LEVI, Ilan (116 Kfar Harif, Kfar Harif, 79830, IL)
REICH, Gilad (Pob 143, Kibbutz Revadim, 79820, IL)
LEVI, Ilan (116 Kfar Harif, Kfar Harif, 79830, IL)
| CLAIMS 1. A grip tray for securing an upper canister above a lower canister, the canisters each having a body, a neck, a bottom side, and a collar, the grip-tray comprising: a plate having an underside and a top side for housing theupper canister; and at least one clasp configured to grip said bottom canister beneath the collar; wherein said top side of said plate can be loosely coupled with said bottom side of said upper canister, and wherein said at least one clasp is configured to collide with said lower canister's collar and securing said lower canister when said lower canister is lifted from a platform. 2. The grip tray of claim 1 , further comprising a spacer located on the underside of said plate and configured to be positioned above said lower canister such that said lower canister is in direct contact with said spacer. 3. The grip tray of claim 1 , wherein said at least one clasp is ring shaped, surrounding at least a part of the bottom canister's neck. 4. The grip tray of claim 1 , wherein said at least one clasp is shaped as a hook having a sharp edge configured to couple with the bottom canister's neck beneath its collar. 5. The grip tray of claim 1 , wherein said grip tray is made of materials selected from a group comprising: plastic, metal and combinations thereof. 6. The grip tray of claim 1 , wherein said plate is perforated. 7. The grip tray of claim 1 , wherein said plate comprises at least one security element configured to couple with said bottom side of said upper canister. 8. The grip tray of claim 7, where said at least one security element is selected from a group comprising: protrusions, recesses and combinations thereof. 9. A secure packaging system for a plurality of canisters comprising: a plurality of grip trays for securing an upper canister above a lower canister, the canisters each having a body, a neck, a bottom side, and a collar, said plurality of grip traysarranged in a two dimensional structure, wherein each grip tray comprises: a plate having an underside and a top side for housing the upper canister; and at least one clasp configured to grip said bottom canister beneath the collar; wherein said top side of said plate can be loosely coupled with said bottom side of said upper canister, and wherein said at least one clasp is configured to collide with said lower canister's collar and securing said lower canister when said lower canister is lifted from a platform; a frame surrounding said plurality of grip trays, the frame comprising a plurality of connectors; and atleast one handle; wherein said connectors are configured to couple with connectors of at least one adjacent secure packaging system. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said connectors are in the form of protruding male connectors and female connectors, such that said protruding male connectors and said female connectors are configured to loosely couple with female connectors and protruding male connectors of at least one adjacent packaging system. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein said plurality of canisters ranges between two to twenty four canisters. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein said two dimensional structure is in a tessellation-enabling shape. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said tessellation-enabling shape is selected from a group comprising: triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, rhombuses, and combinations thereof. 14. The system of claim 9, configured to secure together said plurality of canisters while said plurality of canisters are resting on a substantially horizontal platform. 15. The system of claim 9, configured to secure together said plurality of canisters while said plurality of canisters are resting on an oblique platform. 16. The system of claim 9, wherein said handle is aligned with said frame. 17. The system of claim 9, wherein said handle is submerged within said frame. 18. The system of claim 9, wherein said at least one handle is located substantially in a center of said two dimensional structure. 19. The system of claim 9, wherein said handle is capable of being expanded upwards when said grip tray array is lifted from a platform. 20. The system of claim 16, capable of being securely stacked upon another system in its empty configuration. 21. A multi-level display unit for displaying canisterson oblique surfaces, the display unit configured to be placed on a substantially horizontal platform, the display unit comprising: a plurality of oblique display racks comprising arrayed dents for housing canisters' bottoms, said racks positioned diagonally such that an angle is formed between said substantially horizontal platforms and said racks; and an extraction splitter capable of guiding a tilt movement of packaged bottles relative to their secure packaging system. 22. A method for secure storage and transport of canisters having a body, a neck, a bottom side, and a collar, the method comprising: securing a plurality of canisters within secure packaging system comprising a plurality of grip-trays arranged in a two-dimensional structure surrounded by a frame, said grip-trays havinga plate for housing an upper canister and at least one clasp configured to grip a lower canister beneath the collar, such as to formmodularstructures of packed canisters; tessellating said modular structures horizontally such as to form tessellated surfaces; and stacking said tessellated surfaces one on top of the other into a stacked tessellated structure having a top and a bottom. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising securing said stacked tessellated structure with a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises arrayed dents for housing canisters' bottoms. 24. A method of recycling canisters having a body, a neck, a bottom side, and a collar, the method comprising: securing a plurality of canisters within secure packaging system comprising a plurality of grip-trays arranged in a two-dimensional structure surrounded by a frame, said grip-trays having a plate for housing an upper canister and at least one clasp configured to grip a lower canister beneath the collar, such as to form modular structures of packed canisters; and arranging said modular structures of packed canisters into useful constructions. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein said arranging comprises tessellating said modular structures one next to the other and stacking said modular structures one on top of the other. 26. The method of claim 25,wherein said useful constructions are selected from a group comprising platforms, chairs, floating mattresses, tables, display bars, shelves, acoustic insulation surfaces, thermal insulation surfaces, green roof tiles, geotechnical stabilization elements, bricks, and combinations thereof. 27. The method of claim 24, wherein the canisters are empty. 28. The method of claim 24, wherein the canisters are selected from a group comprising bottles, cans, jars and combinations thereof. |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to canisters. In particular, the present invention relates to the storage, transport and presentation of canisters.
BACKGROUND
Canisters for storing goods vary in size and shape. A bottle is a rigid container with a neck that is narrower than the body and with a "mouth." By contrast, a jartypically has a neck about as large as the body, with a relatively large mouth or opening.A typical soft-drink can has an outline resembling that of a jar, even though its opening is rather small and integrated into the can's top. Canisters are often made of glass, metal, plastic or other impervious materials, and are often used to store liquid substances. A device applied in the bottling line to seal the mouth of a bottle or a can is termed an external cap.
Effective canister packaging is important for safe transport, storage, warehousing, sale and use, and protection of canisters from shock or vibration. Packaging may further add convenience in distribution, handling, stacking, display, opening, closing, re-closing, dispensing or the like.
United States Patent Number 4,360,231 titled "Bottle Carrier" to Liberty
Glass Company describes a bottle carrier configured to carry a plurality of bottles from its bottom side, and having a plurality of bottle seats on its top side for receiving the bottoms of upright bottles held in a similar carrier above. This carrier may enable relatively safe stacking of bottle packs on top of one another, but does not address the need of placing a plurality of such bottle carriers next to each other.
US Patent number 7,644,828 titled "Bottle / Container coupling system" to Steven Klein describes a bottle stacking mechanism in which the shape of the bottle enables secure stacking of one bottle on top of the other. This patent, however, refers to the shape of the bottle and not to an external packaging system.
Both patents doenable secure stacking of bottle carriers one on top of the other, optionally in a "Take me" position where bottles are not necessarily placed on a horizontal platform.
Unfortunately, canister packages typically have no other uses, and are often thrown away without being recycled thus potentially polluting the environment.
The need remains therefore, for an effectivecanister packaging system which enables secure stacking of canister packs one on top of the other, and whose structure can be used for additional purposes. Embodiments described hereinbelow address this need.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
A grip tray for securing an upper canister above a lower canister is disclosed, the canisters each having a body, a neck, a bottom side, and a collar, the grip-tray comprising a plate having an underside and a top side for housing the upper canister, andat least one clasp configured to grip the bottom canister beneath the collar; wherein the top side of the plate can be loosely coupled with the bottom side of the upper canister, and wherein the at least one clasp is configured to collide with the lower canister's collar and securing the lower canister when it is lifted from a platform. Optionally, the grip tray further comprises a spacer located on the underside of the plate and configured to be positioned above the lower canister such that the lower canister is in direct contact with the spacer.
Optionally, at least one clasp is ring shaped, surrounding at least a part of the bottom canister's neck. Optionally, at least one clasp is shaped as a hook having a sharp edge configured to couple with the bottom canister's neck beneath its collar. Optionally, the grip tray is made of materials selected from a group comprising plastic, metal and combinations thereof.
In preferred embodiments, the plate is perforated. Optionally, the plate comprises at least one security element configured to couple with the bottom side of the upper canister. Optionally, the security element is selected from a group comprising protrusions, recesses and combinations thereof.
A secure packaging system for a plurality of canisters, each having a body, a neck, a bottom side, and a collar is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of grip trays for securing an upper canister above a lower canister, the plurality of grip trays arranged in a two dimensional structure; a frame comprising a plurality of connectors surrounding the plurality of grip trays; and at least one handle; wherein the connectors are configured to couple with connectors of at least one adjacent secure packaging system.
Optionally, the connectors are in the form of protruding male connectors and female connectors, such that the protruding male connectors and the female connectors are configured to loosely couple with female connectors and protruding male connectors of at least one adjacent packaging system. Optionally, the plurality of canisters ranges between two to twenty four canisters.
Optionally, the two dimensional structure is in a tessellation-enabling shape. Optionally, the tessellation-enabling shape is selected from a group comprising triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, rhombuses, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the system is configured to secure together the plurality of canisters while they are resting on a substantially horizontal platform. Optionally, the system is configured to secure together the plurality of canisters while they are resting on an oblique platform.
Optionally, the handle is aligned with the frame. Optionally, the handle is submerged within said frame. Optionally, at least one handle is located substantially in a center of said two dimensional structure. Optionally, the handle is capable of being expanded upwards when the grip tray array is lifted from a platform.
Optionally, the system is capable of being securely stacked upon another system in its empty configuration.
A multi-level display unit for displaying canisters on oblique surfaces is disclosed, the display unit configured to be placed on a substantially horizontal platform, the display unit comprising: a plurality of oblique display racks comprising arrayed dents for housing canisters' bottoms, the racks positioned diagonally such that an angle is formed between the substantially horizontal platforms and the racks; and an extraction splitter capable of guiding a tilt movement of packaged bottles relative to their secure packaging system.
A method is disclosed for secure storage and transport of canisters having a body, a neck, a bottom side, and a collar, the method comprising:securing a plurality of canisters within secure packaging system comprising a plurality of grip-trays arranged in a two-dimensional structure surrounded by a frame, the grip-trays having a plate for housing an upper canister and at least one clasp configured to grip a lower canister beneath the collar, such as to form modular structures of packed canisters;tessellating the modular structures horizontally such as to form tessellated surfaces; andstacking the tessellated surfaces one on top of the other into a stacked tessellated structure having a top and a bottom. Optionally, the method further comprises comprising securing the stacked tessellated structure with a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface comprises arrayed dents for housing canisters' bottoms.
A method is disclosed for recycling canisters having a body, a neck, a bottom side, and a collar, the method comprising: securing a plurality of canisters within secure packaging systems comprising a plurality of grip-trays arranged in a two-dimensional structure surrounded by a frame, the grip-trays having a plate for housing an upper canister and at least one clasp configured to grip a lower canister beneath the collar, such as to form modular structures of packed canisters; andarranging the modular structures of packed canisters into useful constructions.
Optionally, arranging comprises tessellating the modular structures one next to the other and stacking the modular structures one on top of the other. Optionally, the useful constructions are selected from a group comprising platforms, chairs, floating mattresses, tables, display bars, shelves, acoustic insulation surfaces, thermal insulation surfaces, green roof tiles, geotechnical stabilization elements, bricks.and combinations thereof. Optionally, the canisters are empty. Optionally, the canisters are selected from a group comprising bottles, cans, jars and combinations thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The secure packaging system and method for canisters having a body, a neck, a bottom side, and a collar comprise a frame surrounding a plurality of grip trays for securing an upper canister above a lower canister. Each grip- tray comprises a plate for housing an upper canister and at least one clasp configured to grip a bottom canister beneath its collar and secure the lower canister when it is lifted from a platform. Adjacent secure packaging systems can be coupled to each other, and stacked one on top of the other, forming stable structures for transport, storage, and display on substantially horizontal or oblique surfaces. The system and method can also be used for canister recycling.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.
With specific reference now to the drawing in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention; the description taken with the drawing making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 A is a view of a plastic bottle having a substantially flat bottom;
Figure 1 B is a view of a plastic bottle having a ridged bottom;
Figure 1 C is a view of a plastic bottle having a ridged bottom and a central recess;
Figure 1 D is a perspective view of the bottle necks opening, thread and collar;
Figures 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a two way grip-tray for coupling with bottles having a ridged bottom;
Figure 2B is an upside down perspective view of an embodiment of a two way grip-tray for coupling with bottles having a ridged bottom;
Figure 2C illustrates an embodiment of a plate configured to couple with a substantially flat bottom side of a bottle; Figure 2D illustrates an embodiment of a 'male' plate having a protruding security element configured to be inserted into a recess of a 'female' bottle bottom;
Figure 2E is a cross-sectional schematic view of a 'male' plate housing a
'female' bottle bottom;
Figure 2F illustrates an embodiment of a 'female' plate having a recess for housing a bottle bottom comprising a protrusion;
Figure 2G is a cross-sectional schematic view of a 'female' plate housing a
'male' bottle bottom;Figure 3A illustrates a single bottle held from its neck by a clasp of a grip tray;
Figure 3B illustrates two bottles stacked one on top of the other using a two-way grip tray;
Figure 4A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a canister in the form of a soft-drink can;
Figure 4B illustrates an embodiment of a grip tray for a can;
Figure 4C illustrates a can being held by security clasps of a grip tray;
Figure 5A illustrates a grip tray array embodiment for bottles;
Figure 5B illustrates a grip tray array embodiment for cans;
Figure 5C illustrates a plurality of empty grip-tray arrays stacked one on top of the other;
Figure 5D illustrates a grip tray array inserted with six soft drink cans having a handle in its flat configuration;
Figure 5E illustrates a grip tray array inserted with six soft drink cans having a handle in its expanded configuration;
Figure 6A illustrates three grip tray arrays inserted with plastic soft drink bottles adjacently coupled to one another and stacked one on top of the other; Figure 6B illustrates a grip tray inserted with six plastic soft drink bottles being lifted from a stacked structure by a hand of a person;
Figure 6C illustrates grip tray arrays inserted with soft drink cans stacked one on top of the other;
Figure 6D illustrates a stacked structure in a brick-like construction;
Figure 6E illustrates a tessellated grip-tray array surface;
Figure 6F illustrates an arrangement of tessellated and stacked grip tray arrays as seats and a table;
Figures 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate a structured arrangement of tessellated and stacked grip tray surfaces for storage and transport;
Figure 8A and 8B illustrate an insertion of soft drink cans into a grip tray array;
Figure 9A illustrates a multi-level display unit for placing bottles at an angle; and
Figures 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E illustrate a cross-sectional view of a tilted top extraction using an extraction splitter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS
Various embodiments of the secure packaging systemare disclosed hereinbelow. The system enables packaging a plurality of canisters in a structure that enables securing each of the canisters within the structure individually. Securing each canister is typically performed on more than one region of the canister, for example and without limitation packaging a plurality of bottles wherein each of the bottles is secured at its base and its neck.
The system further enables stacking a plurality of packaged canister structures one on top of the other, and securing adjacent packaged structures to each other. The system will be demonstrated hereinbelow through specific examples of a secure bottle packaging system embodiment. It should be noted, however, that this example should not be understood as limiting in any way, and that the system may be used with a plurality of containers and objects of varying shapes and sizes such as bottles, soft drink cans and jars.
CANISTERS
Reference is hereby made to Figures 1A-1 C illustrating perspective views of bottle embodiments typically used for storing liquids. A typical bottle 10 comprises a body 12 for housing liquids or other substances, a bottom 14, aneck 16 with an opening18, a collar 20, and athread22 configured to couple with a screw-cap 24 for sealing the opening 18.Aperspective view of the bottle neck's opening18, thread22 and collar 20 can be seen in Figure 1 D.
A 'neck' of a canister will be referred to herein as the portion located below the collar. Typically, the body of the canister tapers towards the collar, such as in bottles, jars, and soft drink cans.
It should be noted that bottles' bottoms may differ from one another as can be seen in Figures 1A-1 C. Figure 1A illustrates a bottle 10A having a substantially flat bottom 14A, common in mineral water bottles. Figure 1 B illustrates a bottle 10B with a ridged bottom 14B, common in soft drink plastic bottles. Figure 1 C illustrates a 'Female' embodiment 10C of a ridged bottom bottle. Embodiment 10Cshows a ridged bottom 14Ccomprisinga round central recess 26for coupling with a security element as will be illustrated hereinbelow. Other embodiments may comprise at least one recess or protrusion (not shown) for coupling with a security element and for enabling further stabilization of a bottle within a plate of a grip-tray. The recess or the protrusion may be round or alternatively any other shape that suits requirements.
The creation of bottles' protrusions or recesses may be a generic process applied to preforms. This enables bottle manufacturers to continue purchasing generic preforms, and applying the specific shape and configuration to the bottle without intervention in the blow-molding process. The generic process of creating protrusions or recesses may optionally include material or inserts into the mold.lt should be noted that the pre-formed mold may be a standard mold supplied to bottle manufacturers, and that different blowing processes may be applied by different manufacturers to create branded bottles according to need.
Optionally, recess, protrusion, or a combination thereof may be created in a typical plastic bottle manufacturing process.wherethe recess, protrusion, or a combination thereof is included in the perform supplied to a bottle manufacturer for stretching, pre-blowing, and full blowing.
The bottle in its sealed configuration may be used for storing liquids such as but not limited to beverages, chemicals, cosmetic products, medicine or the like. The bottle may be made of glass, plastic or any other material which suits requirements. Bottles and other canisters such as jars and soft- drink cans are generally configured to be stored, displayed, or transported from one point to another in their upright position. Corked wine bottles, however, are preferably stored horizontally.
GRIP TRAYS
Embodiments of a secure bottle packaging system comprise a plurality of grip-trays, wherein each grip-traycomprises at least one security clasp configured to couple with different types of containers and products. The grip- tray concept will be demonstrated hereinbelow on plastic bottles.
The term One-way' grip-tray will refer to a grip-tray that is configured to secure a singlecanister from its neck, for example a single plastic soft drink bottle.The term 'two-way' grip-tray will refer to a grip-tray that is configured to secure two canisters stacked one on top of the other.
Figures 2A, 2B 2C, 2D and 2Fillustrate perspective views of grip tray embodiments.General grip tray embodiments for canisters such as bottles comprise a plate 120 for housing a bottom side 14 of a bottle 10, a clasp 130 for coupling to a neck 16 of a bottle below its collar 20. Preferred embodiments further comprise a spacer 140 for securing layers of bottles when stacked one on top of the other as will be demonstrated in Figures 3A and 3B.
Reference is hereby made to Figure 2A illustrating a perspective view of a general embodiment of a two waygrip-tray 100 for coupling with bottles having a ridged bottom such as illustrated in Figure 1 B. Grip-tray 100 comprises aplate 120Bconfigured to serve as housing for a ridged bottom side 14B of a bottle 10B, by fitting the ridged contour of bottom side 14B into perforated plate 120B having holes 122. Perforation is economic, because less production material can be used to make plate 120B.
Figure 2B illustrates an upside down perspective view of grip tray 00 having a spacer 140 shaped as a ring and located on the bottom side of plate 120B.
Figure 2C illustrates an embodiment of a plate 120A configured to couple with a substantially flat bottom side 14A of bottle 10A. Figure 2D illustrates an embodiment of a 'male' plate 120C having a protruding security element 126. In this embodiment, protruding security element 126 is essentially round and located in the center of plate 120C. Protruding security element 126 is capable of being inserted into a round central recess 26 of a 'female' ridged bottle bottom 14C. A cross-sectional schematic illustration of a 'male' plate housing a 'female' bottle bottom is illustrated in Figure 2E.
Figure 2F illustrates an embodiment of a 'female' plate 120D having a recess 128. In this embodiment, recess 128 is essentially round and located in the center of plate 120D. A round protrusion (28 in Figure 2G) of a 'male' ridged bottle bottom 14D can be inserted into recess 128. A cross-sectional schematic illustration of a 'female' plate 120D housing a 'male' bottle bottom 14D is illustrated in Figure 2G.
It should be noted that the number of 'male' protrusions and 'female' recesses on a on a bottle bottom may vary according to requirements, as can corresponding security elements such as 126 or 128 on grip tray plates. The shapes of protrusions, recesses and their corresponding security elements may also vary. A bottle's bottom and a corresponding plate of a grip tray may comprise only protrusions / protruding security elements, only recesses / recess- shaped security elements, or a combination thereof.
A design of a bottle with a protrusion or a recess and the corresponding grip trays with corresponding security elements enables for economic consumption of production material, typically plastic. Plate embodiments 120C in Figure 2D and 120D in Figure 2F are perforated with holes 124. In addition, they arerelatively flat when compared to embodiments 120A and 120B.
Figure 3A illustrates a single bottle 10 held from its neck 16 by a clasp 130 of grip tray 100. Spacer 140 is placed on top of bottle cap 24. Figure 3B illustrates two bottles 10B' and 10B" such that 10B" is stacked on top of bottle 10B' using a single two-way grip tray 100. Clasp 130 surrounds the neck 16 of bottle 10B' and plate 120B houses the bottom 14B" of bottle 10B". Spacer 140 is placed above the cap of bottle 10B' and below the bottom of bottle 10B". Positioning the spacer as described herein eliminates the gaps which would otherwise be formed between the bottle layers, thus contributing to the overall stability of the grip-tray when bottles are stacked one on top of the other. Without the spacer, the weight of the upper bottle 10B" generates forces which may, over time, cause deformation to the grip tray, especially when arranged in arrayed structures which will be discussed below.
The clasp 130 is configured to be firmly secured around the neck of the bottle, preferably around only part of the neck. The neck's collar 20B'typically serves as an upper stopper for the clasp: when the tray holding a bottle is lifted from a platform by a hand of a person or by mechanical means, the bottle is pulled down against the tray such that the upper part of the clasp surrounding the bottle's neck from beneath the collar collides with the bottle's collar. Optionally, the clasp 130 is ring shaped, surrounding half or optionally more than half of a bottle neck's diameter. It should be noted that the configuration of the clasp embodiments with their coupling mechanisms illustrated herein is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be looked at as limiting. Plateembodiments aretypically configured to enable loose coupling with a bottom of a bottle, allowing a bottle to rest securely within the plate but also to be easily lifted from the plate.
It is a particular feature of grip-tray embodiments that they can be configured to couple with container objects which vary in sizes and shapes. The plates of the grip-trays may be configured to accommodate an object's external surface and enable the object to rest securely upon the plate.
Reference is made to Figure 4A illustrating an alternative embodiment of a canister in the form of a soft-drink can 30 having a body 32 for storing liquids, a collar 34, and a substantially flat roof 36 with an opening 38. Figure 4B illustrates an embodiment of a grip tray 200 for can 30 comprising an upper ring 220 and three security clasps 230 for gripping collar 34 of can 30. Clasps 230 are shaped as a hook having a sharp edge 232 configured to couple with the can beneath its collar as demonstrated in Figure 4C. Figure 4C illustrates can 30 being held by security clasps 230 of grip tray 200 by its collar 34. Roof 36 and ring 220 together form a plate for housing a bottom side of an additional can (not shown).
It should be noted that clasps on a grip tray may vary in size, shape and number according to the specific size, shape and potential grasp points of the canister which they are designed to secure.
The plate of a grip-tray may further serve for separation between one layer of packaged objects and another layer of packaged objects, further preventing objects from colliding with each other within a packaged structure. This can happen, for example, when a packaged structure is moved.
Grip-trays may be made of plastic, metal, composite polymers, or any other material, virgin or recycled, which suits requirements. The material used to construct the grip-trays may have a certain level of elasticity. Optionally, clasps of a grip-tray may be made of a different material than that of the plate of the grip-tray. Preferably, the clasps are made of plastic, and are an integral part of the grip tray, for example as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Alternatively, clasps can be made of metal or any other material which can maintain elasticity and a firm grasp on a canister's neck.
The secure packaging system is used to pack a plurality of canisters in a configuration that is easy to store, transport, carry and present to a potential buyer. The systemcomprisesa plurality of grip trays framed withinstructures having a two-dimensional outline such as but not limited to rectangular arrays, and a handle for carrying the grip tray structures in their full configuration. Preferably, the structures are essentially flat, enabling a plurality of structures to be packed one on top of the other with little or no space between them when they are in their empty configuration (not housing canisters). Secure packaging system embodiments arranged as rectangular arrays of grip trays may be referred to herein as grip-tray arrays.
In preferred embodiments, the structure is a two by three array, enabling the popular "six pack" packaging style. It is to be understood, that the structure may vary in shapes and dimensions. The rectangular arrayed arrangement is easy to carry and also easy to store, because adjacent grip tray arrays can be packed to tessellate a surface, optionally without spaces. This is also possible in other configurations, for example a hexagon, triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, rhombuses, and combinations thereof. Thementionedconfigurations, should not be looked at as limiting.
Typically a single structure is configured to hold 1 -24 canisters. The number of canisters in a structure may vary according to the canisters' shapes, sizes and weight. For example, the structure may be designed to house a number of canisters, such that the overall size and weight of the structure in its full configuration can be lifted by an average adult.
Reference is made to Figure 5A illustrating a grip tray array embodiment 300 comprising a rectangular frame 302 having two long sides and two short sides surrounding six grip trays for bottles 100a - 100farranged in a two-by three array. The grip-tray array 300 is configured to couple with six bottle necks. It should be noted, however, that this example should not be understood as limiting in any way, and that the grip-tray system may be used to couple any number of bottles of the same size. Moreover, one grip-tray secure packaging system can simultaneously couple any number of bottles of different size and shape.
Frame 302 comprises connectors for loosely coupling to frames of adjacent secure packaging systems. Optionally, connectors are in the form of protruding male connectors and female connectors. Female connectors typically comprise a depression for housing a protruding part of a male connector. Any other connectors may be used, such as but not limited to magnets of opposite polarities.
In figure 5A, protruding male connectors 304 are spread along one long side and one short side of the frame, and corresponding female connectors 306 are similarly located on the other long side and short side. In the figure, male connectors 304 are only visible on one short side, and female connectors are only visible on one long side.
Protruding male connectors 304 and female connectors 306 are used for loosely coupling adjacent frames to one another. Female array connectors of one grip-tray array are configured to be loosely coupled with male connectors of a second grip-tray array. Loose coupling of adjacent frames enables a strong structure when storing, transporting and delivering a plurality of packaging systems carrying their respective canisters (packaging systems in their full configuration). Loose coupling enables for a person to be able to easily de-couple a packaged system from a structure comprised of adjacent packaging systems which will be described in detail below.
Handle 308 serves for carrying a single grip tray array in its full configuration from the top. In this embodiment, handle 308 is located in the middle of the grip tray array. Handle 308 may be used by a person or a machine to carry an array of bottles. It is a particular feature of the handle that when it is not in use, it may be aligned with the frame or submerged within the frame.
Figure5B illustrates an alternative embodiment 400 of a two by three grip tray array for storing soft drink cans. Grip tray array embodiment 400 is in many ways similar to embodiment 300. It comprises six grip trays for cans 200a - 200f arranged within frame 402 having protruding male connectors 404 spread along one long side and one short side of the frame, and corresponding female connectors (not shown) similarly located on the other long side and short side of the frame. A handle 408 is shown in its flat configuration. Figure 5C demonstrates how a plurality of grip-tray arrays in their empty configuration may be stacked one on top of the other.
