The present invention relates to a container, and to methods of making such a container.

Containers are, of course, used in a wide variety of different fields and situations.

Functionally, a container is usually designed to hold and therefore contain a certain material, product, or the like. The structure of the container is usually designed with reference to the product that is likely to be contained within the container. For instance, for a fluid product or material, the container may be a plastic, or a coated paper, or the like. For a dry product, it may not be necessary to use a plastic container, or a coated paper or the like. In this instance, a paper container alone might be sufficient.

Although containers have of course been used for a very long time, containers are often over or under engineered for the desired purpose. For instance, a container formed from coated paper may offer certain short-term containing properties, but may not be sufficiently rigid for more rugged or medium to long-term use. Conversely, some containers, for example injection moulded containers, may have a structure that is beyond the technical specifications actually required to contain the material. For instance, the container may be of a rigidity or thickness that is beyond the actual requirements, and this might mean that the container is heavier than is necessary, and/or more expensive to produce than might be necessary. Additionally, such a container might thus be formed from an excessive amount of material, which leads to wastage of that material.

It is thus an aim of an example embodiment of the present invention to provide an apparatus and/or method which overcomes a problem of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or which at least provides an alternative to existing apparatus and/or methods.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to an example embodiment, there is provided a container comprising: a main body frame forming a support for a main body of the container; and a skin, attached to the main body frame to form the main body of the container, wherein the same skin also forms a closure of the container.

According to an example embodiment, there is provided a method of making a container, the method comprising: attaching a skin to a main body frame of the container to form a main body of the container, wherein the skin and main body frame are fused to one another.

According to an example embodiment, there is provided a container comprising: a main body frame forming a support for a main body of the container; and a skin attached to the main body frame to form the main body of the container, wherein the container is frusto-conical in shape. According to an example embodiment, there is provided a method of making a container, the method comprising: attaching a skin to a main body frame of the container to form a main body of the container, wherein the same skin also forms a closure of the container.

According to an example embodiment, there is provided a method of making a container, the method comprising: attaching a skin to a main body frame of the container to form a main body of the container, wherein the container is frusto-conical in shape.

According to an example embodiment, there is provided a container comprising: a main body frame forming a support for a main body of the container; and a skin attached to the main body frame to form the main body of the container, wherein the skin and main body frame are fused to one another.

The method may comprise applying a graphic to the skin prior to attachment of the skin to the main body frame.

The method may comprise attaching the skin to the main body frame by fusion - i.e. by fusing the skin to the main body frame.

The container may further comprise a closure frame attached to the skin that forms the closure, the closure frame forming a support for the skin of the closure.

The closure frame may be: separate to the main body frame; or attached to the main body frame.

The closure frame may be attached to the main body frame via a hinged connection.

One or more of the skin of the closure, the closure frame and/or the main body frame may be configured to facilitate selective closure of the closure.

The main body frame may provide a flange at at least a part of an opening for the container, for facilitating closure of the closure or closure frame.

The frame is a one-piece construction, and/or the frame and closure frame are a one- piece construction.

One or more portions of the main body frame, and/or closure frame, may be hinged.

One or more portions of the main body frame, and/or the closure frame, may have a different rigidity to one or more other portions of the main body frame and/or closure frame.

The main body frame may: define one or more compartments within the main body of the container; and/or provide support for one or more compartments within the main body of the container.

The main body frame may provide one or more walls to define the one or more compartments.

The one or more compartments may extend to an opening of the container, such that the container defines two or more openings, one for each compartment.

The skin may provide a closure for at least two of the two or more openings.

The skin may be divided, or may be dividable, such that at least one of the two or more openings may be accessed independently. The container may further comprise a utensil attached to the main body frame, or the closure frame. The utensil may optionally be configured to be located: inside of the main body; or outside of the main body.

A seal may extend across an opening of the container. The seal may be to the skin. The skin may form a peelable and/or re-sealable closure of the container.

An opening of the container may be provided with, and/or be in connection with, a tamper evident arrangement. The skin closure may form part of, or be in connection with, the tamper evident arrangement.

At least a portion of the skin may surround at least a portion of the main body frame, and/or at least a portion of the skin may the surround at least a portion of the closure frame.

At least a portion of the main body frame may surround at least a portion of the skin, or at least a portion of the skin may pass through at least a portion of the main body frame (including material thereof, or slots therethrough); and/or at least a portion of the closure frame may surround at least a portion of the skin, or at least a portion of the skin may pass through at least a portion of the closure frame (including material thereof, or slots therethrough);.

The skin and the main body frame may be attached to one another, and/or the skin and the closure frame may be attached to one another, by being fused to one another.

The container and/or the main body frame may be frusto-conical in shape.

The skin may be less rigid than the main body frame and/or closure frame, before and/or after attachment to the main body frame and/or the closure frame.

The closure may be located at a top, a bottom and/or a side of the container (which includes a combination thereof, for example an opening that extends along a top and side of the container).

The container may comprise one or more closures. One, more than one, or all of such closures may be formed from the same skin.

The frame may: form a base or top of the container; or may define a support for a portion of the skin that forms the base or top.

One or more of the skin, closure frame and/or main body frame are formed from plastic.

Features of any embodiment may, where appropriate to the skilled person, be combined with and/or replace a feature of another embodiment, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the independent claims.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments of the invention may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures, in which:

Figures 1A to 1 C schematically depict a container and a method of making that container in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2A to 2D schematically depict a container and a method of making that container in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3A to 3C schematically depict a container and a method of making that container in accordance with yet another example embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 4 and 5 schematically depict containers, each provided with a seal separate to the skin, container in accordance with yet another example embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 6 to 23 schematically depict various different examples of main body frame structures, and/or lid frame structures, in accordance with different example embodiments of the present invention; and

Figure 24 schematically depicts a general method form forming a container, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

As already discussed above, existing containers may often be over or under engineered for the intended use of the container. For instance, while a container might have sufficient functional properties for short-term use, the container may be too flexible or lack sufficient rigidity to be used for medium to long term purposes. Conversely, a container might be over engineered, for example having side walls or the like that offer rigidity and/or a thickness in excess of that required

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned problems may be at least partially obviated or mitigated, or at least an alternative to existing containers may be provided. In one example embodiment, the present invention provides a container. The container comprises a main body frame forming a support for a main body of the container. The container further comprises a skin that is attached to the main body frame to form the main body of the container. Importantly, at least in this embodiment, the same skin that is used to form the main body of the container also forms a closure (e.g. a lid or other access point) of the container.

The provision of the main body frame gives the container the rigidity that is required.

However, and at the same time, the skin that is used to form the main body of the container allows the container to be formed in a lightweight, and relatively cheap, manner. This is because the skin can be of a more lightweight construction than the frame. The skin simply does not need to offer the same rigidity as the frame. The container as a whole thus provides an efficient container solution.

In a different but related example embodiment, the present invention also provides a container comprising a main body frame that forms a support for the main body of the container. A skin is also provided, which is attached to the main body frame to form the main body of the container. The skin and frame are attached to one another by fusing the skin and frame to one another. This is a particularly convenient way of attaching the relatively flexible and lightweight skin to the more rigid and robust frame.

In a different but related example embodiment, the present invention also provides a container that comprises a main body frame that forms a support for the main body of the container. Attached to that main body frame is a skin that is used to form the main body of the container. In this example embodiment, the container is frusto-conical (i.e. truncated cone) in shape. This shape is particularly convenient for holding by a user, for example if the container is to be held by the user during use. For instance, the container having this shape may be particularly convenient if the container is to contain a fluid, or some other material which is to be accessed by the user during use of the container, for example a drink, ice-cream, yoghurt, or the like .

Specific example embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to Figures 1 to 24. The Figures have not been drawn to any particular scale, and are being provided simply as an aid to understanding the example embodiments. Like features appearing in different Figures are given the same reference numerals for consistency and clarity.

Figure 1A schematically depicts a main body frame (2) for use in forming a container according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The main body frame (2) provides support for a main body of the container. The main body frame (2) comprises a first substantially circular section (4) separated from but connected to a second substantially circular section (6) by struts (8). The first circular section (4) has a larger diameter than the second circular section (6), such that the frame (2) as a whole takes a substantially frusto- conical (truncated cone) shape.

The main body frame (2) may be formed from plastic, for example by a moulding process such as an injection moulding process. The frame may be conveniently formed as a one-piece construction which may make manufacturing of the frame, and the container, easier.

Figure 1 B shows the main body frame (2) relative to a skin (10). The skin (10) comprises a main body section (12), a base section (14), and a lid (or more generically, closure) section (16). The skin may be formed from plastic. Figure 1 B depicts how the skin (10) may extend around the main body frame (2).

Figure 1 C shows the container that is formed by the skin (10) surrounding the main body frame (2) and being attached to that frame (2). The skin (10) may not completely surround the frame (2), and may leave one or more parts of the frame exposed, for example parts of sections of the frame (2) to which the skin (10) is attached.

The skin (10) may be attached to the frame (2) by use of an adhesive or the like.

However, it may be preferable to fuse the skin (10) and frame (2) together, since this may negate the need for an adhesive or the like which might reduce costs, manufacturing steps, risk of contamination and the like. Fusion might be undertaken by the use of a heat source, or by a device that can generate heat within the material, for example using electromagnetic radiation, pressure waves such as ultrasound, or the like. The skin (10) may be attached in such a way as to (e.g. hermetically) seal the container.

Figure 1 C shows that the skin (10) forms the closure (16) of the container. In Figure 1 C the closure takes the form of a lid, and is shown in an open configuration. The closure (16) may be closed relative to the frame (2) by a cold seal adhesive, or the like. This may allow selective opening and closing of the closure (16). Alternatively, some or all of an entire periphery of the closure (16) may be fused to the frame (2). Access to the container may then be obtained by piercing or otherwise breaking the closure (16).

A feature of the example embodiment of Figure 1 is that the skin forming the closure (16) of the container is integral with the skin (12) that forms the main body of the container. Indeed, the skin as a whole may be, and is likely to be, a once piece constructions. Having the lid formed from the same skin as used for other parts of the container may make the manufacture of the container as a whole more efficient, and possibly cheaper, than if the skin of the main body of the container and lid were separate. For example, fewer process steps may be required to form the container.

In Figures 1A to 1 C, the skin forming the closure/lid (16) of the container is, at least in one configuration, a flap that can be opened or closed to gain or hinder access to the container. Although the flap of skin (16) may adequately provide this functionality, in some situations the flap of skin (16) may not be sufficiently rigid, for example to facilitate easy or reliable access to, or closure of the container, or to retain material within that container, for example during use or transport of the container.

Figures 2A to 2D, and Figures 3A to 3C, schematically depict example embodiments of the present invention in which the container comprises a closure frame, the closure frame providing a support for the skin of the closure.

In Figure 2A, it can be seen that the same main body frame (2) is used, as already described above in relation to Figures 1 A to 1 C. Different to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 1 C, however, is the presence of a separate closure frame (20) which is provided to support for the skin of the closure.

Figure 2B shows much the same apparatus as already shown in, and described with reference to, Figure 1 B above. However, the closure portion (16) of the skin (10) is now provided with, and supported by, the closure frame (20). The closure frame (20) may be attached to the skin forming the closure (16) by any appropriate means, for example by fusing the skin forming the closure (16) with the material forming the closure frame (20). In this example, a periphery of the closure skin portion (16) is attached to the closure frame (20), which closure frame extends around the closure skin portion (16).

Figure 2C shows the container fully constructed, with the closure frame (20) and attached closure (16) in an open configuration. Figure 2D shows the same arrangement, but when the closure (16, 20) is in a closed configuration. The presence of the closure frame (20) may facilitate selective closure of the skin forming the closure (16). For instance, the closure frame (20) may engage with a rim or the like (more generically, a flange) of the main body frame (2), for example via a snap-fit or taper-fit, to facilitate the selective closure of the closure frame (20) relative to the main body frame (2).

More generally, the presence of the closure frame (20) and an engageable or co- operable portion of the main body frame (2) allows for all manner of selective closure configurations to be provided. Other examples might include the use of tabs engageable with indents, or the use of a tie extendable through an aperture, of for the use a magnetic-based closure arrangement.

Figure 3A schematically depicts much the same apparatus as already shown in and described with reference to Figure 2A. However, and in contrast to Figure 2A, in Figure 3A the closure frame (20) and the main body frame (2) are now connected to one another, and formed in a one-piece construction. The closure frame (20) is connected to the main body frame (2) via a hinged connection (30). The "hinged connection" does not necessarily mean a hinge as would be used for example in connection with a door to a room or the like. Instead, the "hinged connection" is a functional definition, and might be alternatively or additionally described as allowing the closure frame (20) to move in a hinge-like manner relative to the main body frame (2), or being in connection with that frame (2) to facilitate such movement.

Figure 3B shows that the container is constructed using the skin (10) in much the same way as already described above in relation to Figures 1 B and 2B. The main difference here is that the closure frame (20) is maintained in connection with the main body frame (2) via the hinged connection (30), as already described.

Figure 3C shows the final construction of the container, with the closure (16, 20) in an open configuration.

If the closure frame (20) is in some way connected to the main body frame (2), this may reduce the risk of the closure (16, 20) as a whole becoming detached from the main body, which might be advantageous. Also, the closure frame (20) being connected to the main body frame might facilitate more convenient opening and closing of the closure, in comparison with if the closure frame was separate to the main body frame, but attached to skin thereof, or if there was no closure frame at all.

Figures 4 and 5 schematically depict much the same containers as already shown in and described with reference to Figures 2C and 3C, respectively. However, in contrast to the containers of Figures 2C and 3C, in the example embodiments of Figures 4 and 5, a seal 32 extends across an opening of the container. The seal 32 forms a sealed closure, and may for example seal (e.g. hermetically) contents of the container.

In this example, the seal 32 is not formed by the skin 10, 16, but is separate from the skin 10, 16. For instance, the seal 32 may not be joined to the skin 10, 16 and/or may be formed from a separate material to the skin 10, 16.

The seal 32 may be releasably or permanently attached to the body frame 2 by use of an appropriate adhesive, and/or by fusion or some other more permanent fixing, such as a stronger adhesive. The seal may be re-sealable. Use of a releasable adhesive might allow for the seal to be completely removed from the container. By permanently fixing a part of the seal 32 to a part of the container, the seal may be partially removed whilst still being retained on the container. If the seal is permanently attached around an entire perimeter of the seal, access to the container may be achieved by puncturing or other breaking of the seal. A tab or pull 34 might optionally be provided for facilitating at least partial removal of the seal 32, for example by peeling or the like.

If such a seal 32 is used, the skin 16 of the closure, and/or the closure in general, including any frame 20, may not need to provide a sealing functionality, or a sealing functionality as comprehensive as the seal 32. For instance, hermetic sealing may be achieved using the seal 32, whereas the skin 16 and any associated frame 20 may form a non-hermetic seal.

One or more features of the separate seal described in relation to Figures 4 and 5 may apply equally to the situation when the skin is used to seal an opening of the container.

Figures 1 to 5 have shown example embodiments of the present invention. Some variations on those embodiments, which might include additional or alternative features, are now discussed.

In Figures 1 to 5, the skin surrounds a substantial portion of the frame, so that only some parts of the frame are visible when the container is viewed externally. In another embodiment (not shown), the skin could be attached to an inside of the frame, such that the frame might be described as surrounding the skin. The frame would then be mostly visible when the container was viewed externally. In another, related, embodiment (not shown), the skin may pass through at least a portion of the frame, for example through slots or the like in one or more struts or rims thereof. This may allow at least a portion of the frame to be viewed when a container is seen externally, or internally. One or more of these embodiments might be useful in different applications. For instance, having the frame outside the skin may provide a protective exoskeleton or the like for the skin. Having the skin located within the frame such that the frame generally surrounds the skin might also provide a smoother surface within the container which might facilitate easier insertion or removal of material from the container. Having the skin substantially surround frame, such that the frame is substantially hidden by the skin, might improve the aesthetic affect of the container as a whole. For instance, allowing the skin to substantially surround the container might assist in the viewing of graphics or the like provided on the skin. Having the skin substantially surround frame, might also provide better support to the skin when pressure is applied from outside of the container.

In Figures 1 to 5, the support and closure frames are, in general, of a uniform thickness, or at least a uniform thickness along a given portion of a frame. In another embodiment (not shown), one or more portions of the frame may be hinged. This may facilitate selective collapsing of the frame to a flatter overall shape, or expansion of the frame from a flattened shape to the shape of the container. This may facilitate storage, transport and/or disposal of the frame or container. The term "hinge" does not necessarily mean that there is a door-like hinge present in the frame. Instead, this means that there is a point in the frame where portions of the frame may bend relative to one another in a hinge-like manner. This may be achieved, for example, by making the frame thinner at or about which point where hinge-like motion is to be encouraged or facilitated, or by providing material which is less rigid than other points of the frame.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more portions of the frame may have a different rigidity to one or more other portions of the frame. As discussed previously, this may facilitate collapsing or expansion of the frame for storage or disposal or the like. Alternatively or additionally, this may allow the frame to be made more rigid, specifically where a more rigid structure is required, for example at one or more joints of the frame or at or along specific struts or the like. The different rigidities could be achieved by using different materials or grades of material when the frame is constructed, for example by moulding or injection moulding.

In Figures 1 to 5, the main body frame defines a support for a portion of the skin that forms a base and a lid of the container. In another embodiment (not shown), the frame might not only provide a support, but might in fact be a base, wall, or top/lid of the container. This might facilitate structural rigidity of the container in places where such rigidity is most important. For instance, using the skin alone to form the entire base of the container might be insufficient depending on the size of the container, the material contained therein, the nature of the skin, and the type of conditions that the container is to be exposed to, for example in transport, storage, use and the like. Forming the base from or using the same material as the frame, optionally in a one-piece construction, might provide a solution.

In Figures 1 to 5, the main body frame defines a container comprising a single space for material. In another embodiment (not shown), the main body frame of the container may define one or more compartments within the main body of the container, and/or provide support for one or more compartments within the main body of the container. For instance, the frame might define a wall of a container, which might offer increased rigidity, or provide support for skin that forms such a wall. The compartments could be used to store different materials. The one or more compartments may extend from within the container to an opening of the container, such that the container defines two or more openings, for example at the top of the container, side of the container, or bottom of the container. If one or more compartments do extend to an opening of the container to define more than one compartment openings, one for each compartment, the skin may provide a closure for at least one of the openings, and likely two or more openings. The compartments may be exposed simultaneously by appropriate movement of the skin, for example movement of the skin away from a support frame or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the skin may be divided, or dividable, such that at least one of the two or more openings can be accessed independently. For instance, the skin may be divided, or dividable, by one or more of perforations, a tear tape, a slit, or the like.

In Figures 1 to 5, the container is shown in isolation. An independent utensil may be used to gain access to material within the container. However, in another embodiment (not shown), the container may further comprise a utensil which is attached to a frame of the container, and which is preferably formed at the same time as the container, such that the frame and utensil have one-piece construction. The utensil may be configured to be located within the main body of the container, or outside of the main body of the container. The utensil could be, for instance, a knife, a fork, a spoon, a straw, a filter, a spout, a spill-guard, or anything which facilitates access to material within the container, and/or retrieval of material from within the container. The utensil may be readily detachable from the container. For instance, the utensil may be attached to the container by a readily fracturable or frangible connection, for example, a connection that is perforated, or which is relatively thin to facilitate snapping or bending or the like of the utensil from the frame.

In Figures 1 to 5, the skin is shown as being attached to the frame by fusing of the skin to one or more locations or sections of the frame. In another, related, embodiment (not shown), at least some part of the skin may be sealed or otherwise attached to other parts of the skin, and not necessarily the frame. For instance, one or more ends of a skin sheet may be wrapped around the outside of, or within, the frame, and sealed to one another to form a sealed junction. The skin may then be attached to the frame as already described, for example at this junction or, alternatively or additionally, at some other part of the skin.

In an embodiment (not shown), the skin forming the closure may not be integral with the skin forming the main body.

In an embodiment, the skin may form a peelable and/or re-sealable closure of the container. The peeling and/or re-sealing functionality may be facilitated by the use of appropriate adhesive or the like, carried by one or both of the skin a surface with which the skin engages (e.g. a rim, lip or flange of the body frame). The skin closure may be provided with a tab which may facilitate peeling and/or re-sealing (i.e. opening and/or closing).

In an embodiment, an opening of the container may include, or be in connection with, a tamper evident arrangement. The tamper evident arrangement may indicate, for example, if a closure of the opening has been opened, or that an attempt has been made to undertake such opening. The tamper evident arrangement may comprise anything that indicates, for example, if a closure of the opening has been opened, or that an attempt has been made to undertake such opening. For example, the tamper evident arrangement may comprise ink transfer, one or more frangible portions, or the like, that change from one state to another when tampering (e.g. opening) takes place. In one example, ink may be left on one surface when a closure is opened. In one example a part of the closure may break-off upon opening. In one example an element connecting the closure to the frame may break. The skin closure, and/or any associated closure frame, may form part of, or be in connection with, the tamper evident arrangement.

In an embodiment (not shown), the skin forming the closure may be readily detachable from the skin forming the main body, for example by providing one or more perforations, tear tape or the like between the skin forming the closure and the skin forming the main body. This may allow the lid to be removed, with may offer convenience of integral manufacture, yet easy access to the container by the user.

In addition to the structural advantages of providing a skin and support frame as discussed above, other advantages may be apparent. One such advantage of providing a skin for forming the main body of the container is that the skin can be provided with any desired graphics or the like prior to being applied to and attached to the container. This may make it easier to apply graphics to the container as a whole, for example graphics that extend along or around the container. Graphics can be applied using in-mould labelling. Indeed, the container may be at least partially formed using an in-mould labelling process.

As described so far, the closure may be a closure of a top of the container, for example forming a lid of the container. A "top" in this instance might be a top of the container as will be understood in normal use, normal storage or the like of the container. In other embodiments (not shown), the closure may be located in one or more of a top, base or side of the container. In another embodiment (not shown), the container can contain more than one opening, any one or more of which might be closed or closable by the skin that forms the main body of the container.

The container and the frame(s) may be formed from the same or different material(s). The container may be formed from plastic. Any one or more elements of the container may be formed from a moulding or extrusion process. The skin may be alternatively or additionally described as a film, a laminate, a thin sheet, a membrane, a cover. The skin is likely to be more flexible, and less rigid, then material forming the frame. The skin is likely to be thinner than material forming the frame.

Figures 1 to 5 depict practical example implementations of example underlying principles of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that various different modifications may be made to these general, practical examples without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow. For instance, various different changes may be made to the shape of the container, or parts thereof, or the type of support provided by the container, for structural, aesthetic or other reasons. To emphasise the scope and scale of such modifications that are available, numerous different examples will now be described, with reference to Figures 6 to 23.

In Figures 6 to 23, numerous other examples of support structure configurations or the like are shown. In some Figures the skin is present, whereas in other Figures the skin is not present. In other Figures, the skin is transparent, for instance as an aid to understanding the structure in the Figure. It will be appreciated that, as already described above, the skin may be appropriately attached to one or more portions of the frame to form the main body of the container, being attached within a supporting frame, outside of the supporting frame, within elements forming the supporting frame, or a combination thereof.

Figures 6 shows a container, the main body frame (40) of which comprises a lattice structure that is configured to be readily compressible in a vertical direction (top to bottom) but which relatively resists compression in the horizontal direction (left to right or right to left). This configuration might thus facilitate collapsing of the container for disposal, while at the same time offering some structural rigidity when the container is gripped by the user.

Figure 7 schematically depicts a closure frame (50) having a spoke-like structure. As with the wheel of a bicycle, this may offer structural rigidity to the closure frame (50), along the periphery of the frame (50), and across the frame (50), and to any skin attached thereto.

Figure 8 schematically depicts a container having a main body frame (60) formed from an array of hexagonal cells. As with structures in nature, the hexagonal structure may provide good structural rigidity for the use of minimal material. Figure 8 also shows that a corresponding closure frame (62) may comprises the same or similar shape or features as those cells or the like of the main body frame (60), for aesthetic or structural reasons.

Figure 9 shows a container having a support frame (70) that comprises a helix, the longitudinal axis of which extends around the container. This arrangement might give the container as a whole rigidity, and the helix structure might also provide a spring-like biasing back to an original shape, for example if the container is compressed or the like by a user.

Figure 10 schematically depicts a container having a support frame (80) comprising a plurality of curves or the like that extend from a base or top portion of the container and around a portion of the container. This sort of structure might, for instance, serve as a useful grip for the container. Indeed, any frame described herein may also provide the functionality of a grip. Curved portions of any support frame may also serve to dissipate or reduce stress, in comparison with straight support portions, or junctions between straight portions.

Figure 1 1 schematically depicts a container having a main body frame (90) having a lattice structure that may allow for horizontal or vertical compression, which may assist during compression or the like of the container for disposal or storage. Depending on the configuration, for example at intersections points, the structure may conversely offer good rigidity against vertical or horizontal compression, as with any such or similar structure.

Figure 12 schematically depicts a container having a main body frame that takes the form of a helix, the longitudinal axis of which extends from bottom to top of the container. This might provide some structural rigidity in the horizontal direction, but may readily allow for relatively easy compression of the container in the vertical direction, for example which may be useful during storage or disposal of the container.

Figure 13 shows how a container might have a main body frame (1 10) that comprises a "crazy-paving" arrangement, formed mainly in this instance from different size triangular cells, which might be useful for structural reasons.

Figure 14 shows a container having a support frame (120) comprising a plurality of panels that extend vertically, that is from bottom to top of the container. This might add to the structural rigidity of the container. In practice, only one or more of such panels might be useful or required, balancing structural rigidity with a lightweight and/or reduced material construction. Figure 15 shows a container having a main body frame (130) formed from a plurality of substantially equilateral triangles, which might add to the rigidity of the container. A closure support frame (132) is also shown which has a recess, which recess may co-operate and sit within the container (4) to form a suitable closure thereof.

Figure 16 shows a container having a support frame (140) and closure frame (142), with a pattern that is continuous between the two frames. This may be for structural or aesthetic reasons. In this particular embodiment the pattern takes the form of elongate petal-shaped structures that overlap with one another.

Figure 17 schematically depicts a detail view of a frame (150), and shows that numerous sections of the frame (152) may be solid in form, either for aesthetic or structural reasons. In this embodiment, the frame takes the form of open and closed hexagonal and pentagonal elements, the pentagonal elements (152) being the closed structures in this example.

Figure 18 shows a container having a support frame (160) comprising a plurality of circular and/or elliptical elements that are joined to one another. This might be useful for aesthetic and/or structural reasons.

Figure 19 is similar to the structure of Figure 16, but in which the container comprises a main body frame (170) having a plurality of substantially identical circular-like structures.

Figure 20 schematically depicts a container having a main body frame (180) comprising a plurality of diamond-shaped (rhombus-shaped) structures, having much the same properties as the arrangement already shown in and described with reference to Figure 9. In Figure 18, however, the locations where the diamond/rhombus-shaped structures join have been strengthened with additional material, which may add to the rigidity of the structure as a whole. This sort of strengthening at junctions can be applied to any structure.

Figure 21 schematically depicts a container having a main body frame (190) comprising a plurality of ring-like structures that extend around the container. The ring-like structures may be supported by a spine or the like (not shown) which may extend from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. The container is also provided with an opening (192) which is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the container. The angling increases the size of the opening in comparison with a cross-section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. An enlarged opening may, for example, facilitate easier access to the container and material contained therein. The Figure also shows that the skin closure is provided with a tab (194) which may facilitate opening and closing of the closure.

Figure 22 schematically depicts a container having a support frame (200) which takes the form of a grid-like structure, which may offer good structural rigidity. The Figure also shows that the container has a closure frame which is provided with an integral hole or ring- pull (202) which may facilitate opening and/or closing of the container.

Figure 23 schematically depicts a container having a main body frame (210) comprising wave-like structures that extend around the container, and which may optionally be supported by a spine or the like (not shown), which may extend from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. The container is provided with an opening (212) angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the container, much as described in relation to that of Figure 19. In this Figure, the closure frame (214) is shaped to accommodate this enlarged opening (212).

As already alluded to above, it will be appreciated that each of the specific features described in relation to any of the embodiments contained herein, and particular with the very specific features of Figures 6 to 23, may be combined with any of the features of the other embodiments, or indeed replace any other features of the other embodiments.

Figure 24 schematically depicts a generalised method for forming a container in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. Firstly, a skin and main body frame is formed and/or provided (220). The skin is then manipulated, for example by movement, bending or the like, to form the main body of the container (222), for example by wrapping the skin around the main body frame, or locating the skin within the main body frame. The skin is then attached to the main body frame (224) to form the container. In other embodiments, greater or fewer method steps may be required, for example to form or provide a closure frame, or to seal the container, or the like.

All of the embodiments described herein have shown the shape of the container being substantially frusto-conical in nature. This may be advantageous for the reasons already described. However, the container may have any shape. A cross-section may be a triangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a pentagonal cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, and so on, or a circular cross-section, or an elliptical cross-section, or a cross-section that is the same throughout the container, or a cross-section that changes throughout the container, either in size or shape, and the like.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.