US3082927A - Lined container - Google Patents

Description

March 26, 1963 1-. w. WINSTEAD 3,082,927

LINED CONTAINER Filed July 26, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 THOMAS M. EJQD BY W 1 ATTORNEY March 26, 1963 T. w. WINSTEAD 3,032,927

LINED CONTAINER Filed July 26, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 moms w. wms r540 1N VEN TOR.

ATTORNEY March 26, 1963 T. w. WINSTEAD LINED CONTAINER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 26, 1960 INVENTOR v T HOMAS m WINSTEAD ATTORNEY 3,082,927 Patented Mar. 26, 1953 3,082,927 LINED CONTAINER Thomas W. Winstead, Baltimore, Md, assignor to Hedwin (Zorporation, Baitirnore, Md., a corporation of Maryland Filed July 26, 1960, Ser. No. 45,326 4- Claims. (Cl. 22914) This invention relates broadly to containers and more specifically to a light weight container adapted to hold liquids, powders and semi-solids, the present application being a continuation-in-part of copending application Serial No. 618,913, filed October 29, 1956, now Patent No. 2,950,029.

An object of the present invention in one of its forms is to provide a container which is collapsible when empty, in such a manner as to provide a desired draft for nesting of a plurality of containers for shipping purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a container having a shape which provides the greatest volume for the minimum surface area of any rectangular shape, and having symmetry about a line which is used for collapsing which features.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container which can be used for any product requiring protection from contamination, spoilage, corrosive action or moisture and incorporating a foldable neck and pouring spout, adapted for use with any of a plurality of types of closures, such as a heat-scalable closure, a snap-cap closure and a screw-cap closure or other types known in the art.

A still further object of the present invention is to pro vide a container having a neck which is tapered from a wide, easy to fill mouth to a narrow point at the edge of the container, preferably of cubical shape, for easy folding. The configuration of the neck maintains approximately the same cross-sectional area from the base to the outlet whereby liquids or other materials may flow readily from the container.

An additional object of the present invention in one of its forms is to provide a container of substantially cubical shape having a fold line in the body thereof,v and a fold line in the spout to facilitate collapsing of the container for nesting purposes, and ease and correctness of folding of a spout when, for example, the container is to be inserted in an outer container or carton for strength and shipping purposes.

A still further and important object of the present invention in all of its forms is to provide a plastic container which is formed to shape and having ample contoured radii at all corners to stiffen them against flexing, and the container being usable by itself or adapted to be used as an insert in an outer carton of paper or other materials, and which outer carton can serve as a shipping container.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a container having a foldable neck and pouring spout and a recess being provided in the body of the container to receive the folded neck.

Another object of the present invention in one form is to provide a substantially cubical shaped container which is diagonally collapsible to provide the necessary draft for nesting, and in which a slight indentation is provided for defining the point of collapsibility.

An additional object of the present invention is to prois important for optimum space saving vide a container which eliminates folds or creases, except where specifically provided for, and having a shape adapted to fit the interior contour of an outer carton without folds or creases. 1

Still another object of the invention is to provide a plastic container which may be formed of two symmetrical halves sealed together along mating edges or alternatively, formed with integral or seamless walls as for example by blow molding, in either instance, the container being formed into shape and having ample contoured radii at all corners to stiffen them against flexing under stresses encountered in shipping and handling, particularly when the container is employed as the liner of an outer carton.

It may also be noted that the present invention contemplates not only the use of flexible, semi-rigid thermoplastic material in forming a container with collapsible walls to facilitate nesting, but non-flexible and non-collapsible material where the nesting of containers is not necessarily desired.

Other and additional advantages and features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the container of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 in partially collapsed position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view lapsed and nested containers;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a modified form of container;

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are fragmentary sectional views of a heat scalable type of container closure in various stages of sealing and folding;

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are fragmentary sectional views of a snap-on type of container closure in various stages of closing and folding:

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are fragmentary sectional views of a screw-type of container closure in various stages of closing and folding;

FIG. 15 is a perspective View of a modified form of the1 invention embodying a container with seamless walls; an

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view partly broken away, showing the relationship of the container to the walls of an outer carton.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. I, the container generally designated 20 is formed of two symmetrical halves 22 and 24 which are sealed together by heat sealing along a seal line 26. It will be noted that the container is substantially in the shape of a cube which has been found to be the shape which provides the greatest volume for the minimum surface area of any rectangular shape. However, an exact cube is not absolutely essential, although with a collapsible container, the symmetry about the line which is used for collapsing, as will be pointed out hereinafter, is important for optimum space saving.

The container in this embodiment is preferably formed of a flexible thermoplastic material such as, for example only, polyethylene which as is known has an unusual combination of properties including freedom from taste,

of a plurality of colodor, toxicity; flexibility at extremely low temperatures; low moisture-vapor transmission; resistance to chemicals, solvents, greases; and good characteristics from the tensile, impact and other physical points of view. Manifestly, thermoplastic materials such as vinyls, acetates and styrenes, and others can be utilized. Additionally, if desired, a rigid plastic can be used which will still maintain the advantage of light weight.

As is known, polyethylene and many other semi-rigid thermoplastics are susceptible of stress fatigue when flexed or vibrated. Ample radii are used at all corners such as indicated at 28 to' stiffen the corners against flexing. Due to the semi-rigid nature of the material contemplated and the method of forming, the container may be said to be formed". to shapeas ina bottle in contra distinction to a bag which is normally constructed of a very thin material, and which wrinkles or is folded into the shape of anouter carton when used, thereby leaving many points where stress fatigue due to flexing can occur. The contoured edges and corners which have generous radii represent a design feature which is significant in a semi-rigid or flexible container of this type both with respect to minimizing flexing, which assures better performance at lower cost, and to providing clearance from the edges and corners of an outer carton which are susceptible to handling damage in shipment.

A filling neck and pouring spout 30 is provided at an edge of the container. Due to the fact that in this embodiment the container is formed of two diagonally split sections or halves which are symmetrical, and as indicated at 22 and 24, it is also possible to split this spout through its narrowed dimension. This permits a wide and flat spout at the corner of the container where it is most desirable. This filling neck and pouring spout 30 also is sealed at its edges 32 at the same time that the halves 22 and 24 are sealed along line 26. This neck is tapered from a wide, easy to fill mouth 34, of an oval configuration before sealing, and tapers to a narrow point at 36 which is the corner of the container. This narrow point at the corner facilitates easy folding as will appear hereinafter. As the neck gets'narrower it also gets'wider, thereby maintaining approximately the same cross-sectional area. Therefore, liquids can fiow readily through the folding point without undue restriction.

In order to facilitate easy collapsing of the container for nesting such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a fold line is provided at 38 which extends completely around the container in spaced parallel relationship with the seal line 26. This fold line 38 is formed by providing a slight indentation in the material of the container itself. vDue to the use of semi-rigid plastic material, the body can is collapsed into the half 22 around the fold line 38, the

initial collapsing stage being shown in FIG. 3.- When this collapsing is completed, the containers assume the configuration shown in FIG. 4 wherein a plurality of thecontainers designated as 40, 42, 44 have the half portions corresponding to 24 in FIG.. 1 collapsed within the other half portions and can be nested as shown for easy shipping Withasubstantial conservation of space. T

In order to facilitate thefolding of the filling neck and pouring spout 30, a fold line 46. is provided at thebaseor narrow portion 36 of; the spout where it joins with the body of the container. similarly to the fold line 38,-by providing a slight inonly at desired points and prevents the undesired creasing or bending of the material. In the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 4 inclusive of thedr awings these fold lines are. provided and the This fold line 46 is formed' 1 dentation in the body of the container. .The provision of the fold lines '38 and 46 provides folding or collapsingspout is shown as being of a heat scalable; character.

After the container is filled, then the end of the pouring spout iscollapsed and sealed by any desired heat sealing means Thereafter when the container is 'to be placed,

for example, in an outer carton as in my copending application Serial No. 618,927, filed October 29, 1956, now Patent No. 2,954,901, or when a plurality are to be placed in one carton for shipping, the spouts can be folded back into contact with the body of the container. This aspect of the invention will be more specifically described hereinafter in connection with FIGS. 6, '7 and 8.

In FIG. 5 of the drawings a modified form of the invention is shown. Here the container 48 is again formed of symmetrical halves 50 and52, sealed together along line 54, and a filling neck and spout 56 similar to the neck 30 of the FIG. 1 embodiment is positioned at an edge of the container. Preferably, this container 48 is also of cubical shape. The difference between this ernbodiment and the previously described embodiment resides in the fact that no fold lines are provided either in the body of the container or in the neck. Additionally, if desired, the seam at 54 can be of less pronounced dimensions. For some applications this construction of container is desirable, especially where the collapsibility feature or foldable feature of the neck are not so important.

It is to be noted that in the embodiments shown it is possible, in accordance with the process of manufacturing the container, to control the thickness of the neck at any point or on either side to obtain the most desirable results. Due to the shape and configuration, in conjunction with the arrangement of the spout with relation to the container, a most desirable location is provided and at the same time folding case is incorporated as well as acecssibility. An important feature of this invention when embodiedin a container of cubical shape, is the particular location of the pouring spout in the front center of a top edge of the container. This center location of the pouring spout has certain definite advantages over other forms as it facilitates fabrication, provides better pour and drip clearance, improves balance when pouring and provides easier and better product recovery or more complete elimination of the contents of the container.

As previously pointed out, one of the most important features of the present invention resides in the construction, shape and configuration of the foldable neck and pouring spout. FIGS. 6 to 14 inclusive disclose several possible types of closures which can be used on the spout.

In FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 a heat scalable type of closure is shown. Here. the body of the container is shown at 58 and the pouring spout is designated 60. The pouring spout 60 is provided with a fold line 62, and a recess 64 is formed in the body of the container in proximity to the base of the neck or spout 60. This recess while desira-ble is not entirely necessary. The end of the spout or neck 60 is closed by sealing at 66 as shown in FIG. 7,

and thereafter the neck or spout 60 is folded backwardly along fold line 62 in the direction of the arrow 68, in FIG. 8 into the recess 64 which gives a more symmetrical configuration to the filled and closed container. In this type of heat-sealable closure, the oval narrow shape of the neck with the tapered seal at each'edge permits the neck to be easily flattened and readily sealed by the heat sealing jaws of almost any standard type of bag sealer. When this type of closure is used, the ultimate user cuts either a corner or the entire length of the seal from the spout. where re-use is of secondary importance. .Actually, the spoutcan be folded and tucked back into an outer carton which will provide an almost airtight seal and is completely satisfactory in many re-use applications. This secondary seal is achieved by the contour design at the base of the spout which forms a tight restriction when folded.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9, l0 and 11, a

neck 72 is desirable due to the configuration of the neck.

The neck 72 is provided with fold line 74 and the outer This design is primarily used on containers end of the neck has a restricted annular orifice 76 which can be of any desired configuration. A cap 78 of proper dimensions and configuration is attached to the neck by flexible link '80. The configuration and dimensions of the orifice 76 and cap 78 are such that the cap has a snap-in fit in the orifice 76, and is shown in that position in FIG. 10. After having closed the orifice 76 with the cap 78, the neck 72 is folded along fold line 74 into the recess 70 as shown in FIG. 11, the direction of folding being indicated by arrow 82. Again in this modification, the end result when the neck has been closed and folded provides a symmetrical configuration to the container.

In FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 the container is provided with a screw-cap closure. Here again a recess 84 is desirable and is formed in the body of the container. The neck 86 is provided with fold line 88, and a threaded orifice 90 is provided at the outer end of the neck. A cap 92 of a type having a double flange or skirt 94, 96 is attached to the neck by flexible member 98. The flanges 94 and 96 are provided with screw threads and are adapted for coaction with the screw threads of the threaded orifice 90 and being on either side thereof. A strengthening rib 100 is provided in the interior of the cap, exposed to the outside, and additionally can serve to facilitate attaching or detaching the cap from the threaded orifice 90.

After the cap has been placed on the orifice to close the container, the neck 86 is folded into recess 84 along fold lines 88, indicated by arrow 102. Here again the symmetrical outline of the container is provided.

It will be seen from the foregoing that a container has been developed having highly desirable features and which can be manufactured by a process which is quite versatile and featuring controlled distribution of material thickness. The process is readily adaptable to large containers and without restrictions as to shape, size, closure or inefficiencies affecting cost. The containers of the present invention have many advantages over not only other plastic bottles or containers, but also over conventional glass and metal containers as well. When constructed of a flexible thermoplastic material it can be collapsed and nested for economical shipment to the user and Where a rigid thermoplastic is utilized, although collapsibility cannot be exploited, nevertheless the light weight is of a definite advantage.

The location and configuration of the spout, preferably at an edge of the container of a cubical configuration, provides an extremely convenient pouring spout, and at the same time permits folding ease and accessibility. Fold lines are provided to facilitate collapsing of the containers and folding of the spout to facilitate packaging or shipping. The collapsing of the container diagonally is of importance in this connection since it provides the necessary draft for nesting which could not be obtained as readily with other configurations.

Due to the configuration and the construction of the container, the process permits forming two sheets and joining them together to form a complete container. By splitting the cubical container diagonally, it is also possible to split the spout through its narrowed dimension which allows a wide flat spout at the corner of the cube where it is most desirable. In other bottle processes the configuration of the spout of the present invention together with its highly desirable characteristics would be extremely diflicult, if not impossible to make.

Where it is desired to use the present container as an insert in an outer carton, the container can be shaped to fit the interior contour of the outer carton without folds or creases, and ample radii are used at all corners to stiffen them against flexing. When the neck folds, it folds in such a way that flexing is completely eliminated during transit. It is held flat against the outer carton y the Slde Wall of the insert itself. The fact th t th present container is formed to shape, as is a b ttl centrally along one of the upper edges.

eliminates the diificulties of stress fatigue due to flexing such as in a. bag of very thin material which wrinkles or is folded into the shape of the outer carton.

As previously indicated, instead of forming the container of two halves joined together along diagonal mating edges, it may be initially formed as an integral seamit will be apparent that although thickness distribution might be slightly less efficient in such techniques, the basic features of invention are maintained. In other words, a container formed with seamless walls includes the flex resistant contours, collapsibility for nesting, pouring spout location, and cubical shape, all of which especial ly adapt the container for use as the liner of an outer carton.

The particular relationship of the liner 20a to an outer carton is illustrated in FIG. 16 where the liner is disposed within an outer carton 104, shown broken away to illustrate the clearance between the contoured radii 28a and the adjacent edges and corners of the outer carton 104, which not only provides adequate surface contact support for the walls of the container but prevents handling damage in shipment due to impact on the edges and corners of the outer carton.

While the preferred form of the container of either embodiment of the present invention is cubical, it will be understood that any suitable rectangular shape may be employed and, as before indicated, the container may be of collapsible material or rigid material while still maintaining the advantages of the contoured radii along all edges.

From the foregoing, it is believed that the invention may be readily understood by those skilled in the art without further description, it being borne in mind that numerous changes may be made in the details disclosed Without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In combination, an outer carton of substantially rectangular shape and a separable inner container, said inner container comprising a hollow body of a thermoplastic material of self-sustaining rigidity having integral top, bottom and side walls formed to substantially the inner shape of the outer carton, all junctions of adjacent respective top, bottom and side walls converging in contoured radii which bound the extremities of the container to thereby provide a clearance space between all inner corners and edges of said outer carton and the adjacent areas of said inner container.

2. In combination, an outer carton of substantially rectangular shape and a separable inner container, said inner container comprising a hollow body of a thermoplastic material of s'elf-sustanining rigidity, having seamless top, bottom and side wall portions, all junctions of adjacent top, bottom and Wall portions respectively converging in integral contoured radii forming a continuous boundary for the extremities of the container, devoid of sharp edges to thereby provide a clearance space between all inner corners and edges of said outer cart-on and the adjacent areas of said inner container.

3. In combination, an outer carton of substantially rectangular shape and bounded by substantially rectangular edges and joining corners, and a separable inner container, said inner container comprising a hollow body of a thermoplastic material of self-sustaining rigidity, having top, bottom and side wall portions formed to substantially the inner shape of the outer carton with their majo areas supported in surface contact with the adjacent wa1ls of said carton, all unctions of adjacent top, bottom a d id 7 Wall portions of said container converging in contoured radii whi-ch'bound'the extremities of the container to thereby provide a clearance space between allinner corners and edges of said outer carton and the adjacent areas of said inner container. p

' 4'. In combination, an outer carton of substantially rec'- tangular shape and 'a separable inner container, said inner container comprising a hollow body of a thermoplastic material of self-sustainingrigidity, having seamless top, bottom and side Wall portions, the'm ajor areas of which are supported in surface contact with the adjacent Walls of said outer carton, the junctions of all adjacent top, bottom and side wall'portions of said container respectively converging in integral contoured radii forming a continuous boundary for the extremities of the container, devoid of sharp edges to thereby provide a clearance space between all inner corners and edges of said outer carton and the adjacent areas of said inner container.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,831,610 Dennie Apr. 22,1958

2,857,947 Powers Oct. 28, 1958 2,861,718 Winzen Nov. 25, 1958 2,954,901 Winstead Oct. 4, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS France June 20, 1960

Claims (1)

1. IN COMBINATION, AN OUTER CARTON OF SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR SHAPE AND A SEPARABLE INNER CONTAINER, SAID INNER CONTAINER COMPRISING A HOLLOW BODY OF A THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL OF SELF-SUSTAINING RIGIDITY HAVING INTEGRAL TOP, BOTTOM AND SIDE WALLS FORMED TO SUBSTANTIALLY THE INNER SHAPE OF THE OUTER CARTON, ALL JUNCTIONS OF ADJACENT RESPECTIVE TOP, BOTTOM AND SIDE WALLS CONVERGING IN CONTOURED RADII WHICH BOUND THE EXTREMITIES OF THE CONTAINER TO THEREBY PROVIDE A CLEARANCE SPACE BETWEEN ALL INNER CORNERS AND EDGES OF SAID OUTER CARTON AND THE ADJACENT AREAS OF SAID INNER CONTAINER.

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