Anti-roll stabilizer for cylindrical containers

An anti-rolling device for cylindrical containers, such as mailing tubes, has a stabilizing member with an internal aperture for inserting over a portion of the container. The outer periphery of the device is irregular, e.g., having flats, such that resting on a flat lowers the container to a stable position, and requires energy to rotate beyond the flat and consequently lift the container. The device may be slipped over a plug type cap or placed directly over the body of the container. In alternative embodiments, the device is provided in the form of a gasket, is made from a foam material, is split and resiliently grabs the container or has an elastic band holding it tightly to the container. The various embodiments may be used to retrofit an existing container. The stabilizer may be provided with one or more radial tabs, which may have burrs to grip the receptacle and/or feature a constraining ring to lock the cap into the receptacle. The stabilizer may be used to hold a container upright or constitute an indicia bearing surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to storage containers and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for stabilizing containers which have a generally cylindrical shape against rolling.

2. Related Art

Containers having a generally cylindrical shape have been known and used for many years. As used herein, “cylindrical container” or “generally cylindrical container” shall mean any container having a generally cylindrical shape, including elongated containers having a multi-sided cross-sectional shape, such as square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. Cylindrical containers are useful for containing any type of item and particularly items having a sheet-like configuration, such as documents, maps and posters, in that the sheet may be rolled and inserted into the cylindrical container. Rolling a sheet permits it to assume a compact configuration, while avoiding folding or creasing the sheet. In addition, a closed cylindrical container exhibits good structural integrity and strength, such that strong lightweight containers can be made from common materials, such as cardboard. Owing to the foregoing features, cylindrical containers like mailing tubes are popular for storing and transporting items. Due to their shape, cylindrical containers are inherently capable of rolling on a supporting surface. In most instances, rolling of the cylindrical container is not desirable, e.g., during shipping or other handling, in that rolling may damage the contents of the container and/or make transport of the container less manageable, e.g., allowing cargo to shift out of a desired position within a cargo containment area of a vehicle, rolling off sorting tables, and the like.

Solutions for preventing cylindrical containers from rolling have been proposed in the past. Notwithstanding, there is a need for improved apparatus and methods for preventing cylindrical containers from rolling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The limitations of prior art container devices and methods are addressed by the present invention, which includes a device and method for reducing the propensity of a generally cylindrical container having a receptacle portion and a closure to roll on a given environmental surface. The device includes a stabilizing member having lateral and longitudinal extension and an aperture therein extending approximately perpendicularly to the lateral and longitudinal direction of extension of said stabilizing member. An external peripheral surface of the stabilizing member is adapted to contact the environmental surface, the external peripheral surface varying in distance from the aperture along its extent. The aperture is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the container therein such that when the container is inserted into the aperture and the container with the stabilizing member installed thereon is placed on the environmental surface, the stabilizing member tends to assume at least one orientation representing a relative minimum spacing of the container from the environmental surface. The stabilizing member bears against the container and exerts a force resisting the tendency of the container to roll.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1andFIG. 2show a stabilized container system10having a generally cylindrical receptacle12for containing objects/contents C, such as documents, parts or any other objects that are to be shipped from a sender to a receiver, e.g., via a parcel delivery service or the post office, or simply stored in the receptacle12. The container system10rests on a surface, such as a shelf, table or truck bed which is referred to herein in general terms as an “environmental surface” ES. The receptacle12is in the form of a cylinder, but could have other cross-sectional shapes, such as square, hexagonal or octagonal, etc. A closure14(cap or plug) is slideably received within an opening at one end of the receptacle12to capture the contents C within the receptacle12. A similar closure (not shown) to that of closure14may be provided at the other end of the receptacle12. Alternatively, only one end of the receptacle12may be provided with a removable closure12—e.g., the other end of the receptacle may be closed by a fixed cap or plug, e.g., one that is glued or crimped or otherwise fixedly attached on the receptacle12.

A stabilizer member (or as more simply referred to hereinafter, “stabilizer”)16, which shall be described further below, is captured between a lip18of the closure14and the receptacle12. The closure14has an end wall20and a peripheral wall22. One or more optional finger pulls24,26extend from the interior surface of the peripheral wall22to provide a structure that may be engaged by a finger(s) to remove the closure14from the receptacle12to access the contents thereof. As shown in FIG.1, the dimensions of the stabilizer16can be varied, depending upon the functionality desired. For example, a stabilizer16′ is depicted in dashed lines, which is substantially co-extensive with the lip18of the closure14at four locations. In this manner, when the container system10is a rest on a surface, it will tend to rest flat on the surface and no (opening) torque will be applied by the stabilizer16′ on the closure14. Alternatively, an over-size stabilizer16can be used to maintain the receptacle12at a given angle relative to the supporting surface or when the stabilizer16is formed from a flexible material which bends until the receptacle12rests on the supporting surface. Portions of the stabilizer16or16′ which protrude beyond the lip18can be used for gripping to aid in removing the closure14.

As shown in dashed lines inFIG. 2, an end wall20′ may occupy a position at or proximate to the lip18, in which case, the end wall20would not be present, accommodating a greater volume in the container system10. An end wall20′ disposed proximate to the lip18may have an outward or inward bulge in lieu of the flat configuration shown and may form a gripping surface in lieu of finger pulls24,26.

FIG. 3shows the stabilizer16, which has an internal aperture28that receives the peripheral wall22of the closure14therethrough. The stabilizer16has a plurality of peripheral surfaces30,32,34,36, that contact/engage a supporting surface (e.g., a shelf, table or bed surface, such as on a delivery truck) on which the container system10is placed. The aperture28may be dimensioned relative to the outer dimensions of the peripheral wall22to exert a desired amount of frictional interaction therewith, e.g., so that the stabilizer16grips the peripheral wall22to resist turning the stabilizer16relative to the closure14and/or so that the stabilizer16grips the closure14such that the stabilizer16and closure14may be assembled together and then handled as a unit, e.g., for insertion into the open end of the receptacle12.

Alternatively, the stabilizer16may fit loosely about the closure14to permit easy assembly. A frictional interaction may be established between the stabilizer16, the lip18and the open end19of the receptacle12. More specifically, when the stabilizer16is captured between the lip18and the receptacle12, insertion of the closure14fully into the receptacle12will cause the lip18and receptacle12to frictionally engage the stabilizer16to resist relative rotation therebetween. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the stabilizer16may be held in a selected orientation relative to the closure14and/or the receptacle12by frictional engagement. The orientation of the closure14relative to the receptacle12may also be maintained by the frictional engagement between the outer surface of the peripheral wall22of the closure14and the inner surface of the receptacle12.

The surfaces30,32,34,36of the stabilizer16, provide support surfaces that may fully or partially abut against an environmental support surface, such as a shelf, table or cargo bed, preventing the container system10from rolling on the environmental support surface. It should be appreciated that even a loosely fitted stabilizer16will exert frictional drag that will reduce the tendency of the container system10to roll. While the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-3utilizes a press-fit, smooth, plug-type closure14, the closure14may also be held in association with the receptacle12by glue or other conventional structures utilized for holding closures to open ends of receptacles, e.g., the receptacle12may feature a partially deformable plastic rim with a groove for receiving a peripheral ring formed on an exterior peripheral surface of the closure14(not shown). One or more optional slots38may be employed to register with mating tabs extending from the receptacle12or the closure14to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

FIG. 4shows a nesting stabilizer40with a central aperture42similar in form and function to aperture28of stabilizer16, previously described, i.e., a closure14may inserted into the central aperture42. The nesting stabilizer40has peripheral support surfaces44,46,48,50, each of which has a concavity,44a,46a,48aand50a, respectively, which may receive some portion of an adjacent container52therein. In this manner, the nesting stabilizer40can be used to retain a plurality of adjacent containers52at a position and orientation relative to each other, e.g., in an ordered stack with horizontal rows and vertical columns. Each member of a group of adjacent containers52may be provided with a nesting stabilizer, or they may be utilized in an alternating manner, e.g., the first and subsequent odd numbered rows of adjacent containers52may be provided with nesting stabilizers40, with the even rows of adjacent containers52either having or not having nesting stabilizers40. The nesting stabilizers40can be used on one or both ends of the containers52and they may be used in alternating fashion between the front and back of adjacent containers52.

