Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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DESCRIPTION
Multiple Cavity Crate
The said invention involves a multiple cavity crate for containers such as
yoghurt cups or similar, in
accordance with the characterizing clause of claim 1.
Such multiple cavity crates are used for the securing as well as for the
transport of food containers such
as yoghurt cups, cream c ups etc. For this, loaded multiple cavity crates are
stacked on palettes and
transported shrink-wrapped or in another manner as well as stored in the
establishment. These multiple
cavity crates must therefore ensure a sufficient amount of stability both in
its own structure as well as
when stacked in order to prevent damage to the food containers during
transport.
A blank of foldable material for a multiple cavity crate is known in DE 34 23
091 C2. For this,
securing struts are punched-out, raised and their respective ends are stuck
together during the folding
out of the w all areas. The struts resulting from t his possess only a very
limited rigidity, which c an
result in damage to the food containers during the stacking of the individual
crates and/or during
transport. In addition, it is costly to arrange advertising prints on the
inside of the crate.
A stackable crate is known from G 85 07 721.6, with which the strut located in
the inner-area is
constructed in a similar fashion by means of folding the external border areas
inwards at an angle of
approx. 90°, whereupon each individual strut is connected with the rest
of the material. This design
also has the disadvantage of very limited rigidity and of a costly commercial
expansion of the external
side of the folded crate. In addition, the material utilization ratio of the
crates mentioned is not
spectacular in comparison.
This said invention addresses the task of creating a novel multiple cavity
crate generic in nature, which
ensures a significantly improved level of rigidity featuring a greater ratio
of
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material a tilization ( reduction i n m aterial). In a ddition, t he m ultiple
c avity crate i s t o p rovide 1 oad-
relief for the containers.
The said invention concerning the generic multiple cavity crate is created in
that at least one stabilizing
strut connecting the base with the upper-part is designated between at least
two rows of at least
partially delimited cavities. Hence, the stabilizing strut runs between two
rows of cavities (with
interruptions if necessary) through the multiple cavity crate, connecting the
struts with one another.
This consequently guarantees bend-resistant rigidity, torsion-resistant
rigidity and rigidity parallel to
the base plane, which is significantly greater than that of the multiple
cavity crates known that provide
stabilization solely in the border areas. In essence, the stabilizing strut
can run between two rows of
cavities. It can also be interrupted, in which case, the necessary
stabilization is still ensured. The
invention allows for material savings of up to 40% in comparison to the
conventional blanks.
For practical purposes, the stabilizing strut is formed by folding two
foldable panels together, which
pass through the blank extending parallel to one of its sides.
The two foldable panels mentioned are then stuck together after being unfolded
for practical pu rposes.
The stabilizing strut in turn deals with a double-layer construction, which
likewise connects the base
and the upper-part.
For practical proposes, areas belonging together are staggered due to the
folding of the foldable panels
for the production of the stabilizing strut - in consideration of the
condition of panels - whereupon
these areas are positioned together first through the folding of the foldable
panels, that is, through the
creation of the stabilizing strut.
According to a design of the multiple cavity crate corresponding to this
invention, the blank comprises
three foldable panels, for which, two foldable panels located on the sides can
be folded to a middle
foldable panel. Here,
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the foldable panels located on the sides are connected with the respective
struts aligning them in such a
way that space is generated between them and the base through the folding of
the struts.
A stabilizing strut is advantageously designated between each row of cavities,
through which an
optimal rigidity can be achieved
Insofar the stabilizing strut is, in accordance with the possible design of
this invention, aligned with the
blank such that it runs parallel to the row of cavities with the greatest
number of cavities, an optimal
ratio of material utilization results. The foldable panels are connected to
one another via a fold-line,
e.g. a line comprising perforations or a line with limited material strength.
Furthermore, support straps, in accordance with another design of the
invention, can be designated in
the area of the stabilizing strut. These are directed upwards, that is, only
on top of neighboring crates
located at the top of the stack and absorb as well as transfer the force to
the struts. As a result, the total
integrity of the stacked crates is improved and s ubsequent damage of the good
to be transported is
avoided.
Another design of this invention is characterized in that two stabilizing
struts are designated adjacent to
one another. As a result, the rigidity of the struts is further increased on
the one hand and on the other,
a set partition line can also be designated between the two stabilizing struts
such that the struts can be
twisted into smaller struts by means of a few manual manipulations.
For practical purposes, neighboring foldable panels for the respective
stabilizing struts that feature such
a partition line are not connected such that the strut can only be separated
along the set partition line.
Alternatively, the two neighboring foldable panels along the set partition
line are to be connected via
removable adhesives. When needed, they can be separated into individual
components using the set
partition line. Thus, the division of such struts into smaller struts can be
carried out at any time during
the use of the struts
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with the invention-pursuant multiple cavity crate, for example, by the buyer,
the retailer or - if desired -
by the manufacturer prior to dispatch into the retail market.
Furthermore, folds are designated in the corner area for practical purposes.
For these folds, two panels
can be folded together and connected, preferably using an adhesive. An
increase of the stability of the
corners is consequently ensured
The blank features a border area, which faces out when folded with its upside
corresponding to the
upside of the base. This allows for the commercial printing of the upper-part
of the base and
simultaneously of the side area, which is visible from the outside. As a
result, the highly visible upper-
portion of the blank can be labeled.
For practical purposes, the upper-portion of the flat blank is labeled, the
upper-portion of the base, that
~s.
For practical purposes, a strap is strapped towards the top and the
neighboring strap on the outside
downwards on the side of the strut running perpendicular to the respective
stabilizing strut. Then both
straps are stuck together after the staggering achieved by erecting the crate
has been fully completed.
This also generates a special reinforcement of the crate.
A partial strut can be designated between at least two neighboring cavities in
a row generating a special
advantage. This strut extends over a partial area transverse to the row of
cavities. As a result, the
cavities are only partially delimited. This produces a particularly high twist-
resistant rigidity since the
base is not transversely interrupted. This has also the additional advantage
that the uninterrupted base is
available for commercial printing.
The partial strut can be connected to the base via a support strut for
practical purpose such that the
partial strut is provided with a stable footing. In addition, a multiplicity
of partial and support struts
results in an increase of the general stability of the multiple cavity box.
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In essence, the support strut can run parallel to the stabilizing struts. As a
result, the support strut
essentially runs perpendicularly between the upper-part and the base, which in
turn produces an
increase in the torsion-resistant rigidity parallel to the base's plane.
However, it is also possible that the
support strut runs diagonal to the upper-part and the base.
Protrusions can be advantageously designated in the area of the upside
particularly for the lateral-
securing of a container. These protrusions can be especially designated in the
area of the partial struts,
thereby enabling the partial struts to fulfill a double-function, that is, the
securing of a container on one
hand as well as increasing the rigidity of the struts on the other. It is
particularly practical, if the
protrusions feature a deformed contour so that the containers inserted can be
particularly well stabilized
in their position.
A crate utilizing the previously described partial struts is characterized by
its increased material savings
of some 28% in comparison to conventional crates.
The partial as well as the support struts can be arranged such that they are
positioned directly opposite
one another within a row of cavities, particularly in a row located on the
inside. This is advantageous in
that the protrusions described above that are located in the area of the
partial struts equally stabilize the
inserted container in its position on both sides. The stability of the entire
crate can be thereby increased.
In contrast, the partial as well as support struts can only be designated on
the side of the border areas
for rows of cavities located along the border.
Another advantageous layout of the crate exists in that at least one
transverse stabilizing strut is
designated transverse to the stabilizing struts. The transverse stabilizing
strut is positioned essentially at
a right angle to the stabilizing strut and similarly runs between two
consecutive rows of cavities. This
additionally increases the twist-resistant rigidity as well as the carrying
capacity of the multiple cavity
crate to an even greater extent.
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The transverse stabilizing strut can be advantageously removed along a set
partition line. As needed,
the multiple cavity crate can be divided into smaller creates along the
partition line with a few simple
manipulations. The foldable panels next to the set partition line can, for
example, only be connected in
their lower-area via a line comprising a perforation. In addition or
alternatively, the two foldable panels
can be bonded together using a removable adhesive. Likewise, a separation of
the transverse stabilizing
strut can be conducted in the same manner as with the stabilizing struts
described above.
The crate's areas positioned on both sides of the transverse stabilizing strut
can be pivoted together
such that the multiple cavity crates can be positioned on top of a roof shaped
holder or the like such
that the two areas of the multiple cavity crate are positioned diagonal one
another, each consequently
pointing in a different direction. This can be advantageous to the
presentation of the containers held by
the multiple cavity crate.
Furthermore, support straps can be designated in the area of at least one part
of the transverse
stabilizing strut. These support bars, which are bent upwards when the
multiple cavity crate is folded-
up - like the support straps on the stabilizing struts that were already
described above - ensure the
bracing of the multiple cavity crate to the multiple cavity crate above. As a
result, a sufficient distance
is maintained between the crates positioned on top and the containers
designated for the crate
positioned below and the containers are not damaged by the weight of the
crates positioned overhead.
In yet another advantageous design variation, a partial strut is designed in
the area of the partially
delimited cavities. This partial strut extends over a partial area transverse
to a row of cavities. This is
advantageous in that the containers inserted are protected in a particularly
effective manner from
shifting within the partially delimited cavities and/or the respective punch-
out. Therefore, the partial
struts have a reinforcing effect within the multiple cavity crate o n the one
hand and on the other,
generate proficient gripping force of the containers within the openings.
The respective partial strut is advantageously connected to the base via a
support strut. The support
strut also leads to the improved gripping of the containers as well as an
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increased stabilization and twist-resistant rigidity of the entire crate.
Crates stacked on top also
contribute to an even better gripping of the containers.
For practical purposes, the partial strut and/or the support strut can each be
positioned in the middle of
a partially delimited cavity. This is advantageous in that the inserted
containers are equally stabilized in
their position on both sides.
The support strut can advantageously run diagonally from the partial strut
inwards to the base,
providing even better gripping of the inserted containers and optimal
protection from shifting.
Furthermore, the width of the support strut can increase in the direction of
the base and be, e.g.
trapezoid-shaped. This layout also ensures a particularly stable footing for
the containers.
It is possible that the partial as well as support struts are positioned
directly opposite one another in
every second row of partially delimited cavities. For example, the partial and
support struts are only
positioned directly opposite one another in the rows located on the outside of
a crate in order to make
for a symmetrical layout of the crate and an even distribution of force
particularly for containers
inserted in the crate.
Another advantageous layout variation exists in that the stabilizing strut is
interrupted in sections at
least on one side. For this, the stabilizing strut only consists of partial
struts and/or foldable panel
sections, which is sufficient for the stabilization of the multiple cavity
crate and serves to increase the
rigidity. This layout variant is advantageous because less material is need
and the multiple cavity crate
becomes lighter.
The stabilizing strut can be completely interrupted in some sections or only
on one side especially
alternating with the bordering side such that, on the whole, a continuous
stabilizing strut is nonetheless
present.
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The stabilizing strut can be advantageous interrupted by struts designated
between the containers. The
struts are therefore worked out of the stabilizing strut and as such,
constitute a component of the upper-
part.
For practical purpose, struts can also be designated in the border area,
between which the containers
can be positioned. In this case, the struts can be shaped at least in some
sections like the struts
designated at the stabilizing strut such that the containers inserted are
stabilized both in the middle area
as well as in the border area in the same manner. The border area can be
additionally covered by means
of a strap located on the side of the border, which is combined with the
remaining areas between the
struts and as such, extends between the base and the upper-part.
