U.S. patent application number 12/207696 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-11 for plastic container having reinforced gripping structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.. Invention is credited to Stephen R. Geurin, David B. Heisner, Tapan Y. Patel, David P. Piccioli.
Application Number | 20100059532 12/207696 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41381833 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100059532 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heisner; David B. ; et
al. |
March 11, 2010 |
Plastic Container Having Reinforced Gripping Structure
Abstract
A plastic container includes a generally cylindrical main body
portion having a longitudinal axis. At least one gripping recess is
defined in the main body portion that has an oblong shape when
viewed in front elevation and that is defined in part by a curved
concave inner surface when viewed in side elevation. The gripping
recess includes a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of
which is sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic
container is being gripped by the consumer.
Inventors: |
Heisner; David B.; (York,
PA) ; Patel; Tapan Y.; (Nashua, NH) ;
Piccioli; David P.; (Auburn, NH) ; Geurin; Stephen
R.; (Milford, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBLE, YOSHIDA & DUNLEAVY
EIGHT PENN CENTER, SUITE 1350, 1628 JOHN F KENNEDY BLVD
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY,
L.P.
York
PA
|
Family ID: |
41381833 |
Appl. No.: |
12/207696 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/674 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/0223 20130101;
B65D 23/102 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/674 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/00 20060101
B65D006/00 |
Claims
1. A plastic container, comprising: a main body portion having a
longitudinal axis, said main body portion having a gripping recess
defined therein, said gripping recess being defined in part by a
curved concave inner surface when viewed in side elevation, said
gripping recess further comprising a plurality of horizontal
indentations, each of said horizontal indentations being sized to
receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic container is being
gripped by the consumer.
2. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said plastic
container further comprises a substantially smooth label
portion.
3. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said plastic
container has a generally cylindrical shape and a maximum outer
diameter, and wherein said curved concave inner surface has a
radius that is within a range of about 30 percent to about 130
percent of said maximum outer diameter.
4. A plastic container according to claim 3, wherein said curved
concave inner surface has a radius that is within a range of about
50 percent to about 100 percent of said maximum outer diameter.
5. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein each of said
horizontal indentations is concave as viewed in longitudinal
cross-section.
6. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein each of said
horizontal indentations is curved as viewed in horizontal
cross-section.
7. A plastic container according to claim 6, wherein each of said
horizontal indentations is convexly curved as viewed in horizontal
cross-section.
8. A plastic container according to claim 7, wherein said plastic
container has a maximum outer diameter and wherein each of said
horizontal indentations is convexly curved as viewed in horizontal
cross-section so as to have an external radius, said external
radius being within a range of about 20 percent to about 70 percent
of said maximum outer diameter.
9. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said gripping
recess comprises at least three of said horizontal
indentations.
10. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said
container is made according to a blowmolding process.
11. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said gripping
recess has an oblong shape when viewed in front elevation.
12. A plastic container, comprising: a main body portion having a
longitudinal axis, said main body portion having a gripping recess
defined therein, said gripping recess having an oblong shape when
viewed in front elevation, said gripping recess further comprising
a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of said horizontal
indentations being sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the
plastic container is being gripped by the consumer.
13. A plastic container according to claim 12, wherein said plastic
container further comprises a substantially smooth label
portion.
14. A plastic container according to claim 12, wherein said
container is made according to a blowmolding process.
15. A plastic container according to claim 12, wherein each of said
horizontal indentations is concave as viewed in longitudinal
cross-section.
16. A plastic container according to claim 12, wherein each of said
horizontal indentations is curved as viewed in horizontal
cross-section.
17. A plastic container according to claim 16, wherein each of said
horizontal indentations is convexly curved as viewed in horizontal
cross-section.
18. A plastic container according to claim 17, wherein said plastic
container has a maximum outer diameter and wherein each of said
horizontal indentations is convexly curved as viewed in horizontal
cross-section so as to have an external radius, said external
radius being within a range of about 20 percent to about 70 percent
of said maximum outer diameter.
19. A plastic container according to claim 12, wherein said
gripping recess comprises at least three of said horizontal
indentations.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of plastic
containers, and more particularly to plastic containers that are
intended for consumer use and that are fabricated using a blow
molding process.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0004] Molded plastic containers for packaging beverages such as
orange juice are in wide commercial use throughout the world. Such
containers may be fabricated using the extrusion blow molding
process, which is typical for containers that are fabricated from a
material such as polyolefin, or a stretch blow molding process,
which is typical for containers that are fabricated from
polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly known as PET.
[0005] When filled with a product, molded plastic containers can be
fairly heavy and difficult to handle by some consumers,
particularly in the larger sizes. This problem is compounded by any
condensation in the form on the exterior surface of the plastic
container. Accordingly, it is typical for certain types of plastic
containers to be designed with integrated gripping recesses and
handles so as to facilitate safety and ease of handling by the
consumer.
[0006] The configuration of many containers incorporating such
gripping recesses and handles is such that a consumer will be
induced to grip the container using the forefingers and the thumb
in a pinching action that can impart significant compressive forces
to the container. While this may facilitate a comfortable and
effective manner in which to grip the container from the standpoint
of the consumer, the resulting compressive forces, which tend to be
concentrated near the recessed grip portions of the container, can
result in significant inward deflection and deformation of the
container. Such deformation can result in a reduction of the
storage volume of the container, causing product to be forced out
of the pouring opening of the container in unwanted fashion when
the container is full or close to being full. In addition, such
deformation can result in a change in the pouring characteristics
of the container, either by changing the shape of the dispensing
opening itself or the shape of the surfaces that are immediately
adjacent to the dispensing opening.
