Modular container

Abstract

The present utility model provides a modular container (1) comprising: at least one bottom surface (2); at least one side surface (3); and at least one top surface (4), the at least one bottom surface (2) and / or the at least one side surface (3) comprising at least one recess (5) comprising internal grooves and / or projections, and the at least one top surface (4) comprising a protruding neck (6) having an upper opening suitable for receiving a cap (7), wherein the cap (7) comprises external grooves and / or projections suitable for forming a tight fit with the internal grooves and / or projections of the at least one recess (5) of another modular container (1), enabling assembly of a modular structure (8).

Description

MODULAR CONTAINER UTILITY MODEL FIELD

[0001] This utility model relates to containers. In particular, this utility model relates to interconnectable and reusable modular containers for assembling diverse modular structures. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0002] Pollution caused by discarded containers is one of today's major challenges due to its persistence in the environment.

[0003] In particular, plastic containers can take more than 400 years to decompose, generating terrible consequences for health, the economy, biodiversity and the climate.

[0004] It is estimated that, worldwide, 1 million plastic containers are purchased every minute, and approximately 8 million tons of plastic are discarded into our oceans annually.

[0005] As a result, marine species, from plankton and mollusks to birds, turtles, and mammals, face risks of poisoning, behavioral disorders, starvation, and suffocation. Corals, mangroves, and seagrasses are also suffocated by plastic debris, blocking their access to oxygen and light.

[0006] The human body is also vulnerable to contamination by plastic waste in water sources, which can cause hormonal changes, developmental disorders, reproductive abnormalities, and cancer.

[0007] Therefore, an urgent shift towards reuse approaches is needed, including conscious and sustainable consumption and production practices. UTILITY MODEL SUMMARY

[0010] The present utility model provides a modular container, comprising: at least one bottom surface; at least one side surface; and at least one top surface, the at least one bottom surface and / or the at least one side surface comprising at least one recess comprising internal grooves and / or projections, the at least one top surface comprising a projecting neck having an upper orifice and adapted to receive a lid, wherein the lid comprises external grooves and / or projections adapted to fit snugly into the internal grooves and / or projections of the at least one recess of another modular container, for the assembly of a modular structure, allowing various combinations, such as assembly toys, household utensils, etc., thus discouraging the waste of said containers, offering the alternative of retaining the containers, as well as their lids, for new functions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] The detailed description presented below refers to the attached figures and their respective reference numbers.

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates modular containers according to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates details of a modular container according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates details of a modular container according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a modular structure comprising modular containers in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a modular structure comprising modular containers according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a lid of a modular container according to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0018] As a preliminary point, it should be noted that the following description will be based on a preferred embodiment of the utility model. As will be clear to anyone skilled in the art, however, the utility model is not limited to this particular embodiment.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a modular container 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, comprising: at least one bottom surface 2; at least one side surface 3; and at least one top surface 4, the at least one bottom surface 2 and / or the at least one side surface 3 comprising at least one recess 5 comprising internal grooves and / or projections, the at least one top surface 4 comprising a projecting neck 6 having an upper orifice and adapted to receive a lid 7, wherein the lid 7 comprises external grooves and / or projections adapted to fit snugly into the internal grooves and / or projections of the at least one recess 5 of another modular container 1, for assembling a modular structure.

[0020] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate details of modular containers 1 according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate modular structures 8 comprising modular containers 1 according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates a lid 7 of a modular container 1 according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] In this way, the lid 7 is part of the fitting system, assuming the function of a flange for coupling the modular containers 1 together, eliminating the need for internal threads in the recesses 5, as well as the disposal of the lids 7, improving the ecological and sustainable characteristics of the modular container 1.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present utility model, the modular container 1 is made of PET, PCR type, transparent and colorless, for Injection-Stretch-Blow Molding, having a cylindrical shape, 85 mm in external diameter, 244 mm in height, useful capacity of 1000 ml, actual filling volume of 1005 ml, overflow capacity of 1045 ml, nominal head space of 4.0%, base neck capacity 6 of 1027 ml, unit weight of 48 grams, wall thickness of 0.53 mm and concave bottom surface 2, modular container 1 comprising at least one recess 5 and a lid 7.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one recess 5 comprises internal “V” shaped projections, equally spaced and throughout the depth of the recess 5, compatible with the external grooves of the cover 7, to prevent the rotational movement of the latter and to reinforce the fit adjustment.

[0026] More preferably, the at least one recess 5 comprises a small segmented projection around the edges, to allow the lid 7 to fit completely inside it, with the sound of a soft “click”.

[0027] Even more preferably, the at least one bottom surface 2 comprises at least one recess 5, preferably centered on said bottom surface 2.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present utility model, the sides and corners of the modular container 1 are rounded and smoothed so that they can be handled without the risk of cuts or injuries.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present utility model, the neck 6 has an internal diameter of 32.2 mm, the dimension of which must perfectly fit the external diameter of an internal sealing bung of the cap 7, in order to guarantee the required tightness and non-leakage of the packaged product, 22.5 mm in height, a low-profile external thread of 38 mm in diameter, two thread inlets, 7.26 mm pitch, a retaining ring for a security seal of 37.6 mm in diameter, 9.5 mm from the mouth of the neck 6, and a support ring of 42 mm in diameter, 15.4 mm from the mouth of the neck 6. bottleneck 6.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present utility model, the lid 7 is plastic, injection molded in PP or HDPE, colored, having a cylindrical shape, 40.8 mm in external diameter, 16 mm in height, 38 mm in diameter low profile internal thread, two thread entries, 7.26 mm pitch, external security seal ""tamper-evident band"'' and internal sealing bung, the lid 7 comprising at least one external groove for fitting into at least one corresponding projection of a recess 5 of another modular container 1.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present utility model, the body of the container 1 has two flat faceted panels, diametrically opposed, at 180° from each other, in which there are two smooth cylindrical recesses 5, one upper and one lower, adjusted to the external diameter and external height of the lid 7, with the security seal already removed, and comprising at least one internal projection for fitting into at least one corresponding groove of a lid 7 of another modular container 1, the distance between the two recesses 5 being at least 15 mm greater than the external diameter of the container 1, in order to allow the various assemblies.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present utility model, the modular container 1 presents the traditional design of liquid containers, with the addition of recesses in the sides and bottom of the container 1 for fitting the containers 1 with lid 7 together, allowing various combinations, such as assembly toys, household utensils, etc., thus discouraging the waste of said liquid containers and their lids.

[0033] Therefore, as explained above, this utility model provides an ingenious resource for the reuse of disposable containers, such as plastic bottles, as well as their lids, for recreational, educational, functional purposes, etc.

[0034] Numerous variations affecting the scope of protection of this application are permitted. This reinforces the fact that this utility model is not limited to the particular configurations and embodiments described above.

Claims

CLAIM 1. Modular container (1), comprising: at least one bottom surface (2); at least one side surface (3); and at least one top surface (4), the at least one bottom surface (2) and / or the at least one side surface (3) comprising at least one recess (5) comprising internal grooves and / or projections, the at least one top surface (4) comprising a projecting neck (6) having an upper orifice and adapted to receive a lid (7), characterized in that the lid (7) comprises external grooves and / or projections adapted to fit snugly into the internal grooves and / or projections of the at least one recess (5) of another modular container (1), for assembling a modular structure (8) comprising at least two modular containers (1).

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