Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ORIENTING ASSEMBLY FOR SECONDARY PACKAGES
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure generally relates to secondary packages for
beverage
containers; and more particularly relates to an orienting assembly for
maintaining
an orientation of beverage containers contained within secondary packages.
BACKGROUND
[002] Containers enclosing liquid foods such as for example, water, beer,
beverages, etc. have lately been proved invaluable in a wide array of
situations. For
example, water containers have widely been used across the globe by the people
during
travel. Also, campers, hikers and backpackers use portable beverage containers
for
excursions in remote areas. These containers range from small sized portable
containers to large size barrel shaped containers, depending upon the quantity
of the
beverage enclosed therein.
[003] In the recent years, there has been a many-fold increase in the trend
of
grouping large number of items such as food item including liquid foods, home
essentials, stationary items, and the like, in the form of multipacks, for
various
purposes such as to enable bulk selling, easy transportation, handling, and
the like. For
example, single serving containers (e.g., cans or bottles) are commonly
packaged in
groups of six or twelve for sale to consumers. Most of these secondary package
cartons
are made of paperboard and / or cardboard material.
[004] However, during transportation, including handling and shipping of
such
secondary packages, there has been a growing concern towards the protection of
such
multipacks from unwanted damages, movements, and shifting particularly within
the
package having a smooth surface made of paperboard having a relatively smooth
surface and therefore causing slippage of the containers stored within. As the
coefficient
of friction between the surfaces of the cartons and the individual bottles or
cans, is
generally comparatively low, they tend to move relative to each other in
response to
these various accelerations sudden stops, starts or turns of the vehicle, and
may even
fall resulting in possible damage to the containers and the product retained
therein.
Further, due to this shock, vibration and movement, the labels of the
containers may
get disoriented and may cause additional handling problems after the
transportation is
complete.
[005]
Accordingly, numerous efforts have been made to overcome this problem of
movement of the individual containers within the secondary packages. In some
instances, the individual containers were packed by mechanical means such as
by
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synthetic resin films, straps, and other similar means, so as to prevent the
movement
of the containers there within. However, these mechanical means had several
shortcomings as were not only complex but also were neither cost efficient nor
time
efficient. Further, they were more prone to damage the label of containers and
therefore are not preferred.
[006] In some other instances, the containers were temporarily bonded by
bonding
means such as using glues, adhesive either individually, or otherwise by
coating a layer
of glue on an entire surface within the container. However, such methods were
also not
preferred as these would adhere to the rims of containers and mar the finishes
of the
containers. Further, these are only temporary solution and are not usable once
the
containers were taken out of package, and / or after the temporary bonding
fades out.
[007] In yet other instances, individual handling means, such as several
kind of
carton dividers, and / or interlocking means were provided to grip the
containers. These
carton dividers as disclosed in, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,942,709;
3,948,435
and 4,094,454 are typically formed of chipboard and divide the carton into
individual
cells which separate the containers from contact with one another to prevent
breakage.
However, such individual handling means requires specially constructed cartons
as well
as complex handling which add to the expense and time involved in the shipping
operation.
[008] Further, many kind of anti-skid sheets are available such as for
example, as
disclosed in US. Patent. No. 5,613,447, 5,881,651, 6,490,982 and 8,146,515.
These
anti-slip sheets, while having varying success, provide an overall
comparatively low
frictional surface and not a directed high friction at the point of contact
between the
container and the carton. Further, it is important to ensure that properties
such as
friction, strength, thickness, granularity etc. of these sheets used are
commensurate
with both the weight of the carton, and the environmental conditions
(temperature,
humidity etc.) likely to be encountered during the journey.
[009] Accordingly, while all of the currently known diverse methods
have had
varying success for managing the collapse of the containers within the carton,
these
methods have had little success when desired to maintain the orientation of
the
containers within the which in turn avoid misalignment of the container labels
as being
an important consideration during handling, and particularly, automated
operation by
high speed packaging machinery.
[0010] Accordingly, as can be seen from the from the foregoing discussion,
none of
the existing solution completely overcomes the problem of maintaining the
orientation
of the containers within the carton. Thus, in the context of the above an
improved
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orientation assembly is desired, which being cost effective and easy to
implement, is
recyclable and may be used for as long as desired.
SUMMARY
[0011] In an aspect of the invention, an orienting assembly for orienting one
or
more beverage containers stored within a secondary package. The orienting
assembly
includes a base portion having a plurality of container regions and remaining
non-
container regions. The orienting assembly further a layer of a predetermined
material,
at least partially, coated onto one or more of the plurality of the container
regions such
that a coefficient of friction at the coated container region is higher
compared to that
of non-container regions.
[0012] It is to be understood that the predetermined material is not a bonding
means (glue, adhesive, cohesive or the like) as friction and adhesion are
recognized as
two separate principles. The predetermined material will not leave a mark on
containers
placed thereon, as opposed to when using bonding means (which typically cause
a
chemical process that results in the retention of the bound object to
another). The main
goal of the invention is to avoid movement of the containers in the plane of
the support
surface, thus horizontal (and particularly to avoid rotation), while adhesives
are aimed
at movement perpendicular to the support surface (vertical).
[0013] Generally, each of the plurality of container regions is a contact
point
adapted to be in contact with at-least one of the beverage containers.
[0014] Potentially, the plurality of container regions includes a
plurality of space
apart depressions, each shaped and adapted to receive a contact surface of one
the
beverage containers.
[0015] Further potentially, the contact surface is a bottom surface of the
beverage
container.
[0016] Alternatively, the contact surface of the beverage container is a top
surface
of the beverage container.
[0017] Yet further potentially, each of the plurality of spaced apart
depression has
a depth ranging between 5 mm and 30 mm and preferably between 10 mm and 20
mm.
[0018] Generally, the predetermined material used for coating may be selected
from one or more of but not limited to polymers having generally friction
enhancing
and/or surface roughening properties.
[0019] Further, the predetermined material used for coating may be selected
from
one or more of but not limited to polymers having rubber characteristics such
that the
coated container region imparts a higher degree of friction at the point of
contact.
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[0020] Furthermore, the predetermined material used for coating may further
include one or more granular and / or aggregated filler material embedded
therein.
[0021] Optionally, the coated container regions include a predetermined
texture and
/ or pattern adapted to further enhance the friction of coefficient with the
beverage
containers.
[0022] Possibly, wherein the secondary package may be a carton formed of one
or
more material selected from but not limited to foldable blank, paperboard,
cardboard,
corrugated board, plastic, all kinds of paper, and the like.
[0023] Preferably, the beverage container is a can shaped container having a
bottom surface extended towards a top surface through a body portion.
[0024] Alternatively, the beverage container is a bottle shaped container
having a
bottom surface extended towards a top surface through a shoulder portion.
[0025] Yet further possibly, each of the plurality of spaced apart depression
has a
shape and dimension complementary to a bottom surface of the beverage
container so
as to facilitate retaining a beverage container thereupon.
[0026] In another aspect of the invention, a secondary package for holding a
plurality of beverage containers while maintaining an orientation thereof, is
disclosed.
The secondary package includes a primary container formed from a housing
having a
pair of horizontal surface including a top surface and a bottom surface,
connected and
extended towards each other through a plurality of sidewalls to define an
inner surface
there between. The primary container further includes one or more orienting
assemblies configured onto at least one of the pair of horizontal surfaces
such that the
orientation of the containers contained within the primary container is
maintained.
[0027] Generally, the orienting assembly is configured on at least one of the
top
horizontal surface and / or the bottom horizontal surface of the primary
container.
[0028] Preferably, the orienting assembly is formed integrally within one of
the top
horizontal surfaces and / or bottom horizontal surface of the primary
container, i.e. the
base portion of the orienting assembly is at least an integral part of the
bottom or top
horizontal wall of the secondary packaging.
[0029] Alternatively, the orienting assembly is externally adhered to the top
horizontal surface and / or the bottom horizontal surface using one or more
fixation
mechanism selected from one or more of but not limited to Gluing, stapling,
adhering,
adhesive patches, and the like.
[0030] Possibly, the primary container includes a carton formed of one or more
paper-based material selected from but not limited to foldable blank,
paperboard,
cardboard, corrugated board, all kinds of paper, and the like.
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[0031] Alternatively, the primary container includes a carton made of a non-
paper-
based material selected from one or more of but not limited to plastics,
metal, and the
like.
[0032] Further possibly, the primary container may be made in the form of any
5 suitable geometric shape selected from but not limited to a cuboidal,
cubical, circular,
hexagonal, and the like.
[0033] Further possible, each of the plurality of sidewalls of the
housing has a height
substantially greater than the height of the beverage containers to be stored
there
within.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sidewalls of the
housing
have a height substantially equal to the height of the beverage containers to
be stored
therein. This allows the assemblies to be stacked, and the above positioned
layers of
assemblies to partially hold the containers in the assemblies beneath in
place. During
transport, we note that, due to vibrations and such (for instance from bumps
in the
path, or quirks of the transport), the pressure from such above positioned
assemblies
can be temporarily removed/relieved, making the coating of the predetermined
material crucial in holding onto the container and not allowing rotation
thereof (or other
movements). In a further preferred embodiment an assembly is provided both on
the
top and the bottom horizontal surfaces.
[0035] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing an
orienting assembly is disclosed. The method includes receiving a base surface
formed
of a paper-based material. The method further includes defining and / or
forming a
plurality of container regions onto the base surface. The method furthermore
includes
coating a layer of predetermined material, at least partially, onto the one or
more of
the plurality of the container regions such that the coated container regions
have a
coefficient of friction higher than that of the non-container regions.
[0036] Potentially, the base portion is a horizontal surface of a
primary container of
a secondary package.
[0037] Further preferably, the step of coating may be preferably performed by
spray
coating.
[0038] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a
secondary package for holding a plurality of beverage containers while
maintaining
their orientation, is disclosed. The method includes receiving a primary
container
having a plurality of beverage container regions configured onto a pair of
horizontal
surface thereof. The method further includes applying a coating of a
predetermined
material within the primary container at one or more of the plurality of the
beverage
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container region such that the co-efficient of friction at the coated beverage
container
regions is high compared to that of the non-beverage container region.
[0039] Preferably, the primary container is a carton formed of a paper-based
material selected from one or more of but not limited to all kind of papers,
paperboard,
corrugated board, foldable blank, and the like.
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying
drawings
and the description below. Other aspects, features and advantages of the
subject
matter disclosed herein will be apparent from the description, the drawings,
and the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040]
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram representing an orienting assembly
for beverage containers, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present
disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 2
illustrates a schematic diagram representing a secondary package
having one or more orienting assemblies, in accordance with an embodiment of
the
present disclosure;
[0042]
FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram representing a secondary package
having one or more orienting assemblies, in accordance with an embodiment of
the
present disclosure;
[0043]
FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart illustrating the steps for manufacturing an
orienting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
and
[0044]
Fig. 5 depicts flowchart illustrating the steps for assembling a secondary
package having one or more orienting assemblies, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] As required, a schematic, exemplary-only embodiment of the present
application is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed
embodiment is merely exemplary of the present disclosure, which may be
embodied
in various and / or alternative forms. Specific structural and functional
details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis
for the
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claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously
employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed
structure.
[0046] Aspects, advantages and/or other features of the exemplary embodiment
of
the disclosure will become apparent in view of the following detailed
description,
which discloses various non-limiting embodiments of the invention. In
describing
exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of
clarity.
However, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to this specific
terminology. It is to be understood that each specific portion includes all
technical
equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
[0047] Exemplary embodiments may be adapted for many different purposes and
are not intended to be limited to the specific exemplary purposes set forth
herein.
Those skilled in the art would be able to adapt the exemplary-only embodiment
of
the present disclosure, depending for example, on the intended use of adapted
embodiment. Moreover, examples and limitations related therewith brought
herein
below are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of
the
related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading
of the
following specification and a study of the related figures.
[0048] The present application discloses an orienting assembly formed of a
paper-
based material, for use with secondary packages holding a plurality of
beverage
containers enclosing liquids such as cold drinks, beer, wines, mineral water
etc. The
orienting assembly is able to orient the beverage containers stored there
within the
secondary package. While the beverage containers suited for the current
disclosure
is a generally can or bottle shaped container having a bottom surface extended
towards a top surface through a body portion, it should be understood that the
embodiments of the present invention may be applied in combination with
various
type of containers irrespective of size, shape and materials, used in the
beverage
industry.
[0049]
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram displaying basic components of the
orienting assembly of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
present
disclosure provides an orienting assembly 100 for maintaining an orientation
of one
or more of a plurality of beverage containers 190 in contact therewith. The
beverage container 190 is a generally can or bottle shaped container having a
bottom portion 192 extended towards a top portion 194 through a body portion
196. The orienting assembly 100 includes a base portion 110. The base portion
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110 includes a plurality of container regions 112 and non-container regions
114.
Each of the plurality of container regions 112 are adapted to be in contact
with at-
least one of the beverage containers 190 either at the top portion 194 or at
the
bottom portion 192. Further, the base portion 110 includes a layer of a
predetermined material, at least partially, coated onto one or more of the
plurality
of the container regions 112 such that a coefficient of friction Fc at the
coated
container regions 112 is higher compared a second coefficient of friction Fry
at the
non-container regions 114.
[0050] The orienting assembly 100 of the current disclosure may be configured
to
be installed within a secondary package holding a plurality of containers,
either as
a multipack or as a group of different containers packed together, or may be
formed
integrally with the secondary packaging.
[0051] In description of the FIG. 2-3 that follow, elements common to the
schematic
system will have the same number designation unless otherwise noted. In a
first
embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 2, an exemplary secondary package 280
employing an orienting assembly 200, for holding a plurality of beverage
containers
290 while maintaining their orientation there within, is provided. In a
preferred
embodiment, secondary package 280 includes a primary container 281 having a
plurality of sidewalls 282 extending between a pair of horizontal surfaces
286,
including a top surface 283, and a bottom surface 284, defining an inner
surface
285 there within.
[0052] As disclosed earlier, the orienting assembly 200 a base portion 210.
The
base portion 210 includes a plurality of container regions 212 and non-
container
regions 214. Each of the plurality of container regions 212 are adapted to be
in
contact with a beverage container 290. Further, the base portion 210 includes
a
layer 216 of a predetermined material, at least partially, coated onto one or
more
of the plurality of the container regions 212 such that a coefficient of
friction Fc at
the coated container regions 212 is higher compared a second coefficient of
friction
Fry at the non-container regions 214.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the number of container regions 212 is same
as the number of beverage containers stored within the secondary package 280.
Further, the shape and position of the contact-regions is complementary to a
contact surface 295 of the beverage container 290, such that each of the
beverage
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containers 290 is in contact with one of the corresponding container regions
212
at its contact surface 295.
[0054]
Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of container regions 212
include a plurality of spaced apart depressions 215, each adapted to be coated
with
the predetermined material, and defining a contact point for contact with the
plurality of beverage containers 290 in a spaced apart manner. Further, each
of the
plurality of the spaced apart depressions 215 has a depth ranging between 5mm
and 30mm and preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.
[0055] Accordingly, the depressions 215 are shaped according to a shape of the
contact surface 295 of the beverage container 190. Further in such instances,
the
spaced apart depressions 215 are coated with a layer of thickness T generally
same
as the size of depressions such that when coated, each of the container
regions is
in aa plane same as of the non-container region. However, in some other
instances,
the spaced apart depressions 215 are coated with a layer of thickness T
generally
lesser than the size of depressions such that when coated, each of the
container
regions 212, while being frictional, provides a retaining structure at the
contact
point.
[0056] The base portion 210 may be formed of a single layer structure /
multilayer
structure, formed of a paper-based material selected from one or more of but
not
limited to a folded blank, all kind of papers, fiberboard, corrugated board,
and the
like. Further, the base portion 210, in any above-mentioned configuration has
a
dimension in a horizontal plane substantially same as an inner dimension of
the
primary 281 in the horizontal plane.
[0057] However, in other embodiments, the base portion 210 may be a multilayer
structure such as a carton, housing and the like. In such embodiments, in one
instance, the base portion 210 includes a top layer 231 and a bottom layer 232
generally connected and extended away from the top layer 231. Preferably, the
bottom layer 232 is spaced apart from the 231 and includes a plurality of
holes
235 configured thereon and adapted to receive support from the underlying
beverage containers. The number of plurality of holes 235 is generally equal
to the
number of beverage containers adapted to be stored within the housing 281.
Further, this plurality of spaced apart holes 235 are arranged such that when
the
base portion is positioned within the inner space 295, each of the beverage
containers is adapted to support the base portion through a hole of the
plurality of
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holes 325. Such an embodiment is particularly suitable when the beverage
container is a generally bottle shaped container.
[0058]
Looping back to Fig. 2, the orienting assembly 200 is generally positioned
within the inner surface 285 onto at least one surface of the pair of
horizontal
5
surfaces 286. In some embodiments, the secondary package 280 includes only one
orienting assembly 200. In such embodiments, and in preferred instances, the
orienting assembly 200 is positioned onto the bottom surface 284 such that a
bottom surface 292 of each of the plurality of the beverage container 290 acts
as
the contact surface 295 and is in contact with one of the coated container
regions
10
212. However, in other instances, the orienting assembly 200 is positioned
onto
the top surface 283 such that a top portion 294 acts as the contact surface
295
and is in contact with one of the coated container regions 212.
[0059]
In a modification of the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the
secondary package 280 includes more than one orienting assembly 200 positioned
within the primary container 281. In such an embodiment, the primary container
281 includes generally two orienting assemblies 200, one positioned onto the
top
surface 283 and the other positioned onto the bottom portion 292. Such an
embodiment while increases the cost somewhat provides frictional support from
both ends and therefore further negates the possibility of disorientation of
the
beverage containers 290 stored there within, even under high impact shocks,
vibrations, and the like during the handling and transportation thereof.
[0060] FIG. 2 and 3 schematically show the arrangement of the basic components
of the secondary package 280 of the present disclosure. However, in the
construction of commercial functional units, secondary components such as
couplers, connectors, support structure and other functional components known
to
one of skill in the field of secondary packages and more particularly the
secondary
package for beverage container technology, may be incorporated within the
secondary package 280. Such commercial arrangements are included in the
present
invention as long as the structural components and arrangements disclosed
herein
are present. Accordingly, it is to be contemplated that the secondary package
280
may be configured to be used for any kind of beverage and / or liquid and / or
food
containers and may be incorporated in any possible shape as deems possible
without deviating from the scope of the current invention.
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[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the primary container generally represented
by
the numeral 281, is a carton generally formed from a recyclable material
selected
from one or more of but not limited to any desired material such as including
all
kind of papers, fiberboard, corrugated board, foldable blanks, hybrid
material, or
any combinations thereof, any known housing formed by any known mechanism
and suitable for use in accordance with the current disclosure without
deviating from
the scope thereof, may be used. Further, the shape and size, including the
height
of the primary container 281 may be varied depending on the design constraints
and requirements for its application. For example, within the instances when
the
281 is adapted to house twelve containers in one layer in a 3x4 arrangement
the
carton is dimension accordingly. Further, in other instances, the carton may
be sized
and shaped to hold containers of a different or same quantity in a single
layer, more
than two layers, and/or in different row/column arrangements (e.g., 1x6, 3x6,
2x6, 4x6, 2x3x4, 2x6x2, 2x9, 3x5, 3x5x2, etc.).
[0062] In
another embodiment, the primary container 281 is integrally molded and
made of a light weight plastic material selected from one or more of but not
limited
to plastic material such as group of thermoplastics including acetal, acrylic,
cellulose
acetate, polyethylene, polystyrene, vinyl, and nylon. In such instances, the
orienting assembly 200 may be best suitable to configured on the top surface
as
well as the bottom surface of the primary container as within such instances
due to
smoothness of plastic, friction between the container and the primary
container is
very low.
[0063] In some embodiments, the predetermined material includes one or more
polymer materials having generally rubber kind of characteristics in addition
to high
coefficient of friction. Such materials while imparting a high friction at the
point of
contact 295, also produce high protuberances there at towards the contact
surface
of the beverage container 290. Such a protuberance characteristic in addition
to
the friction, prevents the beverage containers from slipping relative to the
container
region at the point of the contact while providing a shock-absorbent
characteristic
enabling the container to overcome sudden shocks, vibrations, and the like.
[0064] In some embodiments, the predetermined coating material further
includes
one or more granular and / or aggregated filler material embedded therein.
[0065]
In an embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer of high friction
surface may further be embossed, debossed or otherwise processed in order to
alter
the final appearance and texture of the high friction container regions 212.
Such a
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processing including debossing and / or embossing may further increase the
coefficient of friction F.
[0066]
In use, as disclosed earlier, the orienting assembly 200 is adapted to be
positioned within the inner surface 285 such that each of the beverage
containers
292 meets one of the container regions 212 at the contact point 217. In some
embodiments, the orienting assembly 200 is affixed to one of the top surface
and
the bottom surface of the primary container 281. In an embodiment, the
orienting
assembly 200 is fixed to the one of the pair of horizontal surfaces 286, using
one
or more fixation mechanisms selected from one or more of but not limited to
pocket-
based fixation mechanism, notch-based fixation mechanism, stapling, gluing,
adhesive patches, retention tab, stapling, rivets, and any other suitable
mechanical
attachment mechanism conventionally known in the art and suitable for use in
current invention without deviating from the scope thereof.
[0067] However, particularly in a preferred embodiment where the primary
container 281 is formed of a paper-based material, the orienting assembly 200
may
be formed integrally within one or more of the pair of horizontal surfaces 286
of
the secondary container 280, i.e. the base portion of the orienting assembly
is at
least an integral part of the bottom or top horizontal wall of the secondary
packaging. Such an embodiment further eases the implementation of the current
invention as the orienting assembly is formed within the primary container 281
during the manufacturing thereof. Accordingly, a user is not required to
externally
adhere the orienting assembly 281 to one or more surface of the primary
container
281 thereby saving time, cost, as well as unwanted tasks for the user.
[0068]
Fig. 4 with reference to Figs.1 through 3, is a flow diagram illustrating a
method 400 of manufacturing the orienting assembly 200 of the present
disclosure.
The method starts at step 402 and proceeds to step 404 where the base portion
210 formed of a paper-based material is received. Thereafter, the method 400
proceeds to step 406 where a plurality of container regions 212 is identified.
In
some embodiments, the identification of the container regions 212 includes
defining
a plurality of regions having a size and / or shape corresponding to the
contact
surface 295 of the beverage container 290. However, in some other embodiments,
where the container region 212 includes a plurality of spaced apart
depressions
215, the container regions 212 is formed within the base portion 210 using any
suitable mechanism already known in the art. Thereafter, the method proceeds
to
step 408 where each of the container regions 212 is at least partially coated
with
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a layer of predetermined material having a predetermined coefficient of
friction Fc
such that the beverage container 290, once in contact with the container
region
212, is prevented from any movement and in particular disorientation thereof.
[0069] In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of coating is
performed
by spraying the predetermined material onto the identified container regions
212.
In another embodiment, the coating of layer is performed by putting a mask
having
holes corresponding to the container regions 212 and then spreading the
coating
material thereupon, thereby coating the container regions 212. In yet another
embodiment, the step of coating may be performed by any suitable mechanism
conventionally known in the art such as including but not limited to
extruding,
brushing, or rolling the liquid solution on to the container regions 212. In
all such
embodiments, the coating layer is allowed to dry before the orienting assembly
200
is used for its application in various situations.
[0070] The method 400 further includes additional optional step 410 of
formation
of various coating patterns and / textures onto the container regions 212
adapted
to further enhance the friction thereof. In an embodiment of the present
invention,
the step 410 may be performed along with the step 408 while performing the
step
of coating the container regions 212. Alternatively, the textures / patterns
may be
formed by applying one or more varnishes and / or a tactile coating material
in a
predetermined pattern so as to increase the friction of already coated
container
regions 212.
[0071] In yet other embodiments, of the present invention, each of the step of
the
method 400 may be performed in any desired order, sequentially, and / or
simultaneously.
[0072] Fig. 5 illustrates a method SOO of assembling the secondary package 280
employing the orienting assembly 200 of the present disclosure. The method
starts
at step 502 and proceeds to step 504 where the carton 281 is received and / or
formed. The method SOO then proceeds to step 506 where one or more orienting
assemblies 200 is positioned within the primary container 281. In an
embodiment,
the orienting assembly 200 is positioned within the primary container 281 by
adhering to one or more of the pair of horizontal surfaces 286 using one or
more
fixation mechanisms selected from but not limited to but not limited to pocket-
based
fixation mechanism, notch-based fixation mechanism, stapling, gluing, adhesive
patches, retention tab, stapling, rivets, and any other suitable mechanical
fixation
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14
mechanism. In another embodiment, the orienting assembly 200 may be formed
within the one or more of the pair of horizontal surface using a mechanism
similar
to as disclosed in the step 406 of the method 400. Thereafter, at step, 508, a
plurality of beverage containers 290, are placed within the inner surface 285
of the
primary container 281 such that each of the container 290 contacts the
container
region 212 at the contact point 295.
[0073] In yet other embodiments of the present inventions, each of the step of
the
method 500 may be performed in any desired order, sequentially, and / or
simultaneously.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0074] The present disclosure relates to an orienting assembly 200 formed of a
plurality of container regions, each coated with a predetermined material
having a
high coefficient of friction, generally ranging between 0.5 and0.8 and
preferably
between 0.6 and 0.7, for use in maintaining an orientation of a plurality of
beverage
containers 290 stored within a secondary package 280. The plurality of
beverage
containers generally includes containers containing liquids, such as beer,
wine,
cider, hard liquor (e.g., distilled beverage, spirit, liquor, hard alcohol,
etc.), soft
drinks (e.g., cola, soda, pop, tonic, seltzer), iced tea, soda water and other
types
of carbonated / non-carbonated beverages. Such a high as well as focused
friction
at the point of contact, imparts a high stability as well as friction enough
to resist
any movement / misalignment of the beverage containers, with respect to the
container. Therefore, any damage to the beverage containers and labels thereof
is
avoided. Accordingly, the containers made of fragile material such as glass
may
comfortably be carried using the secondary package of the current disclosure.
[0075] Further,
the present disclosure provides the possibility of manufacturing the
secondary packages 280 with integrally formed orienting assemblies on various
horizontal surfaces of the primary container 281. Such a secondary package 280
having integrally formed oriented assembly while being cost-efficient and
portable,
is very quick and easy to be assembled by retail consumers, or by the
retailers, and
offers an easy yet comfortable handling of packages of any shape, size or any
variety of configurations.
[0076] While the secondary package 280 is described primarily for holding and
orienting beverage containers, it is also contemplated for a person skilled in
the art
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that the secondary package 280 of the current disclosure may be implemented in
various industries such as food industry, transport industry, house hold
appliance
industry in transportation of any kind of product or group of products, of any
shape,
size or any variety of configurations, without limiting it to the beverage
industry.
5
[0077] Moreover, while the orienting assembly 200 of current disclosure has
been
disclosed in reference to the secondary package 280 of the current disclosure,
it
may also be used as an independent self-sustaining unit. Further it can be
integrated with various suitable containers known in the art including various
carton
formed from foldable blank as well as cartons constructed of materials such as
10
fabric, woven material, non-woven material, woven metallic fabric that may
include
ferrous or nonferrous metals, etc., or any other suitable material.
[0078]
While the orienting assembly 200 is described for holding and orienting
beverage containers having generally can shape, it is also contemplated for a
person
skilled in the art that the secondary package 200 of the current disclosure
may be
15
implemented in various industries such as food industry, transport industry,
house
hold appliance industry in transportation of any kind of containers of any
shape,
size or any variety of configurations, without limiting it to the beverage
industry.
[0079]
Referring to Fig. 4 and 5, methodology in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the claimed subject matter is illustrated. While, for purposes
of
simplicity of explanation, the methodology is shown and described as a series
of
acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter
is not
limited by the order of acts, as some acts may occur in different orders
and/or
concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein.
