MXPA99010753A - Divisible transporter of recipien - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conveyor for transporting a plurality of containers, wherein the conveyor comprises: a sheet having a plurality of openings for receiving containers, at least two handles integrally formed with the sheet and joined with opposite edges of the sheet, wherein the at least two handles are detachable on a handle cutting line, and are capable of supporting the plurality of containers: a conveyor cutting line extending over the sheet, dividing the conveyor into two or more sub-packages , where at least one of the handles extends over the cut line of the transport

Description

DIVISIBLE CONVEYOR OF CONTAINERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a conveyor for transporting a plurality of containers in a package having handle and conveyor cutting lines, for dividing the container conveyor into one or more packages. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Conventional container conveyors are often used to unify a plurality of containers of similar sizes, as in the case of cans, bottles, jars and boxes, although other packages or containers may be unified. Conventional container carriers are typically configured to hold 6 containers ("6 pack"), 12 containers ("22 pack") or 24 containers ("box"), although other multiple package configurations are possible. A problem that appears in conventional multiple packages, as in the case of the 6 pack and 12 pack, is a lack of flexibility for the marketer. If the trader has only 12 pack packs in stock, then the consumer can not purchase a smaller package. Similarly, if the marketer has only 6 pack packs in stock, the consumer can not purchase larger packs with the discount typically associated with these larger packs. This marketing problem is especially acute for small, low-volume marketers who do not have the shelf space or inventory capacity to stock multiple sizes or multiple packages. The marketers made several attempts to solve the problem described above. Some marketers use a knife to cut in half 12 pack packs, resulting in an unstable package, often without an effective handle for the consumer. Some marketers purchase multiple cardboard boxes from loose containers and repackage the containers at their premises according to demand. This procedure consumes time, and also results in multiple unstable and inconsistent packages. Both inappropriate solutions described above also result in multiple packets that must be relabelled according to the size of the multiple pack. Frequently, UPC symbols and other price labeling devices reflect the price of the multiple packet of the previous size, which consequently results in inadequate electronic price readings and incorrect labeling of the repackaged multiple packet. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a container conveyor that unifies a plurality of containers in a tight, solid and divisible package. It is another object of the present invention to provide a container conveyor that provides separable price information for at least two sizes of multiple packages. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a packet that is fast and clearly divisible into at least two sub-packets. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a divisible packet and divided sub-packets that are easy to transport. A conveyor according to the present invention is preferably used to unify multiple containers in a package. The conveyor preferably comprises a sturdy and flexible flat sheet with a first edge, a second edge and two side edges. The sheet is preferably formed with a plurality of container receiving openings in the sheet. The conveyor further comprises a conveyor cutting line extending over the sheet. The line of cut of the conveyor is preferably a line of perforations through the sheet. The conveyor further comprises at least one handle integrally formed with the blade. The handles are preferably placed on the first edge and / or the second edge of the sheet. The conveyor preferably comprises three handles: two handles on the first edge of the sheet, and a handle on the second edge of the sheet. Each handle of preference includes a label or other devices to label the price of the package. The labels can contain information of different prices, depending on the desired size of the package. The handle is removable over a cut line of the handle. The cutting lines of the handle are preferably formed between each handle and the blade. The cutting line of the handle can be formed by a series of perforations, preferably with uneven distribution, through the sheet. A pull tab can be formed integrally with the blade to facilitate cutting over the cutting line of the handle. After the conveyor is filled with containers, the package can be adjusted for the sale of the package, or divided for the sale of multiple sub-packages. If a large package is required, then one or more minor handles are detached from the package over the handle cut line. Then the price is placed on the package, on the label of the remaining handle. If one or more smaller packages are required, then one or more large handles are detached on the respective cut line of the handle. The package is then divided over the conveyor cut line into two or more minor sub-packages. The price of each sub-package is then independently marked on the label of the remaining two or more handles. In the manner described above, a trader can acquire a single package that has multiple flexible marketing possibilities. No tools are required for the conversion of a single package into sub-packages, and this conversion is efficient with respect to time. More importantly, the package, and any resulting sub-package, is tight, solid and easy to transport. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The aforementioned features and objects of the present invention, and others, will be better understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, where: Figure 1 is a top view of a container conveyor, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pack of 12 containers, using the container conveyor shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of two sub-packages of 6 containers, using the container conveyor shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a top view in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Figure 1 shows the conveyor 10 for transporting a plurality of containers 5. The containers 5 shown in Figures 2 and 3 are preferably cans, bottles or other containers that are used in the multiple packages. The containers are preferably of similar sizes within a single conveyor 10. The conveyor 10 unifies a plurality of containers 5 to create the package 1, like the package 1 shown in Figure 2. The conveyor 10 comprises the flat sheet 15 having a first edge 17, a second edge 18 and two side edges 19. The sheet 15 is preferably constructed from a flexible and resistant material such as plastic. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sheet 15 is made of low to medium density polyethylene. The sheet 15 of material is preferably cut, using devices known to those skilled in the art, as dies, to form a plurality of container receiving openings 20 in the sheet 15. The container receiving openings 20 preferably have sizes to be joined by stretching to containers 5 to form a package 1. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in Figures 1 to 3, the container receiving openings 20 are formed into three longitudinal rows and four side columns, resulting in twelve container receiving openings 20. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, the container receiving openings 20 may be formed in two longitudinal rows of six side columns, resulting in twelve container receiving openings. The receptacle receiving openings 20 can be arranged in any other possible arrangement of longitudinal rows and side columns that consumers and traders prefer. The conveyor 10 further comprises conveyor cutting lines 50 which extend over the sheet 15. The cutting line of the conveyor 50 can be formed by a series of slots or perforations through the sheet 15, or a reduction in the thickness of the leaf 15. Preferably, the cutting line of the conveyor 50 is configured so that the sheet 15 does not divide over the cutting line of the conveyor 50 without the user intentionally detaching it. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cut line of the conveyor 50 divides the conveyor 10 into equal numbers of container receiving openings 20. Additionally, at least one handle 30, 35 is integrally formed with the sheet 15, as shown in Figure 1, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, handle 12 for 12-container pack is placed on second edge 18 of sheet 15. As also shown in Figure 1, two handles 35 for two packages of 6 containers are integrally formed on the first edge 17 of the sheet 15. In the manner in which it is used in the present specification and claims, integrally formed means that the handle 30, 35 is included in the sheet 15 during its manufacture as a unit of only one piece. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the conveyor 10 comprises three handles 30, 35; however, the conveyor 10 can comprise any number of handles 30, 35, such as a handle for 24-container pack and four handles 35 for 6-container packages or, as shown in Figure 4, a handle 30 for 12-pack. containers and zero handles for 6 containers pack. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in Figure 4, the conveyor 10 comprises a handle 30 for a pack of 12 containers and two panels 55 instead of two handles for packages of 6 containers., as shown in Figure 1. Panel 55 can be used to display product information, promotional information, price information or any other marketing information. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 4, individual sub-packages 2 of 6 containers can be transported using the central openings 60. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is not shown in the drawings, the conveyor 10 may comprise two handles 30 for packages of 6 containers placed on an opposite edge of the conveyor 10 as a single panel 55. Each handle 30, 35 preferably further comprises the label 25 or other devices for marking the price of package 1. label 25 can be a UPC tag or any other price marker attached to the handle 30, 35. Preferably, the label 25 contains different price information, depending on the size of the handle 30, 35, and consequently the size of the package 1. Accordingly, for example, handle 30 contains price information for a package price of 12 containers on label 25, and handle 35 It has price information for a package price of 6 containers on the 25 label.

The handle 30, 35 is preferably removable on the cutting line of the handle 40. The cutting line of the handle 40 is preferably formed between each handle 30, 35 and the blade 15. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention appearing in Figures 1 to 3, the sheet 15 comprises two handle cutting lines 40, a handle cutting line on the first edge 17 of the sheet 15, and a cut line for the handle on the second edge 18 of the sheet 15. The cutting line of the handle 40 can be formed with a series of slots or line of perforations through the sheet 15, or a reduction in the thickness of the sheet 15. Preferably, the handle cutting line 40 is strong enough to withstand the stresses induced by loading the package 1 or sub-package 2 with the handle 30, 35. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle cutting line 40 comprises a series of slots having a distribution uneven As shown in Figure 1, the cutting line of the handle 40 may comprise grooves or perforations that are spaced from each other on surfaces of the conveyor 10 that absorb higher levels of stress. These grooves or perforations in the cutting line of the handle 40 are very close to each other on the surfaces of the conveyor 10 that absorb lower levels of stress.

Preferably, the cutting line of the handle 40 is configured so that the blade 15 does not divide over the cutting line of the handle 40 without the user intentionally detaching it. This intentional detachment of the user can be facilitated by the pull tab 45. The pull tab 45 is preferably formed integrally with the ja 15- ^ and placed on the first end 42 of the cut line of the handle 40. As shown in Figure 1, the pull tab 45 preferably protrudes from the sheet 15 and / or handle 30, 35m and is marked with an arrow or any other direction indication for the user. Preferably, when the user pulls the pull tab 45, the detachment of the cutting line from the handle 40 starts. After the conveyor 10 is filled with containers 5, the package 1 is preferably distributed among the consumers. Depending on the sales of some marketer, package 1 can be sold as is, as shown in Figure 2, or sold in separate sub-packages 2, as shown in Figure 3. Package 1 is divisible, on the cutting line of the conveyor 50, in sub-packages 2. As described above, each handle 30, 35 preferably comprises the label 25. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 2 and 3, the package 1 contains three labels 25, two labels 25 containing package price information of 6 containers on the handles 35, and a label 25 containing package price information of 12 containers on the handle 30. Package 1 can include any combination of one or more labels 25, effective to provide price information, depending on the configuration of package 1. If the marketer or consumer needs a pack of 12 containers, shown in the Figure 2, then the pegs 3-5 are detached from the package 1 by the cutting line of the handle 40 on the first edge 17 of the sheet 15. EX package L & then transported using the handle 30. The package 1 passes through electronic reading or is marked on the cash register, using the label 25 on the handle 30 containing price information for a pack of 12 containers. If the marketer or the consumer needs one 0 more packs of 6 containers, shown in Figure 3, the handle 30 is detached on the cutting line of the handle 4-Q on the second edge 18 of the sheet 15. The package 1 is then divided on the conveyor cutting line 50 into at least two sub-packages 2. Each sub-package 2 can be sold independently and transported using the handle 35. The sub-packages 2 then pass by electronic reading or are marked on the box register using label 25 that contains price information for packages of 6 containers. Figures 2 and 3 show configurations of packages of 12 and 6 containers of package 1 and sub-package 2; however, the present invention can be applied to any combination of packet 1 divisible into two or more sub-packets 2. For example, the present invention can be applied to packets 1 of twelve or eight containers 5 divisible into individual sub-packets of four containers 5 or boxes of containers 5 divisible into individual subpacks 2 of six containers 5. Although in the above specification the present invention was described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details were specified for the purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to It is known to those skilled in the art that the conveyor 10 is susceptible to additional embodiments, and that certain details described herein may vary considerably without departing from the basic principles of the present invention.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS 1. A conveyor for transporting a plurality of containers, wherein the conveyor comprises: a sheet having a plurality of openings for receiving containers; at least one handle integrally formed with the blade, where at least one handle is removable over a cut line of the handle; a conveyor cutting line that extends over the blade.
2. 2. The conveyor of claim 1, comprising three handles.
3. 3. The conveyor of claim 2, wherein at least two handles are positioned on a first edge of the sheet.
4. 4. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the cut line of the conveyor comprises a line of perforations.
5. 5. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the cut line of the handle comprises a line of perforations.
6. The conveyor of claim 5, wherein the cutting line of the handle comprises a series of slots having an uneven distribution.
7. The conveyor of claim 1, further comprising a pull tab, formed on a first end of the cutting line of the handle.
8. 8. The conveyor of claim 1, which has two handle cutting lines.
9. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings for receiving containers are arranged in three longitudinal rows of four side columns.
10. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings for receiving containers are arranged in two longitudinal rows of six side columns.
11. The conveyor of claim 1, further comprising at least one panel integrally formed with the sheet.
12. The conveyor of claim 11, wherein the panel is separable on a cutting line.
13. A conveyor for transporting a plurality of containers, wherein the conveyor comprises: a sheet having a plurality of container receiving openings, wherein the sheet is divisible on a conveyor cutting line; and a plurality of handles integrally integrated with the blade, where each handle is detached over a cutting line of the handle.
14. The conveyor of claim 13, wherein the cut line of the handle comprises a series of slots having an uneven distribution.
15. The conveyor of claim 13, wherein at least two handles are integrally formed on a first edge of the sheet.
16. 16. The conveyor of claim 13, which has two handle cutting lines.
17. 17. A method for packaging a plurality of containers in a divisible package, wherein the method comprises: applying at least two different price tags in the divisible packet; detach at least one handle from the divisible package on a handle cutting line; and dividing the divisible packet into at least two sub-packets on a conveyor cutting line. The method of claim 17, wherein a price tag of at least two different price tags is applied to at least one handle.