Figures 5D and 5E illustrate grip tray array embodiment 400 inserted with six soft drink cans. Figure 5D shows handle 408 in its flat configuration, and figure 5E shows handle 408 in its expanded configuration. A flat handle configuration is useful during storage, when a plurality of grip trays inserted with canisters are stacked one on top of the other. The handle expands when the packed canisters are lifted from a platform and the weight of the canisters pulls down on the grip-tray array frame 302 or 402.
Embodiments of the secure packaging system further enable for a plurality of objects arranged in grip tray arrays or other tessellation enabling shapes to be colligated into grip-tray surfaces. Optionally, such surfaces can be stacked one on top of the other. Such grip-tray surfaces are typically produced through effective tessellation and colligation of grip-tray arrays of similar or different dimensions. Grip-tray surfaces will be referred to herein as tessellated, colligated grip-tray arrays. Grip-tray surfaces stacked on top of one another will be referred to herein as 'stacked grip-tray surfaces' or a 'grip- tray stack'.
Tessellation may be full (without spaces between the tessellated structures) or alternatively tessellation may be partial such that spaces remain between the structures. A tessellated surface may be constructed from uniform shapes or from a combination of different shapes.
Figure 6A illustrates three "six packs" - grip tray arrays 300a, 300b and 300c inserted with plastic soft drink bottles. Array 300a is adjacently coupled to array 300b, and array 300c is stacked on top of 300a and 300b in a crisscross manner with respect to the bottom layer. Crisscross layering contributes to overall stability of the stacked structure. Figure 6B illustrates a grip tray 300 inserted with six plastic soft drink bottles being lifted from a stacked structure by a hand 50 of a person. The stacked structure comprises a plurality of six packs adjacently coupled to each other and forming a horizontal platform on which additional six-packs are stacked.
Figures 6C illustrates grip tray arrays 400a and 400b inserted with six soft drink cans forming a six-pack of cans, stacked such that 400a is on top of 400b. Figure 6D illustrates a structure in which array 400c is on top of part of array 400d and part of array 400e in a brick-like construction which contributes to overall stability of stacking.
Figure 6E illustrates a tessellated grip-tray surface 600. When the bottles are empty, the surface can be used as a floatation device. Figure 6F illustrates an alternative arrangement of tessellated and stacked grip tray constructions as seats 602a and 602b and a table 604. Other constructions can be created, such as but not limited to tables, three dimensional display bars and shelves. Such arrangements and constructions are typically stable even with empty bottles, thus making grip tray arrays environment friendly. Empty bottles are generally a safe object to use for educational engineering projects with children. Such structured arrangements and applications may be integrated with additional items such as but not limited to cushioning pillows.
Empty canisters can be re-filled for example with waste, and re-packed in secure packaging systems such that the weight of the re-filled canister creates a more stable basic unit for construction. This may be an effective recycling method for canisters and waste.
Other useful constructions can be recycled from secure packaging systems and empty or full canisters. For example, secure packaging systems in the form of grip tray arrays can be re-packed with empty transparent plastic bottles and serve as green roof tiles. Tessellated and stacked grip tray constructions may be used in architectural projects as acoustic insulation surfaces, thermal insulation surfaces, bricks for building walls or the like. Geotechnical stabilization elements may also be created from grip tray constructions, forming a surface protection and stabilization construction on which dirt, rocks or the like can be safely piled.
Reference is made to figures 7A, 7B and 7Cillustrating a structured arrangement 700 of tessellated and stacked grip tray surfaces for storage and transport. A bottom surface 702 comprises arrayed dents 704 configured to house canister bottoms. The bottom surface 702secures the bottom canister level, and contributes to the overall stability of the structure from its bottom side. A top surface 706 optionally comprising clasps 708 for securing canisters from their collar is configured to support the top layer of canisters and contributes to the stability of the structure from its top side. Bottom surface 702 can be looked at as a large one-way grip-tray surface comprising only bottom plates. Top surface 706 can be looked at as a large one-way grip- tray surface comprising only top clasps.
The dimensions of a one-way grip-tray surface may vary according to the specific application. For example, in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C the dimensions of one-way grip-tray surfaces702 and 706 meet the size of a standard transportation pallet.
One-way grip-tray surfaces configured to act as cover layer may vary in sizes and shapes. Once locked, a firm stack of containers may be used as a walking platform, a sitting apparatus, environmental sculpting (not shown), or various other applications.
It is a particular feature of grip-tray surfaces that they can be stacked securely one on top of the other at an angle. For example and without limitation, placing bottle surfaces in "take me" position at an angle of 45° or any other angle may be useful in convenience stores. The angular "take me" position in a convenience store rack is demonstrated in Figure 9A.
Figures 8A and 8B illustrate an insertion of soft drink cans 30 into a grip tray array 400. Can 30c is shown being inserted from the top of secure packaging system 400. A can is laid down within ring 220 of a grip tray 200, and pushed down until its collar is locked in the hook shaped clasps 230. Releasing can 30 from secure packaging system 400 can be performed by pushing can 30 upwards: can 30 slides out of the clasps first and from the ring later. Cans typically have tapering shoulders and bottoms which assist in deflecting the clasps as the can is being pushed downwards or upwards and out of the grip tray.
Other insertion and extraction methods of canisters may be used. In a preferred embodiment 300 of secure packaging system for bottles demonstrated in figure 5A, the secure packaging system surface may be turned at -90° such that the clasps and the plates of each of the grip trays are facing sideways. Bottles may be laid against the clasps and a substantially horizontalpush against the clasps inserts the bottle necks into their respective clasps in the secure packaging system. The secure packaging system in its full configuration can then be turned back such that the clasps holding bottles are facing downward and the plates are facing upwards, such as illustrated in Figure 3B. A top layer of bottles 10B" preferably arranged in a secure packaging system can then be vertically stacked on top of the first layer of bottles 10B'. Extraction of bottles from clasps is typically performed by pulling the bottom of bottle 10B' such that the bottle's neck is tilted within the clasp until it disengages from the clasp.
Secure packaging systems may optionally enable simple simultaneous extraction of a plurality of packaged canisters from within the system. A top multi-extraction will be referred to herein as the extraction of a plurality of canisters from a plurality of grip trays in a secure packaging system, wherein the canisters' necksare initially held by clasps.
Figure 9A illustrates an embodiment of a multi-level display unit 800. In this embodiment, bottles are placed at an angle on oblique display racks positioned diagonally such that an angle is formed between the floor and the surfaces. The display unit comprises a plurality of racks 802configured to display grip tray arrays of bottles. Each display rack is equipped with a bottom surface comprising arrayed dents configured to house canister bottoms, similar to bottom surface 702 in Figure 7A. The angle formed between the floor and the racks may vary, for example an angle of 45°. Display unit 800 further comprisesa triangular extraction splitter 804with narrow racks 806, each rack configured to display a single line of bottles. Triangular extraction splitter 804 comprises diagonal walls 808, which enable splitting between two lines of bottles. Similar configurations may be used for other types of canisters.
Figures 9B - 9E illustrate a cross-sectional view of multi-canister top extraction using an extraction splitter 804 which creates a tilt movement of the bottles relative to their secure packaging system. In this embodiment, the extraction splitter is triangular and the secure packaging system is shaped in a two-dimensional array. The triangular extraction splitter diagonally guides bottles lined in parallel within the array-shaped packaging system to create the tilt movement which spreads apart the parallel bottles. The tilted relative movement enables bottle extraction from within the packaging system. Figure 9Billustratesa two bottle necks resting inside an embodiment of security clasps in a fully locked position. Figures 9C and 9D are schematic views of the two bottlesbeing tilted slightly against the walls of an extraction splitter 804. The bottles' necksare gradually pulled away from their security clasps. Figure9E showsa schematic view of the bottles' necks de-coupled from their security clasps 830A, 830B in Figure 9E with their bottoms resting on the oblique racks.
The figures demonstrate how a plurality of bottles may be extracted from a grip-tray-array and presented neatly upon display racks of a display unit shown in Figure 9A. For example, a grip-tray array of dimensions two-by- three holding six bottles may be placed upon the extraction splitter, such that three bottles are placed on one side of the extraction splitter on top of rack narrow rack 806a and the other three bottles are placed on the other side of the extraction splitter on top of rack 806b.
Optionally, the weight of the bottles pulls down the grip tray, bringing about a relative tilt movement of the bottles to either side of the extraction splitter. Once extracted from the grip tray, three bottles rest on top of each of the two upper racks 806. This embodiment of the display unit enables quick extraction of a plurality of bottles from grip tray arrays, which may be useful for example when large volumes of bottles need to be displayed for sale in stores.
It should be noted that bottle and can embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of grip-trays may be suitable for use with other types of containers and objects, and may include clasps which surround objects fitting commercially available canisters. Such clasps may also be used to grip objects from their side, in which case grip- trays' plates are typically used to provide cushioning between two adjacent objects within a structure of packed objects.
The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
In the claims, the word "comprise", and variations thereof such as "comprises", "comprising" and the like indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components.
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