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 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 orientation assembly is desired, which being cost effective and easy to implement, is recyclable and may be used for as long as desired.

SUMMARY

[OOll] 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. [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. [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 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 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 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 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 F _c at the coated container regions 112 is higher compared a second coefficient of friction F _N 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 F _c at the coated container regions 212 is higher compared a second coefficient of friction F _N 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 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 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 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 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. [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., 1 x6, 3x6, 2x6, 4x6, 2x3x4, 2x6x2, 2x9, 3x 5, 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 processing including debossing and / or embossing may further increase the coefficient of friction F _c .

[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. l 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 a layer of predetermined material having a predetermined coefficient of friction F _c 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 500 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 500 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 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 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. [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 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 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.