CN102056812B - Folding closure containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding closure that is foldable to a closed orientation having a pair of gabled lid sections oriented to be linearly aligned and abutting one another in an end-to-end relationship and a pair of lateral lid sections oriented to be linearly aligned with one another and abutting opposite sides of the gabled lid sections. Also disclosed is a container having a sidewall, a folding closure, and a sleeve each formed from a one-piece blank. The sleeve has a plurality of vents and spacers for locating the vents in a spaced apart orientation relative to a container sidewall.

Description

collapsible closed container

technical field

This disclosure relates to the field of containers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a disposable container formed from a collapsible sheet material provided with an integral lid having an improved configuration, and to a sleeve structure for the container for improved user comfort.

Background technique

It would be desirable to improve the construction of closeable containers, and especially disposable drinking cups. For example, coffee and other beverages are typically sold in paper or plastic cups with individual lids that fit into the cups by friction. For logistical and performance reasons, it is not desirable to use a separate lid. For example, lids need to be stocked separately and often do not provide adequate leak and spill protection. In many cases, the lid is not fully seated on the cup when installed, or the lid does not stay fully seated on the cup when the cup is full and merely catches the cup, which will result in a spill. If the cup is dropped, the lid typically unseats and most if not all of the contents spill out.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved closures for containers, and especially disposable containers such as paper or plastic cups.

Furthermore, disposable containers such as cups of the type used to vend coffee and the like typically have three components: the container/cup, the lid, and the insulating sleeve. The use of three separate components to form the cup is logistically problematic and has other disadvantages. For example, it is necessary to maintain equal inventory quantities for each component. Also, the caps often come off or leak and have various problems. Also, it is desirable to improve sleeves, since these sleeves are typically of corrugated cardboard construction and attempt to insulate by providing an occluded space. Such sockets get hot on contact and have other disadvantages.

In this regard, improvements are desired not only in the construction of sleeves, but also in providing a generally unified cup or other container comprising a cup/container, lid, and sleeve integral with one another.

Contents of the invention

The above needs and others are met by a collapsible closure. When folded to a closed orientation, a lid structure is formed that includes a pair of gable lid portions positioned linearly aligned and adjacent to each other in end-to-end relationship and a pair of gable lid portions positioned linearly aligned with each other and adjacent to the gable portion. A pair of lateral cover portions on opposite sides.

The collapsible closure is particularly suitable for providing a collapsible lid for a container which, when the closure is unfolded, provides access to the interior of the container and, when the closure is folded into a closed orientation, substantially seals the The interior of the container.

In one embodiment, a container is provided that includes a side wall and a folding closure both formed from a unitary blank. The folded closure is disposed adjacent an edge of the blank adjacent the sidewall and is configured to provide a generally open passage in an unfolded orientation and a generally closed structure in a folded orientation. The closed structure includes a pair of gable lids positioned in linear alignment and adjoining each other in end-to-end relationship, and a pair of lateral lids positioned in linear alignment with each other and abutting opposite sides of the gable lids.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a container blank is provided. The blank includes a foldable sheet having a foldable closure defined adjacent an edge of the sheet. The foldable closure has a plurality of first crease segments, a plurality of second crease segments, and a plurality of third crease segments. The first crease segments extend from the edge of the sheet to an intersection with a second crease segment, and the closure is free of any third crease between at least one pair of adjacent and spaced first crease segments line segment. Each of these third crease segments extends diagonally from the edge of the sheet material to the intersection of two second crease segments and a first crease segment.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a container comprising a sidewall each formed from a unitary blank, a folding closure, and a sleeve. The collapsible container is disposed adjacent an upper edge of the blank adjacent the sidewall and is configured to provide a generally open passage in an unfolded orientation and a generally closed structure in a folded orientation. The sleeve extends from the blank and is configured to wrap around the exterior of the sidewall.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a sleeve is provided that is formed from a sheet of material having a plurality of ventilation holes extending between opposing inner and outer surfaces. A plurality of spacers extend from the inner surface of the sleeve and space the inner surface of the sleeve a desired distance from the outer sidewall of the container. This advantageously provides a gripping surface that is thermally insulated from the side walls and promotes air circulation to maintain the sleeve at a comfortable temperature for the user.

Description of drawings

Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent with reference to the following embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not to scale for better clarity of detail, and like numerals refer to like parts in the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a closed state.

Figure 2 is a blank for providing the side wall and lid of the container of Figure 1 .

Figure 3 is a blank for providing the bottom of the container of Figure 1 .

Figure 4 shows that the container is initially formed with an open top.

Figures 5-8 illustrate steps in the process of folding the lid of the container of Figure 1 to provide a closed top condition.

Figures 9 and 10 are opposite side views of the lid of the container of Figure 1 in the closed state.

11 is a perspective view of the cup of FIG. 1 having an outer sleeve according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a preferred sleeve configuration.

Figure 13 shows a blank for providing a cup with the desired folded closure and sleeve according to the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

Referring first to FIGS. 1-10 , in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a container 10 having a side wall 12 and a folding closure or lid 14 formed from a unitary blank 16 (Figure 2) formed. On the other hand, the sleeve structure involved in the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 11-13 .

Figure 1-Figure 10

Sidewall 12 can also be used to provide a bottom or other closed surface opposite lid 14, if desired. However, in order to provide the container 10 with the bottom 18 to support the container 10 in an upright orientation, a separate blank 20 is preferably used to provide the bottom 18 . It should be understood that blank 20 or other structure for forming bottom 18 may be incorporated into blank 16 to form a container made from a single blank. Likewise, multiple blank regions may be used and joined. Furthermore, while described in connection with the preferred embodiment providing disposable containers, it should be understood that these containers could alternatively be reusable.

Referring to Figure 2, the blank 16 is a one-piece blank made from a foldable sheet of material such as the type of cardboard material commonly used to manufacture paper cups. Blank 16 may be formed from other sheet materials, including the type of plastic used to make plastic cups. The blank 16 described here is configured for forming the container 10 into the shape of a drinking glass. It should be understood, however, that the container 10 (and thus the blank 16 ) may also be manufactured in other shapes, yet still have the desired folded seal 14 configuration. For example, container 10 may be configured such that the side walls provide a generally square or rectangular configuration. These containers may be suitable for various purposes, such as supplying and storing consumable and non-consumable supplies.

To form the sidewall 12 of the container 10 into a generally conical configuration, the blank 16 is shaped to have a bottom edge 22 , an upper edge 24 , and a pair of opposing side edges (side edges) 26 and 28 . Bottom edge 22 and upper edge 24 are preferably upwardly bowed, ie bottom edge 22 is bowed towards upper edge 24 and upper edge 24 is similarly bowed away from bottom edge 22 and parallel thereto. Side edges 26 and 28 are linear and extend from each end of bottom edge 22 to upper edge 24 . However, the length of the bottom edge 22 is less than the length of the upper edge 24 so that the side edges 26 and 28 are not parallel. Thus, when the blank 16 is formed into the container 10, the sidewall 12 is shaped like a cone when the side edges 26 and 28 overlap. The dashed line 30 on the blank 16 represents the area where opposite sides overlap when the blank is rolled into a conical shape. The area between edge 26 and line 30 may also include glue or adhesive to seal the overlapping portions together if necessary. At this point, however, it should be understood that the rims 26 and 28 may be joined and sealed using conventional cup making techniques and equipment.

To provide the desired folded closure or lid 14, the portion of the blank 16 adjacent the upper edge 24 is configured to include generally longitudinal crease lines 32a-32f, generally transverse crease lines 34a-34f, and angled creases. Trace line segments 36a-36h. Desirably, the crease lines described herein are formed using automated machinery of the type commonly used to make cardboard or other sheet material blanks, after which the container 16 is formed using automated machinery of the type commonly used to convert the blanks into containers And formed.

The crease line segments 32a-32f, 34a-34f, 36a-36h cooperate to enable the lid 14 to form the closed orientation shown in Figures 1 and 7-9 to form opposite and generally transverse lid portions 38a- 38b and opposing, generally mountain-shaped cover portions 40a-40b between the lateral cover portions 38a and 38b. The closed lid gables 40a and 40b are linearly aligned and adjoin each other in end-to-end relationship, and the lateral lids 38a and 38b are linearly aligned with each other and abut opposite sides of the gables 40a and 40b. It should be noted that the lateral cover portion 38a abuts on one side of the two chevron-shaped cover portions 40a and 40b, and the lateral cover portion 38b abuts on the other side of the chevron-shaped cover portions 40a and 40b. Thus, the integrity of the closure orientation is maintained by the cooperating orientation of the chevrons to the transverse sections.

As used herein, the term “generally lateral” should be understood to mean that the covers 38a and 38b are positioned generally laterally relative to the sidewall 12 . Thus, while lid portions 38a and 38b may have slightly curved or planar surfaces, each remains substantially transverse relative to sidewall 12 when lid 14 is assembled to generally close container 10 . The term "substantially mountain-shaped" should be understood to mean that the cover portions 40a and 40b include a generally triangular-shaped raised portion.

Crease line segments 32a - 32f are oriented generally parallel to the length of blank 16 and side edges 26 and 28 of blank 16 . Each crease segment 32a-32f extends from the upper edge 24 to intersect one of the transverse crease segments 34a-34f. Preferably, the crease segments 32 a - 32 f are generally linear creases or creases formed on the blank 16 and made such that the crease segments are oriented out of adjacent material portions of the blank 16 .

Crease line segments 34a - 34f are oriented generally parallel to the width of blank 16 and the bottom edge 22 and upper edge 24 of blank 16 . Crease segments 34 a - 34 f are formed such that the segments of upper edge 24 of blank 16 extend substantially toward the center of container 10 . As shown, the segments 34a-34f are generally scalloped or arcuate creases, however, it should be understood that these segments could also be linear creases. Preferably, the segments 34a-34f use arcuate creases to provide an additional aesthetic profile feature to the lid 14, and may also provide substantially curved surfaces 42 and 44 on the lid 14. It has been noted that when the container 10 is used as a beverage These surfaces provide a comfortable surface for the user's mouth when cupped. In this regard, to facilitate drinking the beverage from the container 10, it may be desirable to provide perforation locations that may be removed to form slits or holes 46 in one or both of the surfaces 22 or 24. Additionally, the perforation locations may be provided with holes 48 configured to pass straws or the like therethrough.

Preferably, each of the crease segments 36a-36h is a linear crease oriented to extend diagonally from the upper edge 24 to two of the transverse crease segments 34a-34f and the longitudinal crease segment 32a. Intersection of one of -32f. For example, crease segment 36a extends diagonally at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the intersection of transverse segments 34a and 34b with longitudinal segment 32a. It should be noted (FIG. 2) that the closure 14 is devoid of any crease segments 36a-36h between at least one pair of adjacent and spaced ones of the crease segments 32a-32f. For example, there is no diagonal crease segment between adjacent and spaced apart pairs of crease segments 32c and 32d, thereby enabling the formation of lateral cover portion 38b.

Referring to FIG. 3 , blank 20 is a one-piece blank made from foldable sheet material in the manner of blank 16 . Blank 20 includes a generally circular portion 50 from which extends outwardly a plurality of protrusions 52 . During manufacture of container 10, blank 20 is joined to blank 16 to form container 10 in an open top configuration as shown in FIG. Fill the contents into the container. Also, a container 10 having the open top configuration of FIG. 4 can be easily stacked with multiple similar containers for shipping, storage, and distribution, for example, in a retail or fast food restaurant environment.

To use container 10, a user would obtain the container in the open configuration of Figure 4 and fill the container with a desired material, such as a beverage, through the open opening. In this regard, container 10 may desirably include indicia, such as a fill line represented by dashed line 54 , to indicate the desired fill height of container 10 for mating lid 14 . Next, the container 10 is constructed as shown in FIGS. 5-8, so that the line segments 32a-32f, 34a-34f, and 36a-36h are folded to make the lid 14 form a closed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7-9. And form cover portions 38a-38b and 40a-40b.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8 , the steps of forming the cover 14 are shown. Beginning with FIG. 5, the sheet is initially folded or folded about crease lines 32b and 32e to define triangular portions 54 and 56 formed by adjoining triangular portions of the sheet on opposite sides of crease lines 32b and 32e, respectively.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6 , the sides of each triangular portion 54 and 56 are pushed together and pressure is applied to fold the triangular portions 54 and 56 toward each other in a direction toward the center of the container 10 . When the triangular portions 54 and 56 are pushed toward each other, folding occurs along the remaining crease line segments to the extent that the lower corners of each triangular portion 54 and 56 abut each other as shown in FIG. 7 .

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the triangular portions 54 and 56 are pushed further until the innermost edges 54a and 56a respectively abut each other and are generally aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the container 10 (FIG. 9) to form the gabled lid portion 40a. and 40b, forming lateral cover portions 38a and 38b at the same time, so that the cover 14 is in a closed state (FIG. 10). Thus, the gable portions 40a and 40b of the closed lid are linearly aligned and abut each other in end-to-end relationship, and the lateral lid portions 38a and 38b are linearly aligned with each other and abut opposite sides of the gable portions 40a and 40b.

It has been noted that the frictional end-to-end contact surfaces of the edges 54a and 56a, reinforced by the adjoining transverse lid portions 38a and 38b, serve to keep the lid 14 in the closed position even when the container 10 is being squeezed, poured, or The ability to maintain the lid 14 closed in a dropped condition greatly improves leak or spill resistance compared to conventional container lids in similar conditions. For example, if the container 10 is dropped and lands on one side, some small spills may occur through the junction of the lid 14 with the container substantially full. However, it has been noted that the lid 14 typically remains substantially intact and in the less than filled state only very small spillage occurs due to the joint being immediately adjacent the center of the lid 14 . Instead, as should be appreciated, a conventional lid fits around the perimeter of the container when the container 10 is squeezed, dropped or tipped over. Thus, when the fit of the lid is compromised at any location around the perimeter of the container, leaks are likely to occur at such locations, and the lid typically becomes completely dislodged and falls off, failing to stop the spill.

Figure 11-Figure 13

Referring to FIGS. 11-13 , a container 60 is shown having side walls 62 , a fold-over closure or lid 64 , and a snug sleeve 66 . The sidewall 62 and lid 64 are substantially the same as the sidewall 12 and lid 14 described in connection with the container 10 . The sleeve 66 can be completely independent and easily inserted around the side wall 62 as shown in FIG. 12 . However, in a preferred embodiment, sidewall 62, cover 64, and sleeve 66 are each formed from a one-piece blank 68 (FIG. 13). The illustrated container 60 is configured as a cup, but as described in connection with the container 10, the container 60 could also have a different configuration.

Referring to Figure 12, the sleeve 66 is made of the same material as the side walls 62 and lid 64, as described in connection with the container 10, which is a foldable sheet material such as the type of cardboard material commonly used in the manufacture of paper cups, Plastic used to make plastic cups etc. Advantageously, the sleeve 66 provides a gripping surface that is thermally insulated from the sidewall 62 and promotes air circulation to maintain the outer surface of the sleeve 66 at a temperature suitable for the user.

The sleeve 66 is configured to generally surround a portion of the side wall 62 . Sleeve 66 preferably completely surrounds side wall 62 , but may only partially surround side wall 62 . In this regard, the sleeve 66 is sized to sufficiently cover the side wall 62 so that when the user's palm grasps the container 60, the grip of the sleeve 66 improves User comfort. For example, the container 60 is configured as a cup for hot or cold beverages, and if the user grasps the side wall 62, the user's palm will easily feel the heat or cold of the beverage, which will cause discomfort.

In order to provide desired comfort characteristics to the user, the sleeve 66 is configured to be spaced from the sidewall 62 when mounted on the container 60 and to facilitate airflow in the space between the sidewall 62 and the sleeve 66 . In this regard, the sleeve 66 is configured to include a plurality of vent holes 70 each having an associated standoff or spacer 72 such that each vent hole 70 is spaced a desired distance from the side wall 62, In order to provide sufficient clearance such that the clearance cooperates with the ventilation holes 70 to provide the desired ventilation characteristics.

Vents 70 may have a uniform shape or may have different shapes, and preferably each vent is sized small enough so that a user's skin does not pass through the holes and possibly contact sidewall 62 . And it is desirable to construct and arrange the vents 70 to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as shown. For example purposes, the vents 70 may be configured in a triangle, crescent, square, star, etc. shape. In this regard, preferably, the hole 70 is formed by punching out the desired hole shape, and a portion of the punched out shape remains attached to provide the spacer 72 . This preferred configuration reduces waste and provides the desired structure in terms of economy.

Vent hole 70 as shown in FIG. 12 is formed, for example, by punching hole 70 as a D-shaped hole and folding the punched material to provide spacer 72 . The maximum dimension of the D-shaped hole is from about 1/4 inch to about 1/2 inch, and the spacer 72 provided by the stamped material separates the outer surface of the sleeve 66 from the side wall 62 of the container 60 by about 1/16 inch to about 3/16 inch. This arrangement of using stamped material for the spacers 72 is also advantageous because each vent hole 70 has a spacer 72 to uniformly space the sleeve 66 from the sidewall 62 . This arrangement is also advantageous in that it allows the sidewall 62 , cover 64 , and sleeve 66 to be formed together from a single blank 68 .

Referring to FIG. 13 , blank 68 is generally similar to blank 16 previously described, except that blank 68 also includes an extension 74 configured to provide sleeve 66 . To form container 60 , blank 68 may be manipulated in the same manner as previously described for blank 16 associated with providing container 10 and in combination with base blank 20 . In addition, however, the extension 74 wraps around the assembled side wall 62 and may be affixed to itself or to a portion of the side wall 62 when adhesive is used. The blank 68 may likewise be assembled into the container 60 when automated container making machinery is used.

As should be appreciated, the sleeve 66 provides an improved configuration and avoids hot or cold spots that would be uncomfortable for the user. In addition, having a blank that includes the cup sidewall, fold-over closure, and sleeve avoids the need to keep separate inventories, simplifies storage and shipping, and provides a single recyclable material that can be made from, for example, cardboard or recyclable plastic. Manufactured uniform constructs.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. Efforts were made to choose and describe these embodiments to provide the best explanation of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and to make various modifications to the disclosure , when such modifications are appropriate for the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and changes are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims (8)

1. a container, comprise the sidewall that each is made by integral type blank, folding type closed part, it is adjacent with the upper limb of the described sidewall of vicinity of described blank that described folding type closed part is arranged to, and be configured in not folding orientation, to provide substantially unlimited passage and the structure of sealing is substantially provided in folding orientation, the described structure of sealing substantially comprises and is positioned to a pair of chevron cap aiming at linearly and be adjacent to each other with end to end relation, and be positioned to aim at linearly each other and each a pair of horizontal cap in abutting connection with the opposite side of described chevron cap, the end-to-end contact surface of the friction that the horizontal cap by adjacency of the inside edge of chevron cap is strengthened, be used for the folding type closed part of container to remain on closed state.

2. container according to claim 1, wherein, described blank comprises cardboard blank.

3. container according to claim 1, wherein, described blank comprises plastics blank.

4. container according to claim 1, wherein, described container comprises cup, and comprises the bottom relative with described folding type closed part.

5. container according to claim 1, wherein, described blank has length, width and upper limb in smooth not folding orientation, and comprises a plurality of longitudinal folding line line segments, a plurality of lateral fold line segment and a plurality of angled folding line line segment; Wherein, each is positioned to described longitudinal folding line line segment to be in substantially parallel relationship to the length of described blank and extends to the intersection with one of described lateral fold line segment from the upper limb of described blank, and each is positioned to be in substantially parallel relationship to the width of described blank described lateral fold line segment; And wherein, described each upper limb from described blank of angled folding line line segment extends to the intersection of two described lateral fold line segments and a described longitudinal folding line line segment along diagonal line.

6. a container-closure, comprise a pair of chevron cap and a pair of horizontal cap, described chevron cap is positioned to aim at linearly and be adjacent to each other with end to end relation, and described horizontal cap is positioned to aim at linearly each other and in abutting connection with the opposite side of described chevron cap, the end-to-end contact surface of the friction that the horizontal cap by adjacency of the inside edge of chevron cap is strengthened, is used for container-closure to remain on closed state.

7. a container blanks, comprises folding sheet material, and described sheet material has the edge limited collapsible closure of contiguous described sheet material, and described collapsible closure has a plurality of the first folding line line segments, a plurality of the second folding line line segment and a plurality of the 3rd folding line line segment, wherein, described the first folding line line segment extends to the intersection with a described second folding line line segment from the edge of described sheet material, wherein, adjacent and separate at least one pair of described between the first folding line line segment, described closure is without any described the 3rd folding line line segment, and wherein, each edge from described sheet material of described the 3rd folding line line segment extends to the intersection of two described the second folding line line segments and a described first folding line line segment along diagonal line, wherein, described collapsible closure can be folded into the lid with a pair of chevron cap and a pair of horizontal cap, described chevron cap is positioned to aim at linearly and be adjacent to each other with end to end relation, and described in each, laterally cap is positioned to aim at linearly each other and in abutting connection with the opposite side of described chevron cap, the end-to-end contact surface of the friction that the horizontal cap by adjacency of the inside edge of chevron cap is strengthened, be used for lid to remain on closed state.

8. blank according to claim 7, wherein, described a plurality of the first folding line line segments comprise six the first folding line line segments, described a plurality of the second folding line line segments comprise six folding line line segments, and described a plurality of the 3rd folding line line segment comprises eight folding line line segments.

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