WO2023170403A1 - A sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place - Google Patents

A sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023170403A1
WO2023170403A1 PCT/GB2023/050536 GB2023050536W WO2023170403A1 WO 2023170403 A1 WO2023170403 A1 WO 2023170403A1 GB 2023050536 W GB2023050536 W GB 2023050536W WO 2023170403 A1 WO2023170403 A1 WO 2023170403A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sealable container
fastener means
container according
aperture
body portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2023/050536
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Giuseppe Fasano
Original Assignee
Giuseppe Fasano
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Giuseppe Fasano filed Critical Giuseppe Fasano
Publication of WO2023170403A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023170403A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/64—Lids
    • B65D5/66—Hinged lids
    • B65D5/6602—Hinged lids formed by folding one or more extensions hinged to the upper edge of a tubular container body
    • B65D5/6611—Hinged lids formed by folding one or more extensions hinged to the upper edge of a tubular container body the lid being held in closed position by application of separate elements, e.g. clips, hooks, elastics
    • 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
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/64—Lids
    • B65D5/66—Hinged lids
    • B65D5/6626—Hinged lids formed by folding extensions of a side panel of a container body formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank
    • B65D5/6673—Hinged lids formed by folding extensions of a side panel of a container body formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank the lid being held in closed position by application of separate elements, e.g. clips, hooks, cords
    • 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
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
    • B65D33/1658—Elements for flattening or folding the mouth portion
    • 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
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/64—Lids
    • B65D5/643—Lids held in closed position by application of separate elements, e.g. clips, straps
    • 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
    • B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
    • B65D2401/05—Tearable non-integral strips

