WO2011132037A1

WO2011132037A1 - Holder for generally cylindrical containers

Info

Publication number: WO2011132037A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/055636
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pedro Alves Da Costa
Original assignee: Colepccl Portugal - Embalagens E Enchimentos, S.A.
Priority date: 2010-04-21
Filing date: 2010-12-07
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Also published as: PT105062A; PT105062B

Abstract

The holder comprises a body portion (1) and a plurality of jaws (2) arranged with respect to a first axis (A), each jaw (2) being slidably coupled to the body portion (1). Each jaw (2) comprises at least one respective gripping surface (21, 22) arranged to face the first axis (A) and each jaw (2) is arranged to be slidable along a respective track with respect to the body (1). Each track being inclined with respect to the first axis (A) such that sliding of a jaw (2) along its track alters an axial and a radial position of the respective gripping surface (21, 22) from the first axis (A). The plurality of tracks being arranged such that the plurality of jaws (2) can be collectively slid from a first axial position to a second axial position along the first axis (A), in which second position the respective gripping surfaces (21,22) are closer to the first axis (A) so as to be able to engage and hold an inserted container (C).

Description

DESCRIPTION

HOLDER FOR GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL CONTAINERS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to holders for holding generally cylindrical containers and for being conveyed, whilst holding such containers, along a production line. Particular embodiments are concerned with holders for securely holding aerosol containers as the holders and secured containers are conveyed along a production line for filling and sealing, or capping, the containers.

Background to the Invention

Aerosol containers, containing a wide variety of products for a wide variety of applications, are well-known, and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Many of these containers are cylindrical, or at least generally cylindrical, and some have alternative shapes, for example shapes with cross sections which vary along the length (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) of the containers. For example, some aerosol containers are shaped so as to have a relatively narrow waist.

The large scale filling of aerosol containers (and indeed other containers) with appropriate contents is typically mechanised, and production lines (which may also be referred to as filling or processing lines) comprising automated conveying and filling apparatus are known. In some instances, containers are individually conveyed along such production lines, i.e. each container is not conveyed along the line together with any dedicated holder as such. Problems with such production lines and methods include the following. The containers may be damaged, for example as a result of abrasion from production line components along the sides and/or base of the containers as they are moved along. Damage may also occur as a result of unwanted movement, such as vibration or rattling, of the containers as they move along the line. Containers may fall over, causing neighbouring containers to fall in a "domino" fashion. Container stability issues may limit the velocity at which the containers may be conveyed. In arrangements where the individual containers are not held securely along at least part of the production line, then if there is a problem with the filling and subsequent sealing of the containers, propellant may escape from the containers and result in the container acting as a projectile. If the containers are not held securely during parts of the conveying process, then they do typically have to be held securely during the filling and sealing parts of the process. This means that apparatus must be arranged to engage and grip the containers during just parts of the process, and this creates engineering problems to be solved, and may result in damage to the containers in the transition from the un-held to the held state. This damage can include cosmetic damage to the outside of the container, and/or damage in the form of deformation of the container if it is gripped too tightly. A further problem is that production lines typically need to be adapted to handle and convey a particular shape and size of container, and if a different shape and/or size container is to be filled, substantial adaptations to the production line apparatus need to be made. This adaptation takes time (and results in "down-time" of the production line, when it is not being productive), typically requires the production line operators to stock a variety of different pieces of apparatus and/or tools for making the appropriate adaptations, and it is possible for these pieces of apparatus and/or tools to be misplaced.

It is also known to use holders, which are sometimes referred to as "pucks" in the art, to hold/support containers along a production line. For example, known pucks have been arranged to support containers, and the pucks are themselves conveyed along the production line, of course together with the containers they are supporting.

One such puck (also referred to as a carrier puck) is disclosed in US 2007/0267096 Al . The disclosed puck comprises a base piece having a generally rectangular footprint, supporting holding pieces (or jaws) . The jaws are mounted on the base so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction only by means of adjustment of a threaded bar. The jaws are provided with respective V- shaped gripping surfaces. Problems with the disclosed apparatus, however, are that the V-shaped jaws can easily crush or otherwise damage a container inserted between them. Additionally, to accommodate different diameters of containers the separation of the jaws has to be manually adjusted by means of the threaded bar or screw. This necessitates removal of the puck from the production line. Another problem is that if the jaws are adjusted so as not to firmly grip a container (which as described above can damage the container) then a container is supported by the puck in only a rattling fit. Thus, if there is a subsequent problem with the filling and sealing operation of the container, the container can become a projectile. Furthermore, if crushing damage is avoided by adjusting the jaws so as to be a rattling fit, then rattling of the container between the jaws as the puck is conveyed along the production line can damage the exterior of the container. Furthermore, the rattling may agitate contents of the container. If the jaws are adjusted so as to provide a rattling fit for a particular shape and size of container, then when the container is inserted between the jaws it is not securely held. The rectangular footprints of the base piece requires a dedicated conveyor system to be provided, different from the types of conveyor system adapted for use in conveying and filling generally cylindrical containers on their own (i.e. without a carrier puck or holder) . Furthermore, depending on the shape and size of the containers to be supported by the pucks, the combination of puck and container may have a relatively high centre of gravity.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a holder for holding a generally cylindrical container and for being conveyed, whilst holding such a container, along a production line, the holder overcoming, at least partly, at least one of the problems associated with the prior art.

Particular embodiments of the invention aim to provide holders for holding aerosol containers having a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and for being conveyed with the held aerosol containers along filling lines.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a holder for holding a generally cylindrical container (e.g. an aerosol container) and for being conveyed, whilst holding a said container, along a production line, the holder comprising:

a body portion; and

a plurality of jaws (each jaw may, for example be a jaw assembly, or a single jaw member) arranged with respect to (around, about) a first axis (i.e. a common axis, which may be referred to as a central axis), each jaw being slidably coupled to the body portion,

wherein each jaw comprises at least one respective gripping surface arranged to face the first axis and each jaw is arranged to be slidable along a respective track (path) with respect to the body, each track being inclined with respect to the first axis such that sliding of a jaw along its track alters an axial position of the respective gripping surface along the first axis and a radial position of the respective gripping surface from the first axis, the plurality of tracks being arranged such that the plurality of jaws can be collectively (i.e. together, at the same time, in unison) slid from a first axial position along the first axis, in which the respective gripping surfaces are spaced from the first axis to permit insertion of a generally cylindrical container along the first axis and between the gripping surfaces, to a second axial position along the first axis, in which the respective gripping surfaces are closer to the first axis (i.e. closer than they were at the first axial position) so as to be able to engage and hold an inserted container.

An advantage of this holder is that it can accommodate a range of different diameters and indeed a range of different shapes of container without requiring any further adaption. Furthermore, the holder provides the advantage that an inserted container can be gripped simply by sliding the jaws to appropriate positions (for example to an appropriate collective axial position with respect to the first axis, with each jaw being located on its respective track or path) . Furthermore, the inclination of the tracks along which the jaws slide assists in the gripping and holding of an inserted container. The angle of inclination of a track at a particular point along its length with respect to the first axis in effect determines the mechanical advantage with which a force on the jaw in a direction parallel to the first axis is converted into a transverse force (i.e. a radial force with respect to the first axis) applied to an inserted container. By utilising inclined tracks, the jaws are able to be wedged onto the container, such that they may remain in place even when an external force is removed (for example an external force pushing the container into the jaws, or a force applied directly to the jaws to slide along their tracks) . This is in contrast to prior art arrangements in which jaws were arranged to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a container they were gripping. It will be appreciated that, if jaws move just in this perpendicular direction (i.e. with no component of movement along the longitudinal axis of the container) then it may be easy for them to spring apart. Furthermore, in such arrangements there is a 1:1 relationship between the lateral force applied to a jaw and the force the jaw then applies to the side of a container.

It will be appreciated that the first axial position referred to above may also be referred to as an "open" position, i.e. a position in which the jaws are relatively open for insertion of the container. Similarly, the second axial position may be referred to as a "closed" position, in which the jaws are closed on an inserted container. Also, it will be appreciated that the reference to the ability of the jaws to be slid from a first axial position to a second axial position is not to be interpreted as meaning that the jaws can only be in these two positions, and no others. Generally, the jaws will be progressively slid from one of these nominal positions to the other, occupying a continuous range of positions in between. Thus, the holder may also be regarded as being arranged so that the jaws are slidable in a first axial direction along the first axis to open the jaws, and they may be slidable in an opposite, second axial direction to close the jaws (i.e. decrease separation of the gripping surfaces) .

In certain embodiments, the holder is arranged such that each jaw is freely slidable along its respective track, i.e. there is no substantial impediment to this sliding motion, at least between the first and second axial positions .

In certain embodiments, this slidable coupling between each jaw and the body portion is achieved by mounting each jaw on a respective ramp or ramped surface of the body portion.

In certain embodiments, the body portion comprises a substantially cylindrical outer surface having a longitudinal axis coincident with the first axis.

This provides the advantage that the holder can be handled by apparatus adapted to handle cylindrical objects. Thus, the holder with the cylindrical outer surface can be handled as if it were itself a cylindrical container, such that no adaption, or little adaption of existing production line apparatus may be required.

In certain embodiments, the body portion is substantially cylindrical, having a longitudinal axis coincident with the first axis .

Again, this provides the advantage that the holder can again be handled like a cylindrical container. A wide variety of techniques and apparatus for handling cylindrical containers are already known. In certain embodiments, the body portion defines (provides, is provided with, has) a cavity adapted to accommodate at least a portion of a cylindrical container having a longitudinal axis aligned with the first axis.

