U.S. patent application number 14/062760 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-24 for eco-friendly liquid container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Todor E. Saslekov. Invention is credited to Todor E. Saslekov.
Application Number | 20140110411 14/062760 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50484416 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140110411 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saslekov; Todor E. |
April 24, 2014 |
Eco-friendly Liquid Container
Abstract
The present disclosure provides an environmentally friendly
container for liquids that is designed to use few materials and,
upon disassembly, may easily be separated into recyclable elements.
The container includes a housing, a flexible storage bag within the
housing, and a lid positioned over an end of the housing, wherein
the flexible storage bag is held between the lid and the housing.
Further, the container includes a shrink-wrap film surrounding at
least a portion of the housing and lid, wherein the shrink-wrap
film secures the lid to the housing.
Inventors: |
Saslekov; Todor E.; (Sofia,
BG) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Saslekov; Todor E. |
Sofia |
|
BG |
|
|
Family ID: |
50484416 |
Appl. No.: |
14/062760 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61718186 |
Oct 24, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.03 ;
229/117.27; 53/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/525 20130101;
B65D 77/068 20130101; B65B 53/02 20130101; B65D 77/28 20130101;
B65B 7/28 20130101; B65D 25/16 20130101; B65D 85/72 20130101; B65D
75/004 20130101; B65D 71/08 20130101; B65D 5/60 20130101; B65D
43/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.03 ;
53/411; 229/117.27 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/60 20060101
B65D005/60; B65B 53/02 20060101 B65B053/02; B65D 25/16 20060101
B65D025/16 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a housing including a side wall, a
housing first end, and a housing second end; a flexible storage bag
within the housing; a lid positioned over the housing first end,
wherein at least a portion of the flexible storage bag is held
between the lid and the housing first end; and a shrink-wrap film
surrounding at least a portion of the housing and at least a
portion of the lid, wherein the shrink-wrap film secures the lid to
the housing.
2. The container of claim 1 further comprising at least one tab
extending from the housing second end, wherein the at least one tab
defines a bottom plane perpendicular to the side wall, wherein the
shrink-wrap film surrounds at least a portion of the at least one
tab, wherein the at least one tab and the shrink-wrap film retain
the bottom panel within the housing along the bottom plane.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the housing is formed from a
single sheet of paper.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein at least two portions of the
flexible storage bag are secured between the lid and the housing
first end.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid includes an opening
providing access to the flexible storage bag.
6. The container of claim 1 further comprising a straw releasably
connected to an outer surface of the shrink-wrap film, wherein the
straw is configured to puncture through the shrink-wrap film and
the flexible storage bag.
7. The container of claim 1 further comprising a liquid within the
flexible storage bag, wherein the amount of liquid is less than the
storage capacity of the flexible storage bag.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein the housing is made of a
foldable cardboard.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein the flexible storage bag is
made of a polymeric material.
10. The container of claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional shape of
the housing is an octagon.
11. A method of forming a container, the method comprising: forming
a housing including a side wall, a housing first end, and a housing
second end; inserting a flexible storage bag into the housing;
placing a lid over the housing first end wherein the lid secures at
least a portion of the flexible storage bag between the housing
first end and the lid; and securing the lid to the housing by heat
sealing a shrink-wrap film around at least a portion of the housing
and at least a portion of the lid.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the container further comprises
at least one tab extending from the housing second end, wherein the
at least one tab defines a bottom plane perpendicular to the side
wall, wherein the shrink-wrap film surrounds at least a portion of
the at least one tab, wherein the at least one tab and the
shrink-wrap film retain the bottom panel within the housing along
the bottom plane.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the housing is formed by folding
a single sheet of paper.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein at least two portions of the
flexible storage bag are secured between the lid and the housing
first end.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the lid includes an opening
providing access to the flexible storage bag.
16. The method of claim 11 further comprising releasably attaching
a straw to an outer surface of the heat sealed shrink-wrap film,
wherein the straw is configured to puncture through the shrink-wrap
film and the flexible storage bag.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein the flexible storage bag
includes a liquid, wherein the amount of liquid is less than the
storage capacity of the flexible storage bag.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein the housing is made of a
foldable cardboard.
19. The method of claim 11 wherein the flexible storage bag is made
of a polymeric material.
20. The method of claim 11 wherein the cross-sectional shape of the
housing is an octagon.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application incorporates by reference and claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/718,186 filed on Oct.
24, 2012.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present subject matter relates generally to eco-friendly
liquid packaging containers.
[0003] Currently, the world uses approximately 200,000,000,000
plastic bottles and roughly the same number of aseptic package
containers a year. Worldwide, on average, only 15% of the plastic
bottles are recycled. Further, recycled bottles in the USA account
for only 20-29% of the total recycled material according to the
American Plastics Council. The non-recycled bottles end in
landfills or as uncollected litter.
[0004] For every one ton of plastic that is recycled or reduced,
roughly 2 tons of carbon dioxide emissions are saved. One ton of
recycled plastic saves 5,774 kilowatts of electricity and 685
gallons of oil according to the U.S. House Select Committee on
Energy Independence and Global Warming. In addition, replacing
3,700 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, a popular plastic
used in bottles, saves one barrel of petrol.
[0005] Notwithstanding attempts to reduce the amount of plastic
used in plastic bottles, the average 16 ounce (oz.) plastic bottle
weighs approximately 16 grams. The lightest available 16 oz.
plastic bottle weighs approximately 9.2 grams. However, such a
light plastic bottle requires expensive equipment to produce.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a new product that is a
sustainable and eco-friendly solution that helps lessen the
environmental impact of packaging beverages. In addition, there is
a need for a product that decreases the greenhouse effect, reduces
the need for more landfill space, and uses mostly renewable
materials. The product needs to be easily mass-produced, require a
small investment and production space, have a production that may
be scalable, and a competitive price with the standard plastic
bottles and other liquid container packages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present disclosure provides an eco-friendly liquid
container for non-carbonated liquids. Various examples of the
container are provided herein.
[0008] The disclosed liquid container is made predominantly from a
paper housing, a thin plastic lid, and a single layer of
shrink-wrap film, thereby resulting in a container that uses up to
70% less plastic and non-recyclable materials than conventional
plastic bottles. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the
reduction in materials is also cost effective and results in a
product that weighs less than conventional beverage containers. In
one example, the liquid container only uses 5.5 grams of
plastic.
[0009] The present disclosure provides a container comprising a
housing including a side wall, a housing first end, and a housing
second end. The container also contains a flexible storage bag
within the housing, and a lid positioned over the housing first
end, wherein at least a portion of the flexible storage bag is held
between the lid and the housing first end. In addition, the
container includes a shrink-wrap film surrounding at least a
portion of the housing and at least a portion of the lid, wherein
the shrink-wrap film secures the lid to the housing.
[0010] The container may further include at least one tab extending
from the housing second end, wherein the at least one tab defines a
bottom plane perpendicular to the side wall. The shrink-wrap film
may surround at least a portion of the at least one tab, wherein
the at least one tab and the shrink-wrap film retain the bottom
panel within the housing along the bottom plane.
[0011] The housing may be formed from a single sheet of paper. In
an example, the housing is made of a foldable cardboard. In
addition, the cross-sectional shape of the housing may be an
octagon.
[0012] In an example, at least two portions of the flexible storage
bag are secured between the lid and the housing first end. The
flexible storage bag may be made of a polymeric material. Further,
the lid may include an opening providing access to the flexible
storage bag.
[0013] The container may also include a straw releasably connected
to an outer surface of the shrink-wrap film or the housing, wherein
the straw is configured to puncture through the shrink-wrap film
and the flexible storage bag
[0014] In an example, the container may include a liquid within the
flexible storage bag, wherein the amount of liquid is less than the
storage capacity of the flexible storage bag.
[0015] The present disclosure also provides a method of forming a
container, wherein the method comprises forming a housing including
a side wall, a housing first end, and a housing second end, and
inserting a flexible storage bag into the housing. The method also
includes placing a lid over the housing first end wherein the lid
secures at least a portion of the flexible storage bag between the
housing first end and the lid, and securing the lid to the housing
by heat sealing a shrink-wrap film around at least a portion of the
housing and at least a portion of the lid.
[0016] The container may further include at least one tab extending
from the housing second end, wherein the at least one tab defines a
bottom plane perpendicular to the side wall. The shrink-wrap film
may surround at least a portion of the at least one tab, wherein
the at least one tab and the shrink-wrap film retain the bottom
panel within the housing along the bottom plane.
[0017] The housing may be formed by folding a single sheet of
paper. In an example, the housing is made of a foldable cardboard.
Further, the cross-sectional shape of the housing may be an
octagon.
[0018] The flexible storage bag may be made of a polymeric
material. In an example, at least two portions of the flexible
storage bag are secured between the lid and the housing first end.
Further, the flexible storage bag may include a liquid, wherein the
amount of liquid is less than the storage capacity of the flexible
storage bag.
[0019] In an example, the lid includes an opening providing access
to the flexible storage bag. The method may include releaseably
attaching a straw to an outer surface of the heat sealed
shrink-wrap film, wherein the straw is configured to puncture
through the shrink-wrap film and the flexible storage bag.
[0020] An advantage of the present container and method decreasing
the environmental impact of packaging liquids.
[0021] A further advantage of the present container and method is
reducing greenhouse emissions and landfill space compared to
conventional plastic bottles.
[0022] Another advantage of the present container and method is
providing a cost effective manufacturing process for packaged
liquids.
[0023] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the
examples will be set forth in part in the description which
follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the
art upon examination of the following description and the
accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation
of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be
realized and attained by means of the methodologies,
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in
accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by
way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer
to the same or similar elements.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
container disclosed herein.
[0026] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example of the flexible
storage bag positioned inside the housing with a portion of the
flexible storage bag on the outer surface of the housing.
[0027] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an example of the lid
positioned over the housing first end, wherein a portion of the
flexible storage bag is held between the lid and the housing first
end.
[0028] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
container, wherein the shrink-wrap film secures the lid to the
housing.
[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an example of the
container.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the housing including
tabs, wherein the bottom panel is leaning against the side wall of
the housing.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the bottom panel being
pushed through the housing toward the bottom plane.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the housing including
tabs, wherein the bottom panel is in contact with the tabs in the
bottom plane.
[0033] FIG. 7A-7D is an illustration of the disassembly of the
container into separate recyclable parts.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present disclosure provides an eco-friendly container 10
for liquids, wherein the container components, including the size
and shape of the components, are intended to minimize the material
and transportation cost for both the materials to make the
containers 10 and the final container 10 product. The container 10
is intended for use with non-carbonated beverages. The container 10
disclosed herein uses up to 70% less plastic and non-recyclable
materials than other environmentally friendly liquid containers.
The container 10 also typically does not include permanent bonding
or adhesives and, therefore, can be easily separated after the
container is used in order to simplify the recycling process. As
such, the container 10 may use the standard waste collection
structures and can fully utilize existing recycling systems.
Further, the examples provided herein comply with all applicable
food related regulations.
[0036] In an embodiment, the container 10 includes a housing 12
including a side wall 14, a housing first end 16, and a housing
second end 18, as shown in FIG. 1. The housing 12 may be made of
any suitable material, though the advantages provided herein are
best accomplished using a recyclable and biodegradable product. For
example, the housing 12 may be made of a foldable cardboard,
sugarcane pulp, corn pulp, combinations thereof, or any other paper
product. Alternatively, the housing 12 may be made from thin
plastic, aluminum, etc.
[0037] The housing 12 may be formed by folding the housing material
from a flat configuration into a three-dimensional shape. For
example, the housing 12 may be formed by folding a single sheet of
paper into a cylindrical shape or any of various cross-sectional
shapes. For example, the housing 12 may be a circular, triangular,
rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or other cylinder. The
three-dimensional housing 12 may be stabilized using a minimal
amount of adhesive or, in certain circumstances, without adhesive.
For example, the housing 12 may not require adhesive when the
opposing forces of the filled flexible storage bag 20 and the
shrink-wrap film 24 secure at least two ends of the housing 12
together, forming a three-dimensional shape. Alternatively, two
ends of the housing material may include an adhesive, such that
when the housing material is folded to connect two ends to form the
three-dimensional structure, the adhesive maintains the connection
between the two ends to assist in stabilizing the three-dimensional
structure.
[0038] The cross-sectional shape of the housing 12 may be unvaried
throughout the height of the housing 12. In other words, the
cross-sectional area and shape of the housing first end 16 may be
the same as that of the housing second end 18. Alternatively, the
housing 12 may be tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the
housing first end 16 may be larger or smaller than the
cross-sectional area of the housing second end 18 (i.e., the
housing 12 may be conical). In the examples shown in the figures,
the housing 12 is cylindrical and the cross-sectional shape of the
housing 12 is an octagon. However, it should be understood that any
suitable shape may form the cross-sectional area of the housing 12,
including, but not limited to, a triangle, square, rectangle,
diamond, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, and circle, among others.
[0039] As mentioned above, the container 10 also enclose a flexible
storage bag 20 within the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 2A. The
flexible storage bag 20 may be made of any suitable material
including, but not limited to, plastics or other polymeric
materials, including various polymer blends, or combinations
thereof. The flexible storage bag 20 may have a thickness and
durability that allows the flexible storage bag 20 to store liquids
without leaking, yet allows a straw to puncture the flexible
storage bag 20.
[0040] As just mentioned, the container 10 may include a liquid
stored within the flexible storage bag 20, wherein the amount of
liquid may be equal or less than the storage capacity of the
flexible storage bag 20. Typically, the amount of liquid occupies
less than, and including, 95% of the total volume of the flexible
storage bag 20. Alternatively, the amount of liquid may occupy less
than, and including, 90%, less than and including 85%, or less than
and including 80% of the total volume of the flexible storage bag
20. The flexible storage bag 20 may be any suitable size. For
example, the flexible storage bag 20 may be capable of holding 8
ounces (oz.), 12 oz., 16 oz., 20 oz., or 24 oz., among other
amounts. Similarly, the housing 12 may be various sizes and shapes.
Further, it should be understood that the term "liquid" is meant to
encompass various substances with varying viscosities, typically
viscosities that may pass through a straw 30. For example, in this
disclosure the term "liquid" includes, but is not limited to,
water, non-carbonated drinks, sport drinks, energy drinks,
smoothies, baby food, pureed food, soups, milk, milk shakes, coffee
drinks, tea, juice, salad dressing, gravy, broth, and condiments,
such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, among others.
[0041] The container 10 also includes a lid 22 positioned over the
housing first end 16, wherein at least a portion of the flexible
storage bag 20 is held between the lid 22 and the housing first end
16, as shown in FIG. 2B. In an example, at least two portions of
the flexible storage bag 20 are secured between the lid 22 and the
housing first end 16. The lid 22 may be made of any suitable
material. Typically, the lid 22 is made of a thin, plastic
material. However, the lid 22 may be made of aluminum, a polymeric
material, various blends of polymeric materials, among others.
Further, the lid 22 may be made of sugar cane pulp, corn pulp,
paper pulp, among others, and combinations thereof. The shape of
the lid 22 may be any suitable shape that allows the lid 22 to
removably attach to the housing first end 16. In the example shown
in FIG. 2B, the lid 22 is the same shape as the cross-sectional
shape of the housing 12. Further, the lid 22 may include an opening
28 providing access to the flexible storage bag 20. As shown in
FIG. 2B, the opening 28 may be circular.
[0042] The particular design of the lid 22 shown in FIG. 8 allows a
very thin plastic to be used to form a strong and rigid lid 22. The
lid 22 maintains the structural integrity of the container 10 by
preventing the side walls 14 of the housing 12 from collapsing. The
lid 22 may include an outer edging 34 and an inner edging 36. The
outer edging 34 is typically flared outward slightly to allow the
lid 22 to easily connect to the housing 12. The inner edging 36 may
be flared as well. In addition, in some embodiments, the inner
edging 36 may be scalloped-shaped (e.g., include a series of
indentions 38) to both improve the grip of the lid 22 onto the
housing 12, as well as to act as a spring to absorb any movement of
the side walls 14 that may otherwise cause a dislodging of the lid
22 from the housing 12.
[0043] The opening 28 in the lid 22 may include a circular wall 40
that aids a user in puncturing the surface of the flexible storage
bag 20 with a straw 30, without the straw 30 slipping on the
flexible storage bag 20. Primarily, the circular wall 40 extends
into the body of the housing 12 and makes contact along the top
surface of the flexible storage bag 20. In doing so, the material
at the top of the flexible storage bag 20 is held taught such that
it is even easier to puncture with the straw 30. In addition, the
circular wall 40 guides the straw 30, visually and physically, when
the user is attempting to puncture the flexible storage bag 20.
[0044] In addition, the container 10 includes a shrink-wrap film 24
surrounding at least a portion of the housing 12 and at least a
portion of the lid 22, wherein the shrink-wrap film 24 secures the
lid 22 to the housing 12. The shrink-wrap film 24 essentially
secures the lid 22 and flexible storage bag 20 to the housing 12
without the use of adhesives or other connecting mechanism, such as
tape, glue, clips, or fasteners, among others. Because the
container 10 does not use adhesives to secure various elements
together, the container may be easily sorted into established
recyclable products after the container is used. For example, once
the shrink-wrap film 24 is removed, the lid 22, the flexible
storage bag 20, and the housing 12 become unattached, thereby
allowing the various elements to be easily sorted for recycling.
For example, the shrink-wrap film 24, lid 22, and flexible storage
bag 20 may be recycled in a plastic receptacle, whereas the housing
12 may be recycled in a paper receptacle, with minimal effort
required to separate the various elements.
[0045] In addition, the shrink-wrap film 24 protects the housing 12
from moisture. This is particularly important when the housing 12
is made from a paper product that is susceptible to damage and/or
weakness when exposed to moisture.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the container 10 may further include at
least one tab 26 extending from the housing second end 18.
Typically, the tab 26 is foldably connected to the housing second
end 18. When folded into form for assembly, the at least one tab 26
defines a bottom plane perpendicular to the side wall 14. The tab
26 may be made of the same or different material as the housing 12.
Further, the shape of the tab 26 may be any suitable shape. For
example, the tab 26 may be formed by overlapping at least two tabs
26.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the container may include a bottom panel
32 that may be inserted from the housing first end 16 to the
housing second end 18. The bottom panel 32 may be made as the same
or different material as the housing 12. In one example, the bottom
panel 32 is made of corrugated cardboard in order help provide
structural integrity to the housing 12 side walls 14 from the
inside of the container 10.
[0048] For example, the bottom panel 32 may be made from a
relatively thick (e.g., 5 mm) corrugated cardboard, which adds
rigidity to the base assembled container 10. Without a strengthened
bottom panel 32, the container 10 may be unable to hold up to
rigorous use required in distribution, stocking, sale, and end use.
A strengthened bottom panel 32 can increase the pressure resistance
of the container 10 by adequately supporting the side walls 14 from
the inside of the housing 12.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom panel 32 may be located along
or adjacent to the bottom plane perpendicular to the side wall 14
that is defined by the at least one tab 26. In assembled form, the
at least one tab 26 may stabilize the bottom panel 32 within the
housing 12. Further, the shrink-wrap film 24 may surround at least
a portion of the at least one tab 26, wherein the combination of
the tab 26 and the shrink-wrap film 24 cooperate to retain the
bottom panel 32 within the housing 12 along the bottom plane. In
other words, the shrink-wrap film 24 and at least one tab 26
secures the bottom panel 32 such that minimal or no adhesive is
required for the structural integrity of the container 10. Again,
the lack of adhesive or other fasteners between the housing 12 and
the lid 22 and between the bottom panel 32 and tab 26 results in an
environmentally friendly container 10, the components of which are
easily separable for recycling purposes. In addition, the bottom
panel 32 does not require the use of expensive folding equipment as
most conventional boxes and containers require.
[0050] As described, the interaction between the bottom panel 32,
the tab 26 (or tabs 26), and the shrink-wrap film 24 creates a
stable container 10 using multiple parts without the use of
adhesives; the bottom panel 32 providing the structural support for
the side walls 14 and the shrink-wrap film 24 cooperating with the
tab 26 (or tabs 26) to locate and retain the bottom panel 32 in
place. It is contemplated that this unique structure may form the
basis of many variations of containers, whether or not paired with
the other elements of the container 10 described herein. For
example, it is contemplated that in some embodiments of the
container 10 presented herein, the structural integrity of the
container 10 does not rely on the shrink-wrap film 24, but rather
is fully provided by the configuration of the housing 12, the
bottom panel 32, one or more tabs 26, and the lid 22 alone, without
a shrink-wrap film 24. In another example, an embodiment of the
container 10 may include a housing 12, with a bottom panel 32 held
on place by one or more tabs 26 without a shrink-wrap film 24. Such
embodiments may be aided in maintaining their structure by the
contents of the container 10, which may help secure a stable fit
between the housing 12 and the bottom panel 32.
[0051] The container 10 may also include a straw 30 releasably
connected to an outer surface of the shrink-wrap film 24, wherein
the straw 30 is configured to puncture through the shrink-wrap film
24, proceed through the opening 28 in the lid 22, and puncture the
flexible storage bag 20. The straw 30 may be encased in a thin film
that may be removed from the shrink-wrap film 24. The length of the
straw 30 may be expandable in order to access the entirety of the
flexible storage bag 20 once the straw 30 has been inserted.
[0052] The present disclosure also provides a method of forming a
container 10, wherein the method comprises forming a housing 12
including a side wall 14, a housing first end 16, and a housing
second end 18. The housing 12 may be formed by folding, either by
hand or part of an automated assembly line process, a single sheet
of material, such as paper, into a three-dimensional structure.
[0053] The method further includes inserting a flexible storage bag
20 into the housing 12. The flexible storage bag 20 may store a
liquid. Alternatively, the flexible storage bag 20 may be inserted
into the housing 12 empty and subsequently filled with a liquid and
sealed.
[0054] The method also includes placing a lid 22 over the housing
first end 16, wherein the lid 22 secures at least a portion of the
flexible storage bag 20 between the housing first end 16 and the
lid 22. In addition, the lid 22 is secured to the housing 12 by
heat-sealing a shrink-wrap film 24 around at least a portion of the
housing 12 and at least a portion of the lid 22.
[0055] The method may further include releasably attaching a straw
30 to an outer surface of the heat sealed shrink-wrap film 24,
wherein the straw 30 is configured to puncture through the
shrink-wrap film 24 and the flexible storage bag 20.
[0056] As illustrated by FIGS. 7A-7D, the container 10 disclosed
herein is easily disassembled into separate elements for recycling.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the shrink-wrap film 24 may be separated from
the housing 12. FIG. 7B illustrates that the straw 30, the lid 22,
and the flexible storage bag 20 are easily separated from the
housing 12. FIGS. 7C-7D illustrate the separation of the straw 30,
the lid 22, and the flexible storage bag 20 from the housing 12,
for recyclable purposes. Because the container 10 does not use
adhesive or other permanent fastening mechanisms between the
shrink-wrap film 24, the housing 12, the lid 22, and the flexible
storage bag 20, the components are easily separated into recyclable
elements without complication or substantial effort.
[0057] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to
the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled
in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and
without diminishing its attendant advantages. For example, various
embodiments of the method and portable electronic device may be
provided based on various combinations of the features and
functions from the subject matter provided herein.
* * * * *