U.S. patent application number 11/688395 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for liquid container.
Invention is credited to Carl T. Eiten, Matthew J. Simpson.
Application Number | 20070221606 11/688395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38532250 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070221606 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eiten; Carl T. ; et
al. |
September 27, 2007 |
Liquid Container
Abstract
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a container
includes a base portion, a spout, an annular sidewall portion, an
upwardly converging portion, and a handle portion that are
integrally formed together. The spout has an associated closure cap
that has a first height from the base portion when disposed on the
spout. The handle portion has an upper support surface that has a
second height from the base portion that is approximately equal to
the first height. The handle portion has a generally vertically
extending member and a generally horizontally extending member. The
generally vertically extending member extends from the annular
sidewall to the generally horizontally extending member.
Inventors: |
Eiten; Carl T.; (Byron,
IL) ; Simpson; Matthew J.; (Tecumseh, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
2001 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 600
DALLAS
TX
75201-2980
US
|
Family ID: |
38532250 |
Appl. No.: |
11/688395 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60786055 |
Mar 23, 2006 |
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60892461 |
Mar 1, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/382 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/2894 20130101;
B65D 1/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/382 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/02 20060101
B65D090/02 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a base portion that is generally
rectangular in shape; a spout having an associated closure cap
which is adapted for removable placement on the spout, a distance
from an upper surface of the closure cap to the base portion
defining a first height when selectively placed on the spout, the
upper surface of the closure cap being substantially parallel to
the base portion; an annular sidewall portion integrally formed
with and extending upwardly from the base portion; an upwardly
converging neck portion that is integrally formed with the annular
sidewall portion and the spout; a handle portion integrally formed
with the container proximate the neck portion, the handle portion
having an upper support surface, wherein the upper support surface
being flat in shape and having a second height above the base
portion that is approximately equal to the first height, the handle
portion having a generally vertically extending member and a
generally horizontally extending member that are joined together at
an upper corner such that the upper support surface extends
essentially to the upper corner; at least one vertically oriented
rib member that is integrally formed with the neck portion and
extends from the spout generally downwards along the annular
sidewall, the at least one vertically oriented rib member being
disposed on the neck portion generally opposite the handle portion;
a plurality of generally L-shaped base to sidewall ribs extending
from the base to the annular sidewall; and an upwardly extending
cavity formed in the base portion, the upwardly extending cavity
having a plurality of generally horizontal ribs.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base portion has a
plurality of corners, each of the corners being chamfered with a
portion of the annular sidewall.
3. The container of claim 1, further comprising a gusset integrally
formed between the spout and the handle portion.
4. A container comprising: a base portion; a spout having an
associated closure cap for removable placement on the spout, a
distance from an upper surface of the closure cap to the base
portion defining a first height when disposed on the spout; an
annular sidewall portion integrally formed with and extending
upwardly from the base portion; an upwardly converging neck portion
that is integrally formed with the annular sidewall portion and the
spout; and a handle portion integrally formed with the container
proximate the neck portion, the handle portion having an upper
support surface, the upper support surface being flat in shape and
having a second height above the base portion which is
approximately equal to the first height, the handle portion having
a generally vertically extending member and a generally
horizontally extending member, the generally vertically extending
member extending from the annular sidewall to the generally
horizontally extending member, the upper support surface forming
the upper portion of the generally horizontally extending
member.
5. The container of claim 4, further comprising a gusset integrally
formed between the spout and the handle portion.
6. The container of claim 4, wherein the base portion is generally
rectangular in shape.
7. The container of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of
generally L-shaped base to sidewall ribs extending from the base to
the annular sidewall.
8. The container of claim 4, further comprising an upwardly
extending cavity formed in the base portion.
9. The container of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of
generally horizontal ribs formed in the upwardly extending
cavity.
10. The container of claim 4, wherein the base portion has a
plurality of corners, each of the corners being chamfered with a
portion of the annular sidewall.
11. A container comprising: a base portion; a spout having an
associated closure cap for removable placement on the spout, a
distance from an upper surface of the closure cap to the base
portion defining a first height when disposed on the spout; an
annular sidewall portion integrally formed with and extending
upwardly from the base portion; an upwardly converging neck portion
that is integrally formed with the annular sidewall portion and the
spout; a handle portion integrally formed with the container
proximate the neck portion, the handle portion having an upper
support surface, the upper support surface having a second height
above the base portion which is approximately equal to the first
height; and at least one vertically oriented rib member that is
integrally formed with the neck portion and extends from the spout
generally downwards to the annular sidewall, the at least one
vertically oriented rib member being disposed on the neck portion
generally opposite the handle portion.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the upper surface of the
closure cap is generally parallel to the base portion.
13. The container of claim 11, further comprising an inwardly
extending cavity formed in the neck portion such that the at least
one vertically oriented rib member is disposed in the inwardly
extending cavity.
14. The container of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of
generally L-shaped base to sidewall ribs extending from the base to
the annular sidewall.
15. The container of claim 11, further comprising an upwardly
extending cavity formed in the base portion.
16. The container of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of
generally horizontal ribs formed in the upwardly extending
cavity.
17. The container of claim 11, wherein the base portion has a
plurality of corners, each of the corners being chamfered with a
portion of the annular sidewall.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/786,055, filed Mar. 23, 2006, and entitled "LIQUID CONTAINER,"
and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/892,461, filed Mar. 1,
2007, and entitled "LIQUID CONTAINER."
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates in general to containers and, more
particularly, to a liquid container providing enhanced structural
integrity.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Various types of containers have been developed for the
distribution of liquids to consumers. Liquids stored in these
containers may include consumable liquids, such as milk, juice, or
water, or may include other types of non-consumable liquids, such
as detergents, automotive products, or the like. These containers
may be integrally formed from various formulations of thermoplastic
resins in order to form a generally thin-walled container having a
storage capacity that may include one-gallon, half-gallon,
one-quart, and other sizes. For distribution of these containers
from the manufacturer to consumer, multiple containers may be
stacked together in a crate or other type of mass packaging
mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a container
includes a base portion, a spout, an annular sidewall portion, an
upwardly converging portion, and a handle portion that are
integrally formed together. The spout has an associated closure cap
that has a first height from the base portion when disposed on the
spout. The handle portion has an upper support surface that has a
second height from the base portion that is approximately equal to
the first height. The handle portion has a generally vertically
extending member and a generally horizontally extending member. The
generally vertically extending member extends from the annular
sidewall to the generally horizontally extending member.
[0005] Embodiments of the disclosure may provide numerous technical
advantages. Some, none, or all embodiments may benefit from the
below described advantages. According to one embodiment, the liquid
container may have a handle portion that operates in conjunction
with the spout to provide structural support for other items placed
upon the liquid container. The spout and handle portion are formed
on the container such that downward directed forces may be
distributed through the container in a generally even manner.
[0006] Other technical advantages will be apparent to one of skill
in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A more complete understanding of embodiments of the
disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a liquid
container according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of several liquid
containers of the embodiment of FIG. 1 shown between two slip
sheets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] Known implementations of liquid containers are typically
stacked together in order to enable distribution from manufacturer
to consumer in a relatively efficient manner. The structural design
of these containers however, do not provide sufficient structural
integrity for stacking one upon another. FIGS. 1 through 7 show one
embodiment of a liquid container 10 that may provide a solution to
this problem as well as other problems associated with known liquid
containers.
[0017] Liquid container 10 generally includes a base portion 12, an
annular sidewall portion 14, a neck portion 16, a generally hollow
handle portion 18, a spout 20, and a closure cap 22. The annular
sidewall portion 14 is integrally formed with and extends upwardly
from the base portion 12. Neck portion 16 has a generally upwardly
converging shape and is integrally formed with the annular sidewall
portion 14 and spout 20. The handle portion 18 is integrally formed
on the neck portion 16 proximate the rear side 14b of the annular
sidewall 14. The base portion 12, annular sidewall portion 14, neck
portion 16, and handle portion 18 together form a cavity for the
storage of various types of liquids inside. As will be described in
detail below, the handle portion 18 has an upper support surface 38
that may provide structural support for multiple liquid containers
10, one upon another.
[0018] Closure cap 22 may be removably secured on the spout 20 for
enclosing the contents of liquid container 10. The liquid container
10 may incorporate any suitable type of industry standard closure
cap 22. Caps of this nature may be available from Portola, located
in Batazia, Illinois. The container 10 as shown has thread-like
ridges 24 that are adapted for use with screw-on caps, however, it
will be understood that a snap-on removable securing mechanism, or
other similarly known removable securing mechanisms may provide a
viable alternative.
[0019] The handle portion 18 has an upper end 26 and a lower end
28. The upper end 26 is integrally formed with the neck portion 16
proximate the spout 20 and the lower end 28 is integrally formed
with the neck portion proximate the annular sidewall portion 14. In
one embodiment, the handle portion 18 has a generally hollow shape
that may provide a portion of the cavity used for storage of liquid
inside.
[0020] FIGS. 2 and 3 are side elevational views of the embodiment
of FIG. 1. During storage, the spout 20 exists at a higher
elevation relative to the base portion 12 and the base portion 12
exists in a generally horizontal orientation when the liquid
container 10 is in an upright orientation. Handle portion 18
includes an upper support surface 38 that is disposed a height from
base portion 12 that is approximately equal to the height of
closure cap 22 from base portion 12. When in the upright
orientation, upper support surface 38 is generally at the same
elevation as the upper surface of the closure cap 22 when secured
on the spout 20. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the
present disclosure, the closure cap 22 and upper support surface 38
cooperate to form a support structure for items that are placed on
top of the container 10. This feature distributes weight over the
periphery of the annular sidewall portion 14, and thus increases
the amount of weight which may safely be placed above the container
during storage.
[0021] In one embodiment, the handle portion includes a generally
horizontally extending member 18a and a generally vertically
extending member 18b that are joined together at a relatively
perpendicular angle. The upper support surface 38 is formed in the
generally horizontally extending member 18a such that the upper
support surface 38 may be generally flat in shape and extend to
essentially to a corner formed by the generally horizontally
extending member 18a and generally vertically extending member
18b.
[0022] The generally vertically extending member 18b extends from
the annular sidewall portion 14 to a height above the base portion
12 approximately equal to the height of closure cap 22 when secured
on the spout 20. FIG. 4 shows a rear elevational view of the
embodiment of FIG. 1. As can be seen, a portion of the generally
vertically extending member 18b is generally co-planar with a
portion of the annular sidewall portion 14 in order to efficiently
transfer downward directed forces from the upper support surface 38
to the annular sidewall portion 14.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
1. In one embodiment, at least one vertically oriented rib member
34 may be formed on the neck portion 16 for transferal of downward
directed forces from the spout 20 through the neck portion 16. The
vertically oriented rib member 34 extends from the spout 20 to the
annular sidewall portion 14. The neck portion 16 has a generally
frusto-conical shape that converges from the annular sidewall
portion 14 to the relatively smaller spout 20. The vertically
oriented rib member 34 may be included to reinforce the neck
portion 16 for enhanced distribution of downward directed forces on
the spout 20. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, vertically
oriented rib member 34 extends between one-third and one-half of
the height of the neck portion 16 and annular sidewall portion 14.
In alternative embodiments, the vertically oriented rib member 34
may extend the full height of neck portion 16 and annular sidewall
portion 14. In another embodiment, an inwardly extending cavity 36
may be formed in the neck portion such that the vertically oriented
rib member 34 is disposed in the inwardly extending cavity 36.
[0024] In another embodiment, base portion 12 may have a number of
corners 44 that are each chamfered with a portion of the annular
sidewall portion 14. In another embodiment, the chamfered portion
of the corners 44 may include ribs 46 for enhanced structural
rigidity.
[0025] In one embodiment, a gusset 32 may be provided between the
spout 20 and the handle portion 18 as best shown in FIG. 6. Gusset
32 may enhance the structural rigidity of the container 10 by
preventing unwanted elongation or contraction between the spout 20
and handle portion 18 when weight is placed upon the container
10.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. In
one embodiment, a plurality of generally L-shaped base to sidewall
ribs 42 may be included that extend from the base portion 12 to the
annular sidewall portion 14. Among other things, the base to
sidewall ribs 42 may reinforce the annular sidewall portion 14
relative to base portion 12 under varying levels of loading
conditions placed upon the container 10. In another embodiment, an
upwardly extending cavity 48 may be formed in the base portion 12.
Downward forces placed upon the upwardly extending cavity 48 by
internally contained liquid tends to strain the base portion 12
downwards. This downward straining action causes the base to
sidewall ribs 42 to be rotated inwardly, thereby retarding a
bulging effect upon the annular sidewall portion 14 due to outward
forces of the internally contained liquid. Therefore, the base to
sidewall ribs 42, in conjunction with the upwardly extending cavity
48 cooperate together in order to maintain the generally planar
shape of the annular sidewall portion 14 and thus increase the
overall load bearing capability of the container 10.
[0027] In another embodiment, a number of generally horizontal ribs
50 may be formed in the upwardly extending cavity 48 to enhance the
structural rigidity of the base portion 12. The generally
horizontal ribs 50 may exist in any configuration that reinforces
the point loading strength of the base portion 12. This optional
feature may be particularly useful when several containers 10 are
stacked one upon another without the use of slip sheets or other
such intermediary devices.
[0028] FIG. 8 shows a side elevational view of several liquid
containers 10 that are disposed between two slip-sheets 52a and
52b. As described above, the handle portion 18 in conjunction with
the spout 20, evenly distributes weight from objects placed on top
of the container 10. This feature may be beneficial when multiple
containers are to be stacked in layers, one upon another. Many
presently used storage practices incorporate a stacking scheme in
which a block or number of containers may be stored with relative
secure placement on a conventional pallet. This block may be formed
from a number of vertically ascending layers, each layer having a
number of liquid containers that are stacked side-by-side. In turn,
each of the layers may be stacked one upon another such that the
layer disposed below supports the weight of one above. In many
cases, a high-strength, dairy industry, standard cardboard
slip-sheet 52 may be placed in between each layer in order to
evenly distribute the weight of the upper layer to the layer below
as well as to provide further structural integrity for the block.
As shown, two liquid containers 10 are disposed between two
slip-sheets 52a, and 52b. Both the closure cap 22 and upper support
surface 38 are in contact with upper slip-sheet 52a in order to
distribute the weight through the liquid container 10. The present
embodiment provides enhanced structural rigidity for such a block
structure by causing the weight of the planar-shaped cardboard
slip-sheet and containers above to be distributed upon the closure
caps 22 as well as the handle portion 18 of the containers 10
below.
[0029] The particular liquid container 10 as disclosed is
configured to store approximately one U.S. gallon of liquid. It
will be understood however, that a container having other
capacities could be constructed using the teachings of this
disclosure. The container 10 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, has an
overall height of approximately 10.39 inches, a width of
approximately 5.75 inches, and a depth of approximately 6.27
inches. The center of the spout is offset from the center of the
container 10 by approximately 1.0 inches. The handle portion 18 has
a thickness of approximately 1.0 by 0.915 inches. A cavity formed
between the handle portion 18 and the neck portion 16 has a height
of approximately 3.073 inches. The base to sidewall ribs 42 extend
upwards from the base portion 12 to a height of approximately 0.80
inches. It should be understood that these dimensions may vary
widely, within the teachings of the present disclosure. Moreover,
containers having different sizes, configurations, and/or storage
capacities other than one U.S. gallon may have dimensions other
than those previously described.
[0030] The liquid container 10 may be constructed of a high density
polyethylene (HDPE) plastic material, which is generally "food
safe", for storage of human consumable liquids. However, the liquid
container 10 may formed from any suitable plastic material
appropriate for the type of liquid it is adapted to contain.
Nevertheless, the present embodiment may be formed using
conventional blow molding techniques, which are well known to those
skilled in the art.
[0031] Although an embodiment of the present disclosure has been
described using specific terms, such description is for
illustrative purposes only. The words used are words of description
rather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes and
variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art
without departing from the spirit or scope of the present
disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims. Therefore,
the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited
to the description of the embodiments disclosed therein.
* * * * *