Hybrid cardboard container / packaging

Abstract

HYBRID CARDBOARD CONTAINER / PACKAGING The invention relates to a container comprising a shell made of a recyclable material, and a container insert, including a chamber configured to hold a formulation, a fastener configured to removably couple the container insert to a cap, and a plurality of teeth configured to form a tight fit with the shell by deforming an internal surface of the shell. The invention further relates to a method of using the container insert, the method including pressing the container insert into the shell, deforming the shell in response to pressure created by pressing the container insert into the shell, and forming a tight fit between the container insert and the shell. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: Hybrid cardboard container / packaging SUMMARY

[0001] In one aspect, a container is disclosed here comprising a shell made of a recyclable material, and a container insert, including a chamber configured to contain a formulation, a fastener configured to removably couple the container insert to a cap; and a plurality of teeth configured to form a tight fit with the shell by deforming an internal surface of the shell.

[0002] In some embodiments, the recyclable material includes paper, paper pulp, bamboo, cardboard, cork, algae, cotton, wood, bioplastic, jute, beeswax, mushrooms, or a combination thereof.

[0003] In some embodiments, the teeth are arranged radially around the container insert. In some embodiments, each tooth in the plurality of teeth has a first width of approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm. In some embodiments, each tooth in the plurality of teeth includes a body. In some embodiments, the body of each tooth in the plurality of teeth has a first width and a second width, the first width being wider than the second width. In some embodiments, the body of each tooth in the plurality of teeth prevents the container insert from rotating.

[0004] In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth forms a plurality of grooves in the shell, the plurality of grooves being configured to prevent vertical movement of the container insert.

[0005] In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth comprises a first plurality of teeth and a second plurality of teeth, the first plurality of teeth having a first upper edge height and the second plurality of teeth having a second upper edge height, with an offset existing between the first and second upper edge heights. In some embodiments, the first and second plurality of teeth alternate around the container insert.

[0006] In some embodiments, the container further includes the cap. In some embodiments, the fastening is a thread. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth is located below the thread.

[0007] In some embodiments, each tooth of the plurality of teeth further includes an elongated part.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth are equidistant around the container insert. In some embodiments, the insert The container further comprises a skirt, the plurality of teeth being coupled to the skirt. In some embodiments, an upper edge of each tooth in the plurality of teeth is arranged at an angle.

[0009] In another aspect, a method of using the container insert described herein is disclosed herein, the method including pressing the container insert into the shell, deforming the shell in response to pressure created by pressing the container insert into the shell, and forming a tight fit between the container insert and the shell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the deformation of the shell includes the formation of a plurality of grooves in the shell, the plurality of grooves being configured to prevent the vertical movement of the container insert.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes preventing a rotational movement of the container insert with a body of each tooth of the plurality of teeth, the body of each tooth of the plurality of teeth having a first width and a second width, the first width being wider than the second width.

[0012] The purpose of this summary is to present, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are described in greater detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0013] [Fig.1A] Fig.1A is a cross-section of an example of a container, according to the present technology;

[0014] [Fig.1B] [Fig.1B] is an example of a tooth of the plurality of teeth forming a tight fit with the shell, according to the present technology;

[0015] [Fig IC] [Fig IC] is an example of an insert of a container according to the present technology;

[0016] [Fig 2A-2B] FIGURES 2A and 2B are further examples of containers, according to the present technology;

[0017] [Fig 3A-3B] FIGURES 3A and 3B are examples of teeth, according to the present technology;

[0018] [Fig.4A] [Fig.4A] is an example of an insert, according to the present technology;

[0019] [Fig.4B] [Fig.4B] is a close-up of the insert example from [Fig.3A], according to the present technology; and

[0020] [Fig.5] the [Fig.5] is a method of retaining an insert in a shell, according to the present technology.

[0021] The preceding aspects and many related advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed description

[0022] Container inserts configured to retain recyclable containers are disclosed herein. Although environmentally friendly (or "eco-responsible") containers are sought after by both industries and consumers, designing recyclable packaging is notoriously difficult. Particularly when retaining a liquid, cream, or semi-solid product (or formula), recyclable containers tend to deform, absorb moisture, or disintegrate. Recyclable materials tend to be "flexible," meaning easily deformable. This can lead to retention problems with these formulas. Innovative recyclable containers comprising a shell and a container insert are disclosed herein. The shell can be formed from a recyclable container. The container insert can be formed from a material that is not recyclable but could also be recycled.Advantageously, the container insert features a multitude of specially designed teeth configured to deform the shell and create a tight fit between the shell and the insert. This prevents the recyclable shell from coming into contact with the formula and prevents vertical and / or rotational movement of the insert. Thus, recyclable containers are disclosed here that can hold liquid, cream, semi-solid, wax, or solid formulas while maintaining their shape and structure.

[0023] Figure [1A] is a cross-section of an example of a container 100, according to the present technology. In some embodiments, the container 100 includes a shell 105, a cap 110 and an insert 200 (also referred to herein as a "container insert").

[0024] In some embodiments, the shell 105 is made of a recyclable material. In some embodiments, the shell 105 is compostable. In some embodiments, the shell 105 is recyclable. In some embodiments, the shell 105 includes paper, paper pulp, bamboo, cardboard, cork, algae, cotton, wood, bioplastic, jute, beeswax, fungi, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the shell 105 is made of a deformable material. In some embodiments, the shell 105 is biodegradable.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cap 110 is also made of a recyclable material, but in other embodiments, the cap may be made of plastic, made of metal or similar. In some embodiments, the cap 110 is configured to couple removably to the insert 200 and, more specifically, to a fastening 210 of the insert 200.

[0026] In some embodiments, the insert 200 includes a chamber 205, a fastener 210, and a plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N. The insert 200 may be formed from plastic, metal, a recyclable material, or similar materials. In some embodiments, the chamber 205 is configured to contain a formulation, as illustrated in [Fig. IC]. In some embodiments, the formulation may be a cream, a liquid, a solid, a wax, etc.

[0027] Although the fastener 210 is illustrated as a thread, it should be understood that the fastener 210 can take any form. Those skilled in the art will understand that the fastener 210 can be, for example, one or more magnets, one or more clasps, a locking mechanism, a snap-on mechanism, a twisting mechanism, a lever mechanism, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fastener 210 is a continuous thread.

[0028] The plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N can take many forms, as illustrated and described in figures 1B, 2A and 2B, and 3A and 3B. The plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N can be arranged radially around the insert 200. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N is coupled to a skirt 220 around the insert 200. In other embodiments, the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N can be coupled directly to the container insert 200. Furthermore, the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N can be located below the fastening 210 (i.e., the thread) of the container insert, to avoid interfering with the coupling of the cap 110 to the insert 200. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N is configured to form a tight fit with the shell 105 by deforming an internal surface of the shell 105 (as illustrated in [Fig.1B]).In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N is designed to form the tight fit of the shell 105 by permanently deforming the recyclable material of the shell 105. In this way, a substantially recyclable (and therefore eco-friendly) container is disclosed here.

[0029] Figure IB is an example of tooth 215A of the plurality of teeth (such as the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N) forming a tight fit with the shell 105. In some embodiments, the shell 105 has an external surface OS and an internal surface IS opposite the external surface OS. In some embodiments, the external surface OS is the surface along the outside of the container 100. In some embodiments, the internal surface IS is the internal surface of the container 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth is configured to form a tight fit with the shell 105, and specifically with the inner surface IS of the shell 105. This can be achieved by deforming the inner surface IS of the shell 105. In some embodiments, each tooth 215A has an upper edge 305. The upper edge 305 can be configured to form a groove G in the shell 105. In some embodiments, each tooth 215A of the plurality of teeth is configured to form a groove G in the shell. In some embodiments, the groove G prevents vertical movement of the container insert (such as the container insert 200 in [Fig. 1A]). In some embodiments, a body of each tooth 215A (as illustrated and described in [Fig. 2A]) further prevents rotation of the container insert.

[0030] Figure IC is an example of an insert 200 of a container (such as container 100) according to the present technology. In some embodiments, the insert 200 includes a chamber 205 configured to hold a formula F, a fastener 210, and a skirt 220. A plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N can be coupled to the skirt 220, below the fastener 210.

[0031] In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N are equidistant around the container insert. For example, as illustrated in [Fig IC], each tooth of the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N is separated by a distance D. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N extends towards a bottom SI of the container insert 200. In some embodiments, an upper edge 305 of each tooth of the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N is arranged at an angle A. This angle A can further contribute to retaining the container insert 200 in a shell (such as the shell 105). This angle A can also prevent vertical movement of the container insert 200 within the shell.

[0032] Figures 2A and 2B are further examples of containers 100 according to the present technology. In some embodiments, the container 100 may have a "stick" shape, as illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B. In such embodiments, the container 100 may include a shell 105 and a cap 110. In some embodiments, the shell 105 and the cap 110 are made of a recyclable material, as described herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, the insert 200 includes a skirt 220 and a plurality of teeth 215A, 215B... 215N. Close-ups of these features can be seen in Figures 3A and 3B. In some embodiments, the skirt 220 may be rounded, as shown in [Fig. 2A], but in other embodiments, the skirt 220 may be square, as shown in [Fig. 2B]. Those skilled in the art will understand that the skirt 220 can take any number of shapes, including oval, polygonal, or organic shapes.

[0034] In some embodiments, the insert further includes a rod 207. This can replace or be combined with a fastener (such as the fastener 210). In some embodiments, the rod 207 also contains a Formula F. Therefore, the rod 207 can also be referred to as a chamber (such as the chamber 205, illustrated and described herein).

[0035] The embodiments illustrated and described in Figures 2A and 2B may be particularly good for containing solid, liquid or gel formulations, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balms, lip pencils, and the like.

[0036] Figures 3A and 3B are examples of teeth, according to the present technology.

[0037] [Fig. 3A] is a close-up of an example of tooth 215A of a plurality of teeth (such as the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N in [Fig. 1A] or the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B... 215N in Figures 2A and 2B) of a container (such as container 100), according to the present technology.

[0038] In some embodiments, each tooth 215A of the plurality of teeth (such as 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N) is coupled to the skirt 220 of the container. In some embodiments, each tooth 215A of the plurality of teeth includes an upper edge 305, an elongated portion 320, and a body 315 (also referred to herein as a "body portion").

[0039] The elongated portion 320 may have a length L1. In some embodiments, the length L1 is from approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 is from approximately 2 mm to approximately 3 mm. In some embodiments, the length L is 2.72 mm. In some embodiments, the elongated portion 320 may couple the tooth 215A to the skirt 220. In some embodiments, each tooth 215A of the plurality of teeth has the same length L of the elongated portion 320. In other embodiments (such as those illustrated and described in Figures 4A and 4B), one or more teeth of the plurality of teeth may have different lengths of the elongated portion 320.

[0040] The body 315 has a first width W1, a second width W2, and a height H1 (also referred to herein as the "top edge height"). In some embodiments, the first width W1 is wider than the second width W2. In such embodiments, the body 315 narrows as it extends towards a bottom (such as the bottom SI) of the container insert. In some embodiments, this narrowing of the body 315 prevents rotation of the container insert.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first width W1 is approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm. In some embodiments, the second width is approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 2 mm. In some embodiments, the height H1 is approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 2 mm. In some embodiments, each tooth 215A of the plurality of teeth has the same height Hl. In other embodiments (such as those illustrated and described in Figures 4A and 4B), one or more teeth of the plurality of teeth may have different heights. In some embodiments, the first width W1 is approximately 1 to 5 mm wide for packaging with an external size of 40 mm or less. The width of the teeth can be adjusted for larger packaging.

[0042] Figure 3B is a top view of a tooth 215A of the plurality of teeth (such as the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N in Figure 1A). In some embodiments, each tooth 215A includes a first lateral edge 325 and a second lateral edge 330 of the upper edge 305. In some embodiments, the upper edge may be sharp (i.e., the two sides of the tooth may meet at angle A to form a sharp edge). Furthermore, the first lateral edge 325 and the second lateral edge 330 may also be sharp so as to form a "lug." This lug may further help to prevent vertical and / or rotational movement of the container insert.

[0043] Fig. 4A is an example of an insert 200 according to the present technology. In some embodiments, the container insert 200 includes a chamber 205, a fixing 210, a skirt 220 and a bottom SL. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth is a first plurality of teeth 215A-i, 215B-i and a second plurality of teeth 215A-Ü, 215B-Ü. In some embodiments, the first plurality of teeth 215A-i, 215B-i and the second plurality of teeth 215A-Ü, 215B-Ü are alternated along the container insert 200. In some embodiments, the first plurality of teeth 215A-i, 215B-i, the second plurality of teeth 215A-Ü, 215B-Ü, or both may have an inclined edge, as illustrated in [Fig. IC]. In some embodiments, the first plurality of teeth 215A-i, 215B-i and the second plurality of teeth 215A-Ü, 215B-Ü have distinct characteristics from each other (as illustrated in [Fig. 4B]).The close-up 4B is shown in detail in [Fig. 4B]. It should be understood that although insert 200 is shown as circular, in some embodiments insert 200 is oval, square, rectangular, organic, or similar in shape. Those skilled in the art will understand that insert 200 can take any number of forms.

[0044] Figure 4B is a close-up 4B of the example insert 200 of Figure 4A, according to the present technology. In some embodiments, each tooth 215A-i of the first plurality of teeth (such as the first plurality of teeth 215A-i, 215B-i) has an elongated portion 320A and a body 315A. Each tooth 215A-i of the first plurality of teeth may further include a first length L1 and a first height Hl (or "first top edge height"). In addition, each The 215A-Ü tooth of the second plurality of teeth (such as the second plurality of teeth 215A-Ü, 215B-Ü) may have an elongated part 320B and a body 315B. Each 215A-Ü tooth of the second plurality of teeth may have a second length L2 and a second height H2 (or "second height of upper edge").

[0045] In some embodiments, there is an offset O between the first upper edge height H1 of the first plurality of teeth and the second upper edge height H2 of the second plurality of teeth. In some embodiments, this is due to the fact that the first height H1 is greater than the second height H2. In some embodiments, this is due to the fact that the first length L1 is less than the second length L2. In some embodiments, the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth alternate around the container insert.

[0046] In such embodiments, by alternating the heights (H1, H2) of the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth, the rotational movement of the container insert 200, when retained in a shell (such as the shell 105) is further prevented.

[0047] Figure 5 is a method 500 for retaining an insert in a shell, according to the present technology. In some embodiments, the method 500 is carried out with a container (such as the container 100) having a shell (such as the shell 105) and a container insert (such as the insert 200). In some embodiments, the container may further include a cap (such as the cap 110). In some embodiments, the container insert may include a chamber (such as the chamber 205) configured to contain a formula (such as a formula F), a fastener (such as the fastener 210), and a plurality of teeth (such as the plurality of teeth 215A, 215B, 215C... 215N). In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth may include a first plurality of teeth (such as the first plurality of teeth 215A-i, 215B-i) and a second plurality of teeth (such as the second plurality of teeth 215A-Ü, 215B-Ü).

[0048] In block 505, the container insert is pressed into the shell. In some embodiments, the container insert can be pressed into a shell manually, for example by a person, or automatically, for example by a production machine. In some embodiments, the shell is made from a recyclable material, while the container insert is made of plastic. In other embodiments, both the shell and the container insert can be made from a recyclable material, including from different recyclable materials. For example, in some embodiments, the shell can be made of paper and the container insert can be made of bioplastic.

[0049] In block 510, the shell is deformed by the container insert in response to the pressure generated by pressing the container into the shell. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth deforms the shell. In some embodiments, the lugs of each tooth of the plurality of teeth (as illustrated in [Fig. 3B]) deform the shell. In some embodiments, the deformation of the shell includes the formation of a plurality of grooves (such as groove G) in an internal surface (such as the internal surface IS) of the shell. In some embodiments, the grooves are configured to prevent vertical movement of the container insert. In some embodiments, the deformation of the shell further includes preventing rotational movement of the container insert with a body (such as body 315) of each tooth of the plurality of teeth.In some embodiments, a first body width (such as the first width W1) is greater than a second body width (such as the second width W2), so that the tooth body narrows as it extends towards a bottom (such as the bottom SI) of the container insert.

[0050] In block 515, a tight fit is formed between the container insert and the shell. In some embodiments, the tight fit is formed with the grooves. In some embodiments, the tight fit is further formed with the plurality of teeth. In other embodiments, the tight fit is formed with the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth. In some embodiments, the tight fit prevents vertical and / or rotational movement of the container insert.

[0051] It should be understood that process 500 is to be interpreted as purely representative. In some embodiments, the processing blocks of process 500 may be carried out simultaneously, sequentially, in a different order, or even omitted, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0053] This application may refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, these quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but rather representative of the possible quantities or numbers associated with this application. Similarly, in this regard, this application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" is understood to mean any number greater than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," "close to," etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A, B, and C," for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C), including all other possible permutations when more than three elements are listed.

[0054] The detailed description set forth above in relation to the accompanying drawings, where similar numbers refer to similar elements, is intended to be a description of various embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is offered solely by way of example or illustration and should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the specific forms disclosed. Similarly, all the steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, to achieve the same or substantially similar result.In general, the embodiments disclosed here are not limiting, and the inventors contemplate that other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include structures and features from more than one specific embodiment shown in the figures and described in the patent memorandum.

[0055] In the preceding description, specific details are presented to allow for a thorough understanding of examples of embodiments of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be implemented without incorporating all the specific details. In some cases, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments of this disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

[0056] This application may include references to directions, such as "vertical", "horizontal", "front", "back", "left", "right", "up" and "down", etc. These references, and other similar references in this application, are intended to help describe and understand the particular embodiment (such as when the embodiment is positioned for use) and are not intended to limit this disclosure to those directions or locations.

[0057] This application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, these quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but rather as examples of the possible quantities or numbers associated with this application. Similarly, in this regard, this application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" is understood to mean any number greater than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," etc., mean to within plus or minus 5% of the stated value. The term "based on" means "based at least partially on".

[0058] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of this disclosure have been described in the preceding description. However, aspects of this disclosure that are intended to be protected should not be interpreted as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be understood that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as claimed.

Claims

Demands

1. Container comprising: a shell comprising a recyclable material; and a container insert, comprising: a chamber configured to contain a formulation; a fastener configured to removably couple the container insert to a cap; and a plurality of teeth configured to form a tight fit with the shell by deforming an internal surface of the shell.

2. Container according to claim 1, wherein the recyclable material comprises paper, paper pulp, bamboo, cardboard, cork, algae, cotton, wood, bioplastic, jute, beeswax, fungi, or a combination thereof.

3. Container according to claim 1, wherein the teeth are arranged radially around the container insert; and wherein each tooth of the plurality of teeth has a first width of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

4. A container according to claim 1, wherein each tooth of the plurality of teeth includes a body; and wherein the body of each tooth of the plurality of teeth has a first width and a second width, and wherein the first width is wider than the second width.

5. Container according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth forms a plurality of grooves in the shell, and wherein the plurality of grooves is configured to prevent vertical movement of the container insert.

6. Container according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth comprises a first plurality of teeth and a second plurality of teeth, wherein the first plurality of teeth has a first upper edge height, and the second plurality of teeth has a second upper edge height, wherein there is an offset between the first upper edge height and the second upper edge height; and wherein the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth are alternated around the container insert.

7.

8.

9.

10. Container according to claim 1, wherein the container further comprises the cap. A container according to claim 1, wherein the fastening is a thread; and wherein the plurality of teeth is located below the thread. A container according to claim 1, wherein each tooth of the plurality of teeth further comprises an elongated portion. Container according to claim 1, wherein the container insert further comprises a skirt, wherein the plurality of teeth is coupled to the skirt.

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