Method of packaging interlocking containers

Abstract

A method of packaging interlocking containers including the steps of creating a container having an interlocking structure suitable to achieve a nesting relationship with a complementary mating surface of an adjacent container. The containers are filled with a commodity. A closure is engaged with each container so as to seal each container. A label is affixed to each container. A second label is affixed around the containers such that the containers achieve the nesting relationship.

1 . A method of packaging interlocking containers, wherein each container is defined in part by an interlocking structure suitable to achieve a nesting relationship with a complementary mating surface of an adjacent container, said method comprising the steps of: 
 filling the containers with a commodity;    engaging a closure with each container to seal the container;    affixing a label to each container; and    affixing a second label around a plurality of containers such that adjacent containers achieve said nesting relationship.    
   
   
       2 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 1  further including the step of orienting adjacent containers in said nesting relationship after the step of affixing a label to each container.  
   
   
       3 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 2  wherein the containers have one of a generally rectangular shaped cross-section and a generally square shaped cross-section.  
   
   
       4 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 2  wherein the step of affixing a label to each container includes affixing a label that extends around the entire container.  
   
   
       5 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 2  wherein the step of affixing a label to each container includes affixing a label to a single side of the container.  
   
   
       6 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 2  further including the step of heating said commodity to an elevated temperature.  
   
   
       7 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 2  further including the step of heat-treating said containers filled with said commodity with one of a pasteurization process and a retort process.  
   
   
       8 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 2  further including the step of cooling said filled containers with said commodity to substantially room temperature.  
   
   
       9 . A method of packaging interlocking containers, wherein each container is defined in part by an interlocking structure suitable to achieve a nesting relationship with a complementary mating surface of an adjacent container, said method comprising the steps of: 
 filling the containers with a commodity;    engaging a closure with each container to seal the container;    affixing a label to each container;    orienting adjacent containers in said nesting relationship; and    affixing a second label around at least two containers such that adjacent containers achieve said nesting relationship.    
   
   
       10 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 9  wherein the containers have one of a generally rectangular shaped cross-section and a generally square shaped cross-section.  
   
   
       11 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 9  wherein the step of affixing a label to each container includes affixing a label that extends around the entire container.  
   
   
       12 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 9  wherein the step of affixing a label to each container includes affixing a label to a single side of the container.  
   
   
       13 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 9  further including the step of heating said commodity to an elevated temperature.  
   
   
       14 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 9  further including the step of heat-treating said containers filled with said commodity with one of a pasteurization process and a retort process.  
   
   
       15 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 9  further including the step of cooling said filled containers with said commodity to substantially room temperature.  
   
   
       16 . A method of packaging interlocking containers in pairs, said method comprising the steps of: 
 creating a container defined in part by an interlocking structure suitable to achieve a nesting relationship with a complementary mating surface of an adjacent container; and    affixing a label around a pair of said containers such that said pair of containers achieve said nesting relationship.    
   
   
       17 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 16  further including the step of orienting adjacent containers in said nesting relationship prior to the step of affixing a label around said pair of said containers.  
   
   
       18 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 17  further including the step of affixing a label to each container prior to the step of orienting adjacent containers in said nesting relationship.  
   
   
       19 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 18  wherein said containers have one of a generally rectangular shaped cross-section and a generally square shaped cross-section.  
   
   
       20 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 16  further including the step of heating said commodity to an elevated temperature.  
   
   
       21 . The method of packaging interlocking containers of  claim 16  further including the step of cooling said filled containers with said commodity to substantially room temperature.