GB2561533A

GB2561533A - Card

Info

Publication number: GB2561533A
Application number: GB1702376.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Weintroub Jeremy; Mark Weintroub Adrian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-14
Filing date: 2017-02-14
Publication date: 2018-10-24
Also published as: GB201702376D0

Abstract

A container for plants and other items made from two parts comprising an inner container 100 and outer container 1; the inner container comprises, a waterproof element, and is held within the outer sleeve to form the container. Both containers fit together and may be joined or fused. Both the inner and outer containers may possess additional panel or panels of various shape and size. The container may be tapered and may be substantially circular or multifaceted, decorated in various ways and include smart chips or electronic devices. This product can be manufactured from raw materials such that the container is fully compostable, recyclable and biodegradable. When holding plants the requirement for a traditional plastic pot is eliminated. A film material may be used to make the inner container waterproof. The inner container may comprise apertures covered by film which line up with apertures in the outer container so that the user can see what is in the container.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Jeremy Neil Weintroub

Pangbourne Drive, Stanmore, Middlesex,

HA7 4RB, United Kingdom

Adrian Mark Weintroub

Pangbourne Drive, Stanmore, MIDDLESEX,

HA7 4RB, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Jeremy Neil Weintroub Adrian Mark Weintroub (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Jeremy Neil Weintroub

Pangbourne Drive, Stanmore, Middlesex,

HA7 4RB, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

B65D 77/04 (2006.01) B65D 77/06 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

DE 202005007410 U1 JP 2006335361 A US 20120048761 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B65D

Other: WPI, EPODOC, INTERNET (54) Title of the Invention: Card

Abstract Title: Waterproof container comprising inner and outer containers (57) A container for plants and other items made from two parts comprising an inner container 100 and outer container 1; the inner container comprises, a waterproof element, and is held within the outer sleeve to form the container. Both containers fit together and may be joined or fused. Both the inner and outer containers may possess additional panel or panels of various shape and size. The container may be tapered and may be substantially circular or multifaceted, decorated in various ways and include smart chips or electronic devices. This product can be manufactured from raw materials such that the container is fully compostable, recyclable and biodegradable. When holding plants the requirement for a traditional plastic pot is eliminated. A film material may be used to make the inner container waterproof. The inner container may comprise apertures covered by film which line up with apertures in the outer container so that the user can see what is in the container.

The claims were filed later than the filing date but within the period prescribed by Rule 22(1) of the Patents Rules 2007.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No. GB1702376.3

RTM

Date :7 August 2018

The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

Velcro

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

Card

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a receptacle or vessel to be used in managing the ongoing maintenance of a plant and for “giving” or “presenting” and “displaying” a plant.

The concept behind the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly, sustainable “plant holder” which does not incorporate any plastics or derivatives. The plant holder has a dual purpose in maintaining the plant and presenting the plant in a useful and attractive manner.

The invention can be made from a variety of materials from card to fabric or combinations thereof.

Background of the Invention

At the current time the majority of plants are sold in plastic pots which are not sustainable or environmentally friendly. These are provided to the consumer from growers via supermarkets, garden centres and other retail outlets.

The plastic pots are not visually attractive and there are frequent attempts by the retailer to improve the look. The plastic pots are often enclosed in printed films or cardboard, Kraft paper or printed paper cups, for sale of the plant to the consumer.

These items are packaging only and after purchase they are intended to be removed and disposed of, they have no function in the future maintenance or presentation of the plant.

These plants are purchased as ornamentation in the home and are frequently given as a present or a thank you with an appropriate greetings card.

This invention aims to eliminate many issues in giving, maintaining and displaying plants and also creates a product that currently does not exist.

Furthermore, it would be beneficial for growers to retain and re-use their plastic growing pots. This could be achieved by planting-on into a sustainable “plant holder” which is delivered to the retailer and then purchased by the consumer.

It would also be possible for the purchaser to plant-on in store and leave the plastic pot at the shop for recycling.

This invention allows for a product formed of two pieces. An outer “card” together with an inner. Usefully, a third part may be placed inside the inner if required. The combination of the card and inner forms the receptacle. Advantageously, the outer has an additional opening hinged panel (which may be detachable) that permits the invention to “typify” a traditional greeting card. The inner accomplishes the task of creating a waterproof membrane and the third part may be a cellulose or card part or other material, which forms a platform and hence water reservoir, to hold the water that has drained through the soil.

The outer image or design of the invention can be changed according to its intended use. There are many styles of designs that can be used, for example the design may be that of a contemporary greetings card suitable to many people (and written upon by the giver), or it may be a digitally printed bespoke image with a unique message, or it may be used as a marketing tool of a company, to convey information about themselves or the plant or its maintenance or other educational purpose.

Preferably, the plant holder is used with the plastic pot removed, thus the plant and plant holder elements are fully sustainable and compostable.

Summary of the Invention

The aim of the invention is also to permit the sustainable plant holder to be a decorative item.

The invention consists of “sleeve” with an additional panel or panels which can communicate the message of the supplier, giver or retailer. Typically, the additional panel might contain a message or poem and conceal a hand-written note.

The sleeve could actually hold a plant in a “film or watertight bag” on its own and this would not be outside the scope of the invention, but preferably the sleeve holds the inner with the plant and soil together.

The sleeve is normally an upside down truncated pyramid or cone (or multi-panelled item). The base of the sleeve is smaller than the inner and plant and soil within. A pot or inner fastened to hold into a different shaped sleeve would also not be outside the scope of the invention.

The additional panel of the sleeve may be left open or closed according to the design and could open hinged or attached from the side, top or base. The panel can be made to any required length or shape and may be left open or re-closed by standard tab and slot technology. This is well known by individuals skilled in the art of card production. Velcro tabs or any other fastening methods may be used.

In addition, different shapes and extensions or cut-outs of all the sleeve panels, made to be visually pleasing in the design, are all covered within the scope of the invention.

The additional opening panels, often determined as the front, may also be “detachable” so that the invention changes from being a greetings card or informational item into an attractive vase or plant holder which can be displayed in the home or office environment or other location. The means of creating and removing the detachable panels are by standard technology.

The sleeve can be produced in numerous materials and designs can be produced by various methods such as, offset lithography, screen printing or digital printing according to the end use and volume required. Obviously, materials appropriate to the plants environment, ie ones that are not damaged or affected by moisture etc. are preferable. Thus, various cards (sometimes treated) and fabrics are all suitable.

Preferably, inside the “sleeve” is an inner, holding a plant and the surrounding soil. The “inner” is a waterproof and watertight item. It is formed by a card skeleton with a waterproof liner “accompanying” it, into a receptacle.

To be watertight and “eco-friendly” the liner can be made from a product such as “cellulose” which is common in food packaging. If not sustainable nor eco-friendly, the liner may be a material such as polyethylene, also commonly used in food packaging. The card may be coloured. In fact, all materials are available in different thicknesses and even colours and can be used according to the end user’s requirements.

There are various types of machinery available in the market place to laminate “film to card”, some in one operation, others in several operations to manufacture the component inner.

The “inner” is designed so that it folds along various creases or lines of weakness in order to fit efficiently within the “sleeve”. The “film” component is “unbroken” and easily malleable to form a watertight receptacle and is located within the “sleeve”. The “card” part of the inner is cut to a specified shape permitting easy location of the item and providing the strength characteristics required. The design of the card part of the inner can allow for raw material to be removed from certain areas leaving film only, where it makes it easier to form or forms a window.

In certain situations, the “inner” may be pre-formed or glued to allow the plant to be placed into the inner receptacle at an earlier time, prior to the sleeve being added, but preferably the design is such that the combination of the inner and outer together, creates the integrity of the joint item. Obviously, the inner may be sealed into the outer sleeve with adhesive or other methods if required.

Clearly there can be numerous “sleeves” with different surface designs which may use a generic inner. As the “sleeve” is normally a tapered item, the inner will need to be constructed so that the inner and outer sleeve fit together appropriately.

The “inner” is usually folded so that the film waterproof side of the inner is next to the soil in which the plant resides.

Advantageously, the inner maybe used to incorporate a water reservoir at the base of the inner. The plant and soil can be held by various methods slightly off the base of the inner, so any excess water can filter through the soil away from the plant. Therefore, the soil does not become waterlogged as excess water is harmful to many plants.

The raised platform forming the reservoir can be generated by various methods. One may use a cardboard lattice structure, or a u-shaped card, or even an incorporated segment of the inner. Obviously, the use of other items such as “stones” or “cellulose sponge” can form an inert reservoir of water under the plant and soil, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Beneficially, a viewing porthole in the inner where there is film but no card, corresponding to an aperture in the sleeve, allows for a view inside the inner. This can be used to determine whether the plant requires water, or whether there is already an excess of water inside the invention.

The design and location of the “viewing porthole” at the base of the inner and corresponding position in the sleeve can be made according to the surface design required.

It would be advantageous if the viewing porthole was located in each side panel of the inner, in a position to line up with the sleeve window. Whilst the outer sleeve only had one aperture, this would ensure that whatever way the inner was placed inside the sleeve, the aperture and inner window would always line up and the reservoir would always be visible through the window.

A variety of viewing portholes with locating apertures viewing the water reservoir and also the soil and roots at the edge is within the scope of the invention.

Preferably, the entire item is manufactured from fully biodegradable, recyclable and compostable raw materials. In addition, it can be made to be 100% sustainable i.e. being ecofriendly.

The additional panels on the sleeve may open and close in a manner similar to a greeting card and there may be a facility for the additional panel to seal down in a similar way to an envelope. Greetings cards such as a birthday card, might only be kept and displayed by the recipient for a short period of a few days or a week only. Conveniently, the sleeve may have a detachable additional panel. With this panel removed the sleeve on its own resembles an attractive pot or vase.

Similarly, this concept is ideal for retailers whereby instructions, pricing or barcodes can be visible in store, yet removed when in the home environment.

It goes without saying that all aspects of decor or gimmick are available to this invention. For example, foil blocking, embossing, sticking on of diamantes or sequins, flashing lights or music playing on opening etc. are all available within the scope of the invention.

The various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of illustrative embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 shows in its blank form a basic example of the sleeve part of the invention.

Figure 2 shows in its blank form a different example of the sleeve part of the invention with various extended panels and a shaped front panel.

Figure 3 shows a truncated triangular shaped sleeve with additional front panel.

Figure 4 shows an inner formed from card and film in its blank form designed to fit the sleeve shown in either Figures 1 or 2.

Figure 5 shows an inner formed from card and film to fit within a tapered conically shaped sleeve.

Figure 6 shows the blank shown in Figure 1 in its glued form as a flat blank.

Figure 7 shows the blank shown in Figure 1 in an alternative glued form as a flat blank.

Figure 8 shows the blank shown in Figure 2 in its glued form as a flat blank.

Figure 9 shows the inner in Figure 4 in its made-up form, prior to being placed inside the sleeve part of the invention.

Figure 10 shows the inner shown in Figure 4 and Figure 9 within the sleeve part of the invention shown in Figures 1, 6 and 7.

Figure 11 shows the inner and sleeve shown in Figure 10 viewed from underneath.

Figure 12 shows the inner and sleeve shown in Figure 10 with the addition of various aesthetically pleasing apertures.

Figure 13 shows a cardboard lattice platform structure.

Figure 14 shows an alternative platform structure.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1 there is a blank formed from card 1. In this blank (which forms an upside-down truncated pyramid shape), each panel is separated from the other by means of a defined folding line 2. These lines may be made in a variety of ways such as a crease, score, perforation, reverse score or a variety of methods, determined by the method of production and use. All these methods are well known to someone skilled in the art of card production. The panel 3 is the front “opening” panel and would be used as the front of a greeting card or as the sales or information panel for a retail outlet. This panel 3 can be removable or detachable. The defined folding line 4 along which the front panel 3 folds is manufactured deliberately to allow this to occur. A person skilled in the art might choose a “perforation”, a series of aligned cuts to allow the panel to be removed, although various other methods are available such as a series of scores and cuts. In this situation, there is a series of aligned partial cuts through the material (score) interspersed with complete cuts through the material. It is not outside the scope of the invention for the panel to be removed by simply cutting off, using a pair of scissors. This blank has a single shape or aperture 5 to view the reservoir of water within the invention located in the back panel 6 when the product is in use. This may be the back panel when made up. Attached to the left-hand panel 7 is a glue seam 8, which allows one side of the blank to be joined to another part of the same blank. In this example, 8 is joined to the 2^nd panel from the right hand side, just before the front panel 3. Hence in this blank it is panel 7 that would have the message upon it and be covered up by the opening panel 3. It is not outside the scope of the invention for the glue seam 8 to be replaced by other methods or construction to join the panels, other than adhesive as is common within the industry.

Figure 2 depicts in its blank form a different example of the sleeve part of the invention with various extended panels and a shaped front panel.

The front panel 3 is shown with a variety of shapes 9 and extended to the top 10 with a visually pleasing design. The back panel 6 has the shape and aperture 5 to allow the water reservoir to be viewed whilst in use. In this particular design the covered panel 7 is not extended, whilst all other panels are extended 11. The extensions 11 are determined by the designer for reasons others than utility, but obviously can be different as determined by the design. For example, the outline may be determined by the shape of the image.

Figure 3 shows in its blank form a tapered triangular example of the sleeve part of the invention. In this particular format, there is a “dummy” crease or fold 12 to enable the simple and efficient production of the invention in this shape. This fold line is a method of construction and not required in the end product. This principle is frequently used in card and carton production and does not depart from the scope of the invention. Obviously, this concept can be used in the production of various multiple panelled or round constructions. Also shown is the shaped aperture 5 to view the water reservoir, located in the back panel 6. The glue seam 8 attached to inside panel 7 and covering front panel 3.

Figure 4 shows an inner 100 formed from card and film in its blank form, designed to fit the sleeve shown in either Figures 1 or 2. In this construction the base panel 13, the side walls 14 and the surrounding edge sections 15 are constructed from both card and film. The malleable film only areas 16, although not necessary to the invention, permit an easier forming of the inner with the film being whole and unbroken. The film component does not have to be fully adhered to the card component. Thus the inner remains watertight. In this particular design film windows 17 allow for the water reservoir to be viewed through the sleeve shaped aperture 5 of the invention. Beneficially this inner has 4 film windows 17 so that irrespective of the way the inner is placed in the sleeve, one of the film windows 17 always aligns with the shaped aperture 5 allowed for in the sleeve. In this particular design the surrounding edge sections 15 are attached to two opposite side walls 14 folding around the outside. However, it would not be outside the scope of the invention for these panels 15 to fold on the inside or be attached one to each side panel 14 or any other combination.

Although not critical to the invention there may be an additional panel 18 on top of the side panel walls 14. It is advantageous as the line of weakness 19 deflects backwards so as to partially cover the narrow thin edge of the card of the sleeve 1. Obviously it is this area which if wetted could lead to “wieking” i.e. the undesirable infiltration of water into the interior of the card.

Figure 5 shows an inner 100 formed from card and film to fit within a tapered conically shaped sleeve. Again in this construction the base panel 20, the side walls 21 and the surrounding edge sections 22 are constructed from both card and film. The malleable film only areas 16 allow for the forming of the inner with the film being whole and unbroken. The shape of the panels 20, 21 and 22 are designed to fit within a tapered conical sleeve. Obviously, the individual skilled in the art will utilise the grain of the material to accommodate simple manufacturing and forming. This “circular” inner also has 4 film apertures 17 so that irrespective of the way the inner is placed in the sleeve, one of the film apertures 17 always aligns with the shaped aperture 5 allowed for in the sleeve. This construction also demonstrates additional panels 18 on top of the side panel walls 14.

Figure 6 shows the blank shown in Figure 1 in its glued form as a flat blank showing front panel 3 on the right hand side.

Figure 7 shows the blank shown in Figure 1 in an alternative glued form as a flat blank. In this format only front panel 3 is visible. This format will incorporate the use of dummy folds and may be desirable in instances where for example retail space is at a premium.

Figure 8 shows the blank shown in Figure 2 in its glued form as a flat blank. One can clearly see the extended panels 10 and 11, and the shaped side 9 of front panel 3 being visible.

Figure 9 shows the inner 100 in Figure 4 in its made up form as it would appear unglued inside the sleeve, or glued prior to being placed in the sleeve. It should be noted that a quick way to insert an unglued inner 100 into the sleeve is to hold the two side walls 14 (without extensions 15) together at the top. This allows the opposite side walls 14 and the extensions 15 to automatically place themselves into the correct location, when pressed into the sleeve. The illustration in Figure 9 shows two of the four windows 17. One of these will align with shaped sleeve aperture 5. The additional panels 18, which remain proud of the sleeve 1, are shown deflected back along lines of weakness 19. The film only panel 16 can be seen folded back. It would not be outside the scope of the invention for surrounding panels 15 to become film only panels. Further the film windows 17 can be a large size and framed by the shaped aperture 5 in the sleeve

Figure 10 shows the inner 100 shown in Figure 4 and Figure 9 within the sleeve 1 part of the invention shown in Figures 1, 6 and 7.

The opening panel 3 is shown partially open to simulate a greeting card with panel 7 being visible behind. Panel 3 can be detached, if required along fold line 4. Panels 18 of the inner 100 are shown deflected back along lines of weakness 19. It would not be outside of the scope of the invention to have inward folding panels 18.

Figure 11 shows the item in Figure 10 viewed from underneath. The opening panel 3 is shown partially open. The inner 100 is seen fitting neatly inside the outer sleeve 1. There are four windows 17 visible in each panel. One of the windows 17 is located opposite the shaped aperture 5 in the sleeve 1.

Figure 12 shows the item in Figure 10 with the addition of various shaped cut-outs 23 and 24 which are designed to be aesthetically pleasing. The apertures in the sleeve 1 reveal the side panels 14 of the inner 100, the apertures in the opening panel 3 reveal the panel 7 behind. Obviously the design is such that the areas revealed make the overall item attractive.

Figure 13 shows a lattice platform structure viewed from the top. This lattice structure 25 sits in the bottom of the inner 100 and provides an area for the plant and soil to be placed upon and for water to drain into. Obviously, this structure is designed to provide a water reservoir viewed though shaped aperture 5 in the sleeve 1. This item van be made from a wide variety of materials.

Figure 14 shows an alternative platform structure. An individual skilled in the art could produce numerous designs all achieving the same goal of having a structure upon which the plant and soil sits, including a cellulose sponge, creating a water reservoir to prevent the soil and plant becoming waterlogged. In this construction a platform 26 with various drain holes is provided having four walls with areas cut away to ensure the view through shaped aperture 5 in the sleeve 1 and corresponding film window 17 in inner 100 is not obstructed.

Claims

1. A container for plants or other products made from the combination of a formed inner blank and a formed outer blank, the inner blank and outer blank are made from planar materials, the combination of both form the container, a tapered vessel with the inner rested inside the outer, the inner is either preformed or formed, providing a liquid-proof receptacle fitting the outer surrounding it, the inner comprises a base with attached sidewalls and bisected folding panels attached to the sidewalls, folding inwardly or outwardly, the outer comprises a blank with varying numbers of panels attached, which form into a sleeve with or without a base, the inner fits into the outer and is held in place by the nature of the taper or a method of adhesion or a locking mechanism, a four sided container would be described as an inverted truncated pyramid, the container formed with a variable number of panels ranges from either a truncated cone to a multi-faceted tapered shape.

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2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer blank has one or more additional panels attached to the side, top or bottom of an existing sidewall panel.

3. A container as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the outer blank additional panel or panels are foldable and/or removable according to the design.

4. A container as claimed in claim 1,2 and 3 wherein the inner blank has a panel or panels attached to one or more of the sidewalls, the panels being foldable and/or removable according to the design.

5. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank is formed and rested inside a formed outer, where the formed inner and contents can be removed from the outer and placed into another outer, designed to accept the inner, forming another container.

6. A container as claimed in claim in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank comprises of a planar material with a film material adhered as required providing a liquid-proof barrier, wherein all or parts of the inner blank comprise either of planar material only, or a combination of a planar material and a film material, or film material only.

7. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank has areas of planar material removed such that the blank forms easily without capacity.

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8. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank is formed according to the lines of weakness or along the edges of the planar material.

9. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank fold lines are defined in the planar material only, the film material being adhered afterward, the fold lines are formed by standard industry methods creating lines of weakness, the film material does not require lines of weakness to follow the fold lines of the planar material.

10. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims excepting claim 9, wherein the inner blank fold lines are defined after adhesion of the film material to the planar material, determining the fold lines for both materials.

11. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank has film material adhered to the planar material, either all over, or in selected areas only.

12. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the depth of the outer blank can vary according to the design.

13. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the formed inner placed inside the formed outer blank, protrudes below the base of the outer, is level with the base of the outer, or is supported above the base of the outer by the nature of the taper of the outer sleeve, according to the design.

14. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank has one or more apertures in the planar material, covered with the film material.

15. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank apertures correspond to apertures in the outer blank.

16. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank may have numerous apertures which correspond to a single aperture in the outer blank, the inner blank can be rested in the outer in any rotation.

17. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the materials chosen for the planar material and the planar film material are determined for their individual and combined properties being, recyclable, compostable, biodegradable or other.

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18. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a “reservoir” is created in the bottom of the container, by a lattice grid or beads or a cellulose sponge or other.

19. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein there is an aperture in the inner corresponding to an aperture in the outer to view the “reservoir” or other.

20. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner blank can be decorated according to standard industry methods, including apertures in the inner not affecting its liquid-proof function.

21. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer blank can be decorated according to standard industry methods.

22. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein “smart chips” can be attached to the inner or the outer.

23. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein no industry standard plastic containers are required

24. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein any additional panels in either the formed container of inner or outer, can be “opened” or “closed” resting in position, or glued “closed” and opened by tear strip technology, or held “closed” by means of a Velcro tab, or tab and slot technology, or a combinations thereof and then “opened”, a single time or more than once.

25. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims for plants and other products substantially as described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

26. The inner and outer blanks as claimed in any of the preceding claims which form a container for plants and other products substantially as described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1702376.3 Examiner: Mr Jorge Quintero