U.S. patent application number 11/353093 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for circular plastic coffee container with handle.
Invention is credited to George T. Albright, John A. Blake, Glenn S. Gruskin, Jiayan Gu, Leonard S. Scarola.
Application Number | 20070187413 11/353093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38367302 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070187413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gruskin; Glenn S. ; et
al. |
August 16, 2007 |
Circular plastic coffee container with handle
Abstract
A plastic container for a particulate product includes a base
and a surrounding wall member upstanding therefrom which generally
define a container main interior volume. A top connects to the
surrounding wall member and includes a large opening closed by a
lid. The surrounding wall member includes a vertical side portion
which is arcuate in lateral cross section and in which a
pass-through handle is located having a generally vertical segment.
The opening of the top is sufficiently large to extend over a
portion of the hollow cavity; or is sufficiently wide to receive
about a 5'' diameter cylinder therethrough, and has a ratio of a
minimum span to a bottom diagonal of at least about 90%. A shoulder
between the top and the surrounding wall member has an angle of
less than about 40.degree.. The handle is configured and sized for
easy grasping and holding.
Inventors: |
Gruskin; Glenn S.; (Nanuet,
NY) ; Gu; Jiayan; (Nanuet, NY) ; Blake; John
A.; (Danbury, CT) ; Scarola; Leonard S.;
(Basking Ridge, NJ) ; Albright; George T.;
(Rutherford, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STITES & HARBISON PLLC
1199 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET
SUITE 900
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
38367302 |
Appl. No.: |
11/353093 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/500 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/0018 20130101;
B65D 51/1644 20130101; B65D 51/20 20130101; B65D 2251/0093
20130101; B65D 1/46 20130101; B65D 23/102 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/500 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/04 20060101
B65D025/04 |
Claims
1. A plastic container for a particulate product, said container
comprising: a base and a surrounding wall member which is
upstanding from said base, said base and said surrounding wall
member generally defining a container main interior volume, and
generally forming a footprint for the container; a top which
connects with said surrounding wall member, said top including a
large opening therein; wherein said surrounding wall member
includes a vertical side portion which is arcuate in lateral cross
section, and a pass-through handle located in said arcuate side
portion, said pass-through handle including a generally vertical
segment; and wherein said opening extends over a portion of said
vertical segment.
2. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said opening
is centered on said footprint.
3. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle
has a vertical length of at least about 2.5'' and a width to
thickness ratio of about 1.0 to 1.2.
4. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vertical
segment defines a hollow cavity having a top end and a bottom end,
both of which are in communication with said main interior
volume.
5. A plastic container as claimed in claim 4, wherein said hollow
cavity of said handle tapers slightly inward from the bottom to the
top.
6. A plastic container as claimed in claim 5, wherein said hollow
cavity tapers about 3.degree..
7. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
surrounding wall member further includes a thumb receiving
concavity above said handle.
8. A plastic container as claimed in claim 7, wherein said vertical
segment includes vertically spaced concavities on an inwardly
directed part thereof.
9. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes vertical ribs.
10. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes horizontal ribs.
11. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes a second vertical side portion
which is arcuate in lateral cross section, and wherein the
footprint for the container has at least two rounded portions
generated by the vertical side portions.
12. A plastic container as claimed in claim 11, wherein said top
opening is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5'' diameter
cylinder therethrough.
13. A plastic container as claimed in claim 12, wherein said
footprint is generally circular.
14. A plastic container as claimed in claim 12, wherein said
footprint is generally oval.
15. A plastic container as claimed in claim 12, wherein said
surrounding wall member further includes a third vertical side
portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, the
first-mentioned, second, and third vertical side portions being
horizontally connected to respective adjacent said vertical side
portions.
16. A plastic container as claimed in claim 11, wherein said
surrounding wall member is generally connected to said top by a
shoulder whose angle to vertical is less than about 40.degree. at a
maximum extent thereof.
17. A plastic container as claimed in claim 16, wherein a bead
connects said shoulder to a remainder of said top.
18. A plastic container as claimed in claim 11, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes at least one label receiving area
indented from a remainder thereof.
19. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
container is made primarily of HDPE and has a design effectiveness,
defined as a maximum top load in pounds times a volume in liters
both divided by a weight in grams, of at least about 5.0.
20. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle
is vertically located generally offset toward said base.
21. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, further including:
an air-tight sheet which covers said opening, and a one-way vent
carried on said sheet which allows pressure within the container
volume to be vented to atmosphere.
22. A plastic container for a particulate product, said container
comprising: a footprint which includes a rounded portion, said
footprint being defined by a surrounding wall member having a
vertical side portion which defines the arcuate portion; a main
interior volume in which the product is contained which is defined
by the surrounding wall member, a top and a bottom; an opening in
the top through which the product is removed by a hand of a user
which passes therethrough; wherein the vertical side portion
includes a pass-through handle having a vertical outer surface
located at an outer edge of said footprint, and a vertical segment
which is vertical; and wherein said top opening is sufficiently
wide to receive about a 5'' diameter cylinder therethrough.
23. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said top
opening has a ratio of a minimum span to a longest bottom dimension
of at least about 90%.
24. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said
opening is centered in said footprint and extends vertically over
said vertical segment.
25. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said handle
has a vertical length of at least about 2.5'' and a width to
thickness ratio of about 1.0 to 1.2.
26. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said
vertical segment defines a hollow cavity having a top end and a
bottom end, both of which are in communication with said main
interior volume.
27. A plastic container as claimed in claim 26, wherein said hollow
cavity of said handle tapers slightly inward from the bottom to the
top.
28. A plastic container as claimed in claim 27, wherein said hollow
cavity tapers about 3.degree..
29. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes a thumb receiving concavity above
said handle.
30. A plastic container as claimed in claim 29, wherein said
vertical segment includes vertically spaced concavities on an
inwardly directed part thereof.
31. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes vertical ribs.
32. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes horizontal ribs.
33. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes a second vertical side portion
which is arcuate in lateral cross section, and wherein the
footprint for the container has at least two rounded portions
generated by the vertical side portions.
34. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said
footprint is generally circular.
35. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said
footprint is generally oval.
36. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said
surrounding wall member further includes a third vertical side
portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, the
first-mentioned, second, and third vertical side portions being
horizontally connected to respective adjacent said vertical side
portions.
37. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said
surrounding wall member is generally connected to said top by a
shoulder whose angle to vertical is less than about 40.degree..
38. A plastic container as claimed in claim 37, wherein a bead
connects said shoulder to a remainder of said top.
39. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein two of said
surrounding wall member includes at least one label receiving area
indented from a remainder thereof.
40. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said
container is made primarily of HDPE and has a design effectiveness,
defined as a maximum top load in pounds times a volume in liters
both divided by a weight in grams, of at least about 5.0.
41. A plastic container as claimed in claim 27, wherein said handle
is vertically located generally offset toward said base.
42. A plastic container for a particulate product, said container
comprising: a base and a surrounding wall member which is
upstanding from said base and which includes a vertical side
portion having an arcuate lateral cross section, said base and said
surrounding wall member generally defining a container main
interior volume, and generally forming a footprint for the
container; a top which connects with said surrounding wall member,
said top including a large opening therein; wherein said vertical
side portion includes a pass-through handle located therein, said
pass-through handle including a generally vertical segment; and
wherein an intersection between said surrounding wall member and
said top is defined by a shoulder, said shoulder forming an angle
of less than about 40.degree. to vertical.
43. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said
opening is centered on said footprint.
44. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said handle
has a vertical length of at least about 2.5'' and a width to
thickness ratio of about 1.0 to 1.2.
45. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said
vertical segment defines a hollow cavity having a top end and a
bottom end, both of which are in communication with said main
interior volume.
46. A plastic container as claimed in claim 45, wherein said hollow
cavity of said handle tapers slightly inward from the bottom to the
top.
47. A plastic container as claimed in claim 46, wherein said hollow
cavity tapers about 3.degree..
48. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said
surrounding wall member further includes a thumb receiving
concavity above said handle.
49. A plastic container as claimed in claim 48, wherein said
vertical segment includes vertically spaced concavities on an
inwardly directed part thereof.
50. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes vertical ribs.
51. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes horizontal ribs.
52. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes a second vertical side portion
which is arcuate in lateral cross section, and wherein the
footprint for the container has at least two rounded portions
generated by the vertical side portions.
