U.S. patent application number 17/257099 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-13 for orienting assembly for secondary packages.
This patent application is currently assigned to Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.. Invention is credited to Wim DEKOCKER, Keenan THOMPSON.
Application Number | 20210139191 17/257099 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005355239 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-13 |
![](/patent/app/20210139191/US20210139191A1-20210513\US20210139191A1-2021051)
United States Patent
Application |
20210139191 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DEKOCKER; Wim ; et
al. |
May 13, 2021 |
ORIENTING ASSEMBLY FOR SECONDARY PACKAGES
Abstract
The present disclosure provides an orienting assembly for
orienting one or more beverage containers stored within a secondary
package. The orienting assembly includes a base portion having a
plurality of container regions and remaining non-container regions.
The orienting assembly further a layer of a predetermined material,
at least partially, coated onto one or more of the plurality of the
container regions such that a coefficient of friction at the coated
container region is higher compared to that of non-container
regions.
Inventors: |
DEKOCKER; Wim; (Leuven,
BE) ; THOMPSON; Keenan; (Leuven, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. |
Brussels |
|
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.
Brussels
BE
|
Family ID: |
1000005355239 |
Appl. No.: |
17/257099 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
July 5, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/068161 |
371 Date: |
December 30, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62694531 |
Jul 6, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/5059 20130101;
B65D 65/42 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/50 20060101
B65D005/50; B65D 65/42 20060101 B65D065/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 6, 2018 |
BE |
BE2018/5476 |
Claims
1. An orienting assembly for a secondary packaging holding a
plurality of containers, the assembly comprising: a base portion
having a plurality of container regions and remaining non-container
regions; wherein one or more of the plurality of container regions
is at least partially coated with a predetermined material such
that a coefficient of friction at the coated container regions is
higher compared to the remaining non-container regions, said
predetermined material not being a bonding means.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the container regions
is a contact point adapted to be in contact with a contact surface
of at least one of the beverage containers.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of container
regions comprising a plurality of space apart depressions, each
shaped and adapted to receive a contact surface of one the beverage
containers.
4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the contact surface is a bottom
surface of the beverage container.
5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the contact surface is a top
surface of the beverage container.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more coated
container regions comprising a predetermined texture and/or pattern
adapted to further enhance the friction of coefficient of the
coating material.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the predetermined material
includes a coating liquid and/or varnish and/or polymer/or
combination of polymers.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the predetermined material
further comprising one or more granular and/or aggregated filler
material embedded therein.
9. A secondary package for holding beverage containers, the
packaging comprising: a primary container having a pair of
horizontal surface including a top surface extended towards a
bottom surface through a plurality of vertical sidewalls defining
an inner surface there between; the primary container comprising:
one or more orienting assemblies according to claim 1 configured
onto at least one of the said pair of horizontal surfaces such that
an orientation of the containers contained within the primary
container is maintained.
10. The secondary package of claim 9, wherein the orienting
assembly is configured onto top horizontal surface and/or the
bottom horizontal surface of the primary container.
11. The secondary package of claim 9, wherein the orienting
assembly is formed integrally within the top horizontal surface
and/or bottom horizontal surface of the primary container.
12. The secondary package of claim 9, wherein the orienting
assembly is externally adhered to the top horizontal surface and/or
the bottom horizontal surface.
13. The secondary package of claim 9, wherein the secondary package
comprising a carton formed of one or more material selected from
but not limited to foldable blank, paperboard, cardboard,
corrugated board, plastic, all kinds of paper, and the like.
14. Container assembly comprising a plurality of containers and a
secondary packaging according to claim 9 for holding said
containers, wherein the vertical sidewalls are substantially as
high as the containers.
15. A method of manufacturing an orienting assembly, the method
comprising the steps of: receiving a base surface formed of a
paper-based material; defining and/or forming a plurality of
container regions onto the base surface; coating a layer of a
second predetermined material onto one or more of the container
regions wherein the coated layer formed of the predetermined
material has a friction coefficient higher than that of the
paper-based material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to secondary
packages for beverage containers; and more particularly relates to
an orienting assembly for maintaining an orientation of beverage
containers contained within secondary packages.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Containers enclosing liquid foods such as for example,
water, beer, beverages, etc. have lately been proved invaluable in
a wide array of situations. For example, water containers have
widely been used across the globe by the people during travel.
Also, campers, hikers and backpackers use portable beverage
containers for excursions in remote areas. These containers range
from small sized portable containers to large size barrel shaped
containers, depending upon the quantity of the beverage enclosed
therein.
[0003] In the recent years, there has been a many-fold increase in
the trend of grouping large number of items such as food item
including liquid foods, home essentials, stationary items, and the
like, in the form of multipacks, for various purposes such as to
enable bulk selling, easy transportation, handling, and the like.
For example, single serving containers (e.g., cans or bottles) are
commonly packaged in groups of six or twelve for sale to consumers.
Most of these secondary package cartons are made of paperboard
and/or cardboard material.
[0004] However, during transportation, including handling and
shipping of such secondary packages, there has been a growing
concern towards the protection of such multipacks from unwanted
damages, movements, and shifting particularly within the package
having a smooth surface made of paperboard having a relatively
smooth surface and therefore causing slippage of the containers
stored within. As the coefficient of friction between the surfaces
of the cartons and the individual bottles or cans, is generally
comparatively low, they tend to move relative to each other in
response to these various accelerations sudden stops, starts or
turns of the vehicle, and may even fall resulting in possible
damage to the containers and the product retained therein. Further,
due to this shock, vibration and movement, the labels of the
containers may get disoriented and may cause additional handling
problems after the transportation is complete.
[0005] Accordingly, numerous efforts have been made to overcome
this problem of movement of the individual containers within the
secondary packages. In some instances, the individual containers
were packed by mechanical means such as by synthetic resin films,
straps, and other similar means, so as to prevent the movement of
the containers there within. However, these mechanical means had
several shortcomings as were not only complex but also were neither
cost efficient nor time efficient. Further, they were more prone to
damage the label of containers and therefore are not preferred.
[0006] In some other instances, the containers were temporarily
bonded by bonding means such as using glues, adhesive either
individually, or otherwise by coating a layer of glue on an entire
surface within the container. However, such methods were also not
preferred as these would adhere to the rims of containers and mar
the finishes of the containers. Further, these are only temporary
solution and are not usable once the containers were taken out of
package, and/or after the temporary bonding fades out.
[0007] In yet other instances, individual handling means, such as
several kind of carton dividers, and/or interlocking means were
provided to grip the containers. These carton dividers as disclosed
in, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,942,709; 3,948,435 and
4,094,454 are typically formed of chipboard and divide the carton
into individual cells which separate the containers from contact
with one another to prevent breakage. However, such individual
handling means requires specially constructed cartons as well as
complex handling which add to the expense and time involved in the
shipping operation.
[0008] Further, many kind of anti-skid sheets are available such as
for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,613,447, 5,881,651,
6,490,982 and 8,146,515. These anti-slip sheets, while having
varying success, provide an overall comparatively low frictional
surface and not a directed high friction at the point of contact
between the container and the carton. Further, it is important to
ensure that properties such as friction, strength, thickness,
granularity etc. of these sheets used are commensurate with both
the weight of the carton, and the environmental conditions
(temperature, humidity etc.) likely to be encountered during the
journey.
[0009] Accordingly, while all of the currently known diverse
methods have had varying success for managing the collapse of the
containers within the carton, these methods have had little success
when desired to maintain the orientation of the containers within
the which in turn avoid misalignment of the container labels as
being an important consideration during handling, and particularly,
automated operation by high speed packaging machinery.
[0010] Accordingly, as can be seen from the from the foregoing
discussion, none of the existing solution completely overcomes the
problem of maintaining the orientation of the containers within the
carton. Thus, in the context of the above an improved orientation
assembly is desired, which being cost effective and easy to
implement, is recyclable and may be used for as long as
desired.
SUMMARY
[0011] In an aspect of the invention, an orienting assembly for
orienting one or more beverage containers stored within a secondary
package. The orienting assembly includes a base portion having a
plurality of container regions and remaining non-container regions.
The orienting assembly further a layer of a predetermined material,
at least partially, coated onto one or more of the plurality of the
container regions such that a coefficient of friction at the coated
container region is higher compared to that of non-container
regions.
[0012] It is to be understood that the predetermined material is
not a bonding means (glue, adhesive, cohesive or the like) as
friction and adhesion are recognized as two separate principles.
The predetermined material will not leave a mark on containers
placed thereon, as opposed to when using bonding means (which
typically cause a chemical process that results in the retention of
the bound object to another). The main goal of the invention is to
avoid movement of the containers in the plane of the support
surface, thus horizontal (and particularly to avoid rotation),
while adhesives are aimed at movement perpendicular to the support
surface (vertical).
[0013] Generally, each of the plurality of container regions is a
contact point adapted to be in contact with at-least one of the
beverage containers.
[0014] Potentially, the plurality of container regions includes a
plurality of space apart depressions, each shaped and adapted to
receive a contact surface of one the beverage containers.
[0015] Further potentially, the contact surface is a bottom surface
of the beverage container.
[0016] Alternatively, the contact surface of the beverage container
is a top surface of the beverage container.
[0017] Yet further potentially, each of the plurality of spaced
apart depression has a depth ranging between 5 mm and 30 mm and
preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.
[0018] Generally, the predetermined material used for coating may
be selected from one or more of but not limited to polymers having
generally friction enhancing and/or surface roughening
properties.
[0019] Further, the predetermined material used for coating may be
selected from one or more of but not limited to polymers having
rubber characteristics such that the coated container region
imparts a higher degree of friction at the point of contact.
[0020] Furthermore, the predetermined material used for coating may
further include one or more granular and/or aggregated filler
material embedded therein.
[0021] Optionally, the coated container regions include a
predetermined texture and/or pattern adapted to further enhance the
friction of coefficient with the beverage containers.
[0022] Possibly, wherein the secondary package may be a carton
formed of one or more material selected from but not limited to
foldable blank, paperboard, cardboard, corrugated board, plastic,
all kinds of paper, and the like.
[0023] Preferably, the beverage container is a can shaped container
having a bottom surface extended towards a top surface through a
body portion.
[0024] Alternatively, the beverage container is a bottle shaped
container having a bottom surface extended towards a top surface
through a shoulder portion.
[0025] Yet further possibly, each of the plurality of spaced apart
depression has a shape and dimension complementary to a bottom
surface of the beverage container so as to facilitate retaining a
beverage container thereupon.
[0026] In another aspect of the invention, a secondary package for
holding a plurality of beverage containers while maintaining an
orientation thereof, is disclosed. The secondary package includes a
primary container formed from a housing having a pair of horizontal
surface including a top surface and a bottom surface, connected and
extended towards each other through a plurality of sidewalls to
define an inner surface there between. The primary container
further includes one or more orienting assemblies configured onto
at least one of the pair of horizontal surfaces such that the
orientation of the containers contained within the primary
container is maintained.
[0027] Generally, the orienting assembly is configured on at least
one of the top horizontal surface and/or the bottom horizontal
surface of the primary container.
[0028] Preferably, the orienting assembly is formed integrally
within one of the top horizontal surfaces and/or bottom horizontal
surface of the primary container, i.e. the base portion of the
orienting assembly is at least an integral part of the bottom or
top horizontal wall of the secondary packaging.
[0029] Alternatively, the orienting assembly is externally adhered
to the top horizontal surface and/or the bottom horizontal surface
using one or more fixation mechanism selected from one or more of
but not limited to Gluing, stapling, adhering, adhesive patches,
and the like.
[0030] Possibly, the primary container includes a carton formed of
one or more paper-based material selected from but not limited to
foldable blank, paperboard, cardboard, corrugated board, all kinds
of paper, and the like.
[0031] Alternatively, the primary container includes a carton made
of a non-paper-based material selected from one or more of but not
limited to plastics, metal, and the like.
[0032] Further possibly, the primary container may be made in the
form of any suitable geometric shape selected from but not limited
to a cuboidal, cubical, circular, hexagonal, and the like.
[0033] Further possible, each of the plurality of sidewalls of the
housing has a height substantially greater than the height of the
beverage containers to be stored there within.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sidewalls of
the housing have a height substantially equal to the height of the
beverage containers to be stored therein. This allows the
assemblies to be stacked, and the above positioned layers of
assemblies to partially hold the containers in the assemblies
beneath in place. During transport, we note that, due to vibrations
and such (for instance from bumps in the path, or quirks of the
transport), the pressure from such above positioned assemblies can
be temporarily removed/relieved, making the coating of the
predetermined material crucial in holding onto the container and
not allowing rotation thereof (or other movements). In a further
preferred embodiment an assembly is provided both on the top and
the bottom horizontal surfaces.
[0035] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of
manufacturing an orienting assembly is disclosed. The method
includes receiving a base surface formed of a paper-based material.
The method further includes defining and/or forming a plurality of
container regions onto the base surface. The method furthermore
includes coating a layer of predetermined material, at least
partially, onto the one or more of the plurality of the container
regions such that the coated container regions have a coefficient
of friction higher than that of the non-container regions.
[0036] Potentially, the base portion is a horizontal surface of a
primary container of a secondary package.
[0037] Further preferably, the step of coating may be preferably
performed by spray coating.
[0038] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for
manufacturing a secondary package for holding a plurality of
beverage containers while maintaining their orientation, is
disclosed. The method includes receiving a primary container having
a plurality of beverage container regions configured onto a pair of
horizontal surface thereof. The method further includes applying a
coating of a predetermined material within the primary container at
one or more of the plurality of the beverage container region such
that the co-efficient of friction at the coated beverage container
regions is high compared to that of the non-beverage container
region.
[0039] Preferably, the primary container is a carton formed of a
paper-based material selected from one or more of but not limited
to all kind of papers, paperboard, corrugated board, foldable
blank, and the like.
[0040] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects,
features and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein will
be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram representing an
orienting assembly for beverage containers, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram representing a
secondary package having one or more orienting assemblies, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram representing a
secondary package having one or more orienting assemblies, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart illustrating the steps for
manufacturing an orienting assembly, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0045] FIG. 5 depicts flowchart illustrating the steps for
assembling a secondary package having one or more orienting
assemblies, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] As required, a schematic, exemplary-only embodiment of the
present application is disclosed herein; however, it is to be
understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the
present disclosure, which may be embodied in various and/or
alternative forms. Specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[0047] Aspects, advantages and/or other features of the exemplary
embodiment of the disclosure will become apparent in view of the
following detailed description, which discloses various
non-limiting embodiments of the invention. In describing exemplary
embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of
clarity. However, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to
this specific terminology. It is to be understood that each
specific portion includes all technical equivalents that operate in
a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
[0048] Exemplary embodiments may be adapted for many different
purposes and are not intended to be limited to the specific
exemplary purposes set forth herein. Those skilled in the art would
be able to adapt the exemplary-only embodiment of the present
disclosure, depending for example, on the intended use of adapted
embodiment. Moreover, examples and limitations related therewith
brought herein below are intended to be illustrative and not
exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become
apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the
following specification and a study of the related figures.
[0049] The present application discloses an orienting assembly
formed of a paper-based material, for use with secondary packages
holding a plurality of beverage containers enclosing liquids such
as cold drinks, beer, wines, mineral water etc. The orienting
assembly is able to orient the beverage containers stored there
within the secondary package. While the beverage containers suited
for the current disclosure is a generally can or bottle shaped
container having a bottom surface extended towards a top surface
through a body portion, it should be understood that the
embodiments of the present invention may be applied in combination
with various type of containers irrespective of size, shape and
materials, used in the beverage industry.
[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram displaying basic
components of the orienting assembly of the present disclosure. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the present disclosure provides an orienting
assembly 100 for maintaining an orientation of one or more of a
plurality of beverage containers 190 in contact therewith. The
beverage container 190 is a generally can or bottle shaped
container having a bottom portion 192 extended towards a top
portion 194 through a body portion 196. The orienting assembly 100
includes a base portion 110. The base portion 110 includes a
plurality of container regions 112 and non-container regions 114.
Each of the plurality of container regions 112 are adapted to be in
contact with at-least one of the beverage containers 190 either at
the top portion 194 or at the bottom portion 192. Further, the base
portion 110 includes a layer of a predetermined material, at least
partially, coated onto one or more of the plurality of the
container regions 112 such that a coefficient of friction F.sub.C
at the coated container regions 112 is higher compared a second
coefficient of friction F.sub.N at the non-container regions
114.
[0051] The orienting assembly 100 of the current disclosure may be
configured to be installed within a secondary package holding a
plurality of containers, either as a multipack or as a group of
different containers packed together, or may be formed integrally
with the secondary packaging.
[0052] In description of the FIG. 2-3 that follow, elements common
to the schematic system will have the same number designation
unless otherwise noted. In a first embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 2, an exemplary secondary package 280 employing an orienting
assembly 200, for holding a plurality of beverage containers 290
while maintaining their orientation there within, is provided. In a
preferred embodiment, secondary package 280 includes a primary
container 281 having a plurality of sidewalls 282 extending between
a pair of horizontal surfaces 286, including a top surface 283, and
a bottom surface 284, defining an inner surface 285 there
within.
[0053] As disclosed earlier, the orienting assembly 200 a base
portion 210. The base portion 210 includes a plurality of container
regions 212 and non-container regions 214. Each of the plurality of
container regions 212 are adapted to be in contact with a beverage
container 290. Further, the base portion 210 includes a layer 216
of a predetermined material, at least partially, coated onto one or
more of the plurality of the container regions 212 such that a
coefficient of friction F.sub.C at the coated container regions 212
is higher compared a second coefficient of friction F.sub.N at the
non-container regions 214.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the number of container regions
212 is same as the number of beverage containers stored within the
secondary package 280. Further, the shape and position of the
contact-regions is complementary to a contact surface 295 of the
beverage container 290, such that each of the beverage containers
290 is in contact with one of the corresponding container regions
212 at its contact surface 295.
[0055] Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of container
regions 212 include a plurality of spaced apart depressions 215,
each adapted to be coated with the predetermined material, and
defining a contact point for contact with the plurality of beverage
containers 290 in a spaced apart manner. Further, each of the
plurality of the spaced apart depressions 215 has a depth ranging
between 5 mm and 30 mm and preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.
[0056] Accordingly, the depressions 215 are shaped according to a
shape of the contact surface 295 of the beverage container 190.
Further in such instances, the spaced apart depressions 215 are
coated with a layer of thickness T generally same as the size of
depressions such that when coated, each of the container regions is
in aa plane same as of the non-container region. However, in some
other instances, the spaced apart depressions 215 are coated with a
layer of thickness T generally lesser than the size of depressions
such that when coated, each of the container regions 212, while
being frictional, provides a retaining structure at the contact
point.
[0057] The base portion 210 may be formed of a single layer
structure/multilayer structure, formed of a paper-based material
selected from one or more of but not limited to a folded blank, all
kind of papers, fiberboard, corrugated board, and the like.
Further, the base portion 210, in any above-mentioned configuration
has a dimension in a horizontal plane substantially same as an
inner dimension of the primary 281 in the horizontal plane.
[0058] However, in other embodiments, the base portion 210 may be a
multilayer structure such as a carton, housing and the like. In
such embodiments, in one instance, the base portion 210 includes a
top layer 231 and a bottom layer 232 generally connected and
extended away from the top layer 231. Preferably, the bottom layer
232 is spaced apart from the 231 and includes a plurality of holes
235 configured thereon and adapted to receive support from the
underlying beverage containers. The number of plurality of holes
235 is generally equal to the number of beverage containers adapted
to be stored within the housing 281. Further, this plurality of
spaced apart holes 235 are arranged such that when the base portion
is positioned within the inner space 295, each of the beverage
containers is adapted to support the base portion through a hole of
the plurality of holes 325. Such an embodiment is particularly
suitable when the beverage container is a generally bottle shaped
container.
[0059] Looping back to FIG. 2, the orienting assembly 200 is
generally positioned within the inner surface 285 onto at least one
surface of the pair of horizontal surfaces 286. In some
embodiments, the secondary package 280 includes only one orienting
assembly 200. In such embodiments, and in preferred instances, the
orienting assembly 200 is positioned onto the bottom surface 284
such that a bottom surface 292 of each of the plurality of the
beverage container 290 acts as the contact surface 295 and is in
contact with one of the coated container regions 212. However, in
other instances, the orienting assembly 200 is positioned onto the
top surface 283 such that a top portion 294 acts as the contact
surface 295 and is in contact with one of the coated container
regions 212.
[0060] In a modification of the first embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 3, the secondary package 280 includes more than one orienting
assembly 200 positioned within the primary container 281. In such
an embodiment, the primary container 281 includes generally two
orienting assemblies 200, one positioned onto the top surface 283
and the other positioned onto the bottom portion 292. Such an
embodiment while increases the cost somewhat provides frictional
support from both ends and therefore further negates the
possibility of disorientation of the beverage containers 290 stored
there within, even under high impact shocks, vibrations, and the
like during the handling and transportation thereof.
[0061] FIGS. 2 and 3 schematically show the arrangement of the
basic components of the secondary package 280 of the present
disclosure. However, in the construction of commercial functional
units, secondary components such as couplers, connectors, support
structure and other functional components known to one of skill in
the field of secondary packages and more particularly the secondary
package for beverage container technology, may be incorporated
within the secondary package 280. Such commercial arrangements are
included in the present invention as long as the structural
components and arrangements disclosed herein are present.
Accordingly, it is to be contemplated that the secondary package
280 may be configured to be used for any kind of beverage and/or
liquid and/or food containers and may be incorporated in any
possible shape as deems possible without deviating from the scope
of the current invention.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the primary container generally
represented by the numeral 281, is a carton generally formed from a
recyclable material selected from one or more of but not limited to
any desired material such as including all kind of papers,
fiberboard, corrugated board, foldable blanks, hybrid material, or
any combinations thereof, any known housing formed by any known
mechanism and suitable for use in accordance with the current
disclosure without deviating from the scope thereof, may be used.
Further, the shape and size, including the height of the primary
container 281 may be varied depending on the design constraints and
requirements for its application. For example, within the instances
when the 281 is adapted to house twelve containers in one layer in
a 3x4 arrangement the carton is dimension accordingly. Further, in
other instances, the carton may be sized and shaped to hold
containers of a different or same quantity in a single layer, more
than two layers, and/or in different row/column arrangements (e.g.,
1.times.6, 3.times.6, 2.times.6, 4.times.6, 2.times.3.times.4,
2.times.6.times.2, 2.times.9, 3.times.5, 3.times.5.times.2,
etc.).
[0063] In another embodiment, the primary container 281 is
integrally molded and made of a light weight plastic material
selected from one or more of but not limited to plastic material
such as group of thermoplastics including acetal, acrylic,
cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polystyrene, vinyl, and nylon. In
such instances, the orienting assembly 200 may be best suitable to
configured on the top surface as well as the bottom surface of the
primary container as within such instances due to smoothness of
plastic, friction between the container and the primary container
is very low.
[0064] In some embodiments, the predetermined material includes one
or more polymer materials having generally rubber kind of
characteristics in addition to high coefficient of friction. Such
materials while imparting a high friction at the point of contact
295, also produce high protuberances there at towards the contact
surface of the beverage container 290. Such a protuberance
characteristic in addition to the friction, prevents the beverage
containers from slipping relative to the container region at the
point of the contact while providing a shock-absorbent
characteristic enabling the container to overcome sudden shocks,
vibrations, and the like.
[0065] In some embodiments, the predetermined coating material
further includes one or more granular and/or aggregated filler
material embedded therein.
[0066] In an embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer
of high friction surface may further be embossed, debossed or
otherwise processed in order to alter the final appearance and
texture of the high friction container regions 212. Such a
processing including debossing and/or embossing may further
increase the coefficient of friction F.sub.C.
[0067] In use, as disclosed earlier, the orienting assembly 200 is
adapted to be positioned within the inner surface 285 such that
each of the beverage containers 292 meets one of the container
regions 212 at the contact point 217. In some embodiments, the
orienting assembly 200 is affixed to one of the top surface and the
bottom surface of the primary container 281. In an embodiment, the
orienting assembly 200 is fixed to the one of the pair of
horizontal surfaces 286, using one or more fixation mechanisms
selected from one or more of but not limited to pocket-based
fixation mechanism, notch-based fixation mechanism, stapling,
gluing, adhesive patches, retention tab, stapling, rivets, and any
other suitable mechanical attachment mechanism conventionally known
in the art and suitable for use in current invention without
deviating from the scope thereof.
[0068] However, particularly in a preferred embodiment where the
primary container 281 is formed of a paper-based material, the
orienting assembly 200 may be formed integrally within one or more
of the pair of horizontal surfaces 286 of the secondary container
280, i.e. the base portion of the orienting assembly is at least an
integral part of the bottom or top horizontal wall of the secondary
packaging. Such an embodiment further eases the implementation of
the current invention as the orienting assembly is formed within
the primary container 281 during the manufacturing thereof.
Accordingly, a user is not required to externally adhere the
orienting assembly 281 to one or more surface of the primary
container 281 thereby saving time, cost, as well as unwanted tasks
for the user.
[0069] FIG. 4 with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, is a flow
diagram illustrating a method 400 of manufacturing the orienting
assembly 200 of the present disclosure. The method starts at step
402 and proceeds to step 404 where the base portion 210 formed of a
paper-based material is received. Thereafter, the method 400
proceeds to step 406 where a plurality of container regions 212 is
identified. In some embodiments, the identification of the
container regions 212 includes defining a plurality of regions
having a size and/or shape corresponding to the contact surface 295
of the beverage container 290. However, in some other embodiments,
where the container region 212 includes a plurality of spaced apart
depressions 215, the container regions 212 is formed within the
base portion 210 using any suitable mechanism already known in the
art. Thereafter, the method proceeds to step 408 where each of the
container regions 212 is at least partially coated with a layer of
predetermined material having a predetermined coefficient of
friction Fc such that the beverage container 290, once in contact
with the container region 212, is prevented from any movement and
in particular disorientation thereof.
[0070] In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of
coating is performed by spraying the predetermined material onto
the identified container regions 212. In another embodiment, the
coating of layer is performed by putting a mask having holes
corresponding to the container regions 212 and then spreading the
coating material thereupon, thereby coating the container regions
212. In yet another embodiment, the step of coating may be
performed by any suitable mechanism conventionally known in the art
such as including but not limited to extruding, brushing, or
rolling the liquid solution on to the container regions 212. In all
such embodiments, the coating layer is allowed to dry before the
orienting assembly 200 is used for its application in various
situations.
[0071] The method 400 further includes additional optional step 410
of formation of various coating patterns and/textures onto the
container regions 212 adapted to further enhance the friction
thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention, the step 410
may be performed along with the step 408 while performing the step
of coating the container regions 212. Alternatively, the
textures/patterns may be formed by applying one or more varnishes
and/or a tactile coating material in a predetermined pattern so as
to increase the friction of already coated container regions
212.
