Patent Application
20080006627
The present invention relates generally to containers for receiving, containing, and selectively dispensing a plurality of objects via automated processes. More specifically, the present invention provides a partially flexible buckling clamshell container for receiving metered seed sample aliquots. The container of the present invention may be selectively opened by automated processes by elastically deforming at a predetermined point to release one or more objects contained therein when the container is inverted and subjected to a compressive opening force.
A number of packaging containers have been developed for holding and sealing products and/or individual parts or components. For example, conventional vacuum molded or thermoformed plastic containers (such as those produced to package small hardware components such as screws and/or nails) often include a container body defining an aperture and an attached lid that is designed to selectively close the aperture. For example, some conventional packaging containers further include corresponding flange portions (extending from the container body and the lid, respectively) that are designed to fit snugly against one another so as to seal the container body. Some conventional packaging containers further include an adhesive material disposed between flange portions for sealing the lid closed about the aperture defined by the container body.
Such conventional containers are often well-suited for providing a robust package that may provide adequate protection to the product contained therein. However, once closed and sealed, such conventional packages are not well suited for re-opening, much less re-opening by automated processes. Thus, conventional containers such as the type described generally above may not be well-suited to serve as an aliquot container for receiving, selectively holding, and selectively dispensing one or more particles or components as part of an intermediate research and/or manufacturing step. For example, manual dexterity and/or the use of a cutting tool, may be required to open and remove products from many conventional packaging containers (especially those that include corresponding flange portions and adhesives disposed therebetween). In addition, such containers are not well suited for re-opening (after being closed) by simple automated processes (such as the application of a compressive force on the container) because of the constant interference fit between the lids and reservoirs of conventional packaging containers.
Thus in order to facilitate the selective capture, retention, and dispensing of particulate components by simple automated and/or manual processes, there is a need in the art for a packaging container that not only allows for the quick and complete capture and retention of particulate components, but also a container that may be quickly and easily re-opened so as to selectively dispense the particulate components held therein upon the application of a simple automated and/or manual compressive force to the container. For example, there exists a need in the art for an easily-opened clamshell container for segregating and selectively dispensing an aliquot of a particular seed type using mainly automated processes. Furthermore, there exists a need for a packaging container that is not only easily closed and re-opened as described above, but that is easily and economically manufactured and provided with a lid and reservoir portion that are provided in a one-piece assembly such that the lid may remain connected to the reservoir portion of the container even as the container is selectively opened to disperse the particulate components held therein.
The embodiments of the present invention satisfy the needs listed above and provide other advantages as described below. Embodiments of the present invention may include a package assembly for selectively containing and releasing a particulate aliquot (such as one or more selected types of agricultural seeds). According to some embodiments, the package assembly comprises first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, wherein a pair of flexure channels are defined in opposing sides of at least one of the first or second portions, the flexure channels cooperating to define a flexure axis extending through the pair of flexure channels, the package assembly being configured such that when a force is applied to the package assembly, approximately perpendicularly to the flexure axis, at least one of the first or second portions flex outwardly about the flexure axis so that the first and second portions separate in response to the force. At least one concave portion may be located on a flange portion defined by at least one of the first or second portions, the concave portion defining an aperture configured to receive an opening tool for encouraging the first and second portions to separate. At least one corresponding concave portion may be located on a second flange portion of the package assembly and adapted to substantially align with the other concave portion to define an aperture configured to receive an opening tool for encouraging the first and second portions to separate. The first and second portions may define first and second flange portions and the package assembly may further comprise a notch portion located on one of the first or second flange portions, the notch portion configured to allow a disengaging tool to apply a substantially normal force against the other of the first or second flanges, for encouraging the first and second portions to separate. In some embodiments, the first and second portions are held together in a closed position through an interference fit.
According to other embodiments, the package assembly may comprise a container portion defining an opening and including at least two opposing sides, and a cover portion configured to cooperate with the container portion to selectively close the opening. Some embodiments of the package assembly may further comprise a reinforcing ridge portion operably engaged about a perimeter of the cover portion. In addition, the reinforcing ridge portion may be configured to be capable of engaging an inner periphery of the opening, in an interference fit, so as to selectively close the opening. Furthermore, the reinforcing ridge portion may also define a pair of flexure channels on opposing sides of the cover portion. The flexure channels may thus cooperate to define a flexure axis extending substantially perpendicularly to a pair of opposing sides of the cover portion defining the flexure channels such that the flexure axis is substantially parallel to the at least two opposing sides of the container portion. Furthermore, the cover portion may be configured to be capable of flexing outwardly from the container portion about the flexure axis when a force is applied to the at least two opposing sides of the container portion. Thus, the cover portion (and the reinforcing ridge portion extending therefrom) may also disengage from the inner periphery of the opening so that the cover portion disengages from the container portion in response to the force. In some embodiments, the container portion, the cover portion, and the opening defined by the container portion may be constructed and formed to have a substantially rectangular shape.
Some package assembly embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a hinge portion operably engaged between an edge of the cover portion and one of the at least two opposing sides of the container portion such that the cover portion may remain connected to the container portion even as the cover portion is disengaged from closing engagement with the container portion as described above. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the container portion, the cover portion, the reinforcing ridge, and the hinge portion may be substantially integrally formed as a single one-piece assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the container portion, the cover portion, the reinforcing ridge, and the hinge portion may be integrally formed using manufacturing processes that may include, but are not limited to: thermoforming; vacuum forming; blow molding; injection molding; casting; and combinations of such processes.
In some additional package assembly embodiments of the present invention, the package assembly may further comprise a shelf portion including a flange extending substantially perpendicular from an outer periphery of the opening and a wall portion extending substantially perpendicular from the flange such that the reinforcing ridge of the cover portion may engage and rest on the shelf portion in an interference fit so as to selectively close the opening. Other package assembly embodiments may also comprise additional flange portions, including for example, a first flange portion extending substantially perpendicular from at outer periphery of the opening, and a second flange portion extending substantially outward from the reinforcing ridge. Thus, when the cover portion closes the opening defined by the container portion, the first flange portion may be positioned substantially adjacent and parallel to the second flange portion. According to some package assembly embodiments of the present invention comprising the flange portions described generally above, the second flange portion may define a pair of opposing concave portions substantially coaxial with the flexure axis. The pair of opposing concave portions may form a corresponding pair of apertures between the first and second flange portions. Therefore, as the cover portion closes the opening defined by the container portion, the pair of apertures may be adapted to receive an opening tool for encouraging the cover portion to flex outwardly from the container portion about the flexure axis so that the cover portion disengages from the container portion.
In other additional package assembly embodiments of the present invention, the package assembly may further comprise at least one corresponding concave portion defined by the first flange portion and adapted to substantially align with at least one of the pair of concave portions when the cover portion closes. The at least one corresponding concave portion and the at least one opposing concave portion may define a larger aperture between the first and second flange portions. Other package assembly embodiments may further comprise at least one notch portion defined by the first flange portion, the at least one notch portion being adapted to allow a portion of a disengaging tool to pass therethrough for encouraging the cover portion to disengage from the container portion. Other package assembly embodiments may include both a corresponding concave portion defined by the first flange portion and adapted to substantially align with one of the pair of opposing concave portions when the cover portion closes, and at least one notch portion defined by the first flange portion. As a result, disengagement of the cover portion and the container portion may be further facilitated by simultaneously using an opening tool and at least one disengagement device.
Furthermore according to some additional embodiments of the package assembly of the present invention, the flexure channels may define various cross-sectional shapes that may be selected and modified such that at least one of the first or second portions flexes outwardly from the other portion about the flexure axis. For example, the flexure channels may define cross-section shapes that may include, but are not limited to: half circular; rectangular; oval; circular; triangular; and combinations of such cross-sectional shapes. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the components of the package assembly may comprise various materials that may include, but are not limited to: polyethylene terephthalate (PETE); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polypropylene; polyester; polylactic acid (PLA); high-density polyethylene (HDPE); low-density polyethylene (LDPE); and combinations of such materials.
Thus the various embodiments of the package assembly of the present invention provide many advantages that may include, but are not limited to: providing a closable and easily re-openable container for receiving, containing, and selectively dispensing one or more particulate components (such as an agricultural seed aliquot); providing a container having first and second portions that cooperate to contain the aliquot and that may separate in response to a force applied to the package assembly; providing a container that may be easily nested for storage, manipulated, reliably and positively closed, and re-opened by simple manual and/or automated processes; and providing a closable and re-openable package assembly that is capable of being formed using low-cost manufacturing techniques.
These advantages, and others that will be evident to those skilled in the art, are provided in the package assembly of the present invention.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
a shows a side view of the package assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention including an exemplary flexing action of the cover portion of the package assembly in response to an applied compressive force;
b shows a side view of the package assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention including disengagement of the cover portion from the container portion after the application of a compressive force; and
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
While the embodiments of the present invention are described below in the context of an agricultural research environment wherein the package assembly may be used to receive, contain, segregate, and selectively dispense seed aliquots containing seeds of a particular type (such as, for example, seeds corresponding to a selected corn plant hybrid or genetically modified organism (GMO)), it should be understood that the package assembly embodiments of the present invention may also serve as a closable package assembly that is configured to be capable of being opened via a simple application of linear compressive forces. For example, in some embodiments, the package assembly 100 of the present invention may be used to contain components in a “parts kit” in a manufacturing environment such that the components may be closed and contained within package assembly and thereafter be easily removed from the package assembly by simple manual and/or automated steps. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the package assembly of the present invention may be used for holding and selectively dispensing a variety of particles, components, powders, fluids, foods, and/or other items that may require temporary containment and/or segregation prior to being utilized for a downstream process. Embodiments of the present invention may thus be useful for segregating, containing, and selectively dispensing such items when required. An example of a particulate preparation process is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. [TBD], entitled “System, Method, and Computer Program Product for Automated High-Throughput Seed Sample Aliquot Preparation, Treatment, and Dispersal,” which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/806,684, also entitled “System, Method, and Computer Program Product for Automated High-Throughput Seed Sample Aliquot Preparation, Treatment, and Dispersal,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. An example of a method of handling a particulate container is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. [TBD], entitled “Method of Handling Clamshell Containers Containing a Particulate Aliquot,” which is also hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
A package assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises first and second portions that cooperate to contain a particulate aliquot.
Furthermore, in order to effectively close the opening 120 defined by the container portion 110, the cover portion 130 may comprise a reinforcing ridge portion 140 operably engaged about a perimeter of the cover portion 130 and configured to be capable of engaging an inner periphery of the opening 120, in an interference fit, so as to selectively close the opening 120, such that the cover portion 130 is not easily disengaged from the container portion 110 without the application of a compressive force 200, as described herein. Furthermore, the reinforcing ridge portion 140 may also define a pair of flexure channels 145 on opposing sides 131, 133 of the cover portion 130. Furthermore, the flexure channels 145 may cooperate to define a flexure axis 142 extending substantially perpendicularly to the opposing sides 131, 133 of the cover portion 130 defining the flexure channels 145 such that the flexure axis 142 is substantially parallel to the opposing sides 112, 114 of the container portion 110. It should be noted that in various embodiments, only a portion of the cover portion 130 and the container portion 110 may cooperate to hold the portions in a closed position. Moreover, an interference fit need not be required to hold the cover portion 130 in a closed position over the opening 120 of the container portion 110. Package assemblies of various embodiments of the present invention may be configured so that at least one of first or second portions flex outwardly about a flexure access in response to a compressive force. In such a manner, the first and second portions may separate, at least partially, in response to the compressive force, thus releasing at least a portion of a particulate aliquot contained within the package assembly. Thus, for example, package assemblies of other embodiments may comprise independent first and second portions. Additionally, an adhesive or heat sealing material may be used to hold the first and second portions (or a portion of the first and second portions) in a closed position, wherein the adhesive or sealing material is designed to fail when the package assembly is subjected to a compressive force.
According to various embodiments of the present invention, the container portion 110, the cover portion 130, and the opening 120 defined by the container portion may be formed into a variety of different shapes. For example, in some embodiments, as shown generally in
As shown in
Thus, as shown generally in
According to some other embodiments, the package assembly 100 may be positioned in a substantially upright position (i.e. with the cover portion 130 positioned above the container portion 110) during the application of a compressive force 200 to the opposing sides 112, 114 of the container portion. As described generally above, the cover portion 130 may thus flex outwardly from the container portion 110 about the flexure axis 142 and disengage from the interference fit with an inner periphery of the opening 120 defined in the container portion 110. In such embodiments, a hinge portion 150 (as discussed further below) disposed between the container portion 110 and the cover portion 130 may be biased to expand so as to urge the cover portion 130 away from the container portion 110 once the reinforcing ridge portion 140 of the cover portion 130 has been initially disengaged from the container portion 110 by the application of the compressive force 200.
As shown generally in
In some additional embodiments of the present invention, as shown generally in
Furthermore, as shown generally in
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in
As described generally above, according to some embodiments of the package assembly 100 of the present invention, the container portion 110, the cover portion 130, the reinforcing ridge 140, and the hinge portion 150 may be substantially integrally formed such that the package assembly may be configured as a substantially one-piece assembly. Various manufacturing processes may be used to generate such single-piece package assembly 100 embodiments. For example, integrally-formed package assemblies 100 may be formed using processes including, but not limited to: thermoforming; vacuum forming; blow molding; injection molding; casting; and combinations of such processes. In addition, and as generally described above, the various container portions 110, cover portions 130, and hinge portions 150 of the package assembly 100 may also, in some embodiments, be molded and/or formed separately and operably engaged in subsequent processes that may include, but are not limited to: joining processes involving the application of a heat source, adhesive application processes, and/or mechanical joining processes (such as, for example stapling).
According to some embodiments of package assembly 100 of the present invention, the various components (including the container portion 110, cover portion 130, reinforcing ridge portion 140, and hinge portion 150, for example) may be composed of one or more different material types. For example, the container portion 110 of the package assembly 100 may be formed of a somewhat flexible, resilient, and/or self-supporting material so as to be capable of responding to a compressive force 200 (exerted, for example, on opposing sides 112, 114 of the container portion 110) and deforming slightly so as to cause the cover portion 130 to flex outwardly about the flexure axis 142 (as shown in an exemplary side view of
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/806,660, filed Jul. 6, 2006, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60806660 | Jul 2006 | US |
