GB2552172A

GB2552172A - Closure mechanism for a foldable container

Info

Publication number: GB2552172A
Application number: GB1612044.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chirkinian Arthur
Original assignee: In Your Face Advertising(iyfa) Ltd
Current assignee: In Your Face Advertising(iyfa) Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-11
Filing date: 2016-07-11
Publication date: 2018-01-17
Also published as: WO2018011563A1; GB201612044D0

Abstract

A container 1 having a closable aperture 65 comprising: a main body 5 accessible via the aperture; and a plurality of discrete foldable portions 35,40 arranged around the aperture; thefoldable portions arranged such that bringing at least two of the first foldable portions 40 together causes the second portions 35 to fold inwardly beneath them, to close the aperture. Preferably, opposed sides 25 bow outwardly around aperture and have downwardly curved upper edges 30. Preferably, edges of bowing sides comprise two fold lines to promote bowing. Preferable, second portions are biased inwardly and overlap each other. Preferably, first portions overlap above the aperture to form handle 45 and cord 55 is passed through them, the cord being knotted at both ends on one side of the handle. Preferably, base comprises interlocking portions and the container is formed from biodegradable materials.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Closure mechanism for a foldable container Abstract Title: Closure mechanism for foldable container (57) A container 1 having a closable aperture 65 comprising: a main body 5 accessible via the aperture; and a plurality of discrete foldable portions 35,40 arranged around the aperture; thefoldable portions arranged such that bringing at least two of the first foldable portions 40 together causes the second portions 35 to fold inwardly beneath them, to close the aperture. Preferably, opposed sides 25 bow outwardly around aperture and have downwardly curved upper edges 30. Preferably, edges of bowing sides comprise two fold lines to promote bowing. Preferable, second portions are biased inwardly and overlap each other. Preferably, first portions overlap above the aperture to form handle 45 and cord 55 is passed through them, the cord being knotted at both ends on one side of the handle. Preferably, base comprises interlocking portions and the container is formed from biodegradable materials.

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Closure mechanism for a foldable container

The present invention relates to containers, and preferably foldable containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a closure mechanism for a foldable container, and preferably a closure mechanism arranged to close an opening to an interior compartment of a container.

Containers, such as boxes or cartons, which may be made from cardboard and/or paper for example, are often provided with a closure mechanism, such as a lid, to allow an interior compartment of the container to be sealed or closed, while ensuring that the interior compartment, and hence its contents, can still be readily accessed when required, when the container is in assembled form.

Aspects and/or embodiments seek to provide an improved closure mechanism for a container, such as a cardboard box or bin, for example. Aspects and/or embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a container having a closable aperture, comprising: a main body arranged to define an interior compartment that is accessible via the aperture; and a plurality of discrete foldable portions arranged around the aperture; wherein the foldable portions are arranged such that the action of bringing at least two of the foldable portions together causes one or more remaining portions to fold inwardly beneath them, thereby to substantially close the aperture.

By arranging at least two foldable to cause one or more remaining portions to fold inwardly beneath them when said two foldable portions are brought together, a quick, simple, and secure closure mechanism can be provided.

Optionally, the main body comprises four sides. Optionally, adjacent sides of the main body are substantially perpendicular. Optionally, the main body comprises at least two sides that are arranged to bow outwardly. Optionally, at least two of said outwardly bowing sides are arranged substantially to oppose each other around the aperture. Optionally, the at least two outwardly bowing sides have a downwardly curved upper edge arranged to form at least part of the aperture. Optionally, the at least two outwardly bowing sides each comprise one or more bend or fold lines arranged to promote outward bowing. Optionally, the container further comprises at least two bend or fold lines arranged on each of the at least two outwardly bowing sides, preferably wherein the at least two bend or fold lines are arranged towards the edges of the outwardly bowing sides. Optionally, the main body has tapered configuration such that the crosssectional area of the interior compartment increases towards the aperture.

Optionally, the plurality of foldable portions comprises two first portions and two second portions, preferably wherein the portions are arranged around the aperture such that the first portions oppose each other and the second portions oppose each other. Optionally, the first portions and second portions are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to each other, for example wherein the first and second portions are substantially castellated.

