Pneumatic tube carrier

Abstract: A pneumatic tube carrier which is pneumatically conveyed through a pneumatic tube is provided with a container body (1) for carrying an article (30) and a pair of elastic films (10,11) provided in the container body (1) with their peripheries held by the same. The pair of elastic films (10,11) are stretched by the article disposed therebetween and hold the article by a shrinking force generated therein.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a pneumatic tube carrier used for a pneumatic tube conveyor system, and more particularly to a pneumatic tube carrier able to carry one or more articles of various shapes and sizes while protecting it from shock. RELATED ART Widely known in the past has been a pneumatic tube conveyor system which conveys pneumatic tube carriers carrying one or more articles through a pneumatic transport tube by air pressure. When conveying articles susceptible to shock carried in the pneumatic tube carrier, the general practice has been to protect the articles from shock by wrapping the article by a cushioning sheet or using a cushioning inner case prepared in advance to match the shape of the article (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication (Kokai) No. 60-6719). When wrapping an article by a cushioning sheet, however, since a sufficient shock resistance cannot be obtained when the wrapped article freely moves inside the pneumatic tube carrier, it is necessary to carefully wrap it so that there is no clearance between the wrapped article and the inside surface of the pneumatic tube carrier. Further, when the article has a complicated shape, the shape after the article is wrapped by the sheet also becomes complicated, so it becomes difficult to affix it inside the pneumatic tube carrier. On the other hand, when using a previously prepared inner case, the shape of the article which can be carried in the inner case is limited, so it is not possible to carry articles of different shapes. Further, inner cases made in various different shapes become necessary for conveying articles of different shapes, so the economic burden increases and storage of the inner cases etc. become troublesome. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tube carrier which can easily carry one or more articles of various shapes and sizes and can convey the articles through a pneumatic tube while protecting them from shock. We are aware of GB-A-1280745 which forms the pre-characterising portion of each of claim 1 and claim 8. According to one aspect of the present invention, in a pneumatic tube carrier according to the pre-characterising portion of claim 1, a pair of elastic films is provided in the container body with their peripheries held by the container body, and the pair of elastic films is adapted to hold the articles in the container body, when they are placed between the two films. In the pneumatic tube carrier having the above configuration, when the articles are disposed between the pair of elastic films which are held by the container body at the periphery thereof, the pair of elastic films are stretched by the articles and generate a shrinking force therein, and thus the articles can be held by a pressing force caused by the shrinking force of the pair of elastic films at a position where an equilibrium of the pressing force is held. Accordingly, it is possible to stably hold the articles of various shapes or sizes in the container body away from the inside surfaces of the container body. Further, since the vibration and shock given to the container body are attenuated by the pair of elastic films, it is possible to convey articles of various shapes or sizes carried in the container while effectively protecting them from shock by the pair of elastic films. The container body of the above pneumatic tube carrier may be comprised of a first outer shell having an opening and a second outer shell having an opening matching with the opening of the first outer shell, the pair of elastic films being affixed at peripheries thereof to the pair of outer shells around the openings, respectively. The first and second outer shells may be pivotally connected to each other at one side of the openings for open and close movement thereof. According to this constitution of the container body, it is possible to fabricate the pneumatic tube carrier by the minimum number of parts and possible to manufacture it inexpensively. On the other hand, the pair of elastic films may be affixed at peripheries thereof to a pair of frames, respectively, which are attached in a detachable manner at predetermined positions in the container body. According to this constitution, it is possible to easily and inexpensively replace the elastic films together with the frames when the film deteriorate, break, etc. In the pneumatic tube carrier having the above elastic films affixed to the frames, the container body may be comprised of a first shell having an opening and a second outer shell having an opening matching with the opening of the first outer shell, the first and second outer shells being provided with holders for holding the pair of frames at the openings. According to this constitution of the container body, it is possible to easily attach and detach the pair of frames to and from the first and second outer shells. Preferably, at least parts of the container body and the elastic films are transparent or semitransparent. According to this constitution of the container body and the elastic films, it is possible to easily confirm from the outside of the container body the article held in the container body by the pair of elastic films. Preferably, the pneumatic tube carrier further comprises an inner case which is detachably carried in the container body, the inner case being comprised of a first inner shell having an opening and a second inner shell having an opening matching with the opening of the first inner shell, the pair of elastic films being attached their peripheries thereof to the first and second inner shells around the openings, respectively. The first and second inner shells may be pivotally connected to each other at one side of the openings for open and close movement thereof. In the pneumatic tube carrier having the inner case of the above constitution, it is possible to easily hold articles having various shapes and/or sizes inside the inner case by the pair of elastic films and is also possible to effectively protect the articles from shock. Further, it is possible to easily and inexpensively replace the elastic films together with the inner case when the elastic films deteriorate, break, etc. Preferably, in the pneumatic tube carrier having the inner case of the above constitution, at least parts of the container body, inner case, and elastic films are transparent or semitransparent. In this constitution of the pneumatic tube carrier, it is possible to easily confirm from the outside of the container body the articles held by the pair of elastic films inside the inner case inside the container body. According to another aspect of the invention, in a pneumatic tube carrier according to the pre-characterising portion of claim 8, an elastic film is provided in the container body with its periphery held by the same, and the elastic film is adapted to be stretched by the articles placed in the container body, so as to press the articles against the inside surface of the container body. In the pneumatic tube carrier having the above constitution, when one or more articles are placed within one of the spaces in the container body, the elastic film is stretched by the articles and generates a shrinking force to press the articles against the inside of the container body. Therefore, according to the pneumatic tube carrier having the above constitution, it is possible to easily affix and hold articles of various shapes or sizes in the container body by the elastic film. Also, a pressing force caused by the shrinking force of the elastic film stretched by the articles acts on the articles in one of the spaces in the container body to maintain equilibrium, so it is possible to convey articles of various shapes or sizes carried in the container body while effectively protecting them from shock by the elastic film. Preferably, the container body of the above pneumatic tube carrier is comprised of a first outer shell having an opening and a second outer shell having an opening matching with the first outer shells, the elastic film being attached at a periphery thereof to one of the first and second outer shells to seal one of the openings. The first and second outer shells may be pivotally connected to each other at one side of the openings for open and close movement thereof. In the pneumatic tube carrier having the above constitution, since the periphery of the elastic film is attached to one of the first and second outer shells so as to seal one of the openings, it is possible to fabricate the pneumatic tube carrier by the minimum number of parts and possible to manufacture it inexpensively. Preferably, at least parts of the outer shells and the elastic film are transparent or semitransparent. According to this constitution, it is possible to easily confirm from the outside of the shells the article held within the shells by the elastic film. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pneumatic tube carrier showing a first embodiment of the present invention in a state with the pair of outer shells of the container body opened. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the state of an article carried in the container body of the pneumatic tube carrier shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pneumatic tube carrier shown in Fig. 1 along the line A-A in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic tube carrier shown in Fig. 1 along the line B-B in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a pneumatic tube carrier showing a second embodiment of the present invention in a state with the outer shells of the container body and the pair of frames opened. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 3 of the pneumatic tube carrier shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a pneumatic tube carrier showing a third embodiment of the present invention in a state with the pair of outer shells of the container body and the pair of inner shells of the inner case opened. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 3 of the pneumatic tube carrier shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a pneumatic tube carrier showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a state with the pair of outer shells of the container body opened. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the pneumatic tube carrier shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pneumatic tube carrier shown in Fig. 9 along the line C-C in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a pneumatic tube carrier showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. Referring to Figures 1 to 4 which show a first embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic tube carrier carrying one or more articles and adapted to be pneumatically conveyed through a pneumatic tube (not shown) is provided with a substantially cylindrical container body 1 which is comprised of a first outer shell 2 and a second outer shell 3. The first outer shell 2 and the second outer shell 3 have shapes corresponding to that of the container body 1 split longitudinally into two pieces. The first outer shell 2 and the second outer shell 3 have rectangular openings 4 and 5 which match with each other. The second outer shell 3 is pivotally attached in an openable and closable manner to one side of the opening 4 of the first outer shell 2 through a hinge 6 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 4). As shown schematically in Fig. 1, at the sides of the first outer shell 2 and the second outer shell 3 opposite to the side of the hinge 6 is provided a latch 7 for engaging the second outer shell 3 to the first outer shell 2 at a closed position. Further, at the outer circumferences near the two ends of the first outer shell 2 and the second outer shell 3 are attached, in a manner surrounding the outer circumference of the container body 1, sliding rings 8 and 9 comprised of for example felt, woven fabric, a slippery plastic, etc. to improve the air-tightness of the container body 1 and the inner circumferential surface of the pneumatic tube (not shown). A pair of elastic films 10 and 11 are provided in the container body 1 with their peripheries held in the container body 1. More specifically, in the first embodiment, one elastic film 10 is affixed to the sides of the opening 4 of the first outer shell 2 so as to cover the opening 4, while the other elastic film 11 is affixed to the sides of the opening 5 of the second outer shell 3 so as to cover the opening 5. As the elastic films 10 and 11, use may be made of for example a polyethylene film, polyurethane film, etc. or an elastic woven fabric, net, etc. Since the pair of elastic films 10 and 11 are affixed at their peripheries to the openings 4 and 5 of the first outer shell 2 and the second outer shell 3, when an article 30 is placed between the two elastic films 10 and 11 and the second outer shell 3 is closed against the first outer shell 2, the peripheries of the two elastic films 10 and 11 come into close contact and the portions coming into contact with the article 30 are stretched by the article 30 to generate a shrinking force, which shrinking force gives rise to a pressing force which grips the article 30. Accordingly, the article 30 is stably held by at an equilibrium position by the pressing force caused by the shrinking force of the two elastic films 10 and 11 away from the inside surface of the container body 1. Accordingly, not only is it possible to prevent collision of the article 30 and the container body 1 by movement of the article 30 inside the container body 1, but it is also possible to effectively attenuate by the two elastic films 10 and 11 the vibration or shock given to the container body 1, so even when the article 30 carried in the container body 1 is a specimen carried in a fragile glass or other container, a precision part, a measuring device, etc., it is possible to protect the article 30 from vibration or shock and convey it through the pneumatic tube safely and at a high speed. Further, even when the shape, size, or number of the article 30 differs, it is possible to easily and stably hold the article 30 by the pair of elastic films 10 and 11 and to protect it from shock, so it becomes possible to use the pneumatic tube carrier for the conveyance of articles of various shapes-making it superior in terms of general usability. Further, since it is possible to carry and convey articles 30 of various shapes and sizes in the container body 1, it would be convenient if it were possible to be able to easily distinguish visually from the outside the article 30 carried in the container body 1. Accordingly, it is preferable that the container body 1 and the pair of elastic films 10 and 11 be made at least partially transparent or semitransparent. Accordingly, the container body 1 is preferably made from a transparent or semitransparent plastic, for example, a polycarbonate, nylon, etc. In the pneumatic tube carrier of the above configuration, since the openings 4 and 5 of the first and second outer shells 2 and 3 are covered by the elastic films 10 and 11, when the elastic films 10 and 11 are extremely impermeable, it is preferable to form ventilation holes in the elastic films 10 and 11 or the first and second outer shells 2 and 3 so as to allow the air inside the first and second outer shells 2 and 3 compressed when carrying the article 30 to escape. Note that the first and second outer shells 2 and 3 in the above embodiment define inside them a single article carrying space, but it is possible to divide the inside of the first and second outer shells 2 and 3 into a plurality of article carrying chambers by partitions (not shown). Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the present invention. To avoid an overlap in the explanation in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to component parts similar to those of the first embodiment in these figures. Referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the pneumatic tube carrier of the second embodiment is characterized in that the peripheries of the pair of elastic films 10 and 11 are affixed to the pair of frames 12 and 13 which are attached detachably to predetermined positions in the container body 1. The pair of frames 12 and 13 may be separate from each other, but preferably they are connected in an openable and closable manner through a hinge 14 provided at the sides of the frames 12 and 13. The hinge 14 may have a pivot shaft (not shown) connecting the frames 12 and 13 in a pivotable manner, but may also be configured by a thin connecting piece have flexibility integral with the frames 12 and 13. In the second embodiment, the container body 1, like in the first embodiment, is comprised of a first outer shell 2 having an opening 4 and a second outer shell 3 having an opening 5 matching with the opening 4 of the first outer shell 2, the second outer shell 3 is pivotally attached in an openable and closable manner to one side of the opening 4 of the first outer shell 2 through the hinge (not shown), and holders 15 and 16 for holding the pair of frames 12 and 13 are provided at the openings 4 and 5 of the first and second outer shells 2 and 3, respectively. Accordingly, in the pneumatic tube carrier of the second embodiment, since the pair of frames 12 and 13 affixing the peripheries of the elastic films 10 and 11 are attached in a detachable manner at predetermined positions in the container body 1, like with the first embodiment, it is possible to easily hold in the container body 1 articles 30 of various shapes and/or sizes by the pair of elastic films 10 and 11 and also possible to convey the article 30 through a pneumatic tube while effectively protecting it from vibration or shock. Further, there is no need to replace the container body 1 when the elastic films 10 and 11 deteriorate, break, etc. It is possible to easily and inexpensively replace the elastic films 10 and 11 together with the frames 12 and 13. Further, in the pneumatic tube carrier of the above second embodiment, since holders 15 and 16 for holding the pair of frames 12 and 13 are provided at the openings 4 and 5 of the first and second outer shells 2 and 3, it is possible to easily attach and detach the pair of frames 12 and 13 to and from the first and second outer shells 2 and 3. In the second embodiment as well, at least parts of the container body 1 and the elastic films 10 and 11 are preferably made transparent or semitransparent. Figures 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the present invention. To avoid an overlap in the explanation in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to component parts similar to those of the first embodiment in these figures. Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, the pneumatic tube carrier of the third embodiment is provided with an inner case 17 contained in the container body 1. The inner case 17 is comprised of a first inner shell 18 having an opening 20 and a second inner shell 19 having an opening 21 matching with the opening 20 of the first inner shell 18. Further, a pair of elastic films 10 and 11 are attached to the opening 20 of the first inner shell 18 and the opening 21 of the inner shell 19 of the inner case 17. The first and second inner shells 18 and 19 may be separate from each other, but preferably they are connected in an openable and closable manner through a hinge 22 provided at the sides of the first and second inner shells 18 19. The hinge 22 may have a pivot shaft (not shown) connecting the first and second inner shells 18 and 19 in a pivotable manner, but may also be configured by a thin connecting piece have flexibility integral with the first inner shell 18 and second inner shell 19. In the pneumatic tube carrier of the third embodiment, it is possible to easily hold articles 30 of various shapes and/or sizes by the pair of elastic films 10 and 11 in the inner case 17 and also possible to effectively protect the article 30 from shock. Further, there is no need to replace the container body 1 when the elastic films 10 and 11 deteriorate, break, etc. It is possible to easily and inexpensively replace the elastic films 10 and 11 together with the inner case 17. To enable easy confirmation from the outside of the container body 1 of the article 30 held by the pair of elastic films 10 and 11 in the inner case 17, it is preferable that the container body 1, inner case 17, and elastic films 10 and 11 be at least partially transparent or semitransparent. Accordingly, the container body 1 is preferably made by a transparent or semitransparent plastic such as a polycarbonate and the inner case 17 is preferably made by a transparent or semitransparent polystyrene etc. Further, it is preferable to attach a cushioning member 22 for protecting the inner case 17 from shock at suitable locations on the inside surface of the container body 1, for example, on the inside surface of the two ends of the first and second outer shells 2 and 3 in the longitudinal direction. Further, the inside of the inner case 17 may be divided into a plurality of article carrying chambers by partitions (not shown) or a plurality of inner cases 17 may be carried in the container body 1. Figures 9 through 11 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. To avoid an overlap in the explanation in the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to component parts similar to those of the first embodiment in these figures. Referring to Figs. 9 through 11, the pneumatic tube carrier of the fourth embodiment is characterized in that it is provided with a container body 1 for carrying one or more articles and an elastic film 10 provided in the container body 1 with its periphery held by the same so as to separate the interior of the container body 1 into two spaces and in that the elastic film 10 is adapted to be stretched by articles 31 and 32 disposed in one of the spaces in the container body 1 so as to press the articles 31 and 32 against the inside surface of the container body 1. The container body 1 in the fourth embodiment is comprised of a first outer shell 2 having an opening 4 and a second outer shell 3 having an opening 5 matching with the opening 4 of the first outer shell 2. The periphery of the elastic film 10 is attached to the opening 5 of the second outer shell 3. While not illustrated, the elastic film 10 may be attached to the opening 4 of the first outer shell 2 as well. Further, the first and second outer shells 2 and 3 may be separate from each other, but preferably the second outer shell 3 is pivotally attached in an openable and closable manner to one side of the opening 4 of the first outer shell 2 through a hinge 6 (see Fig. 10). The container body 1 and the elastic film 10 preferably are made at least partially transparent or semitransparent. In the fourth embodiment, since the elastic film 10 provided in the container body 1 with its periphery held by the same is stretched by the contact with the articles 31 and 32 carried in the container body 1 and generates a shrinking force and that shrinking force gives rise to a pressing force which presses the articles 31 and 32 against the inside of the container body 1, it is possible to easily affix and hold in the container body 1 articles of various shapes and sizes by the elastic film 10. Further, since the pressing force caused by the shrinking force of the elastic film 10 stretched by contact with the articles 31 and 32 acts to maintain equilibrium in the articles 31 and 32 in the container body 1, it is possible to convey articles of various shapes and/or sizes carried in the container body 1 while effectively protecting them against shock by the elastic film 10. Further, in the fourth embodiment, since the periphery of the elastic film 10 is attached to the opening of one of the first and second outer shells 2 and 3, it is possible to make the pneumatic tube carrier with the minimum number of parts and to manufacture it inexpensively. Note that while not illustrated, as a modification of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to attach the periphery of the elastic film 10 to a frame attached detachably in the container body 1 or to one of a pair of inner shells of an inner case such as shown in Fig. 7. Figure 12 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention wherein modifications are made to the container of the second embodiment explained above. Referring to Fig. 12, the container body 1 of the fifth embodiment is comprised of a cylindrical shaped first outer shell or body 24 having an opening 25 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction and a second outer shell or lid 26 having an opening (not shown) and attached to the opening 25 of the first outer shell 24. The peripheries of the pair of elastic films 10 and 11 are affixed to the pair of frames 12 and 13 having the same configuration as in the second embodiment. Guide rail-like holders 27 and 28 are provided for detachably holding the two sides of the pair of frames 12 and 13 at the inside surface of the first outer shell 2. Accordingly, even in the fifth embodiment, by inserting the article 30 between the pair of elastic films 10 and 11, superposing the pair of frames 12 and 13 over each other, placing the assembly in the first outer shell 2, and making the holders 27 and 28 hold it, it is possible to easily carry in the container body 1 articles having various shapes and/or sizes and possible to convey the article 30 through a pneumatic tube while effectively protecting it from vibration and shock. While the above explanation was made with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to just the above embodiments. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the container body, inner case, etc. are not limited to circular ones and for example may be elliptical, oval, square, etc. Further, the articles 30 to 32 shown are only illustrations. As clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pneumatic tube carrier which can easily carry articles of various shapes and/or sizes and can convey the articles through a pneumatic tube while protecting them from shock.

Claims: A pneumatic tube carrier for containing one or more articles and conveying them through a pneumatic tube, in which the carrier is provided with a container body (1) for carrying one or more articles (30), characterized in that a pair of elastic films (10, 11), is provided in the container body with their peripheries held by the same, and the pair of elastic films is adapted to hold the articles in the container body when they are placed between the two fims. A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the container body (1) is provided with a first outer shell (2) having an opening (4) and a second outer shell (3) having an opening (5) matching with the opening of the first outer shell, the peripheries of the pair of elastic films (10, 11) being affixed to the first and second shells around the openings, respectively. A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the peripheries of the pair of elastic films (10, 11) are affixed to a pair of frames (12, 13) to be attached in a detachable manner at predetermined positions in the container body. A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that the container body is comprised of a first outer shell (2) having an opening (4) and a second outer shell (3) having an opening (5) matching with the opening of the first outer shell, the openings of the first and second outer shells being provided with holders (15, 16) for holding the pair of frames (12, 13). A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that at least parts of the container body (1) and the elastic films (10, 11) are transparent or semitransparent. A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that provision is made of an inner case (7) carried in the container body (1), the inner case being comprised of a first inner shell (18) having an opening (20) and a second inner shell (19) having an opening (21) matching with the opening of the first inner shell, the peripheries of the pair of elastic films (10, 11) being attached to the first and second inner shells around the openings, respectively. A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that at least parts of the container (1), inner case (7), and the elastic films (10, 11) are transparent or semitransparent. A pneumatic tube carrier for containing one or more articles and conveying them through a pneumatic tube, in which the carrier is provided with a container body (1) for carrying one or more articles, characterized in that an elastic film (10) is provided in the container body with its periphery held by the same, and the elastic film (10) is adapted to be stretched by the articles placed in the container body, so as to press the articles against the inside surface of the container body. A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that the container body (1) is comprised of a first outer shell (2) having an opening (4) and a second outer shell (3) having an opening (5) matching with the opening of the first outer shell, the periphery of the elastic film being attached to one of the first and second outer shells around the openings. A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that at least parts of the container body (1) and the elastic film (10) are transparent or semitransparent. A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 2 or 9, characterized in that the first and second outer shells (2, 4) are pivotally connected to each other at one side of the openings for open and close movement thereof. A pneumatic tube carrier as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that the first and second inner shells (18, 19) are pivotally connected to each other at one side of the openings (20, 21) for open and close movement thereof.

Inventors: HIGUCHI SHIZUO, KIRIYAMA SHIGERU, YAMANE KIYOSHI, HIGUCHI, SHIZUO, KIRIYAMA, SHIGERU, YAMANE, KIYOSHI, Higuchi, Shizuo, Res. &amp; Dev. Center, Kiriyama, Shigeru, Res. &amp; Dev. Center, Yamane, Kiyoshi, Res. &amp; Dev. Center
Applicants: NIPPON SHOOTER LTD, NIPPON SHOOTER LTD.
Application year: 1996
Main classification: B65G51
IPC codes: B65G51