Compressible Ecologically Friendly Containers

Abstract

Ecologically friendly containers and methods for recycling such containers are described herein. In a first aspect, the present invention provides ecologically friendly water containers comprising a container body dimensioned to hold a fluid. A spout defining a passage is in fluid communication with the container body such that fluid contained in the container body can pass through the spout. A cap is attached to the container body and dimensioned to cover substantially the spout when the cap is in a sealed state to prevent fluids from passing through the spout, and expose the spout when the cap is in an unsealed state to allow fluids to pass through the spout. The container body is dimensioned to be compressed to a substantially flattened shape.

Description

1 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1.1 Field of the Invention

The present invention provides packaging containers, more specifically bever-age packaging containers (i.e. bottles), that have ecologically beneficial properties. More particularly, the present invention provides containers that can be returned and recycled easily and used to create clean energy to make more containers. In some embodiments, the containers of the invention include caps that contain seeds that can be planted. The invention has applications in the fields of packaging, packaging containers, ecology, commerce, and recycling.

1.2 The Related Art

The 1967 invention of the plastic soda bottle not only revolutionized the bev-erage industry but also the consumer goods packaging industry as a whole. Today, almost all of the packaging containers we come into contact with on a daily basis are a direct descendant of that one invention and are made using some sort of plastic or petrochemical derived polymer. The latest offspring is the ubiquitous single serve or single use plastic bottle or container.

In recent years, recycling programs have started in many places but the reality is that only a very small percentage of the bottles that can be recycled ever get recycled. This has consequently created the biggest environmental problem facing the world today-trash. Landfills are filling up quicker than we can make them so we are now actually exporting much of our trash to developing countries for them to deal with it.

The net result of all of this is environmental pollution. Rivers get clogged with plastic waste that eventually flows into the sea. Our once pristine oceans are now filled with tiny remnants of our quest for convenience and ease of use. Discarded bottles and containers are now driven together by currents into giant swirling vortexes of toxic waste choking ocean wildlife. The largest of which is known as the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch”. Already the size of Texas and growing, it was first identified in 2007 and is increasing at an alarming rate.

Just as the arrival of the first plastic bottles in 1967 had arisen to fulfill a need, there is now an awakening that has led many of us to begin to re-evaluate old systems and materials in a quest to create the systems and packaging/containers of the future. Learning from past mistakes, we are creating solutions that provide the very same convenience yet are not harmful to us while we use them or harmful to the environment once we discard them.

One sector that did not exist in 1967 yet arose to be significantly bigger than bottle sodas is the bottled water industry. As access to clean water has become increasingly more difficult demand for bottled water has risen and the rate of new brands appearing on shelves exploded in the last 15 years. What was once enjoyed straight out of faucets for pennies a gallon is now a multi-billion dollar global enter-prise. Truthfully, it has made clean drinking water available in many places where that has not always been the case but only for those who can afford it. The empty bottles are a huge problem for our planet. Keep in mind that here in the US, less than 30% of the bottles that could be recycled actually are. Now think about the nations around the world who have no recycling systems at all and you can start to get a sense of the scope of this problem. We have opened Pandora's box now and there is no going back. People are not going to stop drinking water and corporations are not going to stop providing it so if we want to stem the flow of waste into our oceans, we need to come up with a new way of meeting those needs. Although our plan is to eventually expand into many kinds of packaged consumer products, we have identified single use bottled water as the poster child for this environmental issue and intend to use it as an opportunity to educate people and provide them with a better choice.

As will become apparent upon reading the following disclosure and accompanying figures, the present invention addresses the bottled water packaging problem and lays the groundwork in creating systems for other consumer goods containers. The present invention will therefore change the way people think about “disposable” items by encouraging them to make choices that better serve our planet. By having the capability to be built upon existing infrastructure, thereby encouraging maxi-mum adoption by the public, the present invention provides a system that allows consumers to return bottles after they have been used. Thus, the present invention enables the assumption of product responsibility throughout the entire lifecycle to avoid contributing overall to environmental pollution. In accordance with the description herein, it will be understood that, among other features and advantages, the invention enables the return of plant-based bottles by mail for conversion into clean, sustainable energy that, in turn, can be used to produce a new batch of bottles. As an extra precaution, the bottles can be non-GMO plant-based, biodegradable, and safe for the environment. Convenience without a trace.

2 SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides bottled water that addresses the needs described above. In a first aspect the present invention provides ecologically friendly water containers. Among the examples of a first embodiment of such containers are containers comprising a container body dimensioned to hold a fluid. A spout defining a passage is in fluid communication with the container body such that fluid contained in the container body can pass through the spout. A cap is attached to the container body and dimensioned to cover substantially the spout when the cap is in a sealed state to prevent fluids from passing through the spout, and expose the spout when the cap is in an unsealed state to allow fluids to pass through the spout. The container body is dimensioned to be compressed to a substantially flattened shape.

Among more detailed examples the first embodiment are those in which the container assumes a substantially flat condition when the container is compressed. Still more detailed examples are those in which a label affixed to the container body. In yet more detailed examples, the mailing label includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer being removable from the inner layer to expose the inner layer. In still more detailed examples, the inner layer of the mailing label includes information for mailing the container. In still other more detailed examples, the container body is made from a biodegradable material. In some of these embodiments, the biodegradable material is a dextrose-based polymer. Among those embodiment are more detailed embodiments in which the biodegradable material is a polylactide polymer. In still more detailed embodiments, the container body is dimensioned to be compressed to a format substantially suitable for mailing the container when the container is compressed and the inner layer is exposed.

Referring back to those examples of the first embodiment in which the container assumes a substantially flat condition are those in which the container body is made from a biodegradable material. In some of these embodiments, the biodegradable material is a dextrose-based polymer. Among those embodiment are more detailed embodiments in which the biodegradable material is a polylactide polymer. In still more detailed embodiments, the container body is dimensioned to be compressed to a format substantially suitable for mailing the container when the container is compressed and the inner layer is exposed.

In other examples of the first embodiment, the container includes a cap and the cap includes a seed located the cap. In more specific embodiments, the cap includes a seed chamber, and the seed is located within the seed chamber.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides ecologically friendly methods for recycling containers. A first set of exemplary embodiments comprise obtaining a container that includes a container body dimensioned to hold a fluid, a spout defining a passage in fluid communication with the container body such that fluid contained in the container body can pass through the spout, and a cap attached to the container body. The cap dimensioned to cover substantially the spout when the cap is in a sealed state to prevent fluids from passing through the spout, and expose the spout when the cap is in an unsealed state to allow fluids to pass through the spout; and the container body being configured to be compressed to a substantially flattened shape. The container is compressed to a substantially flattened shape. The container is sent. In some embodiments, the used container is sent to a facility that turns the container into a syngas for generating energy, such as electrical energy, to create energy to make more containers with the waste product being used for fertilizer.

In more detailed embodiments, the sending includes sending the container in the substantially flattened shape. In still more detailed embodiments, the label comprises an outer layer affixed to an inner layer, the outer layer being removable from the inner layer to expose the inner layer, the inner layer including a mailing label; and the method includes removing the outer layer to expose the inner layer. In either of the forgoing embodiments, the container is sent by mail.

Still more aspect and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when the following Detailed Description in read in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings.

3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1D show various views of one embodiment of a container provided by the invention: FIG. 1A is a three-quarter view; FIG. 1B is a front view; FIG. 1C is a side view; and FIG. 1D is an opposing side view.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top- and bottom views of one embodiment of a container of the invention. FIG. 2A is a top view of an illustrated embodiment. FIG. 2B is a bottom view of an illustrated embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrations of embodiments of the invention including labels. FIG. 3A shows a mailing label on a container of the invention. FIG. 3B illustrates removing an outer layer to expose an inner layer of a label.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate compressing a container of the invention according to an embodiment thereof. FIG. 4A shows a container just prior to compression.

FIG. 4B shows the same container following compression.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a seed-containing cap according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5A illustrates opening a cap to expose a seed chamber.

FIG. 5B illustrates the opened seed chamber of the cap.

4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel containers and methods for recycling those containers that reduce the ecological burden of liquid containers, especially water bottles, while maintaining the convenience of their use.

FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D show various views of a container for liquid (100), such as water, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Container 100 includes a body (102) having an upper inwardly sloping shoulder portion (104), and central portion (103), and a lower inwardly sloping shoulder portion (105). As will be explained in greater detail below, in some embodiments container body 102 can be compressed along an imaginary plane of symmetry intersecting body 102 along a line extending along upper portion 104 (106a)), though inflection point 106b, down central portion 103 (106c), and lower portion 105 (not shown), defines a transition of container 102 into two faces or sides. (A complimentary seam or edge extends correspondingly downwardly along the opposing side of body 102, such as shown at 106a′.) In some embodiments, the line of intersection is not visible; in other embodiments, the line of intersection is defined by a line, edge, ridge, inflection of curvature, or other detectable element on body 102.

A cap assembly 108 includes a collar 112, lid 116, and strap 120 connecting collar 112 and lid 116. In some embodiments, collar 112 is cylindrical and hollow to defines a central passage through which fluid in body 102 can be introduced or removed, and is fastened to body 102 by engaging means on the interior surface of collar 112 (not shown), e.g., in a locking fashion, such as a luer lock, to sealably connect the collar and body of the container. In other embodiments, collar 112 is cylindrical and hollow having screw threads along the interior surface dimensioned to engage sealingly with complimentary screw threads or means on a neck extending upwardly from upper shoulder portion 104 to secure thereby cap assembly 108 to body 102. In other embodiments, collar 112 can include means to engage securably the collar, and thereby the cap assembly, to the upper shoulder portion of the container. Many various and suitable means and techniques for securably engaging or attaching collar 112 will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

In still other embodiments, collar 112 includes an upper surface engaging lid 116 having centrally located stem extending upwardly therefrom through which fluids from body 102 can pass. In more specific embodiments, the stem is dimensioned to be taken into the mouth for consumption of fluids. In other more specific embodiments, the stem is part of a valve structure that can be moved from a closed position, blocking fluid passage, and an open position allowing fluid passage. Many various and suitable means and techniques for providing such structures will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Lid 106 can be reversibly engagably attached to collar 112 by means of snap connection in which lid 106 engages reversibly with collar 112 and can be moved between open and closed positions to allow or prevent the passage of fluids to or from the container. In the illustrated embodiment, lid 116 is in a closed position, which prevents the introduction to, or removal of, the fluid in body 102. In the open position, lid 116 is moved away from collar 112 to allow passage of fluids to and from the body or to expose a stem or similar device such as described above. Still other various and suitable means and techniques for securably engaging or attaching the lid will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Strap 120 is arranged and dimensioned to keep lid 116 connected with collar 112 when the lid is in the open position. The strap can be of any material, any shape, and any sized suitable to provide a tether between the lid and the collar. Many various and suitable means and techniques for securably engaging or attaching the lid to the collar will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Container body 102 further includes a front panel 124. In some embodiments, the front panel comprises a label, such as a product logo or trademark, or as described hereinbelow. FIG. 1B shows panel 124 in front view, along with the aforementioned elements.

FIG. 1C shows a side view of bottle 100, including the symmetry lines 106a-106d as described above. The Figure further includes a back panel 124′. As described in greater detail below, in some embodiments, one panel provides a commercial notice of the bottle for consumers seeking the bottle or related products. For example, in some embodiments the notice includes information identifying the product and its commercial source (e.g., by logo or trade mark). In more specific embodiments, the notice is provided as part of the body, e.g., by embossing the notice into the side of the bottle. In other more specific embodiments, the notice is provided as a label attached to front panel 124 by an adhesive. The provision of such embodiments will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, who will also be aware of still other types of notices and methods for providing such notices.

In some embodiments, back panel 124′ provides information typical for a container, such as, by way of example only and not limitation, a list of ingredients, contact information for the purveyor of the product, safety information, and the like. Such information can be provided as just described for the front panel 124.

In some embodiments, one or both of the front and the back panel information in provided in two portions, a first out portion as just described, and a second portion that includes a mailing label configured to enable the possessor of the bottle to mail the bottle to a receiver. The details of this aspect of the invention are provided hereinbelow (see FIGS. 3A and 3B and accompanying discussion). The provision of such embodiments will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, who will also be aware of still other types of notices and methods for providing such notices.

FIG. 1D illustrates the opposing side to the view provided in FIG. 1B, including a line of symmetry 106a′-106d′ corresponding to the line 106a-106d in the latter figure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the top and bottom views, respectively, of an exemplary container of the invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the bottle (200), including the elements described in FIGS. 1A-1D. (Symmetry line section 106a′ is not shown.) The provision of such embodiments will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the bottle (250), including the lower shoulder portion 105. (Symmetry lines 106d and 106d′ are not shown.) In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom includes a bottom surface 254 with an upwardly inwardly extending surface 258 to form a concave region 262. Region 262 includes a nipple 266. (Symmetry line corresponding to lines 106a and 106a′ are not shown.) The provision of such embodiments will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a mailing label (FIG. 3A) and a two-portion label (FIG. 3B) according to certain embodiments on the invention. FIG. 3A shows an exemplary bottle (300)) including a mailing label (302)). In addition to the previously described elements (see, FIGS. 1A-1D), the mailing label 302 includes an address to which the bottle is to be sent 304. The label further includes, in some exemplary embodiments, the appropriate information for pre-paid postage (308), which, as will be appreciated, encourages return of the bottle by post. In other embodiments, however, no such pre-paid postage is provided. Additional postage information, e.g., pertaining to business postage rates and other permits or status indicators, can be provided as shown (312). The provision of such embodiments will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment (350) in a label 365 is provided in two parts that are separated by the action a hand (360): an outer layer (368) and an inner layer 370. In some embodiments, the outer layer includes an adhesive on its reverse side 374. Still other embodiments include additional information in addition to an adhesive. The provision of such embodiments will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, inner layer 370 comprises mailing information as described herein above with respect to FIG. 3A. In other embodiments, the label combination just described is provided on panel 124′. In still other embodiments, the label combination just described is provided on panel 124′ and the inner layer is mailing information as described above. The provision of such embodiments will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the action of compressing a bottle of the invention. In one embodiment, shown at 400 in FIG. 4A, left and right hands (410 and 420), grasp the bottle at the top and bottom of the bottle. In FIG. 4B at 450 the hands close as indicated by the arrows, compressing and flattening the bottle.

In some embodiments, the above-described embodiments that include a mailing label, including those embodiments using either layered labels or a single mailing label, are combined with the compression just described so that bottles can be flattened and sent to a receiver through the mail. In more specific embodiments, the bottle is emptied prior to compression. In still more specific embodiments, the bottle is sent to a recycling facility. In other more specific embodiments, the bottle is sent to a collection facility.

In some embodiments, the collection facility either recycles the bottle or pro-cesses the bottle as described herein, or transfers the bottle (e.g., as part of a larger shipment of used bottles) to one or more facilities that recycle or otherwise use the bottle, preferably in an environmentally suitable way. In one non-limiting example, the bottle is gasified to form a syngas for use as a combustion fuel (e.g., to make elec-tricity which can be used to make more bottles), or for further processing to make hydrocarbons such as propane. The details of syngas formation and it uses will be familiar to those having ordinary skill in the art. One device suitable is available under the trade name PYROVORE® from DPS Environmental (Kaysville, Utah). After gasification, the remaining ash (about 2%) can be used as fertilizer. Thus, it will be seen that the invention provides a bottle life-cycle that substantially eliminates waste bottles.

In a second aspect, illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the present invention provides a bottle cap assembly that includes one or more seeds in a special compartment. The seeds can be release from the compartment for planting, possibly being watered by water released from a bottle described herein, and further wherein the aforementioned bottle is combined with a seed cap as described hereinbelow.

FIG. 5A at 500 illustrates a seed-containing cap assembly held by hands 504 and 508. The cap assembly 520 includes a base 524 having a set of screw threads 526 for attaching the base to the neck of a bottle having complimentary threads as is known in the art. Other methods of attaching the base to a bottle will be familiar to those having ordinary skill in the art. The cap includes an outer cover 528 that fits over and covers a spout 532 from which liquid can be drawn from a bottle when the cap assembly is attached thereto. Some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 5A, include an edge or ridge 534 that can be used to lift the cap up to expose the spout 532. In more specific embodiments, the cap is hinged (not shown) so that the spout can be exposed without removing the outer cover completely to avoid losing the outer cover.

At the top of the cap assembly is a chamber 540 dimensioned to extend between the top of outer cover 528 and the top of spout 532. Within the chamber are one or more seeds 550. A removable seal 530 on top of outer cover 528 covers the chamber to preserve the seeds and can be removed by pulling on a edge as shown at 538. In some embodiments, the seal can be removed and replaced. In other embodiments, the seal can only be removed once. The provision of such embodiments, and still other equivalents, will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. FIG. 5B at 580 shows the cap after removal of the outer cover.

The bottle and cap described herein are made using methods and materials known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the materials include a bioplastic, such as a polylactide polymer (“PLA”), such as sold under the trade name INGEO® (NatureWorks, LLC). One example of using PLA to make a bottle is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,421, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. The bottles and are filled as known by those having ordinary skill in the art. When the liquid in the bottle is consumed, the bottle's mailing label is exposed and the bottle is compacted and sent by mail.

As those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the closure of lid 116 of cap assembly 108, and the closing of the spout enclosed therein (see, e.g., spout 532 in FIG. 5A) provides a double seal to prevent any leakage of the bottle's contents during shipping or between drinks.

Upon receipt at a recycling facility, the bottle is ground or shredded (usually in a batch of bottles) and heated into a gas that is burned to provide energy for the manufacture of new bottles. The provision of such embodiments will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. Thus, as will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, the invention provides a tightly closed loop in which bottles are produced and then recycled to provide energy for new bottle manufacture. This saves fuel sources, such as oil, gas, and coal, that would otherwise be used to produce new bottles, and therefore reduces significantly the carbon footprint of the bottles and caps of the invention.

5 CONCLUSION

The above description of the embodiments, alternative embodiments, and specific examples, are given by way of illustration and should not be viewed as limiting. Further, many changes and modifications within the scope of the present embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes such changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a container body dimensioned to hold a fluid;

a spout defining a passage in fluid communication with said container body such that fluid contained in said container body can pass through said spout;

a cap attached to said container body, said cap dimensioned to cover substantially said spout when said cap is in a sealed state to prevent fluids from passing through said spout, and expose said spout when said cap is in an unsealed state to allow fluids to pass through said spout; and

said container body is dimensioned to be compressed to a substantially flattened shape.

2. The container of claim 1, said container being further configured to be compressed to a substantially flat condition when said container is compressed.

3. The container of claim 2, further comprising a label affixed to said container body.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein said mailing label includes an outer layer and an inner layer, said outer layer being removable from said inner layer to expose said inner layer.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein said inner layer of said mailing label includes information for mailing said container.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein said container body is made from a biodegradable material.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein said biodegradable material is a dextrose-based polymer.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein said biodegradable material is a polylactide polymer.

9. The container of claim 2, wherein said container body is made from a biodegradable material.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein said biodegradable material is a dextrose-based polymer.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein said biodegradable material is a polylactide polymer.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein said container body is dimensioned to be compressed to a format substantially suitable for mailing said container when said container is compressed and said inner layer is exposed.

13. The container of claim 5 wherein said container body is dimensioned to be compressed to a format substantially suitable for mailing said container when said container is compressed and said inner layer is exposed.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein said container includes a cap and said cap includes a seed located said cap.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein said cap includes a seed chamber, and said seed is located within said seed chamber.

16. A method for recycling a container, comprising:

obtaining a container, said container including: a container body dimensioned to hold a fluid; a spout defining a passage in fluid communication with said container body such that fluid contained in said container body can pass through said spout; a cap attached to said container body, said cap dimensioned to cover substantially said spout when said cap is in a sealed state to prevent fluids from passing through said spout, and expose said spout when said cap is in an unsealed state to allow fluids to pass through said spout; and said container body being configured to be compressed to a substantially flattened shape;

compressing said container to said substantially flattened shape; and

sending said container.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said sending includes sending said container in said substantially flattened shape.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said label comprises an outer layer affixed to an inner layer, said outer layer being removable from said inner layer to expose said inner layer, said inner layer including a mailing label; and said method includes removing said outer layer to expose said inner layer.

19. The method of claim 18 further including sending said container by mail.

20. The method of claim 17 further including sending said container by mail.

21. A method for recycling a container, comprising:

receiving a container, said container including: a container body dimensioned to hold a fluid;

a spout defining a passage in fluid communication with said container body such that fluid contained in said container body can pass through said spout; a cap attached to said container body, said cap dimensioned to cover substantially said spout when said cap is in a sealed state to prevent fluids from passing through said spout, and expose said spout when said cap is in an unsealed state to allow fluids to pass through said spout; and said container body being dimensioned to be compressed to a substantially flattened shape;

said container being in said substantially flattened shape; and

recycling said container.