Modular tessellable container

Abstract

A modular container (10) for tessellation with other similar containers in a plane of tessellation, the container (10) comprising a base (12), a top (14), a tessellatable side wall (16), the side wall (16) being disposed between the base (12) and the top (14), and a framework (18), the base (12) and the top (14) being fixed to the framework (18).

Description

[0001] MODULAR TESSELLABLE CONTAINER

[0002] The present invention relates to a modular container for tessellation with similar containers in a plane of tessellation, including its method of assembly, disassembly, repair and cleaning.

[0003] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0004] Containers are used in many fields of activity including transport, distribution and storage of products, such as food, water, fuel, or other liquids.

[0005] Typically, these containers are designed to be disposable or designed only for shortterm use. The containers are not manufactured with a long-term life cycle, mainly to reduce the cost for materials and / or manufacturing.

[0006] The containers are usually prone to damage over time due to use or transport. Most of the time, it is not possible to replace the damaged part(s), thereby rendering the damaged containers unusable.

[0007] The containers are also not very easy to clean since easy access to the inside of the container is not possible. Therefore, sometimes, it is not possible to reuse the containers without potentially contaminating the products. This makes it more likely that the containers will be thrown away and not re-used.

[0008] Furthermore, containers are usually transported in large quantities. Therefore, maximisation of the space is required to be able to transport as many containers as possible to allow for a more efficient transport of the containers.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

[0010] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular container for tessellation with other similar containers in a plane of tessellation, the container comprising: a base; a top; a tessellatable side wall, the side wall being disposed between the base and the top; and a framework, the base and the top being fixed to the framework.

[0012] Advantageously, the container is made from multiple parts or components which can be assembled and / or disassembled from each other. This allows the container to be easily and properly cleaned since different parts of the container can be cleaned individually. This also allows easy repair of the container as damaged parts can be removed and replaced with undamaged parts.

[0013] An aperture may be provided in the top of the container.

[0014] A lid for covering the aperture in the top of the container may be provided.

[0015] The side wall may be formed by a plurality of walls connected together.

[0016] But preferably, the side wall is formed as a unitary side wall. This allows the container to be easily assembled since the side wall is readily formed.

[0017] The framework may be configured to clamp the side wall between the base and the top. In other words, the framework may be configured to clamp the top and base about the side wall.

[0018] The top of the container may include a ridge. The base of the container may include a ridge. The or each ridge may extend around the periphery of the top and / or base respectively. Any one, some or all the ridges may be pointed.

[0019] The ridge(s) may be the part of the top and / or base to substantially abut the side wall in the assembled container.

[0020] The ridge(s) may be configured to substantially deform due to the clamping force between the top or base and side wall. This can seal the top and / or base to the side wall, thus meaning that a gasket is not required.

[0021] The ridge may be considered to bite into an edge of the side wall to provide a seal when clamping force is applied. Thus the top and / or base may be self-sealing to the side wall when the clamping force is applied. That is, the container may lack a gasket or gaskets at the join(s) between the side wall and the top and / or base. The framework may include a plurality of elongate members (such as rods) extending along the length of the side wall from top to base.

[0022] The plurality of elongate members may be connected together by further framework components.

[0023] Alternatively, the plurality of elongate members may be provided individually or separately.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one indentation may be provided along the length of the side wall for locating the framework on the outside of the side wall.

[0025] The at least one indentation may be formed at a vertex or vertices of the side wall. This allows the framework to form or be located at the vertex or vertices of the container.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one aperture may be provided in the side wall for locating the framework within the side wall, i.e., the aperture being provided extending from the top to the bottom of the side wall with the framework, or an elongate member being a component of the framework, extending through the aperture in the side wall from the top to the bottom.

[0027] The side wall may be a double skin wall. In other words, the side wall may be formed by two walls with a cavity or space between them.

[0028] The framework may be located within or extend through the cavity of the double skin wall.

[0029] The framework may be embedded (at least partially) in the side wall. The framework may be embedded (at least partially) in the top. The framework may be embedded (at least partially) in the base. The framework may be embedded in any two or all three of the side wall, the top and the base.

[0030] Each elongate member may include an inner core and a sleeve surrounding the inner core.

[0031] In an embodiment where the framework is located within the at least one indentation of the side wall, each sleeve may fill a space formed by an indentation and thereby form a vertex of the side wall. An upper wall may extend upwardly around the top of the container. The upper wall allows the top of the container to be connected to a container pallet which enables the container to be stacked with similar containers.

[0032] The upper wall may be slightly inset from the periphery of the top of the container. This allows a part of the container pallet to sit on top of the container and surround the upper wall.

[0033] A lower wall may extend downwardly around the periphery of the base. This allows the base of the container to sit and surround a part of the container pallet.

[0034] A handle may be provided.

[0035] The handle may be provided on the top of the container.

[0036] The lid may be movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0037] Connecting means may be provided for connecting the lid to the top of the container.

[0038] In some embodiments, the connecting means may connect the lid to the handle provided on the top of the container. For example, a chain linkage may connect the lid to the handle.

[0039] In some embodiments, the lid may be hingedly connected to the top of the container. The hinge connection of the lid may form part of the upper wall. This ensures that the lid is surrounded by the upper wall and does not get in the way of the container pallet when the container is stacked with other similar containers.

[0040] The lid may be configured to be locked in an open position. This keeps the lid in place when adding in or removing contents or products from the container.

[0041] A retaining or locking mechanism may be provided for maintaining the lid in the closed position.

[0042] The retaining or locking mechanism may be a latch, lever or clip. For example, the retaining or locking mechanism may include a levered cam locking device.

[0043] A neck may extend upwardly from a periphery of the top aperture. A central portion of the lid may be inset from the upper end of the lid, which forms a recess at the top of the lid for receiving the retaining or locking mechanism and forms a protrusion at the bottom of the lid for being received by the neck of the top aperture.

[0044] The container may be used for storing any content or product, for example, food or liquid such as water, fuel, or pesticide for agriculture.

[0045] A liner bag may be provided within the container. The liner bag protects the container and prevents the contents from directly coming into contact with the container. This makes it easier to clean the container after use.

[0046] The liner bag may be biodegradable.

[0047] A device or apparatus may be used to change the liner bag within the container automatically.

[0048] A groove or recess may be formed around the neck.

[0049] An opening of the liner bag may be secured onto the groove or recess of the neck.

[0050] A device or apparatus may be used to blow out the liner bag within the container to adhere to the inner surface of the container, and to locate the opening of the liner bag into the groove or recess in the neck of the top aperture.

[0051] An O-ring may be provided in the groove or recess for forming a tight seal when the lid is in the closed position.

[0052] Alternatively, or in addition, a rubber seal may be provided on the lid for further forming a tight seal when the lid is in the closed position.

[0053] The size or area of the top aperture may be at least a third of the size or area of the top of the container, or larger. The large aperture allows the inside of the container to be readily accessible for filling or dispensing of contents, or cleaning of the container.

[0054] The container may be shaped for hexagonal tessellation. In other words, the container may have an overall hexagonal prism shape.

[0055] The side wall may comprise engagement profiles for tessellating with similar containers. The engagement profiles may allow slidable axial movement or engagement of the container with similar containers.

[0056] The engagement profiles may substantially prevent relative movement of the similar containers in a tangential direction along a circumference, i.e., sides, of the container but allow substantial unimpeded engagement and / or disengagement of the containers by relative movement along a radial direction of the container in the plane of tessellation.

[0057] The side wall of the hexagonal prism container may comprise an engagement profile at each of six regions of the circumference, i.e., six sides, of the container.

[0058] The six engagement profiles may comprise three pairs of mutually engageable, opposite-engagement protrusions and recesses out of and into the hexagonal prism side wall.

[0059] The lower wall may include engagement profiles such as engagement protrusions and recesses.

[0060] The engagement profiles may extend from the side wall to the lower wall. This allows the lower wall to also tessellate with lower walls of other similar containers.

[0061] The upper wall may include engagement profiles such as engagement protrusions and recesses for tessellating with the container pallet. This allows the container to be secured onto the container pallet and be stacked with other similar containers.

[0062] The container may be made from metals. For example, the container may be made from aluminium or stainless steel. This makes the container more suitable for longterm use.

[0063] The container may include plastic such as polyethylene. In some embodiments, one, two or all three of the side wall, the top and the base may include medium density polyethylene.

[0064] In some embodiments, any one, two or all three of the side wall, the top and the base may include aluminium.

[0065] The container may be made of a composite or laminate material. This allows the container to be strong but lightweight. The composite material or laminate material may include plastic (such as polyethylene) and metal (such as aluminium). The composite or laminate may have a plastic or polyethylene core. The composite or laminate may have metal or aluminium layers on one or both sides of the core.

[0066] The core may be around 3mm thick. The metal or aluminium layers may be about 0.3 mm thick. The total thickness of the material may be around 3.6 mm.

[0067] It will be appreciated that variations in the thickness of the core and the layers (and the total material thickness) are possible, and that the thickness in each case balances material strength and rigidity against material weight. Any suitable thickness may be used as long as the structural integrity of the material is not compromised for the intended industrial application (bearing in mind the intended contents to be placed in the container).

[0068] In some embodiments, the container may be made from anodised metal for protection and to make the container non-conductive.

[0069] The inner surface of the container may be coated with Teflon, carbon or hydrophobic coating. This prevents the contents of the container or the liner bag from sticking to or damaging the container.

[0070] In some embodiments, the container may be a battery cell. The tessellation allows a battery cell to be removed and replaced without removing the other cells.

[0071] The container may be a colour-coded container. This allows the contents of the container to be determined using the colour of the container.

[0072] Any one, two or all three of the top, base and / or side wall may be pre-formed into a sheet material. This may be preferred where a composite or laminate material is used.

[0073] According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for assembling a modular tessellatable container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the kit of parts comprising: a base; a top; a tessellatable side wall; and a framework for locating the side wall between the base and the top. The tessellatable side wall may be disposable between the top and the base.

[0074] The framework may be configured to clamp the side wall between the base and the top, i.e. clamp the top and the base about the side wall.

[0075] The kit may further comprise a handle.

[0076] The second aspect may include any feature or independently selected combination of features presented with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

[0077] According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a modular tessellatable container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: connecting the framework to one of the base or top of the container; engaging the framework with the tessellatable side wall until the side wall abuts the base or the top; placing the other of the base or top of the container in abutment with the side wall; and connecting the framework to the other of the base or top.

[0078] The method may further comprise the step of slidably engaging the framework along the length of the side wall.

[0079] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of disassembling a modular tessellatable container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting the framework from one of the base or top of the container; removing the tessellatable side wall from engagement with the framework; and disconnecting the framework from the other of the base or top of the container.

[0080] The method may further comprise the step of slidably removing the side wall from the framework. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of repairing a modular tessellatable container according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: disassembling the container according to the fourth aspect of the present invention until a damaged part(s) has been removed, the damaged part(s) of the container being the base, top, tessellatable side wall and / or framework; replacing the damaged part(s) with a similar undamaged part(s); and reassembling the container according to the third aspect of the present invention by reconnecting removed part(s).

[0081] Other parts of the container according to the first aspect of the present invention may be replaced in the fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0082] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a modular tessellatable container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: cleaning the interior of the container by inserting cleaning material through an aperture of the top of the container; or disassembling the container according to the fourth aspect of the present invention for cleaning the different parts of the container individually.

[0083] The cleaning material may be a brush, sponge, cloth, or any suitable material.

[0084] A user may insert their hand or arm through the top aperture to get the cleaning material inside the container and clean the container.

[0085] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular container for tessellation with other similar containers in a plane of tessellation, the container comprising: a base; a top; a tessellatable side wall, the side wall being disposed between the base and the top; and a framework, the base and the top being fixed to the framework.

[0086] This aspect of the invention may include any feature or independently selected combination of features presented with respect to any other aspect or aspects of the invention. Any other aspect or aspects of the invention may comprise the modular container of this aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0088] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a modular container for tessellation with other similar containers in a plane of tessellation;

[0089] Figures 2a and 2b show an enlarged perspective view of a top of the container of Figure 1 with a lid in a closed position and an open position;

[0090] Figures 3a to 6 show the steps of assembly or disassembly of the container of Figure 1 ;

[0091] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the tessellation of the container of Figure 1 with other similar containers;

[0092] Figures 8a and 8b show cross-sectional and enlarged views of parts of a second embodiment of a modular container;

[0093] Figure 9 shows cross-sectional and enlarged views of parts of a third embodiment of a modular container;

[0094] Figures 10 shows cross-sectional and enlarged views of parts of a fourth embodiment of a modular container; and

[0095] Figure 11 shows cross-sectional and enlarged views of parts of a fifth embodiment of a modular container.

[0096] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0097] Referring firstly to Figure 1 , a modular container for tessellation with other similar containers in a plane of tessellation is generally indicated at 10. The container 10 comprises a base 12, top 14, tessellatable side wall 16 and a framework 18 for locating the side wall 16 between the base 12 and the top 14.

[0098] In this embodiment, the container 10 has an overall hexagonal prism shape for hexagonal tessellation. The side wall 16 forms the body of the container 10 and has a hexagonal prism shape. Open ends of the side wall 16 are closed by the base 12 and the top 14 which are planar members with a hexagonal shape. However, in other embodiments, the container 10 may have any tessellatable shape, for example, a cube or a triangular prism.

[0099] Each side of the side wall 16 includes an engagement profile 20 extending along the whole length of the side wall 16 for tessellating with other similar containers. Three engagement protrusions 20a are disposed adjacent each other, and three engagement recesses 20b are disposed adjacent each other around a circumference of the side wall 16.

[0100] Each engagement protrusion 20a engages with an engagement recess on another container. Each engagement recess 20b engages with an engagement protrusion on another container. The tessellation of similar containers can be seen in Figure 7.

[0101] In this embodiment, the side wall 16 is a double skin wall. This means that the side wall 16 is formed by two walls with a cavity between them, as can be more clearly seen in Figures 3b to 4b. This reduces the weight of the side wall 16.

[0102] The base 12 includes a lower wall 22. The lower wall 22 extends downwardly from the periphery of the base 12 of the container 10. The outer face of the lower wall 22 is substantially flush with the outer face of the side wall 16, wherein the lower wall 22 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the side wall 16.

[0103] Each side of the lower wall 22 includes an engagement profile 24, i.e., an engagement protrusion or an engagement recess, on the outer face that matches the engagement profile 20 of the corresponding side of the side wall 16. This ensures that the lower wall 22 also tessellates with lower walls of other similar containers.

[0104] The lower wall 22 allows the base 12 of the container 10 to sit on or engage with a container pallet 26 in use, wherein an inner face of the lower wall 22 abuts a surface of the container pallet 26 for stacking with other similar containers.

[0105] When container pallets are used to stack similar containers together, the engagement profiles 20 of the container 20 allows it to slidably engage with similar containers in an axial direction, as can be seen in Figure 7. The bottom of the container 10 is first engaged with the top of similar container(s), and the container is slidably moved until the bottom of the container 10 is in abutment with the container pallet 26 and the bottom of the similar container(s).

[0106] When container pallets are not used, the engagement profiles 20 of the container 10 also substantially prevent similar containers from moving in a tangential direction along a circumference of the container 10 but allow substantial movement of the similar containers along a radial direction of the container 10 in the plane of tessellation.

[0107] The top 14 includes an upper wall 28. The upper wall 28 extends upwardly from the top 14 of the container 10. The upper wall 14 is mostly or substantially inset from the periphery of the side wall 16. The upper wall 14 extends away from the side wall 16 in a substantially diagonal direction towards the centre of the top 14 of the container 10, as can be more clearly seen in Figures 1 , 2a and 3a.

[0108] A handle 44 is provided on the top 14 of the container 10. Ends of the handle 44 are connected to opposite sides of the top 14 i.e. , next to opposite vertices of the top 14. The handle 44 is movable between a use position substantially above the container 10 and a not in use position where the handle substantially abuts the top 14 of the container 10. The handle is surrounded by the upper wall 28.

[0109] Each side of the upper wall 28 includes an engagement profile 30, i.e., an engagement protrusion or an engagement recess, on the outer face that complements an engagement profile 30 on the container pallet, in use. This allows the top 14 of the container 10 to securely engage with the container pallet for stacking with other similar containers.

[0110] The lower wall 22 surrounds an upper part of the container pallet 26 (see Figure 7), and the upper wall 28 is surrounded by a lower part of the container pallet, in use.

[0111] The sides of the base 12 and the top 14 are shaped to include protrusions and recesses to match the engagement profiles on the side wall 16.

[0112] Each vertex of the side wall 16 is indented, as can be more clearly seen in Figure 4b. Each indentation 32 extends from a top end to a bottom end of the side wall 16.

[0113] In this embodiment, the framework 18 includes a plurality of individual elongate members. However, in other embodiments, the construction of the framework 18 may vary.

[0114] Each elongate member includes an inner core 18a, i.e., a rod, and a sleeve 18b surrounding the inner core 18a, as shown more clearly in Figure 6. Each elongate member is disposed in an indentation 32 in the side wall 16, wherein the sleeve 18b extends along the whole length of the indentation 32 and the inner core 18a extends out from both ends of the sleeve 18b. A first end of each inner core 18a of the elongate members extends through an aperture in the top 14 and an aperture in the upper wall 28, the aperture being disposed next to a vertex of the container 10.

[0115] A second end of each inner core 18a of the elongate members extends through an aperture in the base 12 and an aperture in the lower wall 22, the aperture being disposed next to a vertex of the container 10.

[0116] Fixing means such as a nut are provided to fix the first and second ends of the inner core 18a of the elongate members to the base 12 and the top 14. An inner face of the base 12 and an inner face of the top 14 abut respective ends of the sleeves 18b of the elongate members and ends of the side wall 16. The framework 18 is fixed to the base 12 and the top 14 thereby clamping the side wall 16 in between.

[0117] The top 14 includes an aperture 34 and a lid 36 for covering the aperture 34. The aperture 34 and the lid 36 are circular in shape.

[0118] The area of the top aperture 34 covers nearly half the area of the top 14 of the container 10. The large aperture allows contents or products such as food or liquids to be easily provided or removed from the container 10. It also allows the inside of the container 10 to be easily accessible for cleaning.

[0119] The aperture 34 is positioned offset from the centre of the top 14 of the container. This allows the content to be easily poured out of the container.

[0120] A neck 38 surrounds the top aperture 34 and includes a groove or a recess 40 around a circumference of the neck 38, as more clearly shown in Figures 2b to 4a.

[0121] A liner bag (not shown) can be provided within the container 10. The liner bag protects the container 10 and prevents the contents from directly contacting the container 10.

[0122] The opening of the liner bag is retained by the recess or groove 40 of the neck 38. When the lid 36 is in a closed position, the opening of the liner bag is sandwiched between the lid 36 and the neck 38.

[0123] Connecting means 35 such as a chain linkage is provided for connecting or attaching the lid 36 to the handle 44. This prevents the lid 44 from being lost when it is not in use. In other embodiments, the lid 36 may be hingedly connected to the top 14 of the container 10. Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, a retaining or locking mechanism locks the lid in the closed position. In this embodiment, three hinged levered cam locking devices 42 are used to lock the lid 36 in the closed position. The locking devices 42 are equally spaced apart around the lid 36.

[0124] A central portion of the lid 36 is inset from the upper end of the lid 36. This forms a recess at the top of the lid 36 and a protrusion at the bottom of the lid 36. This allows an arm of the locking devices 42 to contact the recessed part of the top of the lid 36 and push the lid 36 firmly closed. This also allows the protruding part of the bottom of the lid 36 to be inserted in the neck 38 of the top aperture 34.

[0125] Recesses are provided on the lower wall 22 adjacent the locking devices 42. This allows the locking devices to occupy the space formed by the recesses, and prevents the locking devices 42 from getting in the way when the container is stacked with other similar containers.

[0126] Referring to Figures 3a to 6, the disassembly of the container is shown.

[0127] The fixing means are removed from first ends of the inner cores 18a of the elongate members at the top 14 of the container 10. The upper wall 28 is removed from abutment with the side wall 16 by slidably disengaging the upper wall 28 from the inner cores 18a of the elongate members as shown in Figure 3a.

[0128] The handle 44 is disconnected from the top 14 of the container 10 and the lid 36 is disconnected from the handle 44.

[0129] The top 14 is removed from abutment with the side wall 16 by slidably disengaging the top 14 from the inner cores 18a of the elongate members as shown in Figure 3b.

[0130] The side wall 16 is removed from abutment with the base 12 by slidably disengaging the side wall 16 from the framework 18 or elongate members as shown in Figure 4b.

[0131] The fixing means are removed from the second ends of the inner cores 18a of the elongate members at the base 12 of the container 10. The lower wall 22 and the base 12 are slidably disengaged from the inner cores 18a of the elongate members as shown in Figures 5a and 5b.

[0132] The inner core 18a and the sleeve 18b of each elongate members are separated by slidably disengaging the inner core 18a from the sleeve 18b, as shown in Figure 6. The steps are reverse for the assembly of the container 10.

[0133] Referring generally Figures 8 to 11 , in some embodiments, a ridge 46, 48, 56, 58 is provided around the periphery of a face of the top 14 and the base 12 of the container abutting the ends of the side wall 16. The respective ridges can be substantially inset from the edges of the top 14 and base 12, although it will be appreciated that this does not preclude provision of a ridge or ridges at the edges of the top and / base.

[0134] Each ridge can dig or bite into the body or edge of the side wall 16. For example, the ridges of the top 14 and base 12 can deform as they bite into the side wall. In other examples, the ridge(s) may insert into groove(s) and dig or bite into the bottom of the groove(s). In still other examples, the ridge(s) may dig or bite into a seal or sealant which is provided in the groove(s).

[0135] It will be appreciated that the extent to which the ridge(s) bite into or deform during clamping, and the extent to which the side wall (or seal thereof) is bitten into or deforms during clamping, may depend on the relative hardness and shape of the respective portions of the ridge and sidewall.

[0136] It will also be appreciated that one of the base and top may have a ridge, and the other of the base and top may be sealed to or against the side wall by another means.

[0137] A second embodiment of the container as shown in Figures 8a and 8b is generally indicated at 100. In this embodiment, the top 14 and base 12 of the container 100 each include a ridge 46 with a substantially triangular cross-section extending continuously around their periphery. When the top 14 and base 12 are clamped to the side wall 16 by the framework, the tips of the ridges 46 dig or bite into the side wall 16. Figure 8b shows where the ridge can clamp into a different part (e.g. lateral member) of the sidewall.

[0138] A third embodiment of the container as shown in Figure 9 is generally indicated 200. The respective ridges 48 extend continuously around the periphery of the top 14 and base 12. Each ridge has a substantially rectangular cross-section and a chamfered end (or substantially conical / frustoconical end). A groove 50 extends around the edge at each of the top and bottom ends of the side wall. Each groove 50 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. The ridge 48 of the top 14 or base 12 fits within the corresponding groove 50, and the chamfered end of the ridge 48 bites or digs into the bottom of the groove 50 when the top or base is clamped to the side wall 16. A fourth embodiment of the container as shown in Figure 10 is generally indicated at 300 and is similar to the embodiment of Figure 9. However, the grooves 52 at the ends of the side wall 16 are slightly longer in length, i.e. the grooves 52 are deeper. This allows a seal 54 (or sealing material) to be inserted or provided at the bottom of each groove 52. The chamfered end of the corresponding ridge 56 can bite or dig into the seal 54 when the base or top is clamped in place.

[0139] A fifth embodiment of the container as shown in Figure 11 is generally indicated at 400 and is similar to the embodiment of Figure 10, but the ridges 58 of the top 14 and base 12 of the container have a blunt end rather than a chamfered end. That is, the ridge is substantially the same width (or does not taper) with increasing distance from the base or top extends from.

[0140] The ridges of the top and base 12 of the container help to seal the top 14 and bottom to the side wall. It will be appreciated that providing corresponding grooves to receive the ridges can assist in locating the top or base to the side wall, but that a seal can be formed even if those grooves are not provided in ends of the side wall.

[0141] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A modular container for tessellation with other similar containers in a plane of tessellation, the container comprising: a base; a top; a tessellatable side wall, the side wall being disposed between the base and the top; and a framework, the base and the top being fixed to the framework, the framework clamping the base and the top about the side wall.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1 , in which the side wall is formed as a unitary side wall.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the framework includes a plurality of elongate members extending along the length of the side wall from top to base.

4. A container as claimed in claim 3, in which each elongate member includes an inner core and a sleeve surrounding the inner core.

5. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one indentation is provided along the length of the side wall for locating the framework on the outside of the side wall.

6. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an upper wall extends upwardly around the top of the container for engaging with a container pallet for stacking the container with other similar containers.

7. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a lower wall extends downwardly around a periphery of the base for engaging with the container pallet for stacking the container with other similar containers.

8. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an aperture is provided in the top.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8, in which a lid is provided for covering the top aperture, and in which connecting means is provided for connecting the lid to the top.

10. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lid is configured to be locked in an open position.11 . A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a retaining or locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the lid in the closed position.

12. A container as claimed in claim 11 , in which the retaining or locking mechanism is a latch, lever or clip.

13. A container as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, in which a neck is provided around the top aperture.

14. A container as claimed in claim 13, in which a groove or recess is provided around the neck.

15. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the container has an overall hexagonal prism shape for hexagonal tessellation.

16. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the side wall comprises engagement profiles for allowing slidable axial movement of the container with similar containers, and for preventing relative movement of the similar containers in a tangential direction along a circumference of the container but allowing substantial engagement and / or disengagement of the containers by relative movement along a radial direction of the container in the plane of tessellation.

17. A container as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, in which the container comprises an engagement profile at each of six regions of the circumference of the container, the six engagement profiles comprising three pairs of mutually engageable, opposite-engagement protrusions and recesses out of and into the hexagonal prism form.

18. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the side wall is a double skin wall.

19. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a handle is provided.

20. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the container is made from metals.

21. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the framework is embedded in the side wall and / or the top and base.

22. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one or both of the base and the top include one or more ridges for sealing to or against the sidewall when clamped in place by the framework.

23. A kit of parts for assembling a modular tessellatable container as claimed in any preceding claim, the kit of parts comprising: a base; a top; a tessellatable side wall disposable between the top and the base; and a framework for locating the side wall between the base and the top, the framework being configured to clamp the top and the base about the side wall.

24. A method of assembling a modular tessellatable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising the steps of: connecting the framework to one of the base or top of the container; engaging the framework with the tessellatable side wall until the side wall abuts the base or the top; placing the other of the base or top of a container in abutment with the side wall; and connecting the framework to the other of the base or top of the container.

25. A method of disassembling a modular tessellatable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting the framework from one of the base or top of the container; removing the tessellatable side wall from engagement with the framework; anddisconnecting the framework from the other of the base or top of the container.

26. A method of repairing a modular tessellatable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising the steps of: disassembling the container as claimed in claim 25 until a damaged part(s) has been removed, the damaged part(s) of the container being the base, top, tessellatable side wall and / or framework; replacing the damaged part(s) with a similar undamaged part(s); and reassembling the container as claimed in claim 24 by reconnecting removed part(s).

27. A method of cleaning a modular tessellatable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising the steps of: cleaning the interior of the container by inserting a cleaning material through an aperture of the top of the container; or disassembling the container as claimed in claim 25 for cleaning the different parts of the container individually.

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