DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of pails.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, polymeric pails are widely used for storing and transporting liquids, chemicals, paints, cleaning solutions, and other solid or semi-solid materials. These pails typically include a container body, a detachable lid, and a handle for manual transportation.
Although functional, conventional pails exhibit several drawbacks, particularly concerning structural stability, usability, and durability, especially under demanding conditions like stacking or carrying heavy loads. More specifically, conventional pails often lack sufficient reinforcement on the inner surface of their side walls, making them prone to deformation or collapse when subjected to vertical pressure. Stacked pails transfer the weight of the upper layers onto the lower pails, leading to cracks or fractures in the side walls or base, which compromises the container's integrity and causes spillage of stored material. Attempts to reinforce side walls often result in increased material costs without adequately addressing deformation under load.
Thus, there is therefore a need of a pail which can alleviate the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pail.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pail which has a relatively increased compression strength and overall strength.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pail which has an impact-resistant configuration.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pail which is resistant to fracture during stacking.
A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a pail which has a relatively increased impact resistance.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pail which is cost-effective.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pail which has a relatively reduced overall weight.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pail which has a relatively increased overall strength.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a pail.
The pail comprises a container body defined by a base and side walls. A plurality of corrugated ribs is configured on an operative inner surface of the side walls of the container body at a spaced apart distance from each other. The ribs are configured to extend from an operative top edge of the inner surface of the side walls to a base of the container body. Each rib has a thickness-to-width ratio ranging from 0.01 to 0.03. A lid is removably detachably secured to an open end of the container body. A handle is attached to the container body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A pail of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 shows a first isometric view of a container body of the pail of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 shows a second isometric view of the container body of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a third isometric view of the container body of Figure 1, in an upside-down orientation;
Figure 4 shows a front view of the container body of Figure 1;
Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a lid of the pail of the present disclosure; and
Figure 6 shows a front cross-sectional view of a pair of container bodies stacked on top of each other.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 Pail
101, 101A, 101B Container body
102A Base
102B Side walls
103 Corrugated rib
104 Port
105 Aperture
106 Handle
107 Groove
108 Lid
110 Projection
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
The present disclosure envisages a pail (100), and describes it with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 6.
The pail (100) comprises a container body (101) defined by a base (102A) and side walls (102B). A plurality of corrugated ribs (103) is configured on an operative inner surface of the side walls (102B) of the container body (101) at a spaced apart distance from each other. The ribs (103) are configured to extend from an operative top edge of the inner surface of the side walls (102B) to a base (102A) of the container body (101). Each rib has a thickness-to-width ratio ranging from 0.01 to 0.03. The pail (100) further comprises a lid (108) and a handle (106). The lid (108) is removably detachably secured to an open end of the container body (101). The handle (106) is attached to the container body (101).
In an embodiment, each rib has a thickness-to-width ratio ranging between 0.012 and 0.016.
In another embodiment, the space apart distance between two ribs (103) varies between 11 mm and 15mm.
In an embodiment, the container body (101) and the corrugated ribs (103) are integrally formed as a single unitary structure.
The following parameters have been considered while forming the container body (101) with the corrugated ribs (103):
• Material Flow Control: During the injection process, material flow is carefully controlled to ensure that the molten plastic flows evenly around the ribs and does not cause the mould to short-shot (fail to fill the cavity completely). The ribbed sections can be more challenging to fill because they create narrow gaps that need precise flow dynamics.
• Gate Location: Gates must be strategically placed to ensure that the plastic flows in such a way that it evenly fills around the ribs without causing defects like warping or weak spots.
• Cooling Channels for Ribs: Cooling channels in the mould may be tailored to account for thicker and thinner sections due to the ribs. Ribs may cool at different rates than the main walls, so optimized cooling is essential to prevent uneven shrinkage or warping.
• Filling Phase: The molten plastic is injected into the mould cavity, filling the spaces around the ribs. Because the ribs are usually thinner than the rest of the part, they can cool more quickly.
• Packing Phase: After the cavity is filled, additional pressure is applied to ensure the ribs are fully formed and to compensate for material shrinkage.
• Cooling Phase: Cooling is critical for the successful formation of ribs, as uneven cooling can lead to warping or defects. Ribbed areas may need to cool for longer to allow for uniform shrinkage and solidification.
• Ejection and Inspection: Once the part has cooled sufficiently, the mould opens, and the part is ejected. The ribs, having been carefully integrated during the moulding process, will be fully formed and intact. Inspection for defects such as sink marks, warpage, or incomplete filling is critical.
The entire structure of the container body, including the ribs, is manufactured in a medium or high-speed cycle. Further, the mould configuration required for forming the container body is significantly intricate, requiring precise planning of gate locations, cooling channels, and geometry to ensure proper material flow and defect-free rib formation. The mould configuration also addresses challenges such as uneven material flow, varying cooling rates due to thickness differences, and extended cycle times to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the pail (100) while also maintaining relatively higher precision and tighter tolerances for ribbed features, ensuring superior durability and design integration.
Forming the ribs (103) and the container as a single unitary structure through the one-step injection moulding process offers enhanced structural integrity by eliminating joints or seams, which are typically weak points. This seamless configuration ensures superior strength, precision, and durability, making the container highly resistant to stresses, impacts, and deformation under heavy loads or rough handling.
The process is highly cost-efficient, as it eliminates the need for separate fabrication and assembly of components, reducing labour, tooling, and material wastage. Additionally, injection moulding ensures precise dimensional accuracy, enabling uniform rib spacing and consistent performance. This precision also optimizes material distribution, allowing for a lightweight configuration that maintains rigidity without unnecessary material use. Additionally, the single-unit construction delivers a smooth, polished appearance without visible seams or joining marks. Functionally, it ensures that the ribs (103) align perfectly with the container body (101) for optimal load distribution.
Production is significantly accelerated by the one-step moulding process, enabling higher throughput and faster time-to-market. The seamless structure reduces stress concentrations that typically occur at interfaces, providing improved fatigue resistance and ensuring durability under repeated use or varying forces. Moreover, by eliminating the need for adhesives, fasteners, or additional assembly steps, material consumption is minimized, contributing to a more sustainable and streamlined manufacturing process.
The ribs (103) act as reinforcing structures that contribute to increase in the structural strength and durability of the pail (100) by distributing the load more evenly across the surface of the pail (100). The ribs (103) create a pattern that helps prevent localized pressure, particularly when the pail (100) is filled unevenly or with heavy, dense materials. This can prevent the base (102A) of the pail (100) from bowing or the sides from collapsing under weight, and prevent the pail (100) from deforming under pressure, especially when carrying heavy or rigid contents. The ribbed configuration enhances the overall strength and resistance to bending, especially since the flutes extend from the top to the base (102A), providing consistent reinforcement along the height of the pail (100). As a result, the pail (100) will be more resistant to cracking, warping, or collapsing, which improves its longevity and makes it suitable for use in more demanding applications, such as industrial settings or transport.
The thickness-to-width ratio of the ribs (103) ensures that they add to the structural reinforcement of the pail (100) without significantly increasing the overall weight of the pail (100). This thinness allows for a balance between strength and material efficiency. The narrow thickness-to-width ratio of 0.01 to 0.03 minimizes the amount of material needed for each rib while still providing substantial reinforcement. This configuration keeps the overall material cost low while maintaining functional strength. In an embodiment, the cost-effectiveness of the pail (100) is improved by at least 15%, while the weight is reduced by 15%.
The thickness-to-width ratio indicates that the ribs (103) have a thin but wide configuration. Such a combination of thin but wide ribs (103) results in a favourable strength-to-weight ratio. More specifically, the thinner configuration of the ribs (103) limits the increase in the pail (100)'s weight, which ensures that it remains lightweight and easy to handle (106), making it practical for everyday use or industrial applications. On the other hand, the wideness of the ribs (103) ensures that the pail (100) can withstand greater forces, such as those from stacking or heavy contents, without significant deformation. To further elaborate, the wide ribs (103) create a large area for load distribution, enhancing rigidity and resistance to stress without adding excessive weight. Further, making the ribs (103) thinner as compared to ribs (103) of conventional pails, allows the ribs (103) to absorb some level of deformation under heavy loads or impacts without cracking or breaking. Thus, the pail (100) becomes more resistant to damage from accidental drops or sudden pressure changes, ensuring that it has a longer lifespan, particularly in rough handling environments.
The space apart distance of 14 mm between two ribs (103) facilitates prevention of localized stress concentration which may otherwise lead to cracking or buckling.
In addition to the mechanical characteristics, the ribs (103) provide a textured surface inside the pail (100), which contribute to the aesthetics of the pail (100), giving the latter a sleek and appealing look that may appeal to customers who prioritize both functionality and configuration.
In an embodiment, the container body (101) has a plurality of grooves (107) configured along its operative top outer rim. In another embodiment, the grooves (107) may be provided at a space apart distance from each other.
In another embodiment, the lid (108) includes a plurality of projections configured along its circumference complementary to the grooves (107). The projections are configured to be received in the grooves (107) in an assembled configuration of the pail (100), to secure the lid (108) to the container body (101).
In one embodiment, the container body (101) has a pair of ports (104) configured on diametrically opposite positions located along the circumference thereof. Each port (104) has an aperture (105) configured thereon.
In a further embodiment, each operative end of the handle (106) is configured to be received in the aperture (105) to enable attachment of the handle (106) with the container. In another embodiment, once the handle (106) ends are received in the apertures, they may be welded to facilitate a permanent connection therebetween.
In an embodiment, the number of the corrugated ribs (103) range between 8 to 40. In another embodiment, the preferred number of the corrugated ribs (103) is 24.
In one embodiment, a plurality of reinforcing elements (110) is configured on an operative outer base (102A) of said container body (101). In another embodiment, each of the reinforcing elements (110) have a triangular configuration. These elements (110) are configured to distribute the load evenly across the base (102A) and help distribute the weight more evenly across the pail's base (102A), thus preventing deformation or sagging of the pail, when stacked or subjected to heavy loads. The elements (110) provide additional rigidity and stability to the container body (101). The elements (110) are configured to act as a protective layer, keeping the flat portion of the base (102A) slightly elevated and minimizing direct contact with rough surfaces, which could cause wear over time. The elements (110) are further configured to ensure better alignment and grip when pails are stacked, reducing the risk of slippage, and maintaining stability. Moreover, the elements (110) may also help in improving the grip or anchoring of the pail when the pails are stacked on top of each other, ensuring better alignment and preventing slippage during transport or storage.
In an embodiment, the container body (101) has a shape selected from the group consisting of cylindrical, frustum, and polygonal configurations.
In another embodiment, the container body (101) is of a composite polymer composed of polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Composing the container with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) offers several advantages, including enhanced flexibility and impact resistance, which improve the container's durability and make it less prone to cracking under heavy loads or during handling. In an embodiment, the impact resistance of the pail (100) is relatively improved up to 30%.
LLDPE further provides excellent resistance to chemicals, making it suitable for storing a wide range of materials, including hazardous substances. Additionally, its low density contributes to lightweight containers, which are easier to transport and handle. LLDPE also ensures good tensile strength and elongation properties, allowing the container to withstand deformation while maintaining its structural integrity, even in extreme temperatures. Its compatibility with injection moulding processes further enables cost-effective production with precise configurations and consistent quality.
In yet another embodiment, each of the corrugated ribs (103) has a trapezoidal configuration or an arcuate configuration. Trapezoid or arcuate configuration of the ribs (103) enhance the structural performance of a container by providing superior load distribution and increased rigidity, further minimizing stress concentrations, reducing the risk of cracking or deformation under heavy or uneven loads. In an embodiment, the arcuate configuration of the ribs (103) dissipates forces efficiently, while the trapezoid ribs (103) with a wider base (102A) offer improved stability and resistance to shear or impact forces. These configurations optimize material usage, allowing for the lightweight configuration without compromising strength. Additionally, they enhance fatigue resistance by eliminating sharp corners prone to stress accumulation, and their smooth transitions improve moldability during manufacturing, reducing defects. The ergonomic and aesthetic appeal of these ribs (103) makes them ideal for both functional and consumer-oriented applications.
In still another embodiment, the handle (106) is of metal or a polymeric material.
Example:
In an exemplary embodiment, the pail (100) was inspected and a detailed evaluation of the container's performance across various parameters was obtained. The holding capacity of the pail was 17 litres. The analysis of the key findings are as follows:
1. Volume and Weight:
o Gross Lid Capacity (GLC): The container's capacity consistently met the specified range of 17.0–17.6 litres, with actual measurements between 17.34 to 17.49 litres across samples.
o Overflow Capacity (OFC): The container was evaluated for its maximum volume, achieving values between 18.3 and 18.56 litres, aligning with the specified range of 18–19 litres.
o Weight of Pail: The weight of the pail, specified to be 635–675 grams, was verified with results between 640 and 652 grams, confirming compliance.
2. Dimensions:
o Bottom Outer Diameter: The diameter, specified as ?268.3–?270.3 mm, consistently ranged between 268.8 and 269.7 mm, showing dimensional accuracy.
o Max Outer Diameter (with Handle Pad): Measurements, specified as ?307–?311.8 mm, varied between 309.8 and 310.6 mm, confirming precise manufacturing.
o Pail Height: Specified as 308–312 mm, the measured values were consistent, ranging between 310 and 310.9 mm.
3. Wall Thickness:
o General Wall Thickness: Specified as 1.7–1.8 mm, the measurements ranged from 1.72 to 1.75 mm, meeting the desired standard.
o Corrugated Area Wall Thickness: The specified range of 1.85–2.4 mm was achieved.
o Bottom Generic Wall Thickness: Values were consistent with the specified range of 2.1–2.3 mm, recorded between 2.15 and 2.2 mm.
o Bottom reinforcing element thickness: The thickness was within the range of 2.3–2.5 mm, with measurements between 2.34 and 2.38 mm.
4. Functional Tests:
o Lid Fitment: The lid was evaluated for secure fitting using a roller press, and all samples were found to be satisfactory.
o Drop Tests: The pail underwent horizontal, vertical, and angular drop tests (at approximately 45°) from a height of 0.9 meters, with no instances of lid detachment or failure.
o Leak Test: The pail was tested for leakage over 2 hours after rolling and static stacking. All samples passed without any leaks.
o Stacking Test: A 1+3 static stacking test was conducted for 24 days, and no buckling or bulging of the pail was observed.
o Compression Load: The pail successfully withstood a minimum top load of 650 Kgf, with results ranging from 699 to 911 Kgf across samples.
Conclusion:
The inspection confirms that the 17-liter corrugated container meets or exceeds the specified standards in terms of capacity, weight, dimensions, wall thickness, and structural integrity. The pail demonstrated excellent performance in functional tests, including drop, leak, stacking, and compression load evaluations, ensuring its suitability for demanding applications.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a pail that:
• has a relatively increased compression strength and overall strength;
• has an impact-resistant configuration;
• is resistant to fracture during stacking;
• has a relatively increased impact resistance up to 30%;
• improves the cost-effectiveness by at least 15%;
• has a relatively reduced overall weight of 15%; and
• has a relatively increased overall strength.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A pail (100) comprising:
• a container body (101) defined by a base (102A) and side walls (102B);
• a plurality of corrugated ribs (103) configured on an operative inner surface of the side walls (102B) of said container body (101) at a spaced apart distance from each other, said ribs (103) configured to extend from an operative top edge of said inner surface of the side walls (102B) to a base (102A) of said container body (101), each rib having a thickness-to-width ratio ranging from 0.01 to 0.03;
• a lid (108) detachably secured to an open end of said container body (101); and
• a handle (106) attached to said container body (101).
2. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each rib has a thickness-to-width ratio ranging between 0.012 and 0.016.
3. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the space apart distance between two corrugated ribs (103) varies between 11 mm and 15mm.
4. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container body (101) and said corrugated ribs (103) are integrally formed as a single unitary structure.
5. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container body (101) has a plurality of grooves (107) configured along its operative top outer rim.
6. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said lid (108) includes a plurality of projections configured along its circumference complementary to said grooves (107), said projections being configured to be received in said grooves (107) in an assembled configuration of said pail (100), to secure said lid (108) to said container body (101).
7. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container body (101) has a pair of ports (104) configured on diametrically opposite positions located along the circumference thereof, each port (104) having an aperture (105) configured thereon.
8. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein each operative end of said handle (106) is configured to be received in said aperture (105) to enable attachment of said handle (106) with said container.
9. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of said corrugated ribs (103) range between 8 to 40.
10. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of reinforcing elements (110) is configured on an operative outer base (102A) of said container body (101), each of said reinforcing elements (110) having a triangular configuration.
11. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container body (101) has a shape selected from the group consisting of cylindrical, frustum, and polygonal configurations.
12. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container body (101) is of a composite polymer composed of polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
13. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said corrugated ribs (103) has a trapezoidal configuration or an arcuate configuration.
14. The pail (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle (106) is of a metallic or a polymeric material.
Dated this 09th Day of October, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K. DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant