U.S. patent application number 11/453258 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for container having a smooth finish.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graham Packaging Company, LP. Invention is credited to David W. Cargile, Gilles Perez, Bob Stoolmaker.
Application Number | 20060283827 11/453258 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38510398 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060283827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perez; Gilles ; et
al. |
December 21, 2006 |
Container having a smooth finish
Abstract
A container defines a longitudinal axis, and comprises a neck,
and a finish merging with the neck. The finish comprises a first
lip, a second lip spaced apart from the first lip in a direction
that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a
curved portion connecting the first lip with the second lip.
Inventors: |
Perez; Gilles; (Vourles,
FR) ; Cargile; David W.; (Lancaster, PA) ;
Stoolmaker; Bob; (York, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20043-9998
US
|
Assignee: |
Graham Packaging Company,
LP
York
PA
|
Family ID: |
38510398 |
Appl. No.: |
11/453258 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11015645 |
Dec 20, 2004 |
|
|
|
11453258 |
Jun 15, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/45 ;
215/321 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/0246 20130101;
B65D 77/2024 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/045 ;
215/321 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/00 20060101
B65D041/00 |
Claims
1. A container defining a longitudinal axis, the container
comprising: a neck; a finish merging with said neck, said finish
comprising: a first lip; a second lip spaced apart from said first
lip in a direction that is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis; and a curved portion connecting said first lip
with said second lip.
2. The container according to claim 1, further comprising: a
sidewall merging with said neck; and a base merging with said
sidewall.
3. The container according to claim 1, wherein said second lip
comprises an edge, and said neck is positioned at a first radial
distance from the longitudinal axis, and the edge of said second
lip is positioned at a second radial distance from the longitudinal
axis.
4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the second radial
distance is greater than or equal to the first radial distance.
5. The container according to claim 3, wherein the second radial
distance is less than the first radial distance.
6. The container according to claim 1, wherein said second lip
collapses towards said first lip while thermosealing a lid to the
container.
7. The container according to claim 6, wherein said first and
second lips each comprise an inner portion and wherein the inner
portion of said second lip touches the inner portion of said first
lip when said second lip collapses towards said first lip.
8. The container according to claim 6, wherein said first lip
comprises an inner portion and said second lip comprises an inner
portion and wherein the edge of said second lip touches the inner
portion of said first lip when said second lip collapses towards
said first lip.
9. A sealed container made by the method of: providing a container
according to claim 1; and thermosealing a lid to said
container.
10. The container according to claim 9, wherein said first and
second lips each comprise an inner portion and wherein the inner
portion of said second lip touches the inner portion of said first
lip when said second lip collapses towards said first lip during
said thermosealing.
11. The container according to claim 9, wherein said first lip
comprises an inner portion and said second lip comprises an inner
portion and wherein the edge of said second lip touches the inner
portion of said first lip when said second lip collapses towards
said first lip during said thermosealing.
12. A method for sealing a container, comprising: providing a
container defining a longitudinal axis and having a neck, a finish
merging with said neck, said finish comprising a first lip
connected to said neck, a second lip spaced apart from said first
lip in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis,
and a curved portion connecting said first lip with said second
lip; and thermosealing a lid to the container.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said first and second
lips each comprise an inner portion and wherein the inner portion
of said second lip touches the inner portion of said first lip when
said second lip collapses towards said first lip during said
thermosealing.
14. The container according to claim 12, wherein said first lip
comprises an inner portion and said second lip comprises an inner
portion and wherein the edge of said second lip touches the inner
portion of said first lip when said second lip collapses towards
said first lip during said thermosealing.
15. A finish for a plastic container defining a longitudinal axis,
said finish comprising: a first lip; a second lip spaced apart from
said first lip in a direction that is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis; and a curved portion connecting said first lip
with said second lip.
16. The finish according to claim 15, wherein said first and second
lips each comprise an inner portion and wherein the inner portion
of said second lip touches the inner portion of said first lip when
said second lip collapses towards said first lip when a heat or
pressure is applied to the container.
17. The finish according to claim 15, wherein said first lip
comprises an inner portion and said second lip comprises an inner
portion and wherein the edge of said second lip touches the inner
portion of said first lip when said second lip collapses towards
said first lip when heat is applied to the container.
18. A plastic container comprising: a finish according to claim 15;
a container sidewall merging with said finish; and a base merging
with said sidewall.
19. The finish according to claim 15, wherein said second lip
comprises an edge, and said neck is positioned at a first radial
distance from the longitudinal axis, and the edge of said second
lip is positioned at a second radial distance from the longitudinal
axis.
20. The container according to claim 19, wherein the second radial
distance is greater than or equal to the first radial distance.
21. The container according to claim 19, wherein said second lip
collapses towards said first lip while thermosealing a lid to the
container.
22. The container according to claim 19, wherein the second radial
distance is less than the first radial distance.
23. The container according to claim 1, wherein said second lip has
a thickness of between 0.1 and 1.0 mm.
24. The finish according to claim 15, wherein said second lip has a
thickness of between 0.1 and 1.0.
25. A container defining a longitudinal axis, the container
comprising: an upper portion including a finish, said finish
comprising: a first lip extending about the longitudinal axis and
defining a first inner radial distance from the longitudinal axis;
and a second lip interconnected with said first lip, said second
lip extending about the longitudinal axis and defining a second
inner radial distance from the longitudinal axis, said second inner
radial distance being larger than said first inner radial distance;
wherein said second lip is spaced apart from said first lip in a
direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
26. The container according to claim 25, wherein said second lip
comprises an inner edge that defines said second inner radial
distance.
27. The container according to claim 26, wherein said inner edge is
formed during a container trimming operation.
28. The container according to claim 25, wherein said first lip
comprises a curved wall portion of said finish, and said curved
wall portion defines said first inner radial distance.
29. The container according to claim 28, wherein said curved wall
portion is formed during molding of the container.
30. The container according to claim 25, further comprising: a
sidewall merging with said upper portion; and a base merging with
said sidewall.
31. The container according to claim 25, wherein said second lip
collapses toward said first lip while thermosealing a lid to the
container.
32. A sealed container made by the method of: providing a container
according to claim 25; and thermosealing a lid to said second
finish.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/015,645, filed Dec. 20, 2004,
the entire content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a finish for a
plastic container, and more particularly, to a smooth,
user-friendly finish for a plastic container.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Plastic containers, such as polyolefin or PET containers,
may be used for packaging food, dairy, and other drinkable
products. Such containers can be sealed at the opening in the neck
using a conventional closure such as a screw-on or push-on lid.
Additionally or alternatively, these containers can be thermosealed
with a suitable lid, for example, a foil lid. A thermosealed lid is
designed to be pulled off to allow access to the contents of the
container. Once opened, the contents can be, for example, drank
directly from the container or, in the case of larger containers,
spooned, poured, or grasped from the container.
[0006] In designing plastic containers, the integrity of the lip of
the container may be critical in obtaining a good seal with the
closure. This is most commonly accomplished by increasing the
thickness of the lip. Additionally, lip thickness may assist in
improving the top-loading capabilities of the container. Another
issue that can arise with container lip design is that the inner
edge of the lip (which is usually formed by a trimming operation)
can present a sharp edge. This sharp edge can be uncomfortable
and/or dangerous to the consumer, whether they are drinking
directly from the container, or grasping product located within the
container.
[0007] Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a plastic
container and/or a container finish that overcomes these and other
shortcomings of the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a container defines a longitudinal axis, and comprises a
neck, a finish merging with said neck, said finish comprising a
first lip, a second lip spaced apart from said first lip in a
direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis,
and a curved portion connecting said first lip with said second
lip.
[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a method for sealing a container comprises providing a
container defining a longitudinal axis and having a neck and a
finish merging with said neck, the finish comprising a first lip
connected to said neck, a second lip spaced apart from said first
lip in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis,
and a curved portion connecting said first lip with said second
lip; and thermosealing a lid to the container.
[0010] According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a finish for a plastic container defining a longitudinal
axis comprises a first lip, a second lip spaced apart from said
first lip in a direction that is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis, and a curved portion connecting said first lip
with said second lip.
[0011] According to still another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, a container defining a longitudinal axis
comprises an upper portion including a finish, said finish
comprising a first lip extending about the longitudinal axis and
defining a first inner radial distance from the longitudinal axis,
and a second lip interconnected with said first lip, said second
lip extending about the longitudinal axis and defining a second
inner radial distance from the longitudinal axis, said second inner
radial distance being larger than said first inner radial distance.
The second lip is spaced apart from said first lip in a direction
substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
[0012] Further objectives and advantages, as well as the structure
and function of preferred embodiments will become apparent from a
consideration of the description, drawings, and examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference
numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or
structurally similar elements.
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a prior art
container according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a prior art
container according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3a depicts an exemplary embodiment of a container
according to the present invention before sealing;
[0017] FIG. 3b depicts an exemplary embodiment of a container
according to the present invention after sealing;
[0018] FIG. 4a depicts an exemplary embodiment of a container
according to the present invention before sealing;
[0019] FIG. 4b depicts an exemplary embodiment of a container
according to the present invention after sealing;
[0020] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a container
according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a side, cross-sectional view of a portion of
the container of FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged portion of the cross-section of
FIG. 6; and
[0023] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the container of
FIGS. 5-7 after sealing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below.
In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the
sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be
limited to the specific terminology so selected. While specific
exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that
this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in
the relevant art will recognize that other components and
configurations can be used without parting from the spirit and
scope of the invention. All references cited herein are
incorporated by reference as if each had been individually
incorporated.
[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a
plastic container, such as a polyolefin or PET container. Exemplary
containers according to the present invention can include a very
thin lip that is adapted for thermosealing at high sealing
temperatures without undesirable deformation. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, two lips of the neck of a container
may stick together to give a strong resistance to lip deformation.
Additionally or alternatively, exemplary containers according to
the present invention can include features for attaching a lid to
the container, such as threads or press-on features. Additionally
or alternatively, the container finish can include two or more lips
of varying inner radii in order to present the consumer with
smoothly contoured contact surface when consuming products from the
container.
[0026] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a prior art container 100
having a sealing lip 101 for receiving a thermosealed lid (not
shown). Container 100 has a neck 102 that includes a neck flange
103 that merges with the sealing lip 101. When thermosealing
container 100, sealing lip 101 must be thick enough so that the
sealing temperature doesn't soften the plastic and cause the
sealing lip 101 to sink into the container before foil sealing.
When softening occurs, the top surface of the sealing lip 101 can
bend and the edge 104 can curl into the interior of the container.
As a result, the top surface, where the seal would be formed, is
curved and thus has less surface area for bonding to the foil seal.
As a result, the seal can fail resulting in a rejected container.
To prevent the sealing lip 101 from sinking into container 100, the
lip is typically 0.5 to 1.0 mm thick, for example. Such a
thickness, however, results in an increase in the amount of plastic
used to make the container, which, in turn, causes the container to
be heavier and more expensive to construct.
[0027] The flange 103 serves several purposes in such a container.
First, it provides a contact point for support on a filling line.
Second, the flange provides top load strength for storing and
stacking containers. However, the flange adds weight to the
container that is not necessarily required for structural support
of the container itself. Another disadvantage of the flange 103 is
that it creates a concave inner surface in which the contained
product can become entrapped during storage or use, or can be hard
to remove when poured from the container.
[0028] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a prior art container 200
having a sealing lip 201 and a neck 202 merging with sealing lip
201. Although the container 200 avoids the weight of an added
flange, the design of the lip 201 and edge 204 suffers the same
drawbacks as container 100 with lid 101 and edge 104. As similarly
discussed above with respect to container 100, when thermosealing
container 200, sealing lip 201 must be thick enough so that the
sealing temperature doesn't soften the plastic and cause the
sealing lip 201 to sink into the container before foil sealing. To
prevent the sealing lip 121 from sinking into container 200, the
lip must be, for example, 0.5 to 1.0 mm thick. Such a thickness,
however, results in an increase in the amount of plastic used to
make the container, which, in turn, causes the container to be
heavier and more expensive to construct.
[0029] The sealing lips 101, 201 in these prior art containers
suffer several drawbacks. For example, the edge 104, 204 can be
relatively sharp, causing discomfort when a consumer drinks from
the container. The sharpness of the edge 104, 204 can also be
increased during the thermosealing process as the lip 101, 201
softens during sealing. Additionally, as previously mentioned, the
edge 104, 204 of the lip 101, 201 can curl downward during
thermosealing, resulting in an incompetent seal and a leaking
container. Although making the lips thicker results in a more
competent seal and less curling, it does not typically prevent
sharpening of the edge 104, 204, and adds undesirable weight to the
container. A finish having a lip according to the present invention
avoids these and other drawbacks of known lips.
[0030] FIG. 3a depicts an exemplary embodiment of a thermosealable
container 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Container 300 can have a finish 308 that includes an upper lip 301,
a lower lip 302, a curved portion 303, a neck 304. Container 300
also includes a sidewall 305. As shown in FIG. 3a, neck 304 merges
with sidewall 305; lower lip 302 merges with neck 304; curved
portion 303 merges with lower lip 302; and upper lip 301 merges
with curved portion 303. In such an embodiment, upper lip 301 and
lower lip 302 are substantially horizontal such that the upper lip
is spaced apart at a distance S from the lower lip in a direction
that is substantially perpendicular to the lower lip. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, upper lip and lower lip may
be from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm thick. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the distance S can be about 0.5 to 5.0 mm.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3a, upper lip 301 has an edge 306 that may
be a sharp edge prior to thermosealing container 300 with a foil
seal, for example. Further, container 300 has a longitudinal axis A
that extends substantially through the center of container 300. In
an exemplary embodiment of the invention, neck 304 be located at a
distance D.sub.1, measured radially from longitudinal axis A and
edge 306 can be located at a distance D.sub.2 measured radially
from longitudinal axis A. In such an embodiment, distance D.sub.2
may be greater than or equal to D.sub.1.
[0032] FIG. 3b depicts container 300 after it has been
thermosealed. As shown in FIG. 3b, when heat is applied during
thermosealing, the plastic softens and upper lip 301 can collapse
towards lower lip 302. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
edge 306 may contact lower lip 302, effectively removing the
sharpness of edge 306 and creating a "soft" edge from the curve
that connects the neck 304 with the lower lip 302. Because upper
lip 301 and lower lip 302 are both substantially horizontal, when
heat is applied during sealing, the degree to which the upper lip
sinks into the container is limited by the lower lip 302. Instead
of bending excessively, the upper lip 301 can contact lower lip 302
and, due to softening that occurs during sealing, the upper lip 301
and lower lip 302 can adhere to one another to give a strong lip
resistance. Such a container may also provide a lightweight, thin
lip that remains top-load resistant.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3b, after thermosealing, the resulting
sealed lip 301, 302 can have a substantially flat surface for
sealing. Contrary to the prior art lips, which after thermosealing
can have a curved surface, container 300 provides a flat surface
307 for thermosealing that provides more surface area for sealing
the foil to the upper lip 301. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, to create this flat surface 307, for example, heat may
be applied during thermosealing reaches the finish of container
300, softening upper lip 301 and curved portion 303. When the upper
lip 301 is heated during sealing, space S may act as an insulator
between upper lip 301 and lower lip 302, so that lower lip 302 does
not soften excessively, maintaining the integrity and structure of
the lower lip and maintaining a substantially flat surface for
accepting the seal. When this happens, upper lip 301 and curve 303
may collapse towards lower lip 302 and cause upper lip 301 to stick
to lower lip 302.
[0034] The resulting container 300, as shown in FIG. 3b, provides
other advantages over the prior art containers shown in FIGS. 1 and
2. For example, in container 300, no product becomes trapped
because container 300 does not have a neck flange or some other
welled area for trapping product. Additionally, the sharp edge is
eliminated because edge 306 merges into lower lip 302, while at the
same time, a flat surface 307 for thermosealing is maintained.
[0035] In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, distance
D.sub.2 may be less than D.sub.1. In such an embodiment, the upper
lip of the container must be sufficiently bendable so as to prevent
a sharp edge. FIG. 4a depicts an exemplary embodiment of a
thermosealable container 400 according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Container 400 can have a finish 408 that
includes an upper lip 401, a lower lip 402, a curved portion 403, a
neck 404. Container 400 also includes a sidewall 405. As shown in
FIG. 4a, neck 404 merges with sidewall 405; lower lip 402 merges
with neck 404; curved portion 403 merges with lower lip 402; and
upper lip 401 merges with curved portion 402.
[0036] In such an embodiment, upper lip 401 and lower lip 402 are
substantially horizontal such that the upper lip is spaced apart at
a distance S from the lower lip in a direction that is
substantially perpendicular to the lower lip. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, upper lip and lower lip may be from
0.1 mm to 0.5 mm thick. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the distance S can be about 0.5 to 5.0 mm.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4a, upper lip 401 has an edge 406 that may
be a sharp edge prior to thermosealing container 400 with a foil
seal, for example. Further, container 400 has a longitudinal axis A
that extends substantially through the center of container 400. In
an exemplary embodiment of the invention, neck 404 be located at a
distance D.sub.1, measured radially from longitudinal axis A and
edge 406 can be located at a distance D.sub.2 measured radially
from longitudinal axis A. In such an embodiment, distance D.sub.2
may be less than D.sub.1.
[0038] FIG. 4b depicts container 400 after it has been
thermosealed. Prior to thermosealing, a distance D.sub.2 may be
less than D.sub.1 as described with respect to FIG. 4a. As shown in
FIG. 4b, when heat is applied during thermosealing, the plastic
softens and upper lip 401 can collapse towards lower lip 402.
Substantially at about the same time, edge 406 of container 400 can
bend into container 400 and extend down into the container. The
resulting container 400, as shown in FIG. 4b includes a flat edge
407 for thermosealing and eliminates the problems caused by having
sharp edge because the upper lip bends into the container in such a
manner that the edge will not be touched by the mouth of a
consumer.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, another exemplary embodiment of a
container according to the present invention is shown. The
container 500 of FIGS. 5-8 can be used with a thermosealed lid, as
described above in connection with previous embodiments, or
alternatively, can be used with screw-on, press-on, or other known
lid types. As shown in FIG. 5, container 500 can include a sidewall
505 having a base 550 attached at its lower end. Container 500 can
also include an upper portion including a neck 504 and a finish
508. Container 500 can define a longitudinal axis A.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper portion of container
500 is shown in cross-section. As shown, the finish 508 can include
an upper lip 501 and a lower lip 502. The upper lip 501 can
comprise a generally horizontal surface that extends about the
longitudinal axis A and terminates in an inner edge 506. Upper lip
501 and/or inner edge 506 can be formed, for example, when the
container is trimmed, for example, using a trim blade, reamer, or
other device, however, other methods for forming these parts are
also possible. The lower lip 502 can comprise a radially-inward
projection formed by an inwardly curved wall portion of the finish
508. This curved wall portion can be formed, for example, during
molding of the container (e.g., blow molding or injection molding),
however, other methods for forming this part are also possible. As
shown, the upper lip 501 and the lower lip 502 are interconnected,
for example, by an integral curved portion 509. The upper lip 501
can be spaced apart from the lower lip 502 substantially along the
longitudinal axis A.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, the finish 508 can include an optional
neck flange 503. Alternatively or additionally, the finish 508 can
include threads, ridges, or other known features for retaining a
screw-on, press-on, or other type of closure to the container
500.
[0042] Referring in particular to FIG. 6, the inner edge 506 of the
upper lip 501 can define a first inner radial distance X1 from the
longitudinal axis A. The curved wall portion of the lower lip 502
can likewise define a second inner radial distance X2 from the
longitudinal axis A. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
second inner radial distance X2 can be smaller than the first inner
radial distance X1. According to this exemplary embodiment, the
relatively smooth, curved surface of the lower lip 502 defines a
smaller diameter than the inner edge 506 of the upper lip 501, and
can prevent a user from contacting inner edge 506 when dispensing
products from container 500 (e.g., drinking a liquid from the
container or grasping solid products from the container). This
feature can also be beneficial when filling solid products into the
container 500 (e.g., pickles), as it can prevent the solid products
from being damaged. Thereby, the container 500 can present a user
with a relatively smooth, curved surface defined by lower lip 502
when they are consuming products from container 500.
[0043] As discussed above, container 500 can be sealed by
thermosealing a lid, such as a foil lid (not shown) to the upper
lip 501. Further details on this process are provided above with
respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 3-4, and apply equally to the
embodiment of FIGS. 5-8. Additionally or alternatively, a screw-on
or press-on lid may be provided for use with container 500.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of container
500 is shown after a lid (not shown) is thermosealed onto the
finish 508. As discussed above with respect to the embodiments of
FIGS. 3-4, the upper lip 501 can collapse down onto the lower lip
502 during thermosealing, to provide a stronger sealing surface for
the lid, and/or to improve the top load capacity of the container
500. Additional details regarding this process are described above
in connection with FIGS. 3-4. Also, one of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the upper lip 501 and lower lip 502 can
alternatively maintain the positions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 during
thermosealing and/or any other type of capping process that may be
implemented.
[0045] Containers according to embodiments of the present invention
may be manufactured using current blow molding equipment and does
not require any adjustments to the blower or the demoiler, for
example. All that is required is replacement of the neck region
mold. For example, containers incorporating the structure of the
present invention can be extrusion blow molded from a polyolefin
material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), PET, or other known
materials. The material used to form the container can be single
layered or multi-layered, as is known in the art. As is known, the
containers can incorporate layers of different plastics, or
additives in one or more layers, to improve the gas barrier
properties of the container. Small lightweight containers can be
formed in an end to end fashion, with the necks connected by a moil
that is trimmed away in separating the containers. As will be
appreciated by persons skilled in the art, materials or methods
other than those described herein are encompassed by embodiments of
the present invention.
[0046] Containers according to embodiments of the present invention
can be filled and processed on the same equipment as prior art
containers. For example, the lower lip 302 of container 300 can
curve outwardly from the neck 304, providing a surface for support
during filling operations. Also, top loading performance can be
improved without the use of a flange. This is possible because the
product can be filled closer to the top of the container which
helps aid in support.
[0047] Lightweighting of containers according to exemplary
embodiments of the invention can be significant. In an exemplary
100 cc container with a height of about 10 cm and a diameter of
about 2-4 cm and having a flange, as shown in FIG. 1, for example,
the weight of the container may be reduced from about 7 g to about
5 g, a reduction of about 28%. Similarly, in an exemplary 125 cc
container with a height of about 5 cm and a diameter of about 6 cm,
as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the weight of the container may be
reduced from about 6 g to about 4.5 g, a reduction of about 25%.
While weight reductions of 25-30% are possible, particularly for
small lightweight containers, weight reductions of up to 10% or
more, or even 20% or more can be realized with larger containers as
well.
[0048] The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this
specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art
the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention.
Nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the
scope of the present invention. All examples presented are
representative and non-limiting. The above-described embodiments of
the invention may be modified or varied, without departing from the
invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of
the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within
the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
* * * * *