U.S. patent application number 11/227490 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for container with improved waist.
This patent application is currently assigned to GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.. Invention is credited to David Heisner.
Application Number | 20070062907 11/227490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37883013 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070062907 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heisner; David |
March 22, 2007 |
Container with improved waist
Abstract
A container defining a central axis and comprising a finish and
a base located at opposite ends of the central axis, a sidewall
located between the finish and the base, a dome located between the
finish and the base, and a waist located between the dome and the
sidewall. The waist includes a substantially flat wall portion that
extends substantially parallel to the central axis. The
substantially flat wall portion can have branding located thereon.
Alternatively, the substantially flat wall portion can provide a
gripping surface.
Inventors: |
Heisner; David; (York,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20043-9998
US
|
Assignee: |
GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY,
L.P.
2401 Pleasant Valley Road
York
PA
17402
|
Family ID: |
37883013 |
Appl. No.: |
11/227490 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/382 ;
215/379; 215/384 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/102 20130101;
B65D 2501/0036 20130101; B65D 1/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/382 ;
215/379; 215/384 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/02 20060101
B65D090/02 |
Claims
1. A container defining a central axis and comprising: a finish and
a base located at opposite ends of the central axis; a sidewall
located between the finish and the base; a dome located between the
finish and the base; and a waist located between the dome and the
sidewall, wherein the waist includes a substantially flat wall
portion that extends substantially parallel to the central
axis.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the substantially flat wall
portion defines a substantially vertical ring that extends around
the central axis.
3. The container of claim 1, further comprising a bumper, wherein
the waist is located between the bumper and the dome.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the dome defines a first
height substantially parallel to the central axis, the
substantially flat wall portion defines a second height
substantially parallel to the central axis, and the second height
is at least about 20% of the first height.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the second height is at least
about 30% of the first height.
6. The container of claim 4, wherein the second height is at least
about 40% of the first height.
7. The container of claim 1, further comprising branding located on
the substantially flat wall portion.
8. The container of claim 7, wherein the branding is embossed on
the substantially flat wall portion.
9. The container of claim 7, further comprising a film located on
the substantially flat wall portion, wherein the branding is
located on the film.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the substantially flat wall
portion provides a gripping surface.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is hot
filled.
12. A container comprising: a finish and a base located at opposite
ends of the container; a sidewall extending from the base; a dome
extending from the finish; and a waist located between the sidewall
and the dome, wherein the waist includes a substantially flat wall
portion having branding located thereon.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein the branding is embossed on
the substantially flat wall portion.
14. The container of claim 12, further comprising a film located on
the substantially flat wall portion, wherein the branding is
located on the film.
15. The container of claim 12, wherein the container defines a
central axis between the finish and the base, and the substantially
flat wall portion defines a substantially vertical ring that
extends around the central axis.
16. The container of claim 12, further comprising a bumper, wherein
the waist is located between the bumper and the dome.
17. The container of claim 12, wherein the container defines a
central axis between the finish and the base, the dome defines a
first height substantially parallel to the central axis, the
substantially flat wall portion defines a second height
substantially parallel to the central axis, and the second height
is at least about 20% of the first height.
18. The container of claim 17, wherein the second height is at
least about 30% of the first height.
19. The container of claim 17, wherein the second height is at
least about 40% of the first height.
20. The container of claim 12, wherein the substantially flat wall
portion provides a gripping surface.
21. The container of claim 12, wherein the container is hot
filled.
22. A container comprising: a finish and a base located at opposite
ends of the container; a sidewall extending from the base; a dome
extending from the finish; and a waist located between the sidewall
and the dome, wherein the waist includes a substantially flat wall
portion that provides a gripping surface.
23. The container of claim 22, wherein the container defines a
central axis between the finish and the base, and the substantially
flat wall portion defines a substantially vertical ring that
extends around the central axis.
24. The container of claim 22, wherein the container defines a
central axis between the finish and the base, the dome defines a
first height substantially parallel to the central axis, the
substantially flat wall portion defines a second height
substantially parallel to the central axis, and the second height
is at least about 20% of the first height.
25. The container of claim 24, wherein the second height is at
least about 30% of the first height.
26. The container of claim 24, wherein the second height is at
least about 40% of the first height.
27. The container of claim 22, further comprising branding located
on the substantially flat wall portion.
28. The container of claim 27, wherein the branding is embossed on
the substantially flat wall portion.
29. The container of claim 27, further comprising a film located on
the substantially flat wall portion, wherein the branding is
located on the film.
30. The container of claim 22, wherein the container is hot filled.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to containers, and
more particularly, to plastic containers having an improved,
multi-functional waist design.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Containers, and particularly plastic containers, are
subjected to varying forces during filling, sealing, and storage of
the container. For example, hot-filled containers often experience
an internal vacuum that occurs as a result of shrinkage of the
contents as they cool. This can result in distortion of the
container, for example, ovalization of a round container. In order
to withstand these kinds of forces, containers are typically
provided with a reduced-diameter "waist" structure that extends
around the sidewall of the container in a direction perpendicular
to the central axis of the container. The waist structure increases
the hoop strength of the container. Prior art waist structures
normally include a tightly radiused indentation when viewed from
the side of the container. This type of known waist structure can
be undesirable from a design standpoint. In addition, the known
waist structure can occupy a relatively large portion of the
container that could otherwise be used for aesthetic purposes, for
example, branding. Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a
container having an improved waist structure that overcomes the
shortcomings of conventional designs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to a container. According to
one exemplary embodiment, the container defines a central axis and
comprises a finish and a base located at opposite ends of the
central axis, a sidewall located between the finish and the base, a
dome located between the finish and the base, and a waist located
between the dome and the sidewall, wherein the waist includes a
substantially flat wall portion that extends substantially parallel
to the central axis.
[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the substantially
flat wall portion can define a substantially vertical ring that
extends around the central axis.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the container
can further include a bumper, with the waist located between the
bumper and the dome.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the dome can
define a first height substantially parallel to the central axis,
the substantially flat wall portion can define a second height
substantially parallel to the central axis, and the second height
can be at least about 20% of the first height. Preferably, the
second height can be at least about 30% of the first height. More
preferably, the second height can be at least about 40% of the
first height.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the container
can further include branding located on the substantially flat wall
portion. For example, the branding can be embossed on the
substantially flat wall portion. Additionally or alternatively, the
branding can be located on a film located on the substantially flat
wall portion.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the
substantially flat wall portion can provide a gripping surface.
[0011] According to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the container comprises a finish and a base located at opposite
ends of the container, a sidewall extending from the base, a dome
extending from the finish, and a waist located between the sidewall
and the dome, wherein the waist includes a substantially flat wall
portion having branding located thereon.
[0012] According to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the container comprises a finish and a base located at opposite
ends of the container, a sidewall extending from the base, a dome
extending from the finish, and a waist located between the sidewall
and the dome, wherein the waist includes a substantially flat wall
portion that provides a gripping surface.
[0013] 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
[0014] 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.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment
of a container according to the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] 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.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a
container 10 according to the present invention is shown. Container
10 can be used to package a wide variety of liquid, viscous or
solid products including, for example, juices, other beverages,
yogurt, sauces, pudding, lotions, soaps in liquid or gel form, and
bead shaped objects such as candy.
[0019] Container 10 generally includes a base 12, a sidewall 14, a
dome 16, and a finish 18. Container 10 defines a central axis A
that extends along the center of the container between the base 12
and the finish 18, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The base 12 can be
adapted to support container 10 in an upright position (shown) on a
substantially flat surface, such as, for example, a table or desk.
The finish 18 can be adapted to secure a closure, such as a cap or
a spout, to container 10. For example, finish 18 can include a
plurality of threads 20 that can engage corresponding threads
provided on the closure.
[0020] The sidewall 14, as shown, is substantially tubular and has
a substantially circular cross-sectional shape in a plane
perpendicular to the central axis A, although other cross-sectional
shapes are possible. Alternative cross-sectional shapes can
include, for example, an oval transverse cross-section; a
substantially square transverse cross-section; other substantially
polygonal transverse cross-sectional shapes such as triangular,
pentagonal, etc.; or combinations of curved and arced shapes with
linear shapes. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art, when the container has a substantially polygonal
transverse cross-sectional shape, the corners of the polygon are
typically rounded or chamfered. The sidewall 14 can include various
structural and/or aesthetic elements, such as vacuum panels 22 and
24, and ribs 26, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0021] Container 10 can also include a recessed waist 28 located
between the dome 16 and the sidewall 14. Waist 28 can increase the
hoop-strength of container 10, and thus help prevent ovalization or
other deformation of container 10 that may occur, for example, as
the result of internal vacuum forces that occur when the
container's contents cool after hot filling. As shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, waist 28 may include a substantially flat wall portion 30
that may extend substantially parallel to central axis A. For
example, in the exemplary embodiment shown, wall portion 30 can
define a substantially vertical ring that extends around the
central axis A. Container 10 can also include one or more bumpers.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the waist 28 is located between
a bumper 32 and the dome 16.
[0022] In contrast to the waist 28 of the present invention, the
tightly radiuses waists of the prior art can result in
disadvantages, particularly in larger containers. For example, as
the height of the container increases, the portion of the container
occupied by the dome increases. The dome, however, can create a
weak spot in the container with respect to top load. Methods to
reduce the height of the container dome can include, for example,
increasing the height of the sidewall below the dome. Other
techniques that have been used to improve top-load strength in
large containers have included creating larger vertical portions in
the dome, use of structural elements such as vertical or horizontal
ridges or additional circumferential rings or hoops and various
other modifications of the dome design. These modifications have
provided varying success and are not acceptable in some cases, for
example, for aesthetic reasons. The present invention overcomes
some of these drawbacks. For example, use of the present invention
allows extension of the container height below the dome without
extending the height of the sidewall. As a result, known dome
designs with acceptable top-loading capacity can be used in taller
containers.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the dome 16 can define a first height
Y1 substantially parallel to the central axis A, and the wall
portion 30 can define a second height Y2 substantially parallel to
the central axis A. According to one exemplary embodiment, the
second height Y2 is at least about 20% of the first height Y1.
Preferably, the second height Y2 is at least about 30% of the first
height Y1. More preferably, the second height Y2 is at least about
40% of the first height Y1.
[0024] In addition to reinforcing the container 10, the wall
portion 30 can serve other functions. For example, branding can be
provided on the wall portion 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the branding
can be located on a film 34 that is wrapped around, adhered to, or
otherwise attached to wall portion 30. Alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 2, the branding can be embossed or molded onto the wall
portion 30. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that there are many other possible ways to provide
branding on the wall portion 30. The wall portion 30, provided it
is large enough, can also serve as a gripping surface for gripping
or holding the container 10.
[0025] Container 10 can have a one-piece construction and can be
prepared from a monolayer plastic material, such as a polyamide,
for example, nylon; a polyolefin such as polyethylene, for example,
low density polyethylene (LDPE) or high density polyethylene
(HDPE), or polypropylene; a polyester, for example polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphtalate (PEN); or others,
which can also include additives to vary the physical or chemical
properties of the material. For example, some plastic resins can be
modified to improve the oxygen permeability. Alternatively, the
container can be prepared from a multilayer plastic material. The
layers can be any plastic material, including virgin, recycled and
reground material, and can include plastics or other materials with
additives to improve physical properties of the container. In
addition to the above-mentioned materials, other materials often
used in multilayer plastic containers include, for example,
ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH) and tie layers or binders to hold
together materials that are subject to delamination when used in
adjacent layers. A coating may be applied over the monolayer or
multilayer material, for example to introduce oxygen barrier
properties. In an exemplary embodiment, the present container is
prepared from PET. Container 10 can be made by conventional blow
molding processes including, for example, extrusion blow molding,
stretch blow molding and injection blow molding.
[0026] 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.
* * * * *