Improvement of a one-piece, indivisible double-walled container device

Abstract

A double-walled container device 12 comprising two adjacent containers 14 and 15 inseparably joined together extending in the same direction with an air gap 16 therebetween, the double-walled container device 12 being formed as a single unit from a thermoformable material, being of a thin-walled nature suitable for mass production, and having at least one or more openings 13 formed in at least one or more container walls to allow fluid to escape. The double-walled container device 12 can comprise an upper lid 18 and / or the double-walled container device 12 can comprise a lower lid 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mass-producible, integral and inseparable double-wall container device formed as a single body from a thermoformable material, comprising a structure of two containers that are integrally and inseparably joined and extend in the same direction, with an air gap therebetween, and having at least one or more openings for discharging a fluid substance.

Background Art

[0002] According to Wikipedia, a container is "any basic tool consisting of an apparatus that forms a partially or completely enclosed space that can be used to contain, store, and transport objects or substances."

[0003] The containers used in the present application can be beakers, bottles, dishes, water cylinders, caps, carafes, cardboard boxes, clam shells, covers, cups, fast food containers, food containers, glass cups, hoods, lids, mug cups, plates, pots, or tumblers, or all other derivatives of containers that represent a partially or completely enclosed space capable of holding liquid and / or solid contents.

[0004] The term "aperture" as used herein refers to an opening, hole or gap, and can be equivalently replaced by a cut, orifice, outlet, passage, perforation, pinhole, puncture, slit, slot, space or vent, or any other derivative of an opening that serves as a means for discharging a fluid substance.

[0005] The term "thermoformable material" as used herein refers to all materials that are suitable for thermoplasticity and, when in a thermoplastically softened state, are suitable for being improved into other alternative shapes / forms by applying pressure and any known thermoforming means. The above-mentioned known thermoforming means include, but are not limited to, thermoforming processes and blow molding processes.

[0006] Every year, numerous low-cost containers suitable for mass production are manufactured worldwide. Problems related to low-cost manufacturing include, but are not limited to, the following: • Low-cost thermoformable material, • Thin wall section / Lightweight air weight, • Fast manufacturing speed, • Minimizing logistics costs by enabling small-cell manufacturing facilities to be located adjacent to distribution centers, requiring a small manufacturing line installation area. • High reusability, • Maximize stackability to minimize logistics and storage costs. • Fewer manufacturing steps involved.

[0007] Currently, almost all mass-produced containers are effectively single-walled. The main reason for this is that current manufacturing processes cannot produce inseparable double-walled containers, or any currently used manufacturing methods that could produce inseparable double-walled containers would result in a commercially high unit cost, primarily because the resulting containers have thicker walls, leading to extremely high material costs.

[0008] There are countless market-driven reasons for a cost-effective, inseparable, double-walled container equivalent consisting of two adjacent containers joined together inseparably, with an air gap between them, and possessing the structure of two separate containers formed individually, including, but not limited to, the following: • Formation of a completely reusable coffee cup, • Formation of a cold cup that does not form water droplets on the exterior wall. • Formation of cold cups that extend the shelf life of beverages. • Formation of a cold cup to extend ice retention, • Formation of containers that extend the period during which the contents are maintained at high and / or low temperatures. • Formation of containers that extend the shelf life of the contents. • Formation of containers that extend the lifespan of potted plants. • Any combination of the above, or All other market-driven reasons are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0009] Shelf life is typically not a concern for beverage contents, but it is a concern for food-related contents, which include, but are not limited to, vegetables, salads, and fruits, whether raw or cooked.

[0010] Every year worldwide, a massive amount of food is wasted due to fluid-related damage during storage, both at the point of sale and in home environments.

[0011] Typical means of this damage include, but are not limited to, the following: • Residual moisture adhering to the surface of vegetables and / or salads. This moisture adheres to the surface after washing and storage in a container, and this moisture seeps to the bottom of the container, causing discoloration and / or spoilage of the food. • Fruit juice from fruits stored in the container. The juice can seep to the bottom of the container and cause discoloration and / or spoilage of the food.

[0012] The accumulation of fluids in food storage containers is a serious cause of food waste worldwide every year, but this is not the only area in a double-walled container where fluids can form. In the cleaning cycle of reusable containers such as those with a double wall, unwanted fluids may accumulate in the air gap of such containers. When a double-walled container is used as a flowerpot, it is necessary to drain the fluid from the plant storage area in order to maintain the healthy lifespan of the plants.

[0013] Therefore, a cost-effective solution is needed to efficiently remove fluid deposits from an inseparable double-walled container.

[0014] U.S. Patent No. 9,339,979 teaches a double-walled thermal shield cup, thermoformed as a single unit from a thermoplastic material, having a post-formed cup having a sealed thermal space, with at least one rib maintaining a partial separation between the inner and outer walls.

[0015] PCT / IB2017 / 056558 teaches a method for manufacturing a double-walled container having a structure in which two adjacent containers are integrally and inseparably joined, with an air gap between the containers and extending in the same direction, wherein the inversion of the second container is performed while it is completely enclosed inside a mold having a cavity configuration of a dual container shape.

[0016] However, in the inversion described in the same document, the wall of the inverted second container may exceed the elastic limit of the material, potentially causing damage to the wall.

[0017] International application PCT / IB2019 / 050684 teaches a method for manufacturing a double-walled container having a structure of two adjacent containers extending in the same direction, integrally joined, with an air gap between them, wherein the inversion of the second container is carried out by means that does not exceed the elastic limit of the material and does not cause wall damage.

[0018] While all three of the above prior arts teach a mass-producible, one-piece, indivisible double-walled container, none of these prior arts teach a means for fluid discharge.

[0019] The object of the present invention is to eliminate some of the drawbacks of an integrally indivisible double-walled container having two adjacent containers that are inseparably joined together, having an air gap between the two containers, being formed as a single unit, and having the risk of unwanted fluid accumulation at one or more locations, and / or requiring fluid discharge during use. [Overview of the project]

[0020] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a double-walled container device having a structure of two adjacent containers integrally and inseparably joined and extending in the same direction, with an air gap therebetween, the device being formed as a single unit from a thermoformable material and having a thin-walled property suitable for mass production, and at least one or more openings being formed in at least one or more container walls to allow fluid outflow.

[0021] There are numerous methods for forming a double-walled container, including but not limited to the following: · A method of blow molding into a thick-walled integral and inseparable structure by extrusion blow molding and then reversing at least a part of the structure in the blow-molded state. · A method of thermoforming two separate containers and then joining them together, for example, by rotary welding. · A method of blow molding into a thin-walled integral and inseparable structure by stretch blow molding as taught in the prior art international application PCT / IB2019 / 050684 and then reversing at least a part of the structure in the blow-molded state.

[0022] In order to be cost-effective for mass production, an integral and inseparable double-walled container · Should be formed as a single unit, · Should have the thinnest possible thickness that is profitable, and · Should have a high degree of wall thickness uniformity. Is required.

[0023] Therefore, a suitable manufacturing means is the means of stretch blow molding and reversing at least a part of the structure in the blow-molded state taught in the prior art international application PCT / IB2019 / 050684, but economically viable means of manufacturing an integral and inseparable double-walled container with a thin wall known to those skilled in the art can also be used similarly.

[0024] The objective is for a single, indivisible double-walled container to achieve a very uniform average wall thickness of less than 1 mm, preferably between 0.10 and 0.5 mm.

[0025] Polypropylene (PP) is the preferred material due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of reuse, but any thermoformable material can be used depending on the specific market application of the inseparable double-walled container.

[0026] The thermoformable material used may be petroleum-based or bio-based, transparent / translucent, translucent or opaque, the original resin color of the thermoformable material, or any combination of one or more colors suitable for the application, a single type of resin or a blend of multiple types of resins, a single layer of one resin or multiple layers of different resins, or any combination thereof.

[0027] For high-speed manufacturing, it is typically preferable to increase the number of fast steps in a manufacturing sequence rather than reducing the number of slow steps, because the overall manufacturing throughput of any manufacturing sequence is typically determined by the slowest steps.

[0028] Therefore, it is preferable that the means of adding one or more openings to a single, indivisible double-walled container does not cause any reduction in the throughput of the production line. The addition of one or more openings • During the main formation process of a one-piece, indivisible double-walled container, or • A separate step after forming a single, indivisible double-walled container It can be done this way.

[0029] One or more means of adding openings may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Punching, ·Perforation, • Router processing, • Heat staking, • Laser cutting, • Cutting with any sharp blade, • Any combination of the above, or By any other means that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0030] One or more openings may be provided on only one wall of the container, or one or more openings may be provided on multiple container walls.

[0031] One or more openings may be of any shape or form, in any one or more locations, in geometric and / or non-geometric patterns, or in any combination thereof.

[0032] One or more openings may be aligned with the surface of the container wall, recessed into the surface of the container wall, protrude outward from the surface of the container wall, or be any combination thereof by any means or for any purpose.

[0033] A non-indivisible double-walled container having at least one opening for the discharge of fluid may be provided with one or more lid engagement means. One lid may engage with an upper opening for filling the container to at least partially seal it, and another lid may engage with any lower bottom opening of the non-indivisible double-walled container to at least partially seal it.

[0034] In a preferred first embodiment, a double-walled container is provided comprising the structure of two adjacent containers, integrally bonded and extending in the same direction, with an air gap between them, wherein the double-walled container is a mass-production-suitable thin-walled container formed as a single unit from a thermoformable material, and at least one or more openings are formed in the region of the air gap in at least one of the container walls to allow the outflow of unwanted fluids within the air gap.

[0035] A typical cause of unwanted fluid accumulation in the air gap is automated machine cleaning and / or manual cleaning of a one-piece, inseparable double-walled container before reuse. In particular, with automated machine cleaning, the container is typically positioned with the contents opening facing downwards, exposing it to any possible access route through which water may enter the air gap during the cleaning cycle.

[0036] For example, means can be used to close and seal the air gap, such as using a rib configuration that at least partially or completely closes the air gap, but even if any known welding technique is used, or any known form of additional sealing member or sealing member is used, or any combination thereof, there is still a risk of water entering the air gap.

[0037] If there is a path for the fluid to enter the air gap, it is clear that there is also a means for the fluid to flow out. However, by providing at least one or more openings in the air gap region of at least one wall of an inseparable double-walled container, a more efficient means for fluid outflow is provided.

[0038] Preferably, the means of adding one or more openings to the integral, indivisible double-walled container wall does not cause any reduction in the throughput of the production line. The addition of one or more wall openings • During the main formation process of a one-piece, indivisible double-walled container, or • A separate step after forming a single, indivisible double-walled container It can be done this way.

[0039] Additional means for one or more wall openings in the air gap area may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Punching, ·Perforation, • Router processing, • Heat staking, • Laser cutting, • Cutting with any sharp blade, • Any combination of the above, or By any other means that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0040] One or more openings may be of any shape or form, in any one or more locations, in geometric and / or non-geometric patterns, or in any combination thereof.

[0041] One or more openings can be provided in an exterior wall, an interior wall, or any combination thereof. The exterior wall is the most suitable wall for providing one or more openings.

[0042] One or more openings may be aligned with the surface of the container wall, recessed into the surface of the container wall, protrude outward from the surface of the container wall, or be any combination thereof by any means or for any purpose.

[0043] A non-divisible double-walled container having at least one wall opening for draining unwanted fluid buildup in an air gap may be provided with one or more lid engagement means. One lid may engage with an upper opening for filling the container to at least partially seal it, and another lid may engage with any lower bottom opening of the non-divisible double-walled container to at least partially seal it.