FIG. 5shows a directional stabilizer60with a plurality of support surfaces62,64,66and a central aperture68that may be used to hold a generally cylindrical container70in a particular orientation. More particularly, the aperture68has a rotation stop68awhich cooperates with a mating rotation stop74aassociated with a closure74. The rotation stops68aand74aare depicted, respectively, as a singular mating recess68ain the directional stabilizer60, which receives a singular tab74aextending from the closure74. The singular tab-type rotation stop74amay extend from the exterior peripheral surface of a peripheral wall22of a closure14like that shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. Alternatively, the positions of the tab74aand recess68acould be reversed, the tab and recess could have different mating shapes than those shown, and there could be a plurality of mating tabs and recesses, rather than a single tab and recess. As shall be seen from the following description ofFIG. 6, there are alternative locations for locating a rotation stop74aon the container, besides the exterior peripheral surface of peripheral wall of the closure74. The directional stabilizer60may optionally be marked with indicia72indicating a particular orientation for storage or shipping of the container70.

FIG. 6shows a stabilized container system80with receptacle82and a plurality of alternative stabilizers84,90,92,102and104, each of which may be provided with an overall configuration like that exhibited by the stabilizers16,40and60ofFIGS. 1-5. Flange-type stabilizer84has a receptacle contact ring86and a support surface engager88. The inner circumference of the contact ring86may be selected to match the outer circumference of the receptacle. Alternatively, the stabilizer84may be split or have a “C”-shaped profile and be made from a resilient material, such as plastic, such that it exerts an inwardly directed resilient force. As a further alternative, a split flange-type stabilizer84may utilize an elastic band87to retain it in position on the receptacle82. As noted, when viewed from the front, the support surface engager88would have a profile like that of stabilizers16,40or60as shown inFIG. 3,FIG. 4orFIG. 5, respectively.

The shape of block stabilizer90differs from the stabilizers16,40,60in having a greater thickness. Block stabilizer90may be made from a low density material, such as Styrofoam, sponge or paper mache, from plastic or a combination of materials and is sized to be positioned over the receptacle82of the container80and may elastically grip the container80.

A tube rim96, e.g., made from plastic or metal may be glued or formed/crimped onto the end of receptacle82to provide features, e.g., threads, that promote effective coupling with closure100, which, in the embodiment depicted, is a threaded cap. The tube rim96may have a groove94for receiving a tube rim stabilizer92. The tube rim stabilizer92may have the same basic configuration as the stabilizers16,40or60, except that the central aperture thereof is sized to permit installation in the groove94on the tube rim96.FIG. 6shows that a gasket-style stabilizer102may be captured between the closure100and a portion of the tube rim96. As before, the gasket-type stabilizer102may have the same basic configuration as the stabilizers16,40or60, except that the central aperture thereof is sized to permit installation between the tube rim96and the closure100, as shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 6shows yet another alternative wherein a cap stabilizer104may be retained in a groove106in an outer peripheral surface of closure100. A rotation stop like68aor74amay be formed in any of the surfaces of the tube rim96or closure100which contact the stabilizers92,102,104.

A stabilizer, e.g.,16,40,60,84,90,102or104is, in accordance with the present invention, retrofittable to existing cylindrical containers and its use on one or both ends thereof is optional. More particularly, one may use the embodiments of the present invention shown inFIGS. 1-5and the gasket-type stabilizer102shown inFIG. 6, by placing the stabilizer between the closure, e.g.,14and the receptacle12and then placing the closure, e.g.,14on the receptacle12. As shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 5, a stabilizer, e.g.,16or60with a registration slot38/rotation stop68a, respectively, is preferably aligned with any mating rotation stop, e.g.,74abefore seating the closure on the receptacle12. As to the embodiments of the invention shown inFIG. 6, with the exception of the gasket-type stabilizer102, the stabilizers84,90,92and104may be placed on their respective positions on the container system80either before or after the closure100is placed on the receptacle82, i.e., by simply sliding the respective stabilizers into position on the container80. Of course, any of the stabilizers84,90,92and/or104may be placed on the container80by a manufacturer, such that the user thereof does not need to assemble the stabilizer to the container80.

The materials in which a stabilized container system in accordance with the present invention is executed are variable. For example, the container system10may utilize a receptacle made from cardboard, plastic, metal or composites thereof. The stabilizer, e.g.,16,50, etc. may be made from plastic, metal, paper mache, foam rubber, Styrofoam, rubber, cardboard, composites thereof, or other such common materials.

FIG. 7shows the profile of a generalized form of stabilizer110which bears a container weight at load point L in three different positions, i.e., with load point L at positions A, B and C, respectively. The generalized stabilizer110is depicted in these three different positions with different types of lineation, viz., solid, dashed and dotted lines. The adjacent graph indicates the height of the load point L at each of the three positions A, B and C. The outer periphery of the generalized stabilizer110exhibits a varying distance from the load point L, such that the height of the load point L varies (in the Y direction) as the generalized stabilizer110is rotated along the X axis from position A to B to C. The potential energy of the system depicted, increases with increasing height of the load. Position B represents a valley or relative minimum of height and potential energy on the positional range shown. As a result, energy must be expended to move the generalized stabilizer110from position B to either position A or to position C. Because, position B represents a lower energy level relative to positions A and C, position B could be referred to as exhibiting a relative minimum height/potential energy and the generalized stabilizer110and load L will tend to remain at position B and to return to position B if displaced partially toward position A or C. Position B therefore represents a stable height/potential energy valley. Of course, a force exceeding the energy difference between A or C and B would displace the stabilizer110from position B, but over the range of difference between A or C and B, it will be stable. Looking back at the previously described stabilizers, e.g.,16,40and60, we can see that the outer peripheral surface(s) thereof vary in distance from the container aperture, e.g.,28,42,68along the extent of the peripheral surface(s), defining stable valleys of height/potential energy when supporting a container relative to an environmental surface ES.

FIG. 8shows an end closure120having a notch122in the peripheral lip124thereof. The notch122matingly receives a rotation stop block126provided on a surface of stabilizer128. When the stabilizer is captured between a receptacle such as receptacle12shown inFIG. 2, the mating of the notch122and rotation stop block126prevents the stabilizer128from rotating relative to the end closure120. The end closure120is typically frictionally engaged with the receptacle12which prevents it from being rotated relative thereto without substantial force.

FIG. 9shows an alternative arrangement to that shown inFIG. 8, namely, end closure132has a depending tab130which extends down from the rim131of closure132. The tab is received in a mating slot134provided in stabilizer136. The function of the tab130and slot134is similar to that of the previously described embodiment shown inFIG. 8, namely, to prevent the stabilizer136from rotating relative to the closure132and, via the closure's frictional grip on the receptacle, relative to the receptacle.

FIG. 10discloses another embodiment similar toFIGS. 8 and 9wherein one or more pegs or other projections138,140extending from a surface of stabilizer139insert into holes132,144in the rim146of closure148to prevent the stabilizer139from turning when the closure148is inserting into a receptacle12.

FIGS. 11 and 12illustrate another alternative embodiment wherein stabilizer150has a radial tab152extending into the central aperture thereof. A closure158has a tab aperture154in the peripheral wall156thereof such that when the stabilizer150is installed on the closure158the tab152extends through the tab aperture154to prevent rotation of the stabilizer150relative to the closure158.

FIG. 13shows that the radial tab152may be bent at an angle relative to the stabilizer150. The tab152also features a burr160which may be used to grip a receptacle12as illustrated inFIG. 14.

FIG. 14shows a stabilized container system162having a receptacle164. Stabilizer166has a plurality of radial tabs168,170which are bent at right angles relative to the remainder of the stabilizer166. Stabilizer166has a profile similar to that shown inFIG. 1. A pair of burrs172,174extend from a surface of the radial tabs168,170respectively. End closure176has an end wall178and a cylindrical wall extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the end wall178to plug the opening of the receptacle164. A tapered gripping land182is provided proximate the distal end of the cylindrical wall180. The gripping land182has a tapered distal surface184which promotes its introduction into the aperture of the stabilizer166and into the open end of the receptacle164. The tapered gripping land182also has a proximal surface186which abuts against the distal end of the radial tabs168,170to prevent withdrawal of the closure176from the receptacle164. As can be appreciated fromFIG. 14, the cylindrical wall180of the closure176bends the radial tabs168,170downward and presses the burrs172,174into the receptacle164, which typically would be formed from cardboard, paper or plastic that can be penetrated by the burrs172,174. The closure176forms an interlocking relationship with the stabilizer166to retain the stabilizer166in a specific orientation relative to the receptacle164to prevent relative rotation between the receptacle164and the stabilizer166as well as locking the closure176into the receptacle164by virtue of the interaction between the radial tabs168,170and the proximal surface186of the tapered gripping land182.

FIG. 15shows a stabilizer190having a ring192which extends substantially at right angles relative to the remainder of the stabilizer190. A tapered lead-in194may be provided on the ring192to facilitate it's installation on a receptacle198as shown inFIG. 16.

FIG. 16illustrates a container system196having a receptacle198formed from cardboard or plastic. A closure member200is inserted into the end of the receptacle198. The closure200has a tapered gripping land202which is radially enlarged and grips and/or displaces the wall of the receptacle198outward to conform to the shape of the gripping land202. The tapered lead-in194permits the stabilizer190to be slipped over the lip204of the closure200and be pushed down over the end of the receptacle198to the extent that the tapered lead-in194encounters the area of the receptacle198which is deformed by the tapered gripping land202of the closure200. The deformation shown is exaggerated for illustration purposes and may, in practice, be minimal. Simultaneously, the stabilizer190clears the edge of the lip204of the closure200, locking the stabilizer190on the container system196. As can be appreciated, the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 16provides a means for making the withdrawal or inadvertent displacement of the closure200from the receptacle more difficult. The stabilizer190and closure200may feature anti-rotation stops such as shown inFIGS. 8-12to prevent the rotation of the stabilizer190relative to the closure200and/or the receptacle198.

FIG. 17shows a columnar assembly210having a container system212with closures214at either end. The closures214retain an enlarged stabilizer216at one end of the container system212which serves as a base or foot for the columnar assembly210, permitting it to stand upright. At the top, closure214retains an upper stabilizer220. The upper stabilizer220may feature one or more panels222that may be used as a surface for bearing advertising or other symbology i.e., as a substrate for indicia224. In lieu of closure214and stabilizer220at the top of the container system212, alternative signage or other advertising mechanisms, such as a three dimensional plastic figurine or object may be held on in any convenient and conventional manner, such as by inserting into the open end of the receptacle218.

FIGS. 18 and 19show a container system230utilizing a receptacle232having a pair of opposing apertures231,233proximate an end thereof. A stabilizer234has a sleeve238extending from a base/flange236. The sleeve238has a pair of opposing apertures241,243which may be aligned with the apertures231,233when the sleeve238is inserted into the open end of the receptacle232. A closure240has an end wall242from which a pair of spikes244,246extend. The spikes244,246may be provided with heads248,250which facilitate insertion and interlock with the sleeve238as shown inFIG. 19. The spikes244,246also feature locator pins252,254, respectively, which insert through the aligned apertures233,231and243,241, to retain the closure240in the end of the receptacle232at a specific orientation. This type of container system230may be employed to maintain the receptacle232in an upright position like that shown inFIG. 17, or may be used to form a stabilized container system for containing objects. For the latter application, the closure240may include a cylindrical side wall like wall180that is shown inFIG. 14, with the spikes244,246extending from a distal end thereof.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the present invention as described above in reference toFIG. 6, shows a container with a tube rim with outer threads, but the invention would be equally applicable for use with a container having a tube rim with inner threads that received a closure with an outer threaded surface. Further, the invention could be utilized with a receptacle, e.g., made from plastic or molded cardboard, having integrally formed threads. It should be appreciated that all the various stabilizers shown in the figures and described above may be formed monolithically with any of the closures or receptacles shown and described herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.