U.S. patent application number 11/894171 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for supportable pressurizable container having a bottom for receiving a dip tube and base cup therefor.
Invention is credited to Matthew John Martin, Scott Edward Smith.
Application Number | 20090050599 11/894171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40104650 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090050599 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; Matthew John ; et
al. |
February 26, 2009 |
Supportable pressurizable container having a bottom for receiving a
dip tube and base cup therefor
Abstract
A container having a curved bottom and base cup which allows the
container to stand upright. The container and base cup are fitted
together by a mechanical engagement having portions on the
container and base cup. The mechanical engagement of the container
is disposed within the bottom cone of the container. The mechanical
engagement of the base cup is cantilevered from the bottom of the
base cup. Such disposition reduces stress at the interface between
the side wall of the container and edge of the base, providing for
a smoother transition and better appearance. Also, this disposition
provides resistance to separation of the container and base cup
during drop impact. The bottom of the container may be curved and
have a well therein for receiving the contents of the container and
a dip tube.
Inventors: |
Martin; Matthew John;
(California, KY) ; Smith; Scott Edward;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
40104650 |
Appl. No.: |
11/894171 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/376 ;
220/636; 222/372 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/376 ;
220/636; 222/372 |
International
Class: |
B65D 23/00 20060101
B65D023/00 |
Claims
1. A container and a base cup attached thereto; the container
having a curved bottom and side walls visible when the container is
disposed on a horizontal surface, said container having side walls
extending outwardly from said curved bottom and intercepting said
curved bottom at a point of tangency; the base cup fitting over at
least a portion of said curved bottom of said container and having
a bottom allowing said base cup and said container to sit upright
on a horizontal surface, said base cup, having side walls extending
outwardly from the bottom of said base cup and intercepting said
side walls of said container at said plate of tangency; a
mechanical engagement which joins said base cup and said container
and comprises complimentary engageable portions disposed on said
container and on said base cup, a portion of said mechanical
engagement be disposed on said bottom of said container, whereby
said side walls of said container are free of said engagement when
said base cup is attached thereto; and a well disposed in the
bottom of said container for receiving contents of the container
therein.
2. A container and a base cup attached thereto according to claim
1, wherein said bottom of said container is hemispherically
shaped.
3. A container and a base cup attached thereto according to claim
2, wherein said container is pressurized and further comprising a
dip tube for dispensing contents from said container, said dip tube
having an end for receiving contents of said container, said end of
said dip tube being disposed within said well of said
container.
4. A container and a base cup attached thereto according to claim 1
wherein said well is congruent with said bottom of said
container.
5. A container and a base cup attached thereto according to claim 4
wherein said bottom of said container is hemispherically shaped,
and said well is round.
6. A container and a base cup attached thereto according to claim 5
wherein said container and base cup have a longitudinal axis
therethrough, said well having a diameter and a longitudinal depth,
said diameter being greater than said longitudinal depth.
7. A container and a base cup attached thereto; the container being
internally pressurized and having a curved bottom and side walls
visible when the container is disposed on a horizontal surface,
said container having side walls extending outwardly from said
curved bottom and intercepting said curved bottom at a point of
tangency; the base cup fitting over at least a portion of said
curved bottom of said container and having a bottom allowing said
base cup and said container to sit upright on a horizontal surface,
said base cup, having side walls extending outwardly from the
bottom of said base cup and intercepting said side walls of said
container at said plate of tangency; a mechanical engagement which
joins said base cup and said container and comprises complimentary
engageable portions disposed on said container and on said base
cup, a portion of said mechanical engagement be disposed on said
bottom of said container, whereby said side walls of said container
are free of said engagement when said base cup is attached thereto;
and a well disposed in the bottom of said container for receiving
contents of the container therein.
8. A container and a base cup attached thereto according to claim 7
pressurized to 80,000 to 120,000 ksm.
9. A container and a base cup attached thereto according to claim 8
pressurized to 90,000 to 110,000 ksm.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to containers having irregular
bottoms and base cups for such containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pressurizable containers are well known in the art. Such
containers are often used to hold and dispense consumer products,
such as shaving cream, air fresheners, cleaners, furniture polish,
etc. The container may be pressurized to a pressure greater than
atmospheric pressure using propellants, inflatable bags, powered
pumps, manual pumps such as a squeeze trigger, etc.
[0003] The contents of the container, when pressurized, may be
dispensed from a nozzle or other opening juxtaposed with the top of
the container. For example, the top of the container may have a
neck with a threaded cap as occurs with common soft drinks, so that
the contents may simply be poured from the container when the cap
is removed. Alternatively, the top of the container may be provided
with a nozzle so that the contents are dispensed from the container
as a foam, gel, mist or spray. Various other types of dispensing
mechanisms are well-known in the art.
[0004] In order to accommodate the desired pressure during
shipment, storage and transport the walls of the container must be
able to withstand and maintain the pressure after manufacture
through a variety of temperatures, orientations, and handling by
the user. The walls of the container must therefore be thick enough
to prevent leakage of the contents under pressure or cracking due
to stress. This has been accomplished by providing thicker walls.
However, relatively thick walls present the problem of material
cost and are viewed as environmentally unfriendly.
[0005] One approach to solving this problem has been to provide
relatively thin side walls and a hemispherical or otherwise curved
base. A hemispherical base resists pressure better than a flat
base.
[0006] However, this approach provides the disadvantage that the
curved base does not allow the container to sit upright on
horizontal surfaces such as a shelf or table. Such a base may be
considered irregular. By irregular it is meant an upright container
having such a base cannot stand upright on a horizontal surface
without falling over.
[0007] One attempt in the art to overcoming this problem includes
fitting a base cup over the hemispherical bottom of the container.
The base cup fits around the periphery of the container and has a
flat bottom. The flat bottom permits the base cup, and container
attached to thereto, to sit upright.
[0008] Attachment of the base cup to the bottom of the container
has presented yet its own problems. Various groove/projection
systems have been proposed for the attachment. The
groove/projection systems typically provide a circumferential
groove and complementary projection around the container. The
groove projection system is typically disposed near the curved
bottom of the container, such as the point of tangency between the
curved bottom and side wall of the container. The base cup is a
complementary projection or groove, which engages the groove or
projection of the container. Such engagement provides a mechanical
fit which prevents separation of the base cup from the container
during ordinary use.
[0009] The container with the engagement system must pass
regulatory drop tests to ensure safety during handling and
shipment. The engagement system must be robust enough to provide
both static and dynamic attachment between the container and base
cup.
[0010] However, such engagement systems present their own problems.
The interface between the projection and groove is not always
smooth. This results in a noticeable line or ridge, which is
unsightly. This effect is exacerbated, if shrink wrap or other
labeling is placed around the container. The unsightly line or
ridge may appear even more pronounced as one tries to hide it.
[0011] This problem may be exacerbated when the container is
pressurized. The line between the base cup and container may appear
less pronounced under atmospheric conditions. However, when the
container is pressurized, expansion may occur. Such expansion may
cause further mismatch at the interface between the mating edges of
the container and base cup.
[0012] One attempt to solve this problem has been to adhesively
attach the base cup to the container. This approach provides the
disadvantage that an additional material cost in the form of the
adhesive occurs. Additionally, an extra manufacturing step has to
occur between the manufacture of the container and the attachment
of the base cup thereto. The adhesive has to be applied to either
or both of the container and base cup, requiring an additional
operation and extra machinery.
[0013] Yet other problems occur when the container uses a dip tube
to dispense contents. The dip tub may not be positioned at the
lowest point of the container, allowing contents to be wasted. For
example, if a hemispherical-bottom container is held at an angle,
the bottom of the dip tube may not be immersed in the contents of
the container. One approach to solving this problem has been place
a well in the bottom of the container. However, this approach may
not be feasible with a container having a hemispherical bottom
designed to withstand internal pressure.
[0014] Accordingly, there is a need to solve the problems of
providing a thin walled container, a container which can sit on a
horizontal surface, a container that can sit on a horizontal
surface utilizing a base cup, the utilization of a base cup without
the need for adhesive attachment, and to have a base cup which
mechanically engages in the container without the appearance of an
unsightly line at the interface between the container and base
cup.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a container and
base cup according to the present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 2A and 2B are fragmentary vertical sectional views of
the container of FIG. 1 and a base cup having a longitudinal
alignment. FIG. 2A shows a base cup with a hole in the bottom. FIG.
2B shows a base cup with a solid bottom.
[0017] FIGS. 3A and 3B are vertical sectional views of the
container and base cups of FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, shown in
the engaged position.
[0018] FIG. 4 is top plan view of an alternative base cup having a
longitudinal alignment tab and four discrete radial alignment tabs
for applying forces in the longitudinal and radial directions,
respectively.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In one embodiment the invention may comprise a container
attachable to a base cup by mechanical engagement. The container
has a top, an irregular bottom, side walls, and a point of tangency
between the bottom of the container and the side walls. The
container has a longitudinal axis therethrough and a 45 degree
bottom cone having a vertex disposed on the longitudinal axis at a
position corresponding to the point of tangency and diverging
outwardly towards the bottom of the container. A mechanical
engagement for joining the container to a base cup is disposed on
said bottom of the container at least partially within the bottom
cone.
[0020] In one embodiment the invention may comprise a base cup for
supporting a container having an irregular bottom and a
longitudinal axis therethrough. The base cup has a bottom for
resting on a horizontal surface, a top remote therefrom, a base cup
side wall joining the top and bottom of the base cup. An internal
perimeter is internal to the base cup side wall and provides a
mechanical engagement for engaging a container. The mechanical
engagement may comprise an internal engageable portion extending
radially inwardly from a proximal end to a distal end, whereby the
engageable portion is cantilevered from the bottom of said base
cup.
[0021] In one embodiment the invention may comprise a container and
a base cup attached thereto. The container may have an irregular
bottom and side walls visible when the container is disposed on a
horizontal surface. The base cup fits over at least a portion of
the bottom of the container and allows the container to sit upright
on a horizontal surface. A mechanical engagement joins the base cup
and said container. The mechanical engagement may comprise
complementary engageable portions disposed on the container and
base cup, particularly the mechanical engagement may be disposed on
being bottom of the container, whereby the side walls of said
container are free of said engagement when the base cup is attached
thereto.
[0022] In one embodiment the invention may comprise a container and
a base cup attached thereto. The container may have an irregular
bottom and side walls visible when the container is disposed on a
horizontal surface. The base cup fits over at least a portion of
the bottom of the container and allows the container to sit upright
on a horizontal surface. The container and base cup may have
alignment tabs, which fit together and provide a reactive force of
one component against the other to help maintain these components
in the proper position when engaged.
[0023] In one embodiment the invention may comprise a container and
a base cup attached thereto. The container may have an irregular
bottom and side walls visible when the container is disposed on a
horizontal surface. The base cup fits over at least a portion of
the bottom of the container and allows the container to sit upright
on a horizontal surface. The bottom of the container may be curved,
and particularly maybe hemispherical. A well may be juxtaposed with
the bottom of the container. The base cup has side walls, which
intercept the container at a point of tangency.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, the invention comprises a container 10,
and more particularly the bottom portion thereof. The container 10
has a has a bottom 12, for indirectly resting upon a surface, a top
16 for dispensing the contents of the container 10 therefrom, and
side walls 14 and joining in the bottom 12 and top 16. The
container 10 may have a longitudinal axis through the bottom 12 and
top 16. The longitudinal axis may be generally vertical when the
container 10 is disposed on a horizontal surface. The container 10
may be joined to a complementary base cup 20 for resting upon a
surface.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B and examining the components in
more detail, the bottom 12 of the container 10 may be irregular,
and not allow the container 10 to stand upright on a horizontal
surface. The bottom 12 of the container 10 may be eccentric,
sloped, tapered, curved, and more particularly, hemispherical as
shown. As used herein, an irregular bottom 12 is any bottom 12 not
having a substantial cross section perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the container 10 and which does not allow the
container 10 to stand upright on bottom 12 when the container 10 is
placed on a horizontal surface. A tapered bottom 12 is a bottom 12
which reduces in cross section in the longitudinal direction as the
bottom 12 of the container 10 is approached from the side walls 14.
A curved bottom 12 is a tapered bottom 12 which is curvilinear. An
irregular bottom 12 does not include champagne bottom or petaloid
bottoms, as are well known in the art.
[0026] The top 16 of the container 10 may have any dispensing
opening juxtaposed therewith which allows for dispensing of the
contents of the container 10. The opening may further allow for
filling of the container 10 with the contents. The opening may be
disposed specifically at the top 16, that is at the highest point
of the container 10 when the longitudinal axis is vertical.
Alternatively, the opening may disposed in or near the side walls
14 at a suitable distance from the bottom 12 of the container 10.
If desired the opening of the container 10 may be disposed at or
near the bottom 12 of the container 10. This arrangement provides
the benefit that drainage of the contents may occur, even without
pressurization. Additionally, such arrangements are inverted from
the typical position, and may have an aesthetic appeal as well.
[0027] The opening of the container 10 may be a simple aperture,
such as is closed with a screw top, snap lid or other closure as
are well-known in the art. Alternatively, the opening may be a
nozzle, such as is used for spraying liquid contents from the
container 10. Pressurization to spray, or otherwise dispense,
contents from the container 10 may be provided by a pump, such as a
trigger sprayer, propellant, gas, a pressurized internal bag,
battery or AC electrical power, etc., as is well known in the art.
Of course, if the opening is simply exposed, the contents may be
dispensed by pouring from the container 10.
[0028] The side walls 14 of the container 10 may provide for any
suitable cross-section joining the top 16 and bottom 12 of the
container 10. The side walls 14 may define the cross sections of
the container 10, which cross sections may be perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis. If desired, the side walls 14 of the container
10 may provide a geometry greater in the longitudinal direction
than in the radial directions perpendicular thereto.
[0029] The container 10 may be of constant cross-section, as shown.
Further, the container 10 may have a circular cross-section,
providing a generally cylindrical geometry, as shown.
Alternatively, various other cross-sections may be utilized,
including rectangular, oval, etc. In yet another variation, the
container 10 may be of variable cross-section, with suitable
cross-sections monotonically tapering in a pyramoidal fashion, etc.
The side walls 14 and bottom 12 of the container 10 can meet at a
point of tangency 46, so that a specific break is discernible, or
the side walls 14 and bottom 12 may have a contoured
transition.
[0030] The container 10 may be blow molded from any polyolefenic
material as is known in the art, or may be made of a laminate
construction of recycled and/or virgin materials including PET,
PVA, PEN, nylon or may be made of glass or metal or any combination
thereof. The container 10 may be coated with carbon, silica or
other coatings to provide a diffusion/permeation barrier.
[0031] The base cup 20 is any member attachable to the container 10
in a manner which allows the container 10 to stand upright on a
horizontal surface and, more particularly may be attachable to the
bottom 12 of the container 10. The base cup 20 may be any member
formed separate from the container 10 and which provides a
transition between the irregular bottom 12 of the container 10 and
a surface upon which the container 10 is to be placed. In the
specific case of a container 10 having a tapered bottom 12, the
base cup 20 may envelope the bottom 12, partially obscuring it from
view.
[0032] The base cup 20 may have a bottom 22. The bottom 22 of the
base cup 20 may be parallel to a cross section of the container 10
and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The bottom 22 of the
base cup 20 may have a hole therethrough or be solid, as
illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0033] A base cup side wall 24 may extend upwardly from the bottom
22 of the base cup 20. Either the longitudinal dimension of the
base cup side wall 24 or the cross-sectional dimension of the base
cup 20 may be greater than the other.
[0034] The base cup 20 may be concentric with the container 10, if
both have a circular cross section and/or congruent if a different
cross section is selected for either the base cup 20 or container
10. The base cup 20 and container 10 may have the same or different
cross sections, so long as attachment therebetween is feasible.
[0035] The side walls 14 of the container 10 and/or side wall 24 of
the base cup 20 may radially expand under pressure when the
container 10 is filled with its contents, and/or pressurized. The
container 10 and base cup 20 of the present invention are usable
with pressures ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 ksm has occurs in the
beverage industry. The container 10 and base cup 20 are
advantageously usable with higher pressures ranging from 80,000,
90,000 or 100,000 ksm, up to 200,000, 120,000 or 110,000 ksm.
[0036] A mechanical engagement 30 may be provided to join the base
cup 20 and the container 10, particularly the bottom 12 of the
container 10. The mechanical engagement 30 may provide
complementary engageable portions 32 on the base cup 20 and
container 10. The mechanical engagement 30 may provide for
permanent or removable attachment of the base cup 20 and container
10. This arrangement provides for a two-piece system, i.e. a
container 10 and base cup 20 attachable to each other and which
remain attached together for the intended life and use, without the
need for additional components such as adhesive, or other tertiary
components which provide for attachment therebetween or are
otherwise necessary to hold the container 10 and base cup 20
together.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the mechanical engagement 30
may provide for attachment of the base cup 20 and container 10
through a friction fit, interlocking engagement, a snap fit,
interference fit, etc. The mechanical engagement 30 may comprise
any suitable structure which maintains the base cup 20 and
container 10 in the intended juxtaposition for the intended life of
the container 10. One suitable mechanical engagement 30 comprises
complementary engageable portions 32 on the container 10 and base
cup 20. Suitable complementary engageable portions 32 include a
projection 34 and complementary recess 35. The recess 35 may be in
the form of a groove. Either the groove or projection 34 may be
disposed on the base cup 20 or container 10, or vice versa The
projection 34 may be disposed on the container 10 and recess 35 on
the base cup 20, as shown, or vice versa. The mechanical engagement
30 may subtend a full 360 degree circumference around the
longitudinal axis or may subtend a lesser arc. Plural mechanical
engagements 30 may be utilized, in series, i.e. having different
longitudinal position; in parallel, i.e. having different radial or
circumferential positions; or both.
[0038] The mechanical engagement 30 may be disposed at a location
which does not engage the side wall of the container 10. This
disposition minimizes movement at the point/line of attachment due
to pressurization/depressurization, drop impact, thermal changes,
etc. However, not all locations which avoid the side walls 14 are
expected to perform equally well.
[0039] Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the mechanical engagement
30 may be disposed within the bottom cone 40 of the container 10.
The bottom cone 40 is defined as a right circular cone having its
vertex 42 disposed on the longitudinal axis of the container 10 and
the axis of the cone coincident the longitudinal axis of the
container 10. The base of the cone is a circle perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis and parallel to a cross section of the container
10.
[0040] The taper of the bottom cone 40 is divergently outward
towards the bottom 12 of the container 10 and/or base cup 20. The
angle of the taper may be 45 degrees between the longitudinal axis
and side of the cone (a 90 degree included angle between opposite
sides of the cone), which is inclusive of 40 degree 35 degree, 30
degree and 25 degree angles of taper, respectively.
[0041] The vertex 42 of the bottom cone 40 is disposed at the
elevation of and corresponding to the point of tangency 46 where
the side wall of the container 10 flares or tapers to the bottom
12. The base of the bottom cone 40 is coincident the bottom 22 of
the base cup 20 when the base cup 20 is attached to the container
10. If the container 10/bottom 12 have plural points of tangency,
the uppermost, lowest, or any intermediate point of tangency may be
considered. Considering the lowest point of tangency provides the
benefit that a less complex fit may be needed to have the base cup
20 engaged with the bottom 12 of the container 10.
[0042] By disposing the mechanical engagement 30 within the bottom
cone 40, it is believed the competing forces which hold the
container 10 and base cup 20 together during drop impact on the
base cup 20 and the forces which cause differential radial
expansion at the interface between the side wall of the container
10 and base cup 20 can both be accommodated. The forces are
believed to be competing in the prior art, because as radial
expansion occurs, the mechanical engagement 30 becomes more secure
but the forces transmitted during drop impact are transmitted in
the radially expansive direction, allowing disengagement.
[0043] The mechanical engagement 30 may be blow molded integral
with the container 10 having a projection 34 with a wall thickness
greater than the wall thickness of the bottom 12 of the container
10. This difference in thickness provides the benefit that material
otherwise depleted from the projection 34 during manufacture is
accommodated.
[0044] If desired, a well 70 may be juxtaposed with the bottom 12
of the container 10. The well 70 may receive the end of a dip tube
therein. The well 70 will typically hold a quantity of the contents
of the container 10 to be dispensed. Such contents may be disposed
in the well 70 even if the container 10 is tilted at a slight angle
from the vertical. By receiving both the end of the dip tube and
the contents of the container in the well 70, less contents remain
when the propellant is depleted and dispensing may continue when
the container 10 is tilted at an angle.
[0045] It is to be recognized that the well 70 is a disruption in
the curved bottom 12 and does not simply represent the lowest point
of curvature. Instead, the well 70 represents additional volume,
which would not be present if the curvature was continuous and
uninterrupted. If desired the well 70 may have curvature spaced
apart from and congruent to the bottom 12 of the container 10.
[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the projection 34 and
recess 35 may fit together in a snap fit, which allows engagement,
but does not permit later disengagement or separation.
Alternatively, the projection 34 and recess 35 may fit together and
be disengageable by reverse movement of the process which fitted
the complementary engageable portions 32 together.
[0047] Either the projection 34 and/or recess 35 may subtend 360
degrees. This arrangement provides the benefit of the greatest
distribution of stresses throughout the circumference of the
mechanical engagement.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, alternatively, the projection 34 and or
recess 35 may comprise three tabs disposed at 120 degrees, four
tabs disposed at 90 degrees, etc. This arrangement provides the
benefit that less material is utilized to form the tabs.
[0049] Referring back to FIGS. 2A-2B, the recess 35 may comprise a
blind hole or a through hole, as shown. The blind hole provides the
benefit of preventing debris from entering the bottom 22 of the
base cup 20 and becoming entrapped. If the container 10 is used in
the kitchen, as may occur with cleaners, the debris may comprise
food particles which could later spoil. The through hole provides
the benefit that less material is necessary to form the recess 35
and base cup 20. Also the through hole may be more forgiving if
there is some eccentricity in either the base cup 20 or container
10.
[0050] More particularly, referring to the base cup 20, the recess
35 may be defined by the inner perimeter 28 of the base cup 20. The
engageable portion 32 of the base cup 20 may extend radially
inwardly from the inner perimeter 28 of the base cup 20. More
particularly, the engageable portion 32 may be cantilevered from a
proximal end at the inner perimeter 28 and extend inwardly, i.e.
towards the longitudinal axis to a distal end spaced from the
proximal end. The distal end of the engageable portion 32 defines
the recess 35 and may engage the engageable portion 32 (such as a
projection 34) of the bottom 12 of the container 10.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the engageable portion 32 of
the base cup 20 may be cantilevered from the bottom 22 of the base
cup 20. This arrangement provides the benefit that the reaction
which occurs due to engagement with the container 10, does not
disturb or displace the base cup side walls 24. Thus, the base cup
side wall 24 is relatively free from hoop stress and other
stresses. By being relatively free from stresses, the base cup side
wall 24 may have a smoother transition at the interface with the
container 10 side wall. The smoother transition provides the
benefit of a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, particularly
when a label is attached to the container 10 and base cup 20.
[0052] The engageable portion 32 may extend diagonally inwardly and
upwardly from the bottom 22 of the base cup 20, as shown. This
geometry provides the benefit of greater section modulus and, hence
greater rigidity in the longitudinal direction, particularly the
longitudinally compressive direction. Alternatively, the engageable
portion 32 may extend diagonally inwardly and upwardly from the
bottom 22 of the base cup 20. This geometry provides the benefit
that a shorter engageable portion 32 occurs, and less material is
used to make the engageable portion 32.
[0053] The projection 34 which is inserted into the recess 35 may
have a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension orthogonal
thereto. The radial dimension may be greater than the longitudinal
dimension. This provides the benefit of a relatively longitudinally
compact design. Such design disposes the interface being the top 26
of the base cup 20 and the side wall of the container 10 closer to
the bottom 22 of the base cup 20, potentially reducing the
aesthetic effect of this interface.
[0054] If desired, the base cup 20 may have a modular construction.
In a modular construction the bottom 22 of the base cup 20 may be
formed of one or more different materials than the base cup side
walls 24. This modular construction provides the benefit that the
bottom 22 may be formed of a less expensive material, since it is
typically not visible in use or while the package is seen on the
store shelf. Additionally, the bottom 22, may be formed of a
relatively stronger material and be suitable for maintaining its
engageable portion 32 throughout its expected life. The bottoms 22
may be provided with various sizes of projections 34 or recesses
35, to be complementary to the corresponding engageable portion 32
of the container 10.
[0055] The side walls 24 of the base cup 20 may be made in various
colors, textures, sizes, etc. to provide different aesthetics, or
to accommodate different sized bottoms 12 of the container 10. The
side walls 24 and bottom 22 of the base 20 may be joined by
adhesive, sonic or ultrasonic welding, friction welding, a snap
fit, etc. as is well known in the art.
[0056] The base cup 20 may be injection molded. If so, it may be
desirable to avoid certain placements of the gates used for
material supply during injection molding process. For example,
disposing a gate on the engageable portion 32, and particularly the
distal end of the engageable portion 32 of the base cup 20 may lead
to premature cracking of the engageable portion 32. This phenomenon
is believed to be due to the differential cooling associated with
such placement of the gates. Either or both of the container 10
and/or base cup 20 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, the base cup 20 may comprise a
polyolefinic material such as polyethylene. Alternatively, the base
cup 20 may be made of metal, wood or stiff paper.
[0058] The base cup 20 may have alignment tabs 60. An alignment tab
60 is any member disposed on or which reacts against the base to
exert a force on the mechanical engagement 30. The force may be
applied in the radial direction and/or the longitudinal direction
when the container 10 and basic cup 20 are engaged. The alignment
tabs 60 may be elastically or plastically deformable. Such
deformation may occur during assembly and attachment of the
container 10 and base cup 20.
[0059] The alignment tabs 60 provide a secure fit between the base
cup 20 and bottom 12 of the container 10. The alignment tabs 60
exert a force between these components, preventing rattle and a
loose fit. This provides the benefit that the package is perceived
to be of higher quality.
[0060] If elastically deformable alignment tabs 60 are selected,
the alignment tabs 60 may be more flexible than the projection 34
and walls of the recess 35 which make up the mechanical engagement
30. Such flexibility may be provided using a material having
greater compliance, then the materials forming the mechanical
engagement 30, and/or use relatively thinner wall sections to
reduce the section modulus of such alignment tabs 60. Suitable
material for the alignment tabs 60 includes TPE.
[0061] The alignment tabs 60 may be cantilevered from the base cup
20, and particularly from the bottom 22 of the base cup 20. The
alignment tabs 60 may taper along an axis from a proximal end to a
distal end. This taper provides a variable spring rate in the
direction perpendicular to the taper throughout the longitudinal
axis and increasing as the proximal end is approached. Such
variable spring rate provides the advantage that differences in fit
and alignment may be accommodated.
[0062] A longitudinal alignment tab 62 may extend with a vector
component parallel to the longitudinal axis. In a degenerate case,
the longitudinal alignment tab 62 may be parallel to the
longitudinal axis. A radial alignment tab 64 may extend inwardly
towards the longitudinal axis. Of course, one of skill will
recognize that forces in other directions, not parallel to the
radial or longitudinal directions, but instead which are diagonal
thereto may be exerted by the alignment tabs 60 as well.
[0063] The proximal end of the alignment tab 60 may be joined to
the bottom 22 or sidewall 24 of the base cup 20. The distal end of
a radial alignment tab 64 may engage or intercept the projection 34
and particularly any inside corner or annular groove within the
projection 34. This reduces the likelihood that the distal end of
the alignment tab 60 will become dislodged during shipping and
handling.
[0064] The distal end of a longitudinal alignment tab 62 may
intercept the bottom 12 of the container 10. This provides a force
perpendicular to the bottom 12 of the container 10, and, in the
case of a container 10 having a hemispherical bottom 12, also
exerts a force radially inwardly. If the longitudinal alignment tab
62 (or a radial alignment tab 64) circumscribes the mechanical
engagement 30, equal and opposite radial forces will be applied,
helping to maintain concentricity. Thus, the alignment tabs 60
provide the benefit that manufacturing tolerances and mismatch
between parts can be accommodated.
[0065] If the alignment tabs 60 are elastically deformable, they
may act as springs, applying relatively constant force to the
mechanical engagement 30. If the alignment tabs 60 plastically de
form during assembly, they will fill some of the void space
inherent in the mechanical engagement 30 and reduce movement which
would otherwise occur between components in that void space.
[0066] One of skill will recognize that the alignment tabs 60 maybe
cantilevered from the projection 34 or from elsewhere on the bottom
12 of the container 10. In this arrangement, the distal end of the
alignment tabs 60 will intercept the inside of the based cup
sidewall 24, and/or the bottom 22 of the base cup 20. Further, the
alignment tabs 60 may be equally and/or unequally spaced around in
the longitudinal axis and may be continuous or discontinuous, i.e.
discrete. Further, the longitudinal alignment tabs 62, and the
radial alignment tabs 64 may apply equal forces or either may apply
a greater or lesser force than the other.
[0067] Following assembly of the base cup 20 to the container 10,
either or both of the base cup 20 and/or container 10 may be
decorated with various labels, graphics, advertising, instructions
for use and other indicia. This decoration may be accomplished
through printing, adhesively attached labels, shrink wrap labels,
etc. If the indicia bridges the longitudinal (vertical) dimension,
between the container 10 and the base cup 20, the indicia may be
disposed outside both the container 10 and based cup 20. This
arrangement provides the benefit that the graphics may appear
larger when the package is presented on the store shelf.
Alternatively, the indicia may be disposed outside of the container
10 and tucked inside the base cup 20. This arrangement provides the
benefit that if the bottom of the indicia is not accurately
trimmed, it will be covered by the base. Additionally, if it is
desired to have a base cup 20 of a particular color, such base cup
20 will not be covered by the indicia.
[0068] The container 10 may be used to hold, store and dispense any
suitable contents. The contents may be usable as consumer products
or otherwise. For example, the contents may be used as a cleaning
product, air freshener, disinfectant, topical application to the
skin, furniture polish, etc. If the contents are to be used as a
furniture polish with wood surfaces, the container 10 may be made
of brushed aluminum, or other material having a brushed aluminum
appearance. Such a container 10 may have a wood indicium thereon,
to show the intended use of the furniture polish therein. This
combination advantageously provides the benefit of a modern looking
container 10 with a warm looking indicium of wood thereon.
[0069] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0070] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document
conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
[0071] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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