CONTAINERS AND SYSTEMS FOR MATERIAL TRANSPORT AND STORAGE

Description

FIELD

The present subject matter relates to containers for a wide array of materials. In certain versions, the containers are particularly configured for use in nested and/or stacked container systems. In addition, the present subject matter relates to container systems in which the containers are selectively positioned within a larger vessel. The present subject matter also relates to methods of use of the containers and/or the container systems.

BACKGROUND

Throughout history, the evolution of nested containers has been shaped by diverse needs, ranging from ancient practices to modern industrial applications. In ancient civilizations, people ingeniously employed nested baskets, jars, and vessels for the storage and transportation of various goods. These early forms of nested containers demonstrated a rudimentary understanding of spatial efficiency and practicality.

As societies progressed, particularly during the industrial revolution, traditional nested boxes gained popularity. These boxes were designed to fit within each other, a practice that not only facilitated storage and transportation but also marked an early step towards standardized packaging. The materials used in nested containers also evolved, with metal, plastic, and glass becoming prevalent during the era of industrialization. This transition offered increased durability and versatility in meeting the demands of various industries.

In the context of the food and beverage industry, nested containers took on a crucial role. Plastic or glass containers designed to nest within each other became commonplace for packaging liquids such as sauces, condiments, and beverages. These containers not only served functional purposes but also provided a visually appealing and organized way to present products on store shelves.

Advancements in design have played a significant role in shaping nested container systems. Features such as secure lids, pour spouts, and handles have been incorporated to enhance functionality and user convenience. The integration of ergonomic design elements has contributed to the ease of handling and pouring, making nested containers more user-friendly.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist in currently known nested container systems. Leakage and spillage during transportation remain a concern, especially if the sealing mechanisms are not robust. Additionally, difficulties in cleaning arise when nested containers have intricate shapes or narrow openings, leading to hygiene issues and potential contamination.

Furthermore, not all nested containers are optimized for efficient stacking, which can result in wasted storage space. Material compatibility is another challenge, as certain liquids may react with the container materials, leading to degradation or compromising the integrity of the stored materials. Moreover, the environmental impact of single-use nested containers has become a pressing issue, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable practices.

Desirable improvements in nested container systems encompass several aspects. Enhanced sealing mechanisms are essential to prevent leaks and spillage during transportation, ensuring the safe and secure delivery of liquids. The incorporation of features that facilitate easy cleaning, such as removable parts or wide openings, addresses hygiene concerns and promotes maintenance.

Efficient stacking is crucial for optimizing storage space, and innovations in design should focus on creating containers that are stackable without sacrificing stability. The use of sustainable materials in manufacturing addresses environmental concerns associated with single-use containers, promoting a more eco-friendly approach to packaging.

In summary, although various known nested containers are satisfactory in certain respects, a need remains for improvements of such systems and associated containers. In particular, needs exist for improved containers and container systems adopted for use in laboratory and industrial applications. While recent innovations have led to functional and aesthetically pleasing designs, challenges persist in terms of leakage, cleaning, stackability, material compatibility, and environmental impact. Addressing these challenges through enhanced design, materials, and manufacturing processes can pave the way for more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly nested container systems in the future.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present subject matter provides an angled container comprising a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The container also comprises a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. And, the container further comprises a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls define an interior region. The container also comprises a selectively removable cap assembly providing selective access to the interior region of the container. And, the container further comprises at least one compression rib extending along a majority of the height of the container, wherein the rib provides increased load bearing capacity of the container.

In another aspect, the present subject matter provides an angled container comprising a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The container also comprises a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls, and a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls define an interior region. The top wall defines a first locating boss and the bottom wall defines a second locating boss. The second locating boss is positioned on the bottom wall such that if the angled container is stacked on a second identical angled container having the first and second locating bosses, the second locating boss mates with and contacts a first locating boss of the second identical angled container.

In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides an angled container comprising a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The container also comprises a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls, and a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls define an interior region. The top wall includes an upwardly extending handle, and the bottom wall defines a recessed tunnel extending along at least a portion of the bottom wall, wherein the depth of the tunnel is greater than the height of the handle.

In still another aspect, the present subject matter provides a container system comprising a first angled container including a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The first container also includes a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls, and a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The bottom wall defines a recessed tunnel. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls define an interior region. The container system also comprises a second angled container including a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The second container also includes a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The top wall includes an upwardly extending handle. The second container also includes a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls of the second container define a second interior region. The recessed tunnel of the first container has a depth greater than the height of the handle of the second container. The tunnel is located along the bottom wall of the first container such that if the first container is stacked on the second container, the handle of the second container is received within the tunnel of the first container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a container in accordance with the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an inner side view of the container depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an outer side view of the container depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a first planar side view of the container depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a second planar side view of the container in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a closure assembly used in the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the container depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the container depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a container in accordance with the present subject matter.

