SECURING CONTAINER HOLDERS TO CONTAINERS

Apparatuses for securing container holders to containers, container holder application systems, and methods of securing container holders to containers are described. An apparatus for securing container holders to containers includes a feeder, a magazine for holding a plurality of container holders, a container holder support surface disposed between the feeder and the magazine and adapted to receive and support a single container holder of the plurality of container holders, a container holder transporter, the container holder transporter including first and second container holder retainers, a container holder press, and an egress support. A container holder application system includes the apparatus and a plurality of container holders.

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Description
FIELD

The disclosure relates to the field of holders for containers, such as beverage containers. More particularly, the disclosure relates to apparatuses for securing container holders to containers. The disclosure also relates to container holder application systems, and methods of securing container holders to containers.

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in container holder technology has moved away from traditional materials, such as plastics, and toward sustainable materials, such as cardboard, paper, and other materials. While these new container holders provide multiple advantages over conventional container holders, including environmental benefits, existing equipment and methods are not suited for the securing non-plastic container holders to containers.

A need exists, therefore, for improved apparatuses for securing container holders to containers, container holder application systems, and methods of securing container holders to containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SELECTED EXAMPLES

Various example apparatuses for securing container holders to containers are described.

An example apparatus for securing container holders to containers comprises a frame; a feeder; a magazine for holding a plurality of container holders; a container holder support surface; a container holder transporter; including first and second container holder retainers; a container holder press, and an egress support.

Another example apparatus for securing container holders to containers comprises a frame; a feeder; a magazine for holding a plurality of container holders; a container holder support surface; a container holder transporter; including first and second container holder retainers; a container holder press; an egress support; and a human machine interface (HMI) control unit adapted to control the apparatus. The container holder support surface is disposed between the feeder and the magazine.

Another example apparatus for securing container holders to containers comprises a frame comprising a plurality of frame members, at least one barrier panel disposed between first and second frame members of the plurality of frame members, a feeder, a magazine for holding a plurality of container holders, a container holder support surface, a container holder transporter, including first and second container holder retainers, a container holder press, an egress support; and a human machine interface (HMI) control unit adapted to control the apparatus. The container holder support surface is disposed between the feeder and the magazine.

Various example container holder application systems are also described.

An example container holder application system comprises an apparatus for securing container holders to containers comprising a frame, a feeder, a magazine for holding a plurality of container holders, a container holder support surface, a container holder transporter, including first and second container holder retainers, a container holder press, and an egress support, the apparatus adapted to retrieve groups of containers from a plurality of containers; and a plurality of container holders, each container holder of the plurality of container holders adapted to be secured to a group of containers retrieved from a plurality of containers by the apparatus.

Another example container holder application system comprises an apparatus for securing container holders to containers comprising a frame, a feeder, a magazine for holding a plurality of container holders, a container holder support surface, a container holder transporter, including first and second container holder retainers, a container holder press, and an egress support, the container holder support surface disposed between the feeder and the magazine and the apparatus adapted to retrieve groups of containers from a plurality of containers; and a plurality of container holders, each container holder of the plurality of container holders adapted to be secured to a group of containers retrieved from a plurality of containers by the apparatus.

Various example methods of securing container holders to containers are also described.

An example method of securing a container holder to a group of containers comprises advancing a plurality of containers into an apparatus according to an embodiment; retrieving a first group of containers from the plurality of containers; simultaneously retrieving a first container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from the container holder support surface of the apparatus and retrieving a second container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from a plurality of container holders disposed in the magazine of the apparatus; simultaneously depositing the first container holder onto the first group of containers and depositing the second container holder on the container holder support surface; and applying a downward force onto the first container holder to secure the first container holder to the first group of containers.

Another example method of securing container holders to beverage containers comprises advancing a plurality of containers into an apparatus according to an embodiment; retrieving a first group of containers from the plurality of containers; simultaneously retrieving a first container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from the container holder support surface of the apparatus and retrieving a second container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from a plurality of container holders disposed in the magazine of the apparatus; simultaneously depositing the first container holder onto the first group of containers and depositing the second container holder on the container holder support surface; and applying a downward force onto the first container holder to secure the first container holder to the first group of containers and to separate the first container holder into first and second container holder portions such that the first container holder portion is secured to a first subgroup of the first group of containers and the second container holder portion is secured to a second subgroup of the first group of containers.

Additional understanding of the inventive apparatuses for securing container holders to containers, container holder application systems, and methods of securing container holders to containers can be obtained by reviewing the detailed description of selected examples, below, and the referenced drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an example container holder application system, including an apparatus for securing container holders to containers and a plurality of container holders.

FIG. 2 is front view of the example container holder application system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the example container holder application system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the example container holder application system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another end view of the example container holder application system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus for securing container holders to containers of the example container holder application system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart representation of a method of securing container holders to beverage containers.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart representation of another example method of securing container holders to beverage containers.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representation of another example method of securing container holders to beverage containers.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example container holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EXAMPLES

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate various example apparatuses for securing container holders to containers, container holder application systems, and methods of securing container holders to containers. The description and illustration of these examples enable one skilled in the art to make and use example apparatuses for securing container holders to containers and container holder application systems, and to perform example methods of securing container holders to containers. The description and illustration of the selected examples do not limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

Each of FIGS. 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 illustrates an example container holder application system 1000, which includes an apparatus 1100 for securing container holders to containers 1050 and a plurality of container holders 1200, or a portion or component thereof.

The apparatus 1100 includes a frame 1110, a feeder 1112, a magazine 1114 for holding a plurality of container holders, such as the plurality of container holders 1200, a container holder support surface 1116, a container holder transporter 1118, including first 1120 and second 1122 container holder retainers, a container holder press 1124, and an egress support 1126. A human machine interface (HMI) control unit 1128 is adapted to control various operations of the apparatus, and can include network connectivity. Optional barrier panels 1130 are disposed between frame members 1150 of frame 1110. A plurality of containers 1050 are included in various figures, but are not an element of the system 1000 or apparatus 1100.

The frame 1110 includes a plurality of frame members 1150 that surround a portion of the apparatus 1100. If included, one or more barrier panels 1130 can be configured to permit selective removal of the barrier panels 1130, such as by hinges, magnetic closures, or the like. If included, barrier panels 1130 advantageously comprise transparent or semitransparent material, such as polycarbonate panels, acrylic panels, or panels of similar material, and provide visual access to components of the apparatus 1100. With the optional barrier panels 1130, the frame 1110 can define an enclosure 1152 for the apparatus 1100 or a portion of the apparatus. Also, the frame 1110 can define multiple enclosures, each enclosing a distinct portion of the apparatus and allowing for selective access and/or removal of the respective enclosure. The frame 1110 advantageously comprises a plurality of lightweight metal members, such as extruded aluminum members, and includes a height adjustment mechanism 1154 that can be used to raise or lower portions of the apparatus 1100 to match heights of related components in a packaging assembly line or to accommodate needs of an operator of the apparatus.

The feeder 1112 feeds containers 1050 to a securement location 1104 within the apparatus 1100 that is adjacent the container holder support surface 1116, the container holder transporter 1118, and the container holder press 1124. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the feeder 1112 includes a movable support surface 1160 that conveys containers 1050 to the securement location 1104 within the apparatus 1100. Any suitable movable support surface can be used in an apparatus according to an embodiment and a skilled artisan will be able to select a suitable movable support surface for an apparatus according to a particular embodiment based on various considerations, including the size, configuration, and nature of the containers with which the apparatus is intended to be used. In the example apparatus illustrated in the figures, the movable support surface 1160 comprises a chain conveyor. The feeder 1112 can include additional structure, such as walls, guides, and other structure. Inclusion of such structure is considered advantageous in embodiments in which it is desirable to separate individual lines of containers, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, until the containers reach the securement location 1104 within the apparatus 1100 that is adjacent the container holder support surface 1116, the container holder transporter 1118, and the container holder press 1124. The feeder 1112 of the example apparatus 1100, which is intended to be used with aluminum beverage containers, includes sidewalls 1162 and a divider 1164. The sidewalls 1162 maintain the containers 1050 on the feeder 1112 as the movable support surface 1160 feeds the containers 1050 to the securement location 1104. The divider 1164 separates two lines of containers 1050 until they reach the securement location 1104 within the apparatus 1100 that is adjacent the container holder support surface 1116, the container holder transporter 1118, and the container holder press 1124. At that point, clamp 1166 groups a defined number of containers, such as 2, 4, 6, or 8 containers, that corresponds to the number of container openings defined by the container holders 1200, and successively moves each group into the position so that the group is positioned for receipt of a container holder of the plurality of container holders 1200, as described below.

The magazine 1114 defines a chamber 1170 into which a plurality of container holders, such as the plurality of container holders 1200, can be disposed. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top 1172 of the magazine 1114 is open, allowing insertion of a plurality of container holders, arranged in a stack (not illustrated in figures). The open top 1172 of the magazine 1114 also facilitates retrieval of the top container holder from a stack of container holders disposed in the chamber 1170, as described in detail below. In the illustrated example, the magazine includes first 1170 and second 1176 chambers, each of which can be loaded with a plurality of container holders arranged in a stack. Also in the illustrated examples, the magazine 1114 is disposed on a magazine support 1178. The magazine 1170 can be moved along the magazine support 1178 support to alternatively expose the container holders in the chambers 1170, 1176 for retrieval, as discussed below. This inclusion of multiple chambers in the magazine 1170 is considered advantageous at least because it allows an operator of the apparatus 1100 to replenish a chamber 1170, 1176 with additional container holders while container holders in the other chamber 1170, 1176 are exposed for retrieval. While the magazine 1114 in the illustrated example includes first 1170 and second 1176 chambers, any suitable number of chambers can be included, including one, two, more than two, three, a plurality, four, five, six, or more.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 6, the container holder support surface 1116 provides a flat surface onto which a container holder can be placed after being retrieved from a plurality of container holders disposed in a chamber 1170, 1176 of the magazine 1114 and before being secured to containers arriving via the feeder 1112. As such, the container holder support surface 1116 is advantageously a flat surface having a length and width that are the same or greater than the length and width of the container holders with which the apparatus 1100 is intended to be used. The container holder support surface can include structural elements for aligning container holders placed on the container holder support surface 1116 after being retrieved from a plurality of container holders disposed in a chamber 1170, 1176 of the magazine 1114 and before being secured to containers arriving via the feeder 1112. For example, in the illustrated example, the container holder support surface 1116 includes a plurality of projections 1180, each of which extends away from the container holder support surface 1116. Each of these projections 1180 is configured to be received by, or partially received by, a structural feature of container holders of the plurality of container holders 1200, such as scallops, openings, apertures, and the like. While a single projection can be included, a plurality of projections 1180, such as in the illustrated example, is considered advantageous at least because, together, the plurality of projections 1180 maintains alignment of a container holder placed on the container holder support surface 1116 after being retrieved from the magazine 1114 and before being secured to containers arriving via the feeder 1112.

The container holder transporter 1118 includes first 1120 and second 1122 container holder retainers that are positioned in a fixed relationship relative to each other. The container holder transporter 1118 is a pick and place unit that retrieves single container holders from the magazine 1114 and positions retrieved single container holders over a group of containers for securement to the containers. Inclusion of first 1120 and second 1122 container holder retainers separates retrieval and positioning of container holders, which reduces the travel distance required for the final positioning of a container holder on a group of container from the distance between the magazine 1114 and the position to the distance between the between the container holder support surface 1116 and the position. In each cycle of the container holder transporter 1118, the first container holder retainer 1120 moves between the magazine 1114 and the container holder support surface 1116, retrieving a single container holder from the plurality of container holders 1200 in the magazine and depositing the retrieved container holder on the container holder support surface 1116. Simultaneously, as a result of the fixed relationship between the first 1120 and second 1122 container holder retainers, the second container holder retainer 1122 retrieves a single container holder from the container holder support surface 1116 and deposits the retrieved container holder onto a group of containers in located in the securement position within the apparatus 1100.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 6, each of the first 1120 and second 1122 container holder retainers includes vacuum cups 1182 operatively connected to vacuum lines (not illustrated in the figures) and switches that operate to apply and remove suction to achieve the successive retrieval and depositing of single container holders described above.

The container holder press 1124 is positioned adjacent the container holder transporter 1118 and immediately downstream, relative to the direction of travel of containers proceeding through the apparatus 1100, of the second container holder retainer 1120. The container holder press 1124 moves vertically between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the container holder press is free of contact with any container holder positioned on a group of containers. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, in the second position, a platen surface 1186 of the container holder press is in contact with a container holder that was previously positioned on a group of containers by the second container holder retainer 1122. Also as best illustrated in FIG. 5, the container holder press 1124 applies downward pressure on the container holder to secure the container holder to the group of containers, such as by forcing an edge of the container holder past a structural feature of a container in the group of containers, such as a lip or rim defined by a finish of the container.

As best illustrated in FIG. 1, egress support 1126 is positioned adjacent the container holder press 1124 and immediately downstream, relative to the direction of travel of containers proceeding through the apparatus 1100, of the container holder press 1124. Egress support 1126 supports each group of containers 1052 as it travels away from the container holder press 1124 after the container holder press 1124 has secured a container holder 1210 to group of containers 1052. As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the egress support 1126 includes a support surface 1190 that conveys groups of containers 1052 away from the container holder press 1124 to a position outside of the frame 1110 where each group of containers 1052 is available for subsequent processing, such as retrieval by an operator or transport along an extension attached to egress support 1126. Any suitable support surface can be used as an egress support in an apparatus according to an embodiment and a skilled artisan will be able to select a suitable support surface for an apparatus according to a particular embodiment based on various considerations, including the size, configuration, and nature of the containers with which the apparatus is intended to be used. In the example apparatus illustrated in the figures, the support surface 1190 is a solid surface, but can comprise a movable support surface that includes a plurality of rollers. Egress support 1126 can include additional structure, such as walls, guides, and other structure, as desired.

The control unit 1128 is a computer control unit with hardware and software adapted for controlling operation of the apparatus 1100. The control unit 1128 can include one or more visual displays for presenting information to an operator of the apparatus 1100, an operator of the system 1000, or both, such as information relating to the status of one or more components of the apparatus 1100, information relating to performance of the apparatus 1100, the system 1000, or both, and other information related to the apparatus, 1100, system 1000, or both. The control unit can be configured to be connected to one or more computers via a local network, a global network, such as the Internet, or other suitable computer network. For example, the control unit 1128 can include one or more Ethernet connections or other wired connections, WiFi or other wireless connections, or other computer connections that allows local or remote access to the control unit 1128.

The plurality of container holders 1200 includes a suitable number of individual container holders 1210, each of which is adapted to be secured to an individual group of containers 1052 that includes the number and arrangement of containers the apparatus 1100 is configured to process. For example, if the apparatus is configured to process groups of six containers, arranged side-by-side, each container holder 1210 of the plurality of container holders 1200 includes six openings arranged side-by-side, with each opening configured to be secured to an individual container. The apparatus is particularly well-suited for use with container holders that comprise non-plastic materials, such as cardboard container holders and container holder made from other sustainable materials, at least because container holders formed of these materials are relatively easily separated into desired portions by downward directed force of container holder press 1124. Furthermore, the apparatus is particularly well-suited for use with container holders defining a structural feature that further facilitates separation of individual container holders into desired portions by downward directed force of container holder press 1124, such as a perforation that extends partially or fully from one side of a container holder to an opposite side of a container holder. For example, container holders that define eight openings for receiving containers can include a perforation extending partially or fully from one side of the container holder to an opposite side of the container holder and through the geometric center of the container holder, with four container holder openings on one side of the perforation and four container holder openings on the other side of the perforation. Downward directed force of container holder press 1124 on these container holders during use of the apparatus separates each container holder into first and second container holder portions, each of which defines four container openings and each of which is secured to a group of four containers.

An optional cutting module can be between the container holder press 1124 and egress support 1126, or downstream of the egress support relative to the container holder press 1124, and include a cutting blade adapted to cut through the thickness of an individual container holder to separate an individual group of containers 1052 into subgroups. For example, if the apparatus is configured to secure container holders to groups of eight containers, arranged side-by-side, the apparatus can secure individual container holders defining eight openings arranged side-by-side to individual groups of containers. After securement, the cutting module, if included, can separate an individual group of containers into subgroups of two and six containers, or into two subgroups of four containers. If included, the cutting module can include a cutting blade movably connected to rail and positioned to allow the cutting blade to cut a group of containers into subgroups in one or two passes over or through the container holder secured to the group of containers.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart representation of an example method 2000 of securing a container holder to a group of containers. An initial step 2010 comprises advancing a plurality of containers into an apparatus according to an embodiment. Another step 2012 comprises retrieving a first group of containers from the plurality of containers. Another step 2014 comprises simultaneously retrieving a first container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from the container holder support surface of the apparatus and retrieving a second container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from a plurality of container holders disposed in the magazine of the apparatus. Another step 2016 comprises simultaneously depositing the first container holder onto the first group of containers and depositing the second container holder on the container holder support surface. Another step 2018 comprises applying a downward force onto the first container holder to secure the first container holder to the first group of containers. All steps can be repeated in cycle to secure a plurality of container holders to a plurality of groups of containers.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example method 2100 securing a container holder to a group of containers. An initial step 2110 comprises advancing a plurality of containers into an apparatus according to an embodiment. Another step 2112 comprises retrieving a first group of containers from the plurality of containers. Another step 2114 comprises simultaneously retrieving a first container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from the container holder support surface of the apparatus and retrieving a second container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from a plurality of container holders disposed in the magazine of the apparatus. Another step 2116 comprises simultaneously depositing the first container holder onto the first group of containers and depositing the second container holder on the container holder support surface. Another step 2118 comprises applying a downward force onto the first container holder to secure the first container holder to the first group of containers. Another step 2120 comprises advancing a cutting blade to cut the first container holder and separate the first group of containers into first and second subgroups of containers. The step 2120 of advancing a cutting blade is performed after completing the step 2118 of applying a downward force. All steps can be repeated in cycle to secure a plurality of container holders to a plurality of groups of containers and to create a plurality of subgroups of containers.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example method 2200 of securing a container holder to a group of containers. An initial step 2210 comprises advancing a plurality of containers into an apparatus according to an embodiment. Another step 2212 comprises retrieving a first group of containers from the plurality of containers. Another step 2214 comprises simultaneously retrieving a first container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from the container holder support surface of the apparatus and retrieving a second container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from a plurality of container holders disposed in the magazine of the apparatus. Another step 2216 comprises simultaneously depositing the first container holder onto the first group of containers and depositing the second container holder on the container holder support surface. Another step 2218 comprises applying a downward force onto the first container holder to secure the first container holder to the first group of containers and to separate the first container holder into first and second container holder portions such that the first container holder portion is secured to a first subgroup of the first group of containers and the second container holder portion is secured to a second subgroup of the first group of containers. All steps can be repeated in cycle to secure a plurality of container holders to a plurality of groups of containers and to create a plurality of subgroups of containers.

In the retrieving step 2214, it is considered advantageous to perform the step in a manner that comprises simultaneously retrieving a first container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from the container holder support surface of the apparatus and retrieving a second container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from a plurality of container holders disposed in the magazine of the apparatus, each of the first container holder and second container holder defining a perforation. Retrieving first and second container holders that define a perforation facilitates the step 2218 of applying a downward force onto the first container holder to secure the first container holder to the first group of containers and to separate the first container holder into first and second container holder portions such that the first container holder portion is secured to a first subgroup of the first group of containers and the second container holder portion is secured to a second subgroup of the first group of containers. In this example, step 2218 is performed to separate the first container holder along the perforation into first and second container holder portions such that the first container holder portion is secured to a first subgroup of the first group of containers and the second container holder portion is secured to a second subgroup of the first group of containers. In a particularly advantageous example of method 2200, the first group of containers comprises eight container and the first container holder defines eight container openings for receiving containers of the first group of containers and defines a perforation extending from one side of the container holder to an opposite side of the container holder and through the geometric center of the container holder, with four container openings on one side of the perforation and four container openings on the other side of the perforation. Performance of step 2218 in this example separates the first container holder into first and second container holder portions, each of which defines four container openings and each of which is secured to a subgroup of four containers. Advantageously, the second container holder is identical to the first container holder.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example container holder 3000 suitable for use in the inventive container holder application systems and methods of securing a container holder to a group of containers, including the selected examples described herein. The container holder 3000 defines a plurality of container openings 3010 and a perforation 3012 that extends from a first side of the container holder 3000 to a second, opposite side of the container holder 3000. A first subgroup of container openings is disposed on a first side of the perforation 3012 and a second subgroup of container openings is disposed on a second, opposite side of the perforation. In the illustrated example, the plurality of container openings 3010 comprises eight container openings and each of the first and second subgroups of container openings comprises four container openings. Also in this example, the container holder 3000 comprises a non-plastic material, such as cardboard.

EXAMPLES Example 1—Dual Magazine, Standard Speed Apparatus for Securing Cardboard Container Holders to Containers

An apparatus for securing cardboard container holders to containers according to this example has the following features: capable of applying cardboard container holders at a maximum speed of 150 cans per minute (CPM); applies cardboard container holders to 12 oz and 16 oz for 202/211 diameter cans, and Sleek 335 ml cans; capable of making 6 pack, 8 pack and 4 pack; dual magazines of 500 rings per magazine on a shuttle track system for continuous running; pick in place with median drop and pick up for faster more efficient speed; pin locator system for pick and place; platen head for 6 pack, 8 pack or split 8 pack making 2-4 packs; quick change to convert from 12 oz cans to 16 oz cans; HMI controls, programmable on HMI; pneumatic and electronic driven; Wi-Fi link built into system for remote access; lexan protective screening for safety and light curtain safety feature monitoring magazine shuttle; capable of running on fully automatic with various sensors both laser and optic; small footprint.

Example 2—Quad Magazine, High Speed Apparatus for Securing Cardboard Container Holders to Containers

An example apparatus for securing cardboard container holders to containers according to this example has the following: capable of applying cardboard container holders at a maximum speed of 300 cans per minute (CPM); applies cardboard container holders to 12 oz and 16 oz for 202/211 diameter cans, and Sleek 335 ml cans; capable of making 6 pack, 8 pack and 4 pack; quad magazines of 500 rings per magazine on a shuttle track system for continuous running; pick in place with median drop and pick up for faster more efficient speed; pin locator system for pick and place; platen head for 6 pack, 8 pack or split 8 pack making 2-4 packs; quick change to convert from 12 oz cans to 16 oz cans; HMI controls, programmable on HMI; pneumatic and electronic driven; Wi-Fi link built into system for remote access; Lexan protective screening for safety and light curtain safety feature monitoring magazine shuttle; capable of running on fully automatic with various sensors both laser and optic; small footprint.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives for the described and illustrated examples can be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure, and that the various elements and features of one example described and illustrated herein can be combined with various elements and features of another example without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the particular examples disclosed herein have been selected by the inventors simply to describe and illustrate examples of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or its protection, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing container holders to containers, the apparatus comprising:

a feeder;
a magazine for holding a plurality of container holders;
a container holder support surface disposed between the feeder and the magazine and adapted to receive and support a single container holder of the plurality of container holders;
a container holder transporter, the container holder transporter including first and second container holder retainers;
a container holder press; and
an egress support.

2. A container holder application system, comprising:

the apparatus of claim 1; and
a plurality of container holders disposed within the magazine of the apparatus.

3. The container holder application system of claim 2, wherein each container holder of the plurality of container holders has a container holder nominal surface area equal to the length times the width of the container holder;

wherein all container holders of the plurality of container holders have substantially the same nominal surface area; and
wherein the container holder support surface of the apparatus has a surface area larger than the nominal surface area of each container holder of the plurality of container holders.

4. The container holder application system of claim 3, wherein each container holder of the plurality of container holders defines a perforation.

5. The container holder application system of claim 4, wherein the perforation extends from one side of the container holder to an opposite side of the container holder.

6. The container holder application system of claim 5, wherein the container holder defines a plurality of container openings, each container opening of the plurality of container openings adapted to receive a container.

7. The container holder application system of claim 6, wherein a first subgroup of the plurality of container openings is positioned on a first side of the perforation and a second subgroup of the plurality of container openings is positioned on a second, opposite side of the perforation.

8. The container holder application system of claim 7, wherein the first subgroup of the plurality of container openings and the second subgroup of the plurality of container openings include the same number of container openings.

9. The container holder application system of claim 8, wherein each of the first subgroup of the plurality of container openings and the second subgroup of the plurality of container openings defines four container openings.

10. The container holder application system of claim 2, wherein each container holder of the plurality of container holders comprises a non-plastic material.

11. The container holder application system of claim 10, wherein each container holder of the plurality of container holders comprises cardboard.

12. A method of securing a container holder to a group of containers, the method comprising:

advancing a plurality of containers into an apparatus for securing container holders to containers, the apparatus comprising: a feeder; a magazine for holding a plurality of container holders; a container holder support surface disposed between the feeder and the magazine and adapted to receive and support a single container holder of the plurality of container holders; a container holder transporter, the container holder transporter including first and second container holder retainers; a container holder press; and an egress support;
retrieving a first group of containers from the plurality of containers;
simultaneously retrieving a first container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from the container holder support surface of the apparatus and retrieving a second container holder adapted to be secured to the first group of containers from a plurality of container holders disposed in the magazine of the apparatus;
simultaneously depositing the first container holder onto the first group of containers and depositing the second container holder on the container holder support surface; and
applying a downward force onto the first container holder to secure the first container holder to the first group of containers.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the applying a downward force onto the first container holder is performed to separate the first container holder into first and second container holder portions such that the first container holder portion is secured to a first subgroup of the first group of containers and the second container holder portion is secured to a second subgroup of the first group of containers.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein each container holder of the plurality of container holders defines a perforation.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the perforation extends from one side of the container holder to an opposite side of the container holder.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the container holder defines a plurality of container openings, each container opening of the plurality of container openings adapted to receive a container.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein a first subgroup of the plurality of container openings is positioned on a first side of the perforation and a second subgroup of the plurality of container openings is positioned on a second, opposite side of the perforation.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first subgroup of the plurality of container openings and the second subgroup of the plurality of container openings include the same number of container openings.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein each container holder of the plurality of container holders comprises a non-plastic material.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein each container holder of the plurality of container holders comprises cardboard.

Patent History
Publication number: 20250026515
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 17, 2024
Publication Date: Jan 23, 2025
Applicant: Promac, Inc. (Elgin, IL)
Inventors: Jim Rouzer (West Dundee, IL), Mike Trump (Sleepy Hollow, IL), Rory Gahart (Libertyville, IL)
Application Number: 18/775,716
Classifications
International Classification: B65B 13/02 (20060101); B65D 71/50 (20060101);