US20190077560A1 - Container and support frame system for bulk products - Google Patents
Container and support frame system for bulk products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190077560A1 US20190077560A1 US16/124,826 US201816124826A US2019077560A1 US 20190077560 A1 US20190077560 A1 US 20190077560A1 US 201816124826 A US201816124826 A US 201816124826A US 2019077560 A1 US2019077560 A1 US 2019077560A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- frame
- receiving
- support
- rim
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/44—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor characterised by shape, structure or physical form
- A23G9/50—Products with edible or inedible supports, e.g. cornets
- A23G9/503—Products with edible or inedible supports, e.g. cornets products with an inedible support, e.g. a stick
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D61/00—External frames or supports adapted to be assembled around, or applied to, articles
- B65D61/02—Tubular frames with resilient joints
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D15/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials
- B65D15/02—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums
- B65D15/04—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums with curved, or partially curved, walls made by winding or bending paper
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
- B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/72—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials
- B65D85/78—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for ice-cream
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0233—Nestable containers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of containers, particularly containers designed to hold bulk products that are intended to be scooped or scraped out of the container.
- Paperboard containers are commonly used to package bulk products that are meant to be scooped or scraped out of the container, such as ice cream, sorbet, gelato, vegetable shortening, margarine, cookie dough, and the like. In use, such containers must resist substantial outward forces applied by the user, during the scooping or scraping action.
- containers are often made from heavy gauge paperboard materials, with the top and bottom joined by steel rings.
- the use of heavy gauge paperboard and steel rings reinforces the container, to prevent structural failure during use.
- these features also add significant manufacturing expense, both in terms of material costs and assembly.
- the steel rings are not reusable and the combination of paperboard and metal makes such containers difficult to fully recycle.
- the present invention combines a container with a re-usable frame.
- the frame provides added structural integrity to the container and may in some cases be reusable.
- the container may also be of lightweight construction, so as to reduce manufacturing costs and waste.
- the container may be used to hold a variety of bulk materials, including bulk materials that are intended to be scooped or scraped out of the container, such as ice cream, sorbet, gelato, vegetable shortening, or cookie dough.
- the invention provides a frame for receiving a container.
- the container has a bottom, at least one side, a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening.
- the frame comprises a bottom support for contacting the bottom of the container, at least one side support for contacting the at least one side of the container, an upper portion of the at least one side support defining a frame opening for receiving the container, and a lower portion joining the at least one side support to the bottom support, wherein the container is detached from the frame.
- the invention provides a frame for receiving a container.
- the container has a bottom, at least one side, a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening.
- the frame has a bottom support for contacting the bottom of the container, at least one side support for contacting the at least one side of the container, an upper portion of the at least one side support defining a frame opening for receiving the container, and a lower portion joining the at least one side support to the bottom support, the lower portion defining a channel for receiving the lower lip of the container, the channel comprising an outer wall and an inner wall for receiving and supporting the lower lip of the container.
- the invention provides a frame for receiving a container.
- the container has a bottom, at least one side, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening, and a groove between the rim and the at least one side.
- the frame has a bottom support for contacting the bottom of the container, at least one side support for contacting the at least one side of the container, a lower portion joining the at least one side support to the bottom support, and an upper portion of the at least one side support defining a frame opening for receiving the container, wherein the upper portion defines a contact surface for receiving and supporting the rim of the container, and the contact surface is a groove complementary to the rim of the container.
- the container is detached from the frame.
- the frame has a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, wherein the lower portion defines a channel for receiving the lower lip of the container, the channel comprising an outer wall and an inner wall for receiving and supporting the lower lip of the container.
- the frame has a groove between the rim and the at least one side, wherein the upper portion defines a contact surface for receiving and supporting the rim of the container, and the contact surface comprises a ridge received by the groove of the container.
- the contact surface is a groove complementary to the rim of the container and/or the channel comprises an outer wall for contacting the lower lip of the container.
- the frame may be of skeletal or solid construction.
- the bottom support has a hub and spoke arrangement.
- the frame may be configured to nest with a frame of similar construction.
- the container maybe removable from the frame after use.
- the container and/or frame are frustoconical.
- the shape of the container and/or frame may also depend on the application, and includes cylindrical, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal prisms.
- the invention provides a kit comprising a container as described above, in combination with a frame as described above.
- the invention provides a method of disposing of a container.
- the container is as described above, and is situated in a frame as described above.
- the container is lifted from the frame and recycled or disposed of separately from the frame.
- the frame may then be re-used with a second container of similar construction.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame and container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the frame of FIG. 2 , along plane A-A.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 6 is a front view of the frame of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the frame of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the frame of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a container and a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, in an assembled configuration.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the frame of FIG. 9 , along plane B-B.
- FIG. 11 is a front view of the cross-section shown in FIG. 10 normal to plane B-B.
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are enlarged scrap views of the cross section shown in FIG. 11 .
- the invention generally comprises a frame 100 which receives a container 200 .
- the frame 100 comprises a bottom support 110 , at least one side support 130 , a lower portion 120 joining the at least one side support 130 to the bottom support 110 , and an upper portion 140 defining an opening in the frame for receiving the container 200 .
- the container 200 likewise comprises a bottom 210 , one or more sidewalls 230 , a lower lip 220 joining the sidewalls 230 to the bottom 210 , and a rim 240 .
- the lower portion 120 of the frame 100 defines a channel 122 for receiving the lower lip 220 of the container.
- the outer wall of the channel 122 is in direct contact with the lower lip 220 , which reinforces the junction between the bottom 210 and the sidewalls 230 of the container 200 when outward forces are applied.
- the upper portion 140 of the frame also defines a contact surface 142 for receiving the rim 240 of the container 200 .
- the contact surface 142 is a groove which is complementary to the rounded rim 240 of the container 200 , which helps to prevent the opening of the container 200 from enlarging or collapsing during use.
- the rim 240 shown in the Figures is a rounded convex
- the contact surface 142 shown in the Figures is a rounded concave
- other shapes may be used, so long as the contact surface 142 secures and supports the rim 240 . For example, triangular, rectangular, square or oval cross sections.
- the contact surface 142 and the channel 122 seat the container 200 in the frame 100 and may reduce, or in some applications eliminate, the need for steel rings to be included in the container 200 .
- a groove 244 may be located between the rim and the at least one side, and the upper portion 140 defines a contact surface 142 for receiving and supporting the rim 240 of the container, and the contact surface comprises a ridge 144 received by the groove 244 of the container.
- metal rings are beneficial, as metal detection of food products is an ever increasing and desirable practice in the industry. Food products inside packaging having metal rings cannot easily be scanned for errant and dangerous metal objects.
- the bottom support 110 and side support 130 of the frame 100 also reinforce the bottom 210 and sidewalls 230 of the container 200 against outward forces applied during scooping. In some applications, this may reduce the thickness of paperboard or other material required to form the container 200 .
- the bottom support 110 and sides 130 of the frame 100 have a skeletal arrangement, to minimize material usage and to facilitate removal of the container 200 from the frame 100 .
- the bottom support 110 comprises a hub 112 and a plurality of spokes 114 , whereas the sides 130 are formed from an arrangement of vertical 130 and horizontal 132 members.
- Various other configurations are also contemplated, including non-skeletal arrangements.
- the container 200 has a frusto-conical shape, which reflects the most common format currently used in the industry.
- the frustoconical shape allows for nesting of multiple containers 200 and frames 100 , either separately or combined, when they are empty.
- the frame 100 may be of the same overall shape as the container 200 , as shown in FIG. 9 , or may be of various other shapes or configurations as appropriate for the application, so long as the container 200 is received within and supported by the frame 100 .
- the frame 100 and/or container 200 are designed to nest for storage.
- the container 200 is inserted into the frame 100 as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the paperboard container 200 is received in the frame 100 , but the paperboard container is not integrated with the frame 100 .
- the container may be placed in the basket (frame) before the container is filled.
- a thinner, more economical paper container may be used, as the basket provides support going through the production line and freezing operation so the basket protects the container and its contents, such as ice cream.
- the package Once frozen the package is sturdy enough to withstand the transportation process.
- the container can then be removed and reused in the filling and freezing process for further containers. It can however be shipped with the basket if desired and then returned once the container is emptied. Thus the baskets can remain at the filling plant, or be transported with the product.
- the basket serves to withstand these pressures, allowing a thinner, more economical paper container to be used.
- the container 200 When the container 200 is empty, the container 200 is lifted from the frame 100 .
- the container 200 and frame 100 may then be separately reused, recycled, or disposed of.
- this may enhance the recycling of raw materials, by separating the waste streams prior to processing.
- the tapered walls and frustoconical shape allow for nesting of both the container and the basket.
- Storage is a significant issue.
- the current straight wall packages with steel rings used for ice cream take up a large amount of storage or, if shipped in flat, require equipment in the dairy to assemble the container and labor is required to complete the assembly.
- the frame 100 is reusable.
- the customer may retain an inventory of frames 100 , which are used to house new containers 100 as they are received from the supplier.
- each container 200 could be shipped with a frame 100 , as a kit, and the frame 100 may be returned by the customer to the supplier when the container 200 is empty. The latter approach could, for example, be encouraged through a deposit system.
- the frame 100 and container 200 can be manufactured from various suitable materials, such as metals, plastics, paperboard, and the like.
- the frame 100 is manufactured by injection moulding from a freezer grade resin, such as HDPE or PP and/or the container is manufactured from a lightweight paperboard.
- a freezer grade resin such as HDPE or PP
- the container is manufactured from a lightweight paperboard.
- Various other materials and manufacturing methods for the frame 100 and container 200 would be readily apparent to the person of skill in the art having regard to the present specification.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A container and supporting frame is provided for bulk storage of products intended to be scooped or scraped. A re-usable frame surrounds and supports a disposable container. The base of the frame includes a channel to support a lower lip of the container. An upper portion of the frame includes a contact surface, which may be a groove, for receiving a rim of the container. The frame supports the container against outward forces exerted by the user.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/556,683 filed on Sep. 11, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to the field of containers, particularly containers designed to hold bulk products that are intended to be scooped or scraped out of the container.
- Paperboard containers are commonly used to package bulk products that are meant to be scooped or scraped out of the container, such as ice cream, sorbet, gelato, vegetable shortening, margarine, cookie dough, and the like. In use, such containers must resist substantial outward forces applied by the user, during the scooping or scraping action.
- For wholesale quantities (e.g. 1 gallon or more), containers are often made from heavy gauge paperboard materials, with the top and bottom joined by steel rings. The use of heavy gauge paperboard and steel rings reinforces the container, to prevent structural failure during use. However, these features also add significant manufacturing expense, both in terms of material costs and assembly. In addition, the steel rings are not reusable and the combination of paperboard and metal makes such containers difficult to fully recycle.
- The present invention combines a container with a re-usable frame. The frame provides added structural integrity to the container and may in some cases be reusable. In some embodiments, the container may also be of lightweight construction, so as to reduce manufacturing costs and waste. The container may be used to hold a variety of bulk materials, including bulk materials that are intended to be scooped or scraped out of the container, such as ice cream, sorbet, gelato, vegetable shortening, or cookie dough.
- In one broad aspect, the invention provides a frame for receiving a container. The container has a bottom, at least one side, a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening. The frame comprises a bottom support for contacting the bottom of the container, at least one side support for contacting the at least one side of the container, an upper portion of the at least one side support defining a frame opening for receiving the container, and a lower portion joining the at least one side support to the bottom support, wherein the container is detached from the frame.
- In another broad aspect, the invention provides a frame for receiving a container. The container has a bottom, at least one side, a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening. The frame has a bottom support for contacting the bottom of the container, at least one side support for contacting the at least one side of the container, an upper portion of the at least one side support defining a frame opening for receiving the container, and a lower portion joining the at least one side support to the bottom support, the lower portion defining a channel for receiving the lower lip of the container, the channel comprising an outer wall and an inner wall for receiving and supporting the lower lip of the container.
- In another broad aspect, the invention provides a frame for receiving a container. The container has a bottom, at least one side, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening, and a groove between the rim and the at least one side. The frame has a bottom support for contacting the bottom of the container, at least one side support for contacting the at least one side of the container, a lower portion joining the at least one side support to the bottom support, and an upper portion of the at least one side support defining a frame opening for receiving the container, wherein the upper portion defines a contact surface for receiving and supporting the rim of the container, and the contact surface is a groove complementary to the rim of the container.
- In preferred embodiments, the container is detached from the frame. In preferred embodiments, the frame has a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, wherein the lower portion defines a channel for receiving the lower lip of the container, the channel comprising an outer wall and an inner wall for receiving and supporting the lower lip of the container. In preferred embodiments, the frame has a groove between the rim and the at least one side, wherein the upper portion defines a contact surface for receiving and supporting the rim of the container, and the contact surface comprises a ridge received by the groove of the container.
- In an embodiment, the contact surface is a groove complementary to the rim of the container and/or the channel comprises an outer wall for contacting the lower lip of the container. The frame may be of skeletal or solid construction. In some embodiments, the bottom support has a hub and spoke arrangement. In some cases, the frame may be configured to nest with a frame of similar construction.
- The container maybe removable from the frame after use. In some embodiments, the container and/or frame are frustoconical. The shape of the container and/or frame may also depend on the application, and includes cylindrical, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal prisms.
- In another broad aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising a container as described above, in combination with a frame as described above.
- In yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a method of disposing of a container. The container is as described above, and is situated in a frame as described above. The container is lifted from the frame and recycled or disposed of separately from the frame. The frame may then be re-used with a second container of similar construction.
- Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame and container according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the frame ofFIG. 2 , along plane A-A. -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the frame ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 6 is a front view of the frame ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the frame ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the frame ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a container and a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, in an assembled configuration. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the frame ofFIG. 9 , along plane B-B. -
FIG. 11 is a front view of the cross-section shown inFIG. 10 normal to plane B-B. -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are enlarged scrap views of the cross section shown inFIG. 11 . - Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , the invention generally comprises aframe 100 which receives acontainer 200. Theframe 100 comprises abottom support 110, at least oneside support 130, alower portion 120 joining the at least oneside support 130 to thebottom support 110, and anupper portion 140 defining an opening in the frame for receiving thecontainer 200. Thecontainer 200 likewise comprises abottom 210, one ormore sidewalls 230, alower lip 220 joining thesidewalls 230 to thebottom 210, and arim 240. - As seen in
FIGS. 4 and 10-12 , thelower portion 120 of theframe 100 defines achannel 122 for receiving thelower lip 220 of the container. In some embodiments, the outer wall of thechannel 122 is in direct contact with thelower lip 220, which reinforces the junction between thebottom 210 and thesidewalls 230 of thecontainer 200 when outward forces are applied. - In some embodiments, the
upper portion 140 of the frame also defines acontact surface 142 for receiving therim 240 of thecontainer 200. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 12A , thecontact surface 142 is a groove which is complementary to therounded rim 240 of thecontainer 200, which helps to prevent the opening of thecontainer 200 from enlarging or collapsing during use. While therim 240 shown in the Figures is a rounded convex, and thecontact surface 142 shown in the Figures is a rounded concave, other shapes may be used, so long as thecontact surface 142 secures and supports therim 240. For example, triangular, rectangular, square or oval cross sections. - As best seen in
FIGS. 12A and 12B , thecontact surface 142 and thechannel 122 seat thecontainer 200 in theframe 100 and may reduce, or in some applications eliminate, the need for steel rings to be included in thecontainer 200. Agroove 244 may be located between the rim and the at least one side, and theupper portion 140 defines acontact surface 142 for receiving and supporting therim 240 of the container, and the contact surface comprises aridge 144 received by thegroove 244 of the container. - The elimination of metal rings is beneficial, as metal detection of food products is an ever increasing and desirable practice in the industry. Food products inside packaging having metal rings cannot easily be scanned for errant and dangerous metal objects.
- As seen in
FIG. 11 , thebottom support 110 andside support 130 of theframe 100 also reinforce the bottom 210 andsidewalls 230 of thecontainer 200 against outward forces applied during scooping. In some applications, this may reduce the thickness of paperboard or other material required to form thecontainer 200. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4 , thebottom support 110 andsides 130 of theframe 100 have a skeletal arrangement, to minimize material usage and to facilitate removal of thecontainer 200 from theframe 100. In this embodiment, thebottom support 110 comprises ahub 112 and a plurality ofspokes 114, whereas thesides 130 are formed from an arrangement of vertical 130 and horizontal 132 members. Various other configurations are also contemplated, including non-skeletal arrangements. - In the figures, the
container 200 has a frusto-conical shape, which reflects the most common format currently used in the industry. The frustoconical shape allows for nesting ofmultiple containers 200 and frames 100, either separately or combined, when they are empty. - However, numerous other configurations are possible. For example, cylindrical, square, hexagonal, octagonal, and various other arrangements of the
container 200 are also contemplated. Likewise, theframe 100 may be of the same overall shape as thecontainer 200, as shown inFIG. 9 , or may be of various other shapes or configurations as appropriate for the application, so long as thecontainer 200 is received within and supported by theframe 100. In some embodiments, theframe 100 and/orcontainer 200 are designed to nest for storage. - In use, the
container 200 is inserted into theframe 100 as shown inFIG. 9 . Thepaperboard container 200 is received in theframe 100, but the paperboard container is not integrated with theframe 100. - The container may be placed in the basket (frame) before the container is filled. Thus a thinner, more economical paper container may be used, as the basket provides support going through the production line and freezing operation so the basket protects the container and its contents, such as ice cream.
- Once frozen the package is sturdy enough to withstand the transportation process. The container can then be removed and reused in the filling and freezing process for further containers. It can however be shipped with the basket if desired and then returned once the container is emptied. Thus the baskets can remain at the filling plant, or be transported with the product.
- After transport, bulk materials such as ice cream and the like are then scooped or scraped out of the container, often with pressures being exerted by the user against the
sidewalls 230 orbottom 210 of thecontainer 200. The basket (frame) serves to withstand these pressures, allowing a thinner, more economical paper container to be used. - When the
container 200 is empty, thecontainer 200 is lifted from theframe 100. Thecontainer 200 andframe 100 may then be separately reused, recycled, or disposed of. In some embodiments, such as when thecontainer 200 is made of paperboard and theframe 100 is made of plastic, this may enhance the recycling of raw materials, by separating the waste streams prior to processing. - When stored awaiting filling, or for reuse or recycling, the tapered walls and frustoconical shape allow for nesting of both the container and the basket. Storage is a significant issue. The current straight wall packages with steel rings used for ice cream take up a large amount of storage or, if shipped in flat, require equipment in the dairy to assemble the container and labor is required to complete the assembly.
- In some embodiments, the
frame 100 is reusable. In some applications, the customer may retain an inventory offrames 100, which are used to housenew containers 100 as they are received from the supplier. Alternatively, eachcontainer 200 could be shipped with aframe 100, as a kit, and theframe 100 may be returned by the customer to the supplier when thecontainer 200 is empty. The latter approach could, for example, be encouraged through a deposit system. - The
frame 100 andcontainer 200 can be manufactured from various suitable materials, such as metals, plastics, paperboard, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, theframe 100 is manufactured by injection moulding from a freezer grade resin, such as HDPE or PP and/or the container is manufactured from a lightweight paperboard. Various other materials and manufacturing methods for theframe 100 andcontainer 200 would be readily apparent to the person of skill in the art having regard to the present specification. - The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. The subject matter described herein and in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.
Claims (21)
1. A frame for receiving a container, the container having a bottom, at least one side, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening, the frame comprising:
a bottom support for contacting the bottom of the container;
at least one side support for contacting the at least one side of the container;
an upper portion of the at least one side support defining a frame opening for receiving the container; and
a lower portion joining the at least one side support to the bottom support;
wherein the container is detached from the frame.
2. A frame for receiving a container, the container having a bottom, at least one side, a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening, the frame comprising:
a bottom support for contacting the bottom of the container;
at least one side support for contacting the at least one side of the container;
an upper portion of the at least one side support defining a frame opening for receiving the container; and
a lower portion joining the at least one side support to the bottom support, the lower portion defining a channel for receiving the lower lip of the container, the channel comprising an outer wall and an inner wall for receiving and supporting the lower lip of the container.
3. A frame for receiving a container, the container having a bottom, at least one side, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening, and a groove between the rim and the at least one side, the frame comprising:
a bottom support for contacting the bottom of the container;
at least one side support for contacting the at least one side of the container;
a lower portion joining the at least one side support to the bottom support; and
an upper portion of the at least one side support defining a frame opening for receiving the container, wherein the upper portion defines a contact surface for receiving and supporting the rim of the container, and the contact surface is a groove complementary to the rim of the container.
4. The frame of claim 2 , wherein the container is detached from the frame.
5. The frame of claim 1 , further comprising a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, wherein the lower portion defines a channel for receiving the lower lip of the container, the channel comprising an outer wall and an inner wall for receiving and supporting the lower lip of the container.
6. The frame of claim 2 , further comprising a groove between the rim and the at least one side, wherein the upper portion defines a contact surface for receiving and supporting the rim of the container, and the contact surface comprises a ridge received by the groove of the container.
7. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the container is frustoconical.
8. The frame of claim 7 , wherein the frame is frustoconical.
9. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the container is a cylindrical, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal prism.
10. The frame of claim 9 , wherein the frame is a cylindrical, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal prism.
11. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the at least one side support is of skeletal construction.
12. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the bottom support comprises a hub and spoke arrangement.
13. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured to nest with another frame of similar construction.
14. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the container contains ice cream, sorbet, gelato, vegetable shortening, or cookie dough.
15. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the frame is constructed from freezer grade resin.
16. A kit comprising:
a. a container having a bottom, at least one side, a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening; and
b. a frame according to claim 1 .
17. The kit of claim 16 , wherein the container further comprises a lid.
18. A method of filling a container having a bottom, at least one side, a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening, the method comprising:
a. placing the container into a frame according to claim 1 ;
b. filling the container with a bulk product intended to be scooped or scraped out of the container.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising removing the frame for reuse.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the frame is removed prior to transporting the bulk product from a filling location to a use location.
21. A method of disposing of a container having a bottom, at least one side, a lower lip joining the at least one side to the bottom, and a rim disposed along the side to define a container opening, the method comprising:
a. lifting the container from a frame according to claim 1 ;
b. disposing of or recycling the container; and
c. re-using the frame with a second container of similar construction.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/124,826 US20190077560A1 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2018-09-07 | Container and support frame system for bulk products |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201762556683P | 2017-09-11 | 2017-09-11 | |
US16/124,826 US20190077560A1 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2018-09-07 | Container and support frame system for bulk products |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190077560A1 true US20190077560A1 (en) | 2019-03-14 |
Family
ID=65630573
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/124,826 Abandoned US20190077560A1 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2018-09-07 | Container and support frame system for bulk products |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190077560A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3017017A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2018010749A (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210323702A1 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2021-10-21 | Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. | Methods of making and transporting frozen food compositions and re-using components utilized therein |
-
2018
- 2018-09-06 MX MX2018010749A patent/MX2018010749A/en unknown
- 2018-09-07 US US16/124,826 patent/US20190077560A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-09-10 CA CA3017017A patent/CA3017017A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210323702A1 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2021-10-21 | Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. | Methods of making and transporting frozen food compositions and re-using components utilized therein |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA3017017A1 (en) | 2019-03-11 |
MX2018010749A (en) | 2019-03-12 |
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