U.S. patent application number 11/841312 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for plastic container and separately formed handle.
This patent application is currently assigned to PLASTIPAK PACKAGING, INC.. Invention is credited to Christopher T. Caldwell, Christopher E. Kaminski, Edward V. Morgan.
Application Number | 20080083764 11/841312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40379744 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083764 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kaminski; Christopher E. ;
et al. |
April 10, 2008 |
PLASTIC CONTAINER AND SEPARATELY FORMED HANDLE
Abstract
A plastic container is disclosed that includes a hollow
container portion and a separately formed handle portion. The
container portion includes a base portion, a sidewall portion, and
an upper portion. The handle includes handle portion and an upper
annular portion that is configured to engage a portion of the upper
portion of the container portion. The invention further includes
additional features with respect to the container portion and the
handle that may be included and combined in various configurations
to provide a desirable container and separately formed handle.
Inventors: |
Kaminski; Christopher E.;
(Northfield Center, OH) ; Caldwell; Christopher T.;
(Monroe, MI) ; Morgan; Edward V.; (Northville,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC
39577 WOODWARD AVENUE, SUITE 300
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5086
US
|
Assignee: |
PLASTIPAK PACKAGING, INC.
Plymouth
MI
|
Family ID: |
40379744 |
Appl. No.: |
11/841312 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
29267170 |
Oct 6, 2006 |
D551556 |
|
|
11841312 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/660 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/0223 20130101;
A47J 45/06 20130101; B65D 23/106 20130101; B65D 2501/0081
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/660 |
International
Class: |
B65D 23/10 20060101
B65D023/10; B65D 25/28 20060101 B65D025/28 |
Claims
1. A plastic container, comprising: a hollow container portion, the
container portion including a base portion, a sidewall portion, and
an upper portion with an opening; and a separately formed handle,
the handle including an upper annular portion and a handle portion;
wherein the upper annular portion of the handle is configured to
engage a portion of the upper portion of the container portion, and
the handle portion includes an outwardly projecting thumb-receiving
formation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 29/267,170 for PLASTIC CONTAINER, filed Oct.
6, 2006, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to plastic containers, and
plastic containers including containers that include a separately
formed handle.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to an aspect of the invention, a plastic container
is disclosed that includes a hollow container portion and a
separately formed handle portion. The container portion includes a
base portion, a sidewall portion, and an upper portion. The handle
includes handle portion and an upper annular portion that is
configured to engage a portion of the upper portion of the
container portion. The invention further includes additional
features with respect to the container portion and the handle that
may be included and combined in various configurations to provide a
desirable container and separately formed handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a side view of a plastic container with a handle
attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plastic container with a
handle attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention, the container portion shown in phantom;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a side view of a plastic container with a handle
(shown in phantom) attached thereto in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a top view of a container with a handle attached
thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a side view of a plastic container with a handle
attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a side view of a plastic container with a handle
attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a plastic container shown in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a plastic container with
a handle attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 8A is a side elevation view of a plastic container
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0014] FIG. 8B is a partial perspective view of the plastic
container shown in FIG. 8A;
[0015] FIG. 8C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower
handle connection area illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B;
[0016] FIG. 8D is a partial side view of a portion of a plastic
container as generally shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, illustrating an
attachment of the handle to the container portion;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an open handle according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a top view of the handle of FIG. 9, shown in an
open and a closed configuration;
[0019] FIG. 11A is a front view of the handle of FIG. 9, shown in
an open configuration;
[0020] FIG. 11B is a side view of the handle of FIG. 9, shown in a
closed configuration;
[0021] FIG. 11C is a back view of the handle of FIG. 9, shown in a
closed configuration;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a closed handle according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a top view of the handle of FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the handle of FIG. 12;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a front view of the handle of FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a back view of the handle of FIG. 12;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a left side view of the handle of FIG. 12;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a right side view of the handle of FIG. 12;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a closed handle according
to another embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a top view of the handle of FIG. 19;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the handle of FIG. 19;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a front view of the handle of FIG. 19;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a back view of the handle of FIG. 19;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a left side view of the handle of FIG. 19;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a right side view of the handle of FIG. 19;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a closed handle according
to yet another embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a top view of the handle of FIG. 26;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the handle of FIG. 26;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a front view of the handle of FIG. 26;
[0040] FIG. 30 is a back view of the handle of FIG. 26;
[0041] FIG. 31 is a left side view of the handle of FIG. 26;
and
[0042] FIG. 32 is a right side view of the handle of FIG. 26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are described herein and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will
be described in conjunction with embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to these
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0044] FIG. 1 generally illustrates a plastic container 10
according to an embodiment of the invention. As generally
illustrated, plastic container includes a container portion 12 and
a separately formed handle 14 attached thereto.
[0045] Container portion 12 may comprise, for example, a hollow,
blow molded container. Further, container 12 may include a lower
base portion 15 that is configured to support the container on a
surface; a sidewall portion 16 that extends upwardly from the base
portion 15; and an upper portion 18 above the sidewall portion 16
that includes an opening 20.
[0046] The container portion 12 may comprise a deformable synthetic
polymeric material. For example, without limitation, container
portion 12 may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene,
polycarbonate, or polyethylene terephthalate, or other plastic
material or plastic materials in combination, including multi-layer
combinations.
[0047] The handle 14 may also be comprised of a polymeric material,
although other materials, including those comprising one or more
different polymers that are used to form container portion 12, may
also be used. Also, while the illustrated embodiments show
containers of several sizes and configurations, the invention is
not so limited, and can be employed effectively with containers
having various sizes and configurations.
[0048] An upper region 22 (shown in FIG. 1 in phantom) generally
represents an upper region of the upper portion 18. The upper
region 22 may include threads (such as conventional threading) or
other formations (such as those that receive a portion of a cap)
that are adapted to receive a closure device. Moreover, for some
embodiments of the invention, the upper region 22 can employ a foil
seal or other means for covering opening 20.
[0049] Handle 14 includes an upper annular portion 30 that, at
least in part, surrounds and engages the upper portion 18 of the
container portion 12, and a handle portion 32. In an embodiment,
the upper annular portion 30 engages the upper portion 18 below
upper region 22 and, in a preferred embodiment, the upper annular
portion 30 is positioned so that it does not interfere with a means
for providing a closure for the container portion 12, such as
threading. Handle portion 32 is connected to and generally extends
downwardly from the upper annular portion 30. Handle portion 32 may
include one or more curved segments. Moreover, as generally shown
in FIG. 1, handle 14 may include at least one radially-outward
curved segment 34 and at least one radially-inward curved segment
36. Such radially-outward curved segments and/or radially-inward
curved segments may curve toward or away from container portion 12.
For some embodiments, handle 14 may have a vertical height H.sub.1
that is at least 0.40 the total vertical height H.sub.2 of
container portion 12.
[0050] FIG. 2 generally illustrates another embodiment of a handle
14 that is shown engaging a comparatively larger container portion
12 (shown in phantom). The illustrated handle 14 includes a handle
portion 32 with an outwardly projecting thumb-receiving formation
38. Thumb-receiving formation 38, which can be formed integrally
with the handle portion 32, may include one or more curved portions
(see e.g., 39a, 39b) that are sized and shaped to receive a portion
of a user's thumb. As further generally illustrated, handle portion
32 may additionally include one or more grip formations 40, such as
bumps or relatively small ridges, that extend from the handle
portion. The grip formations can be configured to facilitate
gripping by a user.
[0051] Another embodiment of a container 10 is shown in FIG. 3. As
generally illustrated, container portion 12 can include a
centerline (or central axis) CL that coincides with the central
axis of opening 20. Line OD generally represents an offset distance
that runs substantially parallel to the centerline CL. Line OD is
offset a distance D.sub.1 about the centerline CL. In an
embodiment, distance D.sub.1 is about 6 mm. As also generally
illustrated in FIG. 3, a line TL generally represents a tangent
line (perpendicular to the plane of the base of the container 10)
of the furthest radially-outward portion of the container portion
12 on the handle-side of the container 10. As generally shown, in
an embodiment, the furthest radial portion of handle portion 32
does not extend radially beyond the tangent line TL. In the
illustrated embodiment, the furthest radial portion of the handle
portion 32 is shown spaced a distance D.sub.2 from the tangent line
TL. For some embodiments, distance D.sub.2 is at least 0.25 mm.
Moreover, as also generally illustrated in FIG. 3, the sidewall
portion 16 of the container portion 12 does not extend radially
inwardly as far as the offset distance OD. For example, point P,
which generally represents the radially innermost point on the
sidewall portion 16 is radially outward of offset distance OD, and
for most embodiments, should be no closer than the offset distance
OD. Additionally, as generally shown in FIG. 3, when viewed in from
the side, or in a similarly oriented cross section, portions of the
inner side of the handle portion 32 and adjacent portions of the
sidewall portion 16 of the container portion 12 may include
segments that, for at least a short distance (e.g., 0.5 mm), run
substantially parallel one another. FIG. 4 represents a top view of
the centerline CL and offset distance OD (shown here as a solid
line) for a container portion 12 according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0052] FIGS. 5 and 6 generally illustrate an additional feature
that may be incorporated into embodiments of the invention. In the
embodiments shown, a portion 50 of the sidewall portion 16 of the
container 10 that is generally adjacent handle portion 32 include
one or more recessed portions or indentations 52. The recessed
portions or indentations, which may be formed integrally with the
container portion 12, can be sized and configured to receive at
least a portion of the fingers (e.g., the portion more proximate to
the palm) and/or knuckles of a user when the user grasps or grips
handle portion 32. Such a feature can permit the handle portion 32
that is intended to be gripped to be provided closer to the
sidewall portion 16 of the container portion 12, and, for some
applications and embodiments, can permit the user's hand to be
slightly closer to the centerline CL of the container portion 12.
FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a container portion 12
(without attached handle 14) that includes a different form of
recessed portions or indentations 52, which may be formed in-mold
in the sidewall portion 16 that are adjacent to portions where a
handle may be provided when formed as a plastic container 10. Of
course, the invention is not limited to the illustrated recessed
portions and indentations, and various other size and
configurations of recessed portions and indentations are
contemplated by the invention.
[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in
which a lower portion 60 of handle portion 32 is connected or
attached to a point in the lower one-half of sidewall portion 16.
In other embodiments, a lower portion 60 of handle portion 32 may
be connected or attached to a portion of the base portion 15.
Moreover, for some embodiments in which a lower portion 60 of the
handle 14 is secured to the sidewall portion 16 or the base portion
15, the handle 14 may have a vertical height H.sub.1 that is at
least 0.70 the total vertical height H.sub.2 of container portion
12. For other embodiments, the handle 14 may have a vertical height
H.sub.1 that is at least 0.75 the total vertical height H.sub.2 of
container portion 12.
[0054] FIG. 8A generally illustrates a side elevation view of a
plastic container 10 similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8. The
illustrated container 10 includes a container portion 12 and handle
14 having a lower portion 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the
lower portion 60 of the handle 14 further includes a means for
attachment to the container portion 12, such as a formation or
barb. FIG. 8A provides a partial perspective view showing the
handle 14 connected to the sidewall portion 16 of the container
portion 12. As generally illustrated in FIG. 8C, a portion of the
container portion 12 (e.g., a portion of sidewall portion 16) may
be configured to provide a receiving portion 16' for receiving an
attachment portion (e.g., barb 61) of the lower portion 60 of
handle 14. FIG. 8D generally illustrates an attachment of the
handle 14 to the container portion 12, wherein a barb 61 is
mechanically secured (e.g., hooked or interference-fit) within a
portion of receiving portion 16' of the sidewall portion 16.
Naturally, those of skill in the art will readily understand that
the means for attachment is not limited to the illustrated
embodiment and other forms of connection may be employed and still
be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Moreover,
if desired for some applications, lower portion 60 of the handle
may be additionally secured to or within a portion of container
portion 12, for example, by gluing, bonding, and/or by employing a
secondary treatment process, such as heat treating.
[0055] FIGS. 9-11C are views of a separately formed handle 14
according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is a
perspective view of the handle 14, shown in an open configuration.
The open handle 70 includes upper annular portions 30a and 30b that
combine to comprise an upper annular portion 30, and handle
portions 32a and 32b that combine to form a handle portion 32. In
the illustrated embodiment, upper annular portions 32a and 32b
comprise two semi-circular portions, which may be integrally formed
and connected together by a hinge 60. While it is possible, and
often preferable, to form the handle 14 as a single component
(e.g., a single molded component), for some embodiments, the handle
14 could instead be formed by two separately-formed components that
are later firmly secured or connected at a position at or about the
position where the hinge 60 is provided in connection with a
unitary handle.
[0056] Upper annular portions 30a, 30b are configured to be wrapped
around an upper portion 18 of a container portion 12. As generally
illustrated, handle portions 32a and 32b may include formations
that can be connected (e.g., snapped together in a positive,
secured or locked engagement) to permit the handle 14 to be easily
closed around a portion of the upper portion 18 of container
portion 12 in a positive secured or locked manner. In an
embodiment, handle portion 32a may include one or more "male" or
extending formations, such as pins or connectors. For example, as
generally shown in FIG. 9, handle portion 32a includes a plurality
of protruding connectors 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d that are provided at
different locations along the extent of the handle portion 32. With
such an embodiment, handle portion 32b may include one or more
corresponding "female" holes or receiving formations. For instance,
as generally illustrated in FIG. 9, handle portion 32b may include
a plurality of receiving formations 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d that
respectively match up with and engage protruding connectors 62a,
62b, 62c, 62d provided in connection with handle portion 32a.
Naturally, those of skill in the art will readily understand that
the invention in not limited to the exemplary configurations shown,
and other means for securing the handle portions 32a, 32b, such as
alternating the protruding connectors and receiving formations on
the two handle portions 32a, 32b, are also contemplated. Moreover,
while mechanical means for securing the handle portions 32a, 32b
are illustrated, for some embodiments, it may be desirable, in lieu
of or in addition to the aforementioned means for securing, to bond
portions of the handle portions together chemically, such as by
employing an epoxy or glue, and/or by heat-treating a portion of
the handle to further weld or meld one or more corresponding handle
portions together.
[0057] Further, in an embodiment, an inside surface 31a, 31b of the
upper annular portion 30 may include at least one formation, such
as a notch or groove 66, that is configured to receive or engage a
formation (such as a projection extending from a portion of the
upper portion 18 that can be configured to engage a notch or
groove), which can act as a locator to provide a means for
orienting the handle 14 relative to the container portion 12 and
can further serve to prevent undesirable rotation of the handle
portion 32 about the container portion 12 when the handle 14 is
applied or secured to the container portion 12. The invention is
not limited to the aforementioned means for orienting the handle.
For example, without limitation, the upper annular portion 30 may
include a formation (such as a protrusion) that is configured to be
received in a corresponding recess or receiving portion in the
upper portion 18 of container portion 12.
[0058] FIG. 10 generally illustrates a top view of a handle of the
type illustrated in FIG. 9 in both an open and a closed
configuration. In the closed configuration, handle portions 32a,
32b are connected or otherwise secured together to form a single
handle portion 32, and the upper annular portions 30a, 30b are
closed together (e.g., about hinge 60) to form an upper annular
portion 30. Upper annular portion may be configured to provide a
desired diameter (e.g., D.sub.3) to snuggly surround and engage a
portion of the upper portion 18 of container portion 12. FIGS.
11A-11C illustrate different views of the handle in both open (FIG.
11A) and closed (FIGS. 11B and 11C) configurations.
[0059] FIGS. 12-18 generally illustrate an embodiment of a handle
14 in a closed configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, handle
14 includes upper annular portion 30 and a handle portion 32.
Handle portion includes an outwardly projecting thumb-receiving
formation 38. The thumb-receiving formation 38 can be formed
integrally with the handle portion 32, and may include one or more
curved portions, such as portions 39a, 39b that are sized and
shaped to receive a portion of a user's thumb. Handle portion 32 is
also shown including a plurality of optional grip formations 40,
such as bumps or relatively small ridges associated with a lower
portion 70 of handle portion 32. Naturally, the grip formations are
not limited to the illustrated grip formations 40, and one or more
grip formations may be positioned and configured in a wide number
of manners to facilitate the gripping or grasping of the handle by
a user. FIGS. 19-25 generally illustrate an embodiment of a handle
that is similar to that shown in FIGS. 12-18, but without the
inclusion of all of the aforementioned exemplary gripping
formations 40.
[0060] FIGS. 26-32 generally illustrate another embodiment of a
handle 14 in a closed configuration. Handle 14 includes an upper
annular portion 30 and a handle portion 32. As generally
illustrated, handle portion 14 may include an outwardly projecting
thumb-receiving formation 38 and, as general illustrated in FIGS.
26, 31 and 32, one or more recesses 80 that can be positioned and
configured to receive a portion of a user's finger when the handle
14 is gripped.
[0061] The container 10 of the present invention thus includes a
separately formed handle 14 that may be simply and conveniently and
firmly secured to a container portion 12. The container portion 12
may be a lightweight plastic container that can be optimized for
reheat stretch blow molding in conventional blow molding machines
in a format that can permits a larger number of units to be
prepared per cycle. Moreover, the separately-formed handles may
also be formed using high-volume production techniques, including
injection molding processes that permit large numbers of units to
be prepared in an efficient manner. The assembled container is
consumer friendly, easy to use and presents a stable, desirable
final structure.
[0062] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and various
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as
are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that
the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto
and their equivalents.
* * * * *