FIG. 10 is an inner side view of the container depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a planar side view of the container depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a nested and stacked container system in accordance with the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present subject matter provides various angled containers and container systems that facilitate transport and storage of a wide array of materials. The containers and container systems are particularly adapted for transport and storage of laboratory or industrial liquids or other non-solid materials. However, the containers of the present subject matter are not limited to such and can be used with solid materials particularly in granular or particulate form. The containers are uniquely configured to enable selective placement in storage vessels, such as for example conventional 55 gallon cylindrical drums. The containers can be positioned in such drums in a plurality of rows or levels, such that each row or level comprises multiple containers. The containers can also be positioned in such drums in a stacked configuration in which one or more rows or levels of containers are placed on top of a lower row or level of containers. The terms “stack”, “stacked”, or similar variations thereof refer to positioning a container on top of another container such that the containers are fittingly engaged with each other. In many versions, the weight of the top container is fully supported by a lower corresponding container. However, as described herein, the present subject matter includes versions in which a lower container supports only a portion of an upper container. The terms “align”, “aligned”, or similar variations thereof refer to positioning multiple containers adjacent one another to form a row or common layer of the containers. When positioned in such a configuration, adjacent containers may and in many versions do, contact each other and particularly along their planar walls. Furthermore, containers in such an aligned configuration are oriented such that an arcuate wall of each container is directed outward. The terms “nest”, “nested”, or similar variations thereof refer to a configuration in which one or more containers reside within a larger vessel. The nested configurations described herein typically exhibit relatively high packing efficiencies. These terms are further described herein and illustrated by reference to noted figures.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an embodiment of an angled container 2 in accordance with the present subject matter. The container 2 comprises a first generally planar wall 10, a second generally planar wall 20, and an arcuate wall 30 extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls 10, 20. The container 2 also comprises a top wall 40 extending between the first wall 10, the second wall 20, and the arcuate wall 30. The container 2 also comprises a bottom wall 50 extending between the first wall 10, the second wall 20, and the arcuate wall 30. The walls 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 define an interior region 60.

The containers of the present subject matter exhibit an angle between the first and second planar walls 10, 20. This angle, shown in FIG. 7 as angle A, ranges from 180° to about 10°. Preferably, angle A is an angle selected from 180°, 120°, 90°, 72°, 60°, 45°, 40°, and 36°. However, it will be understood that the angle A can be angles other than the angles described herein. Angle A for the container 2 is preferably 60°.

In many versions, the container 2 also comprises a cap assembly 70. The cap assembly 70 includes an outwardly extending neck 72 projecting from the container 2 and preferably the top wall 40. In many versions, the neck 72 is cylindrical in shape and defines a threaded region 74. The cap assembly 70 also includes a removable cap 76, which may also define a threaded region 78 configured to sealingly engage and/or mate with the threaded region 74 of the neck 72. The cap assembly enables access to the interior region 60 of the container 2. The present subject matter containers are not limited to the use of threaded cap closure assemblies. Instead, a wide array of closure assemblies can be used such as lids, doors or panels, hinged or detachable, lip and groove members, threaded closure assemblies, zippered closure systems, and the like.

Preferably, the container 2 also comprises at least one compression rib 80 extending along a majority of the height of the container 2. In many versions, one or more compression ribs are provided along the interface region(s) between (i) the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 shown as ribs 80a; (ii) the second wall 20 and the arcuate wall 30 shown as ribs 80b; and/or (iii) the arcuate wall 30 and the first wall 10 shown as ribs 80c. The compression ribs 80 (including 80a, 80b, and 80c) serve to provide additional support and loading capacity for the container 2 such as when additional containers are stacked or otherwise placed on top of the container 2. The compression ribs typically include a thickened wall region or portion of added wall material to thereby provide the noted support and loading capacity. In certain versions, the compression ribs 80 can include other materials than the material of the container which is generally polymeric. The compression ribs may be in the form of recessed regions or outwardly extending bulges in the wall(s) in which the recessed or extended wall region has the same thickness as adjacent wall regions free of rib(s). Each compression rib 80 defines a top end 82, a bottom end 86, and a generally linear length portion 84 extending between the ends 82, 84. FIG. 1 depicts a typical rib such as 80a with such ends 82a, 86a and length portion 84a. The compression rib(s) provide increased load bearing capacity of the container.

In many versions, the container 2 includes one or more first bosses 90 on or provided along the top wall 40, and one or more second bosses 92 on or provided along the bottom wall 50. The second bosses 92 are positioned on the bottom wall 50 such that if the container 2 is stacked on another container 2′ having such bosses 90, 92, the second locating bosses 92 of the container 2 mate with and contact the first locating bosses 90 of the other lower container 2′. FIGS. 1-7 illustrate first bosses 90 along the top wall 40 of the container 2. FIG. 8 illustrates second bosses 92 along the bottom wall 50 of the container 2. The bosses 90, 92 can be in a wide array of forms and structures. In a preferred form, one of the bosses or set(s) of bosses are in the form of outwardly extending projections, and the other boss or set(s) of bosses are in the form of recessed sized and shaped to mate with and contact the other corresponding boss(es).

In many versions, the container 2 includes a handle 110, and preferably a recessed tunnel 120 defined at a region opposite that of the handle 110. Referring to the noted figures, container 2 includes an upwardly extending handle 110 projecting outward from the top wall 40. In this version, the bottom wall 50 defines a recessed tunnel 120 located and configured along the bottom wall 50 such that upon stacking with another identical container, the tunnel 120 receives and mates with the handle of the other container. FIGS. 3 and 8 illustrate the recessed tunnel 120 defined by the bottom wall 50. The present subject matter includes handles having a wide array of forms, shapes, and/or locations on the container. In addition, it is contemplated that the container could include one or more handles or gripping regions formed as recesses along wall(s) of the container such as walls 10, 20. Such handles may facilitate orienting the container to pour contents from the container. Such handles can also serve as secondary handles and be provided in conjunction with a primary handle along the top wall such as handle 110. In certain versions, the handle 110 can include a recessed region shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 as a lifting notch 111. The lifting notch 111 is preferably located near a center axis of the container.

The tunnel 120 can further include a cap receiving region 125 sized and dimensioned to receive the outwardly extending cap assembly 70 and/or cap 76 of another identical container when stacked therewith. The cap receiving region 125 is shown in FIG. 8.

In many versions, this mating arrangement between tunnel and handle is facilitated by the depth of the tunnel 120 being greater than the height of the handle 110. These heights are taken with regard to an adjacent surface region of a corresponding top wall or the bottom wall.

In a particular embodiment, it is preferred that the maximum height of the handle 110 and/or the outermost region of the cap 76 wherein threadedly engaged with the neck 72, extend above the maximum height of the top wall 40. This configuration is depicted in FIG. 4. Referring to that figure, the maximum height of the handle 110 extends above the maximum height of the top wall 40, shown as distance H. The outermost region of the cap 76 extends above the maximum height of the top wall 40, shown as distance C. In a particular version, the maximum height of the handle 110, i.e., H, is greater than the maximum height of the cap 76, i.e., C. Thus, in such versions H>C. However, it will be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to this particular version and includes various other containers with different relationships between heights of components.

The container 2 can include additional aspects and components. For example, a collection of graduations or markings 130 can be provided along any of the walls 10, 20, and/or 30. Preferably, the graduations or markings are provided along the arcuate wall 30 and arranged to provide an indication of fill level of the container 2. FIG. 3 illustrates a collection of graduations 130 along the arcuate wall 30. Typically, such graduations are evenly spaced and provide indications of volume within the interior of the container as measured from the bottom wall. One or more label panel(s) 140 can be provided along any of the walls 10, 20, 30, 40, and/or 50. Preferably, label panel(s) 140 are provided on the first and/or second walls 10, 20. The label panels 140 are configured to receive labels such as adhesive labels containing identifying text or information. The container 2 also comprises one or more feet 150 along the bottom wall 50. FIG. 8 illustrates a version in which four feet 150 are disposed along and extend outward from the bottom wall 50.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another embodiment of an angled container 202 in accordance with the present subject matter. The angled container 202 generally corresponds to and includes the same components and features of the previously described container 2, however differing in height. The container 202 comprises a first generally planar wall 210, a second generally planar wall 220, and an arcuate wall 230 extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls 210, 220. The container 202 also comprises a top wall 240 extending between the first wall 210, the second wall 220, and the arcuate wall 230. The container 202 also comprises a bottom wall 250 extending between the first wall 210, the second wall 220, and the arcuate wall 230. The walls 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 define an interior region 260.

In many versions, the container 202 also comprises a cap assembly 270. The cap assembly 270 includes an outwardly extending neck 272 projecting from the container 202 and preferably the top wall 240. In many versions, the neck 272 is cylindrical in shape and defines a threaded region 274. The cap assembly 270 also includes a removable cap (not shown), which can be previously described cap 70. Upon removal of the cap, access to the interior 260 is permitted.

Preferably, the container 202 also comprises at least one compression rib 280 extending along a majority of the height of the container 202. In many versions, one or more compression ribs are provided along the interface region(s) between (i) the first wall 210 and the second wall 220; (ii) the second wall 220 and the arcuate wall 230; and/or (iii) the arcuate wall 230 and the first wall 210. As previously described, the compression ribs 280 serve to provide additional support and loading capacity for the container 202 such as when additional containers are stacked or otherwise placed on top of the container 202. The compression ribs typically include a thickened wall region or portion of added wall material to thereby provide the noted support and loading capacity. In certain versions, the compression ribs 280 can include other materials than the material of the container which is generally polymeric. The compression ribs 280 are preferably as previously described ribs 80.

In many versions, the container 202 includes one or more first bosses 290 on or provided along the top wall 240, and one or more second bosses (not shown) on or provided along the bottom wall 250. The second bosses are positioned on the bottom wall 250 such that if the container 202 is stacked on another container (not shown) having such first and second bosses, the second locating bosses of the container 202 mate with and contact the first locating bosses of the other container. FIGS. 9-11 illustrate first bosses 290 along the top wall 240 of the container 290.

In many versions, the container 202 includes a handle 310, and preferably a recessed tunnel (not shown) defined at a region opposite that of the handle 310. Referring to the noted figures, container 202 includes an upwardly extending handle 310 projecting outward from the top wall 240. In this version, the bottom wall 250 defines a recessed tunnel located and configured along the bottom wall 250 such that upon stacking with another identical container, the tunnel receives and mates with the handle of the other container. As previously described, the handle 310 can optionally include a recessed region shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 as a lifting notch 311. The lifting notch 311 is preferably located near a center axis of the container.

As previously described in conjunction with container 2, the tunnel can further include a cap receiving region sized and dimensioned to receive the outwardly extending cap assembly and/or cap of another identical container when stacked therewith. In many versions, this mating arrangement is facilitated by the depth of the tunnel being greater than the height of the handle. These heights are taken with regard to a majority surface region of a corresponding top wall or the bottom wall. In a particular embodiment, it is preferred that the maximum height of the handle 310 and/or the outermost region of the cap, extend above the maximum height of the top wall 240. This configuration is as described in association with container 2 and depicted in FIG. 4.

The container 202 can include additional aspects and components. For example, a collection of graduations or markings (not shown) can be provided along any of the walls 210, 220, and/or 230. Preferably, the graduations or markings are provided along the arcuate wall 230 and arranged to provide an indication of fill level of the container 202. One or more label panel(s) 340 can be provided along any of the walls 210, 220, 230, 240, and/or 250. Preferably, label panel(s) 340 are provided on the first and/or second walls 210, 220. The label panels 340 are configured to receive labels such as adhesive labels containing identifying text or information. The container 202 also comprises one or more feet 350 along the bottom wall 250. FIG. 9 illustrates a version in which four feet 350 are disposed along and extend outward from the bottom wall 250.

The containers of the present subject matter can be formed from a wide array of materials. In many versions, the containers are formed from polymeric materials. In certain preferred versions, the containers are formed by blow molding operation(s). However, it will be understood that the containers can be formed by other methods and are not limited to that particular technique. In certain versions and particularly for containers formed by blow molding, reinforced seams can be provided along parting lines of the molded container. FIG. 9 illustrates a representative example of a reinforced seam 313 located under the handle. Such reinforced seams can be located along other region(s) of the container such as along a bottom wall for example. Incorporation of reinforced seams can be implemented in nearly any of the present subject matter containers and is not limited to the container 202 depicted in FIG. 9.

The present subject matter also provides container systems using the containers described herein. The container systems comprise one or more, and preferably a plurality of the noted angled containers. In certain versions, the container systems comprise a plurality of angled containers positioned within a larger container or vessel that may for example be a cylindrical drum. In these versions, the angled containers can be arranged in a nested configuration within the vessel that promotes packing efficiency of the angled containers within the vessel.

FIG. 12 is a schematic side illustration of an embodiment of a nested container system 400 in accordance with the present subject matter. The system 400 comprises a first angled container such as previously described container 2, and a second angled container such as previously described container 2, shown in FIG. 12 as 2′. The container system 400 further comprises a vessel 410 defining an interior 412, within which are positioned the containers 2 and 2′. The vessel 410 depicted in FIG. 12 is a cylindrical drum. The vessel includes a circumferential wall 420 extending between a top wall 430 and a bottom wall 440. Typically, the top wall 430 is removable in whole or in part from the circumferential wall 420, to enable access to the interior 412 of the vessel 410. Alternatively or in addition, the top wall 420 includes an assembly enabling access to the interior 412. The containers 2 and 2′ are shown in a stacked arrangement in which one container is fittingly placed on and supported by the other container. In this stacked arrangement, the handle (not shown) of the lowermost container 2′ is received within the tunnel (not shown) of the upper container 2. And, the cap 76′ of the lowermost container 2′ is received within the region 125 of the upper container 2. Furthermore, in this stacked arrangement, the first locating boss(es) (not shown) of the top wall of the container 2′ is matingly received in or with the second locating boss(es) (not shown) of the container 2.

Depending upon the relative heights of the containers 2 and 2′, two or more rows of containers can be positioned or nested within the interior 412 of the vessel 410. FIG. 12 illustrates one or more of the lower container(s) 2′ constituting a lower row 405, and one or more of the upper container(s) constituting an upper row 408. The present subject matter includes container systems having one row or a plurality of rows of containers when stacked within a vessel ranging from 2 to 6 or more rows, and preferably 2 to 4 rows.

Each row of containers, when the containers are positioned in an aligned arrangement, includes a plurality of containers depending upon the angle(s) between the planar walls of each container. When positioning identical containers to form a row of containers, Table 1 shows the number of identical containers positioned together to form a row.

Preferably, in forming nested configurations of multiple containers in a vessel such as a cylindrical drum, each row of aligned containers is identical to row(s) above and below. This ensures that each row of containers is engaged with adjacent lower and/or upper rows via the previously described engagements between handles and tunnels, and first and second locating bosses.

The present subject matter also includes positioning non-identical containers having different yet compatible angles together in an aligned configuration to form a row. For example, one container having an angle of 180 degrees, and two containers each having an angle of 90 degrees can be aligned together to form a row for placement in a vessel such as vessel 410. Another row including three containers each having an angle of 120 degrees can be formed in another aligned configuration and that row stacked upon the first row. These containers in such aligned and stacked configurations can be disposed in a nested configuration within a larger vessel such as a cylindrical drum. However, in this example of using non-identical containers, it is possible that engagements between handles and tunnels may not occur. Similarly, it is possible that engagements between first and second locating bosses may not occur. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a wide array of container systems with various containers and vessels.

Preferably, when one container is stacked onto another container, they are fittingly engaged with each other. This is accomplished by a handle of the lower container being received within a tunnel of the upper container, and/or one or more bosses of the lower container contacting and mating with one or more bosses of the upper container. The positioning of a neck and cap assembly of the lower container within a cap receiving region of the upper container can also promote this fitting engagement between stacked containers.

The nested container systems of the present subject matter exhibit relatively high packing efficiencies. The term “packing efficiency” as used herein refers to a ratio or percentage of the total vessel volume constituted by total volume of containers, i.e., the angled containers nested within the vessel. Equation (1) sets forth this relationship:

P eff = Σ ⁢ V c ⁢ o ⁢ n ⁢ t ⁢ a ⁢ i ⁢ n ⁢ e ⁢ r ⁢ s V v ⁢ e ⁢ s ⁢ s ⁢ e ⁢ l ( 1 )

In equation (1), P_eff is the packing efficiency of the container system. The numerator is the total of all volumes of containers, i.e., V_containers, nested in the vessel. V_vessel is the volume of the vessel.

In many versions, the packing efficiency of the container systems are greater than 70%, more preferably greater than 80%, and in particular versions, greater than 90%.

The containers and vessels can be formed from a wide array of materials. That is, the present subject matter containers and vessels are not limited to any particular material. Nonlimiting examples for the container material include polymeric or plastic materials such as moldable plastics including polyethylene. Nonlimiting examples for the vessel(s) include steel, polymeric or plastic materials including polyethylene, and/or fiber or fiber-based materials.

Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology.

All patents, applications, standards, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present subject matter includes all operable combinations of features and aspects described herein. Thus, for example if one feature is described in association with an embodiment and another feature is described in association with another embodiment, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes embodiments having a combination of these features.

As described hereinabove, the present subject matter solves many problems associated with previous strategies, systems and/or devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of components, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present subject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the claimed subject matter, as expressed in the appended claims.