[0044] In a preferred second embodiment, a double-walled container is provided comprising the structure of two adjacent containers, integrally bonded and extending in the same direction, with an air gap between them, wherein the double-walled container is a mass-producible thin-walled container formed as a single unit from a thermoformable material, and to minimize the possibility of unwanted fluid entering the air gap, at least one or more openings are formed in at least one container wall adjacent to any air gap sealing means.

[0045] A typical cause of unwanted fluid accumulation in the air gap is automated machine cleaning and / or manual cleaning of a single, inseparable double-walled container before reuse. In particular, with automated machine cleaning, the container is typically positioned with the contents opening facing downwards, exposing the access path through which water enters the air gap during the cleaning cycle.

[0046] In particular, in automated machine cleaning, as described above, positioning the container downwards increases the risk of fluid accumulation in the recessed area at the bottom of the inseparable double-walled container during the cleaning cycle, thereby increasing the chance of unwanted fluid flowing into the air gap.

[0047] For example, means can be used to close and seal the air gap, such as using a rib configuration that at least partially or completely closes the air gap, but even if any known welding technique is used, or any known form of additional sealing member or sealing member is used, or any combination thereof, there is still a risk of water entering the air gap.

[0048] By providing at least one or more openings adjacent to the air gap sealing means, fluid accumulation in the region of the air gap sealing means is minimized, and fluid intrusion into the air gap is also minimized.

[0049] Preferably, the means of adding one or more openings to the integral, indivisible double-walled container wall does not cause any reduction in the throughput of the production line. The addition of one or more wall openings • During the main formation process of a one-piece, indivisible double-walled container, or • A separate step after forming a single, indivisible double-walled container It can be done this way.

[0050] Additional means for one or more wall openings in the area of ​​air gap sealing means may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Punching, ·Perforation, • Router processing, • Heat staking, • Laser cutting, • Cutting with any sharp blade, • Any combination of the above, or By any other means that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0051] One or more openings may be of any shape or form, in any one or more locations, in geometric and / or non-geometric patterns, or in any combination thereof.

[0052] One or more openings can be provided in an exterior wall, an interior wall, or any combination thereof. The exterior wall is the most suitable wall for providing one or more openings.

[0053] One or more openings may be aligned with the surface of the container wall, recessed into the surface of the container wall, protrude outward from the surface of the container wall, or be any combination thereof by any means or for any purpose.

[0054] A non-indivisible double-walled container having at least one wall opening in the area of ​​the air gap sealing means to minimize unwanted fluid ingress into the air gap may be provided with one or more lid engagement means. One lid may engage with an upper opening for placing contents into the container to at least partially seal it, and another lid may engage with any lower bottom opening of the non-indivisible double-walled container to at least partially seal it.

[0055] In a preferred third embodiment, a double-walled container is provided comprising a structure of two adjacent containers, integrally bonded and extending in the same direction, with an air gap between them, wherein the double-walled container is a mass-production-suitable thin-walled container formed as a single unit from a thermoformable material, and at least one or more openings are formed in at least one of the container walls to allow the outflow of fluid from the storage portion of the container.

[0056] Typically, the causes of fluid accumulation in the storage section of a container include the following: • Unwanted fluids, such as moisture, remaining on the food surface due to washing before storage. • Unwanted fruit juice seeping from food during storage, • Water introduced into a pot to promote plant health. This, too, requires drainage to maintain a healthy environment over the long term. • The above combinations, or • Any other fluid source that would be obvious to those skilled in the art

[0057] Regardless of the means by which fluid is drawn in, the ultimate effect is the same: it accelerates the deterioration of the contents during storage, whether it is discoloration and / or spoilage of food products, or shortening of plant lifespan.

[0058] Preferably, the means of adding one or more openings to the integral, indivisible double-walled container wall does not cause any reduction in the throughput of the production line. The addition of one or more wall openings • During the main formation process of a one-piece, indivisible double-walled container, or • A separate step after forming a single, indivisible double-walled container It can be done this way.

[0059] Additional means for one or more wall openings may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Punching, ·Perforation, • Router processing, • Heat staking, • Laser cutting, • Cutting with any sharp blade, • Any combination of the above, or By any other means that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0060] One or more openings may be of any shape or form, in any one or more locations, in geometric and / or non-geometric patterns, or in any combination thereof.

[0061] One or more openings can be provided in an exterior wall, an interior wall, or any combination thereof. An interior wall is a suitable wall for providing one or more openings.

[0062] One or more openings may be aligned with the surface of the container wall, recessed into the surface of the container wall, protrude outward from the surface of the container wall, or be any combination thereof by any means or for any purpose.

[0063] A non-divisible double-walled container having at least one wall opening for fluid discharge may be provided with one or more lid engagement means. One lid may engage with an upper opening for filling the container to at least partially seal it, and another lid may engage with a lower bottom opening of the non-divisible double-walled container to at least partially seal it.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will see that any combination of the preferred embodiments taught herein is possible.

[0065] Other aspects of the present invention to be considered in all novel aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which is disclosed merely as an example.

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention will become clear from the following description illustrated with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0067] [Figure 1] This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a double-walled container having at least one opening in the air gap region in the wall of a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This is a three-dimensional overall view of the same indivisible double-walled container as in Figure 1, having at least one opening in the air gap region of the wall. [Figure 3] This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a two-walled container of a preferred second embodiment of the present invention, in which at least one opening is provided in the wall adjacent to an air gap sealing means, with the contents opening positioned facing downwards. [Figure 4] This is a three-dimensional overall view of the same indivisible double-walled container as in Figure 3, with the contents opening facing downwards, and at least one opening in the wall adjacent to the air gap sealing means. [Figure 5] This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a bowl-shaped, indivisible double-walled container having at least one opening in the wall and comprising an upper lid and a lower lid, according to a preferred third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a flowerpot-shaped, indivisible double-walled container having at least one opening in the wall, according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0068] The terms "downward," "outward," "upper," and "lower" used in this specification clearly refer to directions shown in the drawings and directions obvious to those skilled in the art. These terms are used to indicate relative directions but should not be considered to impose any other limitations.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1, a three-dimensional cross-sectional view shows an integral, indivisible double-walled container 1 having at least one opening 6 in the region of an air gap 4 in the wall of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] The integral, indivisible double-walled container 1 shown in the figure has a structure of two adjacent containers 2 and 3 that are integrally connected and extend in the same direction, with an air gap 4 between them. The double-walled container is a thin-walled container suitable for mass production, formed as a single unit from a thermoformed material, and at least one or more openings 6 are formed in the region of the air gap 4 in at least one of the container walls to allow the outflow of unwanted fluids within the air gap 4.

[0071] A typical cause of unwanted fluid accumulation in the air gap 4 is automated machine cleaning and / or manual cleaning of a one-piece, inseparable double-walled container before reuse. In particular, automated machine cleaning typically involves positioning the container with the contents opening facing downwards, exposing it to any possible access path through which water may enter the air gap 4 during the cleaning cycle (not shown).

[0072] For example, means (illustrated) can be used to close and seal the air gap 4 using a rib configuration 5 that at least partially or completely closes the air gap 4, but even if any known welding technique is used, or any known form of additional sealing member or sealing member is used, or any combination thereof, there is still a risk that unwanted fluid may enter the air gap 4.

[0073] If there is a path through which unwanted fluid enters the air gap 4, it is clear that there is also a means to discharge the fluid. However, by providing at least one or more openings 6 in the region of the air gap 4 on at least one wall of the inseparable double-walled container 1, a more efficient means of fluid discharge is provided.

[0074] Preferably, the means of adding one or more openings 6 to the integral, indivisible double-walled container 1 does not cause any reduction in the throughput of the production line. The addition of one or more wall openings 6 • During the main formation process of a one-piece, indivisible double-walled container, or • A separate step after forming a single, indivisible double-walled container It can be done this way.

[0075] Additional means for one or more wall openings 6 in the air gap 4 area may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Punching, ·Perforation, • Router processing, • Heat staking, • Laser cutting, • Cutting with any sharp blade, • Any combination of the above, or By any other means that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0076] One or more openings 6 may be of any shape or form, in any one or more locations, in a geometric and / or non-geometric pattern, or in any combination thereof.

[0077] One or more openings 6 can be provided in the outer wall 2, the inner wall 3, or any combination thereof. The outer wall 2 is a suitable wall for providing one or more openings 6, as shown in the figure.

[0078] One or more openings 6 may be aligned with the surface of the container wall (as shown), recessed into the surface of the container wall, protrude outward from the surface of the container wall, or be any combination thereof by any means or for any purpose.

[0079] A single, indivisible double-walled container 1 having at least one opening 6 for draining unwanted fluid accumulated in an air gap 4 may be provided with one or more lid engagement means. One lid (not shown) can engage with an upper opening for placing contents into the container 7 to at least partially seal it, and another lid (not shown) can engage with any lower bottom opening 8 of the single, indivisible double-walled container to at least partially seal it.

[0080] Referring to Figure 2, in order to make the above-mentioned at least one container wall opening 6 more visible, the same indivisible double-walled container 1 as in Figure 1 is shown as a three-dimensional overall view.

[0081] Referring to Figure 3, a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a two-piece, indivisible double-walled container 9 of a preferred second embodiment of the present invention is shown with the contents opening 7 positioned downwards, and at least one opening 11 is provided in the wall of the double-walled container 9 adjacent to the air gap sealing means 5.

[0082] The integral, indivisible double-walled container 9 shown in the figure has a structure of two adjacent containers 2 and 3 that are integrally connected and extend in the same direction, with an air gap 4 between them. The double-walled container 9 is a thin-walled container suitable for mass production, formed as a single unit from a thermoformable material, and has at least one or more openings 11 formed in at least one container wall adjacent to any air gap sealing means 5 to minimize the possibility of unwanted fluid entering the air gap 4.

[0083] A typical cause of unwanted fluid accumulation in the air gap 4 is automated machine cleaning and / or manual cleaning of the one-piece, inseparable double-walled container 9 before reuse. In particular, during automated machine cleaning, the container is typically positioned with the contents opening 7 facing downward as shown in the figure, exposing it to an access path through which water enters the air gap 4 during the cleaning cycle.

[0084] In particular, in automated machine cleaning, as described above, by positioning the container downwards, there is a risk that fluid may accumulate in the recessed area 10 at the bottom of the inseparable double-walled container 9 during the cleaning cycle, which increases the chance that unwanted fluid will flow into the air gap 4.

[0085] For example, means can be used to close and seal the air gap 4, such as a rib configuration 5 (shown in the figure) that at least partially or completely closes the air gap 4. However, even if any known welding technique is used, or any known form of additional sealing member or sealing member is used, or any combination thereof, there is still a risk that unwanted fluid may enter the air gap 4.

[0086] By providing at least one or more openings 11 adjacent to the air gap sealing means 5 in the air gap region, fluid accumulation in the bottom recess region 10 of the air gap sealing means 5 is minimized, and fluid intrusion into the air gap 4 is also minimized.

[0087] Preferably, the means of adding one or more openings 11 to the integral, indivisible double-walled container 9 does not cause any reduction in the throughput of the production line. The addition of one or more wall openings 11 • During the main formation process of a one-piece, indivisible double-walled container, or • A separate step after forming a single, indivisible double-walled container It can be done this way.

[0088] Additional means for one or more wall openings 11 in the area of ​​the air gap sealing means 5 may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Punching, ·Perforation, • Router processing, • Heat staking, • Laser cutting, • Cutting with any sharp blade, • Any combination of the above, or By any other means that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0089] One or more openings 11 can be any shape or form, any one or more locations, geometric and / or non-geometric patterns, or any combination thereof.

[0090] One or more openings 11 can be provided in the outer wall 2, the inner wall 3, or any combination thereof. The outer wall 2 is a suitable wall for providing one or more openings 11, as shown in the figure.

[0091] One or more openings 11 may be aligned with the surface of the container wall (as shown), recessed into the surface of the container wall, protrude outward from the surface of the container wall, or be any combination thereof by any means or for any purpose.

[0092] A non-indivisible double-walled container 9 having at least one wall opening 11 in the area of ​​the air gap sealing means 5 to minimize unwanted fluid entering the air gap 4 may be provided with one or more lid engagement means. One lid (not shown) may engage with an upper opening for placing contents into the container 7 to at least partially seal it, and another lid (not shown) may engage with any lower bottom opening 8 of the non-indivisible double-walled container 9 to at least partially seal it.

[0093] Referring to Figure 4, a three-dimensional overall view of the same indivisible double-walled container 9 as in Figure 3 is shown to make at least one container wall opening 11 more visible.

[0094] Referring to Figure 5, a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a bowl-shaped, indivisible double-walled container 12 of a preferred third embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein at least one opening 13 is provided in at least one wall of the double-walled container 12.

[0095] The integral, inseparable double-walled container 12 in the figure has a structure of two adjacent containers 14 and 15 that are integrally connected and extend in the same direction, with an air gap 16 between them. The double-walled container 12 is a thin-walled container suitable for mass production, formed as a single unit from a thermoformable material, and has at least one or more openings 13 formed in at least one of the container walls to allow the outflow of unwanted fluids from the storage section of the container 17.

[0096] Typically, the causes of unwanted fluid accumulation in the storage section of container 17 include the following: • Fluids such as water remaining on the food surface due to washing before storage, • Fruit juice that seeps out of food during storage, • The above combinations, or Any other fluid storage source that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0097] Regardless of the means used to generate the fluid, the ultimate effect is the same: it accelerates the deterioration of the contents during storage, whether it's discoloration and / or spoilage of food products, or a shortening of plant lifespan.

[0098] Therefore, it is preferable that the means of adding one or more openings 13 to the integral, indivisible double-walled container wall does not cause any reduction in the throughput of the production line. The addition of one or more wall openings 13 • During the main formation process of a one-piece, indivisible double-walled container, or • A separate step after forming a single, indivisible double-walled container It can be done this way.

[0099] Additional means for one or more wall openings 13 may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Punching, ·Perforation, • Router processing, • Heat staking, • Laser cutting, • Cutting with any sharp blade, • Any combination of the above, or By any other means that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0100] One or more openings 13 can be any shape or form, any one or more locations, geometric and / or non-geometric patterns, or any combination thereof.

[0101] One or more openings 13 can be provided in the outer wall 14, the inner wall 15, or any combination thereof. The inner wall 15 is a suitable wall for providing one or more openings 13, as shown in the figure.

[0102] One or more openings 13 may be aligned with the surface of the container wall (as shown in the figure), recessed into the surface of the container wall, protrude outward from the surface of the container wall, or be any combination thereof by any means or for any purpose.

[0103] A non-indivisible double-walled container 12 having at least one wall opening 13 for draining accumulated unwanted fluid may be provided with one or more lid engagement means. One upper lid 18 can engage with an upper opening for filling the container 19 to at least partially seal it, and one lower lid 20 can engage with a lower bottom opening 21 of the non-indivisible double-walled container 12 to at least partially seal it.

[0104] Adding a lower lid 20 adjacent to the bottom opening 21 of the integral, indivisible double-walled container 12 can be done to at least partially seal the air gap 16 and to provide a collection section 22 for any unwanted fluids that may flow out of the storage section of the container 17 through the at least one or more openings 13.

[0105] Providing the liquid collection section 22 in this way is advantageous for food-related products where unwanted fluids do not leak out of stored food until the user opens it, and for example, for fruit juices, both at the point of sale and for home storage use. If the user wishes to collect and retain such fluids for other purposes, they can do so without damaging the stored contents.

[0106] The lid can be any known means for sealing the air gap 16 at least partially, and this includes • Physical lids 18 and 20 as shown in the diagram, • A thin-walled film attached by any known means, including adhesive, heat welding, or ultrasonic welding. • The entire double-walled container 12, which is an inseparable unit, is placed in a separate sealed environment, such as a plastic bag. • Any combination of the above, or • Any other sealing means that would be obvious to those skilled in the art This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

[0107] Referring to Figure 6, a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a flowerpot-shaped, indivisible double-walled container 23 of the same preferred third embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein at least one opening 24 is provided in at least one wall of the double-walled container 23.

[0108] The integral, inseparable double-walled container 23 in the figure has a structure of two adjacent containers 25 and 26 that are integrally connected and extend in the same direction, with an air gap 27 between them. The double-walled container 12 is a thin-walled container suitable for mass production, formed as a single unit from a thermoformable material, and has at least one or more openings 24 formed in at least one of the container walls to allow fluid to flow out of the storage section of the container 28.

[0109] In the case of flowerpots and the like, fluids such as moisture are not undesirable, but considering the long-term health of the plants, a means of draining fluids from the container storage area 28 is an essential part of plant protection.

[0110] Preferably, the means of adding one or more openings 24 to the integral, indivisible double-walled container 23 does not cause any reduction in the throughput of the production line. The addition of one or more wall openings 24 • During the main formation process of a one-piece, indivisible double-walled container, or • A separate step after forming a single, indivisible double-walled container It can be done this way.

[0111] Additional means for one or more wall openings 24 may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Punching, ·Perforation, • Router processing, • Heat staking, • Laser cutting, • Cutting with any sharp blade, • Any combination of the above, or By any other means that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0112] One or more openings 24 may be of any shape or form, in any one or more locations, in a geometric and / or non-geometric pattern, or in any combination thereof.

[0113] One or more openings 24 can be provided in the outer wall 25, the inner wall 26, or any combination thereof. The inner wall 26 is a suitable wall for providing one or more openings 24, as shown in the figure.

[0114] One or more openings 24 may be aligned with the surface of the container wall (as shown), recessed into the surface of the container wall, protrude outward from the surface of the container wall, or be any combination thereof by any means or for any purpose.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will see that any combination of the preferred embodiments taught herein is possible.

[0116] Whereever a complete entity or component having known equivalents is referred to in the above description, such equivalents are incorporated into the content of this application as if they were described individually.

[0117] Although the present invention has been described illustratively with reference to possible embodiments, it is evident that improvements and / or modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Any one or more elements, including any of the embodiments, can be combined in any order to form other embodiments that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A double-walled container device comprising the structure of two adjacent containers that are integrally connected and extend in the same direction, with an air gap between them, It is a thin-walled device suitable for mass production, formed as a single unit from a thermoformable material. An air gap sealing means is provided on the bottom portion of the container wall of the circumferential surface of the container that defines the air gap, to seal the air gap. To allow fluid to flow out, at least one or more openings are formed in at least one or more of the container walls. A double-walled container device characterized by the following features.

2. The average wall thickness of the container wall on the circumferential surface of the container is less than 1 mm. The double-walled container apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The at least one or more openings are formed adjacent to the air gap sealing means, The double-walled container apparatus according to claim 1.

4. To allow the fluid in the storage section of the container to flow out, at least one or more openings are formed in the inner wall of the container. The double-walled container apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The means for adding an opening to any one of the at least one or more openings is punching, This may include, but is not limited to, drilling, routering, heat staking, laser cutting, cutting with any sharp blade, any combination thereof, or any other means obvious to those skilled in the art. A double-walled container device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The at least one or more openings may be of any shape or form, in any one or more locations, in geometric and / or non-geometric patterns, or in any combination thereof. A double-walled container device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The at least one or more openings may be aligned with the surface of the container wall, recessed into the surface of the container wall, protrude outward from the surface of the container wall, or be any combination thereof by any means or for any purpose. A double-walled container device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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