Definitions

  • This invention relates to packaging of items. More especially, this invention relates to containers for items that are for sale and that need to be transported from place to place. Yet more especially, this invention relates to a sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place.
  • Items that have been purchased or that are for sale are often sent by postal mail from a vendor to a purchaser or a potential purchaser.
  • the items are sent in the postal mail in containers such for example as boxes, bags and envelopes.
  • the sent items are not acceptable to the purchaser or the potential purchaser, for example due to the items not being of an expected colour, style or function.
  • Such sent items have to be returned to the vendor and this causes problems.
  • sent items that have to be returned are returned in the container in which they were sent.
  • the sent items On the initial sending, the sent items have be closed and sealed to provide a certain level of tamper-proofing. This is commonly done by the use of sealing means such for example as adhesive tape, gums or self-adhesive strips.
  • the sealing means is such that the container has to be damaged in order to open the container. Recipients of an item needing to be returned typically return the item using the container in which the item was originally sent. If the container is damaged, then the resealing of the container with the returned item often requires an excessive amount of the sealing means in order to repair the damage.
  • the sealing means for the container with the returned item may be the same as or different from that originally used.
  • the sealing of returned items in their original containers is effected with copious use of adhesive tape.
  • This adhesive tape tends to prevent the container from being further used.
  • the adhesive tape is typically of a plastics material which is difficult to disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • the adhesive tape may prevent recycling of the container.
  • sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place, which sealable container comprises:
  • the fastener means seals the sealable container closed when the fastener means is passed through the first and second apertures and is fastened;
  • the sealable container is such that when the closure member is in a position which closes the body portion, then the first and second apertures are aligned to form a straight connection path, whereby the fastener means is insertable through the first and second apertures by following the straight connection path;
  • the fastener means is a single use fastener means which needs to be rendered unusable in order to open the sealable container;
  • the container is able to be reused multiple times simply with the provision of a new one of the fastener means for each re-use. This avoids the need to dispose of containers as currently occurs. This in turn saves on wasting material for producing new containers which is economically advantageous. It is also advantageous for the environment in that less raw materials are required. It is further advantageous for the environment in that less waste needs to be disposed of, for example in landfill.
  • the fastener means It is easy for users to insert the fastener means by following the straight connection path between the first and second apertures. If the first and second apertures were not aligned, then the connection path would not be straight. This would mean that the fastener means would have to be bent in order to be passed through the first and second apertures.
  • the fastener means By aligning the first and second apertures, the fastener means is easily, simply and speedily able to be inserted in position in the first and second apertures for the sealing of the sealable container. This in turn facilitates the use of the sealable container by all types of users, and thus the sealable container becomes more commercially viable than would be the case if the first and second apertures were not aligned.
  • the sealable container of the present invention is advantageous in that it lends itself to use in e-commerce.
  • the majority of retail packaging is not suitable for being sent by postal mail without the need for extra packaging in the form of an extra container or wrapping.
  • a retail box in a shop or store typically needs to be opened by potential customers wanting to see the item in the retail box, whereafter the retail box then needs to be closed.
  • the retail box when in transit, for example with a courier, the item needs to be sent in a container which needs to be closed in a tamper- evident way in order to reveal if the container has been opened or otherwise interfered with.
  • the retail box may be a shoe box containing a pair of shoes.
  • the retail box needs to be opened and closed easily in the shop or store in order to allow customers to try the shoes on. If a customer then buys the pair of shoes, then the pair of shoes in their retail box are placed in a secondary box or bag. The retail box is similarly placed in a secondary box or bag if the pair of shoes is sent by postal mail for potential sale as part of e-commerce.
  • the present invention facilitates the recyclability of fibre-based containers and other packaging.
  • the copious use of plastics adhesive tape tends to hinder the recyclability of fibre-based materials because the plastics tape is not able to be recycled. Often it is difficult to separate the plastics tape from the fibre-based packaging that it is to be recycled.
  • the present invention makes it unnecessary to use the plastics tape, which greatly facilitates recycling of recyclable materials.
  • the present invention is especially advantageous in the fashion e-commerce industry. In the fashion e-commerce industry, there is a high return rate. Shoppers are allowed to return items purchased, often free of charge. This may happen because shoppers order two different sizes of the same item, or perhaps two different colours of the same item.
  • the unwanted items are returned to the vendor, for example the retailer.
  • the items are usually returned using the containers in which the items were originally sent.
  • these containers are in the form of plastics bags.
  • the plastics bags are difficult to re-seal. Almost invariably, a returned bag is not able to be further used. If for example 50% of bags used by fashion retailers go back to the retailer when customers return items, and of those 50% of bags, another 50% would not be damaged by the two shipments and could be used again, then with the re-use afforded by the present invention, there could be a reduction of 25% on the number of bags used by the retailer. This has obvious cost and environmental benefits.
  • the sealable container of the present invention may be one in which the fastener means comprises at least one integral sealing portion for fastening the fastener means, whereby the fastener means fastens to itself.
  • integral sealing portions for fastening the fastener means may also be located at two different sides of a closure member.
