Structural strapped multi-pack packaging

Abstract

Packages for multiple goods containers are secured by tensioned straps into integrated, load bearing, stackable units for palletizing, storage and supply-line service. Rigid, semi-rigid and flexible containers, including multi-tiered tubs are accommodated by the system. Cardboard usage is reduced 40 to 50 percent. Die-cut spacers, flaps and occlusions, and dividers separate the containers, giving frictional integration under strapped compression. Cruciform spacers enable reductions in stock gauge. Packages are ventilated, for goods identification and cooling. L-section rolled stock makes simple, strong, ventilated bases and caps. Re-usable plastic trays can form cap and base portions of the package.

1 . A composite package containing a plurality of substantially identical containers of goods, for transportation, storage and display, said package having a lower portion to receive said goods containers in assembled, mutually organized relation thereon; and tensioned strapping means securing said package in engaged integrated relation with said goods to form a stable load-bearing structural unit for stacking in a plurality of self-supporting layers.  
   
   
       2 . The composite package as set forth in  claim 1 , said package having a pattern of predetermined surface portions displaced therefrom, to provide contact between said package and individual ones of said containers, in pre-positioned, secured relation.  
   
   
       3 . The composite package as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said displaced surface portions comprise a plurality of die-cut tabs projecting inwardly of said package into interposed sandwiched relation between adjacent ones of said goods containers.  
   
   
       4 . The composite package as set forth in  claim 1 , having an upwardly projecting spacer of corrugated board in sandwiched, pinned relation between said goods containers, wherein the vertically extending flutes of said spacer provide high columnar load bearing strength to said package.  
   
   
       5 . The composite package as set forth in  claim 2 , said board structure further including a cap structure engaging the tops of at least some of said containers.  
   
   
       6 . The composite structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said board structure is a sleeve of substantially U-cross section; the edges of said sleeve having recesses to receive said strapping means in entered relation therein.  
   
   
       7 . The composite structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said package is an open-ended enclosure sleeve wrapped in enclosing relation about said containers, including an overlapped joint portion, said strapping means comprising at least one strap encircling the ends of said enclosure in tensioned, retaining relation with said containers.  
   
   
       8 . The composite structure as set forth in  claim 7 , said enclosure sleeve including a plurality of occlusions in mutually spaced relation to receive respective portions of said containers in entered, immobilized relation therein.  
   
   
       9 . The composite structure as set forth in  claim 1 , having frictional linking means engaging the contents of said package, wherein said strapping means effect sandwiching compression of said package contents and said linking means into mutually engaged, substantially immobilized relation.  
   
   
       10 . The composite structure of  claim 9 , wherein said frictional linking means comprise spacer means selected from the group consisting of paper and plastic corrugate, adhesives, labels and sleeves, expanded and non-expanded carpet/rubber/fabric, pre-form egg-carton style material, plastic ring carriers, semi structural and structural wood/cellulose/oil-based product, and interposed secondary product.  
   
   
       11 . The composite package of  claim 9 , wherein said frictional linking means consists of a spacer of cardboard having a plurality of adjoined panel portions in mutually folded relation, with upwardly extending interior fluted portions to form stiff, up-standing cruciform partition members.  
   
   
       12 . The composite package as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein said cruciform partition members comprise double thickness cardboard.  
   
   
       13 . The composite package as set forth in  claim 1 , said package consisting of an upper and a lower package portion, at least one said portion comprising L-section rolled corrugated stock, said L-section consisting of an elongated leg portion having a juncture with a foot portion extending at right-angles from said leg portion; wherein foot portions of the L are formed to serve as side portions of a said package portion, with corresponding leg portions of the L-section cut to said juncture to conform with the package portion formed side-portions.  
   
   
       14 . The composite package as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said uniform containers each have flexible walls, and contain particulate contents; said strapping means consisting of at least two encompassing straps.  
   
   
       15 . The composite package as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said strapping means includes at least two encompassing straps, wherein said straps are arranged in mutual cross-over relation.  
   
   
       16 . The composite package as set forth in  claim 15 , said flexible wall containers containing a complementary filling of pressurized gas.  
   
   
       17 . The package as set forth in  claim 5 , including a bottom end tray portion and a top end cover portion; at least one of said end portions being a plastic tray having a substantially planar surface portion, and enclosing wall portions, wherein said enclosing wall portions have slotted corners, to receive an encircling strap in predetermined positioned relation about said tray.  
   
   
       18 . A packaging system comprising the steps of providing a board package to receive a predetermined number of containers in regularly arranged array, at least partially enclosed by the walls of said package, to substantially occupy the package; providing spacer means interposed between said containers, to substantially preclude direct contact between the containers, and applying a belt in tensioned relation about said package, to compress said package walls, said enclosed containers and said spacing means into frictionally linked, mutually immobilized relation, to form a stable, substantially stiff load bearing package structure.  
   
   
       19 . The system as set forth in  claim 18 , including the steps of selecting said spacer means from the group consisting of paper and plastic corrugate, adhesives, expanded and non-expanded carpet/rubber/fabric, preform egg-carton style material, plastic ring carriers, semi structural and structural wood/cellulose/oil-based product, and interposed secondary product, and inserting said spacer means in sandwiched relation between said containers, and tensioning said strapping means in compressive relation with said package and package contents, to immobilize said package and said contents into a unitary, load bearing unit.  
   
   
       20 . The system as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein a plurality of said packages with containers of a first set of goods are packed in close array on a pallet, to form at least one layer of said packages; further including the step of arranging a plurality of said packages holding a second set of goods as a further layer of packages upon said at least one layer of packages on said pallet.