US20090173774A1 - Partition Insert - Google Patents
Partition Insert Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090173774A1 US20090173774A1 US12/160,080 US16008007A US2009173774A1 US 20090173774 A1 US20090173774 A1 US 20090173774A1 US 16008007 A US16008007 A US 16008007A US 2009173774 A1 US2009173774 A1 US 2009173774A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- primary partition
- divider
- blank
- partition panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/48—Partitions
- B65D5/48024—Partitions inserted
- B65D5/48026—Squaring or like elements, e.g. honeycomb element, i.e. at least four not aligned compartments
- B65D5/48036—Longitudinal partition provided with cut flaps folded perpendicular to the partition
Abstract
A partition insert (100) includes a longitudinal primary partition panel (12), transverse divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22), and a locking flap (26). The divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) are rotated to an operative position and the locking flap (26) is rotated toward the primary partition panel (12). The partition insert includes means for engaging (52) such that the divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) and the locking flap (26) can engage one another to fix the position of the divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) in the operative position.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/756,148, filed Jan. 3, 2006.
- This invention relates generally to packaging an arrangement of articles and, more specifically, to partition inserts that separate articles in a carton.
- Partition inserts separate articles such as bottles in a carton or carrier so as to prevent the bottles from contacting one another. This protects against breakage or damage during shipping and handling. Typically, a partition insert that is used to separate the bottles of two adjacent rows of articles includes a longitudinal primary partition panel that is situated between the adjacent rows of articles, and transverse divider panels each which extends outwardly from the longitudinal primary partition panel and between adjacent bottles of one or more of the rows. Thus, for a package containing six bottles arranged in two adjacent rows, the partition insert would include two transverse divider panels that extend from each side of the longitudinal primary partition panel. For packages containing a greater number of bottles, the partition insert includes additional transverse divider panels as necessary. Additional partition inserts may be employed in packages containing multiples of these basic bottle groups to separate the bottles within each group, and a simple longitudinal partition panel is employed to separate the bottles of adjacent groups.
- In a typical packaging operation, the transverse divider panels are folded out of the plane of the longitudinal primary partition panel to an operative position and the insert partition is then inserted into a group of bottles by insertion equipment prior to loading the bottles into a carton.
- However, such insert partitions are prone to failure as they are inserted between the articles. For example, since the transverse divider panels are not fixed in the folded operative position, the transverse divider panels often times rotate out of the operative position so as to contact or catch on the tops of articles. Thereby, the insert partitions, articles, or carton can be damaged so as to interrupt the packaging process, or at minimum the insert partition can be improperly inserted between the articles.
- Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. What is needed is a partition insert that includes transverse divider panels that can be fixed in a folded operative position before being inserted between articles.
- The various embodiments of the present invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a partition insert that includes means for fixing a transverse divider panel in a folded operative position. The partition insert includes one or more locking flaps having means for engaging that are hingedly connected to the longitudinal primary partition panel and that are foldable toward the primary partition panel to engage one or more of the transverse divider panels. The one or more locking flaps are easily folded manually or by automatic erecting machinery to fix the position of the transverse divider panels before the partition insert is inserted between a group of articles.
- According to an exemplary embodiment, a partition insert includes a longitudinal primary partition panel and transverse divider panels that are formed integrally from the primary partition panel. The divider panels can be folded or rotated out of the plane of the primary partition panel and fixed in an operative position by a locking flap. In the operative position, at least a portion of the divider panel extends from a first side of the primary partition panel to separate articles in a first row of adjacent articles. In the exemplary embodiments, the divider panels are arranged such that a first wing or portion extends from a first side of the primary partition panel and a second wing or portion extends from a second side of the primary partition panel. Using such a divider panel arrangement simplifies the folding operations that are necessary to erect the partition insert.
- The locking flap and/or the transverse divider panels include means for engaging one another to fix the positions of the divider panels. Means for engaging can include elements that engage an edge of a locking flap or transverse divider panel, or combinations of elements that engage one another. In a first embodiment, a locking flap includes a notch that engages an edge of a divider panel. In other embodiments, a locking flap includes tabs or protrusions that are received in and engage an aperture in a divider panel. In still other embodiments, a divider panel includes a notch or protrusion that engages an edge of a locking flap. In each of the various embodiments, the divider panels are releasably locked in position without the need for adhesive or fasteners.
- According to one aspect of the invention, the partition insert is formed from a unitary blank that includes a longitudinal primary partition panel, transverse divider panels, and a locking flap. The transverse divider panels are defined from and remain hingedly connected to the primary partition panel after being partially liberated from the primary partition panel. The transverse divider panels are rotatable about an axis of rotation that is defined by one or more fold lines that define the hinged connection. In the exemplary embodiments, the axis of rotation is defined by a pair of aligned fold lines that approximate a single interrupted fold line. The locking flap is hingedly connected to the primary partition panel along a longitudinal fold line, for example, along the lower edge of the primary partition panel. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal fold line is substantially perpendicular to the axes of rotation.
- The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of various potential applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims.
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FIG. 1 is a plan view of a partition insert blank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partition insert formed from the partition insert blank ofFIG. 1 , with the divider panels locked in their operative positions. -
FIG. 3 is a plan view of an alternative partition insert blank, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a partition insert formed from the partition insert blank ofFIG. 3 , with the divider panels locked in their operative positions. -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of an alternative partition insert blank, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective of a partition insert formed from the partition insert blank ofFIG. 5 , with ail but one of the protuberances locking the divider panels in their operative positions. -
FIGS. 7-9 are perspective views of the partition insert ofFIG. 2 as it is positioned between a group of articles that are packaged in a carton in various ways. -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of an alternative partition insert blank, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. - As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations: specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, hut merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
- Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of a partition insert that separates articles, such as glass bottles that are enclosed in a carton or other container.
- The exemplary partition inserts are erected from blanks, which are formed from a unitary sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material including paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastics, metals, combinations thereof, and the like. Further, in the illustrated embodiments, a unitary blank is used to form a partition insert, although it should be recognized that two or more blanks may be employed. It is envisaged that the partition insert blank can be sized or adapted to partition articles of different shapes and sizes and/or different arrangements of articles.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary partition insert blank 10 can be folded or erected to form apartition insert 100. The blank 10 includes a longitudinalprimary partition panel 12,transverse divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and alongitudinal locking flap 26. Here, theprimary partition panel 12 is elongated, although it is contemplated that it may be square or trapezoidal. In any event, theprimary partition panel 12 has upper and lower longitudinally extending edges, the lower edge being configured to rest against the bottom wall of a carton. - Each
divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 remains hingedly connected to theprimary partition panel 12 along a pair of vertical fold lines 28 a, 28 b after having been partially separated from theprimary partition panel 12 along severance lines. In the exemplary embodiment die blank 10 includes vertical severance lines 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 that define the distal edges of thedivider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Eachdivider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is further defined by two pairs of contoured severance lines 44 a, 44 b, 48 a, 46 b which define the upper and lower edges of thedivider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Each contoured severance line 44 a, 44 b, 46 a, 46 b connects one end of a vertical severance line 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 to one end of a vertical fold line 28 a, 28 b. For example, referring to divider panel 14, the contoured severance lines 44 a, 44 b connect opposing ends of the vertical severance line 30 to Inside ends of the vertical fold lines 28 a, 28 b, respectively, and the contoured severance lines 46 a, 48 b connect opposing ends of the vertical severance line 32 to outside ends of vertical fold lines 26 a, 28 b, respectively. The vertical fold lines 28 a, 28 b form the hinged connection that defines the axis of rotation A about which thedivider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, can swivel into the operative position. - In the exemplary embodiment, each
divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 has wings or portions P1, P2 that extend from opposite sides of theprimary partition panel 12 when theinsert partition 100 is erected. For eachdivider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, the first portion P1 can be distinguished from the second portion P2 by the axis of rotation A. The portions P1 P2 of thedivider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are also defined by certain of the severance lines. For example, the first portion P1 of the divider panel 14 is defined by the vertical severance line 30, the contoured severance lines 44 a, 44 b, and the axis of rotation A. Similarly, the second portion P2 of the divider panel 14 is defined by the vertical severance line 32, the contoured severance lines 46 a, 48 b, and the axis of rotation A. - Each
divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is substantially identical such that the description of the divider panel 14 is applicable to theother divider panels 16, 18, 20, 22. In embodiments in which each article B is a round cylinder, each portion P1, P2 has a maximum width C, measured from the axis A to the distal edge of the portion P1, P2, that is at least half the diameter of an article B. So that the portion P1, P2 is disposed between the points of tangency between the articles B to be separated. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the thickness of the divider panels and the width C can be selected to obtain optimum separation between articles of various cross sectional shapes and sizes. It should be understood that the maximum width of adjacent portions P1, P2 can be increased by providing that the shared severance line that defines the distal edges of the adjacent portions P1, P2 is contoured; curved, or at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation, rather than vertical or parallel to the axis of rotation as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments. - It should also be understood that the dimensions and shape of the divider panels are merely design decisions so long as that the divider panels function to partition adjacent articles. In alternative embodiments, each divider panel can be hingedly connected to the primary partition panel along one or more fold lines and may consist of a single wing that extends from a single side of the primary partition panel.
