Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
1. Feld of the Invention
The prexnt invention is directod to nestable and stackable container
assemblies formed of molded plastic material, such as polyethylene,
polypropyl~n~, or the like, for ux in storing and transporting goods. The
invention is particularly dirxted to the transport and storage of a fluid-
containing
bag in a reusable container assembly. Such fluid~ontaining bags are commonly
used to transport and store unstable bulk commodities such as, for exampte,
beverage syrups or post mixes. In this regard, the present invention is
directed to
a lidded container assembly comprixd of a substantially rectangular open-top
container which may have a fluid-containing bag disposed therein. The
container
assembly of the present invention is provided with a means for evidencing
tampering with the contents thereof.
2. Description of tlae Prior Art
United States Patent No. 5,163,587, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference, describes a reusable container particularly adapted
for
use in a beverage syrup delivery system. The container comprises an open-top
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
2
body that is formed, for example, of high-density polyethylene and is adapted
to
receive a ~fiuid-containing bag. The container is capable of both sta~cldng
and
nesting. In order to accommodate exposure of a spout attached to the fluid-
v
containing bag, the container, preferably on one end wall, is provided with an
opening designed to permit release of the spout from the container. The
container
is further provided with a means for fixing the spout to the container for
ready
access when the fluid in the bag is to be discharged.
The container of U.S. Patent No. 5,163,587, although constituting a
significant improvement over comparable boxes or containers of the prior art,
suffers from curtain drawbacks. Initially, because the container is open-
topped,
it is susceptible to tampering with the contsnts therein, and the fluid-
containing
bags are exposed to possible damage during storage or shipment. Additionally,
the fluid-like nature of the bags gives them a tendency to migrate out of the
boxes
while traversing conveyors along steep inclirus.
In accordance with the present invention, a novel lidded container assembly
with a tamper evident seal is herein provided. The container assembly
comprises
a bottom surface, a first pair of opposed side walls integrally joined with
the
bottom surface and extending upwardly away therefrom, and a second pair of
opposed side walls integrally joinod with the bottom surface and extending
upwardly away therefrom. The first and second pairs of opposed side walls are
integrally joined with each other along common end surfaces thereof to form
with
the bottom surface a substantially rectangular open-top container. The
uppermost
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
3
surfaces of the first and second pairs of opposed side walls collectively form
an
upper container rim.
In a fast embodiment of the prGSatt invention, a container lid having an
outer periphery is provided. The container lid is hingedly connected to a dust
side
wall of the first pair of opposed side walls, and is designed to protect the
contents
of the container assembly from damage. The container lid includes a raised
surface extending about its outer periphery, with the raised surfa~Ce forming
a
hollow undersurface about the outer periphery of the container lid. The hollow
undersurface of the container lid is adapted to be raxived along the upper
container rim to thereby form an exposed seam between the container lid and
the
open-top container.
A side wall aperture is also provided in this first embodiment. The side
wall aperture is formed in a first side wall of the socond pair of opposed
side
walls, and may be formed by a recess extending downwardly from the uppermost
surface of the first side wall.
Finally, a tamper-evident sealing means is provided to evidence tampering
with the contents of the container assembly. The tamper-widest sealing means
may be any conventional type, such as a shrink wrap film or adhesive-bearing
material. The tamper-evident sealing means may extend across the side wall
aperture to enclose the contents of the container. The tamper evident sealing
means may also extend along at least a portion of the exposed seam between the
container lid and the open-top container when the hollow undersurface of the
container lid is received along the upper container rim. Stated differently,
the
tamper-evident sealing means effectively seals the container when the lid is
in the
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
4
closed position. By observing the condition of the tamper-evident sealing
means,
the end.i~ser is thus capable of determining whether the contents of the
container
asxmbly may have bxn tampered with or damaged during transport or sEorage.
The container lid is connected to the first side wall with a telescoping hinge
means. The telescoping hinge means may comprise a plurality of container hinge
elements disposed in spaced relation along the uppermost surface of the first
side
wall. Each container hinge element may oomprix a pivot pin slidably received
within a respactive hinge aperture disposed in the first side wall. Becaux of
its
unique configuration, the telescoping hinge means is capable of movement both
parallel to and perpendicular to the first side wall. In this manner, when the
hinge
telescopes upwardly, the lid may be rotated up and away from the, top of the
container. Thus, the lid is capable of being rotated around and juxtaposed
with
the first side wall such that the lid lies fiat.
The container assembly of the present invention is capable of both stacking
and nesting. The bottom surface of the container assembly includes an
aperture.
This bottom surface aperture is adapted to receive the raised surfaces of the
container lids of a pair of similarly shaped juxtaposed container assemblies
when
the container asxmblies are disposed in a cross-wix stacked configuration. In
addition, the interior and exterior surfaces of the first and second pairs of
opposed
side walls are formed with alternating recesses and projections configured and
'
sized for reception by the recesses of the projxtions of a similarly shaped
adjacent
container asxmbly when the container assemblies are disposed in a nested
configuration.
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
5
The container assembly of the presatt invention is particularly adapted for
use with a fluid-containing bag which may be disposed within the substantially
rectangular open-top container. The fluid-containing bag may include a spout,
and
v
the side wall aperture is adapted to receive such a spout. More particularly,
the
side wall aperture terminates in a ra5essod surface of the first silo wall,
and this
recessed surface is configured to receive the spout. What the container
assembly
reaches its final destination, the user may simply retrieve the spout from
within the
open-top container and lock the spout into position in the aperture along the
side
wall.
A second embodiment of the container assembly of the present invention
includes a substantially rectangular open-top container as described above in
accordance with the first embodiment. With this embodiment, however; a
split=lid
configuration is utilized. More particularly, a first container lid having an
outer
periphery is provided. The first container lid is hingedly connected to a
first side
wall of the first pair of opposed side walls. The first container lid ,
includes a
projxting portion extending along ane side of iu outer periphery. The first
container lid further includes a raised surface extending about its outer
periphery,
with the raised surface forming a hollow undcrsurfacx about the outer
periphery,
The hollow undcrsurface of the first container lid is adapted to be received
along
~ portion of the upper container rim to thereby form a first exposed seam
between
the first container lid and the open-top container.
A second container lid having an outer periphery is also provided in
accordance with this second embodiment of the present invention. Like the
first
container lid, the second container lid is hingedly connected to a second side
wall
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
6
of the first pair of opposed side walls. Also similarly, the second container
lid
includes a projecting portion extending along one side of its outer periphery.
The
second container lid further includes a raised surface extending about its
outer
periphery, with the raised surface forming a hollow undersurface about the
outer
periphery. Again, the hollow undersurface of the second container lid is
adapted
to be received along a portion of the upper container rim to thereby form a
second
exposad seam between the second container lid and the open-top container.
The first and second container lids are connected to the respective first or
second side walls with a telescoping hinge means in a~ccordanee with the
description of the first embodiment above. Accordingly, the first and second
container lids may be rotated up and away from the top of the container and
juxtaposed with the respective first or second side wall such that the lids
lie flat.
The projecting portions of the first and second container lids are capable
of being moved into an interloclong configuration with one another when the
hollow undersurFaces of the container lids are received along the upper
container
rim, i.e., when the container lids are in their closed positions. The
interlocking
configuration of the projecting portions thereby forms a raised interlocking
surface
and a third e~xpoxd seam between the first and second container lids.
The second embodiment of the container system of the present invention
also includes a side wall aperture formed in the first side wall of the second
pair
of opposed side walls. This side wall aperture is formed substantially in
accordance with the side wall aperture discussed above with respect to the
first
embodiment. Thus, the side wall aperture may be formed by a recess extending
downwardly from the uppermost surface of the first side wall. In this
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
7
embodiment, a second side wall of the second pair of opposed side walls also
includes a iectss extending downwardly from the uppermost surfacx thereof.
This
recess in the second side wall is adaptod to receive the projecting portions
of the
v.
first and second container lids when the lids are moved into their closed
pdsitions.
Finally, a tamper-evident sealing means, such as a shrink wrap film or
adhesive-bearing material, may be provided in this second embodiment. The
tampar-evident sealing means may extend across the side wall aperture to
thereby
effectively enclose the contents of the container system. The tamper-evident
sealing means may further extend along the third exposed seam and across the
recess in the second side wall. The tamper-evident sealing means may also
extend
along at least a portion of the first and second exposed seams when the hollow
undersurfaces of the container lids are roccivcd along the upper container
rim, i.e.,
when the lids are in their closed positions. As with the first embodiment, the
tamper-evident sealing means enables the ultimate user to determine whether
the
contents of the container assembly may have boea tamperod with or damaged.
The container assembly of this second embodiment of the presait invention
is also capable of stacking or nesting. In this regard, the bottrom surface of
the
container assembly includes first and second apertures. These first and second
bottom surface apertures are adapted to receive the raised surfaces of the
first and
second container lids of a pair of similarly shaped juxtaposed container
assemblies
when the container assemblies are disposed in a cross-wise stacked
configuration.
More particularly, the first and se«ond apertures arc designed to receive the
peripheral raised surfaces and the raised intcrloclong surfaces formod along
the top
of a pair of adjacent container assemblies stacked cross-wise therebelow. Like
the
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8
first embodiment, the container assembly of the second embodiment of the
present
invention is also nestable. The interior and exterior surfaces of the first
and
second pairs of opposed side walls are formed with alternating recesses and
projections configured and sized for reception by the recesses of the
projections
of an adjacent similarly shaped container asxmbly when the container
assemblies
are disposed in a nested configuration.
Like the first embodiment, the container 'assembly of the second
embodiment is also particularly adapted for use with a fluid-containing bag
with
a spout which may be disposed within the substantially rectangular open-top
container. Again, the side wall aperture may be formed by a recessed surfact
of
the first side wall such that roxssod surface is configured to recxive the
spout.
The user may retrieve the spout from within the open-top container and lock
the
spout into position along the side wall when it is desired to withdraw the
contents.
A third embodiment of the container assembly of the praait invention
similarly utilizes a substantially rectangular open-tap container formed in
accordance with the description of the first and second embodimenu above.
However, this embodiment utilizes a modified split-lid configuration in
cooperation
with a recessed aperture formed along one side of the container assembly to
effectively houx a fluid-containing bag with a spout.
In particular, a fluid-containing bag with a spout may be disposed within
the substantially rectangular open-top container. An aperture is formed in a
first
side wall of the second pair of opposed side walls. This side wall aperture is
formed by a recess extending downwardly from the uppermost surface of the
first
side wall. The side wall aperture terminates in a recessed surface of the
first side
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
9
wall, with the recessed surface configured to receive the spout. Also, a
recess is
formed in the second side wall of the second pair of opposed side walls to
roctive
the projecting portions of the first and second container lids when the lids
are in
their closed positions. The container assembly of this third embodiment of the
present invention is also capable of stacking or nesting in asxordance with
the
description above of the second embodiment.
The first and second container lids of the third embodiment are provided
substantially in accordance with the first and second container lids described
above
with respect to the second embodiment. Specifically, these hingodly-connoct~d
lids
include raised surfaces extending about their outer peripheries, and further
include
respective projecting portions which provide for an interloeldng configuration
and
the formation of a raised interlocking surface and third exposed seam. In
addition,
however, each of these first and second container lids further includes a
recessed
area about a portion of its rapective outer periphery. Those respective
recessed
arms are configured to correspond to the side wall aprrture and provide
clearance
for the exposed spout.
With this third embodiment, the spout extends from the container and may
be scaled such that it is tamper evident. In this regard, the spout may be
provided
with a conventional cap which is tampon evident. This cap may also include
informational indicia regarding the particular contents of the container
system.
Additionally, or in the alternative, the container assembly rnay further
comprise a tamper-evident sealing means, such as a shrink wrap film or
adhesive-
bearing material. This tamper-evident sealing means may extend across the side
wall aperture and the recessed areas of the first and second container lids to
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
thereby cover the exposed spout. The tamper-evident sealing means may further
extend along the third exposed seam. The tamper-evident sealing means may also
extend along the first and second exposed seams and across the recess in the
second side wall when the lids are in their respective closed positions.
Again, the
tamper-evident sealing means is designed to provide evidence of possible
tampering with or damage to the oontatts of the container assembly.
While the first and second embodiments of the container assembly of the
present invention are designed for storage and transport with a fluid-
containing bag
disposed entirely within the open-top container, this third embodiment allows
for
the storage and transport of a fluid~ontaining bag in a ready-to-use
condition.
The unique configuration of this third embodiment allows shipping of the
container
assembly with ~ the spout in its operative position. The spout is disposed
within the
side wall aperivre and received along the recessed surface of the side wall
such
that it is eacposed from the open-tap contains. With the container lids in
their
closed positions, the side wall and the lids cooperate to secure the spout in
place,
and ensure that access to the interior of the container assembly is prevented.
The
exposed spout is made tampertvident in a conventional manner as discussed
above, such as by the inclusion of a tamper-evident cap. In addition, or
in'thc
alternative, a separate tamper-evident sealing means may be used to protect
the cap
1 during transport and storage. .
Because the fluid-containing bag may be shipped in the container assembly
in a ready-to-use condition, handling by the end user is desirably reduced.
When
the container assembly reaches its final destination, the user simply accesses
the
spout by removing the cap andlor breaking the tamper-evident sealing means.
The
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
1 1 r,
user need not retrieve the spout from within the open-top container or secure
it in
place: Rather, it~ is likely that the apparatus used to fill the fluid-
containing bag may
be used to secure the spout into its operative position along the side wall
when the
container assembly is readied for transport.
w.,
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a
container assembly comprising: .
a bottom surface;
a first pair of opposed side walls integrally joined with said bottom surface
and
extending upwardly away therefrom, a second pair of opposed side walls
integrally
joined with said bottom surface and extending upwardly away therefinm, said
first
and second pairs of opposed side walls being integrally joined with each other
along
common endsurfaces thereof to form with said bottom surface a substantially
rectangular open-top container; the uppermost surfaces of said first and
second pairs
of opposed side walls collectively forming an upper container rim;
a fluid-containing bag disposed within said substantially rectangular open-top
container, said fluid-containing bag including a spout;
a side wall aperture to matingly engage and support said spout in locked
relation, said aperture formed in a first side wall of said second pair of
opposed side
walls, said side wall aperture terminating in a recessed surface of said first
side wall,
said recessed surface configured to receive and support said spout; and .
a lid means.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
container assembly comprising:
a bottom surface;
a first pair of opposed side walls integrally joined with the bottom surface
and
extending upwardly therefrom;
a second pair of opposed side walls integrally joined with the bottom surface
and extending upwardly therefrom, the second pair of opposed side walls
integrally
joined with the first pair of opposed side walls such that the first and
second pairs of
opposed side walls and the bottom surface together form an open-top container
the
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lla
uppermost surfaces of the first and second pairs of opposed side walls
collectively
forming an upper container rim, wherein a first side wall of the second pair
of
opposed side walls includes a recessed surface having a side wall aperture
formed
therein; and
a fluid-containing bag disposed with the open-top container, the inner
container including a spout, wherein the side wall aperture matingly engages
and
supports the spout in locked relation and the recessed surface is configured
to receive
and support the spout.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will. become readily
apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the
present
invention pertains from the foregoing description taken in conjunction with
the
accompanying drawings.
BRI~DE$CR1PTION OF ~~HE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the container assembly
of the present invention in an open condition;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container assembly of Figure 1 shown in
a closed condition;
Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the container assembly of
FIG. 1;
Figure 4 is a differing perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. I
showing the container Iid in a fully open position;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 1 .shown in a
closed condition and including a tamper-evident sealing means;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a nested configuration of several of the
container assemblies shown in FIG. 1;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a stacked configuration of several of the
container assemblies shown in FIG. l;
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
12
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sa~,ond embodiment of the container
assembler of the present invention in an opal ccmdition;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the container asxmbly of Figure 8 shown
in a closed condition;
Figure 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the contairi~er assembly
of FIG. 8;
Figure 11 is a differing perspective view of the container assembly of FIG.
8 showing the container lid in a fully open position;
Figure,12 is a perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 8 shown
in a closed condition and including a tamper-widmt sealing means;
Figure 13 is a perspxtive view of a nested configuration of several of the
container assemblies shown in FIG. 8;
Figure 14 is a paspecbve viaw of a stackad configuration of several of the
container assemblies shown in FIG. 8;
Figure 15 is a perspoctiv~ view of a third embodiment of the container
assembly of the pmxnt invention in an open condition;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of the container assembly of Figure 15
shown in a closed condition; and
Figure 17 is a perspective 'view of the container assembly of FIG. 15 shown
,~ in a closed condition and including an additional tamper-evident sealing
means.
~Z;TAILED 1?F~rR~rl(~N OF P
EMBODIMENTS OFTHE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, a first embodiment of the container assembly of
the present invention is shown generally at 10 in FIGS. 1-?. The container
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
13
assembly 10 is formed from a molded plastic material, such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, or the like, such that it is sturdy and reusable. The container
assembly 10 comprises a bottom surface 11, a first pair of opposed side walls
12,
v
13 integrally joined with the bottom surface 11 and extending upwardly away
therefrom, and a second pair of opposed side walls 14, 15 integrally joined
with
the bottom surface I 1 and extending upwardly away therefrom. As shown in FIG.
1, the first and second pairs of opposed side walls 12, 13, 14, 15 are
integrally
joined with each other along common end surfaces thereof to form with the
bottom
surface 11 a~ substantially rectangular open-top container. The upperntost
surfaces
of the first and second pairs of opposed side walls 12, 13, 14, 15
collectively form
an upper container rim 16 about the periphery of the container. The upper
container rim 16 includes an upstanding surfact 17 and a thin shelf 18
disposed on
the outside of the container.
In this first embodiment of the present invention, a container lid 20 having
an outer periphery is provided. The container lid 20 is hingedly connxted to a
first side wall 13 of the first pair of opposed side walls. The container lid
20
includes a raised surface 21 extending about its outer periphery, with the
raised
surface 21 forming a hollow undersurface 22 about the outer periphery 'of the
container lid 20. The hollow undersurface 22 of the container lid 20 is
adapted
to be received along the upper container rim 16 to thereby form an exposed
seam
30 between the container lid 20 and the open-top container. More specifically,
when the lid 20 is moved to a closed position as shown in FIG. 2, the hollow
undersurface 22 is received along the upstanding surface 17 of the upper
container
rim lb with the lowermost edge of the lid 20 resting on the thin shelf 18. The
lid
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14
20 is thus securely snap-fit onto the side walls 12, 13, 14, 15 of the open-
top
container.
A side wall aperivre 40 is also provided in the container assembly 10. The
side wall aperture 40 is formed in a fast side wall 15 of the second pair of
opposed side walls. As shown most cleuly in FIGS. 1 and 3-4, this side wall
aperture 40 may be formed by a recess extending downwardly from the uppermost
surface of the first side wall 15.
The container assembly 10 is particularly designed for use with a fluid-
containing bag 50 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. Such fluid-containing bags 50 are
used to store and transport, for example, beverage syrup. The fluid~ontaining
bag
50 may be disposed entirely within the substantially rectangular open-top
container
for storage and transport. With the lid 20 closed, the fl~id-containing bag 50
will
not be damaged. Wha~ a user wishes to withdraw the contents of the fluid-
containing bag 50, a spout 51 formed at one end of the bag 50 is used. The
user
retrieves the spout 51 from within the container and locates it in the area of
the
side wall aperture 40. With the spout 51 exposed, the fluid-containing bag 50
may
be drained. The side wall, aperture 40 of the container assembly is thus
adaptod
to receive the spout 51. More particularly, the side wall aperture 40
terminates
in a recessed surface 55 of the first side wall 15, and this surfacx 55 is
configured to receive the spout 51 as shown in FIG. 2. While the side wall .
aperture 40 may be disposed at any location along the side wall 15, it is
preferably
formed by a recess extending downwardly from the uppermost surface of the side
wall 15 as shown most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 3-4. A dip tube may be used to
discharge the fluid from the bag 50 at this elevated position along the side
wall 15.
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
15 ,
The container assembly 10 of the present invention is further provided with
a tamper-evident seal. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 5, the container
assembly
10 is provided with a tamper-evident sealing means 60. This tamperevident
sealing means 60 enables the user to detect tampering with the contents of the
container assembly 10 during storage or transport. The container asxmbly 10 is
first loaded with the desirod contents, e.g., the fluid-containing bag 50
shown in
FIGS. 2 and 7. With the lid 20 of the container asxmbly 10 in a closed
position,
a tamper-evident sealing means 60 may be added which extends across the side
wall aperture 40 to fully enclox the contents of the container. The tamper-
evident
sealing means 60 may also extend along the exposed seam 30 between the
container lid 20 and the open-top container. The tamper-evident sealing means
60
thus effxtively seals the entire container asxmbly 10 in a closed position.
When
the container asxmbly later reaches its destination, if the tamper-evident
sealing
means 60 has been broken, this indicates to the user that the contents may
have
been tampered with or damaged. If the tamper-evident sealing means 60 is
unbroken, the user may then personally break the tamper-evident sealing means
60 and access the contents disposed therein, e.g., the spout 51 of the fluid-
containing bag 50 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7.
The tamper-evident sealing means 60 may be any conventional type known
II to those having skill in the art, such as a shrink wrap film or adhesive-
bearing
material. A label or sticker providing information regarding the contents of
the
container assembly may also be used to cover the side wall aperture 40. While
the
sealing means 60 is illustrated in FIG. 5 as extending across the side wall
aperture
40 and fully along the exposed seam 30, this configuration is not absolutely
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
16.. ,'
required. Rather, it is within the scope of the present invention to utilise
the
sealing, means 60 only along that portion of the exposed seam 30 which is
necessary to ensure that tampering with the container asxmbly 10 may be
,,
detected.
Again, the side wall aperture 40 is preferably formed by a recess extending
downwardly from the uppermost surface of the side wall 15 as shown most
clearly
in FIGS. 1 and 3-4. This configuration is prtfcrred because the tamper-evident
sealing means 60 is thus roquirod only around at least a portion of the upper
periphery; of the container asxmbly 10. Hear, a unitary or one-pier sealing
means 60 may be utilized.
The container lid 20 is connected to the first side wall 13 with a telescoping
hinge means' .70. As best shown in FIG. 3, the telescoping hinge means may
comprise a plurality of container hinge elements 71 disposed in spaced
relation
along the uppermost surface of the first side wall 13. Fach container hinge
element 71 may comprix a pivot pin 72 slidably received within a respective
hinge
aperture 73 disposed in the first side wall 13. Bocaux of its unique
configuration,
the telescoping hinge means 70 is capable of movement both parallel to and
perpendicular to the first side wall 13 as shown by arrows A and B in FIG. 3:
In
this manner, when the hinge elements 71 tel~ope upwardly, the lid 20 may be
rotated up and away from the upper container rim 16. Thus, the lid 20 is
capable
of being rotated around and juxtaposed with the first side wall 13 such that
the lid
20 lies flat as shown in FIG. 4.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and ?, the container assembly 10 of the present
invention is capable of both stacking and nesting with additional similarly
shaped
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
17
container asxmblies when full or when empty. The bottom surface 11 of the
container asxmbly includes an aperture 80. As shown in FIG. 7, this bottom
surface aperture 80 is adapted to receive the raised surfaces 21 of the
container
lids 20 of a pair of similarly shaped juxtaposed container assemblies when the
container asxmblies are disposed in a stackod configuration. The container
assembly 10 may be sized such that its bottom surface 11 extends fully across
a
pair of similarly shaped juxtaposed container assemblies stacked cross-wise
therebelow. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the bottom surface 11 cooperates with
the
raisod surfaces 21 around the outer periphery of the container assemblies
stacked
cross-wise therebelow. This configuration further stabilizes the stack of
container
assemblies. Further, while only a single container assembly 10 is shown in the
upper position of the stack, the container assembly 10 may also be sized such
that
a pair of container assemblies will likewise cross-stack on a similarly-shaped
pair
disposed cross-wise therebelow.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the interior and exterior surface of the
first and second pairs of opposed side walls 12, 13, 14, 15 are formed with
alternating recesses 90 and projxtions 91 configured and sized for reception
by
the recesxs 90 of the projections 91 of a similarly shaped adjacent container
assembly when the container assemblies are disposed in a nested configuration.
Further, as discussed above, the telescoping hinge means 70 enables the lid 20
to
rotate around and lie flat against the side wall 13 as shown in FIG. 4. This
feature
enables a plurality of the container asxmblies 10 to be nested to a greater
height
than would ordinarily be possible in a given spact as shown in FIG. 6.
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
8 .
FIGS. 8 through 14 illustrate a second embodiment of the container
asxmbly 1.10 of the present invention. This second embodiment similarly
utilizes
a substantially rxtaagular open-top container having a bottom surface 111 and
upstanding side walls 112, 113, 114, 115 as described above in accordance with
the first embodiment. In this embodiment, however, a split-lid configuration
is
utilized.
More particularly, a first container lid 120a having an outer periphery is
provided. The first container lid 120a is hingedly connected to a first side
wall
112 of the first pair of opposed side walls. 1fie first container lid 120a
includes
a projecting portion 125a extending along one side of its outer periphery. The
first
container lid 120a further includes a raised surface 121a extending about iu
outer
periphery, with the raised surface 121a forming a hollow undersurfaa 122a
about
the outer periphery. The hollow undersurface 122a of the first container lid
l2Qa
is adapted to be raxived along a portion of the upper container rim 116 to
thereby
form a first exposed seam 130a between the first container lid 120a and. the
opea-
top container. In this regard, when the first container lid 120a is moved to a
closed position as shown in FIG. 9, the hollow undersurface 122a is rexived
along
a portion of 'the upstanding surface 117 of the upper container rim 116 with
the
lowermost edge of the first container lid 120a resting on a portion of the
thin shelf
118.
A xcond container lid 124b having an outer periphery is also provided in
accordance with this second embodiment of the present invention. Like the
first
container lid 120x, the sxond container lid 120b is hingedly connected to a
second
side wall 113 of the first pair of opposed side walls. Also similarly, the
second
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
19 ,.
container lid 120b includes a projecting portion 125b extending along one side
of
its outer periphery. The second container lid l2Qb further includes a raised
surface 121b extatding about its outer periphery, with the raised sut;face
121b
forming a hollow undersurface 122b about the outer periphery. Again, the
hollow
undersurfacx 122b of the second container lid 120b is adapted to be~ roceived
along
a portion of the upstanding surfact 117 of the upper container rim 116 with
the
lowermost edge of the second container lid 120b resting on a portion of the
thin
shelf 118. The second container lid 120b is thereby snap-fit to the side walls
113;
114, 115 to thereby form a second exposed seam 130b between the second
container lid 120b and the open-top container.
The first and second container lids 120x, 120b are connected to first and
second side walls 112, 113 with a telest;oping hinge means 170, in accordance
with
the description above of the first embodiment of the present invention. This
telescoping hinge means 170 may similarly comprise a plurality of container
hinge
elements l71 disposed in spaced relation along the uppermost surfaces of the
first
and second side walls 112, 113. Each container hinge element 171 may comprise
a pivot pin 172 slidably raxived within a respective hinge aperture 173
disposed
in the first and second side walls 112, 113. As shown in FIG. 10, the
telescoping
hinge means 170 is capable of movement both parallel to and perpendicular to
the
,first and second side walls 112, 113 as shown by arrows A and B. Thus, when
the hinge elements 171 telescope upwardly, the lids 120a and 120b may be
rotated
around and juxtaposed with the respective first or second side wall 112, 113
to lie
flat as shown in FIG. 11.
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
20
The projecting portions 125a, 125b of the first and second container lids
120x, 120b are capable of being moved into an interlocking configuration wxch
one
another when the hollow undersurfaces 122x, 122b of the container lids 120x,
120b
are rectived along the upper container rim 116, i.e.; when the container lids
120x,
120b are moved into their closed positions as shown in FIG. 9. The
interlocking
projecting portions 125x, 125b thereby form a raised interlocking surface 126
and
a third exposod seam 130c between the first and second container lids 120x,
120b.
The second embodiment of the container system of the prexnt invention
also includes a side wall aperture 140 formed in the first side wall 115 of
the
second pair of opposed side walls. This side wall apertw~e 140 is formed
substantially in accordance with the side wall aperture 40 discussed above
with
respect to the first embodiment. Thus, the side wall aperture 140 is
preferably
formed by a rxess extending downwardly fmm the uppermost surfacx of the first
side wall 115 as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 10-11. In this embodiment, however,
the second side wall 114 of the second pair of opposed side walls also
includes a
recess 145 extending downwardly from the uppermost surfacx thereof. This
recess
145 in the sooond side wall 114 is adapted to receive the projecting~porcions
125x,
125b of the first and second container lids 120x, 120b when the lids are in
their
closed positions.
As in the first embodiment, a tamper-evident sealing means 160 may be
provided in this second embodiment. The tamper-evident sealing means 160 may
extend across the side wall aperture 140 to thereby enclose the contents of
the
container system, e.g., a fluid-containing bag 150. The tamper-evident sealing
means 160 may further extend along the third exposed seams 130c formed when
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
21
the lids 120x, 120b are moved into their interlocking configuration. The
tamper-
evident staling means 160 may also extend along the first and second exposed
seams ~ 130a, 130b formed when the hollow undersurfaces 122a, 122b of the
container lids 120a, 120b are raxivod along the upper container rim 116, i.e.,
when the lids 120x, 120b are moved into their closed positions.
The tamper-evident sealing means 160 of this second embodiment differs
somewhat bocause of the split-lid configuration. In this regard, the
tamper=tvident
sealing means 160 may further extend along the third exposed seam 130c formed
by the interloclong projxting portions 125a, 125b of the fast and sa;ond
container
lids 120x, 120b. The second embodiment also differs in that the tamper-evident
sealing means 160 may extend across the recess 145 formed in the second side
wall. The tamper-evident sealing means 160 may thus effectively seal the
entire
container assembly 110 in a closed position. When the container assembly 110
later reaches its destination, if the tamper-evident sealing means 160 has
been
broken, this indicates to the user that the contenu may have been tampered
with
or damaged. Again, the tamper-evident sealing means 160 may be any
conventional type (mown to those having skill in the art, such as a shrink
wrap
film or adhesive-bearing material, and a label or sticker may be used to cover
the
side wall aperture 140. Also as above, while the sealing means 160 is
illustrated
'in FIG. 12 as extending across the side wall apertures 140, 145 and fully
along the
exposed seams 130a, 130b, 130c, this configuration is not absolutely required.
Rather, it is within the scope of the present invention to utilize the scaling
means
160 only along those portions of the exposed seams 130a, 130b, 130c which are
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
zz
necessary to ensure that tampering with the container assembly 110 may be
detected. ,
'Like the container assembly 10 of the first embodiment described above,
this second embodiment of the container assembly 110 is also capable of
~s~~tacking
or nesting as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In this regard, the bottom surface 111
of the container assembly 110 is providod with a plurality of apertures. The
bottom surface 111 includes at least first and second apertures 80a, 80b.
These
first and second bottom surface apertures 80a, 80b are adapted to receive the
raised surfaces formed on the first and second container lids 120a, 120b of a
pair
of similarly shaped juxtaposed container assemblies 110 when .the container
assemblies arc disposed in a stacked configuration. More particularly, as
shown
in FIG . 14, the first and second apertures 80a, 80b are designed to receive
the
peripheral raised surfaces 121a, 121b and the raised interlocking surfaces 126
formed along the top of a pair of adjacent container assemblies 110 stacked
therebelow. The container assembly 110 may be sized such that its bottom
surface
111 extends fully across a pair of similarly shaped juxtaposed container
assemblies
110 stacked cmss-wise therebelow as shown in FIG. 14. Thus, the bottom surface
111 cooperates with the raised interlocking surfaces 126 and the raised
surfaces
121a, 121b around the outer periphery of the container assemblies 110 stacked
cross-wise therebelow. This configuration contributes to the stability of the
,,
container assemblies 110 when stacked.
Like the first embodiment, the container assembly 110 of the second
embodiment of the present invention is also nestable. As shown in FIG. 13, the
interior and exterior surfaces of the first and second pairs of opposed side
walls
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
23
112, 113, 114, 115 are formed with alternating recesses 190 and projections
191
configured and sized for reception by the recesses 190 of the projections 191
of
an adjacent similarly shaped container assembly 110 when the container
assemblies
110 are disposed in a nested configuration.
As with the first embodiment described above, the container asxmbly 110
of the second embodiment is particularly adapted for use with a fluid-
containing
bag 150 with a spout 151 which may be disposed within the substantially
rectangular open-top container. Again, the side wall aperture 140 may be
formed
in part by a rocesxd surface 155 of the first side wall 115 such that ro~~sod
surface 155 is configured to restive the spout 151 as shown in FIGS. &10 and
14.
A user accesses the open-top container through the side wall aperture 140 to
retrieve the spout 151 and secure it in position along the recessed surface
155.
A third embodiment of the container assembly 210 of the present invention
is shown in FIGS. 15-17. This embodiment similarly utilises a substantially
rectangular open-top container as described above in accordance with the first
and
second embodiments. However, this embodiment utilizes a modified split-lid
configuration in cooperation with a raxssed aperture 240 formed along one side
of the container assembly. The container assembly 210 of this third embodiment
is particularly adapted to effectively houx a fluid-containing bag 250 with a
spout
251.
In particular, a fluid-containing bag 250 with a spout 251 may be disposed
within the substantially rectangular open-top container formed by a bottom
surface
211 and first and second pairs of opposed side walls 212, 213, 214, 215. An
aperture 240 is formed in a first side wall 215 of the second pair of opposed
side
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
24
walls. This side wall aperture 240 is formed by a recess extending downwardly
from the uppermost surface of the first side wall 215. The side wall aperture
240
terminates in a recessed surface 255 of the first side wall 215, with the
recessed
surface 255 configured to receive the spout 251 from the bag 250. Also, a
recess
245 is formed in the second side wall 214 of the second pair of opposed side
walls
to receive the projecting portions 225a, 225b of the first and second
container lids
220x, 220b when the lids are in their closed positions, as described more
fully
below.
With .this third embodiment, the spout 251 extends from the open-top
container and through the side wall aperture 240 to be exposed from the
container
assembly 210 during storage and transport. The spout 251 may be sealed in any
conventional manner such that it is tamper evident. In this regard, the spout
251
may be provided with a conventional cap 252 which is tamper evident. This cap
252 may also include informational indicia 253 regarding the particular
contents
of the container system.
As shown in FIG. 16, the recessed surface 255 of this embodiment is
formed in a portion of the side wall 215 having a defined width or thiclrness.
More specifically, the portion of the side wall 215 which includes the
recessed
surface 255 should have a width which is equal to or greater than the length
of the
spout 251 which protrudes from the open-top container through the side wail
aperture 240. Stated differently, the side wall 215 and recessed surface 255
should
have a depth which is sufficient to provide clearance for the spout 251
protruding
from the open-top container. In this manner, the spout 251 is disposed fully
within the side wall aperture 240 bordered by the recessed surface 255, the
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
25
upstanding side wall 215, and the container lids 220x, 220b as shown in FIG.
16.
When receiired along the rxessed surface 255 of this thickened side wall 215,
the
spout 251 is protxted from damage due to exterior forets, e.g., other
container
asxmblies stacked adjacent thereto. Thus, the container assembly 210 ray be
shipped with the fluid-containing bag 250 in a ready-to-use condition without
concxrn for damage to the spout 251.
The first and second container Gds 220a, 220b of the third embodiment are
provided substantially in accordance with the first and second container lids
120x,
120b described above with respect to the second embodiment. Specifically, the
lids 220x, 220b are connected to the respective side walls 212, 213 via a
telescoping hinge means 270. This telescoping hinge means 270 may comprise a
plurality of container hinge elements 271 disposed in space relationl~along
the
uppermost surfaces of the first and second side walls 212, 213. Each container
hinge element 271 may comprise a pivot pin 272 slidably roceived within a
respective hinge aperture 273 disposed in the fast and second side walls 212,
213.
As shown in FIG. 15, when the hinge elements 2? 1 telescope upwardly, the lids
220a and 220b may be rotated around and juxtaposed with the respxtive first or
second side wall 212, 213 to lie flat.
The container lids 220x, 220b include raised surfaces 221a, 221b extending
about their outer peripheries, and further include respective projecting
portions
225a, 225b which provide for an interlocking configuration and the formation
of
a raised interlocking surface 226 and third exposed seam 230c. In addition,
however, each of these first and second container lids 220a, 220b further
includes
a recessed area 228a, 228b about a portion of its respective outer periphery.
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
26
These respective recessed areas 228a, 228b are configured to correspond to the
side wall aperture 240 and provide clearance for the exposad spout 251.
The container assembly 210 is stackable and nestable as described above
with aspect to the second embodiment. The container assembly 210 thus includes
a plurality of bottom surfacx apertures 280x, 280b to facilitate stacking, and
a
plurality of recesses 290 and projections 291 to facilitate nesting.
As discussed above, the spout 251 eztaids from the container and may be
sealed in any conventional manner such that it is tamper evident.
Additionally, or
in the alternative, the container assembly may further comprise a separate
ta,mper-
evident sealing means 260, such as a shrink wrap film or adhesive-bearing
material. As shown in FIG. 1?, this tamper~,wident sealing means 260 may
extend
across the side wall aperture 240 and the roxssed areas 228a, 228b of the
first and
second container lids 220x, 220b to thereby cover the exposed spout. The
tamper-
evident sealing means 260 may also extend along the first and second exposed
seams 230x, 230b when the Gds 220x, 220b are in their respective closed
positions. The tamper-evident sealing means 260 may further extend along the
third exposed seam 230c, and across the recess '245 in the second side wall
214.
Once again, while the sealing means 260 illustrated in FIG. 1? extends across
the
side wall apertures 240, 245 and fully along the exposed seams 230a, 230b,
230c,
this configuration is not absolutely required. Rather, it is within the scope
of the
present invention to utilize the scaling means 260 only along those portions
of the
exposed seams 230x, 230b, 230c which are necessary to ensure that tampering
with the container assembly 210 may be detected.
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
27 ,,
The first and second embodiments of the container assembly 10, 110 of the
present, invention are designed for transport and storage with a fluid-
containing bag
50, 150 disposed entirely within the open-top container. With t~e third
embodiment, however, the container assembly 210 may be stored and transported
with a fluid-containing bag 250 in a ready-to-use condition. Specifically,
because
of its unique configuration, the container assembly 210 may be shipped with
the
spout 251 in its operative position. The spout 251 is received along the side
wall
215 of the container assembly in the side wall aperture 240. The side wall
aperture 240 ~ ;terminates in a rxessed surface of the first side wall 255,
with the
rxessed surface 255 configured to receive the spout 251 from the bag 250. With
the container lids 220x, 220b in their closed positions, the spout 251 is held
in its
operative position by the recessed surface 255 of the side wall 215 and the
lids
220x, 220b. The recessed areas 228x, 228b of the lids 220x, 220b provide
clearance for the exposed spout 251 along the side wall 215. It is envisioned
that
the apparatus used to fill the fluid~ontaining bag 250 may also be used to
secure
the spout 251 in iu place along the side wall 215 when the container assembly
250
is readied for transport.
Because the container assembly 210 of this third embodiment may be
shipped with the fluid-containing bag 250 in a ready-to-use condition,
handling by
1 the end user is desirably reduced. When the container assembly 210 reaches
its
final destination, the user simply accesses the spout 251 by removing the
conventional tamper-evident cap 252 and/or breaking the conventional tamper-
evident sealing means 260. The user need not retrieve the spout 251 from
within
CA 02484830 2004-11-17
28
the open-top container or secure is in place as required with prior art
container
assemblies:
In addition, this configuration of the present invention is more easily made
1
tamper~vident. As shown in FIG. 16, the side wall aperture 240 is made only
large enough to receive the spout 251. Thus, the contents of the container
assembly 210 are completely enclosed within the open-top container where the
lids
220x, 220b are moved into their' closed positions. Accordingly, all that needs
to
be protected from tampering or damage during transport is the exposed spout
251.
This may be accomplished using any lrnown conventional means, such as a tamper-
evident cap 252. Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the use, if desired, of a separate
tamper-evident sealing means 260 is facilitated. Because the side wall
aperture
240 of this erlnbodiment need only be large enough to receive the spout 251,
additional aperture space which is required with other designs to facilitate
user
access, need not be covered with the tamper-evident sealing means 260.
While the description herein pertains to preferred embodiments of the
invention, it should be understood that various changes in the details,
materials and
arrangement of elements which have been described and illustrated in order to
explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art
within
the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.