  • integral sealing portions for fastening means may also be located at one surface of a closure member and one surface of a body portion or two different sides of the body portion.
  • Other types of fastener means may be employed so that, for example, the fastener means may be in the form of staples for stapling parts of the fastener means and/or surface of a closure member or body portion together, or the fastener means may be formed by two parts which are pushed together and which are such that they cannot then easily be pulled apart.
  • the integral sealing portion is preferably an adhesive sealing portion.
  • Other types of integral sealing portion may however be employed.
  • the adhesive sealing portion is preferably a self-adhesive sealing portion. Other types of adhesive sealing portion may be employed.
  • the self-adhesive sealing portion is preferably in the form of a strip.
  • Alternative constructions for the self-adhesive sealing portion may be employed so that, for example, the self-adhesive sealing portion may be in the form of one or more pads, or one or more dots.
  • the self-adhesive sealing portion may be protected by a peel-off protector.
  • the peel- off protector for example in the form of a peel-off protector sheet, may be made of silicone or other material.
  • the sealable container may be one in which the sealable container is in the form of a box, the body portion is a body of the box, the closure member is a lid of the box, the first aperture is in a side of the body of the box, and the second aperture is in the lid of the box.
  • the sealable container may alternatively be one in which the sealable container is in the form of a bag, the body portion is a body of the bag, the closure member is a closure formation on the body, the first aperture is in the body of the bag, and the second aperture is in the closure formation.
  • the sealable container may be one in which the closure portion is a foldable portion at an upper part of the body of the bag. Other types of closure portion may be employed.
  • the sealable container may alternatively be one in which the sealable container is in the form of an envelope, the body portion is a body portion of the envelope, the closure formation is a flap of the envelope, the first aperture is in the body of the envelope, and the second aperture is in the flap of the envelope.
  • the first aperture may be a slot.
  • Other shapes for the first aperture may be employed.
  • the sealable container may be one in which the second aperture is a slot.
  • the first and second apertures will usually be of the same type and/or size but they may be different in type and/or size if required.
  • the sealable container may be one in which the fastener means has a cross sectional shape which is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the first and second apertures.
  • the cross-sectional shape/profile may be rectangular for a fastener means in the form of a strip.
  • the cross-sectional shape/profile may be circular for fastener means in the form of a card, or it may be square for fastener means of a square cross-sectional shape/profile.
  • Fastening means securely seals the container by providing a straight connection path orientated through the strategic alignment of the first and second apertures.
  • the sealable container may be one in which the body portion and the closure member are made of a flexible material.
  • the flexible material may be a cellulosic material, a plastics material, or a textile material.
  • the body and/or the closure member may be made of a non-flexible material, for example in the case of sealable containers in the form of relatively rigid walled boxes made of plastics materials.
  • the cellulosic material may be cardboard or paper.
  • the cellulosic material may be that currently used for known containers in the form of boxes, bags and envelopes.
  • the plastics material may be that currently used for known containers in the form of boxes, bag and envelopes.
  • the plastics material may be polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene.
  • the textile material may be cotton. Other textile materials may be employed.
  • the textile material may be that currently employed for known containers such for example as bags.
  • the fastener means may be made of the same material as the body portion and the closure member. This may enable the fastener means to be made from otherwise waste parts that would occur in the formation of the body portion and the closure member. If desired, the fastener means may be made of a different material to the body portion and/or the closure member.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place, with the sealable container being shown partially closed;
  • Figure 2 shows the sealable container of Figure 1 in a flat assembly configuration which is required for assembly into the sealable container;
  • Figure 3 shows the container of Figure 1 but without fastener means forming part of the sealable container
  • Figure 4 shows the container of Figure 1 but partially opened
  • Figure 5 shows the container of Figure 1 but with the sealable container completely closed, wherein a short fastening means is fastened to itself
  • Figure 6 shows the container of Figure 1 but with the sealable container completely closed, wherein a long fastening means, extending around at least part of the perimeter of the container, is fastened to itself;
  • Figure 7 shows how the sealable container shown in Figure 1 is sealed with fastener means fastened to one surface of a closure member and one surface of a body portion;
  • Figure 8 shows a flat assembly configuration which is which is for a second sealable container in the form of a box
  • Figure 9 shows part of a second sealable container produced using the flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 8, partially opened;
  • Figure 10 Shows how the sealable container shown in Figure 8 is sealed with fastener means to two different sides of a closure member rather than a fastening means fastened to itself;
  • Figure 1 1 shows a third flat assembly configuration for producing a third sealable container in the form of a box
  • Figure 12 shows part of the third sealable container produced using the third flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 1 1 ;
  • Figure 13 shows how the sealable container shown in Figure 1 1 is sealed with fastener means fastened to two different sides of the body portion;
  • Figure 14 shows a fourth flat assembly configuration for a fourth sealable container in the form of a box
  • Figure 15 shows part of the fourth sealable container produced using the fourth flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 14;
  • Figure 16 shows a fifth flat assembly configuration for a fifth sealable container in the form of a box
  • Figure 17 shows part of the fifth sealable container produced using the fifth flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 16;
  • Figure 18 shows a sixth flat assembly configuration for a sixth sealable container in the form of an envelope
  • Figure 19 shows part of a sealable container produced using the sixth flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 18;
  • Figure 20 shows the sealable container of Figure 18 additionally provided with a pair of fastener means
  • FIG 21 is like Figure 20 but shows the fastener means fastened together
  • Figure 22 shows the sixth sealable container in the form of a bag and from one side
  • Figure 23 is a view like Figure 22 but from the other side of the sealable container;
  • Figure 24 shows how the sealable container shown in Figures 18 - 23 are folded in order to enable the fastener means to fasten and seal the sealable container;
  • Figure 25 shows how the sealable container shown in Figures 18 - 23 is provided with apertures for receiving the fastener means.
  • Figure 26 Shows the sixth sealable container in the form of a bag with fastener means, positioned in a flat assembly configuration
  • Figure 27 shows the sealable container shown in Figure 26 with fastener means arranged in a folded configuration
  • Figure 28 shows the sealable container shown in Figure 27 with fastener means arranged in a folded configuration positioned so an address label is annealed, partly adhered to the fastener means and partly adhered to the sealable container wall.
  • sealable container 20 for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place.
  • the sealable container 20 comprises a body portion 4 and a closure member 6 for closing the body portion 4.
  • the sealable container 20 is such that there is a first aperture 8 in the body portion 4.
  • the sealable container 2 has fastener means 12 for extending through the first and second apertures 8, 10.
  • the fastener means 12 seals the sealable container 20 closed when the fastener means 12 is passed through the first and second apertures 8, 10 and is fastened.
  • the sealable container 2 is such that when the closure member 6 is in a position which closes the body portion 4, then the first and second apertures 8, 10 are aligned to form a straight connection path, whereby the fastener means 12 is insertable through the first and second apertures 8, 10 by following the straight connection path.
  • the fastener means 12 is a single use fastener means 12 which needs to be rendered unusable in order to open the sealed container 2.
  • the fastener means 12 is typically rendered unusable by being cut with scissors or a knife. Alternatively, the fastener means 12 may be rendered unusable by simply being pulled or ripped apart if it made of an appropriate material.
  • the fastener means 12 may be provided with a weaknessproviding formation for facilitating the pulling or ripping apart.
  • the body portion 4 and the closure member 6 are re-usable. After sealing and opening, the sealable container 2 is re-usable with another one of the fastener means 12.
  • the sealable container 20 is thus configured for multiple re-uses. There is no need to throw the sealable container 20 away. This is convenient for both senders and recipients because they are able to use a container readily to hand.
  • the sealable container 20 is easy to use by the senders and recipients due to the aligning of the first and second apertures 8, 10 to form the straight connection path which is a notional straight connection path.
  • the fastener means 12 is able to be kept straight and just follow the straight connection path in order to locate the fastener means 12 in the first and second apertures 8, 10 for subsequent fastening in order to seal the sealable container 20.
  • the sealable containers 20- 30 are beneficial for the environment in that the consumption of raw materials for producing new sealable containers is substantially reduced.
  • the avoidance of the need to produce new sealable containers has commercial benefits for manufacturers. All that is required for a re-use of the sealable containers 20-30 is a new one of the fastener means 12, or new ones of the fastener means 12 if more than one fastener means 12 per sealable container 20 is employed.
  • the fastener means 12 comprises at least one integral sealing formation 14 whereby the fastener means 12 fastens to itself. Alternatively, the fastener means 12 may fasten to the closure member 6 or the body portion 4.
  • the integral sealing formation 14 is an adhesive sealing portion.
  • the adhesive sealing portion is a self-adhesive sealing portion.
  • the fastener means 12 and the integral sealing portion 14 are both in the form of strips.
  • the integral sealing formation 14 could alternatively be in the form of one or more pads or a matrix of dots.
  • the integral sealing formation 12 in the form of the adhesive sealing portion is protected by a peel-off silicone sheet (not shown) which is peeled off prior to use.
  • the sealable containers shown in figures 1 to17 are in the form of a box and may be produced by stamping a piece of cardboard to a flat sheet assembly shown in Figures 2, 8, 11 , 14 and 16. Flat sheet assemblies are then able to be folded along the illustrated broken lines in order to form the box shown in Figures 1 , 3-7, 9-10, 12 - 13, 15 and 17.
  • Figure 18 shows a flat sheet assembly which is able to be folded to form a sixth sealable container 30 as shown in Figures 19 - 28.
  • the sixth sealable container is in the form of a pouch.
  • Fastener means 12 have been shown. It will be seen that there are two of the fastener means 12.
  • Figure 20 shows the fastener means 12 unfastened.
  • Figure 21 shows the fastener means 12 fastened.
  • Figures 26 - 28 show a sixth sealable container 30 comprising a pair of the fastener means 12.
  • the sixth sealable container 30 is in the form of a pouch.
  • Figures 26 and 27 show the sixth sealable container 30 from both sides.
  • Figure 24 shows how the top of the sealable container 30 needs to be folded in order to receive the fastener means 12 such that the fastener means 12 is able to be fastened such that the sealable container 30 is then tamper-evident sealed.
  • Figure 28 shows how the folded fastener can be secured via adhesion provided by a postage sticky label 19, partly adhered to the fastener means 12 and partly adhered to a side 16.
  • the sealable containers may be in other shapes and/or profiles than those shown.
  • the sealable containers may be of constructions other than boxes, bags or envelopes.
  • the bags or other sealable containers may have gussets.
  • More than two of the fastener means 12 may be employed.
  • Other types of fastener means 12 may be employed.
  • the sealable containers may include any desired number of items needing to be transported from place to place.
  • the items may be any suitable items, for example fashion retail items such for example as clothes or shoes, or items of industrial equipment such for example as tools or kitchen equipment.
  • Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.
  • the invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and/or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)

Abstract

A sealable container (2) for at least one item (3) needing to be transported from place to place, which sealable container (2) comprises: (i) a body portion (4); (ii) a closure member (6) for closing the body portion (4); (iii) at least one first aperture (8) in the body portion (4); (iv) at least one second aperture (10) in the closure member (6); and (v) fastener means (12) for extending through the first and second apertures (8, 10), and wherein: (vi) the fastener means (12) seals the sealable container (2) closed when the fastener means (12) is passed through the first and second apertures (8, 10) and is fastened; (vii) the sealable container (2) is such that when the closure member (6) is in a position which closes the body portion (4), then the first and second apertures (8,10) are aligned to form a straight connection path.

Description

A SEALABLE CONTAINER FOR AT LEAST ONE ITEM NEEDING TO BE TRANSPORTED FROM PLACE TO PLACE
This invention relates to packaging of items. More especially, this invention relates to containers for items that are for sale and that need to be transported from place to place. Yet more especially, this invention relates to a sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place.
Items that have been purchased or that are for sale are often sent by postal mail from a vendor to a purchaser or a potential purchaser. Typically, the items are sent in the postal mail in containers such for example as boxes, bags and envelopes. Often the sent items are not acceptable to the purchaser or the potential purchaser, for example due to the items not being of an expected colour, style or function. Such sent items have to be returned to the vendor and this causes problems.
Typically, sent items that have to be returned are returned in the container in which they were sent. On the initial sending, the sent items have be closed and sealed to provide a certain level of tamper-proofing. This is commonly done by the use of sealing means such for example as adhesive tape, gums or self-adhesive strips. Often the sealing means is such that the container has to be damaged in order to open the container. Recipients of an item needing to be returned typically return the item using the container in which the item was originally sent. If the container is damaged, then the resealing of the container with the returned item often requires an excessive amount of the sealing means in order to repair the damage. The sealing means for the container with the returned item may be the same as or different from that originally used. Typically, the sealing of returned items in their original containers is effected with copious use of adhesive tape. This adhesive tape tends to prevent the container from being further used. Also, the adhesive tape is typically of a plastics material which is difficult to disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Furthermore, the adhesive tape may prevent recycling of the container.
It is an aim of the present invention to avoid or reduce the above mentioned problems.
Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place, which sealable container comprises:
(i) a body portion;
(ii) a closure member for closing the body portion;
(iii) at least one first aperture in the body portion;
(iv) at least one second aperture in the closure member; and
(v) fastener means for extending through the first and second apertures, and wherein:
(vi) the fastener means seals the sealable container closed when the fastener means is passed through the first and second apertures and is fastened;
(vii) the sealable container is such that when the closure member is in a position which closes the body portion, then the first and second apertures are aligned to form a straight connection path, whereby the fastener means is insertable through the first and second apertures by following the straight connection path;
(viii) the fastener means is a single use fastener means which needs to be rendered unusable in order to open the sealable container;
(ix) the body portion and the closure member are re-usable; and
(x) after sealing and opening, the sealable container is re-usable with another one of the fastener means.
With the sealable container of the present invention, the container is able to be reused multiple times simply with the provision of a new one of the fastener means for each re-use. This avoids the need to dispose of containers as currently occurs. This in turn saves on wasting material for producing new containers which is economically advantageous. It is also advantageous for the environment in that less raw materials are required. It is further advantageous for the environment in that less waste needs to be disposed of, for example in landfill.
It is easy for users to insert the fastener means by following the straight connection path between the first and second apertures. If the first and second apertures were not aligned, then the connection path would not be straight. This would mean that the fastener means would have to be bent in order to be passed through the first and second apertures. By aligning the first and second apertures, the fastener means is easily, simply and speedily able to be inserted in position in the first and second apertures for the sealing of the sealable container. This in turn facilitates the use of the sealable container by all types of users, and thus the sealable container becomes more commercially viable than would be the case if the first and second apertures were not aligned.
The sealable container of the present invention is advantageous in that it lends itself to use in e-commerce. Currently, the majority of retail packaging is not suitable for being sent by postal mail without the need for extra packaging in the form of an extra container or wrapping. For example, a retail box in a shop or store typically needs to be opened by potential customers wanting to see the item in the retail box, whereafter the retail box then needs to be closed. In contrast, when in transit, for example with a courier, the item needs to be sent in a container which needs to be closed in a tamper- evident way in order to reveal if the container has been opened or otherwise interfered with. For example, the retail box may be a shoe box containing a pair of shoes. The retail box needs to be opened and closed easily in the shop or store in order to allow customers to try the shoes on. If a customer then buys the pair of shoes, then the pair of shoes in their retail box are placed in a secondary box or bag. The retail box is similarly placed in a secondary box or bag if the pair of shoes is sent by postal mail for potential sale as part of e-commerce.
The present invention facilitates the recyclability of fibre-based containers and other packaging. As mentioned above, the copious use of plastics adhesive tape tends to hinder the recyclability of fibre-based materials because the plastics tape is not able to be recycled. Often it is difficult to separate the plastics tape from the fibre-based packaging that it is to be recycled. The present invention makes it unnecessary to use the plastics tape, which greatly facilitates recycling of recyclable materials. The present invention is especially advantageous in the fashion e-commerce industry. In the fashion e-commerce industry, there is a high return rate. Shoppers are allowed to return items purchased, often free of charge. This may happen because shoppers order two different sizes of the same item, or perhaps two different colours of the same item. Once tried on and compared, the unwanted items are returned to the vendor, for example the retailer. The items are usually returned using the containers in which the items were originally sent. Typically, these containers are in the form of plastics bags. Often the plastics bags are difficult to re-seal. Almost invariably, a returned bag is not able to be further used. If for example 50% of bags used by fashion retailers go back to the retailer when customers return items, and of those 50% of bags, another 50% would not be damaged by the two shipments and could be used again, then with the re-use afforded by the present invention, there could be a reduction of 25% on the number of bags used by the retailer. This has obvious cost and environmental benefits.
