Case For Shipping Articles In An Upright Position And In Spaced Lateral Separation

Abstract

The case comprises wall panels, one or more bottom and top flaps and a bottom assembly comprising (i) a bottom indexing panel which engages the bottom of the article by means of one or more projections rising upwardly therefrom and (ii) means for preventing any substantial lateral movement of the bottom indexing panel within the case. The top assembly of the case comprises (i) a top indexing panel containing female recesses projecting upwardly therefrom which fit over the top of the article and (ii) an internal top panel containing apertures which fit snugly over the female recesses to lock the top indexing panel in position. An article separator layer assembly is provided when the case is to contain a plurality of layers of articles.

Parent Case Text

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 36,554, filed May 12, 1970 in the name of the present inventor and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 3,624,776.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to shipping cases and, more particularly, to cases for shipping articles wherein, for various reasons, it is necessary to maintain the articles in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from each other and adjoining portions of the case during transit.

Such cases are used for shipping numerous articles such as, for example, pirns or bobbins of natural and synthetic filaments; fragile bottled items such as liquor, medicinals, and drugs; and other articles which can be damaged upon exposure to the impacts normally encountered in transit of the case.

The shipping of certain polyester filaments illustrates a situation where it is necessary to protect the pirns of fiber from contact with abrasive articles during shipment; certain polyester filaments are extremely sensitive to very slight abrasive forces and readily fray or break at the surface layers on the pirn if so exposed, often resulting in the total loss of the large quantity of filament on the pirn.

A variety of shipping cases have heretofore been proposed for shipping fragile articles. In one such case, the individual articles are packaged between lateral separator partitions and are often further enclosed in a plastic bag to protect them during shipment. Such packages are expensive and are not entirely satisfactory because of the abrasive forces which can be exerted by the lateral partitions against the surfaces of the articles upon subjection of the case to impact.

In another case, unrestrained article indexing panels are provided at the top and bottom of the package to grasp the top and bottom portions of the articles in an attempt to prevent lateral movement of the articles upon impact. These indexing panels typically comprise a corrugated cardboard panel containing die cut holes which engage the top and bottom of the articles. Among the disadvantages of such cases are the abrasion to the articles which occurs when the rough die cut holes rub against the article. Moreover, since the indexing panels are unrestrained, they have a tendency, upon subjection to impact, to crumple and roll up along their edges with the result that they no longer effectively perform their function of maintaining the articles in an upright position and in spaced lateral relationship from each other.

In yet another prior art case, top and bottom indexing panels are provided which are integrally attached to the walls of the case. These panels contain apertures into which the bottom and top portions of the articles are insertable. While such an arrangement reduces damage to the indexing panels upon lateral impact, the problem still remains of the corrugated die cut holes abrading the article which they are restraining; moreover, there is a tendency for the holes in the indexing panels to wear away about their periphery during transit and upon impact and no longer firmly restrain the tops and bottoms of the article due to the enlargement of the periphery.

A further disadvantage of cases employing top and bottom indexing panels occurs in situations where it is desirable to remove only one article from a case containing a plurality of articles; the entire indexing panel must usually be removed and thereupon reinserted over the remaining articles when the case is reclosed. Additionally, inspection of the contents of the case is difficult without removing an indexing panel.

It is apparent that if the articles are not maintained in a substantially upright position, any stacking strength which the assembled case may possess is minimized, at least in the case where the article itself posseses some support strength. If the shipping case does not insure that the articles will remain in the upright position during transit, it becomes necessary to provide for reinforced and stronger wall panels in the case to provide the vertical stacking strength ordinarily required. Such a measure ordinarily results in a more expensive case. It is also apparent that great damage can be done to the contents of the case upon subjection to impact if the contents are thrown against each other or against the walls of the case.

It is, therefore, a general object of this invention to provide an inexpensive and readily assembled case for shipping one or more articles in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral relationship from each other and from the adjoining walls of the case.

It is another object of this invention to provide a shipping case wherein the strength of the articles contained therein is employed to provide enhanced stacking strength of the cases.

It is another object of this invention to provide a shipping case which effectively prevents lateral movement of the articles contained therein when the case is subjected to an impact.

It is another object of this invention to provide a shipping case wherein the tops and bottoms of packaged articles are restrained from lateral movement upon impact by means of indexing panels which are not damaged upon subjection of the case to impact.

It is another object of this invention to provide a shipping case wherein the tops and bottoms of the articles of the case are restrained from lateral movement by means of indexing panels having a smooth non-abrasive surface whose apertures or other article indexing portions cannot be worn away and enlarged during transit.

It is another object of this invention to provide a shipping case which effectively minimizes disengagement of the articles from the top and bottom indexing panels upon subjection of the case to impact.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a shipping case containing flexible indexing panels which are readily disengaged from the article to permit removal of one article at a time without the need for removing and then replacing an entire indexing panel.

These and other objects of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a complete reading of this specification and, in particular, the description of the preferred embodiments of this invention, and drawings describing these preferred embodiments, which are presented hereinbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The advantageous features enumerated hereinabove are obtained by providing a shipping case which comprises a plurality of wall panels which are preferably foldably interconnected to form a wall panel unit, with an end panel of this unit having foldably attached thereto a sealing flap which is affixed to the opposed end panel of the unit.

The bottom portion of the case comprises at least one bottom flap which is preferably foldably connected to a wall panel to form the bottom of the case, and a bottom indexing panel for supporting and indexing the articles to be packaged in the case. The bottom indexing panel contains therein at least one projection rising in an upright direction from the plane of the bottom indexing panel, the projection having any of a variety of configurations which are adapted to communicate with, and engage, at least a portion of the bottom section of the article to be packaged so as to index the bottoms of the article in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of the case and to effectively prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom section of the article relative to the bottom indexing panel. Means are provided for preventing any substantial lateral movement of the bottom indexing panel within the case. Such means comprise one or more internal bottom panels which are adapted to communicate with the bottom indexing panel to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom indexing panel relative to the internal bottom panels. These internal bottom panels are themselves restrained from any substantial lateral movement within the case and, consequently, effectively eliminate the possibility of any substantial lateral movement of the bottom indexing panel when the case is subjected to impact thereby assuring maintenance of the desired spaced lateral relationship between the bottoms of the articles during transit.

