assembly of said rings as
said first set of apertures are pressed down over the seams the
tabs are initially bent upwardly and outwardly to clear said seams
before displacing at least partially back to engage under said
seams.
4. Multipack packaging rings as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
second set of apertures are sized to provide a push fit over said
seams.
5. Multipack packaging rings as claimed in claim 4 wherein when
said second panel is folded over along said line and the second set
of apertures is press fitted over said seams the edges of said
second set of apertures press inwardly against the tabs to hold and
lock said tabs under the seams.
6. Multipack packaging rings as claimed in claim 5 wherein said
line comprises a preformed crease in said sheet.
7. Multipack packaging rings as claimed in claim 6 wherein one of
said panels is formed with a display tag which in a position of use
extends downwardly from an edge thereof.
8. Multipack packaging rings as claimed in claim 7 wherein there
are six apertures in each of said first and second sets which are
arranged in a rectangular array.
9. Multipack packaging rings as claimed in claim 8 wherein said
sheet material is of a thickness not exceeding 0.7 mm.
10. Multipack packaging rings as claimed in claim 10 wherein finger
holes are formed in said panels for carrying the packaging
rings.
11. Multipack packing rings as claimed in claim 10 wherein said
sheet material is biodegradable paperboard, cardboard or card stock
or a biodegradable plastic.
12. A method of assembling multipack packaging rings as claimed in
claim 1 said method including the steps of: pressing said first
panel down over the seams of an arrangement of said cans
corresponding to the position of said first set of apertures
whereby said tabs resiliently bend upwardly and outwardly before
displacing at least partially back to engage under said seams.
folding said second panel along said line between said panels
whereby said apertures of said second set correspond in position to
respective ones of said first set and said second panel overlies
and reinforces said first panel.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12 and including a further step
of bending a display tag formed as part of one of said sections
down along another fold line to locate at the front of said
multipack packaging rings.
14. A plate for assembling multipack packing rings as claimed in
claim 1 by simultaneously pressing said sets of panel apertures
over the can seams said plate including an array of circular holes
with bevelled edges on one face which correspond in position to
said sets of panel apertures.
15. A flat blank for constructing multipack packaging rings, said
blank being of foldable sheet material and including first and
second panels joined along a fold line, said first panel having a
first set of circular apertures with inwardly directed tabs forming
an inside edge thereof and said second panel having a second set of
substantially smooth edged circular apertures corresponding in
layout to said first set.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to multipack packaging. More
particularly, although not exclusively, it discloses an improved
form of packaging rings for beverage cans and other like
containers.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims priority to currently pending
Australian Provisional Patent Application 2019903258; filed on Sep.
4, 2019; titled MULTIPACK PACKAGING RINGS FOR BEVERAGE CANS.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] None
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0004] None
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] While it is common to use what is known in the packaging
industry as six pack rings to secure and transport beverage cans
such existing packaging has disadvantages. One important problem is
that non-biodegradable plastic versions of the rings are difficult
to dispose of without degrading or polluting the environment.
Although single layer biodegradable paperboard or cardboard
versions are known the thickness required to achieve the strength
to hold the beverage cans makes printing indicia on the packaging
difficult. With current six pack rings there is also no convenient
area for printing a bar code which can be easily located and
scanned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore an object of this invention to ameliorate
the aforementioned disadvantages and accordingly multipack
packaging rings are disclosed for holding a plurality of beverage
cans of a type having upper portions formed into circular necks of
reduced diameter which seal onto lids around circumferential seams,
said rings being formed by a foldable sheet material having in a
first panel thereof a first set of apertures with inwardly directed
tabs which in use of the rings engage under said circumferential
seams and in an adjoining second panel thereof a second set of
substantially smooth edged apertures corresponding in layout to
said first set whereby when said second panel is folded over along
a line between said panels apertures of said second set correspond
in position to respective ones of said first set and said second
panel overlies and reinforces said first panel. Preferably said
sheet is of a thickness not exceeding 0.7 mm to facilitate
printing.
[0007] It is further preferred that one of said sections is formed
with a display tag which is adapted in a position of use to extend
downwardly from an edge thereof.
[0008] It is further preferred that the circumferential edges of
said second set of apertures are substantially smooth and are sized
for a push fit over the seams.
[0009] It is further preferred that there are six apertures in each
of said first and second sets which are arranged in a rectangular
array.
[0010] It is further preferred that finger holes are formed in said
panels for carrying the packaging rings.
[0011] In another aspect a flat blank is disclosed for constructing
multipack packaging rings, said blank being of foldable sheet
material and including first and second panels joined along a fold
line, said first panel having a first set of apertures with
inwardly directed tabs forming an inside edge thereof and said
second panel having a second set of substantially smooth edged
apertures corresponding in layout to said first set.
[0012] In another aspect the invention also discloses a method of
assembling said multipack packaging rings, said method including
the steps of:-- [0013] Pressing said first section down over the
seams of an arrangement of said cans corresponding to the position
of said first set of apertures whereby said tabs resiliently bend
upwardly and outwardly before displacement back to engage under
said seams, and [0014] Folding said second panel along said line
between the panels whereby the apertures of said second set
correspond in position to respective ones of said first set and
said second panel overlies and reinforces the first panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] One currently preferred embodiment of the invention will now
be described with reference to the attached representations in
which:--
[0016] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a flat blank of foldable sheet for
constructing multipack packaging rings according to the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one type of beverage
can for which the packaging rings may be used;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the first panel when placed over
the lids of a rectangular arrangement of six beverage cans of the
type shown in FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the neck and lid of one of the
beverage cans of FIG. 3 which shows the engagement of the tabs of
the first panel located under the circumferential seam of said
can;
[0020] FIG. 4A is a another detailed view of said neck and lid of
one of the beverage cans with the second panel folded over;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of assembled multipack
packaging rings for a six pack of said beverage cans in accordance
with the invention; and
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plate for pressing the
panels over the can lids when assembling the multipack packaging
rings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring first to FIG. 1 there is shown a flat blank 1 of
foldable material. It is preferably between 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm
thickness to provide the necessary strength to hold the beverage
cans while still facilitating printing. Suitable material for the
blank may be paperboard, cardboard, card stock or other
biodegradable materials including plastics such as a biodegradable
PLA film as would be known to a person skilled in the art. With
this embodiment the currently preferred material is 508 ums/391 gms
Custom Kote as produced by Westrock Packaging Systems of Atlanta
Ga. United States of America. The blank is die cut using known
methods and apparatus to form a set of circular apertures 2
arranged in a rectangular array within a first panel section 1A.
There are inwardly directed tabs 3 formed between notches 4
arranged around the circumference of these apertures 2. With this
example of an embodiment for use with known 375 ml aluminium drink
cans as described below the diameter 4A of the apertures 2 as
measured between opposite inside edges of the tabs 3 may be 47.5
mm. The length 4B of the tabs 3 in the radial direction may be 4
mm. The sheet further includes an adjoining second panel section 5
of similar shape and size to panel 1A. Panel 5 is cut to form a set
of circular apertures 6 with smooth edges 7. These apertures 6
correspond in arrangement to the aforementioned apertures 2 in
panel 1A and with this embodiment which is intended for 375 ml cans
may have diameters 7A of 53 mm. On one side panel 5 joins with
panel 1A along a fold line 7B. The other side joins a display tag 8
along another fold line 9. Both panels 1A and 5 preferably have
rounded corners 10.
[0024] An example of a 375 ml aluminium beverage can for use with
the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, is a well known design as
manufactured for example by Visy industries Australia Pty Ltd of
Southbank Victoria 3006 Australia. It has a one piece side wall 11
and bottom 12 which is stamped and pressed from a single sheet of
aluminium. The upper portion of the can is formed into a neck 13 of
reduced diameter and the top edge of the wall seals to the lid 14
along a circumferential seam 15. The outside diameter of this seam
with this embodiment is 54 mm. so that the aforementioned apertures
6 are preferably a push fit thereover.
[0025] To form the packaging rings panel 1A is first pressed down
over the seams 15 of an arrangement of cans corresponding to the
position of the apertures 2 as shown in FIG. 3. The diameters of
the apertures 2 between the inside edges of opposite tabs are, with
this embodiment, preferably 6.5 mm less than the diameter of the
seam 15 so that as they are pressed down over the seam the tabs 3
are initially bent in the region of their base 15A upwardly and
outwardly before resiliently displacing at least partially back to
engage under said seam as shown in FIG. 4.
[0026] The cans are thereby held by the tabs 3 within the panel
apertures 2 in accordance with the invention. The second panel 5 is
then folded over along line 7A (see arrow) so that the smooth edged
apertures 6 push fit over respective ones of the seams 15 whereby
said panel 5 overlies and reinforces panel 1A underneath. As shown
in FIG. 4A the edges 7 of the apertures 6 also press inwardly
against the tabs 3 above their base 15A to hold and lock them under
the seams 15. This novel locking action secures the cans against
accidental slippage out of the rings. The display tag 8 may then be
bend down along fold line 9 to locate at the front of the multipack
rings as shown in FIG. 5. This tag 8 is ideally placed for scanning
of bar codes or the display of other indicia. There may also be
finger holes 16 along the centre of the multi-pack packaging rings
which align through both panels when folded over. This folded over
double layered construction for the rings according to the
invention provides improved packaging strength for lifting and
transporting the cans while still only requiring a relatively thin
biodegradable sheet. This facilitates printing and subsequent
disposal of the packaging rings after use.
[0027] It is to be understood that the dimensions provided for the
aforementioned embodiment are given by way of nonlimiting
illustrative example for a 375 ml beverage cans and may change for
other can sizes and designs without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0028] It will also be understood that directional references used
herein such as "upper", "upwardly", "over", "bottom", "down",
"downwardly" and the like refer to the packaging rings in one
position of use as illustrated and are not to be construed as
necessarily limiting.
[0029] A plate 17 as shown in FIG. 6 is also disclosed for
simultaneously pressing the panels apertures over the can seams in
this case there is a rectangular array of apertures 18 with
bevelled edges 19 on one face. When the sheet panels are aligned
over the cans and then pressed down with this plate the apertures 2
and 6 are quickly and neatly fitted over the seams. With high
volume packaging operations this plate would preferably be
incorporated into a suitable mechanical press.
[0030] It will thus be appreciated that this invention at least in
the form of the embodiment disclosed provides novel and improved
multipack packaging rings for beverage cans. The example disclosed
however is only the currently preferred. form of the packaging
rings and a variety of modifications may be made within the scope
of the invention. For example the number and arrangement of the
cans packaged by the rings may vary from the six-pack rectangular
array shown. The shape, size dimensions, configuration and
placement of the apertures as well as the shape and position of the
display tag may all be changed in accordance with the size, design
and number of the cans to carried by the packaging rings without
departing from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *