U.S. patent application number 10/748946 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-30 for bottle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Unilever Home & Personal Care USA. Invention is credited to Giblin, Edward John, Paulovich, John Michael, Simon, Jaimee Terese.
Application Number | 20050142312 10/748946 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34700977 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050142312 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giblin, Edward John ; et
al. |
June 30, 2005 |
Bottle
Abstract
The present invention relates to transparent or translucent
bottles comprising a blend of metallocene polyethylene and a
homopolymer high density polyethylene. The bottles may be either
monolayer or multilayered. The bottle is surprisingly clear, has
superior light transmittance in the visible light spectrum and has
superior gloss.
Inventors: |
Giblin, Edward John;
(Hopatcong, NJ) ; Simon, Jaimee Terese;
(Liverpool, NY) ; Paulovich, John Michael;
(Hewitt, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
UNILEVER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
700 SYLVAN AVENUE,
BLDG C2 SOUTH
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS
NJ
07632-3100
US
|
Assignee: |
Unilever Home & Personal Care
USA
|
Family ID: |
34700977 |
Appl. No.: |
10/748946 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/35.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C08L 23/06 20130101;
C08L 23/0815 20130101; Y10T 428/1352 20150115; C08L 23/0815
20130101; C08L 23/06 20130101; C08L 2666/06 20130101; C08L 2666/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/035.7 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bottle fabricated from a single layer comprising a blend of
metallocene polyethylene polymer and a homopolymer high density
polyethylene.
2. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the blend has from about
10% to about 90% by weight metallocene polyethylene polymer and
about 10% to about 90% by weight a homopolymer high density
polyethylene.
3. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the blend has from about
25% to about 75% by weight metallocene polyethylene polymer and
about 25% to about 75% by weight a homopolymer high density
polyethylene.
4. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the blend has from about
0.1 to about 50% by weight clarified polypropylene.
5. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the blend has from about
0.1 to about 25% by weight clarified polypropylene.
6. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the blend has from about
0.1 to about 10% by weight clarified polypropylene.
7. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the bottle has at least
10% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
8. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the bottle has at least
15% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
9. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the bottle has at least
20% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
10. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the bottle has at least
25% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
11. A bottle fabricated from two or more layers, comprising an
outer layer, a middle layer and an inner layer, wherein the outer
layer is a blend of metallocene polyethylene polymer and a
homopolymer high density polyethylene.
12. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the blend has from
about 10% to about 90% by weight metallocene polyethylene polymer
and about 10% to about 90% by weight a homopolymer high density
polyethylene.
13. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the blend has from
about 10% to about 90% by weight metallocene polyethylene polymer
and about 10% to about 90% by weight a homopolymer high density
polyethylene.
14. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the blend has from
about 0.1 to about 50% by weight clarified polypropylene.
15. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the blend has from
about 0.1 to about 25% by weight clarified polypropylene.
16. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the blend has from
about 0.1 to about 10% by weight clarified polypropylene.
17. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the bottle has at least
10% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
18. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the bottle has at least
15% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
19. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the bottle has at least
20% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
20. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the bottle has at least
25% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
21. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the middle layer is
comprised of virgin high density polyethylene.
22. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the middle layer is
comprised of at least 25% recycled resin.
23. A bottle according to claim 11, wherein the outer and inner
layer each comprise 5-20% of the total thickness of the bottle
wall.
24. A bottle comprising a downwardly extending body fabricated from
at least three layers, including an external and internal layer
wherein the external layer is a blend of metallocene polyethylene
and a homopolymer high density polyethylene and wherein said bottle
further comprises a finish having an annular mouth, said body
extending axially downwardly along a vertical axis from said finish
to a base; said body including a shoulder extending outwardly and
downwardly below said finish.
25. A bottle according to claim 24, wherein the bottle has at least
10% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
26. A bottle according to claim 24, wherein the bottle has at least
20% transmittance of light in the visible spectrum.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to transparent or translucent
bottles comprising a blend of metallocene polyethylene and a
homopolymer high density polyethylene.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One popular form of laundry detergent is the heavy duty
laundry liquid. Its popularity is due in part to the convenience of
the product form, in particular the ability to apply the detergent
readily to soiled areas of the clothes. The popularity of laundry
liquids has created a need for more convenient containers for
dispensing these products.
[0003] Laundry liquid detergents have traditionally been sold in
opaque bottles. These bottles have been improved over time to
incorporate measuring cups serving as closures, and fitments
incorporating drainage mechanisms and pouring spouts. Bottles that
are less opaque than those traditionally used have been placed on
the market recently. While these bottles are less opaque than those
traditionally used, they remain to be cloudy.
[0004] The use of bottles having greater clarity can be
aesthetically appealing to consumers as the consumer can see the
consistency of product, suspended particles if they are present,
separation of phases if a dual phase composition is present or
other aspects or properties of the laundry liquid product.
Transparent bottles may also be appealing to consumers during use
as it enables the consumer to ascertain easily how much product
remains.
[0005] It is also desired to produce bottles for heavy duty laundry
liquid detergents that have a high gloss on the outer surface. This
helps makes the product stand out from other packaging when
presented on the store shelf which helps sales of product.
[0006] It is of increasing interest, therefore, to develop a
transparent bottle that is suitable for holding liquid products
such as heavy duty laundry liquid detergent. It is of further
interest for such bottles to have a high gloss on the outer
surface.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
[0007] Efforts have been disclosed for making bottles or containers
that are more clear or transparent. Many of these efforts have
dealt with other concerns when using a clear bottle such as the
protection of the bottle and its contents from UV radiation which
may be harmful to the bottle and its contents.
[0008] For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,918 a clear bottle is
disclosed comprising UV absorber to protect the contents. WO
97/26315 (to Colgate) discloses transparent containers.
[0009] Other art such as Stehling et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,631 is
directed to interpolymer blends which may comprise linear
polyethylenes prepared by catalyst systems of the metallocene type.
It is said that the blends of the invention can be used to
advantage in all forming operations, such as blow molding,
injection molding and roto molding and that molded articles include
single and multilayered constructions in the form of bottles,
tanks, etc.
[0010] Hodgson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,439 discloses a polymer
composition comprising a blend of a very low density ethylene
polymer and a low to medium density ethylene polymer.
[0011] Metallocene catalysts may be used. The invention also
provides for films prepared from the blend which may have a single
layer construction or a laminated ABA construction wherein the A
layer comprises the blend of the invention and the B or core layer
comprises a different olefin layer such as high density
polyethylene.
[0012] Metha et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,792 is directed to heat
sealable compositions comprising a) a low melting polymer
comprising an ethylene based copolymer having a density of from
0.88 g/cm3 to about 0.915 g/cm3 and b) a propylene based polymer.
The ethylene based copolymer is produced with a metallocene
catalyst.
[0013] A Hodgson U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,075 is directed to a laminar
polyolefin film material having a base film layer which is a blend
of an olefin polymer and a very low density copolymer of ethylene.
The VLDPEs which may be used as the copolymer component of the base
or sealing layers of the film of the invention can be polymerized
with the use of metallocene catalyst systems. The films are said to
be very useful for high speed packaging operations.
[0014] Wu U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,172 discloses an elastic laminated
sheet made of a nonwoven fibrous web and an elastomeric film. The
elastomeric film may be made using metallocene catalysts.
[0015] Cheruvu et al. U.S. Pat. No.5,420,220 discloses a film of a
linear low density copolymer of ethylene (LLDPE) said to have
excellent processability, optical properties and impact strength.
The resins are said to exhibit narrower molecular weight
distribution.
[0016] The following patents relate to metallocenes: Wood et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,795, Georgelos et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,640,
Georgelos U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,613, Quantrille et al. U.S. Pat. No.
5,393,599, Agur et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,091, Petropoulos et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,109, Kioka et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,734,
Sypula et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,992 and Rim et al. U.S. Pat. No.
4,668,834.
[0017] Other containers are illustrated in Rogler et al. U.S. Pat.
No. Des. 353,541, Ring U.S. Pat. No. Des. 351,347, Ring U.S. Pat.
No. Des. 348,612, Darr et al. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 332,747, Jacobs
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 300,005, Visser U.S. Pat. No. Des. 272,318,
Platte Des. 265,797, Kaplan U.S. Pat. No. Des. 192,886, Price U.S.
Pat. No. Des 195,697, Lyons U.S. Pat. No. Des. 286,379, Gonda U.S.
Pat. No. Des. 305,407, Chambers U.S. Pat. No. Des. 306,410, Davis
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 311,864, Carmine U.S. Pat. No. Des. 312,964,
Fiore et al. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 321,624, Beechuk et al. U.S. Pat.
No. Des. 326,052, Baird et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,359, Krall et
al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,107, Mallin U.S. Pat. No. 3,385,461 and WO
94/25350.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In a first aspect, the present invention is direct to a
monolayer bottle, comprising a blend of metallocene polyethylene
polymer and a homopolymer high density polyethylene.
[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a
bottle fabricated from two or more layers, comprising an outer
layer, wherein the outer layer is a blend of metallocene
polyethylene polymer and a homopolymer high density
polyethylene.
[0020] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a
bottle fabricated from either a single layer or two or more layers,
comprising an outer layer, wherein the outer layer is a blend of
metallocene polyethylene polymer and a homopolymer high density
polyethylene, and wherein the bottle has at least 10% transmittance
of light in the visible spectrum.
[0021] In yet other aspects, the present invention is directed to a
bottle comprising a downwardly extending body that is either
monolayer or fabricated from at least two layers, including an
external and internal layer wherein the monolayer or external layer
is a blend of metallocene polyethylene polymer and a homopolymer
high density polyethylene and wherein the bottle further comprises
a finish having an annular mouth, the body extending axially
downwardly along a vertical axis from said finish to a base; the
body including a shoulder extending outwardly and downwardly below
the finish.
[0022] For purposes of this invention, in regard to bottles
comprised of at least two layers, the term "inner" layer or
"internal" layer means the most inner layer of a multilayer bottle
wall. The term "outer" layer or "external" layer means the most
outer layer of a multilayer bottle wall. The term "middle" layer
means any layer that is between the inner or outer layer of the
bottle wall.
[0023] For purposes of this invention, bottles that are said to be
"monolayer" have a bottle wall that is comprised of a single layer
which of course is also an external or outer layer.
[0024] The present invention is directed to bottles for dispensing
liquid household products such as liquid detergents and liquid
fabric softeners. The bottle may have either a monolayer or
multilayer construction wherein the monolayer or outer layer is
comprised of a blend of metallocene polyethylene polymer and a
homopolymer high density polyethylene.
[0025] In further embodiments, the bottle body is combined with
other features such as a downwardly extending body having axially
extending side panels fabricated from either a monolayer or
multiple layers. The container is preferably in the form of a
bottle having a drainback fitment. Advantageously, the bottle is
more clear and has a higher gloss than a traditional liquid laundry
bottle, but at the same time is functional as a heavy duty liquid
detergent or other dispenser. With use of the metallocene
polyethylene polymer/homopolymer high density polyethylene blend in
accordance with the invention, the bottle may be significantly more
transparent and have higher gloss without adversely affecting other
properties.
[0026] The bottles of the invention have greater clarity and higher
gloss than a traditional bottle made of polyethylene yet continue
to have properties, such as stress crack resistance, suitable for
use with liquids such as laundry liquids.
[0027] The metallocene polyethylene polymer used in the bottle of
the invention has a density of from about 0.91 g/cm.sup.3 to about
0.95, g/cm.sup.3 and preferably, from about 0.92 g/cm.sup.3 to
about 0.95 g/cm.sup.3, and most preferably, from about 0.93
g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.94 g/cm.sup.3 and includes all ranges
subsumed therein.
[0028] Metallocene polymers are described in Stehling et al. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,382,631 and Mehta et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,792, the
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Preferred metallocene polyethylene polymer include Finacene BM359
SG available from Atofina and mPact D449 available from Phillips
Chemical Company.
[0029] The homopolymer high density polyethylene used in the bottle
of the invention has a density of greater than about 0.957
g/cm.sup.3 and preferably, greater than about 0.96 g/cm.sup.3.
Preferred homopolymer high density polyethylenes have a 60.degree.
gloss greater than 20 as measured by the ASTM D 2457-03 method. A
preferred homopolymer high density polyethylene is Finathene BM 961
available from Atofina.
[0030] The bottle is also suitable for other uses, including liquid
fabric softeners, light duty liquid detergents, e.g. hand
dishwashing detergents), automatic dishwashing detergents such as
gels, chemicals, and foods.
[0031] Pouring of product from the container is believed to be
facilitated by an off-centered neck. The bottles of the various
embodiments of the invention may also include an optional handle or
other integral gripping feature.
[0032] In the multilayer embodiment of the invention, the bottle is
advantageously fabricated with certain resins. In addition to the
outer layer comprising a metallocene polyethylene
polymer/homopolymer high density polyethylene blend, it is
preferably that the middle layer employs at least 25% recycled
resin.
[0033] All percentages in this specification and claims, unless
indicated otherwise, are intended to be percentages by weight.
[0034] All numerical ranges in this specification and claims are
intended to be modified by the term about.
[0035] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that a specified
material or element is present, optionally together a further
material or element, and includes including, made up of, composed
of, consisting and/or consisting essentially of.
[0036] As used herein, "handle" refers to a structure for holding
the bottle where there is a "hole" through which the human hand can
extend. A gripping feature is a pair of indentations facilitating
the holding of the bottle by a human hand, but which does not
include a "hole."
[0037] For a more complete understanding of the above and other
features and advantages of the invention, reference should be made
to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and
to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container of the invention
with the closure fastened.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a section along the lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] Referring now particularly to the drawings, a bottle of the
invention will be described with respect to a specific embodiment.
In FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a container 2 including a bottle 6
having an integral handle 8 and a neck 10. The container 2 also
includes a drainback fitment 14. Fastened to the top of the
container 2, as viewed in FIG. 1, there is a closure or cap 12. All
of the foregoing components are preferably molded from a resilient
flexible plastic material. The materials may be selected so that
the plastic from which the drainback fitment 14 is molded is softer
than the materials from which the bottle 6 and closure 12 are
formed. Alternatively, the drainback fitment may be made of a
material of comparable hardness to that of which the closure is
made, e.g., polypropylene or HDPE.
[0041] The drainback fitment has an outer, frustoconical wall
portion 16 which gradually tapers downwardly and inwardly and is
received within the neck 10 of the bottle 6. The wall portion 16
terminates at its upper end in an annular rim 19. Rim 19 is
generally flat.
[0042] The surface of the rim turns downwardly and inwardly to form
the outer wall 24 of a circumferential well 26 surrounding a
generally frustoconical, eccentrically positioned (off-center)
spout 36, the lower periphery of which forms the inner wall 28 of
the circumferential well 26. Between the outer wall 24 and inner
wall 28 of the circumferential well 26 there is a sloping floor
30.
[0043] The outer surface of wall 16 optionally includes a retaining
ring which is spaced from and generally concentric with rim 19.
Wall 16 may include a product exit aperture (or drain port) located
above and spaced from the product drainage aperture 32. The basic
features of the fitment, bottle finish and closure are as shown in
FIG. 9 of Davidson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,009, the disclosure
of which patent is hereby incorporated by reference herein. An
appropriate product drainage aperture is illustrated in more detail
in FIG. 3 of Davidson et al.
[0044] The spout may include projections to keep the fitments
separated during stacking. Such projections may also serve to
prevent rotation of the spouts during stacking when combined with
lugs (not shown) depending from the bottom of the fitment and
situated so that they block radial movement of the stacking
projections on the next lower fitment when the fitments are
stacked.
[0045] Notch 32 and longitudinal slot 34 provide a path for
residual liquid remaining on the spout 36 or closure 12 to drain
back into the bottle 6 either directly or via the downwardly
sloping floor 30 of the circumferential well 26 under the force of
gravity when the container 2 is in an upright position.
[0046] Preferably, the container of the invention provides the
spout and drainback area in the form of the above described
fitment, separate from the body of the bottle. In the described
preferred embodiment, the fitment snaps into the container finish
so that a friction fit is obtained between the outer wall of the
fitment and a locking ridge on the inside of the container finish.
A fitment may also be provided in other ways, e.g. it may be
applied by spin welding, or by hot melt adhesive or by the EMABOND
system. An internally threaded finish may be combined with an
externally threaded closure.
[0047] The EMABOND system employs a thermoplastic gasket
impregnated with metal particles. When the gasket is in position
(between a sealing area ridge of the fitment and inside bottle neck
ledge), a sealing unit with an electro-magnetic force presses down
on the fitment and heats up the metal particles, thereby melting
the plastic gasket, and the compression welds the two components
together with a leak-proof seal.
[0048] Fitment 14 may be secured to bottle finish 68 by a friction
fit. Bottle finish 68 includes an annular mouth 70, and a locking
ridge 72. The finish includes threads 74. The fitment is inserted
into the bottle by forcing it through the opening at the bottle
mouth and pushing it until annular rim 19 of the fitment is
situated upon or above locking ridge 72. If rim 19 is above locking
ridge 72, preferably it is immediately above. In this position, the
distal end of the annular rim will be adjacent to bottle mouth 70.
Optionally, a retaining ring of the fitment helps to retain the
fitment in position by abutting the lower aspects of locking ridge
72.
[0049] If desired, the spout 36 may be provided with an anti-drip
lip. Also, it may be desirable to provide the spout with a V-shaped
pouring angle for improved control of pouring of the product.
[0050] The drainback fitment 14 may be formed from a thermoplastic
such as high density polyethylene. Or it may be made of a
polyethylene which is a product of a 50:50 blend of a high density
resin and a low density resin. The high density resin can be U.S.I.
LS 506 or a similar resin. The low density resin can be U.S.I. LS
208 or the like. Instead of a mix of resins, a low density
polyethylene such U.S.I. 241 or even a harder material such as
polypropylene may be used to form the fitment. Other plastic resins
having chemical and physical properties similar to the
aforementioned resins can be used in fabricating the drainback
fitment 14.
[0051] Although the fitment would normally be a separate piece, it
may also be formed integral to the bottle. A threaded collar could
then be spin welded onto the exterior of the bottle to mate with
the threads of the closure.
[0052] It is also contemplated that some of the embodiments may be
in the form of refill bottles which contain a plain screw cap and
no spout but which are capable of receiving a transferable spout
and self draining closure.
[0053] The closure 12 has a closed end 38 at its top which is
merged at its circumference with a downwardly extending inner
circumferential wall 46 having a surface onto which there are
integrally molded gripping teeth 42 biased to present greater
friction to the hand when the closure 12 is rotated
counterclockwise to loosen it than when it is rotated clockwise for
tightening. Alternatively, other gripping means, such as vertical
ribbings may be employed.
[0054] Complimentary fastener means in the form of threads are
provided on the closure 12 and neck 10 of the bottle 6 at their
juncture. The closure 12 has internal threads 50 which mate with
external threads 74 on the finish 68 of the bottle.
[0055] As the closure 12 is threaded onto the neck 10 of the bottle
6, the liner, if present, engages the mouth 70 of the bottle 6
thereby sealing the bottle to prevent leakage of the contents from
the container. When the liner is omitted, the top of the channel
seals against the mouth 70 of the bottle. The presence of the
fitment rim below the top of the finish permits the closure (or the
liner of the closure) to form a seal at one point at the top of the
finish. If the fitment rim extended over the top of the fitment
there would be two areas for liquid product to escape through the
seal, above and below the rim of the fitment.
[0056] As is apparent from FIG. 2, except for the spout, fitment 14
is wholly contained within the bottle 6. The entire outer wall 16
is situated below the mouth 70 of this bottle.
[0057] Although the fitment herein has been described as having a
single product exit aperture, a plurality of apertures may be
utilized.
[0058] The closure may be formed of a harder material than that
used in the drainback fitment 14. In the preferred embodiment of
the invention, the plastic material from which the closure 12 is
molded is a homopolymer polypropylene such as that sold by Phillips
Petroleum Company under the designation Phillips HLV 120-01 or may
be polypropylene copolymer.
[0059] The bottle 6 also may be formed of a material that is harder
than the material employed in the drainback fitment 14.
Alternately, the fitment may be formed of a harder material, as
where the fitment is fabricated from polypropylene.
[0060] In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the
bottle 6 is made from either a single layer (i.e. monolayer
embodiment) or multiple polymeric layers, which include either a
single layer in the monolayer embodiment or an outer layer in the
multiple layer embodiment comprising a metallocene polyethylene
polymer/homopolymer high density polyethylene blend.
[0061] The layer(s) of the bottle may be pigmented or
non-pigmented.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the bottle comprises panels
having a multilayer structure including i) an outer layer
comprising a metallocene polyethylene polymer/homopolymer high
density polyethylene blend, ii) a middle layer comprising a minimum
of 25% recycled resin, in-process regrind plus some virgin resin,
and iii) an inner layer comprising virgin natural high density
polyethylene. It is especially preferred that the features of the
individual or combined embodiments of the invention be present in a
bottle fabricated from a multilayer structure including i) an inner
layer including virgin natural high density polyethylene and
metallocene polyethylene, ii) a middle layer comprising a minimum
of 25% recycled resin, and iii) an outer layer including a
metallocene polyethylene polymer/homopolymer high density
polyethylene blend. Recycled resin is preferably HDPE homopolymer
from used milk or water bottles and possibly used detergent bottles
of about the same color.
[0063] Ranges of thicknesses preferred in a multilayer embodiment
would be 5-30% outer, 40-80% middle and 5-30% inner, with the
percentages being a percentage of the total wall thickness of the
bottle. More preferred ranges of thicknesses in a multilayer
embodiment would be 10-20% outer, 70-80% middle and 10-20% inner,
with the percentages being a percentage of the total wall thickness
of the bottle. A useful arrangement (percentage thickness) of
layers is expected to be 10% outer layer, 80% middle layer and 10%
inner layer.
[0064] It is further preferred that the middle layer of a
multilayer bottle be a high density polyethylene. This will assist
in making the container more resistant to top load pressure.
Examples of materials which may be used include Paxon AU55-003, a
medium molecular weight distribution high density polyethylene
copolymer available from Paxon Polymer Company of Baton Rouge, La.,
and Paxon AC45-004, a high density polyethylene copolymer available
from Paxon Polymer Company. Either of the above may advantageously
be used in conjunction with a percentage, say 25% of a recycled
resin, i.e., a post-consumer recycled resin (PCR) such as a high
density polyethylene bottle scrap.
[0065] In a multilayer embodiment, a preferred resins for the
middle layer is Chevron virgin 9402 PCR polyethylene homopolymer
(employs recycled PE). A preferred resin useful in blends for the
inner layer is Chevron 9301 polyethylene.
[0066] While trilayer structures will generally be preferred,
quadlayer or other multilayer structures may also be used. While it
will generally be preferred that inner and/or outer layer(s) be
virgin (i.e. not recycled resin), the inner and/or outer layer(s)
may include some recycled resin. Where the inner and/or outer
layer(s) includes recycled resin, one candidate will be blends
containing LLDPE from recycled pallet stretch film. Other good
candidates include LLDPE and LLDPE/HDPE blends, metallocene
polyethylene (MPE) (e.g., Exxon's Exact) and MPE/HDPE blends. It
will generally be preferred that the middle layer include at least
25% PCR. A foamed HDPE middle layer may also be used.
[0067] The use of a neck or finish which is displaced from the
center is believed to facilitate pouring of product from the
container. To determine whether a neck finish is off-center for the
purposes of the invention, one measures the distance from one side
to the other of the bottle's length, measured at the point of
maximum length, i.e., the maximum horizontal dimension when the
container is standing on its base. Then one determines the center
point of that distance from one side to the other. The next step is
to ascertain where the center point of the container finish, ie the
center of the bottle mouth, falls along the line drawn from one
side of the container to the other at its longest length. The
percentage displacement is calculated by subtracting the distance
in position between the center point of the finish and the center
of the container length at its widest point and dividing that
figure by the length of the bottle at its widest point.
[0068] An example of the percentage displacement calculation is as
follows. If the container has its maximum length at the bottom, and
the length of the bottom is 16 cm, and a vertical line drawn
through the center of the finish intersects the length line at 10.6
cm, the calculation is as follows: (10.6 minus 8 (the midpoint of
the length)), divided by 16. The result is 16.25%. For the purposes
of the invention, a neck finish is considered off center if the
displacement percentage is greater than 3%. Preferred displacements
are from 3% through 20%. Especially preferred is if the percentage
is from 5%-20%.
[0069] Bottles made in accordance with the present invention have
at least 10% transmittance of light through a 1 mm thick sample at
a wavelength 410-800 nanometers (i.e. visible light spectrum)
wherein the composition is substantially free of dyes. For purposes
of the invention, as long as one wavelength in the visible light
range has greater than 10% transmittance, it is considered to be
transparent. Preferably, bottles in accordance with the present
invention will have at least 15%, and more preferably 20%, and most
preferably 25% transmittance of light through a 1 mm thick sample
at a wavelength of 410-800 nanometers. For purposes of the
invention, as long as one wavelength in the visible light spectrum
has transmittance greater than a designated amount x, it is
considered to have a transmittance of at least that amount x in the
visible light spectrum. This transmittance can be easily measured
by placing a sample having a thickness of 1 mm in the light beam
path of a UV-VIS Spectrophotometer such as the Hewlett-Packard
8451A Diode Array Spectrophotometer.
[0070] The bottles of the present invention have superior gloss.
Preferably the bottle exterior surface has a 60.degree. gloss
greater than 20 as measured by the ASTM D 2457-03 method.
[0071] The examples that follow are provided to facilitate an
understanding of the present invention. The examples are not
intended to limit the scope of the claims.
EXAMPLE 1
[0072] Example 1 is a bottles having a monolayer structure that is
made of a metallocene polyethylene polymer/homopolymer high density
polyethylene blend. The metallocene polythylene polymer and
homopolymer high density polythylene are both present in the blend
at 50% by weight of the blend. The metallocene polyethylene polymer
is Atofina Finacene BM359 SG. The homopolymer high density
polyethylene used is Atofina Finathene BM961.
EXAMPLE 2
[0073] Example 2 is a bottle having a trilayer structure wherein
the outer layer is made of a metallocene polyethylene
polymer/homopolymer high density polyethylene blend. The
metallocene polyethylene polymer/homopolymer high density
polyethylene blend is the same 50/50 blend as used in Example 1.
The various layers of the bottle are as illustrated in Table 1.
1 TABLE 1 Example 2 Outer layer 50% metallocene polyethylene.sup.1
50% homopolymer high density polyethylene.sup.2 Middle layer 25%
PCR.sup.3 50% regrind.sup.4 25% virgin HDPE.sup.5 Inner layer
Virgin HDPE.sup.5 .sup.1Metallocene polyethylene is Finacene BM359
SG by Atofina. .sup.2Homopolymer high density polyethylene is
Finathene BM961 by Atofina. .sup.3Grade 1 PCR homopolymer by KR
Plastics. .sup.4Regrind is a blend of the other ingredients of the
respective sample. .sup.5Paxon AM55-003.
[0074] In example 2 the outer and inner layers have a thickness of
10% of the total wall thickness. The middle layer has a thickness
of 80% of the total wall thickness.
[0075] It was surprisingly found that bottles comprising a
metallocene polyethylene polymer/homopolymer high density
polyethylene blend had very high gloss and very good clarity
(transparency).
[0076] Advantageously, the bottle of the invention can be made on a
wheel machine, i.e., a high speed production blow molding
apparatus, or a Uniloy brand or other shuttle machine. A "wheel"
machine rotates and clamps around a continuously extruded
comparison. Bottles are ejected after forming.
[0077] It will be apparent that the pouring fitment and container
of the invention may be used for liquid laundry and other
detergents, fabric softeners and many other types of liquid
household and other products.
[0078] It should be understood, of course, that the specific forms
of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to
be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein
without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure.
Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended
claims in determining the full scope of the invention.
* * * * *