Containers and Systems for Material Transport and Storage

The present subject matter relates to containers for a wide array of materials. In certain versions, the containers are particularly configured for use in nested and/or stacked container systems. In addition, the present subject matter relates to container systems in which the containers are selectively positioned within a larger vessel. The present subject matter also relates to methods of use of the containers and/or the container systems.

Throughout history, the evolution of nested containers has been shaped by diverse needs, ranging from ancient practices to modern industrial applications. In ancient civilizations, people ingeniously employed nested baskets, jars, and vessels for the storage and transportation of various goods. These early forms of nested containers demonstrated a rudimentary understanding of spatial efficiency and practicality.

As societies progressed, particularly during the industrial revolution, traditional nested boxes gained popularity. These boxes were designed to fit within each other, a practice that not only facilitated storage and transportation but also marked an early step towards standardized packaging. The materials used in nested containers also evolved, with metal, plastic, and glass becoming prevalent during the era of industrialization. This transition offered increased durability and versatility in meeting the demands of various industries.

In the context of the food and beverage industry, nested containers took on a crucial role. Plastic or glass containers designed to nest within each other became commonplace for packaging liquids such as sauces, condiments, and beverages. These containers not only served functional purposes but also provided a visually appealing and organized way to present products on store shelves.

Advancements in design have played a significant role in shaping nested container systems. Features such as secure lids, pour spouts, and handles have been incorporated to enhance functionality and user convenience. The integration of ergonomic design elements has contributed to the ease of handling and pouring, making nested containers more user-friendly.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist in currently known nested container systems. Leakage and spillage during transportation remain a concern, especially if the sealing mechanisms are not robust. Additionally, difficulties in cleaning arise when nested containers have intricate shapes or narrow openings, leading to hygiene issues and potential contamination.

Furthermore, not all nested containers are optimized for efficient stacking, which can result in wasted storage space. Material compatibility is another challenge, as certain liquids may react with the container materials, leading to degradation or compromising the integrity of the stored materials. Moreover, the environmental impact of single-use nested containers has become a pressing issue, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable practices.

Desirable improvements in nested container systems encompass several aspects. Enhanced sealing mechanisms are essential to prevent leaks and spillage during transportation, ensuring the safe and secure delivery of liquids. The incorporation of features that facilitate easy cleaning, such as removable parts or wide openings, addresses hygiene concerns and promotes maintenance.

Efficient stacking is crucial for optimizing storage space, and innovations in design should focus on creating containers that are stackable without sacrificing stability. The use of sustainable materials in manufacturing addresses environmental concerns associated with single-use containers, promoting a more eco-friendly approach to packaging.

In summary, although various known nested containers are satisfactory in certain respects, a need remains for improvements of such systems and associated containers. In particular, needs exist for improved containers and container systems adopted for use in laboratory and industrial applications. While recent innovations have led to functional and aesthetically pleasing designs, challenges persist in terms of leakage, cleaning, stackability, material compatibility, and environmental impact. Addressing these challenges through enhanced design, materials, and manufacturing processes can pave the way for more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly nested container systems in the future.

In one aspect, the present subject matter provides an angled container comprising a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The container also comprises a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. And, the container further comprises a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls define an interior region. The container also comprises a selectively removable cap assembly providing selective access to the interior region of the container. And, the container further comprises at least one compression rib extending along a majority of the height of the container, wherein the rib provides increased load bearing capacity of the container.

In another aspect, the present subject matter provides an angled container comprising a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The container also comprises a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls, and a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls define an interior region. The top wall defines a first locating boss and the bottom wall defines a second locating boss. The second locating boss is positioned on the bottom wall such that if the angled container is stacked on a second identical angled container having the first and second locating bosses, the second locating boss mates with and contacts a first locating boss of the second identical angled container.

In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides an angled container comprising a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The container also comprises a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls, and a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls define an interior region. The top wall includes an upwardly extending handle, and the bottom wall defines a recessed tunnel extending along at least a portion of the bottom wall, wherein the depth of the tunnel is greater than the height of the handle.

In still another aspect, the present subject matter provides a container system comprising a first angled container including a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The first container also includes a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls, and a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The bottom wall defines a recessed tunnel. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls define an interior region. The container system also comprises a second angled container including a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, the second wall adjacent to the first wall, and an arcuate wall extending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls. The second container also includes a top wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The top wall includes an upwardly extending handle. The second container also includes a bottom wall extending between the first, second, and arcuate walls. The first, second, arcuate, top, and bottom walls of the second container define a second interior region. The recessed tunnel of the first container has a depth greater than the height of the handle of the second container. The tunnel is located along the bottom wall of the first container such that if the first container is stacked on the second container, the handle of the second container is received within the tunnel of the first container.

The present subject matter provides various angled containers and container systems that facilitate transport and storage of a wide array of materials. The containers and container systems are particularly adapted for transport and storage of laboratory or industrial liquids or other non-solid materials. However, the containers of the present subject matter are not limited to such and can be used with solid materials particularly in granular or particulate form. The containers are uniquely configured to enable selective placement in storage vessels, such as for example conventional 55 gallon cylindrical drums. The containers can be positioned in such drums in a plurality of rows or levels, such that each row or level comprises multiple containers. The containers can also be positioned in such drums in a stacked configuration in which one or more rows or levels of containers are placed on top of a lower row or level of containers. The terms “stack”, “stacked”, or similar variations thereof refer to positioning a container on top of another container such that the containers are fittingly engaged with each other. In many versions, the weight of the top container is fully supported by a lower corresponding container. However, as described herein, the present subject matter includes versions in which a lower container supports only a portion of an upper container. The terms “align”, “aligned”, or similar variations thereof refer to positioning multiple containers adjacent one another to form a row or common layer of the containers. When positioned in such a configuration, adjacent containers may and in many versions do, contact each other and particularly along their planar walls. Furthermore, containers in such an aligned configuration are oriented such that an arcuate wall of each container is directed outward. The terms “nest”, “nested”, or similar variations thereof refer to a configuration in which one or more containers reside within a larger vessel. The nested configurations described herein typically exhibit relatively high packing efficiencies. These terms are further described herein and illustrated by reference to noted figures.

illustrate an embodiment of an angled containerin accordance with the present subject matter. The containercomprises a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, and an arcuate wallextending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls,. The containeralso comprises a top wallextending between the first wall, the second wall, and the arcuate wall. The containeralso comprises a bottom wallextending between the first wall, the second wall, and the arcuate wall. The walls,,,, anddefine an interior region.

The containers of the present subject matter exhibit an angle between the first and second planar walls,. This angle, shown inas angle A, ranges from 180° to about 10°. Preferably, angle A is an angle selected from 180°, 120°, 90°, 72°, 60°, 45°, 40°, and 36°. However, it will be understood that the angle A can be angles other than the angles described herein. Angle A for the containeris preferably 60°.

In many versions, the containeralso comprises a cap assembly. The cap assemblyincludes an outwardly extending neckprojecting from the containerand preferably the top wall. In many versions, the neckis cylindrical in shape and defines a threaded region. The cap assemblyalso includes a removable cap, which may also define a threaded regionconfigured to sealingly engage and/or mate with the threaded regionof the neck. The cap assembly enables access to the interior regionof the container. The present subject matter containers are not limited to the use of threaded cap closure assemblies. Instead, a wide array of closure assemblies can be used such as lids, doors or panels, hinged or detachable, lip and groove members, threaded closure assemblies, zippered closure systems, and the like.

Preferably, the containeralso comprises at least one compression ribextending along a majority of the height of the container. In many versions, one or more compression ribs are provided along the interface region(s) between (i) the first walland the second wallshown as ribs; (ii) the second walland the arcuate wallshown as ribs; and/or (iii) the arcuate walland the first wallshown as ribs. The compression ribs(including,, and) serve to provide additional support and loading capacity for the containersuch as when additional containers are stacked or otherwise placed on top of the container. The compression ribs typically include a thickened wall region or portion of added wall material to thereby provide the noted support and loading capacity. In certain versions, the compression ribscan include other materials than the material of the container which is generally polymeric. The compression ribs may be in the form of recessed regions or outwardly extending bulges in the wall(s) in which the recessed or extended wall region has the same thickness as adjacent wall regions free of rib(s). Each compression ribdefines a top end, a bottom end, and a generally linear length portionextending between the ends,.depicts a typical rib such aswith such ends,and length portion. The compression rib(s) provide increased load bearing capacity of the container.

In many versions, the containerincludes one or more first bosseson or provided along the top wall, and one or more second bosseson or provided along the bottom wall. The second bossesare positioned on the bottom wallsuch that if the containeris stacked on another container′ having such bosses,, the second locating bossesof the containermate with and contact the first locating bossesof the other lower container′.illustrate first bossesalong the top wallof the container.illustrates second bossesalong the bottom wallof the container. The bosses,can be in a wide array of forms and structures. In a preferred form, one of the bosses or set(s) of bosses are in the form of outwardly extending projections, and the other boss or set(s) of bosses are in the form of recessed sized and shaped to mate with and contact the other corresponding boss(es).

In many versions, the containerincludes a handle, and preferably a recessed tunneldefined at a region opposite that of the handle. Referring to the noted figures, containerincludes an upwardly extending handleprojecting outward from the top wall. In this version, the bottom walldefines a recessed tunnellocated and configured along the bottom wallsuch that upon stacking with another identical container, the tunnelreceives and mates with the handle of the other container.illustrate the recessed tunneldefined by the bottom wall. The present subject matter includes handles having a wide array of forms, shapes, and/or locations on the container. In addition, it is contemplated that the container could include one or more handles or gripping regions formed as recesses along wall(s) of the container such as walls,. Such handles may facilitate orienting the container to pour contents from the container. Such handles can also serve as secondary handles and be provided in conjunction with a primary handle along the top wall such as handle. In certain versions, the handlecan include a recessed region shown inas a lifting notch. The lifting notchis preferably located near a center axis of the container.

The tunnelcan further include a cap receiving regionsized and dimensioned to receive the outwardly extending cap assemblyand/or capof another identical container when stacked therewith. The cap receiving regionis shown in.

In many versions, this mating arrangement between tunnel and handle is facilitated by the depth of the tunnelbeing greater than the height of the handle. These heights are taken with regard to an adjacent surface region of a corresponding top wall or the bottom wall.

In a particular embodiment, it is preferred that the maximum height of the handleand/or the outermost region of the capwherein threadedly engaged with the neck, extend above the maximum height of the top wall. This configuration is depicted in. Referring to that figure, the maximum height of the handleextends above the maximum height of the top wall, shown as distance H. The outermost region of the capextends above the maximum height of the top wall, shown as distance C. In a particular version, the maximum height of the handle, i.e., H, is greater than the maximum height of the cap, i.e., C. Thus, in such versions H>C. However, it will be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to this particular version and includes various other containers with different relationships between heights of components.

The containercan include additional aspects and components. For example, a collection of graduations or markingscan be provided along any of the walls,, and/or. Preferably, the graduations or markings are provided along the arcuate walland arranged to provide an indication of fill level of the container.illustrates a collection of graduationsalong the arcuate wall. Typically, such graduations are evenly spaced and provide indications of volume within the interior of the container as measured from the bottom wall. One or more label panel(s)can be provided along any of the walls,,,, and/or. Preferably, label panel(s)are provided on the first and/or second walls,. The label panelsare configured to receive labels such as adhesive labels containing identifying text or information. The containeralso comprises one or more feetalong the bottom wall.illustrates a version in which four feetare disposed along and extend outward from the bottom wall.

illustrate another embodiment of an angled containerin accordance with the present subject matter. The angled containergenerally corresponds to and includes the same components and features of the previously described container, however differing in height. The containercomprises a first generally planar wall, a second generally planar wall, and an arcuate wallextending between and adjoining the first and second planar walls,. The containeralso comprises a top wallextending between the first wall, the second wall, and the arcuate wall. The containeralso comprises a bottom wallextending between the first wall, the second wall, and the arcuate wall. The walls,,,, anddefine an interior region.

In many versions, the containeralso comprises a cap assembly. The cap assemblyincludes an outwardly extending neckprojecting from the containerand preferably the top wall. In many versions, the neckis cylindrical in shape and defines a threaded region. The cap assemblyalso includes a removable cap (not shown), which can be previously described cap. Upon removal of the cap, access to the interioris permitted.

Preferably, the containeralso comprises at least one compression ribextending along a majority of the height of the container. In many versions, one or more compression ribs are provided along the interface region(s) between (i) the first walland the second wall; (ii) the second walland the arcuate wall; and/or (iii) the arcuate walland the first wall. As previously described, the compression ribsserve to provide additional support and loading capacity for the containersuch as when additional containers are stacked or otherwise placed on top of the container. The compression ribs typically include a thickened wall region or portion of added wall material to thereby provide the noted support and loading capacity. In certain versions, the compression ribscan include other materials than the material of the container which is generally polymeric. The compression ribsare preferably as previously described ribs.

In many versions, the containerincludes one or more first bosseson or provided along the top wall, and one or more second bosses (not shown) on or provided along the bottom wall. The second bosses are positioned on the bottom wallsuch that if the containeris stacked on another container (not shown) having such first and second bosses, the second locating bosses of the containermate with and contact the first locating bosses of the other container.illustrate first bossesalong the top wallof the container.

In many versions, the containerincludes a handle, and preferably a recessed tunnel (not shown) defined at a region opposite that of the handle. Referring to the noted figures, containerincludes an upwardly extending handleprojecting outward from the top wall. In this version, the bottom walldefines a recessed tunnel located and configured along the bottom wallsuch that upon stacking with another identical container, the tunnel receives and mates with the handle of the other container. As previously described, the handlecan optionally include a recessed region shown inas a lifting notch. The lifting notchis preferably located near a center axis of the container.

As previously described in conjunction with container, the tunnel can further include a cap receiving region sized and dimensioned to receive the outwardly extending cap assembly and/or cap of another identical container when stacked therewith. In many versions, this mating arrangement is facilitated by the depth of the tunnel being greater than the height of the handle. These heights are taken with regard to a majority surface region of a corresponding top wall or the bottom wall. In a particular embodiment, it is preferred that the maximum height of the handleand/or the outermost region of the cap, extend above the maximum height of the top wall. This configuration is as described in association with containerand depicted in.

The containercan include additional aspects and components. For example, a collection of graduations or markings (not shown) can be provided along any of the walls,, and/or. Preferably, the graduations or markings are provided along the arcuate walland arranged to provide an indication of fill level of the container. One or more label panel(s)can be provided along any of the walls,,,, and/or. Preferably, label panel(s)are provided on the first and/or second walls,. The label panelsare configured to receive labels such as adhesive labels containing identifying text or information. The containeralso comprises one or more feetalong the bottom wall.illustrates a version in which four feetare disposed along and extend outward from the bottom wall.

The containers of the present subject matter can be formed from a wide array of materials. In many versions, the containers are formed from polymeric materials. In certain preferred versions, the containers are formed by blow molding operation(s). However, it will be understood that the containers can be formed by other methods and are not limited to that particular technique. In certain versions and particularly for containers formed by blow molding, reinforced seams can be provided along parting lines of the molded container.illustrates a representative example of a reinforced seamlocated under the handle. Such reinforced seams can be located along other region(s) of the container such as along a bottom wall for example. Incorporation of reinforced seams can be implemented in nearly any of the present subject matter containers and is not limited to the containerdepicted in.

The present subject matter also provides container systems using the containers described herein. The container systems comprise one or more, and preferably a plurality of the noted angled containers. In certain versions, the container systems comprise a plurality of angled containers positioned within a larger container or vessel that may for example be a cylindrical drum. In these versions, the angled containers can be arranged in a nested configuration within the vessel that promotes packing efficiency of the angled containers within the vessel.

is a schematic side illustration of an embodiment of a nested container systemin accordance with the present subject matter. The systemcomprises a first angled container such as previously described container, and a second angled container such as previously described container, shown inas′. The container systemfurther comprises a vesseldefining an interior, within which are positioned the containersand′. The vesseldepicted inis a cylindrical drum. The vessel includes a circumferential wallextending between a top walland a bottom wall. Typically, the top wallis removable in whole or in part from the circumferential wall, to enable access to the interiorof the vessel. Alternatively or in addition, the top wallincludes an assembly enabling access to the interior. The containersand′ are shown in a stacked arrangement in which one container is fittingly placed on and supported by the other container. In this stacked arrangement, the handle (not shown) of the lowermost container′ is received within the tunnel (not shown) of the upper container. And, the cap′ of the lowermost container′ is received within the regionof the upper container. Furthermore, in this stacked arrangement, the first locating boss(es) (not shown) of the top wall of the container′ is matingly received in or with the second locating boss(es) (not shown) of the container.

Depending upon the relative heights of the containersand′, two or more rows of containers can be positioned or nested within the interiorof the vessel.illustrates one or more of the lower container(s)′ constituting a lower row, and one or more of the upper container(s) constituting an upper row. The present subject matter includes container systems having one row or a plurality of rows of containers when stacked within a vessel ranging from 2 to 6 or more rows, and preferably 2 to 4 rows.

Each row of containers, when the containers are positioned in an aligned arrangement, includes a plurality of containers depending upon the angle(s) between the planar walls of each container. When positioning identical containers to form a row of containers, Table 1 shows the number of identical containers positioned together to form a row.

Preferably, in forming nested configurations of multiple containers in a vessel such as a cylindrical drum, each row of aligned containers is identical to row(s) above and below. This ensures that each row of containers is engaged with adjacent lower and/or upper rows via the previously described engagements between handles and tunnels, and first and second locating bosses.

The present subject matter also includes positioning non-identical containers having different yet compatible angles together in an aligned configuration to form a row. For example, one container having an angle of 180 degrees, and two containers each having an angle of 90 degrees can be aligned together to form a row for placement in a vessel such as vessel. Another row including three containers each having an angle of 120 degrees can be formed in another aligned configuration and that row stacked upon the first row. These containers in such aligned and stacked configurations can be disposed in a nested configuration within a larger vessel such as a cylindrical drum. However, in this example of using non-identical containers, it is possible that engagements between handles and tunnels may not occur. Similarly, it is possible that engagements between first and second locating bosses may not occur. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a wide array of container systems with various containers and vessels.

Preferably, when one container is stacked onto another container, they are fittingly engaged with each other. This is accomplished by a handle of the lower container being received within a tunnel of the upper container, and/or one or more bosses of the lower container contacting and mating with one or more bosses of the upper container. The positioning of a neck and cap assembly of the lower container within a cap receiving region of the upper container can also promote this fitting engagement between stacked containers.

The nested container systems of the present subject matter exhibit relatively high packing efficiencies. The term “packing efficiency” as used herein refers to a ratio or percentage of the total vessel volume constituted by total volume of containers, i.e., the angled containers nested within the vessel. Equation (1) sets forth this relationship:

In equation (1), Pis the packing efficiency of the container system. The numerator is the total of all volumes of containers, i.e., V, nested in the vessel. Vis the volume of the vessel.

In many versions, the packing efficiency of the container systems are greater than 70%, more preferably greater than 80%, and in particular versions, greater than 90%.

The containers and vessels can be formed from a wide array of materials. That is, the present subject matter containers and vessels are not limited to any particular material. Nonlimiting examples for the container material include polymeric or plastic materials such as moldable plastics including polyethylene. Nonlimiting examples for the vessel(s) include steel, polymeric or plastic materials including polyethylene, and/or fiber or fiber-based materials.

Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology.

All patents, applications, standards, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present subject matter includes all operable combinations of features and aspects described herein. Thus, for example if one feature is described in association with an embodiment and another feature is described in association with another embodiment, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes embodiments having a combination of these features.

As described hereinabove, the present subject matter solves many problems associated with previous strategies, systems and/or devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of components, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present subject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the claimed subject matter, as expressed in the appended claims.