Nestable container with uniform stacking features
AssigneeGraphic Packaging International, Inc.
InventorsPatrick H. Wnek, Ronald P. Marx, James Kluz, Brian R. O'Hagan, Scott W. Middleton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various embodiments of flanged containers that can be stacked in a nested relationship are disclosed so as to provide uniform spacing between the containers to facilitate reliable denesting thereof. The flanges and/or sidewalls of the containers may be provided with features that facilitate alignment and uniform spacing of the nested containers so that a denesting apparatus can reliably denest the containers. Other containers include sidewalls divided into two sections that serve to stabilize stacked container.
Claims26
A nestable paperboard container, comprising:
- a base;
- a sidewall attached to the base at a perimeter of the base;
- a flange extending outwardly from an upper perimeter of the sidewall, wherein the flange comprises a top surface having an underside and a rolled portion that is rolled under the top surface,
- the rolled portion having an edge that is located adjacent the underside of the top surface,
- the rolled portion forming a curved outer peripheral edge of the flange shaped to define a cam for aiding the denesting of the paperboard container from like paperboard containers in a nested stack of paperboard containers;
- and
- an annular depression formed in the top surface of the flange defining an annular bulge in the underside of the top surface of the flange;
- wherein at least a portion of the rolled portion extends beneath the annular bulge and the thickness of the rolled portion in the region of the engagement with the annular bulge is greater than the thickness of the remaining extent of the rolled portion;
- and
- wherein the flange comprises a generally planar inner segment extending from the sidewall to the annular depression and a generally planar outer segment extending from the annular depression to an outer rim of the flange.
A nestable paperboard container, comprising:
- a base;
- a sidewall attached to the base at a perimeter of the base;
- a flange extending outwardly from an upper perimeter of the sidewall, wherein the flange comprises a top surface having an underside and a rolled portion that is rolled under the top surface,
- the rolled portion having an edge that is located adjacent the underside of the top surface,
- the rolled portion forming a curved outer peripheral edge of the flange shaped to define a cam for aiding the denesting of the paperboard container from like paperboard containers in a nested stack of paperboard containers;
- an annular depression formed in the top surface of the flange defining an annular bulge in the underside of the top surface of the flange, wherein at least a portion of the rolled portion extends beneath the annular bulge;
- and
- a flat inner flap extending radially inwardly from the edge of the rolled portion and being engaged with the underside of the top surface of the flange.
A nestable paperboard container, comprising:
- a base;
- a sidewall attached to the base at a perimeter of the base;
- a flange extending outwardly from an upper perimeter of the sidewall, wherein the flange comprises a top surface having an underside and a rolled portion that is rolled under the top surface, the rolled portion comprising an inner surface and an edge;
- and
- an annular depression formed in the top portion of the flange defining an annular bulge in the underside of the top surface of the flange, wherein the inner surface of the rolled portion at least partially contacts the annular bulge, at least a portion of the rolled portion extends beneath the annular bulge, and the edge of the rolled portion is disposed between at least the annular bulge and the side wall;
- wherein the flange comprises a generally planar inner segment extending from the sidewall to the annular depression and a generally planar outer segment extending from the annular depression to an outer rim of the flange.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.