US20130112694A1 - Cellulose Based Recyclable Container - Google Patents
Cellulose Based Recyclable Container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130112694A1 US20130112694A1 US13/727,373 US201213727373A US2013112694A1 US 20130112694 A1 US20130112694 A1 US 20130112694A1 US 201213727373 A US201213727373 A US 201213727373A US 2013112694 A1 US2013112694 A1 US 2013112694A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- inner shell
- outer shell
- comprised
- cellulose based
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
- F25D3/06—Movable containers
- F25D3/08—Movable containers portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3813—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container
- B65D81/3823—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3876—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation insulating sleeves or jackets for cans, bottles, barrels, etc.
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2565/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D2565/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D2565/381—Details of packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D2565/384—Details of packaging materials of special type or form made of recycled material
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
- Y02W90/10—Bio-packaging, e.g. packing containers made from renewable resources or bio-plastics
Definitions
- a portable icebox or what is commonly called a “cooler,” is an apparatus that has become commonplace in today's society.
- a cooler generally, is any container operable to prevent, or at least substantially retard, the transfer of energy into, or out of, the contents contained within a space defined by its walls.
- Styrofoam i.e., expanded polystyrene
- the waterproofing aspects and insulating aspects of a cooler can be had with a single material of construction.
- Styrofoam is easily molded and inexpensive to the point that a user doesn't think twice about discarding the cooler after its use.
- the lack of durability for Styrofoam coolers greatly increases the probability that a user will, in fact, discard the product after only one or two uses.
- Styrofoam coolers usually have separable tops that are not hinged to the main body of the cooler, thus having a propensity to lose their tops and, simultaneously, their usefulness. At the inevitable point that a Styrofoam cooler has outlived its short, useful life, therein lays the main problem—responsible disposal.
- Styrofoam is recyclable. From practical and economical standpoints, however, Styrofoam products cannot be recycled. With current recycling technology, the cost to recycle Styrofoam products exceeds the value of the reclaimed raw material. Further, the process of recycling some Styrofoam products may cause the environmentally detrimental release of CFCs. Consequently, very few recycling programs, municipal or private, bother to accept Styrofoam products. As a result, Styrofoam products, such as Styrofoam coolers, find their way into landfills after being discarded and such is not desirable as Styrofoam is not biodegradable.
- coolers At the other end of the spectrum from Styrofoam coolers and basic corrugated boxes are the more expensive, and durable, plastic coolers with foam based insulating cores. Coolers that fall into this class are generally purchased for prolonged, repeated use and are available in a range of sizes and shapes with myriad features. Consequently, plastic coolers with all the associated features and designs are predictably expensive. Also, such coolers are not practical to customize with artwork for special events or promotions as the hard plastic exteriors are not well suited for printing. Further, while some types of plastics are accepted by typical recycling programs, plastic coolers are generally comprised of plastic types that are not considered economical to recycle.
- plastic coolers known in the art are not biodegradable and, even if the components comprising a plastic cooler are technically, if not practically, recyclable, doing so would require deconstruction and separation of the components prior to transferring each to disparate recycling processes. Therefore, what is needed in the art is a portable cooler comprised of materials that are not only readily accepted by recycling programs, but are also easily customizable and printable. Further, what is needed in the art is a portable cooler having all components comprised of materials that may be recycled in a single recycling process.
- Prior art for portable coolers are inadequate. They do not provide for a durable product that can withstand repeated uses, substantially inhibit energy transfer, be recycled by most recycling programs, and biodegrade if exposed to the elements for a prolonged time.
- the cellulose based recyclable container provides for these needs in the art, as well as other needs in the art, and is described in detail herein.
- a cellulose based container that is suitable for providing a level of thermal insulation is presented.
- exemplary containers are referred to as ice boxes or coolers throughout this description, it should be understood that the container may also be utilized to keep items warm or simply stable.
- the disclosed recyclable container is a portable cooler device comprised of recyclable materials. Some embodiments comprise components constructed entirely of, or substantially of, cellulose. Other embodiments may be comprised of recyclable materials not classified as cellulose such as, but not limited to, cotton, bamboo, hemp, or other natural fibers.
- a cellulose based recyclable container is operable to provide insulating factors that exceed those associated with single layer construction techniques.
- a cellulose based portable container may be provided in configurations useful for prolonged maintenance of the temperature of contents stored within its defined space.
- a cellulose based portable container may be recycled by most community based, or private, recycling programs without the need for deconstruction and separation of its components.
- a cellulose based portable container in lieu of being recycled, whether comprised of cellulose or some other natural fiber, may be reasonably expected to biodegrade with prolonged exposure to natural elements in a landfill. Additionally, because embodiments of a cellulose based portable container are comprised of cardboard inner and outer shells and, further, are easily constructed via conversion techniques readily known in the art, shapes and artwork for various embodiments are easily customizable.
- a cellulose based portable container is generally comprised of an inner shell having water resistant properties, an outer shell with a communicable lid, and insulating boards.
- Each component of such an embodiment is primarily constructed from a cellulose based material such as, but not limited to, corrugated cardboard, recycled newspaper, kraft board, or the like.
- a cellulose based material such as, but not limited to, corrugated cardboard, recycled newspaper, kraft board, or the like.
- Each component of the exemplary embodiment may be designed and converted from “sheet” forms per techniques currently known in the art.
- the outer and inner shell components may be cut from a flat sheet of cardboard, for instance, and creased such that each may communicate with the other to form a box-like shape with an integral lid, although it is envisioned that other embodiments may have a separable lid or a lid that is connected to the main body of the embodiment by way of a hinging means.
- the insulating board components may be cut in panels from a larger sheet of pressed cellulose such that each panel is operable to fit between the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell when the shells are nested.
- a cellulose based portable container may be comprised of 100% recycled and/or 100% recyclable materials, but such is not required of all embodiments of a cellulose based portable container and, therefore, specific percentages of recycled, recyclable or reclaimed material should not be construed to limit the scope of that which is claimed.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective, front view of an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles;
- FIG. 1B is a perspective, rear view of the exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles featured in FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary FIG. 1 embodiment of a cellulose based portable container, shown with a cutaway outer shell to display a portion of the interior insulating board;
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a separable lid included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container
- FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container having a tapered construction to facilitate stacking by nesting;
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary cut out handle feature included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an exemplary handle design included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container, being comprised of a material in the form of a rope;
- FIG. 5 is a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for an outer shell included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container that have cut out handle features, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion;
- FIG. 6 is a two dimensional illustration of an exemplary pattern for conversion of a pressed cellulose insulating board into multiple insulating panels operable to be contained within some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container;
- FIG. 7 is a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for an inner shell included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion;
- FIG. 8 is a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for a lid insulation wrap included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion;
- FIGS. 9A-9B depict the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , shown closed in FIG. 9A and open in FIG. 9B ;
- FIGS. 10A-10B depict exploded views of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary outer shell pattern that may be folded along the various creases to form an outer shell component of an exemplary portable container
- FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary inner shell pattern that may be folded along the various creases to form an inner shell component of an exemplary portable container
- FIGS. 13A-13B depict an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container configured to contain a wine bottle
- FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container configured with an insulated chamber and a non-insulated chamber
- FIG. 15 depicts exemplary embodiments of a cellulose based portable container with octagonal outer shell components
- FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary outer shell pattern that may be folded along the various creases to form an outer shell component of an exemplary portable container according to the FIG. 15 embodiment
- FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container configured for receipt of a canned or bottled beverage
- FIGS. 18A-18C depict an exemplary point of sale (“POS”) system that includes a pair of cellulose based portable containers.
- POS point of sale
- the present disclosure of various embodiments of a container is directed towards providing a portable container operable to substantially retard the transfer of energy from contents contained within its defined space, and/or the transfer of energy from outside its defined space, i.e. a cooler or thermally insulated container, and being comprised of multiple layers with each layer constructed from substantially similar materials such that the entire device is classified as biodegradable or recyclable without a requirement for deconstruction.
- a cellulose based recyclable container is a portable device comprised of recyclable materials. Some embodiments comprise components constructed entirely of, or substantially of, cellulose. Other embodiments may be comprised of recyclable materials not classified as cellulose such as, but not limited to, cotton, bamboo, hemp, or other natural fibers. Although embodiments may be used to maintain any temperature level, temperature range or simply to slow temperature decay or escalation, embodiments will generally be referred to as a cooler.
- a cellulose based recyclable container is operable to provide insulating factors that exceed those associated with single layer construction techniques, i.e. waxed corrugated boxes for example.
- a cellulose based portable container may be provided in configurations useful for prolonged maintenance of the temperature of contents stored within its defined space.
- a cellulose based portable container may be recycled by most recycling programs, public or private, without the need for deconstruction and separation of it components.
- a cellulose based portable container in lieu of being recycled, whether comprised of cellulose or some other natural fiber or material, may be reasonably expected to biodegrade with prolonged exposure to natural elements in a landfill. Additionally, because embodiments of a cellulose based portable container are comprised of cardboard inner and outer shells and, further, are easily constructed via conversion techniques readily known in the art, various shapes and artwork for embodiments are easily customizable by techniques known in the art.
- a cellulose based portable container is generally comprised of an inner shell having water resistant properties, an outer shell with a communicable lid, and insulating boards, slats or panels.
- Each component of such an embodiment is primarily constructed from a cellulose based material such as, but not limited to, corrugated cardboard, recycled newspaper, kraft board, or the like. As a result, the entire product, although comprising multiple components, may be recycled in a typical community based recycling program.
- Each component of the exemplary embodiment may be designed and converted from “sheet” forms per techniques currently known in the art.
- the outer and inner shell components may be cut from a flat sheet of cardboard, for instance, and creased such that each may communicate with the other to form a box-like shape with an integral lid
- the insulating board components may be cut in panels from a larger sheet of pressed cellulose such that each panel is operable to fit between the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell when said shells are in communication.
- some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container may comprise insulating board components having physical properties that enable the component to be creased and/or shaped with means similar to the inner or outer shell components.
- a cellulose based portable container is limited only by techniques known in the art and, therefore, while techniques and methodologies for construction of a cellulose based portable container may be novel in and of themselves, the particular shape of a cellulose based portable container or the process used to manufacture a given embodiment thereof should not limit the scope of the present invention.
- the cellulose based portable container may be square, rectangular, cylindrical, etc.
- embodiments of the cellulose based portable container may include multiple compartments or sub-spaces defined within the overall space of the container such as, but not limited to, an ice tray like arrangement having multiple pockets operable to receive contents or a lunch box like arrangement having a dedicated interior compartment for drink storage.
- an embodiment for a cellulose based portable container may take a form as described herein but additionally comprise contents within its defined space such as, but not limited to, canned liquids, foodstuff, dry ice, ice, etc.
- An embodiment comprising such contents may be sealed with a disposable or biodegradable seal such as, but not limited to, a starch based plastic.
- a disposable or biodegradable seal such as, but not limited to, a starch based plastic.
- Such an embodiment could be used as a prepackaged cooler already filled with consumable product and conveniently ready for use. Still other variations may not require a sealing component.
- a cellulose based portable container may be comprised of 100% recycled and/or 100% recyclable materials, but such is not required of all embodiments of a cellulose based portable container and, therefore, specific percentages of recycled, recyclable or reclaimed material should not be construed to limit the scope of that which is claimed.
- some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container are primarily constructed of cellulose based materials, the particular title chosen for the invention should not be construed as to limit materials that may be used in the construction of embodiments of the invention.
- those skilled in the art may construct a cellulose based portable container from any naturally occurring fiber or material with biodegradable properties or recyclable value.
- a non-exhaustive list of possible alternative materials of construction for a cellulose based portable container includes biodegradable starch based plastics or other non-petroleum based plastics, polylactic acid, sugar cane fiber (bagasse), wool, cotton, or hemp.
- an advantage of a cellulose based portable container is that it may be easily recycled by most recycling programs.
- Embodiments are comprised of multiple layers of distinct components that combine to provide superior insulating properties that exceed other cellulose based products known in the art.
- embodiments of a cellulose based portable container are structurally sound and operable to withstand repeated use.
- the interior wall of the inner shell component of a cellulose based portable container may be water or liquid resistant or even waterproof in some embodiments and, further, even air-tight or substantially air-tight.
- embodiments of a cellulose based portable container may be compostable, biodegradable, photodegradable, recyclable, or constructed of recycled content, though all embodiments may not exhibit all such properties.
- a cellulose based portable container Construction or design of a cellulose based portable container will be known to those skilled in the art and, therefore, particular shapes, sizes, or construction techniques associated with particular embodiments are not factors that may appropriately limit the scope of the invention. Creasing, folding, and adhesion techniques are typical in the construction of cellulose based products and, while possibly novel in and of themselves, are anticipated techniques for manufacture of a cellulose based portable container.
- embodiments of the cellulose based portable container may be constructed such that the inner and outer shells are laminated, or otherwise bonded, to the insulating component.
- embodiments may be designed such that the components are collapsible and operable to be communicated at the point of use to create a cellulose based portable container.
- Still other collapsible embodiments may be comprised such that the various components are pre-communicated and a cellulose based portable container may be configured at the point of use.
- communication between the multiple components in various embodiments may be mechanical or chemical in nature as such is known in the art of cellulose based product manufacture.
- Additional features and aspects that may be included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container include, but are not limited to, straps, handles, rope features, exterior treatments, locking mechanisms, separable lids, hinges, tethers, wheels, drain ports, feet, and viewing portals.
- the particular aspect or feature may be novel but the inclusion, or exclusion, of any such feature is not considered a limiting factor for the various embodiments.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective, front view of one embodiment of a cellulose based portable container, also referred to as an icebox 100 having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles. While a cellulose based portable icebox is not limited to a box-like shape, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A is comprised of an inner shell, outer shell, and insulating component that communicate such that a box-like embodiment is formed. Each panel or wall 110 A-F of the embodiment has an interior surface, which represents a portion of the inner shell, an exterior surface, which represents a portion of the outer shell, and an insulating board or panel.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective, front view of one embodiment of a cellulose based portable container, also referred to as an icebox 100 having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles.
- a cellulose based portable icebox is not limited to a box-like shape
- the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A is comprised of an inner shell, outer shell, and insulating component that communicate such that
- FIG. 1A the exterior surface of walls 110 A and 110 D can be seen while the interior surface of walls 110 B, 110 C, 110 E, and 110 F are shown. Further, the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A comprises a cut-out handle 115 such that the portion of the exterior shell representing walls 110 D and 110 B (not shown) as well as the insulating board communicating with the interior surfaces of said exterior shells are cut so that an operable handle feature is provided.
- a hinged (not shown) lid aspect The lid of the embodiment is represented by panel 110 F and is communicable via a creased hinge to the exterior surface of wall 110 C.
- wall 110 F (lid) is constructed such that a lip 120 extends out over an insulated panel 125 .
- the lip 120 may be in contact with the top edges of walls 110 A-D while the insulated panel 125 is recessed within the space defined by said walls.
- an enclosed, watertight, or water resistant, space is defined by the inner shell component and exposed surface of the lid's insulated panel 125 .
- FIG. 1B is a perspective, rear view of the same embodiment of a cellulose based portable icebox 100 having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles that is depicted in FIG. 1A .
- the exterior surface of walls 110 C, 110 D and 110 F can be seen while the interior surface of walls 110 A and 110 B are shown.
- the hinged 130 feature of the lid 110 F is also shown in the FIG. 1B illustration.
- the lid 110 F in some embodiments, such as the one depicted herein, may be constructed such that its outer surface may be a continuation of the outer shell component and connected via a creased hinge 130 technique known in the art of cardboard box construction.
- hinge 130 feature may vary with embodiments and, therefore, while possibly novel in and of itself, should not be construed as a limitation.
- the hinge 130 aspect of a cellulose based portable icebox may be comprised of a strip of fabric, a series of rope loops, a ring, a spiral wound component, etc.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective, frontal view of the same embodiment of a cellulose based portable icebox 100 having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles that is depicted in FIG. 1A , further illustrating a cutaway outer shell in order to display a portion of the interior insulating board.
- a cellulose based portable icebox is generally constructed of an inner shell nested within an outer shell and having an insulating board sandwiched between.
- a portion of the outer shell 210 functioning as the exterior surface of the front panel 110 A is shown cutaway.
- an insulating board component 200 comprised of a pressed cellulose.
- the insulating board for some embodiments is comprised of a material that may be recycled in conjunction with the inner and outer shell components without the requirement that the icebox be deconstructed.
- the inner and outer shell components are constructed of corrugated cardboard and the insulating board is constructed of a pressed, recycled cellulose board.
- the insulating board component 200 is shown within panel 110 A, it should be understood that the insulating board component 200 is also within each of the other walls, floor and lid, that operate to comprise the particular embodiment depicted.
- drain plug feature 215 operable to be sealed or opened such that liquids contained within the icebox may be either retained or drained.
- Drain plug features are well known in the art of portable iceboxes and, while particular drain plug designs may be novel in and of themselves, the presence or absence of a drain plug should not be considered a limiting factor for a cellulose based portable icebox. Further, it is anticipated that the materials of construction for a drain plug may be recyclable along with the other components of the container, however, such is not necessarily required. Drain plugs and other features in some embodiments may be of an inconsequential mass such that the presence of such a feature in a non-recyclable form would not necessitate the deconstruction of the container prior to recycling.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of an icebox 300 and lid 320 that combine to depict another embodiment of a cellulose based portable container.
- FIG. 3A is an example of a lid 320 constructed of a corrugated cardboard, or other suitable material, that is well known in the art of box making.
- the lid 320 comprises no insulating board component, as shown, though other embodiments may comprise an insulating board.
- the illustration is offered herein as an example that all embodiments of a cellulose based portable container may not comprise an insulating board component within all surfaces that define the embodiment.
- the particular lid 320 shown in FIG. 3A is equipped with sides that extend perpendicularly downward from the edges defined by the lid 320 surface such that it is operable to communicate as a lid for the icebox depicted in FIG. 3B .
- the icebox depicted in FIG. 3B is substantially constructed per that which has been outlined relative to previous embodiments.
- the particular shape of the icebox shown in FIG. 3B is tapered in nature and offered herein to illustrate one possible variation in shape that may be a feature of some embodiments.
- the tapered inner 310 and outer 305 walls of the present embodiment are useful for stacking multiple cellulose based portable iceboxes in a nested fashion.
- Other variations in shape are anticipated as associated construction techniques are well known in the art and, therefore, while shape variations may serve novel functions such as reduced space requirements for shipping of multiple units, the specific shape chosen by those skilled in the art should not be construed as a limitation.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are offered as examples of possible variations in handle aspects that may be employed by various embodiments of a cellulose based portable container.
- FIG. 4A is a close-up view of a cutout handle design 400 A as has been reference for previously described embodiments. Seen in FIG. 4A , the outer surface 430 A of the inner shell component is shown intact. Advantageously, keeping the inner shell component intact operates to maintain the integrity of the inner shell's water tightness aspects. Even so, keeping the inner shell intact is not required in all embodiments. Also shown in FIG. 4A is the exposed insulating board component 420 A and cut outer shell 410 A.
- FIG. 4B is an alternative handle design offered herein as a non-limiting example of a possible variation for a handle feature 400 B that may be comprised in some embodiments.
- a rope-like component 420 B is shown extending from holes 410 B cut into at least the outer shell of the container.
- the holes may be cut just in the outer shell, or through the outer shell and insulating board, or all the way through the outer shell and inner shell.
- fastening techniques for a rope-like handle are known in the art and may comprise, as a non-limiting example, a washer type component fastened at each end of the rope handle 420 B such that the rope handle 420 B ends cannot pull back through the holes 410 B.
- the particular choice of material for the rope may vary with the embodiment and should not be construed as a limiting factor of scope.
- the material may be recyclable by the same processes used to recycle other components in a given embodiment or, alternatively, the handle component may comprise so little mass that it would be considered inconsequential in the recycling process such that deconstruction of the embodiment would not be required for recycling.
- FIGS. 5 through 8 a typical design and construction process that is known in the art and may be applied for the construction of some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container is described.
- FIG. 5 is a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for an outer shell 500 included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container that are cube-like in shape, have integral lids and cut out handle features, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion.
- the outer shell component may be converted from a flat sheet of corrugated cardboard or another suitable material.
- Depicted in FIG. 5 is an outer shell component that has been cut from a flat sheet of corrugated cardboard but has not yet been converted into a finished outer shell.
- the crease lines are represented by dotted lines in the figure and are operable to provide a bending point during the conversion process.
- panels 505 , 510 , 510 B, 515 , 520 and 520 T will function as exterior walls for an outer shell component.
- Panel 505 B is folded to define a plane perpendicular to panel 505 .
- panel 505 is folded to define a plane perpendicular to panel 510 which is, in turn, folded perpendicular to panel 515 .
- panel 515 is folded perpendicularly to panel 520 thereby providing for the edge of panel 505 to communicate with the surface of panel 520 .
- Tab 545 can then be folded to communicate with the outer surface of panel 505 and glued in place, as is known in the art.
- panel 515 B can be folded perpendicular to panel 515 such that it is in plane with previously folded 505 B.
- Panel 520 B is folded to be in a plane parallel with previously folded panels 505 B and 515 B and, finally, to complete the bottom surface of the outer shell of the exemplary embodiment, panel 510 B is folded into a parallel plane perpendicular to previously folded panels 505 B, 515 B, and 520 B such that tab 560 may be received and retained by retention feature 550 .
- Tabs 530 , 535 and 540 are folded and glued such that each communicates with the underside of integrally hinged lid 520 T. Cutout style handles 525 are depicted in panels 505 and 515 .
- an outer shell for an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container is constructed.
- the inner shell may be converted.
- FIG. 7 a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for an inner shell 700 included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container is depicted, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion.
- the inner shell form may be cut from a flat piece of corrugated cardboard, or some other suitable material, as is known in the art.
- the crease lines are operable to provide a folding or bending point.
- panels 705 L, 705 R, 705 BK and 705 F are folded upward relative to bottom panel 705 B such that each occupies a plane substantially perpendicular to bottom panel 705 B.
- panels 710 may crease to form triangles extending diagonally outward from the seams defined by the vertically communicating edges of panels 705 L, 705 R, 705 BK and 705 F.
- the triangles may then be folded behind the outside walls of adjacent panels and glued, stitched with a cellulose based thread or otherwise connected, if necessary.
- extensions 720 and tabs 715 extend from the top edges of 705 L, 705 R, 705 BK and 705 F.
- the inner shell may be suitable for container a liquid without leakage, as the seams formed from the various creases do not provide an open path for a liquid to escape the volume defined by the inner shell.
- insulating panels can be fitted to the outside walls of the inner shell.
- FIG. 6 depicted is a two dimensional illustration of an exemplary pattern for conversion of a pressed cellulose insulating board 600 into multiple insulating panels operable to be contained within some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container.
- the front 605 F, back 605 BK, left and right side 605 L-R, bottom 605 B and top 605 T insulating board panels may be converted from a flat sheet of insulating board per techniques known in the art.
- Each board with the exception of the top board 605 T and bottom board 605 B, is placed outside the inner shell such that each communicates with the corresponding outer wall of the inner shell and the tabs 715 of the inner shell (shown in FIG. 7 ) are folded over the associated insulating board and fastened per techniques known in the art.
- tabs 715 are folded over the installed insulating boards, extensions 720 extend over the edges of the insulating boards thereby providing protection to the insulating boards from exposure.
- extensions 720 may substantially prevent the insulating boards from being exposed to liquids that are poured out of the volume defined by the inner shell of a finished cooler, such as melted ice for example.
- panel 605 B may be placed at the bottom of previously converted outer shell 500 .
- previously converted inner shell 700 along with the installed insulating boards may be nested into the outer shell and secured via techniques known in the art.
- FIG. 8 a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for a lid insulation wrap 800 included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container is depicted, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion.
- the final insulating board 605 T may be communicated with the interior surface 805 of the lid insulation wrap 800 and secured by folding flaps 810 over the board.
- the flaps 810 may be fastened via techniques known in the art, such as gluing.
- the lid insulation wrap 800 and insulating board 605 T assembly may be fastened to the underside of the integral lid 520 T associated with the outer shell 500 , thereby completing the assembly of an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container.
- FIGS. 9A-9B depict the exemplary embodiment 100 , shown closed in FIG. 9A and open in FIG. 9B .
- the portable container 100 may contain items 905 .
- the temperature of the items 905 may be maintained or regulated by virtue of the restricted heat transfer attributable to the portable container 100 .
- certain embodiments of a portable cellulose container 100 may be prepackaged for retail to include items 905 , such as canned beverages.
- a prepackaged embodiment of a portable cellulose container 100 may be bought by a consumer, opened and filled with ice around the items 905 .
- FIGS. 10A-10B depict exploded views of the exemplary embodiment 100 .
- the various insulating boards 201 can be seen positioned relative to corresponding walls 705 of the inner shell.
- the position of the extensions 720 and tabs 715 of the inner shell component can be seen relative to the various insulating boards 201 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary outer shell pattern 1100 that may be folded along the various creases to form an outer shell component of an exemplary portable container.
- the method to fold the exemplary pattern 1100 along the creases is similar to that which has been described relative to FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary inner shell pattern 1200 that may be folded along the various creases to form an inner shell component of an exemplary portable container.
- the method of folding the exemplary pattern 1200 along the creases is similar to that which has been described relative to FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 13A-13B depict an exemplary embodiment 1300 of a cellulose based portable container configured to contain a wine bottle or other item of similar size.
- a cellulose based portable container such as the exemplary embodiment 1300 will be suitable for maintaining or regulating the temperature of an item contained within it. Because the inner and outer shell components and insulating components may retard the transfer of thermal energy, the temperature of an item within the container may be controlled.
- FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary embodiment 1400 of a cellulose based portable container configured with an insulated chamber 1405 and a non-insulated chamber 1410 .
- the insulated chamber 1405 may substantially retard thermal energy transfer to such an extent that the temperature of the item may be controlled.
- the non-insulated chamber 1410 may serve as a convenient means for containing, protecting and transporting the item.
- FIG. 15 depicts exemplary embodiments 1500 of a cellulose based portable container with octagonal outer shell components.
- FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary outer shell pattern that may be folded along the various creases to form an outer shell component of an exemplary portable container according to the FIG. 15 embodiments.
- FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container 1700 configured for receipt of a canned or bottled beverage.
- the exemplary embodiment 1700 is depicted without an outer or inner shell component although it is envisioned that other embodiments may include either or both of an inner and outer shell component.
- the exemplary embodiment 1700 is comprised essentially of a single insulating component 1705 formed in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom aspect. Similar embodiments may be formed in the shape of a tube, without a bottom aspect.
- the seam may be formed of stitch, glue, or other means understood in the art.
- FIGS. 18A-18C depict an exemplary point of sale (“POS”) system 1800 that includes a pair of cellulose based portable containers 1805 A, 1805 B.
- the containers 1805 A, 1805 B may be constructed similar to that which has been described above and include a serious of insulating components sandwiched in a space defined between the outer walls of an inner shell and the inner walls of an outer shell.
- the system 1800 may include exterior system walls such as exterior side wall 1810 S and exterior front wall 1810 F, not all embodiments of containers 1805 A, 1805 B will necessarily include outer shells—exterior walls 1810 may suffice to contain the insulating boards against the inner shells of containers 1805 A, 1805 B and serve the functions described above relative to outer shell components.
- the containers 1805 may include drains 1815 for providing a point from which liquid held in the containers 1805 can be drained through a drain system 1820 .
- the exterior walls 1810 of the system 1800 may be suitable for display of advertisements, decor or other graphics.
- a support floor component 1825 may be included in some embodiments to provide added support structure and rigidity to the system 1800 for supporting containers 1805 when loaded with product such as beverages, ice, etc. It is further envisioned that some embodiments may include additional support structure 1830 in the lower portion of the system 1800 .
- the support components of the system 1800 such as but not limited to floor component 1825 and support structure 1830 , operate to position the containers 1805 at a height above the ground that may be convenient for presentation of product to a consumer at a point of sale.
- the inner shell and the outer shells of various portable container embodiments have been described as two separate components, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the inner shell and outer shell may be formed from a single sheet of material, that once folded will create an inner and outer shell.
- the insulating components may be attached or affixed to the appropriate locations of the sheet prior to being folded, or at critical junctures in the folding process.
- cellulose based insulation can be sprayed or blown into a space or cavity defined between the inner shell and the outer shell.
- slats of insulating material may be used to help maintain the integrity (such as rigidness) of the container, as well as the shape. The slats allow the gap between the inner shell and the outer shell to be separated and thus, air operates as the insulation between the inner and outer shells.
- simple plugs or spacers may be utilized.
- all materials between the inner shell and the outer shell may be eliminated in some embodiments and simply air is used as the insulation in the space between the shells.
- an insert or liner may be used to create the water tight structure.
- a structure formed by pressing a cellulose based material into the appropriate shape may provide the water tight capabilities, if required.
- the pressed structure may be constructed to slide into the interior compartment defined by the inner shell and either completely wall the interior compartment, only wall the lower portion of the interior compartment, or simply divide the interior compartment into two or more chambers.
- the seams of the outer shell, and possibly the inner shell can be perforated to facilitate the ability to break the container down to a flat form when the container is retired.
- some embodiments may only include an interior shell with the insulating panels or boards attached to the outside of the shell. In other embodiments, only an outer shell may be used with the insulating panels or boards attached to the interior walls of the outer shell.
- multiple shells may be utilized to provide even greater thermal characteristics.
- an outer shell, an inner shell and one or more middle shells may be used in one embodiment.
- Insulating components can be included or excluded between the various shells.
- this structure can be used to further improve the insulating or thermal ability of the container.
- the outer shell and inner shell may be constructed out of substantially thin material and formed into a multi-layer bag structure.
- the insulating material either as a board or loose form can then be placed between the layers.
- the bag opening can be opened and items placed into the interior of the insulated bag.
- Various means can be used to provide a closing mechanism for the bag opening.
- such a structure provides a recyclable insulated bag that can be used for shopping, grocery transport, fast food transport, etc.
Abstract
Disclosed is a portable cooler device comprised of recyclable materials. Some embodiments of the device comprise components constructed entirely of, or substantially of, cellulose. Other embodiments may be comprised of recyclable materials not classified as cellulose such as, but not limited to, cotton, bamboo, hemp, or other natural fibers. The specific percentages of recycled and/or recyclable content are not limiting factors for the invention; however, most embodiments have consistent materials of construction such that the entire device may be recycled in a single recycling process without the need for deconstruction. Further, if not recycled, embodiments may be suited to biodegrade within a reasonable amount of time when exposed to the elements in a landfill. Typical embodiments are comprised of an inner shell, an outer shell and pressed cellulose insulating boards sandwiched between the shells.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part application that claims the benefit of the filing date of the U.S. application entitled “CELLULOSE BASED RECYCLABLE CONTAINER,” filed on Apr. 13, 2009 and assigned application Ser. No. 12/422,725.
- A portable icebox, or what is commonly called a “cooler,” is an apparatus that has become commonplace in today's society. A cooler, generally, is any container operable to prevent, or at least substantially retard, the transfer of energy into, or out of, the contents contained within a space defined by its walls. When one thinks about it, the applications for a container having the requisite properties to keep its contents at a given temperature, especially a cold temperature, are seemingly without limit.
- In years past, portable coolers often took the form of a box with a lid, hinged or otherwise, having walls comprised of tin, aluminum, or some other metallic material of construction that could be fashioned around a rigid component having some modicum of insulating value, such as wood. The result was a somewhat waterproof shell fastened around an otherwise wooden box such that ice, water, and any contents having a requirement to be kept cold could be transported or stored without spoiling.
- While the basic concept, and primary purpose, of a portable cooler hasn't changed much, the construction and preferred materials of construction certainly have. With the availability of Styrofoam (i.e., expanded polystyrene), the waterproofing aspects and insulating aspects of a cooler can be had with a single material of construction. Styrofoam is easily molded and inexpensive to the point that a user doesn't think twice about discarding the cooler after its use. Of course, the lack of durability for Styrofoam coolers greatly increases the probability that a user will, in fact, discard the product after only one or two uses. Further, presumably due to cost considerations, Styrofoam coolers usually have separable tops that are not hinged to the main body of the cooler, thus having a propensity to lose their tops and, simultaneously, their usefulness. At the inevitable point that a Styrofoam cooler has outlived its short, useful life, therein lays the main problem—responsible disposal.
- From a technical standpoint, Styrofoam is recyclable. From practical and economical standpoints, however, Styrofoam products cannot be recycled. With current recycling technology, the cost to recycle Styrofoam products exceeds the value of the reclaimed raw material. Further, the process of recycling some Styrofoam products may cause the environmentally detrimental release of CFCs. Consequently, very few recycling programs, municipal or private, bother to accept Styrofoam products. As a result, Styrofoam products, such as Styrofoam coolers, find their way into landfills after being discarded and such is not desirable as Styrofoam is not biodegradable. Therefore, what is needed in the art is an inexpensive portable cooler being comprised of an environmentally responsible material that is accepted in a majority of community recycling programs. Further, what is needed in the art is a portable cooler comprised of a material that is generally known to biodegrade during prolonged exposure to the elements, should the cooler not be recycled by its user.
- At the price point of a Styrofoam cooler, but far more environmentally suitable for disposal, is what amounts to a basic, single walled box structure made of waxed corrugated cardboard. Comprising an inexpensive, single use cooler device out of waxed cardboard is well known in the art. Similarly, a cooler device comprising a cardboard box with a separable waterproof liner component is also well known in the art. Promotional companies seeking to provide a cooler product with customized artwork and logos for specialized events often make use of printed cardboard boxes having either a wax treatment, or some other surface treatment, or separable liner for added resistance to water egress. The problem with such products, however, is that by the virtue of their single layer cardboard walls and/or thin separable liner, they lack durability and are prone to failure when used multiple times. Also, the insulating capabilities of typical cardboard coolers are inadequate as the R-factor associated with a given cooler is limited by the cardboard used in construction. As the overall thickness and design of the corrugated cardboard used to construct the box is limited by manufacturing and cost constraints, coolers made of a single layer of cardboard can only minimally inhibit the transfer of energy. Therefore, what is needed in the art is a cooler design that employs cellulose based recyclable materials of construction, or other recyclable materials of construction, and offers a means for providing R-values that exceed that of single walled cardboard based coolers already known in the art. Further, what is needed in the art is a cooler made of recyclable, cellulose based materials of construction, or other recyclable materials of construction, having an overall durability that makes it suitable for repeated use.
- At the other end of the spectrum from Styrofoam coolers and basic corrugated boxes are the more expensive, and durable, plastic coolers with foam based insulating cores. Coolers that fall into this class are generally purchased for prolonged, repeated use and are available in a range of sizes and shapes with myriad features. Consequently, plastic coolers with all the associated features and designs are predictably expensive. Also, such coolers are not practical to customize with artwork for special events or promotions as the hard plastic exteriors are not well suited for printing. Further, while some types of plastics are accepted by typical recycling programs, plastic coolers are generally comprised of plastic types that are not considered economical to recycle. Moreover, plastic coolers known in the art are not biodegradable and, even if the components comprising a plastic cooler are technically, if not practically, recyclable, doing so would require deconstruction and separation of the components prior to transferring each to disparate recycling processes. Therefore, what is needed in the art is a portable cooler comprised of materials that are not only readily accepted by recycling programs, but are also easily customizable and printable. Further, what is needed in the art is a portable cooler having all components comprised of materials that may be recycled in a single recycling process.
- Prior art for portable coolers are inadequate. They do not provide for a durable product that can withstand repeated uses, substantially inhibit energy transfer, be recycled by most recycling programs, and biodegrade if exposed to the elements for a prolonged time. The cellulose based recyclable container provides for these needs in the art, as well as other needs in the art, and is described in detail herein.
- A cellulose based container that is suitable for providing a level of thermal insulation is presented. Although exemplary containers are referred to as ice boxes or coolers throughout this description, it should be understood that the container may also be utilized to keep items warm or simply stable. The disclosed recyclable container is a portable cooler device comprised of recyclable materials. Some embodiments comprise components constructed entirely of, or substantially of, cellulose. Other embodiments may be comprised of recyclable materials not classified as cellulose such as, but not limited to, cotton, bamboo, hemp, or other natural fibers.
- Unlike wax treated corrugated boxes already known in the art, a cellulose based recyclable container is operable to provide insulating factors that exceed those associated with single layer construction techniques. By combining an outer shell and inner shell with a substantially rigid, cellulose based pressed board or bat sandwiched in between, a cellulose based portable container may be provided in configurations useful for prolonged maintenance of the temperature of contents stored within its defined space. Further, and unlike plastic and foam core portable cooler designs, a cellulose based portable container may be recycled by most community based, or private, recycling programs without the need for deconstruction and separation of its components. Also, a cellulose based portable container in lieu of being recycled, whether comprised of cellulose or some other natural fiber, may be reasonably expected to biodegrade with prolonged exposure to natural elements in a landfill. Additionally, because embodiments of a cellulose based portable container are comprised of cardboard inner and outer shells and, further, are easily constructed via conversion techniques readily known in the art, shapes and artwork for various embodiments are easily customizable.
