Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RECYCLABLE COMPOSITE CONTAINER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to packaging and more particularly
relates to a
composite container system which can be disassembled and the components
thereof
recycled.
BACKGROUND
Packaging, such as box-shaped containers, are normally made entirely from a
single
material such as metal, plastic, wood or cardboard. Also known are composite
containers made from combinations of either metal and plastic or metal and
cardboard.
When an impervious or leak-proof container is required for substances such as
paint,
toxic or harmful chemical products and the like, which may include volatile or
other
chemically active components, the containers are generally made entirely of a
single
material such as metal or plastic because these materials enable the
containers to be
made both leak-proof and structurally rigid.
The known composite containers typically comprise cardboard tubes closed at
either
end with metal end framing structures. The peripheral edges of these end
framing
structures are typically joined to the cardboard tube by a crimping or seaming
process
wherein the edge of the end framing structure is bent around one of the
cylinder's
extremities, thereby permanently deforming and connecting both the end framing
structure and the cylinder's extremity. The crimping can also retain a
metallised liner
which is provided along the interior surface of the cardboard cylinder.
Other known composite containers are for containing food products. They are
typically
made of a cardboard tube having both extremities ending with outwardly rolled
rims.
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The inside wall of the tube is provided with an impervious liner in order to
render it
airtight and watertight. The bottom of such a container is generally provided
with a
metallic closure and the top end is closed with a membrane sealed to the
impervious
liner. The rim of the top end must be outwardly rolled in order to allow the
membrane to
be sealed to the exposed liner of the rim, as the sealing of the membrane
would not be
possible with inwardly rolled rims. A reusable end cap is snapped over the
outwardly
rolled rim.
When manufacturing such containers, the liner ply is applied over the
cardboard ply
using an adhesive, and the combined plies are heated in such a way that they
are
bonded together thus forming a single thicker ply, which is then rolled into a
tube. The
recycling of the different components of such containers is simply not
possible because
of the crimped metallic closure, and because the cardboard plies are bonded
with
polymeric liners using adhesive. .
Also known to the Applicant is document US 7,703,626, describing a container
having
an outwardly rolled rim and closed by a cover. The cover has an annular ring
provided
with a projection located underneath the rim. The cover also has a detachable
portion
which must be removed in order to access the interior of the container. The
rolled rim
must thus be rolled outwardly in order for users to access the detachable
portion of the
cover.
US Patent 4,856,708 describes an adhesively secured container cover. The cover
includes a ring fitted over the rolled edge of a container wall. The ring is
maintained in
place with an adhesive, the ring having an annular cavity for receiving the
adhesive. As
it can be appreciated, the closure of the container can not be removed from
the
sidewall of the container once in place, and thus can not be easily recycled.
US Patent 4,700,867 describes a sleeved container used to contain juice
concentrates
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and the like. The container includes an outer cardboard sleeve and an inner
plastic
sleeve. The inner plastic sleeve is provided with an outturned flange fitted
over the
upper end of the cardboard sleeve and includes an upper portion which is
moulded or
formed such as to include a groove into which the tongue of the closure can
fit.
US Patent 4,312,459 describes a paint can rim cover and a lid, the rim cover
being
used to prevent paint from drying within the groove of the rim of a paint can
of well-
known construction. A typical paint can is formed of a cardboard cylinder
having its
upper end outwardly rolled and of a metallic rim rolled and crimped around the
outwardly rolled end of the cardboard cylinder. The connection between the
cardboard
cylinder and the metallic rim is made so as to be permanent. The plastic rim
cover of
the invention is destined to cooperate with the metallic rim of the paint can,
the rim
cover having a lip which cooperates with the bead of the metallic rim. US
Patent
6,616,110 describes yet another type of device connectable to the metallic rim
of a
typical paint can.
Also known in the art or in related fields of the art are the following
documents: US
3,127,052; US 3,815,778; US 3,973,719; US 4,280,653; US 5,160,063; US
5,669,550;
US 6,250,492; US 6,675,971; US 7,311,218; US 7,703,626; EP0952087, EP1081051,
EP1092526, EP1092647 ; EP 1104744; US 2009/0283526; W097/47525; GB
2235920; US 3730382; US 3753511; US 3770156; US 3792797; US 3817420; US
3915336; US 4266686; US 4312459; US 4491238; US 4518097; US 4676392; US
4679699; US 4582707; US 4700867; US4718571; US 4856708; US5035387; US
5161689; US 5246134; US 5295632; US 5316169; US 5443853; US 5794814; US
5806710; US 5950861; US 6220471; US 6616110; US 6964348; US 7350789; US
7350789; US 20090159607; and US 20110056976.
The main drawback of prior composite containers is that once assembled these
containers cannot be easily disassembled, making recycling of their various
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components very difficult.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a composite container system which
can
overcome this disadvantage. It would also be desirable to provide a container
system
which can be dissembled and then recycled, at least partly, and that would
also be
versatile, lightweight, inexpensive and/or easily manufactured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a recyclable composite container is
provided.
The recyclable composite container comprises a cardboard hollow body having an
open end defining an opening. The body is formed by a sidewall having a inner
surface,
an outer surface and an inwardly rolled rim at the open end. The container
also
comprises a framing element which is removably connectable to the open end of
the
cardboard hollow body. The framing element has a rigid peripheral portion
comprising a
collar sized and shaped for fitting snugly over the open end of the cardboard
hollow
body when the framing element is connected to the open end, the collar
extending over
the outer surface of the sidewall, at the open end. The framing element also
has a
hook-shaped connector linked to the peripheral portion for engaging with the
inwardly
rolled rim of the cardboard hollow body, the connector comprising an axial
section
ending with a hook extending radially and outwardly. Such construction thereby
allows
connection of the framing element to the cardboard hollow body by hooking the
connector to the rim of the cardboard hollow body, the inwardly rolled rim
being
clamped between the collar and the hook, and disconnection of the framing
element
from the cardboard hollow body by pulling the framing element so as to
disengage the
connector from the rim.
The container according to the invention provides a connection of the framing
element
and the cardboard hollow body sturdy enough to allow a normal use of the
container,
AMENDED SHEET
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for example for containing paint, silicone or food, and for resisting pressure
and
temperature variations that can occur during transportation or handling of the
container.
The connection is at the same time removable such that by applying sufficient
amount
of force, the framing element can be dissembled from the cardboard hollow
body, in
5 order to recycle the main components of the container. When describing the
relation of
the connector to the peripheral portion of the framing element, it should be
understood
that the word "linked" means that the connector can be either integral to the
peripheral
portion of the framing element, or connected to it, either directly or
indirectly, via
another component.
Having the container with an inwardly rolled rim provides the advantage of
hiding the
rolled rim and the connector inside the container, such that the person
handling the
container during normal use does not have readily access to these connecting
elements. Having the rims rolled inwardly also allows providing a more compact
and
uniform container when viewed from the outside, thus improving its aesthetics,
because
the connector and the rolled rims are hidden inside the container.
By composite container, it is meant the container is made of different parts
made of
different materials.
By framing element, it is meant an element substantially rigid to provide
rigidity and
structure to the cardboard hollow body.
By peripheral portion, it is meant a zone, an area or a section of the framing
element
located along its periphery.
The expression "removably connected" refers to the framing element rather that
to a lid,
and is intended to mean that when applying a predetermined amount of pulling
force on
the framing element, the connector can be disengaged from the inwardly rolled
rims,
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allowing the framing element to be disconnected from the cardboard hollow
body.
Preferably, the connector comprises an axial section ending with a hook
extending
radially and outwardly, and the rolled rim comprises an axial section and a
free end,
and when the framing element is connected to the open end, the axial section
of the
connector is adjacent the axial section of the rolled rim, and the hook
interlocks the free
end of the rolled rim.
In accordance with a first variant of the container, the connector comprises a
flange
having an outwardly curved end, the flange extending continuously along said
peripheral portion.
In accordance with a second variant of the container comprises a plurality of
said of
hooked-shaped connector distributed along said peripheral portion.
Preferably, the framing element comprises a cover wall integral to the collar,
for
closing the opening of the cardboard hollow body when the framing element is
connected to the open end.
Preferably, the peripheral portion of the framing element is a lid flange
defining an
aperture, for sealingly and removably receiving a lid.
Preferably, the recyclable composite container comprises a bag for lining an
inner
surface of the sidewall of the cardboard hollow body, the bag having an open
end
clampable between the inwardly rolled rim and the connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become
more
apparent upon reading the following non-restrictive description of preferred
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embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with
reference to
the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded view of a container according to a preferred
embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a framing element according to a first
variant.
Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the framing element of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a top view of the framing element of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a close-up of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the framing
element of
Figure 4, taken along line 5-5.
Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a framing element according to a second
variant.
Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the framing element of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a top view of the framing element of Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a close-up of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the framing
element of
Figure 8, taken along line 9-9.
Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a framing element according to a third
variant.
Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the framing element of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a top view of the framing element of Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a close-up of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the
framing element
of Figure 12, taken along line 13-13.
Figure 14 is a top perspective view of preferred variant of a cardboard hollow
body.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cardboard hollow body of Figure 15.
Figure 16 is an exploded view of a container according to another preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 17 is a top perspective view of the container of Figure 16 when
assembled.
Figure 18 is a top view of the container of Figure 16, when assembled, without
the lid.
Figure 19 is a close-up view of a portion of the container of Figure 18, taken
along lines
19-19.
Figure 20 is a top perspective view of a framing element according to a fourth
variant.
Figure 21 is a bottom perspective view of the framing element of Figure 20.
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Figure 22 is a top view of the framing element of Figure 20.
Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the framing element of Figure 22, taken
along line
23-23. Figure 23A is a closed view of a portion of Figure 23.
Figure 24 is a top view of a cardboard hollow body lined with a bag.
Figure 25 is a cross-section view of the cardoboard hollow body of Figure 24,
taken
along lines 25-25.
Figure 26 is a top perspective view of a container according to another
preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 27 is a top view of the container of Figure 26.
Figure 28 is a close-up view of a portion of the container of Figure 27, taken
along lines
28-28.
Figure 29 is a top perspective view of a container according to another
preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 30 is a top view of the container of Figure 29.
Figure 31 is a close-up view of a portion of the container of Figure 27, taken
along lines
31-31.
Figure 32 is a top perspective view of a container according to another
preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 33 is a top view of the container of Figure 32.
Figure 34 is a close-up view of a portion of the container of Figure 27, taken
along lines
34-34.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given
similar
reference numerals. In order to preserve clarity, certain elements may not be
identified
in some figures if they are already identified in a previous figure.
With reference to Figure 1, a recyclable composite container 10, hereafter
referred as
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container, is shown. The container 10 comprises a cardboard hollow body 12
having an
open end 14, defining an opening 16. The body 12 is formed by a sidewall 18
having
an inwardly rolled rim 20 at the bottom open end 14. The container also
comprises a
framing element 22 removably connectable to the open end 14.
The framing element 22 has a peripheral portion 24 and a hook-shaped connector
26
linked to the peripheral portion 24 for engaging with the inwardly rolled rim
20 of the
cardboard hollow body 12. In this variant of the framing element, the
connector 26
extends from the peripheral portion 24. The framing element 22 can be
connected to
the cardboard hollow body 12 by hooking the connector 26 to the inwardly
rolled rim 20
of the cardboard hollow body 12, and disconnected from the cardboard hollow
body 12
by pulling the framing element 22 so as to disengage the connector 26 from the
rim 20.
During assembly, the framing element 22 is forced into the cylinder 12 until
the
connectors 26 are past the rolled rim 20. Preferably, the connector 26 has a
tapered
surface opposite the rim 30 of the cylinder 12 so as to ease this process.
Figures 14 and 15 show the cardboard hollow body 12 with greater details.
Although
the cardboard hollow body 12 is shown as cylindrical, it will be appreciated
that the
shape of the body 12 is not limited to circular cross-sections. The cardboard
body 12
has at least one rim, and in the present case two inwardly rolled rims 20, 30
which can
have different types of shapes, such as a semi-circular or a semi-oval shape.
At least
one of the rims 20, 30 must be sufficiently curved to allow a connector to
interlock with
the rim, thus forming a flange-like portion, or engaging surface, at angle
from the
sidewall 18 of the body 12.
A cardboard hollow body is typically formed by convoluting or spiralling plies
of
cardboard or kraft-type paper material. The rolled rims 20, 30 can be formed
by forcing
the edge of the cylinder 12 inward so as to form an inwardly extending, flange-
like
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portion. Preferably, these rolled rims 20, 30 extend all around the first and
second open
ends 14, 28. Given a cardboard of suitable thickness and construction, the
rims 20, 30
are stable and will generally not unroll or otherwise deform during regular
use.
5 Back to Figure 1, the container 10 also comprises a second framing element
32
removably connectable to the second open end 28, corresponding to the top end
of the
body 12. The second framing element 32 also has a peripheral portion and a
hook-
shaped connector (not shown in Figure 1). Best shown in Figure 3, the second
framing
element 32 is similar to the first framing element 22 in that it is provided
with a
10 peripheral portion 24 and a connector 34 extending from that portion 24 to
engage with
the rolled rim 30.
When assembled, the cardboard cylinder 12 is thus reinforced at either end by
the first
and second framing elements 22 and 32. Preferably, the end framing elements 22
and
32 are formed from moulded plastic. The first and second end framing
structures 22
and 32 reinforce the bottom and top of the container 10, respectively. It will
be
appreciated that positional descriptions such as "top", "bottom" and the like
should,
unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should
not be
considered limiting.
Now referring to Figures 2 to 5, the first variant of the framing element 32
is best
shown. The framing element 32 is provided with a variant of the hook-shaped
connector 34 which is formed by a flange 36 having an outwardly curved end 38.
The
flange 36 extends continuously along the peripheral portion of the framing
element 32.
The framing element 32 is also provided with apertures to allow the product it
contains
to be poured out.
Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the second variant of the framing element 22 is
best shown.
The framing element 22 is provided with a plurality of hooked-shaped
connectors 26
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distributed along the peripheral portion 24 of the framing element 22.
With reference to Figures 1 to 9, these two variants of framing elements, 22
and 32,
both comprise respective collars 40, 42 sized and shaped for fitting snugly
over the
corresponding open ends 14, 28 of the cardboard hollow body 12 when the
framing
elements 22, 32 are connected cardboard body 12.
The framing elements 22, 32 are also each provided with cover walls, 44 and 46
respectively, integral to collars 40 and 42. The cover walls 44, 46 are for
closing the
opening 16 of the cardboard hollow body when the framing elements 22, 32 are
connected to the open ends 14, 28. When the container 10 is assembled, the
cover
walls 44, 46 integrally extend from the respective collars 40, 42,
perpendicularly across
the body 12, the framing element 22 closing the bottom of the container 10
completely,
while the framing element 32 almost completely closes the top end of the
container 10,
safe for the apertures. Such container can be used for example for powdered
cleanser.
Now referring to Figures 10 to 13, a third variant of a framing element 48 is
shown. This
variant 48 can be used for example with the container 10 of Figure 1, in
replacement of
the top framing element 22. This variant of the framing element 48 has an
annular
shape and has its peripheral portion defining a lid flange 50, which defines
in turn an
aperture in the framing element 48. This lid flange 50 allows for sealingly
and
removably receiving a lid (not shown), allowing to close off the aperture.
This variant of
the framing element is particularly advantageous for container food product,
such as
pasta or coffee for example. The lid could be hinged to or snap fitted over
the lid 50.
This third variant 48 is also provided with hook-shaped connectors 26
extending from
the lid flange 50, and a collar 40 for snugly fitting over the rim 30.
After using the container, and when time comes to dissemble it, the lid flange
50
advantageously provides a support for exerting the pulling force required to
remove the
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framing element 48 from the cardboard body 12. Since the rolled rim 30 is made
of
cardboard, it has a relative flexibility and is able to be deformed when a
substantial
amount of pulling force is applied on the framing element 48. Such
construction of the
container 10, when assembled, is particularly advantageous since it is sturdy
enough to
allow normal usage of the container and resist impacts, changes of temperature
and
humidity generally occurring during normal use of the container, and yet it
allows the
container to be dissembled such that its main components can be recycled or
even
reused if their state permits it, when a sufficient amount of force is applied
to disengage
the framing elements from the cardboard tube 12.
With reference to Figures 16 to 23, another preferred embodiment of a
recyclable
composite container is shown. The container 52 comprises a framing element 22
for
closing off the bottom end of the container. The container 52 includes a bag
54 for
lining an inner surface 56 of the sidewall 18 the cardboard hollow body 12.
The bag 54
comprises an open end 58, a closed end and a diameter that is sized to fit
within the
cylinder 12. The framing element 53 provides an end framing structure to the
upper end
of the body 12, and allows clamping and maintaining in place the bag 54 within
the
body 12. As best shown in Figure 19, the bag 54 has an open end 58 clampable
between the inwardly rolled rim 30 and the connector 26. The container 52 also
includes a removable lid 70 which can be sealingly closed over the framing
element 53.
The container 52 is provided with the bag 54 for containing a liquid, a gel or
similar
substance. In addition, a bag 54 may be desirable in order to protect the
contents of the
container 52 from humidity and/or to prevent odours from escaping the
container 52. In
addition, the bag 54 can advantageously be used to protect the cardboard
cylinder 12,
whose main role is to provide structure to the container 52, from being
damaged by the
substance contained therein. For embodiments where a liquid should be
contained
within a metallic surface, a metalized bag comprising an interior metallic
layer can be
used.
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The closed end of the bag 54 could be fixed to the bottom end framing
structure 14 or
could simply be left loose, extending downwards within the cardboard body 12
as
illustrated. As such, whatever is stored within the container 52 is sealed
within the walls
of the bag 54, the collar 40 and the lid 70. In addition, it will be
appreciated that even if
the bag 54 is loose, a desirable vacuum may be created between the bag 54 and
the
cardboard body 12 as the container 10 is assembled and filled. This vacuum can
serve
to keep the bag 54 tight against the inside of the cardboard body 12 even as
it is
emptied.
In Figure 19, it can be seen that the connector 26 comprises an axial section
60 ending
with a hook 62 extending radially and outwardly towards the sidewall of the
container,
and the rolled rim 30 comprises an axial section 64 and a free end 66, and
when the
framing element 53 is connected to the open end, the axial section 60 of the
connector
26 is adjacent the axial section 64 of the rolled rim 30, and the hook 62
interlocks the
free end 66 of the rolled rim 30, underneath the free end 66. Preferably, the
ratio of the
length of the hook 62 and of the length of the axial section 60 varies between
15% and
45%, and more preferably between 20% and 35%. As shown, the clamped section of
the bag 38 extends all the way in the collar 40 of the framing element 53,
further
retaining the bag 54. As it can be appreciated, the bag 54 is not attached or
fixed to the
inner surface 56 of the cardboard hollow body 12 with any adhesive or glue.
The bag
54 can simply be held loose within the body 12 or be maintained in contact
with the
inner surface 56 of the sidewall of the body 12 by vacuum. Both alternatives
advantageously allow, after use of the container, easy removal of the bag from
the
cardboard body, in order to recycle the cardboard body 12 or both the
cardboard body
12 and the plastic bag 54.
Figures 20 to 23 show the variant of the framing element 53. This variant is
provided
with a flange lid 50 especially adapted to receive a lid, such as the ones
typically used
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for paint containers. The framing element 53 is also provided with a tapered
inner
flange 68 which can advantageously hide the inwardly rolled rim and provides a
smooth
transition between the interior of the container and the framing element 53,
facilitating
the pouring of paint in a pan for example.
With reference to Figures 24 and 25, another alternative for lining the
cardboard hollow
tube 12 is shown. The bag 54 is wrapped around the sidewall 18 the cardboard
hollow
body 12 for lining both inner and outer surfaces of the sidewall 18, the bag
being then
clampable at both ends 14, 28 of the cardboard hollow body 12. When the
container 52
is assemble, the bag 54 is clamped between each of the inwardly rolled rims
20, 30 and
the connectors 26 of the corresponding framing element 22, 53.
In this variant, a longer bag 54 is provided and extends not just within the
body 12, as
discussed above, but along its exterior as well. Rather than being clamped
between the
upper framing element 53 and upper end 28 at its open end, it would be clamped
for
example at the lower end first, with framing element 22, approximately at
midpoint of
the bag 54. The framing elements in Figures 24 and 25 are not shown for
clarity
purposes. The remainder of the bag 54, i.e. the portion between its midpoint
and open
end 28, would pass back along the outer surface of the body 12, preferably
fitting tightly
therearound. The bag 54 would then clamped between the upper framing structure
53
and the upper end 28 of the cylinder 12. Such a bag 54 would therefore be able
to both
contain a liquid within the container 52 and provide protection for the
exterior of the
cardboard cylinder 12. The portion of the bag 54 which extends outside the
body 12
could be heat-shrunk in order to ensure the tightness of the bag 54 around the
exterior
of the body 12. Of course, other ways of wrapping the inner and outer surfaces
of the
cardboard hollow body 12 can be considered. Preferably, the bag is not glued
or fixed
with an adhesive to the cardboard body 12.
Now referring to Figures 26 to 28, another preferred embodiment of a
recyclable
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composite container 72 is shown. In this embodiment, the framing element 74
includes
two components, a first component 74a comprising the peripheral portion 24 and
a
second component comprising the connector and its hook 62. The two components
74a, 74b are connectable to one another with complementary connecting means.
As
5 illustrated, the first component 74a is provided with a groove 76, and the
second
component 74b is provided with a clipping element 78 for fitting in the groove
76. In
other words, the groove 76 and clipping element 78 form a tongue-and-groove
joint for
connecting the first and second components 74a, 74b together. Optionally, as
best
shown in Figure 28, the connecting element 78 can be provided with a slight
10 protuberance, or lip, in order to maintain the connecting element 78
compressed within
the groove 76.
Advantageously, this two-piece construction of the framing element 74 is
divided into
into upper and lower portions which are clipped together along complementary
radial
15 surfaces. This two-piece construction is primarily advantageous when the
framing
elements are formed by injection moulding or the like. Of course, the axial
portions of
the components 74a and 74b can be fixed to one another by any other type of
complementary attachment means.
Now referring to Figures 29 to 31, the container 76 includes another variant
of a two-
piece construction for a framing element 78 is shown. Thee framing element 78
comprises two components, a first component 78a comprising the peripheral
portion 24
and a second component 78b comprising the connector 26 and its hook 62, the
components 78a being provided with a first threaded surface 80a, and the other
one of
the components being provided with a complementary second threaded surface
80b.
The components 78a and 78b are thus screwable to one another. As explained
previously, a two-piece construction is primarily advantageous when the
framing
elements are formed by injection moulding or the like. The framing element 78
can then
be assembled by positioning the first and second components 78a, 78b on the
top side
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of the rolled rim 30 and by screwing them together, thereby sandwiching the
rim 30
such that the resultant hook-shaped connector 26 fixes the framing element 78
in
place. It will be appreciated that constructing a framing element from two
moulded
pieces, and more particularly separating the outwardly extending hook 62 from
the
collar 40 such as shown here, can greatly reduce the complexity of the moulds
required
to form this part. Yet in another embodiment, a two-piece construction of the
framing
element can include a first component provided with a series of alternating
grooves and
bulges, and a second component provided with complementary alternating grooves
and
bulges, the first and second components being snapable or clipable to one
another.
With reference now to Figures 32 to 34, yet another embodiment of the
recyclable
composite container 82 is illustrated. The cardboard body 12 has an elongated
form
and comprises a framing element 84. A bag (not visible) can be disposed within
the
body 12. Best shown in Figure 34, the top framing element 84 has a
construction
similar to the one of the previous variant 78. The framing element 84 has a
threaded
two-piece construction and further comprises a centrally mounted spout 86
through
which the contents of the container 82 can exit. A bad can be positioned
within the
cardboard cylinder 12 and a piercing device can extend towards it, downwards
from the
spout 86, such as generally used in container for silicone or other types of
caulking.
Instead of a bottom end framing element, a bottom plate 88 is provided at the
opposite
end of the body 12. This bottom plate 88 is positioned initially at or near
the bottom
extremity of the cardboard cylinder 12 and is able to slide axially within the
cylinder 12.
Preferably, a bag is also anchored to the bottom plate 88, although it is not
clamped
between the framing element 84 and the cylinder 12, as described for
embodiments
illustrated in Figures 16-19.
Such a container 82 can be used to distribute a liquid or gel substance, such
as a
silicone or polyurethane caulk or the like. In such cases, a bag is inserted
in the
cardboard body 12 and preferably comprises a metalized liner along its inside.
As is
CA 02799800 2012-11-19
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17
known in the art, such a cylindrical cartridge can be loaded into a mechanical
"gun"
which is used to distribute the contents thereof.
Prior to use, the contents of the bag are sealed therewithin. In use, the
bottom plate 88
is pushed into the cylinder 12, for example through the action of a caulking
gun.
Pushing the bottom plate 88 inwards will first force the bag against a
piercing device,
thereby puncturing it, and second force the contents of the bag out through
the spout
86.
While the containers illustrated all comprise a circular cross-section, it
will be
appreciated that various other shapes, including oval, square or rectangle,
could also
be used. Moreover, a composite container system in accordance with the present
invention could be embodied by various other storing devices or containers.
In sharp contrast with existing containers, both composite and not, it will be
appreciated
that a container system in accordance with the present invention
advantageously
requires no crimping, seaming, bonding or other permanent joining. The
cardboard
hollow body can be connected to the framing element(s) via engagement of the
rolled
rim (or rims) alone. As such, the container system can be easily disassembled
after
use. It will be appreciated that this ability to be disassembled
advantageously enables
the individual components (the hollow body, the end framing structures, the
bag if
present) to be separated and recycled as desired. If the container system were
filled
with a non-recyclable substance such as paint, the plastic bag liner can be
thrown out
and, depending on the embodiment, the end framing structure if such were in
contact
with the paint. The remainder, including the cardboard hollow body, would
nonetheless
be recyclable.
The present container system, which can be used to store a wide range of
substances
and items, from paint and caulk as described above to foodstuffs such as pasta
or
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18
coffee and various other products. In addition, it will be appreciated that a
container
system in accordance with the present invention may advantageously enables
considerable weight savings compared to equivalently sized all-metal or all-
plastic
containers - up to 30% for an all-metal container. In addition, the present
container
system also enables considerable costs savings compared to conventional
cardboard
composite containers.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in
detail
herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood
that the
invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes
and
modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope of the
present
invention.
