U.S. patent application number 10/594873 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-17 for hot-fill bottle having flexible portions.
This patent application is currently assigned to CONSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC.. Invention is credited to Monis Bangi, Michael R. Mooney.
Application Number | 20080087628 10/594873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35053155 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080087628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bangi; Monis ; et
al. |
April 17, 2008 |
Hot-Fill Bottle Having Flexible Portions
Abstract
A flexible hot fill container includes a body having a label
portion and a flex portion. The flex portion includes flex panels
and support structure fields. Both the support structure fields and
flex panels deform inwardly upon vacuum conditions. Recess
sidewalls in the flex panels provide support.
Inventors: |
Bangi; Monis; (Woodridge,
IL) ; Mooney; Michael R.; (Frankfort, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOODCOCK WASHBURN LLP
CIRA CENTRE, 12TH FLOOR, 2929 ARCH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19104-2891
US
|
Assignee: |
CONSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC.
PHILADELPHIA
PA
|
Family ID: |
35053155 |
Appl. No.: |
10/594873 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
March 30, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US05/10556 |
371 Date: |
September 6, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60558790 |
Apr 1, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/384 ;
215/381; 215/382 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 79/005 20130101;
B65D 1/0223 20130101; B65D 2501/0036 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/384 ;
215/381; 215/382 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/02 20060101
B65D090/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2005 |
US |
11/091564 |
Claims
1. A hot-fillable container formed by blow molding, said container
comprising: a neck portion; an enclosed bottom portion; and a body
portion disposed between the neck portion and the bottom portion,
the body portion including: flex panels disposed about the
circumference of the body portion, each of which includes a
recessed central panel and a rim extending along a periphery of the
central panel, the central panels being capable of inward
deflection in response to the hot-filling process; and a support
structure field interposed between adjacent flex panels, the
support structure field including a series of non-vertical ribs
that abut one another along at least a portion of their lengths, at
least some of the non-vertical ribs including opposing ends that
terminate at the rim of an adjacent flex panel, wherein the support
structure field is capable of inward deflection in response to the
hot-filling process.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the stiffness of the support
fields is greater about its vertical axis than about its horizontal
axis.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein each flex panel comprises
opposing lateral recess walls extending between the central panel
and the rim.
4. The container of claim 3, wherein a central panel hinge portion
is formed in the recess walls.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein transverse hinges are defined
at an interface between adjacent non-vertical ribs, the transverse
hinges diminish stiffness of the support structure field about a
vertical axis.
6. The container of claim 5, wherein the ribs are substantially
horizontal such that the transverse hinges are horizontal.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein said flex panels are at least
three flex panels disposed approximately equidistant about a
circumference of the container.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein the body portion includes a
circumferential label portion disposed generally above the flex
panels and the support structure field.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein the maximum magnitude of inward
deflection of each of the central panels is approximately the same
as that of the support structure field under vacuum conditions.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein at least some of the
non-vertical ribs are concave as viewed from inside the
container.
11. A hot-fillable container formed by blow molding, the container
comprising: a) a neck portion; b) an enclosed bottom portion; and
c) a body portion disposed between the neck portion and the bottom
portion, the body portion including a flex portion comprising: i) a
plurality of spaced apart flex panels circumferentially disposed
about the body portion, each of the plurality of flex panels
including a central panel; and ii) a support structure field
interposed between adjacent flex panels, the support structure
field including a series of non-vertical ribs that abut one another
along at least a substantial portion of their lengths so as to
define non-vertical hinges that are capable of facilitating radial
deflection of the support structure field.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the stiffness of the support
structure field is greater about its vertical axis than about its
horizontal axis, and wherein the support structure field is capable
of inward deflection in response to the hot-filling process.
13. The container of claim 11, wherein each of the flex panels
include a pair of opposing lateral rims extending at least along
sides of the flex panel, and a pair of opposing lateral recess
walls extending between the central panel and the opposing lateral
rims.
14. The container of claim 13, wherein each of the flex panels
further includes a top and a bottom rim that merge into the
opposing lateral rims and a top and a bottom recess wall extending
between the central panel and the top and the bottom rim.
15. The container of claim 14, wherein the rims and recess walls
are continuous around the perimeter of the central panel.
16. The container of claim 13, wherein each of the opposing lateral
rims merge with at least some of the non-vertical ribs.
17. The container of claim 11, wherein at least some of the series
of non-vertical ribs are concave as viewed from inside the
container.
18. The container of claim 11, wherein a maximum magnitude of
radially inward deflection of each of the central panels is
approximately the same as that of the support structure field in
response to a container negative internal pressure.
19. The container of claim 11, comprising three flex panels and
three support structure fields.
20. A hot-fillable container formed by blow molding, the container
comprising: a) a neck portion; b) an enclosed bottom portion; and
c) a body portion disposed between the neck portion and the bottom
portion, the body portion including a flex portion comprising: i) a
plurality of spaced apart flex panels circumferentially disposed
about the body portion, each of the plurality of flex panels
including a central panel; ii) a plurality of spaced apart ribbed
regions circumferentially disposed about the body portion, each one
of the plurality of ribbed regions interposed between adjacent flex
panels and including a series of flex ribs; wherein the maximum
magnitude of radially inward deflection of each of the central
panels is substantially equivalent to the maximum magnitude of
radially inward deflection of each of the ribbed regions in
response to a pressure differential of about 5 psi between an
exterior and an interior of the container.
21. The container of claim 20, wherein each one of the ribs in the
series of flex ribs is oriented in a non-absolute vertical
orientation.
22. The container of claim 20, wherein each one of the ribs in the
series of flex ribs is concave as viewed from inside the
container.
23. The container of claim 20, wherein the flex ribs abut one
another.
24. The container of claim 20, wherein a rim extends continuously
around the perimeter of each of the central panels.
25. The container of claim 24, wherein opposing ends of the flex
ribs that terminate at an adjacent rim.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/558,790, filed on Apr. 1, 2004 and also claims
priority to a United States patent application entitled "Hot-Fill
Bottle Having Flexible Portions" having docket no. CNST-3580 filed
on Mar. 28, 2005, which also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/558,790, filed on Apr. 1, 2004, the disclosures
of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to containers, and more particularly
to hot fillable containers having flexible portions to absorb
vacuum.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Perishable beverage and food products are often placed into
containers at elevated temperatures. In a conventional hot-fill
process, the liquid or flowable product is charged into a container
at elevated temperatures, such as 180 to 190 degrees F., under
approximately atmospheric pressure. Because a cap hermetically
seals the product within the container while the product is at the
hot-filling temperature, hot-fill plastic containers are subject to
negative internal pressure (that is, relative to ambient pressure)
upon cooling and contraction of the products and any entrapped air
in the head-space.
[0004] It has been a goal of conventional hot-fill container design
to form stiff cylindrical portions (in transverse cross section)
that maintain a cylindrical shape upon cooling. Thus, conventional
hot-fill containers include designated flexing portions--vacuum
panels--that deform when subject to typical hot-fill negative
internal pressures. The inward deflection of the vacuum panels
tends to equalize the pressure differential between the interior
and exterior of the container--that is, absorb vacuum--so as to
enhance the ability of the cylindrical sections to maintain an
attractive shape, to enhance the ease of labeling, or like
commercial appeal. Some container designs are symmetric about a
longitudinal centerline and designed with stiffeners to maintain
the intended cylindrical shape while the vacuum panels deflect. For
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,178,289, 5,092,475, and 5,054,632 teach
stiffening portions or ribs to increase hoop stiffness and
eliminate bulges while integral vacuum panels collapse inwardly.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,046 is designed to provide volumetric shrinkage
of less than one percent in hot-fill applications.
[0005] Other containers include a pair of vacuum panels, each of
which has an indentation or grip portion enabling the container to
be gripped between a user's thumb and fingers. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,141,120 teaches a bottle having a hinge continuously
surrounding a vacuum panel, which includes indentations for
gripping. In response to cooling of the container contents, the
hinge enables the entire vacuum panel to collapse inwardly. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,141,121 similarly teaches a bottle having an outward
bulge that inverts in response to cooling of the container
contents. Each of the patents referred to herein by patent number
is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0006] It has been observed that for some containers undergoing
vacuum conditions, inward deflection of portions of the container,
such as panels, causes regions circumferentially spaced apart from
the panels to deflect outwardly. For example, some containers
having opposing handgrips, which may tend to deflect inwardly upon
vacuum conditions, have label panels that may deflect outwardly
under vacuum conditions.
[0007] Also, some containers are subject to creasing. For example,
edges of a flex panel may locally bulge outwardly after
hot-filling, which is unattractive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there has now been provided a hot-fillable container
including a neck portion, an enclosed bottom portion and a body
portion disposed between the neck portion and the bottom portion.
The body portion has flex panels disposed about the circumference
of the body portion. The flex panels include a recessed central
panel and a rim extending along a periphery of the central panel.
The central panels are capable of inward deflection in response to
the hot-filling process. A support structure fields is interposed
between adjacent flex panels, and is also capable of inward
deflection in response to the hot-filling process. The support
structure field includes non-vertical ribs that abut one another
along at least a portion of their length. At least some of the
non-vertical ribs includes opposing ends that terminate at the rim
of an adjacent flex panel.
[0009] In accordance with another preferred embodiment provided by
the present invention, there has now been provided a hot-fillable
container including a neck portion, an enclosed bottom portion and
a body portion disposed between the neck portion and the bottom
portion. The body portion includes a flex portion that has a
plurality of spaced apart flex panels circumferentially disposed
about the body portion and a support structure field interposed
between adjacent flex panels. The support structure field includes
a series of non-vertical ribs that abut one another along at least
a substantial portion of their lengths so as to define non-vertical
hinges that are capable of facilitating radial deflection of the
support structure field.
[0010] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, there has now been provided a hot-fillable
container including a neck portion, an enclosed bottom portion and
a body portion disposed between the neck portion and the bottom
portion. The body portion includes a flex portion that has a
plurality of spaced apart flex panels and ribbed regions. The
maximum magnitude of radially inward deflection of a central panel
of each of the flex panels is substantially equivalent to the
maximum magnitude of radially inward deflection of each of the
ribbed regions in response to a pressure differential of about 5
psi between an exterior and interior of the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the
container of FIG. 2 taken through line 3-3;
[0014] FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view normal to the longitudinal
cross sectional view taken through line 4A-4A;
[0015] FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view normal to the longitudinal
cross sectional view taken through line 4B-4B;
[0016] FIG. 4C is a cross sectional view normal to the longitudinal
cross sectional view taken through line 4C-4C;
[0017] FIG. 5A is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of
a portion of the container of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5B is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of
a portion of the container of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5C is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of
a portion of the container of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5D is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of
a portion of the container of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a (calculated) graphical depiction of the stresses
formed in the container of FIG. 1 as a result of a conventional
hot-filling process;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the graphical depiction of
FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an enlarged (calculated) graphical depiction of
the deformation formed in the container of FIG. 1 as a result of a
conventional hot-filing process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] A container 10 suitable for hot-filling includes a neck
portion 12, a bottom portion 18, and a body portion 22. As best
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, neck portion 12 includes a finish 14 for
receiving a closure (shown schematically in FIG. 2) and a dome 16.
Preferably, container 10 is for holding a beverage, although
container 10 and the principles disclosed herein may be employed
for containers of any variety and for any product. Preferably,
container 10 is formed of any plastic suitable for hot-filling,
including, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),
or a blend comprising the same. A perform can be made by injection
molding the plastic into an injection mold. The perform is then
stretched and blown into a shaped blow mold to form a container.
The present invention is not limited to the above-listed exemplary
materials or processes.
[0025] Bottom portion 18 includes a heel 19 that extends downwardly
from body portion 22 to a standing ring 20. A base 21, as shown in
FIG. 3, is a reentrant portion that extends inwardly and upwardly
from standing ring 20. The present invention encompasses employing
any type or configuration of finish 14, dome 16, heel 19, standing
ring 20, and base 21. Preferably, dome 16 is suitable for receiving
a label, such as a shrink-wrapped label 17a shown schematically in
FIG. 2.
[0026] Body portion 22 preferably includes a label portion 24 and a
separate flex portion 26. Body portion 22 is essentially separated
from dome 16 by a deep, circumferential groove 28 that provides
hoop strength to the surrounding region. A label 17b, as partially
schematically indicated in FIG. 2, preferably wraps around the
circumference of label portion 24.
[0027] Label portion 24 preferably has a round cross section that
is interrupted only by circumferential ribs 30 that provide hoop
strength to the label portion 24. Circumferential ribs 30 are not
required to be as deep as groove 28, although the present invention
is not limited to any particular relationship between groove 28 and
ribs 30, or even to existence of such groove and ribs. Label 17b
preferably, for aesthetic reasons, covers circumferential ribs
30.
[0028] Flex portion 26 preferably is disposed below label portion
24 to facilitate ease of labeling and gripping. Preferably, flex
portion 26 is not covered with a label. Flex portion 26 includes
plural flex panels 34 and support structure fields 36. Preferably,
container 10 has at least three flex panels (as shown in the
figures) although the present invention encompasses employing any
number of flex panels according the particular parameters of the
application (such as bottle diameter, wall thickness, hot-filling
conditions, desired vacuum absorption, and the like).
[0029] Each flex panel 34 includes a rim 40, a central panel 42,
and a recess sidewall 44. Rim 40 preferably comprises a pair of
opposing lateral rims 46a and 46b, a top rim 48a, and a bottom rim
48b. Preferably, rim components 46a, 46b, 48a, and 48b are
continuous, and formed by a thin, uniform strip or border.
[0030] Recess sidewall 44 preferably comprises a pair of opposing
lateral recess walls 50a and 50b that extend from opposing edges of
central panel 42 to lateral rims 46a and 46b, respectively.
Similarly, a top recess wall 52a and a bottom recess wall 52b
extend between top and bottom edges of central panel 42 to top rim
48a and bottom rim 48b, respectively.
[0031] Central panel 42 preferably is substantially flat in its
as-molded state, and has rounded comers. Accordingly, rim 40 and
recess sidewall 44 have rounded comers to essentially match the
outline of central panel 42. Preferably, the plane of central panel
42 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of container 10. Such
orientation, while not essential, enables lateral recess walls 50a
and 50b to be approximately uniform in radial dimension, which may
enhance the reinforcing function of recess sidewall 44.
[0032] Support structure field 36 preferably spans between rims 40
of adjacent flex panels 34, and includes non-vertical supports,
such as flex area ribs 56. As shown in the figures, ribs 56 may be
formed by multiple concave (as viewed from inside container 10)
outer portions 58, each of which has an upper and lower inwardly
directed end 60. An end 60 of one rib 56 joins an end 60 of an
adjacent rib 56 at a ridge 62.
[0033] Preferably, at least some of the circumferential ends of
flex area ribs 56 are disposed proximate to or in contact with
lateral rims 46a, 46b of flex panel 34. Such configuration may
support lateral rims 46a, 46b and may prevent deformation of rims
46a, 46b under vacuum conditions, and may also inhibit creasing.
Such configuration is not essential--rather, the present invention
encompasses any configuration set forth in the claims.
[0034] Flex ribs 56 are illustrated in the figures as a series of
concave portions 58. The invention is not limited to such
configuration of ribs, but rather encompasses any non-vertical
structure, such as ribs that are oriented other than horizontally.
For example, FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D illustrate alternative
embodiments of a pattern of supports within support structure field
36. Such structure is designated as support structures 37a, 37b,
37c, and 37d, respectively. FIG. 5A schematically shows support
structure 37a: a central circle or island with arcuate ribs
disposed above and below. FIG. 5B schematically shows support
structure 37b: undulating ribs. FIG. 5C schematically shows support
structure 37c: arcuate ribs, which may be oriented to open
downwardly. Alternatively, the arcuate ribs may open upwardly (not
shown in the Figures). FIG. 5D schematically shows support
structure 37d: obliquely oriented ribs that are substantially
straight or rectilinear in elevational view (although the oblique
ribs will, of course, curve with the circumference of the
container).
[0035] The flex ribs shown in the figures are not vertical, or,
where the ribs are not rectilinear, the longitudinal center line or
best fit line through the planar projection of the rib is not
vertical. The non-vertical structure of the ribs and spaces between
ribs enhance the ability of the support structure field to bend
relative to a horizontal axis even while such ribs will enhance
hoop stiffness of the support structure field 36, 37a, 37b, 37c, or
37d. In this regard, the ribs of support structure field 36, 37a,
37b, 37c, or 37d stiffen such support structure field from flexing
in a horizontal plane or about a vertical axis.
[0036] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate aspects of the function of
the preferred container 10. The solid lines illustrate the cross
sections in the as-molded state, and the dashed lines schematically
indicate the cross sections on container 10 under conventional
vacuum conditions created by filling the product (not shown) at
approximately 185 degrees F. and then capping container 10 and
allowing it to cool to room temperature. In FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, a
solid double line in the region of the flex area ribs 56 shows both
concave outer portion 58 and ridge 62 as solid lines, and omits the
cross sectional cross-hatching for clarity. For clarity,
deformation is indicated by a single dashed line 56' is this
region. Dashed line 42' indicates deformation of central panel 42
of flex panel 34.
[0037] Central panels 42 of the flex panels 34 deform inwardly, as
expected. As best shown in FIG. 4B, the centers of the regions
between the flex panels (that is, in support structure field 36)
also deflect inward to absorb vacuum. FIG. 4A, which shows the
cross section near an upper end of flex portion 26, shows a
relatively small magnitude of inward deflection upon vacuum.
Similarly, FIG. 4C, which shows the cross section near a lower end
of flex portion 26, also shows a relatively small magnitude of
inward deflection upon vacuum. Preferably, and in order to enhance
the total magnitude of vacuum absorption, the magnitude of maximum
inward deflection of central panel 42 is approximately the same as
the magnitude of maximum inward deflection of support structure
field 36. Such relative magnitudes are not essential, and the
present invention encompasses any relative magnitudes of inward
deflection (or even no inward deflection of the support structure
fields), according to the language of the claims. It should be
understood that the deflection shown by broken lines is for
illustration purposes only. Actual deflection may vary in relative
magnitude, geometry and/or uniformity.
[0038] The functional aspects of container 10 are further
illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. FIGS. 6 and 7 graphically show
calculated von Mises stress for container 10 based on a geometric
non-linear analysis using 2-D shell elements. Von Mises stress at
each point is an averaged stress value calculated by adding the
squares of the 3 component stresses (X, Y and Z directions) and
taking the square root of their sums. Container 10 was
mathematically analyzed as a full bottle without the finish and
restrained at the top surface.
[0039] Stresses were calculated based on a 5 psi vacuum. The
temperature variation under vacuum performance was ignored. The
wall thickness of container 10 was assumed to be 0.015 inches
uniform throughout container 10, except the neck and base 21, which
were presumed to be 0.050 inches thick. As best shown in FIG. 7,
lateral recess sidewalls 50a and 50b undergo the greatest magnitude
of von Mises stress under vacuum conditions, thereby (among other
things) providing stiffening and inhibiting creasing of lateral
rims 48a and 48b, respectively. Ridges 62 undergo higher stress
than does concave outer portion 58 of flex area ribs 56.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates calculated deformation based on the same
conditions as the calculated stresses of FIGS. 6 and 7. In general
agreement with the stresses shown in FIG. 7, central panel 42 bows
inwardly, with the greatest magnitude of deformation occurring in
its center.
[0041] As best shown in FIG. 8, lateral recess sidewalls 50a and
50b and lateral rims 46a and 46b function as stiffeners relative to
central panel 42. Also, top and bottom recess sidewalls 52a and 52b
and top and bottom rims 48a and 48b act as stiffeners relative to
central panel 42.
[0042] Accordingly, because the support structure field 36
undergoes inward deflection in addition to the inward deflection of
the center panel 42 of flex panel 34, vacuum absorption is
enhanced. The label panel portion is stiffened by ribs 30, and
generally retains its circular shape to enhance labeling and
appearance.
[0043] The present invention is illustrated with respect to a
preferred embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to
the particular structure described in the preferred embodiment of
container 10. For example, the present invention encompasses a
container in which a label panel (such as label portion 24 of
container body 22) undergoes some deformation under vacuum
conditions, becomes out-of-round under vacuum conditions, and/or is
not circular in its as-molded state--even though such structure or
function is not shown in the figures.
[0044] Furthermore, it is not essential that the container have
separate flex portions 26 and label portions 24. For example, the
present invention encompasses the body portion 22 of container 10
or (other body configuration of other container covered by the
appended claims) being covered by a label (such configuration not
shown in the figures). The non-mechanical and subjectively
attractive appearance of body portion 22 renders it suitable for
use without a label, and the flex panels 34 disposed about the
circumference of container 10 enhance gripping, but such advantages
are optional.
[0045] It is understood that persons familiar with hot-fill
container technology will recognize additional advantages and
features that flow from the present disclosure, and the present
invention encompasses such additional advantages and features such
that the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.
* * * * *