ES3058145T3 - Transport system - Google Patents

Abstract

A transport system (247, 447) comprises an outer container (233) comprising a bottom (235) and a plurality of side walls (237, 238) extending upwards from the bottom (235), the plurality of side walls (237, 238) extending around an interior (231) of the outer container (233) and intersecting at respective curved interior corners (239), at least one carrier (105, 305) disposed in the interior (231) of the outer container (233), the at least one carrier (105, 305) comprising a plurality of panels extending around an interior space (110a, 110b) of the at least one carrier (105, 305), the plurality of panels comprising a front panel (125a), a back panel (125b), at least one side panel (127a, 131a, 127b, 131b), at least one bottom panel (173b) and at least one middle panel (145a, 145b), the at least one side panel (127a, 131a, 127b, 131b) comprises a plurality of side panel sections comprising a first side panel section (135a, 135b, 149a, 149b), a second side panel section (137a, 137b, 151a, 151b) and a third side panel section (141a, 141b, 155a, 155b), the first side panel section (135a, 135b, 149a, 149b) is foldably connected to the second side panel section (137a, 137b, 151a, 151b), and the second side panel section (137a, 137b, 151a, 151b) is foldably connected to the third section of the side panel (141a, 141b, 155a, 155b), the plurality of side panel sections are flexibly reconfigurable and form at least one curved corner (223, 225, 227, 229) of the at least one carrier (105, 305) and a dividing flap (189a, 199a, 189b, 199b) extending from the at least one center panel (145a, 145b) to one of the front panel (125a) and the rear panel (125b) in the interior space (110a, 110b) of the at least one carrier (105, 305), the at least one curved corner (223, 225, 227, 229) The carrier (105, 305) mates with a respective inner curved corner (239) of the outer container (233). (Automatic translation using Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Transport system

[0003] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0004] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 62/534,940, filed on July 20, 2017.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] This disclosure relates, in general, to a transport system comprising an outer container and at least one transport device disposed inside the outer container that includes characteristic curved features.

[0007] CA 1229824 A discloses a conveying system comprising an outer container with internally curved corners and a conveying device containing curved containers and arranged inside the outer container. US 2015/321816 A1 discloses a conveying device comprising a plurality of panels for containing curved containers. However, the specific configuration of these conveying systems and conveying devices still leaves room for improvement.

[0008] DISCLOSURE SUMMARY

[0009] According to one aspect of the disclosure and subject invention, a transport system comprises an outer container comprising a bottom portion and a plurality of side walls extending upward from the bottom portion. The plurality of side walls extend around an interior of the outer container and intersect at respective curved interior corners. The transport system further comprises at least one transport device disposed inside the outer container. The at least one transport device comprises a plurality of panels extending around an interior space of the at least one transport device. The plurality of panels comprises a front panel, a rear panel, at least one side panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one center panel. The at least one side panel comprises a plurality of side panel sections comprising a first side panel section, a second side panel section, and a third side panel section. The first side panel section is foldably connected to the second side panel section, and the second side panel section is foldably connected to the third side panel section. The plurality of side panel sections are flexibly reconfigurable and form at least one generally curved corner of the at least one conveying device such that the at least one generally curved corner can be closely coupled to or approximate the curvature of a container disposed in an outermost container receiving space of the conveying device. The at least one conveying device further comprises a dividing flap extending from the at least one center panel to one of the front and rear panels in the interior space of the at least one conveying device. The at least one generally curved corner of the at least one conveying device couples to one of the inner curved corners of the outer container.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages indicated above and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the figures in the drawings listed below.

[0012] In accordance with common practice, the various characteristic features of the drawings analyzed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of various characteristic features and elements of the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate the methods of implementation of the disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a die-cut plate for forming a transport device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure for use in the invention. Fig. 2 is a first sequential perspective view of a partial fold of the die-cut plate of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a second sequential perspective view of a partial fold of the die-cut plate of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a third sequential perspective view of a partial fold of the die-cut plate of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a transport device formed from the die-cut plate of Fig. 1.

[0014] 1 in accordance with the first exemplary mode of implementation of the disclosure for use in the invention subject to the invention.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the transport device of Fig. 5 loaded with a plurality of containers. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the transport device of Fig. 6 with a couple of containers removed.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an outer container for use with the transport device of Fig. 6 to form a transport system according to the invention.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a plan view of the system including the transport device of Fig. 6 arranged in the outer container of Fig. 8 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 10 is a plan view of an outer surface of a die-cut plate to form a transport device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure for use in the object invention.