Thus, as the container may be at least partly accommodated inside the body portion, this provides the advantage that the container can be protected and/or that the centre of gravity of the combination of holder and container is lowered .

In certain embodiments, said cavity is centred on the first axis (i.e. the cavity is a central cavity) .

In certain embodiments, the jaws are slidable along their respective tracks to enable opening of the gripping surfaces with respect to the first axis to permit insertion of a container at least partly into the cavity and to enable closing of the gripping surfaces with respect to the first axis to engage and grip a container so inserted.

Again, this provides the advantage that the centre of gravity of the combination of holder and container may be lowered, making the arrangement more stable and less likely to fall over if unsupported. By lowering the centre of gravity, this can also reduce the holding force required from the production line to keep the holder in a desired orientation. These factors in turn enable the holders, with their inserted containers, to be conveyed at higher velocities and at higher accelerations along and around a production line, thereby increasing throughput.

In certain embodiments, each jaw is arranged so as to be slidable along its respective track at least partly into the cavity. Again, this can lower the centre of gravity of the holder alone, and the centre of gravity of the holder in combination with an inserted container.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of jaws are collectively slidable along their respective tracks to a position in which each jaw is fully accommodated inside the cavity .

Again, this lowers the centre of gravity of the holder. It provides the further advantage that, even when no container is held in the holder, the volume required to accommodate the holder is minimised (as the jaws do not protrude from the body) . As will be appreciated from the following description, in arrangements where magnetic end plates are used that at both ends of a generally cylindrical body portion, enabling the jaws to be fully accommodated within the body portion means that the holder can be held and supported at either end by suitably arranged magnetic means. Thus, an "empty" holder, with its jaws fully retracted, can be conveyed around a production line in a first orientation, in a second, inverted orientation, or indeed in other orientations. A holder may thus be supported from below and magnetically held to a production line as it is conveyed along. An empty holder may additionally be magnetically "picked up" from above. These features provide the advantage that there is greater flexibility in how the holders are conveyed around a particular production line.

In certain embodiments, the holder further comprises stop means arranged to prevent each jaw from sliding fully out of the cavity (i.e. arranged to retain at least a portion of each jaw inside the cavity) . This provides the advantage that parts or components of the holder are not easily lost. The holder is self-contained, and the jaws, which may themselves be jaw assemblies, are linked to the body portion so that they cannot be separated in normal operation .

In certain embodiments, the arrangement is such that the jaws are openable and closable by sliding along their respective tracks to permit insertion into the cavity and holding of cylindrical containers having diameters at least in the range 35 to 65mm. Thus, the holder can be used to grip and support a wide range of container sizes.

In certain embodiments, the holder further comprises coupling means arranged to couple the jaws together such they are constrained to move (progress, slide) along the first axis together as each jaw is slid along its respective track.

In certain embodiments, the arrangement is such that movement of the jaws in a first direction along the first axis causes the gripping surfaces to diverge from the first axis, and movement of the jaws in a second, opposite direction along the first axis causes the gripping surfaces to converge towards the first axis.

In certain embodiments, the arrangement is such that as the jaws move together along the first axis, the gripping surfaces diverge or converge symmetrically about the first axis .

This provides the advantage that it ensures that a cylindrical container gripped by the jaws has its longitudinal axis coincident with the first axis (e.g. the central axis) . In other words, it ensures that a gripped container is centred in the holder. In certain embodiments, each track is straight (linear) .

In certain embodiments each track is inclined at the same angle with respect to the first axis.

This arrangement provides a constant mechanical advantage, and for a given displacement in a direction along the first axis, the jaws radially converge by the same amount. Also, at whatever position the jaws grip an inserted container (that is, at whatever axial position along the first axis the jaws grip the sides of a container) a given axial force (either applied to the container or directly to the jaws themselves) results in the same gripping transverse (i.e. radial) force being applied to the sides of the container. This greatly assists in any control of the jaws, and applied forces can be arranged so as to avoid crushing or otherwise damaging the particular containers with which the holder is being used.

In certain embodiments, said angle is in the range 3 to 7 degrees .

This range of angles has been determined as being able to achieve good self-locking behaviour (in that the jaws can be wedged onto a container, and then remain in place when the "wedging" force is removed) and yet at the same time helps avoid crushing of the containers. It will be appreciated that if the angle of inclination is too small, then a container may be crushed. Conversely, if the angle of inclination is too large, then this reduces the ability of the jaws to lock onto or wedge onto the container and grip it in the absence of an applied external force.

In certain embodiments, each jaw comprises a respective jaw slide surface facing away from the first axis and arranged to face and slide over a respective body slide surface of the body portion. For example, in certain embodiments each of these slide surfaces is flat, and is a surface of a low- friction material.

In certain embodiments, the body portion comprises a plurality of resilient track members, each resilient track member being arranged to protrude from a respective body slide surface and engage the respective jaw slide surface arranged to slide over the respective body slide surface.

Thus, in certain embodiments resilient track members can be arranged so as to normally space the slide surfaces apart. This initial spacing can be selected to suit requirements, but in certain embodiments may be in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 mm. In these arrangements in which resilient track members are employed, the track members will deform when a container is gripped. In other words, the resilient track members are compressed slightly as the jaws come into contact with and grip an inserted container. The use of resilient track members provides the advantage that wear on the body slide surfaces and jaw slide surfaces is reduced or avoided. Furthermore, the use of resilient track members assists the holder in locking into and gripping an inserted container (i.e. they can assist in the jaws remaining in the "gripping" position when an external force is removed) . It will be appreciated that, when the track members are deformed, the jaw slide and body slide surfaces may then touch each other or directly engage, along at least a portion of their lengths.

In certain embodiments, each resilient track member is arranged to extend along the track of the respective jaw. In certain embodiments the holder further comprises a plurality of further resilient members, each further resilient member being arranged next to, but spaced from, an end of a respective resilient track member and to protrude from the respective body slide surface so as to engage the jaw slide surface of the respective jaw.

The use of such further resilient members further helps the jaws to remain in place (i.e. lock onto) when gripping an inserted container.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of jaws comprises two jaws diametrically opposed about the first axis. In certain embodiments, the total number of jaws may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or even greater.

In certain embodiments, each jaw comprises a respective first gripping surface, at least a portion of each first gripping surface being curved.

This provides the advantage that a greater contact area between a jaw and at least one size cylindrical container can be achieved than in alternative arrangements employing V-shaped jaws.

In certain embodiments, each first gripping surface comprises a respective first curved portion having a first radius of curvature and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder of said first radius having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis .

Thus, the whole of the first curved portion can touch a surface of a cylindrical container having the same, first radius of curvature. This provides the advantage that the gripping force is distributed over a larger area, and so reduces pressure on the container, which can again avoid crushing the container.

In certain embodiments, each first gripping surface comprises at least one respective second curved portion having a second radius of curvature and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder of said second radius having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis, said second radius being larger than said first radius .

Similarly, the whole of the second curved portion can touch the cylindrical surface of a cylinder having that second radius. Again, this distributes any gripping force, and the jaws can give increased contact area for a plurality of container diameters compared with V-shaped jaws.

In certain embodiments, each first gripping surface comprises two said respective second curved portions arranged at opposite sides of the respective first curved portion .

In certain embodiments, each first gripping surface comprises at least one respective third curved portion having a third radius of curvature and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder of said third radius having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis, said third radius being larger than said second radius .

In certain embodiments, each jaw comprises a respective second gripping surface, separate from the respective first gripping surface. In certain embodiments, each second gripping surface is spaced from the respective first gripping surface in a direction parallel to the first axis.

Thus, for a given axial position along the tracks, different gripping surfaces can engage the outer surfaces of containers having different container diameters.

In certain embodiments, each second gripping surface is spaced from the respective first gripping surface in a radial direction with respect to the first axis.

In certain embodiments, each second gripping surface comprises at least one respective curved portion having a radius of curvature smaller than said first radius and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis .

In certain embodiments, each jaw comprises a respective drainage channel arranged between the respective first and second gripping surfaces.

In certain embodiments, each jaw comprises a respective rigid portion and at least one respective resilient portion attached to the respective rigid portion, and wherein each gripping surface is a surface of a respective resilient portion .

As will be appreciated, this arrangement provides the advantage that damage to containers can be avoided, it assists the holder in gripping a container securely, and furthermore helps the jaws to lock onto an inserted container . In certain embodiments, each resilient portion is supported by a respective support surface of the respective rigid portion .

In certain embodiments, each support surface comprises at least one respective curved portion having a radius of curvature and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis.

Thus, in certain embodiments, the support surface can have a single radius of curvature. However, in alternative embodiments each support surface comprises a plurality of respective curved portions having a plurality of radii of curvature and arranged to define parts of surfaces of cylinders having longitudinal axes parallel to or coincident with the first axis.

In certain embodiments, the jaw slide surface of each jaw is a surface of the respective rigid portion.

In certain embodiments, each jaw comprises at least one respective abutment surface arranged to face in a direction generally parallel to the first axis and so as to engage an end surface of a cylindrical container inserted between the jaw gripping surfaces (e . g . along the central axis), whereby further insertion of a said container moves the engaged abutment surfaces along the first axis and urges the gripping surfaces to converge on and grip the container.

This arrangement provides the advantage that the jaws can automatically close on and grip a container as that container is inserted between the jaws and pushed along the first axis (e.g. the jaws can close on and grip a container as a container is pushed down into the central cavity of the base portion, between the jaws) .

In certain embodiments, each jaw comprises a respective first abutment surface and a respective second abutment surface, separate from the respective first abutment surface .

In certain embodiments, each second abutment surface is spaced from the respective first abutment surface in a direction parallel to the first axis.

In certain embodiments, each second abutment surface is spaced from the respective first abutment surface in a radial direction with respect to the first axis.

Thus, the first and second abutment surfaces may be arranged at different heights and different radii with respect to the first axis, and are thus provided for engaging the ends of different diameter containers inserted into the arrangement of jaws.

In certain embodiments, each first abutment surface is arranged between the respective first gripping surface and the respective second gripping surface of the respective jaw .

In certain embodiments, the body portion comprises a flat base surface on which the holder can stand on a flat surface, the base surface being substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

This provides the advantage that the holder can sit stably on a flat support surface, and is easy to convey without falling over. In certain embodiments, the holder further comprises ferromagnetic means arranged to enable a holding force to be applied to the holder magnetically.

Thus, the ferromagnetic means may be attracted to hold it against a support or support surface, and the ferromagnetic means may also be attracted in a manner so as to support the holder in an inverted configuration.

In certain embodiments, the ferromagnetic means comprises at least a first ferromagnetic plate arranged at or proximate a base surface of the body portion.

In certain embodiments, the body portion comprises first and second halves and attachment means for securing the first and second halves together.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a holder in accordance with any preceding claim and actuating means operable to slide said jaws along their respective tracks at least from said second position to said first position.

In certain embodiments, the actuating means may comprise elements or members attached to the gripping means. For example, the actuating means may comprise shoulders provided on jaw surfaces, those shoulders being adapted to engage the end of a container inserted between the jaws, such that when the container is pushed down into the jaws the container itself urges the jaws to slide along their tracks and converge on and grip the container. Thus, the actuating means may be arranged to convert a force with which a container is urged into the holder into a gripping force applied to hold the container in the gripping means. In certain embodiments the apparatus further comprises means for inserting a container between said jaws.

Another aspect of the invention provides a holder for holding a generally cylindrical container (e.g. an aerosol container) and for being conveyed, whilst holding a said container, along a production line, the holder comprising: a body portion having (defining, providing) a cavity extending along an axis into which a generally cylindrical container can be inserted;

gripping means coupled to (supported by, mounted on) the body portion and operable to engage and grip a said container inserted into the cavity; and

actuating means arranged to actuate the gripping means to engage and grip a said container in response to insertion of the container into the cavity.

In certain embodiments, the gripping means may comprise one or more moveable jaws arranged to close on and grip a container when a container is inserted into the cavity.

It will be appreciated that jaw arrangements described above in relation to the first aspect may equally be employed in embodiments of this further aspect of the invention. Similarly, the body portion of this further aspect may comprise features of the body portion of the first aspect.

For example, the gripping means may comprise a jaw or a plurality of jaws, the or each jaw being slidably mounted on the body portion so as to slide along a respective track. The gripping means may comprise one or more jaws arranged to slide along a track which is inclined with respect to the axis, such that as the jaw slides along its track it moves either closer to the axis or further away from the axis, depending on the direction of sliding. The sliding jaw may be arranged so as to move closer to some other gripping surface, which may take the form of the surface of a roller or rollers, a flat gripping surface, or the surface of another sliding jaw. Thus, in certain embodiments, just one sliding jaw may be employed, slidable to wedge against and grip a container, in combination with a fixed other gripping surface. In alternative arrangements, all of the gripping surfaces may themselves be moveable with respect to the base portion. For example, each gripping surface may be a surface of a sliding jaw, but in other arrangements at least one gripping surface may be a surface other than a jaw surface, such as a roller surface. In certain embodiments, all of the jaws may be slidably mounted to slide along tracks inclined with respect to the axis. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the jaws may be arranged to slide along a track which is parallel to the axis.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded diagram of the components of a first embodiment (a holder) of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is another exploded view of components of the first embodiment ;

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of some of the components of the first embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a top view of the first embodiment with the jaws in an open, or extended, position; Fig. 5 is another view of the holder of the first embodiment with the jaws in an extended, or open, position;

Fig. 6 is a base view of the holder of the first embodiment with the jaws fully retracted inside the body portion;

Figs. 7 and 8 are views of the first embodiment from above with the jaws in the fully retracted position;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the first embodiment with the jaws in an extended position for receiving a cylindrical container ;

Fig. 10 is a cross section of the first embodiment, along line A-A of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a side view of the first embodiment with a container received between the jaws and the jaws slid into a position in which they are locked on the container;

Fig. 12 is a cross section of the container and holder of Fig. 11, along line A-A;

Figs. 13 and 14 are views of the reverse sides of first and second flexible components of one of the jaws of the first embodiment, illustrating the radii of the various curved portions of the gripping surfaces and the radii of curvature of the rear-facing surfaces;

Fig. 15 is a view from above of the rigid portion of one of the jaws of the first embodiment, illustrating the radii of curvature of various of its surfaces;

Fig. 16 is another exploded view of the first embodiment; Fig. 17 is a cross section of the holder of the first embodiment along line B-B of Fig. 9, illustrating the track members and further resilient members;

Fig. 18 is a schematic cross section of the jaw of another embodiment ;

Fig. 19 is a schematic cross section of the jaw of yet another embodiment;

Fig. 20 is a schematic cross section of the jaw member of another embodiment;

Fig. 21 is a schematic cross section of the jaw member of yet another embodiment;

Fig. 22 is an exploded view of components of another holder embodying the invention;

Fig. 23 is another exploded view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 19;

Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating the portions of the outer surface of a cylindrical container directly engaged by the jaw of an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 25 is a schematic representation of a non-cylindrical container being held by another holder embodying the invention;

Fig. 26 is a schematic representation of yet another holder embodying the invention;

Fig. 27 is a schematic cross section of yet another holder embodying the invention; and Fig. 28 is a schematic representation of container handling apparatus embodying the invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Referring now to Figs. 1-17, these illustrate various features of a first embodiment of the invention, which is a holder or carrier puck for securely holding generally cylindrical containers (and also certain non-cylindrical containers), such as aerosol containers, and for being conveyed along a suitably arranged production line with a container clamped within it, so that the container can be filled and/or sealed, and/or so that other operations can be performed as required on the container.

Referring in particular now to Fig. 1, the holder comprises a body portion 1 formed from two substantially identical body portion halves la and lb. These halves la and lb are secured together by means of fastening means 16 (which can in certain embodiments be combinations of nuts and bolts or other equivalent fasteners) located so as to pass through aligned holes 160 and 161. The attachment means in this example also comprises a plurality of pins 17 which are arranged to locate in aligned recesses 171 in each half to correctly locate the halves with respect to each other. These pins 17 can also be regarded as functioning as dowels. When the two halves la and lb of the body portion are fastened together, the body portion they collectively define is generally cylindrical, having a longitudinal axis which is also the central axis A of the assembled holder. The body portion comprises a main or central generally cylindrical surface 11 having a first radius, and upper and lower generally cylindrical surfaces 12, and 13 respectively, having a larger radius. Each of these sections of increased radius 12 and 13 can thus be regarded as a radially extending flange on the body portion, that flange providing a shoulder 131, 121 facing in a direction generally along the central/longitudinal axis A. The generally cylindrical shape of the body portion provides the advantage that the holder can be handled and conveyed by production line apparatus adapted to handle generally cylindrical containers; the body portion of the holder simply presents a footprint equivalent to that of the correspondingly sized cylindrical container.

Although generally cylindrical, the surface 11 of the body portion is interrupted by a plurality of drainage holes 110 which are advantageous as they facilitate drainage of liquid away from the holder when the holder has been used to convey a container through a liquid bath, for example, for testing or other purposes.

The two halves la, lb of the body portion when attached together also define a central cavity 3 in which a plurality of jaws 2 (two jaws in this example) are located and into which a generally cylindrical container can be inserted with its longitudinal axis aligned with central axis A. The pair of jaws 2 are diametrically opposed in this example, i.e. they are arranged to face each other on opposite sides of the central axis A. Each jaw 2 is slidably coupled to a respective one of the body portion halves so that it can slide up and down along a respective track (which may also be described as a respective path) . Each of these tracks or paths is inclined with respect to the central axis A so that sliding of the jaws together in a direction along the central axis A alters their separation. In other words, sliding of the jaws together in a first direction Dl along the central axis A causes the jaws to open (in other words their gripping surfaces diverge) , and sliding the jaws in the opposite direction D2 along the axis A causes the jaws to close. In this way the jaws can be opened to enable insertion of a generally cylindrical container (or container having another shape) between the jaws, and the jaws can then be slid down their respective tracks so as to clamp the jaws onto the inserted container .

In this example, the slidable coupling between the jaws and body portion halves is achieved by each jaw possessing a pair of longitudinally extending ribs 200 which are received in corresponding slots 201 in the respective body portion half. These ribs 200 and slots or grooves 201 constrain the jaw 2 so that a flat sliding surface 23 can slide in just one direction with respect to a substantially flat sliding surface 14 provided on the corresponding body portion half. Each of these body portion sliding surfaces 14 is inclined at the same angle with respect to the central axis A, and in this example that angle of inclination is 3°. In other embodiments the angle may be in the range 3-7°, or indeed may have other values. However, arranging the angle of the inclination in the range 3-7° provides the advantage that when a container or can is pushed down into the jaw arrangement and the jaws slide down and close on the can, the forces exerted radially inwards upon the can are not so great as to crush it or otherwise damage it. In other words, the angle of inclination is chosen so that the typical force used to insert a can can result in the jaws gripping the can without being so great as to damage it.

In this first embodiment, each jaw 2 comprises a first gripping surface 21 and a second gripping surface 22 for engaging the sides of generally cylindrical containers inserted between the jaws. These first and second gripping surfaces 21 and 22 are separated axially and radially with respect to the central axis A. In other words, there is a step between the first and second gripping surfaces 21, 22; the first and second gripping surfaces are not continuous. The first gripping surface 21 of each jaw 2 is a surface of a first resilient portion 27 of the jaw which is attached to a rigid portion 26 of the jaw. Similarly, the second gripping surface 22 is a surface of a second resilient or flexible portion 28 attached to the rigid portion 26.

The incorporation of these resilient portions 27 and 28 in the jaws enables the jaws to engage, grip, and lock onto inserted containers without damaging the container surfaces. The provision of gripping surfaces by resilient elements also assist the holder in securely holding various container shapes and sizes for conveying along a production line .

Although not readily apparent from the figure, in this first embodiment each of the first and second gripping surfaces 21 and 22 comprises a plurality of curved portions having different radii, each curved portion being arranged so as to define part of the surface of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the central axis A. Further details of these curved portions will be described below. These curved portions enable the jaws to engage with and exert gripping forces on extensive areas of containers inserted between the jaws, and this is in contrast to prior art arrangements using V-shaped gripping surfaces which can, at best, engage with narrow linear portions of a cylindrical can surface. The curved portions of the gripping surfaces used in embodiments of the present invention thus enable containers to be gripped securely, whilst avoiding the application of pressures sufficient to cause container damage. As mentioned above, the gripping surfaces 21 and 22 are not continuous, but instead are axially and radially separated. Each jaw comprises a first drainage channel 15 arranged generally between the first and second gripping surfaces 21, 22 and a second drainage channel 515 arranged between the second gripping surface 21 and a lower portion 261 of the rigid portion 26 of the jaw which extends in a direction generally transverse to the central axis A and towards the opposing jaw. An upper surface 292 of this laterally extending portion 261 provides an abutment surface against which a base surface of the container can be positioned when inserting the container into the holder. Each of the two jaws comprises a respective such abutment surface 292, and these surfaces are arranged so as to be co-planar. Each jaw 2 comprises a further abutment surface 291, arranged between the first and second gripping surfaces 21, 22 and so spaced both axially and radially from the lower abutment surface 292 with respect to the central axis A. Depending on the position of the jaws along their tracks, and also on the diameter of a container to be inserted, when the container is inserted between the jaws its base may engage either the pair of second abutment surfaces 291 or the pair of lower abutment surfaces 292. As a container is pushed downwards, against the appropriate abutment surface, this necessarily results in the jaws sliding down along their respective tracks, and so downwards in direction D2 along central axis A. In doing so, the gripping surfaces of the opposing jaws are brought together, so as to make contact with and subsequently grip and hold outer surfaces of the container. In this respect, the holder can be actuated by insertion of the container itself. In other words, in order to grip a container, the holder does not require any separate actuating means for the jaws as they will close automatically on the container as the container is inserted, down into the cavity 3 into the space between the opposing jaws. However, in alternative embodiments, dedicated actuation means may be provided, for example both to move the jaws in direction D2 along the axis A to grip an inserted container, and in direction Dl along axis A so as to release a container, for example post filling and sealing.

In this first embodiment, the jaws are coupled together by coupling means in the form of a pair of rods 51 extending through corresponding and aligned holes in the jaws 2. When the jaws in the first example are fully received within the cavity 3 in the body portion, ends of the rods 51 protrude from the outwardly facing sliding surfaces 23 of the jaws, and are received in corresponding slots 151 provided in the body portion halves. As will be appreciated, in the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, as the jaws slide generally upwards along their tracks, progressively smaller portions of the rods 51 protrude from the reverse faces 23 of the jaws, and increasingly large central or middle portions of the rods 51 are exposed between the jaws. Thus, the slots 151 accommodating the protruding portions of the rods or pins 51 are themselves tapered, in that the base of each slot 151 is flat, generally parallel to the axis A, and is thus inclined with respect to the sliding surface 14 of the respective body portion half. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of these coupling rods 51 constrains the jaws to move together along the axis A, although the jaws are of course at the same time moving radially apart or radially together depending on the sliding direction.

In this first embodiment, although the jaws are arranged such that a flat jaw slide surface 23 slides with respect to a corresponding flat body portion slide surface (which may also be referred to as a support surface) there is no direct contact between the jaw slide surface 23 and the body portion slide surface 14. These surfaces 23 and 14 are spaced apart by means of resilient track members 6 received within corresponding track member slots or cavities 61 in the body portion halves la, lb. Thus, rather than touching the body portion slide surface 14, the slide surface 23 of a jaw is in direct contact with the inwardly facing surface of the respective track members 6. Spaced from the upper end of each track member there is provided a respective further resilient member 7 in the form of a cylinder of resilient material. Each further resilient member 7 is received within a corresponding recess 71 in a body portion half. These further resilient members 7 are arranged in this example to protrude essentially the same amount from the support surfaces 14 as the resilient track members 6. There are a number of advantages associated with the support of the jaw sliding surfaces 23 on these combinations of resilient members. Firstly, as there is no direct sliding contact between the jaw surfaces 23 and support surfaces 14, wear of these surfaces can essentially be eliminated. Furthermore, any wear of the resilient track members 6 and further resilient members 7 can be addressed simply by replacing the relevant members. As the track members 6 and further resilient members 7 are formed of resilient material, the possibility of sparks being formed by rubbing of a jaw member against a body portion half can also be eliminated. Lastly, by forming the track and further members 6, 7 from resilient material, this helps the jaws to be able to lock onto an inserted container. As a container is pushed further down, thereby sliding the jaws along their respective tracks and bringing the gripping surfaces together, the resilient track members 6 and further resilient members 7 can be deformed, as can the resilient portions 27 and 28 of each jaw, enabling the jaw arrangement to come to rest at a position where it can grip and support a container even when any external downward force on the container, other than gravity, has been removed. In this first example, a limit on the downward motion of each jaw into the body portion is imposed by the arrangement of the laterally extending portions 261 of each jaw member. When these portions meet, further downward motions of the jaws is prevented. In this first example these protruding portions 261 are arranged so as to meet when the lower most part of each jaw is generally coincident with the base surface 15 of the holder assembly. In this example the body portion has a substantially flat, annular base surface and the holder can sit on this base surface stably on a flat support surface.

In this first embodiment, a further constraint or limit on the sliding motion of the jaws 2 relative to the body portion 1 is provided by stop means comprising a respective stop member 41 attached to the rear face 23 of each jaw and received in and arranged to slide along a respective slot 42 in a body portion half. Each of these slots 42 thus is generally parallel to the path or track along which each jaw slides, and each slot 42 is arranged so that the respective stop member 41 cannot slide out of either end. The uppermost end of each slot is closed, and in this example the lowermost end of each slot is open, but has a restricted width. This restricted width is sufficient to prevent the stop member 41 from sliding out of the lower end of the slot, but the narrow open lower end of each slot 42 does enable liquid to drain out of the slot. As will be appreciated, when the holder of Fig. 1 is assembled, neither of the jaws can be fully separated from the body portion. The jaws are able to slide down within the cavity 3 (provided of course that too large a container is not inserted between them) so that the pair of jaws are fully contained within the holder body. The jaws are also slidable in the upward direction so that each jaw extends partially out of the cavity 3, providing separated gripping surfaces for insertion of a container between them.

The holder (which may also be described as a holder assembly) also comprises a first ferromagnetic plate 81 which is secured to a lower portion of the body portion assembly by means of screws 810. This flat plate 81 in this example forms part of the flat base surface 15 of the assembly. The provision of this plate provides the advantage that magnetic means may be used to attract the plate and rest of the holder to which it is attached, and so secure the holder on a production line. In addition to being able to secure the holder by magnetic means to a flat, upwardly facing surface of a production line, the ferromagnetic plate 81 also enables magnetic means to support the holder in other orientations, indeed fully upside down. This of course provides much greater flexibility in determining a path along which a holder should be conveyed to carry out the various operations on the held containers. It also enables magnetic means to be used for conveying and/or supporting non-magnetic (e.g. aluminium) containers.

Additionally, in this first embodiment the holder assembly comprises a second ferromagnetic plate 82 secured at an upper end of the body portion by a further set of screws 820. As with the first plate 81, this second plate is received in a correspondingly shaped recess 182 provided at the end of the body portion such that an upper surface of the plate 82 is flush with (i.e. coincident with) an uppermost surface 185 of the body. This second ferromagnetic plate 82 also enables the holder to be held magnetically at its nominal upper end, and so provides greater flexibility in how to arrange conveying of empty holders (when the jaws can be fully received inside the cavity 3) around a production line.

Also, it will be appreciated that the radially extending flanges at either axial end of the body portion, with their shoulder surfaces 121 and 131, provide further means by which the holder can be constrained and held while it is transported around a production line. Even without using magnetic means, a conveying line can be arranged to support the holder in an inverted arrangement for example, by suitably engaging with the shoulder 131.

Referring now to Fig. 2, this is another exploded view of the holder shown in Fig. 1. In this view, the resilient track members 6 and deformable inserts 7 of one of the jaw assemblies lb are shown inserted in their respective cavities 71, 61. The provision of the deformable inserts 7 and tracks 6, located in their respective recesses 71, 61, again assist the assembly in locking onto a container pressed down into the jaws. In other words, the provision of these resilient elements together with the resilient gripping surfaces inhibits the jaws from springing open when a downward force on an inserted container has been released .

Fig. 2 shows further detail of the coupling rods 51, and also illustrates how the lower, laterally extending part 261 of the rigid portion of each jaw provides a further gripping surface 29 for engaging the outer surface of containers having an even smaller diameter. This further surface 29 has a uniform radius, is a surface of the respective rigid portion 26, and is suitable for gripping cylindrical containers of the same radius. As will be appreciated, the jaw arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is thus able to engage, grip and securely hold (i.e. lock onto) a wide range of diameters of containers, and indeed containers which are not perfectly or generally cylindrical .

Referring now to Fig. 3, this is another exploded view showing some of the components of the holder system of Fig. 1. The figure shows one of the jaws 2 with the flexible/resilient portions or members 28, 27 attached to the rigid portion or member 26. The other jaw 2 is shown with the resilient portions 27 and 28 detached. As can be seen from the figure, the rigid portion 26 of the jaw comprises a first curved support surface 267 against which the first resilient member 27 is positioned, and a second support surface 268 on which the second resilient portion 28 is located. Attachment between the resilient portions and the rigid portion is achieved by means of providing each resilient portion with a plurality of resilient fingers or protrusions 289, each of which is received in a corresponding cavity 2000 in the rigid portion 26. In this example these resilient fingers 289 have a generally rectangular, for example square, cross section, and are arranged so as to be a tight fit within each cavity 2000. Although not apparent from the figure, each cavity 2000 has a closed end, i.e. the cavity 2000 does not extend fully through the rigid portion 26. The resilient fingers 289 are arranged so that they have a length insufficient to reach the closed end of each cavity 2000. Thus, when the fingers are pushed into position to attach each resilient portion 27, 28 to its respective rigid portion 26, there is a small air pocket trapped at the base of each cavity 2000, between the cavity walls and the finger 289. This helps to secure the resilient portions in place, as any attempt to pull the resilient fingers out of the cavities results in partial vacuums being created. Referring now to Fig. 4, this is a view from above of the embodiment of Fig. 1, with the jaws 2 slid along their tracks so that they are partially protruding from the cavity 3 in the body portion, and open for insertion of a container between their gripping surfaces. As can be seen, the abutment surfaces 291 and 292 are exposed to engage the base surfaces of generally cylindrical containers of a wide variety of diameters inserted between the jaws. The jaws 2 have slid open, so that central portions of the coupling pins or rods 51 are exposed between the jaws.

Referring now to Fig. 5, this is another view of the holder of Fig. 4, with its jaws slid partially out of the central cavity 3.

Referring now to Fig. 6, this is a base perspective view showing the underside of the holder of Fig. 1 with the jaws fully retracted inside the body portion. The generally flat base surface 15 is provided by the lowermost surface of the ferromagnetic plate 81 and a portion 186 of the surface of the body portion. As can be seen, opposing surfaces of the laterally extending portions 261 of the jaws 2 have almost met and the stop members 41 have reached the ends of their travels in the respective slots 42 so as to inhibit further downward motion of the jaws, bringing the lowermost surfaces of the jaw rigid members to rest at a position in which they are generally coplanar with the base surface 15. In alternative embodiments, downward motion of the jaws may be limited by other means, such as by the portions 261 meeting each other. The coupling pins or rods 51 can be seen, passing through the aligned jaw members, with their exposed ends being received in the corresponding slots, channels or grooves 151 in the base portion halves. Moving on to Figs. 7 and 8, these are perspective views from above of the holder of Fig. 6, with the jaws fully received within the body portion 1. In this configuration, the uppermost surfaces of the jaws 2 lie just slightly recessed below the generally flat upper surface of the holder, which is provided by an upper surface of the ferromagnetic plate 82 and a surface portion 185 of the holder body. As will be appreciated, in this configuration the holder can be magnetically clamped to a suitable support or support surface, at either its upper or lower ends, so as to be conveyed along a production line.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, these are, respectively, a side view and a cross section of the holder of Fig. 1 with the jaws slid partially out of the body portion for receiving a generally cylindrical container. Thus, the gripping surfaces have been opened with respect to the central axis A. Figs. 11 and 12 show the same holder with a container inserted, and having been pressed down so as to slide the jaws along their respective tracks so as to converge on the container and grip it between their gripping surfaces.

Referring now to Figs. 13 and 14, these show in some more detail the first and second resilient portions or components 27, 28 of a jaw 2 of the first embodiments. As can be seen, a plurality of resilient fingers or protrusions 289 extend rearwardly from the first resilient portion 27 (in this example there are six such resilient fingers). Similarly, nine resilient fingers 289 extend from a rear face of the second resilient portion 28. These fingers 289 are for receiving in corresponding cavities 2000 in the rigid portions of the jaws to hold the resilient portions in place. Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate the different radii of curvature of different curved portions of these resilient portions and the radii of curvature of the reverse facing surfaces of the resilient components, that is the surfaces of the resilient components which engage with the supporting surfaces 267 and 268 of the rigid portions 26. As can be seen, the first resilient portion 27 is shaped so as to have a rear surface of constant radius (32.5mm in this example) and to provide a gripping surface 21 which comprises portions having different radii. This first gripping surface 21 comprises a central portion having a radius of curvature of 30mm, with further curved portions on either side of this central portion, each further curved portion having a radius of curvature of 32.5mm.

The second resilient portion or member 28 has a rear surface having a radius of curvature of 30mm, and a front surface (which provides the gripping surface 22) comprising a central portion of radius 24mm, second curved portions on either side of the central portion, those second curved portions having a radius of curvature of 26.5mm, and further curved portions outside each of the second curved portions, those further curved portions having a radius of curvature of 31.5mm.

It will be appreciated that profiling the gripping surfaces in this manner (i.e. to comprise curved portions of different radii) better enables the jaws to grip and hold, without crushing, containers having a wide range of diameters. If gripping surfaces having just a single radius of curvature were employed, this would reduce the contact areas with cylindrical containers not having precisely the same radius of curvature. Referring now to Fig. 15, this is a plan view of one of the jaws 2 of the embodiment of Fig. 1. This view illustrates the radii of curvature of the different support surfaces 267 and 268 used to support the resilient portions, and also the different radius of curvature of the third gripping surface 29. In this example, the support surface 267 has a radius of curvature of 32.5mm, the support surface 268 has a radius of curvature of 30mm, and the third gripping surface 29 has a radius of curvature of 17.5mm. Thus, in this example the plurality of gripping surface portions having different radii are provided by means of supporting resilient members 27 and 28 having rear surfaces of constant radii on correspondingly shaped support surfaces 267 and 268 of rigid components. The resilient components are further arranged so as to have front, container-engaging surfaces with the plurality of desired radii. In alternative embodiments, other arrangements may be utilised to achieve the same gripping characteristics, as will be described below with reference to Figs. 18-21.

Referring now to fig. 16, this is another exploded view of the first embodiment. This embodiment is an adjustable holder for individual movement of aerosol containers or other rigid or pressurized semi-rigid containers with a cylindrical base and a diameter ranging from 35 to 65 mm. The adjustable holder is used to transport the container along the production line, ensuring that the production equipment is constantly adjusted to the holder diameter, regardless of the diameter of the package being processed. This eliminates the need to change tools and fine-tune production equipment, which increases flexibility and/or efficiency. The holder generally consists of a cylindrical body 1 and a system of interconnected jaws 2. It is made of plastic with some metal and rubber parts. Container insertion and removal operations on the holder that are conducted at the start and end of the production line, respectively, shall be ensured via equipment specifically designed for this purpose. The movement of holders from the end to the start of the production line is carried out by a dedicated conveyor. The holder comprises a system of movable jaws 2 that grip the container and are respectively connected (coupled) to the cylindrical body, allowing the holder to adjust to diameters of containers ranging from 35 to 65 mm. The holder also comprises a system for setting the position of the jaws, following insertion of a container, via sealing using rubber components 7, 6 (which may be referred to as gaskets, and a water run-off system comprising channels 15, 515 and run-off/drainage holes, allowing drying of the container after the set has been immersed. The holder is an adjustable holder for moving aerosol containers or other rigid or pressurized semi-rigid containers with a cylindrical base, with a diameter ranging from 35 to 65 mm. The holder comprises a system of sliding jaws 2 on the calculated slope ramps 14 of the cylindrical body, which move up and down in a synchronized manner between themselves. The inner profile of the jaws, made of soft rubber and consisting of a set of scaled circumferences with a defined area, ensures gripping of containers with diameters ranging from 35 to 65 mm. The holder comprises a cylindrical body 1 containing ferromagnetic plates 81, 82 on top and on the bottom and two movable jaws 2. The jaws 2 are set on ramps 14 located inside the cylindrical body. The jaws, joined by two spindles 51, can slide on the ramps, moving up and down in a synchronized manner between themselves. The calculated slope of the ramps and the synchronization of the movement ensure correct gripping of the container, avoiding crushing or insufficient gripping. The inner profile of the jaws, in the section that comes into contact with the container, is made of soft rubber and consists of a scaled set of circumferences with a defined area, which ensures gripping of containers with diameters ranging from 35 to 65 mm. The ferromagnetic plate discs applied to the top and the base of the holder give it the necessary characteristics for moving on magnetic conveyors, allowing for flexibility of the type of movement (horizontal, vertical, inverted position or at any angle of inclination) . Use of anti-spark and anti-static metallization on the aforementioned plates, as well as use of plastic anti-spark and anti-static materials in the construction of the holder allow it to be used in explosive atmospheres, namely during the filling of aerosol containers. This holder is equipped to transport containers through an immersion bath to test the sealing properties or for other purposes. The channels inside the body of the holder and the existing holes inside the holder ensure effective run-off of water and drying. The holder of fig. 16, for moving containers, is designed to: be adjustable in order to be able to accommodate containers with diameters ranging from 35 to 65 mm, maintaining them completely gripped and protected during the movement along the production line; be useable with containers made of any rigid material, namely tinplate, aluminium, glass, plastic or semi-rigid containers under pressure; keep the production equipment constantly adjusted to the diameter of the holder, eliminating the need to change tools and fine- tune production equipment as a result of a change in the diameter of the container that is to be processed, namely during the filling of containers; increase the stability of the container - especially with smaller diameters - during high speed movement along the production line; be usable with a magnetic conveyor, allowing for flexibility of the type of movement (horizontal, vertical, inverted position or at any angle of inclination) ; and to offer run-off capacity for liquids, allowing it to be used during processes that require immersion of the container.

Referring now to Fig. 17, this is a cross section of the holder of Fig. 9 (i.e. the first embodiment), along line B- B in Fig. 9, illustrating the inclination of the jaw sliding tracks or paths with respect to the central axis, and the support of the jaws on the resilient track and further members, slightly spaced apart from the jaw sliding surfaces (the separation being so small as to not be readily discernable from the figure) . As can be seen from the figure, the recesses 61 and 71 for the resilient track and further members 6 and 7 are not simple rectangular slots and simple cylindrical recesses respectively. Instead, each recess comprises a widened portion where it meets the support surface 14. The purpose of these widened portions is to better accommodate deformation of the track and further resilient members when a container is pressed down into the jaws and so enable the jaws to remain locked in that position when the downward force on the container is removed. As mentioned above, inclination angles of between 3 and 7° are particularly good at ensuring that the jaw arrangements can grip and lock onto inserted containers without crushing those containers. However, it will be appreciated that, in general, alternative embodiments of the invention may utilise jaws arranged to slide along tracks which are inclined at other angles to the central axis, or which follow tracks that are not straight along at least a portion of their lengths. Also, whilst the previously described embodiments have utilised two jaws, alternative embodiments may employ three or indeed more jaws. In the embodiments where the body portion defines a cavity, the jaws may be arranged so as to be fully inside the cavity at all times, or, like the embodiments described above, the jaws may be arranged so as to be slidable at least partly into the cavity, and at least partly out of the cavity. It will also be appreciated that, in certain other embodiments, the resilient members may be arranged to protrude further from the jaws, thereby increasing separation between the surfaces 23 and 14, or alternatively one or both of the members 6, 7 may be omitted, resulting in direct sliding contact between the surfaces 14 and 23.

Referring now to Figs. 18-21, these are schematic cross sections illustrating the profiles of the gripping surfaces provided by different jaws in different embodiments of the invention .

Fig. 18 shows a cross section of a jaw member 2 formed from semi-rigid material, having a gripping surface 21 comprising a plurality of curved portions, each curved portion having a respective radius of curvature and defining part of a cylindrical surface. A central portion of the gripping surface 21 has a radius ri , second curved portions are arranged on either side of the central portion and each have a radius of curvature Τ2, where r_z is greater than ri , and third curved portions are arranged on either side of the second curved portions, those third curved portions having a third radius of curvature r₃, where r₃ is greater than ΐ2·

Fig. 19 shows an alternative jaw structure, where the jaw comprises a substantially rigid portion 26 having substantially the same shape as the semi-rigid jaw of Fig. 15, and the jaw further comprises a soft, deformable layer of material 27 attached to the rigid portion 26 to cover the curved portions of different radii. This soft layer 27 initially provides a gripping surface 21 of substantially uniform radius, but readily deforms, when the jaws are brought together to grip a container, such that the deformable layer simply cushions against the surface of the container, as the container is gripped between the corresponding curved portions of the opposing jaws.

Fig. 20 shows an alternative arrangement, corresponding closely to the situation with the first embodiment. Here, a rigid jaw portion 26 provides a support surface of substantially uniform radius, and a resilient portion 27 is mounted on this, the resilient portion providing curved portions of different respective radii for gripping cylindrical containers. Although the support surface is shown as curved in this example, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the support surface of the rigid portion may be flat, or indeed have other shapes, and the rear surface of the resilient portion 27 can be adapted accordingly to conform with the support surface.

Fig. 21 shows yet another arrangement in which both the support surface of the rigid portion 26 and the gripping surface of the resilient, or flexible, portion 27 are shaped so that they each comprise a respective plurality of curved portions having different radii of curvature. The rear surface of the flexible portion 27 is also shaped so as to conform with the shape of the support surface.

It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, suitably shaped flexible portions of jaws may be formed by moulding .

Referring now to Figs. 22 and 23, these are exploded views of yet another holder embodying the invention. Again the holder comprises a body portion formed from two halves la, lb, and has two jaws 2 coupled together by means of coupling rods 51 and arranged to slide up and down respective tracks inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the holder assembly to open and close gripping surfaces with respect to the central axis A. Features of this embodiment corresponding to those previously described embodiments are given corresponding reference numerals. Small differences are as follows. In this embodiment, rather than a ferromagnetic plate at the base of the unit, a ferromagnetic (e.g. iron) ring 83 is located in an annular groove 831 in the base of the holder (which may also be described as a puck or carrier puck) . The ring 83 is secured in place with screws. Each jaw 2 provides a single, upwardly facing abutment surface 292 for engaging the base of a container inserted into the holder, and provides a single gripping surface 21. Each gripping surface 21 comprises a central curved portion 211 having a first radius of curvature, two second curved portions 212 on either side of the first curved portion 211, each of the second curved portions having a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature, and a pair of third curved portions 213, on either side of the second curved portions 212, each third curved portion 213 having a third radius of curvature larger than the second radius of curvature .

Referring now to Fig. 24, this illustrates the areas A2 of the surface of a generally cylindrical container engaged by the second curved portions 212 of the gripping surfaces 21 of the jaws of the holder shown in Figs. 19 and 20. As can be seen, the provision of the plurality of different curved portions with different radii of curvature enables the container to be gripped over extensive areas, so reducing pressure on the container for a given gripping force, and helping to avoid damaging the container. Referring now to Fig. 25, this is a side view and cross section of another holder embodying the invention being used to hold a non-cylindrical container. As can be seen, the jaws 2 are partially located within the central cavity 3 inside the holder body 1 and have wedged against, and gripped, the container surface at a plurality of points simply by virtue of urging the container downwards into the holder, a base of the container having engaged with the respective abutment surfaces of the jaws 2.

As will be appreciated from the above description, the slidably mounted jaws of embodiments of the invention can be regarded as providing combined gripping and actuating means, the gripping means being coupled to the body portion and operable to engage and grip a container inserted into a cavity in the body portion, and the actuating means being arranged to actuate the gripping means to engage and grip a container in response to its insertion into the cavity. In other words, in embodiments of the invention as described above, when a container is inserted down into a cavity in the holder body, and engages the abutment surfaces of the jaws, it causes the jaws to move downwards, automatically moving the jaws radially inwards to engage, grip, and lock onto the container.

It will be appreciated that certain alternative embodiments provide alternative ways of automatically gripping and holding a container inserted into a body portion cavity. One such alternative embodiment is shown highly schematically in Fig. 26. A plurality of jaw assemblies or members are pivotally coupled to the body portion so that when a container is inserted into the cavity 3 the base of the container B engages portions 299 of the jaws and causes them to rotate about their respective rotational axes, or pivots, P, bringing their gripping surfaces 21 into engagement with the container. Although not shown in the figure, the holder can be arranged with suitable means for preventing the jaws from releasing the container without operation of a release mechanism.

Fig. 27 shows an alternative arrangement which, when a container C is inserted into a cavity 3 of a body portion 1, it depresses a hydraulic piston HI, so displacing hydraulic fluid along connecting conduits HC and causing that fluid to drive side-mounted pistons H2 with gripping surfaces 21 into engagement with the sides of the container. Again, suitable means may be provided, for example in the form of one or more valves, to inhibit release of the container.

Referring now to Fig. 28, this shows container handling apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The apparatus generally comprises a holder for holding a generally cylindrical container C, means for inserting a container into the holder, such that the holder grips the container, and means for actuating the jaws 2 of the holder, either to open the jaws to permit insertion of the container C between them, or to release a container from the holder. The holder comprises a holder body 1 and a plurality of jaws 2 slidably mounted with respect to the body 1 such that the jaws 2 each slide along respective tracks of paths which are inclined with respect to the central axis A of the holder. The holder is shown supported on a suitable support SI. As will be appreciated, this support may take a variety of forms, and in certain embodiments may, for example, be a conveyor belt or a rigid surface onto which the holder has been placed. In this example the jaws 2 each comprise first and second gripping surfaces 21 and 22, and each provide abutment surfaces 291 and 292 for receiving and engaging a base of the container C when inserted between the jaws, as described above in relation to previous embodiments. The means for actuating the jaws in this example comprises an actuator 910 having a main or body portion 912 rigidly secured to a support S2 (the position of support S2 being fixed in relation to the support SI) . The actuating means further comprises a piston 911 which can be controllably extended or withdrawn in a direction parallel to the axis A from the body 912. At an end of the piston 911, there is provided a flat engagement surface 913 for bringing into contact with the downward facing surfaces 260 of the jaws 2. Thus, the actuator 910 can be controlled to extend the piston 911 from the body 912, bringing surface 913 into contact with the lower surfaces 260 of jaws. Then, further upward motion of the piston 911 in the figure drives the jaws 2 upwards, along their respective tracks, and so increases their separation. A controller 930 controls the operation of the actuator 910. The system also includes sensing means 915 coupled to, or an integral part of, the actuating means 910 and which is arranged to provide the controller 930 with an indication of the position of the piston 911. Thus, this sensing means 915 provides feedback on the position of the piston 911 to the controller 930, and the controller is arranged to use this feedback signal to accurately control the position of the piston 911, hence the position of the end surface 913, and hence the separation of the jaws 2 and the position of their lower surfaces 260. The system also comprises means for inserting a container C into the holder, this means for inserting comprising a further actuator body 922, secured to a support surface S3 (which is also fixed in position with relation to supports SI and S2) . The actuator body 922 is controllable by the control means 930 to extend or withdraw a piston 921 from it, again in a direction generally parallel to the axis A of the holder. Attached to the piston 921 is a container holding means 923 which can grip a container C while it is being inserted in the holder. A sensor or feed back unit 925 is arranged to provide the controller 930 with a signal accurately indicative of the position of the piston 921. Thus, the controller 930 is able to control the container insertion means to place the container C down into the jaws of the holder and to accurately control the height of the container C with respect to the support SI. In certain embodiments, the controller 930 is also adapted so that it can control the forces applied to the container. By means of the sensors or feedback unit 915 and 925, the controller 930 in this embodiment knows precisely the relative positions of the pistons, and hence the container and the jaws. In operation, a container is typically held in the holding means 923 and the actuator 910 is operated so as to drive the jaws upwards to achieve a known separation of the gripping surfaces 21, 22, sufficient to permit insertion of the container C between them. Then, the controller 930 controls the container inserting means to extend the piston 921 and push the container C down between the jaws. The controller 930 may be further arranged to operate the actuator 910 such that, when the base of the container C engages one of the abutment surfaces 291, 292, the surface 913 of the actuator piston assembly is in contact with the lower surfaces 260 of the jaws. Then, the controller 930 may be adapted to continue to push the container downwards, along the axis A, at the same time controlling the actuator 910 to withdraw the piston 911 at a rate so as to maintain contact with the lower surface 260 of the jaws and yet not apply a force to the container which exceeds a predetermined threshold. The controller 930 can determine the precise eventual position of the container gripped by the jaws 2, by stopping the piston 911 at a predetermined height. This may be selected or calculated such that the lateral gripping force applied to the container walls by the gripping surfaces 21, 22 is sufficient to hold the container securely yet not so great as to crush the container .

Although Fig. 28 shows the sensors or feedback units 915, 925 as being separate from the actuators 910 and 922, in alternative embodiments this sensing or feedback may be achieved by alternative means, such as by incorporating linear encoders on the pistons 911, 921 themselves.

It will be appreciated that an advantage of the system shown in Fig. 28 is that gripping of the container can be simply achieved by pushing a container down into the jaws, which action results in the sliding jaws automatically closing on the container. The positional feedback which the controller 930 receives enables the controller to accurately control the height of the container, and also enables the controller to make adjustments to take account of any wear of the holder components or surfaces. In this way, containers of a particular side can be consistently inserted and held in the holder at a well defined height with respect to the various supports SI, S2 and S3.

It will be appreciated that, although embodiments have been described above in relation to the holding of aerosol containers, the invention in its broadest sense is not limited to holders for such containers. Indeed, embodiments of the invention may be adapted to hold a wide variety of containers, formed from a variety of materials and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Thus, in addition to holders for metallic containers, holders embodying the invention may be adapted for use with non-metallic containers, such as glass or plastic containers, and for non-aerosol containers. Holders embodying the invention may be used to hold rigid containers and/or semi-rigid containers, or indeed other rigid or semi-rigid objects having similar shapes and dimensions. Also, whilst embodiments have been described for holding containers with diameters in the range of up to a few centimetres, the invention in its broadest sense is not limited to containers of that size. For example, certain embodiments may be adapted to receive and grip containers having diameters in excess of 10 cms, or even larger.

With regard to the aerosol market, i.e. aerosol container/can applications, certain holders embodying the invention can work with all cans from 35 to 65mm diameters. Currently, aerosol cans having the diameter 35mm are known, as are cans having the diameter 40mm, and cans with progressively larger diameters, progressing by 0.1 mm up to and including 65mm. Certain embodiments can work with all typical sizes of cans of the aerosol market. Looking at the embodiment of figures 1-6 for example, surface 29 is to grip size 35mm diameter cans only. The rubber cylindrical surfaces of the jaws are to grip the sizes from 40 to 65mm. It is possible to have more sizes (diameters) in other embodiments, but for the current aerosol market the design of the embodiment of fig. 1 has all diameters needed. In the current aerosol market we do not have sizes between 35 and 40mm diameters.

Referring again to fig. 17, one can see that the rubber members are arranged to leave gaps 15 and 515 between themselves and the can-base engaging surfaces 291 and 212. This arrangement is important because of the fold on the bottom of the can on non-aluminum cans. These gaps avoid the folds being in contact with the jaws' gripping surfaces, and so enable the holder to provide uniform gripping forces with the jaws.

A variety of materials may be utilised in manufacturing holders embodying the invention. For example, components of the holder body and/or jaws may be manufactured from a variety of plastic materials. In certain embodiments, carbon may be added to plastic materials to form the holder body components, the carbon providing the advantage that it enables any static charges to be dissipated. Similarly, anti-static materials may be incorporated in embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, non-permeable materials are used for the holder components, providing the advantage that the holder will not absorb water or other fluids .

Generally, materials may be selected for the holder components so as to avoid spark creation, dissipates static electricity, provide the desired mechanical properties, and to be compatible with the production line in which they are to be used.

It will be appreciated that certain embodiments are available to provide a number of advantages in combination with one another. These advantages include the capacity to effectively hold several different diameters of containers (e.g. cans, which may be tin plate, aluminium, or other materials) . Another advantage is that it may be almost impossible to damage the containers using the holders. Another advantage is that containers may be gripped by only sliding the jaws. Certain embodiments provide the ability to effectively grip multiple different diameters with very accurate positional height with respect to the base surface on a very compact design. This gripping can be achieved without damaging the containers. The holder itself may be a substantially cylindrical device, and additionally or alternatively may be provided with very good water purge properties. The holders can be used on ordinary filling lines .

Certain embodiments are able to receive and grip containers having diameters typical in the current aerosol market (that is from 35 to 65 mm) . The holder may have the capacity to log onto an inserted container (e.g. can) . The holder may be manufactured from materials such that it is both light, and can be operated with temperatures up to 90°C or even higher. The holder may be adapted so that it is able to dissipate the static electricity, and the holder may be further adapted so that it can be carried by magnetic means, either by its top surface or bottom surface, as a result of, for example, iron plates incorporated at its axial ends. These iron plates may be metallised by suitable material to inhibit corrosion for example. Embodiments incorporating the ferromagnetic plates can thus be used on aerial conveyors. Even those embodiments without magnetic means may be used on aerial conveyors, provided that alternative means are provided for engaging with the holder body, such as arrangements to engage with radial flanges at the axial ends of the body. Certain embodiments are robust, stable due to having a low centre of gravity, protect the can/container as it is conveyed around the production line or circuit, and grips the can/container securely to avoid the container becoming a projectile in the case of a malfunction. The holder may be adapted so as to be compatible with immersion in water or other fluids, and so can be used on aerosol baths which are known in the aerosol filling field. Further advantages provided by holders embodying the invention are that they can be highly wear-resistant, and certain components which may be most susceptible to wear can be readily changed (for example resilient track members or other deformable members, formed from rubber for example, can be easily replaced) . Embodiments also have the capacity to be applied on a wide range of topologies of lines, because the holders can be treated like cans/cylindrical containers with a relatively large diameter (e.g. 88 mm) . As certain embodiments are generally cylindrical, they can be employed on production lines already set up for handling cylindrical containers with little or no further adaption.

It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments it is the insertion of a container into the jaws which actuates the closing of the jaws. However, in alternative embodiments, a separate actuator, actuating means, or actuating assembly may be provided to drive the jaws up and down to release/grip the containers. In certain embodiments, the jaws may be supported on ramped surfaces, such that they can be driven downwards or upwards to close or open the jaws for containing insertion.

In certain embodiments, a support, which may be part of an actuating mechanism, may be arranged to limit the motion of the jaws in one direction along the first axis, so as to accurately define the base position at which a container comes to a rest, gripped between the jaws.

It will be appreciated that the slidable mounting of the jaws with respect to the body portion can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, the jaws may be arranged to slide over ramped surfaces, the jaws may be arranged on rails, or the jaws may be arranged to slide with respect to the body portion in some other way.

A variety of materials can be used in the manufacture of the holders embodying the invention, and these materials may, for example, be selected for compatibility with food processing applications.

The flexibility of holders embodying the invention in holding a wide variety of shapes and sizes of container avoid the long set up times associated with prior art arrangements in which production line apparatus had to be adapted when changing from one container shape and/or diameter to another.

In certain prior art arrangements, it is known to use star wheels to engage cylindrical containers as they are moved around a production line. With holders embodying the invention, the same or similar star wheels can instead be arranged to engage an outer surface of the holder, instead of the cans directly. This helps avoid damage to the container surfaces.

Production lines may employ a plurality of substantially identical holders embodying the invention. Each of these holders can have the same configuration and weight, and this can help avoid or alleviate the problem of production lines having to handle different weight containers (whether filled or empty) . In other words, the weight of the holder can be selected to be substantial compared with the weight of the container (filled or empty) so that the holder and container combination is stable. Also, if the weight of the holder is dominant, then the production line simply has to be set up to handle that weight of holder, the additional weight of a held container, filled or otherwise, being largely irrelevant.

For certain applications, filled containers may need to be passed through a water bath, to test for leaks, for example. Holders embodying the invention are compatible with such applications, and the holders can be magnetically supported or otherwise supported during such operations.

Embodiments of the invention can incorporate various channels and holes to assist in water or other liquids draining from them and in the drying of the apparatus.

Certain embodiments may use gripping surfaces having a single radius curvature. However, although these can provide a good contact area with a single diameter of can, other embodiments employed jaws having gripping surfaces with a plurality of different radii, such that substantial contact areas may be gripped for a variety of container diameters .

In certain embodiments, it will be appreciated that the jaws are coupled by suitable means such that their movements along their respective tracks are synchronised.

In certain embodiments, the body portion or body portion components may be injection moulded.

In certain embodiments, ferromagnetic plates may be used to enable the holder to be magnetically held. These plates may be provided with a further metallic coating, such as a coating of copper brillium, to avoid spark production in use .

It will be appreciated that certain embodiments are able to engage and grip a wide variety of diameters of containers simply by inserting those containers down between the jaws, and do not require any manual adjustment. Certain embodiments have a generally circular base, that is they have a generally circular footprint when placed on a production line.

It will be appreciated that certain embodiments of the invention provide a holder with ramp-mounted jaws, which can either be closed onto a container by a suitably arranged actuator to slide the jaws down, or which can close automatically by insertion of a container down into the cavity defined between the jaws.

Claims

1. A holder for holding a generally cylindrical container and for being conveyed, whilst holding a said container, along a production line, the holder comprising:

a body portion; and

a plurality of jaws arranged with respect to a first axis, each jaw being slidably coupled to the body portion, wherein each jaw comprises at least one respective gripping surface arranged to face the first axis and each jaw is arranged to be slidable along a respective track with respect to the body, each track being inclined with respect to the first axis such that sliding of a jaw along its track alters an axial position of the respective gripping surface along the first axis and a radial position of the respective gripping surface from the first axis, the plurality of tracks being arranged such that the plurality of jaws can be collectively slid from a first axial position along the first axis, in which the respective gripping surfaces are spaced from the first axis to permit insertion of a generally cylindrical container along the first axis and between the gripping surfaces, to a second axial position along the first axis, in which the respective gripping surfaces are closer to the first axis so as to be able to engage and hold an inserted container.

2. A holder in accordance with claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises a substantially cylindrical outer surface having a longitudinal axis coincident with the first axis.

3. A holder in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body portion is substantially cylindrical, having a longitudinal axis coincident with the first axis.

4. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the body portion defines a cavity adapted to accommodate at least a portion of a cylindrical container having a longitudinal axis aligned with the first axis.

5. A holder in accordance with claim 4, wherein said cavity is centred on the first axis.

6. A holder in accordance with claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the jaws are slidable along their respective tracks to enable opening of the gripping surfaces with respect to the first axis to permit insertion of a container at least partly into the cavity and to enable closing of the gripping surfaces with respect to the first axis to engage and grip a container so inserted.

7. A holder in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each jaw is arranged so as to be slidable along its respective track at least partly into the cavity.

8. A holder in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the plurality of jaws are collectively slidable along their respective tracks to a position in which each jaw is fully accommodated inside the cavity.

9. A holder in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising stop means arranged to prevent each jaw from sliding fully out of the cavity.

10. A holder in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 9, the arrangement being such that the jaws are openable and closable by sliding along their respective tracks to permit insertion into the cavity and holding of cylindrical containers having diameters at least in the range 35 to 65mm.

11. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, further comprising coupling means arranged to couple the jaws together such they are constrained to move along the first axis together as each jaw is slid along its respective track.

12. A holder in accordance with claim 11, the arrangement being such that movement of the jaws in a first direction along the first axis causes the gripping surfaces to diverge from the first axis, and movement of the jaws in a second, opposite direction along the first axis causes the gripping surfaces to converge towards the first axis.

13. A holder in accordance with claim 11 or claim 12, the arrangement being such that as the jaws move together along the first axis, the gripping surfaces diverge or converge symmetrically about the first axis.

14. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein each track is straight.

15. A holder in accordance with claim 14, wherein each track is inclined at the same angle with respect to the first axis .

16. A holder in accordance with claim 15, wherein said angle is in the range 3 to 7 degrees.

17. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein each jaw comprises a respective jaw slide surface facing away from the first axis and arranged to face and slide over a respective body slide surface of the body portion .

18. A holder in accordance with claim 17, wherein the body portion comprises a plurality of resilient track members, each resilient track member being arranged to protrude from a respective body slide surface and engage the respective jaw slide surface arranged to slide over the respective body slide surface.

19. A holder in accordance with claim 18, wherein each resilient track member is arranged to extend along the track of the respective jaw.

20. A holder in accordance with claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising a plurality of further resilient members, each further resilient member being arranged next to, but spaced from, an end of a respective resilient track member and to protrude from the respective body slide surface so as to engage the jaw slide surface of the respective jaw.

21. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of jaws comprises two jaws diametrically opposed about the first axis.

22. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein each jaw comprises a respective first gripping surface, at least a portion of each first gripping surface being curved.

23. A holder in accordance with claim 22, wherein each first gripping surface comprises a respective first curved portion having a first radius of curvature and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder of said first radius having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis.

24. A holder in accordance with claim 23, wherein each first gripping surface comprises at least one respective second curved portion having a second radius of curvature and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder of said second radius having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis, said second radius being larger than said first radius.

25. A holder in accordance with claim 24, wherein each first gripping surface comprises two said respective second curved portions arranged at opposite sides of the respective first curved portion.

26. A holder in accordance with claim 25, wherein each first gripping surface comprises at least one respective third curved portion having a third radius of curvature and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder of said third radius having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis, said third radius being larger than said second radius.

27. A holder in accordance with any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein each jaw comprises a respective second gripping surface, separate from the respective first gripping surface .

28. A holder in accordance with claim 27, wherein each second gripping surface is spaced from the respective first gripping surface in a direction parallel to the first axis.

29. A holder in accordance with claim 27 or claim 28, wherein each second gripping surface is spaced from the respective first gripping surface in a radial direction with respect to the first axis.

30. A holder in accordance with any one of claims 27 to

29, wherein each second gripping surface comprises at least one respective curved portion having a radius of curvature smaller than said first radius and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis.

31. A holder in accordance with any one of claims 27 to

30, wherein each jaw comprises a respective drainage channel arranged between the respective first and second gripping surfaces.

32. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein each jaw comprises a respective rigid portion and at least one respective resilient portion attached to the respective rigid portion, and wherein each gripping surface is a surface of a respective resilient portion.

33. A holder in accordance with claim 32, wherein each resilient portion is supported by a respective support surface of the respective rigid portion.

34. A holder in accordance with claim 33, wherein each support surface comprises at least one respective curved portion having a radius of curvature and arranged to define part of a surface of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis.

35. A holder in accordance with claim 33, wherein each support surface comprises a plurality of respective curved portions having a plurality of radii of curvature and arranged to define parts of surfaces of cylinders having longitudinal axes parallel to or coincident with the first axis .

36. A holder in accordance with any one of claims 32 to 35 as depending from claim 17, wherein the jaw slide surface of each jaw is a surface of the respective rigid portion.

37. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein each jaw comprises at least one respective abutment surface arranged to face in a direction generally parallel to the first axis and so as to engage an end surface of a cylindrical container inserted between the jaw gripping surfaces, whereby further insertion of a said container moves the engaged abutment surfaces along the first axis and urges the gripping surfaces to converge on and grip the container .

38. A holder in accordance with claim 37, wherein each jaw comprises a respective first abutment surface and a respective second abutment surface, separate from the respective first abutment surface.

39. A holder in accordance with claim 38, wherein each second abutment surface is spaced from the respective first abutment surface in a direction parallel to the first axis.

40. A holder in accordance with claim 38 or claim 39, wherein each second abutment surface is spaced from the respective first abutment surface in a radial direction with respect to the first axis.

41. A holder in accordance with any one of claims 38 to 40 as depending from claim 27, wherein each first abutment surface is arranged between the respective first gripping surface and the respective second gripping surface of the respective jaw.

42. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the body portion comprises a flat base surface on which the holder can stand on a flat surface, the base surface being substantially perpendicular to the first axis .

43. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, further comprising ferromagnetic means arranged to enable a holding force to be applied to the holder magnetically.

44. A holder in accordance with claim 43, wherein the ferromagnetic means comprises at least a first ferromagnetic plate arranged at or proximate a base surface of the body portion.

45. A holder in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the body portion comprises first and second halves and attachment means for securing the first and second halves together.

46. Apparatus for handling generally cylindrical containers, the apparatus comprising a holder in accordance with any preceding claim and actuating means operable to slide said jaws along their respective tracks at least from said second position to said first position.

47. Apparatus in accordance with claim 46, further comprising means for inserting a container between said jaws .

48. A holder for holding a generally cylindrical container and for being conveyed, whilst holding a said container, along a production line, the holder comprising: a body portion having a cavity extending along an axis into which a generally cylindrical container can be inserted;

gripping means coupled to the body portion and operable to engage and grip a said container inserted into the cavity; and

49. A holder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.