U.S. patent application number 09/770904 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-30 for hollow plastic bottles.
Invention is credited to Darr, Richard C., Dorn, James C., Pedmo, Marc A..
Application Number | 20020063105 09/770904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27110911 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020063105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Darr, Richard C. ; et
al. |
May 30, 2002 |
HOLLOW PLASTIC BOTTLES
Abstract
Biaxially oriented, hollow plastic bottle of thermoplastic
material having an improved base. The base includes a plurality of
circumferential rings occupying substantially the entire space
between the central portion of the base and the outer supporting
rim of the base. In one embodiment, the rings form substantially
uniform, continuous, uninterrupted, circumferential, pyramidal
ridges and adjacent depressions. In a further embodiment, some of
the rings are interrupted by flat areas.
Inventors: |
Darr, Richard C.; (Medina,
OH) ; Pedmo, Marc A.; (Litchfield, OH) ; Dorn,
James C.; (Norton, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert H. Bachman
BACHMAN & LaPOINTE, P.C.
900 Chapel Street, Suite 1201
New Haven
CT
06510-2802
US
|
Family ID: |
27110911 |
Appl. No.: |
09/770904 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09770904 |
Jan 26, 2001 |
|
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09724030 |
Nov 28, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/373 ;
215/371 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/0276
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/373 ;
215/371 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/42; B65D
023/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hollow plastic bottle, which comprises: a hollow body of
thermoplastic material having a generally cylindrical side wall, an
upper end with a dispensing opening therein, and a lower supporting
base with an inwardly extending central portion having an outside
surface thereof; wherein said outside surface of said inwardly
extending base includes a continuous outer supporting annular rim
for supporting the bottle on a surface; a central portion of said
base; and wherein the space between the central portion of the base
and the outer supporting rim includes a plurality of substantially
uniform, continuous, uninterrupted, circumferential rings forming
substantially uniform, continuous, uninterrupted, circumferential,
pyramidal ridges and adjacent depressions.
2. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 1, which is blow
molded.
3. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 1, which is biaxially
oriented.
4. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein said
plastic is polyethylene terephthalate.
5. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein said
inwardly extending central portion of the base includes a
substantially smooth inside surface opposed to said outside
surface.
6. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein said
central portion includes a substantially flat annular portion with
a downwardly extending central button-like portion.
7. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein said
bottle includes a neck portion of reduced diameter between the
upper end and side wall.
8. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein said rings
form a step-like configuration.
9. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein said space
also includes a plurality of additional substantially uniform,
circumferential rings forming pyramidal ridges and adjacent
depressions, said additional rings having at least one
substantially flat area thereon.
10. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 9, including three
separate flat areas.
11. A hollow plastic according to claim 9, wherein said flat areas
contact at least three of said additional rings.
12. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 9, wherein said
uninterrupted rings and additional rings occupy substantially the
entire space between the central portion of the base and the outer
rim.
13. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 12, including at
least two of said uninterrupted rings adjacent the central portion
of the base and at least two of said uninterrupted rings adjacent
the annular rim, with said additional rings therebetween.
14. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 9, wherein said flat
areas separately include one of symbols, at least one number, and
at least one letter, embossed thereon.
15. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 9, wherein said flat
areas interrupt said additional rings.
16. A hollow plastic bottle according to claim 11, wherein said
flat areas are substantially uniformly spaced around said
additional rings.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of copending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/724,030 for HOLLOW PLASTIC BOTTLES,
filed Nov. 28, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a hollow plastic bottle
with an improved base.
[0003] Hollow plastic bottles generally include a recessed or
inwardly extending or reentrant base structure. This type of base
has been found to have good resistance to deformation, especially
deformation caused by the effects of internal pressure.
[0004] However, it is desirable to provide a recessed base
structure for hollow plastic bottles with improved strength
properties. For example, increased strength properties in the
recessed base will facilitate use of the container for increased
heat applications, as pasteurization. Also, increased strength
properties will improve impact strength, minimizing damage when the
bottles are accidentally dropped. Further, improved strength
properties in the base will help prevent roll-out, i.e., under
pressure or heat the plastic bottles tend to rollout or bulge at
the base.
[0005] It is, therefore, a principal object of the present
invention to provide a hollow plastic bottle with an improved
base.
[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an improved plastic bottle as aforesaid with improved strength
properties in the base.
[0007] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide an improved plastic bottle as aforesaid which is easy to
prepare and which is aesthetically pleasing.
[0008] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will
appear hereinbelow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It has now been found that the foregoing objects and
advantages are readily obtained in accordance with the present
invention.
[0010] The hollow plastic bottle of the present invention
comprises: a hollow body of thermoplastic material having a
generally cylindrical side wall, an upper end with a dispensing
opening therein, and a lower supporting base with an inwardly
extending central portion thereof, wherein said inwardly extending
base includes a continuous outer supporting annular rim for
supporting the bottle on a surface, a central portion, and a
plurality of substantially uniform, continuous, uninterrupted,
circumferential rings occupying substantially the entire space
between the central portion and the outer supporting rim, said
rings forming substantially continuous, uninterrupted, uniform
circumferential, pyramidal ridges and adjacent depressions. The
plastic bottle is desirably biaxially oriented and blow molded, and
polyethylene terephthalate is a preferred material.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the hollow plastic bottle of the
present invention comprises: a hollow body of thermoplastic
material having a generally cylindrical side wall, an upper end
with a dispensing opening therein, and a lower supporting base with
an inwardly extending central portion having an outside surface
thereof; wherein said outside surface of said inwardly extending
base includes a continuous outer supporting annular rim for
supporting the bottle on a surface; a central portion of said base;
wherein the space between the central portion of the base and the
outer supporting rim includes a plurality of substantially uniform,
continuous, uninterrupted, circumferential rings forming
substantially uniform, continuous, uninterrupted, circumferential,
pyramidal ridges and adjacent depressions.
[0012] Desirably, the space between the central portion of the base
and the outer supporting rim includes a plurality of additional
substantially uniform, circumferential rings forming
circumferential, pyramidal ridges and adjacent depressions, said
additional rings having at least one substantially flat area
thereon. The flat areas may be one, two or three or more separate
flat areas and desirably include one of designations, symbols, at
least one number, and at least one letter embossed thereon. The
flat areas generally interrupt said additional rings. In the
preferred embodiment, the flat areas contact at least three of said
additional rings.
[0013] The uninterrupted rings and additional rings preferably
occupy substantially the entire space between the central portion
of the base and the outer rim. In a preferred embodiment, at least
two of said uninterrupted rings are provided adjacent the central
portion of the base and at least two of said uninterrupted rings
are provided adjacent the annular rim, with said additional rings
therebetween.
[0014] The plastic bottle of the present invention has improved
strength properties so that the container may be effectively
utilized for increased heat applications, as for example,
pasteurization, without adverse effects. In addition, the container
of the present invention is less susceptible to rollout or bulging
at the base, and has improved impact properties.
[0015] Further features and advantages of the present invention
will appear hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will be more readily understandable
from a consideration of the accompanying, illustrative drawings,
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of the bottle of the present invention
with the base shown in section;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the base of the bottle of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a blow mold with the final
blow molded bottle of FIG. 1 therein;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the base of the
bottle of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of the base of the
bottle of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the
bottle of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the base of the
bottle of FIG. 6; and
[0024] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the base of the
bottle of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Referring specifically to FIG. 1 which shows hollow plastic
bottle 10 of the present, invention, said bottle includes a
generally cylindrical side wall 12, an upper end 14 with a
dispensing opening 16 therein which is desirably configured to hold
a suitable closure (not shown), and a lower supporting base 18
which is shown in section in FIG. 1. The supporting base 18
includes an inwardly extending portion 20 having an outside surface
22 thereof shown in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5 and which will be
discussed in more detail hereinbelow.
[0026] The particular size, shape and configuration of the bottle
is not especially critical and any suitable and desirable bottle
configuration may be used. Thus, the configuration shown in the
drawings herein represents a preferred embodiment, but others may
readily be used. For example, the bottle 10 of FIG. 1 includes a
neck portion 24 of reduced diameter with respect to the side wall
between the cylindrical side wall 12 and upper end 14, but the side
wall may if desired extend directly to the upper end with only a
short, inwardly extending transition portion as is common in for
example two liter plastic bottles. Naturally, other suitable
configurations may readily be employed, as one or two liter
bottles, 16 ounce bottles, 8 ounce bottles, etc.
[0027] The outside surface 22 of the inwardly extending portion 20
includes a continuous, outer supporting annular rim 26 for
supporting the bottle 10 on a surface. In addition, the lower
supporting base includes a central portion or hub 28 with a
substantially flat annular portion 30 thereof, and a downwardly
extending central, button-like portion 32 thereof, see particularly
FIGS. 4 and 5. Still further, the outside surface 22 of the
inwardly extending portion 20 includes a plurality of substantially
uniform, continuous, uninterrupted, circumferential rings 34
occupying substantially the entire space between the central
portion 28 of the base 18 and the outer supporting rim 26. Rings 34
form substantially uniform, continuous, uninterrupted
circumferential, pyramidal ridges 36 and adjacent depressions 38
and form a step-like configuration between the outer rim 26 and
central portion 28 as clearly shown in FIG. 4. Also, the inside
surface 40 of the inwardly extending portion 20 of base 18
desirably includes a substantially smooth inside surface opposed to
outside surface 22, also as clearly shown in FIG. 4.
[0028] The base construction of the present invention as shown in
the drawings and described above has been found to be quite
advantageous. Thus, this provides considerable increased strength
in a critical location. For example, the bottle of the present
invention may be effectively used for increased heat applications,
is less susceptible to roll-out or bulging at the base, and
generally has improved impact properties. Also, the construction is
simply and easily prepared and results in an aesthetically pleasing
configuration.
[0029] A plurality of these rings are provided forming a
continuous, step-like configuration. Generally, at least five rings
are provided, and preferably from 5 to 10, but the exact number
will depend on container size and the specific application.
[0030] The container or bottle of the present invention is
desirably blow molded and biaxially oriented by injection stretch
blow molding, in a blow mold 42 as shown in FIG. 3 in a
conventional manner from an injection molded or compression molded
preform with the rings 34 formed from corresponding rings 44 in the
blow mold. However, the bottle may readily be prepared by simply
injection molding.
[0031] Preferably, the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate;
however, other suitable plastics may be readily used alone or in
combination or in a multilayered configuration. For example,
polyolefins, polyethylene naphthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and
others.
[0032] FIGS. 6-8 show an embodiment of the present invention
wherein the base of the bottle includes at least one substantially
flat area thereon. In the embodiment of FIGS. 68, the bottle may if
desired have the same configuration as hollow plastic bottle 10
shown in FIG. 1, including a generally cylindrical side wall 12, an
upper end 14 with a dispensing opening 16 therein which is
desirably configured to hold a suitable closure and a lower
supporting base 118, the features of which are clearly shown in
FIGS. 6-8. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the particular
size, shape and configuration of the bottle is not especially
critical and any suitable and desirable bottle configuration may
readily be used.
[0033] Referring specifically to FIGS. 6-8, the outside surface 122
of the inwardly extending portion 120 includes a continuous, outer
supporting annular rim 126 for supporting the bottle 110 on a
surface. In addition, the lower supporting base includes a central
portion or hub 128 with a substantially flat annular portion 130
thereof, and a downwardly extending central, button-like portion
132 thereof as clearly shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and as also
characterizing the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.
[0034] The outside surface 122 of the inwardly extending portion
120 includes a plurality of substantially uniform, continuous,
uninterrupted, circumferential rings 134 in the space between the
central portion 128 of base 118 and the outer supporting rim 126.
Specifically, at least two of the uninterrupted rings 134 are
provided adjacent central portion 128 and at least two of the
uninterrupted rings 134 are provided adjacent annular rim 126. The
exact number of uninterrupted rings 134 is not especially critical
and will depend on factors such as bottle dimensions and size,
number and placement of the substantially flat areas, as will be
discussed hereinbelow. The uninterrupted rings 134 form
substantially uniform, continuous, uninterrupted, circumferential,
pyramidal ridges 136 and adjacent depressions 138 and form a
step-like configuration between outer rim 126 and central portion
128 as clearly shown in FIG. 7. Also, the inside surface 140 of the
inwardly extending portion 120 of base 118 desirably includes a
substantially smooth inside surface opposed to outside surface 122,
also as clearly shown in the drawings.
[0035] In addition to the uninterrupted rings 134, the outside
surface 122 of the inwardly extending portion 120 includes a
plurality of additional, substantially uniform circumferential
rings 150 forming pyramidal ridges 152 and adjacent depressions
154. The additional rings 150 are interrupted by at least one
substantially flat area 156, with three (3) separate flat areas or
pads 156 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8, preferably uniformly
spaced around the additional rings as shown. Although three (3) of
the flat areas is preferred, the exact number is not especially
critical and will depend for example on bottle size and
particularly desired results. Also, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the flat
areas preferably contact and interrupt at least three of the
additional rings 150. The uninterrupted rings 134 plus the
additional rings 150 occupy substantially the entire space between
the central portion 128 and outer rim 126.
[0036] The flat portions desirably include information thereon. For
example, one can include the recycle symbol 158, one can include a
number 160 which can show mold number, lot number or desired
identification, and one can include a corporate logo designation or
letter designation 162.
[0037] In addition to the advantages of the embodiment of FIGS. 15,
the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8 provide the additional advantages of
adding a flux point to relieve internal stress and to aid in
preventing roll out, while at the same time providing convenient
site for embossing useful information thereon in an unobtrusive
manner.
[0038] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the illustrations described and shown herein, which are deemed to
be merely illustrative of the best modes of carrying out the
invention, and which are susceptible of modification of form, size,
arrangement of parts and details of operation. The invention rather
is intended to encompass all such modifications which are within
its spirit and scope as defined by the claims.
* * * * *