GB2589627A

GB2589627A - Folding container

Info

Publication number: GB2589627A
Application number: GB1917829.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Ross Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-12-05
Filing date: 2019-12-05
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-05
Also published as: GB201917829D0; GB2589627B

Abstract

A folding container 2 for containing a growing medium for plants, comprises a base portion 10; a plurality of side walls 20 hingedly connected to the base portion and each having a distal edge spaced from the base portion, the side walls being movable between a collapsed position and an erected position defining the container in use; an upper opening being defined by the distal edges of the side walls when in the erected position, each side wall having a width dimension at its distal edge that is less than or equal to its width towards the base portion; a securing member 30 attached to a first side wall and configured to engage an adjacent side wall to selectively retain the side walls in the erected position. The overlapping portion may comprise a flap 32. The first side wall may overlap the adjacent side wall and the overlapping portion may comprise a tab (50, 54, figure 5) configured to engage an internal face of the adjacent side wall and the tab may be provided proximal the flap such that the adjacent side wall is received between the tab and the flap in the erected condition. Also disclosed is a method of growing one or more plants in the container.

Description

Folding container The present invention relation relates to a folding container, particularly to folding container to for containing plants.

Introduction

During the initial stage of growing trees, flowers or other plants for retail purposes (e.g. in garden centres or nurseries), the plant is grown in a pot or the like.

Typically, the pot comprises a moulded plastic container with an opening at an upper end thereof and drainage holes in its base. However, such containers are bulky. In order to facilitate easy removal of the plants form the containers, the side walls are angled so that the opening is wider than the base. Otherwise plants may be difficult to remove therefrom due to frictional engagement of the roots/soil the side of container.

This form of plant pot has become ubiquitous. However, it has been found that the tapered plant pot form can restrict natural root growth by reducing the volume of soil available with depth below the soil surface. Roots that are exposed upon 20 removal of the plant from a pot can be more easily damaged.

A prior art collapsible container is shown in DE 202007005294 Ul, which is arranged to receive a potted plant. The container is aimed at reducing the likelihood of a plant pot to topple over, i.e. by providing a lager base area. The container comprises a base panel H joined to inwardly folding side walls D-G. The container comprises a wide base to improve stability of the container, when a conventional plant pot is inserted therein as shown in Fig. 4 thereof. The side walls are retained in the erected position using clamps 2. However, the clamps are prone to being misplaced and are difficult to attach quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, the seal between the side walls is ineffective and would be prone to bowing of the side walls if used in accordance with the invention described herein.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above problems.

According a first aspect of the invention, there is provided: a collapsible container for containing a growing medium for plants, comprising: a base portion; a plurality of side walls hingedly connected to the base portion and each having a distal edge spaced from the base portion, the side walls being movable between a collapsed position and an erected position defining the container in use; an upper opening being defined by the distal edges of the side walls when in the erected position, each side wall having a width dimension at its distal edge that is less than or equal to its width towards the base portion; a securing member attached to a first side wall and configured to engage an adjacent side wall to selectively retain the side walls in the erected position.

Preferably, at least a portion of the first side wall overlaps the adjacent side wall.

Preferably, the securing member is provided on the overlapping portion Preferably, the overlapping portion comprises a flap movable relative to the first side wall.

Preferably, the flap engages an external face of the adjacent side wall. Preferably, the securing member comprises an aperture in the flap Preferably, the flap comprises a raised portion for gripping of the flap by a user. Preferably, the raised portion is provided on a corner of the flap. Preferably, the corner is distal the hinge connecting the flap to the side wall.

Preferably, the flap is connected to the side wall via a living hinge.

Preferably, the overlapping portion comprises a tab configured to engage an internal face of the adjacent side wall. The tab may extend beyond the edge of the side wall.

Preferably, the tab is provided proximal the flap on the first side wall such that the adjacent side wall is received between the tab and the flap in the erected condition.

