Commodity partition

Abstract: The partition (10) is installable in a container (X) for dividing its interior into a plurality of cells (C1-C12), more or less, and includes a first panel (12) having at least one score, crease or fold (14) therein by which the panel can be folded. The first panel may include a pair of panels having contiguous edges about which they pivot with respect to each other, in a manner similar to said folded first panel. The partition also includes second and third panels (20, 22) which are attachable to the first identified panel(s) at the fold(s), or edge separation. These latter panels have interfitting tabs (26a, 26b), that interfit intermediate each other. The second panel is attached to a sidewall of the first panel on one side of the fold and the third panel is attached to the sidewall on the other side of the fold. The panels move apart when the first panel is folded at the crease thereby to create the walls of the cells.

Description: Background of the Invention This invention relates to partitions for use in a container such as a carton, or a box, or the like, and more particularly, to an improved partition for use in the container to separate commodities placed therein. Heretofore, there have been numerous attempts to create partitions for use in boxes or similar containers to facilitate the shipping and storage of articles such as glassware, etc., which is shipped in bulk quantities, and whose size, fragility, and similar factors make it impractical to transport in non-compartmentalized containers. Representative examples of such partitions and dividers are shown in United States patents 4,094,454 to Snyder, 4,007,830 to Calvert, 3,511,404 to Pearson, 2,743,836 to Roberts, 3,253,763 to Henderson, 2,854,103 to Kruger, 2,549,800 and 2,549,799 to George, 2,494,437 to George et al., and 1,494,962 to Sheffner. As is shown in various of these patents, a partition is made by interlocking lengthwise and crosswise members or panels. This interlocking is accomplished by use of tabs, folded portions of a panel, etc., which fit into a slot or slit in another panel. It has been a particular problem with such constructions that the portion of the tabs or folds tear during forming of the divider, or in use. This can lead to a failure in the separation between cells and allow the articles to shift about. This leads to more breakage or parts damage and, as a result, increases shipping and replacement costs. More specifically, in the various prior art patents disclosed, patent No. 4,094,454, shows a partitioned container embodying a removable partition, within a box, with the partition having vertical edge portions, and incorporates movement resisting substance that is adhered to at least a portion of the partition vertical edge portions, to resist slipping of the partition within its carton. The patent to Sheffner, No. 1,494,962, shows a sectional partition, with non-interacting segments, for use in a container, and it appears that each segment of the partition particularly at their points of intersection, are fabricated of multi-wound configuration, while being fabricated to a firmly interlocked configuration. The patent to George, et al, No. 2,494,437, shows a process of manufacturing collapsible cellular container partitions. The particular partition shown is apparently fabricated of a pair of webs, which are cut longitudinally along a zig-zag configuration, that are interfitted by alternating tongues, so that the partition can be collapsed, as shown in the patent. The patent to George, No. 2,549,799, discloses a collapsible cellular partition for containers, and this partition is a little more complex in structure, as noted, and is apparently made up of four different partition sections, as identified, which are interlinked together by means of their various tongues, to provide for erection of the partition during usage, but which also can be collapsed. Another cellular partition is shown in the patent to George, No. 2,549,800, which discloses how its panels may be interlinked together by means of tongues, to provide a cellular partition that may be located within a collapsible container, and collapsed in uniformity therewith. In each of U.S. Patents 2,549,799 and 2,549,800 to George referred to above, on which the two-part form of independent claim 1 is based, each panel has at each score line a plurality of tongues extending in opposite directions from the score line. The tongues are between the panels' edges parallel to the score lines and are attached to opposite sides of a score line of an adjacent panel. The patent to Roberts, No. 2,743,836, shows a metal partition for milk container, which apparently is made up of