- One embodiment of a cellulose based portable container is generally comprised of an inner shell having water resistant properties, an outer shell with a communicable lid, and insulating boards. Each component of such an embodiment is primarily constructed from a cellulose based material such as, but not limited to, corrugated cardboard, recycled newspaper, kraft board, or the like. As a result, the entire product, although comprising multiple components, may be recycled in a typical community based recycling program.
- Each component of the exemplary embodiment may be designed and converted from “sheet” forms per techniques currently known in the art. The outer and inner shell components may be cut from a flat sheet of cardboard, for instance, and creased such that each may communicate with the other to form a box-like shape with an integral lid, although it is envisioned that other embodiments may have a separable lid or a lid that is connected to the main body of the embodiment by way of a hinging means. Likewise, the insulating board components may be cut in panels from a larger sheet of pressed cellulose such that each panel is operable to fit between the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell when the shells are nested. Notably, the components of some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container may be comprised of 100% recycled and/or 100% recyclable materials, but such is not required of all embodiments of a cellulose based portable container and, therefore, specific percentages of recycled, recyclable or reclaimed material should not be construed to limit the scope of that which is claimed.
-
FIG. 1A is a perspective, front view of an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles; -
FIG. 1B is a perspective, rear view of the exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles featured inFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplaryFIG. 1 embodiment of a cellulose based portable container, shown with a cutaway outer shell to display a portion of the interior insulating board; -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a separable lid included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container; -
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container having a tapered construction to facilitate stacking by nesting; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary cut out handle feature included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container; -
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an exemplary handle design included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container, being comprised of a material in the form of a rope; -
FIG. 5 is a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for an outer shell included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container that have cut out handle features, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion; -
FIG. 6 is a two dimensional illustration of an exemplary pattern for conversion of a pressed cellulose insulating board into multiple insulating panels operable to be contained within some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container; -
FIG. 7 is a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for an inner shell included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion; -
FIG. 8 is a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for a lid insulation wrap included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion; -
FIGS. 9A-9B depict the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1 , shown closed inFIG. 9A and open inFIG. 9B ; -
FIGS. 10A-10B depict exploded views of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary outer shell pattern that may be folded along the various creases to form an outer shell component of an exemplary portable container; -
FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary inner shell pattern that may be folded along the various creases to form an inner shell component of an exemplary portable container; -
FIGS. 13A-13B depict an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container configured to contain a wine bottle; -
FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container configured with an insulated chamber and a non-insulated chamber; -
FIG. 15 depicts exemplary embodiments of a cellulose based portable container with octagonal outer shell components; -
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary outer shell pattern that may be folded along the various creases to form an outer shell component of an exemplary portable container according to theFIG. 15 embodiment; -
FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container configured for receipt of a canned or bottled beverage; and -
FIGS. 18A-18C depict an exemplary point of sale (“POS”) system that includes a pair of cellulose based portable containers. - The present disclosure of various embodiments of a container, as well as features and aspects thereof, is directed towards providing a portable container operable to substantially retard the transfer of energy from contents contained within its defined space, and/or the transfer of energy from outside its defined space, i.e. a cooler or thermally insulated container, and being comprised of multiple layers with each layer constructed from substantially similar materials such that the entire device is classified as biodegradable or recyclable without a requirement for deconstruction.
- Generally, a cellulose based recyclable container is a portable device comprised of recyclable materials. Some embodiments comprise components constructed entirely of, or substantially of, cellulose. Other embodiments may be comprised of recyclable materials not classified as cellulose such as, but not limited to, cotton, bamboo, hemp, or other natural fibers. Although embodiments may be used to maintain any temperature level, temperature range or simply to slow temperature decay or escalation, embodiments will generally be referred to as a cooler.
- Unlike wax treated corrugated boxes already known in the art, a cellulose based recyclable container is operable to provide insulating factors that exceed those associated with single layer construction techniques, i.e. waxed corrugated boxes for example. By combining an outer shell and inner shell with substantially rigid, cellulose based pressed insulating board or bat sandwiched in between, a cellulose based portable container may be provided in configurations useful for prolonged maintenance of the temperature of contents stored within its defined space. Further, and unlike typical plastic and foam core portable cooler designs, a cellulose based portable container may be recycled by most recycling programs, public or private, without the need for deconstruction and separation of it components. Also, a cellulose based portable container, in lieu of being recycled, whether comprised of cellulose or some other natural fiber or material, may be reasonably expected to biodegrade with prolonged exposure to natural elements in a landfill. Additionally, because embodiments of a cellulose based portable container are comprised of cardboard inner and outer shells and, further, are easily constructed via conversion techniques readily known in the art, various shapes and artwork for embodiments are easily customizable by techniques known in the art.
- One embodiment of a cellulose based portable container is generally comprised of an inner shell having water resistant properties, an outer shell with a communicable lid, and insulating boards, slats or panels. Each component of such an embodiment is primarily constructed from a cellulose based material such as, but not limited to, corrugated cardboard, recycled newspaper, kraft board, or the like. As a result, the entire product, although comprising multiple components, may be recycled in a typical community based recycling program.
- Each component of the exemplary embodiment may be designed and converted from “sheet” forms per techniques currently known in the art. The outer and inner shell components may be cut from a flat sheet of cardboard, for instance, and creased such that each may communicate with the other to form a box-like shape with an integral lid Likewise, the insulating board components may be cut in panels from a larger sheet of pressed cellulose such that each panel is operable to fit between the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell when said shells are in communication. Alternatively, in lieu of cutting, some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container may comprise insulating board components having physical properties that enable the component to be creased and/or shaped with means similar to the inner or outer shell components.
- It should be noted that the particular shape of a cellulose based portable container is limited only by techniques known in the art and, therefore, while techniques and methodologies for construction of a cellulose based portable container may be novel in and of themselves, the particular shape of a cellulose based portable container or the process used to manufacture a given embodiment thereof should not limit the scope of the present invention. As non-limiting examples, the cellulose based portable container may be square, rectangular, cylindrical, etc. Additionally, embodiments of the cellulose based portable container may include multiple compartments or sub-spaces defined within the overall space of the container such as, but not limited to, an ice tray like arrangement having multiple pockets operable to receive contents or a lunch box like arrangement having a dedicated interior compartment for drink storage.
- Another non-limiting example of an embodiment for a cellulose based portable container may take a form as described herein but additionally comprise contents within its defined space such as, but not limited to, canned liquids, foodstuff, dry ice, ice, etc. An embodiment comprising such contents may be sealed with a disposable or biodegradable seal such as, but not limited to, a starch based plastic. Such an embodiment could be used as a prepackaged cooler already filled with consumable product and conveniently ready for use. Still other variations may not require a sealing component.
- Notably, the components of some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container may be comprised of 100% recycled and/or 100% recyclable materials, but such is not required of all embodiments of a cellulose based portable container and, therefore, specific percentages of recycled, recyclable or reclaimed material should not be construed to limit the scope of that which is claimed. Further, while some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container are primarily constructed of cellulose based materials, the particular title chosen for the invention should not be construed as to limit materials that may be used in the construction of embodiments of the invention. Moreover, it is anticipated that those skilled in the art may construct a cellulose based portable container from any naturally occurring fiber or material with biodegradable properties or recyclable value. A non-exhaustive list of possible alternative materials of construction for a cellulose based portable container includes biodegradable starch based plastics or other non-petroleum based plastics, polylactic acid, sugar cane fiber (bagasse), wool, cotton, or hemp.
- As has been described, an advantage of a cellulose based portable container is that it may be easily recycled by most recycling programs. Embodiments are comprised of multiple layers of distinct components that combine to provide superior insulating properties that exceed other cellulose based products known in the art. Further, by virtue of using multiple layers, embodiments of a cellulose based portable container are structurally sound and operable to withstand repeated use. Moreover, the interior wall of the inner shell component of a cellulose based portable container may be water or liquid resistant or even waterproof in some embodiments and, further, even air-tight or substantially air-tight. Further, embodiments of a cellulose based portable container may be compostable, biodegradable, photodegradable, recyclable, or constructed of recycled content, though all embodiments may not exhibit all such properties.
- Construction or design of a cellulose based portable container will be known to those skilled in the art and, therefore, particular shapes, sizes, or construction techniques associated with particular embodiments are not factors that may appropriately limit the scope of the invention. Creasing, folding, and adhesion techniques are typical in the construction of cellulose based products and, while possibly novel in and of themselves, are anticipated techniques for manufacture of a cellulose based portable container. For example, embodiments of the cellulose based portable container may be constructed such that the inner and outer shells are laminated, or otherwise bonded, to the insulating component. Additionally, embodiments may be designed such that the components are collapsible and operable to be communicated at the point of use to create a cellulose based portable container. Still other collapsible embodiments may be comprised such that the various components are pre-communicated and a cellulose based portable container may be configured at the point of use. Moreover, communication between the multiple components in various embodiments may be mechanical or chemical in nature as such is known in the art of cellulose based product manufacture.
- Additional features and aspects that may be included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container include, but are not limited to, straps, handles, rope features, exterior treatments, locking mechanisms, separable lids, hinges, tethers, wheels, drain ports, feet, and viewing portals. The particular aspect or feature may be novel but the inclusion, or exclusion, of any such feature is not considered a limiting factor for the various embodiments.
- Turning now to the figures, where like labels represent like elements throughout the drawings, various aspects, features and embodiments will be presented in more detail. The examples as set forth in the drawings and detailed description are provided by way of explanation and are not meant as limitations. The various embodiments thus include any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
-
FIG. 1A is a perspective, front view of one embodiment of a cellulose based portable container, also referred to as anicebox 100 having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles. While a cellulose based portable icebox is not limited to a box-like shape, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A is comprised of an inner shell, outer shell, and insulating component that communicate such that a box-like embodiment is formed. Each panel orwall 110A-F of the embodiment has an interior surface, which represents a portion of the inner shell, an exterior surface, which represents a portion of the outer shell, and an insulating board or panel. InFIG. 1A , the exterior surface ofwalls walls FIG. 1A comprises a cut-out handle 115 such that the portion of the exteriorshell representing walls - Also featured in the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 1A is a hinged (not shown) lid aspect. The lid of the embodiment is represented bypanel 110F and is communicable via a creased hinge to the exterior surface ofwall 110C. Unlikewalls 110A-E,wall 110F (lid) is constructed such that alip 120 extends out over aninsulated panel 125. When thelid 110F is in full communication with the top edges ofwalls 110A-D, thelip 120 may be in contact with the top edges ofwalls 110A-D while theinsulated panel 125 is recessed within the space defined by said walls. Advantageously, when thelid 110F is in full communication with the top edges ofwalls 110A-D, an enclosed, watertight, or water resistant, space is defined by the inner shell component and exposed surface of the lid'sinsulated panel 125. -
FIG. 1B is a perspective, rear view of the same embodiment of a cellulose basedportable icebox 100 having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles that is depicted inFIG. 1A . In theFIG. 1B , however, the exterior surface ofwalls walls FIG. 1B illustration is the hinged 130 feature of thelid 110F. As has been described, thelid 110F in some embodiments, such as the one depicted herein, may be constructed such that its outer surface may be a continuation of the outer shell component and connected via acreased hinge 130 technique known in the art of cardboard box construction. Even so, it is important to note that theparticular hinge 130 feature may vary with embodiments and, therefore, while possibly novel in and of itself, should not be construed as a limitation. As a non-exhaustive list of examples, it is anticipated that thehinge 130 aspect of a cellulose based portable icebox may be comprised of a strip of fabric, a series of rope loops, a ring, a spiral wound component, etc. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective, frontal view of the same embodiment of a cellulose basedportable icebox 100 having an integrally hinged lid and cut out handles that is depicted inFIG. 1A , further illustrating a cutaway outer shell in order to display a portion of the interior insulating board. As has been described prior, a cellulose based portable icebox is generally constructed of an inner shell nested within an outer shell and having an insulating board sandwiched between. As can be seen in theFIG. 2 illustration, a portion of theouter shell 210 functioning as the exterior surface of thefront panel 110A is shown cutaway. Residing beneath theouter shell 210 and outside the inner shell is an insulatingboard component 200 comprised of a pressed cellulose. As has been described, the insulating board for some embodiments is comprised of a material that may be recycled in conjunction with the inner and outer shell components without the requirement that the icebox be deconstructed. For example, in some embodiments, the inner and outer shell components are constructed of corrugated cardboard and the insulating board is constructed of a pressed, recycled cellulose board. Further, while the insulatingboard component 200 is shown withinpanel 110A, it should be understood that the insulatingboard component 200 is also within each of the other walls, floor and lid, that operate to comprise the particular embodiment depicted. - Also seen in
FIG. 2 , is adrain plug feature 215 operable to be sealed or opened such that liquids contained within the icebox may be either retained or drained. Drain plug features are well known in the art of portable iceboxes and, while particular drain plug designs may be novel in and of themselves, the presence or absence of a drain plug should not be considered a limiting factor for a cellulose based portable icebox. Further, it is anticipated that the materials of construction for a drain plug may be recyclable along with the other components of the container, however, such is not necessarily required. Drain plugs and other features in some embodiments may be of an inconsequential mass such that the presence of such a feature in a non-recyclable form would not necessitate the deconstruction of the container prior to recycling. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of anicebox 300 andlid 320 that combine to depict another embodiment of a cellulose based portable container. Notably,FIG. 3A is an example of alid 320 constructed of a corrugated cardboard, or other suitable material, that is well known in the art of box making. Thelid 320 comprises no insulating board component, as shown, though other embodiments may comprise an insulating board. The illustration is offered herein as an example that all embodiments of a cellulose based portable container may not comprise an insulating board component within all surfaces that define the embodiment. Theparticular lid 320 shown inFIG. 3A is equipped with sides that extend perpendicularly downward from the edges defined by thelid 320 surface such that it is operable to communicate as a lid for the icebox depicted inFIG. 3B . - The icebox depicted in
FIG. 3B is substantially constructed per that which has been outlined relative to previous embodiments. The particular shape of the icebox shown inFIG. 3B , however, is tapered in nature and offered herein to illustrate one possible variation in shape that may be a feature of some embodiments. Advantageously, the tapered inner 310 and outer 305 walls of the present embodiment are useful for stacking multiple cellulose based portable iceboxes in a nested fashion. Other variations in shape are anticipated as associated construction techniques are well known in the art and, therefore, while shape variations may serve novel functions such as reduced space requirements for shipping of multiple units, the specific shape chosen by those skilled in the art should not be construed as a limitation. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are offered as examples of possible variations in handle aspects that may be employed by various embodiments of a cellulose based portable container.FIG. 4A is a close-up view of acutout handle design 400A as has been reference for previously described embodiments. Seen inFIG. 4A , theouter surface 430A of the inner shell component is shown intact. Advantageously, keeping the inner shell component intact operates to maintain the integrity of the inner shell's water tightness aspects. Even so, keeping the inner shell intact is not required in all embodiments. Also shown inFIG. 4A is the exposed insulatingboard component 420A and cutouter shell 410A. -
FIG. 4B is an alternative handle design offered herein as a non-limiting example of a possible variation for ahandle feature 400B that may be comprised in some embodiments. InFIG. 4B , a rope-like component 420B is shown extending fromholes 410B cut into at least the outer shell of the container. Notably, the holes may be cut just in the outer shell, or through the outer shell and insulating board, or all the way through the outer shell and inner shell. Regardless, fastening techniques for a rope-like handle are known in the art and may comprise, as a non-limiting example, a washer type component fastened at each end of the rope handle 420B such that therope handle 420B ends cannot pull back through theholes 410B. Further, as has been described, it is anticipated that the particular choice of material for the rope may vary with the embodiment and should not be construed as a limiting factor of scope. The material may be recyclable by the same processes used to recycle other components in a given embodiment or, alternatively, the handle component may comprise so little mass that it would be considered inconsequential in the recycling process such that deconstruction of the embodiment would not be required for recycling. - Moving now to
FIGS. 5 through 8 , a typical design and construction process that is known in the art and may be applied for the construction of some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container is described. -
FIG. 5 is a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for anouter shell 500 included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container that are cube-like in shape, have integral lids and cut out handle features, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion. In some embodiments, the outer shell component may be converted from a flat sheet of corrugated cardboard or another suitable material. Depicted inFIG. 5 is an outer shell component that has been cut from a flat sheet of corrugated cardboard but has not yet been converted into a finished outer shell. The crease lines are represented by dotted lines in the figure and are operable to provide a bending point during the conversion process. Once converted,panels - To convert into an outer shell, the component depicted in
FIG. 5 is folded along the crease lines.Panel 505B is folded to define a plane perpendicular topanel 505. Next,panel 505 is folded to define a plane perpendicular topanel 510 which is, in turn, folded perpendicular topanel 515. Subsequently,panel 515 is folded perpendicularly topanel 520 thereby providing for the edge ofpanel 505 to communicate with the surface ofpanel 520.Tab 545 can then be folded to communicate with the outer surface ofpanel 505 and glued in place, as is known in the art. Next,panel 515B can be folded perpendicular topanel 515 such that it is in plane with previously folded 505B.Panel 520B is folded to be in a plane parallel with previously foldedpanels panel 510B is folded into a parallel plane perpendicular to previously foldedpanels tab 560 may be received and retained byretention feature 550.Tabs lid 520T. Cutout style handles 525 are depicted inpanels - Once the outer shell has been constructed for the exemplary embodiment, the inner shell may be converted. Moving now to
FIG. 7 , a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for aninner shell 700 included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container is depicted, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion. Using substantially the same methodology of conversion as described relative to the outer shell inFIG. 5 , the inner shell form may be cut from a flat piece of corrugated cardboard, or some other suitable material, as is known in the art. The crease lines are operable to provide a folding or bending point. To convert the inner shell, which in most embodiments will comprise a water resistant surface,panels bottom panel 705B such that each occupies a plane substantially perpendicular tobottom panel 705B. Once each panel is folded upward,panels 710 may crease to form triangles extending diagonally outward from the seams defined by the vertically communicating edges ofpanels extensions 720 andtabs 715 extend from the top edges of 705L, 705R, 705BK and 705F. Advantageously, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, the inner shell may be suitable for container a liquid without leakage, as the seams formed from the various creases do not provide an open path for a liquid to escape the volume defined by the inner shell. - Once the outer shell and inner shell has been constructed for the exemplary embodiment, insulating panels can be fitted to the outside walls of the inner shell. Moving back to
FIG. 6 , depicted is a two dimensional illustration of an exemplary pattern for conversion of a pressedcellulose insulating board 600 into multiple insulating panels operable to be contained within some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container. As shown, the front 605F, back 605BK, left andright side 605L-R,bottom 605B and top 605T insulating board panels may be converted from a flat sheet of insulating board per techniques known in the art. Each board, with the exception of thetop board 605T andbottom board 605B, is placed outside the inner shell such that each communicates with the corresponding outer wall of the inner shell and thetabs 715 of the inner shell (shown inFIG. 7 ) are folded over the associated insulating board and fastened per techniques known in the art. Notably, whentabs 715 are folded over the installed insulating boards,extensions 720 extend over the edges of the insulating boards thereby providing protection to the insulating boards from exposure. Advantageously, by protecting the insulating boards,extensions 720 may substantially prevent the insulating boards from being exposed to liquids that are poured out of the volume defined by the inner shell of a finished cooler, such as melted ice for example. - Once the insulating
board panels panel 605B may be placed at the bottom of previously convertedouter shell 500. Next, previously convertedinner shell 700 along with the installed insulating boards may be nested into the outer shell and secured via techniques known in the art. - Moving now to
FIG. 8 , a two dimensional view of an exemplary design for alid insulation wrap 800 included in some embodiments of a cellulose based portable container is depicted, illustrating the crease lines prior to conversion. Per the conversion methodology described prior, the final insulatingboard 605T may be communicated with theinterior surface 805 of thelid insulation wrap 800 and secured by foldingflaps 810 over the board. Theflaps 810 may be fastened via techniques known in the art, such as gluing. Thelid insulation wrap 800 and insulatingboard 605T assembly may be fastened to the underside of theintegral lid 520T associated with theouter shell 500, thereby completing the assembly of an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose based portable container. -
FIGS. 9A-9B depict theexemplary embodiment 100, shown closed inFIG. 9A and open inFIG. 9B . As can be seen inFIG. 9B , theportable container 100 may containitems 905. Advantageously, the temperature of theitems 905 may be maintained or regulated by virtue of the restricted heat transfer attributable to theportable container 100. It is envisioned that certain embodiments of aportable cellulose container 100, may be prepackaged for retail to includeitems 905, such as canned beverages. As one of ordinary skill in the art would recognized, a prepackaged embodiment of aportable cellulose container 100 may be bought by a consumer, opened and filled with ice around theitems 905. -
FIGS. 10A-10B depict exploded views of theexemplary embodiment 100. In theFIG. 10 illustrations, he various insulating boards 201 can be seen positioned relative to corresponding walls 705 of the inner shell. Also, the position of theextensions 720 andtabs 715 of the inner shell component can be seen relative to the various insulating boards 201. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplaryouter shell pattern 1100 that may be folded along the various creases to form an outer shell component of an exemplary portable container. The method to fold theexemplary pattern 1100 along the creases is similar to that which has been described relative toFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplaryinner shell pattern 1200 that may be folded along the various creases to form an inner shell component of an exemplary portable container. The method of folding theexemplary pattern 1200 along the creases is similar to that which has been described relative toFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 13A-13B depict anexemplary embodiment 1300 of a cellulose based portable container configured to contain a wine bottle or other item of similar size. Advantageously, a cellulose based portable container such as theexemplary embodiment 1300 will be suitable for maintaining or regulating the temperature of an item contained within it. Because the inner and outer shell components and insulating components may retard the transfer of thermal energy, the temperature of an item within the container may be controlled. -
FIG. 14 depicts anexemplary embodiment 1400 of a cellulose based portable container configured with aninsulated chamber 1405 and anon-insulated chamber 1410. Advantageously, for items in need of temperature regulation such as, for example, a chilled bottle of white wine, theinsulated chamber 1405 may substantially retard thermal energy transfer to such an extent that the temperature of the item may be controlled. By contrast, for items that do not require much if any temperature regulation such as, for example, a room temperature bottle of red wine, thenon-insulated chamber 1410 may serve as a convenient means for containing, protecting and transporting the item. -
FIG. 15 depictsexemplary embodiments 1500 of a cellulose based portable container with octagonal outer shell components. -
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary outer shell pattern that may be folded along the various creases to form an outer shell component of an exemplary portable container according to theFIG. 15 embodiments. -
FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cellulose basedportable container 1700 configured for receipt of a canned or bottled beverage. Notably, theexemplary embodiment 1700 is depicted without an outer or inner shell component although it is envisioned that other embodiments may include either or both of an inner and outer shell component. Theexemplary embodiment 1700, however, is comprised essentially of a single insulatingcomponent 1705 formed in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom aspect. Similar embodiments may be formed in the shape of a tube, without a bottom aspect. The seam may be formed of stitch, glue, or other means understood in the art. -
FIGS. 18A-18C depict an exemplary point of sale (“POS”)system 1800 that includes a pair of cellulose basedportable containers containers system 1800 may include exterior system walls such asexterior side wall 1810S and exteriorfront wall 1810F, not all embodiments ofcontainers containers - The containers 1805 may include drains 1815 for providing a point from which liquid held in the containers 1805 can be drained through a
drain system 1820. Notably, as is illustrated inFIG. 18A , the exterior walls 1810 of thesystem 1800 may be suitable for display of advertisements, decor or other graphics. Asupport floor component 1825 may be included in some embodiments to provide added support structure and rigidity to thesystem 1800 for supporting containers 1805 when loaded with product such as beverages, ice, etc. It is further envisioned that some embodiments may includeadditional support structure 1830 in the lower portion of thesystem 1800. The support components of thesystem 1800, such as but not limited tofloor component 1825 andsupport structure 1830, operate to position the containers 1805 at a height above the ground that may be convenient for presentation of product to a consumer at a point of sale. - Although the inner shell and the outer shells of various portable container embodiments have been described as two separate components, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the inner shell and outer shell may be formed from a single sheet of material, that once folded will create an inner and outer shell. In such an embodiment, the insulating components may be attached or affixed to the appropriate locations of the sheet prior to being folded, or at critical junctures in the folding process.
- In other embodiments, rather than using insulating panels, cellulose based insulation can be sprayed or blown into a space or cavity defined between the inner shell and the outer shell. Yet in other embodiments, rather than boards or panels, slats of insulating material may be used to help maintain the integrity (such as rigidness) of the container, as well as the shape. The slats allow the gap between the inner shell and the outer shell to be separated and thus, air operates as the insulation between the inner and outer shells. Rather than slats, simple plugs or spacers may be utilized. In addition, all materials between the inner shell and the outer shell may be eliminated in some embodiments and simply air is used as the insulation in the space between the shells.
- It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, rather than having a water tight structure for the inner shell, an insert or liner may be used to create the water tight structure. For instance, a structure formed by pressing a cellulose based material into the appropriate shape may provide the water tight capabilities, if required. The pressed structure may be constructed to slide into the interior compartment defined by the inner shell and either completely wall the interior compartment, only wall the lower portion of the interior compartment, or simply divide the interior compartment into two or more chambers.
- In some embodiments, the seams of the outer shell, and possibly the inner shell, can be perforated to facilitate the ability to break the container down to a flat form when the container is retired.
- It will be appreciated that some embodiments may only include an interior shell with the insulating panels or boards attached to the outside of the shell. In other embodiments, only an outer shell may be used with the insulating panels or boards attached to the interior walls of the outer shell.
- It will also be appreciated that multiple shells may be utilized to provide even greater thermal characteristics. For instance, an outer shell, an inner shell and one or more middle shells may be used in one embodiment. Insulating components can be included or excluded between the various shells. Advantageously, this structure can be used to further improve the insulating or thermal ability of the container.
- It will also be appreciated that the above-presented aspects and features may also be employed in a bag-type scenario. For instance, the outer shell and inner shell may be constructed out of substantially thin material and formed into a multi-layer bag structure. The insulating material, either as a board or loose form can then be placed between the layers. When the insulating bag is not in use, it lays flat or may even be foldable. When in use, the bag opening can be opened and items placed into the interior of the insulated bag. Various means can be used to provide a closing mechanism for the bag opening. Advantageously, such a structure provides a recyclable insulated bag that can be used for shopping, grocery transport, fast food transport, etc.
- The various embodiments of a container have been described using detailed descriptions thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to be limitations. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments. Some embodiments utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments that are described and embodiments comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art.
- It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow.
Claims (12)
1. A point of sale (“POS”) system for impeding the transfer of energy, the system comprising:
a first container comprising:
an inner shell defining a first interior space and a single opening that provides access to the first interior space, wherein:
the first interior space and single opening are defined via a bottom surface aspect and a plurality of side wall surface aspects extending in planes substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the bottom surface aspect; and
one or more of the side wall surface aspects further comprises a tab component at the end distal to the bottom surface aspect and operable to be positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the side wall aspect;
an outer shell defining a second interior space with an opening that provides access to the second interior space, wherein the second interior space is sufficiently large to receive the inner shell; and
an insulating component positioned in a between space defined by an inner surface of the outer shell and an outer surface of the inner shell when the inner shell is inserted into the second interior space;
a support floor for supporting the first container;
a support structure for supporting the support floor and the first container, wherein the support structure and support floor operate to position the first container at a specified height above the ground.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a second container.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first container further comprises a drain.
4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a front panel component for display of advertisement content.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first interior space of the first container is operable to contain a liquid.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the inner shell, outer shell and insulating component of the first container is comprised of substantially the same material.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein at least one of the inner shell, outer shell and insulating component of the first container is comprised of a material that contains recycled materials.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inner shell, outer shell and insulating component of the first container is comprised of a material that contains plastic and cellulose.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inner shell, outer shell and insulating component of the first container is comprised of a material that contains natural fibers.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inner shell, outer shell and insulating component of the first container is comprised of a material that is biodegradable.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inner shell, outer shell and insulating component of the first container is comprised of a recyclable, cellulose based material.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the insulating component of the first container is comprised of a substantially rigid panel manufactured from pressed cellulose.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/727,373 US20130112694A1 (en) | 2009-04-13 | 2012-12-26 | Cellulose Based Recyclable Container |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/422,725 US8365943B2 (en) | 2009-04-13 | 2009-04-13 | Cellulose based recyclable container |
US13/727,373 US20130112694A1 (en) | 2009-04-13 | 2012-12-26 | Cellulose Based Recyclable Container |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/422,725 Continuation-In-Part US8365943B2 (en) | 2009-04-13 | 2009-04-13 | Cellulose based recyclable container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130112694A1 true US20130112694A1 (en) | 2013-05-09 |
Family
ID=48223013
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/727,373 Abandoned US20130112694A1 (en) | 2009-04-13 | 2012-12-26 | Cellulose Based Recyclable Container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130112694A1 (en) |
Cited By (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150136796A1 (en) * | 2009-10-20 | 2015-05-21 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Flat die cut insulated container |
USD744786S1 (en) * | 2014-05-27 | 2015-12-08 | Lesley Bagwell | Insulated cooler having LED lights |
USD745809S1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2015-12-22 | Constellation Marketing Services, Inc. | Cooler |
USD746642S1 (en) * | 2013-06-21 | 2016-01-05 | Thomas Rolfes | Illuminated cooler receptacle |
US9981797B2 (en) | 2015-04-20 | 2018-05-29 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Nested insulated packaging |
US20180155116A1 (en) * | 2015-05-27 | 2018-06-07 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | Container having improved strength |
US10046901B1 (en) * | 2017-02-16 | 2018-08-14 | Vericool, Inc. | Thermally insulating packaging |
US10183795B2 (en) * | 2016-05-27 | 2019-01-22 | Danby Products Limited | Removable can holding refrigerator container |
US10266332B2 (en) | 2015-05-04 | 2019-04-23 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Adjustable insulation packaging |
US20190234679A1 (en) * | 2017-07-31 | 2019-08-01 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
CN110536844A (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2019-12-03 | 维里科尔公司 | Thermal insulation packaging |
US10507968B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2019-12-17 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
USD874268S1 (en) | 2018-05-04 | 2020-02-04 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Mechanically secured box |
US10583977B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2020-03-10 | Mp Global Products, L.L.C. | Method of making an insulation material and an insulated mailer |
US10604304B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2020-03-31 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated bag with handles |
US10618690B2 (en) | 2017-02-23 | 2020-04-14 | Vericool, Inc. | Recyclable insulated stackable tray for cold wet materials |
US10625925B1 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2020-04-21 | Vericool, Inc. | Compostable or recyclable cooler |
US20200148453A1 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2020-05-14 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly and temperature-regulating lid therefor |
US10800595B2 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2020-10-13 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Box liner |
US10807761B2 (en) | 2018-03-01 | 2020-10-20 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Fastener-free packaging |
US10843840B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2020-11-24 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly with overlapping panels |
US10882684B2 (en) | 2019-05-02 | 2021-01-05 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Box defining walls with insulation cavities |
US10947025B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2021-03-16 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Insulated block packaging assembly |
WO2021050253A1 (en) * | 2019-09-10 | 2021-03-18 | Igloo Products Corp. | Cooler with carry handle |
US10954057B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2021-03-23 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box |
WO2021087244A1 (en) * | 2019-11-01 | 2021-05-06 | Henry Molded Products Inc. | Single-walled disposable cooler made of fiber-based material and method of making a single-walled disposable cooler made of fiber-based material |
US11027875B2 (en) | 2019-05-02 | 2021-06-08 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Telescoping insulated boxes |
US11059652B2 (en) | 2018-05-24 | 2021-07-13 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Liner |
US11124354B2 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2021-09-21 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated bag |
JP2022509747A (en) * | 2018-11-02 | 2022-01-24 | イグルー プロダクツ コーポレイション | Single-walled disposable cooler made from at least one of disposable, biodegradable, and renewable materials |
US11230404B2 (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2022-01-25 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Perforated collapsible box |
US20220153499A1 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2022-05-19 | Coupang Corp. | Packaging box for cooling |
USD968950S1 (en) | 2020-08-10 | 2022-11-08 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Perforated collapsible box |
US11549633B1 (en) | 2021-09-01 | 2023-01-10 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Protecting a portion of a pipeline from an impact |
US11572697B2 (en) | 2020-09-24 | 2023-02-07 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Composite insulated wall panel |
US20230182989A1 (en) * | 2019-06-24 | 2023-06-15 | Ifoodbag Ab | Method of delivering chilled goods |
US11718464B2 (en) | 2020-05-05 | 2023-08-08 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Hinged wrap insulated container |
US11731826B2 (en) | 2021-10-22 | 2023-08-22 | Packaging Technology Group, Llc | Recyclable, thermally insulated shipping container with packed, loose-fill organic insulation |
US11953262B2 (en) | 2013-05-10 | 2024-04-09 | Packaging Technology Group, Llc | Recyclable, thermally insulated shipping container with packed, loose-fill organic insulation and PCM bladder insert |
Citations (73)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US265985A (en) * | 1882-10-17 | Charles b | ||
US2386905A (en) * | 1942-12-26 | 1945-10-16 | Curt J Meltzen | Carton and carton blank |
US2389601A (en) * | 1943-08-06 | 1945-11-27 | Shoe Form Co Inc | Receptacle and method of making it |
US2899103A (en) * | 1959-08-11 | Bait container | ||
US3097782A (en) * | 1961-05-22 | 1963-07-16 | Koropatkin Stephen | Convertible and disposable picnic basket and table top device |
US3182913A (en) * | 1963-03-04 | 1965-05-11 | Crown Zellerbach Corp | Carton |
US3734336A (en) * | 1970-05-19 | 1973-05-22 | J Sloane | Thermally insulated portable chest |
US3910550A (en) * | 1974-05-13 | 1975-10-07 | Illinois Tool Works | Drain plug assembly |
US4030227A (en) * | 1976-05-28 | 1977-06-21 | Oftedahl Everett J | Bait bucket |
US4068779A (en) * | 1975-12-01 | 1978-01-17 | Canfield Michael P | Foamed plastic cooler and handle combination |
US4091852A (en) * | 1977-04-11 | 1978-05-30 | Jordan Charles P | Inflatable box |
US4488623A (en) * | 1983-10-06 | 1984-12-18 | Linnell Ii William S | Canoe travel box |
US4509645A (en) * | 1982-09-22 | 1985-04-09 | Shimano Industrial Company Limited | Portable constant temperature box |
US4546900A (en) * | 1984-06-11 | 1985-10-15 | The Mead Corporation | Container having an internal liner together with method and apparatus for forming such container |
US4582195A (en) * | 1983-12-02 | 1986-04-15 | Johannes Carstens Gmbh & Co. | Display unit made out of paperboard or corrugated paperboard |
US4813536A (en) * | 1987-07-13 | 1989-03-21 | Willis William T | Preassembled display stand and container |
US4864769A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1989-09-12 | Sandahl Irvin V | Bouyant pop-up liner bait server |
US4946032A (en) * | 1989-06-14 | 1990-08-07 | The Mead Corporation | Display cooler |
US4995238A (en) * | 1990-05-31 | 1991-02-26 | Leggett & Platt, Incorporated | Chilled beverage container display bin |
US5016813A (en) * | 1990-03-01 | 1991-05-21 | Simons Einar L E | Fold-up container and construction method |
US5062527A (en) * | 1990-05-21 | 1991-11-05 | Westerman Frank E | Foldable, leakproof multi-mode carton construction |
US5165583A (en) * | 1990-03-15 | 1992-11-24 | Kouwenberg Robert J C | Invertable thermally insulating carriers |
US5247747A (en) * | 1989-10-26 | 1993-09-28 | Resource America, Inc. | Recycle shipping container |
US5263339A (en) * | 1992-07-31 | 1993-11-23 | Scott Evans | Portable cooler |
US5407218A (en) * | 1994-02-23 | 1995-04-18 | Jackson; Steven C. | Wheeled cooler |
US5493874A (en) * | 1994-03-10 | 1996-02-27 | Landgrebe; Mark A. | Compartmented heating and cooling chest |
US5499473A (en) * | 1994-11-16 | 1996-03-19 | Ramberg; Clifford F. | Divided bait container |
US5596880A (en) * | 1994-02-14 | 1997-01-28 | Decision Point Marketing | Chilled beverage display container |
US5678725A (en) * | 1994-12-20 | 1997-10-21 | Nippon Sanso Corporation | Thermally insulated container |
US5697505A (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 1997-12-16 | Sprague; Daryl S. | Merchandise display stand |
US5747082A (en) * | 1990-09-05 | 1998-05-05 | Weyerhaeuser Co | Package for perishable food and horticultural products |
USD396048S (en) * | 1997-01-16 | 1998-07-14 | The Mike Meehan Company | Mechandise cooler with transparent cover |
US5954217A (en) * | 1995-05-10 | 1999-09-21 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A. | Packaging container and method of manufacturing the same |
USD416763S (en) * | 1998-12-24 | 1999-11-23 | Frank Paravati | Compartmentalized lid for ice chest |
US5996366A (en) * | 1995-07-05 | 1999-12-07 | Renard; Andre | Refrigerated cabinet for displaying food or the like |
US6003719A (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 1999-12-21 | Stewart, Iii; John R. | Cooling container that includes a radiant heat barrier |
US6164526A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 2000-12-26 | Jodi A. Dalvey | Paper-based cooler |
US6168040B1 (en) * | 1998-09-05 | 2001-01-02 | Isovac Gmbh | Double-wall insulated container |
US6220473B1 (en) * | 1999-07-14 | 2001-04-24 | Thermo Solutions, Inc. | Collapsible vacuum panel container |
US6238091B1 (en) * | 1998-11-25 | 2001-05-29 | California Innovations Inc. | Insulated container and liner |
US6244458B1 (en) * | 1998-07-09 | 2001-06-12 | Thermo Solutions, Inc. | Thermally insulated container |
US6247328B1 (en) * | 1998-11-25 | 2001-06-19 | California Innovations Inc. | Divided insulated container |
US6325281B1 (en) * | 2000-03-30 | 2001-12-04 | Polyfoam Packers Corporation | Thermally insulating shipping system |
US6453682B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2002-09-24 | Cold-Sell Systems, L.L.C. | Point-of-sale chilled product housing |
US6478268B1 (en) * | 1999-12-17 | 2002-11-12 | Paul Flum Ideas, Inc. | Display stand for merchandising chilled products and the like |
US6510705B1 (en) * | 2002-04-10 | 2003-01-28 | Steven Ray Jackson | Wild game head and cape cooler |
US20030070559A1 (en) * | 2001-10-15 | 2003-04-17 | Victor Robert J. | Vegetable and related food products steamer cooker |
US6618868B2 (en) * | 2001-02-12 | 2003-09-16 | Jeff F. Minnick | Lightweight insulated spa cover and method therefor |
US6688133B1 (en) * | 2003-04-07 | 2004-02-10 | Edward Donefrio | Cooling container including a built in drain |
US20040031842A1 (en) * | 2001-11-16 | 2004-02-19 | Stephen D. Carver | Foldable portable cooler with enhanced over-center locking handle |
US6725783B2 (en) * | 2000-11-10 | 2004-04-27 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Pallet for stacking planographic printing plates thereon |
US6736309B1 (en) * | 2001-11-16 | 2004-05-18 | Wes-Pak, Inc. | Quick erecting foldable portable cooler |
US6771183B2 (en) * | 2000-07-03 | 2004-08-03 | Kodiak Technologies, Inc. | Advanced thermal container |
US6821019B2 (en) * | 1998-11-25 | 2004-11-23 | California Innovations Inc. | Divided insulated container |
US6868982B2 (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2005-03-22 | Cold Chain Technologies, Inc. | Insulated shipping container and method of making the same |
US6899229B2 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2005-05-31 | Sealed Air Corporation (Us) | Packaging container with integrated sheet for retention of packaged article |
US6971539B1 (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2005-12-06 | Saber-Com, Inc. | Apparatus for storing food |
US7000962B2 (en) * | 2002-10-26 | 2006-02-21 | Andrew Dung The Le | Stick-on handle for boxes and containers |
US20060053828A1 (en) * | 2004-09-15 | 2006-03-16 | Shallman Richard W | Low temperature cooler |
US7153025B1 (en) * | 2000-05-15 | 2006-12-26 | Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc. | Carrying case for a container |
US20060289135A1 (en) * | 2005-06-28 | 2006-12-28 | Grant Terry M | Moisture resistant container |
US7225970B2 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2007-06-05 | Weyerhaeuser Company | Self-locking container and container blank |
US7392931B2 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2008-07-01 | Columbia Insurance Company | Shoe box |
US20080173703A1 (en) * | 2007-01-19 | 2008-07-24 | Westerman Frank E | Folded corrugated container with reinforced quick-locking handles |
US20080178629A1 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2008-07-31 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Insulated container utilizing non-contact cooling |
US20080190940A1 (en) * | 2007-02-13 | 2008-08-14 | Peter Henry Scott | Insulated container |
USD582676S1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2008-12-16 | International Holdings Llc | Convertible storage bin with lid |
US7597209B2 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2009-10-06 | International Holdings, Llc | Multipurpose storage device and method |
US7677406B2 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2010-03-16 | Maxson Floyd S | Insulating container |
US7807773B2 (en) * | 2004-03-04 | 2010-10-05 | Unitika Ltd. | Biodegradable polyester resin composition, preparation method therefor, and foamed article and molded article produced therefrom |
US7845508B2 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2010-12-07 | Rothschild Wayne H | Multipurpose storage device and method |
US7926674B2 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2011-04-19 | Ropak Corporation | Container with seal |
US8276999B2 (en) * | 2009-07-13 | 2012-10-02 | Consumer Motivation Group, Inc. | Collapsible portable bar |
-
2012
- 2012-12-26 US US13/727,373 patent/US20130112694A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (77)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2899103A (en) * | 1959-08-11 | Bait container | ||
US265985A (en) * | 1882-10-17 | Charles b | ||
US2386905A (en) * | 1942-12-26 | 1945-10-16 | Curt J Meltzen | Carton and carton blank |
US2389601A (en) * | 1943-08-06 | 1945-11-27 | Shoe Form Co Inc | Receptacle and method of making it |
US3097782A (en) * | 1961-05-22 | 1963-07-16 | Koropatkin Stephen | Convertible and disposable picnic basket and table top device |
US3182913A (en) * | 1963-03-04 | 1965-05-11 | Crown Zellerbach Corp | Carton |
US3734336A (en) * | 1970-05-19 | 1973-05-22 | J Sloane | Thermally insulated portable chest |
US3910550A (en) * | 1974-05-13 | 1975-10-07 | Illinois Tool Works | Drain plug assembly |
US4068779A (en) * | 1975-12-01 | 1978-01-17 | Canfield Michael P | Foamed plastic cooler and handle combination |
US4030227A (en) * | 1976-05-28 | 1977-06-21 | Oftedahl Everett J | Bait bucket |
US4091852A (en) * | 1977-04-11 | 1978-05-30 | Jordan Charles P | Inflatable box |
US4509645A (en) * | 1982-09-22 | 1985-04-09 | Shimano Industrial Company Limited | Portable constant temperature box |
US4488623A (en) * | 1983-10-06 | 1984-12-18 | Linnell Ii William S | Canoe travel box |
US4582195A (en) * | 1983-12-02 | 1986-04-15 | Johannes Carstens Gmbh & Co. | Display unit made out of paperboard or corrugated paperboard |
US4546900A (en) * | 1984-06-11 | 1985-10-15 | The Mead Corporation | Container having an internal liner together with method and apparatus for forming such container |
US4813536A (en) * | 1987-07-13 | 1989-03-21 | Willis William T | Preassembled display stand and container |
US4864769A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1989-09-12 | Sandahl Irvin V | Bouyant pop-up liner bait server |
US4946032A (en) * | 1989-06-14 | 1990-08-07 | The Mead Corporation | Display cooler |
US5542237A (en) * | 1989-10-26 | 1996-08-06 | Resource America, Inc. | Recycle shipping assembly |
US5247747A (en) * | 1989-10-26 | 1993-09-28 | Resource America, Inc. | Recycle shipping container |
US5016813A (en) * | 1990-03-01 | 1991-05-21 | Simons Einar L E | Fold-up container and construction method |
US5165583A (en) * | 1990-03-15 | 1992-11-24 | Kouwenberg Robert J C | Invertable thermally insulating carriers |
US5062527A (en) * | 1990-05-21 | 1991-11-05 | Westerman Frank E | Foldable, leakproof multi-mode carton construction |
US4995238A (en) * | 1990-05-31 | 1991-02-26 | Leggett & Platt, Incorporated | Chilled beverage container display bin |
US5747082A (en) * | 1990-09-05 | 1998-05-05 | Weyerhaeuser Co | Package for perishable food and horticultural products |
US5263339A (en) * | 1992-07-31 | 1993-11-23 | Scott Evans | Portable cooler |
US5596880A (en) * | 1994-02-14 | 1997-01-28 | Decision Point Marketing | Chilled beverage display container |
US5407218A (en) * | 1994-02-23 | 1995-04-18 | Jackson; Steven C. | Wheeled cooler |
US5493874A (en) * | 1994-03-10 | 1996-02-27 | Landgrebe; Mark A. | Compartmented heating and cooling chest |
US6164526A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 2000-12-26 | Jodi A. Dalvey | Paper-based cooler |
US5499473A (en) * | 1994-11-16 | 1996-03-19 | Ramberg; Clifford F. | Divided bait container |
US5678725A (en) * | 1994-12-20 | 1997-10-21 | Nippon Sanso Corporation | Thermally insulated container |
US5954217A (en) * | 1995-05-10 | 1999-09-21 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A. | Packaging container and method of manufacturing the same |
US5697505A (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 1997-12-16 | Sprague; Daryl S. | Merchandise display stand |
US5996366A (en) * | 1995-07-05 | 1999-12-07 | Renard; Andre | Refrigerated cabinet for displaying food or the like |
USD396048S (en) * | 1997-01-16 | 1998-07-14 | The Mike Meehan Company | Mechandise cooler with transparent cover |
US6244458B1 (en) * | 1998-07-09 | 2001-06-12 | Thermo Solutions, Inc. | Thermally insulated container |
US6168040B1 (en) * | 1998-09-05 | 2001-01-02 | Isovac Gmbh | Double-wall insulated container |
US6003719A (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 1999-12-21 | Stewart, Iii; John R. | Cooling container that includes a radiant heat barrier |
US6582124B2 (en) * | 1998-11-25 | 2003-06-24 | California Innovations Inc. | Insulated container and liner |
US6238091B1 (en) * | 1998-11-25 | 2001-05-29 | California Innovations Inc. | Insulated container and liner |
US6247328B1 (en) * | 1998-11-25 | 2001-06-19 | California Innovations Inc. | Divided insulated container |
US6821019B2 (en) * | 1998-11-25 | 2004-11-23 | California Innovations Inc. | Divided insulated container |
USD416763S (en) * | 1998-12-24 | 1999-11-23 | Frank Paravati | Compartmentalized lid for ice chest |
US6453682B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2002-09-24 | Cold-Sell Systems, L.L.C. | Point-of-sale chilled product housing |
US6220473B1 (en) * | 1999-07-14 | 2001-04-24 | Thermo Solutions, Inc. | Collapsible vacuum panel container |
US6478268B1 (en) * | 1999-12-17 | 2002-11-12 | Paul Flum Ideas, Inc. | Display stand for merchandising chilled products and the like |
US6325281B1 (en) * | 2000-03-30 | 2001-12-04 | Polyfoam Packers Corporation | Thermally insulating shipping system |
US7153025B1 (en) * | 2000-05-15 | 2006-12-26 | Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc. | Carrying case for a container |
US6771183B2 (en) * | 2000-07-03 | 2004-08-03 | Kodiak Technologies, Inc. | Advanced thermal container |
US6725783B2 (en) * | 2000-11-10 | 2004-04-27 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Pallet for stacking planographic printing plates thereon |
US6618868B2 (en) * | 2001-02-12 | 2003-09-16 | Jeff F. Minnick | Lightweight insulated spa cover and method therefor |
US6971539B1 (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2005-12-06 | Saber-Com, Inc. | Apparatus for storing food |
US20030070559A1 (en) * | 2001-10-15 | 2003-04-17 | Victor Robert J. | Vegetable and related food products steamer cooker |
US20040031842A1 (en) * | 2001-11-16 | 2004-02-19 | Stephen D. Carver | Foldable portable cooler with enhanced over-center locking handle |
US6736309B1 (en) * | 2001-11-16 | 2004-05-18 | Wes-Pak, Inc. | Quick erecting foldable portable cooler |
US6868982B2 (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2005-03-22 | Cold Chain Technologies, Inc. | Insulated shipping container and method of making the same |
US6510705B1 (en) * | 2002-04-10 | 2003-01-28 | Steven Ray Jackson | Wild game head and cape cooler |
US7000962B2 (en) * | 2002-10-26 | 2006-02-21 | Andrew Dung The Le | Stick-on handle for boxes and containers |
US6688133B1 (en) * | 2003-04-07 | 2004-02-10 | Edward Donefrio | Cooling container including a built in drain |
US6899229B2 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2005-05-31 | Sealed Air Corporation (Us) | Packaging container with integrated sheet for retention of packaged article |
US7807773B2 (en) * | 2004-03-04 | 2010-10-05 | Unitika Ltd. | Biodegradable polyester resin composition, preparation method therefor, and foamed article and molded article produced therefrom |
US20060053828A1 (en) * | 2004-09-15 | 2006-03-16 | Shallman Richard W | Low temperature cooler |
US7392931B2 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2008-07-01 | Columbia Insurance Company | Shoe box |
USD582676S1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2008-12-16 | International Holdings Llc | Convertible storage bin with lid |
US7845508B2 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2010-12-07 | Rothschild Wayne H | Multipurpose storage device and method |
US7597209B2 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2009-10-06 | International Holdings, Llc | Multipurpose storage device and method |
US7225970B2 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2007-06-05 | Weyerhaeuser Company | Self-locking container and container blank |
US20060289135A1 (en) * | 2005-06-28 | 2006-12-28 | Grant Terry M | Moisture resistant container |
US20100151164A1 (en) * | 2005-06-28 | 2010-06-17 | International Paper Company | Moisture resistant container |
US7677406B2 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2010-03-16 | Maxson Floyd S | Insulating container |
US7926674B2 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2011-04-19 | Ropak Corporation | Container with seal |
US7841512B2 (en) * | 2007-01-19 | 2010-11-30 | Wes Pak, Inc. | Folded corrugated container with reinforced quick-locking handles |
US20080173703A1 (en) * | 2007-01-19 | 2008-07-24 | Westerman Frank E | Folded corrugated container with reinforced quick-locking handles |
US20080178629A1 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2008-07-31 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Insulated container utilizing non-contact cooling |
US20080190940A1 (en) * | 2007-02-13 | 2008-08-14 | Peter Henry Scott | Insulated container |
US8276999B2 (en) * | 2009-07-13 | 2012-10-02 | Consumer Motivation Group, Inc. | Collapsible portable bar |
Cited By (100)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150136796A1 (en) * | 2009-10-20 | 2015-05-21 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Flat die cut insulated container |
US11953262B2 (en) | 2013-05-10 | 2024-04-09 | Packaging Technology Group, Llc | Recyclable, thermally insulated shipping container with packed, loose-fill organic insulation and PCM bladder insert |
USD746642S1 (en) * | 2013-06-21 | 2016-01-05 | Thomas Rolfes | Illuminated cooler receptacle |
USD745809S1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2015-12-22 | Constellation Marketing Services, Inc. | Cooler |
USD744786S1 (en) * | 2014-05-27 | 2015-12-08 | Lesley Bagwell | Insulated cooler having LED lights |
US11697543B2 (en) | 2015-04-20 | 2023-07-11 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Nested insulated packaging |
US9981797B2 (en) | 2015-04-20 | 2018-05-29 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Nested insulated packaging |
US10752425B2 (en) | 2015-04-20 | 2020-08-25 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Nested insulated packaging |
US11453543B2 (en) | 2015-04-20 | 2022-09-27 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Nested insulated packaging |
US10633165B2 (en) | 2015-04-20 | 2020-04-28 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Nested insulated packaging |
US11834251B2 (en) | 2015-05-04 | 2023-12-05 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Adjustable insulation packaging |
US10875698B2 (en) | 2015-05-04 | 2020-12-29 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Adjustable insulation packaging |
US10266332B2 (en) | 2015-05-04 | 2019-04-23 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Adjustable insulation packaging |
US11414257B2 (en) | 2015-05-04 | 2022-08-16 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Adjustable insulation packaging |
RU2713480C2 (en) * | 2015-05-27 | 2020-02-05 | Филип Моррис Продактс С.А. | High strength container |
US20180155116A1 (en) * | 2015-05-27 | 2018-06-07 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | Container having improved strength |
US10183795B2 (en) * | 2016-05-27 | 2019-01-22 | Danby Products Limited | Removable can holding refrigerator container |
US11780666B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2023-10-10 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Repulpable container |
US10882683B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2021-01-05 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Methods of forming repulpable containers |
US11214427B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2022-01-04 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Repulpable container |
US11148870B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2021-10-19 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Methods of forming repulpable containers |
US10583977B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2020-03-10 | Mp Global Products, L.L.C. | Method of making an insulation material and an insulated mailer |
US11634265B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2023-04-25 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Repulpable container |
US10926939B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2021-02-23 | Mp Global Products, L.L.C. | Method of making an insulation material and an insulated mailer |
US10882682B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2021-01-05 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Repulpable container |
US11267641B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2022-03-08 | Mp Global Products, L.L.C. | Method of making an insulation material and an insulated mailer |
US10046901B1 (en) * | 2017-02-16 | 2018-08-14 | Vericool, Inc. | Thermally insulating packaging |
US20180229916A1 (en) * | 2017-02-16 | 2018-08-16 | Vericool, Inc. | Thermally insulating packaging |
US11142371B2 (en) | 2017-02-23 | 2021-10-12 | Vericool, Inc. | Recyclable insulated stackable tray for cold wet materials |
US10618690B2 (en) | 2017-02-23 | 2020-04-14 | Vericool, Inc. | Recyclable insulated stackable tray for cold wet materials |
US10597219B2 (en) | 2017-02-23 | 2020-03-24 | Vericool, Inc. | Thermally insulating packaging |
US11072483B2 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2021-07-27 | Vericool, Inc. | Thermally insulating packaging |
CN110536844A (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2019-12-03 | 维里科尔公司 | Thermal insulation packaging |
US11124354B2 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2021-09-21 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated bag |
US11565871B2 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2023-01-31 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated container |
US10882681B2 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2021-01-05 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Box liner |
US11485566B2 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2022-11-01 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Box liner |
US10800595B2 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2020-10-13 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Box liner |
US11858717B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2024-01-02 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box |
US10604304B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2020-03-31 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated bag with handles |
US11117731B2 (en) * | 2017-05-09 | 2021-09-14 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box |
US10954057B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2021-03-23 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box |
US11628978B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2023-04-18 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated bag with handles |
US11261017B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2022-03-01 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box |
US20190234679A1 (en) * | 2017-07-31 | 2019-08-01 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US11940204B2 (en) | 2017-07-31 | 2024-03-26 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US11692762B2 (en) | 2017-07-31 | 2023-07-04 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US11137198B2 (en) * | 2017-07-31 | 2021-10-05 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US11255596B2 (en) | 2017-07-31 | 2022-02-22 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US10551110B2 (en) | 2017-07-31 | 2020-02-04 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US10941977B2 (en) | 2017-07-31 | 2021-03-09 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US11215393B2 (en) | 2017-07-31 | 2022-01-04 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US11542092B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2023-01-03 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Insulated block packaging assembly |
US10947025B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2021-03-16 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Insulated block packaging assembly |
US11679925B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2023-06-20 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US11697542B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2023-07-11 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US10954058B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2021-03-23 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US10507968B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2019-12-17 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Modular box assembly |
US10807761B2 (en) | 2018-03-01 | 2020-10-20 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Fastener-free packaging |
US11440696B2 (en) | 2018-03-01 | 2022-09-13 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Fastener-free packaging |
USD874268S1 (en) | 2018-05-04 | 2020-02-04 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Mechanically secured box |
USD919432S1 (en) | 2018-05-04 | 2021-05-18 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Mechanically secured box |
US11713180B2 (en) | 2018-05-24 | 2023-08-01 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Liner |
US11059652B2 (en) | 2018-05-24 | 2021-07-13 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Liner |
US10625925B1 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2020-04-21 | Vericool, Inc. | Compostable or recyclable cooler |
EP3874211A4 (en) * | 2018-11-02 | 2022-11-23 | Igloo Products Corp. | Single-walled disposable cooler made of disposable, biodegradable and/or recyclable material |
US11772866B2 (en) | 2018-11-02 | 2023-10-03 | Igloo Products Corp. | Single-walled disposable cooler made of disposable, biodegradable and/or recyclable material |
JP2022509747A (en) * | 2018-11-02 | 2022-01-24 | イグルー プロダクツ コーポレイション | Single-walled disposable cooler made from at least one of disposable, biodegradable, and renewable materials |
US11724851B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2023-08-15 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly with overlapping panels |
US20200148453A1 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2020-05-14 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly and temperature-regulating lid therefor |
US11524832B2 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2022-12-13 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly and temperature-regulating lid therefor |
US20220411167A1 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2022-12-29 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly |
US11203458B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2021-12-21 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly with overlapping panels |
US10858141B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2020-12-08 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly with overlapping panels |
US11066228B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2021-07-20 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly and temperature-regulating lid therefor |
US10843840B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2020-11-24 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Insulated box assembly with overlapping panels |
US11325772B2 (en) | 2019-05-02 | 2022-05-10 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Box defining walls with insulation cavities |
US11919699B2 (en) | 2019-05-02 | 2024-03-05 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Box defining walls with insulation cavities |
US11286099B2 (en) | 2019-05-02 | 2022-03-29 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Box defining walls with insulation cavities |
US11027875B2 (en) | 2019-05-02 | 2021-06-08 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Telescoping insulated boxes |
US10882684B2 (en) | 2019-05-02 | 2021-01-05 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Box defining walls with insulation cavities |
US11247806B2 (en) | 2019-05-02 | 2022-02-15 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Telescoping insulated boxes |
US20230182989A1 (en) * | 2019-06-24 | 2023-06-15 | Ifoodbag Ab | Method of delivering chilled goods |
WO2021050253A1 (en) * | 2019-09-10 | 2021-03-18 | Igloo Products Corp. | Cooler with carry handle |
US11703265B2 (en) | 2019-09-10 | 2023-07-18 | Igloo Products Corp. | Cooler with carry handle |
US20220154411A1 (en) * | 2019-11-01 | 2022-05-19 | Henry Molded Products Inc. | Single-Walled Disposable Cooler Made Of Fiber-Based Material And Method Of Making A Single-Walled Disposable Cooler Made Of Fiber-Based Material |
US11421388B1 (en) | 2019-11-01 | 2022-08-23 | Henry Molded Products, Inc. | Single-walled disposable cooler made of fiber-based material and method of making a single-walled disposable cooler made of fiber-based material |
WO2021087244A1 (en) * | 2019-11-01 | 2021-05-06 | Henry Molded Products Inc. | Single-walled disposable cooler made of fiber-based material and method of making a single-walled disposable cooler made of fiber-based material |
US11618608B2 (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2023-04-04 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Perforated collapsible box |
US11780635B2 (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2023-10-10 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Perforated collapsible box |
US11230404B2 (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2022-01-25 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Perforated collapsible box |
US11780636B2 (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2023-10-10 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc | Perforated collapsible box |
US11623783B2 (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2023-04-11 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Perforated collapsible box |
US11667454B2 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2023-06-06 | Coupang Corp. | Packaging box for cooling |
US20220153499A1 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2022-05-19 | Coupang Corp. | Packaging box for cooling |
US11718464B2 (en) | 2020-05-05 | 2023-08-08 | Pratt Retail Specialties, Llc | Hinged wrap insulated container |
USD968950S1 (en) | 2020-08-10 | 2022-11-08 | Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc. | Perforated collapsible box |
US11572697B2 (en) | 2020-09-24 | 2023-02-07 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Composite insulated wall panel |
US11549633B1 (en) | 2021-09-01 | 2023-01-10 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Protecting a portion of a pipeline from an impact |
US11731826B2 (en) | 2021-10-22 | 2023-08-22 | Packaging Technology Group, Llc | Recyclable, thermally insulated shipping container with packed, loose-fill organic insulation |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20130112694A1 (en) | Cellulose Based Recyclable Container | |
US8365943B2 (en) | Cellulose based recyclable container | |
US20180334308A1 (en) | Fully recyclable insulated shipping container | |
US6296134B1 (en) | Insulated water-tight container | |
US9650198B2 (en) | Insulated shipping bags | |
US11254485B2 (en) | Insulating transport and storage container | |
US6412686B1 (en) | Thermal insulating sleeve for a container | |
US20110042388A1 (en) | Thermal container | |
KR101743354B1 (en) | Heat and cold insulation function having packing box | |
CA2746906A1 (en) | Takeout food bag | |
JP2023525843A (en) | Cup with integrated folding lid | |
JP2001080638A (en) | Lidded collapsible container | |
WO2018112585A1 (en) | Corrugated cardboard packaging with recyclable or biodegradable thermal insulation | |
JP5740148B2 (en) | Cold storage container | |
CN212099707U (en) | Module type take-out packaging box | |
US11603244B2 (en) | Portable cooling multipack | |
JP3223494U (en) | Corrugated cardboard cold box with handle | |
JP2006056600A (en) | Heat insulation composite container | |
US20210139200A1 (en) | Container for storage and transportation of goods | |
WO2009047747A2 (en) | Reducable sized cardboard containers | |
US20050048170A1 (en) | Microwavable container for food products | |
JP2006224967A (en) | Stacking box | |
US20110041521A1 (en) | Lined beverage-cooling container | |
JPH0516097Y2 (en) | ||
JP2002293386A (en) | Table-cum-folding cooler box |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |