IMPROVEMENTS IN INTEGRAL DOUBLE-WALLED CONTAINERS

Abstract

A double-walled container apparatus 12 with the structure of two integrally connected and adjacent containers 14 and 15 extending in the same direction with an air gap 16 between them, formed as a single body out of thermoformable material, and of a thin-walled nature suitable for mass-production, and whereby at least one or more apertures 13 are formed in at least one or more container walls to enable egression of fluids. A double-walled container apparatus 12 may have an upper lid 18 and/or a double-walled container apparatus 12 may have a lower lid 20.

Claims

1. A double-walled container apparatus with the structure of two integrally connected and adjacent containers extending in the same direction with an air gap between them, formed as a single body out of thermoformable material, and of a thin-walled nature suitable for mass-production, and whereby at least one or more apertures are formed in at least one or more container walls to enable egression of fluids.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one or more apertures are formed in at least one container wall in the region of the air gap to enable unwanted fluids in the air gap to egress

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one or more apertures are formed in at least one container wall adjacent to any means of air gap sealing in order to minimise the potential of unwanted fluids entering into the air gap.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one or more apertures are formed in the container inner wall to enable fluids in the storage portion of the container to egress.

5. An aperture according to all previous claims, wherein the means of addition of any one or more apertures may include, but are by no means limited to punching, drilling, routing, heat staking, laser cutting, cutting by any sharp edge, any combination thereof, or by any other means apparent to those versed in the art.

6. An aperture according to all previous claims, wherein the one or more apertures may be of any shape or form, in any location or locations, in geometric and/or non-geometric patterns, or any combination thereof.

7. An aperture according to all previous claims, wherein the one or more apertures may be flush with the container wall surface, recessed into the container wall surface, protrude outwards from the container wall surface, or any combination thereof for any means or purpose.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0135] Examples of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings which:

[0136] FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional cross-section view of an integral double-walled container with at least one aperture in a wall in the region of the air gap according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0137] FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional full view of the same integral double-walled container of FIG. 1 with at least one aperture in a wall in the region of the air gap;

[0138] FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional cross-section view of an integral double-walled container with at least one aperture in a wall adjacent to air gap sealing means in a contents-opening downwards disposition according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0139] FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional full view of the same integral double-walled container of FIG. 3 with at least one aperture in a wall adjacent to air gap sealing means in a contents-opening downwards disposition;

[0140] FIG. 5 shows a three-dimensional cross-section view of an integral double-walled container in the form of a bowl with at least one aperture in a wall and with upper and lower lids according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0141] FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional cross-section view of an integral double-walled container in the form of a plant pot with at least one aperture in a wall according to the same third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0142] It will be appreciated that terminology such as “downwards” and “outwards”, “upper” and “lower” etc. as used in this specification refer to the orientations shown in the drawings and orientations obvious to those versed in the art. The terms are used to indicate relative orientations but should not be considered to be otherwise limiting.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 1, a three-dimensional cross-section view of an integral double-walled container 1 with at least one wall aperture 6 in the region of the air gap 4 is depicted according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] The integral double-walled container 1 as depicted has the structure of two integrally connected and adjacent containers 2 and 3 extending in the same direction with an air gap 4 between them, formed as a single body out of thermoforming material, and of a thin-walled nature suitable for mass-production, and whereby at least one or more apertures 6 are formed in at least one container wall in the region of the air gap 4 to enable unwanted fluids in the air gap 4 to egress.

[0145] Typically, the build-up of unwanted fluids in an air gap 4 are due to automatic machine washing and/or hand-washing of integral double-walled containers prior to reuse. Particularly with automatic machine washing, containers are typically placed contents-opening in a downwards direction thereby exposing any potential accessway into the air gap 4 to the ingression of water during the wash cycle (not depicted).

[0146] While means to seal closed the air gap 4 may be employed, such as by means of rib-features 5 at least partially or fully closing off the air gap 4 (as depicted), the application of any known welding techniques, the application of additional sealing elements or sealants of any known form, or any combination thereof, unwanted fluid may still find its way into the air gap 4.

[0147] Obviously if there is a pathway for unwanted fluid to enter an air gap 4, equally there is means of fluid egression, however by providing at least one or more apertures 6 in at least one wall of an integral double-walled container 1 in the region of the air gap 4, more efficient means of fluid egression is provided.

[0148] It is preferable for the means of addition of the one or more apertures 6 in an integral double-walled container 1 wall to not cause any reduction in production-line throughput. The addition of the one or more wall apertures 6 may be: [0149] During the actual forming process of the integral double-walled container, or [0150] As a separate step after the formation of the integral double-walled container.

[0151] The means of addition of the one or more wall apertures 6 in the region of the air gap 4 may include, but is by no means limited to: [0152] Punching, [0153] Drilling, [0154] Routing, [0155] Heat staking, [0156] Laser cutting, [0157] Cutting by any sharp edge, [0158] Any combination thereof, [0159] Or by any other means apparent to those versed in the art.

[0160] The one or more apertures 6 may be of any shape or form, in any location or locations, in geometric and/or non-geometric patterns, or any combination thereof.

[0161] The one or more apertures 6 may be in an outer wall 2, an inner wall 3, or any combination thereof. The preferred wall for one or more apertures 6 is the outer wall 2 as depicted.

[0162] The one or more apertures 6 may be flush with the container wall surface (as depicted), recessed into the container wall surface, protrude outwards from the container wall surface, or any combination thereof for any means or purpose.

[0163] An integral double-walled container 1 with at least one aperture 6 for the egression of unwanted fluid build-up within the air gap 4 may have means of engagement of one or more lids. One lid (not depicted) may engage with and at least partially seal the upper opening through which contents are introduced into the container 7. One lid (not depicted) may engage with and at least partially seal any lower bottom opening 8 of an integral double-walled container.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 2, the same integral double-walled container 1 of FIG. 1 is depicted as a three-dimensional full view in order to better illustrate the at least one container wall aperture 6.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 3, a three-dimensional cross-section view of an integral double-walled container 9 is depicted in a contents-opening 7 disposed downwards direction with at least one aperture 11 adjacent to air gap sealing means 5 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention

[0166] The integral double-walled container 9 as depicted has the structure of two integrally connected and adjacent containers 2 and 3 extending in the same direction with an air gap 4 between them, formed as a single body out of thermoformable material, and of a thin-walled nature suitable for mass-production, and whereby at least one or more apertures 11 are formed in at least one container wall adjacent to any means of air gap sealing 5 in order to minimise the potential of unwanted fluids entering into the air gap 4.

[0167] Typically, the build-up of unwanted fluids in the air gap 4 are due to automatic machine washing and/or hand-washing of integral double-walled containers 9 prior to reuse. Particularly with automatic machine washing, containers are typically placed contents-opening 7 in a downwards direction as depicted, thereby exposing the accessway into the air gap 4 to the ingression of water during the wash cycle.

[0168] Particular with automatic machine washing, this downwards direction disposition provides the possibility of fluid build-up in the lower bottom recess area 10 of an integral double-walled container 9 during the wash cycle and thereby increases the opportunity for unwanted fluid egression into the air gap 4.

[0169] While means to seal closed the air gap 4 may be employed, such as by means of rib-features 5 at least partially or fully closing off the air gap (as depicted), the application of any known welding techniques, the application of additional sealing elements or sealants of any known form, or any combination thereof, unwanted fluid may still find its way into the air gap 4.

[0170] By providing at least one or more apertures 11 adjacent to air gap sealing means 5, fluid build-up in the bottom recess region 10 of air gap sealing means 5 is minimised and thereby in-turn, fluid egression into the air gap 4 is also minimised.

[0171] It is preferable for the means of addition of the one or more apertures 11 in an integral double-walled container 9 wall to not cause any reduction in production-line throughput. The addition of the one or more wall apertures 11 may be: [0172] During the actual forming process of the integral double-walled container, or [0173] As a separate step after the formation of the integral double-walled container.

[0174] The means of addition of the one or more wall apertures 11 in the region of air gap sealing means 5 may include, but are by no means limited to: [0175] Punching, [0176] Drilling, [0177] Routing, [0178] Heat staking, [0179] Laser cutting, [0180] Cutting by any sharp edge, [0181] Any combination thereof, [0182] Or by any other means apparent to those versed in the art.

[0183] The one or more apertures 11 may be of any shape or form, in any location or locations, in geometric and/or non-geometric patterns, or any combination thereof.

[0184] The one or more apertures 11 may be in an outer wall 2, an inner wall 3, or any combination thereof. The preferred wall for one or more apertures 11 is the outer wall 2 as depicted.

[0185] The one or more apertures 11 may be flush with the container wall surface (as depicted), recessed into the container wall surface, protrude outwards from the container wall surface, or any combination thereof for any means or purpose.

[0186] An integral double-walled container 9 with at least one wall aperture 11 in the region of air gap sealing means 5 in order to minimise unwanted fluid ingressing into the air gap 4 may have means of engagement of one or more lids. One lid (not depicted) may engage with and at least partially seal the upper opening through which contents are introduced into the container 7. One lid (not depicted) may engage with and at least partially seal any lower bottom opening 8 of an integral double-walled container 9.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 4, the same integral double-walled container 9 of FIG. 3 is depicted as a three-dimensional full view in order to better illustrate the at least one container wall aperture 11.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 5, a three-dimensional cross-section view of an integral double-walled container in the form of a bowl 12 is depicted with at least one aperture 13 in at least one wall is depicted according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0189] The integral double-walled container as depicted 12 has the structure of two integrally connected and adjacent containers 14 and 15 extending in the same direction with an air gap 16 between them, formed as a single body out of thermoformable material, and of a thin-walled nature suitable for mass-production, and whereby at least one or more apertures 13 are formed in at least one container wall to enable unwanted fluids in the storage portion of the container 17 to egress.

[0190] Typically, the build-up of unwanted fluids in the storage portion of a container 17 are due to means that include: [0191] Retained fluids, such as by example water, remaining on food surfaces due to washing prior to storage, [0192] Juices emanating out of food in storage, [0193] A combination thereof, or [0194] Any other source of fluid build-up obvious to those versed in the art.

[0195] By whatever means the fluid is derived, ultimately the effect is the same—the contents in storage experiences accelerated deterioration, such as the likes of food discolouration and/or rotting etc.

[0196] It is preferable for the means of addition of the one or more apertures 13 in an integral double-walled container wall to not cause any reduction in production-line throughput. The addition of the one or more wall apertures 13 may be: [0197] During the actual forming process of the integral double-walled container, or [0198] As a separate step after the formation of the integral double-walled container.

[0199] The means of addition of the one or more wall apertures 13 may include, but are by no means limited to: [0200] Punching, [0201] Drilling, [0202] Routing, [0203] Heat staking, [0204] Laser cutting, [0205] Cutting by any sharp edge, [0206] Any combination thereof, [0207] Or by any other means apparent to those versed in the art.

[0208] The one or more apertures 13 may be of any shape or form, in any location or locations, in geometric and/or non-geometric patterns, or any combination thereof.

[0209] The one or more apertures 13 may be in an outer wall 14, an inner wall 15, or any combination thereof. The preferred wall for one or more apertures 13 is the inner wall 15 as depicted.

[0210] The one or more apertures 13 may be flush with the container wall surface (as depicted), recessed into the container wall surface, protrude outwards from the container wall surface, or any combination thereof for any means or purpose.

[0211] An integral double-walled container 12 with at least one wall aperture 13 for the egression of unwanted fluid build-up may have means of engagement of one or more lids. One upper lid 18 may engage with and at least partially seal the upper opening through which contents are introduced into the container 19. One lower lid 20 may engage with and at least partially seal the lower bottom opening 21 of an integral double-walled container 12.

[0212] The addition of a lower lid 20 adjacent to the bottom opening 21 of an integral double-walled container 12 may serve the purpose of at least partially sealing of the air gap 16 thereby providing a catchment area 22 for any unwanted fluids as they egress out of the storage portion of the container 17 by means of the at least one or more apertures 13.

[0213] This provision of a catchment area 22 might be advantageous during both point-of-sale as well as home-storage applications for food related items in that the egression of unwanted fluids is isolated from the food in storage until released by a user, and for the likes of fruit juices as by example only, enables a user to collect and retain the fluid for other purpose if so desired, without causing damage to the stored contents.

[0214] Lids may be of any known means to at least partially seal off the air gap 16, including but not limited to: [0215] Physical lids 18 and 20 as depicted, [0216] Thin-walled membranes that attach by any known means including gluing, heat welding or ultrasonic welding, [0217] The placing of the whole integral double-walled container 12 in a separate sealed environment such as in a plastic bag or the like, [0218] Any combination thereof, [0219] Or any other means of sealing obvious to those versed in the art.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 6, a three-dimensional cross-section view of an integral double-walled container in the form of a plant pot 23 is depicted with at least one aperture 24 in at least one wall is depicted according to the same third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0221] The integral double-walled container as depicted 23 has the structure of two integrally connected and adjacent containers 25 and 26 extending in the same direction with an air gap 27 between them, formed as a single body out of thermoformable material, and of a thin-walled nature suitable for mass-production, and whereby at least one or more apertures 24 are formed in at least one container wall to enable fluids in the storage portion of the container 28 to egress.

[0222] For the likes of plant pots, fluids such as water are not unwanted, however for long-term plant health, means of drainage of fluids out of the container storage area 28 is a necessary part of plant protection.

[0223] It is preferable for the means of addition of the one or more apertures 24 in an integral double-walled container 23 wall to not cause any reduction in production-line throughput. The addition of the one or more wall apertures 24 may be: [0224] During the actual forming process of the integral double-walled container, or [0225] As a separate step after the formation of the integral double-walled container.

[0226] The means of addition of the one or more wall apertures 24 may include, but are by no means limited to: [0227] Punching, [0228] Drilling, [0229] Routing, [0230] Heat staking, [0231] Laser cutting, [0232] Cutting by any sharp edge, [0233] Any combination thereof, [0234] Or by any other means apparent to those versed in the art.

[0235] The one or more apertures 24 may be of any shape or form, in any location or locations, in geometric and/or non-geometric patterns, or any combination thereof.

[0236] The one or more apertures 24 may be in an outer wall 25, an inner wall 26, or any combination thereof. The preferred wall for one or more apertures 24 is the inner wall 26 as depicted.

[0237] The one or more apertures 24 may be flush with the container wall surface (as depicted), recessed into the container wall surface, protrude outwards from the container wall surface, or any combination thereof for any means or purpose.

[0238] It will be apparent to those versed in the art that any combination of the preferred embodiments as taught are equally possible.

[0239] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0240] Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Any one or more elements that comprise any embodiment may equally be combined in any order into further embodiments readily apparent to those versed in the art.