either two angulated sections, or three sections, and this type of partition, though, is not otherwise pertinent to the subject matter of this invention, other than showing their multiple configuraton, as disclosed in its Fig. 4. The patent to Pearson, No. 3,511,404, shows a series of interlinking partition walls, which apparently interconnect together by means of cooperating slots, as noted, and which partition can then be stacked to flat, in the manner as disclosed. The patent to Kruger, No. 2,854,103, shows a type of light-shielding grid, but this is not overly pertinent to the subject matter of this current disclosure. The patent to Henderson, No. 3,253,763, shows a form of cross partition, which has little tab sections, as noted, which extend through scores, to provide the type of cross partition as shown in the patent. There is a patent to Calvert, No. 4,007,830, upon an article carrier partition insert, which shows a form of divider, as a partition insert for use within a beverage carton, and which is collapsible with the carton, during its erection, for usage and holding a variety of beverage containers. Also, a patent to Ikelheimer, No. 3,491,909, shows another form of partition. Summary of the Invention Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a partition for use in a carton or box to divide the container into individual cells, and to increase the structural strength of containers, in which articles are placed for shipment and storage; the provision of such a partition in which the various panels are interconnected; the provision of such a partition which can be folded substantially flat for shipment but readily unfolded for installation in a container; the provision of such a partition utilizing various combinations of panels to produce 4, 6, 9, 12, 16, and 24 cells, for example, in the container; the provision of such a partition in which the various panels are interfitted so they readily move apart when the partition is opened up for installation into a container; the provision of such a partition utilizing tabs formed to prevent tearing or interference as the partition is opened and closed; and, the provision of such a partition which is reusable. In accordance with the invention there is provided a partition fitting into a container for separating the interior of the container into a plurality of cells, the partition including at least one first panel having at least one of a crease, fold or score therein dividing said first panel into two panel sections to facilitate the folding of the panel, and two additional panel sections attached to the first panel adjacent the crease, fold or score at opposite sides thereof, the two additional panel sections moving relative to each other and to the sections of the first panel when the first panel is folded at its crease, fold or score whereby the walls of the panel sections define the cells, a series of tabs formed on said additional panel sections, said tabs being spaced apart from one another along the crease, fold or score and the tabs of one of the additional panel sectionsbeing attached to the first panel on one side of the crease, fold or score and the tabs of the other of said additional panel sections being attached to the first panel on the other side of the crease, fold or score, characterized in that the panel sections of the first panel are left integral coextensively along its crease, fold or score so that said crease, fold or score is a continuous line, and said two additional panel sections are formed by two separate panels, each of said separate panels having said tabs formed on an outer edge thereof, with the tabs on one of said separate panels being received between the tabs of the other separate panel in interdigitating relationship therewith. The partition's strength is enhanced by having the first panel left integrally, coextensively along its fold line. Panels provided with a score line may also have tabs at the edges thereof parallel to the score line. In one embodiment, each tab has an inner segment adjacent the end of the panel, an intermediate segment, and an outer segment. The inner and outer tab segments taper along their lengths; while, the intermediate segment has a constant width. As a result, the only contact between the second and third panels, when the first panel is folded, is at the intermediate segments of adjoining tabs. Other features and advantages will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a container with a partition of the present invention installed therein; Figs. 2a and 2b are respective opposite side views of the partition in a compact, storage position; Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate a tab construction for joining panels of the divider together, the panels being in an unflexed position in Fig. 3a and a flexed position in Fig. 3b; Fig. 4 is an end view of the partition in its compacted position; Figs. 5a-5c illustrate some possible combinations of panels used in forming the divider to form a divider of 4, 6, and 9 cells respectively; Fig. 6 is an elevational view of a tab formed on the edge of a panel used in the partition; and, Fig. 7 is an end view of one intersection of the divider. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. Description of a Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings, a partition 10 of the present invention is installable in a container X. When installed, the partition divides the container into a plurality of cells such as the cells C1-C12 indicated in Fig. 1. After installation, articles, not shown, can be placed in the cells for storage or transport. While the partition 10 of Fig. 1 divides the interior of the container into 12 cells, it will be understood that the partition can be constructed to form more, or fewer, cells. As particularly shown in Figs 5a-5c, 4, 6, and 9 cell arrangements can be formed, in addition to other variations. For example, partitions forming 16, 20, 24, etc. cells can be formed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, partition 10 is comprised of a first panel 12. This panel is rectangular in shape and has at least one fold, crease, or score 14 extending perpendicular to the top edge of the panel. Actually, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4, panel 12 has four such folds (14a-14d respectively), which may be, but do not necessarily have to be, equidistantly spaced along the length of the panel. Each fold is on the opposite side of the panel from the its adjacent folds. This permits the panel to be folded in the opposite direction at each fold. Thus, the panel can be formed into the "stair-step" form shown in the plan view of the partition of Fig. 1. Partition 10 further includes panels 16a and 16b. These are similar to panel 12 in that each panel 16 is rectangular in shape and has a told, crease or score (18a, 18b respectively) extending perpendicular to the edge of the panel. Whereas panel 12 has four folds dividing it into five sections, each panel 16 has only one fold to divide it into two sections. As shown in Fig. 4, the panels are positioned such that when partition 10 is in its flat, compact state, fold 18a of one panel 16a is directly opposite fold 14b; while the fold 18b of panel 16b is directly opposite crease 14c. Thus the panels are arranged on opposite sides of panel 12 and are offset from one another. Besides the above, partition 10 also generally includes a panel 20 and a panel 22. As seen in Figs. 1 and 4, partition 10 includes four panels 20 (panels 20a-20d respectively) and four panels 22 (22a-22d respectively). All of the panels 20, and all of the panels 22, are identical in length and width, and the panels are designed for attachment to one of the sections of either panel 12, or panels 16a, 16b. Obviously, while the preferred embodiment may show panels being of uniform dimensions, it is just as likely that the separate panels, forming parallel side walls for each cell of the partition, may be of differing widths, for even lengths, for the purpose of forming cellular openings that are more rectangular in dimension, rather than squared, as shown in Fig. 1. This is just an example of how variation may be made to the structure of the partition, to accommodate the differing nature of its application and usage. For this purpose, the panels 20 include a means indicated generally 24a for attachment to the panel sections, and the panels 22 include a means of attachment indicated generally 24b. The respective means 24a, 24b each comprises a series of tabs (26a, 26b respectively) formed on one end of the respective panels. These tabs are so formed that when the partition is in its closed, compacted position, the respective series of tabs interfit or interdigitate as shown in Fig. 3a. It will be understood that the configuration of the tabs, as described hereinbelow, is identical for each panel. The tabs formed on the end of one panel are, however, offset with respect to those on the other panel, so the tabs interfit or interdigitate, as aforesaid. Referring to Fig. 6, each tab has three segments, an inner segment 28, an intermediate segment 30, and an outer segment 32. The inner and outer segments are of the same length; while, the intermediate segment may be the same length, or somewhat longer or shorter. The base of inner segment 28 comprises the point of integral attachment of the tab to the remainder of the panel. From the base to the outer end of this inner segment, the sides of the segment taper inwardly. The width of the intermediate segment is less than the width of the inner segment. Thus, a pair of shoulders 34 are formed at the juncture between these two segments. The intermediate segment differs from the inner segment in that it has a constant width throughout its length. The width of the outer segment is narrower than that of the intermediate segment at the juncture between the two segments. This creates a pair of shoulders 36 at the juncture between these two segments. The shoulders 34 and 36 are generally formed of the same radii. The sides of this outer segment also taper inwardly from the juncture to the outer end of this segment. When a partition 10 is formed, the lateral centerline of the intermediate section is offset with respect to the fold of the panel 12 (or 16) to which the panel 20 (or 22) is being attached to take into account the material thickness. This alignment is made on the opposite side of the panel from that in which the score is made. Further, the panel 20 is oriented such that the outer half of the intermediate segment, and all of the outer segment, lay flat against the sidewall of the panel 12, even after the panel 12 has been folded at the crease. Attachment of the panel 20 to the other panel is made, for example, by applying a glue to that portion of the tab laying against the sidewall of panel 12. The other panel 22 (or 20) is oriented in a similar fashion. Now, however, the outer half of the intermediate segment, and all of the outer segment, of its tabs lay flat against the sidewall of the panel 12, on the opposite side of the crease. This portion of the tabs is also attached to the sidewall of panel 12, as, for example, by gluing. It will be understood that the panels can be of any convenient material, and can be either of a single or multiple layer of thickness. Further, the partition can be designed for a one-time or for repetitive usage. To facilitate the insertion or retention of the divider into or within a container, the edges of the panels may be coated. In any event, when the partition is opened from its storage position, the only contact between the tabs on panels 20 and 22 is at the intermediate segments 30 of the respective tabs. In fact, the flat portions provided at 30a, provide a pivot surface against which the two panels are allowed to pivot with respect to each other, when folded into the erected configuration. Since the panels pivot in opposite directions when the panel 12 is folded at the crease, the movement of the tabs is as shown in Fig. 3b, and Fig. 7. But, as further noted in these figures, the panel sections, when they are assembled into the usable partition configuration are slightly separated, as can be noted by the gaps 30c, so that when the various panels are fabricated into the position as shown in Fig. 4, these gaps will exist between the panel sections, even in the flattened configuration, so that as the panels pivot in opposite directions when the panel 12 is folded at the crease, into the condition of erection, the movement of the tabs will be as shown in Fig. 3b, and there will be no binding between tab sections, because of the existence of these clearance gaps 30c. As shown therein, the respective series of tabs pivot apart. Since the outer segment 32 of the tabs of the one series fit between the inner segments 28 of the tabs of the other or interfitted series, the tappering shape of the respective tab segments, except for the parallel planar surfaces 30a, allows them to freely separate from each other without binding or tearing. The intermediate segments 30 form a pivot about their parallel surfaces, as at 30a, as aforesaid, which allows the tabs on the other panel to freely turn, without obstruction. This is also accomplished without binding or tearing of any tabs therein. Referring to Figs. 5a-5c, there is shown how panels 12 can be used with various combinations of panels 20, 22 and other panels 16 to effect different multi-cell partitions. Thus as shown in Fig. 5a, a panel 16' having a single crease 18' can be used with one panel 20' and one panel 22' to form a four-cell partition 10a having cells A-D. In Fig. 5b, a panel 12' having two creases 14' is used in combination two pairs of panels 20' and panels 22'. This combination forms a six-cell partition 10b having cells A-F. Lastly, Fig. 5c illustrates a nine-cell partition 10c employing panels 12', 12'', together with panels 20' and 22', and forming cells A-I. It will be understood that other combination can be used to form partitions of 16, 20, 24 cells, etc. These being in addition to the twelve-cell partition 10 of Fig. 1.

Claims: A partition fitting into a container for separating the interior of the container into a plurality of cells (C1-C12;A-D;A-F;A-I), the partition including at least one first panel (12,16,16a,16b;16';12';12'') having at least one of a crease, fold or score (14,14a-14d,18,18a,18b;18';14';14'') therein dividing said first panel into two panel sections to facilitate the folding of the panel (12,16,16a,16b;16';12';12''), and two additional panel sections (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22') attached to the first panel (12,16,16a,16b;16';12';12'') adjacent the crease, fold or score (14,14a-14d,18,18a,18b;18';14';14'') at opposite sides thereof, the two additional panel sections (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22') moving relative to each other and to the sections of the first panel (12,16,16a,16b;16';12';12'') when the first panel (12,16,16a,16b;16';12';12'') is folded at its crease, fold or score (14,14a-14d,18,18a,18b;18';14';14'') whereby the walls of the panel sections define the cells (C1-C12;A-D;A-F;A-I), a series of tabs (26a,26b) formed on said additional panel sections (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22'), said tabs (26a,26b) being spaced apart from one another along the crease, fold or score (14,14a-14d,18,18a,18b; 18';14';14'') and the tabs (26a, 26b) of one of the additional panel sections (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22') being attached to the first panel (12,16,16a,16b; 16';12';12'') on one side of the crease, fold or score (14,14a-14d,18,18a,18b;18';14';14'') and the tabs of the other of said additional panel sections (20,20a-20d, 22,22a-22d;20',22') being attached to the first panel (12,16,16a,16b;16';12';12'') on the other side of the crease, fold or score (14,14a-14d,18,18a,18b;18';14';14''), characterized in that the panel sections of the first panel (12,16,16a,16b;16';12';12'') are left integral coextensively along its crease, fold or score (14,14a-14d,18,18a,18b;18';14';14'') so that said crease, fold or score is a continuous line, and said two additional panel sections (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22') are formed by two separate panels, each of said separate panels (20,20a-20d, 22,22a-22d;20',22') having said tabs (26a,26b) formed on an outer edge thereof, with the tabs (26a,26b) on one of said separate panels (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22') being received between the tabs (26a,26b) of the other separate panel in interdigitating relationship therewith. The partition of claim 1, characterized in that the tabs (26a,26b) formed on one of said separate panels (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22') correspond in size and shape to, and being offset with respect to, the tabs (26a,26b) formed on the other of said separate panels (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22') so to interfit therewith, said tabs (26a,26b) being shaped to allow an opening to form between the separate panels (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22') to freely move in opposite directions when the first panel (12,16,16a,16b;16';12';12'') is folded and not interfere with each other. The partition of any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each tab (26a,26b) has an inner segment (28) adjacent the edge of its panel, an intermediate segment (30) extending from the outer end of the inner segment (26), and an outer segment (32) extending from the outer end of the intermediate segment (30), the shape of the tabs (26a,26b) being such that the only contact between the additional panels (20,20a-20d,22,22a-22d;20',22'), when the first said panel (12,16,16a,16b;16';12';12'') is folded, is at the fold, crease or score (14,14a-14d,18,18a,18b;18';14';14''). The partition of claim 3, characterized in that the inner and outer tab segments (28, 32) taper along their length from their inner to their outer ends, and the intermediate segment (30) has a constant width throughout its length. The partition of claim 4, characterized in that the width of an intermediate tab segment (30), at its juncture with the inner tab segment (28), is less than that of the inner segment (28) at the juncture thereby forming a shoulder (34) on each side of the intermediate segment (30). The partition of claim 5, characterized in that the width of the outer tab segment (32), at its juncture with the intermediate tab segment (30), is less than that of the intermediate segment (30) at the juncture thereby forming a shoulder (36) on each side of the outer segment (32). The partition of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first panel (12;12';12'') has a plurality of creases (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d; 14';14'') spaced along its length, each crease being on the opposite side of the panel (12;12';12'') from the adjacent crease for the panel (12;12';12'') to fold in one direction at one crease and in the opposite direction at the next crease. The partition of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one edge of the first panel (16,16a,16b;12') has a series of spaced apart tabs (26) formed therealong which correspond to the tabs (26) formed on the edge of either of the separate panels (20,22). The partition of any one of claims 1 to 8 including a plurality of said first panels (12,16,16a,16b;12',12'') and separate panels (20,20a-20d, 22,22a-22d;20',22') arranged to form a multi-cell partition, the number of cells (C1-C12;A-I) formed being a function of the combination of panels used.

Inventors: PETERS CHARLES L, PETERS, CHARLES L.
Applicants: JEFFERSON SMURFIT CORP, JEFFERSON SMURFIT CORPORATION
Application year: 1993
Main classification: B65D5
IPC codes: B65D5