Container lid and associated drying method

Abstract

The invention discloses a cover (107) for a container for transporting dry goods. The cover comprises a water guide (200) arranged on an underside (111) of the cover. These water guides (200) are configured to guide water in a centrifugal manner during rotation of the lid about an axis (z) substantially perpendicular to the lid, and then discharge the water from the lid, whether the lid is either alone or as part of a container assembly (100) comprising stacked container bodies (104). Consequently, the rotary dryer can be used to utilize the centrifugal force thus generated to effectively dry the lid and any such container assembly. This may save a large amount of energy compared to such as blow-drying techniques.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover for a container for transporting dry goods, and to related containers, container assemblies and drying methods. Background Art

[0002] Containers for transporting dry goods across distribution networks are well known. These goods may include dry ingredients, components, packaging materials, packaged products and / or bulk goods. These containers are usually described as freight containers or transport containers. In one example, the container can have a total volume of about 700 liters, i.e., volume capacity, but multiple sizes and geometric shapes are also available. For example, these containers may each have any volume up to about 1000 liters to about 1500 liters. The container body is usually sized to correspond to the footprint of the base, which usually corresponds to the footprint of a standard pallet.

[0003] One type of such container may be referred to as a "collapsible large container" or "FLC." Typically, an FLC includes relatively rigid, individually stackable and erectable side panels (these side panels are also referred to as "walls").

[0004] Another type of such container is often referred to as a "sleeve packaging container" or "SPC." Typically, an SPC includes relatively flexible side sleeves that are also stackable and erectable, but as a unit.

[0005] FLC and SPC are particularly advantageous when pooling (i.e., when used as reusable containers) because they improve efficiency and therefore improve the cost-effectiveness of reverse logistics in the supply chain. In addition to side panels and / or sleeves, FLC and SPC typically include a base and a removable cover. When the cover is removed, the body (i.e., the side panels and / or sleeves) can be conveniently stacked or folded on the base of these containers. The cover is then typically retracted and placed on the stacked container. In this way, after use, the empty folded container assembly is ready to be transported back to the service center. It should be understood that in the context of the present application, the term "container assembly" refers to a stacked or folded container, for example, an FLC or SPC type, a folded or stacked body of a container arranged in a corresponding base, a cover covering the base and the folded body, and any shelf that can be provided with the container (for a brief description thereof, see below).

[0006] In the assembled state, the base, body and lid of the container define an enclosed space in which the contents can be stored. One or more removable shelves may be provided to divide the enclosed space into, for example, two or more compartments. This may allow for more efficient use of the enclosed space during transport of the goods. However, once the goods are unloaded, the shelves are removed, like the lid, and placed in the folded container assembly to be returned to the service center so that a new collection cycle of the container can begin.

[0007] A new collection cycle typically begins with the washing and drying of the container components at a service center. While some washing and drying may be performed on the container assembly as a whole, at some stage the components that form the container assembly are individually washed and dried to meet or exceed the specified conditions required by the end user. Furthermore, the drying of these individual components is typically performed by blowing hot air, and this can be particularly inefficient. Only properly washed and dried folded container assemblies can be transported from the service center to the point of use, where the container is first erected, then filled with the goods to be transported, and finally shipped. It is therefore very important to improve the washing and / or drying efficiency of the service center. It is desirable to improve profit margins and process sustainability, and / or reduce costs, while continuing to ensure end-user satisfaction.

[0008] Vessel caps are particularly problematic because the underside of a vessel cap typically has various water retaining features, such as any cavities formed by reinforcing ribs, etc. Vessel caps and related technologies that can improve drying in a service center are described herein, so that reconditioning of vessels such as FLCs and SPCs in a service center can be performed more efficiently and sustainably. This improves the efficiency of the entire reconditioning chain. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cover for a container for transporting dry goods, the cover comprising a water guide disposed on an underside of the cover, the water guide being configured to centrifugally guide water and discharge the water from the cover during rotation of the cover about an axis substantially perpendicular to the cover. In this manner, water that might otherwise remain trapped in or on the cover or by the cover in a container assembly as described herein (placed on the container assembly) can be conveniently reduced or eliminated.