[0072] In yet other embodiments, of the present invention, each of
the step of the method 400 may be performed in any desired order,
sequentially, and/or simultaneously.
[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 of assembling the secondary
package 280 employing the orienting assembly 200 of the present
disclosure. The method starts at step 502 and proceeds to step 504
where the carton 281 is received and/or formed. The method 500 then
proceeds to step 506 where one or more orienting assemblies 200 is
positioned within the primary container 281. In an embodiment, the
orienting assembly 200 is positioned within the primary container
281 by adhering to one or more of the pair of horizontal surfaces
286 using one or more fixation mechanisms selected from but not
limited to but not limited to pocket-based fixation mechanism,
notch-based fixation mechanism, stapling, gluing, adhesive patches,
retention tab, stapling, rivets, and any other suitable mechanical
fixation mechanism. In another embodiment, the orienting assembly
200 may be formed within the one or more of the pair of horizontal
surface using a mechanism similar to as disclosed in the step 406
of the method 400. Thereafter, at step, 508, a plurality of
beverage containers 290, are placed within the inner surface 285 of
the primary container 281 such that each of the container 290
contacts the container region 212 at the contact point 295.
[0074] In yet other embodiments of the present inventions, each of
the step of the method 500 may be performed in any desired order,
sequentially, and/or simultaneously.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0075] The present disclosure relates to an orienting assembly 200
formed of a plurality of container regions, each coated with a
predetermined material having a high coefficient of friction,
generally ranging between 0.5 and 0.8 and preferably between 0.6
and 0.7, for use in maintaining an orientation of a plurality of
beverage containers 290 stored within a secondary package 280. The
plurality of beverage containers generally includes containers
containing liquids, such as beer, wine, cider, hard liquor (e.g.,
distilled beverage, spirit, liquor, hard alcohol, etc.), soft
drinks (e.g., cola, soda, pop, tonic, seltzer), iced tea, soda
water and other types of carbonated/non-carbonated beverages. Such
a high as well as focused friction at the point of contact, imparts
a high stability as well as friction enough to resist any
movement/misalignment of the beverage containers, with respect to
the container. Therefore, any damage to the beverage containers and
labels thereof is avoided. Accordingly, the containers made of
fragile material such as glass may comfortably be carried using the
secondary package of the current disclosure.
[0076] Further, the present disclosure provides the possibility of
manufacturing the secondary packages 280 with integrally formed
orienting assemblies on various horizontal surfaces of the primary
container 281. Such a secondary package 280 having integrally
formed oriented assembly while being cost-efficient and portable,
is very quick and easy to be assembled by retail consumers, or by
the retailers, and offers an easy yet comfortable handling of
packages of any shape, size or any variety of configurations.
[0077] While the secondary package 280 is described primarily for
holding and orienting beverage containers, it is also contemplated
for a person skilled in the art that the secondary package 280 of
the current disclosure may be implemented in various industries
such as food industry, transport industry, house hold appliance
industry in transportation of any kind of product or group of
products, of any shape, size or any variety of configurations,
without limiting it to the beverage industry.
[0078] Moreover, while the orienting assembly 200 of current
disclosure has been disclosed in reference to the secondary package
280 of the current disclosure. it may also be used as an
independent self-sustaining unit. Further it can be integrated with
various suitable containers known in the art including various
carton formed from foldable blank as well as cartons constructed of
materials such as fabric, woven material, non-woven material, woven
metallic fabric that may include ferrous or nonferrous metals,
etc., or any other suitable material.
[0079] While the orienting assembly 200 is described for holding
and orienting beverage containers having generally can shape, it is
also contemplated for a person skilled in the art that the
secondary package 200 of the current disclosure may be implemented
in various industries such as food industry, transport industry,
house hold appliance industry in transportation of any kind of
containers of any shape, size or any variety of configurations,
without limiting it to the beverage industry.
[0080] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, methodology in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the claimed subject matter is illustrated.
While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodology
is shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood
and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by
the order of acts, as some acts may occur in different orders
and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described
herein.
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