- The locking
flap 26 is hingedly connected to theprimary partition panel 12 along a fold line 50. In the exemplary embodiment, the fold line 50 defines or is positioned along the lower edge of theprimary partition panel 12, and is substantially perpendicular to the axes of rotation A. In alternative embodiments, the fold line 50 can be at other angles or orientations with respect to the axes of rotation A and can be offset from an edge of theprimary partition panel 12. Further, the lockingflap 26 can be hingedly connected to other edges of thepartition panel 12. - The blank 10 further includes elements that provide means for engaging such that the locking
flap 26 and thedivider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 engage one another as the blank 10 is erected, as described in further detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, means for engaging includes notches 52 that are disposed in a distal edge of the lockingflap 26. The notches 52 are positioned so as to be substantially bisected by respective axes of rotation A. Thereby, the notches 52 are aligned with a respective portion P1, P2 and, as the lockingflap 26 is folded along the fold line 50 to an operative position that is substantially normal to the plane of theprimary partition panel 12, the notches 52 ere positioned in engaging proximity to a respective portion P1, P2. As used herein, the phrase “distal edge” refers to an edge that is situated away from the point of attachment for example, an end edge that is spaced apart from a fold line that defines a hinged connection. - The size and shape of each notch 52 is a design choice that is at least partially dependent on which portion P1, P2 of each
divider panel flap 26 and is additionally dependent on the dimensions and shape of the portion P1, P2 and the width W of the lockingflap 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the innermost point of each notch 52 is a distance S1 from the fold line 50 wherein the distance S1 is less than or equal to a distance S2 or a distance S3 depending on the folding procedure used to erect the partition insert blank 10 to form thepartition insert 100. That is, if the notch 52 is to engage the partition P1, then the distance S1 is less than or equal to the distance S2. Conversely, if the notch 52 is to engage the portion P2, then the distance S1 is less than or equal to the distance S3. The distances S2, S3 are defined as the distances between the fold line 50 and the intersection of the vertical fold line 28 b and the contoured severance lines 44 b, 46 b, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, the size and shape of the notch 52 is designed to engage the portion P1 of eachdivider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Specifically, the notch 62 is designed to engage the edge of thedivider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 that is defined by the contoured severance line 44 b. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , erecting thepartition insert carton 100 from the blank 10 may be accomplished with the folding operations as described herein. The operations can be performed by automatic erecting machinery and/or manually. The method of performing the erecting process is not limited to the exemplary method described herein. Particularly, the order of the steps can be altered according to manufacturing requirements and steps may be added or omitted. - Each
divider panel divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is rotated until it is substantially perpendicular to theprimary partition panel 12 and such that the portions P1, P2 are disposed on opposing sides of theprimary partition panel 12. Alternatively, each divider panel can be rotated until if is at a desired angle relative to theprimary partition panel 12 and fixed in position at that angle. This alternative configuration may be useful, for example, to partition a staggered arrangement of articles. - The looking
flap 26 is then folded along fold line 50 to rotate toward the side of theprimary partition panel 12 wherein the portion P1 of eachdivider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is disposed such that each notch 52 engages an edge of arespective divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 to fix the position of eachdivider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Thepartition insert 100 is thereafter fully erected. One of the benefits of thepartition insert 100 is the simplicity of the method for erecting thepartition insert 100. That is, thedivider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are engaged all at once with the rotation of the onelocking flap 26. Additionally, the notch 52 provides a simple means for engaging that easily engages the edge of a respective divider panel and is also easily disengaged from a respective divider panel. - Turning now to
FIG. 3 , there is illustrated another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Where the elements introduced and described above are present and substantially similar to the elements present in this embodiment, the same element number has been used with the addition of the prefix “2” or “3”. For example, the blank 10 shown inFIG. 1 is substantially similar to the blank 210 shown inFIG. 3 and thepartition insert 100 shown inFIG. 2 is substantially similar to the partition insert 300 shown inFIG. 4 . Accordingly, certain elements shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 will be merely introduced and only the features that warrant further discussion will be described in detail. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the alternative embodiment of a partition insert blank 210 can be folded or erected to form the partition insert 300. The partition insert blank 210 includes a primary partition panel 212,divider panels locking flap 226. Eachdivider panel vertical fold lines 228 a, 228 b that define an axis of rotation A. The partition insert blank 210 includesvertical severance lines divider panels divider panel severance lines 244 a, 244 b, 246 a, 246 b that connect one end of avertical severance line vertical fold line 228 a, 228 b. Further, eachdivider panel - In this embodiment, the blank 210 further includes a substantially
triangular aperture 242 that remains at a lower end of certainvertical severance lines divider panels panels divider panels aperture 248 that is disposed adjacent to and between thevertical fold lines 228 b, 228 c. - The
locking flap 226 is hingedly connected to the lower edge of primary partition panel 212 along afold line 250. In this embodiment, means for engaging includes tabs 258 a, 258 b that are defined in thelocking flap 226. Each set of tabs 258 a, 258 b is defined by anotch 252, anaperture 254, and aseverance line 256 that are disposed in thelocking flap 226 and that are aligned with or substantially bisected by a respective axis of rotation A. Further, theseverance line 256 extends from thenotch 252 to theaperture 254 to define each set of tabs 258 a, 258 b. One or both of the tabs 258 a, 258 b are dimensioned and positioned to be received in and engage arespective receiving aperture 248. Accordingly, the size and shape of eachnotch 252 andaperture 254 and the length of eachseverance line 256 are design choices that are at least partially dependent on the position, size, and shape of the receivingaperture 248. - The partition insert blank 210 can be folded according to a method that is substantially similar to the method described above in order to form the partition insert 300. However, it should be understood that, in this embodiment, the locking
flap 226 is folded along thefold line 250 to rotate toward the portion P2 of eachdivider panel locking flap 226 is folded, the edge of eachdivider panel severance line 246 b first engages arespective notch 252 and separates the tabs 258 a, 258 b from one another. As thelocking flap 226 is further rotated, the tabs 258 a, 258 b contact opposing surfaces of the portion P2 until the tabs 258 a, 258 b reach the receivingaperture 248. The tabs 258 a, 258 b are then received in and engage the receivingaperture 248 to fix the position of eachdivider panel aperture 248 provides a strong locking relationship to substantially prevent thelocking flap 226 from being released or disengaged from the divider panels once the partition insert 300 is formed. - Turning now to
FIG. 5 , there is illustrated another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Where the elements introduced and described above are present and substantially similar to the elements present in this embodiment, the same element number has been used with the addition of the prefix “4” or “5”. For example, the blank 10 shown inFIG. 1 is substantially similar to the blank 410 shown inFIG. 5 and thepartition insert 100 shown inFIG. 2 is substantially similar to thepartition insert 500 shown inFIG. 6 . Accordingly, certain of the elements shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 will merely be introduced and only the features that warrant further discussion will be described in detail. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , the illustrated alternative partition insert blank 410 can be folded or erected to form thepartition insert 500. The partition insert blank 410 includes aprimary partition panel 412,divider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, and locking flaps 426. - Each
divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 is hingedly connected to theprimary partition panel 412 along a pair of vertical fold lines 428 a, 428 b that define an axis of rotation A. The blank 410 includesvertical severance lines 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440 and contoured severance lines 444 a, 444 b, 446 a, 446 b that at least partially define thedivider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422. The blank 410 further includes a substantially triangular aperture 442 that remains at a lower end of certainvertical severance lines 432, 434, 436, 438. Further, eachdivider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 includes a first portion P1, which is distinguished from a second portion P2 by the axis of rotation A. The second portion P2 of eachdivider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 includes a receiving aperture 448. - The locking flaps 426 are each hingedly connected to the lower edge of the
primary partition panel 412 along afold fine 450 and aligned with arespective divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422. Each lookingflap 426 includes a base portion 452, an extending portion 454, and a protuberance 456. In the exemplary embodiment, the base portion 452 of each lockingflap 426 extends longitudinally to provide a stronger hinged connection between the locking flaps 426 and theprimary partition panel 412 or otherwise increase the length of eachfold line 450. The extending portion 454 of each lockingflap 426 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the base portion 452 and the protuberance and the protuberance 456 of each lockingflap 426 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the extending portion 454. The protuberance 456 is dimensioned and positioned to be received in and engage a respective receiving aperture 448, as described in further detail below, and thereby provides means for engaging. - In the exemplary embodiment, a portion of the protuberance 456 and a respective receiving aperture 448 are disposed on opposite sloes of the axis of rotation A. Further, the center of the protuberance 456 is a distance S4 from the
fold line 450, the center of the receiving aperture 448 is a distance S4 from thefold line 450, and the height H2 of the protuberance 456 is less than the height H1 of the receiving aperture 448. One of the benefits of the blank 500 is that less material is consumed to form the locking flaps 426 than to form one of the locking flaps 26, 226. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , the partition insert blank 410 can be folded or erected to form thepartition insert 500 according to a non-limiting method as described below. Eachdivider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 is folded along the vertical fold lines 428 a, 428 b to rotate about the axis of rotation A in a first direction and past a position where it is perpendicular to theprimary partition panel 412. For example, each divider panel may be rotated one hundred and thirty five degrees in a clockwise direction. The locking flaps 426 are then folded alongfold lines 450 toward the side of theprimary partition panel 412 from which the portion P2 of eachdivider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 extends until the protuberance 456 is adjacent to the receiving aperture 448. Eachdivider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 is then rotated about a respective axis of rotation A in a direction opposite the first direction or otherwise toward thelocking flap 426 such that the protuberances 456 of the locking flaps 426 are received in the receiving apertures 448. The tendency of thedivider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 and the locking flaps 426 to return to their non-rotated positions facilitates the engagement between each protuberance 456 and a respective receiving aperture 448, thereby fixing the position of eachdivider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 so as to be substantially perpendicular to theprimary partition panel 412 and thereby form thepartition insert 500. - It should be noted that a benefit of this embodiment is that the locking flaps 426 are independent of one another. Thus, the locking flaps 426 can rotate and secure the
divider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 regardless of which direction thedivider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 are rotated. Accordingly, the portions P1, P2 can extend from either side of theprimary partition panel 412 and different portions P1, P2 of different divider panels can extend from the same side of theprimary partition panel 412. It should be noted that another benefit of thepartition insert 500 is that each of the locking flaps 426 is positioned or disposed in the space between four cylindrical articles B when thepartition insert 500 is positioned between a group of articles B such that the locking flaps 426 do not interfere with the articles B. - It should be understood that the means for engaging is not limited to the elements or arrangements of elements described herein. Rather, it is contemplated that either or both of the divider panel and respective locking flap can include complimentary or otherwise interlockable elements that provide means for engaging including, but not limited to, notches, ridges, slots, silts, apertures, protuberances, tabs, extensions, combinations thereof, and the like.
- Each of the exemplary partition inserts 100, 300, 500 is to be inserted or otherwise incorporated between a group of articles in a package to prevent contact between individual articles. For example, the
partition insert 100 can be dropped, lowered, fired, positioned, or inserted in between a group of articles B that are arranged in an article group, such as the exemplary two by six matrix configuration. Then, the entire assembly can be pushed into an open end of a tubular carton N1, as shown inFIG. 7 , or wraparound packaging N3 can be applied to enclose the articles B and the partition insert, as shown inFIG. 9 . Alternatively, thepartition insert 100 can be dropped, lowered, fired, positioned, or inserted in between a group of articles B that are included in a carton N3 and arranged in a two by six matrix configuration, as shown inFIG. 8 . - Means for engaging provides that the locking flap retains the
divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 in a folded operative position or otherwise keeps thedivider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 substantially perpendicular to theprimary partition panel 12. Thereby, as thepartition insert 100 is inserted between a group of articles B, thedivider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are fixedly positioned so as to be less likely to contact or collide with the top of an article B, which may result in damage to thepartition insert 100. - It should be noted that the scope of the invention is not limited to partition inserts having substantially
identical divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or to rotating each of the divider panels in the same direction about a respective axis of rotation A. That is, for example, divider panel 14 may be rotated in a clockwise direction while divider panel 16 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, and so forth. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , an alternative embodiment of a partition insert blank 610 can be folded or erected to form a partition insert (not shown). The blank 610 includes a primary partition panel 612 anddivider panels flaps 626 that are defined from the primary partition panel 612. Each lockingflap 626 remains hingedly connected to the primary partition panel 612 along alongitudinal fold line 650 after having been partially separated from the primary partition panel 612 along severance lines 660 a, 660 b. Each of the severance lines 660 a, 660 b extends between an end of thefold line 650 and an edge of the primary partition panel 612. Thereby, thefold line 650 is offset from the edge of the primary partition panel 612 and the distal end of each lockingflap 626 is defined, by a portion of the edge of the primary partition panel 612. Each lockingflap 626 further includes anotch 626 that provides means for engaging thedivider panels - It must be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such modifications, combinations, and variation are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.
Claims (15)
1. A blank for forming a partition insert for separating articles in a package, comprising:
a substantially planar primary partition panel;
at least one divider panel formed at least in part from said primary partition panel, at least a first portion of said at least one divider panel being rotatable out of a plane defined by said primary partition panel to an operative position in which said first portion extends from a side of said primary partition panel; and
at least one locking flap hingedly connected only to said primary partition panel;
wherein at least one of said at least one divider panel and said at least one locking flap comprises means for engaging that substantially rigidly fixes said at least one divider panel in sale operative position when said at least one locking flap is folded toward said primary partition panel and info engagement with said at least one divider panel.
2. The blank of claim 1 , wherein said at least one divider panel further comprises a second portion, wherein in said operative position, said second portion extends from an opposite side of said primary partition panel.
3. The blank of claim 1 , wherein the hinged connection between said at least one divider panel and said primary partition panel defines an axis of rotation about which said at least one divider panel is rotatable.
4. Use blank of claim 3 , said substantially planar primary partition panel having a longitudinal edge, said axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal edge.
5. The blank of claim 1 , wherein said means for engaging comprises at least one of the following: a notch, an aperture, a protuberance, a slot, a slit, a tab.
6. The blank of claim 1 , wherein said at least one locking flap comprises a single locking flap configured to engage each said at least one divider panel via said means for engaging.
7. A blank for forming a partition insert for separating articles in a package, comprising:
a substantially planar primary partition panel having a longitudinal edge;
at least one divider panel formed at least in part from said primary partition panel, at least a first portion of said at least one divider panel being rotatable out of a plane defined by said primary partition panel to an operative position in which said first portion extends from a side of said primary partition panel; and
at least one locking flap each hingedly connected to said primary partition panel along a fold line that is spaced apart from said longitudinal edge;
wherein at least one of said at least one divider panel and said at least one locking flap comprises means for engaging that substantially rigidly fixes said at least one divider panel in said operative position when said at least one locking flap is folded toward said primary partition panel and into engagement with said at least one divider panel.
8. The blank of claim 7 , wherein said at least one divider panel further comprises a second portion, wherein in said operative position, said second portion extends from an opposite side of said primary partition panel.
9. The blank of claim 7 , wherein the hinged connection between said at least one divider panel and said primary partition panel defines an axis of rotation about which said at least one divider panel is rotatable.
10. The blank of claim 9 , said axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal edge.
11. The blank of claim 7 , wherein said means for engaging comprises at least one of the following: a notch, an aperture, a protuberance, a slot, a slit, a tab.
12. The blank of claim 7 , wherein said at least one locking flap has a distal edge, at least a portion of which lies along said longitudinal edge.
13. The blank of claim 6 , wherein said at least one locking flap comprises a single longitudinally extending locking flap configured to engage each said at least one divider panel via said means for engaging.
14. A package, comprising:
a plurality of articles arranged in multiple rows;
a carton for enclosing said articles;
a partition insert for separating said articles in said carton, said partition insert comprising;
a substantially planar primary partition panel extending between two adjacent rows;
at least one divider panel formed at least in pad from said primary partition panel and rotated out of a plane defined by said primary partition panel so as to extend outwardly from said primary partition panel in an operative position in which a first portion of said at least one divider panel separates two articles in a first one of said two adjacent rows;
at least one looking flap each hingedly connected to said primary partition panel and each folded toward said primary partition panel to engage said at least one divider panel; and
means for engaging integral to at least one of said at least one divider panel and said at least one locking flap, said means for engaging substantially rigidly fixing said at least one divider panel in said operative position.
15. The package of claim 14 , wherein in said operative position, a second portion of said at least one divider panel separates two articles in a second one of said two adjacent rows.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/160,080 US20090173774A1 (en) | 2006-01-03 | 2007-01-03 | Partition Insert |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US75614806P | 2006-01-03 | 2006-01-03 | |
PCT/US2007/060057 WO2007120935A1 (en) | 2006-01-03 | 2007-01-03 | Improved partition insert |
US12/160,080 US20090173774A1 (en) | 2006-01-03 | 2007-01-03 | Partition Insert |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090173774A1 true US20090173774A1 (en) | 2009-07-09 |
Family
ID=38468211
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/160,080 Abandoned US20090173774A1 (en) | 2006-01-03 | 2007-01-03 | Partition Insert |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090173774A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1973784A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2636102A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2008131940A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007120935A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014074829A1 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2014-05-15 | Scott William Mitchell | Document holding device |
USD712476S1 (en) | 2012-11-09 | 2014-09-02 | William Mitchell Scott | Document holder |
USD712475S1 (en) | 2012-11-09 | 2014-09-02 | William Mitchell Scott | Document holder |
US9352888B2 (en) | 2012-09-07 | 2016-05-31 | William Mitchell Scott | Shipping container with grips and locking ports |
US20210070516A1 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2021-03-11 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carton With Article Protection Insert |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB0808110D0 (en) * | 2008-05-02 | 2008-06-11 | Ds Smith Packaging Ltd | Packaging carton |
Citations (17)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US2711819A (en) * | 1951-08-15 | 1955-06-28 | Sutherland Paper Co | Compartment carton |
US2796213A (en) * | 1955-06-07 | 1957-06-18 | Container Corp | Tray with separating partitions |
US2797855A (en) * | 1953-11-20 | 1957-07-02 | Cel Corp Di | Package trays |
US2821336A (en) * | 1956-11-30 | 1958-01-28 | Rolf A Samsing | Folded packaging tray blank and tray |
US3070276A (en) * | 1960-03-11 | 1962-12-25 | Unipak Cartons Ltd | Cartons |
US3131850A (en) * | 1962-04-09 | 1964-05-05 | Chicago Carton Co | Autonest carton |
US3258189A (en) * | 1964-10-29 | 1966-06-28 | Olin Mathieson | Combined longitudinal and transverse partition structure |
US3263893A (en) * | 1962-03-08 | 1966-08-02 | Continental Can Co | Separator for bottles |
US3285493A (en) * | 1964-06-10 | 1966-11-15 | Brown Co | Compartmented tray structure |
US3352473A (en) * | 1966-03-24 | 1967-11-14 | Olinkraft Inc | Partition structure to separate articles |
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US3980223A (en) * | 1975-06-02 | 1976-09-14 | Curran John J | Cellular structure for cartons |
US4157157A (en) * | 1978-08-04 | 1979-06-05 | Container Corporation Of America | Internal partition |
US4294398A (en) * | 1981-01-22 | 1981-10-13 | Container Corporation Of America | Partition for carrier carton |
US4330078A (en) * | 1981-01-09 | 1982-05-18 | Manville Service Corporation | Abbreviated height partition |
US5240175A (en) * | 1991-03-01 | 1993-08-31 | Labatt Brewing Company Limited | Carton dividers |
US5529240A (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1996-06-25 | Riverwood International Corporation | Carton bottle partition |
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---|---|---|---|---|
DE9302432U1 (en) * | 1993-02-19 | 1993-04-08 | Europa Carton Ag, 2000 Hamburg, De | |
FR2813857B1 (en) * | 2000-09-12 | 2002-12-27 | Smurfit Socar Sa | PRE-CUT AND DELIVERED BLANKS IN SEMI-RIGID MATERIAL, AND INSERTION FOR BOTTLES OR OTHER ELONGATE OBJECTS THEREFROM |
-
2007
- 2007-01-03 EP EP07756274A patent/EP1973784A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-01-03 US US12/160,080 patent/US20090173774A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-01-03 CA CA002636102A patent/CA2636102A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-01-03 WO PCT/US2007/060057 patent/WO2007120935A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-01-03 RU RU2008131940/12A patent/RU2008131940A/en unknown
Patent Citations (17)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US2711819A (en) * | 1951-08-15 | 1955-06-28 | Sutherland Paper Co | Compartment carton |
US2797855A (en) * | 1953-11-20 | 1957-07-02 | Cel Corp Di | Package trays |
US2796213A (en) * | 1955-06-07 | 1957-06-18 | Container Corp | Tray with separating partitions |
US2821336A (en) * | 1956-11-30 | 1958-01-28 | Rolf A Samsing | Folded packaging tray blank and tray |
US3070276A (en) * | 1960-03-11 | 1962-12-25 | Unipak Cartons Ltd | Cartons |
US3263893A (en) * | 1962-03-08 | 1966-08-02 | Continental Can Co | Separator for bottles |
US3131850A (en) * | 1962-04-09 | 1964-05-05 | Chicago Carton Co | Autonest carton |
US3285493A (en) * | 1964-06-10 | 1966-11-15 | Brown Co | Compartmented tray structure |
US3258189A (en) * | 1964-10-29 | 1966-06-28 | Olin Mathieson | Combined longitudinal and transverse partition structure |
US3352473A (en) * | 1966-03-24 | 1967-11-14 | Olinkraft Inc | Partition structure to separate articles |
US3868055A (en) * | 1973-03-26 | 1975-02-25 | Marinus J M Langen | Carton divider |
US3980223A (en) * | 1975-06-02 | 1976-09-14 | Curran John J | Cellular structure for cartons |
US4157157A (en) * | 1978-08-04 | 1979-06-05 | Container Corporation Of America | Internal partition |
US4330078A (en) * | 1981-01-09 | 1982-05-18 | Manville Service Corporation | Abbreviated height partition |
US4294398A (en) * | 1981-01-22 | 1981-10-13 | Container Corporation Of America | Partition for carrier carton |
US5240175A (en) * | 1991-03-01 | 1993-08-31 | Labatt Brewing Company Limited | Carton dividers |
US5529240A (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1996-06-25 | Riverwood International Corporation | Carton bottle partition |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210070516A1 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2021-03-11 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carton With Article Protection Insert |
US11760549B2 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2023-09-19 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carton with article protection insert |
US9352888B2 (en) | 2012-09-07 | 2016-05-31 | William Mitchell Scott | Shipping container with grips and locking ports |
WO2014074829A1 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2014-05-15 | Scott William Mitchell | Document holding device |
USD712476S1 (en) | 2012-11-09 | 2014-09-02 | William Mitchell Scott | Document holder |
USD712475S1 (en) | 2012-11-09 | 2014-09-02 | William Mitchell Scott | Document holder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007120935A1 (en) | 2007-10-25 |
RU2008131940A (en) | 2010-02-10 |
EP1973784A1 (en) | 2008-10-01 |
CA2636102A1 (en) | 2007-10-25 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC, VIRGINIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SCHEMMEL, GARRETT K, MR;PATTERSON, RAFE T, MR;FLAGG, MICHAEL F, MR;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:021725/0394;SIGNING DATES FROM 20080702 TO 20081003 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |