CLOSURE APPARATUS FOR A RECYCLABLE CONTAINER

Abstract

A container (100) includes a plurality of wall panels (110) that define an internal volume (138). The plurality of wall panels (110) include a front wall panel (112) that defines an opening (120). The container (100) further includes a lid (116) connected to one of the plurality of wall panels (110). The lid (116) includes a cover panel (118) and a front flap panel (114). The front flap panel (114) is defined by a flap fold line (142) and has a first surface (114a) and an opposing second surface (114b). The container (100) further includes a closure apparatus (130) affixed to the second surface (114b) of the front flap panel (114). The closure apparatus (130) is sized and shaped to be closely received with the opening (120) in the front wall panel (112). The closure apparatus (120) includes a cellulosic material.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a plurality of wall panels that define an internal volume, the plurality of wall panels comprising a front wall panel, the front wall panel defining an opening; a lid connected to one of the plurality of wall panels, the lid comprising a cover panel and a front flap panel defined by a flap fold line, the front flap panel having a first surface and an opposing second surface; and a closure apparatus affixed to the second surface of the front flap panel, the closure apparatus being sized and shaped to be closely received with the opening in the front wall panel, wherein the closure apparatus comprises a cellulosic material.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the closure apparatus is connected to the second surface with an adhesive.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the closure apparatus is integral with the front flap panel.

4. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the closure apparatus comprises a three-dimensional body having a plug portion.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein three-dimensional body comprises a base portion.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the plug portion is integral with the base portion such that it is a single, monolithic body.

7. The container of claim 5 or 6, wherein the base portion has a larger circumference than a circumference of the plug portion.

8. The container of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the three-dimensional body is substantially hollow in the plug portion.

9. The container of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the plug portion comprises a plurality of protrusions equidistantly spaced about a or the circumference of the plug portion.

10. The container of any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the plug portion comprises a lip portion.

11. The container of any of claims 4 to 10, wherein the three-dimensional body comprises a plurality of ribs extending radially from a central axis along a lateral axis.

12. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the front flap panel is hingedly connected to the lid of the plurality of wall panels along the flap fold line.

13. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of wall panels are biodegradable.

14. A closure apparatus for a container comprising a lid, the closure apparatus comprising a three-dimensional body comprised of cellulosic material, wherein the three-dimensional body is monolithic, and wherein the three-dimensional body comprises a plug portion.

15. The closure apparatus of claim 14, wherein the three-dimensional body further comprises a base portion.

16. The closure apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein the three-dimensional body further comprises a backpiece.

17. The closure apparatus of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the three-dimensional body further comprises a lip portion.

18. The closure apparatus of any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the three-dimensional body comprises a plurality of ribs extending radially from a central axis along a lateral axis.

19. The closure apparatus of any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the plug portion comprises a plurality of protrusions equidistantly spaced about a circumference of the plug portion.

20. The closure apparatus of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the plug portion comprises advertising indicia.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the container of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a closure apparatus;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the closure apparatus of FIG. 3;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of the closure apparatus of FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a closure apparatus;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the closure apparatus of FIG. 6;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view of the closure apparatus of FIG. 6;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a closure apparatus;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the closure apparatus of FIG. 9;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a side view of the closure apparatus of FIG. 9;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a closure apparatus;

[0021] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the closure apparatus of FIG. 12;

[0022] FIG. 14 is a side view of the closure apparatus of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples of the disclosed containers and closure apparatus. It will be understood that the disclosed examples are merely exemplary embodiments of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality of items may be referred to individually as the item and a plurality of items may be referred to collectively as the items. Moreover, as used herein, a feature, element, component, or step preceded with the word a or an should be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, components, or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.

[0024] Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure are provided below. Reference herein to example means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases an example, another example, one or more examples, and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, the subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, disclosed is a container 100. A blank 103 comprises a plurality of predefined fold lines 140 that define a plurality of wall panels 110. The plurality of wall panels 110 define the container 100. Any one of the fold lines of the plurality of predefined fold lines 140, as well as any other fold lines and/or hinge lines described here-in, may include any suitable predefined or preformed line of weakening and/or line of separation known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided, such as a crease, a score, a perforation, or the like. Generally, the plurality of predefined fold lines 140 provide a means to transform the blank 103 into a plurality of separate but integral wall panels and flaps. For example, one or more of the plurality of wall panels 110 are hingedly moved (e.g., rotated or folded) about an adjacent fold line from a flat configuration, or first configuration, to a constructed configuration, or second configuration, such that the plurality of wall panels 110 form the container 100.

[0026] The container 100 may be formed from or may include a cellulosic material. Various cellulosic materials may be used to manufacture the disclosed container 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of appropriate cellulosic materials useful as or in the container 100 include, but are not limited to, corrugated medium, liner board, solid bleached sulfate (SBS), unbleached kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard and folding boxboard (FBB).

[0027] Furthermore, the container 100 may have a caliper (thickness) ranging, for example, from about 4 points to about 30 points (0.004 inch to 0.030 inch). In one example, the caliper range is from about 8 points to about 16 points. In another example, the caliper range is from about 10 points to about 13 points.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of wall panels 110 include a front wall panel 112. The front wall panel 112 has at least one opening 120. In one example, the front wall panel 112 has at least two of the at least one opening 120. The at least one opening 120 is generally round.

[0029] Still referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of wall panels 110 include a lid 116. The lid 116 has a cover panel 118 and a front flap panel 114. The front flap panel 114 is defined by a flap fold line 142 of the plurality of predefined fold lines 140. The front flap panel 114 of the lid 116 has a first surface 114a and an opposing second surface 114b. In one example, the front flap panel 114 is hingedly connected to the lid 116 of the plurality of wall panels 110 along the flap fold line 142. The front flap panel 114 is shaped and sized to substantially align with the front wall panel 112 when hinged in a closed position such that they abut each other.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the front flap panel 114 comprises at least one closure apparatus 130. The closure apparatus 130 is substantially round about a central axis 139. The at least one closure apparatus 130 is located on the second surface 114b of the front flap panel 114. In one example, the at least one closure apparatus 130 is affixed to the second surface 114b of the front flap panel 114 with an adhesive. In another example, the at least one closure apparatus 130 is integral with the front flap panel 114 (i.c., the front flap panel 114 and the closure apparatus 130 are a single, monolithic body).

[0031] The at least one closure apparatus 130 is manufactured from a cellulosic material. Various cellulosic materials may be used as the disclosed at least one closure apparatus 130 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. General examples of appropriate cellulosic materials useful as or in the at least one closure apparatus 130 include, but are not limited to, fiberboard, pressed pulp, corrugated medium, liner board, solid bleached sulfate (SBS), unbleached kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard and folding boxboard (FBB). As one specific, non-limiting example, the disclosed closure apparatus 130 is manufactured from a paper pulp slurry. As another specific, non-limiting example, the disclosed closure apparatus 130 is manufactured from injection molded paper fiber.

[0032] The at least one closure apparatus 130 is aligned with the opening 120 of the front wall panel 112 and is sized and shaped to be closely received within the opening 120 of the front wall panel 112. The at least one closure apparatus 130 comprises a three-dimensional body 130a. The three-dimensional body 130a is approximately 1 mm thick to approximately 10 mm thick and has a circumference of approximately 18 mm to approximately 24 mm. In one example, the three-dimensional body 130a is approximately 4 mm thick to approximately 6 mm thick and has a circumference of approximately 20 mm to approximately 22 mm. The three-dimensional body 130a includes a plug portion 134. The plug portion 134 protrudes about a central axis 139 relative to the second surface 114b. The plug portion 134 has a circumference that extends laterally along a lateral axis 137.

[0033] In one example, the plug portion 134 is substantially hollow, see FIG. 3, such that a plug internal volume 138 is defined. The plug internal volume 138 extends along the central axis 139 between a base portion 132 and a lip portion 136. The plug internal volume 138 is substantially cylindrical.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, the base portion 132 has a larger circumference than the plug portion 134 and the lip portion 136. In another example, the base portion 132 has a circumference that is substantially the same as the circumference of the plug portion 134. In one example, the lip portion 136 is substantially rounded along its perimeter. In another example, the lip portion 136 is substantially beveled along its perimeter. Similarly, the base portion 132 may have a substantially rounded perimeter or a substantially beveled perimeter. In one example, the base portion 132, plug portion 135, and lip portion 136 are integral such that they are a single, monolithic body.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 5, the at least one closure apparatus 130 further includes a backpiece 190. The backpiece 190 is positioned between the base portion 132 and the second surface 114b of the front flap panel 114. In one example, the backpiece 190 is integral with the three-dimensional body 130a such that it is a single, monolithic body.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, disclosed is an example of a closure apparatus 150. The closure apparatus 150 is substantially round about a central axis 159. The closure apparatus 150 includes a three-dimensional body 150a having a plug portion 154. The plug portion 154 has an outer surface 154b and an inner surface 154a that abuts a base portion 152. In one example, the plug portion 154 comprises a plurality of protrusions 158. The plurality of protrusions 158 are equidistantly spaced apart a circumference of the plug portion 154.

[0037] In one example, the base portion 152 has a larger circumference than the plug portion 154 along a lateral axis 157. In another example, the base portion 152 has a circumference that is substantially the same as the circumference of the plug portion 154. The plug portion 154 is substantially hollow such that an internal volume 156a is defined. A plurality of ribs 156 extend radially from the central axis 159 along the lateral axis 157. In one example, the plurality of ribs 156 have a ramped configuration such that they are flush with the height of the plug portion 154 where they abut the plug portion 154 and slope to a shallower height where they meet along the central axis 159.

[0038] In one example the plug portion 154 along the outer surface 154b is substantially beveled along its perimeter. In another example, the plug portion 154 along the outer surface 154b is substantially rounded along its perimeter. Similarly, in one example, the base portion 152 is substantially beveled along its perimeter. Alternatively, the base portion 152 is substantially beveled along its perimeter.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 8, the closure apparatus 150 further includes a backpiece 190. The backpiece 190 is positioned between the base portion 152 and a second surface 114b of a front flap panel 114 of a container 100. In one example, the backpiece 190 is integral with the three-dimensional body 150a such that it is a single, monolithic body.

[0040] The closure apparatus 150 comprises a cellulosic material and is made from either a paper pulp slurry or injection molded paper fiber such that it is biodegradable. Various cellulosic materials may be used as the disclosed closure apparatus 150 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of appropriate materials useful as the closure apparatus 150 include, but are not limited to, corrugated medium, liner board, solid bleached sulfate (SBS), unbleached kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard and folding boxboard (FBB).

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, disclosed is an example of a closure apparatus 160. The closure apparatus 160 is substantially round about a central axis 169. The closure apparatus 160 includes a three-dimensional body 160a having a plug portion 164. The three-dimensional body 160a further includes a base portion 162 and a lip portion 166. In one example, the circumference of the base portion 162 is larger than the circumference of the plug portion 164. In another example, the circumference of the base portion 162 is substantially the same as the circumference of the plug portion 164.

[0042] In one example, the plug portion 164 is substantially hollow such that a plug internal volume 168a is defined. The plug internal volume 168a extends along the central axis 169 between the base portion 162 and the lip portion 166. The plug portion 164 comprises a plurality of protrusions 168. The plurality of protrusions 168 are equidistantly spaced apart around a circumference of the plug portion 164 and extend along a lateral axis 167.

[0043] In one example the lip portion 166 is substantially beveled along its perimeter. In another example, the lip portion 166 is substantially rounded along its perimeter. Similarly, in one example, the base portion 162 is substantially beveled along its perimeter. Alternatively, the base portion 162 is substantially beveled along its perimeter.

[0044] The closure apparatus 160 comprises a cellulosic material and is made from either a paper pulp slurry or injection molded paper fiber such that it is biodegradable. Various cellulosic substrates may be used as the disclosed closure apparatus 160 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of appropriate materials useful as the closure apparatus 160 include, but are not limited to, corrugated medium, liner board, solid bleached sulfate (SBS), unbleached kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard and folding boxboard (FBB).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, disclosed is an example of a closure apparatus 170. The closure apparatus 170 is substantially round about a central axis 179. The closure apparatus 170 includes a three-dimensional body 170a having a plug portion 174. The three-dimensional body 170a further includes a lip portion 176 and a base portion 172. In one example, the circumference of the base portion 172 is larger than the circumference of the plug portion 174. In another example, the circumference of the base portion 172 is substantially the same as the circumference of the plug portion 174.

[0046] The plug portion 174 extends laterally along a lateral axis 177. In one example, the plug portion 174 is substantially hollow such that a plug internal volume 178 is defined. The plug internal volume 178 extends along the central axis 179 between the base portion 172 and the lip portion 176.

[0047] In one example the lip portion 176 is substantially beveled along its perimeter. In another example, the lip portion 176 is substantially rounded along its perimeter. Similarly, in one example, the base portion 172 is substantially beveled along its perimeter. Alternatively, the base portion 172 is substantially beveled along its perimeter.

[0048] In one example, the closure apparatus 170 comprises advertising indicia 178a. The advertising indicia 178a may be located within the plug internal volume 178 of the plug portion 174. In one example, the advertising indicia 178a is embossed. In another example, the advertising indicia 178a is printed.

[0049] The closure apparatus 170 comprises a cellulosic material and is made from either a paper pulp slurry or injection molded paper fiber such that it is biodegradable. Various cellulosic substrates may be used as the disclosed closure apparatus 170 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of appropriate materials useful as the closure apparatus 170 include, but are not limited to, corrugated medium, liner board, solid bleached sulfate (SBS), unbleached kraft, cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard and folding boxboard (FBB).

[0050] Although various examples of the disclosed container and closure apparatus have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.