Patent news – new flexible container

The transportation of products brings multiple and varied challenges - each item must be protected during transit and safely delivered, so the method of transportation may need to be adapted. For example, speed of delivery is an important consideration for perishable items.

With many variables to consider, keeping costs down can be tricky, particularly when manufacturers and other businesses are seeking a sustainable solution. In some cases, costs can be reduced by the provision of standardised transportation containers. However, such containers may not be suitable for all types of products. For example, using a container would only become viable if transporting a large volume of products in one go. The containers themselves may need to be returned once the products have been delivered, or they might be used to transport another type of product. Unnecessary amounts of space can be taken up if the wrong container is used, leading to higher environmental and financial costs.

A UK patent GB2619733 has been granted to BoxxDocks Limited for a variable volume container, which addresses some of these common transportation problems. The flexible container is made up of two main parts: a lower portion with a base and four walls, and an upper portion with four walls that rest on the lower portion using a protrusion and lip mechanism. This design allows the container to transition between an extended position, where both portions are available, and a retracted position, where the lower portion is received within the upper portion, reducing the available volume. This design means that the space available can be flexed according to user’s needs.

A key feature protected by the patent is the variable volume mechanism. The upper portion’s walls can flex laterally to disengage the protrusions from the lower portion’s lip, allowing the container to expand or contract as necessary. This means that users can adjust the container’s volume to fit the items they need to store, preventing wasted space and ensuring efficient use of storage capacity.

The patent also details the strategically placed protrusions for added stability. Opposing walls of the upper portion have protrusions that abut the lip of the lower portion. Other walls feature wedge-shaped protrusions to help keep the upper portion positioned on the lower portion. This ensures that the container remains stable and secure, even when fully loaded.

In addition to its variable volume capabilities, the container is designed to be stackable. This includes not only the container itself but also its lid and individual parts. The ability to stack products in different ways is a crucial feature for optimising storage space, making it easier to store multiple containers in a compact and organised manner. The container can be stacked with others when lidded, or it can be nested with other containers when empty.

As well as mitigating the risk that their invention is copied, Boxxdock’s patent gives them a 20-year period of exclusivity during which to profit from its commercialisation. One of the key advantages of patent protection is the potential for tax relief on profits through schemes such as the “Patent Box”.

The nature of BoxxDocks’ innovation reflects well on the company from a reputational perspective, as a demonstration of its commitment to reducing costs and carbon emissions. As well as facilitating customisation of the space available, the innovation reduces the likelihood that users will have to pay for transporting empty space.