Preferably, the tab is provided proximal an upper and/or lower end of the side wall. Preferably, the securing member comprises a latch.

Preferably, the latch comprises a protrusion on one of the first and adjacent side wall arranged to be received by an aperture on the other of the first and adjacent side wall.

Preferably, the latch is a push-fit or interference fit with the aperture. Preferably, the latch is substantially J-shaped/U-shaped.

Preferably, the latch is configured to resiliently deform/deflect in a direction substantially parallel to the side walls.

Preferably, the container comprises at least three side walls and one of the side walls comprises a pair of securing members configured to engage a pair of adjacent side walls.

Preferably, the container is frustum shaped such that the base is wider than then the opening.

Preferably, the side walls are connected to the base portion by a living hinge.

Preferably, one of the first and the adjacent side wall comprises a corner portion such that the interface between the first and adjacent side wall is offset from the corner of the container.

Preferably, the corner portion is rounded/curved in form.

Preferably, the other of the first and the adjacent side wall is flat/planar in form. Preferably, the base portion comprises a one or more drainage aperture therein Preferably, the base portion comprises a downwardly extending rim configured to raise the base portion away from the ground in use.

Preferably, the base portion comprises an upwardly extending rim such that the base is tray-like in form, wherein the sidewalls depend from the upwardly extending rim.

Preferably, the container comprises a plurality of securing members, the respective members provided on respective, opposing side walls of the container.

Preferably, the container is a single piece moulding. The container may comprise a plastics material According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided: a method of growing one or plant, comprising: providing the container of any preceding claim; filing a cavity defined by the side walls of the container by a growing medium; placing one or more plant into the growing medium.

Preferably, the growing medium makes direct contact with the side walls.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided: a use of the container of the first aspect of the invention

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a top isometric view of a container in an erected position; Figure 2 shows a bottom isometric view of the container in the erected position; Figure 3 shows a side view of the container in the erected position; Figure 4 shows a top view of the container in the erected position; Figure 5 shows a top isometric view of the container in a collapsed position; Figure 6 shows a top view of the container in the collapsed position; Figure 7 shows a side view of the container in the collapsed position; Figure 8 shows a top isometric view of the container in a partially erected position; Figure 9 shows a top view of the container in the partially erected position; Figure 10 shows a close-up view of a securing mechanism provided on the container.

Figures 1-4 show the container 2 in an erected state. In the erected state, the container provides a cavity 4 configured to receive a plant and a growing medium, such as, soil, aggregates, fertilisers, filter medium, or other materials associated with the growing of plants. For example, the container is used to grow saplings, perennial plants, flowers, vegetables or fruit. The container 2 is configured to support early growth of a plant, particularly to support root development thereof. An upper end 6 of the container comprises an opening 8 to allow access to the plant or to allow the plant to go grow therethrough.

The container 2 comprises a base 10 at a lower end 12 thereof. The base 10 provides a substantially flat surface such that the container 2 can rest on the ground or other surface. The base 10 comprises an upstanding wall 14 extending about an edge thereof. The base 10 thus provides a tray-like arrangement.

As shown in figure 2, the base 10 comprises a plurality of drainage apertures 16 therein. The drainage apertures 16 are operatively connected to the cavity 4 to ensure adequate drainage of the soil in use. The apertures 16 are elongate. The size of the aperture 16 may vary. For example, the apertures may be larger toward a central portion of the base 10. The number/size of the apertures 16 may be tailored according to the drainage requirements of each container 2. The apertures 16 comprises an upstanding rim 17 extending about an edge thereof and extending into the cavity 4 (see figure 5).

The base 10 comprises a downwardly extending rim 18 at an edge thereof. The rim 18 displaces the base 10 and apertures 16 away from the ground in use, therefore allowing drainage.

The base 10 is substantially square, thus defining four sides. However, it can be appreciated that the base 10 may comprise any number of sides as required, thus defining a polygonal shape.

A plurality of side walls 20 are connected to the base 10. The side walls 20 are pivotally/foldably connected to the base 10. The side walls 20 can therefore move between the erected position to define the container 2 and a collapsed position, in which the container is substantially flat (i.e. the side walls 20 are parallel to the base 10), as shown in figures 5-7.

The side walls 20 are provided as separate, discrete portions to one another (i.e. they are only connected to respective sides the base 10 in the collapsed state).

The side walls 20 are arranged in an X-shaped or cross-shaped arrangement.

The side wall 20 are connected to base 10 via a living hinge 22. The living hinge 22 connects a lower end of the side wall 20 with the upstanding wall 14.

The upper end of the side wall tapers inward (i.e. the upper end of side wall is reduced in width compared with the lower end thereof). The side walls 20 are therefore trapezoidal. In the erected position, the upper end of the wall extends inward toward the cavity. The base 10/side walls 20 thus provide a frustum (i.e. truncated pyramid) shaped container 2. The base 10 of the container is wider than the upper end of the side wall 20/opening 8. The wide base of the container 2 allows natural root growth of the plant, i.e. in a spread out, fan like shape, as would occur if grown in the ground, which the inventor has found promotes root development.

A corner portion 24 is interposed between the side walls 20 to provide a connection therebetween. The corner portion 24 extends along the side edge of the side wall 20 (e.g. the full length thereof). The corner portion 24 comprises a curvate surface. The corner portion 24 curves by 90 degrees. The corner portion 24 is attached to only one of the side walls 20 in which the corner portion 24 is interposed. For example, as shown in figure 5, the corner portions 24 are attached to opposing side walls 20A,20B whilst adjacent side walls 20C,200 comprise no corner portions 24. Such an arrangement thus provides at least one side wall 20 with corner portion 24 and one substantially flat side wall 24. The interface between the side walls 20 is therefore offset from the corner portion 24 (i.e. spaced from the centre or apex thereof).

In other embodiments, each side wall 20 may comprise a single corner portion 24.

The side walls 20 are configured to engage one another to provide a seal therebetween. A further rim 26 is provided on the upper edge of the upstanding wall 14 (see figure 5). The further rim 26 engages the lower edge 28 of the side wall 20 to provide a seal therebetween. The side walls 20 and base 10 therefore provide a substantially seal container 2. Drainage is therefore only provided by the drainage apertures 16, permitting controlled drainage.

The container 2 comprises a securing mechanism 30 configured to secure the side walls 20 together, thereby maintaining the side walls 20 in the erected position. The securing mechanism is selectively attachable and detachable to allow selective collapsing and erecting of the container 2.

The securing mechanism 30 comprises a flap 32 attached to a first side wall 20A.

The flap 32 is hingedly attached via a living hinge 34. The flap 32 is attached to the corner portion 24. The flap 32 is configured to overlap (i.e. overlay and extend parallel thereto) the adjacent side wall 20C. The flap 32 engages an external face of the side wall 20C. The flap 32 comprises an aperture 36 therein. The aperture 36 is elongate.

The securing mechanism 30 comprises a latch 38. The latch 38 is configured to engage the aperture 36 in the flap 32 of the first side wall 20A to provide a connection therebetween. The latch 38 comprises a tapered head portion 40 (e.g. a barb/hook/arrowhead shape). The head portion 40 is resiliently connected to the side wall by a substantially U-shaped/J-shaped connector 42 (see figure 5). The connector is provided within an aperture 44 in the side wall 20C. The apex 46 of the connector 42 therefore extends inwardly in the cavity 4. Such an arrangement allows lateral movement of the latch 38 relative to the side wall 20C.

The latch 38 is located away from the edges of the side wall 200 (i.e. the lateral side edges and the top/bottom edges). Accordingly, the aperture 36 is located away from the edges of the flap 32.

The flap 32 comprises a grip member to allow gripping of the flap 32 to effect detachment from the side wall 20C. The grip member comprises a raised edge 48. The raised edge 48 is located at a corner of the flap 32.

The flap 32 is relatively large. For example, the flap 32 may extend greater than 30%; 40% or 50% of the length of the side of the side wall 20A. The flap may extend across greater than 25%; 30%; 35% or 40% of the width of the adjacent side wall 200. Therefore when two flap 32 are overlaid the adjacent side wall 200, they may occupy the majority of the width of side wall 20C The latch 38 is mounted on a recessed portion 49 of the side wall 200. The recessed portion 49 is aligned with the flaps 32 and is recessed at substantially the same depth as the thickness of the flaps 32. The flaps 32 are therefore received within the recessed portion 49 and lie flush with the non-recessed portion of the side wall 20C.

The latches 38 are provided on opposing side walls 200 and 20D. Accordingly, the flaps 32 are provided on opposing side walls 20A and 20B. The securing mechanisms are provided on opposing side walls and therefore can be easily disconnected by the user with their respective hands.

Although the latch 38 arrangement is provide on the adjacent side wall 20C, it can be appreciated that the latch 38 may be provided on the flap 32 and configured to engage an aperture in the adjacent side wall 20C.

A first stop member 50 is provided on the side wall 20A. The first stop member 50 is configured to engage the inner side of an adjacent side wall 20C to prevent inward movement thereof past the erected position. The first stop member 50 therefore ensures correct alignment of the side walls 20 in the erected position. The first stop member 50 is provided at the edge of the side wall 20A (i.e. on the corner portion 24 thereof). The first stop member 50 extends beyond the edge of the side wall 20A, thus intercepting of the path of movement of the adjacent side wall 20C when rotating inwards. The first stop member 50 is provided at a central portion of the side wall 20A (e.g. proximal the flap 32). The first stop member 50 comprises a plurality of webs 52 extending thereacross.

A plurality of second stop members 54 are provided on the side wall 20A. The second stop members 54 are similar to the first stop member 50 and like features will not be repeated. The second stop members 54 are provided adjacent the upper and lower side of the side wall 20A respectively.

In the erected position, the side wall 200 is sandwiched between the flap 32 and the first/second stop members, thereby providing a secure connection between adjacent side walls. Additionally, this increases the effective thickness of the side wall (i.e. second moment of area), therefore increasing the bending resistance of the side wall 20.

The container 2 is shown partially erected in figures 8-10. The container starts in a flat condition as shown in figures 5 and 6. A first wall side wall 20A comprising flap 32 placed in the upright position. An adjacent side wall 200 is then erected by rotating until it contacts the first and second stop member 50,54. Some manual adjustment may be required to ensure correct alignment. The container 2 now defines the correct shape and erection of the remaining side walls 20B,20D will be automatically aligned by the stop members 50,54.

As shown in figure 10, the securing mechanisms 30 may be then be attached. The flap 32 is rotated over the latch 38, such that the head portion 40 engages the sides of the aperture 36. The angled surface of the head portion 40 pushes the latch 38 in a lateral direction against the bias of the connector 42. The head portion 40 passes through the aperture 36 and snaps into engagement with the outer surface of the flap 32, thus retaining the flap 32. The container 2 may then be filled with a plant/seed and soil etc. In order to disconnect the securing mechanism, the user pushes head portion 40 laterally into alignment with aperture 36 against the bias of the connector 42. The flap 32 is then free to rotate and the side walls 20 can be rotated outward. The plant and soil/root system can then be lifted out from the base 10. The low upstanding wall 14 means the user does not have to provide significant lifting of the plant to allow removal from the container.

The container 2 comprises a plastics material. The container 2 may comprise recycled and/or recyclable material.

The container 2 comprises a single moulded piece (i.e. is manufactured in a single moulding). The side walls 20, base 10 and securing mechanisms 30 are therefore integrally formed. The hinges between the side walls 20, flaps 32 etc. form integral living hinges. The container may therefore be manufactured in a simple and cost effective manner.

The present invention provides a container with convenient and simple erecting and collapsing sides. The securing mechanism provides a simple means to secure the sides. The securing mechanism is reusable and is integral with the container, so may be used many times without the risk of losing any components. The securing mechanism is conveniently located on opposing sides of the container and comprises large flaps, which are easily grabbable, thereby allowing quick detachment of each side with the user's hand simultaneously. This may be particularly beneficial to nursery environments, where hundreds or thousands of such containers may be used.

The flap and/or stop member arrangement conveniently locate the side walls in the correct position in the erected state, thus allowing quick assembly. Additionally, this arrangement prevents any bowing of the side wall and provides an improved seal between the side walls.

The container provides a shape naturally suitable for the efficient development of plants and allows correct drainage of the soil.

The container is usable and recyclable, thereby reducing waste and cost to the end user.

Claims

Claims: 1. A collapsible container for containing a growing medium for plants, comprising: a base portion; a plurality of side walls hingedly connected to the base portion and each having a distal edge spaced from the base portion, the side walls being movable between a collapsed position and an erected position defining the container in use; an upper opening being defined by the distal edges of the side walls when in the erected position, each side wall having a width dimension at its distal edge that is less than or equal to its width towards the base portion; a securing member attached to a first side wall and configured to engage an adjacent side wall to selectively retain the side walls in the erected position.
2. A container according to claim 1, where at least a portion of the first side wall overlaps the adjacent side wall.
3. A container according to any of claims 2, where the securing member is provided on the overlapping portion
4. A container according to claims 2 or 3, where the overlapping portion comprises a flap movable relative to the first side wall.
5. A container according to claim 4, where the flap engages an external face of the adjacent side wall.
6. A container according to any of claims 4 or 5, where the securing member comprises an aperture in the flap
7. A container according to any of claims 4-6, where the flap comprises a raised portion for gripping of the flap by a user.
8. A container according to any of claims 4-7, where the flap is connected to the side wall via a living hinge.
9. A container according to any of claims 2-7, where the overlapping portion comprises a tab configured to engage an internal face of the adjacent side wall.
10. A container according to claim 9, where the tab is provided proximal the flap on the first side wall such that the adjacent side wall is received between the tab and the flap in the erected condition.
11. A container according to any of claims 9 or 10, where the tab is provided proximal an upper and/or lower end of the side wall.
12. A container according to any preceding claim, where the securing member comprises a latch.
13. A container according to claim 12, where the latch comprises a protrusion on one of the first and adjacent side wall arranged to be received by an aperture on the other of the first and adjacent side wall.
14. A container according to claim 13, where the latch is a push-fit or interference fit with the aperture.
15. A container according to any of claims 12-14, where the latch is substantially J-shaped/U-shaped.
16. A container according to any preceding claim, where the container comprises at least three side walls and one of the side walls comprises a pair of securing members configured to engage a pair of adjacent side walls.
17. A container according to any preceding claim, where the side walls are connected to the base portion by a living hinge.
18. A container according to any preceding claim, where one of the first and the adjacent side wall comprises a corner portion such that the interface between the first and adjacent side wall is offset from the corner of the container.
19. A container according to claim 19, where the corner portion is rounded/curved in form.
20. A container according to any of claims 19 and 20, where the other of the first and the adjacent side wall is flat/planar in form.
21. A container according to any preceding claim, where the base portion comprises a one or more drainage aperture therein
22. A container according to any preceding claim, where the base portion comprises a downwardly extending rim configured to raise the base portion away from the ground in use.
23. A container according to any preceding claim, where the base portion comprises an upwardly extending rim such that the base is tray-like in form, wherein the sidewalls depend from the upwardly extending rim.
24. A container according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of securing members, the respective members provided on respective, opposing side walls of the container.
25. A method of growing one or more plant, comprising: providing the container of any preceding claim; at least partially filling a cavity defined by the side walls of the container with a growing medium; placing one or more plant into the growing medium.