The sealable container of the present invention may be one in which the fastener means comprises at least one integral sealing portion for fastening the fastener means, whereby the fastener means fastens to itself.
Alternatively, integral sealing portions for fastening the fastener means may also be located at two different sides of a closure member.
Alternatively still, integral sealing portions for fastening means may also be located at one surface of a closure member and one surface of a body portion or two different sides of the body portion. Other types of fastener means may be employed so that, for example, the fastener means may be in the form of staples for stapling parts of the fastener means and/or surface of a closure member or body portion together, or the fastener means may be formed by two parts which are pushed together and which are such that they cannot then easily be pulled apart.
When the fastener means comprises at least one integral sealing portion, then the integral sealing portion is preferably an adhesive sealing portion. Other types of integral sealing portion may however be employed.
The adhesive sealing portion is preferably a self-adhesive sealing portion. Other types of adhesive sealing portion may be employed.
The self-adhesive sealing portion is preferably in the form of a strip. Alternative constructions for the self-adhesive sealing portion may be employed so that, for example, the self-adhesive sealing portion may be in the form of one or more pads, or one or more dots.
The self-adhesive sealing portion may be protected by a peel-off protector. The peel- off protector, for example in the form of a peel-off protector sheet, may be made of silicone or other material.
The sealable container may be one in which the sealable container is in the form of a box, the body portion is a body of the box, the closure member is a lid of the box, the first aperture is in a side of the body of the box, and the second aperture is in the lid of the box. The sealable container may alternatively be one in which the sealable container is in the form of a bag, the body portion is a body of the bag, the closure member is a closure formation on the body, the first aperture is in the body of the bag, and the second aperture is in the closure formation. In this case, the sealable container may be one in which the closure portion is a foldable portion at an upper part of the body of the bag. Other types of closure portion may be employed.
The sealable container may alternatively be one in which the sealable container is in the form of an envelope, the body portion is a body portion of the envelope, the closure formation is a flap of the envelope, the first aperture is in the body of the envelope, and the second aperture is in the flap of the envelope.
In all embodiments of the invention, the first aperture may be a slot. Other shapes for the first aperture may be employed.
The sealable container may be one in which the second aperture is a slot. The first and second apertures will usually be of the same type and/or size but they may be different in type and/or size if required.
The sealable container may be one in which the fastener means has a cross sectional shape which is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the first and second apertures. Thus, for example, the cross-sectional shape/profile may be rectangular for a fastener means in the form of a strip. The cross-sectional shape/profile may be circular for fastener means in the form of a card, or it may be square for fastener means of a square cross-sectional shape/profile.
Alternatively, a single unit capable of forming a straight connection path adjoining the first and second apertures can be used. Fastening means securely seals the container by providing a straight connection path orientated through the strategic alignment of the first and second apertures.
The sealable container may be one in which the body portion and the closure member are made of a flexible material. The flexible material may be a cellulosic material, a plastics material, or a textile material. If desired, the body and/or the closure member may be made of a non-flexible material, for example in the case of sealable containers in the form of relatively rigid walled boxes made of plastics materials.
The cellulosic material may be cardboard or paper. The cellulosic material may be that currently used for known containers in the form of boxes, bags and envelopes. Also, the plastics material may be that currently used for known containers in the form of boxes, bag and envelopes. Thus for example the plastics material may be polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene.
The textile material may be cotton. Other textile materials may be employed. The textile material may be that currently employed for known containers such for example as bags.
The fastener means may be made of the same material as the body portion and the closure member. This may enable the fastener means to be made from otherwise waste parts that would occur in the formation of the body portion and the closure member. If desired, the fastener means may be made of a different material to the body portion and/or the closure member.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place, with the sealable container being shown partially closed;
Figure 2 shows the sealable container of Figure 1 in a flat assembly configuration which is required for assembly into the sealable container;
Figure 3 shows the container of Figure 1 but without fastener means forming part of the sealable container;
Figure 4 shows the container of Figure 1 but partially opened;
Figure 5 shows the container of Figure 1 but with the sealable container completely closed, wherein a short fastening means is fastened to itself
Figure 6 shows the container of Figure 1 but with the sealable container completely closed, wherein a long fastening means, extending around at least part of the perimeter of the container, is fastened to itself; . Figure 7 shows how the sealable container shown in Figure 1 is sealed with fastener means fastened to one surface of a closure member and one surface of a body portion;
Figure 8 shows a flat assembly configuration which is which is for a second sealable container in the form of a box;
Figure 9 shows part of a second sealable container produced using the flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 8, partially opened;
Figure 10 Shows how the sealable container shown in Figure 8 is sealed with fastener means to two different sides of a closure member rather than a fastening means fastened to itself;
Figure 1 1 shows a third flat assembly configuration for producing a third sealable container in the form of a box;
Figure 12 shows part of the third sealable container produced using the third flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 1 1 ;
Figure 13 shows how the sealable container shown in Figure 1 1 is sealed with fastener means fastened to two different sides of the body portion;
Figure 14 shows a fourth flat assembly configuration for a fourth sealable container in the form of a box; Figure 15 shows part of the fourth sealable container produced using the fourth flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 14;
Figure 16 shows a fifth flat assembly configuration for a fifth sealable container in the form of a box;
Figure 17 shows part of the fifth sealable container produced using the fifth flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 16;
Figure 18 shows a sixth flat assembly configuration for a sixth sealable container in the form of an envelope;
Figure 19 shows part of a sealable container produced using the sixth flat assembly configuration shown in Figure 18;
Figure 20 shows the sealable container of Figure 18 additionally provided with a pair of fastener means;
Figure 21 is like Figure 20 but shows the fastener means fastened together;
Figure 22 shows the sixth sealable container in the form of a bag and from one side;
Figure 23 is a view like Figure 22 but from the other side of the sealable container; Figure 24 shows how the sealable container shown in Figures 18 - 23 are folded in order to enable the fastener means to fasten and seal the sealable container;
Figure 25 shows how the sealable container shown in Figures 18 - 23 is provided with apertures for receiving the fastener means.
Figure 26 Shows the sixth sealable container in the form of a bag with fastener means, positioned in a flat assembly configuration;
Figure 27 shows the sealable container shown in Figure 26 with fastener means arranged in a folded configuration;
Figure 28 shows the sealable container shown in Figure 27 with fastener means arranged in a folded configuration positioned so an address label is annealed, partly adhered to the fastener means and partly adhered to the sealable container wall.
Referring to Figures 1 to 7, there is shown a sealable container 20 for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place. The sealable container 20 comprises a body portion 4 and a closure member 6 for closing the body portion 4. The sealable container 20 is such that there is a first aperture 8 in the body portion 4. There is a second aperture 10 in the closure member 6. The sealable container 2 has fastener means 12 for extending through the first and second apertures 8, 10.
The fastener means 12 seals the sealable container 20 closed when the fastener means 12 is passed through the first and second apertures 8, 10 and is fastened. The sealable container 2 is such that when the closure member 6 is in a position which closes the body portion 4, then the first and second apertures 8, 10 are aligned to form a straight connection path, whereby the fastener means 12 is insertable through the first and second apertures 8, 10 by following the straight connection path.
The fastener means 12 is a single use fastener means 12 which needs to be rendered unusable in order to open the sealed container 2. The fastener means 12 is typically rendered unusable by being cut with scissors or a knife. Alternatively, the fastener means 12 may be rendered unusable by simply being pulled or ripped apart if it made of an appropriate material. The fastener means 12 may be provided with a weaknessproviding formation for facilitating the pulling or ripping apart.
The body portion 4 and the closure member 6 are re-usable. After sealing and opening, the sealable container 2 is re-usable with another one of the fastener means 12. The sealable container 20 is thus configured for multiple re-uses. There is no need to throw the sealable container 20 away. This is convenient for both senders and recipients because they are able to use a container readily to hand. The sealable container 20 is easy to use by the senders and recipients due to the aligning of the first and second apertures 8, 10 to form the straight connection path which is a notional straight connection path. The fastener means 12 is able to be kept straight and just follow the straight connection path in order to locate the fastener means 12 in the first and second apertures 8, 10 for subsequent fastening in order to seal the sealable container 20.
The sealable containers 20- 30 are beneficial for the environment in that the consumption of raw materials for producing new sealable containers is substantially reduced. The avoidance of the need to produce new sealable containers has commercial benefits for manufacturers. All that is required for a re-use of the sealable containers 20-30 is a new one of the fastener means 12, or new ones of the fastener means 12 if more than one fastener means 12 per sealable container 20 is employed.
The fastener means 12 comprises at least one integral sealing formation 14 whereby the fastener means 12 fastens to itself. Alternatively, the fastener means 12 may fasten to the closure member 6 or the body portion 4. The integral sealing formation 14 is an adhesive sealing portion. The adhesive sealing portion is a self-adhesive sealing portion. The fastener means 12 and the integral sealing portion 14 are both in the form of strips. The integral sealing formation 14 could alternatively be in the form of one or more pads or a matrix of dots. The integral sealing formation 12 in the form of the adhesive sealing portion is protected by a peel-off silicone sheet (not shown) which is peeled off prior to use.
The sealable containers shown in figures 1 to17, (configurations 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28) are in the form of a box and may be produced by stamping a piece of cardboard to a flat sheet assembly shown in Figures 2, 8, 11 , 14 and 16. Flat sheet assemblies are then able to be folded along the illustrated broken lines in order to form the box shown in Figures 1 , 3-7, 9-10, 12 - 13, 15 and 17.
Figure 18 shows a flat sheet assembly which is able to be folded to form a sixth sealable container 30 as shown in Figures 19 - 28. In Figure 21 , 22 and 26 - 28 the sixth sealable container is in the form of a pouch. Fastener means 12 have been shown. It will be seen that there are two of the fastener means 12. Figure 20 shows the fastener means 12 unfastened. Figure 21 shows the fastener means 12 fastened.
Figures 26 - 28 show a sixth sealable container 30 comprising a pair of the fastener means 12. The sixth sealable container 30 is in the form of a pouch. Figures 26 and 27 show the sixth sealable container 30 from both sides. Figure 24 shows how the top of the sealable container 30 needs to be folded in order to receive the fastener means 12 such that the fastener means 12 is able to be fastened such that the sealable container 30 is then tamper-evident sealed.
Figure 28 shows how the folded fastener can be secured via adhesion provided by a postage sticky label 19, partly adhered to the fastener means 12 and partly adhered to a side 16.
It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only. Thus, for example, the sealable containers may be in other shapes and/or profiles than those shown. The sealable containers may be of constructions other than boxes, bags or envelopes. The bags or other sealable containers may have gussets. More than two of the fastener means 12 may be employed. Other types of fastener means 12 may be employed. The sealable containers may include any desired number of items needing to be transported from place to place. The items may be any suitable items, for example fashion retail items such for example as clothes or shoes, or items of industrial equipment such for example as tools or kitchen equipment. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and/or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.

Claims

1 . A sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place, which sealable container comprises:
(i) a body portion;
(ii) a closure member for closing the body portion;
(iii) at least one first aperture in the body portion;
(iv) at least one second aperture in the closure member; and
(v) fastener means for extending through the first and second apertures, and wherein:
(vi) the fastener means seals the sealable container closed when the fastener means is passed through the first and second apertures and is fastened;
(vii) the sealable container is such that when the closure member is in a position which closes the body portion, then the first and second apertures are aligned to form a straight connection path, whereby the fastener means is insertable through the first and second apertures by following the straight connection path;
(viii) the fastener means is a single use fastener means which needs to be rendered unusable in order to open the sealable container; (ix) the body portion and the closure member are re-usable; and
(x) after sealing and opening, the sealable container is re-usable with another one of the fastener means.
2. A sealable container according to claim 1 in which the integral sealing portion is an adhesive sealing portion.
3. A sealable container according to claim 2 in which the adhesive sealing portion is a self-adhesive sealing portion.
4. A sealable container according to claim 3 in which the self-adhesive sealing portion is in the form of a strip.
5. A sealable container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the adhesive sealing portion is protected by a peel-off protector.
6. A sealable container according to any one of the preceding claims in which the sealable container is in the form of a box, the body portion is a body of the box, the closure member is a lid of the box, the first aperture is in a side of the body of the box, and the second aperture is in the lid of the box.
7. A sealable container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the sealable container is in the form of a bag, the body portion is a body of the bag, the closure member is a closure formation on the body, the first aperture is in the body of the bag, and the second aperture is in the closure formation.
8. A sealable container according to claim 7, in which the closure formation is a foldable portion at an upper part of the body of the bag.
9. A sealable container according to any one of claim 1 to 5, in which the sealable container is in the form of an envelope, the body portion is a body of the envelope, the closure formation is a flap of the envelope, the first aperture is in the body of the envelope, and the second aperture is in the flap of the envelope.
10. A sealable container according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first aperture is a slot.
1 1. A sealable container according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second aperture is a slot.
12. A sealable container according to any one of the preceding claims in which the fastener means has a cross sectional shape which is the same as the cross sectional shape of the first and second apertures.
13. A sealable container according to any one of the preceding claims in which the body portion and the closure member are made of a flexible material.
14. A sealable container according to claim 13 in which the flexible material is a cellulosic material, a plastics material, or a textile material.
15. A sealable container according to claim 14 in which the cellulosic material is cardboard or paper.
16. A sealable container according to claim 14 in which the plastics material is polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene.
17. A sealable container according to claim 16 in which the textile material is cotton.
18. A sealable container according to any one of the preceding claims in which the fastener means is made of the same material as the body portion and the closure member.
PCT/GB2023/050536 2022-03-08 2023-03-07 A sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place WO2023170403A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2203192.6 2022-03-08
GBGB2203192.6A GB202203192D0 (en) 2022-03-08 2022-03-08 A sealable container for at least one item needed to be transported from place to place
GB2300726.3A GB2617661A (en) 2022-03-08 2023-01-18 A sealable container for at least one item needing to be transported from place to place
GB2300726.3 2023-01-18

Publications (1)

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WO2023170403A1 true WO2023170403A1 (en) 2023-09-14

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1616535A (en) * 1921-01-07 1927-02-08 Theodore H Krueger Envelope and the like and carrier thereof
US4101052A (en) * 1977-03-04 1978-07-18 Interstore Transfer Specialists, Inc. Containers for transferring merchandise between distribution service centers and retail stores, while security sealed in either an expanded or a reduced volume configuration
WO2003035505A1 (en) * 2001-10-22 2003-05-01 Langeland Oskar E Method and device for quality assured transport
US20230040342A1 (en) * 2020-10-19 2023-02-09 Alexander Yambao Tamper resistant storage and transport system for food

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1616535A (en) * 1921-01-07 1927-02-08 Theodore H Krueger Envelope and the like and carrier thereof
US4101052A (en) * 1977-03-04 1978-07-18 Interstore Transfer Specialists, Inc. Containers for transferring merchandise between distribution service centers and retail stores, while security sealed in either an expanded or a reduced volume configuration
WO2003035505A1 (en) * 2001-10-22 2003-05-01 Langeland Oskar E Method and device for quality assured transport
US20230040342A1 (en) * 2020-10-19 2023-02-09 Alexander Yambao Tamper resistant storage and transport system for food

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GB202300726D0 (en) 2023-03-01
GB202203192D0 (en) 2022-04-20

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