U.S. patent application number 11/984327 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for in/or relating to bottles.
Invention is credited to David Lilico.
Application Number | 20090159603 11/984327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40787383 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090159603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lilico; David |
June 25, 2009 |
In/or relating to bottles
Abstract
A container for the storing and dispensing a part-frozen or
semi-frozen product. The container has an upper portion including
an outlet spout defining an outlet aperture to receive a
re-sealable complimentary closure. A crushable container body
portion is disposed from the container upper portion. A container
base portion defines a plurality of vertical facets between the
upper portion and container base. The container body portion
includes a crush zone, the crush zone of the container body portion
is separated from the container upper position by an isolation
zone.
Inventors: |
Lilico; David; (Ontario,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACOBSON HOLMAN PLLC
400 SEVENTH STREET N.W., SUITE 600
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Family ID: |
40787383 |
Appl. No.: |
11/984327 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60858961 |
Nov 15, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/666 ;
215/201; 215/224; 215/329; 215/383 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/0292
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/666 ;
215/201; 215/383; 215/224; 215/329 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/02 20060101
B65D001/02; B65D 1/40 20060101 B65D001/40 |
Claims
1. A container for the storing and dispensing of an at least
part-frozen product, comprising or including, a container upper
portion including an outlet spout defining an outlet aperture to
receive a complimentary closure, a container base portion, and a
crushable container body portion disposed from said container upper
portion to said container base portion, said container upper
portion, said container base portion and said container body
portion being substantially axially aligned to a container axis;
and said container body portion having lines of weakness that
define a plurality of facets aligned parallel to the container axis
between said container upper portion and container base portion,
wherein at or adjacent the boundary of said container body portion
and said container upper portion there is provided at least one
waist region ("first waist region") of said container body portion,
said container upper portion or both, that in use provides
reinforcement to prevent, in the event of crushing along said lines
of weakness, deformation of said container upper portion.
2. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein at or adjacent the
boundary of said container body portion and said container base
portion there is provided a second waist region of said container
body portion, said container base portion or both that in use
provides reinforcement to prevent, in the event of crushing along
said lines of weakness, deformation of said container base
portion.
3. A container as claimed in claim 2 wherein either of both of said
first and second waist region is/are an increase in dimension
orthogonal to said container axis from said container body portion
to said container upper portion and said container base
portion.
4. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is a first
inward circumferential groove on said container body portion
disposed toward, but not on, said first waist region of said
container body portion to said container upper portion to act as
further reinforcement to prevent deformation of said container
upper portion.
5. A container as claimed in claim 4 wherein there is a second
inward circumferential groove on said container body portion
disposed toward, but not on, said second waist region of said
container body portion to said container base portion to act as
further reinforcement to prevent deformation of said container base
portion.
6. A container as claimed in claim 5 wherein a central axis of said
first and second inward circumferential grooves is parallel to said
container axis.
7. A container as claimed in claim 5 wherein said lines of weakness
extend above and below said first and second inward circumferential
grooves respectively to define facets.
8. A container as claimed in claim 7 wherein said facets above said
first inward circumferential groove, and below said second inward
circumferential groove are rectangular with a minor axis thereof
parallel to said container axis.
9. A container as claimed in claim 7 wherein said facets between
said first and second inward circumferential grooves are
rectangular with a major axis thereof parallel to said container
axis.
10. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said facets are
regular polygons formed by said lines of weakness.
11. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein a major axis of said
facets is substantially parallel to said container axis.
12. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein there are between
three and forty said facets.
13. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein there are eight
facets in total.
14. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said facets are
rectangular shaped with a major axis thereof parallel to said
container axis.
15. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said facets are
triangular shaped.
16. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said complimentary
closure is re-sealable to said outlet spout.
17. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said complimentary
closure forms a gas and water tight closure to said outlet
spout.
18. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said complimentary
closure is thread wise engaged to said outlet spout.
19. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said complimentary
closure is a push on closure to said outlet spout.
20. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein either said upper
portion or outlet spout have provision for a tamper evident feature
of said complimentary closure.
21. A container as claimed in claim 3 wherein a label of said
container lies between said first and second waist regions.
22. A container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first and second
waist region(s) is/are an over hang or abutment between said
container upper portion and said container body portion, and said
container body portion and said container base portion.
23. A container as claimed in claim 21 wherein said first and
second waist region(s) act as outward abrasion ridges to protect
said label from rubbing against adjacent objects, such as other
containers.
24. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said part-frozen
product is selected from any one or more of a juice, a milk product
and a cordial.
25. A container as claimed in claim 24 wherein said product is
juice in a frozen state.
26. A container as claimed in claim 25 wherein said juice is in a
concentrated form.
27. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container is
substantially of a plastics material.
28. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container is
moulded from any one or more of a, i) high density polyethylene,
ii) low density polyethylene, iii) poly vinyl chloride, and iv)
polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
29. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container is
blow moulded from polyethylene terephthalate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to containers for solid or
semi-solid products and in particular to plastic containers for
holding and allowing freezing of juice products.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In particular markets there is a desire to purchase and take
home frozen juice for later personal use. The product is supplied
in a container in its frozen state and is retained in the frozen
state until the juice is required. Typically the juice is of a
concentrated form to be later diluted to the strength desired.
[0003] The typical process is that the end user would part defrost
the frozen juice to remove the desired amount or would squeeze the
container to extract the amount of frozen juice required.
[0004] Existing products, for example the `Minute Maid` 12 oz
Frozen Orange Juice container, have typically been made of paper
with a plastic or foil lining having a tear off seal top and a
re-closable lid. However, these containers have a number of
disadvantages. When the container is crushed to remove the amount
of juice required it is not easily returned to its pre-crushed
shape. This can lead to inefficient resealing of the container and
degradation of the product. Furthermore the container of these
forms is not easily recyclable. It is also often difficult to crush
the required amount of frozen juice out of the container. Further,
a user cannot see the amount of product left in the container
without at least opening the container.
[0005] In this specification where reference has been made to
patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources
of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a
context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless
specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents
is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such
sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form
part of the common general knowledge in the art.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a container that at least goes some way to overcoming the
disadvantages of the prior art or at least that will provide the
public with a useful choice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a first aspect the present invention consist in a
container for the storing and dispensing of an at least part-frozen
product, comprising or including,
[0008] a container upper portion including an outlet spout defining
an outlet aperture to receive a complimentary closure,
[0009] a container base portion, and
[0010] a crushable container body portion disposed from said
container upper portion to said container base portion,
[0011] said container upper portion, said container base portion
and said container body portion being substantially axially aligned
to a container axis; and said container body portion having lines
of weakness that define a plurality of facets aligned parallel to
the container axis between said container upper portion and
container base portion,
[0012] wherein at or adjacent the boundary of said container body
portion and said container upper portion there is provided at least
one waist region ("first waist region") of said container body
portion, said container upper portion or both, that in use provides
reinforcement to prevent, in the event of crushing along said lines
of weakness, deformation of said container upper portion.
[0013] Preferably at or adjacent the boundary of said container
body portion and said container base portion there is provided a
second waist region of said container body portion, said container
base portion or both that in use provides reinforcement to prevent,
in the event of crushing along said lines of weakness, deformation
of said container base portion.
[0014] Preferably either of both of said first and second waist
region is/are an increase in dimension orthogonal to said container
axis from said container body portion to said container upper
portion and said container base portion.
[0015] Preferably there is a first inward circumferential groove on
said container body portion disposed toward, but not on, said first
waist region of said container body portion to said container upper
portion to act as further reinforcement to prevent deformation of
said container upper portion.
[0016] Preferably there is a second inward circumferential groove
on said container body portion disposed toward, but not on, said
second waist region of said container body portion to said
container base portion to act as further reinforcement to prevent
deformation of said container base portion.
[0017] Preferably a central axis of said first and second inward
circumferential grooves is parallel to said container axis.
[0018] Preferably said lines of weakness extend above and below
said first and second inward circumferential grooves respectively
to define facets.
[0019] Preferably said facets above said first inward
circumferential groove, and below said second inward
circumferential groove are rectangular with a minor axis thereof
parallel to said container axis.
[0020] Preferably said facets between said first and second inward
circumferential grooves are rectangular with a major axis thereof
parallel to said container axis.
[0021] Preferably said facets are regular polygons formed by said
lines of weakness.
[0022] Preferably a major axis of said facets is substantially
parallel to said container axis.
[0023] Preferably there are between three and forty said
facets.
[0024] Preferably there are eight facets in total.
[0025] Preferably said facets are rectangular shaped with a major
axis thereof parallel to said container axis.
[0026] Alternatively said facets are triangular shaped.
[0027] Preferably said complimentary closure is re-sealable to said
outlet spout.
[0028] Preferably said complimentary closure forms a gas and water
tight closure to said outlet spout.
[0029] Preferably said complimentary closure is thread wise engaged
to said outlet spout.
[0030] Alternatively said complimentary closure is a push on
closure to said outlet spout.
[0031] Preferably either said upper portion or outlet spout have
provision for a tamper evident feature of said complimentary
closure.
[0032] Preferably a label of said container lies between said first
and second waist regions.
[0033] Preferably said first and second waist region(s) is/are an
over hang or abutment between said container upper portion and said
container body portion, and said container body portion and said
container base portion.
[0034] Preferably said first and second waist region(s) act as
outward abrasion ridges to protect said label from rubbing against
adjacent objects, such as other containers.
[0035] Preferably said part-frozen product is selected from any one
or more of a juice, a milk product and a cordial.
[0036] Preferably said product is juice in a frozen state.
[0037] Preferably said juice is in a concentrated form.
[0038] Preferably said container is substantially of a plastics
material. 3
[0039] Preferably said container is moulded from any one or more of
a [0040] i) high density polyethylene, [0041] ii) low density
polyethylene, [0042] iii) poly vinyl chloride and [0043] iv)
polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
[0044] Preferably said container is blow moulded from polyethylene
terephthalate.
[0045] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a
container for the storing and dispensing of an at least part-frozen
product, comprising or including, [0046] a container upper portion
including an outlet spout defining an outlet aperture to receive a
complimentary closure, [0047] a container base portion, and [0048]
a crushable container body portion disposed from said container
upper portion, said container upper portion, said container base
portion and said container body portion being substantially axially
aligned; and said container body portion having lines of weakness
that define a plurality of axially aligned facets between said
container upper portion and container base portion, [0049] wherein
at or adjacent the boundary of said container body portion and said
container upper portion there is provided at least one change in
diameter of said container body portion, said container upper
portion or both that in use provides reinforcement to prevent, in
the event of crushing along said lines of weakness, deformation of
said container upper portion.
[0050] Preferably at or adjacent the boundary of said container
body portion and said container base portion there is provided at
least one change in diameter of said container body portion, said
container base portion or both that in use provides reinforcement
to prevent, in the event of crushing along said lines of weakness,
deformation of said container base portion.
[0051] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to
broadly consist in a container for the storing and dispensing of an
at least part frozen product, comprising or including, [0052] a
upper portion including an outlet spout defining an outlet aperture
to receive a complimentary closure, and [0053] a base portion;
and
[0054] a crushable body portion disposed between said upper portion
and said base portion, said upper portion, said base portion and
said container body portion being substantially axially aligned,
said body portion including a plurality of axially aligned lines of
weakness extending substantially between the upper portion and the
base portion to define a plurality of vertical facets that form a
crush zone, and [0055] an isolation zone including at least one
change in diameter of said upper portion, said body portion or both
at or adjacent the boundary between the container portion and the
upper portion, said isolation zone in use preventing the
deformation of the upper portion when a force is applied to the
crush zone able to deform the body portion.
[0056] Preferably a second isolation zone includes at least one
change in diameter of said base portion, said body portion or both
at or adjacent the boundary between the container portion and the
base portion, said isolation zone in use preventing the deformation
of the base portion when a force is applied to the crush zone able
to deform the body portion.
[0057] Preferably there is a lower portion depending from said
second portion to form the bottom of said container.
[0058] Preferably said at least one change in diameter is an over
hang or abutment at the interface of said first and second portions
and said second and lower portions.
[0059] Preferably there is an inward circumferential groove
disposed toward, but not on, the interface of said second portion
with said first and lower portions.
[0060] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to
broadly consist in a container for the storing and dispensing of an
at least part frozen product, comprising or including, [0061] a
first portion from which is disposed an aperture to receive a
complimentary closure, and [0062] a second portion disposed from
said first portion, [0063] said second portion having lines of
weakness that define a plurality of facets on said second portion
and at least one groove running around the periphery of said second
portion disposed toward the interface of said first and second
portions, [0064] wherein said at least one groove in use provides
reinforcement to said second portion to prevent, in the event of
crushing along said lines of weakness, crushing of said second
portion extending past said at least one groove into said first
portion.
[0065] Preferably said product is selected from any one or more of
a juice, a milk products and/or a cordial in a frozen state.
[0066] Preferably said product is juice in a frozen state.
[0067] Preferably said juice is in a concentrated form.
[0068] Preferably said complimentary closure is re-sealable.
[0069] Preferably said complimentary closure forms a gas and water
tight closure to said aperture.
[0070] Preferably there are between three and forty said
facets.
[0071] Preferably there are eight facets in total.
[0072] Preferably said lines of weakness form regular polygons.
[0073] Alternatively said lines of weakness form triangular shaped
facets.
[0074] Preferably said lines of weakness form regular shaped facets
whose major axis is substantially parallel to said container
axis.
[0075] Preferably said complimentary closure forms an airtight
closure to said container.
[0076] Preferably said complimentary closure is thread wise engaged
to said first portion.
[0077] Alternatively said complimentary closure may be a push on
closure.
[0078] Preferably said first portion and said intermediate portion
differ in circumferential diameter.
[0079] Preferably said first and second portions protrude proud of
said intermediate portion circumferentially.
[0080] Preferably said first portion has provision for a tamper
evident feature of said complimentary closure.
[0081] Preferably said first portion and said second portion differ
in diameter.
[0082] Preferably said at least one groove is an inward groove.
[0083] Preferably said first portion is above said second
portion.
[0084] Preferably said lines of weakness are substantially parallel
to the longitudinal axis of said container.
[0085] Preferably said at least one groove is at 90.degree. to said
lines of weakness.
[0086] Preferably said lines of weakness extend above and below
said at least one groove to define said facets.
[0087] Preferably said facets below said at least one groove are
rectangular with their major axis parallel to said longitudinal
axis.
[0088] Preferably said facets above said at least one groove are
rectangular with their minor axis parallel to said container
axis.
[0089] Alternatively said second portion forms an intermediate
portion between said first portion and a lower portion extending
from said second portion.
[0090] Preferably there is a second groove disposed towards the
interface of said lower portion and said second portion.
[0091] Preferably said second groove is an inward groove.
[0092] Preferably said second groove lies within said second
portion.
[0093] Preferably said second groove is parallel and co-axial to
said at least one groove.
[0094] Preferably said second portion is of lesser diameter than
said first portion.
[0095] Preferably said second portion is of lesser diameter than
said lower portion.
[0096] Preferably at the interface of said second portion to said
first portion there is an outward ridge formed due to the change to
said lesser diameter.
[0097] Preferably at the interface of said second portion to said
lower portion there is an outward ridge formed due to the change to
said lesser diameter.
[0098] Preferably said label sits below or between said outward
ridge(s).
[0099] Preferably said outward ridge(s) act as abrasion ridges to
protect said label from rubbing against adjacent objects, such as
other containers.
[0100] Preferably said container is substantially of a plastics
material.
[0101] Preferably said container is blow moulded from polyethylene
terephthalate.
[0102] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a
container able to store and dispense a semi-solid product, the
container having,
[0103] a first portion from which is disposed an aperture to
receive a re-sealable complementary closure,
[0104] an intermediate portion disposed from said first
portion,
[0105] a lower portion disposed from said intermediate portion, all
three co-axial with a common container axis,
[0106] said intermediate portion having lines of weakness defining
a plurality of facets substantially parallel to said container
axis, and at or towards the interface of said first and lower
portions to said intermediate portions there is each an inward
groove to impart rigidity to the first and lower portions so that
crushing of the intermediate portion is confined thereon.
[0107] Preferably said product is selected from any one or more of
a juice, a milk products and/or a cordial in a frozen state.
[0108] Preferably said product is juice in a frozen state.
[0109] Preferably there are between three and forty said
facets.
[0110] Preferably there are eight facets in total.
[0111] Preferably said lines of weakness form regular polygons.
[0112] Alternatively said lines of weakness form triangular shaped
facets.
[0113] Preferably said lines of weakness form regular shaped facets
whose major axis is substantially parallel to said container
axis.
[0114] Preferably said complimentary closure is re-sealable.
[0115] Preferably said complimentary closure forms an airtight
closure to said container.
[0116] Preferably said complimentary is thread wise engaged to said
first portion.
[0117] Alternatively said complimentary closure may be a push on
closure.
[0118] Preferably said first and lower portions protrude proud of
said intermediate portion circumferentially. Preferably said first
portion has provision for a tamper evident feature of said
complimentary closure.
[0119] In another aspect the present invention may be said to
broadly consist in a plastic container able to store and dispense
at least par frozen juice therefrom, the container having,
[0120] a first portion from which is disposed an aperture to
receive a re-sealable complementary closure,
[0121] a lower portion, and
[0122] an second or intermediate portion therebetween, all portions
being axially aligned to a common container axis characterised in
that there are a plurality of facets arranged with their major axis
parallel to said container axis on said second portion, at the
interface of the second portion to each of the first and lower
portions there is an inward groove, said plurality facets reducing
the rigidity of said second portion allowing it to be crushed to
expel at least part of the at least par frozen juice, yet allow the
pre-crushed shape, of the container to be regained, said inward
grooves imparting rigidity to the first and lower portions, so that
crushing is confined to the second portion only.
[0123] Preferably said product is selected from any one or more of
a juice, a milk products and/or a cordial in a frozen state.
[0124] Preferably said product is juice in a frozen state.
[0125] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a
container as herein described with reference to any one or more of
the accompanying drawings.
[0126] The term `comprising` as used in this specification means
`consisting at least in part of`, that is to say when interpreting
statements in this specification which include that term, the
features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be
present but other features can also be present.
[0127] The term "and/or" as used in this specification means "and"
or "or", or both.
[0128] As used herein the phrase "at least part-frozen" or
"par-frozen" refers aqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions
and/or emulsions in which at least some of the water molecules of
the solution have crystallised to form ice crystals. A range of
varying states of crystallisation are covered by the phrase "at
least part frozen" including partially frozen slurries and
completely frozen unitary bodies of ice.
[0129] The term "waist region" as used in this specification refers
to a change in dimension of the container orthogonal to the
container axis, such as a step-down, overhang or abutment of a
facetted region, or a change in diameter in a circular or near
circular region.
[0130] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the
parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, and
any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements
or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates,
such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if
individually set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0131] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, whereby
[0132] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the faceted bottle of a first
embodiment of the present invention,
[0133] FIG. 2 shows a side elevation of the container of FIG. 1
with internal features of the container depicted by broken
lines,
[0134] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the same container of FIG.
1,
[0135] FIG. 4 shows an isometric top view of the container of FIG.
1,
[0136] FIG. 5 shows a bottom isometric view of the container of
FIG. 1,
[0137] FIG. 6 shows in shaded form a side elevation of one
embodiment of the present invention,
[0138] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the
present invention,
[0139] FIG. 8 shows a side elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 7,
and
[0140] FIG. 9 shows a bottom elevation of the embodiment of FIG.
7.
[0141] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0142] The container 1 consists of a container upper portion or
first portion 3 and a crushable container body portion or second
portion 4. The first portion 3 is the uppermost portion the second
portion 4 is the portion immediately below. The relative size of
each of the portions is shown in the drawings but is indicative
only. Depending from the first portion 3 is an outlet aperture 12
to the interior of the container 1, defined by an outlet spout or
neck 11.
[0143] In the preferred embodiment this aperture 12 has neck 11
that is threaded to receive a resealable complementary re-sealable
closure (not shown). In other embodiments the neck 11 and
complementary closure may be press fit or use any other re-sealable
system known in the art. The complimentary closure forms a liquid
tight and preferably air tight seal to the container to prevent
leaking and contamination of the container 1 contents. The neck 11
and complimentary closure in the preferred embodiment are formed to
provide a tamper evident closure.
[0144] In the preferred embodiment there is a lower portion 5,
depending from the second portion 4 that forms the bottom of the
container 1. In other embodiments within the scope of the invention
the second portion 4 may form the bottom of the container 1.
[0145] The second portion 4 consists of a number of lines of
weakness 7 that define a plurality of facets 8. In the preferred
embodiment these lines of weakness run parallel to the container
axis 6. The resulting facet shape in the preferred embodiment is
rectangular and eight such facets 8 are present. However the number
of facets 8 present may vary from two to ten for example or maybe
even more. The shape of the facets 8 may be triangular, square or
more sided depending on the number and orientation of the lines of
weakness 7. For example six sided facets may be present that
tessellate to form the second portion 4. It is preferred that the
major axis of the facets formed is parallel to the container axis
6.
[0146] The container 1 has a waist region 13 as a change in
dimension at or near the interface of the second portion 4 to the
first portion 3. This is evident as a change in diameter of the
circle that would connect the apex points of each of the facets 8
in the container body portion or secondary portion 4 to that of the
circle 24 that would connect the apex points of the container upper
portion 4.
[0147] If a container base portion or lower portion 5 is present
then there is also a waist portion 13 as a change in diameter (as
described above) at or near the interface with the second portion
4. The waist portion 13 has a reinforcing function that increases
hoop stiffness of the container 1 at or near the change in
diameter. The reason for this will become clear shortly. In the
preferred embodiment this change in diameter (described above) is
perpendicular to the container axis 6.
[0148] In the preferred embodiment there is also an inward groove 9
at or near the interface of the second portion 4 to the first
portion 3 and lower portion 5 (if present). The inward grooves 9
have a reinforcing function of the first portion 3 and lower
portion 5.
[0149] In other embodiments the first portion 3 and lower portion 5
may have a waist portion 13 as an over hang or abutment over the
second portion 4 as shown in FIG. 2. This over hang or abutment
(indicated as 13) provides the reinforcing of the hoop stiffness at
or near the interface of the second portion 4 to the first portion
3 and lower portion 5 (if present). The over hang or abutment 13
also provides a rub zone of the container 1 against other like
containers and other surfaces. This prevents the majority of the
container contacting other surfaces. In particular this will
prevent any labelling being abraded or damaged due to rubbing or
contact. The rub zone also acts as a guide during the filling
process of the container 1.
[0150] In the most preferred form of the invention both the inward
groove 9 and the waist portion 13 as an abutment or overhang are
present as best shown in FIG. 8. This produces a container 1 that
has rectangular facets 8 between the upper and lower grooves 9,
whose major axis 17 is parallel to the container axis 6, ie the
major axis of he facets between the grooves 9 is vertical. The
facets 8 above and below the grooves 9, are either square or
rectangular. When the facets 8 are rectangular their major axis, as
can be seen, is orthogonal to the container axis 6, ie the major
facet axis is horizontal or in other words their minor axis 18 is
aligned or parallel to the container axis 6. This change in major
axis orientation from between the grooves 9 to that above and below
the grooves 9 further increases the hoop stiffness of the container
1. This results in a container that has better shape retention
above and below the grooves 9 in the second portion 4. This again
further prevents crushing of the first portion 3 and lower portion
5, whilst allowing the container body portion 4 to be crushed for
example to expel the contents of the container 1.
[0151] The container 1 is to be filled with a semisolid product 2.
In the preferred embodiment this semisolid product 2 is frozen or
part-frozen fruit juice or a similar consistency product.
[0152] In the preferred use of the present invention the semisolid
product is retained in its semisolid state (e.g. from the freezer).
To remove the semisolid product 2 from the container 1 the user
simply squeezes the second portion 4 to push the semisolid product
2 out the aperture 12. When squeezing the container 1 the user will
in some way contract the second portion 4 of the container 1. They
may do this by squeezing the second portion 4 directly or by
twisting the container substantially about the container axis 6.
Alternatively they may squeeze the container along the container
axis 6. In any method where the internal volume of the container 1
is reduced to remove the semi-solid product, the lines of weakness
7 will allow a controlled crumpling of the second portion 4.
Further more the change in diameter (due either or both to the
inward groove 9 or the over hang or abutment 13) will confine this
controlled crumpling to the second portion 4. Due to the lines of
weakness 7 a crumpling of the second portion 4 is easily achieved
that will expel the desired amount of semi solid product from the
container 1.
[0153] The controlled crumpling and change in diameter improving
hoop stiffness will prevent the majority of crumpling from
proceeding into the first portion 3 or lower portion 5 (if
present). This will have the effect of allowing the first portion 3
and lower portions 5 to retain their shape. This is important as it
will allow ease of replacement of the complementary closure.
Furthermore since the lower portion will retain its shape the
container can be reliably rested on its base with no fear of the
container 1 falling over and spilling its contents (if no longer
semi-solid). The prevention of crumpling into these portions also
reduces the risk of cracking and leaking out of the semi-solid
product inside.
[0154] Thereafter the container 1 and contents is returned to the
freezer. The extracted product is then used by the user, for
example brought to a liquid state by application of heat (warm
water or heating). The extracted product in its preferred
embodiment is a concentrate that is then diluted (e.g. by water)
down to the desired strength.
[0155] In another embodiment the user may heat (e.g. in a
microwave) the entire container 1 up to liquefy the contents and
then the contents can be extracted. Thereafter the user returns the
container 1 to the freezer. In this application the facets 8 formed
actually act to strengthen the container 1 parallel to the
container axis 6 ("axial strength") and prevent it collapsing
should the container I material soften from application of heat. In
practise the container 1 will sit on the lower most surface of
lower portion 5 in a vertical orientation (i.e. with aperture 12
open vertically upwards). Any heating the container 1 or content
experiences may soften the material of the container 1. In such an
orientation the facets 8 provide increased axial strength against
vertical buckling or bowing out of the second portion 4 due to the
self weight of the container 1 or its contents.
[0156] In the preferred embodiment the container 1 is made from
plastic and preferably a clear plastic so the contents can be
easily viewed. The container 1 may have writing or information
printed directly on it, or may have a label adhesively or fixedly
applied (e.g. by shrinking a label around the portions). In the
preferred embodiments the labelling is located between upper and
lower abutments or over hangs 13.
[0157] The bottle and/or cap of the present invention can be formed
from a plastic material such as, but not limited to, high density
polyethylene, low density polyethylene, poly vinyl chloride and
polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Desirably the plastic material is
microwave and freezer safe. Preferably the bottle is made of
PET.
[0158] The bottle and/or cap of the present invention can be formed
using known in the art plastic forming processes such as injection
stretch blow moulding, thermoforming, rotary moulding and vacuum
moulding among others. Preferably the bottle is formed by injection
stretch blow moulding.
[0159] Whilst the term frozen or semi-frozen has been used here it
is to be understood that any product that is semisolid (whether at
room temperature or not) can be utilised.
[0160] The foregoing description of the invention includes
preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without
departing from the scope of the invention.
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