MX2012001884A - A container and a structure including the container as a building element. - Google Patents

Abstract

The container 60 has a body 62 which has a height of about 162 mm. The container 60 has two spaced apart connectors, 20, 22 on each of two opposed sides 64, 66 thereof. The connectors 20, 22 are spaced apart by a distance of about 120 mm. The connectors 20, 22 are in the form of protrusions (not visible) and recess formations 22.1.

Description

A CONTAINER AND A STRUCTURE INCLUDING THE CONTAINER AS A CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a container. In particular, the invention refers to a container, a method of building a structure and a structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is envisaged that the container of the invention can be advantageously used to contain substances normally purchased by consumers at a point. of sale, or store, or similar, for example. Accordingly, it is envisioned that the container of the invention can be used to contain gaseous substances and / or liquids, such as, beverages, milk, fruit juice, detergents, bleaches i; domestic use, and similar for example. In addition, the container can be. used to contain granular substances, such as, flour, spices, oats, cereals, pet food, and the like, for example. Accordingly, the container of the invention can be used to contain any adequate substance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, a container is provided which includes: a body defining at least two pairs of opposite sides; 1 Í a cavity defined in the body to contain a substance, and a connector disposed in each of the at least one pair of opposite sides, the connectors being arranged to cooperate with the connectors of similar containers, in such a way that, when the containers are placed adjacent to each other, the connectors connect the containers to each other; , where the relationship between body width and height is selected from: 1: 1, 1: 1, 5, 1: 2, 1: 2.5, 1: 3, 1: 3.5, and 1: 4.

When two or more connectors are provided on one side of the container, a center of each connector can be separated from an adjacent connector center (s) by a distance x.

Connector centers located closer to the free upper and lower ends of the body can be spaced a distance of 0.5 x from said free ends.

In the case that the body is in the form of a cube, only one connector can be arranged on one side, with a center of the connector being aligned with a center on the side on which it is disposed.

The shape of the cross section of the body can be substantially square when seen in plan.

The width of the body can be approximately 83 rrim or approximately 166 mm. The height of the body can vary according to the relationship between width and height of the body. The width of 83 mm has proven to be particularly suitable, since it fits comfortably in both male and female hands, making it easy to handle. Also, this width i It is also convenient, as it allows the volume of the container to approximate the volume of conventionally available containers. í ' For a body that has a width of approximately 83 mm, the relationship between width and height can be: 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 3, or 1: 4. For a body that has a width of approximately 166 mm, the relationship between width and height can be: 1: 1, 1: 1.5, 1: 2, 1: 2.5, 1: 3, 1: 3.5, 0 1: 4.

For a body having a width of approximately 83 mm, the height may be one of approximately: 83 mm, 166 mm, 249 mm, and 332 mm. For a body having a width of about 166 mm, the height may be one of approximately: 166 mm, 249 mm, 322 mm, 415 mm, 498 mm, 581 mm, and 664 mm.

The thickness of the body wall can be between 0.2 and 1 mm, depending on the intended use of the container.

The connectors may be in the form of complementary projections and recesses arranged to allow a plurality of adjacent disposed bodies to be connected.

Accordingly, the projection of a body may be arranged to be received in a recess in a body of another similar container, to connect the containers in a side-by-side relationship or in stacked relation, the recess being arranged to receive the projection from a body of another similar container, to connect the containers in a relationship side by side or in a stacked relation. In the stacked relation, containers in successive layers may be arranged in an orthogonal relationship with respect to the containers in a layer located immediately below.

The shape of the projections and recesses can have a symmetrical shape when seen in plan. ! The projections and recesses can be generally square when viewed in plan.

Alternatively, the recesses and protrusions can be of any symmetrical shape, for example, round, as long as the recess and the protrusion of a pair are complementary and symmetrical.

The body can define between opposite ends that extend the sides. The body can define a mouth formation at one of the opposite ends, through the mouth formation a substance can be passed between the cavity and the outside of the cavity.

The formation of the mouth can be defined at one end of a neck formation that extends between the mouth formation and the sides of the body.

The mouth formation can define coupling means for coupling a closure element in the mouth formation. The coupling means may include an externally threaded formation for threadably receiving a closure element in the mouth formation.

The size of the mouth formation can be selected accordingly! with the type of material, where appropriate, in which the cavity is filled after the container has been used to contain a substance, once.

A recess formation may be defined at the opposite end of the body, the recess formation being arranged to receive the mouth formation of another similar vessel therein.

The cavity can define an internal volume selected from the group that consists of approximately 500 mi, approximately 1000 mi, approximately 1500 mi, approximately 2000 mi, approximately 4500 mi, approximately 9000 mi, approximately 13 500 mi, and approximately 18 000 mi.

I The design of the cavity is not limited to any specific volume and the Containers can be designed to be of any desired volume.

The container can even be a drum. j A container of the invention can include any number of repetitions of recesses and outgoing. ' The volume of the containers can be selected by increasing or the decrease of the sizes of the recesses and the outgoing ones, of this mode increases or decreases the internal volume of the container, for example, to 'decrease a container sized to 1 liter at a volume of 750 ml. The volurrien of The container can also be varied by chamfering the free edges of the container.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of construction of a structure, the method including: provide a plurality of containers as described previously, and ' position the plurality of adjacent containers together to produce the connectors of the containers connect the containers, in this way building a structure.

The structure may be in the form of a stack arranged to be transported from one place to another, the method includes positioning the plurality of containers adjacent to each other to cause the connectors to connect the containers with respect to each other at less two directions, in this way a stack of containers is built The containers can connect in relation to the adjacent containers in three directions, the directions being typically orthogonal and therefore the recesses and the formations in the containers are typically orthogonal; The structure may be in the form of a housing, the method of constructing a construction frame before placing the plurality of containers adjacent to each other in the frame to cause the connectors to connect the containers. The construction frame can be made of steel or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP).

As an alternative, the structure can be constructed without using a niarco. In this case, the containers can be filled with a relatively heavy material, such as sand or a configurable material such as concrete, so that the containers can act as building bricks.

The containers can be used as building blocks for floors, walls, a roof, or any other modular component.

Constructing a construction framework can include providing construction frame members in the form of a channel and connecting the construction frame members in channel form to one another, to define the construction framework. The width of the channel can be such that the body of the containers can be received tightly therein.

Placing the plurality of containers adjacent to each other to make the connectors connect the containers, can then include placing the plurality of containers adjacent to each other to cause the connectors to connect the containers with respect to each other, in the members of construction frame in channel form. ' Placing the plurality of containers adjacent to each other to make the connectors connect the containers one with respect to the other, in the channel frame construction members, may include placing the plurality of containers adjacent to each other to make that the connectors connect the containers one with respect to another, in the members of, channel-shaped construction frame, to form a housing wall Selected rows of containers can be arranged in a channel of the construction frame located in an intermediate position opposite the upper and lower side of the frame, in which the channel can act as a reinforcing beam.; According to another aspect of the invention, a structure is provided which includes: a plurality of containers as described above placed adjacent to each other, so that the connectors of the containers cooperate with similar container connectors, the connectors connecting the containers to form the structure.

The structure can be generally square when viewed in plan.

The area of the structure when seen in plan can approach the area of a palette, thus maximizing the use of the palette area. The body length of the Containers can be selected in order to maximize the use of the pallet area.

The structure of the invention does not require any packaging material secondary such as wrapping of pallets, trays, or a shrink wrap, thus reducing the use of packaging material and its impact on the environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES | Modes of the invention will be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: i Figure 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a container, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 1A shows a schematic plan view of the container shown in Figure 1; Figure 1 B shows a schematic side view of the container shown in Figures 1 and 1A.

Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a container, according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 2A shows a schematic plan view of the container shown in Figure 2; Figure 2B shows a schematic side view of the container shown in Figures 2 and 2A; Figure 2C shows a side schematic view of two of the j containers shown in Figures 2, 2A and 2B stacked on top of each other; Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a container, according to another embodiment of the invention; ! Figure 3A shows a three-dimensional schematic view of the container shown in Figure 3, from an opposite perspective; Figure 3B shows a schematic plan view of the package shown in Figures 3 and 3A; Figure 3C shows a schematic side view of the container! shown in Figures 3, 3A and 3B; I Figures 4A and B show a three-dimensional schematic view of a container, according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a container, according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 5A shows a three-dimensional schematic view of the container shown in Figure 5, from an opposite perspective; Figure 5B shows a schematic plan view of the container shown in Figures 5 and 5A; ! Figure 5C shows a schematic side view of the container shown in Figures 5, 5A and 5B; Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a container, according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 6A shows a three-dimensional schematic view of the container shown in Figure 6, from an opposite perspective; i Figure 6B shows a schematic plan view of the container shown in Figures 6 and 6A; Figure 6C shows a side schematic view of the container shown in Figures 6, 6A and 6B! Figures 7A and B show a three-dimensional schematic view of a container, according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a container, according to another embodiment of the invention; 1 Figure 8A shows a three-dimensional schematic view of the holder shown in Figure 8, from an opposite perspective; Figure 8B shows a schematic plan view of the container shown in Figures 8 and 8A; Figure 8C shows a schematic side view of the container shown in Figures 8, 8A and 8B; Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a container, according to another embodiment of the invention; , Figure 9A shows a three-dimensional schematic view of the container shown in Figure 9, from an opposite perspective; Figure 9B shows a schematic plan view of the container shown in Figures 9 and 9A; Figure 9C shows a schematic side view of the container shown | in Figures 9, 9A and 9B; Figure 10 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a made of containers according to the present invention, wherein the containers are not all the same; Figure 1 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a container, according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 11A shows a three-dimensional schematic view of the container shown in Figure 11, from an opposite perspective; Figure 1 1 B shows a schematic plan view of the package shown in Figures 11 and 11A; j Figure 1 1 C shows a schematic side view of the container shown in Figures 11, 1 1A and 11 B;; Figure 12 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a stack of twenty-four containers, each container being similar to the container shown in Figures 2, 2A, 2B and 2C of the drawings, the containers being placed side by side to be connected; Figure 13 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of twelve containers, each container being similar to the container shown in the Figures 5, 5A, 5B and 5C of the drawings, the containers being placed side by side to be connected; Figure 14 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of twelve containers, each container being similar to the container shown in the Figures I 8, 8A, 8B and 8C of the drawings, the containers being placed side by side to be connected; Figure 15 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of six containers, each container being similar to the container shown in Figures 11, 11 A, 11 B and 11 C of the drawings, the containers being placed one beside from the other to be connected; Figure 16 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a composite structure of containers according to the present invention, wherein the containers are all the same; Figure 17 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a stack of containers placed on a pallet, each container is similar to the container shown in Figures 3, 3A, 3B and 3C of the drawings, the containers being arranged to be maintained and placed one at side of the other, to be connected, to define a layer of stack containers; Figure 18 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a stack of containers placed on one. pallet, each container being similar to the container shown in Figures 5, 5A, 5B and 5C of the drawings, the containers being arranged to be on their sides and being placed side by side, in order to connect, to define a stack container layer; Figure 19 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a stack of containers placed on a pallet, each container being similar to the container shown in Figures 5, 5A, 5B and 5C of the drawings, the containers being willing to stand and be placed side by side, 1 to be connected, to define a layer of containers in the stack; Figure 20 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a frame of construction of a house, the construction frame being arranged to cooperate I with the containers of the invention when they are placed next to each other, to be connected, to allow the walls and roof of the house to be built using the containers of the invention; Figure 21 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a crest formation of a roof of the construction frame shown in Figure 20; Figure 22 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a support security to fasten the frame construction frame members construction next to the corners between the members of the construction frame; Figure 22 A shows a schematic side view of the security support shown in Figure 22; Figure 22 B shows a schematic front view of the support security shown in Figures 22 and 22A; Figure 23 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of another security support for holding the frame construction members of the frame construction together with the members of the construction framework; Figure 23 A shows a schematic side view of the security support shown in Figure 23; I Figure 23 B shows a schematic sectional view of a security frame member of the security support shown in Figures 23 and 23A; Figure 24 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a construction frame member used to form the horizontally extending frame members of the construction frame shown in Figure 20; Figure 25 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a construction frame member used to form the vertically extending construction frame members of the construction frame shown in Figure 20; Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view of a member of the i; corner frame construction frame of the construction frame shown in Figure 20; Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional view of a member of the intermediate post construction frame of the construction frame shown in Figure 20; Figure 28 shows a cross-sectional view of a door and window frame member used to provide members of the vertically extending construction frame of door frames and windows of the building frame shown in Figure 20.

Figure 29 shows an exterior profile of a door frame and window member of the building frame shown in Figure 20; Figure 30 shows a cross-sectional view of a door and window frame member used to provide horizontally extending construction molding members of door frames and window frames of the construction frame shown in Figure 20; Figure 31 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of frame members of doors and windows of the construction frame shown in Figure 20; Figure 32 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of the construction frame as shown in Figure 20, containers of the invention being placed side by side, to be connected, between the members of the construction frame of the construction frame, to build walls and roof of a house using the containers of the invention; Figure 33 shows a further embodiment of the containers provided, being a drum; Figure 34 shows a further embodiment of a three-dimensional structure constructed with containers of the invention; Figures 35 A to D show a three-dimensional view of several containers that are all embodiments of the present invention; 1 Figures 36 A to D show a three-dimensional view of several containers that are all embodiments of the present invention; Figure 37 shows a three-dimensional view of a portion of a construction frame for use in combination with a plurality of containers according to the present invention; ! I Figure 38 shows a three-dimensional view of a panel of a construction made of a plurality of containers according to the present invention; Figure 39 shows a three-dimensional view of containers according to the present invention arranged in a first construction element in accordance with the present invention; Figure 40 shows a three-dimensional view of containers according to the present invention disposed below a second element of i; construction according to the present invention, and Figure 41 shows a three-dimensional view of a portion of a; third construction element according to the present invention, said element acts as a reinforcing beam when it is arranged in combination with other construction elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 1, 1A and 1B of the drawings, one embodiment of a container, according to the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

The container 10 includes a body 12. The body 12 defines at least one pair of opposite sides 14, 16. A cavity, indicated generally by the reference numeral 18, is defined in the body 12. The cavity 18 is arranged to hold I A substance.

It is envisaged that the container 10 of the invention can be advantageously used to contain substances in the cavity 18, the substances are normally purchased by consumers at a point of sale, or a store, or similar, for example. Accordingly, it is envisioned that the container 10 of the invention can be used to contain liquid substances, such as beverages, milk, fruit juice, and the like, for example. In addition, the container 10 can be used to contain granular substances, such as, flour, spices, oats, cereals, and the like, for example.

The container 10 further includes a connector 20, 22 on each of the opposite sides 14, 16. The connectors 20, 22 are arranged to cooperate with the similar container connectors 10, such that, when the containers 10 are positioned one against the other, in a side-by-side relationship, the connectors 20, 22 connect the containers 10 one with respect to the other on the opposite sides 14, 16 of the body 12. 1 The connectors 20, 22 are in the form of a projection 20.1 on the side 14 of the body 12 and a recess formation 22.1 on the other side 16 of the body 12. The projection 20.1 is arranged to be received in a recess formation 22.1 | a body 12 of another similar container 10, for connecting the containers 10 side by side against the side 14 of the body 12. The recess formation 22.1 is arranged to receive a projection 20.1 in a body 12 of another similar container 10, for connect the containers 10 side by side against the other side 16.

The body 12 is in the shape of a cube and only one connector 20, 22 is provided on each of the opposite sides 14, 16. A center of the connector 20, 22 is aligned with a center of the side 14, 16 in which is willing.

Referring now to Figures 2, 2A, 2B and 2C of the drawings, in which the same reference numbers have been used to designate similar parts or features, unless otherwise indicated, another embodiment: of a container, of according to the invention, it is generally indicated with the reference number 50. The container 50 includes a body 52. 1 The body 52 defines the pair of opposite sides 14, 16, which can be considered as a first pair of opposite sides 14, 16, and further defines a second pair of opposite sides 54, 56. A connector 20, 22 is defined in each one of the opposite sides 54, 56 of the second pair of opposite sides 54, 56. The connectors 20, 22 are arranged to cooperate with the connectors 20, 22 of the similar containers 50, such that, when the containers 50 are placed one against the other in a side-to-side relationship, the connectors 20, 22 connect the containers 50 on opposite sides 54, 56 of the second pair of opposite sides 54, 56.

It will be appreciated that the connectors 20, 22 are similar to the connectors 20, 22 of the container 10. Accordingly, the connectors 20, 22 on the opposite sides 54, 56 are in the form of a projection 20.1 on the side 54 and a formation of recess 22. 1 on the other side 56. The protrusion 20.1 is arranged to be received in a recess formation 22.1 in a body 52 of another similar container 50, for connecting the containers 50 side by side against the side 54 of the body 52. Recess formation 22.1 is arranged to receive a projection 20.1 in a body 52 of another similar container 50, to connect the containers 50 side by side against the other side 56 of the body 52.

Conveniently, the projection 20.1 has a generally square shape in cross section as shown in Figures 1, 1A, 1 B, 2, 2A, 2B and! 2C of the drawings. Similarly, the recess formation 22.1 has a generally square shape in cross section. 1 As can best be seen with reference to Figures 1A and 2A, the body 12, 52 has a generally square cross-sectional shape. The body 12, 52 can have a width W of between about 60 mm and about 100 mm. Normally, the body 12, 52 has a width W of between about 70 mm and about 90 mm. Advantageously, the body 12, 52 has an anchor W of approximately 83 mm.

Typically, the projection 20.1 has a height Hp of about 10 mm. The projection 20.1 is arranged centrally with respect to the side 14, 54 and i has a width Wp of approximately 20 mm.

Typically, the recess formation 22.1 has a depth Dr of approximately 10 mm. The recess formation 22.1 is arranged centrally with respect to the side 16, 56 and has a Wr of approximately 20 mm. The body 12, 52 defines a height Hb of approximately 83 mm.

The body 12, 52 defines opposite ends 24, 26 between which the sides 14, 16, 54, 56 extend. 1 The body 12, 52 defines a mouth formation 28 at the end 24, through which the mouth formation 28, a substance, can be passed between the cavity 18 and outside the cavity 18. The mouth formation 28 is defined at one end of the neck formation 30 extending between the mouth formation 28 and the sides 14, 16, 54, 56 of the body 12, 52. The neck formation 30 defines a generally cross-sectional base portion in square section 30.1 positioned in a centrally disposed position at the end 24. The generally transverse base portion in square section 30.1 has a width Wn of about 50 mm. The mouth formation 28 and the neck formation 30 extend above the end 24 of the body 12, 52 by a height Hm of approximately 40 mm.

The mouth formation 28 defines a coupling means, generally indicated by the reference numeral 32, for engaging a closing element 34 in the mouth formation 28. The coupling means 32 may include an externally threaded formation for shape receiving. threaded a closing actuator, such as an internally threaded plug, or the like, for example, in the mouth formation 28.

A recess formation 40 is defined at the opposite end 26 of the body 12, 52. The recess formation 40 is arranged to receive the mouth formation 28 and the neck formation 30 of another similar container 10, 50 therein, I as can be seen better with reference to Figure 2C of the drawings.

Conveniently, the cavity 18 defines an internal volume of approximately 500 ml.

Referring now to Figures 3, 3A, 3B and 3C of the drawings, in which the same reference numbers have been used to designate similar parts, or characteristics, unless otherwise indicated, a container, as agreed with another The method of the invention is generally indicated with the reference number 60. i; I. i.

? The container 60 is similar to the container 10 of Figures 1, 1A and 1 B, except that the container 60 has a body 62 having a height Hb which is greater than the Hb height of the container 10. The container 60 has a height of approximately 166 mm.

In addition, the container 60 has two separate connectors, 20, 22 in each one of the two opposite sides 64, 66 thereof. The connectors 20, 22 are separated by a distance D of approximately 120 mm. The connectors 20, 22 are in the form of projections 20.1 and recess formations 22.1 similar to the projections 20.1 and the recess formations 22.1 of the containers 10, 50 described previously.

A center of each connector 20.1 and 22.1 is separated from a center of another connector 20.1 and 22.1 by a distance x as indicated in Figures 3 and 3C. The center of each connector 20.1 and 22.1 is separated by a distance of 0.5 x from the upper and lower free ends j of the body 62 as indicated in Figures 3 and 3C.

Referring now to Figures 4A and B, body 74 defines opposite ends 71 and 73 between which sides extend.

The body 74 defines a mouth formation 75 at one of the opposite ends 71, through said mouth formation 75 can be a substance, between the cavity and the outside of the cavity.

The formation of the mouth 75 is defined at one end of a neck formation 73 extending between the mouth formation 75 and the sides of the body 74.

The formation of the mouth 75 defines coupling means for coupling a closing element 77 in the mouth formation 75. The coupling means typically include an externally threaded formation for receiving in the form threaded a closing element 77 in the mouth formation 75.

Referring now to Figures 5, 5A, 5B and 5C of the drawings, in the wherein the same reference numbers have been used to designate similar parts or features, unless otherwise indicated, a container, according to another embodiment of the invention, is generally indicated with the reference number 80.

The container has a pair of opposite sides 84, 86, each defining two spaced connectors 20, 22 in place of the location formations 42, 44. The connectors 20, on the side 84, define two spaced projections 20.1. The formations t of location 22, on side 86, define two separate recess formations 22.1.

A center of each connector 20.1 and 22.1 is separated from a center of another i connector 20.1 and 22.1 by a distance x as indicated in Figures 5A and 5C. He The center of each connector 20.1 and 22.1 is separated by a distance of 0.5 x from the upper and lower free ends of the body, as indicated in Figures 5A and 5C.

Conveniently, the cavities of the containers 60, 70, 80 define internal volumes of approximately 1000 ml.

Referring now to Figures 6, 6A, 6B and 6C of the drawings, in which the same reference numbers have been used to designate parts i; similar or features, unless otherwise indicated, a container, according to another embodiment of the invention, is generally indicated with the humerus of reference 90.

The container 90 is similar to the container 10 of Figures 1, 1A and j1 B ', except that the container 90 has a body 92 that has a height of Hb that is greater than the Hb height of the container 10. The container 90 has a height of approximately 249 mm.

In addition, the container 90 has three spaced connectors 20, 22 in each one of the two opposite faces 94, 96 thereof. The formations 20 of location 20, 22 are separated from each other within a distance ID of approximately 200 mm. The connectors 20, 22 are in the form of projections 20.1 and recess formations 22.1 similar to the projections 20.1 projections and recess formations 22.1 of the containers 10, 50, 60, 70, 80 described above.

A center of each connector 20.1 and 22.1 is separated from a within adjacent connectors 20.1 and 22.1 by a distance x as indicated in Figure 6C.

The center of connectors 20.1 and 22.1 located closer to the free ends i upper and lower body 92 are separated by a distance of 0.5 x from the upper and lower free ends of body 92 as indicated in Figure 6C < Referring now to Figures 7A and B there are shown containers that are similar to those of Figures 4A and B. In the containers of Figures 7A and B, a closure member 75 fits over an edge 79 provided at one end 71 of the body 74. The size of the mouth formation 75 is sufficiently large to allow the granular material to pour into the cavity. The profiles of the containers of Figures 4A and B and 7A and B are the same despite the different construction of their mouth formations 75. 1 Referring now to Figures 8, 8A, 8B and 8C of the drawings, in which reference numbers have been used to designate similar parts or features, unless otherwise indicated, a container, according to another embodiment of the invention is generally indicated with the reference number 110.

The container 110 has a pair of opposite sides 112, 114, each defining three spaced connectors 20, 22 in place of the location formations 142, 144. The connectors 20, on the side 112, define three spaced projections 20.1. The location formations 22, on the side 114, define three spaced apart recess formations 22.1.

Conveniently, the cavities of the containers 90, 100, 110 define internal volumes of approximately 1500 ml.

Referring now to Figures 9, 9A, 9B and 9C of the drawings, in which the same reference numbers have been used to designate similar parts or features, unless otherwise indicated, a container, according to another The method of the invention is generally indicated with the reference number 120.

The container 120 is similar to the container 10 of Figures 1, 1A and 1 B, except that the container 120 has a body 122 having a height Hb that is greater than the height Hb of the container 10. The container 120 has a height Hb of approximately 332 mm. i of approximately 280 mm. The connectors 20, 22 are in the form of projections i 20.1 and recess formations 22.1 similar to the projections 20.1 and the formations of recess 22.1 of the containers 10, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 described above.

Referring now to Figure 10, a structure 348 is shown that l; includes a plurality of containers placed adjacent to each other, so that the connectors of the containers cooperate with the connectors of; others containers, the connectors connect the containers to form the structure 348 which is generally square when seen in plan. · | The area of the structure 348 when observed in plant approximates the area of pallet 350, thus maximizing the use of the pallet area. j The structure 348 of the invention does not secondary, such as pallet wrap, thus reducing the use of packaging material The sizes of the containers that same and the drawing illustrates the versatility of a container according to the invention which is particularly due to the selected dimensions of the containers, as well as the particular arrangement of the connectors. i Referring now to Figures 11, 1 1 A, 1 1 B and 1 1 C of the drawings in the which the same reference numbers have been used to designate! similar parts or characteristics, unless otherwise indicated, a container, of i According to another embodiment of the invention, the number of I reference 150.

The container 150 has a pair of opposite sides 152, 154, each defining four spaced connectors 20, 22 in place of the connectors 138, 140. The connectors 20, on the side 152, define four spaced projections 20.1. The connectors 22, on the side 154, define four spaced apart recess formations 22.1.

Conveniently, the cavities of the containers 120, 130, 150 define internal volumes of approximately 2000 ml.

The containers described above can be of a blow molded material. It is believed that by providing the containers of the invention, the use of cartons, wrapping, and the like, can be reduced since the containers are connected when placed together, side by side. 1 Referring to Figure 12 of the drawings, a stack column of contenders 50 is generally indicated with the reference numeral 200. The stack 200 includes twenty-four containers 50. The containers 50 are positioned side by side to be connected. It will be appreciated that, on the sides of the containers 50 with sides adjacent to others of the containers 50, the connectors, 20, 22; They are connected. In addition, the mouth formations 28 and the neck formations 30 of the containers 50 in a lower layer 202 are received in the recess formations of the containers 50 of an upper layer 204, of the stack 200.

It can be seen that such a stack 200 of containers 50 can be advantageously used to supply a dozen containers together, for example.

Accordingly, where beverages, or the like, for example, are contained in containers 50, a dozen containers containing beverage 50 can be obtained together in a package, for example.

Referring to Figure 12 of the drawings, a group of containers 80 is indicated generally by the reference 210. The group 210 includes twelve containers 80. The containers 80 are positioned side by side to be connected. It will be appreciated that, on the sides of the containers 80 that are adjacent to other containers, the connectors 20, 22 are connected to another for this form to connect the containers 80. | With reference to figure 14 of the drawings, a group of containers 1 10 is generally identified by the reference numeral 220. The group 220 includes twelve containers 110. The containers 1 10 are positioned side by side to be connected. It will be appreciated that, on the sides of the containers 110 that are adjacent to other containers 110, the connectors 20, 22 are connected to thereby connect the containers 110.

Referring to Figure 15 of the drawings, a group of containers 150 is generally indicated by the reference numeral 230. The group 23.0 includes six containers 150. The containers 150 are positioned side by side to be connected. It will be appreciated that, on the sides of the containers 150, which are adjacent to other containers 150, the connectors 20, 22 are connected to thereby connect the containers 150.

Referring to Figure 17 of the drawings, a stack of containers 60 is generally identified by the reference numeral 250. The stack 250 of 60 containers of the stack. 250. j Referring to Figure 18 of the drawings, a stack of containers 80 is generally indicated by the reference numeral 260. The stack 260 of container 80 is stacked on a pallet 242. Containers 80 are arranged to rest on their sides and to be positioned side by side in order I to be connected via connectors 20 and 22, to define a layer 264 of containers 80 of the stack 240. The containers 80 are arranged in a stack of stacked bricks, so that the containers 80 of layers extend through another.

Referring to Figure 19 of the drawings, a stack of containers 80 is generally indicated by reference 270. The containers 80 i are arranged to remain vertical and positioned side by side, to be connected and define a layer 274 of containers 80 of the stack. i With reference to Figure 20 of the drawings, a method is now described to erect a structure using the containers of the present invention. He method will be described with reference erecting a house. However, the name does not is limiting to erect a house only, but it extends pjaraj erect structures in general, such as, stacks of transport containers, j any I another desired structure, such as beds, chairs and the like, for example. i When a structure is erected using the containers of the invention, a plurality of the containers are positioned against each other in a relationship containers of the invention between opposing flange formations 304 ides i 'members of construction frame in the form of channel. i elongated 312 is positioned at the top of the frame members of I I I construction in the form of channel 302 to prevent the ingress of water between the construction frame members in the form of channel 302 in case of rain.; With respect to Figures 22, 22A and 22B of the drawings, an assurance support is indicated generally with the reference number j 320. securing brackets, such as the securing bracket 320, are used for securing the construction frame members 302 of the construction frame 300 jointly at the corners and between the construction frame members j 302, as indicated in Figure 20. A space 322 is defined from 320 assurance to accommodate the containers of the being positioned between the frame members 302.

Referring to Figures 23, 23A and 23B of the drawings, another support for Assurance is indicated generally by the reference 330. The securing supports, such as the securing support 330, are used to secure construction frame members 302 of the construction frame 300 jointly at the corners and between the members of the frame. construction frame 302, The channel-shaped construction member 302.1 has a wall thickness of about 0.8 mm. | | i 1 With reference to Figure 25 of the drawings, one of the members of Channel-shaped construction 302, is generally indicated by the reference number 302.2. The channel-shaped construction member 302.2 is used to form the vertically extending frame member 302 of the frame i I, construction 300, as illustrated in Figure 20. The channel-shaped constriction member 302.2 has an internal thickness W2 of approximately 84 mm. The channel-shaped construction member 302.2 has a wall thickness of about 0.8 mm. Accordingly, the construction member coni forms of channel 302.2 can be received between the flange formations of the channel-shaped construction member 302.1 in the corner regions of the frame 300 construction Referring to Figure 26 of the drawings, a member of the corner post construction frame 300 shown in Figure 20 is denoted generally with the reference number 302.3. The corner post constriction frame member 302.3 is formed by securing two channel-shaped construction members 302.2 together at point 303.

With reference to Figure 27 of the drawings, a member of the intermediate post construction frame of the construction frame 300 shown in Figure 20 is generally indicated by the reference numeral 302.4. The mirage member of the intermediate post construction frame 302.4 is formed by securing two channel-shaped construction members 302.2 together at point 305. ' With respect to Figure 28 of the drawings, a door and window construction member is generally indicated by the reference number 302.5. The frame member 302.5 is used to provide vertically extending frame construction members for window and door frames of the construction frame shown in Figure 20. Frame member 302.5 has an internal width W3, between the flange formations opposite, approximately 8 mm. i: The frame member 302.5 has a wall thickness of about 0.8 mm.

With reference to Figure 29 of the drawings, opposite end portions of the construction frame 302.6 are removed, as indicated by the trim lines 302.7, to enable opposing frame members 302.5 to be received in the end portions of the frame. the members of frame 302.6; in the construction of frame frames and doors.

With respect to Figure 30 of the drawings, a door and window frame member is generally indicated by reference numeral 302.6. The frame member 302.6 is used to provide horizontally extending frame construction members of window and door frames of the construction spanner 300 shown in Figure 20. The frame member 302.6 has an internal width W4, between the formations of flange opposite, of approximately 84 mm. The frame member 302.6 has a wall thickness of about 0.8 mm. Accordingly, the frame member 302.5 can be received between opposing flange formations of the frame member 302.6 in the corner regions of the door and window frames.

Referring to Figure 31 of the drawings, opposite door frame or window members, which are shown behind a door or window frame, have been constructed using the frame members 302.5, 302.6.

With reference to Figure 32 of the drawings, after the construction frame 300 has been erected using the aforementioned construction components, suitable containers, such as the containers 60, 80 of the invention, are positioned side by side, for be connected with the other, between the frame members of the construction frame 300, to build walls and a roof of a house using the containers of the invention. The containers 60, 80 are received between the formations! flange opposite the construction members 302 to form the walls and roof of the construction. i With reference now to Figures 33 and 34 A - D and 16 of the drawings, in the which reference numbers have been used to designate similar parts, or characteristics, unless otherwise stated, two modes of a container I! according to the invention, they are generally indicated by reference numbers 332 and 334. | The container 332, 324 includes a body 336 defining at least two pairs of opposite sides 338.1, 338.2 and 340.1, 340.2, a cavity defined in the body 336 for containing a substance and connecting 342 on each of the opposite sides 338.1, and .2 and 340.1 and .2, connectors 342 being arranged to cooperate with connectors 342 of similar containers 332, 334, in such a way that when the containers 332, 334 are positioned adjacent to each other, the connectors 342 connect the containers 332, 334 to one another.

In Figures 35A-D, the ratio of the width to the height of the body 336 of container 332 is as follows: 1: 1 for Figure 35A, 1: 1.5 for Figure 35 B; 1: 2 for Figure 35 C and 1: 3 for Figure 35 D.! In Figures 36 A-D, the ratio of the width to the height of the body of the container is as follows, from 1: 4 for Figure 36A, from 1: 3 for Figure 36 B; of 1: 2 for Figure 38 C and 1: 1 for Figure 38 D.

The connectors 342 are in the form of protrusions 344 and complementary recesses 346 arranged to allow a plurality of bodies 336 be arranged adjacent to each other to be connected i | With respect to Figure 16, there is shown a structure including a plurality of containers 334 positioned adjacently to one another such that connectors 342 of containers 334 cooperate with connectors 342 of similar containers 334, connectors 342 connect the containers 334 to form the structure 348 which is generally square in shape when viewed in plan. ? The area of the structure 348 when viewed in plan approaches the area of a palette 350, whereby the use of the palette area is maximized. The length of the body 336 of the containers is selected to maximize the use of the area of the pallet.

Structure 348 of the invention does not require any secondary packaging material such as pallet wrap, trays, or wrapping that shrinks, thereby reducing the use of packaging material and its impact1 on the environment.

With respect to Figure 37, channel-like construction frame members 362, 364 and 366 are shown which are connected by connectors 368 with the aid of suitable securing means such as rivets (not shown). The frame members 362, 364 and 366 are typically manufactured from FRP (Reinforced Fiber Plastic).

The width of the construction frame member 362 is such that the body 336 of the containers 334 is comfortably received therein and is typically of approximately 84 mm. ' Figure 38 shows a panel 370 for a construction, panel 370 is made from channel-shaped frame members 372 and 374 and a plurality of connected and stacked containers 334. The legs 37 extend, from the panel 370 whose legs that are in use are located in a hole that is filled with a suitable material such as cement to keep the panel 37 in a upright position.

Figure 39 shows a construction element in the shape of channel 378 in where a top surface 380 of the element 378 is formed and sized to receive a surface of a container 380 that includes a recess (not visible) 346 in it. The containers 334 are stacked and connected to form a wall. i Figure 40 shows the construction element in the shape of channel 378 in where a bottom surface 382 of the element 378 is shaped and sized i to receive a surface of a container 380 including a protrusion 344 in the same. The protrusion 344 is comfortably received in a; channel dimensioned complementary 384 defined on the surface 382.

As shown in Figure 41, element 378 can be located within a framework of the construction element where it acts as a beam of reinforcement.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment or configuration such as has been generally described and illustrated herein.

Claims (20)

1. A container, characterized in that it comprises: a body defining at least two pairs of opposite sides; a cavity defined in the body to contain a substance, and a connector disposed on each of the at least one pair of opposite sides, the connectors are arranged to cooperate with connectors of similar containers, such that, when the containers are placed adjacent to each other, the connectors connect the containers between yes; wherein the ratio of width to height of the body is selected from: 1: 1, 1: 1, 5, 1: 2, 1: 2.5, 1: 3, 1: 3.5, and 1: 4 and wherein the shape of the cross section of the body is substantially square when seen in plan and the width of the body is approximately 83 mm.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized i because the centers of connectors located closest to the upper and lower free bodies are separated at a distance of 0.5x from said free ends and where a center of each connector is separated from an adjacent bearer center (s) by a distance x.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the width of the body is approximately 166 mm. i i

4. The container according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connectors are in the form of complementary projections and recesses arranged to allow a plurality of bodies arranged adjacent to each other to be connected.

5; The container according to claim 4, characterized in that the projection of a body is arranged to be received in a recess in a í 1 body of another similar container, to connect the containers in a relationship I one next to the other or a stacked relation, the recess being arranged to receive the projection of a body from another similar container, to connect the containers in a side-by-side relation or a stacked relation.

6. The container according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the projections and recesses have a symmetrical shape when viewed in plan.

7. The container according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the protrusions and recesses have a generally square shape when viewed in plan.

8. The container according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body defines opposite ends between which the sides extend and in which a mouth formation is defined in one of the 39 opposite ends at one end of a neck formation that enters the mouth formation and sides of the body.

9. The container according to claim 8, characterized in that the mouth formation defines coupling means for coupling a closing element in the mouth formation.

10. The container according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a recess formation is defined at the opposite end of the body, the recess formation being arranged to receive the mouth formation of another similar container therein. i

11. A method of constructing a structure, characterized by a system that includes the steps of: providing a plurality of containers according to any of claims 1 to 10; Y positioning the plurality of containers adjacent to each other to cause the connectors of the containers to connect the containers, thereby constructing a structure.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the containers connect in relation to the adjacent containers in three directions, the directions being orthogonal and therefore the recesses and the formations in the containers are orthogonal.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the structure is a construction and wherein the method includes the step of constructing a construction frame before placing the plurality of containers j; adjacent to each other in the frame to make the connectors connect the containers.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the construction frame includes a plurality of metal-connected channels in the form of members of the construction frame which in use define the construction matte. '

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the width of the channel is such that the body of the containers is received tightly therein in use.

16. A structure, characterized in that it comprises: i a plurality of containers according to any of claims 1 to 10 located adjacent to each other, so that the connectors of the containers cooperate with connectors of similar containers, the connectors that connect the containers to form the structure; in which the structure is generally square when viewed in plan and its area when viewed; plant approaches the area of a standard pallet.

17. The structure according to claim 16, characterized in that the length of the body of the containers is selected so as to maximize the use of the pallet zone, thus minimizing the use of secondary packaging.

18. A container according to the invention substantially as described or exemplified above. j

19. A container as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings. . {

20. A container, characterized in that it includes any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as described herein! i