[0019] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a transport device formed from the die-cut plate of Fig. 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the transport device of Fig. 11 loaded with a plurality of containers.

[0021] Fig. 13 is a plan view of a system including the transport device of Fig. 11 arranged in the outer container of Fig. 8 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] The corresponding parts are designated by the corresponding reference numbers in all drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0023] This disclosure generally refers to transport devices, containers, constructions, cases, cartons, or similar items for containing and displaying receptacles, such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. Receptacles may be used for packaging food and beverages, for example. Receptacles may be made from materials of suitable composition for packaging the particular food or beverage, and such materials include, but are not limited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon; and similar materials; aluminum and/or other metals; or any combination thereof.

[0024] The transport devices described herein may accommodate containers of numerous different configurations. For illustrative purposes, and not to limit the scope of this disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., glass bottles) arranged at least partially within the transport device embodiments. In this description, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," "top," "front," and "rear" indicate specific orientations relative to fully assembled transport devices.

[0025] As described herein, cartons may be formed by multiple overlapping panels and/or end flaps. Such panels and/or end flaps may be designated in terms relative to each other, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference without departing from disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an outer side 101 of a die-cut plate 103 used to form a basket-style container or transport device 105 (Fig. 5), according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 6, the transport device 105 is sized to hold six containers C, with three containers C being contained in a front portion 106 of the transport device 105 and three containers C being contained in a rear portion 108 of the transport device 105. As described herein, the transport device 105 has divider fins 189a, 189b, 199a, 199b that are at least partially reconfigurable to a generally curved configuration, and is provided with generally curved corners 223, 225, 227, 229 (Fig. 3), at least one of which can be coupled to an adjacent inner curved corner 239 of an outer container 233 to minimize the gap between them so that the containers C in the transport device 105 are held in a substantially stable arrangement during transport and/or storage (Figs. 8 and 9). 9) In this respect, at least the curved corners 223, 225, 227, and 229 provide characteristic features of the transport device 105 suitable for coupling with the outer container 233, such that the outer container 233 and at least one transport device 105 together form a system 247. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers C may be beverage bottles, but the containers C could be of any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. The transport device 105 can be sized and shaped to hold more or fewer than six containers C. In one embodiment, each of the front portion 106 and the rear portion 108 of the transport device 105 holds three containers C. In other embodiments, the front portion 106 and the rear portion 108 of the transport device 105 may hold more or fewer than three containers C without departing from the disclosure.

[0027] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the die-cut plate 103 has a longitudinal axis LX and a lateral axis LY. The die-cut plate 103 has a front portion 107 to form the front portion 106 of the transport device 105, and a rear portion 109 to form the rear portion 108 of the transport device 105 (Fig. 5). In one embodiment, the front portion 107 and the rear portion 109 are separated by the longitudinal centerline CL of the die-cut plate 103, as shown. As discussed in more detail below, the die-cut plate 103 is at least partially formed in the transport device 105 by folding the die-cut plate 103 around the fold lines 119, 121, 123 along the centerline CL so that the front part 107 and the back part 109 of the die-cut plate 103 overlap in at least one partial face-to-face contact.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 107 of the die-cut plate 103 comprises a front panel 125a and a first front side panel 127a foldably connected to the front panel 125a at a side fold line 129a. A second front side panel 131a, as shown, is foldably connected to the front panel 125a at a side fold line 133a. As shown, the first front side panel 127a has at least a partially segmented configuration that includes a first side panel section 135a foldably connected to the front panel 125a at side fold line 129a, a second side panel section 137a foldably connected to the adjacent first side panel section 135a at a side fold line 139a, and a third side panel section 141a foldably connected to the adjacent second side panel section 137a at a side fold line 143a and to a center panel 145a (generally, "center front panel") at a side fold line 147a, as further described herein. Similarly, the second front side panel 131a has at least a partially segmented configuration that includes a first side panel section 149a foldably connected to the front panel 125a at side fold line 133a, a second side panel section 151a foldably connected to the adjacent first side panel section 149a at a side fold line 153a, and a third side panel section 155a foldably connected to the adjacent second side panel section 151a at a side fold line 157a and to a fold axis 159a at a side fold line 161a, as further described herein. The folding axis 159a may include a notch 160a for coupling a portion of the lower part of the transport device 105 for stability after assembly of the transport device 105. As further described herein, the first front side panel 127a and the second front side panel 131a are flexibly reconfigurable to form curved corners 223, 225 of the transport device 105 by means of the relative movement of the respective first, second, and third side panel sections, 135a, 137a, 141a and 149a, 151a, 155a (fig.