The top portion of the case comprises a top indexing panel for indexing the upper portion of the articles in the carton, the top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting upwardly from the plane of the panel; this recess is adapted to fit snugly over at least a portion of the top section of the article. There also is provided at least one internal top panel which is restrained from any substantial lateral movement within the case. This internal top panel may be either a separate piece or is foldably connected to a wall panel and contains therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to fit snugly over that portion of the female recess of the top indexing panel into which the top portion of the article is inserted. The case further comprises at least one top flap which is preferably foldably connected to a wall panel to form the top of the case. The internal top panel is disposed between the top indexing panel and the top of the case. The internal top panel locks the top indexing panel firmly in position so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the top indexing panel relative to the internal top panel when the case is subjected to impact. Thus, the desired spaced lateral relationship between the tops of the articles is maintained during transit.

The shipping case of this invention can be modified in a variety of ways. For example, it can be provided with a rigid member which provides communication between the internal top panel and the top of the case and which functions to maintain the internal top panel apertures firmly emplaced over the female recesses of the top indexing panel when the top flaps of the carton are sealed in place to form the top of the case. This feature provides a downward pressure on the top indexing panel which insures that the female recesses of the top indexing panel remain firmly engaged with the top of the article and do not dislodge or separate from the top of the article upon subjection of the case to impact.

The shipping case of this invention can be employed to ship a plurality of articles either in a single layer or in a plurality of layers. Multi-layer shipping cases are readily prepared by providing a separator layer assembly between each layer of articles. Typical separator layer assemblies are described in greater detail hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a blank of the wall panels and top and bottom flaps used in one preferred embodiment of a shipping case of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of one preferred embodiment of a top indexing panel for engaging and indexing the tops of the articles to be packaged.

FIG. 3 is a top view of one preferred embodiment of a bottom indexing panel for supporting and indexing the bottoms of the articles to be packaged.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views taken along lines 4--4 and 5--5 of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view in perspective of one preferred embodiment of a shipping case of this invention, showing a first preferred embodiment of the bottom and top assembly of the case, and illustrating fiber pirns as a typical article for packaging in the case.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views showing sequentially the assembly of the bottom portion of the case and, in particular, the sandwiching of the bottom indexing panel between the internal bottom panel and bottom of the case.

FIGS. 9 to 11 are perspective views illustrating mounting of the pirns in the bottom of the case, placement of top indexing panel over the articles, closing and sealing of the internal top panels and top flaps to thereby lock the top indexing panel in position.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are sectional views taken along the lines 12--12 and 13--13 of the assembled shipping case of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 12--12 of FIG. 11 of the three panels comprising the bottom of the case and illustrates an embodiment of the case wherein the internal bottom panels and bottom flaps are adhesively attached together through perforations in the bottom indexing panel.

FIGS. 15 through 17 are side sectional views of a mounted pirn of FIG. 11 and illustrate several additional embodiments of the bottom indexing panel.

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of a mounted pirn of FIG. 11 and illustrates another embodiment of a top indexing panel.

FIG. 19 is a partial exploded view in perspective illustrating an embodiment of a separator layer assembly used to separate adjoining layers of articles in a multi-layered shipping case.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the assembled layer of FIG. 19 taken along the line 20--20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line 20--20 of FIG. 19 illustrating a second embodiment of the separator layer assembly of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of the bottom assembly of a shipping case of this invention.

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 23--23 of the assembled case of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a third preferred embodiment of the bottom assembly of a shipping case of this invention.

FIG. 25 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 25--25 of the assembled case of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the bottom assembly of a shipping case of this invention.

FIG. 27 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 27--27 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the bottom assembly of a shipping case of this invention.

FIG. 29 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 29--29 of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the bottom structure of a shipping case of this invention.

FIG. 31 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 31--31 of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of a seventh preferred embodiment of the bottom structure of a shipping case of this invention.

FIG. 33 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 33--33 of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of the top structure of a shipping case of this invention.

FIG. 35 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 35--35 of FIG. 34.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of the shipping case of this invention is conveniently prepared from three basic parts:

1. a single unit blank from which the internal bottom panels, the internal top panels, the bottom and top flaps, and the wall panels of the case are fabricated;

2. a top indexing panel; and

3. a bottom indexing panel.

The Shipping Case Blank

The single unit blank is shown in FIG. 1 whereas the separate top and bottom indexing panels are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 1, it is seen that blank 30 comprises panels 31, 32, 33 and 34 which form a wall panel unit and which are foldably interconnected by means of hinges 35, 36 and 37, respectively. End panel 34 of the wall panel unit is provided with sealing flap 38 which is foldably connected to panel 34 by means of hinge 39. In the assembled case, flap 38 is affixed to the outer edge area 40 of opposed end panel 31 of the unit by means of staples, adhesive, glue or other adhesive means. It is seen that opposed wall panels 31 and 33, and 32 and 34, are of substantially the same size so as to provide an assembled shipping case of a substantially rectangular configuration. The dimensions of the wall panels are in no way significant although it is preferred that opposed wall panels have substantially equal sizes.

Bottom flaps 41 and 42 are foldably connected to opposed wall panels 31 and 33 by means of hinges 43 and 44, respectively. Apertured internal bottom panels 45 and 46 are foldably connected to opposed wall panels 32 and 34 by means of hinges 47a and 48, respectively.

It is seen that internal bottom panels 45 and 46 each contain therein a plurality of substantially evenly spaced circular apertures 47 aligned in two horizontal rows, which, as is more fully discussed hereinbelow, are adapted to fit snugly over the projecting female recesses of the bottom indexing panel. The shape, form, alignment or other configuration of apertures 47 is not significant since these factors are predicated upon the shape, form, alignment and such of the projections 72 extending upwardly from the bottom indexing panel which apertures 47 peripherally engage as made clear hereinbelow.

Top flaps 48 and 49 are foldably connected to opposed wall panels 31 and 33 by means of hinges 50 and 51, respectively. Internal top panels 52 and 53 are foldably connected to opposed wall panels 32 and 34 by means of hinges 54 and 55, respectively. Internal top panels 52 and 53 contain a plurality of substantially evenly spaced circular apertures 56 aligned in two horizontal rows whose shape, form, alignment or other configuration are adapted to insure their snug fit about the periphery of the upwardly projecting female recesses of the top indexing panel as made clear hereinbelow.

Flaps 57 and 58 are foldably connected to internal top panels 52 and 53 by means of hinges 59 and 60, respectively. In the assembled shipping case, flaps 57 and 58 are folded towards the upper surface of panels 52 and 53 in order to provide communication between these upper surfaces and the bottom surfaces of top flaps 48 and 49. The function of flaps 57 and 58 will become clearer from the ensuing description.

The blank of FIG. 1 can be prepared from a variety of known packaging materials. It is preferably prepared from a single unit of die-cut corrugated board. The thickness of the blank is not significant and is ordinarily selected to provide the strength required for the envisioned use of the case.

The Bottom Indexing Panel

The bottom indexing panel 70 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Referring to these figures, it is seen that panel 70 comprises an essentially planar sheet 71 having a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the walls of the shipping case. Panel 70 contains thereon a plurality of substantially evenly spaced circularly shaped projections 72 in the form of a hollow cylindrical wall 73 rising vertically from the plane of sheet 71. The function of projections 72 is to communicate with, and snugly engage, the bottom portion 74 of the article 75 to be packaged as best seen in FIG. 5. The engagement between projection 72 and portion 74 of member 75 is sufficiently snug to eliminate any substantial lateral movement of portion 74 with respect to sheet 70. The geometric configuration of projection 72 may take any of a variety of forms provided that the form of the projection accomplishes the aforementioned function.

Referring to FIG. 5, it is seen that projection 72 is of a substantially cylindrical configuration and contains disposed therein a female recess 76 into which the bottom portion 74 of article 75 is snugly insertable. The dimensions and exact configuration of female recess 76 are determined by the dimensions and configuration of the bottom portion of the article to be shipped and which is to rest in recess 76. For example, the configuration of recess 76 can be rectangular, triangular, and square shaped in addition to the cylindrical configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The upper edges of wall 76 of projection 72 are provided with a slight bevel 77 to facilitate insertion and indexing of portion 74 of article 75 into recess 76.

A variety of other embodiments of projections 72 are shown in FIGS. 15 through 17. Referring to FIG. 15, it is seen that projection 72 comprises an external cylindrical wall 80 encompassing therein an internal cylindrical wall 81, walls 80 and 81 being in spaced relationship from one another to define an annular chamber 82 into which the bottom portion 83 of a cylindrical tubular article 84 is snugly insertable. The height of wall 81 is illustratively approximately one-third that of wall 80. However, the height of wall 81 could be greater, equal to, or less than that of wall 80.

Referring to FIG. 16, it is seen that projection 72 is in the form of a plug which comprises a cylindrical wall 90 containing disposed therein a hemispherical female recess 91 which snugly receives the bottom portion 92 of article 93.

Referring to FIG. 17, it is seen that projection 72 comprises a cylindrical male plug 100 which is snugly insertable into the hollow interior of the bottom portion 101 of article 102. In all of the projections 72 shown in FIGS. 15 through 17, it is desirable to provide a slight bevel 103 in areas of the walls of projections 72 which are adjacent to the bottom portion of the article to be mounted in order to facilitate mounting of the article onto projections 72.

The Top Indexing Panel

A preferred embodiment of a top indexing panel is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively. Referring to these Figures, it is seen that top indexing panel 110 comprises a flat planar sheet 111 having a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the walls of the assembled shipping case. Panel 110 contains disposed therein a plurality of substantially evenly spaced circular projections 112 extending vertically upward from the plane of sheet 111. The nature of an illustrative projection 112 is best shown in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, it is seen that projection 112 comprises a frustro-conical wall portion 113 atop of which is integrally attached a cylindrical wall member 114 containing disposed therein a recess 115 which defines a downwardly projecting male plug 116. The frustro-conical and cylindrical wall portions 113 and 114 define a female recess 116a extending upwardly from sheet 111. The upper portion 117 of article 118 is snugly inserted into the female recess 116a of projection 112 engaging only the inner surfaces of the cylindrical wall 114. The frustro-conical section 113 of projection 112 is provided as a means for effectively guiding panel 110 over the top portions 117 of article 118.

FIG. 18 depicts another embodiment of a top indexing panel for use with articles having an elongated upper neck portion such as, for example, a whiskey bottle. Referring to FIG. 18, it is seen that a female recess 120 rising upwardly from sheet 111 is defined by a frustro-conical wall section 121 on top of which is integrally attached an elongated cylindrical wall member 122. The upper portion 123 of article 124 is snugly insertable only into that portion of recess 120 defined by cylindrical wall member 122. Cylindrical wall member 122 can be provided with a slight taper (as shown in FIG. 18) to accommodate the taper of portion 123 of the article 124. Frustro-conical wall member 121 again functions as a means for effectively guiding the placement of top indexing panel 110 on top of articles 124 in assembling the case.

Bottom indexing panel 70 and top indexing panel 110 can be fabricated from a variety of known materials. However, they are preferably fabricated from a plastic material which will draw well on thermo-forming equipment, and which has a smooth surface so that any contact which may occur between indexing panels 70 and 110 and the articles in the shipping case will not cause abrasion or other damage to the articles. It is likewise preferred that the plastic be flexible and gives somewhat upon impact so as to not cause shattering or cracking of the plastic upon subjection of the shipping case to impact.

A certain amount of clarity is also preferred to permit inspection, at a glance, of the contents of the case. Flexibility of the plastic is additionally preferred to permit one end of the top indexing panel to be peeled away so as to allow removal of a single article from the package without the necessity of removing the entire panel. Among the plastics which may be employed in preparing panels 70 and 110 are polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene; polyethylene is a preferred fabrication material.

Assembly of the Case

At this point, it becomes convenient to discuss a convenient method for assembling a preferred embodiment of the case of this invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a partially assembled shipping case of this invention showing the packaging therein, in a single layer, of a plurality of typical fiber pirns 130 and the positioning of the bottom and top indexing panels 70 and 110.

The package is assembled by first forming the bottom layers of the package as most clearly shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 wherein, it should be noted, the case has been turned upside down from the view shown in FIG. 6 in order to more clearly detail the assembly of the bottom of the case. The first step in assembling the case is to crease hinges 35, 36 and 37 to thereby permit joining wall panels 31, 32, 33 and 34 together by means of flap 38, as heretofore discussed, to produce the carton shown in upside down position in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 7, internal bottom panels 45 and 46 are thereupon folded inwardly in the direction of wall panels 32 and 33, respectively, to form a bottom panel plane wherein the edges 140 and 141 of panels 45 and 46 abut. Bottom indexing panel 70 is then placed onto abutting internal bottom panels 45 and 46 with projections 72 of panel 70 aligned with apertures 47 of panels 45 and 46. Panel 70 is pressed down against bottom panels 45 and 46 to insert projections 72 snugly into apertures 47, thereby locking bottom indexing panel 70 into internal bottom panels 45 and 46. Bottom flaps 41 and 42 are then folded inwardly in the direction of wall panels 31 and 33, respectively, as shown most clearly in FIG. 8 to complete the assembly of the bottom of the shipping case. Bottom flaps 41 and 42 are maintained in a closed position by placing a piece of tape 142 or other suitable adhesive means across their abutting edges as shown in FIG. 9.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 14, bottom indexing panel 70 can be provided with a plurality of apertures 125, the function of which is to permit internal bottom panel 45 and bottom flap 48 to be adhesively joined by means of a dab 126 of adhesive or glue so as to even more firmly lock bottom indexing panel 70 between the internal bottom panels and the bottom flaps of the case. The shape, form, dimensions, number, and configuration of apertures 125 is not significant and can be varied to suit the needs of each shipping case.

The partially assembled case is then turned 180.degree. into the upright position to rest the bottom on a support surface as shown in FIG. 9 for loading of the articles into the case. The articles to be packaged, in this case fiber pirns 130, are then mounted into projections 72 of bottom indexing panel 70 as shown in FIG. 9, and as more clearly shown in FIG. 5, until the case is filled with a layer of pirns. Top indexing panel 110 is then placed over the tops of the pirns as shown in FIG. 9 and pressed downwardly to firmly insert the top portion of the pirns, as best seen in FIG. 4, into that portion of female recess 116a defined by the cylindrical wall 114 of projection 112. It can be seen that frustro-conical section 113 of projection 112 provides a convenient guide mechanism for readily and quickly inserting panel 110 onto the tops of the pirns.

Internal top panels 52 and 53 are then folded inwardly towards wall panels 32 and 34 until circular apertures 56 of panels 52 and 53 fit peripherally about the cylindrical wall 114 of projections 112 of top indexing panel 110, as shown in FIG. 10. The snug communication between the cylindrical periphery 114 of projection 112 and the periphery of apertures 56 of panels 52 and 53 locks top indexing panel 110 in a secure manner which prevents any substantial lateral movement of the panel upon subjection of the case to impact.

When internal top panels 52 and 53 have been fitted about the cylindrical walls 114 of projections 112, flaps 57 and 58 of panels 52 and 53 are folded outwardly in the direction of the outer surface of panels 52 and 53 along hinges 59 and 60, respectively, as shown in FIG. 10. Top flaps 48 and 49 are then folded inwardly in the direction of wall panels 31 and 33 as shown in FIG. 11 and the case is sealed either by means of a fine layer of adhesive 143, glue, or other sealing means along the outer edge of internal top panels 52 and 53 or by joining the abutting edges 144, 145 of top flaps 48 and 49 by tape 146 as shown in FIG. 11.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are longitudinal and transverse sectional views of the assembled case. Referring to these figures, it can be seen how the apertures 47 and 56 in both the internal bottom and top panels function to peripherally enclose the projections 72 and 112 of both the bottom and top indexing panels 70 and 110 to effectively lock panels 70 and 110 in place and prevent any substantial movement in the event of impact.

Referring to FIG. 17, it is seen in the case where the lower portion 101 of article 102 fits over the periphery of the projection 72 instead of being inserted into the projection 72 as is the case in FIG. 16, that the apertures 47 in internal bottom panels 45 and 46 are dimensioned to provide an annular groove 150 between the inner periphery of apertures 47 and the outer periphery of projection 72 into which the bottom portion 101 of member 102 is inserted. In such a case, bottom indexing panel 70 is held into position by the combined restraining influences of bottom portion 101 of member 102 and apertures 47 of bottom panels 45 and 46 whereby lateral movement of bottom indexing panel 70 is effectively prevented.

The functions of flaps 57 and 58 of internal top panels 52 and 53 is best seen in FIG. 13. Flaps 57 and 58 each communicate with internal top panels 52, 53 and top flaps 48, 49 while internal top panels 52, 53 directly communicate with top indexing panel 110. When top flaps 48 and 49 are sealed shut, a downward force is exerted by these flaps which is transmitted through flaps 57 and 58 to internal top panels 52 and 53 which in turn transmit this force to adjacent top indexing panel 110 to assure the continued engagement of female recess 116a of panel 110 with the tops of the packaged pirns. This feature minimizes disengagement of top indexing panel 110 from the tops of the pirns during shipment when the case is subjected to impact.

Multi-Layered Shipping Cases

The shipping cases of this invention are adaptable for packaging a plurality of articles in a plurality of adjoining layers. In such a case, the blank used is identical in all respects to that already described except that wall panels 31, 32, 33, and 34 are of extended length to accommodate whatever case height is necessitated by the plurality of layers of articles present therein. In a multi-layered shipping case, the bottoms of the articles comprising the bottom layer of the case are mounted on bottom indexing panel 70 in a manner similar to that already described in FIGS. 7-8. However, it becomes necessary to provide a separator layer assembly between each adjoining layer as the additional layers are added. In general, such an assembly consists of a multi-tiered layer which comprises a top indexing panel, as heretofore described, engaging the tops of the articles of the bottom layer, an apertured first separator pad disposed above the top indexing panel with the apertures peripherally circumscribing the upright female recesses of the top indexing panel, a bottom indexing panel, as heretofore described, disposed above the first separator pad and containing upright projections to engage the bottoms of the adjoining upper layer of articles, and an apertured second separator pad disposed above the bottom indexing panel whose apertures peripherally circumscribe the projections of the bottom indexing panel. The tops of the articles comprising the uppermost layer of the case are secured in the manner heretofore discussed for single layered cases. If more than two layers of articles are contemplated, the number of such separator assemblies required in the finished case is one less than the number of layers of articles in the case.

An exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a separator layer assembly is shown in FIG. 19 with FIG. 20 showing a sectional view of the assembled separator layer. Referring to these Figures, the separator layer assembly comprises a top indexing panel 160 which is substantially identical to panel 110 and which fits over the tops of the pirns 161 which make up the lower layer of the case in the manner shown in FIG. 4. Disposed above top indexing panel 160 is a first separator panel 162 containing a plurality of circular apertures 163 which fit about the periphery of the projections 164 arising from top indexing panel 160 in a manner similar to that discussed hereinabove with respect to internal top panels 52 and 53. Disposed above apertured first separator layer 162 is a second separator panel 165. The inclusion of panel 165 is preferred but is optional. Disposed above panel 165 is bottom indexing panel 166 which is substantially identical to bottom indexing panel 70 already described. Projections 167 rise upwardly from panel 166 to receive and support the bottoms of pirns 168 which form the upper layer, in a manner substantially identical to that shown in FIG. 5. Resting on top of bottom indexing panel 166 is a third separator layer 169 containing therein a plurality of circular apertures 170 which peripherally circumscribe projections 167 of panel 166 in a manner similar to that discussed hereinabove with respect to internal bottom panels 45 and 46. Once the uppermost layer of pirns is mounted on bottom indexing panel 166 of the separator layer assembly, the top of the package is formed, closed, and sealed in a manner substantially identical to that already described hereinabove and shown in FIGS. 9 through 11.

FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of a separator layer assembly which is substantially the same as that shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 except that the three separator layers 162, 165, and 169 are foldably interconnected along hinges 171 and 172 to form an integral unit. A variety of other shipping cases falling within the scope of this invention will now be described. These descriptions illustrate a variety of different embodiments of both the bottom structure and top structure of the shipping cases of this invention. The top indexing panel in all of these additional embodiments is identical to top indexing panel 110 previously described and shown in FIGS. 2 and 4; similarly, the bottom indexing panel will be identical to bottom indexing panel 70 previously described and shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. It is, of course, to be understood that either the top indexing panel 110 or the bottom indexing panel 70 could be replaced with various other embodiments of these panels such as, for example, those previously described and shown in FIGS. 15 through 18.

Additional Embodiments of Bottom Structure of Case

A second embodiment of the bottom structure of a shipping case of this invention is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Referring particularly to FIG. 22, it is seen that the case comprises a plurality of wall panels 200 to which are foldably attached a plurality of top flaps (not shown) and a plurality of bottom flaps 202. In assembling the case, bottom flaps 202 are folded inwardly to form a bottom for the case. Flaps 202 are sealed in place by an appropriately placed piece of tape. 203 (see FIG. 23) or other suitable means. The bottom indexing panel 70 is then inserted into the case and rests on the bottom of the case. An internal bottom panel 204 is then inserted into the carton coming to rest on top of bottom indexing panel 70.

Bottom internal panel 204 comprises a first panel 205 which contains therein a plurality of apertures 206 which are adpated to peripherally circumscribe the projections 72 of bottom indexing panel 70 as first panel 205 comes to rest on top of bottom indexing panel 70. Bottom internal panel 204 further includes second and third panels 207 and 208 which are foldably connected to opposed edges 209, 210, respectively, of first panel 205. The second and third panels 207 and 208 each contain a plurality of apertures 211 and 212, respectively, which are substantially identical to apertures 206 of first panel 205. Second and third panels 207 and 208 are folded onto first panel 205 whereby the apertures 206 of first panel 205 becomes vertically aligned with corresponding apertures 211 and 212 of panels 207 and 208. As alignment of these apertures occurs, apertures 211 and 212 of panels 207 and 208 also peripherally circumscribe the projections 72 of bottom indexing panel 70. First panel 205 has a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels 200 of the case. Thus bottom indexing panel 70 is securely locked in place by bottom internal panel 204 in such manner that any substantial lateral movement of bottom indexing panel 70 with respect to bottom internal panel 204 is prevented. Panels 207 and 208 are maintained parallel to panel 205 by stapling them to panel 205 as shown at 215 or by other suitable fastening means.

The pirns 130 are then inserted into the recess of projections 72, as heretofore described, to complete assembly of the bottom structure of the case. The top of the case is assembled by providing any suitable means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of the top of pirns 130 and then sealing the top flaps (not shown) in place. Such means include previously known indexing devices as well as those described in this specification.

Instead of employing two panels 207 and 208 a single apertured panel similar to either panel 207 or 208 can be foldably attached to one end of first panel 205.

A third embodiment of the bottom structure of a shipping case of this invention is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. In this and subsequently described embodiments, wall panels 200 and bottom flaps 202 are identical to those described previously and shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The case is assembled by placing a first panel 220 of corrugated board bottom internal panel 221 on the bottom of the case formed by sealed botton flaps 202. Bottom indexing panel 70 is then placed on top of panel 220. Foldably attached to opposed ends of panel 220 are second and third panels 222 and 223 each of which contain therein a plurality of apertures 224 which are adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projections 72 of bottom indexing panel 70 as panels 222 and 223 come to rest on top of bottom indexing panel 70. Thus panel 70 is sandwiched between first panel 200 and second and third panels 222, 223.

Panels 222 and 223 are maintained in placed by stapling them to panel 200 as shown at 225 or by other suitable adhesive means. First panel 220 has a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels 200 of the case. Thus bottom indexing panel 70 is securely locked in place by bottom internal panel 221 in such manner that any substantial lateral movement of bottom indexing panel 70 with respect to bottom internal panel 221 is prevented. Pirns 130 are then inserted into the case and mounted in the recesses of projections 72 of bottom indexing layer 70. Assembly of the shipping case is completed by providing any suitable means for indexing and preventing substantial lateral movement of the top of pirns 130 and then sealing the top flaps in place.

A fourth embodiment of the bottom structure of a shipping case of this invention is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. The case is assembled by placing a first panel of corrugated board 230 on the bottom of the case formed by sealed bottom flaps 202. A thin layer of glue 231 is placed on the upper surface of first panel 230 after which a second panel 232 is placed atop panel 230 and affixed thereto by glue 231. Panel 232 is also a corrugated board but the flutes of panel 232 run substantially perpendicular to the flutes of underlying panel 230 to impart additional strength to the bottom of the case. A layer of glue 233 is placed on the upper surface of panel 232. Bottom indexing panel 70 is then placed atop panel 232 and affixed thereto by glue 233. It is seen that a single multilayered unit is formed comprising bottom indexing panel 70, a first corrugated panel 232 disposed beneath bottom indexing panel 70, and a second corrugated panel 231 disposed beneath panel 232. At least one of corrugated panels 231 and 232, and preferably both, have a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between wall panels 200 of the case.

Pirns 130 are then inserted into the case and mounted in the recesses of projections 72 of bottom indexing layer 70. Assembly of the shipping case is completed by providing any suitable means for indexing and preventing substantial lateral movement of the top of pirns 130 and then sealing the top flaps in place.

A fifth embodiment of the bottom structure of a shipping case of this invention is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. Referring to these Figures, the case is assembled by placing a first panel 240 on the bottom of the case formed by sealed bottom flaps 202, after which bottom indexing panel 70 is placed on top of panel 240. Panel 240 is larger than bottom indexing panel 70 and contains a peripheral strip 241 which extends beyond bottom indexing panel 70. A second panel 242 of substantially identical dimension as first panel 240 is then placed on top of bottom indexing panel 70. Panel 242 contains a similar peripheral strip 243 extending beyond bottom indexing panel 70 which is in substantially vertical alignment with peripheral strip 241 of panel 240. Panel 242 further includes a plurality of apertures 244 which are adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projections 72 of bottom indexing panel 70. Panels 240 and 242 each have a traverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels 200 of the case. Peripheral strip 241 or strip 243 is provided with a layer of glue 245 and panels 241 and 242 are glued to each other along peripheral strips 241 and 243 to encase bottom indexing panel 70 between them. Since the dimensions of panels 241 and 242 are such that these panels are prevented from achieving any substantial lateral movement within the case, bottom indexing panel 70 is likewise unable to achieve any substantial lateral movement.

Pirns 130 are then inserted into the case and mounted in the recesses of projections 72 of botton indexing panel 70. Suitable means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of the top of pirns 130 are provided and the top flaps are sealed in place to complete assembly of the case.

A sixth embodiment of the bottom structure of a shipping case of this invention is shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. Referring to these Figures, the bottom indexing panel 70 is placed against the bottom of the carton formed by sealed bottom flaps 202. An apertured panel 250 is then placed on top of bottom indexing panel 70. Panel 250 contains a plurality of apertures 251 which are adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projections 72 of bottom indexing 70. Panel 240 is also of larger dimension than bottom indexing panel 70 and contains a peripheral strip 252 which extends beyond the underlying bottom indexing panel 70. The underside of peripheral strip 252 is provided with a layer of glue 253 and panel 250 is then affixed to an inner surface of bottom flaps 202 along strip 252 to encase the bottom indexing panel 70 between apertured panel 250 and the bottom of the case. This arrangement prevents any substantial lateral movement of bottom indexing panel 70.

Assembly of the case is completed by inserting the bottom of pirns 130 into the appropriate recesses of projections 72 of bottom indexing panel 70. Means are then provided for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of the tops of pirns 130 and the top flaps are sealed in place.

A seventh embodiment of the bottom structure of a shipping case of this invention is shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. Referring to these Figures, a layer of glue 260 is applied to the bottom surface of bottom indexing panel 70 and panel 70 is then placed against the bottom of the carton formed by sealed bottom flaps 202 and affixed thereto by glue 260. In this case the two inner bottom flaps 202 serve as internal bottom panels which cooperate with bottom indexing panel 70 to prevent bottom indexing panel 70 from achieving any substantial lateral movement within the case.

Assembly of the case is completed by inserting the bottoms of pirns 130 into the appropriate recesses of the projections 72 of bottom indexing panel 70. Any suitable means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of the tops of the pirns is then provided and the top flaps are sealed in place.

Additional Embodiment of Top Structure of Case

A second embodiment of the top structure of a shipping case of this invention is shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. Referring to these Figures, it is seen that the two opposed internal top flaps 201 are provided with flaps 301 and 302 which are foldably connected to top flaps 201 by hinges 303 and 304, respectively. The function of flaps 301 and 302 is explained hereinbelow.

The bottom of the shipping case is assembled by employing any suitable means, such as those described hereinabove, for indexing the bottom of pirns 130 in the case and for preventing any substantial lateral movement of the bottoms of pirns 130. The pirns 130 are then inserted into such bottom indexing means. Once all the pirns 130 have been inserted into the case, a top indexing panel 110 is placed on top of pirns 130 so that the top portions of the pirns becomes seated within the female recesses 116a of panel 110. An internal top panel 306 is then placed on top of panel 110. Panel 306 contains a plurality of apertures 307 which are adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of female recess 116a into which the tops of pirns 130 are inserted to thereby lock top indexing panel 110 in place. Panel 306 is not attached to the wall panel of the case but is instead an independent unit. Panel 306 has a traverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels 200 of the case whereby any substantial lateral movement of panel 306 is prevented. Since internal top panel 306 locks top indexing panel 110 and the tops of pirns 130 inserted into the female recesses 116a of panel 110 into place, no substantial lateral movement of the tops of pirns 130 will occur.

Assembly of the case is completed by folding flaps 301 and 302 towards the lower surface of internal top flaps 201 and then folding the internal top flaps into place so that flaps 301 and 302 are brought into contact with the upper surface of internal top panel 306. The external top flaps 201 (i.e. those not containing flaps 301 and 302) are then folded in position and sealed in place. When the external top flaps are sealed in place, they create a downward force against the internal top flaps which is transmitted to internal top panel 306 by flaps 301 and 302. This assures the continuous engagement of the apertures 307 of internal top panel 306 with the upwardly projecting female recesses 116a of top indexing panel 110. This feature minimizes disengagement of top indexing panel 110 from the tops of pirns 130 upon subjection of the case to impact during shipment.

The specific embodiments and detailed structure described hereinabove and in the accompanying drawings are illustrative only and such modifications and alterations thereof as would be suggested to one skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a single unitary bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection being integral with said single bottom indexing panel and being formed solely from said bottom indexing panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said panel, said projection being the only projection in said carton which cooperates with the bottom of said article to prevent said lateral movement;

5. internal bottom panel means adapted to communicate with said bottom indexing panel to prevent substantial lateral movement of the bottom indexing panel relative to the internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being itself restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case;

6. a single unitary top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess being integral with said single top indexing panel and being formed solely from said top indexing panel, said projection adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top of an article; said projecting recess being the only portion of said carton which engages the top of said article; and

7. at least one internal top panel containing therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess into which said portion of the top of said article is inserted, said internal top panel being restrained from substantial

2. The case of claim 1 further including means for transmitting downward pressure exerted by said top flap to said internal top panel whereby said top indexing panel is maintained in engagement with the top of said

3. The case of claim 1 wherein said bottom indexing panel contains a plurality of said projections and wherein said top indexing panel contains a plurality of female recesses; and wherein said bottom indexing panel and said top indexing panel are fabricated from a thermoformed plastic

4. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

a. a first panel containing at least one aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projection of said bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel being disposed beneath said first panel; and

b. at least one second panel foldably connected to an edge of said first panel, said second panel containing at least one aperture substantially identical to the aperture of the first panel, each aperture of said first panel being in vertical alignment with an aperture of said second panel when said second panel is folded onto said first panel, said apertures of said second panel peripherally circumscribing the projection of said bottom indexing panel when said second panel is folded onto the surface of said first panel;

6. a top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top of an article; and

7. at least one internal top panel containing therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess into which said portion of the top of said article is inserted, said internal top panel being restrained from substantial

5. The case of claim 4 wherein said internal top panel is foldably

6. The case of claim 4 wherein said internal top panel has a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels of said case whereby any substantial lateral movement of said internal top panel is prevented.

7. The case of claim 4 wherein there are provided two second panels, each

8. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

a. a first panel disposed beneath said bottom indexing panel;

b. at least one second panel foldably connected to an edge of said first panel, said second panel containing at least one aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projection of said bottom indexing panel when said second panel is folded onto said bottom indexing panel, said second panel being disposed above said bottom indexing panel, said second panel being free from any projecting portions which cooperate with the bottom of an article to index said article;

6. a top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top of an article; and

7. at least one internal top panel containing therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess into which said portion of the top of said article is inserted, said internal top panel being restrained from substantial

9. The case of claim 8 wherein said internal top panel is foldably

10. The case of claim 8 wherein said internal top panel has a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels of said case whereby any substantial lateral movement of said internal top panel is prevented.

11. The case of claim 8 wherein there are provided two second panels, each

12. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

a. a first panel disposed beneath said bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel being affixed to said first panel, said first panel being of corrugated board; and

b. a second panel disposed beneath said first panel, said second panel being affixed to said first panel, said second panel being of corrugated board with the flutes being substantially perpendicular to the flutes of said first panel;

6. a top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top of an article; and

7. at least one internal top panel containing therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess into which said portion of the top of said article is inserted, said internal top panel being restrained from substantial

13. The case of claim 12 wherein said internal top panel is foldably

14. The case of claim 12 wherein said internal top panel has a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels of said case whereby any substantial lateral movement of said internal top panel is prevented.

15. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

a. a first panel disposed beneath said bottom indexing panel, said panel containing a peripheral strip extending beyond said bottom indexing panel; and

b. a second panel of substantially identical dimension as said first panel disposed above said bottom indexing panel, said second panel containing a peripheral strip extending beyond said bottom indexing panel which is in substantially vertical alignment with said peripheral strip of said first panel, said second panel further containing at least one aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projection of said bottom indexing panel, said peripheral strips of said first and second panels being affixed to each other to encase said bottom indexing panel between said first and second panels;

6. a top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top of an article; and

7. at least one internal top panel containing therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess into which said portion of the top of said article is inserted, said internal top panel being restrained from substantial

16. The case of claim 15 wherein said internal top panel is foldably

17. The case of claim 15 wherein said internal top panel has a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels of said case whereby any substantial lateral movement of said internal top panel is prevented.

18. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

an apertured panel disposed above said bottom indexing panel, said apertured panel containing at least one aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projection of said bottom indexing panel, said apertured panel further containing a peripheral strip which extends beyond the underlying bottom indexing panel, said peripheral strip being affixed to an inner surface of a bottom flap of said case to encase said bottom indexing panel between said apertured panel and said bottom flap;

6. a top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top of an article; and

7. at least one internal top panel containing therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess into which said portion of the top of said article is inserted, said internal top panel being restrained from substantial

19. The case of claim 18 wherein said internal top panel is foldably

20. The case of claim 18 wherein said internal top panel has a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels of said case whereby any substantial lateral movement of said internal top panel is prevented.

21. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

at least one internal bottom panel foldably connected to a wall panel of said case, said bottom indexing panel being disposed above said internal bottom panel and fixed thereto;

6. a top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top of an article; and

7. at least one internal top panel containing therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess into which said portion of the top of said article is inserted, said internal top panel being restrained from substantial

22. The case of claim 21 wherein said internal top panel is foldably

23. The case of claim 21 wherein said internal top panel has a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels of said case whereby any substantial lateral movement of said internal top panel is prevented.

24. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said panel;

5. internal bottom panel means adapted to communicate with said bottom indexing panel to prevent substantial lateral movement of the bottom indexing panel relative to the internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being itself restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case;

6. a top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top of an article; and

7. at least one internal top panel containing therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess into which said portion of the top of said article is inserted, said internal top panel being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case, said case containing a plurality of layers of packaged articles and further including a separator layer assembly disposed between adjacent layers of articles, said assembly comprising:

a. a top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top section of an article in a first lower layer of the case;

b. a first separator panel containing therein at least a single aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess of (a) into which said portion of the top section of said article in the lower layer is inserted, panel (b) being disposed above panel (a);

c. a bottom indexing panel disposed above said first separator panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said bottom indexing panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article in a second upper layer in the case so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of the article relative to said panel (c), said second upper layer of articles being disposed above said first lower layer of articles; and

d. a second separator panel containing therein at least a single aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projections of said bottom indexing panel (c), said panel (c) being disposed between said first and

25. The case of claim 24 further including a third separator panel disposed between said first separator panel and said bottom indexing panel (c).

26. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a single unitary bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection being integral with said single bottom indexing panel and being formed solely from said bottom indexing panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said bottom indexing panel, said projection being the only projection in said carton which cooperates with the bottom of said article to prevent said lateral movement;

5. internal bottom panel means adapted to communicate with said bottom indexing panel to prevent substantial lateral movement of said bottom indexing panel relative to said internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being itself restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case; and

6. means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of

27. The case of claim 26 wherein said bottom indexing panel contains a plurality of said projections and is fabricated from a thermoformed

28. The case of claim 26 wherein said internal bottom panel means comprises at least one internal bottom panel foldably connected to a wall panel, said internal bottom panel containing at least one aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projection of said bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel being disposed between said

29. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said bottom indexing panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

a. a first panel containing at least one aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projection of said bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel being disposed beneath said first panel; and

b. at least one second panel foldably connected to an opposed edge of said first panel, said second panel containing at least one aperture substantially identical to the aperture of the first panel, each aperture of said first panel being in vertical alignment with an aperture of said second panel when said second panel is folded onto said first panel, said apertures of said second panel peripherally circumscribing the projection of said bottom indexing panel when said second panel is folded onto the upper surface of said first panel; and

6. means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of

30. The case of claim 29 wherein there are provided two second panels, each

31. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said bottom indexing panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

a. a first panel disposed beneath said bottom indexing panel;

b. at least one second panel foldably connected to an edge of said first panel, said second panel containing at least one aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projection of said bottom indexing panel when said second panel is folded onto said bottom indexing panel, said second panel being disposed above said bottom indexing panel, said second panel being free from any projecting portions which cooperate with the bottom of an article to index said article; and

6. means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of

32. The case of claim 31 wherein there are provided two second panels, each

33. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said bottom indexing panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

a. a first panel disposed beneath said bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel being affixed to said first panel, said first panel being of corrugated board; and

b. a second panel disposed beneath said first panel, said second panel being affixed to said first panel, said second panel being of corrugated board with the flutes being substantially perpendicular to the flutes of said first panel; and

6. means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of

34. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. a plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said bottom indexing panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

a. a first panel disposed beneath said bottom indexing panel, said panel containing a peripheral strip extending beyond said bottom indexing panel; and

b. a second panel of substantially identical dimension as said first panel disposed above said bottom indexing panel, said second panel containing a peripheral strip extending beyond said bottom indexing panel which is in substantially vertical alignment with said peripheral strip of said first panel, said second panel further containing at least one aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projection of said bottom indexing panel, said peripheral strips of said first and second panels being affixed to each other to encase said bottom indexing panel between said first and second panels; and

6. means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of

35. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one bottom flap;

3. at least one top flap;

4. a bottom indexing panel, said bottom indexing panel having at least one projection rising in an upright direction from said panel, said projection adapted to engage at least a portion of the bottom of an article so as to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the bottom of said article relative to said bottom indexing panel;

5. internal bottom panel means, said internal bottom panel means being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case and comprising:

an apertured panel disposed above said bottom indexing panel, said apertured panel containing at least one aperture adapted to peripherally circumscribe the projection of said bottom indexing panel, said apertured panel further containing a peripheral strip which extends beyond the underlying bottom indexing panel, said peripheral strip being affixed to an inner surface of a bottom flap of said case to encase said bottom indexing panel between said apertured panel and said bottom flap; and

6. means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of

36. The case of claim 26 wherein said internal panel means comprises at least one internal bottom panel foldably connected to a wall panel of said case, said bottom indexing panel being disposed above said internal bottom

37. A case for the shipment of an article in a substantially upright position and in spaced lateral separation from adjoining articles and portions of said case, comprising:

1. A plurality of wall panels;

2. at least one top flap;

3. at least one bottom flap;

4. a single unitary top indexing panel containing therein at least one female recess projecting in a substantially upright direction from said top indexing panel, said recess being integral with said single top indexing panel and being formed solely from said top indexing panel, said recess adapted to peripherally circumscribe at least a portion of the top of an article, said projecting recess being the only portion of said carton which engages the top of said article;

5. an internal top panel containing therein at least a single aperture which is adapted to peripherally circumscribe the portion of said female recess into which said portion of the top of said article is inserted, said internal top panel being restrained from substantial lateral movement within the case; and

6. means for indexing and preventing any substantial lateral movement of

38. The case of claim 37 wherein said top indexing panel contains a plurality of female recesses and is fabricated from a thermoformed plastic

39. The case of claim 37 wherein said internal top panel is foldably

40. The case of claim 37 wherein said internal top panel has a transverse area adapted to fit snugly between the wall panels of said case whereby any substantial lateral movement of said internal top panel is prevented.

41. The case of claim 37 further including means for transmitting downward pressure exerted by said top flap to said internal top panel whereby said top indexing panel is maintained in engagement with the top of said article.