Patent Application
20250223073
The present disclosure relates to biodegradable containers and more particularly to containers made of natural waxes.
Present day container packaging is made with glass, plastic, and/or metals. In some cases, the metals are aluminum. Certain current packaging containers are made with plastic(s) from varying processes: blow molding, extrusion molding, and injection molding; glass containers are created using high temperature and molds; and aluminum containers are created using an extrusion process, or the like.
While glass and aluminum may be renewable and sustainable materials due to recycling efforts, they are not biodegradable. Containers made from plastic and other petroleum-based materials are not entirely renewable nor sustainable and they are not biodegradable. One problem with present-day packaging containers is they are a major source of pollution. There is also a problem with plastics leaching chemicals such as phthalates into skincare products, or other items that come into contact with the plastic packaging.
Recyclable materials, such as PET or HDPE plastics, cardboard, and paper wrapping require sorting and must be shredded, pulped or melted down and remolded to begin anew. Some Plastics can be recycled only up to 1 to 10 times depending on the type of plastic, although most can be recycled only once. Leaching at higher temperatures and with reuse is a definite problem. In contrast, “biodegradable” refers to the ability of things to decompose by the action of micro-organisms such as bacteria or fungi (with or without oxygen) while getting assimilated into the natural environment. There's no ecological harm during the process. And sustainable packaging materials are those that make the least amount of pollution in regard to manufacturing, production, shipping, and disposal or recycling.
Wherefore it is an object of the present disclosure to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the conventional containers.
It has been recognized that a major source of pollution is from the widespread use of non-biodegradable packaging. One implementation of the present disclosure is a container that is biodegradable, renewable, and sustainable. In one implementation the containers are 100% biodegradable, 100% renewable, and 100% sustainable. These wax containers perform the same or better than present day cosmetic packaging. For example, wax containers of the present disclosure protect cosmetic formulations, or the like, from oxidizing, they reduce spoilage, and protect the formulation from UV light, thus increasing its shelf-life and retaining its efficacy. Implementations of the present disclosure may be 100% reusable, and 100% recycled indefinitely.
Aspects of the present disclosure comprise natural, non-toxic wax(es) which are molded into container-shaped packaging. Since natural waxes such as beeswax and plant-based waxes are 100% biodegradable they do not pose a pollution problem. These containers may also be used to store food products, vitamins, health items, household products such as cleansers and dry goods, and the like.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, including: a body, including: an open end, configured to engage with a lid; at least one sidewall; and a closed end opposite the open end, wherein the body is formed of at least one natural wax making the body biodegradable, renewable, and sustainable.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, further including a lid. In some cases, the lid is formed of at least one natural wax.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the lid is configured to be threadedly engaged with the open end of the body.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the lid is configured to engage with an inner surface of the open end of the body.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the at least one natural wax is one wax.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the at least one natural wax is stable from about −40° F. to about 131° F.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the body further includes at least one biodegradable fiber within the at least one natural wax.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the body is crack resistant.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the body is UV-resistant.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, including: a lid; and a body, including: an open end, configured to engage with the lid; at least one sidewall; and a closed end opposite the open end, wherein the body is formed of at least one natural wax making the body biodegradable, renewable, and sustainable.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the lid is configured to engage with an inner surface of the open end of the body.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the at least one natural wax is one wax.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the at least one natural wax is stable from about −40° F. to about 131° F.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the body further includes at least one biodegradable fiber within the at least one natural wax.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the body is crack resistant.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a wax container, wherein the body is UV-resistant.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the techniques described herein relate to a method of using biodegradable packaging, including filling a wax container with a substance; and securing the wax container with a lid, wherein the wax container is formed of at least one natural wax. In some cases, the lid is formed of at least one natural wax.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the at least one natural wax further includes at least one biodegradable fiber within the at least one natural wax.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the lid is configured to engage with an inner surface of an open end of the wax container.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein securing the wax container with a lid is threadedly engaging the lid with an open end of the wax container.
These aspects of the disclosure are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of particular implementations of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure.
Beeswax and plant-based waxes, together referred to as natural waxes, are completely natural, pure, and non-toxic. Because these natural waxes can be melted, they can be formed into different shapes, such as cosmetic containers, using a molding process. These natural waxes do not leach harmful chemicals, as petroleum-based materials do. Due to the opaqueness of the natural waxes, formulations held within the container are protected from UV light. Additionally, these natural waxes can be 100% reused, 100% recycled indefinitely, and 100% biodegradable.
The use of beeswax and plant-based waxes can be used alone or in varying combinations to form containers of various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses. In some implementations, by using various combinations of natural waxes, different results can be achieved. Results such as differences in hardness, flexibility, toughness, and impact resistance can be achieved.
It is to be understood that waxes used to make containers require suitable melting points to prevent the containers from softening when exposed to the elements or at extreme temperatures. In some cases, natural waxes may include, but are not limited to, beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, berry fruit wax, myrica fruit wax, rice bran wax, sunflower wax, soy wax, and palm wax. These waxes have different melting points and considering their melting points when combining waxes to obtain desired effects provides for a variety of containers suited for a wide variety of uses. In some cases, a combination of higher melting point natural waxes with other natural waxes having lower melting points may help maintain durability.
In certain implementations of the present disclosure, melting one or more wax(es) provides for the wax(es) to be molded into a desired shape. Waxes can be used alone or in combination for desired mechanical properties and characteristics. It is not essential that all waxes be used together. In some cases, a single wax may be desirable. The wax(es) can be remelted and reused over and over to form containers making this process renewable and sustainable.
In one implementation, beeswax and/or plant-based waxes are used (either alone or in combination) to create containers that are 100% biodegradable, renewable and sustainable. In some cases, paraffin or other petroleum-based waxes can be used either by itself or in combination with beeswax and/or plant-based waxes, however, the use of paraffin wax will result in a container that is not 100% biodegradable, though it could still be considered renewable and sustainable.
In certain implementations, beeswax and plant-based wax(es) are the waxes of choice for making containers because they are sustainable, recyclable, and 100% biodegradable.
In some implementations, the characteristics of the wax containers can be adjusted to a particular use by combining, changing, or eliminating particular waxes to produce containers with specific physical properties such as hardness, toughness, strength, and impact resistance at room temperature and when exposed to various conditions such as heat or cold.
Stearic Acid is a waxlike saturated fatty acid (Octadecanoic acid)—naturally occurring compound found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats (such as coconut and palm) and animal tallow. Stearic acid has a melting point of 157° F. (69-71° C.)—decomposition stars at 320° F. (160° C.). Stearic acid raises the melting point of wax mixture(s) making the wax harder and more durable. In some cases, mixtures of stearic acid are about 10% stearic acid to about 90% wax (mixtures). Stearic acid is environmentally friendly because it is derived from natural sources, and it is a renewable source.
In Table 2, several exemplary containers were formed of various waxes alone, or in combination and were tested for at least hardness, brittleness, and dent resistance. Of the containers made of a single wax, the first was Beeswax. The beeswax was melted down and molded into a container using a silicone mold for a jar portion and a cap. The resulting container was sturdy and sufficient to hold liquids, and there was no leaking. This beeswax container is suitable for holding cosmetics. The exterior is easily marred; and slight dents or scratches to the surface can occur. The 100% beeswax container had a Shore A hardness: >50.
In one implementation, 100% soy wax with a melting point of ˜130° F. was melted and poured into the mold as above. Soy wax is very dense but is typically softer than paraffin. The resulting container was not sturdy and therefore not suitable for a container. The soy wax container had a Shore A Hardness <40.
Another single wax container was formed using Carnauba wax. It was melted and poured into silicone mold container shape with cap. This wax is suitable as a container; as it holds liquid and does not leak. Because the melting point of Carnauba wax is higher than most waxes—this wax forms a very hard surface and because of that it is brittle. As such, Carnauba wax is not as beneficial to use as a container at 100%. This container had a Shore A hardness: >90.
Still another single wax was used. Here, Rice bran wax was melted and poured into silicone mold container shape with cap. It is suitable as a container; as it holds liquid and does not leak. Rice bran wax forms a very hard surface and because of that it is brittle (but, not as brittle as Carnauba wax). Thus, it is not recommended for a container at 100%. The Rice bran wax container had a Shore A hardness: >90.
Yet another single wax container used Candelilla wax (100%) melted and poured into silicone mold container shape with cap. Suitable as a container; holds liquid and does not leak. This container had a Shore A hardness >90.
In one implementation of a container made using a combination of waxes was a Paraffin wax and Beeswax combination. In one case the wax was from a candle from the Catholic church (their requirements were 51% beeswax, but their newest requirements are 65% beeswax). The candle was melted down and poured into a silicone mold in the shape of a jar with a cap. The resulting container was sturdy and capable of holding liquids without leaking or deformation of the container. The exterior was smooth but could be dented or scratched easily. The container had a Shore A hardness <60.
In one implementation, a wax container was formed of a mixture of Soy Wax and Beeswax blended together. This combination was suitable for container as it held liquids without leaking. However, it was very easily dented and scratched. The container had a Shore A Hardness >40.
In one implementation of the wax containers of the present disclosure, Beeswax/Rice bran wax (50/50) was melted together poured into silicone mold-container/cap. This wax mixture is suitable as a container; as it holds liquid and does not leak. The container is not brittle and has a Shore A hardness: >50.
Another mixture of Beeswax/Candelilla wax (50/50) was used and was suitable as a container, as it holds liquid and does not leak. This combination formed a container that was dent resistant and slightly brittle. This container had a Shore A Hardness of 80.
Another mixture of Beeswax (50)/Carnauba wax (40)/Rice bran wax (10): was suitable as a container, as it holds liquid and does not leak. This combination formed a container that was dent resistant and brittle. This container had a Shore A Hardness of 90.
Yet another mixture of Beeswax (65)/Rice bran wax (25)/Carnauba wax (10): was suitable as a container, as it holds liquid and does not leak. This combination formed a container that was dent resistant and had a Shore A hardness of 70.
Still yet another mixture of Beeswax (70)/Rice bran wax (65)/Carnauba wax (5) was used and formed a suitable container, that held liquid and did not leak. This combination formed a container that was dent resistant and slightly brittle and had a Shore A hardness of 70.
Another mixture of Beeswax (50)/Candelilla wax (40)/Rice bran wax (10) was used and was suitable as a container, as it holds liquid and does not leak. This combination formed a container that was dent resistant and brittle and had a Shore A hardness of 90.
In some implementations, the addition of biodegradable fibers such as plant fibers or animal fibers may be used. In some cases, plant fibers include, but are not limited to, cellulose, bamboo, hemp, flax, seed hairs, cotton, sisal, husk fibers, or the like. In some cases, animal fibers include, but are not limited to, wool or silk. In some cases, using biodegradable fibers reinforces the containers for greater durability, crack resistance, heat resistance, and the like. For these containers to be considered 100% biodegradable they must be made of beeswax and/or plant-based wax(es) including combinations thereof. In some cases, they may also contain fibers that are plant or animal based.
In certain implementations, the melting points of the wax(es) used should be high enough to withstand degradation of the container from excessive amounts of heat and pressure. One standard used is that of the USPS, that states packaging must withstand temperature ranges of −40° F. to 131° F. If the melting point of the wax(es) used is too low, then softening of the container may occur even without complete melting.
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In one implementation, the container is made of one or more natural waxes. In one implementation, the lid is made of one or more natural waxes. In some cases, a natural fiber may be added to the one or more natural waxes used to form the lid and/or the container. In some cases, the container and the lid comprise the same wax composition. In other cases, the wax composition of the lid differs from that of the container.
In one implementation, the container has a Shore A hardness of about 20 to about 90. In one implementation, the container has a Shore A hardness of about 30 to about 90. In one implementation, the container has a Shore A hardness of about 40 to about 90. In one implementation, the container has a Shore A hardness of about 40 to about 80. In one implementation, the container has a Shore A hardness of about 50 to about 80. In one implementation, the container has a Shore A hardness of about 60 to about 80. In one implementation, the container has a Shore A hardness of about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, or about 90.
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Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, implementations may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative implementations.
While various inventive implementations have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive implementations described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.
All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.
The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one implementation, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another implementation, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another implementation, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one implementation, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another implementation, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another implementation, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.
When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one implementation, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other implementations. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
An implementation is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an implementation,” “one implementation,” “some implementations,” “one particular implementation,” “an exemplary implementation,” or “other implementations,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementations is included in at least some implementations, but not necessarily all implementations, of the disclosure. The various appearances “an implementation,” “one implementation,” “some implementations,” “one particular implementation,” “an exemplary implementation,” or “other implementations,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same implementations.
If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.
Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.
In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of various implementations of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
While various implementations of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that various modifications and alterations of those implementations will occur to and be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the appended claims. Further, the disclosure(s) described herein is capable of other implementations and of being practiced or of being carried out in various other related ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items while only the terms “consisting of” and “consisting only of” are to be construed in a limitative sense.
The foregoing description of the implementations of the present disclosure has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.
While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other implementations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary implementations shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63619376 | Jan 2024 | US |
