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WO2024243544A1 - Contenant pliable - Google Patents

Contenant pliable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024243544A1
WO2024243544A1 PCT/US2024/031068 US2024031068W WO2024243544A1 WO 2024243544 A1 WO2024243544 A1 WO 2024243544A1 US 2024031068 W US2024031068 W US 2024031068W WO 2024243544 A1 WO2024243544 A1 WO 2024243544A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sidewall
container
seam
base
belt portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2024/031068
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andreas Veltjens
Marco REMUS
Matthias Köhler
Heidi KERSTING
Armine BARTELMANN
Brenda NILSSON
Raik FRITZSCHE
Patrick PFRIEM
Sascha Di NARDI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sonoco Development Inc
Original Assignee
Sonoco Development Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sonoco Development Inc filed Critical Sonoco Development Inc
Publication of WO2024243544A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024243544A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B65D1/225—Collapsible boxes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/08—Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/086—Collapsible or telescopic containers

Definitions

  • the invention comprises a container comprising a base and at least four sidewalls extending upwardly from the base.
  • a first sidewall and a second sidewall which is opposite the first sidewall each comprise at least a first panel and a second panel, the first panel and the second panel being connected to each other by a first seam.
  • the base comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the base is thinner in the location of a pattern disposed on the interior surface of the base and wherein the interior pattern comprises an “X” shaped configuration.
  • the base is thinner in the location of a pattern disposed on the exterior surface of the base and wherein the exterior pattern comprises a first line extending from the first seam of the first sidewall to the first seam of the second sidewall.
  • the at least four sidewalls terminate in a flange.
  • a belt portion is affixed to the flange and the belt portion is configured to retain the container in a closed configuration.
  • the belt portion is configured to attach to a latch.
  • the latch is disposed adjacent the base and a central portion of a third sidewall.
  • the at least four sidewalls terminate in a flange and wherein the belt portion comprises a cover portion that is commensurate in size and shape with the flange.
  • a belt portion is affixed to a third sidewall, wherein the belt portion is configured to retain the container in a closed configuration.
  • the belt portion wraps about the first sidewall and second sidewall when the container is in a closed configuration.
  • the first seam comprises a thinned area of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
  • the thinned area is disposed on an interior surface of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
  • the at least four sidewalls include a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall which do not comprise seams.
  • the first sidewall and the second sidewall additionally comprise a second seam and a third seam, the second seam disposed between the first panel and a first comer of the sidewall opposite the first seam and the third seam disposed between the second panel and a second comer of the sidewall opposite the first seam.
  • the “X” shaped configuration comprises: a line extending from the second seam of the first sidewall to the third seam of the second sidewall; and a line extending from the third seam of the first sidewall to the second seam of the second sidewall.
  • the base is thinner in the location of an additional pattern disposed on the exterior surface of the base, wherein the exterior additional pattern comprises: a second line extending from the second seam of the first sidewall to the second seam of the second sidewall; and a third line extending from the third seam of the first sidewall to the third seam of the second sidewall.
  • the second line is offset from a third sidewall and the third line is offset from a fourth sidewall.
  • the first comer and second corner are curved.
  • the base exterior line pattern is disposed in the center of the base.
  • the invention comprises a method of folding the container comprising: applying pressure to the first seam of the first sidewall and the first seam of the second sidewall; and compressing a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall toward one another.
  • the invention comprises a method of folding the container comprising: applying pressure to the first seam of the first sidewall and the first seam of the second sidewall; compressing a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall toward one another; and wrapping the belt portion about the closed container and affixing the belt portion to a latch.
  • FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a perspective view of the container of the present invention, illustrating the open configuration (1), a bent configuration (2), a folded configuration (3), and a collapsed, closed configuration (4);
  • FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a perspective view of the container of the present invention, illustrating the collapsed, closed configuration
  • FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a perspective view of the container of the present invention, illustrating the folded configuration
  • FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a top view of the container of the present invention, illustrating the open configuration
  • FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a bottom view of the container of the present invention, illustrating the open configuration
  • FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a bottom view of the container of the present invention, illustrating the closed configuration
  • FIG. 7A is an embodiment of a top view of the container of the present invention, illustrating the transition from the open to the closed configuration
  • FIG. 7B is an embodiment of a bottom view of the container of the present invention, illustrating the transition from the open to the closed configuration
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a snap mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a side view of the container of the present invention, illustrating the closed configuration
  • FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a filled container of the present invention, sealed closed with a sealing film
  • FIGs. 11A-11G illustrate an embodiment of the container of the present invention, in the open configuration.
  • the invention comprises a sustainable, recyclable container having a foldable design, which in addition to being sustainable and recyclable, reduces the volume of overall waste from the container.
  • the container is produced and delivered to the downstream customer in its unfolded, fully expanded configuration.
  • the container is biased to remain in this open, expanded configuration.
  • the container may then be filled with a product (e.g. yogurt, snacks, cheese, pudding, etc.) and may be sealed closed. After purchase by the end consumer and consumption of the product contained therein, the container can be folded and disposed of in a space-saving manner.
  • the foldable shape of the present invention makes a significant contribution to reducing the volume of waste material.
  • the waste volume of the container may be reduced by approximately 60% in the folded configuration of the container.
  • the container comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material.
  • the thermoplastic polymeric material may comprise any polyolefin known in the art.
  • the container material comprises polypropylene.
  • the polypropylene may be a homopolymer, random copolymer, or block copolymer.
  • any polyester known in the art may be utilized as the material for the invention.
  • the container material comprises polyethylene terephthalate.
  • any polyethylene known in the art may be utilized as the material for the invention.
  • the polyethylene may be low density or high density.
  • the container comprises a single polymer or is a mono-material, for recyclability purposes.
  • the container comprises at least 50% recycled polymer, the remaining percentage comprising virgin material.
  • the sealing film which closes the container may comprise polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate and is, in an embodiment, the same material as that which comprises the container body.
  • the container may comprise any suitable material, and therefore is not limited to a specific type of material.
  • the container is fabricated using cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, other paper-based materials, composite materials, and/or any suitable material or combination of materials known to those skilled in the art.
  • the container may have any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration (i.e., number of sides), whether such sizes, shapes, and/or configurations are described and/or illustrated herein.
  • the container includes a shape that provides functionality, such as a shape that facilitates transporting the container and/or a shape that facilitates stacking and/or arranging a plurality of containers.
  • the container is not cylindrical or ovular.
  • the container is generally or relatively square or rectangular in cross-section. Other shapes may be contemplated, such as triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or the like.
  • the flexible sidewalls may comprise one or two of the triangular sidewalls.
  • the hexagonal container for example, the flexible sidewalls may comprise two or four sidewalls.
  • the container has rounded edges or corners between its sidewalls, but has flat sidewalls.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the container 10 in an open configuration.
  • the container may comprise a base 22 and at least one sidewall 12, 14 extending upwardly from the base.
  • the container may comprise three, four, five, or more sidewalls.
  • the at least one sidewall may terminate in a flange or rim 24 which forms an opening into the container interior 32.
  • a sealing film, membrane, or lid may be removably affixed to the flange or rim 24.
  • the container comprises four sidewalls.
  • the sidewalls of the container, between the corners thereof, are flat (not curved).
  • two of the sidewalls opposite one another 12 may be more rigid than the adjacent sidewalls 14. In an embodiment, two of the sidewalls opposite one another 12 may not comprise multiple panels.
  • the flexible sidewalls 14 may comprise a plurality of sections or panels 16. The sidewall sections 16 may be adjacent each other and together may form the flexible sidewall 14.
  • the sidewall panels 16 may comprise the same material as the rigid sidewalls 12, and may, in and of themselves, each be rigid, but may be joined by flexible seams 18, 38.
  • the seams 18, 38, 48, 58 comprise the same material as the sidewalls 12, 14, but the material in the location of the seams 18, 38, 48, 58 is thinner than the material throughout the remainder of the sidewall 14 (the panels 16).
  • the material may be thinned using any method known in the art.
  • the container is injection molded and the seams 18, 38, 48, 58 are formed during the injection molding process.
  • the molding tool may be configured to provide a thinner available area for the injected material at the location of the seams 18, 38, 48, 58.
  • the material may be stretched under heat and/or pressure in the location of the seams 18, 38, 48, 58.
  • less material may be extruded in the location of the seams 18, 38, 48, 58.
  • the material may be thinned using a laser, chemical treatment, perforations, and/or score lines that do not extend the depth of the sidewall, each in the location of the seams 18, 38, 48, 58.
  • the seams 18, 38, 48, 58 may comprise hinges, indentions, channels, concavities, or the like, into the sidewall or base of the container.
  • the hinges, indentions, channels, concavities, or the like may be formed in one surface of the sidewall or base (inner or outer surface) and may not be present on the opposite surface.
  • FIG. HE illustrates seam 18, visible on the interior surface of a sidewall 14, but not visible on the exterior surface of the opposite sidewall 14.
  • the hinges, indentions, channels, concavities, or the like may be formed such that they extend only partially into the sidewall or base.
  • the base has hinges, indentions, channels, concavities, or the like on each surface (inner and outer) and, thus, the hinges, indentions, channels, concavities, or the like extend less than halfway into the depth of the base.
  • the hinges, indentions, channels, concavities, or the like of the sidewall also extend less than halfway into the depth of the sidewall.
  • the seams 18, 38, 48, 58 comprise one-way hinges, such that they are predisposed to hinge in one direction and resist hinging in the opposite direction.
  • the seams 18, 38, 48, 58 comprise living hinges, flat hinges, double hinges, butterfly hinges, or bi-stable hinges.
  • a first seam 18 is disposed in the center or approximate center of a flexible sidewall 14.
  • the first seam 18 may be configured to bend or hinge inwardly, moving toward the central axis of the container, upon application of external pressure to the sidewall 14.
  • two central first seams 18 are disposed opposite one another on opposite flexible sidewalls 14 and each are configured to each bend or hinge inwardly, each moving toward the central axis of the container.
  • the flexible sidewalls 14 flex such that the container folds in an accordion fashion.
  • a second seam 38 is disposed between a flexible sidewall 14 and a comer 20 of the container. In an embodiment, a second seam 38 is disposed between each flexible sidewall 14 and each corner 20 of the container. In an embodiment, the second seams 38 may be configured to allow panels 16 to bend or hinge inwardly, toward from the central axis of the container, upon application of external pressure to the first seam 18.
  • each comer 20 comprises a curved panel which does not bend or flex upon application of external pressure to the first seam 18.
  • the thinning treatment discussed herein may be applied selectively to the various seams of the container.
  • the thinning treatment discussed herein may be applied to the internal surface (with respect to the internal cavity of the container) of the sidewall 14 in the location of the first seams 18 and to the external surface of the sidewall 14 in the location of the second seams 38.
  • This selective application of the thinning treatment may predispose the container to fold in the designated manner.
  • the disposition of a hinge, indention, channel, etc. on the internal surface (with respect to the internal cavity of the container) of the sidewall 14 in the location of the first seams 18 and to the external surface of the sidewall 14 in the location of the second seams 38 allows the designated folding mechanism.
  • the base of the container may have a smaller circumference and/or diameter than the circumference and/or diameter of the upper portion of the at least one sidewall 12, adjacent the rim or flange.
  • the base 22 of the container may also have seams 18.
  • the base 22 may, in an embodiment, have internal surface seams 48 (with respect to the internal cavity of the container) and external surface seams 58.
  • the internal surface seams 48 and external surface seams 58 are formed in the same manner as the sidewall seams 18, 38.
  • the internal surface seams 48 are formed in an “X” configuration, each end of the “X” initiating at a sidewall second seam 38, extending across the base 22, and terminating at an opposite sidewall second seam 38.
  • the external surface seams 58 are formed in the base 22, perpendicular to sidewall seams 18, 38. In an embodiment, each external surface seam 58 initiates at a sidewall seam 18 or 38, extends across the base 22, and terminates at an opposite sidewall second seam 18 or 38, respectively.
  • the thinning treatment discussed herein to form seams 38 and 48 may be applied to the internal surface (with respect to the internal cavity of the container) of the base 22 in the location of the internal surface seams 48 and to the external surface of the base 22 in the location of the external surface seams 58.
  • the disposition of a hinge, indention, channel, etc. on the internal surface (with respect to the internal cavity of the container) of the base 22 in the location of the internal surface seams 48 and to the external surface of the base 22 in the location of the external surface seams 58 allows the designated folding mechanism.
  • portions of the base 22 of the container fold inwardly as the container is moved from the open, expanded configuration to the closed configuration.
  • the “X” shaped internal surface seams 48 bend inwardly, with respect to the internal cavity of the container (see FIGs. 7A-7B). This internal flexion allows portions of the base 22 of the container to fold into the internal cavity of the container, conserving space.
  • FIG. 11C illustrates the interior of the base 22 as panels 60, 62.
  • Panels 60 are disposed adjacent a rigid sidewall 12.
  • Panels 62 are disposed adjacent a flexible sidewall 14.
  • the exterior surface of the base 22 is shown as panels 64 and 66.
  • the peripheral panels 64 are adjacent a rigid sidewall 12.
  • the central panels 64 are disposed between the peripheral panels 64.
  • the peripheral panels provide a separation between a first base seam 58 and the sidewall 12.
  • the central panels are separated by a central base seam 58.
  • panels 60 also flex inwardly and panels 62 flex outwardly. See FIG. 7B. Due to the base seam 58 located in the center of the base 22, the panels 62 fold outwardly at the location of base seam 58. See FIG. 7B. Thus, in a fully folded configuration (FIG. 6), a portion of panels 62 will extend outwardly, beyond the folded base 22. In this fully folded configuration, the peripheral panels 64 of the base 22 may remain perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the rigid sidewalls 12.
  • the container is biased toward an open configuration and pressure must be applied to the sidewalls of the container in order to transition the container to the closed configuration.
  • an individual consumer after consumption of the container contents, may use their finger to compress the center seam of the flexible sidewalls inwardly, toward a central axis of the container.
  • the container comprises a belt portion 26 that is configured to attach to a latch 28.
  • the belt portion 26 is integral with or permanently affixed to the container at or near the rim or flange 24.
  • the belt portion 26 may have a cover portion 30 that is commensurate with the opening of the container, as defined by the rim or flange 24.
  • the cover portion 30 may cover the opening into the container when the container is in an open configuration.
  • the cover portion 30 may be releasably sealed to the rim or flange 24.
  • a latch 28 may be disposed at or near the base 22 of the container.
  • the latch 28 may comprise a bulbous element, a hook, a rod, a notch, or any other element known in the art which can be useful for latching.
  • the belt portion 26 may comprise a through hole 32 which is configured to fit over the latch 28 and secure the belt in place.
  • the belt portion 26 is disposed on the rim/flange 24 along a first rigid sidewall 12 and the latch 28 is disposed on the perimeter of the base 22, adjacent an opposite second rigid sidewall 12.
  • the container can be folded and the belt portion 26 can be positioned down the first rigid sidewall 12, across the folded base 22, and the through hole can be paired with the latch 28. This mechanism secures the container in its folded configuration and prevents the container from returning to its open configuration as it is biased to do. See FIG. 2.
  • the belt portion 26 may pair with a snap fastener mechanism 34, such that the through hole 32 is fitted over a socket and/or cap 36 of the snap fastener and a separate, affixed eyelet and/or stud 38 are then snapped into the socket/cap 36 with the through hole 32 of the belt portion 26 affixed between the socket/cap and the eyelet/stud.
  • the belt portion 26 comprises an eyelet and/or a stud and the latch 28 comprises a socket and/or a cap which can be affixed thereto.
  • the belt portion 26 may extend fully about the circumference of the folded container. In other embodiments, the belt portion 26 may extend partially about the circumference of the folded container. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 9, the belt portion 26 may extend about the sidewalls of the container.
  • the belt portion 26 may be integral with or permanently affixed to a first rigid sidewall, may extend circumferentially about the sidewalls of the folded container, and may affix to the same first rigid sidewall using one or more of the affixation methods discussed herein or known in the art.
  • the container is injection molded, 3D printed, or formed using any other method known in the art.
  • the container comprises two intersecting hinges configured in an “X” shape on the interior of the base, three hinges configured in parallel lines on the exterior of the base (one of which is centrally located within the base), a hinge configured on the interior of two opposite sidewalls (centrally located) and two hinges located on the exterior of the two opposite sidewalls.
  • the “X” shaped hinges initiate and terminate at each of the two hinges located on the exterior of the two opposite sidewalls.
  • the two parallel lines which are not centrally located initiate and terminate at each of the two hinges located on the exterior of the two opposite sidewalls.
  • the two centrally located hinges are approximately perpendicular to one another (but for any angle of the container from base to flange.
  • FIG. 11G illustrates an embodiment of the interior of the container, the dashed lines indicating the hinges which are not visible from the interior of the container.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un contenant (10) comprenant une base (22) et au moins quatre parois latérales (12, 14) s'étendant vers le haut à partir de la base. Une première paroi latérale (14) et une seconde paroi latérale (14) qui est opposée à la première paroi latérale comprennent chacune au moins un premier panneau (16) et un second panneau (16). Le premier panneau et le second panneau sont raccordés l'un à l'autre par une première couture (18). La base comprend une surface intérieure et une surface extérieure. La base est plus mince à l'emplacement d'un motif disposé sur la surface intérieure de la base et le motif intérieur comprend une configuration en forme de "X". La base est plus mince à l'emplacement d'un motif disposé sur la surface extérieure de la base et le motif extérieur comprend une première ligne s'étendant de la première couture de la première paroi latérale à la première couture de la seconde paroi latérale.
PCT/US2024/031068 2023-05-25 2024-05-24 Contenant pliable Pending WO2024243544A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23305834 2023-05-25
EP23305834.6 2023-05-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024243544A1 true WO2024243544A1 (fr) 2024-11-28

Family

ID=86688694

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2024/031068 Pending WO2024243544A1 (fr) 2023-05-25 2024-05-24 Contenant pliable

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20240391644A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2024243544A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5735423A (en) * 1995-07-28 1998-04-07 William S. Black Foldable self-standing container with method of manufacture and bulk dispenser
US20040164132A1 (en) * 2001-04-23 2004-08-26 Kuester Stephen Michael Articles of unitary moulded-plastics sheet construction
WO2020230165A1 (fr) * 2019-05-14 2020-11-19 Siddarth Gupta Contenant pliable à plat

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5735423A (en) * 1995-07-28 1998-04-07 William S. Black Foldable self-standing container with method of manufacture and bulk dispenser
US20040164132A1 (en) * 2001-04-23 2004-08-26 Kuester Stephen Michael Articles of unitary moulded-plastics sheet construction
WO2020230165A1 (fr) * 2019-05-14 2020-11-19 Siddarth Gupta Contenant pliable à plat

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