Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SET OF NESTABLE CONTAINERS, AS FOR WASTE
[ 1 ] This Application claims the benefit of the priority of:
[ 2]U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/461,241 filed April 8, 2003,
and
[ 3]U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/482,691 filed June 26, 2003.
[ 4]
[ 5] The present invention relates to containers and, in particular, to a set
of
nestable containers.
[ 6] In many everyday locations there arises a need for a container for
receiving
to one or more objects for various reasons and purposes. For example, in a
vehicle
there is a need for a waste receptacle so that trash generated by the driver
and/or
passengers can be neatly collected and stored until it is to be removed for
disposal.
Similar needs arise in home and/or business locations of all types.
[ 7] Conventional waste receptacles, e.g., for vehicles, include plastic bags
that
Is may be hung from a projection in the passenger compartment. However, aside
from the fact that plastic bags typically are flaccid or flimsy and so don't
present a
convenient opening for deposit of trash, modern vehicles tend to have flat
and/or
smooth surfaces in the passenger compartment and so have fewer, if any,
projections on which to hang a trash bag. In addition, if such trash bags are
2o disposable, they need to be replaced when full, which can occur relatively
often,
and, if they are reusable, they can become soiled and unsanitary.
[ 8] Another conventional trash container is a rigid plastic container of a
cylindrical or parallelepiped shape that is held in position by gravity, and
is
stabilized by a flexible saddle attached to its bottom wherein the ends of the
flaps
2s of the saddle are usually weighted to hang over a hump on the vehicle
floor. Aside
from being heavy and a possible projectile in a collision, such container has
the
disadvantages that it may easily be tipped over thereby to spill its contents
and that
it must either be lined with a replaceable liner or be cleaned to avoid
undesirable
soiling.
30 [ 9] Permanent reusable containers are typically more expensive and require
plastic liners or other liners for sanitary a,nd cleanliness r easons. Plastic
liners
often stick to themselves andlor cling to the container, and so are difficult
to install
and secure in the permanent container. Because the liners are usually much
less
sturdy than is the container, it is not unusual for the filled liner to tear
or burst
3s when it is being removed and/or disposed of, thereby spilling its contents.
[ 10] Similar disadvantages frequently attend containers for use in a home
and/or
business environment, as well as for containers utilized for purposes other
than the
collection and disposal of waste and/or trash.
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[ 11 ] Accordingly, there is a need for a container arrangement that can be
disposable andlor that can reduce the frequency of replacement and/or that is
less
susceptible to being tipped over.
[ 12] To this end, a set of nestable containers may comprise a plurality of
s nestable self supporting containers each being open ai; one end and having a
closed
end, and adhering means for adhering the set of nestable containers to an
object,
wherein said adhering means is exposed when said plurality of nestable
containers
is nested.
[ 13] According to another aspect, a set of nestable containers may comprise a
to plurality of collapsed nestable self supporting containers being of size
and shape
for being nested one in another, each of the collapsed nestable containers
including
an anti jamming member extending into an interior thereof into which at least
one
other collapsed nestable container may nest.
[ 14]
is BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[ 1 ] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present
invention will be more easily and better understood when read in conjunction
with
the FIGURES of the Drawing which include:
[ 2] FIGURES lA and 1B are isometric views of example sets of nestable
2o containers;
[ 3] FIGURES 2A-2D are schematic diagrams of various example shapes of a
container of the set of containers of FIGURE lA and 1B;
[ 4] FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view schematic diagram of a set of nestable
containers in a nested condition;
2s [ 5] FIGURES 4A and 4B are an isometric view andl a top view schematic
diagram, respectively, of an example embodiment of a container having anti-
jamming means or features for a set of nestable containers;
[ 6] FIGURE 5 is a top view schematic diagram of a. nest of containers
including
the example embodiment of a nestable container having anti jamming means or
3o features of FIGURES 4A-4B;
[ 7] FIGURES 6A and 6B are top view schematic diagrams of example
embodiments of nestable containers having anti jamming means or features;
[ 8] FIGURES 7A-7J are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of
various anti jamming means or features for a set of nestable containers;
3s [ 9] FIGURES 8A-8H are schematic diagrams illustrating further examples of
various anti jamming means or features for a set of nestable containers;
[ 10] FIGURES 9A-9D are schematic isometric diagrams illustrating further
examples of anti jamming means or features for a set o~Fnestable containers;
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[ 11 ] FIGURE 10 is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank of sheet material
for
forming a nestable container;
[ 12] FIGURES 1 lA-11D are schematic diagrams of cut-out blanks of sheet
material for forming respective nestable containers;
s [ 13) FIGURE 12 is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank of sheet material
for
forming a nestable container having a closure;
[ 14) FIGURE 13 is an isometric view schematic diagram of a nestable container
in a partially folded or collapsed condition;
[ 15] FIGURES 14A, 14B and 14C are top, side and bottom view schematic
to diagrams, respectively, of the nestable container of FIGURE 13 in a folded
state;
and
[ 16] FIGURE 15 is a side cross-sectional view schematic diagram of the
nestable
container of FIGURES 14A, 14B and 14C.
[ 17) In the Drawing, where an element or feature is shown in more than one
is drawing figure, the same alphanumeric designation may be used to designate
such
element or feature in each figure, and where a closely related or modified
element
is shown in a figure, the same alphanumerical designation primed or designated
"a" or "b" or the like may be used to designate the modified element or
feature.
Similarly, similar elements or features may be designated by like alphanumeric
20 designations in different figures of the Drawing and with similar
nomenclature in
the specification. It is noted that, according to common practice, the various
features of the drawing are not to scale, and the dimensions of the various
features
are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.
[ 18)
2s DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[ 1] FIGURES lA and 1B are isometric views of example sets 10 of nestable
containers 20 wherein a plurality of nestable containers 20, individually
designated
20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and so forth, are nested. Each of containers 20 is
nestable in
3o that it has a size and/or shape for fitting into an open end of another of
containers
20 in a nesting manner. Each of containers 20 has one. or more sides, has an
open
end, and has a closed end, wherein the sides) and closed end are joined to
define a
container volume into which one or more objects and/or materials) may be
placed.
Herein, while individual containers may be referred to specifically, e.g., as
3s containers) 20a, ZOb, and so forth, any one or more of containers 20a, 20b
and so
forth and/or one or more containers in general may be referred to as a
container or
containers 20.
[ 2] Containers 20a-20f of FIGURE lA, for example, comprise a nest or set 10
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of six nestable parallelepiped-shaped containers 20 of which each has an open
end
and a closed end, and is of rectangular cross-sectional!. shape, and wherein
container 20a is larger than container 20b which is larger than container 20c
and so
forth. A first or outer container 20a has adhering means 40 on the exterior of
the
closed bottom end thereof. A set or nest 10 may comprise a greater or lesser
number of nestable containers 20, as may be desirable: and/or convenient.
[ 3] Containers 20a-20e of FIGURE 1B, for example, comprise a nest or set 10
of five nestable frustro-conical-shaped containers 20 of which each has an
open
end and is of circular cross-sectional shape, and wherein containers 20a
through
to 20e are the same size. A first or outer container 20a has adhering means 40
on the
exterior of the closed or bottom end 26 thereof. A frustro-conical-shaped
container
has a shape that is a section or a frustrum of a cone, typically the cone is
cut in a
plane perpendicular to the central axis of the cone.
[ 4) Adhering means 40 may be utilized for adhering container set 10 to a
is surface and may be a sheet or layer of an adhesive or adhesive tape, a
piece of
adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof,
or
may be a hook part or a loop part of a hook and loop fastener. Suitable
adhesive
tapes include, e.g., type 442KW tape, which is a double sided tape with a
rubber
adhesive, available from 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minnesota. Suitable hook
2o and loop fasteners include, e.g., a Velcro~ fastener available from Velcro
USA
located in Manchester, New Hampshire.
[ 5] Preferably, adhering means 40 adheres sufficiently to an object to
support
nest 10 in a desired position for use and is releasable so that container 20a
may be
removed from the object. For example, the hook portion of a hook and loop
2s fastener is suitable for releasably adhering nest IO to carpet or fabric. A
tacky
adhesive is suitable for adhering nest 10 to a smooth or non-smooth object,
such as
a floor or wall, as well as to a carpet, and is preferably of an adhesive type
that
does not leave a residue on the object when it is removed.
[ 6] Adhering means 40 may be a sheet or layer or member of like size and
3o shape to the bottom of container 20a or may be one or more sheets or layers
or
pieces thereof that is/are smaller than the bottom of container 20a.
Alternatively,
adhering means 40 may comprise one or more pieces of any of the described
examples of adhering means. For example, a number of small adhesive pads or
hook-fastener pieces (e.g., about 2.5 cm (about I-inch) in diameter) may be
35 utilized on the bottom of container 20a that is about 10-20 cm (about 4-8
inches)
across.
[ 7] Alternatively and/or additionally, adhering means 40 of any of the
foregoing examples of adhering means may be provided as adhering means 42 on
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any one or more sides of container 20a. Because each of containers 20b, 20c
and
so forth is desired to be easily removable from the nest or set 10 of
containers 20,
none typically includes adhering means.
[ 8] Set 10 of nestable containers 20 may be utilized in any one or more of a
wide variety of environments and locations, e.g., on a horizontal surface such
as a
floor of a vehicle or of a home or of a business or other location andlor on a
vertical surface such as a side or door panel of a vehicle or the wall of a
home or of
a business or other location, whereat containers 20 may be withdrawn from nest
10. In a typical example of using nest 10, nest 10 may be adhered to the floor
of a
1o vehicle and containers 20 may be utilized for holding gash or other waste
material.
When the inner container 20f is filled or other wise ready for disposal, it is
removed from nest 10 and is disposed of whereupon the next container 20e is
now
presented as ready to receive trash.
[ 9] Thus, each of containers 20f 20a may be used and disposed of, usually in
is sequence, until at last container 20a is ready for disposal and is removed
from the
vehicle or other location. After the last container 20a i.s used, container
20a is
removed from the object and a new nest 20 may be put into place. By way of
another example, nest 20 may be adhered to a wall, work surface or other
surface
convenient to a point of use by adhering means 42 from which location
containers
20 20 are dispensed for use, e.g., as take-out food or beverage containers.
While
relatively smaller containers 20 may be utilized for waste collection and for
food
and beverages, relatively larger containers 20 may be utilized for larger
capacity
waste collection and other uses, e.g., in a home or business location.
[ 10] FIGURES 2A-2D are schematic diagrams of various example shapes of a
25 container 20 of the set 10 of containers of FIGURE lA and 1B. Containers
20R
and 20R' of FIGURES 2A and 2B are generally parallelepiped-shaped having, for
example, four generally rectangular sides 22 defining a. rectangular cross-
section, a
rectangular open end 24 and a rectangular closed or bottom end 26. Container
20R
of FIGURE 2A is rectangular and a set 10 of containers 20R comprises a
plurality
30 of nestable containers 20R of like shape but that are of different cross-
sectional
dimension, from a larger container 20R to a smaller container 20R, so as to
nest
one with another. Containers 20R may be of the same ~or of different dimension
between their open end 24 and closed end 26.
[ 11] Container 20R' of FIGURE 2B is also rectangular in cross-section, but is
3s tapered between its open and closed ends 24 and 26, having, for example,
four
trapezoidal sides 22 defining a rectangular cross-section, a rectangular open
end 24
and a rectangular closed or bottom end 26. Container 20R' is a frustrum of a
pyramid, e.g., a four-sided pyramid or a tetrahedron. A set 10 of containers
20R'
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comprises a plurality of nestable containers 20R' of like shape and size,
wherein
the smaller closed end of one fits into the open end 24 of another, so as to
nest one
with another. Containers 20R' may be of the same or of different dimension
between their open end 24 and closed end 26, but are typically of the same
dimension.
[ 12) Although containers 20R and 20R' are shown .as having four sides by way
of example, any number of sides greater than or equal to three may be
employed,
as may be desired. Typically, four sides of like size are employed, although
other
numbers, such as six or eight, may be employed. As described below in relation
to
to Figures 4A-4B and 5, for example, modifications to a four-sided container
may be
employed wherein the container has four major or relatively large sides and
one or
more relatively small or minor sides.
[ 13] Containers 20C and 20C' of FIGURES 2C and. 2D are generally cylindrical-
shaped having, for example, curved sides 22 defining a circular cross-section,
a
is circular open end 24 and a circular closed or bottom end 26. Container 20C
of
FIGURE 2C is cylindrical and a set 10 of containers 2;OC comprises a plurality
of
nestable containers 20C of like shape, but that are of different diameter from
a
larger diameter container 20C to a smaller diameter container 20C, so as to
nest
one with another. Containers 20C may be of the same or of different dimension
2o between their open end 24 and closed end 26.
[ 14) Container 20C' of FIGURE 2D is a tapered cylinder or a frustrum of a
cone
and a set 10 of containers 20C' comprises a plurality of nestable containers
20C'
of like shape and size, e.g., each has the same larger diameter at the open
end 24
thereof and has the same smaller diameter at the closed end 26 thereof, so as
to
2s nest one with another. Containers 20C' may be of the same or of different
dimension between their respective open ends 24 and closed ends 26.
[ 15] FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view schematic diagram of an example set
of nestable containers 20 in a nested condition, wherein the example
containers
may be of the sort illustrated in relation to container 20'a-20'e, 20R' or
20C'
3o described above. Containers 20a-20c are nested and ones thereof may be
removed
from the nest 10, preferably with relative ease. In using nest 10, however,
one
typically presses down on the, open end of nest 10, e.g., on the edge of side
22 at
the open end 24 of the innermost container 20c or of containers 20c-20b in
pressing nest 10 to adhere adhering means 40 to an object.
3s [ 16] This force applied for adhering nest 10 to an object also tends to
press the
containers 20 thereof into each other and as a result they may become "stuck
together" or "jammed." As used herein, "jam" and "ja.mmed" and "jamming" refer
to the condition wherein nested containers become pre ssed together to the
extent
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that they are more difficult than desired to separate one from another. This
effect
may be more pronounced where containers fit very closely together, e.g., so
closely that they stick together, or where a person perceives that pressing
the nest
of containers harder against the object will result in amore secure
attachment,
even if that is not true.
[ 17] Jamming may result from friction between adjacent nested containers or
by
a partial vacuum created when a container is withdrawn from within another
container with which it closely fits, or from a combination thereof. It is
noted that
the object to which a nest of containers may be adhered may be relatively
smooth
or relatively non-smooth or of in-between smoothness, or may be a combination
thereof, and/or may be relatively hard or relatively soft or of in-between
hardness,
and/or a may be a combination thereof.
[ 18] Typically, jamming may occur as the result of one or both of two
physical
conditions - (1) because of friction between contacting or proximate surfaces
of
1s adjacent containers 20 and/or (2) because of reduced pressure created by
attempting to remove a container that conforms to an<llor is in relatively
intimate
contact with the surfaces) of an adjacent container with which it is nested.
To
avoid and/or alleviate and/or reduce jamming, set or nest 10 may desirably be
provided with one or more anti jamming means or features. As used herein,
"anti-
2o jamming" refers to any way to avoid, minimize, reduce and/or eliminate
jamming,
whether due to friction, pressure difference and/or other cause. Typically,
e.g.,
anti jamming means or features may break the close fit of containers that
would
otherwise fit very closely together, thereby to make separating the nested
containers easier.
25 [ 19] Anti jamming means or features fox containers 20b and 20c of FIGURE 3
may include, for example; one or more holes 27 in the respective bottoms 26 of
containers 20 for providing a passage for relieving redluced pressure that
otherwise
might occur when container 20c is being removed from within container 20b and
when container 20b is being removed from container 20a. It is noted that any
one
30 or more anti jamming means or features may be employed on any given
container
and/or nest, and need not be the same for all containers of a nest 10 of
containers,
although it is expected that similar anti jamming means or features are likely
to be
provided for the containers of a given nest 10.
[ 20] FIGURES 4A and 4B are an isometric view and a top view schematic
3s diagram, respectively, of an example embodiment of a container 20D having
anti-
jamming means or features 23 for a set of nestable containers 20D.
Specifically,
anti jamming means 23 includes a smaller side that is disposed at a diagonal,
e.g.,
at a 450 angle, between two adjacent sides 22 at one corner of container 20D,
and
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so may be referred to as a "cut corner" 23. Where container 20D is a
rectangular
parallelepiped, small side 23 is rectangular as are sides 22. Where container
20D
is a tapered parallelepiped, small side 23 is trapezoidal as are sides 22.
[ 21] FIGURE 5 is a top view schematic diagram of a nest 10 including the
example embodiment of a cut-corner nestable container 20D of FIGURES 4A-4B
having anti jamming means or features. Each cut corner 23 provides a passage
for
relieving pressure with the container 20 nested inside container 20D and with
the
container 20 in which container 20D is nested. Thus, when plural containers 20
are nested in nest 10, only every other one of the containers 20 need be a
container
20D having a cut comer panel 23 to provide anti jamming means. Cut corner
panel 23 of container 20Db provides a passage between container 20a and 20Db
and between container 20Db and container 20Dc. Container 20Dc provides a
passage between container 20Dc and container 20d. Similarly, container 20De
provides passages between container 20De and containers 20d and 20e. While
15 every container 20 could be a cut-corner container 201J, such is not
necessary for
effective anti jamming.
[ 22] Further, various non-adjacent ones of containers 20D may be oriented in
like orientation so that the cut corners 23 thereof are at the same corner of
nest 10,
as are containers 20Dc and 20De, or they may be in different orientations, as
are
2o containers 20Db and 20Dc, and still provide effective anti jamming means.
The
sequence of different orientations of containers 20D rr~ay be repetitive
and/or
regular, or may be non-repetitive and irregular. In other words, the
orientation of
containers 20D in nest 10 simply doesn't matter with respect to anti jamming,
i.e.
providing a passage for relieving reduced pressure, so long as every other
25 container 20 is a container 20D having a cut corner panel 23.
[ 23] In an example embodiment of a nest 10 including containers 24D, each
container 20, 20D is tapered having a top opening that is about 12.7 cm (about
5
inches) square and a closed end (bottom) that is about I 1.5 cm (about 4.5
inches)
square, having a height of about 15.25 cm (about 6 inches), with a cut comer
panel
3o at a 45 0 angle with a dimension of about 1.25 cm (about %2 inch) at top
opening
24 and about I cm (about 0.4 inch) at bottom 26.
[ 24] Typical waste containers 20, 20D for vehicles aJre about IO-l3 cm (about
4-
inches) square or about 10-13 cm (about 4-5 inches) in diameter at the open
end
24, and are about 15-20.5 cm (about 6-8 inches) deep, and typically have a
taper of
3s about 1-1.5 cm (about %2 inch) on each side.
[ 25] Typical waste containers 20, 20D for home or business use are about 25
by
14 em (about 10 by 5.5 inches) rectangular at the open end 24, and are about
25
cm (about 10 inches) deep, and typically taper to a closed end of about 22.9
by
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11.4-12 cm (about 9 by 4'/2 - 434 inch) on each side.
[ 26] Suitable materials for containers 20, 20D, and any other container of
the
sort described herein, include lightweight paperboard (e.g., about 120-130
pound
weight paperboard), cardboard, corrugated cardboard (e.g., especially for
containers of larger size), plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene and the like, and thin aluminum, such as that utilized for
disposable
cookware.
[ 27] FIGURES 6A and 6B are top view schematic diagrams of example
embodiments of containers 20G, 20G' having anti jamming means or features for
to a set 10 of nestable containers wherein a glued corner seam between
adjacent sides
22 is employed as anti jamming means. Specifically, tab or flap 2S extending
from one of two adjacent sides 22 at a corner of container 20G of FIGURE 6A is
folded inside container 20G and is glued or otherwise adhered to the interior
surface of adj acent side 22 to form a corner.
~s [ 28] Due to the thickness of tab 2S, a space through which air may flow to
relieve pressure differences will remain between container 20G and a container
20
placed into container 20G, thereby to provide anti jarruning means. Where flap
2S
is folded outside of container 20G and is glued or otherwise adhered to the
exterior
surface of adjacent side 22 to form a corner, the thickness of tab 2S will
define a
2o space between container 20G and a container 20 into which container 20G is
placed through which air may flow to relieve pressure differences, thereby to
provide anti jamming means.
[ 29] Similarly, tabs or flaps 2S extending from each of two adjacent sides 22
at a
corner of container 20G' are folded and glued or otherwise adhered to each
other
2s to form a fin seam at a corner of container 20G'. GluE;d or adhered tabs or
flaps 2S
may extend outwardly from container 20G' of FIGURE 6B, as illustrated, or may
extend inwardly into the interior of container 20G'. Due to the extension of
the fin
seam formed by glued tabs 2S, an anti jamming means in the form of a space
through which air may flow to relieve pressure differences will remain between
3o container 20G' and an adjacent nested container 20 and/or friction
therebetween is
reduced.
[ 30] Where the fin seam of glued flaps 2S extends outwardly, as illustrated,
an
anti jamming space will remain between container 20(s' and an adjacent nested
container 20 into which container 20G' is placed, thereby to provide anti
jamming
3s means. Where the fm seam of glued flaps 2S" extend inwardly, an anti
jamming
space will remain between container 20G' and a container 20 placed into
container
20G', thereby to provide anti jamming means. A fin seam 2S maybe made at any
location along one or more sides 22 (e.g., fin seam 2S';I or at a corner
(e.g., fin
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seams 25, 25") and any fin seam may extend outward (e.g., fin seams 25, 25')
or
inward (e.g., fin seam 25"), although only one fin sewn or other seam would
typically be utilized on any given container.
[ 31 ] Typically, in this example embodiment, all containers 20 in a nest or
set 10
s of containers would be containers 20G or 20G' or similar and the glued
corner
flaps) 25 of containers 20G or 20G' in a nest 10 may be in the same corner or
may
be in different corners, whether in a regular sequence or a random sequence,
as
may be desired. The glued flap 25 arrangement of containers 20G, 20G' may be
utilized with a container 20 of any size and/or shape, .and tabs or flaps 25
may a
to single tab or flap 25 extending substantially the height of container 20G,
20G' or
rnay be shorter or may comprise a plurality of tabs or flaps 25, as may be
desired.
[ 32] FIGURES 7A-7J are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of
various anti jamming means or features far a set of nestable containers 10.
FIGURE 7A illustrates an embossed feature 32 in side 22 of a container 20 for
15 spacing the side 22 of one container 20 away from an adjacent nested
container 20
in a nest 10, thereby to define an anti jamming air passage for relieving
pressure
differences. One or more embossed features 32 may be provided in a container
20,
and may also provide identifying, decorative and/or aesthetic features, such
as a
logo, trademark, trade name, flower and/or animal shape. Embossed features 32
2o may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both.
Embossed
features 32 need only be deep enough so as to space two adjacent containers 20
apart sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction
therebetween.
[ 33] FIGURE 7B illustrates a spacer 34 attached to the side 22 of a container
20
25 for spacing the side 22 of one container 20 away from an adjacent nested
container
20 in a nest 10, thereby to define an anti-j amming air passage for relieving
pressure differences. One or more spacers 34 may be provided on a container
20,
and may also be provided with decorative and aesthetic features, such as a
logo,
trademark, flower and/or animal shape. Spacer 34 may be a circular or
rectangular
30 patch, or may be an elongated strip, or any other shape, as may be desired.
Spacers 34 may be on a surface of side 22 interior to container 20 or on a
surface
of side 22 exterior to container 20, or both, and may 1>e attached with glue
or
adhesive or other suitable means. Spacer 34 need only be deep enough so as to
space two adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to allow air to pass
3s therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
[ 34] FIGURE 7C illustrates an example embossed feature 32 in the form of a
ridge or channel 36 embossed in side 22 and preferably, but not necessarily,
extending substantially from open end 24 to closed end 26 of container 20,
thereby
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to define an anti-jamming air passage for relieving pressure differences. One
or
more embossed ridges or channels 36 may be provided in a container 20, and may
also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect. Embossed ridge
or
channel 36 may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or
both,
and/or may be uniform or irregular in size and/or shape. Embossed ridge or
channel 36 need not be deep so as to provide a channel for air passage, but
need
only space two adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to allow air to pass
therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
[ 35] FIGURE 7D illustrates an example embossed :feature 32 in the form of a
to spiral ridge or channel 36 embossed ii1 side 22 and preferably, but not
necessarily,
extending substantially from open end 24 to closed end 26 of container 20,
thereby
to define an anti jamming air passage for relieving pressure differences. One
or
more spiral embossed ridges or channels 36 may be provided in a container 20,
and may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect. Spiral
is embossed ridge or channel 36 may extend inwardly into container 20 or
outwardly
therefrom, or both. Spiral ridge or channel 36 need not be deep so as to
itself
provide a channel for air passage, but need only space two adjacent containers
20
apart sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction
therebetween.
20 [ 36] Ridge or channel 36 may be plural diagonal ridges or channels 36, as
would
be preferred for a rectangular cross-section container 20. In addition, ridges
or
channels 36 may be disposed diagonally at one angle on one side and may be
disposed diagonally at. another different angle on another side, e.g., an
adjacent
side. In another example, ridges or channels 36 may be on a diagonal in one
2s direction on one side (e.g., bottom left to upper right) and may be on a
diagonal in
the opposite direction on another side (e.g., upper left: to bottom right on
an
adjacent side). Further; ridges or channels 36 may be lines and/or may be an
embossed pattern, which may be a regular pattern or an irregular pattern.
[ 37] FIGURE 7E illustrates an example embossed :feature 32 in the form of
30 irregular ridges and/or channels 38 embossed and/or ;scored into side 22
and
preferably, but not necessarily, extending substantially from open end 24 to
closed
end 26 of container 20, thereby to define one or more anti jamming air
passages
for relieving pressure differences. Ridges and/or channels 38 may be irregular
in
depth, direction, length, size and/or shape, and/or my be intersecting or non-
3s intersecting, and may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic
effect.
Ridges and/or channels 38 rxiay extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly
therefrom, or both. Ridge or channel 38 need not be deep so as to provide a
channel for air passage, but need only space two adjacent containers 20 apart
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GP-2436 Patent Application
_I2_
sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction
therebetween.
[ 38] FIGURE 7F illustrates an example anti jamming means in the form of a lip
22L extending all or part way around the periphery of an edge and/or end of
side
22 of a container 20 to space container 20 away from an adjacent nested
container
20, thereby to define one or more anti jamming air passages for relieving
pressure
differences. Lip 22L, which may be a rolled lip 22L, may be regular or
irregular in
dimension, length, size and/or shape, and may also be arranged to provide a
decorative or aesthetic effect. Lip 22L may extend inwardly into container 20
or
io outwardly therefrom, or both, and need only to space adjacent containers 20
apart
sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction
therebetween.
[ 39] FIGURE 7G illustrates an example anti jamming means in the form of a
rim or flange 22F extending all or part way around the periphery of an edge
and/or
is end of side 22 of a container 20 to space container 20 away from an
adjacent
nested container 20, thereby to define one or more anti jamming air passages
for
relieving pressure differences. Rim or flange 22F may be scored (e.g., single
scored or double scored), folded and glued in place, or may be otherwise
formed,
or may be a separate piece that is glued or otherwise adhered to side 22. Rim
or
2o flange 22F may be regular or irregular in dimension, length, size and/or
shape, and
may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect. Rim or
flange
22F may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both. Rim
or flange 22F need only to space adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to
allow
air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
2s [ 40] FIGURE 7H illustrates a removable spacer 34 disposed between the
sides
22 of two adjacent containers 20 in a nest 10 for spacing the two containers
20
away from each other, thereby to define an anti jamming air passage for
relieving
pressure differences and/or to reduce friction between adjacent containers.
One or
more removable spacers 34 may be provided between adjacent containers 20, and
3o may also be provided with useful, decorative and/or aesthetic features,
such as a
logo, trademark, advertisement, information sheet, coupon sheet, flower and/or
animal shape. Removable spacer 34 may be a sheet good that has another use
after
it has served its purpose as anti jamming means, for example, a place mat,
napkin,
towel, wipe or the like, where containers 20 are to be utilized for food or
beverage
3s or another substance, and/or where cleaning may be desired. Removable
spacer 34
may be tacked with glue or adhesive or other suitable means where desired for
production reasons, but is typically held in position by the sides 22 of
adjacent
containers 20.
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[ 41] FIGURE 7I illustrates an example anti jamming means in the form of a
projection 22T extending from an edge and/or end of side 22 of a container 20
to
space container 20 away from an adjacent nested container 20, thereby to
define
one or more anti jamming air passages far relieving pressure differences
and/or to
reduce friction between adjacent containers. Projection 22T is, for example, a
tab
22T that is coplanar with one side 22 that is preferably formed by cutting a
hole
22H in an adjacent side 22 before the two sides 22 are folded to form a corner
22C
therebetween.
[ 42] Tab 22T may be a separate piece that is cut and glued in place, or
otherwise
to adhered to side 22. Tab 22T may be regular or irregular in dimension,
length, size
andlor shape, and if glued or otherwise affixed to container 22, may extend
inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both. Typically, tab 22T
may be about 0.5-1 cm (about 0.2-0.4 inch) wide and. about 2-4 cm (about 3/4 -
11/z
inch) long, and may be located about 1-2 cm (about 0.4-0.8 inch) away from
open
1 s end 24.
[ 43] FIGURE 7J illustrates an example anti jamming means in the form of a
pair
of projecting features 22I, 22P extending in one or more sides 22 all or part
way
around the periphery thereof, preferably parallel to t1e edge and/or end of
side 22
at top end 24 of a container 20. One of embossed features 22I, 22P preferably
20 projects into the interior of container 20 and the other of features 22I;
22P projects
outward from the exterior thereof. When containers 20 are nested, an outwardly
projecting feature 22P of one container comes into contact with an inwardly
projecting feature 22I of the adjacent container in the nest to prevent the
inner
container from fully seating into and jamming with 'the outer container, and
also to
2s space adjacent containers 20 away from each other, thereby to define one or
more
anti jamming air passages for relieving pressure differences andlor for
reducing
friction between adjacent containers.
[ 44] Preferably, inwardly projecting feature 22I is parallel to and closer to
the
edge of side 22 at open end 24 than is outwardly projecting feature 22P
parallel
3o thereto, and each is preferably provided at each corner 22C of container
20.
Projecting features 22I, 22P may be scored or embossed into sides 22 or may be
otherwise formed, and may be regular or irregular in dimension, length, size
andlor
shape, and may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect.
[ 45] In all of the foregoing examples of embossed features, it is usually
desirable
3s that the embossed features be irregular in size and/or spacing and/or
pattern by at
least a small amount, even if the amount of irregularity is so small as not to
be
evident without careful scrutiny. This is desirable so that adjacent
containers 20
cannot become aligned with the embossed feature of one container matching and
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jamming with the embossed feature of an adjacent container 20, whereby the
space
through which air may pass is reduced and/or friction is not reduced, which
would
tend to not produce the desired anti jamming effect. Alternatively and/or
additionally, the containers 20 may be rotated in relative orientation (e.g.,
by 90~
or 180 ~ for rectangular cross-section containers 20, o~r by any convenient
angle for
circular cross-section containers 20) when they are nested so that the
embossed
features or other anti j amming means do not align and nest in the nest 10.
[ 46] Anti jamming means or features includes not only means providing
physical separation as described above, but also includes means that reduce
the
to tendency for containers to jam or become jammed. Where containers are of
plastic, e.g., a polymer, the condition where polymers adhere to each other is
known as "blocking" and so materials for reducing or avoiding blocking may be
referred to as "anti-blocking agents." Herein, anti jarr~rning means and
features
include anti-blocking agents.
is [ 47J For example, particulate matter may be introduced between containers
for
spacing the containers apart for providing passage for air to flow and/or for
reducing friction between adjacent nested containers, thereby to facilitate
dispensing containers from a nest of nestable containers. Suitable
particulates
preferably have a grain or particle size that is greater than the size of
pores in the
2o material from which the container is made.
[ 48J For example, introducing talc or cornstarch or other particulate matter
tends
to increase the "slipperiness" of one container against another container.
Typically, cornstarch is preferable to talc for most paper and paperboard
materials
because it has a bigger particle size. Also for example, container surfaces
may be
zs coated with a slippery material, such as a paperboard coated with one or
more of
polyethylene, a polyolefin, polypropylene, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene,
and
the like, and/or an anti-blocking agent, such as talc or silicone.
49J Coatings may be applied to the surfaces of contyiners 20 to similar ends.
For example, a plastic coating or lining, or a rnetalized coating or lining,
may not
30 only provide anti jamming or anti-blocking means, but may also serve to
waterproof the container so that it may carry liquids as well as solids,
and/or may
provide thermally insulative and/or decorative benefits. Examples include
polyethylene coatings, both with and without a silicone wash, for additional
slipperiness. Polyethylene containers may be coated with a silicone, e.g.,
applied
3s by spray or by rolling.
[ SOJ Coated containers 20, which may have insulating properties to a greater
or
lesser degree, may find use as a take-out food container, fox hot and cold
foods
and/or beverages such as hamburgers, pizza, ice cream and the like, that
serves to
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-15-
keep the contents hot or cold, as desired, and that, when empty, also serves
as a
trash container. Liners and coatings may, for examplf;, be provided on the
inside
and/or outside surfaces of containers 20, for providing decorative,
insulating,
and/or other desired properties. Containers 20 may also be utilized as a
substitute
for grocery bags and similar packaging used at markets, dry goods stores,
department stores and other merchants.
[ 51] Similarly, it is thought that making the first or outer container 20a of
nest 10
of a more sturdy material than that utilized for containers 20b, 20c and so
forth,
would tend to make the relatively flimsy inner containers 20b, 20c,... come
apart
Io and separate from the nest 10 more readily
[ 52] FIGURES 8A-8H are schematic diagrams illustrating further examples of
various anti jamming means or features or features for a set 10 of nestable
containers 20. FIGURE 8A-8C illustrate handle arrangements wherein opposing
sides 22 of a container 20H include a handle 22H that provides a handle that
is
Is folded over while the container 20H is disposed in a nest 10 of containers
20.
Handle 22H provides a convenient handle for a user to~ utilize in carrying a
container 20H and, in addition, while folded in a nest 10 of containers 20,
provides
anti jamming means because it tends to space adjacent containers 20H in a nest
10
apart from each other, thereby to define space between adjacent containers 20H
2o which allows for the passage of air and/or reduces friction between
adjacent
containers 22H.
[ 53] Handles 22H may be an integral extension of side 22 that is, e.g.,
scored
and folded inside container 2UH as illustrated in FIGURES 8A and 8C, or may be
a die-cut handle member 22H that is glued or otherwise adhered to side 22
25 proximate the open end 24 thereof as illustrated in FIGURE 8B. Handle 22H
may
be adhered to the inside surface of container 20H or may be adhered to the
outside
surface of container 20H, as desired. Handle 22H may be folded inside of
container 20H or may be folded outside the container 20H, as desired, although
folding handle 22H inside of container 20H is more convenient for a user to
grasp
3o handle 22H, and handle 22H may include a hole as illustrated for ease of
grasping
m use.
[ 54] Tn addition, when handle 22H is folded inside of container 20H as is
preferable, (whether handle 22H is integral to side 22 or is a separate member
adhered thereto), it tends naturally to unfold as illustrated by arrow OF in
FIGURE
3s 8C, thereby to provide a spring-like assist for urging the container that
is nested
inside thereof in the direction for removal from nest 10., e.g., a desirable
anti-
jamming means.
[ 55] FIGURES 8D-8H illustrate other spring-like arrangements that may be
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-16-
employed with a container 20. For example, FIGURE 8D illustrates a container
20S having sides 22 and open end 24 wherein a folded member 26S adhered to
closed end 26 thereof provides a spring-like assist for urging the container
nested
inside container 20S in a direction for removal from nest 10, thereby to
provide
desirable anti jamming means. Spring-like member 26S may be a part of closed
end 26 or may be a separate member, e.g., a die-cut member that is glued or
otherwise attached thereto:
[ 56) FIGURES 8E and 8F illustrate containers 20S having sides 22 and open end
24 wherein a folded member 26S' and/or 26" adhered to closed end 26 thereof
to provides a spring-like assist for urging the container nested inside
container 20S in
a direction for removal from nest 10, thereby to provide desirable anti
jamming
means. Specifically, member 26S' is folded and attached to closed end 26 to
provide two members disposed approximately perpendicularly to closed end 26
that will act as a spring as described and/or as a spacer.
t5 ( 57) Where greater spring-like action is desired, e.g., for larger size
containers
20, a double-folded or triple folded member 265, 26S', 26S" may be provided,
as
illustrated in FIGURE 8F. Spring-like members 265, 26S' and 26S" may be made
as a part of closed end 26 or may be a separate member, e.g., a die-cut member
that
is glued or otherwise attached thereto.
20 [ 58) Alternatively and/or additionally, spring-like action tending to urge
separation of containers 20 from a nest thereof 10 may be provided by a bowed
or
domed bottom or closed end 26D as shown in FIGURE 8G. Typically, closed end
26D is a separate member that is glued or otherwise attached to the sides 22
of
container 205, and bowing or a domed shape obtains where closed end member
25 26D is made larger than the size of the closed end defined by the edges of
sides 22
of container 205.
[ 59) FIGURE 8H illusfirates container 20S having sides 22 and open end 24
wherein the folded flaps 26a and 26b are folded to form closed end 26. Member
26T extending from closed end 26 is folded to extend :into the interior of
container
30 20S to provide a spacer and/or a spring-like assist for spacing and/or
urging the
container nested inside container 20S in a direction for removal from nest 10,
thereby to provide desirable anti jamming means. Specifically, one or more
folded
flaps 26b, for example, has a member 26T extending therefrom. Preferably two
opposing flaps 26b have a member 26T extending therefrom, wherein the two
3s members 26T are folded to extend from closed end 26 to be disposed
approximately perpendicularly to closed end 26 to act as a spacer and/or
spring as
described. The two members 26T may be, but need not be, attached to each
other,
e.g., adhesively.
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[ 60] An advantage of the foregoing arrangements is. that the spring-like
members
provide anti jamming force that results from the manufacturing of the
containers
with elements that provide the desired forces; without elaborate or complex
structures or additional elements that could be added at additional cost. Even
where additional members are employed to provide the spring-like elements,
they
can be manufactured utilizing the same materials, processes and equipment that
are
utilized for the manufacture of the containers themselves.
[ 61] FIGURES 9A-9I3 are schematic isometric diagrams illustrating four
further
examples of anti jamming means or features for a set 10 of nestable containers
20.
to Anti jamming means provided by spacers 126 act to prevent the compressing
of
nested containers 20 together which is believed to be the principal cause that
results in jamming. Spacer ring 126C and spacer rectangle 1268 are placed
inside
each container 20 at the closed end thereof prior to another container being
nested
therein. Typically, but not necessarily, spacer ring l2iSC is for nests of
containers
i s having a circular cross-section and spacer rectangle 1268 is for
containers having
a rectangular cross-section.
[ 62] Preferably, spacers 126C, 1268 have an outer diameter or dimension that
is
slightly smaller than the interior diameter or dimension of the closed end 26
of the
container 20 in which it is to be placed, although smaller spacers 126C, 1268
may
2o be employed. if desired. Thus, spacers 126 act as separators between the
closed
ends 26 of adjacent containers 20, thereby providing a space therebetween that
permits passage of air andlor reduces friction therebetween. When a user
applies
force in adhering a nest 10 of containers 20 to an object, spacers 126C, 1268
directly transmit the force applied to each container to the closed end of the
next
2s container, whereby the applied force is transmitted directly to adhering
means 40
and the object, thereby to prevent the containers from becoming pressed
together
and jammed due to the applied force.
[ 63] Spacers 126C, 126C' of FIGURES 9A, 9B are cylindrical spacers 126 or
spacer rings 126 of different relative aspect ratios. Spacer 126C is
relatively
30 "taller" with a height that is greater than its wall thickness, as might
obtain where a
strip of paper or plastic is formed into a circular shape and the opposing
ends of
the strip are adhered together. An example spacer 1260 suitable for use with a
container having a closed end that is, for example, about 10 by 10 cm (about 4
by
4 inches), is of paperboard and has a diameter of about 11 %a cm (about 4%z
inches)
3s and has a height of about 1 %z cm (about 1/a inch). Spacer 126C' is
relatively "flat"
with its height smaller than its wall thickness, as might obtain where spacer
126C'
is stamped or punched or otherwise cut out of a relatively thick stock, e.g.,
such as
a paperboard, cardboard or corrugated cardboard. Spacer 1268 of FIGURE 9C is
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_ 1$_
a rectangular spacer 126 that may be shaped and/or formed similarly to spacers
126C, 126C'.
[ 64) Spacers 126' of FIGURE 9D are useful where containers 20 of nest 10 each
have adhering means on the exterior of the closed ends thereof. Plural spacers
126'
s are attached to the adhesive bottom, preferably near the periphery thereof,
either
directly to the adhesive thereon or to a release liner covering the adhesive
prior to
use, thereby to act in like manner to spacers 126C, 12~6C', 1268 described
above.
While two spacers 126' are sufficient, typically 3-4 spacers 126' are employed
for
each container 20. Spacers 126' may also be employed where only the outermost
to container 20 has adhering means 40 on the closed end 26 thereof, e.g., by
utilizing
glue or adhesive to attach spacers126' to the closed ends of respective
containers
20.
[ 65] Spacers 126C, 126C', 1268, 126' may be made from the same sorts of
materials) as are described for containers 20, althouglx the spacers 126C,
126C',
is 1268, 126' utilized with any container 20 and/or set 10 of containers 20
need not
be of the same material as are the container 20 and/or set 10 of containers
20. In
addition, the spacers described may include an adhesive, a sheet of magnetic
material, and/or the hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener so as to
serve
as both an anti jamming spacer and as adhering means.
20 [ 66] Other anti jamming means or features may also be employed wherein
various ones of containers 20 are made of different size and/or shape from
others
of containers 20 in a nest 10 thereof. For example, containers 20 may be made
of
different size in height (e.g., the dimension between the open and closed ends
24,
26 thereof) so that open ends 24 of inner containers 20 do not extend out from
the
2s open end 24 of the outermost container 20, so that pressure applied to
adhere a nest
to an object may easily be applied to the outermost container 20 only, whereby
the inner containers 20 tend not to be pressed into one another. In addition,
containers 20 having different cross-sectional dimension proximate the closed
end
26 thereof may be nested together with the cross-sectional dimension being
3o smallest for the innermost container.20 and being increasingly larger for
each
container 20 in order, with the outermost container 20 :having the largest
cross-
sectional dimension.
[ 67] FIGURE 10 is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank 20BL-C of sheet
material for forming a.nestable container 20 having a circular cross-section.
Cut-
3s out blank 20BL-C comprises an arcuate piece 22BL and a circular piece
circular
piece 26BL. Arcuate piece 22BL is bendable to form side 22 of container 20 and
has a tab or flap 25 extending from one of the straight edges thereof for
being
glued or otherwise attached along the other straight edge thereof to form side
22 of
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-19-
container 20. Circular piece 26BL has a plurality of radially extending tabs
26T
foldable in the same direction for being glued or otherwise attached along the
shorter arcuate edge of blank 22BL to provide the closed end 26 of container
20.
In FIGURE 10, the dashed lines indicate fold lines, arid fold lines are
preferably
s scored for easier and more precise folding. The longer arcuate edge of blank
20BL-C defines an open end 24.
[ 68J FIGURES 11A-11D are schematic diagrams ofcut-out blanks 20BL-R,
20BL-R', 20BL-R", 20BL-RT of sheet material for forming respective nestable
containers 20. In FIGURES 1 lA-11D, the dashed lines indicate fold lines, and
to fold lines are preferably scored for easier and more precise folding.
[ 69] FIGURE 1 lA is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank ZOBL-R , 20BL-R',
20BL-R" of sheet material that is foldable to form a container 20 having a
rectangular cross-section. Blank 20BL-R comprises fi~ur relatively larger
sections
22 that are slightly tapered so as to be trapezoidal and that when folded
provide
15 four sides 22 of container 20. Blank 20BL-R further comprises a flap or tab
25
extending from one of side sections 22 that is folded and positioned to
overlap the
straight edge of the furthest distal section 22 to be gluc;d or otherwise
adhered
thereto to form a corner between two adjacent sides 22. Blank 20BL-R further
comprises four relatively smaller flaps or sections 26a,, 26b that are
foldable to
20 provide closed end 26 when glued or otherwise adhered to each other. Flaps
26a
are rectangular and flaps 26b are tapered so as to be trapezoidal, but any of
the
flaps 26a, 26b may be made rectangular or trapezoidal as desired.
[ 70] Typically, flaps 26b axe folded first and then flaps 26a are folded so
that one
or both (depending on their dimensions) of flaps 26b provide the exterior
surface
2s of closed end 26 of container 20. Where the container 20 is the outermost
container of a nest 10 of nestable containers 20, adhering means are provided
on
one or both of exterior flaps 26a. Where a rectangular container 20 is
desired, side
sections 22 are rectangular, and where a tapered container 20 is desired, side
sections 22 are tapered or trapezoidal. The longer straight edges of blank
20BL-R
30 opposite flaps 26a, 26b, define an open end 24.
[ 71) Optionally and/or additionally, anti jamming means may be provided by
cutting a pair of parallel slits 22S intersecting a scored corner fold line
between
adjacent sides 22 in a location proximate the fold line between sides 22 and
bottom
flaps 26a, 26b. When blank 20BL-R is folded to form a container 20, the corner
3s fold lines between adjacent sides 22 are folded in a first direction,
except that the
portion thereof between the two parallel slits 22S is folded in the opposite
direction. As a result, the portion of sides 22 between parallel slits 22S
extends
into the interior of container 20, thereby to provide a pedestal or ledge upon
which
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GP-2436 Patent Application
-20-
a container placed inside the folded container 20 may rest so as to resist
jamming
therewith.
[ 72] FIGURE 11B is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank 20BL-R' of sheet
material that is identical to blank 20BL-R described above except as follows.
s Blank 20BL-R' includes a number of die-cut slits defining tabs 22T adjacent
the
fold lines defining corners between adjacent sides 22 of container 20. One or
more
die-cut slits may be provided at each fold line between adjacent corner
sections 22
to provide any desired number of tabs 22T at each corner between adjacent
sides
22, and/or to provide tabs 22T at any one or more of t:he corners between
adjacent
to sides 22, as may be desired. Preferably, scoring between adjacent side
sections 22
does not extend across tabs 22T. When blank 20BL-R' is folded to form
container
20, tabs 22T are not folded and so project in plane from one side 22, thereby
to
provide tabs 22T as shown in FIGURE 7I above. One; or more tabs may be
provided, and may be located at diagonally opposite corners as illustrated or
at
is adjacent corners, as desired.
[ 73] FIGURE 11C is a schematic diagram of a cut-cmt blank 20BL-R" of sheet
material that is identical to blank 20BL-R described above except as follows.
Blank 20BL-R" includes a number of scored or embossed lines defining inward
projecting features 22I and outward projecting features 22P transverse to the
fold
20 lines defining corners between adjacent sides 22 of container 20. One or
more
scored or embossed lines may be provided at each fold line between adjacent
corner sections 22 to provide any desired number of scored or embossed lines
22I,
22P at each corner between adjacent sides 22, andlor to provide scored or
embossed lines 22I, 22P at any one or more of the corners between adjacent
sides
2s 22, as may be desired.
[ 74] Preferably, scored or embossed lines 22I, 22P are provided parallel to
and
proximate the edges of blank 20BL-R" that define open end 24, and at each
corner
between adjacent sides 22. When blank 20BL-R" is folded to form container 20,
scored or embossed lines 22I, 22P bend around each corner and so project both
3o inward and outward from each side 22, thereby to provide scored or embossed
lines 22I, 22P as shown in FIGURE 7J above.
[ 75] FIGURE 11D is a schematic diagram of cut-out blank 20BL-RT of sheet
material for forming a respective nestable container 20 having folded spacer
and/or
spring-like members 26T as illustrated in FIGURE 8H.. Blank 20BL-RT is similar
3s to blank 20BL-R of FIGURE 1 lA except that optional slits 22 are not
provided
and flaps 26b are extended and include a tab 26T at the distal end thereof.
[ 76] Blank 20BL-RT comprises four relatively larger sections 22 that are
slightly
tapered so as to be trapezoidal and that when folded provide four sides 22 of
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container 20. Blank 20BL-RT further comprises a flap or tab 25 extending from
one of side sections 22 that is folded and positioned to~ overlap the straight
edge of
the furthest distal section 22 to be glued or otherwise adhered thereto to
form a
corner between two adjacent sides 22. Blank 20BL-RT further comprises four
relatively smaller flaps or sections 26a, 26b that are foldable to provide
closed end
26 when glued or otherwise adhered to each other. Flaps 26b have a scored or
embossed fold line defining a tab 26T at the distal end. thereof that is
folded so as
to extend inward into the interior of a container 20 made from blank 20BL-RT.
Typically, flaps 26a are rectangular and flaps 26b are 'tapered so as to be
to trapezoidal, but any of the flaps 26a, 26b may be made rectangular or
trapezoidal
as desired.
[ 77] Typically, after side sections 22 are folded and tab 25 is glued, flaps
26b are
folded and tabs 26T thereof are folded in the same direction, so that flaps
26b
provide the interior of closed end 26 and tabs 26T extE;nd inwardly into the
interior
is of the container, thereby to provide a spacer andlor spring-like member
26T. 'The
two flaps 26T are juxtaposed adjacent each other and need not be glued or
otherwise adhered to each other, however, tabs 26T may be glued or otherwise
adhered together, as may be desirable for a relatively larger size container.
Then
flaps 26a are folded so that one or both (depending on their dimensions) of
flaps
20 26b provide the exterior surface of closed end 26 of container 20. Where
the
container 20 is the outermost container of a nest 10 of nestable containers
20,
adhering means are provided on one or both of exterior flaps 26a. Where a
fully
rectangular container 20 is desired, side sections 22 are rectangular, and
where a
tapered container 20 is desired, side sections 22 are tapered or trapezoidal.
The
2s longer straight edges of blank 20BL-RT opposite flaps 26a, 26b, define an
open
end 24.
[ 78] An example rectangular container made from a paperboard blank of the
sort
of blank 20BL-RT is, for example, about lSi/2 cm (about 6 inches) high, has a
closed end of about 10 by 18 cm (about 4 by 7~ inches), and has an open end of
3o about 12%2 by 23 cm (about 5 by 9 inches), and has trapezoidal sides. Tabs
26T
thereof are glued to each other, are about 5%2 cm (about 2'/a inches) long,
and
extend about 1'/2 cm (about 5/8 inch) into the interior of the container. An
example square container made from a paperboard blank of the sort of blank
20BL-RT is; for example, about 15'/2 cm (about 6 inches) high, has a closed
end of
3s about 10 by 10 cm (about 4 by 4 inches), and has an olaen end of about
12'/2 by
12%2 cm (about 5 by 5 inches), and has trapezoidal sides. Tabs 26T thereof are
not
glued to each other, are about 8 cm (about 3'/4 inches) long, and extend about
1 %2
cm (about 5/8 inch) into the interior of the container. Another example
rectangular
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container made from a paperboard blank of the sort of blank 20BL-R or 20BL-RT
is, for example, about 33 cm (about 13 inches) high, has a closed end of about
12'/2
by 20'/4 cm (about 5 by 8 inches), and has an open end of about 51/4 by 25 cm
(about 6 by 10 inches), has trapezoidal sides, and may employ one or more anti-
s jamming features of the sort described herein, e.g., tabs 26T or a spacer
126.
Typical tabs 26T thereof a.re in a range of about 8 - 10 cm (about 31/a - 4
1/8
inches) in length and extend about 1 %2 - 2 cm (about S/8 - 3/4 inch) into the
interior
of the container, and in some examples are not glued 1:o each other and in
other
examples are glued to each other.
to [ 79] In some example containers, an adhesive strip :is provided on the
exterior
surface of the closed end along the central seam in the direction of the
longer
dimension thereof, and in other example containers tv~ro parallel adhesive
strips are
provided on the exterior surface of the closed end adjacent the longer edges
thereof. Typically, the length dimension of the adhesive strips) is
substantially
is the full dimension of the closed end, but may be shorter, if desired.
[ 80] FIGURE 12 is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank 20BL-RC of sheet
material for forming a nestable container 20 having a closure. In FIGURE 12,
the
dashed lines indicate fold lines, and the fold lines are preferably scored for
easier
and more precise folding. Cut-out blank 20BL-RC is identical to any one of cut-
20 out blanks 20BL-R, 20BL-R', 20BL-R" described above (i.e. it may or may not
include optional features 22I, 22P and/or 22T), except: that it includes
closure
means 124 for open end 24 of container 20.
[ 81 ] Closure means I24 comprises, for example, four cover flaps 124a, 124b
extending from the edges of sides 22 that would otherwise define the open end
24
2s of container 20. One cover flap 124a includes a tab 125 extending from the
shorter
edge thereof that when folded is glued or otherwise adhered to the shorter
edge of
cover flap 124b most distal therefrom, so that when blank 20BL-RC is folded to
form container 20, cover flaps ~1214a, 124b extend from sides 22 and
substantially
in plane therewith. Cover flaps 124a, 124b are preferably scored where they
join
3o sides 22 and where they join each other.
[ 82] Preferably, smaller cover flaps 124b extending from smaller sides 22
have
additional scored lines extending diagonally from the intersection of the
score lines
between cover flaps 124a and 124b and the score lines between cover flaps
124a,
124b and sides 22. The diagonal scored lines converge and end proximate each
3s other at the edge of cover flaps 124b for defining a gripping region 124c
thereat.
Thus, when blank 20BL-RC is folded to form container 20, the four cover flaps
124a, 124b extend from and substantially in plane with the four sides 22,
whereby
the depth of container 20 is the combined length dimensions of sides 22 and
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closure means 124.
[ 83] To close closure means 124, one grips the opposing cover flaps 124b at
their respective grip regions 124c and moves the respective grip regions away
from
each other and downward towards the closed end of container 20. Because all of
cover flaps 124a, 124b are joined at respective score lines, cover flaps 124a
move
inward to cover the open end 24of container 20 while cover flaps 124b move
outward and fold along the diagonal score lines. When gripping regions I24c
have
been moved to about the plane defined by the score lines defining open end 24,
cover flaps 124a are substantially co-planar to cover the open end 24 of
container
l0 20 and cover flaps 124b have folded along the diagonal score lines to be
triangular.
Folded cover flaps 124b may then be folded against side 22 and the apex of
triangular-folded cover flaps I24b may be inserted info die-cut slit 22s
provided
therein, whereby cover flaps 124b are held in the folded position which holds
cover flaps I24a covering the open end 24 of container 20.
1 s [ 84] FIGURE 13 is an isometric view schematic diagram of a nestable
container
20 in a partially folded or collapsed condition, and FIGURES I4A, 14B and I4C
are top, side and bottom view schematic diagrams, respectively, of nestable
container 20 in a folded or collapsed condition. Foldiing or collapsing
container 20
is desirable to reduce the volume it occupies, e.g., during storage and
shipping. In
2o the folded arrangement illustrated, containers 20 may be expanded to an un-
collapsed condition for use either before or after being withdrawn from the
nest of
containers. The illustrated container 20 is generally rectangular and may have
tapered sides, similar to the containers illustrated, for example, in FIGURES
lA,
2A, 2B, 3, 4A-4C, S, 6A-6B, 8D-8H, 11A-11D and 12.
2s [ 85] In other words, a stack or nest of collapsed containers 20 may be
utilized in
its collapsed condition with individual containers un-collapsed or the stack
or nest
of collapsed containers 20 may be expanded or un-collapsed so that each of the
containers 20 thereof is in its expanded condition prior to using or
withdrawing
any container 20 of the stack or nest thereof. One could utilize part of a
stack of
3o containers 20 while the stack is in the collapsed condition and part while
the stack
is in the un-collapsed condition, and may even un-collapse and collapse the
stack
or part thereof as is needed and/or convenient.
[ 86] Container 20 has four generally rectangular sides 22 and a rectangular
closed end 26. Typically, sides 22 are slightly trapezoidal so that container
20 is
3s slightly tapered, being smaller at closed end 26 than at open end 24.
Closed end
26 comprises four flaps 26a, 26b that are folded and glued. Optionally, flaps
26b
each have a tab 26T that is folded inward to provide an anti jamming feature
at the
interior of closed end 26.
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[ 87] Container 20 is collapsed or folded by folding closed end 26 inwardly
(as
indicated by the arrows pointing upward from dashed line 226 in FIGURE 13) and
folding opposing sides 22 outwardly (as indicated by the arrows pointing to
the left
and right from lines 222 in FIGURE 13), substantially at the same time.
[ 88] In particular, closed end 26 is preferably folded along a line in a
direction
parallel to the lengths of tabs 26T if tabs 26T are provided. In the example
illustrated, the fold 226 in closed end 26 is along a line parallel to and in
between
the two anti jamming tabs 26T, as is preferred where anti jamming tabs 26T are
provided. Two opposing sides 22 are each folded in an outward direction along
a
to respective fold line running in the direction between closed end 26 and
open end
24 at respective folds 222, thereby defining partial sides 22a and 22b on
opposite
sides of fold 222. Fold 226 meets respective folds 222 at respective locations
223
on opposing sides 22 part way between closed end 26 and open end 24.
[ 89] The intersections of closed end 26 with the folds between each two
adjacent
1s sides 22 defines four corners 225 of closed end 26. Two diagonal folds 224
in
each respective side 22 are along respective lines 224 connecting location 223
thereof with adjacent corners 225 defined at the intersection of that side 22
and
closed end 26. Thus, folds 222 and 224 in each of sides 22 together define a
"Y"
shaped fold therein, wherein the "Y" is inverted when closed end 26 is the
2o downward or bottom of container 20, i.e. the top of the "Y" is at closed
end 26 and
the central leg of the "Y" is at open end 24.
[ 90] Container 20 is typically made by folding a container blank 20BL at its
score or crease lines into the shape of container 20 and gluing or other wise
securing tab 25 to side 22 and closed end flaps 26a, 2 6b in proper position.
Then
2s container 20 is folded or collapsed by folding outwardly along lines 222,
224 and
inwardly along Line 226. Any one or more or all of folds 222, 224, 226 may be
made along scored, creased or embossed lines of blank 20BL. Plural containers
20
so made and collapsed are then nested to provide a nest of containers.
[ 91] In folding or collapsing container 20, both the; outward folding of
opposing
3o sides 22 along fold lines 222, 224, and the inward folding of closed end 26
along
fold line 226, are done together, i.e. substantially contemporaneously.
Typically,
the collapsed container 20 will tend to spring open o:r expand slightly from
the
collapsed state, which may be advantageous in placing collapsed containers 20
into
a nested arrangement of containers.. A set of nested containers 20 may be
packed
3s in a box or other container, or may be over wrapped by plastic or other
packaging
material, e.g., for shipping, storage, and/or for retail display, and the
packaging
material may tend to maintain containers 20 in the collapsed condition until
they
are unwrapped and put into use.
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[ 92] FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view schematic. diagram illustrating two
of
the nestable container 20 of FIGURES 14A, 14B and 14C in nested arrangement.
In FIGURE 15, the inner or top one of the containers 2;0 is designated 20b and
the
outer or bottom one thereof is designated 20a.. Of course, any number of
containers 20 may be nested as may be convenient or desired, however, two are
illustrated by way of example for illustrating the relative arrangement of the
features interior thereto.
[ 93] In particular, anti jamming tabs 26T of container 20a bear against the
exterior of closed end 26 of container 20b to maintain space therebetween,
thereby
o to facilitate and ease separation of containers 20a and 20b in use. In
addition, the
tendency of containers 20a, 20b to spring back or expand slightly from the
collapsed condition may also tend to ease the removal of containers 20 from
the
nested stack thereof.
[ 94] Container 20a may include adhesive or other adhering means 40 on an
is outside surface thereof, e.g., on the outer surface of closed end 26, e.g.,
on outer
flaps 26a. Such adhesive or adhering means may include any form and/or
material, e.g., as described herein. Such adhesive or adhering means may be
provided on containers 20 of a nest of containers in addition to the exposed
container, and may be of sufficient thickness as to resist the jamming of
containers
20 20 in a nest IO of containers 20.
[ 95] It is preferred, although not necessary, that the inward fold of the
closed end
26 of container 20 as described be made in a direction that permits any anti-
jamming means associated with closed end 26, e.g., tabs 26T, to provide anti-
jamming when container 20 is in the folded condition. It is noted that any of
the
2s example anti jamming arrangements described may be employed where the
container is folded or collapsed.
[ 96] While the particular containers) 20 that are illustrated in FIGURES 14A-
14C and 14 are containers) 20 corresponding to the container blank 20BL-RT
shown in FIGURE 1 ID, the folding arrangement and nnethod described may be
3o employed with containers 20 corresponding to the coni;ainer blanks 20BL
shown in
any of FIGURES 10, 1 lA - 11D and 12, andlor with other containers described
herein, as well as with containers not described herein. The term "blank 20BL"
is
employed to refer to any or all of example container blanks 20BL-C, 20BL-R,
20BL-R', 20BL-R", 20BL-RT, 20BL-RC, as well as to blanks not illustrated.
3s [ 97] As used herein, the term "about" means that dimensions, sizes,
formulations, parameters, shapes and other quantities and characteristics are
not
and need not be exact, but rnay be approximate and/or :larger or smaller, as
desired,
reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and
the
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like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, a
dimension,
size, formulation, parameter, shape or other quantity or characteristic is
"about" or
"approximate" whether or not expressly stated to be such.
[ 98] While the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing
exemplary embodiments, variations within the scope and spirit of the present
invention as defined by the claims following will be apparent to those skilled
in the
art. For example, while the utility of the described nest of nestable
containers has
been described mostly in terms of a waste container for a vehicle, such as a
family
automobile or the like, such nestable containers may be utilized in a wide
variety
t o of environments, such as in rental vehicles and as promotions or gifts
with new
vehicles, or in hotels, hospitals and other facilities where waste is produced
and
need be disposed of.
[ 99] Where an adhesive is provided as the adhering means, it may be preferred
to cover the adhesive with a sheet of release paper or other release liner
that is
is easily removable when it is desired to utilize the adhering means to adhere
the set
of containers to an object. Typically, the adhering means preferably has
stronger
adhesion to the material of the container than to the objiect to which the
nest of
containers adhere. Thus, one or more strips or patches of hook and loop
fastener
having adhesive on one side thereof for adhering to the container may be
2o employed, as may be one or more strips or patches of adhesive tape
comprising
two or more layers, e.g., one layer that adheres strongly to the container
material
and another layer that adheres releasably to the object. Other adhering means
may
also be employed. For example, a sheet magnet material, such as a plastic or
rubber sheet having magnetized material andlor particlf;s therein, of the sort
that is
2s used for "refrigerator magnets" may be adhered to container 20 intended to
be
mounted to an object of iron, steel or other material attracted to a magnet.
[ 100] Adhering means may be provided as one or more strips or patches of
adhesive, hook and loop fastener and/or any other suitable adhering material,
or as
a sheet thereof. On the other hand, adhering means cou.Id be omitted from one,
3o some or all of the containers.
[ 101 ] Further, the nest of nestable containers described) may be utilized
for
containing any other material in place of and/or in addition to waste, such as
food,
beverage, and at any point of sale or distribution, in sizes either larger or
smaller
than the typical sizes described. In addition, the number of containers in a
nest
3s may vary over a wide range, e.g., from about 5-8 containers for typical
vehicle
and/or home and/or business uses, and to greater or lesser numbers for these
and/or
other uses.
[ 102] While an adhering means is typically to be provided on an exterior
surface
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of only the outermost container of a stack of containers, it may be desirable
to
provide adhering means on other ones and/or on all of the containers of a
stack of
containers. This may simplify manufacturing because all containers may be the
same, or may be advantageous for a particular use thereof. In addition, the
adhering means, be it an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener, may be of
sufficient
thickness to resist jamming of plural nestable containers when the plural
nestable
containers are nested. If the adhering means is adhesive, a release liner or
other
peelable covering may be provided, as is typical for the adhesive adhering
means
herein.
to [ 103] One example of such particular use could be where food is dispensed
to a
person likely to consume the food aboard a moving and/or movable conveyance,
such as a train or airplane. In such case, the adhering means could be
employed to
attach the container to a seat tray or other surface, e.g., whether the
container is
utilized as a holder for food to be consumed or as a holder for another a food
tray
1 s or plate, whereby the container would not slide around while the person
was
attempting to consume its contents.
[ 104] While the nestable containers described are generally glued or
otherwise
adhered together from a folded blank or from plural pieces of flat material to
form
a container, nestable containers that are only folded may also be nestable as
2o described herein, and may be provided in a set or nest 'with adhering means
and/or
anti jamming means or features as described. Such containers might find use,
for
example, as food containers wherein food is dispensed in a folded nestable
container, e.g., one with a closure as described, is opened and unfolded to
serve as
a plate or place mat when consuming its contents, and :may then be refolded to
2s serve as a waste container.
[ 105] Other closures, such as the slot and tab type of closures provided on
conventional cereal and cracker boxes, may be utilized with the nestable
containers
described herein, or separate lids, e.g., lids that are themselves nestable
containers
as described herein, may be utilized.
30 [ 106] It is noted that containers are described herein as being
"nestable," or being
"nested," or being a "nest" of containers, i.e. for being ar being capable of
being
placed one into another, which Applicant's consider a preferred terminology.
Such arrangements may also be referred to as being "stackable," or being
"stacked," or as being a "stack" of containers within the scope of the claims
3s following.
[ 107] In relation to the containers) described herein, the terms inward and
outward generally refer to a direction as would be perceived from the vantage
of a
person observing or using such container, i.e. inward is towards the interior
of the
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container, e.g., the volume defined by the side or sides and the closed end
thereof.