[0030] 5).

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, the front portion 107 of the die-cut plate 103 also includes a front handle reinforcement flap 163a foldably connected to the center panel 145a on a portion of the side fold line 147a and separated from the front panel 125a and the first front side panel 127a by a cut 165a. The front handle reinforcement flap 163a includes an opening 167a and a handle flap 169a contiguous to the opening 167a and foldably connected to the handle reinforcement flap 163a on a fold line 171a.

[0034] The front portion 107 of the die-cut plate 103, as shown in Fig. 1, includes a lower flap 173a foldably connected to a lower corner panel 175a on a longitudinal fold line 177a, with the lower corner panel 175a foldably connected to the front panel 115a on a longitudinal fold line 179a. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower panel 173a includes strips 181a formed by side tear lines 183a. The strips 181a are contiguous notches 185a extending through a portion of the front panel 125a and the lower corner panel 175a and intersecting the fold line 179a.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, and as described above, the front center panel 145a is foldably connected to the third panel section 141a of the first front side panel 127a at the side fold line 147a. The center panel 145a includes characteristic handle features, including a handle opening 187a. As shown in Fig. 1, a first dividing flap 189a extends from the center panel 145a and includes an intermediate side weakening line 191a, for example, which is spaced from a side fold line 197a along the dividing flap 189a. The dividing fin 189a, as shown, is at least partially separable from the center panel 145a at a weakening line 193a such that a portion 192a of the dividing fin 189a can be curved, bent, flexed, and/or folded away from the center panel 145a, as described herein. As shown, an adhesive fin 195a is foldably attached to the dividing fin 189a at the side fold line 197a. As also shown, a second or third dividing fin 199a extends from the center panel 145a and is at least partially separable from the center panel 145a at a weakening line 194a such that a portion 196a of the dividing fin 199a can be curved, bent, flexed, and/or folded away from the center panel 145a, as described herein. The dividing fin 199a is also at least partially separable from the second dividing fin 189a along the weakening line 193a. The second dividing fin 199a, as shown, includes an intermediate lateral weakening line 201a, for example, which is spaced from a lateral fold line 203a, and the adhesive fin 195a is foldably connected to the second dividing fin 199a at the lateral fold line 203a so that the adhesive fin 195a is foldably connected to each of the first dividing fin 189a and the second dividing fin 199a. In one embodiment, each of the dividing flaps 189a, 199a has a length L1 corresponding to the distance from one end of the respective weakening line 193a, 194a on the center panel 145a to a respective side fold line 197a, 203a connecting the adhesive flap 195a to the dividing flaps 189a, 199a. The center panel 145a could be shaped, arranged, and/or configured in a different way, and could have other characteristic features, without departing from disclosure.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the characteristic features of the back 109 of die-cut plate 103 include a back panel 125b, a first back side panel 127b, a second back side panel 131b, a fold axis 159b, and a back center panel 145b having associated characteristic features that are, in general, a mirror image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front 107 of die-cut plate 103.

[0039] For example, a first or second dividing flap 189b and a second or fourth dividing flap 199b extend from the center panel 145b. The corresponding components (for example, panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the suffix "a" or "b", the "a" components corresponding to the front part 107 of the die-cut plate 103 and the "b" components corresponding to the back part 109 of the die-cut plate 103.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 1, and in contrast to the front portion 107, the back portion 109 of the die-cut plate 103 includes the bottom panel 173b, which has a proximal portion 205 foldably connected to a distal portion 207 along a longitudinal fold line 209. As shown, the bottom panel 173b includes openings 211 adjacent to the strips 181b and a pair of center openings 213 surrounded by weakening lines 215 that define tabs 214 between them. The center openings 213 can receive a portion of an outer container 233 (Figs. 8 and 9) to hold the transport device 105, as further described herein.

[0043] Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other distinctive features may be shaped, arranged, and/or otherwise omitted from Die-Cut Sheet 103 without departing from this disclosure. Die-Cut Sheet 103 may be sized and/or shaped to accommodate more or fewer than six containers without departing from this disclosure.

[0045] Still with reference to fig.1 and with additional reference to figs.2-4, in one embodiment, the transport device 105 can be formed or assembled from the die-cut plate 103 by folding the front panel 125a, the first front side panel 127a, the second front side panel 131a, the center panel 145a and the folding axis 159a together on the folding lines 129a, 133a, 147a and 161a in the direction of arrow A1 so that the front panel 125a is substantially parallel to the center panel 145a and the folding axis 159a and the first and second front side panels 127a, 131a are arranged opposite each other. The first and second front side panels 127a, 131a can have at least a partially curved configuration by means of the flexible arrangement of the respective first, second, and third side panel sections 135a, 137a, 141a and 149a, 151a, 155a. Similarly, the rear panel 125b, the first rear side panel 127b, the second side panel 131b, the center panel 145b, and the fold axis 159b can also be folded against each other at the fold lines 129b, 133b, 147b, and 161b in the direction of arrow A1, such that the rear panel 125b is substantially parallel to the center panel 145b and the fold axis 159b, and the side panels 127b, 131b are arranged opposite each other. The side panels 127b, 131b can have at least a partially curved configuration by means of the flexible arrangement of the respective first, second, and third side panel sections 135b, 137b, 141b and 149b, 151b, 155b. In such a configuration, the folding axes 159a, 159b are brought close together but remain substantially coplanar with the marginal portion of the respective center panels 145a, 145b. The handle reinforcement flaps 163a, 163b can be folded on the respective fold lines 147a, 147b in the direction of arrow A2 to overlap the center panels 145a, 145b and the fold axes 159a, 159b so that the respective center panels and fold axes 145a, 159a and 145b, 159b are connected by means of the respective handle reinforcement flaps 163a, 163b and with the handle openings 167a, 187a of the front part 107 of the die-cut plate 103 overlapping with the handle openings 167b, 187b of the back part 109 of the die-cut plate 103 overlapping in at least one partial face-to-face contact. In such an arrangement, a front interior space 110a of the transport device 105 is defined in the front part 106 of the transport device 105 between the front panel 125a and the center panel 145a, and a rear interior space 110b of the transport device 105 is defined in the rear part 108 of the transport device 105 between the rear panel 125b and the center panel 145b.

[0047] The front part 106 and the rear part 108 of the partially formed transport device 105 having an open bottom can be folded around the fold lines 119, 121, 123 along the center line CL of the die-cut plate 103 in the direction of the respective arrows A3 and A4, so that the respective center panels 145a, 145b and the fold axes 159a, 159b are brought into face-to-face contact and adhered to each other, for example, with an adhesive. A first fold 220 is formed between side panels 127a, 127b and a second fold 220 is formed between side panels 131a, 131b, and each opposing fold 220 can receive a portion of an outer container 233 (Figs. 8 and 9) to contain the carrying device 105, as further described herein. A handle 221, as shown, extends upward along a central portion of the carrying device 105 and includes handle reinforcing fins 163a, 163b and portions of the central panels 145a, 145b.

[0049] As shown, the dividing flaps 189a, 199a can also be folded away from the rest of the center panel 145a in the direction of the respective arrows A5 and A6 and separated from each other along parts of the cut line 193a. The dividing flaps 189a, 199a can be folded towards the front panel 125a by means of at least partial bending, folding and/or curving of the respective sections 192a, 196a, with the folded adhesive flap 195a in face-to-face contact with the front panel 125a at the respective fold lines 197a, 203a to define three container receiving spaces 217 in the front inner space 110a of the conveying device 105 (fig. 5). Similarly, the divider flaps 189b, 199b can be folded away from the rest of the center panel 145b in the direction of the respective arrows A7 and A8 and separated from each other along parts of the cut line 193b. The adhesive flap 195b can be folded face-to-face with the rear panel 125b at the respective fold lines 197b, 203b to define three container receiving spaces 219 (fig. 5) in the rear inner space 110b of the transport device 105. In such a configuration, the first and second divider flaps 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b can be flexed, bent, or curved at least partially at the respective intermediate weakening lines 191a, 201a, 191b, 201b and/or parts 192a, 196a, 192b, 196b, as further described herein.

[0051] With continued reference to figs. 1-4, the lower part of the transport device 105 can be closed by folding the lower flap 173a and the lower panel 173b at the respective fold lines 177a, 177b towards each other in the direction of arrows A10 and A9 so that the lower flap 173a and the lower panel 173b are at least in partial overlapping face-to-face contact. This overlapping of the lower fin and the lower panel 173a, 173b may result in at least a partial folding of the lower corner panels 175a, 175b along the respective fold lines 179a, 179b to form oblique portions of the lower part of the transport device 105. The overlapping and contact of various parts of the die-cut sheet 103, as described herein, may be achieved with an adhesive such as glue or, in certain embodiments, by means of alternative fasteners such as tabs and slots. In certain embodiments, the aforementioned steps for forming the transport device 105 from the die-cut sheet 103 may be performed differently, for example, in a different order.

[0053] As shown in figs. 5, 6 and 7, the assembled transport device 105 is illustrated, with each of the interior spaces 110a, 110b defined by a first distance D1 corresponding to a distance at which the front panel 125a is located from the center panel 145a as well as a distance at which the rear panel 125b is located from the center panel 145b, and the length L1 (fig.1) of the dividing fins 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b being greater than the distance D1. In such an arrangement, a linear distance (measured across the interior spaces 110a, 110b) between one end of the weakening line 194a and the folding line 203a, one end of the weakening line 193a and the folding line 197a, one end of the weakening line 194b and the folding line 203b, and one end of the weakening line 193b and the folding line 197b is each equal to approximately D1. In one embodiment, a radius of curvature of one or more of the dividing fins 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b is equal to approximately D1. The dividing fins 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b could be shaped, arranged, and/or configured otherwise without departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, the length L1 of the dividing fins 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b may be approximately 71.5 mm and the distance D1 may be approximately 65 mm. The lengths and distances described herein may be greater or less than the dimensions listed herein without departing from disclosure.

[0055] In this respect, the dividing fins 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b are positioned to extend between the center panels 145, 145b and the front or rear panel 125a, 125b with at least partially reconfigurable or foldable parts between the fold lines 191a, 197a, 201a, 203a, 191b, 197b, 201b, 203b and/or the parts 192a, 196a, 192b, 196b that curve to form a generally curved shape of the dividing fins 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b. In particular, to accommodate the spacing D1 between the front panel 125a and the center panel 145a and the rear panel 125b and the center panel 145b, the dividing flaps 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b are curved, bent, folded, and/or flexed at least partially at the respective intermediate weakening lines 191a, 201a, 191b, 201b and/or at parts 192a, 196a, 192b, 196b after the formation or assembly of the transport device 105. As such, the respective intermediate weakening lines 191a, 201a, 191b, 201b facilitate the bending, folding, folding, and/or flexing of the respective dividing flaps 189a, 199a, 189b. 199b. In this respect, the dividing fins 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b are reconfigurable at the respective intermediate weakening lines 191a, 201a, 191b, 201b and/or part 192a, 196a, 192b, 196b towards a generally curved configuration to accommodate the D1 spacing of the interior spaces 110a, 110b compared to, for example, conventional dividing fins having a straight configuration that is not reconfigurable to have interior spaces with a spacing greater than D1.

[0057] Still referring to figs. 1, 6 and 7, side panel sections 135a, 137a, 141a of side panel 127a and side panel sections 149a, 151a, 155a of side panel 131a, side panel sections 135b, 137b, 141b of side panel 127b and side panel sections 149b, 151b, 155b of side panel 131b are flexibly reconfigurable on one or more of the respective fold lines 129a, 139a, 143a, 147a, 133a, 153a, 157a, 161a, 129b, 139b, 143b, 147b, 133b, 153b, 157b, 161b to form The generally curved corners 223, 225, 227, 229 of the transport device 105. In this respect, the curved corners 223, 225, 227, 229 can be closely fitted or approximate the curvature of the containers C arranged in the outermost container receiving spaces 217, 219 of the transport device 105. Furthermore, when the containers C are arranged in the transport device 105, the dividing fins 189a, 199a, 189b, 199b can be closely fitted or approximate the curvature of a respective adjacent container C, for example, to minimize the clearance in the inner spaces 110a, 110b of the transport device 105.

[0059] With additional reference to figs. 8 and 9, the transport device 105 can be placed inside 231 of an outer box or outer container 233 for storage and/or transport. As shown, the outer container 233 includes a bottom 235 with side walls 237, 238 extending upward from the bottom 235 and intersecting at the respective inside curved corners 239. The inside curved corners 239 have a curved configuration along the inside 231 of the outer container 233. The bottom 235 of the outer container 233, as shown, includes a divider 241 bisecting the inside 231 of the outer container 233 and a series of posts 243 extending upward from the bottom 235 of the outer container 233. As illustrated, tabs 245 extend from the posts 243 to the adjacent side walls 237 and the divider 241 of the outer container 233. As also shown, a series of vertical projections 246 can extend from the side walls 238 to the interior 231 of container 233.

[0061] The transport device 105 can be placed inside 231 of the outer container 233 to form a storage or transport system 247. As shown, the respective curved corners 223, 225, 227, 229 of the transport device 105 can be arranged in coupling with a respective adjacent inner curved corner 239 of the outer container 233. In this respect, coupling a curved corner 223, 225, 227, 229 of the transport device 105 with a respective inner curved corner 239 of the outer container 233 provides a configuration in which there is a minimized clearance between the inner curved corners 239 of the outer container 233 and a respective curved corner 223, 225, 227, 229 of the transport device 105, for example, so that the space inside 231 of the outer container 233 is optimized to accommodate an increased number of transport devices 105 and containers C, for example, compared to conventional outer containers without such features. Furthermore, each central opening 213 (fig. 1) in the lower end panel 173b of the transport device 105 is sized to accommodate a post 243 of the outer container 233. In one embodiment, the tabs 214 surrounding the respective central openings 213 can be folded upwards at the respective weakening lines 215 to present a wider opening for receiving the posts 243. In this respect, a transport device 105 inside 231 of the outer container 233 can be positioned so that a post 243 extends upwards through the central openings 213 to be positioned between four adjacent containers C, for example, to maintain positional stability and/or to cushion the containers C against shocks or vibrations. In one embodiment, the opposing folds 220 of a transport device 105 can be coupled with, for example, at least partially supported by, a post 243 and a vertical projection 246 of the outer container 233. In another embodiment, each of the opposing folds 220 of a transport device 105 can be coupled with a post 243. In this respect, multiple transport devices 105 can be placed side by side inside 231 of the outer container 233 such that the containers C arranged in the transport devices 105 are provided with stability and protection by means of the coupling of the curved corners 223, 225, 227, 229 of the transport devices 105 with the respective inner curved corners 239 of the outer container 233, the presence of the posts 243 between the containers C, and the coupling of the folds 220 of the transport device. 105 with the vertical projections 246 and/or the posts 243 of the outer container 233, and/or the minimized clearance between the transport devices 105 and the containers C inside 231 of the outer container 233. Although a single transport device 105 has been shown arranged inside 231 of the outer container 233 for clarity of illustration, it shall be understood that multiple transport devices 105 may be arranged inside 231 of the outer container 233.

[0063] Figures 10-13 illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure similar to the first embodiment, and like or similar reference numbers are indicated throughout the drawings to denote like or similar characteristic features. The second exemplary embodiment of the carrier, generally designated 305, is similar to the carrier 105 (Fig. 5) of the first embodiment, except that the second embodiment is a 2x2 configuration for holding four containers C, with two containers C in the front 106 and two containers in the rear 108 of the carrier 305. Figure 10 illustrates a die-cut plate 303 for forming the carrier 305 of the second embodiment. Die-cut plate 303 includes a single dividing flap 189a extending from the center panel 145a and a single dividing flap 189b extending from the center panel 145b on the rear 109 of die-cut plate 303. The dividing flaps 189a, 189b divide the respective front interior space 110a and rear interior space 110b of the transport device 305 into two container receiving spaces 217, 219.

[0065] Still with reference to Fig. 10 and with additional reference to Figs. 11 and 12, the transport device 305 can be formed similarly to the transport device 105 of the first embodiment, with the dividing flaps 189a, 189b folded towards the respective front panel 125a and rear panel 125b by means of at least partial bending, folding and/or curving of the respective sections 192a, 192b, with the respective adhesive flaps 195a, 195b folded in face-to-face contact with the respective front panel 125a and rear panel 125b at the respective fold lines 197a, 197b to define the respective pairs of container receiving spaces 217, 219 in the respective front inner space 110a and rear inner space 110b of the transport device 305. The respective Intermediate weakening lines 191a, 201a, 191b, 201b facilitate the bending, folding, folding, and/or flexing of the respective dividing fins 189a, 189b in the manner described above. As shown in Fig. 11, the assembled transport device 305 is illustrated, wherein each of the interior spaces 110a, 110b is defined by the first distance D1 corresponding to the distance at which the front panel 125a is located from the center panel 145a, as well as the distance at which the rear panel 125b is located from the center panel 145b. The lengths and distances described herein may be greater or less than the listed dimensions without departing from disclosure. The transport device 305 can be loaded with containers C that are contained in the container receiving spaces 217, 219 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the transport device 105 (fig.6).

[0067] With reference to Fig. 13, as with the first embodiment, the transport device 305 can be placed inside 231 of the outer container 233 to form a storage or transport system 447. As shown, the curved corners 223, 225, 227, 229 of the transport device 305 can be arranged in coupling with an adjacent inner curved corner 239 of the outer container 233 so that a post 243 can be extended upwards through the central openings 213 to be positioned between four adjacent containers C, for example, to maintain positional stability and/or to cushion the containers C against shocks or vibrations. Furthermore, an adjacent vertical projection 246 and a post 243 can be coupled to the folds 220 of the transport device 305. In this respect, multiple transport devices 305 can be placed side by side inside 231 of the outer container 233 so that the containers C arranged in the transport devices 305 are provided with stability and protection by means of the coupling of the curved corners 223, 225, 227, 229 of the transport devices 305 with the respective inner curved corners 239 of the outer container 233, the presence of the posts 243 between the containers C, the coupling of the folds 220 of the transport device 305 with the vertical projections 246 and/or the posts 243 of the outer container 233, and/or the minimized clearance between the transport devices 305 and the containers C inside 231 of the container outer container 233. Although a single transport device 305 has been shown arranged inside 231 of the outer container 233 for clarity of illustration, it shall be understood that multiple transport devices 105 may be arranged inside 231 of the outer container 233.

[0069] In general, the die-cutting board can be constructed from cardboard that has a thickness so that it is heavier and stiffer than ordinary paper. The die-cutting board can also be constructed from other materials, such as heavy cardboard or any other material that has suitable properties to enable the transport device to function, at least in general, as described above. The die-cutting board can be coated, for example, with a clay coating. Product information or images, advertising, and other materials can then be printed onto the clay coating. The die-cutting boards can then be coated with a varnish to protect the printed information. The die-cutting boards can also be coated, for example, with a moisture barrier layer, on one or both sides. The die-cutting boards can also be laminated or coated with one or more foil-like materials in selected panels or panel sections.

[0071] As an example, a rip line may include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired weakening line and/or a series of widely spaced slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired weakening line, or various combinations of these features. More specifically, one type of rip line is in the form of a series of widely spaced slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart so that a notch (e.g., a small, somewhat bridge-like fragment of the material) is defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material along the rip line. The notches break during ripping along the rip line. Nips are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, nicks may be omitted from or torn into a tear line so that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure that each tear line be replaced with a continuous or similar indentation. For example, a cut line may be a continuous indentation or may be wider than an indentation without departing from this disclosure.

[0073] According to exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, though not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding along it. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of this disclosure, fold lines include: a scoring line, such as lines formed with a blunt punch blade, or the like, creating a flattened or recessed portion in the material along the desired weakening line; a cut extending partially into a material along the desired weakening line; and/or a series of cuts extending partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired weakening line; and various combinations of these features. In situations where a cut is used to create a fold line, the cut will typically not be so extensive as to cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

[0075] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels bonded together by glue during assembly of the transport device embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all types of adhesives commonly used to secure the transport device panels in place.

[0077] The foregoing disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (7)

1. CLAIMS 1. A transport system (247, 447), comprising: an outer container (233) comprising a bottom part (235) and a plurality of side walls (237, 238) extending upwards from the bottom part (235), the plurality of side walls (237, 238) extending around an interior (231) of the outer container (233) and intersecting at the respective inner curved corners (239); at least one transport device (105, 305) disposed inside (231) of the outer container (233), the at least one transport device (105, 305): a plurality of panels extending around an interior space (110a, 110b) of at least one transport device (105, 305), the plurality of panels comprising a front panel (125a), a rear panel (125b), at least one side panel (127a, 131a, 127b, 131b), at least one bottom panel (173b) and at least one center panel (145a, 145b), the at least one side panel (127a, 131a, 127b, 131b) comprises a plurality of side panel sections comprising a first side panel section (135a, 135b, 149a, 149b), a second side panel section (137a, 137b, 151a, 151b) and a third side panel section (141a, 141b, 155a, 155b), the first side panel section (135a, 135b, 149a, 149b) is foldably connected to the second side panel section (137a, 137b, 151a, 151b) and the second side panel section (137a, 137b, 151a, 151b) is foldably connected to the third side panel section (141a, 141b, 155a, 155b), the plurality of side panel sections are flexibly reconfigurable and form at least one generally curved corner (223, 225, 227, 229) of the at least one transport device (105, 305) such that the at least one generally curved corner (223, 225, 227, 229) can be closely coupled to or approximate the curvature of a container (C) disposed in an outermost container receiving space (217, 219) of the transport device; and a dividing fin (189a, 199a, 189b, 199b) extending from at least one center panel (145a, 145b) to one of the front panel (125a) and the rear panel (125b) in the interior space (110a, 110b) of at least one transport device (105, 305), The at least one generally curved corner (223, 225, 227, 229) of the transport device (105, 305) is coupled with one of the inner curved corners (239) of the outer container (233). 2. The transport system (247, 447) of claim 1, wherein the outer container (233) comprises at least one projection (246) extending from at least one side wall (237, 238) of the plurality of side walls (237, 238), wherein at least one side panel (127a, 131a, 127b, 131b) is a first front side panel (127a) and the plurality of panels further comprises a second front side panel (131a), a first rear side panel (127b) and a second rear side panel (131b), and a fold (220) is formed between at least one of: the first front side panel (127a) and the first rear side panel (127b); and the second front side panel (131a) and the second rear side panel (131b), the fold (220) receives at least partially the at least one projection (246). 3. The transport system (247, 447) of claim 2, wherein the outer container (233) comprises at least one post (243) extending upwards from the bottom (235), The recess (220) of the transport device (105, 305) is a first recess (220) between the first front side panel (127a) and the first rear side panel (127b) and the transport device (105, 305) comprises a second recess (220) between the second front side panel (131a) and the second rear side panel (131b), at least one of the first recess (220) and the second recess (220) receives at least partially the at least one projection (246) and the other of the first recess (220) and the second recess (220) receives at least partially the at least one post (243). 4. The transport system (247, 447) of claim 1, wherein an adhesive flap (195a, 195b) is foldably connected to the dividing flap (189a, 199a, 189b, 199b) at a fold line (197a, 203a, 197b, 203b) and the at least one weakening line (191a, 201a, 191b, 201b) is spaced from the fold line (197a, 203a, 197b, 203b). 5. The transport system (247, 447) of claim 1, wherein the dividing fin (189a, 199a, 189b, 199b) defines a plurality of container receiving spaces (217, 219) in the interior space (110a, 110b) of the at least one transport device (105, 305), the dividing fin (189a, 199a, 189b, 199b) is configured to curve at the at least one weakening line (191a, 201a, 191b, 201b) to contour a container (C) received in a respective container receiving space in the at least one transport device (105, 305). 6. The transport system (247, 447) of claim 1, wherein the interior space (110a, 110b) of the at least one transport device (105, 305) is a front interior space (110a) of the at least one transport device (105, 305) between the front panel (125a) and the at least one center panel (145a, 145b), and the at least one transport device (105, 305) comprises a rear interior space (110b) between the rear panel (125b) and the at least one center panel (145a, 145b), wherein the dividing flap (189a, 199a, 189b, 199b) is a first dividing flap (189a) extending from the at least one center panel (145a, 145b) to the front panel (125a) in the front interior space (110a) of the at least one transport device (105, 305), and the at least one transport device (105, 305) further comprises a second dividing flap (189b) extending from the at least one center panel (145a, 145b) to the rear panel (125b) in the rear interior space (110b) of the at least one transport device (105, 305). 7. The transport system (447) of claim 6, further comprising a third dividing fin (199a) extending from the at least one center panel (145a, 145b) to the front panel (125a) in the front interior space (110a) of the at least one transport device (105), and a fourth dividing fin (199b) extending from the at least one center panel (145a, 145b) to the rear panel (125b) in the rear interior space (110b) of the at least one transport device (105), wherein the second dividing fin (189b), the third dividing fin (199a), and the fourth dividing fin (199b) each comprise at least one weakening line (191b, 201a, 201b), and each of the first dividing fin (189a), the second dividing fin (199a), and the fourth dividing fin (199b) comprises at least one weakening line (191b, 201a, 201b). The dividing fin (189b), the third dividing fin (199a) and the fourth dividing fin (199b) curve at the respective at least one line of weakening (191a, 191b, 201a, 201b) after the formation of at least one transport device (105).