MXPA01010602A - Collapsible, stackable, self-supporting container - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a stackable, self-supporting container comprising:(a) a semi-enclosed container body (20) including a tubular structure having two open ends and a bottom panel (70) enclosing one end of the container body, the other end of the tubular structure opposite from the bottom panel forming a substantially continuous outwardly-extending peripheral flange (25), the tubular structure including two opposed side walls, two opposed end walls between the side walls, the side walls and said end walls together forming the tubular structure, each of the end walls including a central portion and a pair of opposing supporting flaps (52) hingedly connected to the central portion and moveable between a position substantially planar with the central portion and a position substantially perpendicular with the central portion;(b) a lid (40) for selectively converting the semi-enclosed container to a closed container;and (c) a closure means for sealing said lid to the container body. The closure means preferably includes a mechanical interlocking seal, and the supporting flaps are preferably unitarily formed with the central portion and preferably lock in the perpendicular position.

Description

OWN SUSTAINMENT PACKAGE. STACKABLE. COLLAPSE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to storage containers, particularly those suitable for use in the containment and protection of various articles including perishable materials. The present invention also relates to said storage containers having improved stability under a wide range of conditions of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In response to consumer interest, a number of comparatively inexpensive storage containers have been developed which are made of polymeric materials and which are suitable for a wide variety of storage uses. Such containers attempt to combine the advantages of flexible storage bags and durable, reusable stackable storage containers. These containers are made of cheap materials that still exhibit sufficient structural integrity to maintain their shape for ease of filling. Particularly useful are containers that are collapsible for ease of storage when they are emptied, they are still easily erected when they are ready to be used. Representative storage packages of this variety are disclosed in the commonly assigned, co-pending US patent applications Nos. 08 / 853,773 and 08 / 854,246, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Although storage containers of the latter variety provide a number of advantages against more rigid construction containers, the need to use materials that have sufficient rigidity to be self-supporting limit the thinness and flexibility, as well as the cost, of a range of materials that can be used. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a storage container that is collapsible and stackable, yet which can be made from thinner, cheaper flexible materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a self-supporting stackable container comprising: (a) a semi-enclosed container body including a tubular structure having two open ends and a bottom panel enclosing one end of the container body, the other end of the opposite tubular structure of the bottom panel forming a substantially continuous peripheral flange extending outwardly, the tubular structure including two opposite side walls, two opposite end walls between the side walls, the side walls and the end walls together forming the tubular structure, each of the end walls including a central portion and a pair of opposed support fins hingedly connected to the central portion and capable of moving between a substantially planar position with the central portion and a substantially perpendicular position with the central portion; (b) a cap for selectively converting the semi-enclosed container into a closed container; and (c) a closure means for sealing the lid to the container body.

The closure means preferably includes a mechanical interbonding seal, and the support flaps are preferably formed unitary with the central portion and preferably immobilized or anchored in the perpendicular position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular manner and claiming the present invention differently, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numbers identify similar elements, and where: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a storage package according to the present invention in a closed condition. Figure 2 is a view in view in perspective of the storage container of Figure 1 in an open condition and partially filled with solid objects. Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of a storage package similar to that of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a slide element suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. Figure 5 is an elevation view of the slide of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container of storage of Figure 1 in a horizontal position in the preparation for bending.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the storage package of Figure 1 in a partially bent and collapsed condition. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the storage package of Figure 1 in a fully folded and collapsed condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 rsents a currently preferred embodiment of a storage package 10 according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the storage container 10 includes a container body 20 preferably formed unitarily from a piece of sheet material and a cover 40 preferably formed unitary with the container body 20 or at least hingedly attached to the body of the container in the articulation line 45. The storage container 10 also includes closure means 30 located adjacent to the edge 28 to seal the peripheral portions of the lid 40 and the body of the container 20. to form a fully enclosed container or container as shown in Figure 1. The closure means comprises a marginal portion of the lid 40 and the marginal portion of the flange 25 of the container body 20. The closure means 30 are selectively capable open, sealable and resealable, as will be described hereinafter. The articulation line 45 shown in Figure 2 preferably comprises a unitary articulation in operation, and may optionally be provided as a line of weakness by incision, perforations or the like, which may optionally allow the cap to be separated from the container body. In the preferred configuration shown in Figure 1, the closure means 30 are disposed along all portions of the edge 28 except for the articulated portion in the hinge line 45. However, under some circumstances a means of closure formed by a greater degree of enclosure (such as, for example, a closure means that completely surrounds the opening in the absence of an articulation line) can provide adequate closure integrity. The flange 25 may be either unitarily formed with the body of the container or provided as a separate material element attached to the body of the container. When provided as a separate element of preferably stiffer material, it is presently preferred that the material of the container body be formed in at least one small peripheral flange on its upper edge (defining the opening) with corners folded to form a point of suitable joint to join the container body to the flange. As shown in Figure 1, a suitable closure means 30 comprises a mechanical interbonding seal which includes at least one coupling or interbonding flange 32 and a pair of notch elements 34 on the coupling portions of the flange 25. and lid 40. In a presently preferred embodiment, flange 32 is unitarily formed with and projects upwardly from flange 25 around the three free sides of the flange (i.e., not necessarily around the rear portion of the flange). container behind the joint) while the slot 34 has a complementary shape that is open on the bottom to receive the flange 32 therein. The closure means 30 also includes a sliding or sliding mechanical member 36 which is captively coupled with the rim and groove to remain fixed to the container unless one or more elements are deformed to allow their removal. The slider 36 is dimensioned and formed to be able to slide freely over the rim and groove when these are fully engaged with each other to effect a sufficient seal seal. The slider 36 therefore functions to seal the rim and groove one when the other is pulled around the periphery of the container from one side to the other after the container has been opened. Other types of closure systems may also be employed, such as simple adhesive-based or mechanical systems without a slide mechanism. The storage container 10 is suitable for containing and protecting a wide variety of materials and objects contained within the body of the container. The Figure 2 depicts the storage container 10 in an open condition wherein the closure means 30 has been released so that the edge 28 can be opened to admit materials and / or objects within the body portion of the storage container 10. Figure 2 shows a plurality of generic solid objects 99 within the storage container 10. The lid 40 is preferably of unitary construction and comprises a central lid panel 42 and a lid frame 44, any of which may be formed of several elements if desired. The ability to build multiple composite elements allows the use of diverse materials such as transparent polymer panels for lid panels or stiffer flexible materials, for eyelashes and lid frames dependent on the making of materials for the container body 20. As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, the central panel of the lid 42 preferably extends downwardly to form a tray-shaped lid which forms a sealing seal by engaging in a recess or in a frame complementary in the upper portion of the container body to improve the sealing capacity. According to the present invention, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the storage package comprises two generally flat end panels 50, two side panels with assembly angle 60, generally flat, and a generally flat lower panel 70 , whose panels form a semi-enclosed container having an opening defined by the upper flange 25. The end panels 50 include side edges 55 and lower edges 54, while the panels 60 include lower edges 64 and angular assembly generally conventionally having converging base folds 62 and medial folds 61, with lateral folds 63. The folds are preferably formed in the material as lines of weakness by means of molding thin areas in the material, incising, or other suitable methods. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the storage container is in its open, self-supporting condition. The flange 25 is preferably sufficiently flexible and rigid to assist in retaining the open end of the package in an open condition as shown in Figure 1. To provide the improved self-supporting capability of the present invention, as shown in FIG. Figure 2, the end panels generally referred to as 50 also include substantially symmetrical pairs of support fins 52 that are hingedly attached along one edge to the central portion 51 of the end panel 50. These support fins have been omitted from Figure 1 for the interest of clarity to show more clearly the other sides and edges of the container. The central portion 51 may comprise a separate layer or a separate material element containing the support fins 52 and be attached to the body 20 of the container, as is actually preferred, or they may be formed unitary with the end panel 50 the which forms a wall of the body of the container 20 and is attached to the other sides. The use of a separate element of material provides the opportunity to use a diverse, stiffer material, such as a coated paper for the support flaps and the central portion for increased stability, as well as other features such as areas for the label and thermal protection. The support wings 52 can also be formed unitary with the central portion 51, as is already preferred, or can comprise a separate element hingedly connected to the central portion. When the support flaps 52 are in their unfolded position, they form a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the central portion 51 of the end panel 50 and form an intersecting line along the corner of the container body. In this orientation, the support fins 52 engage the fins 25 on their upper edge to reinforce the end panel 50 and prevent it from turning inward or outward, which can lead to the collapse of the container. Each end panel 50, with its central portion 51 and the support fins 52 in their engaged position, form a structure with a substantially U-shaped cross section that provides improved stability. The support flaps can also aid in the erection of the container as it is manipulated to unfold the various elements. Figure 3, which is a bottom plan view of the storage package of Figures 1 and 2, illustrates the relationship of the end panels 50 with the central portions 51 and their support fins 52. Figure 3 also clearly illustrates another feature of the present invention, especially the locking tabs 59 which serve as latches for retaining the support flaps 52 in their stabilized or engaged position as shown in Figures 2 and 3. These locking tabs 59 preferably extend downwardly. of the flange 25 of the container body 20 far enough to prevent the support flaps 52 from accidentally bending inwardly or outwardly towards an unsupported orientation, not yet so far away as not to be confused by a consumer when it is desired to bend or collapse the container, as described here later. The locking tabs 59 may be formed unitary with the package or may comprise a separate element attached to the package by suitable means, and may be provided in a simple manner or as multiple side-by-side elements as desired. Additionally, other features such as ribs or a border extending down the flange can also provide this functionality.

Although the storage package described above with respect to Figure 1 provides many advantages compared to the flexible storage bags and commonly available storage containers, it also includes additional features to allow the package to assume a self-supporting configuration to facilitate the Product access and product filling without manual support for ease of use. As used herein, the term "flexible" is used to refer to materials that are capable of being flexed or bent, especially repeatedly, such that they are flexible and capable of yielding in response to externally applied forces. Accordingly, "flexible" is substantially opposite in meaning to the terms inflexible, rigid, or incapable of yielding. The materials and structures that are flexible, therefore, can be altered in form and structure to suit the external forces and conform to the shape of the objects brought in contact with them without losing their integrity. As used herein, the term "self-supporting" is used to refer to materials, structures, or containers that are capable of maintaining their orientation in a plane parallel to the direction of the force of gravity. For example, a self-supporting material, particularly a sheet material, can be maintained in such an extended manner up parallel to the direction of the force of gravity and maintain its orientation without retracting or collapsing. Materials that are not self-supporting will typically retract or collapse and will not be able to be maintained parallel to the force of gravity (ie, "vertically") unless they are maintained so that they extend downward from their point of support . Correspondingly, a self-supporting bag or container is able to maintain its orientation with the surfaces extending upwards from its support base as opposed to the force of gravity when they fold back on themselves or collapse.

In addition to making the self-supporting storage container, with assembly angle 10 of the present invention it is also easily foldable or collapsible to provide easy storage occupying minimal space. Figure 7 depicts a storage container with assembly angle 10 as shown in Figure 1 placed laterally on its side in preparation for bending. Figure 8 depicts a storage container with assembly angle 10 as shown in Figure 1 but in a partially bent or collapsed condition. In order to bend the end panels 50 inward to collapse the container, i.e. move from the condition of Figure 7 to the condition of Figure 8, the support flaps 52 must be disengaged from the locking tabs 59 and unfolded such that they are no longer substantially perpendicular to the central portion 51 but instead substantially flat with the central portion 51. Accordingly, the middle folds 61 have been pushed inward toward each other, leading the lower edges 64 toward and generally parallel to the flange 25. Figure 9 shows a storage container with assembly angle 10 in a more fully folded condition wherein the folding continues until the lower part 70 is substantially parallel with and in close proximity to the flange 25. and the end panels are fully bent in towards each other. The medial folds 61 can also be folded outward, if desired, which provides the additional feature of helping to erect the container when they are pushed inward. Also shown in Figure 7 is the optional reinforcement panel 72 which assists in additional integrity and stability to the flat, generally rectangular bottom panel 70. To avoid negative impact upon bending of the container body, the lower reinforcing panel 72 preferably includes folds that substantially align with the lateral folds 63 for bending as shown in Figures 7 to 9 or is preferably located between the folds 63, as shown. The addition of additional reinforcement to the lower panel reduces the center of gravity of the empty container for greater stability before and during filling, increases the rigidity of the lower part of the container for additional stability in most filling or emptying circumstances, and reduces the likelihood that the lower part of the package will twist or bend when filled with heavier contents. The reinforcing panel may be of a material similar to the material of the container body or it may be of a different material more or less durable, and is secured to the lower panel by the application of adhesive or other suitable means. It is already preferred that when a reinforcement panel is used that is placed on the outer surface of the lower panel instead of the other inner surface in order to provide support and reinforcement without adding additional surfaces, joins or slits on the inside of the container where sites can be provided to trap portions of the contents and create cleaning difficulties. The flexible sheet material used to form the container body is sufficiently flexible and capable of yielding to accommodate bending or collapsing of the container body between the open configuration of Figure 1 and the closed configuration of Figure 9. More particularly , the side panels 60 are sufficiently flexible to bend or fold on themselves since the end panels 50 pivot inwardly towards one another as the bottom panel 70 moves towards the lid 40. Various suitable compositions for constructing the storage containers of The present invention includes substantially impermeable materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), aluminum foil, coated paper (waxed, etc.) and uncoated, coated nonwoven materials, etc., and substantially permeable materials such as canvas, meshes , woven materials, non-woven materials, or perforated or porous films, if they are predominantly two-dimensional in nature or formed in three-dimensional structures. Said materials may comprise a simple composition or layer or may be a composite structure of multiple materials, including a substrate material that it uses as a carrier for a substance. Suitable materials found for use in accordance with the present invention include a 10 mil thick film of low density polyethylene commercially available from Chevron under the manufacturer's designation PE1122. In order to avoid conflicts between the tabs and the operation of the slide, the tabs are preferably formed from the material of the flange and the cover by removing portions thereof to leave the projections isolated, which project not further than the edge outside of the tab. As shown in the figures, the sinusoidal edge for the flange and a sinusoidal phase bank diverted for the cover have proved to be satisfactory. Figure 4 is an elevational perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a sliding, or sliding, mechanical element 36 according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, and more prominently in Figure 5, the slide 36 has a generally C-shaped configuration such that the ends of the slide can extend inwardly over the peripheral edges of the flange. and cover 40 in super lying relation to flange 32 and groove 34. The portions of slide 36 which lie on the flange and slot have a gap therebetween which is small enough to force the flange and groove toward the flange. interlock coupling when the slide is pulled in a translational manner over a region of the periphery where the flange and groove are separated.

The rim and groove are preferably spaced a substantially constant distance inward from the peripheral edge of the lid and the flange such that a slide having a suitable inward extension can be displaced around the peripheral edge of the container without leave gaps or unsealed portions of the flange and groove pair. Furthermore, although the closing mechanism of the present invention can be employed in containers having a circular, oval, elliptical or other curvilinear cross-section, the closing mechanism of the present invention can be employed as shown in Figures 1 and 2 in polygonal cross-section containers, such as rectangular and square containers, while the corners of the flange and lid, as well as the flange and groove pair, are properly placed at a radius at the corners so that their radii exceed the minimum necessary for the slide to change direction. In addition, although the present invention has been illustrated and described in the context of a package having a simple flange and slot pair, other arrangements may be employed wherein one or more slides may engage one or more pairs of flange and groove coupling. where the ridges and grooves are side by side to form consecutive seals, where they are from end to end or where they occupy separate unconnected regions of the container. The materials used as a closure means according to the present invention may be unitarily formed and constructed as part of the body of the storage container either before, during, or after assembling the container from its material components. Alternatively, said closure means may also be formed separately and attached to the body of the storage container either before, during or after assembly of the container. The material used for the closure means can be the same as or different from the material used to form the container body either in dimensions or in composition. The closure means may also incorporate additional features such as texture to provide an audible or tactile signal when the slider is used or different colors on the flange and groove which produce a different color appearance when engaged (similar to closures) commercially available in flexible bags). In accordance with the present invention, the closure means 30 provide the user with an easy-to-operate closure means for closing and sealing an opening in a storage container. The closure means 30 are easy to manipulate, since the only skill required is to hold or press the slide with a pair of opposing fingers and to move the slide through the extension of the open portion of the lid to provide secure engagement of the slide. flange and groove, thereby converting the storage container from a semi-closed container to a fully enclosed container. To open the storage container of Figure 1, a user can grab a pair of opposite tongues 35 and pull them in opposite directions to initiate and propagate the separation of the opposite halves of the flange 31, and thus of the closure means . In addition to said use of the folded and sealed sheet material to form the container body, the container body may be constructed in any known and suitable manner such as those known in the art to make such containers in the commercially available form. Thermal sealing technologies or adhesive can be used to join the various components or elements of the container to themselves or to each other. In addition, the container bodies can be thermoformed, blown, or otherwise molded from a starting model or sheet of material instead of being entrusted to bending and joining techniques to build the bodies of the container from a plot or sheet of material.

Although the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, attempts are made to protect all these changes and modifications within the scope of this invention in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A stackable, self-supporting container comprising: (a) a semi-enclosed container body including a tubular structure having two open ends and a lower panel enclosing one end of the container body, the other end of the tubular structure opposite the bottom panel forming a peripheral flange extending outwards, substantially continuous, the tubular structure including two opposite side walls, two opposite end walls between the side walls, said side walls and said end walls together forming the tubular structure, each one of the end walls including a central portion and a pair of opposing support fins hingedly connected to the central portion and capable of moving between a substantially planar position with the central portion and a position substantially perpendicular to the central portion; (b) a lid for selectively converting the semi-enclosed container into a closed container; and (c) a closure means for sealing the lid to the container body.

2. The stacking container, self-supporting, according to claim 1, wherein the lid is fixed to the body of the container.

3. The stackable, self-supporting container according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support flaps lock in the pedendicular position.

4. The stackable, self-supporting container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is unitarily formed with the flange.

5. The stackable, self-supporting container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container body includes locking tabs for securing the support flaps in the perpendicular position. The stackable, self-supporting container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls, the end walls, and the bottom panel are formed unitarily from a sheet of continuous material. The stackable, self-supporting container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the side walls includes an assembly angle extending in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom panel, wherein the side walls and the sides end walls are capable of bending inward towards one another, so that the container is collapsible in a normal direction with respect to the lid and the lower panel while being substantially self-supporting while the side walls and walls of end are in an unfolded orientation. 8. The stackable, self-supporting container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support flaps are formed unitary with the central portion. The stacking, self-supporting container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular structure has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. 10. The stackable, self-supporting container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is attached to the flange by an active or operating joint.