US20070056970A1 - Plastic Liner For Home Organizational Items - Google Patents
Plastic Liner For Home Organizational Items Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070056970A1 US20070056970A1 US11/380,311 US38031106A US2007056970A1 US 20070056970 A1 US20070056970 A1 US 20070056970A1 US 38031106 A US38031106 A US 38031106A US 2007056970 A1 US2007056970 A1 US 2007056970A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- liner
- plastic
- plastic material
- rim
- 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
-
- 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
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/14—Linings or internal coatings
Definitions
- the present disclosure is generally directed to storage containers and, more particularly, to containers with plastic liners.
- woven or non-woven storage containers such as baskets, storage cubes, hampers, and the like to decorate and organize their houses. Additionally, consumers use woven or non-woven containers as trash cans, picnic baskets, planters and the like. Typically, woven containers are made primarily of natural or other decorative materials including but not limited to wicker, rattan, seagrass, water hyacinth, banana leaf, wood, metal, plastic and bamboo. Many consumers prefer the appearance of these woven containers to non-woven alternatives such as solid plastic, chipboard, or cardboard containers. Woven products typically have an open pattern defining spaces or interstices due to their woven nature. This often results in a container that is unable to hold small items.
- woven containers made of cellulosic natural materials are often subject to water absorption and prone to mildew growth.
- Some of these woven and non-woven containers are paired with a pre-formed, drop-in plastic liner made of a synthetic material such as polyester or PVC.
- These liners are manufactured independently of the container by various types of molding and forming operations. After they are manufactured, the pre-formed liners are later placed inside of the containers in a separate assembly operation.
- the pre-formed plastic liners provide a cleanable and solid or non-perforated surface able to hold small items.
- the pre-formed liners do not match or integrate with the material of the outer walls of the container and may impair the container's overall appearance. Additionally, tooling costs associated with creating a pre-formed plastic liner can be expensive due to the need for a separate liner tool unique to each shape and size of container.
- pre-formed plastic liners may create difficulties fitting the plastic liner to a woven storage container.
- woven containers have inherently variable dimensions from container to container, thereby frustrating any attempt to pre-form a generic liner.
- a pre-formed plastic liner produced from independent tooling may flex minimally to adapt to its container, these liners are generally unable to accommodate significant variations in height, width, and/or length. Additionally, these dimensional variations may result in a height differential between the woven container and the liner, a gap between the walls of the woven container and the liner or, conversely, an interference between the liner and container.
- Fabric liners typically provide more aesthetic appeal than plastic liners. However, fabric liners typically lack the cleanability and/or water resistance of a plastic liner. Furthermore, fabric is typically less durable than plastic. Moreover, fabric liners are generally stitched or sewn onto woven containers or adhered to non-woven containers, both of which add cost to the manufacturing process.
- One known product for increasing the durability and cleanability of fabric liners includes coated fabric liners. Coated fabric liners often include some stain resistant coating applied with a sprayer or roller. While these coated fabric liners may have some degree of improved durability and cleanability, they still require the added attachment process and are not aesthetically pleasing to many consumers.
- plastic film liners include plastic film liners.
- Known plastic film liners typically include plastic bag-like components deposited directly into a container such as a fabric container, a woven container, or any other container and fixed to a rim thereof. The fixation is generally achieved with an adhesive or other means. While these plastic film liners tend to repel most stains and are capable of retaining small items, they are also prone to tearing and are rarely re-usable. Additionally, such plastic film liner products are often not very aesthetically pleasing as they do not match or integrate well with the containers they are associated with. Accordingly, such plastic film liners are typically used in gardening with planters, pots and other containers.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a home décor product with an integrated plastic liner constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the container depicted in FIG. 1 taken along line II-II;
- FIG. 3 is a magnified cross-sectional view of a wall of the container taken from Circle III in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a magnified cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a wall of a container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and taken from Circle III in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a magnified cross-sectional view of yet another alternate embodiment of a wall of a container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and taken from Circle III in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a magnified cross-sectional view of yet another alternate embodiment of a wall of a container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and taken from Circle III in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a home décor product with an integrated plastic liner and one form of a rim component constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a home décor product with an integrated plastic liner and another form of a rim component constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure
- FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a home décor product according to the teachings of the present disclosure and illustrating a manufacturing process implementing a plug and a barrier layer;
- FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a home décor product according to the teachings of the present disclosure and illustrating a manufacturing process implementing an exterior mask.
- a home décor product 1 including a container 10 with a plastic liner 12 is shown.
- the container 10 has a base 14 and a sidewall 16 extending up from the base 14 .
- the sidewall 16 and base 14 both have interior surfaces 16 a , 14 a , respectively, and exterior surfaces 16 b , 14 b , respectively.
- the sidewall 16 has four panels, thereby defining a container 10 with a generally square cross-section.
- the cross-section of the container 10 may be of any geometry or size including but not limited to square, rectangular, circular, cylindrical, partially spherical, or any other polygonal or non-polygonal geometry and may or may not have a lid.
- the walls 16 and base 14 are constructed in a woven configuration from natural or other decorative materials including, but not limited to, wicker, rattan, seagrass, water hyacinth, banana leaf, wood, bamboo, metal, fabric wrapped cardboard, woven plastic or composite straps, or any combination of such materials with each other or with others.
- the walls 16 and base 14 of the disclosed container 10 may be constructed of multiple interwoven components as an open weave, knit, or mesh defining openings or spaces 18 (shown in FIGS. 3-5 ) between its various interwoven components. It should be appreciated, however, that the container 10 may be any foreseeable container including a solid or substantially solid container constructed of plastic, metal, chipboard, leather-wrapped chipboard, cardboard, fabric, or any other suitable material for containing items.
- the disclosed container 10 has an integrated plastic liner 12 that conforms to the interior surfaces 16 a , 14 a of the walls 16 and base 14 of the container 10 , as shown in FIGS. 1-6 .
- the liner 12 provides a solid impermeable layer.
- the liner 12 includes dimples 12 a on its interior surface and protrusions 12 b on its exterior surface, as shown in FIGS. 2-5 .
- the protrusions 12 b at least partially extend into the spaces 18 in the walls 16 and base 14 of the container 10 , as shown in FIGS. 3-5 .
- the protrusions 12 b frictionally engage the container 10 at the sides of the spaces 18 .
- the plastic liner 12 may be bonded or adhered to the walls 16 and base 14 of the woven container 10 , as will be discussed in greater detail below.
- the liner may 12 cover as much or as little of the container 10 as desired.
- the thickness of the liner 12 may be selected as desired. While the home décor product 1 has just been described as including a container 10 defining spaces 18 , it should be appreciated that the container 10 may alternately be formed to be solid or substantially solid, as mentioned above.
- a solid or substantially solid container 10 may include a tightly woven container or simply a container made of solid material such as plastic, metal, wood, or any other material with or without openings formed in the interior surface thereof.
- FIG. 6 depicts a sidewall 16 of one such solid container 10 including an interior surface 16 a with openings or pockets 21 .
- the liner 12 includes only protrusions 12 b .
- the protrusions 12 b interlock with the pockets 21 to secure the liner 12 and the container 10 together.
- the container 10 may not include openings at all, but may have substantially smooth interior surfaces 14 a , 16 a . In such a case, the liner 12 attaches to the container 10 via shear stresses or adhesive or a combination of both.
- the integrated plastic liner 12 may be constructed through a vacuum thermoforming process for forming molten or semi-molten plastic to the shape of the container walls 16 and base 14 .
- a nest, die, or cavity is used to hold the container 10 securely in place and to affect the container's shape if needed.
- the molten or semi-molten plastic sheet is placed over the opening of the container such that the plastic sheet is adjacent to or in contact with a rim 20 of the container 10 .
- the molten or semi-molten plastic sheet may be directly inserted into the container 10 .
- the plastic sheet is then drawn via vacuum pressure, which will be discussed in greater detail below, to deform and conformingly engage the interior surfaces 14 a , 16 a of the container 10 .
- the vacuum may be created using vacuum ports located in the nest, die, or cavity used to secure the container 10 . It should be understood that in the case of a solid container 10 , the container 10 should include one or more vent holes for allowing air to escape during the vacuum process.
- the molten or semi-molten plastic sheet conforms to the geometry of the container 10 .
- the plastic inherently adheres to the interior surfaces 14 a , 16 a .
- the plastic may not adhesively bond with the material of the container 10 .
- the plastic liner 12 may be drawn into the spaces 18 or pockets 21 of the container wall 16 and base 14 to create the protrusions 12 b and, if applicable, the dimples 12 a .
- the protrusions 12 b mechanically interconnect and secure the container 10 to the plastic liner 12 by frictionally engaging the container 10 adjacent to the spaces 18 or in the pockets 21 , thereby preventing the liner 12 from easily slipping out of the container 10 .
- the outer surface of the liner 12 may have an adhesive layer 22 .
- the adhesive layer 22 may be active or at least activated during the above-described forming process to adhere the liner 12 to the container 10 . It should be appreciated that, in one form, the adhesive layer 22 is utilized in combination with the interlocking protrusions 12 b and spaces 18 to retain the liner 12 inside the container 10 . In another form, however, the liner 12 may not include the protrusions 12 b and, therefore, the adhesive layer 22 is used as the sole device for retaining the liner 12 within the container 10 . Additionally, while FIG.
- an alternate form may include the adhesive layer 22 coating less than the entire exterior surface of the liner 12 .
- the adhesive layer 22 may coat the exterior surface of the liner 12 in parallel or cross-hatched bands intended to adheringly engage corresponding parallel or cross-hatched components of the woven container 10 .
- a manufacturing collar may be applied to the rim 20 prior to the molten sheet being positioned on the rim 20 or inserted into the container 10 .
- the collar may have a smooth surface for creating a seal between the molten plastic and itself. In another form, such a smooth surface may not be required.
- the collar will assure that the vacuum is able to create a sufficient suction to draw the molten plastic sheet into engagement with the interior surfaces 14 a , 16 a of the container 10 , as well as into the spaces 18 or pockets 21 to create the protrusions 12 b and, if applicable, the dimples 12 a . While the use of such a collar may be beneficial in some applications, it should be appreciated that it need not be used in all applications.
- the thermoforming method uses a one-piece pre-formed plastic liner.
- the pre-formed liner is created by heating a plastic sheet to a molten or semi-molten state and then molding the sheet using a male pre-forming tool such as a plug. This molding may be accomplished inside or outside of the container. After the sheet is heated, the exterior surface of the forming tool is brought into engagement therewith. The sheet then deforms and takes the shape of the forming tool.
- the preforming tool is dimensioned such that it creates a plastic pre-form having external dimensions slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the container 10 .
- the pre-form is preformed outside of the container and while still in its molten or semi-molten state, it is then placed into the container 10 and thermoformed to the interior surfaces 14 a , 16 a , as described above.
- This method may be useful to create liners 12 for containers 10 with steep walls or to assist in controlling the thickness of the liner 12 throughout the thermoforming process.
- an alternate process may include allowing the pre-form to cool outside of the container 10 . The cooled pre-form may then be placed into the container 10 and reheated to the molten or semi-molten state prior to performing the thermoforming operation.
- a blow-molding process is used to form the liner 12 .
- Variations on this method include applying extrusion blow-molding, injection blow-molding, or injection stretch blow-molding techniques.
- a fixture or adjustable table may be required to hold the container 10 steady.
- an extruded parison of molten plastic with a pinched-off bottom end is lowered into the container 10 .
- hot air is blown into the interior of the parison.
- the force created by the hot air creates a pressure that is applied substantially uniformly to the interior surfaces of the parison and stretches the parison outward until it conformingly engages the interior surfaces 14 a , 16 a of the container 10 .
- the plastic is allowed to cool.
- one form of this process may include placing a collar on top of the container 10 prior to applying the hot air.
- the collar may serve to provide a compressive load to the parison at the rim 20 of the container 10 , thereby securing the parison in place. Additionally, the collar may prevent or restrict the flow of the molten or semi-molten parison during the molding process relative to the rim 20 .
- an injection molded pre-form is made prior to beginning the thermoforming process.
- the pre-form is then placed inside of the container 10 , heated to a molten or semi-molten state, and subsequently blown or stretched until the plastic engages and forms to the walls 14 a , 16 a of the container 10 , as described above.
- the pre-form is heated prior to being placed inside of the container 10 .
- an excess portion of the liner 12 may remain extending beyond the rim 22 of the container 10 after cooling. In such a case, the excess portion should be trimmed with a trimming tool to provide a clean and aesthetically pleasing finish to the home décor product 1 .
- the rim 20 of the container 10 may not provide a sufficiently uniform or rigid surface along which the trimming tool may travel for trimming the excess liner. Therefore, in one form, the manufacturing collar discussed in either of the above-described processes may be used to guide the trimming tool. In such cases, the trimming tool may travel directly along a rigid external surface of the manufacturing collar around the rim 20 of the container 10 to remove the excess liner 12 .
- the manufacturing collar may include an elongated recess or groove formed on an interior surface thereof. The recess or groove would then receive the trimming tool and guide it adjacent the rim 20 to trim the excess liner.
- the container 10 itself may include an elongated recess formed in its interior surface 16 a near the rim 20 for receiving and guiding the trimming tool. In any of these cases, the liner 12 is formed to extend beyond the rim 20 of the container 10 and is subsequently trimmed.
- the liner 12 may be formed with the excess serving as a top flare that is rolled or folded over the rim 20 . Subsequent to cooling, the top flare is rolled over the rim 20 and adhered or otherwise secured to the container 10 . Alternatively, the top flare may be rolled or folded over the rim 20 while the liner 12 is still in a semi-molten state and then allowed to cool.
- a trim jig may be used to trim the excess liner.
- the trim jig would include both a trimming tool and a guiding surface, against which the liner 12 is to be trimmed.
- the trim jig may be configured to engage the excess liner in slight tension, travel around the container 10 at some predetermined distance from the rim 20 , and simultaneously trim the liner 12 .
- the container 10 may include a foldable rim portion including, for example, the top one or two inches of the container 10 adjacent the rim 20 .
- the rim portion is folded outward, any excess liner is trimmed with a trimming tool, and the rim portion is returned to its original position.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 depict alternative forms of the home décor product 1 of the present disclosure.
- the home décor products depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be manufactured in any of the foregoing molding processes and are identical to the home décor product 1 depicted in FIG. 1 , with the exception that they further include a rim component 24 .
- the rim component 24 is fixed to the rim 20 to provide a clean aesthetically pleasing finish to the home décor product 1 .
- some manufacturing processes may produce excess liner 12 extending beyond the rim 20 that needs to be trimmed away.
- the component 24 serves to cover any inconsistencies or roughness in the trimmed liner 12 and/or rim 22 .
- the rim component 24 may actually serve to increase the rigidity or durability or some other structural characteristic of the home décor product 1 .
- FIG. 7 depicts a rim component 24 including a rim cap 26 .
- the rim cap 26 generally includes a one-piece component constructed of the same general geometry of the rim 20 of the container 10 . It should be appreciated, however, that, as stated above, the container 10 may take on virtually any form and therefore, so might the rim 20 and the rim cap 26 .
- the rim cap 26 may include a wooden cap 26 fixed to the rim 20 with an adhesive.
- the adhesive may be wood glue, silicone caulk, rubber cement, epoxy, or any other type of adhesive. Accordingly, during manufacture of the home décor product 1 depicted in FIG. 7 , adhesive is applied to one or both of the rim 20 and the rim cap 26 after the liner 12 is thermoformed. Thereafter, the rim cap 26 is placed onto the rim 20 , or vice versa, and secured in place with a clamp or some other device until the adhesive cures, thereby fixing the two components together.
- the rim cap 26 has been described as being fixed to the rim 20 of the container 10 with an adhesive, it should be appreciated that any device for fixing the two components together is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
- the rim cap 26 may be fixed to the rim 20 with nails, threaded fasteners, double-sided adhesive strips, staples, or any other device capable of serving the intended purpose.
- the rim cap 26 has been described as being manufactured of wood, it may alternatively be manufactured of metal, plastic, cardboard, wicker, rattan, seagrass, water hyacinth, banana leaf, bamboo or any other material capable of serving the intended purposes.
- rim cap 26 has been disclosed as being a one-piece rim cap 26 , it may alternately be constructed of multiple pieces that are fixed independently or dependently to the container 10 .
- rim cap 26 and manufacturing collar discussed above have been described as being distinct components, the two may foresceably be the same component.
- FIG. 8 depicts an alternate rim component 24 including an internal trim component 28 .
- the internal trim component 28 serves generally the same purpose as the rim cap 26 , but instead of being attached directly to the rim 20 , it is attached to the interior surface 16 a of the sidewall 16 adjacent the rim 20 .
- the internal trim component 28 may be constructed of any of the materials listed above for the rim cap 26 and may be fixed to the container 10 by any of the devices discussed above regarding the rim cap 26 .
- the internal trim component 28 is stapled to the interior surface 16 a of the container 10 .
- the internal trim component 28 depicts the internal trim component 28 as being a one-piece rim component 24 , it may alternatively include multiple pieces secured together or to the container 10 in any desirable fashion.
- the rim component 24 has been described herein as including either a rim cap 26 or an internal trim component 28 , it may foreseeably include any type or configuration of a rim component 24 located adjacent to or in proximity to the rim 20 of the container to thereby increase at least one of the aesthetic appeal of the home décor product 1 , the structural integrity of the home décor product 1 , or any other feature.
- the rim component 24 may be attached to the exterior surface 16 b of the sidewall 16 of the container 10 or any combination of attachment to the interior surface 16 a , the rim 20 , and the exterior surface 16 b so as to serve the principles of the present disclosure.
- any melt-processable material may be used to construct the liner 12 .
- a suitable material is a flexible thermoplastic elastomer which provides a rubber-like appearance or a polymer that produces a transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque glass-like appearance such as poly-vinyl chloride, polyester, or polystyrene.
- any material capable of being thermoformed or blow-molded may be used including olefins such as, for example, polyethylene and polypropylene
- the liner 12 may include multiple layers. These multiple layers may be provided in the form of, for example, co-extruded plastic sheets or thermoformable laminates.
- a two-color co-extruded sheet is thermoformed to construct the liner 12 .
- the two-color plastic sheet has two layers of different colors creating a top color and a bottom color.
- the interior surface of the liner 12 is defined by the top color of the sheet and the exterior surface of the liner 12 is defined by the bottom color of the sheet.
- the liner 12 includes a plastic sheet with a soft material top layer and hard material bottom layer.
- the soft material top layer forms the interior surface of the liner 12 and the hard material bottom layer forms the exterior surface of the liner 12 .
- the hard material may serve as the internal layer and the soft material may serve as the external layer, if desired. If this is the case, during thermoforming, the soft external layer may deform and protrude through the spaces 18 in the container 10 , while the hard internal layer may remain smooth. This may further enhance the cleanability of the liner 12 . Further, it should be understood from the description provided that thermoformable co-extruded materials or laminates not expressly disclosed herein may be used to construct the liner 12 .
- the disclosed plastic lined home décor product 1 provides a number of advantages.
- the liner 12 is durable and cleanable and enables a woven container to accommodate small items.
- the liner 12 further provides a durable protectant for the container material, whether it is woven material or non-woven material. This protectant serves to extend the useful life of the home décor product, thereby increasing its consumer appeal.
- the disclosed invention guarantees a tight-fitting liner, since the process inherently accounts for dimensional variation, which is common to woven containers.
- pre-formed plastic liners such as die cut plastic or traditional liners will not conform to the shape of the container walls.
- the present disclosure eliminates the cost of producing these tools by providing at least one process for forming a plastic liner into a container using thermoforming processes. These processes, as should be understood from the description herein, are readily adaptable to be performed on generally any shape or size container. Additionally, use of the disclosed processes with woven or non-woven containers creates a novel and desirable appearance. In one form, the disclosed home décor product using a clear plastic liner material, the process produced rounded protrusions that protrude from the openings in the weave, giving the aesthetically pleasurable appearance of blown glass, as shown in FIGS. 2-5 .
- the home décor product 101 includes a container 110 and a liner 112 .
- the liner 112 can be created by a number of methods using a variety of materials.
- the container liner 112 is manufactured using a casting process.
- foam or casting resins are poured into the woven container 110 and cured to form the liner 112 .
- the woven container 110 may be placed in a nest, die, or cavity to securely locate the container 110 and to affect its shape if needed.
- a barrier layer 111 may be needed for containers constructed with a more porous weave or from certain materials.
- the barrier layer 111 is applied to the inside of the container 110 prior to the application of a resin, plastic or foam liner 112 to prevent material from seeping through the woven material.
- This barrier 111 can be a cellulosic material with an adhesive backing, a polypropylene film, or any solid adhesive backed substrate or other material that can provide a substantially foam or resin impermeable barrier to prevent the foam or casting resins from penetrating the weave of the container 110 .
- a plug 113 is lowered into the cavity of the container and clamped in place to hold a fixed position relative to the container 110 .
- the plug 113 may be made of wood, aluminum, or other suitable material and may be coated with a release coating such as a silicone boot or silicone spray.
- the plug 113 is dimensioned to reflect the interior shape desired of the liner 112 in the container 110 .
- the plug 113 is also dimensioned such that it is smaller than the inside walls of the container 110 .
- the difference in size creates a cavity between the interior walls of the container 110 or surfaces of the barrier layer 111 and the outer surface of the plug 113 .
- the poured foam expands or the liquid resin rises to fill this cavity.
- the resin is then cured for a predetermined time period dependant upon material selection, liner thickness, and other factors before the plug 113 is removed.
- the use of a barrier layer 111 may not be needed if the weave of the container is tight enough to prevent the casting material from seeping through the interstices in the woven container 10 or if the casting material is viscous enough such that it does not seep through the interstices in the woven container 110 .
- Another method to create an integrated lined container 101 is to spray coat the interior of the container 110 with the desired liner material.
- materials such as elastomers, powder coats, adhesives, urethanes or other similar materials can be sprayed to construct the liner.
- the interior of the container 110 is sprayed to create a network of layers to form the liner 112 on the interior walls of the container 110 .
- This method works well for tightly-woven or solid-wall containers, and also where an initial barrier layer 111 has been applied.
- construction of a sprayed liner may require the use of either an outer mask 115 (shown in FIG. 10 ) or inner barrier 111 .
- an outer mask 115 shown in FIG. 10
- inner barrier 111 To construct a liner 112 with an outer mask 115 , the exterior surfaces of the walls and base of the container 110 are coated with a release coating such as a wax label, low surface energy plastic, silicone, or other such material. Then, the interior surface of the walls and base of the container 110 is sprayed with the liner material. Material that passes through the weave of the container 110 , bonds to itself to create a solid wall, but releases from the outer mask 115 when the mask is removed.
- the mask 115 may be either physically removed, or it may be made from a soluble material and dissolved.
- an inner barrier 111 is placed on the interior surfaces of the container 110 , as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the inner barrier 111 is adhered or otherwise affixed to the interior container surfaces. Once the inner barrier 111 is in place the liner material is sprayed on top of the barrier 111 .
- a layer of liner material can be sufficiently thick to cover the natural defects found in the hand-woven containers and seal the interstices in the weave.
- liners have been constructed using a 2-part urethane material that is mixed immediately prior to pouring into the container 110 . Any other suitable urethane system can be used instead.
- other multi-part reactive materials may be used instead of urethane.
- colorants may be added to one or more of the components prior to mixing to achieve a desired visual effect.
- numerous other materials are suitable for construction of the liner including, but not limited to, rigid or flexible foam, cast flexible urethane, rubber, cast stiff urethane, or the like.
- the liner 112 When forming the liner 112 from urethane foam, it is desirable to select a foam that will generate a solid, sufficiently thick skin on the interior surface of the container 110 . This will provide an easy to clean, durable, non-permeable surface. Often, the best way to create a durable non-permeable skin on the interior surface of a foam liner is to use an aluminum plug 113 with internal water cooling to achieve maximum heat transfer at the surface of the foam in contact with the plug 113 . Alternatively, self-skinning foams can also be used in place of the aluminum tooling.
- the interior barrier layer 111 used for containers with loose weave or for less viscous liner materials may be made from any material that can provide a substantially foam or resin impermeable barrier to prevent the uncured liner material from penetrating the barrier layer 111 .
- a cellulosic material with an adhesive backing is applied to the interior of the container 110 such that the adhesive surface of the barrier layer contacts the interior surface of the container 110 to hold the barrier layer 111 in place prior to application of the uncured liner material.
- the interior barrier layer 111 may be relatively thin in comparison to the thickness of the liner 112 .
- the barrier layer 111 may be a polypropylene film, or any other material that can provide a substantially foam or resin impermeable barrier to prevent the uncured liner material from penetrating the weave of the container 110 .
- the exterior mask 115 used for containers with loose weave or for less viscous liner materials may be constructed from a low surface energy material that will not adhere to the liner material.
- the exterior mask 115 may be formed using a coating such as low surface energy plastic, silicone, or other such material.
- the exterior mask 115 may be constructed from a wax coated paper or other sheet of material used to cover the exterior surface of the container 110 , as shown in FIG. 10 .
- the mask layer 115 may be physically peeled away from the woven container 110 or, in the case of a mask 115 made from soluble material, may be dissolved.
- the disclosed coating lined woven storage container 101 has a number of advantages.
- the disclosed liner 112 is cleanable and moisture resistant while economical to manufacture. Unlike separately tooled plastic liners the disclosed manufacturing processes can easily be adapted to accommodate different sizes and shapes of containers. Moreover, the process for creating the integrated liner 112 readily adapts to and accommodates dimensional variation commonly found in woven containers and ensures a tight fit between the liner and the container wall. The lining process is robust because the disclosed liners and methods easily adapt to container variation in a way that pre-formed plastic liners can not. It is also likely that this invention provides economic advantages over the current methods, depending on the selection of liner materials.
Abstract
A home product includes a container and a plastic liner. The container includes an interior surface. The plastic liner is integrally conformed and attached to a substantial portion of the interior surface of the container to seal and protect the container. The plastic liner is conformed and attached to the container via a thermoforming or blow molding-process.
Description
- This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/688,598, filed Jun. 8, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/688,562, filed Jun. 8, 2005, the contents of each of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Disclosure
- The present disclosure is generally directed to storage containers and, more particularly, to containers with plastic liners.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Consumers use woven or non-woven storage containers such as baskets, storage cubes, hampers, and the like to decorate and organize their houses. Additionally, consumers use woven or non-woven containers as trash cans, picnic baskets, planters and the like. Typically, woven containers are made primarily of natural or other decorative materials including but not limited to wicker, rattan, seagrass, water hyacinth, banana leaf, wood, metal, plastic and bamboo. Many consumers prefer the appearance of these woven containers to non-woven alternatives such as solid plastic, chipboard, or cardboard containers. Woven products typically have an open pattern defining spaces or interstices due to their woven nature. This often results in a container that is unable to hold small items. Additionally, the interiors of these containers are difficult to clean because the woven construction creates small, hard to clean crevices that trap dust or dirt. Moreover, woven containers made of cellulosic natural materials are often subject to water absorption and prone to mildew growth.
- Some of these woven and non-woven containers are paired with a pre-formed, drop-in plastic liner made of a synthetic material such as polyester or PVC. These liners are manufactured independently of the container by various types of molding and forming operations. After they are manufactured, the pre-formed liners are later placed inside of the containers in a separate assembly operation. The pre-formed plastic liners provide a cleanable and solid or non-perforated surface able to hold small items. However, the pre-formed liners do not match or integrate with the material of the outer walls of the container and may impair the container's overall appearance. Additionally, tooling costs associated with creating a pre-formed plastic liner can be expensive due to the need for a separate liner tool unique to each shape and size of container.
- Furthermore, the use of pre-formed plastic liners may create difficulties fitting the plastic liner to a woven storage container. Specifically, woven containers have inherently variable dimensions from container to container, thereby frustrating any attempt to pre-form a generic liner. While a pre-formed plastic liner produced from independent tooling may flex minimally to adapt to its container, these liners are generally unable to accommodate significant variations in height, width, and/or length. Additionally, these dimensional variations may result in a height differential between the woven container and the liner, a gap between the walls of the woven container and the liner or, conversely, an interference between the liner and container.
- Other known containers are lined with fabric. Fabric liners typically provide more aesthetic appeal than plastic liners. However, fabric liners typically lack the cleanability and/or water resistance of a plastic liner. Furthermore, fabric is typically less durable than plastic. Moreover, fabric liners are generally stitched or sewn onto woven containers or adhered to non-woven containers, both of which add cost to the manufacturing process. One known product for increasing the durability and cleanability of fabric liners includes coated fabric liners. Coated fabric liners often include some stain resistant coating applied with a sprayer or roller. While these coated fabric liners may have some degree of improved durability and cleanability, they still require the added attachment process and are not aesthetically pleasing to many consumers.
- Still further known container liners include plastic film liners. Known plastic film liners typically include plastic bag-like components deposited directly into a container such as a fabric container, a woven container, or any other container and fixed to a rim thereof. The fixation is generally achieved with an adhesive or other means. While these plastic film liners tend to repel most stains and are capable of retaining small items, they are also prone to tearing and are rarely re-usable. Additionally, such plastic film liner products are often not very aesthetically pleasing as they do not match or integrate well with the containers they are associated with. Accordingly, such plastic film liners are typically used in gardening with planters, pots and other containers.
- Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a home décor product with an integrated plastic liner constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the container depicted inFIG. 1 taken along line II-II; -
FIG. 3 is a magnified cross-sectional view of a wall of the container taken from Circle III inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a magnified cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a wall of a container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and taken from Circle III inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a magnified cross-sectional view of yet another alternate embodiment of a wall of a container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and taken from Circle III inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a magnified cross-sectional view of yet another alternate embodiment of a wall of a container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and taken from Circle III inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a home décor product with an integrated plastic liner and one form of a rim component constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a home décor product with an integrated plastic liner and another form of a rim component constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a home décor product according to the teachings of the present disclosure and illustrating a manufacturing process implementing a plug and a barrier layer; and -
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a home décor product according to the teachings of the present disclosure and illustrating a manufacturing process implementing an exterior mask. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , ahome décor product 1 including acontainer 10 with aplastic liner 12 is shown. Thecontainer 10 has abase 14 and asidewall 16 extending up from thebase 14. Thesidewall 16 andbase 14 both haveinterior surfaces 16 a, 14 a, respectively, andexterior surfaces sidewall 16 has four panels, thereby defining acontainer 10 with a generally square cross-section. The cross-section of thecontainer 10, however, may be of any geometry or size including but not limited to square, rectangular, circular, cylindrical, partially spherical, or any other polygonal or non-polygonal geometry and may or may not have a lid. Thewalls 16 andbase 14, as depicted, are constructed in a woven configuration from natural or other decorative materials including, but not limited to, wicker, rattan, seagrass, water hyacinth, banana leaf, wood, bamboo, metal, fabric wrapped cardboard, woven plastic or composite straps, or any combination of such materials with each other or with others. Thewalls 16 andbase 14 of the disclosedcontainer 10 may be constructed of multiple interwoven components as an open weave, knit, or mesh defining openings or spaces 18 (shown inFIGS. 3-5 ) between its various interwoven components. It should be appreciated, however, that thecontainer 10 may be any foreseeable container including a solid or substantially solid container constructed of plastic, metal, chipboard, leather-wrapped chipboard, cardboard, fabric, or any other suitable material for containing items. - As stated above, the disclosed
container 10 has an integratedplastic liner 12 that conforms to theinterior surfaces 16 a, 14 a of thewalls 16 andbase 14 of thecontainer 10, as shown inFIGS. 1-6 . Theliner 12 provides a solid impermeable layer. Additionally, in one form, theliner 12 includesdimples 12 a on its interior surface andprotrusions 12 b on its exterior surface, as shown inFIGS. 2-5 . In the form depicted, theprotrusions 12 b at least partially extend into thespaces 18 in thewalls 16 andbase 14 of thecontainer 10, as shown inFIGS. 3-5 . Theprotrusions 12 b frictionally engage thecontainer 10 at the sides of thespaces 18. The shear forces resulting from this frictional engagement mechanically interconnect and secure theliner 12 to thecontainer 10. Additionally, theplastic liner 12 may be bonded or adhered to thewalls 16 andbase 14 of the wovencontainer 10, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The liner may 12 cover as much or as little of thecontainer 10 as desired. Furthermore, the thickness of theliner 12 may be selected as desired. While thehome décor product 1 has just been described as including acontainer 10 definingspaces 18, it should be appreciated that thecontainer 10 may alternately be formed to be solid or substantially solid, as mentioned above. A solid or substantiallysolid container 10 may include a tightly woven container or simply a container made of solid material such as plastic, metal, wood, or any other material with or without openings formed in the interior surface thereof.FIG. 6 depicts asidewall 16 of one suchsolid container 10 including aninterior surface 16 a with openings or pockets 21. In this form, theliner 12 includes only protrusions 12 b. Theprotrusions 12 b interlock with thepockets 21 to secure theliner 12 and thecontainer 10 together. In another form, thecontainer 10 may not include openings at all, but may have substantially smoothinterior surfaces 14 a, 16 a. In such a case, theliner 12 attaches to thecontainer 10 via shear stresses or adhesive or a combination of both. - To achieve any of the above-described
home décor products 1, theintegrated plastic liner 12 may be constructed through a vacuum thermoforming process for forming molten or semi-molten plastic to the shape of thecontainer walls 16 andbase 14. During this process, a nest, die, or cavity is used to hold thecontainer 10 securely in place and to affect the container's shape if needed. Next, the molten or semi-molten plastic sheet is placed over the opening of the container such that the plastic sheet is adjacent to or in contact with arim 20 of thecontainer 10. Alternately, the molten or semi-molten plastic sheet may be directly inserted into thecontainer 10. During the vacuum thermoforming process, the plastic sheet is then drawn via vacuum pressure, which will be discussed in greater detail below, to deform and conformingly engage theinterior surfaces 14 a, 16 a of thecontainer 10. The vacuum may be created using vacuum ports located in the nest, die, or cavity used to secure thecontainer 10. It should be understood that in the case of asolid container 10, thecontainer 10 should include one or more vent holes for allowing air to escape during the vacuum process. - Upon contacting the interior container surfaces 14 a, 16 a, the molten or semi-molten plastic sheet conforms to the geometry of the
container 10. In one form, the plastic inherently adheres to the interior surfaces 14 a, 16 a. In other forms, the plastic may not adhesively bond with the material of thecontainer 10. As mentioned above, however, theplastic liner 12 may be drawn into thespaces 18 orpockets 21 of thecontainer wall 16 andbase 14 to create theprotrusions 12 b and, if applicable, thedimples 12 a. As stated above, theprotrusions 12 b mechanically interconnect and secure thecontainer 10 to theplastic liner 12 by frictionally engaging thecontainer 10 adjacent to thespaces 18 or in thepockets 21, thereby preventing theliner 12 from easily slipping out of thecontainer 10. - Alternately, as stated above and depicted in
FIG. 5 , the outer surface of theliner 12 may have anadhesive layer 22. Theadhesive layer 22 may be active or at least activated during the above-described forming process to adhere theliner 12 to thecontainer 10. It should be appreciated that, in one form, theadhesive layer 22 is utilized in combination with the interlockingprotrusions 12 b andspaces 18 to retain theliner 12 inside thecontainer 10. In another form, however, theliner 12 may not include theprotrusions 12 b and, therefore, theadhesive layer 22 is used as the sole device for retaining theliner 12 within thecontainer 10. Additionally, whileFIG. 5 depicts theadhesive layer 22 coating substantially the entire exterior surface of theliner 12, an alternate form may include theadhesive layer 22 coating less than the entire exterior surface of theliner 12. For example, theadhesive layer 22 may coat the exterior surface of theliner 12 in parallel or cross-hatched bands intended to adheringly engage corresponding parallel or cross-hatched components of the wovencontainer 10. - Additionally, if the
rim 20 of thecontainer 10 has a rough surface, a manufacturing collar may be applied to therim 20 prior to the molten sheet being positioned on therim 20 or inserted into thecontainer 10. In one form, the collar may have a smooth surface for creating a seal between the molten plastic and itself. In another form, such a smooth surface may not be required. Thus, the collar will assure that the vacuum is able to create a sufficient suction to draw the molten plastic sheet into engagement with theinterior surfaces 14 a, 16 a of thecontainer 10, as well as into thespaces 18 orpockets 21 to create theprotrusions 12 b and, if applicable, thedimples 12 a. While the use of such a collar may be beneficial in some applications, it should be appreciated that it need not be used in all applications. - In another form, the thermoforming method uses a one-piece pre-formed plastic liner. The pre-formed liner is created by heating a plastic sheet to a molten or semi-molten state and then molding the sheet using a male pre-forming tool such as a plug. This molding may be accomplished inside or outside of the container. After the sheet is heated, the exterior surface of the forming tool is brought into engagement therewith. The sheet then deforms and takes the shape of the forming tool. It should be understood that the preforming tool is dimensioned such that it creates a plastic pre-form having external dimensions slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the
container 10. In the case where the pre-form is preformed outside of the container and while still in its molten or semi-molten state, it is then placed into thecontainer 10 and thermoformed to the interior surfaces 14 a, 16 a, as described above. This method may be useful to createliners 12 forcontainers 10 with steep walls or to assist in controlling the thickness of theliner 12 throughout the thermoforming process. It should be appreciated that while the process just described includes placing the pre-formed liner into thecontainer 10 still in its molten or semi-molten state, an alternate process may include allowing the pre-form to cool outside of thecontainer 10. The cooled pre-form may then be placed into thecontainer 10 and reheated to the molten or semi-molten state prior to performing the thermoforming operation. - In yet another form, a blow-molding process is used to form the
liner 12. Variations on this method include applying extrusion blow-molding, injection blow-molding, or injection stretch blow-molding techniques. Generally, during the application of any of these blow molding techniques, a fixture or adjustable table may be required to hold thecontainer 10 steady. - During the application of an extrusion blow-molding technique, an extruded parison of molten plastic with a pinched-off bottom end is lowered into the
container 10. Once the parison reaches thebase 14 of thecontainer 10, hot air is blown into the interior of the parison. The force created by the hot air creates a pressure that is applied substantially uniformly to the interior surfaces of the parison and stretches the parison outward until it conformingly engages theinterior surfaces 14 a, 16 a of thecontainer 10. After the parison has stretched to conform to theinner surfaces 14 a, 16 a of thecontainer 10, the plastic is allowed to cool. Additionally, similar to that described above regarding the thermoforming vacuum process, one form of this process may include placing a collar on top of thecontainer 10 prior to applying the hot air. In such a case, the collar may serve to provide a compressive load to the parison at therim 20 of thecontainer 10, thereby securing the parison in place. Additionally, the collar may prevent or restrict the flow of the molten or semi-molten parison during the molding process relative to therim 20. - Alternatively, in the case of an injection blow-molding or injection stretch blow-molding process, an injection molded pre-form is made prior to beginning the thermoforming process. In one form, the pre-form is then placed inside of the
container 10, heated to a molten or semi-molten state, and subsequently blown or stretched until the plastic engages and forms to thewalls 14 a, 16 a of thecontainer 10, as described above. In another form, the pre-form is heated prior to being placed inside of thecontainer 10. - It should be appreciated that in any of the above-described forming processes, an excess portion of the
liner 12 may remain extending beyond therim 22 of thecontainer 10 after cooling. In such a case, the excess portion should be trimmed with a trimming tool to provide a clean and aesthetically pleasing finish to thehome décor product 1. In some situations, therim 20 of thecontainer 10 may not provide a sufficiently uniform or rigid surface along which the trimming tool may travel for trimming the excess liner. Therefore, in one form, the manufacturing collar discussed in either of the above-described processes may be used to guide the trimming tool. In such cases, the trimming tool may travel directly along a rigid external surface of the manufacturing collar around therim 20 of thecontainer 10 to remove theexcess liner 12. Alternately, the manufacturing collar may include an elongated recess or groove formed on an interior surface thereof. The recess or groove would then receive the trimming tool and guide it adjacent therim 20 to trim the excess liner. In another alternative form, thecontainer 10 itself may include an elongated recess formed in itsinterior surface 16 a near therim 20 for receiving and guiding the trimming tool. In any of these cases, theliner 12 is formed to extend beyond therim 20 of thecontainer 10 and is subsequently trimmed. - In yet further forms, the
liner 12 may be formed with the excess serving as a top flare that is rolled or folded over therim 20. Subsequent to cooling, the top flare is rolled over therim 20 and adhered or otherwise secured to thecontainer 10. Alternatively, the top flare may be rolled or folded over therim 20 while theliner 12 is still in a semi-molten state and then allowed to cool. - In still another form, a trim jig may be used to trim the excess liner. In such a case, the trim jig would include both a trimming tool and a guiding surface, against which the
liner 12 is to be trimmed. The trim jig may be configured to engage the excess liner in slight tension, travel around thecontainer 10 at some predetermined distance from therim 20, and simultaneously trim theliner 12. - In still yet another form, it is foreseeable that the
container 10 may include a foldable rim portion including, for example, the top one or two inches of thecontainer 10 adjacent therim 20. In such a case, subsequent to forming theliner 12, the rim portion is folded outward, any excess liner is trimmed with a trimming tool, and the rim portion is returned to its original position. - It should be appreciated that the various processes described herein are merely examples and foreseeable alternatives are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, it should be appreciated that while the processes have been described as including various sequences of actions, alternative sequences of the disclosed actions and sequences including supplemental actions not explicitly described herein are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while some of the above-described processes have been disclosed as alternatives, variations and combinations thereof are also intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
-
FIGS. 7 and 8 depict alternative forms of thehome décor product 1 of the present disclosure. The home décor products depicted inFIGS. 7 and 8 may be manufactured in any of the foregoing molding processes and are identical to thehome décor product 1 depicted inFIG. 1 , with the exception that they further include arim component 24. Therim component 24 is fixed to therim 20 to provide a clean aesthetically pleasing finish to thehome décor product 1. For example, as stated above, some manufacturing processes may produceexcess liner 12 extending beyond therim 20 that needs to be trimmed away. In such cases, thecomponent 24 serves to cover any inconsistencies or roughness in the trimmedliner 12 and/orrim 22. In another form, therim component 24 may actually serve to increase the rigidity or durability or some other structural characteristic of thehome décor product 1. - Specifically,
FIG. 7 depicts arim component 24 including arim cap 26. Therim cap 26 generally includes a one-piece component constructed of the same general geometry of therim 20 of thecontainer 10. It should be appreciated, however, that, as stated above, thecontainer 10 may take on virtually any form and therefore, so might therim 20 and therim cap 26. - According to one form, the
rim cap 26 may include awooden cap 26 fixed to therim 20 with an adhesive. The adhesive may be wood glue, silicone caulk, rubber cement, epoxy, or any other type of adhesive. Accordingly, during manufacture of thehome décor product 1 depicted inFIG. 7 , adhesive is applied to one or both of therim 20 and therim cap 26 after theliner 12 is thermoformed. Thereafter, therim cap 26 is placed onto therim 20, or vice versa, and secured in place with a clamp or some other device until the adhesive cures, thereby fixing the two components together. Although therim cap 26 has been described as being fixed to therim 20 of thecontainer 10 with an adhesive, it should be appreciated that any device for fixing the two components together is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, therim cap 26 may be fixed to therim 20 with nails, threaded fasteners, double-sided adhesive strips, staples, or any other device capable of serving the intended purpose. Additionally, while therim cap 26 has been described as being manufactured of wood, it may alternatively be manufactured of metal, plastic, cardboard, wicker, rattan, seagrass, water hyacinth, banana leaf, bamboo or any other material capable of serving the intended purposes. Furthermore, although therim cap 26 has been disclosed as being a one-piece rim cap 26, it may alternately be constructed of multiple pieces that are fixed independently or dependently to thecontainer 10. Finally, while therim cap 26 and manufacturing collar discussed above have been described as being distinct components, the two may foresceably be the same component. - Alternatively, as mentioned above,
FIG. 8 depicts analternate rim component 24 including aninternal trim component 28. Theinternal trim component 28 serves generally the same purpose as therim cap 26, but instead of being attached directly to therim 20, it is attached to theinterior surface 16 a of thesidewall 16 adjacent therim 20. It should be understood that theinternal trim component 28 may be constructed of any of the materials listed above for therim cap 26 and may be fixed to thecontainer 10 by any of the devices discussed above regarding therim cap 26. In one form, theinternal trim component 28 is stapled to theinterior surface 16 a of thecontainer 10. Furthermore, whileFIG. 8 depicts theinternal trim component 28 as being a one-piece rim component 24, it may alternatively include multiple pieces secured together or to thecontainer 10 in any desirable fashion. Further yet, while therim component 24 has been described herein as including either arim cap 26 or aninternal trim component 28, it may foreseeably include any type or configuration of arim component 24 located adjacent to or in proximity to therim 20 of the container to thereby increase at least one of the aesthetic appeal of thehome décor product 1, the structural integrity of thehome décor product 1, or any other feature. For example, in one alternate form, therim component 24 may be attached to theexterior surface 16 b of thesidewall 16 of thecontainer 10 or any combination of attachment to theinterior surface 16 a, therim 20, and theexterior surface 16 b so as to serve the principles of the present disclosure. - While the
liner 12 has been generally disclosed as being plastic, it should be appreciated that, in light of the disclosure provided herein, any melt-processable material may be used to construct theliner 12. To maintain the aesthetic value of thecontainer 10, however, a suitable material is a flexible thermoplastic elastomer which provides a rubber-like appearance or a polymer that produces a transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque glass-like appearance such as poly-vinyl chloride, polyester, or polystyrene. However, any material capable of being thermoformed or blow-molded may be used including olefins such as, for example, polyethylene and polypropylene - Additionally, while the
liner 12 has, thus far, been disclosed as including a single layer liner, in other forms, theliner 12 may include multiple layers. These multiple layers may be provided in the form of, for example, co-extruded plastic sheets or thermoformable laminates. In one example, a two-color co-extruded sheet is thermoformed to construct theliner 12. The two-color plastic sheet has two layers of different colors creating a top color and a bottom color. When the plastic sheet is thermoformed to construct theliner 12, the interior surface of theliner 12 is defined by the top color of the sheet and the exterior surface of theliner 12 is defined by the bottom color of the sheet. In another example, theliner 12 includes a plastic sheet with a soft material top layer and hard material bottom layer. The soft material top layer forms the interior surface of theliner 12 and the hard material bottom layer forms the exterior surface of theliner 12. Alternately, the hard material may serve as the internal layer and the soft material may serve as the external layer, if desired. If this is the case, during thermoforming, the soft external layer may deform and protrude through thespaces 18 in thecontainer 10, while the hard internal layer may remain smooth. This may further enhance the cleanability of theliner 12. Further, it should be understood from the description provided that thermoformable co-extruded materials or laminates not expressly disclosed herein may be used to construct theliner 12. - In light of the foregoing, the disclosed plastic lined
home décor product 1 provides a number of advantages. Theliner 12 is durable and cleanable and enables a woven container to accommodate small items. Theliner 12 further provides a durable protectant for the container material, whether it is woven material or non-woven material. This protectant serves to extend the useful life of the home décor product, thereby increasing its consumer appeal. The disclosed invention guarantees a tight-fitting liner, since the process inherently accounts for dimensional variation, which is common to woven containers. In contrast, pre-formed plastic liners such as die cut plastic or traditional liners will not conform to the shape of the container walls. Furthermore, because such containers are often manufactured in a multitude of shapes and sizes, a multitude of unique tools or dies are required to manufacture the pre-formed plastic liners off-line. Producing this multitude of tools and dies can be costly and inefficient. The present disclosure eliminates the cost of producing these tools by providing at least one process for forming a plastic liner into a container using thermoforming processes. These processes, as should be understood from the description herein, are readily adaptable to be performed on generally any shape or size container. Additionally, use of the disclosed processes with woven or non-woven containers creates a novel and desirable appearance. In one form, the disclosed home décor product using a clear plastic liner material, the process produced rounded protrusions that protrude from the openings in the weave, giving the aesthetically pleasurable appearance of blown glass, as shown inFIGS. 2-5 . - With reference to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , a yet furtherhome décor product 101 according to the principles of the present disclosure and various processes for manufacturing thehome décor product 101 are described. Because the product and processes disclosed inFIGS. 9 and 10 include features similar to those described above, like features are assigned like reference numerals increased by one hundred. Thehome décor product 101 includes a container 110 and aliner 112. - The
liner 112 can be created by a number of methods using a variety of materials. In a first example, as shown inFIG. 9 , thecontainer liner 112 is manufactured using a casting process. In this example, foam or casting resins are poured into the woven container 110 and cured to form theliner 112. The woven container 110 may be placed in a nest, die, or cavity to securely locate the container 110 and to affect its shape if needed. - A barrier layer 111 may be needed for containers constructed with a more porous weave or from certain materials. In one example, as shown in
FIG. 9 , the barrier layer 111 is applied to the inside of the container 110 prior to the application of a resin, plastic orfoam liner 112 to prevent material from seeping through the woven material. This barrier 111 can be a cellulosic material with an adhesive backing, a polypropylene film, or any solid adhesive backed substrate or other material that can provide a substantially foam or resin impermeable barrier to prevent the foam or casting resins from penetrating the weave of the container 110. - Once the container 110 is secured in the nest and any necessary barrier layer 111 is in place, a predetermined amount of casting material is poured into the bottom of the container 110. A
plug 113, as shown inFIG. 9 , is lowered into the cavity of the container and clamped in place to hold a fixed position relative to the container 110. Theplug 113 may be made of wood, aluminum, or other suitable material and may be coated with a release coating such as a silicone boot or silicone spray. Theplug 113 is dimensioned to reflect the interior shape desired of theliner 112 in the container 110. Theplug 113 is also dimensioned such that it is smaller than the inside walls of the container 110. The difference in size creates a cavity between the interior walls of the container 110 or surfaces of the barrier layer 111 and the outer surface of theplug 113. The poured foam expands or the liquid resin rises to fill this cavity. The resin is then cured for a predetermined time period dependant upon material selection, liner thickness, and other factors before theplug 113 is removed. The use of a barrier layer 111 may not be needed if the weave of the container is tight enough to prevent the casting material from seeping through the interstices in the wovencontainer 10 or if the casting material is viscous enough such that it does not seep through the interstices in the woven container 110. - Another method to create an integrated lined
container 101 is to spray coat the interior of the container 110 with the desired liner material. In this example, materials such as elastomers, powder coats, adhesives, urethanes or other similar materials can be sprayed to construct the liner. The interior of the container 110 is sprayed to create a network of layers to form theliner 112 on the interior walls of the container 110. This method works well for tightly-woven or solid-wall containers, and also where an initial barrier layer 111 has been applied. - For loose-weave containers, construction of a sprayed liner may require the use of either an outer mask 115 (shown in
FIG. 10 ) or inner barrier 111. To construct aliner 112 with anouter mask 115, the exterior surfaces of the walls and base of the container 110 are coated with a release coating such as a wax label, low surface energy plastic, silicone, or other such material. Then, the interior surface of the walls and base of the container 110 is sprayed with the liner material. Material that passes through the weave of the container 110, bonds to itself to create a solid wall, but releases from theouter mask 115 when the mask is removed. Themask 115 may be either physically removed, or it may be made from a soluble material and dissolved. - Alternately, to construct a sprayed coated lined container using an inner barrier 111, an inner barrier 111 is placed on the interior surfaces of the container 110, as shown in
FIG. 9 . The inner barrier 111 is adhered or otherwise affixed to the interior container surfaces. Once the inner barrier 111 is in place the liner material is sprayed on top of the barrier 111. A layer of liner material can be sufficiently thick to cover the natural defects found in the hand-woven containers and seal the interstices in the weave. - Numerous materials are suitable for construction of the
liner 112. In one example, liners have been constructed using a 2-part urethane material that is mixed immediately prior to pouring into the container 110. Any other suitable urethane system can be used instead. Furthermore, other multi-part reactive materials may be used instead of urethane. Additionally, colorants may be added to one or more of the components prior to mixing to achieve a desired visual effect. Moreover, numerous other materials are suitable for construction of the liner including, but not limited to, rigid or flexible foam, cast flexible urethane, rubber, cast stiff urethane, or the like. - When forming the
liner 112 from urethane foam, it is desirable to select a foam that will generate a solid, sufficiently thick skin on the interior surface of the container 110. This will provide an easy to clean, durable, non-permeable surface. Often, the best way to create a durable non-permeable skin on the interior surface of a foam liner is to use analuminum plug 113 with internal water cooling to achieve maximum heat transfer at the surface of the foam in contact with theplug 113. Alternatively, self-skinning foams can also be used in place of the aluminum tooling. - The interior barrier layer 111 used for containers with loose weave or for less viscous liner materials may be made from any material that can provide a substantially foam or resin impermeable barrier to prevent the uncured liner material from penetrating the barrier layer 111. In one example of an interior barrier layer 111, a cellulosic material with an adhesive backing is applied to the interior of the container 110 such that the adhesive surface of the barrier layer contacts the interior surface of the container 110 to hold the barrier layer 111 in place prior to application of the uncured liner material. The interior barrier layer 111 may be relatively thin in comparison to the thickness of the
liner 112. The barrier layer 111 may be a polypropylene film, or any other material that can provide a substantially foam or resin impermeable barrier to prevent the uncured liner material from penetrating the weave of the container 110. - The
exterior mask 115 used for containers with loose weave or for less viscous liner materials may be constructed from a low surface energy material that will not adhere to the liner material. Theexterior mask 115 may be formed using a coating such as low surface energy plastic, silicone, or other such material. Alternately, theexterior mask 115 may be constructed from a wax coated paper or other sheet of material used to cover the exterior surface of the container 110, as shown inFIG. 10 . After the liner material has cured, themask layer 115 may be physically peeled away from the woven container 110 or, in the case of amask 115 made from soluble material, may be dissolved. - The disclosed coating lined
woven storage container 101 has a number of advantages. The disclosedliner 112 is cleanable and moisture resistant while economical to manufacture. Unlike separately tooled plastic liners the disclosed manufacturing processes can easily be adapted to accommodate different sizes and shapes of containers. Moreover, the process for creating theintegrated liner 112 readily adapts to and accommodates dimensional variation commonly found in woven containers and ensures a tight fit between the liner and the container wall. The lining process is robust because the disclosed liners and methods easily adapt to container variation in a way that pre-formed plastic liners can not. It is also likely that this invention provides economic advantages over the current methods, depending on the selection of liner materials. - Additionally, the disclosed processes create a tight-fitting or even permanent liner. In contrast, traditional plastic liners are loose fitting, removable, and often contain gaps between the liner and the surrounding container.
- Although certain lined containers, materials, and methods for manufacturing such lined containers have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.
Claims (34)
1. A home product, comprising:
a container having an interior surface; and
a plastic sheet integrally conformed and attached to a substantial portion of the interior surface of the container.
2. The home product of claim 1 , wherein the plastic sheet is a thermoformed plastic liner formed directly onto the interior surface of the container.
3. The home product of claim 1 , wherein the container is a woven container.
4. The home product of claim 1 , wherein the container includes a plurality of openings.
5. The home product of claim 4 , wherein the plastic sheet includes a plurality of protrusions extending at least partially into the plurality of openings to mechanically interconnect the plastic sheet and the container.
6. The home product of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of protrusions extend entirely through the plurality of openings.
7. The home product of claim 5 , wherein the plastic sheet includes a plurality of dimples opposite the plurality of protrusions.
8. The home product of claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the plastic sheet and the interior surface of the container to adhere the plastic sheet to the interior surface of the container.
9. The home product of claim 8 , wherein the adhesive layer includes a plurality of adhesive bands disposed between the plastic sheet and the container.
10. The home product of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of bands include at least one of a plurality of parallel bands and a plurality of cross-hatched bands.
11. The home product of claim 1 , further comprising a rim component fixed to a rim of the container.
12. A home product, comprising:
a woven container having an interior surface;
a liner thermoformed onto the interior surface of the woven container such that the liner and the woven container form an integral product.
13. The home product of claim 12 , wherein the liner is a plastic liner.
14. The home product of claim 12 , wherein the container includes a plurality of openings and the liner includes a plurality of protrusions that extend at least partially into the plurality of openings to integrally connect the liner and the container.
15. The home product of claim 14 , wherein the liner includes a plurality of dimples opposite the plurality of protrusions.
16. The home product of claim 12 , further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the liner and the container to adhere the liner to the container.
17. The home product of claim 16 , wherein the adhesive layer includes a plurality of adhesive bands disposed between the liner and the container.
18. The home product of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of bands include at least one of a plurality of parallel bands and a plurality of cross-hatched bands.
19. The home product of claim 12 , further comprising a rim component fixed to a rim of the container.
20. A method of manufacturing a lined container, comprising:
heating a plastic material to at least a semi-molten state;
positioning the plastic material adjacent the container; and
deforming the semi-molten plastic material into a plastic liner integrally conformed to an interior surface of the container.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein deforming the plastic material includes applying a substantially uniform positive force to a substantial portion of the plastic material.
22. The method of claim 21 , wherein applying a substantially uniform positive force includes performing a blow-molding operation on the plastic material.
23. The method of claim 21 , wherein deforming the plastic material includes extruding a plurality of portions of the plastic material at least partially into a plurality of openings in the container to mechanically secure the plastic liner to the container.
24. The method of claim 20 , wherein deforming the plastic material includes applying a substantially uniform negative force to a substantial portion of the plastic material.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein applying a substantially uniform negative force includes performing a vacuum thermoforming operation.
26. The method of claim 24 , wherein deforming the plastic material includes drawing a plurality of portions of the plastic material at least partially into a plurality of openings in the container to mechanically secure the plastic liner to the container.
27. The method of claim 24 , further comprising at least temporarily fixing a manufacturing collar to a rim of the container prior to positioning the plastic material adjacent the container, the manufacturing collar selectively sealingly engaging a portion of the plastic material for maximizing the negative force applied to the plastic material.
28. The method of claim 20 , wherein positioning the plastic material adjacent the container includes positioning a substantially two-dimensional plastic sheet adjacent a rim of the container.
29. The method of claim 20 , wherein positioning the plastic material adjacent the container includes positioning a parison within the container.
30. The method of claim 20 , further comprising adhering the plastic liner to the interior surface of the container while deforming the plastic material.
31. The method of claim 30 , further comprising applying an adhesive layer to the plastic material prior to deforming the plastic material such that the adhesive layer adheringly engages the container upon deforming the plastic material.
32. The method of claim 20 , further comprising trimming excess plastic from the plastic liner at a location adjacent a rim of the container subsequent to deforming the plastic material.
33. The method of claim 20 , further comprising fixing a rim component to the container at a location that is one of adjacent to a rim of the container and on the rim of the container subsequent to deforming the plastic material.
34. The method of claim 20 , further comprising deforming the plastic material to a geometry similar to the container prior to deforming the plastic material into a plastic liner.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/380,311 US20070056970A1 (en) | 2005-06-08 | 2006-04-26 | Plastic Liner For Home Organizational Items |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US68856205P | 2005-06-08 | 2005-06-08 | |
US68859805P | 2005-06-08 | 2005-06-08 | |
US11/380,311 US20070056970A1 (en) | 2005-06-08 | 2006-04-26 | Plastic Liner For Home Organizational Items |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070056970A1 true US20070056970A1 (en) | 2007-03-15 |
Family
ID=37545679
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/380,311 Abandoned US20070056970A1 (en) | 2005-06-08 | 2006-04-26 | Plastic Liner For Home Organizational Items |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070056970A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2549400A1 (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090090709A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2009-04-09 | Ziva Shalomoff | Assembly of panels foldable to form a container |
WO2011056400A1 (en) * | 2009-11-04 | 2011-05-12 | The Coca-Cola Company | Insulated double-walled disposable plastic cup |
US20110252612A1 (en) * | 2010-04-14 | 2011-10-20 | Clarion Technologies, Inc. | Structurally reinforced casket and manufacturing method |
WO2012018640A1 (en) * | 2010-07-26 | 2012-02-09 | Ardica Technologies | Method of fabricating a reaction chamber for a fuel storage assembly |
US8763218B2 (en) | 2010-04-14 | 2014-07-01 | Clarion Technologies, Inc. | Structurally reinforced casket and manufacturing method |
JP2015166181A (en) * | 2014-03-03 | 2015-09-24 | ローベルト ボッシュ ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング | Device and method for thermoforming package filter for one person, comprising particularly at least one container |
US9228267B1 (en) | 2011-11-07 | 2016-01-05 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Use of fluidized-bed electrode reactors for alane production |
CN105217133A (en) * | 2015-09-28 | 2016-01-06 | 无锡贺邦金属制品有限公司 | Plastic box goods |
US9327974B1 (en) | 2011-11-07 | 2016-05-03 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Aluminum hydride production |
US9676625B1 (en) | 2011-11-07 | 2017-06-13 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Synthesis of microcrystalline alpha alane |
US20170334603A1 (en) * | 2015-12-14 | 2017-11-23 | Mark Zaremski | Collapsible sewing basket |
US20180339801A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2018-11-29 | The Benjamin Group Limited | A collapsible container and a method of making a collapsible container |
US10233079B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2019-03-19 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Heating methods for aluminum hydride production |
US10246785B2 (en) | 2011-11-07 | 2019-04-02 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Use of fluidized-bed electrode reactors for alane production |
US10435297B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2019-10-08 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Crystallization and stabilization in the synthesis of microcrystalline alpha alane |
WO2022238971A1 (en) * | 2021-05-14 | 2022-11-17 | W.H.In S.R.L. | Multifunctional, biodegradable and compostable food container, optionally fitted with an antimicrobial coating |
Citations (91)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US166215A (en) * | 1875-08-03 | Improvement in baskets | ||
US209168A (en) * | 1878-10-22 | Improvement in manufacture of waste-paper baskets | ||
US217572A (en) * | 1879-07-15 | Improvement in baskets | ||
US314483A (en) * | 1885-03-24 | Manufacture of wire-cloth | ||
US409432A (en) * | 1889-08-20 | Basket | ||
US450112A (en) * | 1891-04-07 | William pl snow | ||
US920313A (en) * | 1908-11-16 | 1909-05-04 | Emmett R Franklin | Wire basket. |
US1102499A (en) * | 1913-08-11 | 1914-07-07 | Wade E Haist | Receptacle. |
US1701312A (en) * | 1926-01-23 | 1929-02-05 | Grover P Shearer | Basket |
US1906146A (en) * | 1930-11-05 | 1933-04-25 | Emil A Florang | Basket |
US2036723A (en) * | 1935-01-07 | 1936-04-07 | W T Kline | Flexible basket |
US2278673A (en) * | 1940-03-13 | 1942-04-07 | Savada Martin | Adhesive coated sheet material |
US2426058A (en) * | 1945-03-19 | 1947-08-19 | Studebaker Corp | Plastic sheet material and method |
US2573770A (en) * | 1951-03-03 | 1951-11-06 | Leon E Meadow | Handbag |
US2692696A (en) * | 1953-06-03 | 1954-10-26 | U S Basket Co Inc | Fabric-lined box |
US2836529A (en) * | 1954-05-03 | 1958-05-27 | Hugh Adam Kirk | Reinforced plastic |
US2885303A (en) * | 1957-12-13 | 1959-05-05 | Murray S Kaplan | Coated fabric |
US2960798A (en) * | 1957-11-20 | 1960-11-22 | Frank F Lindstaedt | Nursery pots |
US3085027A (en) * | 1961-01-30 | 1963-04-09 | Us Rubber Co | Polyurethane coated fabric filled with isocyanate free elastomer and method of making same |
US3349936A (en) * | 1965-10-12 | 1967-10-31 | James R Morton | Clothes hamper |
US3396885A (en) * | 1967-02-16 | 1968-08-13 | Giondi Leona Ann | Bicycle wire basket liner and cover |
US3470928A (en) * | 1967-10-26 | 1969-10-07 | Avisun Corp | Polypropylene fabric with modified selvage |
US3660198A (en) * | 1968-09-17 | 1972-05-02 | Alfons W Thiel | Method of making double walled plastic articles |
US3784441A (en) * | 1971-07-12 | 1974-01-08 | Kaempen Industries | Composite structure |
US3851786A (en) * | 1971-07-12 | 1974-12-03 | Kaempen Industries | Composite structure |
US3895159A (en) * | 1972-11-13 | 1975-07-15 | Ataka & Company Ltd | Cryogenic insulating material |
US3923187A (en) * | 1973-06-25 | 1975-12-02 | Munksjoe Ab | Wire baskets |
US3969563A (en) * | 1969-08-28 | 1976-07-13 | Hollis Sr Russell E | Protective wall structure |
US3983282A (en) * | 1972-05-15 | 1976-09-28 | Seemann Iii William H | Fabric constructions useful as building bases in forming compound-curved structures |
US3998228A (en) * | 1975-10-14 | 1976-12-21 | Vincent Poidomani | External catheterize device for males |
US4016997A (en) * | 1974-03-08 | 1977-04-12 | Sulzer Brothers Limited | Vessel for conveying a liquid/gas mixture |
US4040461A (en) * | 1976-08-09 | 1977-08-09 | Carson William S | Nestable fruit harvesting container |
US4090002A (en) * | 1973-04-16 | 1978-05-16 | Jesse Rosenblum | Reinforced fiber structures and method of making the same |
US4130103A (en) * | 1977-03-11 | 1978-12-19 | Zimmerman Leonard P | Charcoal lighter basket |
US4164174A (en) * | 1975-09-30 | 1979-08-14 | Wallsten Hans Ivar | Method of preparing foodstuffs by means of boiling or steaming and means for performing the method |
US4170312A (en) * | 1976-05-27 | 1979-10-09 | Energy Recycling Corporation Pty. Ltd. | Container |
US4186648A (en) * | 1977-06-07 | 1980-02-05 | Clausen Carol W | Armor comprising ballistic fabric and particulate material in a resin matrix |
US4211036A (en) * | 1977-05-05 | 1980-07-08 | Dalitz Shirley R | Planter basket |
US4216256A (en) * | 1977-10-25 | 1980-08-05 | Lindner Renate G | Reversible basket liner |
US4380564A (en) * | 1979-07-16 | 1983-04-19 | Clopay Corporation | Cross-tearable decorative sheet material |
US4558801A (en) * | 1984-08-09 | 1985-12-17 | Vilutis & Co., Inc. | Conforming liner |
US4710185A (en) * | 1985-09-12 | 1987-12-01 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Foraminous net cover for absorbent articles |
US4741124A (en) * | 1985-03-01 | 1988-05-03 | Scism Bruce T | Plant basket |
US4815603A (en) * | 1986-10-08 | 1989-03-28 | Harris Charles C | Shrink wrap package with venting openings |
US4881553A (en) * | 1987-11-20 | 1989-11-21 | Grossman Richard A | Mesh reinforced condom |
US4982872A (en) * | 1988-12-15 | 1991-01-08 | Avery Donald J | Film-encapsulated-structure container for food, beverages and other consumable products and method for making of same |
US4990384A (en) * | 1989-04-14 | 1991-02-05 | Somar Corporation | Paper cook pot |
US5011729A (en) * | 1989-11-15 | 1991-04-30 | Mcallister Ian R | Vacuum insulated panels with concave surfaces on the surface layers |
US5050765A (en) * | 1988-10-15 | 1991-09-24 | Sotralentz S.A. | Transport and/or storage container for flowable materials |
US5097979A (en) * | 1991-04-23 | 1992-03-24 | Mcdermott Susan M | Basket liner |
US5180190A (en) * | 1990-06-01 | 1993-01-19 | Halliburton Company | Damage-resistant containment device |
US5209784A (en) * | 1990-08-24 | 1993-05-11 | Bellman David H | Method and apparatus for jewelry and small parts cleaning |
US5240134A (en) * | 1991-04-23 | 1993-08-31 | Mcdermott Susan M | Basket liner |
US5242219A (en) * | 1992-03-26 | 1993-09-07 | Tomaka Leonard P | Between rafters storage device |
US5310077A (en) * | 1991-04-23 | 1994-05-10 | Mcdermott Susan M | Basket liner |
US5375735A (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1994-12-27 | Institut Francais Du Petrole | Tank of low unitary weight notably usable for stocking fluids under pressure and the manufacturing process thereof |
US5411167A (en) * | 1990-03-29 | 1995-05-02 | Highland Supply Corporation | Basket lining material having an adhesive or cohesive thereon and method |
USD358937S (en) * | 1993-07-26 | 1995-06-06 | Duckworth Linda D | Basket liner |
US5454191A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1995-10-03 | Mayeda; Ted | Flexible pouch-like hanging basket liner |
US5471788A (en) * | 1994-01-12 | 1995-12-05 | Wonder Web Inc. | Method and apparatus for transplanting plant material |
US5501360A (en) * | 1990-03-29 | 1996-03-26 | Highland Supply Corporation | Basket lining material having a cohesive thereon and method |
US5522340A (en) * | 1995-01-10 | 1996-06-04 | Skogman; Darrel | Vessels having a double-walled laminated frame |
US5607745A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1997-03-04 | Ogden, Inc. | Slip-resistant, moisture absorbent sheet material |
US5616383A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1997-04-01 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Basket liner having a bonding material thereon and method |
US5648130A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1997-07-15 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Basket liner having a bonding material thereon and method |
US5659941A (en) * | 1991-02-01 | 1997-08-26 | Institut Francais Du Petrole | Process for manufacturing a light structure through the expansion of a metallic tank in an armored corrugated pipe |
US5683770A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1997-11-04 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Basket liner having a bonding material thereon and method |
US5699564A (en) * | 1996-01-19 | 1997-12-23 | Heh; Deborah A. | Detachable organizing apparatus for children furniture |
US5756168A (en) * | 1996-03-01 | 1998-05-26 | Maag; William D. | Laminate article and method for making same |
US5759649A (en) * | 1994-09-01 | 1998-06-02 | Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft | Plastic packaging container with improved ability for electrostatic charge derivation |
US5934807A (en) * | 1993-07-03 | 1999-08-10 | Mulox Ibc Ltd. | Container bag |
US6004035A (en) * | 1996-02-05 | 1999-12-21 | Hafer; Harold Franklin | Flexible bulk container with supporting side beams |
US6065601A (en) * | 1998-07-23 | 2000-05-23 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Liner with natural grass tuft |
US6113270A (en) * | 1998-04-16 | 2000-09-05 | Hafer; Harold Franklin | Flexible container with supporting side beams |
US6119887A (en) * | 1996-10-23 | 2000-09-19 | Titan Technologies (Usa), Inc. | Double wall storage tank having an extruded outer sheath and end caps and a method for making same |
US6224954B1 (en) * | 1997-03-26 | 2001-05-01 | Fort James Corporation | Insulating stock material and containers and methods of making the same |
US6287003B1 (en) * | 1998-04-16 | 2001-09-11 | Harold F. Hafer | Flexible container with supporting side beams |
US6331334B1 (en) * | 1996-05-03 | 2001-12-18 | Empac Verpackungs Gmbh | Container liner |
US20030024160A1 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2003-02-06 | Hendrickson Ronald W. | Hanging plant basket liner system |
US20030160050A1 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2003-08-28 | Carter H. Landis | Refuse disposal in severe environments |
US6626570B2 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2003-09-30 | Kenneth Fox Supply Company | Produce bag with draw top |
US6631630B1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2003-10-14 | Board Of Trustees Of Michigan State University | Hydroforming of composite materials |
US20030192897A1 (en) * | 2002-04-11 | 2003-10-16 | Ivex Packaging Corporation | Container for holding food |
US6637155B1 (en) * | 2002-06-03 | 2003-10-28 | Jason Trent Butler | Plant container |
US6648167B1 (en) * | 2001-02-14 | 2003-11-18 | Sermatech International, Inc. | Ducting passages for a polymeric lining |
US6726045B1 (en) * | 2003-02-21 | 2004-04-27 | Kenneth Yimin Chen | Interlocking structure |
US6857141B1 (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2005-02-22 | Karen R. Jackson | Lavatory wicker basin |
US7163339B1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2007-01-16 | Plaspack U.S.A., Inc. | Composite breathable produce bag with a reinforced mesh sidewall |
US20070227066A1 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-04 | Pamela Crawford | Container and liner for side-planting plants and a method for same |
US7320411B1 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2008-01-22 | Shenosky Patricia L | Selectively sealable container liner |
US20090277084A1 (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2009-11-12 | Brian Kempf | Plant container assembly and method |
-
2006
- 2006-04-26 US US11/380,311 patent/US20070056970A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-05-31 CA CA002549400A patent/CA2549400A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (99)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US166215A (en) * | 1875-08-03 | Improvement in baskets | ||
US209168A (en) * | 1878-10-22 | Improvement in manufacture of waste-paper baskets | ||
US217572A (en) * | 1879-07-15 | Improvement in baskets | ||
US314483A (en) * | 1885-03-24 | Manufacture of wire-cloth | ||
US409432A (en) * | 1889-08-20 | Basket | ||
US450112A (en) * | 1891-04-07 | William pl snow | ||
US920313A (en) * | 1908-11-16 | 1909-05-04 | Emmett R Franklin | Wire basket. |
US1102499A (en) * | 1913-08-11 | 1914-07-07 | Wade E Haist | Receptacle. |
US1701312A (en) * | 1926-01-23 | 1929-02-05 | Grover P Shearer | Basket |
US1906146A (en) * | 1930-11-05 | 1933-04-25 | Emil A Florang | Basket |
US2036723A (en) * | 1935-01-07 | 1936-04-07 | W T Kline | Flexible basket |
US2278673A (en) * | 1940-03-13 | 1942-04-07 | Savada Martin | Adhesive coated sheet material |
US2426058A (en) * | 1945-03-19 | 1947-08-19 | Studebaker Corp | Plastic sheet material and method |
US2573770A (en) * | 1951-03-03 | 1951-11-06 | Leon E Meadow | Handbag |
US2692696A (en) * | 1953-06-03 | 1954-10-26 | U S Basket Co Inc | Fabric-lined box |
US2836529A (en) * | 1954-05-03 | 1958-05-27 | Hugh Adam Kirk | Reinforced plastic |
US2960798A (en) * | 1957-11-20 | 1960-11-22 | Frank F Lindstaedt | Nursery pots |
US2885303A (en) * | 1957-12-13 | 1959-05-05 | Murray S Kaplan | Coated fabric |
US3085027A (en) * | 1961-01-30 | 1963-04-09 | Us Rubber Co | Polyurethane coated fabric filled with isocyanate free elastomer and method of making same |
US3349936A (en) * | 1965-10-12 | 1967-10-31 | James R Morton | Clothes hamper |
US3396885A (en) * | 1967-02-16 | 1968-08-13 | Giondi Leona Ann | Bicycle wire basket liner and cover |
US3470928A (en) * | 1967-10-26 | 1969-10-07 | Avisun Corp | Polypropylene fabric with modified selvage |
US3660198A (en) * | 1968-09-17 | 1972-05-02 | Alfons W Thiel | Method of making double walled plastic articles |
US3969563A (en) * | 1969-08-28 | 1976-07-13 | Hollis Sr Russell E | Protective wall structure |
US3851786A (en) * | 1971-07-12 | 1974-12-03 | Kaempen Industries | Composite structure |
US3784441A (en) * | 1971-07-12 | 1974-01-08 | Kaempen Industries | Composite structure |
US3983282A (en) * | 1972-05-15 | 1976-09-28 | Seemann Iii William H | Fabric constructions useful as building bases in forming compound-curved structures |
US3895159A (en) * | 1972-11-13 | 1975-07-15 | Ataka & Company Ltd | Cryogenic insulating material |
US4090002A (en) * | 1973-04-16 | 1978-05-16 | Jesse Rosenblum | Reinforced fiber structures and method of making the same |
US3923187A (en) * | 1973-06-25 | 1975-12-02 | Munksjoe Ab | Wire baskets |
US4016997A (en) * | 1974-03-08 | 1977-04-12 | Sulzer Brothers Limited | Vessel for conveying a liquid/gas mixture |
US4164174A (en) * | 1975-09-30 | 1979-08-14 | Wallsten Hans Ivar | Method of preparing foodstuffs by means of boiling or steaming and means for performing the method |
US3998228A (en) * | 1975-10-14 | 1976-12-21 | Vincent Poidomani | External catheterize device for males |
US4170312A (en) * | 1976-05-27 | 1979-10-09 | Energy Recycling Corporation Pty. Ltd. | Container |
US4040461A (en) * | 1976-08-09 | 1977-08-09 | Carson William S | Nestable fruit harvesting container |
US4130103A (en) * | 1977-03-11 | 1978-12-19 | Zimmerman Leonard P | Charcoal lighter basket |
US4211036A (en) * | 1977-05-05 | 1980-07-08 | Dalitz Shirley R | Planter basket |
US4186648A (en) * | 1977-06-07 | 1980-02-05 | Clausen Carol W | Armor comprising ballistic fabric and particulate material in a resin matrix |
US4216256A (en) * | 1977-10-25 | 1980-08-05 | Lindner Renate G | Reversible basket liner |
US4380564A (en) * | 1979-07-16 | 1983-04-19 | Clopay Corporation | Cross-tearable decorative sheet material |
US5616383A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1997-04-01 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Basket liner having a bonding material thereon and method |
US5648130A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1997-07-15 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Basket liner having a bonding material thereon and method |
US5683770A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1997-11-04 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Basket liner having a bonding material thereon and method |
US4558801A (en) * | 1984-08-09 | 1985-12-17 | Vilutis & Co., Inc. | Conforming liner |
US4741124A (en) * | 1985-03-01 | 1988-05-03 | Scism Bruce T | Plant basket |
US4710185A (en) * | 1985-09-12 | 1987-12-01 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Foraminous net cover for absorbent articles |
US4815603A (en) * | 1986-10-08 | 1989-03-28 | Harris Charles C | Shrink wrap package with venting openings |
US4881553A (en) * | 1987-11-20 | 1989-11-21 | Grossman Richard A | Mesh reinforced condom |
US5050765A (en) * | 1988-10-15 | 1991-09-24 | Sotralentz S.A. | Transport and/or storage container for flowable materials |
US4982872A (en) * | 1988-12-15 | 1991-01-08 | Avery Donald J | Film-encapsulated-structure container for food, beverages and other consumable products and method for making of same |
US4990384A (en) * | 1989-04-14 | 1991-02-05 | Somar Corporation | Paper cook pot |
US5011729A (en) * | 1989-11-15 | 1991-04-30 | Mcallister Ian R | Vacuum insulated panels with concave surfaces on the surface layers |
US5501360A (en) * | 1990-03-29 | 1996-03-26 | Highland Supply Corporation | Basket lining material having a cohesive thereon and method |
US5603197A (en) * | 1990-03-29 | 1997-02-18 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Basket lining material having an adhesive or cohesive thereon and method |
US5411167A (en) * | 1990-03-29 | 1995-05-02 | Highland Supply Corporation | Basket lining material having an adhesive or cohesive thereon and method |
US5503293A (en) * | 1990-03-29 | 1996-04-02 | Highland Supply Corporation | Basket lining assembly and method |
US5180190A (en) * | 1990-06-01 | 1993-01-19 | Halliburton Company | Damage-resistant containment device |
US5209784A (en) * | 1990-08-24 | 1993-05-11 | Bellman David H | Method and apparatus for jewelry and small parts cleaning |
US5375735A (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1994-12-27 | Institut Francais Du Petrole | Tank of low unitary weight notably usable for stocking fluids under pressure and the manufacturing process thereof |
US5659941A (en) * | 1991-02-01 | 1997-08-26 | Institut Francais Du Petrole | Process for manufacturing a light structure through the expansion of a metallic tank in an armored corrugated pipe |
US5240134A (en) * | 1991-04-23 | 1993-08-31 | Mcdermott Susan M | Basket liner |
US5097979A (en) * | 1991-04-23 | 1992-03-24 | Mcdermott Susan M | Basket liner |
US5310077A (en) * | 1991-04-23 | 1994-05-10 | Mcdermott Susan M | Basket liner |
US5607745A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1997-03-04 | Ogden, Inc. | Slip-resistant, moisture absorbent sheet material |
US5242219A (en) * | 1992-03-26 | 1993-09-07 | Tomaka Leonard P | Between rafters storage device |
US5934807A (en) * | 1993-07-03 | 1999-08-10 | Mulox Ibc Ltd. | Container bag |
USD358937S (en) * | 1993-07-26 | 1995-06-06 | Duckworth Linda D | Basket liner |
US5471788A (en) * | 1994-01-12 | 1995-12-05 | Wonder Web Inc. | Method and apparatus for transplanting plant material |
US5454191A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1995-10-03 | Mayeda; Ted | Flexible pouch-like hanging basket liner |
US5759649A (en) * | 1994-09-01 | 1998-06-02 | Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft | Plastic packaging container with improved ability for electrostatic charge derivation |
US5522340A (en) * | 1995-01-10 | 1996-06-04 | Skogman; Darrel | Vessels having a double-walled laminated frame |
US5699564A (en) * | 1996-01-19 | 1997-12-23 | Heh; Deborah A. | Detachable organizing apparatus for children furniture |
US6004035A (en) * | 1996-02-05 | 1999-12-21 | Hafer; Harold Franklin | Flexible bulk container with supporting side beams |
US6109786A (en) * | 1996-02-05 | 2000-08-29 | Hafer; Harold Franklin | Flexible bulk container with supporting side beams |
US5756168A (en) * | 1996-03-01 | 1998-05-26 | Maag; William D. | Laminate article and method for making same |
US6331334B1 (en) * | 1996-05-03 | 2001-12-18 | Empac Verpackungs Gmbh | Container liner |
US6119887A (en) * | 1996-10-23 | 2000-09-19 | Titan Technologies (Usa), Inc. | Double wall storage tank having an extruded outer sheath and end caps and a method for making same |
US6224954B1 (en) * | 1997-03-26 | 2001-05-01 | Fort James Corporation | Insulating stock material and containers and methods of making the same |
US6416222B2 (en) * | 1998-04-16 | 2002-07-09 | Harold F. Hafer | Flexible container with supporting side beams |
US6113270A (en) * | 1998-04-16 | 2000-09-05 | Hafer; Harold Franklin | Flexible container with supporting side beams |
US6287003B1 (en) * | 1998-04-16 | 2001-09-11 | Harold F. Hafer | Flexible container with supporting side beams |
US6491434B2 (en) * | 1998-04-16 | 2002-12-10 | Harold F. Hafer | Flexible container with supporting side beams |
US6065601A (en) * | 1998-07-23 | 2000-05-23 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Liner with natural grass tuft |
US6293401B1 (en) * | 1998-07-23 | 2001-09-25 | Southpac Trust International, Inc. | Liner with natural grass tuft |
US6626570B2 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2003-09-30 | Kenneth Fox Supply Company | Produce bag with draw top |
US6631630B1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2003-10-14 | Board Of Trustees Of Michigan State University | Hydroforming of composite materials |
US6648167B1 (en) * | 2001-02-14 | 2003-11-18 | Sermatech International, Inc. | Ducting passages for a polymeric lining |
US20070110341A1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2007-05-17 | Plaspack U.S.A., Inc. | Composite Breathable Produce Bag with a Reinforced Mesh Sidewall |
US7163339B1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2007-01-16 | Plaspack U.S.A., Inc. | Composite breathable produce bag with a reinforced mesh sidewall |
US20030024160A1 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2003-02-06 | Hendrickson Ronald W. | Hanging plant basket liner system |
US20030160050A1 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2003-08-28 | Carter H. Landis | Refuse disposal in severe environments |
US6896410B2 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2005-05-24 | Jps Converter And Industrial Corporation | Refuse disposal in severe environments |
US20030192897A1 (en) * | 2002-04-11 | 2003-10-16 | Ivex Packaging Corporation | Container for holding food |
US6637155B1 (en) * | 2002-06-03 | 2003-10-28 | Jason Trent Butler | Plant container |
US6726045B1 (en) * | 2003-02-21 | 2004-04-27 | Kenneth Yimin Chen | Interlocking structure |
US7320411B1 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2008-01-22 | Shenosky Patricia L | Selectively sealable container liner |
US6857141B1 (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2005-02-22 | Karen R. Jackson | Lavatory wicker basin |
US20070227066A1 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-04 | Pamela Crawford | Container and liner for side-planting plants and a method for same |
US20090277084A1 (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2009-11-12 | Brian Kempf | Plant container assembly and method |
Cited By (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10233079B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2019-03-19 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Heating methods for aluminum hydride production |
US10435297B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2019-10-08 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Crystallization and stabilization in the synthesis of microcrystalline alpha alane |
US8167157B2 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2012-05-01 | Ziva Shalomoff | Assembly of panels foldable to form a container |
US20090090709A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2009-04-09 | Ziva Shalomoff | Assembly of panels foldable to form a container |
WO2011056400A1 (en) * | 2009-11-04 | 2011-05-12 | The Coca-Cola Company | Insulated double-walled disposable plastic cup |
US20110252612A1 (en) * | 2010-04-14 | 2011-10-20 | Clarion Technologies, Inc. | Structurally reinforced casket and manufacturing method |
US8291556B2 (en) * | 2010-04-14 | 2012-10-23 | Clarion Technologies, Inc. | Structurally reinforced casket and manufacturing method |
US8763218B2 (en) | 2010-04-14 | 2014-07-01 | Clarion Technologies, Inc. | Structurally reinforced casket and manufacturing method |
WO2012018640A1 (en) * | 2010-07-26 | 2012-02-09 | Ardica Technologies | Method of fabricating a reaction chamber for a fuel storage assembly |
US9228267B1 (en) | 2011-11-07 | 2016-01-05 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Use of fluidized-bed electrode reactors for alane production |
US9327974B1 (en) | 2011-11-07 | 2016-05-03 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Aluminum hydride production |
US9676625B1 (en) | 2011-11-07 | 2017-06-13 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Synthesis of microcrystalline alpha alane |
US10246785B2 (en) | 2011-11-07 | 2019-04-02 | Ardica Technologies, Inc. | Use of fluidized-bed electrode reactors for alane production |
JP2015166181A (en) * | 2014-03-03 | 2015-09-24 | ローベルト ボッシュ ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング | Device and method for thermoforming package filter for one person, comprising particularly at least one container |
US20180339801A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2018-11-29 | The Benjamin Group Limited | A collapsible container and a method of making a collapsible container |
US11014705B2 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2021-05-25 | The Benjamin Group Limited | Collapsible container and a method of making a collapsible container |
CN105217133A (en) * | 2015-09-28 | 2016-01-06 | 无锡贺邦金属制品有限公司 | Plastic box goods |
US20170334603A1 (en) * | 2015-12-14 | 2017-11-23 | Mark Zaremski | Collapsible sewing basket |
WO2022238971A1 (en) * | 2021-05-14 | 2022-11-17 | W.H.In S.R.L. | Multifunctional, biodegradable and compostable food container, optionally fitted with an antimicrobial coating |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2549400A1 (en) | 2006-12-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20070056970A1 (en) | Plastic Liner For Home Organizational Items | |
JP4034736B2 (en) | Container having a rim or other feature encased by or formed from an injection molding material | |
US8308021B2 (en) | Disposable storage container | |
CA2719697C (en) | Container with injection-molded feature and tool for forming container | |
US9913563B2 (en) | Retaining plate | |
CA2230768A1 (en) | Multilayer container package | |
JP5680068B2 (en) | Plastic container and manufacturing method | |
WO2012075105A1 (en) | Storage device having an articulated cover fitting inner and outer containers | |
US20110180543A1 (en) | Container Having Adjustable Vented Cover | |
CA2702004A1 (en) | Visual vacuum indicator | |
US5516570A (en) | Method of making a covered article and substrate for making the covered article | |
CA2218791C (en) | Composite package structure for containing articles and method for producing thereof | |
US5755079A (en) | Composite package structure for containing articles and method for producing thereof | |
JP2004504961A (en) | Panel structure with rigid foam core | |
JPH10218235A (en) | Compound container and its manufacture | |
BR0017167A (en) | Plastic lid, lid formed by thermoplastic material having an inner surface and an outer surface, and method of molding a deformable plastic ejectable lid | |
JP2006206167A (en) | Foamed resin molded container and bag-like gas barrier sheet | |
GB2401342A (en) | Insert moulding tool for spray polyurethane | |
JPH03650A (en) | Synthetic resin sheet molded item such as vessel and lid, and molding thereof | |
US20080099964A1 (en) | Thermoformed nursery container with a defined rim | |
JPH0224785Y2 (en) | ||
JP2004042988A (en) | Composite container and its production method | |
RU2020141635A (en) | Container lids and methods for their manufacture | |
US7681358B1 (en) | Floral pot cover with elegant, brushed matte finish | |
JP2005041572A (en) | Composite container |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RUBBERMAID INCORPORATED, OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SCHERER, THOMAS W.;GHIORGHIE, RADU;PAQUETTE, MATTHEW J.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019314/0653 Effective date: 20060712 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |