U.S. patent application number 10/045489 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for symmetrically stackable bottle with vertical reinforcing aperture spanned by handle.
Invention is credited to Selsam, Douglas Spriggs.
Application Number | 20020077225 10/045489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26834677 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020077225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Selsam, Douglas Spriggs |
June 20, 2002 |
Symmetrically stackable bottle with vertical reinforcing aperture
spanned by handle
Abstract
A stackable bottle is fully penetrated from a first side to an
opposing side by an aperture, which is spanned by a handle. The
bottle is balanced about this handle, making it easy to lift,
carry, pour, or mount atop a water dispenser. Mutually engaging
stacking contours, comprising raised and recessed regions, are
incorporated into these two sides, so that the bottles may be
conveniently stacked one atop the next. The pattern of stacking
contours is inversely symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, so one
or more bottles of a stack may be turned upside down without
affecting stackability. The bottle looks the same whether
upside-down or right-side-up; there is no difference between the
top and bottom. The pattern of stacking contours is also inversely
symmetrical about a latitudinal axis, so that one or more bottles
of a stack may be rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis without
affecting stackability. The bottles feature a filling neck with
closure means at one end, and an integrally molded standing base at
the opposite end from said filling neck, so the bottle may be stood
thereupon in an open state without spillage. The walls of the
apertures become vertically aligned in a stack, enhancing stacking
strength. These aperture walls, by their interconnection with each
other, and with the first side and the opposing side, also add
shear strength and structural integrity to the container. Bursting
strength is also enhanced by the inclusion of this aperture, since
the average effective structural circumference is reduced.
Inventors: |
Selsam, Douglas Spriggs;
(Fullerton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOUGLAS SPRIGGS SELSAM
UNIT B
2600 PORTER AVE.
FULLERTON
CA
92833
US
|
Family ID: |
26834677 |
Appl. No.: |
10/045489 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10045489 |
Nov 6, 2001 |
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09952371 |
Sep 11, 2001 |
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10045489 |
Nov 6, 2001 |
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09136830 |
Aug 19, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0602 20130101;
B29L 2031/52 20130101; B29L 2031/7126 20130101; A63B 21/072
20130101; A63B 21/06 20130101; A63B 23/0458 20130101; B29C 49/04
20130101; B29L 2031/7158 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 9, 2001 |
US |
PCT/US01/42555 |
Claims
1. A stackable bottle, fully penetrated from a first side to an
opposing side, by a walled aperture, said aperture being spanned by
a handle, said bottle having mutually engaging stacking contours on
said first side and said opposing side, wherein; Said contours are
inversely symmetrical about a longitudinal axis so that any bottle
of a stack may be flipped upside-down without affecting
stackability.
2. The stackable bottle in claim 1, wherein; said contours are
additionally inversely symmetrical about a latitudinal axis, when
viewed from above, so that any bottle of a stack may be rotated 180
degrees about a vertical axis without affecting stackability.
3. The stackable bottle in claim 1 wherein said stacking contours
comprise relatively raised regions and relatively recessed
regions.
4. The stackable bottle in claim 2 wherein said stacking contours
comprise relatively raised regions and relatively recessed
regions.
5. The stackable bottle in claim 1 wherein said stacking contours
comprise a substantially radial pattern of relatively raised
regions and relatively recessed regions.
6. The stackable bottle in claim 2 wherein said stacking contours
comprise a substantially radial pattern of relatively raised
regions and relatively recessed regions.
7. The stackable bottle in claim 3 wherein said relatively raised
regions comprise bumps and said relatively recessed regions
comprise dimples.
8. The stackable bottle in claim 4 wherein said relatively raised
regions comprise bumps and said relatively recessed regions
comprise dimples.
9. The stackable bottle in claim 7 wherein said bumps and said
dimples are substantially elongate.
10. The stackable bottle in claim 8 wherein said bumps and said
dimples are substantially elongate.
11. The stackable bottle in claim 1, further comprising a filling
neck at one end of said bottle.
12. The stackable bottle in claim 2, further comprising a filling
neck at one end of said bottle.
13. The stackable bottle of claim 1, further comprising: two inner
parting lines that circuit the midsection of said aperture, and run
along the sides of the handle; an outer parting line that circuits
the exterior of the bottle at its widest point, when viewed from
above; whereby said bottle may be produced from a two-piece
mold.
14. The stackable bottle of claim 2, further comprising: two inner
parting lines that circuit the midsection of said aperture, and run
along the sides of the handle; an outer parting line that circuits
the exterior of the bottle at its widest point, when viewed from
above; whereby said bottle may be produced from a two-piece
mold.
15. The stackable bottle of claim 13, wherein said outer parting
line begins and ends at said filling neck.
16. The stackable bottle of claim 14, wherein said outer parting
line begins and ends at said filling neck.
17. The stackable bottle of claim 11, further comprising a standing
base opposite said filling neck.
18. The stackable bottle of claim 12, further comprising a standing
base opposite said filling neck.
19. The stackable bottle of claim 1, further comprising a standing
base at one end.
20. The stackable bottle of claim 2, further comprising a standing
base at one end.
21. The stackable bottle of claim 1, wherein said stacking contours
on said first side and said opposing side are substantially
identical, so that the bottle looks substantially the same
right-side-up as upside-down.
22. The stackable bottle of claim 2, wherein said stacking contours
on said first side and said opposing side are substantially
identical, so that the bottle looks substantially the same
right-side-up as upside-down.
23. The stackable bottle in claim 3 wherein said relatively raised
regions of said stacking contours comprise a pattern that provides
sufficient support area, sufficiently distributed, forming a
sufficient footprint, that the bottle may be supported solely
thereupon in a stable manner when the bottle is laying upon a
substantially flat surface in the stacking position.
24. The stackable bottle in claim 4 wherein said relatively raised
regions of said stacking contours comprise a pattern that provides
sufficient support area, sufficiently distributed, forming a
sufficient footprint, that the bottle may be supported solely
thereupon in a stable manner when the bottle is laying upon a
substantially flat surface in the stacking position.
Description
[0001] This patent application is a continuation in part of U.S.
Pat. No. 6,312,364, issue date Nov. 6, 2001; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/952,371, filing date Sep. 11 2001; and PCT
Application No. PCT/US 01/42555, filing date Oct. 9, 2001.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention is in the field of stackable bottles and
jugs, and handhold containers for liquids.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,364 I disclose a stackable jug with a
fully recessed handle, spanning a fully penetrating vertical
central aperture. That invention represents the only known example
of a stackable jug, having a fully recessed handle, that can be
produced from a simple two-piece mold, with no extra steps in
manufacturing. It is ideal for being blow-molded, and for use with
bottled water dispensers. The container is fully penetrated from a
first side to an opposing side by a walled aperture. It has
mutually interlocking contours on these two opposing sides,
allowing the container to be stacked with others of its kind. Being
so stacked, the walled apertures of the containers are aligned in a
substantially vertical direction, adding to the stacking strength
of the containers: These vertically aligned inner walls contribute
vertical compression strength. They also contribute shear strength,
by their interconnection both with each other, and with the
exterior sides onto which the aperture opens. In addition, by
reducing the average effective structural circumference of the
container, the fully penetrating aperture also enhances the
bursting strength of the container. A stacked jug as delineated in
that invention could be rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis,
and then still properly fit in the stack, although such was not
specifically delineated in that patent. The particular
lip-and-groove stacking contours of the top and bottom surfaces,
used as an example in that patent, were mutually interlocking, but
different, so that in the examples shown, there was a preferred
"top" and "bottom" for stacking purposes. While any interlocking
top and bottom surfaces, including identical interlocking top and
bottom surfaces, are within the scope and claims of that patent,
such identical top and bottom surfaces were not specifically
delineated therein. Such identical contours would eliminate the
sense of a top and bottom for stacking purposes, making the
container the same whether right-side-up or upside-down, and allow
the containers to be stacked without checking to be sure they are
properly oriented.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention reveals identical top and bottom
stacking contours for such a stackable bottle as originally
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,364. The idea is that a pattern is
chosen for the interlocking contours of each surface that is an
inverse mirror image of itself, from left to right, so that even a
bottle that is flipped upside down will still stack atop one that
is right-side-up, and vice versa. The advantage is that there is no
top or bottom for stacking purposes, and the bottle looks the same
when flipped 180 degrees upside-down, This means that the bottle is
effectively the same whether right-side-up or upside-down, in other
words, there is no difference between the top and bottom surfaces.
If a pattern of stacking contours is chosen that is an inverse
mirror image of itself from front to back as well, that retains the
advantage of the previous invention, that the bottles also remain
stackable when rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis, meaning
that the spouts of some bottles could project in the opposite
direction from others, in the same stack. It is also important that
any such pattern of stacking contours provide a sufficient
footprint to support a stack of such containers in a stable manner
when laying on a flat surface in a stacking orientation. Two
examples of such patterns are given.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top view of a bottle of the first embodiment,
showing the inverse symmetry of the stacking contours, about both
longitudinal and latitudinal axes.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an oblique side view of a bottle of the first
embodiment, showing the top and bottom stacking contours and the
substantially vertical walls of the aperture.
[0009] FIG. 3 is an oblique view from above of a bottle of the
first embodiment, showing the stacking contours, the aperture and
its substantially vertical walls, the handle spanning the
midsection of the aperture at its narrowest part, and inner and
outer parting lines.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows two stacks of bottles of the first embodiment,
with another such bottle being flipped over above the stacks, from
one stack to the other, showing that the bottles stack equally well
when one is turned upside-down--and that the top arm bottom
surfaces, while mutually interlocking, are also identical.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows two bottles of the first embodiment, stacked
one atop the other, with the top bottle rotated 180 degrees about a
vertical axis from the bottom one, showing that the bottles still
stack even when turned around backwards.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a bottle of the first embodiment mounted atop a
water dispenser, with two stacks of bottles beside it, and another
bottle standing upright on its standing base, with the filling neck
pointed skyward.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows an oblique side view of the bottle of the
second embodiment, illustrating the elongate bumps and dimples of
this pattern of interlocking stacking contours, which has similar
inverse mirror symmetry characteristics, from right to left, and
from front to rear, to that of the first embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 8 Shows a stack of four bottles of the second
embodiment, with another bottle floating at an oblique angle above
the stack, and yet another bottle mounted atop a water
dispenser.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWING FIGURES
[0015] 4. inner parting line (circuits narrowest midsection of
aperture, runs alongside handle)
[0016] 5. outer parting line (circuits exterior of bottle at widest
point as viewed from above)
[0017] 32. filling nozzle (could comprise any neck, mouth, or
opening, may be threaded)
[0018] 34. closure means, such as a cap
[0019] 40. top surface of bottle (when laying in stacking
position)
[0020] 42. aperture (vertically penetrates bottle when bottle is
laying in stacking position)
[0021] 43. wall of aperture (substantially vertical when bottle is
laying in stacking position)
[0022] 44. narrowest midsection of aperture (where handle and inner
parting line are located)
[0023] 46. bottom surface of bottle (when laying in stacking
position)
[0024] 50. handle (spans narrowest midsection of aperture)
[0025] 71. relatively raised region (part of pattern of
interlocking stackable contours)
[0026] 73. pattern of interlocking stackable contours
[0027] 77. relatively recessed region (part of pattern of
interlocking stackable contours)
[0028] 78. standing base (opposite filling nozzle)
[0029] 92. longitudinal axis (aligned with handle and filling
nozzle)
[0030] 93. latitudinal axis (perpendicular to longitudinal
axis)
[0031] 99. conventional water cooler or dispenser
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] 1. First Embodiment:
[0033] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 The stackable bottle is fully penetrated
by a walled aperture 42, from a top side 40 to a bottom side 46.
The words top and bottom here refer to the bottle laying in its
stacking position. The aperture 42 is spanned at its narrowest
midsection 44 by a hollow handle 50, about which the container is
substantially balanced, making it easier to carry, pour, mount atop
a water dispenser, and manipulate in general. Two inner parting
lines 4 each form a closed loop, circuiting this rmidsection, and
running along the sides of the handle. An outer parting line 5
circuits the exterior surface of the bottle at its widest point
when viewed from above, beginning and ending at the filling nozzle.
Due to the fully penetrating aperture, the location of these
parting lines, the location of the handle, and proper draft angles,
this stackable container with fully recessed handle can be produced
from a two-piece mold, unlike other stackable bottles with recessed
handles. The inner walls 43 of the aperture are aligned in a
substantially vertical direction, thereby adding to stacking
strength. Their interconnection with each other, and with the top
and bottom surfaces, also adds shear strength, to prevent a rolling
type of deformation. Inclusion of the aperture also lowers the
average effective radius of the container, enhancing bursting
strength. The handle, spanning the aperture, serves to even further
structurally interconnect the various regions of the bottle,
further adding to overall structural integrity. A filling nozzle 32
with closure means 34, in this case a simple cap, projects from one
end, and a standing base 78, upon which the bottle may be stood in
an open state without spillage, is molded into the opposite end.
The top surface 40, and the bottom surface 46, each have an
identical pattern of interlocking stacking contours 73, comprising
relatively raised regions 71, and relatively recessed regions 77,
(roughly analogous to the raised lip 41, and indented groove 47 of
U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,364). This pattern of contours 73 is inversely
symmetrical about a longitudinal axis 92, (FIG. 1) so that the
bottle may be flipped 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis
(turned upside down) with no difference in stacking qualities.
(FIG. 4) In other words, the bottle looks the same when turned
upside down as when right side up. The type of pattern chosen is
also inversely symmetrical about a latitudinal axis 93, (FIG. 1) so
that the bottle may also be rotated 180 about a vertical axis,
(FIG. 5) without affecting overall stackability. This perfectly
balanced bottle, then, may be flipped 180 degrees about either a
horizontal or a vertical axis, and the convenience of easy
stackability is maintained. It is also ideal for being mounted atop
a conventional drinking water cooler or dispenser 99. (FIG. 6)
Being perfectly balanced about the centrally located handle, this
stackable bottle is easy to carry, lift, pour, or mount upon a
dispenser, with torques about the user's hand being minimized due
to this balanced configuration. The relatively raised regions 71 of
the pattern of stacking contours 73 comprise a pattern that
provides sufficient support area, sufficiently distributed, forming
a sufficient footprint, that the bottle may be supported solely
thereupon in a stable manner when laying upon a substantially flat
surface in the stacking position. This stackable shape may be
easily produced by the technique of blowmolding, from a two-piece
mold, requiring no extra manufacturing steps.
[0034] 2. Second Embodiment:
[0035] (FIG. 7) The second embodiment is similar to the first,
having a pattern of stacking contours 73 that is inversely
symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and inversely symmetrical
about a latitudinal axis, so that the container can still be
stacked one atop the next even when flipped upside-down, or when
rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis. In this embodiment the
relatively raised regions 71 are elongate bumps, and the relatively
recessed regions 77 are corresponding elongate dimples, or grooves.
As in the previous embodiment, there is no difference between the
bottom and top stacking contours 73. That is, the bottle looks and
stacks the same, even when flipped upside down. There is really no
difference between the top and bottom. Like the previous
embodiment, this bottle is ideal for being mounted atop a
conventional water dispenser or cooler 99. (FIG. 8) The balanced
configuration, and ease of access to the centrally located handle,
make this stackable bottle far easier to handle than prior art
containers, and easier to load atop such a dispenser. The fact that
they can be stacked in a multiplicity of orientations adds to the
convenience, for everyone from the molder, to the packager, to the
consumer. As in the previous embodiment, the relatively raised
regions 71 of the pattern of stacking contours 73 comprise a
pattern that provides sufficient support area, sufficiently
distributed, forming a sufficient footprint, that the bottle may be
supported solely thereupon in a stable manner when laying upon a
substantially flat surface in the stacking position. This stackable
shape may be easily produced by the technique of blowmolding, from
a two-piece mold, requiring no extra manufacturing steps.
[0036] These two embodiments are exemplary only, a myriad of other
specific configurations of interlocking stacking contours,
exhibiting the proper inverse symmetry to permit stacking in
multiple configurations and orientations as described herein, and
having a sufficient footprint to support a stack in a stable
manner, are possible within the scope of the present invention.
Versions of such interlocking contours may also be chosen on the
basis that they are aesthetically pleasing.
* * * * *