U.S. patent number 3,804,234 [Application Number 05/124,775] was granted by the patent office on 1974-04-16 for case for shipping articles in an upright position and in spaced lateral separation.
This patent grant is currently assigned to International Paper Company. Invention is credited to Robert Louis Gordon.
United States Patent |
3,804,234 |
Gordon |
April 16, 1974 |
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.
Inventors: |
Gordon; Robert Louis (Monroe,
NY) |
Assignee: |
International Paper Company
(New York, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
26713269 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/124,775 |
Filed: |
March 16, 1971 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
36554 |
May 12, 1970 |
3624776 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/392; 206/433;
206/493; 206/821; 229/185.1; 206/486; 206/499 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
5/50 (20130101); B65D 71/70 (20130101); Y10S
206/821 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
5/50 (20060101); B65D 71/00 (20060101); B65D
71/70 (20060101); B65d 071/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;206/65Y,65E,65R,46FR
;229/14C |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Dixson, Jr.; William T.
Assistant Examiner: Garbe; Stephen P.
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.
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.
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.
* * * * *