[0010] The underside of the cover may include one or more radially extending ribs. It will be appreciated that radially extending ribs are particularly effective in centrifugally discharging water. The ribs may extend from the center of the rib underside or other positions on the underside of the cover to the periphery of the underside of the cover, or in any case to a relatively more peripheral position on the underside of the cover.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, one or more radially extending ribs may be provided radiating from one or more points offset from the centre of the underside of the cover. Any of these arrangements will enhance the drainage process by centrifugal force. In particular, it may be advantageous to arrange one or more ribs in a herringbone configuration. Where at least two herringbone radially arranged ribs are provided, these ribs may be arranged symmetrically around the axis of symmetry of the cover.

[0012] In an imaginary "xy" plane on which the cover extends, it will be appreciated that the deviations may be independently in any "x" and / or "y" direction. Thus, in the context of this reference frame, the axis of rotation may generally extend in an "out-of-plane" or "z" direction.

[0013] In general, the axis of rotation need not pass through the center of the lid (although this may be advantageous), nor need there be no other rotating components according to axis x or axis y (although this may also be advantageous). However, it is generally advantageous if the axis of rotation passes through the center of gravity of the lid or container assembly. To facilitate this, one or more inserts, such as frames, may be placed in the container assembly to hold the folded container body in a predetermined position, or one or more weights may be placed on the lid, or on the container, or on the rotor on which the lid and / or container assembly is placed for spin drying.

[0014] At least one rib may branch off from any other rib.Bifurcation of the ribs may be particularly advantageous with a view to maximizing the number and extension of the ribs (and thus the water guides for centrifugally guiding the water during rotation of the cover).

[0015] The at least one subset of ribs may each comprise a (first) rib segment or rib length which preferably extends vertically from a bottom surface portion of the cover underside (as seen when facing the cover underside). Relatively tall ribs generally prove particularly effective in centrifugally draining water because they provide more surface over which water can be directed.

[0016] At least a subset of the ribs may each comprise a (second) rib segment or rib length which preferably extends perpendicularly from a raised surface portion of the cover underside (as seen when facing the cover underside). Relatively short ribs may also be sufficient to contribute to proper drainage, particularly if provided on said raised surface portions of the cover underside, as these portions of the cover underside are relatively less prone to the accumulation or entrapment of water.

[0017] It will be appreciated that one or both of the bottom surface portion and the raised surface portion may be planar. "Planar" is used herein to indicate that the respective feature is formed on a flat or substantially flat plane, i.e. extending on or above the xy imaginary plane of the cover or another flat plane. Thus, the surface portions may be substantially parallel, but not coplanar.

[0018] Any bottom surface portion of the underside of the cover may correspond to a generally convex surface portion of the upper side or outer side of the cover (the underside of the cover also represents the inner side of the cover).

[0019] Conversely, any raised surface portion on the underside of the cover may correspond to a bottom surface portion on the upper side of the cover.

[0020] Of course, other configurations are also possible, for example when the cross-sectional thickness of the cover is not the same or generally non-uniform over the extension of the cover. However, it is preferred that if the cover is made of a polymeric material, the cover has a generally uniform cross-sectional thickness to facilitate manufacture, for example by injection molding.

[0021] More specifically, any raised surface portion on the underside of the lid that corresponds to any bottom surface portion on the outside of the lid may correspond to a container stacking feature for stacking containers on top of each other when fully erected or when folded. In a preferred configuration, such areas correspond to conventional tray slides. However, other configurations are possible.

[0022] The radially extending ribs may include at least a subset of ribs, each including a maximum rib height measured at the first rib segment and a minimum rib height measured at the second rib segment.

[0023] The maximum rib height and the minimum rib height may correspond to the same level measured from the bottom surface portion of the cover. In this way, the higher ribs and the shorter ribs arrive and terminate on an imaginary inner top plane of the cover, which may preferably be parallel to the bottom surface portion or the convex surface portion of the cover.

[0024] It should be understood that we use the term "rib" herein to describe a single length of ridge material or protrusion that extends linearly in a single direction from a starting point to an ending point, the points defining the direction and, therefore, the rib. Ribs that branch, fork, or change direction and extend along a new line will generally be considered different ribs.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the water guide may comprise one or more inclined surface portions defined by the underside of the cover.

[0026] The inclined surface portion may preferably be planar, for example provided as an inclined plane, or concavely curved on the cover underside, ie facing the cover underside, with an upwardly directed recess.

[0027] At least one of the inclined surface portions may be located at the periphery.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, at least one inclined surface portion may be disposed within a pit or other small groove or recess (disposed on the underside of the cover). In this way, any water accumulated or trapped by such a pit, small groove or recess may be more easily drained during rotation of the cover.

[0029] The dimples or other small grooves or cavities on the underside of the cover may correspond to one or more protrusions on the upper side of the cover, and such protrusions may constitute one or more retaining features for stacking containers or container assemblies one above another so that any stacked container or container assembly may be securely held in place above another container or container assembly.

[0030] In a more preferred embodiment, the inclined surface portion may have an inclination from a lower level corresponding to the base of the cover underside to an upper level measured at the edge of the cover underside to direct water towards the edge during rotation. Optionally, the upper level substantially corresponds to the aforementioned convex level measured at the convex surface portion of the cover underside.

[0031] In a very preferred embodiment, there is cooperation between one or more ribs as described herein and one or more inclined surface portions as described herein to move water centrifugally towards at least the periphery of the underside of the cover. Thus, water can move centrifugally from one or more ribs to one of the inclined surfaces, and water from the inclined surface can then centrifugally reach the periphery. However, this does not exclude that water centrifugally reaches the periphery along at least one rib alone.

[0032] In a highly preferred embodiment, the water guide comprises one or more drainage channels for draining water away from the cover during rotation of the cover about the axis.

[0033] At least one of the one or more drainage channels may be located at or near a border of the cover, and optionally at or near a corner of the cover, where centrifugal forces are maximized by rotation of the cover.

[0034] In the case where the cover geometrically defines one or more corners (for example, where the cover has a generally square or rectangular shape), each drainage channel can advantageously be located at or near a corresponding corner of the cover, provided that such an angle may represent a position farther from the axis of rotation and therefore at which the centrifugal force on the cover is greatest.

[0035] In order to facilitate the drainage of water, at least one drainage channel may extend away from the cover edge, optionally vertically away from the cover edge, or preferably inclined outwardly.

[0036] In order to facilitate the water flow, and / or in order to receive as much incoming water as possible, at least one drainage channel can have a substantially U-shaped flow cross section.

[0037] The cover may have a substantially rectangular shape, as is common in the related art.

[0038] The cover may include an outer skirt disposed around the cover, which is also common in the relevant art. One or more of the aforementioned channels may be conveniently defined on the skirt inside the skirt.

[0039] The cover may be made of a substantially rigid plastic, which is also common in the relevant art.

[0040] The cover may be provided as a single injection-molded part, which is also common in the related art.

[0041] The cover may be adapted to conform to interference with an upright container body or with a container base adapted to receive a stacked container body, so that the cover may be securely but removably retained on the container body or base. Such interference fit may cause particular problems in that water may remain at the interference position during rotation of a container assembly covered with such a cover, where the cover exchanges forces with the container base. Providing the above-mentioned channel at such a position may be particularly advantageous.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a container assembly comprising a container base, a folded container body disposed on the container base, and a container lid as described herein, wherein the container lid is displaceable over the container base and the superimposed body.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a container is provided, comprising a container base, an upright container body disposed on the container base, and a container cover as described herein, wherein the container cover is disposed on the upright container body.

[0044] Of course, the container body may include one or more relatively rigid side panels, as in the case of FLC. However, alternatively, the container body may include one or more relatively flexible side sleeves, as in the case of SPC.

[0045] The containers and container assemblies may have a footprint sized according to a standard pallet footprint (more specifically, the base of the container will be so shaped and sized).

[0046] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of drying a cap as described herein or a container assembly as described herein, the method comprising rotating the container cap or the container assembly about a rotation axis.

[0047] The method may include positioning the cover with an underside of the cover facing downward.

[0048] The method may also include retaining the container body within the container assembly using one or more retainers (eg, frames, etc.).

[0049] The method may further include balancing the rotor of the spin dryer prior to the spinning.

[0050] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an FLC including a removable cover as described herein;

[0052] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of an SPC including another removable cover described herein;

[0053] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of a removable cover;

[0054] Figure 4 Shown will include Figure 2 A method of stacking or folding a removable lid FLC of a container into a container assembly ready for shipping;

[0055] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a container assembly described herein;

[0056] Figure 6 is a spin dryer for use with the container assemblies (and / or container lids) described herein;

[0057] Figure 7 shows that it is loaded into Figure 6 In the rotary dryer Figure 5 The container component;

[0058] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of yet another removable cover for the containers described herein; and

[0059] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of a portion of the removable cover showing a possible water extraction path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1 A rigid container 100 for transporting dry goods in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. This container belongs to the FLC category described above. The overall shape and configuration of this rigid container 100 will now be described. The rigid container 100 defines an enclosed space 105 in which the goods to be transported can be stored. The enclosed space 105 is bounded laterally by one or more container walls or side panels 101, at the bottom by a container base 104, and at the top by a removable container cap or lid 107, which can be folded in half longitudinally, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, to facilitate access to the goods. However, the cover 107 is usually provided as a single component.

[0061] The front wall 101 includes an openable front door 109 that can be opened to facilitate access to the goods (or any shelf that can be provided inside the container 100 and can support these goods). One of the side walls 101 includes an openable side door 110 that can be used similarly to the front door 109. One or more removable shelves (not shown) can be provided in the container 100 to divide the enclosed space 105 into two or more compartments, respectively. However, the focus of this specification is on the lid 107. This type of lid 107 is generally rectangular and is usually made of a polymeric material such as plastic by injection molding as a single piece.

[0062] Figure 1 A cover 107 according to the present disclosure is shown. Reinforcing ribs 20 are visible on a folded half of the cover 107, which exposes the cover underside 111. As is conventional, these reinforcing ribs 20 are arranged to form a grid 21 on the cover underside 111. Although these ribs 20 are not radial ribs as intended in the present specification, and therefore do not provide water guiding performance as intended in the present specification, it should be noted that the cover underside 111 shows inclined surface portions 115 disposed at the periphery 112 of the cover underside 111. These inclined surface portions 115 each constitute a first described example of a water guide 200 as described herein. The water guide 200 is the focus of the present specification and is disposed on the cover underside 111 and is configured to centrifugally guide water (not shown) and discharge the water from the cover 107 during rotation of the cover 107 about an axis substantially perpendicular to the cover 107. The axis of rotation is as shown in FIG. Figure 1 Thus, after cleaning the cover 107, water that might otherwise remain trapped in the cover underside 111, such as in the receptacle 22 defined by the grid 21 on the cover underside 111 (or when folded by any of the ribs 20 provided on the cover underside 111), or on any of the side walls 101, for example.

[0063] Figure 2 An SPC type container 100 is shown with another cover 107 as described herein. As is known, the container body 101 is in this case provided in the form of a flexible sleeve. The cover 107 comprises a set of radially extending ribs 120. While these radially extending ribs 120 still provide the required reinforcement for the cover 107 (in the sense of increasing the bending stiffness of the cover 107), they are also effective in acting as water guides 200 for moving water centrifugally when the cover 107 rotates about an axis of rotation z passing through its centre C. The axis of rotation z is as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the center C is Figure 3 As shown, it reproduces the isolation of the container 100 Figure 2 Cover 107.

[0064] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the case of the cover 107, there are eight radially extending ribs 120 extending from the center C of the cover 107 and the cover underside 111. The four ribs 120x, 120y extend from the center C along the imaginary axis x and axis y (these coordinates are in Figure 1 and Figure 3 ) extend in opposite directions and divide the cover underside 111 into four corresponding quadrants.

[0065] In limited Figure 2 and Figure 3 Among the four ribs 120x, 120y of the four quadrants on the rectangular cover, the ribs extending along the axis y line are relatively short, that is, their height 120s is shorter than the maximum height 120t of the other ribs 120x. In addition, another four ribs 120b also extend from the center C of the cover underside 111, generally bisecting each quadrant.

[0066] Additional radially extending ribs 120 radiate from points P that are offset from the center C of the cover underside 111, in this case according to either of the directions indicated by axis x or axis y (although in alternative arrangements these points P may have an offset according to both axis x or axis y). As a result, in each quadrant of the cover underside 111, in this particular configuration, we have a total of five ribs 120 extending diagonally outwards, as indicated by Figure 3 Reference numeral 120 is indicated at the upper right and by the corresponding lead line. Thus, this cover 107 comprises a total of 24 radially extending ribs forming a network of ribs 120 facilitating the extraction of water by rotation of the cover about the axis z.

[0067] More specifically, the network of radially extending ribs 120 described is herringbone-shaped, whether determined according to axis x or axis y, when considering half of the cover 107. Each half of the cover underside 111 so determined comprises a herringbone 121 of radially extending ribs 120. Two herringbones 121x are arranged symmetrically with respect to axis x passing through the center C. Two herringbones 121y are arranged symmetrically with respect to axis y passing through the center C. Figure 3 Also shown in FIG are the chevrons 121x, 121y thus formed by the described radially extending ribs 120. These arrangements enhance the process of water movement by centrifugal force.

[0068] In all configurations described so far, the axis of rotation z is defined as passing through the center C of the lid 107. However, this is not a strict requirement, as the axis of rotation can be offset from the center C and, for example, coincide with any of the points P described above. The component of rotation according to the axis x or axis y may not exist at all, although this is also not a strict requirement. However, as is known in the art, if the entire container assembly 100 is rotated, rather than the lid 107 alone, it is generally advantageous to have the axis of rotation z pass through the center of gravity of the lid 107 or the container assembly 100. To achieve this, those skilled in the art will now recognize that one or more inserts, such as a frame, any wedges or other retainers, can be placed in the container assembly 100 to hold the folded container body 101 in a predetermined position so that the center of gravity of the container assembly 100 may not change during rotation, or one or more counterweights can be placed on the lid 107, or on the container assembly 100, or on the rotor (the lid and / or container assembly 107, 110 is set on it for spin drying) - to balance the load before rotation.

[0069] Figure 4 ,in particular Figure 4-1 4-4, schematically shows the use of Figure 2 The cover 107 shown is prepared Figure 1 In this example, the container 100 is folded by sequentially folding the side wall 101 ( Figure 4-1 and 4-2) fold one over the other, and fold both side walls over the base 104 of the container 100, and then fold the front and rear walls 101 over the side walls 101, as Figure 4-3 4-4. All walls are hinged, but the details of these hinges (and the hinges of the lid 107) are beyond the scope of this specification. Alternatively, the walls 101 can be stacked in a different manner, such as by removing each wall 101 or all of the walls 101 together from the base 104 of the container 100 and laying them flat on this base 104.

[0070] Continue to refer Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cover 107 is now additionally referred to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A similar cover as shown in (this is a slightly different cover 107, but has the same Figure 2 and Figure 3 107 of the present invention), it will be appreciated that most ribs 120 include one or more first rib segments 120t (or rib lengths 120t) extending from a bottom surface portion 131 of the cover underside 111 (for clarity, only the first rib segments 120t are shown in the figure). Figure 8Instead, all radially extending ribs 120 include a raised surface portion 132 extending from the cover underside 111 (also only shown for clarity). Figure 8 The ribs 120y extend along the axis y and are short in that they do not include a first type of segment or length described above with a relatively high protrusion. These ribs 120y thus provide an example of a rib 120 having a uniform height along its extension, which is possible. Depending on the design of the cover 107, it is possible to have ribs 120 having a uniform height according to the height of the first rib segments 120t described above.

[0071] As used herein, the word "planar" means flat or substantially flat. For example, if something is substantially flat Figure 1 and Figure 3 If the object is extended in the imaginary xy plane shown in , the object will be planar. Figure 8 The bottom surface portion 131 and the raised surface portion 132 marked in the figure are generally parallel, i.e. arranged in parallel planes, but not coplanar. In addition, the bottom surface portion 131 of the cover underside 111 corresponds to the generally raised surface portion 141 of the cover upper side 140 (i.e. the outer side of the cover in use). Conversely, the raised surface portion 132 on the cover underside 111 corresponds to the bottom surface portion 142 on the cover upper side 140. Figure 5 The cover upper side 140 is shown in FIG.

[0072] Other configurations are possible, such as in connection with uneven cross-sectional thickness of the lid. It should be appreciated that the cross-section of the lid 107 as presently described is generally uniform, but this may not be the case in alternative designs. More specifically, it can be observed that the raised surface portions 132 on the lid underside 111 not only correspond to the bottom surface portions 142 on the lid outer side 140, but they also additionally correspond to container stacking areas for stacking containers 100 on top of each other when fully erected or when folded to form the container assembly 100. In a preferred configuration, such as the presently described and Figure 5 In the configuration shown in , these areas match the footprint of a traditional pallet slide.

[0073] Continue to refer Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the taller and shorter ribs 120 reach and terminate on an imaginary inner top plane 150 of the cover, which is preferably parallel to the bottom surface portion 131 and the raised surface portion 132 of the cover. Figure 8 The rib 120 that ends on the imaginary plane 150 is marked in the middle.

[0074] During rotation, one or more radially extending ribs 120 act as one or more corresponding water guides 200 to direct water outwardly in a centrifugal manner. In the described cover, at least some of these ribs 120 direct water toward one or more inclined surface portions 115 of the cover underside 111, which in turn promotes movement of water toward the periphery 112 of the cover underside 111, and from there toward the edge 113 of the cover underside 111.

[0075] Note that, additionally or alternatively, at least one inclined surface portion 115 may be provided inside a pit or any other small groove or depression 133 (provided on the cover underside 111). Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In this way, any water accumulated or trapped by such small grooves or depressions 133 can be more easily drained during rotation of the cover 107.

[0076] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The depression 133 marked in corresponds to one or more protrusions 143 on the upper side 140 of the cover. Such protrusions 140 constitute one or more retaining features for stacking containers 100 or container assemblies 100 on each other. In this way, the stacked containers 100 or container assemblies 100 can be firmly held in place. However, returning to the peripheral inclined surface portion 115, the inclined surface portion 115 has an inclination from a lower level corresponding generally to the bottom 131 of the lower side 111 of the cover to an upper level 134 measured at the boundary 113 of the lower side of the cover to direct water to the boundary 113 during rotation. In the currently described cover 107, this upper level 134 substantially corresponds to the level of the aforementioned protrusion measured at the convex surface portion 132 of the lower side 111 of the cover, but other arrangements that are different in this detail are also possible.

[0077] The cooperation between the one or more radially extending ribs 120 described herein and the one or more inclined surface portions 115 described herein effectively causes water to move centrifugally toward the periphery 112 of the cover underside 111 and toward the boundary 113 of the cover underside 111. From there, the water tends to accumulate in one of the corners 114 of the cover 107 during rotation, which are generally the points with the greatest distance from the center C of the cover 107.

[0078] therefore, Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9The cover 107 shown also includes a further water guiding feature 200 in the form of one or more drainage channels 118 arranged to drain water from the cover 107 during rotation of the cover 107 around the rotation axis z. Each drainage channel 118 extends away from the border 113 of the cover, slightly inclined outwardly. In the described cover 107, the drainage channels 118 have a substantially U-shaped fluid cross-section and are specifically formed on a skirt 117 wrapped around the cover 107 and the cover underside 111. Each channel 118 has an inlet 118i, which is fluidically connected to the corresponding corner 114 of the cover underside 111. Each channel also has a fluid outlet 118o, which drains water from the skirt 117 of the cover during rotation.

[0079] Importantly, the cover described herein is adapted to conform to a soft snap fit with an upright container body 101 (or a container base 104 adapted to receive a folded container body 101) so that the cover can be securely but removably retained on the container body or base 101, 104. This interference fit can retain water during centrifugation because there is no gap at these locations for draining water out of the container assembly. Therefore, it is advantageous that the channel 118 described herein is formed at a location when the cover 107 can be assembled with the container body or base 101, 104 interference. The corner 114 of the cover may or may not be the only location where the cover snaps into the container body or base 101, 104.

[0080] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 Details of the underside 111 of the cover. In particular, as described herein, Fig. 9 The benefit of achieving accumulated water draining by providing a plurality of useful water guides 200 on the cover underside 111 is shown. Water can move radially along the radially extending ribs 120. Water can also move outwardly from any depressions 133 or recesses 116 as guided by the action of the inclined surface portions 115. Any water located at the periphery 112 or border 113 of the cover underside 111 can move towards the drainage channels 118 located at the corners 114 of the cover underside 111 by centrifugal action.

[0081] In the described cap, a drainage channel 118 is usefully formed on the skirt 117 of the cap, more specifically on the inner side of the skirt 117, extending generally vertically from the cap underside 111, but slightly outwardly inclined. Water from the periphery 112 and the border or edge 113 of the cap underside 111 enters the channel 118 laterally via the channel inlet 118i located on the cap underside 111, then moves along the channel 118 by centrifugal action, and then is discharged from the channel outlet 118o provided on the skirt 117 of the cap away from the end cap underside 111. However, it should be understood that the provision of one or more drainage channels 118 as one of the water guiding features 200 described herein is in principle independent of the presence of such a skirt 117. In addition, it is understood that, in view of the centrifugal movement of water, the channel 118 is appropriately designed to have the aforementioned generally U-shaped flow cross-section, which has an opening into which water from the interior of the cap 107 or the folded container assembly 110 can enter.

[0082] exist Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the dotted lines all represent possible draining paths of water that may come into contact with the cover underside 111 . The paths are first defined along either of the radially extending ribs 120 and the inclined surface portions 115 . Fig. 9 Also shown is a path through one of the above-mentioned grooves 133. These two features, namely the radially extending ribs 120 and the inclined surface portions, promote and facilitate the movement of water toward the periphery 112, and more specifically, in the described cover 107, toward the boundary 113 and corner 114 of the cover underside 111 during rotation. Ultimately, these paths merge at the corner 114 thereof in the described cover 107, and all contribute to the receipt of water by and discharge from the channel 118 during rotation.

[0083] Thus, the radially extending ribs 120, the inclined surface portions 115 and the channels 118 together implement a set of water guides 200 provided on the cover underside 111 arranged to promote and facilitate movement and subsequent drainage of excess water during spin drying of the cover 107.

[0084] Efficient spin drying of the lid 107 and container 100 according to the presently proposed design has been successfully tested in a commercial spin dryer 300, an example of which is shown in Figure 6 Shown in.

[0085] The method of drying the cap 107 as described herein or the container assembly 100 as described herein is to rotate the container cap 107 and / or the container assembly 100 around the rotation axis z, such as Figure 7 shown.

[0086] Containers have previously been cleaned at controlled temperatures using a predetermined amount of water in the range of several liters. Spin dryers are run at angular speeds typically in the range of tens of cycles per minute, which creates a centrifugal force on the container (and any water retained in the container) caused by a centrifugal acceleration below the gravitational acceleration g. By weighing the container using a sufficiently sensitive scale, residual water and / or moisture can be detected.

[0087] List of reference numerals:

[0088] 20 ribs (existing technology)

[0089] 21 Grid

[0090] 22 Accommodation (Prior Art)

[0091] 100 containers (standing) or container assemblies (folding)

[0092] 101 container wall

[0093] 104 container base

[0094] 105 Enclosed space of container

[0095] 107 Container caps or covers

[0096] 109 container front door

[0097] 110 side door of container

[0098] 111 Cover bottom side

[0099] 112 Cover underside perimeter

[0100] 113 Cover the border on the lower side

[0101] 114 corners

[0102] 115 inclined surface part

[0103] 116 Drain cavity on underside of cover

[0104] 117 skirt

[0105] 118 channels

[0106] 118i channel entrance

[0107] 1 18o channel exit

[0108] 120 radially extending ribs (ie, specially configured for water extraction)

[0109] 120x Ribs extending along axis x

[0110] 120y Rib extending along axis y

[0111] 120b Rib that bisects the cover quadrant

[0112] 120t high rib section

[0113] 120s short ribs

[0114] 120t-s variable high rib section

[0115] 121 Herringbone

[0116] 121x x symmetrical herringbone

[0117] 121y y symmetrical herringbone

[0118] 131 Bottom surface portion of the lower side of the cover

[0119] 132 Raised surface portion of the underside of the cover

[0120] 133 Groove on underside of cover

[0121] 134 The level reached by the inclined surface portion at the lower side boundary of the cover

[0122] 140 Outer side (or upper side) of cover

[0123] 141 Raised part on the outside of the cover

[0124] 142 Bottom part of the outer side of the cover

[0125] 143 protrusion on the outer side of the cover

[0126] 150 Imaginary plane where the rib ends

[0127] 200 Water guide parts

[0128] 300 Rotary Dryer

[0129] z axis of rotation

[0130] x first plane coordinate

[0131] y coordinate of the second plane

[0132] Center of C cover

[0133] P rib radiation point.

Claims

1. A cover for a container for transporting dry goods, the cover comprising a water guide disposed on an underside of the cover, the water guide being configured to centrifugally guide water during rotation of the cover about an axis substantially perpendicular to the cover and to discharge the water from the cover.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the water guide comprises one or more radially extending ribs.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the one or more radially extending ribs include at least one rib extending from the center of the underside of the cover.

4. A cover according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the one or more radially extending ribs include at least one rib extending from a point offset from the centre of the underside of the cover; Optionally, wherein the at least one rib branches off from the at least one rib extending from the center of the underside of the cover.

5. A cap according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the radially extending ribs comprise at least a subset of ribs each comprising a first rib segment or first rib length extending preferably perpendicularly from a bottom surface portion of the cap underside.

6. A cap according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the radially extending ribs comprise at least a subset of ribs, each comprising a second rib segment or second rib length extending preferably perpendicularly from a raised surface portion of the cap underside; Optionally, one or both of the bottom surface portion and the raised surface portion are planar.

7. The cover of claims 5 and 6, wherein the radially extending ribs include at least a subset of ribs, each including a maximum rib height measured at the first rib segment and a minimum rib height measured at the second rib segment.

8. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the water guide comprises one or more inclined surface portions defined by the underside of the cover.

9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the inclined surface portion is planar or concavely curved.

10. A cover according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one of the inclined surface portions is located at the periphery; Optionally, at least one of the inclined surface portions is provided in a dimple or other small groove or recess provided on the underside of the cover.

11. A cover according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the inclined surface portion is inclined from a lower level corresponding to the bottom of the cover underside to an upper level measured at an edge of the cover underside; Optionally, wherein the upper level substantially corresponds to a convex level measured at said convex surface portion.

12. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the water guide comprises one or more drainage channels for draining the water from the cover during rotation of the cover about the axis.

13. A cover according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the one or more drainage channels is located at or near a border of the cover, optionally at or near a corner of the cover; Optionally, each drainage channel is located at or near a respective corner of the cover.

14. A cover according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least one of the one or more drainage channels extends away from a cover border, optionally extending perpendicularly therefrom, or preferably extending in an outwardly inclined manner.

15. The cover of claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein at least one of the one or more drainage channels has a substantially U-shaped cross-section.

16. The cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover has a substantially rectangular shape.

17. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises a skirt disposed around the cover.

18. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover is made from a substantially rigid plastic.

19. A cap according to any preceding claim, wherein the cap is provided as a single injection moulding.

20. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is adapted to conform to interfere with an upright container body or with a container base adapted to receive a stacked container body such that the cover is securely but removably retained on the container body or base; Optionally, wherein the container body includes one or more relatively rigid side panels; Alternatively, wherein the container body includes one or more relatively flexible side sleeves.

21. A container assembly comprising a container base, a stacked container body disposed on the container base, and a container cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container cover is disposed over the container base and the stacked body; Optionally, wherein the container body includes one or more relatively rigid side panels; Alternatively, wherein the container body includes one or more relatively flexible side sleeves.

22. A container, comprising a container base, an upright container body arranged on the container base, and a container cover according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein: The container cover is arranged on the upright container body; Optionally, wherein the container body includes one or more relatively rigid side panels; Alternatively, wherein the container body includes one or more relatively flexible side sleeves.

23. A container according to claim 22, the footprint of which is dimensioned according to standard pallet dimensions.

24. A method of drying a closure according to any one of claims 1 to 20 or a container assembly according to claim 21, the method comprising rotating the container closure or container assembly about the axis.

25. A method of drying a cover according to claim 24, wherein the method comprises placing the cover with its underside facing downward; or, holding the container body in a predetermined position within the container assembly; or, balancing a rotor of a spin dryer.

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