Every two neighboring struts can advantageously form an at least partially
delimited cavity for holding
a container. As a result, the containers experience direct support by the
struts such that particularly
effective grip is guaranteed
The struts on the stabilizing strut facing both sides are staggered with
respect to one another in this
layout variant such that they remain firmly connected to the stabilizing
strut. The asymmetry generated
by the staggering of the struts results in an increase of the twist-resistant
rigidity of the multiple cavity
crate. For this, the struts can be only slightly or also completely staggered
such that their sides
bordering one another no longer overlap.
For practical purposes, the struts at the two neighboring stabilizing struts,
particularly those parallel to
one another and/or the struts positioned at the stabilizing strut and those
positioned along the adjacent
border area can be positioned directly opposite one another such that the free
standing strut ends can be
connected to one another, thereby mutually stabilizing one another.
The struts can, in particular, overlap at their free end areas such that they
are combinable in a stable
manner. For example, the struts can be bonded together at their free,
overlapping end areas.
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The struts opposite the stabilizing struts and/or those opposite a stabilizing
strut and the opposing
border area also cannot overlap one another, whereupon their free ends can
each be connected with the
base using a connecting strap.
For the purposes of clarity, recurrent features are provided with identical
reference numerals only once.
For practical purposes, layouts of the said invention are explained in more
detail using the diagrams.
They show::
Fig. 1 a top view (Fig. 1 A) of a blank for the production of a first layout
for the invention-
accordant multiple cavity crate as well as a local section representation (Fig
1 B) along
the line A-A in Fig. 1 A;
Fig. 2 a t op v iew ( Fig. 2 A ) o f a s econd 1 ayout for t he i nvention-
accordant m ultiple c avity
create prior to division (Fig. 2 A), a location section representation (Fig. 2
B) along the
line B-B in Fig. 2 A as well as after division (Fig. 2 C);
Fig. 3 a third layout for the invention-accordant multiple cavity crate prior
to division (Fig. 3
A) as well as after division (Fig. 3 B);
Fig. 4 a top view (Fig. 4 A) of a further layout for the invention-accordant
multiple cavity crate
as well as a localized view (Fig. 4 B) along the line C-C in Fig. 4 A;
Fig. 5 a top view of a blank for the production of a fifth layout for the
invention-accordant
multiple cavity crate;
Fig. 6 a top view of a blank for the production of a sixth layout of the
invention-accordant
multiple cavity crate;
Fig. 7 a top view of a blank for the production of a seventh layout of the
invention-accordant
multiple cavity crate;
Fig. 8a a top view of a blank for the production of an eighth layout of the
invention-accordant
multiple cavity crate;
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Fig. 8b a sectional view of the multiple cavity crate in a folded state
according to figure 8 along
the line D - D;
Fig. 9 a top view of a blank for the production of another layout of the
multiple cavity crate;
Fig. 10 a top view of a blank for the production of another layout of the
multiple cavity crate;
Fig. 11 a a top view of a blank for the production of another layout of the
multiple cavity crate;
Fig. l lb a top view of the erected multiple cavity crate according to Fig. 11
a as well as
Fig. 11 c a top view of the erected multiple cavity crate according to figures
lla and b with
inserted containers.
Reference numeral 1 in Fig. 1 A denotes the flat blank for the production of a
first layout of the
invention-accordant crate. For practical purpose, this deals with material,
which is provided with
appropriate punch-outs and/or partial punch-outs. The thickly drawn,
continuous lines rendered in
figures 1 - 7 denote punch-outs, whereas thickly drawn lines interrupted by a
continuous fine line
depict partial punch-outs for the creation of foldable lines.
The packing material blank features a base 2, which can be seen in the top
view of Fig. 1. This base 2 is
covered with a full or partial area commercial print not shown in this case.
Areas (in a flat state) are
designated for base 2, which are designated as upper-part 3 and are positioned
at a height different to
that of base 2's plane following the folding-up of the blank for the
production of the multiple cavity
crate. This upper-part 3 comprises individual struts 4, whereupon every two
neighboring struts 4 form a
cavity for holding a container such as a yoghurt container.
In the respective border area 5 of the blank l, crooked areas are similarly
designated, which are
positioned staggered to the corresponding inner struts 4 in the blank's flat
state. The blank according to
Fig. 1 features two stabilizing struts 7, which, as shown in the
representation from Fig. l, each cross
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from one side to the other transversing the blank 1. Every stabilizing strut 7
is formed between the
foldable panels 8 and 9, whereupon the foldable panel between the foldable
panels 8 and 9 is drawn
upwards when folding the multiple cavity crate together in according with Fig.
1 B such that the two
foldable panels 8 and 9 come into an adjacent position. Another foldable panel
10, which connects the
strut 4 with the foldable panel 9, is folded over such that, in according with
Fig. 1 B, the foldable line is
located between the foldable panel 10 and the strut 4, in this case at the
same height as the foldable line
between the foldable panels 8 and 9. A component of the stabilizing strut 7 is
a somewhat foldable
panel 20 roughly half as high locating at the beginning of the strut 4, which
is folded against the
foldable panel 8.
Furthermore, an affixed foldable panel 21 from the base 2 is folded against
the border area 11 and
bonded, if necessary.
When folding up the multiple cavity case according in the manner previously
described, the crooked
areas of each of the struts 4 located on the border's side and the crooked
areas of the border area 5
achieve the correct position with the dissolution of the staggering and
mutually form a cavity 6 for
holding a (not shown) container. The areas of the base 2 are rendered dotted
in Fig. 1 B, since they are
not cut.
In addition, the limited side areas 11, which are located parallel to the
reinforcing struts 7, are folded
downwards by 90° such that the printed side is visible from the outside
Furthermore, at least one part of the border straps (compare with border strap
17) is folded downwards
and - following the dissipation of the staggering - adhered to the border
strap 18 that is folded
upwards. In addition, the corner strap 19 is folded around by approx.
90° and likewise bonded to the
border strap 18.
In the area of each stiffening strut 7, a support strap created by a cut-out
13 is located, which is bent
upwards w hen t he c rate i s i n a folded-up s tate. Said c ut-out 13 a
nsures the s upport o f t he m ultiple
cavity crate with the neighboring multiple cavity crate in the stacked
network.
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According to the second layout of the multiple cavity crate presented in Fig.
2 that corresponds to this
invention, two stabilizing struts 7 are each designated to run transversely
(comp. Fig. 2 A). For this
layout, every stabilizing strut 7 consists of a foldable panel 8 as well as a
foldable panel 9 whose
connecting fold-line is, following the folding out of the stiffening strut
and/or the struts into a plane, is
located above the base 2 and/or above the respective strut 4. An identically
arranged stabilizing strut 7
is alongside. Both stabilizing struts 7 are separated from one another by
means of a set partition line,
e.g. perforated line in Fig. 2 A. In this case as well, the stabilizing struts
7 run between the individual
neighboring rows of cavities G for the cut-outs.
This layout makes it possible that individual rows of the multiple cavity
crate can be separated when
needed. For the layout according to Fig. 2 A, the corner straps 19 are bonded
to the border straps 18
folded upwards. The border area 11 is likewise, in accordance with the
representation in Fig. 2 B,
folded downwards by roughly 90° during the folding out of the multiple
cavity crate such that the
commercial print is be seen easily from outside.
The strut 4 is - see Fig. 2 B - pushed upwards by folding the two-sided
foldable panels 20. The
foldable panels 20 additionally stabilize the stabilizing strut 7 as well as
the border area 11. The areas
of the base 2 are drawn with dotted lines in Fig. 2 B since they are not cut.
Only the one half of the
arrangement of the foldable panels, which form the stabilizing strut, is
marked with reference numerals
in Fig. 2 B for reasons of clarity.
A strap 16, which is connected with the base 2 and is folded inwards by
90°, is located in the area of
the border strap 18.
Fig. 2 C shows a small, divided crate with only one row of punch-outs 6 after
separation of this crate
from the arrangement shown in Fig. 2 A. This layout also features corner
protrusions 12 for the
improvement of the stackability of the entire multiple cavity crate and/or of
a divided multiple cavity
crate.
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The third layout of an invention-accordant multiple cavity crate represented
in Fig. 3 similarly features
stabilizing struts 7 located adjacent to one another. These struts are formed
by means of the foldable
panels 8 and 9 as well as the fold-line connected these two foldable panels,
which is located on the
upside of the Multiple cavity crate in an erected state. In addition, a set
partition line, also in this
layout, is located between the two stabilizing struts 7, which are setup as a
double set partition line due
to the outer cone of the struts (previously described). The corners are bonded
on top of one another and
with one another by means of the corner folds 15 of two triangle foldable
panels, which additionally
stabilizes this multiple cavity crate. Especially stable multiple cavity
crates can be made in this way.
Furthermore, the border straps 17 are folded down and the border straps 18 are
folded up and bonded
together as well in this case. The border area 11 and/or the commercial print
located on top of it are
easily visible from outside due to similar downward folding for the erected
multiple cavity crate.
A divided multiple cavity crate smaller in size to the previously mentioned is
also visible in Fig. 3 B. In
additional, a double row of cavities is intended in this case in contrast to
the previously described struts
in accordance with the first and second layouts.
Fig. 4 A shows a fourth layout of the invention-accordant multiple cavity
crate. Here, two stabilizing
struts 7 (also compare with Fig. 4 B), each of which consists of foldable
panels 8 and 9 folded on top of
one another and which are separated by a set partition line 14, are likewise
intended to be part of the
design. This likewise deals with a multiple cavity create featuring double
cavity arrangement on both
sides of the stabilizing struts 7. The multiple cavity crate features struts
4, which must be bonded to one
another after the crate is folded out in area 22. The mounts for the struts 4
are (compare with Fig. 4 B)
are staggered with one another in the base. Increased protection from ripping
is associated with this
construct and the bonding. Likewise, corner folding 15 takes place by means of
a corresponding
folding up of the foldable panels located in the corner area as well as, if
necessary, their adhesion. The
bonding of the side areas, that is, border straps 17, 18 occurs in the manner
described with the third
layout.
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For the blanks shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the coarsely hatched area (from
above right to bottom left)
represents the base 2, while the frnely hatched area (from above left to
bottom right) represents the
upper-part 3 in a folded-up state. The perpendicularly arranged panels in the
multiple cavity crate in its
folded-up state feature no hatching. A partial strut 23 is designated between
two partially delimited
cavities 6 n eighboring a ach o ther i n a r ow i n t he t wo 1 ayout a
xamples from Figures 5 and 6 . T his
partial strut 23 extends over a partial area transverse to the row of cavities
6. The strut provided with
the reference numeral 4 in the figures 1 and 2 is consequently no longer shown
as a continuous strut,
but rather only runs over a partial area in a transverse direction. As a
result, the base 2 is no longer
interrupted for the centering of the containers and a commercial print can be
applied over a large area.
Apart from that, the continuous base leads to an increased twist-resistant
rigidity in the multiple cavity
crate.
Some partial struts 23 are each connected with the base 2 via a support strut
24. The support struts 24
similarly increase the rigidity of the entire struts. For this, the support
struts 24 essentially run parallel
to the stabilizing struts 7. The support struts 24 can, however, absolutely
also run diagonal to the
stabilizing struts and consequently be arranged diagonal to the upper-part
respectively to the base.
In the area of the upper-part 3, protrusions 25 are designated particularly
for the side gripping o f a
container. These protrusions 25 feature a distorted contour for adjusting to
the external contour of the
inserted container. The protrusions 25 are also designed for both sides of the
partial strut 23
As can be gathered from figures 5 and 6, partial 23 as well as support struts
24, which are directly
opposite one another, are designated in the row of partially delimited
cavities located on the inside. In
the rows of cavities 6 on the side of the border alongside, the partial 23 as
well as support struts 24 are
only designated for the side of the border areas. The partial as well as
support struts suffice for
generating a high level of rigidity for the stints.
The layout according to Fig. 6 will now be discussed. A transverse stabilizing
strut 7' is designated
transverse to the stabilizing struts 7. This
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transverse stabilizing strut 7' leads to a further increase in the stability,
twist-resistant rigidity as well
as the carrying capacity of the crate.
For the blank depicted in Figure 8a, the coarsely h atched area represents the
base 2, while the fine
hatched area stands for the upper-part 3 in a folded-up state.
The transverse stabilizing strut 7' can be separated along a set partition
line 26. The set partition line 26
is designed as perforation such that the two areas of the multiple cavity
crate can be separated from one
another easily. This facilitates above all the division of the crates into
smaller units.
The transverse stabilizing strut 7' is formed through the folding together and
bonding of each set of
two transversely running border areas 1 1 arranged on both sides of the
transverse stabilizing strut 7'.
The transverse stabilizing strut 7' in particular is kept intact by a
connection of the neighboring border
regions 5 and/or border straps 17 and 18 as well as the corner straps 19 of
the areas arranged on both
sides of the transverse stabilizing strut 7'. The two areas on both sides of
the transverse stabilizing strut
7' can also only be connected with one another such that they can be pivoted
together. For this, the two
areas along the transverse stabilizing strut 7' are only connected with one
another in terms of lines.
In the area of the transverse stabilizing strut 7', support straps 27 are
additionally designated. These
straps ensure that the necessary space to the crate positioned overhead is
maintained.
For the blank depicted in Figure 7, the partial struts 23 are designated in
the area of the partially
delimited cavities 6, whereupon the partial struts 23 extend over a partial
area transversely to a row of
cavities 6. In this case as well, the partial strut is connected to the base 2
via a support strut 24. The
arrangement of the partial struts 23 as well as the support struts 24 in the
area of the cavities 6 results in
the inserted containers being effectively secured against shifting laterally.
hl addition, the partial struts
23 in connection with the support struts 24 also affect a stiffening of the
multiple cavity crate.
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The partial struts 23 as well as the support struts 24 are each positioned in
the middle of a partially
delimited cavity 6 in order to stabilize the inserted containers equally on
both sides.
In the folded-up state, the support strut 24 runs inwards diagonally from the
partial strut 23 to the base
2, thereby provided for even better gripping of the inserted containers on the
one hand, while on the
other hand these containers can still be easily removed from above.
The width of the support struts 24 increases in the direction of the base 2,
whereupon the support struts
located on the inside 24 exhibit the shape of an equilateral trapezoid. The
widening of the support struts
24 in the direction of the base 2 generates a further improvement in the
gripping of the containers.
As further gathered from Figure 7, the partial 23 as well as support struts 24
are positioned in each of
the outward-facing rows of partially delimited cavities 6, while no support
struts 24 are designed in the
middle row in order not to weaken the stabilizing strut 7 through excessive
interruptions in its stability
and/or integrity.
The layout depicted in Figure 8a and b will now be described. For this
multiple cavity crate, the
stabilizing strut 7 is interrupted in sections. This design, in contrast to
the example layout from Figure
1 A, enables the saving of even more material and the reduction of the crate's
weight.
The stabilizing strut 7 is formed by means of several and/or two foldable
panel sections 30 that are to
be bonded together and is interrupted by the struts 4 designated for between
the containers, which are
located between the foldable panel sections 30. In addition, a particularly
twist-resistant multiple cavity
create is produced through the connection of the individual foldable panel
sections 30 to the upper part
3 by means of the neighboring struts 4. Apart from that, a particularly
compact design of the multiple
cavity strut is consequently achieved.
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Struts 4' are designated along the border area, between which the containers
can be positioned. In
contrast, the border strap 28 is designed without interruptions, thereby
providing for a stable border
area.
Every two neighboring struts 4 respectively 4' form at least one partially
delimited cavity 6 for the
reception of a container. The containers consequently rest against the edge of
the cavities and are
secured in this manner.
The struts 4 on the stabilizing strut 7 that point to both sides are staggered
with respect to one another
such that they are mounted on the stabilizing strut 7. The staggered
arrangement of the struts 4 results
furthermore in a high twist-resistant rigidity above all in the area of the
stabilizing strut 7.
The struts 4 and 4' positioned opposite one another are located on the one
hand at the stabilizing strut 7
and on the other at the adjacent border area such that their free end areas 29
can be connected with one
another. For this, the struts 4 and 4' overlap at their free end areas 29 (see
Fig. 8b) and are bonded
together in the overlapping area.
In the Figures 9 to l lb, the base 2 is represented by a cross-hatched area,
while the upper-part 3 is
characterized by a hatched area. The areas that essentially run
perpendicularly, the stabilizing strut 7,
among others, are not hatched. The multiple cavity crate featured in Figures 9
and 10 is designed to
hold twelve containers and/or cups, while the layout from Fig. 11 can be
loaded with twenty cups 33.
(see Fig. 1 lc).
For the layout of the multiple cavity crate featured in Fig. 10, stacking
corners 34 are designed in
contrast to Fig. 9. These stacking corners serve to improve the stackability
of the multiple cavity crate.
For the layouts of the multiple cavity crate depicted in Figures 9 to 11, the
struts 4 are staggered with
respect to one another such that the stabilizing strut 7 is only interrupted
on one side by the upwards-
folded struts 4. The foldable panel sections 30
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remaining between the struts 4 are bonded to one another at the stabilizing
strut 7. This design ensures
a significant savings of material as well as very good mechanical integrity
and/or twist-resistant
rigidity. The struts 4 opposite to one another at the stabilizing struts 7 as
well as the struts 4, 4'
positioned on one hand at the stabilizing strut 7 and on the other at the
adjacent border area are not
located directly opposite. The end areas 31 of these struts 4, 4' are
therefore connected with the base 2
via a connecting strap 32.
In Fig. 9, a stabilizing strut 7 is designated, while two stabilizing struts 7
positioned parallel to one
another are integrated in Fig. 10.
From a comparison of Figures lla and llb, the folding together and/or the
erection of the multiple
cavity crate from the blank 1 are particularly well depicted.
It is noted that all features of the previously described layouts can also be
swapped among one another.
The invention-accordant multiple cavity crate features a significantly
improved rigidity on the one hand
and on the other, an improved ratio of material utilization. In addition, the
production costs (such as
printing and punch-outs) can be reduced by up to 50% because more uses (e.g.
thus far three uses, now
six uses) are possible on the printed sheet. What's more, only limited
punching ejection falls into the
outer area. The invention-accordant blank is therefore particularly suited to
rotational punching as well.
The invention therefore represents a fully decisive advance in the applicable
area.
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List of Reference Numerals
1 Blank 18 Border strap
2 Base 19 Corner strap
3 Upper-part 20 Foldable panel
4 Strut 21 Foldable panel (base
part)
4' Strut 22 Area of the adhesion
Border area 23 Partial strut
6 Cavity 24 Support strut
7 Stabilizing strut 25 Protrusion
8 Foldable panel 26 Set partition line
9 Foldable panel 27 Support strap
Foldable panel 28 Border strap
11 Border area 29 End area
12 Corner protrusion 30 Foldable panel section
13 Support strap 31 End area
14 Set partition line32 Connecting strap
Corner fold 33 Cup
16 Strap 34 Stacking corner
17 Corner strap