53. A plastic container as claimed in claim 52, wherein said top
opening is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5'' diameter
cylinder therethrough.
54. A plastic container as claimed in claim 53, wherein said
footprint is generally circular.
55. A plastic container as claimed in claim 53, wherein said
footprint is generally oval.
56. A plastic container as claimed in claim 53, wherein said
surrounding wall member further includes a third vertical side
portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, the
first-mentioned, second, and third vertical side portions being
horizontally connected to respective adjacent said vertical side
portions.
57. A plastic container as claimed in claim 52, wherein a bead
connects said shoulder to a remainder of said top.
58. A plastic container as claimed in claim 52, wherein said
surrounding wall member includes at least one label receiving area
indented from a remainder thereof.
59. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said
container is made primarily of HDPE and has a design effectiveness,
defined as a maximum top load in pounds times a volume in liters
both divided by a weight in grams, of at least about 5.0.
60. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said handle
is vertically located generally offset toward said base.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application has subject matter similar to application
SN [attorney docket no. P08754US00] and application SN [attorney
docket no. P08760US00], filed concurrently herewith and by the same
inventors; which applications are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Containers for particulate (roast or ground) coffee have
many unique requirements not considered for other containers. For
example, coffee particulates give off gases while being stored, and
are deleteriously affected by air. Thus, coffee particulate
containers must prevent the ingress of air and hence be air-tight;
but such containers must also be suitably robust to withstand a
build-up of pressure, or alternatively, the container must vent the
built up gases before the pressure thereof damages (miss-shapes or
breaks) the container.
[0003] While particulate coffee containers were previously
generally made of metal (which was easily made robust and
air-tight), new plastic containers, particularly with layered
walls, have now been found to be suitable for containing
particulate coffee. However, such plastic containers have been
difficult to handle, especially where they are of sufficient size
to store a desired volume of particulate coffee, typically in the
range of 2-4 pounds. Ease of use by the user of such plastic
containers at home has also been a problem.
[0004] Plastic coffee containers have been known with pinch
handles. However, such pinch handles require significant friction
to be generated by the thumb/fingers of the user to prevent
slippage, which friction is the result of the force with which the
thumb/fingers engage the pinch handle. Thus, such pinch handles are
difficult for the user to hold and to hold with the required force
for a sufficient time due to tiring, so that the overall container
weight which a user is able to hold is limited. In addition, as the
container is supported against slippage by thumb/fingers engaging
the pinch handle, this produces a moment on the wrist which
produces strain to the wrist and which may also add to the
difficulty of holding the container and the tiring of the hand of
the user, and which adds to the difficulty of holding on to the
pinch handle itself. Thus, from an ergonomics viewpoint, pinch
handles have significant disadvantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with the present invention, a plastic
container for a particulate product, which product is removed by
hand therefrom, includes a base and a surrounding wall member
upstanding from the base. The base and the surrounding wall member
generally define a container main interior volume, and generally
form a footprint for the container which is in some embodiments
generally circular or has distinct rounded portions. A top includes
a large opening therein which is closed by a lid. A vertical side
portion of the surrounding wall member which is arcuate in lateral
cross section includes a pass-through handle located therein. The
pass-through handle may include a generally vertical segment which
may include a hollow cavity in a preferred embodiment which is in
communication with the main interior volume. The opening of the top
is sufficiently large so that it extends over a portion of the
vertical segment or hollow cavity therein.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the opening is centered on the
footprint. In addition, the hollow cavity has a top end and a
bottom end, both of which are in communication with the main
interior volume.
[0007] Further in a preferred embodiment, the top opening is
sufficiently wide to receive about a 5'' diameter cylinder
therethrough to assure that a user's hand will also fit
therethrough. Additionally, the top opening may preferably have a
ratio of a minimum span to a longest bottom dimension of at least
about 90%.
[0008] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the handle has a
vertical length of at least about 2.5'' and a width to thickness
ratio of about 1.0 to 1.2. In addition, the hollow cavity of the
handle tapers slightly inward from the bottom to the top, which
taper is preferably about 3.degree..
[0009] In one embodiment, the surrounding wall member is generally
connected to the top by a shoulder whose angle to vertical at a
maximum thereof is less than about 40.degree.. This connection may
also include one or more beads above the shoulder. In addition, the
vertical side portion at a location above the handle preferably
includes a thumb receiving concavity. If desired, the vertical
segment can include vertically spaced concavities forming finger
grips on an inwardly directed part thereof.
[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the surrounding wall member
includes a label receiving area indented from a remainder thereof.
In addition, the surrounding wall member may include vertical ribs
and/or horizontal ribs.
[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, various embodiments of
the handle are provided.
[0012] In still other preferred embodiments, the container
footprint is round, oval, has two distinct arcuate sides or three
distinct arcuate sides.
[0013] It is an advantage of the present invention that a plastic
container from which a particulate product is withdrawn includes a
handle which is easily grasped and held.
[0014] It is also an advantage of the present invention that the
container has a wide opening permitting easy access thereto by the
user in order to withdraw the product therefrom, especially when
the container is almost empty.
[0015] It is a further advantage that the container has sufficient
shoulder strength to withstand stacking and/or loading without
damage.
[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention are
stated in or apparent from detailed descriptions of presently
preferred embodiments of the invention as discussed in greater
detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
particulate coffee container of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an elevation view taken in the direction of arrow
A FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a profile view of a corner portion taken in the
plane of line 2A-2A in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 2B is a partial cross sectional view taken in the plane
of line 2B-2B of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 5 is an elevation view taken in the direction of arrow
B of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 6 is an elevation view taken in the direction of arrow
C of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 2 but showing an
alternative handle and vertical reinforcing ribs for the container
of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 8 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 2 but showing
another alternative handle and horizontal reinforcing ribs for the
container of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 9 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 6 but showing
still another alternative handle having a thumb concavity for the
container of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 10 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 2 but showing
an alternative label receiving area for the container of FIG.
1.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a top view of another embodiment of a particulate
coffee container of the present invention but having a footprint
with central straight portions.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a top view of another embodiment of a particulate
coffee container of the present invention but having an overall
oval footprint.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of a particulate
coffee container of the present invention but having a footprint
with three arcuate portions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] With reference now to the drawings in which like numerals
represent like elements throughout the views, a first embodiment of
a plastic particulate coffee container 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-6. It
will be appreciated that container 10 is designed for the
containing of ground or roast (particulate) coffee 11 or a like non
liquid-like product, so that container 10 is made of a suitable
blow-molded plastic such as high density polyethylene (HDPE),
preferably by an extrusion blow molding rotary process. Typically,
as known in the art, such a plastic material is provided as
different polymeric layers including an O.sub.2 barrier layer. As
known in the art, when an excess pressure of off gases generated by
particulate coffee 11 is present, a suitable vent is provided at
some convenient location to release this excess pressure, as
discussed subsequently hereafter. It will also be appreciated that
particulate coffee 11 is typically not poured by the user, so
pouring of particulate coffee 11 from container 10 is not likely.
Rather, particulate coffee 11 will be removed from container 10 by
a user with a scoop, spoon, or the like.
[0033] In general, it will be appreciated that container 10
includes a generally round base 12 with a surrounding wall member
14 extending upwardly therefrom. The transition intersection of
base 12 and surrounding wall member 14 is curved as shown for
strength in this embodiment. It will be appreciated that the
general footprint 22 of container 10 is circular as shown in FIG. 3
for this embodiment.
[0034] Container 10 also includes a top 24 including a circular rim
34 connected to surrounding wall member 14 so that container 10
defines a main interior volume 26 in which particulate coffee 11 is
retained. Provided in top 24 and defined by rim 34 is a large
opening 28. Rim 34 and opening 28 are circular in this embodiment,
but either could be another shape such as oval or the like, so long
as opening 28 is sufficiently large to permit a hand of a consumer
to pass therethrough and scoop particulate coffee 11 from container
10. The size of opening 28 is especially important when the user is
trying to scoop the remaining particulate coffee 11 from the bottom
of container 10, as the large opening 28 makes it easier to pass
more of the user's hand therethrough in order to easily reach
particulate coffee 11 resting on base 12. An opening having a main
length dimension of about at least 4.5 inches and a main lateral
dimension of about at least 3.5 inches is sufficient for this
purpose. However, it has been found that a minimum preferred
effective size for opening 28 where opening 28 is round is a 5''
diameter--though if the opening were not circular, the minimum
effective preferred size would be that which would (similarly) pass
a cylinder 5'' in diameter. In addition, a ratio of a minimum
opening span of opening 28 (which is the diameter in this
embodiment) to a bottom diameter of base 12 is at least about 90%,
and preferably closer to 95% so as to approach the maximum of 100%
(which is not quite reachable in view of the lateral thickness of
the lid (as discussed below) covering opening 28. As shown best in
FIG. 4, opening 28 is preferably centered in footprint 22.
[0035] Covering opening 28 is a plastic lid or covering 30. Lid 30
is preferably removably (snap-on) held on rim 34 of top 24 as
typical in the container art. In this embodiment, the removability
of lid 30 is provided by use of an outside bead 32 extending
laterally about the uppermost part of rim 34 and a corresponding
flange 36 extending laterally inward from a bottommost part of lid
30. As shown, flange 36 is received and held underneath bead 32
when lid 30 is removably attached to rim 34. It will be appreciated
that the resiliency of lid 30 permits lid 30 to be removed from rim
34 easily by a user, and that while lid 30 does serve to generally
seal particulate coffee 11 from atmosphere, this is not an
air-tight seal. Alternatively, a screw-on lid or the like could be
used to more securely cover opening 28 of top 24 and to better seal
main interior volume 26.
[0036] Prior to use--that is after manufacture/filling, during
shipping and storage, and before being opened for use by a
consumer--opening 28 is covered by a peelable sheet (including
foil, plastic or layered foil/plastic) 38 which maintains an
air-tight seal over opening 28. Sheet 38 is very thin and hence is
depicted schematically by a broken line. In this preferred
embodiment, sheet 38 also carries a one-way vent 40 (also
schematically depicted) which permits pressurized off-gases
generated in container 10 to be vented therefrom when the pressure
in container 10 reaches a predetermined value. Once vented from
container 10, the off-gases pass to atmosphere along small grooves
(not shown) provided in lid 30 adjacent bead 32 so that the seal of
lid 30 to top 24 is not air-tight as noted above. Suitable vents
for use as vent 40 are known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
5,688,544 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,827) and thus need not be
discussed further; and it will be appreciated that vents at other
locations such as on surrounding wall member 14 are also known and
could be used if desired.
[0037] As shown best in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, there is a shoulder 42
between rim 34 and surrounding wall member 14. In this embodiment,
shoulder 42 is slightly S-shaped for strength as shown best in FIG.
2A. It will be appreciated that shoulder 42 forms an angle .alpha.
from vertical to the bead where shoulder 42 ends, which angle
.alpha. is less than 40.degree. to provide a strong load bearing
capability for top 24. Shoulder 42 is located below a convex bead
44 defining the lower part of rim 34. Bead 44 serves as a further
reinforcement mechanism for rim 34 above shoulder 42 to reinforce
the strength of rim 34 when a load is applied to top 24, such as by
stacking one or more similar containers 10 thereupon as would
typically occur during shipping and storage.
[0038] The provision and noted orientation of shoulder 42 serves to
significantly increase the top load strength of container 10
relative to prior art containers in view of the amount of material
used in container 10, termed "design effectiveness". In top load
tests performed with a four-walled container having this shoulder
configuration of the present invention (which would thus apply as
well to this round container 10) and available prior art
containers, where a force is evenly distributed to a container top
having no lid under the conditions of room temperature and pressure
and with nothing in the container, the following results were
obtained: TABLE-US-00001 TOP WEIGHT- VOLUME- EFFECTIVE- CONTAINER
LOAD-Lbs Grams Liters NESS HILLS BROS..sup.1 281 212 3.044 4.03
HILLS BROS..sup.1 166 184 3.044 2.74 DUTCH BOY.sup.2 205 230 4.218
3.75 Invention 350 128 2.874 7.85 .sup.1A plastic container with 39
oz. of coffee packaged therein, a SARAH LEE product. .sup.2A
plastic container with one gallon of DUTCH BOY paint therein.
[0039] where top load is the maximum force sustained; and
[0040] where design effectiveness is defined as (top
load).times.(volume)/(weight).
[0041] Design effectiveness is thus a measure of strength as a
function of the volume and the amount of material needed to create
that volume--which material for all containers was primarily high
density polyethylene (HDPE). It will thus be seen that the present
invention provides a superior design effectiveness compared to the
presently available containers which were tested. While the
preferred embodiment has a design effectiveness of 7.85 as
indicated above, it is considered that a design effectiveness of at
least about 5.0 is satisfactory to effect the advantages of the
present invention.
[0042] To assist in any desired stacking of containers 10, it will
also be appreciated that base 12 and lid 30 of container 10 are
generally flat. However, base 12 and lid 30 are designed to have
some stacking mechanism or interlocking (not shown) therebetween so
that two stacked containers 10 will not have much play therebetween
when stacked. For example, base 12 may have a raised platform or
like concavity inside the perimeter thereof so as to create four
short feet of the base, so that during stacking the four feet would
receive therebetween or nest with the lid 30 of an underlying
container. Other such stacking mechanisms are well known in the
art, so that any other suitable prior art stacking mechanism could
be used as desired.
[0043] As also shown best in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, there is a
pass-through handle 50 provided in a vertical side portion 48 of
surrounding wall member 14 of container 10. Consistent with the
circular footprint of container 10, vertical side portion 48 has an
arcuate lateral cross section, which in this embodiment is the same
as the remaining portions of surrounding wall member 14. Handle 50
includes a generally vertical segment 52 (see FIG. 2B) which
defines a hollow cavity 54 therein. It will be appreciated that
cavity 54 is in communication with main interior volume 26 at both
a top end 56 before the top transition segment of handle 50 and a
bottom end 58 before the bottom transition segment of handle 50 as
shown in FIG. 2B; though if desired this hollow cavity could be
closed off or formed as a solid or filled (and then would no longer
be a "cavity"). It will also be appreciated that opening 28 extends
over a portion of cavity 54, as shown by broken line 60 which
extends down from opening 28 is FIG. 2B. Handle 50 is considered
"pass-through" since when handle 50 is gripped by a user, the
fingers of the user will pass between the remainders of surrounding
wall member 14 and handle 50, which pass through region is thus
considered as an opening 61.
[0044] By use of the pass through or opening 61, handle 50 is
easily and securely gripped by the hand of the user. The outside of
handle 50 is generally configured the same as the arcuate curve of
surrounding wall member 14 to fit within the circular footprint of
container 10, and the inside is also somewhat convex to make it
easier to grip and hold container 10. In addition, it will be
appreciated that opening 61 terminates vertically upward so that
the upper portion of the hand of the user gripping handle 50 will
rest directly against the upper end of opening 61 for easier
holding and support of container 10. Further, it will be
appreciated that handle 50 starts a short distance above base 12 in
surrounding wall member 14, which also facilitates the blow-molding
thereof, while still affording sufficient length for handle 50. As
handle 50 is probably the most difficult part of container 10 to
form effectively in the blow molding process, the configuration and
transitions thereof are important in producing a satisfactory blow
molded container 10.
[0045] It has been found that it is easier for most users to grip
handle 50 when handle 50 is at least about 2.5 inches in length and
preferably about 2.75 inches, as this affords a sufficient length
for almost everyone's hand to surround. In addition, handle 50 is
also easier to grip by most users when the width (horizontally
across corner 48) thereof is equal to or slightly above about 1
inch, and the thickness (from the outside towards the center of
container 10) is equal to or slightly below about 1 inch, so that
the ratio of width to thickness falls in the range of about 1.0 to
1.2. In the preferred embodiment, the width is about 1.09 inches
and the thickness is about 0.96 inches, for a ratio of about 1.09.
Also in the preferred embodiment, the height of handle 50 is
preferably about 45-60% of the total height of container 10. This
percentage of height provides an easily gripped and manipulated
handle relative to the overall size/height of container 10.
[0046] It will be appreciated that "pass-through" handle 50 is
preferred over a more easily formed "pinch" handle for a container
which houses a particulate such as coffee 11. One advantage of
pass-through handle 50 is that it can be encircled by the hand of
the user; while a pinch handle would include only opposed
indentations in a side so that the pinch handle would have to be
pinched between the thumb and fingers of the user requiring
significant friction and thus being more difficult to
hold--especially as container 10 may house four pounds or more of
particulate coffee or the like. Another advantage of pass-through
handle 50 is that the hand (palm) is closer to the handle and will
do most of the supporting. Thus, with a pass-through handle 50,
there will be a reduced moment on the wrist (due to the smaller
moment arm) than with a pinch handle where the wrist will be
further away from the handle and in addition the weight must be
supported by thumb/fingers against slippage. Further, by use of
pass-through handle 50, slippage is prevented by the upper end of
the pass-through opening being engaged in a normal grip with no
squeezing required. In view of these advantages, it is believed
that a user will be able to hold about 60-70% more weight in a
container with a pass-through handle as compared to a container
with a pinch handle. Thus, from an ergonomics viewpoint, the
pass-through handle is considered superior to a pinch handle for a
particulate container--especially for those with smaller/weaker
wrists.
[0047] If desired and as appropriate, container labels or like
information can be applied to surrounding wall member 14 over as
much or little of the area thereof on either side of vertical side
portion 48 as required or desired. In addition, a label or labels
could also be provided on the generally flat area of vertical side
portion 48 underneath of handle 50 as well. In use, it is
anticipated that handle 50 will generally be displayed or used so
that handle 50 can be easily grasped from the right thereof, in
which case the portion of surrounding wall member 14 to the left of
(or clockwise from) handle 50 will be facing the user and be the
primary portion for display of a label especially while container
10 is being displayed for purchase.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows an alternative container 10a. Container 10a is
generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when
discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with an "a"
added thereafter. It will thus be appreciated that container 10a
has a pass-through handle 50a in vertical side portion 48a of
surrounding wall member 14a. Handle 50a has a generally vertically
straight outside just like handle 50 to fit within the circular
footprint of container 10a. However, the inside is also generally
straight as well in this embodiment for a more pleasing aesthetic
appearance and simpler blow-molding operation. Alternatively,
handle 50a could be cylindrically shaped.
[0049] It will also be appreciated that bridging of particulate
coffee 11 may be a problem in cavity 54a of handle 50a. As
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, bridging of
particulate materials occurs due to the tendency of particulates in
a relatively narrow vertical volume to form a horizontal "bridge"
across the volume rather than flowing readily to the bottom of the
cavity. Thus, to prevent bridging of particulate coffee 11a inside
of handle 50a, handle 50a and hence cavity 54a thereof tapers
inward slightly from bottom to top along the two lateral sides
thereof, so that the top end (cross section) of cavity 54a is
slightly smaller than the bottom end (cross section). In this
preferred embodiment, the taper is about 3.degree., which has been
found to facilitate the flowing of particulate coffee 11a freely
down cavity 54a. Alternatively, the tapering could be along the
inner and outer sides.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows another alternative container 10b. As with
similar container 10a, container 10b is generally similar to
container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed will be
identified with the same numbers but with a "b" added thereafter.
It will thus be appreciated that container 10b has a pass-through
handle 50b in vertical side portion 48b of surrounding wall member
14b. Handle 50b has a generally straight outside just like handle
50 to fit within the circular footprint of container 10b, but the
inside of container 10b includes concave recesses 62 spaced
vertically therealong to receive the four fingers of a user when
the user grasps handle 50b, and thus to provide a more sure and
easy gripping of container 10b by the user.
[0051] It will also be appreciated that a container in accordance
with the present invention can be provided with vertical ribs in
the sides to increase top load potential, and/or horizontal ribs in
the sides to help prevent side panel warping and distortion. An
example of vertical ribs 86 is shown in container 10a of FIG. 7;
while an example of horizontal ribs 88 is shown in container 10b of
FIG. 8. Ribs 86 and 88 can be either concave as shown, or
convex.
[0052] FIG. 9 shows another alternative container 10c. As with
similar containers 10a and 10b, container 10c is generally similar
to container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed will be
identified with the same numbers but with a "c" added thereafter.
It will thus be appreciated that container 10c has a pass-through
handle 50c in vertical side portion 48c of surrounding wall member
14c which is substantially similar to handle 50 (and which could be
identical to handles 50a or 50b as well). However, the lateral
sides of handle 50c are slightly convexly curved as shown in FIG.
9, to provide additional comfort for the user, as well as to
facilitate the molding thereof. In addition, located above handle
50c in vertical side portion 48c is a thumb receiving concavity 64,
which as shown is deepest adjacent an upper end thereof. Thumb
receiving cavity 64 serves to make container 10c even easier to
grip, as the user can place their thumb in cavity 64 for a more
secure grip of container 10c.
[0053] FIG. 10 shows another alternative container 10d. As with
similar containers 10a, 10b and 10c, container 10d is generally
similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed
will be identified with the same numbers but with a "d" added
thereafter. It will thus be appreciated that container 10d has the
portion of surrounding wall member 14 as shown and with the not
shown portion being a mirror image thereof, and that this portion
of surrounding wall member 14 has been indented to provide a label
receiving area 66 thereon which extends from one side of vertical
side portion 48d to the other. Label receiving area 66 is suitably
flat and sized to adhesively or otherwise receive a label or labels
thereon. The use of label area 66 serves to add prominence to the
labels, and the perimeters thereof also serve as a strength
reinforcement for the associated side or corner. If desired, a
single label could extend from one side of label area 66 around to
the other side (not shown), or separate labels could be provided
therealong.
[0054] FIG. 11 shows another alternative container 10e. As with
similar containers 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, container 10e is
generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when
discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with an "e"
added thereafter. It will thus be appreciated that container 10e
has a base 12e (shown in profile) with a semi-circular shape at
each end and with straight lines therebetween, and with a suitably
shaped surrounding wall member 14e extending upwardly therefrom.
With this configuration, surrounding wall member 14e has two
straight side portions 70 and two semi-circular shaped vertical
side portions 72. The length dimension of straight side portions 70
is somewhat less than a radius of semi-circular shaped vertical
side wall portions 72; but alternatively the length dimension could
be varied as desired. It will also be appreciated that container
10e is depicted with a pass-through handle 50e provided in one
semi-circular side wall portion 72 as shown and also designated
with number 48e consistent with the other embodiments, and that
this handle 50e can be similar to any of the previously
above-described handles 50 and could be located in straight portion
70 if desired.
[0055] FIG. 12 shows another alternative container 10f. As with
similar containers 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e, container 10f is
generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when
discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with an "f"
added thereafter. The most significant difference between container
10f and the previous containers is that container 10f has an oval
footprint, and hence an oval lid 30f. It will also be appreciated
that container 10f is depicted with a pass-through handle 50f
provided in one long side thereof having a designated vertical side
portion 48f as shown, and that this handle 50f can be similar to
any of the previously above-described handles 50.
[0056] FIG. 13 shows another alternative container 10g. As with
similar containers 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e and 10f, container 10g
is generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when
discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with a "g"
added thereafter. The most significant difference between container
10g and the previous containers is that container 10g has three
vertical side portions 16g, 18g, 20g which form surrounding wall
member 14g. With this construction, lid 30g is similarly shaped as
shown. Container 10g thus has a somewhat arcuate-triangular
footprint as shown. In this embodiment, container 10g is shown with
three wall portions that are all equal, but that the wall portions
could be of unequal size and additional wall portions could be
provided as desired (so there would be 4, 5, etc total wall
portions). It will also be appreciated that container 10g is
depicted with a pass-through handle 50g provided in one (arbitrary)
vertical side portion 18g also identified as 48g consistent with
the other embodiments, but handle 50g could be provided in either
of the other two vertical side portions; and that this handle 50g
can be similar to any of the previously above-described handles
50.
[0057] Although the preferred embodiments of the containers have
been depicted with handles which are generally offset somewhat
vertically towards the base, other locations of the handles would
be possible. Thus, each handle could instead be located vertically
more toward the midway point or even offset toward the top. It
would even be possible for the handle to extend almost all of the
way from the top to the bottom.
[0058] It will also be appreciated that the particular features (or
lack thereof of one embodiment could also be used with or
incorporated into other embodiments; i.e., the various features of
the embodiments are interchangeable. For example, the handle of any
one embodiment could be used in place of a different handle in any
of the other embodiments, or the thumb receiving cavity used with
any handle, besides the ones depicted, etc. Further, an embodiment
having particular features could be configured without one or more
such features in the manner shown in other embodiments.
[0059] While the present invention has been described with respect
to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art that variations and modifications can be
effected within the scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *