Modular container with improved performance

Abstract

A container comprising: a slurry-forming housing configured to contain a material therein, the slurry-forming housing having an opening through which the material can pass, the slurry-forming housing formed of a first material; and, a collar having one or more engagement features configured to engage at least a portion of the slurry-forming housing by extrusion, indentation, deformation, or any combination of extrusion, indentation, and deformation, the collar formed of a second material.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 972475, filed February 10, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 077396, filed September 11, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Recycling programs depend on their ability to quickly sort large quantities of materials and transform them into valuable products. Therefore, the viability of current recycling programs is hampered by low-integrity materials, whose value diminishes with repeated recycling and use. Many plastics fall into this category, imposing high conversion costs while returning minimal value to recycling centers. Conversely, some materials, such as aluminum, require high prices but are relatively easy to recycle. Some containers are composite containers made of different and dissimilar materials laminated together, making them difficult to separate and thus non-reusable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Improved products that are easy to recycle and / or compostable are needed. Products with easily separable components are also required.

[0005] Constructing products with a high proportion of biodegradable materials is a viable solution for improving the efficiency of recycling programs. Biodegradable materials are easier to separate from recyclables compared to non-biodegradable materials such as thermoset plastics, and offer the added benefit of lower recalcitrantness when dispersed into the environment. By utilizing the structural characteristics of biodegradable external components and reducing the amount of plastic required, packaging systems can ensure a reduction in the proportion of non-biodegradable materials such as plastics. The plastic in the disclosed system is used solely for barrier properties to protect the product.

[0006] To ensure the long-term health of curbside recycling programs and reduce our reliance on plastics, it is necessary to develop packaging systems that utilize renewable, biodegradable, easily separable, and economically recyclable materials.

[0007] Therefore, one embodiment includes a container having: a slurry-formed shell configured to contain material therein, the slurry-formed shell having an opening through which the material can pass, the slurry-formed shell being formed of a first material; and a collar having one or more engagement features configured to engage at least a portion of the slurry-formed shell by extrusion, retraction, deformation, or any combination of extrusion, retraction, and deformation, the collar being formed of a second material.

[0008] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown and described only by way of illustration of exemplary modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be appreciated, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and several details thereof can be modified in various obvious ways without departing from the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The novel features of the present invention are specifically set forth in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention will be obtained by referring to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which illustrate illustrative embodiments utilizing the principles of the invention, and in the accompanying drawings:

[0010] Figure 1A An example set of modular components that can be assembled to construct a container according to one embodiment is shown;

[0011] Figure 1B A collar connected to a slurry molding housing is shown according to one embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2A , 2B Figures 2C and 2C show partial schematic side, bottom, and top views of a collar that can be attached to a slurry-molded housing according to one embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3A A partial schematic side view of a collar according to one embodiment is shown, the collar including barbs that can be bent when a slurry-molded housing is inserted into a collar groove;

[0014] Figure 3B An embodiment is shown. Figure 3A A schematic side view of a neck collar, with its barbs pointing outwards;

[0015] Figure 3C An embodiment is shown. Figure 3A A schematic side view of a collar, in which its barbs are flipped into the collar groove;

[0016] Figure 4A A partial schematic side view of a barbed collar mounted on a slurry molding housing according to one embodiment is shown;

[0017] Figure 4B A partial side sectional view of a collar mounted on a slurry molding housing according to one embodiment is shown;

[0018] Figure 5AA partial side sectional view of two components of a collar mounted on a slurry molding housing according to one embodiment is shown;

[0019] Figure 5B A partial side cross-sectional view is shown of a liner sandwiched between two components of a neck collar and a slurry-molded housing secured to an inner component of the neck collar by protrusions, according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 A partial side cross-sectional view of an interface having a lower assembly welded to a film liner according to one embodiment is shown, the film liner engaging with an upper assembly that carries barbs and threaded features.

[0021] Figure 7A , 7B Views 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F show multiple views and designs of a liner for a multi-component container according to one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 8A and 8B A side sectional view of a collar liner in its expanded state, according to one embodiment, is shown, the collar liner being inserted into and connected to a slurry molding shell.

[0023] Figure 9A , 9B Figures 9C and 9C illustrate an exemplary method for constructing a multi-component container according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 9D and 9E Exemplary prefabricated and post-barb-inversion structures according to one embodiment are shown;

[0025] Figure 10 A partial schematic side sectional view of a paddle shell interlocked with a barbed collar according to one embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 11A and 11B A partial schematic side sectional view is shown, illustrating a collar that is simultaneously fastened to the housing and lining according to one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 12A , 12B 12C, 12D and 12E show various views of an example of a collar with barbs according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 13A , 13B 13C, 13D and 13E show multiple views of an example of a collar connected to a closure according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 14A A side view of two collar systems according to one embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figure 14B An embodiment is shown. Figure 14A A partial side view of two collar systems, one of which is mounted on a slurry-molded housing;

[0031] Figure 15A Two collar components according to one embodiment are shown, which can be assembled to form a single collar;

[0032] Figure 15B The diagram illustrates the assembly of a single collar from one embodiment. Figure 15A Neckband components;

[0033] Figure 16 A collar connected around the center of the lining is shown according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 17A A partial side sectional view of a container including a liner, a collar, and a slurry-molded shell according to one embodiment is shown.

[0035] Figure 17B An embodiment is shown. Figure 17A The side sectional view of the container shown;

[0036] Figure 18A An exemplary collar with an integral lining is shown according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 18B A cross-sectional view of a collar with an integral lining according to one embodiment is shown;

[0038] Figure 18C A collar with an integral lining, having outwardly projecting protrusions, is shown according to one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 18D A cross-sectional view of a collar with an integral lining according to one embodiment is shown, the lining having Figure 18C The outward protrusion;

[0040] Figure 18E and 18F A close-up partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary lining collar according to one embodiment is shown;

[0041] Figure 19A and 19B An exemplary side view of a plurality of containers according to one embodiment is shown;

[0042] Figure 20A An example of a housing having registration features according to one embodiment is shown;

[0043] Figure 20B A partial cross-sectional close-up view of an exemplary collar engaging with a housing having registration features, according to one embodiment, is shown.

[0044] Figure 21 Examples of arrangements A, B, C, D, and E for connecting the collar and lining according to one embodiment are shown;

[0045] Figure 22A An example of a lined nested choker according to one embodiment is shown;

[0046] Figure 22B , 22C Figures 22D and 22D show various exemplary views of nestable non-circular collar-lined sequences according to one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 22E and 22F Various exemplary views of nestable circular collar-lined sequences according to one embodiment are shown;

[0048] Figure 23A and 23B An exemplary view of a container with a closure according to one embodiment is shown;

[0049] Figure 24A , 24B Figures 24C and 24C show exemplary views of a lined collar according to one embodiment, the lining having an overall external dimension larger than the collar itself.

[0050] Figure 25A and 25B A cross-sectional view of a collar according to one embodiment is shown;

[0051] Figure 25C A cross-sectional view of a neck collar according to one embodiment is shown, the neck collar being connected to a liner;

[0052] Figure 26A , 26B 26C, 26D and 26E show various views of a lined collar according to one embodiment;

[0053] Figure 27A , 27B 27C and 27D illustrate an exemplary collar with a closure according to one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 27E ,27F Figure 27G shows an example of a collar according to one embodiment, the collar having a closure connected to a housing;

[0055] Figure 28A , 28B Figures 28C and 28C show an example of a collar and liner according to one embodiment, the liner having a closure connected to a corrugated housing;

[0056] Figure 28D and 28E An example of a collar according to one embodiment is shown, the collar having a closure connected to a housing having an outer surface that varies from top to bottom;

[0057] Figure 29 A partial cross-sectional view of a collar, closure, and housing according to one embodiment is shown;

[0058] Figure 30A , 30B Figures 30C and 30C show various views of a collar and liner having a rotating housing according to one embodiment;

[0059] Figure 31A , 31B 31C shows various alternative views of a collar and liner with a rotating housing according to one embodiment;

[0060] Figure 32A , 32B 32C shows various views of a telescopic rotating housing used with a neck collar and lining according to one embodiment; and

[0061] Figure 33A , 3B Figures 33C and 33D show various views of a compressible housing with a collar and lining according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in carrying out the invention.

[0063] The invention described herein provides a multi-part container. Various aspects of the invention described herein can be applied to any specific application set forth below or to any other type of container or material within a container. The invention can be applied as a standalone device or as part of an integrated packaging system. It should be understood that the different aspects of the invention can be understood individually, jointly, or in combination with each other.

[0064] Containers can be configured to contain materials. In some cases, the material can be a liquid. Liquids can include aqueous solutions, organic solutions, oils, emulsions, and slurries. In some cases, the material can be a particulate material. Particulate materials can include granular products, food, pellets, pebbles, grains, powders, or other materials. Particulate materials can also include solid materials. In some cases, multi-part containers can be configured to contain a mixture of different materials. In some cases, the mixture is a combination of liquids and particulate materials. Containers can be configured to isolate the contained material from the surrounding environment. Containers can contain edible materials in a food-safe manner.

[0065] In some embodiments of the invention, the multi-part container may have a slurry-formed or slurry-molded shell. As used herein, the term "shell" refers to a structure that substantially encloses one or more internal spaces, but has openings for dispensing material contained therein. The shell may partially enclose the internal spaces or completely enclose them by means of closures. The shell may be rigid, extensible, or flexible, and may have additional structural characteristics not limited to those listed above. Furthermore, the shell may be constructed from one or more objects. In some cases, the shell may be formed from two or more parts. The parts of the shell may be connected to each other by means of adhesives, overlapping features, interlocking, or any other construction. In some cases, one or more hinges may be provided, which may allow one or more parts of the shell to open and / or close.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "slurry-molded shell" or "slurry-formed shell" refer to any shell in which a portion of the material constituting the shell is derived from slurry, fiber, paper, or related materials, and the terms are used interchangeably herein. Slurry-molded shells may include Type 2 molded fibers, Type 2A thermoformed fibers, Type 3 thermoformed fibers, Type 4 thermoformed fibers, molding fibers, matched tooling molded fibers, X-ray forming fibers, infrared forming fibers, microwave forming fibers, vacuum forming fibers, structural fibers, compression forming fibers, wet-pressed fibers, wet-pressed with hot afterpress formed fiber, sheets, recycled plastics, or any other structural materials. The material used to form the slurry-molded shell may be food-grade, but is not required. In some cases, the slurry-molded shell may be a container. Any description of slurry-molded shells herein may also apply to thermoformed materials, and vice versa. The shell may be formed from pre-used or recycled materials. In some embodiments, the shell may or may not be formed from impure materials.

[0067] The container of this invention can have any shape. In some cases, the container can be circular. Alternatively, the container can be cubic or linear. The container can have sharp corners or rounded corners. The shell can be molded into a desired three-dimensional shape. The shell can include one or more portions, not limited to a two-dimensional plane. The shell can be formed into the shape of a can, bottle, rod, tube, block, barrel, or any other type of shape.

[0068] In some cases, the container may have a liner. The liner may be partially or wholly included within one or more slurry-molded shells. The liner may surround an interior space and thus be able to function as a container. The liner may also be made of any suitable material, including polymers, alloys, glass, or plant fibers. In some embodiments, the liner includes multiple elements that may be made of different materials and may have different properties, such as ductility and temperature resistance. The liner may be formed or attached to the inner surface of the shell. Alternatively, the liner may hang loosely or may not need to match the inner surface of the shell. The liner may include a bag. The liner may include thermoformed plastic. The liner may be blow-molded. The liner may be formed of metal, such as aluminum, steel, or other materials. The liner may be applied as a coating to the inner surface to form a film or barrier. Once applied, it may be attached to a collar, fitting, or not. The liner may be rigid, semi-rigid, or stretchable. Alternatively, the container may not need to have a liner.

[0069] In some embodiments, the pulp-molded shell can be formed from any agricultural fiber, such as pulp. The container can be formed from one or more processed forms of agricultural fibers suitable for molding and / or thermoforming. In some cases, the container can be formed from materials other than cardboard or paper (e.g., corrugated fiberboard and newsprint) because, for example, cardboard may be too rigid and paper may be too flexible / compliant to withstand the required molding and / or thermoforming processes. Any material that can be used to form the container can be used in any of the embodiments described herein. Any discussion of pulp herein also applies to any material that can be used to form the container (e.g., fiber molding, natural fibers, biodegradable or compostable materials). Additives can be used to impart additional properties such as strength, moisture resistance, odor control, and resistance to fungal or bacterial growth. The container can be formed from a combination of materials, or different parts of the container can be formed from the same or different materials.

[0070] In some cases, the thickness of parts thermoformed from slurry molds is less than 2 mm. The thickness of the parts can be less than or equal to 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, or 0.5 mm. In other cases, such as with wet molding slurry, the thickness can be greater than or equal to 2 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, or 20 mm.

[0071] In some cases, the materials used to form containers can be treated. For example, treatments can be provided for slurry molding surfaces / shells. Spraying the inner shell can help seal the slurry. The inner and / or outer surfaces of the container can be sprayed. In some cases, vacuum-formed thin film layers can be provided. The film can be applied to the inner and / or outer surfaces of the container. In some cases, nanoparticle treatments can be added to the film to obtain additional barrier properties. The application of nanoparticle coatings, such as vermiculite clay flake nanoparticles, can be directly applied to the surface of the slurry to reduce the permeability of the slurry-formed component to liquids, powders, air, aromas, or gases.

[0072] Treatments applied to slurry-molded shells can be used to make the shell waterproof or water-resistant. Alternatively, treatments can be used to prevent fine particulate materials from escaping from the container. Alternatively, no additional treatment may be required for the shell.

[0073] As used herein, the term "attached" describes a relationship between two or more elements that are fixed to, in contact with, or closely adjacent to each other. These elements can be parts of the same object or parts of separate objects. In some cases, an attachment can be facilitated by fastening, locking, threading, clamping, piercing, or locking two or more elements relative to each other. In some cases, an attachment can be facilitated by adhering the elements to each other, such as by brazing, welding, thermal welding, or gluing. In some cases, the term "attached" can refer to the simultaneous use of multiple different attachment methods. Any number of elements comprising a multi-part container may have structural features (e.g., threads) that facilitate their attachment to other elements of the multi-part container. In some cases, an attachment can be achieved solely by mechanical connection without the need for adhesives, soldering, welding, melting, etc.

[0074] This disclosure provides a container with modular components. In some cases, at least some of the modular components can be disposed of differently after product use. The modular components can be handled or disposed of in different ways. For example, the modular components can be individually recyclable and compostable. In some embodiments, one or more components of the container can be recyclable or reusable, while other components can be formed from slurry molding materials or renewable materials. For example, the neck collar and / or lid of the container can be formed from recyclable or reusable materials (e.g., plastic, metal), while the shell of the container can be formed from compostable materials (e.g., slurry molding, slurry forming). Alternatively, the neck collar and / or lid can be formed from compostable materials. In some cases, the neck collar or lid can have a liner integral with the neck collar or lid, and the liner can also be recyclable or reusable. When the liner is integral with the neck collar or lid, it can be formed from the same material as the neck collar or lid and / or disposed of in the same way. Such individually recyclable and compostable modular components can be assembled to form a container with flexible levels of recyclability / renewability. For example, by selecting different combinations of recyclable / renewable modular components, at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of the container can be formed from compostable materials. This can advantageously provide sustainable containers by reducing plastic use while utilizing renewable, degradable, and easily and economically recyclable materials.

[0075] The containers provided herein can be assembled with modular components. These modular components may include structures and features that allow for convenient and easy assembly / disassembly, enabling reusable modular components (e.g., collars) to be reused, while combinable components (e.g., shells) can be replaced with new modular components. For example, the packaging system of this disclosure may allow different components to be selected from a list of components to form a container based on the intended contents to be packaged (e.g., type of contents, quantity of contents).

[0076] In some embodiments, recyclable or reusable components of the container may include a neck collar. The neck collar may be formed from recyclable or reusable materials (e.g., plastic, metal) to provide support for the neck of the container and enhance its overall performance. The neck collar may provide features that allow for the use of a reclosable lid, such as threads or ribs for snap-fit ​​closure. In some embodiments, recyclable or reusable components of the container may include a reusable lid. In some cases, the neck collar and / or lid may be reusable, while the shell portion (e.g., a slurry-molded shell) may be discarded and replaced with a compostable shell portion when it becomes unusable.

[0077] Referring now to the various enumerations provided herein, the same elements are named identically, even though they may be enumerated differently in different figures. Certain similar features can be listed by the preceding numerals associated with the relevant figure numbers illustrating similar features. Thus, it should be understood that although the enumeration of slurry molding shells described in one figure differs from that in another, they may be similar to or have similar features to the slurry molding shells described in the other figure. Slurry forming or slurry molding shells may simply be referred to herein as "shells".

[0078] Figure 1A Examples of multi-part containers 100 are provided, having a slurry-formed or slurry-molded shell 110, a collar 120, a closure 130, and optionally a liner or a second container 140. The container can be manufactured such that two or more components are joined together as a single unit, or that all components are separate. For example, the collar and liner can be manufactured as a single piece or as separate pieces that can be subsequently attached. In some embodiments, one or more components of the container may be designed to attach to one or more other components of the container. For example, the collar may be designed to clamp the slurry-molded shell and liner, thereby providing improved support for the shell or resisting rotation when the threaded closure is applied or removed. Clamping features may also provide a robust connection between the collar and the shell against removal forces of snap-on closures. In containers having two or more shell portions, the collar may provide a retaining feature to keep the shell properly assembled. The container may have an internal space capable of containing material. In some embodiments, this internal space is defined by recesses in the container structure.

[0079] The slurry-molded housing 110 can have any scale and shape, and can be formed from one, two, or more slurry-molded housings. In some embodiments, portions of two or more housings can partially or completely overlap each other. For example, a first slurry-molded housing may have a suitable shape and size to uniformly cover portions of one or more surfaces of a second slurry-molded housing. Two or more housings can also be combined to form an architecture different from any single housing component. For example, two housings can be combined top-to-bottom or side-to-side to form a housing structure with a larger size than any single housing unit.

[0080] In some embodiments, the slurry-formed shell may have a bottom surface 111. This bottom surface may be shaped to allow the shell to rest on it. In some embodiments, the bottom surface may be flat to allow the container to rest on a lower surface.

[0081] The slurry-molded shell may also have one or more openings. For example, the slurry-molded shell may have a shape similar to a cylinder or elongated box with a closed end and an open end. In these embodiments, the closed end and the open end may have different shapes and sizes, while the sides may be flat or have uniform or non-uniform curvature. The container may have any shape, including but not limited to jugs, bottles, basins, boxes, dispensers, or any other shape.

[0082] In some embodiments, the multi-part container includes one or more collars 120, which may be designed to attach to or cover a portion of the slurry molding housing. The collar may have one or more threads, ribs, barbs, clamping, grooves, coils, or hook-like features that allow the collar to clamp or attach to the slurry molding housing. The collar may include one or more features that may be at least partially embedded in a portion of the slurry molding housing. In some cases, the collar may include one or more features that may at least partially pierce or deform a portion of the slurry molding housing. In some embodiments, the collar includes these features within one or more recessed spaces that may overlap with an edge, surface, or other portion of the slurry molding housing. For example, the collar may have grooves that contact the inner and outer surfaces of the slurry molding housing. The collar may be attached to the housing by means of an adhesive. The collar may remain on the housing without the need for an adhesive. The collar may be formed of a different material than the housing. The collar may be formed of the same material as the housing. The collar may be formed of a more durable material than the housing. In some cases, the collar may be made of a material that is harder, more rigid, and / or stronger than the material of the shell.

[0083] The collar may also be designed to mate with one or more closures 130. The closure may be designed such that it completely or partially covers one or more openings 122 defined by the collar and the slurry-molded housing. In some embodiments, the closure may lock or tighten against the collar. The closure may be removable and / or reconnectable to the collar. For example, the closure may have threads complementary to the threads on the collar, or the closure may include a recess that fits against a protrusion on the closure.

[0084] In some embodiments, a liner is not required. In these embodiments, the material held by the container can directly contact the slurry-molded shell. For example, the material can contact the inner surface of the slurry-molded shell, which is shaped as an open cylinder. In other embodiments, a liner 140 may be provided. The liner may be a bag, pouch, rigid container, or other object capable of containing one or more materials. The liner may be formed of a flexible material such as a polymer or a rigid material such as an alloy. The liner may be completely or partially encapsulated by the slurry-molded shell and may be fitted to, attached to, contacted with, or rested on a collar. For example, the liner may optionally be designed to have a protrusion 141 that can fit onto a portion of the collar and may also fit beneath the surface of the closure. In some embodiments, a portion of the liner may be designed to mate with the closure. For example, the liner may be designed to have a protrusion extending from the slurry-molded shell and include an opening that can mate with the closure.

[0085] The lining may also include one or more closures 142. These closures may be attached to the lining or to the collar and may completely or partially seal one or more openings in the lining. In some embodiments, the materials constituting the closures are different from those constituting the lining, and the closures and the lining may have different physical properties. In other embodiments, the lining and the closures are made of the same material.

[0086] Figure 1B One possible implementation is shown, wherein Figure 1A The collar and the slurry molding shell are joined. In some embodiments, the connection is purely mechanical. For example, the collar may have a groove that engages with the edge of the slurry molding shell and applies pressure to one or more sides of the slurry molding shell, thereby imparting a degree of connection between the two articles. In some embodiments, the collar may be initially formed to rest on the slurry molding shell and subsequently compressed, curled, deformed using heat, or mechanically deformed to alter its contact with the slurry molding shell. In some embodiments, the collar may be attached to the slurry molding shell using one or more adhesives.

[0087] Figure 2A-2C An example of a partial cross-section of a neck ring 200 for a container is provided. The neck ring can be sized such that it can cover one or more edges of the slurry-molded shell. The neck ring can cover and / or contact the outer surface of the slurry-molded shell. The neck ring can cover and / or contact the outer surface at or near the neck 112 of the shell and / or at the edge of the orifice 114 of the shell 110 (see reference). Figure 1A(Best viewed). Alternatively or additionally, the collar may cover and / or contact the inner surface of the housing. The collar may cover and / or contact the inner surface of the neck of the body. The collar may cover and / or contact the outer and inner surfaces of the neck of the housing. The neck may optionally have a substantially vertical orientation. When attached to the housing and the housing is upright, the collar may optionally have a substantially vertical orientation. In some embodiments, the collar has a concave structure defining an internal space 210, the internal space including one or more inner surfaces sized to fit onto a portion of the slurry-molded housing. The inner surfaces of the collar may include protrusions, such as barbs 220, ribs 230, points, edges, or threads. Any description herein of barbs or other types of features may refer to any type of feature that can pierce or deform a portion of the housing when pressed against the housing with sufficient force. Any description herein of barbs or other types of features may refer to any type of feature that can at least partially embed into the housing when pressed against the housing with sufficient force. These features may provide means for securing the collar against the slurry-molded housing. For example, the internal space of the collar may include ribs and barbs that apply clamping pressure to the slurry-molded housing. The ribs and barbs may be arranged together to deform the slurry-molded housing. Ribs may help allow the barbs to at least partially pierce the housing. Ribs may allow the barbs to have sufficient force to pierce the underlying housing without causing undesirable deformation of the housing. In one embodiment, the pressure is sufficient to secure the collar to the slurry-molded housing while still allowing removal of the collar from the housing for recycling. The collar may include features that compress, pierce, recess, and / or partially deform at least a portion of the slurry-molded housing. These features may clamp or otherwise engage the outer surface of the housing, the inner surface of the housing, or any other portion of the housing. These features may clamp or otherwise engage the inner surface of the neck, the outer surface of the neck, or any portion surrounding an opening in the housing. In some cases, these features may be designed to contact both the inner and outer surfaces of the housing.

[0088] The collar may also have features on its outer surface. For example, the outer surface of the collar may have protrusions 240 or intrusions 250 and 251. Intrusions 250 may be gap features that allow the collar molding to reach and form the internal barb feature 220 in its working state or position. Figure 2A and 2BAs shown, barbs 220 are depicted on the inner surface of the inner wall of the collar, but features of the type 220 barb can be located on the inner side of the outer wall of the collar. In some embodiments, these collar surface features facilitate attachment of the collar to a slurry-molded housing, closure, or liner. For example, the collar may have protrusions, such as threads 240, on which a closure may engage or rest. The collar may have an intrusion formed by cut openings in the inner surface features (e.g., barbs). A combination of intrusion and barbs can be performed such that if the orifice of the housing is circular, housing orientation is not required. The outer surface of the collar may also include energy-directing beads 260, which may allow the collar to be welded (e.g., thermally or ultrasonically). In some cases, welding and / or adhesives may be used to help secure the collar to the housing.

[0089] The neck collar may include one or more intrusive and / or protruding portions that can be configured to mate with or complement features of the housing or any other part of the container that mates with the neck collar. Complementary and / or interlocking shapes may allow the neck collar to be secured to the housing. Any clamping, squeezing, retracting, deforming, and / or puncturing features may also be used to allow the neck collar to be removably secured to the housing. The neck collar may be secured to the housing in a manner that prevents the neck collar from being undesirably rotated or removed from the housing. During normal use of the container, the connection between the neck collar and the housing may be considered permanent, but this connection may be disrupted by certain types of operations. For example, squeezing or twisting the housing may allow the connection between the neck collar and the housing to be released. This release facilitates the separation and disposal of components that may have different recycling characteristics. In one embodiment, the neck collar, after being attached to the slurry forming housing, is configured to be detachable from the slurry forming housing by a user or by a recycling device configured to crush the container.

[0090] Figure 2B It shows the relationship with Figure 2A A bottom view of the same neck collar.

[0091] like Figure 2C As shown, the shell can be deformed by features of the neck ring. These deformable features can include ribs, barbs, points, grooves, etc. These deformable features can interact with the slurry shell 270.

[0092] The collar can have a substantially circular, oval, square, rectangular, or any other shape suitable for the purposes disclosed herein. The collar may include features around its entire circumference. These features may be spaced substantially evenly around the circumference of the collar. Alternatively, the features may be clustered and / or evenly spaced to provide higher density in certain areas.

[0093] Figures 3A-3C A collar with barbed protrusions 310 is shown. Figure 3AA cross-section of an example collar is shown. As previously described, the collar may include an internal space 320 defined by a concave curvature in the collar structure. In some embodiments, the collar may include a protrusion 310 extending into the internal space, such as a barb. The protrusion may have a pointed tip. The protrusion is capable of piercing or clamping into the housing using the pointed tip. The protrusion may or may not have a hook or similar feature. Any description of the protrusion or barb herein can be applied to any other type of feature, such as a feature that pierces, clamps, or deforms the underlying housing when sufficient pressure is applied. The protrusion may have any shape. The protrusion may have a pointed or rounded end. The protrusion may be substantially flat or may have a curved or bent feature, such as a hook. The collar may also include a protrusion extending away from the internal space 320. The protrusion may be located in more than one position. For example, the collar may include a protrusion movable between a position outside the internal space 320 and a position inside the internal space 320. In some cases, the protrusion may be integrally formed on the collar. Protrusions can be formed from materials that essentially retain their shape when bent without external force.

[0094] In some embodiments, contacting the neck collar with the slurry molding housing can alter the position of some neck collar features. For example, the neck collar may have a protrusion 330 that bends inside the neck collar's internal space when the neck collar contacts the slurry molding housing. This repositioning of the neck collar component can facilitate securing the neck collar to other components of a multi-part sub-container, such as the slurry molding housing. In some embodiments, contact with the housing can cause the protrusion to bend inward. The housing can be inserted adjacent to and held by the protrusion. In some cases, some inward bending can be induced manually or by means of a device. The neck of the housing can then be inserted into the internal space of the neck collar, or positioned adjacent to the protrusion and held by the protrusion upon neck insertion.

[0095] Neck collars can be formed from deformable materials such as plastic or metal. Examples of materials that can be used for neck collars include aluminum, brass, steel, copper, zinc, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PET, nylon, or PEEK.

[0096] The collar may have features such as a protrusion in the first position (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 3B (As shown). When the collar is attached to the housing, the feature (e.g., a protrusion) can be moved to a second position (e.g., as shown). Figure 3C (As shown in the diagram). The features can be bent to a second position. These features can be bent manually or with the aid of tools. These features can be bent before or during the assembly of the collar to the housing. When the features are in the second position, they secure the collar to the housing. When the features are in the first position, the collar may not be secured to the housing.

[0097] Figure 4A An example of a metal collar 410 attached to a slurry molding housing 420 is shown. In some embodiments, the collar may include barbs 430 pointing inward toward the center of the collar and contacting the slurry molding housing. This advantageously allows the collar to be attached to the housing portion without rotation relative to the housing portion. The barbs may be formed before the collar is attached to the housing, or they may be formed after the collar is placed on the housing.

[0098] Figure 4B A side sectional view of a collar 440 is shown, the collar having an internal space 441 including barbs 442 that contact the slurry molding housing 450. In some embodiments, these barbs are capable of piercing, deforming, and / or pressing against the slurry molding housing. In some embodiments, collar elements such as barbs can be positioned in multiple locations. For example, when in contact with the slurry molding housing, barbs positioned within the internal space of the collar can be bent upward toward the top of the collar, which can help secure the collar to the slurry molding housing.

[0099] In some embodiments, the barbs may have a substantially triangular shape. In some cases, the barbs may be formed by angled folded slits in the collar. The barbs may form a folded triangle from the side. The barbs may be attached to the collar at a substantially horizontal, substantially vertical, or substantially angled line. The barbs may be positioned around the circumference of the collar. The barbs may be spaced substantially evenly around or not around the circumference of the collar.

[0100] The barbs and / or other protrusions may be located at the bottom of the collar (e.g., at or near the bottom edge of the collar). The barbs and / or other protrusions may be located at the top of the collar, or in the middle portion of the collar between the bottom and top edges.

[0101] Figure 5AAn example of a nested collar in contact with a slurry molding shell and liner is shown. Multi-part collars can be provided. A multi-part collar may include two or more parts, such as an inner collar 510 and an outer collar 520. In this example, the inner collar 510 may be fitted within the interior space of the outer collar 520. The outer surface of the inner collar may contact the inner surface of the outer collar. The outer collar may optionally be generally U-shaped (inverted U-shaped) or include at least one set of overlapping features. The inner collar may be inserted between the overlapping features of the U-shape and / or the outer collar. The inner collar may have corresponding inverted U-shaped and / or overlapping features. The outer collar may have one or more structural engagement features 530, such as recesses or shelves, that facilitate holding or retaining the inner collar within the interior space of the outer collar, and the collar may be fitted onto and further clamp the slurry molding shell 540. The inner collar may include one or more protrusions that may clamp the slurry molding shell. The slurry-molded shell can be sandwiched between the inner and outer layers of the inner neck ring. The inner neck ring can be sandwiched between the inner and outer layers of the outer neck ring. Air gaps may or may not be provided between the layers.

[0102] Figure 5B A side sectional view of two nested collars 550 and 560 in contact with the slurry molding shell 570 and liner 580 is shown. Optionally, a liner may be disposed between the inner collar 550 and the outer collar 560. The liner may be formed of a thin material, such as a plastic film, which may be inserted between the nested collars. The liner may be made of plastic or alloy. The liner may wrap around at least a portion of the inner collar. In some embodiments, one or more protrusions from the inner collar 590 may contact and may facilitate clamping the slurry molding shell. The protrusions may include pointed surfaces that can pierce the slurry molding shell and / or cause the slurry molding shell to recess. The protrusions may be teeth that can be dug into the slurry molding shell. In some embodiments, two or more collars, slurry molding shells, and liners may be joined together.

[0103] Figure 6An example of a collar 610 is shown, having a neck finish 611 and a locking feature 612 that contacts a weld fitting 620. The neck finish may extend outward from a surface of the collar and may have a portion overlapping the surface of the collar to form an inner region 613 therebetween. In some embodiments, the weld fitting may be welded to a liner. The weld fitting may be positioned around an opening in the liner. A weld flange 615 may be provided. The weld flange may allow welding to a membrane liner. The weld fitting may be positioned around an opening in the liner through which material can pass. In some embodiments, complementary engagement features 614, 621 in the collar and the weld fitting may allow the collar and the weld fitting to form a connection. In some embodiments, the collar locking feature may be repositioned from the outer to the inner side of the inner region 613 between one or more alternative locations 616. The locking feature may move between an outer location 616 and an inner location 612. The locking feature may include a protrusion that may have a pointed feature. The locking feature may move to an inner location to clamp a portion of a housing or weld fitting inserted into the neck finish. The housing or welded fitting may optionally be inserted into the interior region of the neck bottleneck. In some embodiments, the housing may be inserted into the interior region of the neck bottleneck and held in place by a locking feature, while the engagement feature 621 in the welded fitting 620 engages with a complementary engagement feature 614 in the collar 610. The complementary engagement feature in the collar may include a shelf that can extend into a recess in the welded fitting.

[0104] As shown here, a multi-part collar may optionally be provided. The multi-part collar may include barbs or other types of protrusions that can be molded in a first position. When the outer collar is assembled to the inner collar, the barbs and / or other protrusions may be locked into a second position.

[0105] Figure 7A An example of a liner 710 with a collar 720 is shown. In some embodiments, the collar may be part of the liner (i.e., the liner and collar together form a single piece), while in other embodiments, the collar and liner are physically distinct items. The liner and collar may be formed as a single integral piece. In some cases, the collar and liner may be formed as separate pieces and may be connected to each other. In some cases, they may be removably connected to each other or may be permanently fixed to each other. In some embodiments, the liner includes a feature 730 that allows it to mate with a closure. For example, one end of the liner may include a cylindrical neck 740 terminating at an opening 750 and includes an externally threaded feature 730 that facilitates mating with a closure having an internally threaded feature.

[0106] As described above, the collar of the liner may include one or more protruding features for clamping a housing that can be attached to the liner. The one or more protruding features may include one or more pointed features that can pierce or recess into a portion of the housing. The collar may include an internal area into which the housing can be inserted. The protruding features may bend inward to clamp the housing inserted into the collar.

[0107] Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A The diagram shows a side cross-sectional view of the liner and collar tandem, and illustrates that in some embodiments, the liner may have additional protrusions 760 on its outer surface. These protrusions may be located behind a portion of the collar and facilitate securing the slurry-molded housing to the liner-collar tandem structure. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusions may be formed on the inner surface of the collar.

[0108] Figure 7C It shows Figures 7A-7B The diagram shows a top view of the lining-neck collar assembly, and illustrates that in some embodiments, the collar may have a notch or opening 770 on its surface. Notches, openings, seals, and similar features may be the result of forming barbs or protrusions, or may be intended to deform features to facilitate clamping the collar to the paddle shell (one or more).

[0109] Figure 7D It shows Figures 7A-7C Side sectional view of the lining-neck collar series.

[0110] Figure 7E-7F It shows the relationship with Figures 7A-7D The diagram shows a side view of a similar liner-neck ring array in an injection-molded state, where these are in an expanded state after a secondary blow molding process. The system can accept liners with orifices smaller than the corresponding housing diameter, or can incorporate liners expanded to have a cross-sectional diameter larger than the corresponding housing orifice diameter.

[0111] Figure 8A Illustrations of a multi-part container are provided. In some embodiments, the liner 810 may be housed within the slurry-molded shell 820. The slurry-molded shell may be constructed around the liner as a second step after single or multiple parts of the slurry-molded shell or multiple molded slurry shells have been joined together. In other embodiments, a pre-formed liner may first be inserted into the slurry-molded shell and then expanded.

[0112] The liner may have a component 830 extending beyond the area surrounded by the slurry-molded housing. In some embodiments, the liner extension itself may include a collar 840. The collar may be integrally formed on the liner. In other embodiments, the collar is a separate, distinct item that can be fitted onto the liner extension protruding from the slurry-molded housing. The collar allows the liner to be secured to the slurry-molded housing. The collar may clamp the housing relative to the liner in a manner similar to that described above.

[0113] Figure 8B This shows how the lining-neck collar series can be connected. Figure 8A The slurry-molded housing. In some embodiments, a collar and liner may be inserted onto one or more edges of the slurry-molded housing and may provide pressure against or clamp the slurry-molded housing. In some embodiments, two or more components of a multi-part container (e.g., the slurry-molded housing and liner) are joined with one or more adhesives.

[0114] Figures 9A-9C A possible method for constructing multipart containers is described. Figure 9A A prefabricated collar 920 including a liner 910 and a collar 920 having outwardly projecting barbs 930 is described. The prefabricated liner may initially be small enough to be inserted through the neck of the housing. The liner may be inserted into the housing. The housing may optionally extend into the interior region of the collar, between the inner surface of the collar and the liner. Figure 9B The image depicts the preform liner after it has been blow-molded and expanded to a larger diameter of 940 mm at the lower part of the preform. In other embodiments, other portions of the liner-neck collar sequence can be modified after the initial preform. The barbs can be flipped to point inward toward the liner, creating... Figure 9C The article shown is an article of fabrication. In some embodiments, the article is then inserted into a slurry molding shell. For example, the slurry molding shell may be formed as part of a liner-neck ring series, or the liner-neck ring series may be loaded into the slurry molding shell through an opening that is subsequently closed. In other embodiments, the liner-neck ring series may be inserted into the slurry molding shell prior to blow molding.

[0115] Figure 9D and Figure 9E Possible prefabricated components and barbed reverse structures are shown separately. This illustrates how the protruding barb is initially in the open position. Figure 9D This allows the housing to be inserted into the internal area between the inner surface of the collar and the lining below. Once the housing is inserted, the barbs can fold inward to clamp the housing positioned therein. Figure 9EThe barbs can be folded simultaneously or sequentially. The barbs can be folded by means of a device, automated machine, or manually. The barbs can be folded at an angle greater than 90 degrees, such that the sharp protrusions enter the inner region of the collar at an upward angle. In an alternative embodiment, the barbs can be pre-folded into the inside of the collar, and then the housing is inserted into the inner space of the collar, with the barbs holding the housing in place.

[0116] Figure 10 An example of an injection-molded preform 1010 with a collar 1020 in contact with a slurry molding housing 1030 is shown. The collar may overlap at least a portion of the underlying preform. The collar may allow the formation of an internal space 1015. In some embodiments, the injection-molded preform may be a collar or a liner with a collar. In some embodiments, the liner, collar, or liner-collar series may have protrusions 1040, such as barbs, that are invertable between separated positions. For example, the protrusions may be movable from an outer position 1050 to an inner position 1040. In some embodiments, the inner position may be at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the surface of the collar. The protrusions may be angled upwards and inwards. In some embodiments, the slurry molding housing may have an engagement feature 1060 that contacts the protrusion when the protrusion is in one or more of its possible positions. In some embodiments, the protruding feature is a barb, and the engagement feature 1060 in the slurry housing engages with the inner collar position of the barb via a fixed mechanical connection, enhancing the retention force of the collar to the housing compared to a slurry edge without the engagement feature 1060. The engagement feature 1060 may be annular, where a specific angular orientation is not required between the collar and the housing. In another embodiment, multiple engagement features 1060 are present, and the collar-to-housing installation is coordinated with the positioning of the barb feature of the collar and the engagement feature of the housing. For example, if the housing-to-collar installation requires a barb feature, and the barb is avoided during installation, then the relative axial rotation between the housing and the collar engages the barb 1040 with the engagement feature 1060. This contact can secure the slurry molding housing to a liner, collar, or liner-collar tandem. In some embodiments, the protrusion may be manually repositioned before contacting or engaging the slurry molding housing.

[0117] Figure 11A A multi-part container is shown, comprising a collar 1110 and a liner 1140, the collar including inwardly pointing barbs 1120 that contact a slurry-molded shell 1130. In some embodiments, the slurry-molded shell is secured to the collar. This can be achieved by pressure applied by the inwardly pointing barbs of the collar or by other means. In some embodiments, the liner is secured to the collar. This can be achieved by features 1150, 1160 interlocking or overlapping on the collar and liner respectively, or by other means.

[0118] Figure 11B An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the neck collar 1170 contacts the slurry-molded housing 1180 and the liner 1190. In some embodiments, the liner is secured within the neck collar by an outwardly curved portion 1191 of the liner, which is wider than the narrowest inner portion of the neck collar.

[0119] Figure 12A An example of a collar 1200 for a container is shown. The collar can have any number of shapes, including... Figure 12A The collar is elliptical as shown and may have one or more surfaces, including an outer surface 1210 and an inner surface 1220. These surfaces may have any number of features, including a lip 1211 and strips 1212. In some embodiments, the collar may have one or more recesses 1230 defining features such as grooves or internal spaces. These recesses themselves may include an array of features, such as an inner lip 1240 and an outer lip 1250. In some embodiments, the collar may include protrusions 1260, such as barbs.

[0120] In some embodiments, one or more protrusions can take two or more positions, as described above. The protrusions may have one or more features 1261, such as creases that facilitate such repositioning. In some embodiments, protrusions lacking movement-facilitating features such as creases can be repositioned.

[0121] Figure 12B Provided Figure 12A The neck collar shown is a side view.

[0122] Figure 12C-12D It shows Figure 12A-12B The collar has protrusions 1260 that curve toward its center and are received within the collar's internal space. In some embodiments, all protrusions can be repositioned between two or more locations. In some embodiments, only some protrusions can be repositioned between two or more locations. In some embodiments, other elements of the collar can be reshaped, repositioned, twisted, or bent.

[0123] Figure 12E It shows Figure 12A-12D A cross-sectional view of the collar, wherein a protrusion 1260 is positioned within an interior space 1230. In some embodiments, the collar may have a lip 1270.

[0124] In any of the embodiments described herein, features that can engage with the housing, such as protrusions or barbs that can pierce or deform the housing, may also prevent the collar from rotating relative to the housing. In some embodiments, an anti-rotation effect may be provided. The collar can withstand rotational forces without sliding or moving in either direction (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise). In some cases, the collar can withstand the same amount of rotational force in both directions. In some cases, the collar can withstand a greater rotational force in a first direction opposite to the second direction. In some cases, the collar can withstand a greater rotational force relative to an axial force (e.g., pulling the collar upward from the neck). Alternatively, the collar can withstand the same amount of rotational force and axial force, or an axial force greater than the rotational force. In some cases, the collar can withstand at least 0.1 Nm, 0.5 Nm, 1 Nm, 1.5 Nm, 2 Nm, 2.5 Nm, 3 Nm, 4 Nm, 5 Nm, 7 Nm, 10 Nm, 15 Nm, 20 Nm, or greater rotational forces (e.g., torque). By relying on the aforementioned features, such as protrusions (e.g., no adhesives, welding, soldering, or any other type of non-mechanical connection are required), the collar can withstand this force without sliding or moving relative to the housing.

[0125] Figure 13A Examples of a collar 1310 and a closure 1320 are shown. In some embodiments, the collar may be directly attached to the closure, or it may be attached to the closure via one or more connecting elements 1330, such as tabs, connecting arms, or flexible hinges. These connecting elements may be made of any number of materials, which may be the same as or different from the materials constituting the collar or closure.

[0126] The collar and closure can have any number of different structural features. For example, the closure may have one or more tabs 1340 that provide a gripping surface, or the collar may have features such as protrusions or barbs 1350 that facilitate its attachment to another element, such as a slurry-molded housing. In some embodiments, the collar and closure may have features that affect how the collar and closure can contact or connect. For example, the closure may have a raised area 1360 on its top outer surface that may be designed to receive a portion of the collar, or the collar may have edges 1370 on one or more of its surfaces that facilitate securing the closure to the collar. In some embodiments, the collar and / or closure may have multiple regions with different thicknesses and / or mechanical properties, which may help facilitate the connection and / or separation of the collar and closure. For example, the closure may have a thin wall that is flexible when the closure is fitted onto the collar.

[0127] Figure 13B It shows Figure 13AThe neck ring and closure, wherein the protrusions and barbs 1350 of the neck ring have been repositioned within the internal space of the neck ring. In some embodiments, the repositioning of the protrusions and barbs can be achieved by purely mechanical means. In some embodiments, the repositioning of the protrusions and barbs can be achieved by other means, such as heating, cooling, chemical treatment, irradiation, acoustic treatment, or some other means that affect the neck ring or other components of the container.

[0128] Figure 13C-13D Showing Figures 13A-13B The neck collar 1310 and closure 1320 are repositioned such that the closure covers the neck collar. In some embodiments, the closure can be connected to the neck collar. In some embodiments, the closure can contact the neck collar without forming a connection. When present, the connecting element 1330 can be bent, twisted, rotated, or warped in any number of other ways. In some embodiments, multiple connecting elements provide one or more mechanisms for controlling the movement of the neck collar relative to the closure. For example, the connecting element may be a hinge that limits the range of movement of the closure relative to the neck collar.

[0129] Figure 13E It shows Figures 13A-13D A side sectional view of the collar 1310 and closure 1320 is shown, illustrating one of many possible designs that facilitate the connection of the collar and closure. In some embodiments, the collar and closure may have corresponding protrusions 1370 and 1380 on one or more of their surfaces, which may facilitate their connection and provide resistance against spatial separation of the collar and closure. In some embodiments, the collar and closure may have different dimensions, such as outer and inner diameters, which may facilitate the closure covering and / or connecting the collar. In some embodiments, the collar and closure may have a single orientation, where they are capable of forming a connection. In other embodiments, the collar and closure are capable of forming a connection from two or more orientations. The closure may be attached to the collar. For example, the closure may be hinged. Alternatively, the closure may be separable and independent from the collar. For example, the closure may be a snap-fit ​​cover that can be completely separable from the collar.

[0130] Figure 14AAn example of a dual collar system 1400 is shown, wherein a first collar 1410 and a second collar 1420 may have complementary structural features that allow the collars to be connected. In some embodiments, the collars may have one or more concave features that define an internal space 1430 including one or more inner surfaces. The inner surfaces may include protrusions 1440, recesses 1450, openings, or other structural features. The first collar may also have features such as tabs 1460 or protrusions 1470 on its outer surface or surface. In some embodiments, these features may affect the connection of the second collar or other container elements such as closures. For example, protrusions on the outer surface of the collar may strengthen or weaken the connection between the closure and the collar.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second collar may also have a recess that defines an internal space 1480 including one or more inner surfaces, and may have structural features on any of its surfaces, such as a protrusion 1490, a recess 1491, or a lip 1492. In some embodiments, these features may allow the second collar to be nested, connected, stacked, clipped onto the first collar, or otherwise associated with the first collar. In some embodiments, one or more features on the first or second collar may prevent the two collars from being connected or associated.

[0132] Figure 14B It shows Figure 14A The system is a double collar system in which the second collar 1420 is nested with the first collar 1410, and the first collar 1410 contacts the slurry molded housing 1499.

[0133] Figure 15A Another example of a dual collar system 1500 is shown, having a first collar 1510 and a second collar 1520 that can be assembled into a single collar 1500. In some embodiments, the collars may be assembled from two, three, four, five, or more components. In some embodiments, one or more components may include features such as barbs 1530 that facilitate connection with other components. In some embodiments, these features may be present in multiple locations. For example, the second collar 1520 may have barbs 1530 molded in a first position and then locked in a second position when the second collar 1520 is attached to the first collar 1510, and the barbs 1530 engage with complementary features in the internal space of the first collar 1510.

[0134] Figure 15B The assembly into a single collar 1500 is shown. Figure 15A Neckband component.

[0135] Figure 16A side sectional view of a collar 1610 is shown, with the collar 1610 contacting the liner 1620 at its intermediate portion between its top end 1621 and bottom end 1622. In some embodiments, the collar may be attached to the intermediate portion of the liner. The collar may be attached to a smooth or textured portion of the liner by various means, including adhesive, piercing, or curling. The attachment method may or may not deform the collar and / or the liner.

[0136] Figure 17A A side sectional view of a portion of a container including a liner 1710, a collar 1720, and a slurry-molded shell 1730 is shown. The liner may have features 1711, such as grooves that may overlap with the edge, surface, or other portion of the collar. In some embodiments, these features facilitate attachment of the liner to the collar.

[0137] In some embodiments, the surfaces of the collar and liner may define an internal space 1740. This internal space may accommodate all or part 1721 of one or more slurry-molded shells, as well as liner and / or collar features. For example, the collar may have barbs pointing inward toward the liner, capable of contacting, deforming, or piercing the slurry-molded shell and / or liner, as described above. In some embodiments, the collar and / or liner features may be formed during or after the assembly of the collar or liner. For example, partially removing the slurry-molded shell from the internal space 1740 between the collar and liner may partially separate a portion of the collar, thereby forming a protrusion of the collar into the internal space.

[0138] Figure 17B It shows Figure 17A The middle section shows a side sectional view of the entire container.

[0139] Figure 18A An example of a liner 1810 with a collar 1820 is shown. The collar and liner can be integral (i.e., provided as a single piece) or can be different and separate structures. The collar and liner can be integrally formed as a single piece. The collar and liner can be formed of the same material. The collar and liner can be formed of different materials. The collar and liner can be molded to be formed together. The connection 1830 between the collar and liner can be smooth or may include features. The features at the connection 1830 can inhibit movement of the collar relative to the liner. For example, the connection between the collar and liner may include a joint or groove to prevent the collar from bending outward relative to the inner surface of the liner. The liner may include a curved or flat end 1811 and a cylindrical body 1812. The collar may be annular and may include a flat, curved, or serrated upper surface 1822.

[0140] The collar may include features (e.g., ribs or grooves) protruding from its outer surface 1823. These protruding features help the collar connect to another component, such as a closure. Protruding features can also affect the collar's rigidity or flexibility. For example, ribs or grooves on the outer surface of the collar can provide resistance against structural deformations, including bending and twisting.

[0141] like Figure 18B As shown, it provides Figure 18A The lining and collar are shown in a side cross-sectional view. The collar may include a concave construction defining an internal space 1824, which includes one or more inner surfaces 1825. The internal space may include one or more features, such as a protrusion 1826 or a lip 1827. The internal space features may project toward the center of the internal space. One or more features (e.g., protrusion 1826 or lip 1827) may extend outward from one of the inner surfaces 1825, or may extend inward from one of the outer surfaces 1825.

[0142] Multiple inner surfaces 1825 may define the outer and inner edges of the interior space. One or more of these inner surfaces may be parallel to the walls of the liner (e.g., the surface of the cylindrical portion of the liner 1812). Two inner surfaces may be offset from parallel, and thus may impart a variable width to the interior space, which can help hold inserts, such as slurry-molded housings.

[0143] The collar may include multiple regions with varying thicknesses around its circumference. Furthermore, a single segment of the collar 1828 may include multiple thicknesses. This variable thickness can impart different degrees of rigidity to different portions of the collar. The collar may be thicker than the liner. The collar may also be formed using a different manufacturing process than the liner. For example, the structure may include an injection-molded collar and a stretch-blow liner. The rigidity of the collar prevents deformation of the liner.

[0144] The thickness between the collar and the lining can vary. In some cases, the thickness can vary by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 100%, or 200%, where the collar is thicker than the lining.

[0145] Features of the neck collar's internal space, such as protrusions or barbs, allow it to be positioned in a second location outside the internal space. Figure 18C It shows Figure 18A and 18BThe lining and collar, wherein a set of protrusions, such as barbs 1826, have been repositioned from the inner space of the collar to a new position outside the inner space of the collar, and protrude away from the inner space of the collar. The inner space features can change positions between each other when a structure (e.g., a slurry-molded shell) is inserted into the inner space of the collar. Once the inner space features are positioned within the inner space of the collar, the inner space features can be locked in place. Locking can be reversible. Figure 18D supply Figures 18A-18C A side cross-sectional view of the neck collar and lining, wherein protrusion 1826 is located on the outside of the internal space of the neck collar.

[0146] Figure 18E and 18F supply Figures 18A-18D Close-up side cross-sectional view of the neck collar and lining. Figure 18E The collar showing protrusion 1826 within its internal space is illustrated, while Figure 18F A collar with protrusion 1826 located outside its internal space is shown. The internal space feature can be connected to a surface located outside the internal space, such as the bottom surface of the outer wall 1829 of the collar. The structure connecting the internal space feature to the collar can be extensible, thereby giving the internal space feature mobility at its connection point 1840 to the collar.

[0147] Figure 19A Side sectional views of multiple containers 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 with slurry-molded shells 1901, 1911, 1921, 1931, and 1941 are provided. The slurry-molded shells can have a wide range of shapes and sizes. The container volume can be less than or equal to 1 cm³. 3 5cm 3 10cm 3 20cm 3 30cm 3 40cm 3 50cm 3 75cm 3 100cm 3 500cm 3 1000cm 3 5000cm 3 Or 10000cm 3The container may have a volume greater than any of these values ​​or a volume falling within any two of these values. The slurry-molded shell may have a diameter greater than its height (e.g., 1920), a height greater than its diameter (e.g., 1930), or approximately equal height and diameter. The slurry-molded shell may have a straight side 1932 or a sloping side 1902. The slurry-molded shell may narrow at a portion 1933, for example, near the container neck. The container neck and / or collar may have the maximum diameter for the container. Alternatively, the container neck and / or collar may have the same diameter as the rest of the container, or may be smaller than the maximum diameter of the container. The slurry-molded shell may have divots 1934, bumps, or other surface features that allow the slurry-molded shell to be attached to other objects, such as a second slurry-molded shell. Surface features may also increase the strength of the slurry-molded shell or enable deformation (e.g., twisting or bending) along or around the axis of the surface feature.

[0148] The container may include a neck ring (e.g., 1903, 1912, 1922). The neck ring may be attached to a slurry-molded shell. For example, the slurry-molded shell may be inserted into an internal space within the neck ring. Attachment to the neck ring may physically deform the slurry-molded shell 1913, providing resistance against detachment. Attachment to the neck ring may result in a portion of the neck ring being punctured, clamped, deformed, or embedded in the shell.

[0149] The container may include liners 1904, 1914, 1923, 1935, and 1942. The liners may include rigid or semi-rigid portions with defined shapes (e.g., 1914, 1923). The liners may also include flexible portions with undefined shapes (e.g., 1942). The liners may fill virtually all the space within the slurry-molded shell (e.g., 1935 or 1942), or may fill only a portion of the space within the slurry-molded shell (e.g., 1923). For some containers, the liner 1923 is uniformly narrower than the slurry-molded shell 1921. The liners may include thermoformed liners, injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) liners, or poly bagliner liners. The liners may be separate from or integrally formed with the neck collar.

[0150] Figure 19B Provided Figure 19A The diagram shows the solid outline of the containers. The five containers described have curved surfaces and are generally cylindrical or conical in shape. However, containers can take various shapes, including box-shaped, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, pyramidal, elliptical, and spherical. Containers may include edges and curves.

[0151] The container may include closures 1905, 1915, 1924, 1936, and 1943. The closure may include an overall external width that is narrower (e.g., 1943), wider (e.g., 1905), or substantially equal to the overall external width of the slurry-molded shell (e.g., 1915 and 1924). Figure 19B The closure shown has a generally circular outline. However, the closure can include various shapes, including circular, elliptical, and polygonal. Polygonal closures may include edges or curves replacing edges. The closure may be threaded relative to the neck collar, may be hinged, may snap-fit, may have interlocking features, or any other connection to the neck collar. When the closure is attached to and / or detached from the neck collar, the closure may rotate or not rotate relative to the neck collar.

[0152] Multiple components of a container (e.g., liner, neck collar, and closure) may be manufactured using different processes and may include different or the same materials. The liner, neck collar, and closure, or any combination thereof, may be made as a single piece or separate components. In some cases, two components (e.g., neck collar and liner) may be combined into a single component, for example by ultrasonic welding.

[0153] Figure 20A A slurry-molded housing 2000 is shown, comprising a set of features 2001 (e.g., bulges or barbs) designed to partially mate with a neck ring. These features may be registration features. The slurry-molded housing features may include recesses or protrusions and may be located on the outer or inner surface of the slurry-molded housing. Registration features may be located at or near the top of the housing. Registration features may be located at or near the neck of the housing. Registration features may be located in the area where the neck ring will engage with the housing.

[0154] Figure 20B The fastening to the neck collar 2010 and lining 2020 is shown. Figure 20A The slurry molding shell. The collar can utilize one or more mechanisms to clamp the slurry molding shell. The collar may include an internal space 2011 designed to accommodate a portion of the slurry molding shell. The slurry molding shell may deform (e.g., bend) or remain undeformed when inserted into the internal space of the collar. The collar may include features 2012 that interact with the slurry molding shell, such as barbs or protrusions. This feature may correspond to a registration feature 2001 on the slurry molding shell (see...). Figure 20A Overlapping, insertion, piercing, or connecting. In some cases, the collar feature may naturally position itself between one or more registration features. In some cases, the collar feature may fall within one or more registration features. Registration features can help prevent the collar from rotating relative to the housing. Collar features, such as protrusions, may encounter the edges of registration features that prevent rotation. Collar features can effectively interlock or engage with registration features.

[0155] Figure 21 Various arrangements for attaching a collar 2100 (the outer edge of the collar is depicted on the right side of each respective view) to a liner 2110 are shown (images AE). The liner may be attached to the lip 2101 of the collar, as shown in images AC, within the inner space of the collar, as shown in image D, at the top of the collar, as shown in image E, or to the outer edge 2102 or inner edge 2103 of the collar. This connection may include an adhesive or weld 2120, which may be applied in the form of a point (e.g., as a weld bead) or a line. The welding machine may be an ultrasonic welder.

[0156] Different welding machine tips 2130 are arranged in Figure 21 As shown in screen AE. The welding tip can be oriented vertically or at an angle (relative to each other), as shown in screens A and B. The welding tip can be oriented parallel or nearly parallel, as shown in screen CE. Welding may include inserting the welding tip into the internal space of the collar, as shown in screens D and E. In this case, features such as barbs within the internal space of the collar can be reoriented from their rest position 2104 to a second position 2105 to make room for the welding tip. Inserting the welding tip into the internal space of the collar moves the feature to the second position. When the welding tip is removed, the feature can be repositioned from the second position back to its rest position.

[0157] The provided collar structure offers a high degree of flexibility in its engagement with the shell. For example, the connection between the collar, liner, and shell can be varied. This allows the pre-formed collar to be adapted to different container constructions.

[0158] Figure 22A A set of nested collar-liner sequences 2200 and liner 2210 is shown. The collection of collar-liner sequences can be stacked such that the liners are nested, and the space occupied by the nested collar-liner sequences is less than the total volume of the collar-liner sequences comprising the collection. The collar-liner sequences can be made as a single piece or by attaching collars to liners. A collar may have a shape that allows the bottom edge 2201 of an identical liner to rest on its top edge 2202, while a liner may have a shape capable of accommodating (e.g., nesting) a second identical liner. The liner can be rigid or semi-rigid, thus maintaining a defined shape with predetermined dimensions. The liner can be flexible. The collar / liner and / or shell can be nested together. This can save space and allow for lower transportation and / or storage costs.

[0159] Figure 22B , 22C Figures 22D and 22D show various exemplary views of non-circular collar-lined strings that can be nested with the same collar-lined strings.

[0160] Figure 22E and 22F Various exemplary views of circular collar-lining sequences that can be nested with the same circular collar-lining sequence are shown.

[0161] Figure 23A A container with a closure is shown. A collar 2300 and a liner 2310 can be configured to connect to the closure 2320. The collar may have a feature 2301, such as a ridge, on which a portion of the closure can be fitted. The collar ridge feature provides resistance to removal of the closure from the collar. The closure may include a solid top 2321 capable of completely closing the space surrounded by the liner. The closure may include a protrusion 2322, such as a tab, which allows the closure to be gripped for removal from the collar when the closure is attached to the collar-liner sequence.

[0162] The closure can differ from the neck collar-lining sequence, such as... Figure 23A As shown, or it can be connected to a collar-lining sequence, such as Figure 23B As shown. The closure can be attached to the neck collar via a tab or hinge 2302. The tab or hinge can be flexible, allowing the closure to be redirected from the open position (shown) to its position where it can be attached to the neck collar. The closure may include features 2323, such as ridges or notches, configured to engage with mating portions of the neck collar, thereby reinforcing the connection between the closure and the neck collar.

[0163] Figure 24A A collar 2400 and a liner 2410 are shown in sequence, with the liner having a wider overall outer width than the collar. As shown in the plan view, both the collar and the liner have a generally square outline and rounded (rather than sharp) edges 2401 and 2411. The top of the liner has a width approximately equal to the overall outer width of the collar, followed by an outwardly widening portion 2412, a generally vertical portion 2413, and a rounded edge 2414 leading to a generally flat bottom. As described above, the collar may include an internal space capable of accommodating a portion of a slurry-molded shell, liner, closure, collar feature, another collar, or any combination thereof. Figure 24B It shows Figure 24A The collar and lining are arranged in a series, with collar feature 2402 located on the outside of the collar. These features can be repositioned into the internal space within the collar in the manner described above. Figure 24C supply Figures 24A-24B A side sectional view of the collar-lining arrangement. The lining can be attached to the outer or inner surface or edge of the collar. Figure 24C As shown, the neck collar can be thicker than the lining.

[0164] Figure 25A and 25BThe neck collar 2532 is shown. Figure 25C A cross-sectional view (listed below). The collar may include an interior space 2500 defined by an outer wall 2510, an inner wall 2520, and an optional top wall 2530. The inner and outer surfaces of the inner and outer walls may optionally include an outer lip 2540 and an inner lip 2550. In many cases, the liner (see the example liner disclosed above) is attached (e.g., welded) to the bottom of the lip (e.g., the inner lip 2550) or to the interior space-facing portion of the top wall 2531. The liner may also be attached to the interior space portion of the inner or outer wall, the outward-facing portion of the inner or outer wall, or the top of the inner or outer lip. The collar may include a feature 2551 (e.g., a ridge) along which the liner may be attached. Alternatively, the liner may be pre-formed together with the collar.

[0165] The collar may include feature 2560 for clamping the slurry molding housing. The slurry molding housing may be any housing disclosed herein. The feature is capable of being in multiple positions. For example, the feature can be rotated or bent from the interior space of the collar to a position outside the interior space of the collar, such as... Figure 25B As shown.

[0166] Figure 25C Provided Figure 25A and 25B A cross-sectional view of a collar 2532, wherein the same collar is attached to a liner 2570. The liner is attached to a ridge on the top wall 2531 of the collar 2532 and extends downward along the inner wall 2520 of the collar, located below the collar. The liner shown is flush with the collar. The liner may also be offset from the collar, for example, by having a gap between the liner and the inner wall of the collar.

[0167] Figure 26A A container comprising a circular collar 2600 and a non-circular liner 2610 is described. The liner has a circular neck 2611 leading to a wider, elliptical body 2612. The body of the liner has a complex shape, including a flat surface 2613 and recessed areas 2614 suitable for gripping. The collar includes several features 2601 and 2602, such as ratchet, lugs, or ribs that aid in clamping, orienting, and retaining the closure. The collar may also include a lip 2603 that can support the closure.

[0168] Figure 26B supply Figure 26AThe diagram shows a side sectional view of the container. The neck collar may include an internal space 2604 capable of mating with a slurry-molded housing. The internal space may include features 2605 for clamping the slurry-molded housing, such as barbs. A liner may extend through a portion of the neck collar and be attached to the inner wall 2606 of the neck collar in the manner described herein (e.g., by welding or gluing). The liner may include a rounded edge 2615, a sharp edge, or any combination thereof at the bottom of the liner. The liner may include a uniform thickness or a variable thickness.

[0169] Figure 26C Provided Figure 26A and 26B The top view of the container shows how the collar and liner have fundamentally different sizes and shapes. For example, the depicted container has a circular collar 2600 and an elliptical liner 2610 including relatively flat edges 2616 and 2617 and an intricate notch 2614.

[0170] Figure 26D and 26E Described by similar Figure 26A A container formed by a collar-liner array, but it has a circular collar 2700 and a circular liner 2710, and no Figure 26A The complex notch 2614 in the neck collar-lining series 2600, 2610.

[0171] The liner can be formed in any of the ways described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the liner may be formed with one or more of the features described above. The liner may be formed with one or more three-dimensional features and / or have varying thicknesses to accommodate different constructions.

[0172] Now for reference Figures 27A-27F . Figure 27A A design is provided for a neck collar 3400 and a closure 3410. In this design, the neck collar and closure include similar shapes, generally square with slightly curved edges. Although in many cases the closure and neck collar will have nearly identical shapes, in some cases the neck collar and closure will include different shapes. The closure may include an edge 3411 that can engage with the edge of the neck collar. The inner surface of the edge may include a feature 3412 (e.g., a first ridge) that can snap onto a feature 3401 (e.g., a second ridge) on the edge of the neck collar, thereby securing the closure to the neck collar.

[0173] Figure 27B supply Figure 27A Views of opposite sides of the collar shown. Figure 27BFrom this angle, a set of collar protrusions or barbs 3402 can be observed, which can facilitate the collar's connection to the slurry-molded housing as described above. In some cases, these protrusions can be flipped from the internal space within the collar to a position outside the collar. The collar and closure can be connected via flexible hinges or connectors 3420. The collar and closure can be integrally formed.

[0174] Figure 27C Showing Figures 27A-27B The collar and closure include a cover 3430 on the opening of the collar. The cover may be a separate piece attached (e.g., with a hook and loop) to the collar, or it may be manufactured as part of the collar. In one embodiment, the collar, closure, and cover may be integrally formed. The cover may include an opening 3431, for example... Figure 27C The diagram shows three intersecting channels. Such openings 3431 allow material (e.g., tissue) to pass through while minimizing leakage of liquid or gas from the container. Openings 3431 can also hold material from the container in an upright position that is easily gripped from outside the container. For example, opening 3431 can clamp the middle portion of tissue protruding through the opening, thereby holding a portion of the tissue in an upright position.

[0175] Figure 27D The collar 3400, closure 3410, and cover 3430 are shown, arranged similarly to... Figure 27C However, it has multiple openings 3432 instead of three through slots 3431. Figure 27D In the embodiments described herein, the plurality of openings 3432 may be suitably sized to provide restricted dispensing of fluid or particulate materials, such as spices, salad dressings, edible oils, other consumable products, fertilizers, sidewalk de-icing agents, detergents, lubricants, etc. While the plurality of openings 3432 are specifically shown as “a plurality” openings, it should be understood that other configurations of the openings are possible, for example, a single opening having a dispensing area equal to, greater than, or smaller than the set of individual dispensing areas of the plurality of openings 3432 compared to a circular orifice, or a slot or orifice of any other shape. All such openings consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein are contemplated and considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0176] Figure 27E A collar 3400 and a closure 3410 connected to a slurry molding housing 3420 are shown. In this case, the slurry molding housing has a shape and area approximately equal to the collar and closure (viewed from a top projection view). However, in other cases, the slurry molding housing may have a different shape and / or area than the collar and / or closure. Figure 27F and 27G Show respectively Figure 27EThe neck collar 3400 and the closure 3410 are shown in side and cross-sectional side views, wherein the closure 3410 and the slurry-molded housing 3420 have equal overall external dimensions. In other embodiments, as disclosed above, the closure and housing may have different overall external dimensions. Additionally, it is worth noting that... Figure 27G The cross-sectional side view depicts the liner-neck collar structure, in which the liner 3440 and neck collar 3400 are molded into a single component, while Figures 27A-27D The description includes a stand-alone choker 3400 without this lining, which is intended to indicate... Figures 27A-27D The 3400 neck collar can receive a lining independent of the neck collar, a lining integral with the neck collar, or can be used without a lining.

[0177] Now for reference Figures 28A-28C The figure generally shows a container 2800 having a neck collar 2820, a lining 2840, a pulp-formed shell 2860, and a closure 2880. As shown, the pulp-formed shell 2860 has a rectangular or square outline as seen in the top plan view of the container 2800 and has the form of a box-shaped carton. In one embodiment, the pulp-formed shell 2860 is formed from a pulp-formed corrugated cardboard material that is cut, scored, or slit in a flat blank state and then folded to provide the depicted box-shaped pulp-formed shell 2860. As depicted, the collar 2820, liner 2840, and closure 2880 each have a rectangular profile similar to the slurry-formed housing 2860, as observed in the top plan view of the container, thus providing a mating arrangement, wherein the liner 2840 is fitted within the slurry-formed housing 2860, the collar 2820 is fitted and engages the top rectangular edge 2862 of the slurry-formed housing 2860, and the closure 2880 is fitted and engages a matching feature 2822, such as a rib, formed on the top surface or edge of the collar 2820. In one embodiment, the closure 2880 removably snaps into the collar 2820 in a manner described herein or known in the field of snap-fit ​​fastening. Similar to other collars disclosed herein, embodiments of the collar 2820 include protrusions or barbs 2824, which are detachable from a first position outside the internal space of the collar 2820. Figure 28B (Depicted in the middle) moved to the second position within the internal space of the neck collar 2820 ( Figure 28C (Depicted in the middle). Although Figures 28A-28C The internal space of the neck brace 2820 is Figures 28A-28C Not specifically listed herein, but such interior spaces are depicted, described, and illustrated in other accompanying figures provided herein, see, for example, in conjunction with Figure 2A , 3AThe internal spaces 210, 320, 1015, 1230, 1824, and 2500 depicted and described in Figures 10, 12E, 18B, and 25A are also provided. As with any other container disclosed herein, when used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, references to the container, neck ring, liner, slurry-forming shell, protrusions or barbs of the neck ring, internal spaces of the neck ring, or any other feature with similar names will be understood by those skilled in the art to provide information on the structural design of any such specified feature in any of the accompanying drawings. As described in conjunction with other embodiments disclosed herein, one or more protrusions 2824, when moving from a first position to a second position, facilitate capturing and removably retaining the neck ring 2820 to the slurry-forming shell 2860. From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that the box-shaped slurry-forming shell 2860 can have any shape known in the field of corrugated containers.

[0178] Now for reference Figure 28D and 28E An embodiment of the slurry-formed shell 2860 includes an arrangement in which: as observed in at least one cross-sectional plan view of the container, the entire outer surface of the slurry-formed shell has a cross-section in the form of a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or a square; as observed in the cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer surface of the slurry-formed shell transitions from a rectangular cross-section to an elliptical cross-section from the top 2862 to the bottom 2864; as observed in the cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer surface of the slurry-formed shell transitions from an elliptical cross-section to a rectangular cross-section from the top 2866 to the bottom 2868; as observed in the cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer cross-sectional periphery of the slurry-formed shell transitions from a plurality of linear periphery cross-sections to a continuously curved periphery cross-section from the top 2862 to the bottom 2864; as seen in the cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer cross-sectional periphery of the slurry-formed shell transitions from a continuously curved periphery cross-section to a plurality of linear periphery cross-sections from the top 2866 to the bottom 2868.

[0179] For the pulp-formed shell 2860 as a box-shaped cardboard box, the size of the box can vary significantly from large cardboard boxes to small cosmetic-sized packaging. The shape of the carton can also vary. It can have a high aspect ratio, where the neck ring is attached to a small surface of the carton; it can have a low aspect ratio, where the neck ring is on a larger surface; or it can have a more cubic shape between them. For a given neck ring, there can be different lengths of carton that can be adjacent to it, such that a series of container sizes can be produced from a single neck ring size. The shape of the neck ring can be substantially similar to the shape of the carton, or the neck ring can have a different shape than the carton. The neck ring can cause the sides of the carton to change shape. Regarding the liner and neck ring, they can be integral and made in a single process, or they can be assembled from separate neck ring and liner portions. The neck ring can be installed on the carton before or after the liner is installed. The liner can vary and can be any type disclosed herein. Liner types may include: (i) plastic bags attached near the periphery of the carton opening using a neck ring; and (ii) linings that can be shaped (e.g., vacuum-formed, thermoformed) to approximate the interior of the carton, allowing them to "fall" into the carton. For closures, seals, or lids used for tamper-evident display or protection of the contents, removable seals may be formed to engage with the neck ring or lining itself. A lid may be provided, configured to engage with the neck ring. Optionally, inserted from its periphery, the lid may have a small, resealable opening to allow access to the container contents without having to remove the entire lid.

[0180] Now refer to Figure 29The image shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the liner 2900, collar 2930, and slurry-formed housing 2960. In this embodiment, the liner 2900 includes a plurality of protrusions or barbs 2902 integrally formed with the liner 2900. The protrusions or barbs 2902 may be formed at a first position 2904 and then bent to a second position 2906 by attaching the collar 2930 to the top of the liner 2900, wherein the collar has an inverted U-shaped internal space 2932 around the periphery of the collar 2930, which accommodates and deforms the protrusions or barbs 2902 of the liner 2900. When the liner 2900 and collar 2930 are engaged with the slurry forming housing 2960, the protrusions or barbs 2902 of the liner, now in the second position 2906, engage, deform, or at least partially pierce the neck 2962 of the slurry forming housing 2960 to removably secure the liner-collar tandem to the slurry forming housing 2960. In one embodiment, the liner 2900 is first assembled to the slurry forming housing 2960, and then the collar 2930 is assembled to the liner-housing assembly such that the protrusions or barbs 2902 deform from the first position 2904 to the second position 2906. In another embodiment, the collar 2930 is first fitted to the liner 2900, causing the protrusion or barb 2902 to deform from a first position 2904 to a second position 2906. The liner-collar assembly is then tandemly fitted to the slurry-formed housing 2960, wherein the protrusion or barb 2902 engages with the neck 2962 of the slurry-formed housing 2960. In one embodiment, the liner 2900 may be blow-molded into a final molded fit arrangement within the slurry-formed housing 2960.

[0181] about Figure 29 The arrangement shown should be understood to mean that the connectivity between the lining, collar, and shell is not limited to protrusions or barbs on the collar, but also includes arrangements where protrusions or barbs are located on the lining. Figure 29 As shown, the liner is an integrally formed carrier of the barb features, and it is the insertion / installation of the collar that forces the barb features to "activate," causing the barbs to "clamp / engage" the slurry-formed housing, which in one embodiment may be rotatable (discussed further below). The collar engages the barbs to the engagement position with the barbs by mechanical features (pins, teeth, barbs, posts, ribs, etc.) or alternatively by welding (induction, heating, friction, or adhesive), where the barbs retain their clamping and holding functions of the components together, at least until the user chooses to disassemble the components. In one embodiment, the barb features are formed together with the liner (e.g., molded), and their state is favorable for known injection molding techniques, including the use of preforms in injection blow molding processes.

[0182] See now Figures 30A-30CThese images show various views of the liner 3000, collar 3030, slurry-formed housing 3060, and optional bottom 3070. In this embodiment, the liner 3000 and collar 3030 can be any similarly named form disclosed herein. As alternatives to other forms of the slurry-formed housing disclosed herein, Figures 30A-30C The slurry-formed shell 3060 is made of a rotating slurry-formed material, such as a paper or cardboard tube. Since the basic rotating cylinder is circular, the typical container shape produced by rotation is a container with a circular cross-section. However, while still using a common cylindrical rotating element, a collar with a non-circular cross-section can be fitted onto the rotating element by the circular portion of the collar transitioning to the non-circular portion, thus giving a cross-section more like a rectangle, triangle, or hexagon. In one embodiment, these alternative cross-sectional shapes can be softened shapes with rounded corners or even curved edges, where a true rectangle would have straight edges. All these non-circular collars are contemplated and are considered inherently disclosed herein. Less typical but constructible shapes formed from revolute paper have a square or rectangular cross-section, or a near-square and near-rectangular cross-section, but with a slightly positive facet. All such non-circular rotating forms of the slurry-formed shells disclosed herein are contemplated and considered inherently (if not explicitly) disclosed herein.

[0183] Now refer to Figures 31A-31C It shows something similar to Figures 30A-30C Various views of the lining 3100, the slurry-formed housing 3160, and the optional bottom 3170, wherein the slurry-formed housing 3160 is also formed of rotating slurry-formed material. Figures 31A-31C Container structure and Figures 30A-30CThe difference between the container structures lies in that the slurry-forming shell 3160 serves as a sleeve sliding on the liner 3100, which has minimal structure in its central portion, and wherein the slurry-forming shell 3160 provides external support for the less structured liner 3100. In one embodiment, the rotating slurry-forming shell 3160 slides downward on the top of the liner 3100, and in another embodiment, slides upward on the bottom of the liner 3100. The liner 3100 may be formed with an upper portion 3102 that provides a shoulder 3104 engaging with the top edge of the rotating slurry-forming shell 3160, or it may be formed with a lower portion 3106 that provides a shoulder 3108 engaging with the bottom edge of the rotating slurry-forming shell 3160, depending on the orientation in which the slurry-forming shell 3160 is assembled to the liner 3100. The lower portion 3106 of the liner 3100 may optionally form the bottom of the container. The upper portion 3102 and lower portion 3106 of the lining 3100 can be thicker and stiffer than the middle portion contained within the slurry forming shell 3160. Figures 30A-30C Similar to the rotation, since the basic cylinder of revolution is circular, therefore... Figures 31A-31C The typical container shape produced by rotation is a container with a circular cross-section.

[0184] Because the rotating component is more robust than the liner, adding structure to the liner, it is expected that the liner will be cylindrical where it contacts the inner wall of the rotating component. In embodiments where the liner is transparent or translucent, this implementation provides visibility into the contents of the container through a visible portion of the liner wall, similar to a conventional rigid blow-molded bottle, but for compressive loads, most of its structural integrity will be obtained from the rotating slurry-formed shell. In one embodiment, the liner will have features formed during its manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the liner of a single component may have the following portions: An upper portion, which typically has an orifice for filling, closing, and dispensing material, wherein the orifice may have a diameter smaller than the container diameter. The orifice area may be threaded, or may have ribs, flanges, ridges, or other features, or may not have features facilitating container closure and / or opening and / or reclosure. The upper portion may have threads to receive a nut, or have snap-fit ​​features to receive a snap-fit ​​cap. If a snap-fit ​​cap is used, the orifice area need not be circular. The middle portion of the liner is expected to be thin, lightweight, and use a minimal amount of plastic, as this area will be the receiver of the rotating cylinder it supports. Once installed, the liner can be inserted to "receive" and "position" the rotating part. A "keying feature" may be present in the liner, which matches a feature on the rotating part to ensure that the rotating part does not rotate relative to the liner. If the rotating part is used as contact with the ground / surface on which the container can sit, the lower portion of the liner can have a rounded, low-stress shape. Alternatively, the bottom of the liner protrudes from the rotating part and contacts the ground via a flat bottom or other "foot" features typical of blow-molded bottles. If the liner is configured to contact the ground / surface, the bottom relative to the thinner middle portion of the liner will be made rigid and robust to provide sufficient seating support. In one embodiment, the liner can be a blow-molded variant, such as injection blow molding, extrusion blow molding, or stretch blow molding. In one embodiment, the rotating end can be cut in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rotating cylinder, or the cut can be curved or otherwise shaped to increase visual interest in the lining or for timing / keying functionality. The rotating part can be cut with lugs for user gripping to initiate a "peel-off" operation for subsequent recycling.

[0185] Now refer to Figures 32A-32C It shows various views of the lining 3200 and the slurry-formed housing 3260, wherein the slurry-formed housing 3260 is also formed of rotating slurry-formed material. Figures 32A-32CThe difference between this container structure and other container structures disclosed herein with a rotating slurry-forming shell is that the slurry-forming shell 3260 provides a sleeve that slides telescopically on the liner 3200 to provide a container with a variable length. In one embodiment, the liner 3200 is constructed such that it can collapse as the telescopic slurry-forming shell 3260 collapses. In one embodiment, the telescopic slurry-forming shell 3260 can shrink from a dimension 3A to a dimension A, such as... Figure 32A and 32B As shown.

[0186] In one embodiment, the telescopic slurry-forming housing 3260 allows the engagement of two or more rotating parts to move relative to each other, thereby changing the overall volume of the container. Accordingly, the volume of the liner also changes. This can be advantageous from at least two perspectives. First, the folded container can be assembled and transported to the filling point in its small-volume state, facilitating the small-volume transport of empty containers. Second, the foldable container provides a function that is difficult to achieve with molded paper fibers or formed rotating parts, such as the ability to dispense contents that are not easily spilled, where the user can facilitate the dispensing of contents by folding the container. In one embodiment, the liner may include features such as ribs or grooves that facilitate vertical folding of the liner, or may include features for engagement with the rotating parts to facilitate vertical folding of the liner. In one embodiment, the two or more mutually movably engaged portions of the rotating parts may have successively larger diameters to slidably engage with each other. In one embodiment, other features may be incorporated into the rotating parts to enhance performance and utility. For example, one embodiment includes an arrangement in which small protrusions, channels, or other suitable guiding structures are formed in the rotating component, guiding movement and function, and acting as a limiter of movement as the telescopic slurry forming housing expands and contracts in length, thereby preventing accidental separation of the components. While the expansion / contraction movement of the telescopic slurry forming housing can be achieved linearly along the central axis of the rotating component, another movement can be achieved through a twisting to contraction / extension movement performed by the user, which can correspond to associated curved tracks and protrusions in the rotating component. Additionally, protrusions or ridges that engage with features on another rotating component along the length of one rotating portion can be used to aid in selecting a specific relative position of the rotating portions, provide auditory feedback, and / or provide mechanical engagement for position locking.

[0187] Now for reference Figures 33A-33DIt describes various views of the liner 3300, collar 3330, slurry-formed shell 3360, optional bottom 3370, and optional closure 3380. Similar to other embodiments using a rotating slurry-formed shell disclosed herein, this embodiment also employs a slurry-formed shell 3360. The difference between this embodiment and other embodiments is that the rotating slurry-formed shell 3360 is foldable when compressed, thereby facilitating the distribution of material within the liner 3300 by compression applied to the outer surface of the rotating slurry-formed shell 3360.

[0188] In one embodiment, the extrudable slurry forming shell allows the user to easily dispense the container's volume while using a single main rotating component. This embodiment is advantageous by providing functionality that is difficult to achieve with molded paper fibers or formed rotating parts, such as the ability to dispense contents that are not easily spilled. The user folding the container facilitates the dispensing of contents, for example, when dispensing sunscreen lotion, toothpaste, food, adhesives, etc. A spring-like feature can be added to the extrudable slurry forming shell to allow the shell to return or partially return to its pre-extruded state.

[0189] As described herein, one or more protruding features in the neck collar and / or liner may be used to secure the housing relative to the neck collar and / or liner. The protruding features may partially or completely pierce or indent the molding paste material of the housing. This allows the protruding features to clamp the housing. This prevents axial and / or rotational movement of the housing relative to the neck collar and / or liner. In some cases, multiple protruding features may be provided. The protruding features may be circumferentially arranged around the neck collar and may clamp the housing at multiple locations. In some cases, relatively uniform spacing may be provided. In some cases, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more protruding features may be provided. The protruding features may collectively clamp the housing with sufficient strength to allow the neck collar to remain secured to the housing during the use of the container. This may include closing and opening closures that can surround the neck collar. For example, a threaded cap may be screwed onto and / or unscrewed from the neck collar multiple times while the neck collar remains clamped to the housing. For closures of various diameters, the protruding feature is capable of withstanding at least 5 psi, 10 psi, 15 psi, 20 psi, 25 psi, 30 psi, 40 psi, 50 psi, 60 psi, and 80 psi. For example, the protruding feature can withstand any value provided for a larger diameter closure of a wide-mouth container with a volume of 2 or 4 quarts.

[0190] The protruding feature can be positioned in multiple locations. The position can orient the protruding feature towards the inside of the neck ring or away from the neck ring. The position can enable attachment to the slurry molding housing. The position can allow the slurry molding housing to be inserted into the neck ring. The protrusion can switch between a first position securing the neck ring to the slurry molding housing and a second position allowing the slurry molding housing to be separated from the neck ring.

[0191] The neck collar can be manually detached from the shell. For example, the shell can be pulled off the neck collar when the user disposes of the container. When the user is finished using the container, the shell can be removed from the neck collar and / or liner. The shell may be made of compostable material and can be composted. The neck collar and / or liner may be made of recyclable and / or reusable material. In some cases, the neck collar and / or liner may be more durable than the shell. The neck collar and / or liner can be reused or recycled. When the user has finished using the container, the shell and neck collar can be disposed of differently.

[0192] In some embodiments, the neck collar may be designed to remain on the housing and withstand sufficient forces during normal use of the container. However, the neck collar and / or housing may be designed such that the housing can be manually detached from the neck collar when the user is ready to handle or reuse the various components. This can incentivize the user to properly dispose of or reuse the various components. When the material is too difficult to detach manually, the user may become discouraged and fail to take the appropriate steps. Conversely, when the material is easy enough to detach manually, the user can be more encouraged to follow the appropriate steps for the various components after use. In some embodiments, the liner may include a drop liner that contacts the neck collar permanently, semi-permanently, or non-connected, or where the slurry housing is sufficient to act as a liner when attached to the neck collar. In some cases, a liner with a cap seal for accommodating usable product may be provided, which the user can engage as a refill when replacing an existing neck collar housing.

[0193] After use, the container can be disassembled. In some cases, this involves removing a portion or the entire slurry-molded shell from the neck ring. Disassembly may also involve removing the liner from the container (e.g., separating the liner from the neck ring). The neck ring can be attached to a new liner or slurry-molded shell, and in this way, it can undergo multiple cycles of use.

[0194] The neck collar design facilitates easy recycling, allowing for easy detachment from the slurry molding shell. In some cases, the slurry molding shell can be deformed (e.g., wrinkled) to loosen its connection to the neck collar before detachment. In other cases, the connection between the neck collar and the slurry molding shell can be weakened by deconstructing (e.g., separating the components) the multi-part slurry molding shell. In many cases, the neck collar can be detached from the slurry molding shell by hand without the use of tools.

[0195] The collar design calibrates its strength when attached to the slurry molding shell. The collar may include features (such as barbs or ridges) that interact with the slurry molding shell. The number, size, shape, and orientation of these features can be customized to provide a desired level of grip strength and separability. In some cases, the collar structure may be formed with a first shape and orientation that differs from its final shape and orientation in the finished container. The collar features may be reshaped or repositioned before or during contact with the slurry molding shell. The collar features can impart high resistance to rotation of the collar relative to the slurry molding shell. In some cases, the collar may have greater resistance to rotation of the slurry molding shell than it may be detached from (e.g., pulled away from).

[0196] The collar can be tightened around the slurry molding shell. In many cases, the shape of the collar forces the slurry molding shell to twist (e.g., bend) when inserted into the collar, which provides resistance against disengagement. For example, the collar may include an outer wall and an inner wall that can be tightened against the slurry molding shell. In some cases, the collar curls up to the slurry molding shell. In some cases, the curling is reversible. The collar can also be attached to the slurry molding shell using an adhesive such as glue.

[0197] In some cases, the liner can be integrally formed with the neck ring as a molded preform. In this case, the neck ring and liner can be manufactured using different manufacturing processes. For example, manufacturing may include stretch blow molding of the liner and injection molding of the neck ring. Manufacturing of the neck ring, liner, or other plastic components may include injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, membrane insert molding, gas-assisted molding, rotational molding, structural foam molding, or thermoforming. The two components of the container can be manufactured as a single component. A membrane material liner can be disposed on the neck ring or neck ring assembly, wherein the combination of the liner neck ring and the shell is arranged in various combinations with the various embodiments provided herein.

[0198] The liner and collar can include different physical properties or materials. The collar and liner can have different tensile strengths, yield strengths, flexural strengths, compressive strengths, shear strengths, hardness, elasticity, and plasticity. The collar can include a greater thickness than the liner. The collar can have a greater mass than the liner. The collar can impart rigidity or structural integrity to the liner.

[0199] The protrusions can advantageously allow the shell to be pulled out of the collar. The protrusions can bend backward to allow the shell to slide out. In some cases, the shell can be torn off the collar with sufficient force. Alternatively, the collar may include features that allow it to open to release the shell. For example, lugs or similar features may be provided that allow the collar to open circumferentially (e.g., like a clam shell) and / or separate. In some cases, the collar may be formed from recyclable materials. Once used, the collar can be recycled. In some cases, the collar may be reusable. Users can return the collar to the point of sale and receive a discount, which allows the collar to be collected and reused by the manufacturer.

[0200] From all the foregoing, it will be understood that various aspects of the embodiments are disclosed herein, wherein combinations of the disclosed features may be combined with other features, whether specifically shown or not, and wherein such aspects include the following.

[0201] Aspect 1. A container comprising: a slurry-formed shell configured to contain material therein, the slurry-formed shell including an opening through which the material can pass, the slurry-formed shell being formed of a first material; a collar including one or more engagement features configured to engage at least a portion of the slurry-formed shell by extrusion, indentation, deformation, or any combination of extrusion, indentation, and deformation, the collar being formed of a second material.

[0202] Aspect 2. The container according to aspect 1, wherein: the second material is different from the first material.

[0203] Aspect 3. The container according to aspect 1, wherein: the second material is the same as the first material.

[0204] Aspect 4. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein: the slurry forming shell is made of corrugated material.

[0205] Aspect 5. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein: the slurry forming shell is made of a rotating material.

[0206] Aspect 6. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein: the neck collar is connectable to and removeable from the slurry forming shell for separation and recycling.

[0207] Aspect 7. The container according to aspect 6, wherein: the neck collar, after being attached to the slurry forming housing, is configured to be removable from the slurry forming housing by a user or by means of a recycling device configured to crush the container.

[0208] Aspect 8. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein: the neck ring includes an inverted U-shaped internal space configured to fit against the edge of the slurry-forming shell; one or more engagement features are disposed within the inverted U-shaped internal space.

[0209] Aspect 9. The container according to aspect 8, wherein: the inverted U-shaped internal space is annular.

[0210] Aspect 10. The container according to any one of Aspects 8 to 9, wherein: one or more engagement features may be formed in a first initial position and may be moved to a second final position.

[0211] Aspect 11. The container according to aspect 10, wherein: the first initial position is an external position relative to the inverted U-shaped internal space; and the second final position is an internal position relative to the inverted U-shaped internal space.

[0212] Aspect 12. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein: one or more engagement features include a plurality of barbs having inwardly tapered ends configured to engage with a slurry-forming shell.

[0213] Aspect 13. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein: the neck collar further comprises one or more intrusion portions, protrusion portions, or both intrusion portions and protrusion portions configured to engage or complement an engagement feature of the slurry forming shell, said engagement feature preventing the neck collar from rotation, removal, or both rotation and removal from the slurry forming shell.

[0214] Aspect 14. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13 further comprises: a closure disposed on or engaged with the neck ring; wherein the neck ring further comprises an engagement feature configured to engage with the closure.

[0215] Aspect 15. The container according to aspect 14, wherein: the closure includes an internal thread; and the engagement feature includes an external thread configured to engage with the internal thread of the closure.

[0216] Aspect 16. The container according to aspect 14, wherein: the closure is integrally formed with the neck ring via a flexible connection, the flexible connection being configured to allow the closure to fold to engage with the neck ring and to removably detach from the neck ring.

[0217] Aspect 17. The container according to any one of Aspects 14 to 16, wherein: the closure comprises a solid lid without an opening, the lid being configured to completely close the container when the closure is engaged with the neck collar.

[0218] Aspect 18. The container according to any one of Aspects 14 to 17, wherein: the neck collar further includes a cover, the cover including one or more through cuts configured to allow for resistant removal or dispensing of material in the form of sheets or fibers included within the slurry-forming housing.

[0219] Aspect 19. The container according to any one of Aspects 14 to 17, wherein: the neck collar further includes a cover, the cover including one or more openings configured to allow for the resistive removal or dispensing of material in the form of fluid or particles included within the slurry-forming housing.

[0220] Aspect 20. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 19, wherein: the neck ring comprises two nested neck rings, namely an outer neck ring and an inner neck ring, the inner neck ring being nested within the interior space of the outer neck ring, the inner neck ring comprising the one or more engagement features.

[0221] Aspect 21. The container according to aspect 20, wherein: the outer neck ring includes an engagement feature configured to retain the inner neck ring within the internal space of the outer neck ring.

[0222] Aspect 22. The container according to any one of Aspects 20 to 21, wherein: both the outer neck ring and the inner neck ring include an inverted U-shaped internal space, the inner neck ring being nested within the inverted U-shaped internal space of the outer neck ring.

[0223] Aspect 23. The container according to any one of aspects 1 to 22 further comprises: a liner connected to the neck ring, the majority of the liner being disposed within the slurry-forming housing and configured to contain the material therein.

[0224] Aspect 24. The container according to aspect 23, wherein: the liner is a thin film liner made of plastic material.

[0225] Aspect 25. The container according to aspect 24, wherein: the plastic material is flexible, such that the liner can fold itself.

[0226] Aspect 26. The container according to aspect 23, wherein: the lining is made of a metallic material.

[0227] Aspect 27. The container according to any one of Aspects 23 to 25, wherein: the liner is attached to the neck ring.

[0228] Aspect 28. The container according to aspect 27, wherein: the collar includes a lip, and the lining is coupled to the lip.

[0229] Aspect 29. The container according to any one of Aspects 23 to 25, wherein: the liner is integrally formed with the neck ring to form a single article.

[0230] Aspect 30. The container according to any one of Aspects 23 to 26, wherein: the liner is disposed within the inverted U-shaped interior space of the neck ring.

[0231] Aspect 31. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 30, wherein: the slurry-formed shell comprises a plurality of slurry-formed portions that are telescopingly joined to each other, such that the length of the container itself is adjustable.

[0232] Aspect 32. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 31, wherein: the slurry forming shell is deformable to allow material therein to be dispensed by compressing the outer surface of the slurry forming shell.

[0233] Aspect 33. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 32, wherein: when viewed from a plan view of the container, the overall external dimension of the slurry-formed shell is greater than the overall external dimension of the neck ring.

[0234] Aspect 34. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 32, wherein: as viewed from the plan view of the container, the overall external dimensions of the slurry-formed shell are the same as the overall external dimensions of the neck ring.

[0235] Aspect 35. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 34, wherein: viewed from a plan view of the container, the entire outer surface of the slurry-forming shell has a cross-section in the form of a circle, ellipse, rectangle or square.

[0236] Aspect 36. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 35, wherein: viewed from a cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer surface of the slurry-formed shell transitions from a rectangular cross-section to an elliptical cross-section from top to bottom.

[0237] Aspect 37. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 35, wherein: viewed from a cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer surface of the slurry-formed shell transitions from an elliptical cross-section to a rectangular cross-section from top to bottom.

[0238] Aspect 38. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 35, wherein: viewed from a cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer cross-sectional periphery of the slurry-formed shell transitions from a plurality of linear peripheral cross sections from top to bottom to a continuously curved peripheral cross section.

[0239] Aspect 39. The container according to any one of aspects 1 to 35, wherein: viewed from a cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer cross-sectional periphery of the slurry-formed shell transitions from a continuously curved peripheral cross-section to a plurality of linear peripheral cross-sections from top to bottom.

[0240] Aspect 40. The container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 39, wherein: the slurry-formed shell is a slurry-molded shell.

[0241] It should be understood from the foregoing that although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, various modifications are possible and contemplated herein. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments provided in the specification. Although the invention has been described with reference to the foregoing specification, the description and illustration of preferred embodiments herein are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, it should be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations, or relative proportions set forth herein, but depend on various conditions and variables. Various modifications in form and detail of the embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is contemplated that the invention will also cover any such modifications, variations, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A container comprising: A slurry forming shell configured to contain material therein, the slurry forming shell including an opening through which the material can pass, the slurry forming shell being formed of a first material; A collar, defining an internal space and including one or more engagement features configured to engage at least a portion of the slurry-forming shell by causing at least a portion of the slurry-forming shell to be extruded, retracted, deformed, or any combination of extrusion, retraction, and deformation, the collar being formed of a second material; and A closure element, which is disposed on or engaged with the neck collar. The one or more engagement features include barbed protrusions configured to bend inside the internal space when the collar contacts the slurry-forming housing.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The second material is different from the first material.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The second material is the same as the first material.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The slurry forming shell is made of corrugated material.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The slurry forming shell is made of a rotating material.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The collar can connect to and be removed from the slurry forming shell for easy separation and recycling.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein: The collar, after being attached to the slurry forming housing, is configured to be detachable from the slurry forming housing by a user or by a recycling device configured to crush the container.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The collar includes an inverted U-shaped internal space configured to fit onto the edge of the slurry forming shell; The one or more joining features are disposed within the inverted U-shaped interior space.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein: The inverted U-shaped interior space is annular.

10. The container according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The one or more engagement features can be formed in a first initial position and can be moved to a second final position.

11. The container according to claim 10, wherein: The first initial position is an external position relative to the inner space of the inverted U-shape; The second final position is the internal position relative to the inverted U-shaped internal space.

12. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more engagement features include a plurality of barbs having inwardly tapered ends configured to engage with the slurry forming housing.

13. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The collar also includes one or more intrusive, protruding, or intrusive and protruding portions configured to engage or complement engagement features of the slurry forming housing, the engagement features preventing the collar from rotating, removing, or rotating and removing from the slurry forming housing.

14. The container according to claim 1, in, The collar also includes engagement features configured to engage with the closure.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein: The closure includes internal threads; and The engagement feature includes an external thread configured to engage with the internal thread of the closure.

16. The container according to claim 14, wherein: The closure is integrally formed with the neck collar via a flexible connection configured to allow the closure to fold into engagement with the neck collar and to be removably detached from the neck collar.

17. The container according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The closure includes a solid cap without openings, the cap being configured to completely seal the container when the closure is engaged with the neck collar.

18. The container according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The collar also includes a cover with one or more through-cuts configured to allow resistance to removal or dispensing of material in the form of sheets or fibers contained within the slurry-formed housing.

19. The container according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The collar also includes a cover having one or more openings configured to allow resistance to removal or dispensing of material in the form of fluid or particles within the slurry-forming housing.

20. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The collar includes two nested collars, namely an outer collar and an inner collar, wherein the inner collar is nested within the internal space of the outer collar, and the inner collar includes one or more engagement features.

21. The container according to claim 20, wherein: The outer neck ring includes an engagement feature configured to retain the inner neck ring within the internal space of the outer neck ring.

22. The container according to any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein: Both the outer neck ring and the inner neck ring include an inverted U-shaped internal space, with the inner neck ring nested within the inverted U-shaped internal space of the outer neck ring.

23. The container according to claim 1, further comprising: A liner, which is connected to the collar, is substantially disposed within the slurry forming housing and configured to contain the material therein.

24. The container according to claim 23, wherein: The lining is a thin film lining made of plastic material.

25. The container according to claim 24, wherein: The plastic material is flexible, allowing the lining to fold itself.

26. The container according to claim 23, wherein: The lining is made of metallic material.

27. The container according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The lining is attached to the collar.

28. The container according to claim 27, wherein: The choker includes a lip, and the lining is attached to the lip.

29. The container according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The lining is integrally formed with the collar to form a single item.

30. The container according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The lining is disposed within the inverted U-shaped interior space of the neck ring.

31. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The slurry forming shell includes a plurality of slurry forming sections that are telescopically joined to each other, such that the length of the container itself is adjustable.

32. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The slurry forming shell is deformable to allow material to be dispensed therein by compressing the outer surface of the slurry forming shell.

33. The container according to claim 1, wherein: From the plan view of the container, the overall external dimensions of the slurry-formed shell are larger than the overall external dimensions of the neck ring.

34. The container according to claim 1, wherein: From the plan view of the container, the overall external dimensions of the slurry forming shell are the same as the overall external dimensions of the neck ring.

35. The container according to claim 1, wherein: Viewed from at least one cross-sectional plan view of the container, the entire outer surface of the slurry forming shell has a cross-section in the form of a circle, ellipse, rectangle, or square.

36. The container according to claim 1, wherein: From the cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer surface of the slurry forming shell transitions from a rectangular cross-section to an elliptical cross-section from top to bottom.

37. The container according to claim 1, wherein: From the cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer surface of the slurry forming shell transitions from an elliptical cross-section to a rectangular cross-section from top to bottom.

38. The container according to claim 1, wherein: From the cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer cross-sectional perimeter of the slurry forming shell transitions from multiple linear peripheral cross-sections to a continuously curved peripheral cross-section from top to bottom.

39. The container according to claim 1, wherein: From the cross-sectional plan view of the container, the outer cross-sectional perimeter of the slurry forming shell transitions from a continuously curved peripheral cross-section to multiple linear peripheral cross-sections from top to bottom.

40. The container according to claim 1, wherein: The slurry forming shell is a slurry molded shell.

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