Reinforced container divider

Abstract

A divider for use in a container, such as a corrugated cardboard box, has a network of intersecting partitions and reinforced folded structures at the ends of the partitions. The reinforcing structures are folded to the main body of the partitions, forming areas of increased thickness which increase the compressive strength of the divider and a container having the divider included therein. The partitions are slotted and interlocked together by use of the slots. The slots have relieved areas at the entrance to the slots and an interlocking protrusion. The opposite edges of the partitions from the slots have relieved areas. The relieved areas at the slot entrances facilitate entry of the strips into the slots and interlocking of the strips together. The protrusions mate with the relieved areas on the intersecting strips and stabilize the partition against substantial relative movement parallel to the slots and also stabilize the strips against any substantial relative movement in a direction perpendicular to the slots. The divider is made by cutting conventional cardboard stock using a conventional die cutting machine. The die cutting machine cuts partitions, the relieved areas, and the slots and scores the ends of the partitions. After the partitions have been cut and scored, they then are passed by a conventional glue mechanism, either a glue pot, brush, or an air gun glue applicator, which applies glue to the area of the partitions between the scores and the ends of the partitions. The partitions are then passed through a plow which folds the partitions along the scored lines. The folded partitions are passed through calender rolls which press the glued areas against the main body of the partitions, forming a firm bond in the folded over areas between the folded structures and the main body of the partitions.