A PACKAGING DIVIDER

Abstract: A packaging divider (10) formed of a single rectangular cardboard sheet element (12). The sheet element (12) defines three die cut slits (14) in spaced aligment with respect to one another along a common axis A and a number of spaced parallel creases (22) disposed perpendicularly with respect to said common axis A. The sheet element is divided into two sheet portions (24.1 and 24.2). In an erected condition of the packaging divider, the sheet portions (24.1 and 24.2) are folded over with respect to one another about said common axis A until the portions are disposed back-to-back. The sheet element (12) is concertinaed in a direction along the slits (14) thereby forming parallel channel formations (26) in the sheet element portions. In the erected condition of the packaging divider (10), the slits (14) are displaced into open star-shaped configurations, with elongate spaced parallel passages (28) being defined between the sheet element portions.

Description: A PACKAGING DIVIDER THIS INVENTION relates to a packaging divider. It relates particularly to a packaging divider of a type for use with flexible or non- flexible containers, for separating articles packaged in such containers. According to the invention there is provided a packaging divider comprising a single sheet element defining at least two slits that are disposed in spaced alignment with respect to one another along a common axis, the sheet element having a crease extending between said slits and a number of spaced parallel creases formed along crease lines that are disposed perpendicularly with respect to said common axis, the sheet element, in an erected condition of the packaging divider, being folded over about the creases extending between the slits so as to provide two sheet element portions that are disposed back-to-back, the sheet element portions being concertinaed in a direction along said common axis thereby partially folding the sheet element portions about said crease lines so as to form parallel channel formations in each of the sheet element portions, wherein objects to be packaged can be received, in use. In the erected condition of the packaging divider, the slits in the sheet element may be displaced into an open configuration, with elongate spaced parallel passages being defined between the sheet element portions and apices of the channel formations formed in each sheet element portion being disposed opposite one another and being separated by said passages formed between the sheet element portions. Regions of each sheet element portion, that define the apices of the channel formations may be joined to one another by an adhesive substance, thereby to maintain the shape of the packaging divider in its erected condition. Further features of the invention are described by way of a non-limiting example of the invention, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a schematic top plan view of a pre-formed flat sheet element for forming a packaging divider in accordance invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a packaging divider in accordance with the invention, in a partially erected condition; Figure 3 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a packaging divider in accordance with the invention, in an erected condition thereof; and Figure 4 shows a schematic top plan view of the packaging divider of Figure 3. With reference to the drawings, a packaging divider in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 1 0. The packaging divider is formed of a single rectangular cardboard sheet element 1 2 defining three die-cut slits 14. The sheet element 1 2 in an unerected condition, is flat and has two ends 1 6.1 and 1 6.2 and two sides 1 8.1 and 1 8.2. The slits 14 are defined along a common transverse axis A that extends between the sides 1 8.1 and 1 8.2 of the sheet element 1 2, midway between the ends 1 6.1 and 1 6.2 thereof. The sheet element 1 2 defines creases 20 that extend between the slits 14. The sheet element 1 2 also defines a number of spaced parallel creases 22 that are formed along crease lines that are disposed perpendicularly with respect to the axis A. The sheet element 1 2 is divided into two sheet element portions 24.1 and 24.2 by the axis A. In order to erect the packaging divider, the sheet element 12 is concertinaed in a direction along the axis A thereby to partially fold the sheet element portions 24.1 and 24.1 along the crease lines 22 so as to form parallel channel formations 26 in each of the sheet element portions. In order to form the packaging divider into its erected condition (as is illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings), the sheet element portions 24.1 and 24.2 are further folded over about the creases 20 until the sheet element portions are disposed back-to-back with respect to one another. In the erected condition of the packaging divider, it can be seen that the slits 14 are displaced into an open configuration, with elongate spaced parallel passages 28 being defined between the sheet element portions. The passages 28 are star-shaped in cross-sectional end view, with apices of the channel formations 26 being disposed opposite one another and being separated by the passages 28. In order to maintain the shape of the packaging divider in its erected condition, an adhesive substance is applied to inner sides of regions of the sheet element portions 24.1 and 24.2, that define apices 25 of the channel formations. It will be appreciated that the exact shape and configuration of the packaging divider may vary considerably while still incorporating the essential features of the invention. In particular, the overall dimensions of the packaging divider and the number of channels thereof may vary depending on the required application for the packaging divider. In use, the Applicant envisages that the packaging divider in accordance with the invention may form an insert in a rigid or semi-rigid container such as a cardboard box or the like, with the channels formations 26 of the packaging divider providing for the location and protection of elongate objects such as, for example, wine bottles, within the box. The passages 28 defined by the packaging divider provide additional cushioning. Furthermore, the manner in which the channels are formed and the sheet element portions 24.1 and 24.2 are folded with respect to one another ensure that a double layer of material is provided between the objects that are received in the channels 26, in critical regions of the packaging divider where most impacting between the objects may occur. The Applicant believes that the packaging divider in accordance with the invention provides a lightweight, low cost and highly protective divider for objects that are packaged in containers.

Claims: CLAIMS 1 . A packaging divider comprising a single sheet element defining at least two slits that are disposed in spaced alignment with respect to one another along a common axis, the sheet element having a crease extending between said slits and a number of spaced parallel creases formed along crease lines that are disposed perpendicularly with respect to said common axis, the sheet element, in an erected condition of the packaging divider, being folded over about the creases extending between the slits so as to provide two sheet element portions that are disposed back-to-back, the sheet element portions being concertinaed in a direction along said common axis thereby partially folding the sheet element portions about said crease lines so as to form parallel channel formations in each of the sheet element portions, wherein objects to be packaged can be received, in use. 2. A packaging divider as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein, in the erected condition of the packaging divider, the slits in the sheet element are displaced into an open configuration, with elongate spaced parallel passages being defined between the sheet element portions and apices of the channel formations formed in each sheet element portion, being disposed opposite one another and being separated by said passages formed between the sheet element portions. 3. A packaging divider as claimed in Claim 2, wherein regions of each sheet element portion, that define the apices of the channel formations are joined to one another by an adhesive substance, thereby to maintain the shape of the packaging divider in its erected condition. 4. A new packaging divider substantially as described in the specification. A packaging divider substantially as described in the specification, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

Inventors: NORTJE MARTHINUS JORDAAN, NORTJE, MARTHINUS, JORDAAN
Applicants: NORTJE MARTHINUS JORDAAN, NORTJE, MARTHINUS, JORDAAN
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B65D5
IPC codes: B65D5