Optionally, the first portions and second portions are arranged such that the action of bringing the first portions together causes the second portions to fold inwardly beneath them. Optionally, the second portions are arranged such that when they fold inwardly they at least in part overlap one another.

Optionally, each of the second portions are biased to extend inwardly. Optionally, the second portions are tapered, for example wherein the width of the second portions decreases as the distance from the aperture increases.

Optionally, the first portions are arranged to be bought together by pulling them in a substantially upward direction, for example away from the aperture. Optionally, the container comprises means for bringing the first portions together.

Optionally, the container further comprises a cord arranged to pass through the first portions, thereby to enable the first portions to be bought together, for example wherein one or more holes for the cord are provided in each of the first portions. Optionally, the cord is arrange to engage one of the first portions such that the other of the first portions can be pushed along the cord towards said one of the first portions, thereby to bring the first portions together. Optionally, the cord is secured to said one of the first portions. Optionally, the cord is secured behind said one of the first portions, for example wherein the cord is knotted behind one of the holes provided in the first portion.

Optionally, the means for bringing the first portions together is further arranged to provide a handle for carrying the container. Optionally, a (or the) cord is arranged to form a loop portion thereby to provide a handle for carrying the container. Optionally, the container further comprises at least one handle that is integrally formed with at least one of the first portions. Optionally, the at least one handle is arranged to pass through a slot provided in the other of the first portions.

Optionally, the first portions are arranged to lie substantially adjacent to each other. Optionally, each of the first portions comprises a region that is arranged to lie adjacent a corresponding region on the other of the first portions. Optionally, the regions provided on each of the first portions are arranged to be brought together such that a negligible gap between them when the first portions are bought together. Optionally, the regions on the first portions are arranged to extend to a greater height above the aperture than the second portions, for example when the first and second portions are arranged in a substantially vertical orientation. Optionally, the regions are provided with one or more holes suitable for a cord to be passed through.

Optionally, the container is formed entirely from bio-degradable materials. Optionally, the container is formed from a material derived from wood pulp. Optionally, the container is formed from material obtained from a kraft process, for example kraft paper. Such a biodegradable container may be advantageous for use as a disposable waste bin, for example, wherein the bin could be used in a domestic or office environment, and then disposed of in its entirety with its contents. Such a waste bin may provide environmental benefits.

Optionally, the container further comprises a base portion arranged to form the base of the interior chamber. Optionally, the base comprises one or more interlocking portions.

Optionally, the container is arranged to be assembled from a net. Optionally, the net comprises four separate interlocking portions arranged to interlock to form a base.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of closing an aperture of a container having an interior compartment that is accessible via the aperture, the method comprising: providing a plurality of discrete foldable portions around the aperture; and arranging at least two foldable portions such that they can be brought together; wherein the action of bringing the at least two foldable portions together causes one or more remaining portions to fold inwardly beneath them, thereby to substantially close the aperture.

The invention may extend to a container having a closable aperture, and a method of closing an aperture, substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

As referred to herein, the term “discrete” preferably connotes individually separate and/or substantially distinct. As referred to herein, the term “castellated” preferably connotes having grooves or slots on an upper edge or face, for example.

As referred to herein, “Kraft paper” preferably connotes paper or cardboard (or “paperboard”) produced from chemical pulp produced in the “Kraft process”, which is a well-known process for conversion of wood into wood pulp (also known as “Kraft pulping” or “sulphate process”).

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, apparatus aspects may be applied to method aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

Furthermore, any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

At least one embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which:

Figure 1 shows a container having a closure mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows the exemplary closure mechanism in a closed position;

Figure 3 shows the exemplary closure mechanism in an open position; and

Figure 4 shows an example of a net for a container having such a closure mechanism.

Referring to Figures 1-4, an exemplary embodiment of a closure mechanism will now be described.

Figure 1 illustrates a container 1 having a closure mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The container 1 in Figure 1 is shown in a closed configuration.

The container 1 comprises a hollow main body 5 which defines an interior compartment (e.g. an enclosed space) in which items may be held, and a closure mechanism 10 for closing an aperture (not visible) at the top of the container 1. The container 1 is, preferably, manufactured from a material that is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be manipulated into shape, while being sufficiently rigid to maintain its structure once in assembled form. Examples of suitable material include cardboard and paper, and also other materials formed by a kraft process. Furthermore, the material is preferably biodegradable. Kraft paper is an example of a suitable material that is biodegradable.

The hollow main body 5 comprises four faces and a base, defining an interior compartment. Two of the faces (herein referred to as the side faces 15) terminate at a straight upper edge 20 and are arranged on opposite sides of the base to each other. The other two faces (herein referred to as the curved faces 25) terminate in a downwardly curved edge 30 and each join one of the side edges of the side faces 15 to one of the side edges on the opposite side face. The curved faces 25 bow outwards, resulting in them being slightly curved when compared with the substantially flat side faces 15. In the embodiment shown, both the side faces 15 and the curved faces 20 taper inwardly, such that the cross-sectional area of the interior compartment decreases towards the base, or in other words increases towards the aperture.

The closure mechanism 10 comprises two discrete inner portions (also referred to herein as inner flaps) 35 and two discrete outer portions (also herein referred to as outer flaps)

40.

Each of the inner portions 35 extends from one of the downwardly curved edges 30 at the top of one of the curved faces 25 of the main body 5. The inner portions 35 are therefore opposing, arranged around the aperture on opposite sides of the container 1. The downwardly curved edges 30 may be perforated in order to facilitate folding the inner portions 35 about them. The curved edges 30 may promote inward folding of the inner portions 35 when the container is being closed. The inner portions 35 taper inwardly as they extend away from the curved edge 30.

The outer portions 40 each extend from one of the straight upper edges 20 of one of the side faces 15 and each terminate in a tab 45 (or “region”), which can bend relative to the outer portions 40 and may therefore be considered to be ‘hinged’, for example. The outer portions 40 are therefore opposing, arranged around the aperture on opposite sides of the container 1. The outer portions 40 are substantially rectangular.

Each tab (or region) 45 comprises one or more holes 50, through which a cord 55 can be passed to form a handle. The cord 55 can be made of a biodegradable string, for example. The cord 55 can be secured on a first ‘rear’ side of one of the tabs 45, for example by tying a knot that has a greater cross-section than a hole 50 through which it has passed. The cord 55 can then be passed through a hole 50 on the other opposing tab 45. In the embodiment shown, the cord 55 is looped around and passes through a second hole 45 on the opposite tab 45, before passing through a second hole on the first tab 45. It can then be secured, for example by tying a knot that is has a greater cross section than a hole 50. In this way, the cord can form a handle, as mentioned above.

Figure 2 illustrates the exemplary container 1 with the closure mechanism 10 in a closed position. To move the closure mechanism 10 into the closed position, the tabs 45 may be urged together by a user applying tension to the cord handle 55 to cause the outer flaps 40 to hinge inwardly about the straight upper edges 20 of the side faces 15, thereby being brought together, for example. The inner flaps 35 are pushed inwards by the closure of the outer flaps 40, causing them to fold inwardly beneath the outer flaps

40. The downwardly curved edges 30 of the sides of the container 1 having the inner flaps 35 promotes the inward folding of the inner flaps 35, and may additionally cause the inner flaps 35 to curve when closed, to retain (or secure) the inner flaps 35 in position.

In the closed position, the inner flaps 35 at least partially overlap (i.e. one of the inner flaps 35 at least partially overlaps the other of the inner flaps 35), thereby substantially closing the aperture.

Figure 3 illustrates the exemplary container 1 with the closure mechanism 10 in an open configuration. With the closure mechanism 10 in the open configuration, the inner flaps 35 bow outwardly in a substantially similar fashion as the curved faces 25. It is the action of closing the outer flaps 40 by bringing the tabs 45 together that pushes the inner flaps 35 inwardly and downwards, causing them to curve inwards and close the aperture 65.

In Figure 3, the cord 55 forming the handle is clearly visible. It is secured to one of the tabs 45 by means of knots 70 that are larger than the holes 50 in the tabs 45. The cord 55 passes through the holes 50 to which it is secured and through the holes 50 of the other tab 45. The tabs 45 can be drawn together such that they are adjacent to and/or substantially abut each other by drawing the cord 55, preferably in a substantially vertical direction.

Figure 4 illustrates a net for the exemplary container 1 comprising the closure mechanism 10 (e.g. the container 1 in unassembled form). The net, or blank, comprises the two curved faces 25, the two side faces 15, the two inner flaps 35, and the two outer flaps 40. The tabs 45 extend form the top of the outer flaps 40, and are optionally provided with reinforcing tabs (not shown in this embodiment), which can be folded behind the tabs 45 when in use in order to provide additional support and strengthening, particularly to the holes 50.

Base tabs (or “portions”) 75 extend from the bottom of the side faces 15 and the curved faces 25, which can be folded and interlocked when assembling the container 1 to create a base for the container 1. While the base tabs 65 shown in this example comprise a substantially rectangular tab, a substantially rhomboid tab and two substantially triangular tabs, the skilled person will recognise that this is simply an exemplary arrangement and other base closures are possible.

A ‘joining’ tab 80 extends from the free edge 85 one of the curved faces in order to facilitate the assembly of the net into the container 1, preferably using an adhesive or similar means. It will be appreciated that the joining tab 80 could equally extend from any open edge of one the faces at either end of the net.

The inner flaps 35 are in this example in the form of a curved trapezoid-like quadrilateral, such that the sides taper inwardly as they extend away from the side faces. The outer flaps 40 are substantially rectangular. The net can be pre-scored for ease of assembly. Pre-scored lines are indicted in Figure 4 by the dashed lines. The curved edges 30 can be pre-scored and/or perforated in order to allow the inner flaps 35 to be folded more easily. The other edges in the net can be pre-scored for ease of assembly and use. The curved faces can also be pre-scored to promote them bowing outwards when the container is assembled. In the example shown, the pre-scored lines on the curved faces 30 are proximal to the vertical edges 90 of the curved faces 30 and are arranged to intersect the curved edges 30. In this embodiment, curved face 30 has two pre-scored lines proximal to each vertical edge 90, though other embodiments may have a different number.

In an alternative arrangement, the handle may be formed by a single cord passing through a single hole 50 on each of the tabs 45. It can be secured by tying a knot at each end of the cord that has a larger cross sectional area than the hole(s) 50 through which it passes. The tabs 45 can be pulled together by applying a tension to the cord 55. Alternatively, additional cords in a substantially similar arrangement can be provided such that the tabs 45 have one or more cords passing through them via holes.

While the embodiments described have used a cord handle to facilitate closure of the container aperture, other embodiments can use other mechanisms. For example, one (or both) of the tabs 45 may comprise a cut out that forms a hand grip. Alternatively, the tabs 45 may each comprise an integral handle that extends from the top of each tab. In a further embodiment, the handle may be formed as part of one of the tabs 45, with a slot being provided in the other tab 45 through which the handle can pass and hence leverage the two outer flaps 10 towards one another.

It will of course be understood that the closure mechanism does not need to seal the aperture completely (e.g. air-tight) to perform its intended function, nor do the outer flaps (or “portions”) 40 need to be brought completely together. The action of bringing the outer flaps (or “portions”) 40 towards each other should still provide the effect of causing the inner flaps (or “portions”) to fold inwardly and thereby substantially close the aperture 65 of the container 1.

It will further be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A container having a closable aperture, comprising:

a main body arranged to define an interior compartment that is accessible via the aperture; and a plurality of discrete foldable portions arranged around the aperture; wherein the foldable portions are arranged such that the action of bringing at least two of the foldable portions together causes one or more remaining portions to fold inwardly beneath them, thereby to substantially close the aperture.

2. A container according to Claim 1, wherein the main body comprises four sides.

3. A container according to Claim 2, wherein adjacent sides are substantially perpendicular.

4. A container according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the main body comprises at least two sides that are arranged to bow outwardly.

5. A container according to Claim 4, wherein at least two of said outwardly bowing sides are arranged substantially to oppose each other around the aperture.

6. A container according to Claims 4 or 5, wherein the at least two outwardly bowing sides have a downwardly curved upper edge arranged to form at least part of the aperture.

7. A container according to any of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the at least two outwardly bowing sides each comprise one or more bend or fold lines arranged to promote outward bowing.

8. A container according to Claim 7, further comprising at least two bend or fold lines arranged on each of the at least two outwardly bowing sides, preferably wherein the at least two bend or fold lines are arranged towards the edges of the outwardly bowing sides.

9. A container according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of foldable portions comprises two first portions and two second portions, the portions being arranged around the aperture such that the first portions oppose each other and the second portions oppose each other.

10. A container according to Claim 9, wherein the first portions and second portions are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to each other, for example wherein the first and second portions are substantially castellated.

11. A container according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein the first portions and second portions are arranged such that the action of bringing the first portions together causes the second portions to fold inwardly beneath them.

12. A container according to any of Claims 9 to 11, wherein the second portions are arranged such that when they fold inwardly they at least in part overlap one another.

13. A container according to any of Claims 9 to 12, wherein each of the second portions are biased to extend inwardly.

14. A container according to any of Claims 9 to 13, wherein the second portions are tapered, for example wherein the width of the second portions decreases as the distance from the aperture increases.

15. A container according to any of Claims 9 to 14, further comprising means for bringing the first portions together.

16. A container according to Claim 15, further comprising a cord arranged to pass through the first portions, thereby to enable the first portions to be bought together, for example wherein one or more holes for the cord are provided in each of the first portions.

17. A container according to Claim 16, wherein the cord is arrange to engage one of the first portions such that the other of the first portions can be pushed along the cord towards said one of the first portions, thereby to bring the first portions together.

18. A container according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the cord is secured to said one of the first portions.

19. A container according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the cord is secured behind said one of the first portions, for example wherein the cord is knotted behind one of the holes provided in the first portion.

20. A container according to any of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the means for bringing the first portions together is further arranged to provide a handle for carrying the container.

21. A container according to Claim 20, wherein the cord is arranged to form a loop portion thereby to provide a handle for carrying the container.

22. A container according to Claim 20, further comprising at least one handle that is integrally formed with at least one of the first portions.

23. A container according to Claim 22, wherein the at least one handle is arranged to pass through a slot provided in the other of the first portions.

24. A container according to any of Claims 9 to 22, wherein the first portions are arranged to lie substantially adjacent to each other.

25. A container according to Claim 24, wherein each of the first portions comprises a region that is arranged to lie adjacent a corresponding region on the other of the first portions.

26. A container according to Claim 25, wherein the regions provided on each of the first portions are arranged to be brought together such that a negligible gap between them when the first portions are bought together.

27. A container according to Claim 25 or 26, wherein the regions on the first portions are arranged to extend to a greater height above the aperture than the second portions, for example when the first and second portions are arranged in a substantially vertical orientation.

28. A container according to any of Claims 25 to 27, wherein the regions are provided with one or more holes suitable for a cord to be passed through.

29. A container according to any of Claims 9 to 28, wherein the first portions are arranged to be bought together by pulling them in a substantially upward direction, for example away from the aperture.

30. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body has tapered configuration such that the cross-sectional area of the interior compartment increases towards the aperture.

31. A container according to any preceding claim, formed entirely from biodegradable materials.

32. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is formed from a material derived from wood pulp.

33. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is formed from material obtained from a kraft process, for example kraft paper.

34. A container according to any preceding claim, further comprising a base portion arranged to form the base of the interior chamber.

35. A container according to Claim 34, wherein the base comprises one or more interlocking portions.

36. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the container is arranged to be assembled from a net.

37. A container according to Claim 36, wherein the net comprises four separate interlocking portions arranged to interlock to form a base.

38. A method of closing an aperture of a container having an interior compartment that is accessible via the aperture, the method comprising:

providing a plurality of discrete foldable portions around the aperture; and arranging at least two foldable portions such that they can be brought

5 together;

wherein the action of bringing the at least two foldable portions together causes one or more remaining portions to fold inwardly beneath them, thereby to substantially close the aperture.

10

39. A container having a closable aperture substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

40. A method of closing an aperture substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1612044.6

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