The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 16, 1986
Filed:
Oct. 15, 1985
Peter Lems, Wilmette, IL (US);
Illinois Tool Works Inc., Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A rapid and economical method for forming a stabilized rectangular bundle of round containers is disclosed. Round containers, arranged in a spatially compact contiguous configuration, are first surrounded by a stretchable, endless band. The containers are then rearranged into a rectangular, commercially desirable but less spatially efficient configuration, causing the band to tension. Next a unitary loop matrix is positioned over one end of each of the containers, constituting the squared configuration, to stabilize or immobilize the substantially rectangular shape of the squared configuration. Positioning the unitary loop matrix on the containers causes the containers to spread apart, which causes the band to tension further. The configuration remains substantially rectangular until containers are removed from the bundle.