[0007] In addition, some plastic containers must be designed to
withstand significant pressure differentials between the inside of
the container and ambient conditions. Carbonated beverages or malt
beverages can generate significant internal pressure, on the order
of 45-60 psi for malt beverages such as beer. Beer can be packaged
using a cold aseptic or cold filtered process, or it can be
pasteurized after filling and capping the container in order to
kill any remaining yeast and stop further fermentation of the
product. The pasteurization process typically involves spraying the
filled and capped containers with hot water until the internal
temperatures reach 140-142 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0008] Plastic containers may also be designed for use in the hot
fill process, which is typically used for packaging beverages such
as fruit juices. For such containers, gripping recesses must be
designed to withstand pressurization and the subsequent volumetric
contraction that occurs during the hot-fill process.
[0009] A need exists for an improved plastic container that
provides a safe and convenient gripping configuration for the
consumer but that exhibits better resistance against deformation
than has been the case with conventional designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved plastic container that provides a safe and convenient
gripping configuration for the consumer but that exhibits better
resistance against deformation than has been the case with
conventional designs.
[0011] In order to achieve the above and other objects of the
invention, a plastic container according to a first aspect of the
invention includes a main body portion having a longitudinal axis,
the main body portion having a gripping recess defined therein, the
gripping recess being defined in part by a curved concave inner
surface when viewed in side elevation, the gripping recess further
comprising a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of the
horizontal indentations being sized to receive a finger of a
consumer when the plastic container is being gripped by the
consumer.
[0012] A plastic container according to a second aspect of the
invention includes a main body portion having a longitudinal axis,
the main body portion having a gripping recess defined therein, the
gripping recess having an oblong shape when viewed in front
elevation, the gripping recess further comprising a plurality of
horizontal indentations, each of the horizontal indentations being
sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic container
is being gripped by the consumer.
[0013] These and various other advantages and features of novelty
that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity
in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However,
for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and
the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the
drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying
descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view depicting a container that is
constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view depicting the container
that is shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along
lines 3-3 in FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view depicting the container
that is shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 in
FIG. 4; and
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 in
FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views,
and referring in particular to FIG. 1, a plastic container 10 that
is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
includes a conventional threaded finish portion 12, a neck portion
14, a main body portion 16 and a conventional bottom portion
18.
[0021] Containers 10 may be fabricated using the extrusion blow
molding process, which is typical for containers that are
fabricated from a material such as polyolefin, or a stretch blow
molding process, which is typical for containers that are
fabricated from polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly known
as PET.
[0022] Plastic container 10 is shaped so as to be generally
cylindrical and further includes a substantially smooth label panel
20 to which a label may be conveniently applied using conventional
processes.
[0023] Plastic container 10 further includes an opposed pair of
gripping recesses 22 that are constructed to facilitate gripping of
the container 10 by a consumer when the container 10 is full of
liquid. Each of the gripping recesses 22 is constructed so as to be
able to withstand pressurization and volumetric contraction that
may occur within the container 10 as a result of carbonation,
pasteurization, the hot-fill process or that may occur during
transportation or use of the container 10.
[0024] Referring briefly to FIG. 2, it will be seen that each of
the gripping recesses 22 has an outer boundary 24 when viewed in
front elevation that has an oblong shape, with a major axis that is
substantially vertical or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
plastic container 10. The oblong shape of the gripping recesses 22
is preferably substantially symmetrical about both the major
vertical axis and the minor horizontal axis. As may best be seen in
FIG. 4, each of the gripping recesses 22 is also defined in part by
a curved concave inner surface 32 when viewed in side
elevation.
[0025] Each of the gripping recesses 22 includes a plurality of
horizontal indentations, each of which are sized to receive a
finger of the consumer when the plastic container is being gripped
by the consumer. In the preferred embodiment, three horizontal
recesses or indentations 26, 28 and 30 are provided. As viewed in
longitudinal cross-section, a first lip or projection 36 is defined
between the recesses 26, 28 and a second lip or projection 38 is
defined between the recesses 28, 30.
[0026] Referring again to FIG. 4, plastic container 10 has a
maximum outer diameter D.sub.MAX. Preferably, the curved concave
inner surfaces 32 of the gripping recesses 22 each have a radius
R.sub.IS that is within a range of about 30 percent to about 130
percent of the maximum outer diameter D.sub.MAX of the container
10, and that is more preferably within a range of about 50 percent
to about 100 percent of the maximum outer diameter D.sub.MAX of the
container 10.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment, each of the horizontal
indentations 26, 28, 30 has an outer surface 34 that is convexly
curved as viewed in horizontal cross section, as is best shown in
FIG. 5. Outer surface 34 in the preferred embodiment has a radius
of curvature R.sub.GH that is within a range of about 20 percent to
about 70 percent of the maximum outer diameter D.sub.MAX of the
container 10, and that is more preferably within a range of about
30 percent to about 60 percent of the maximum outer diameter
D.sub.MAX of the container 10.
[0028] The outer surface 34 of each of the horizontal indentations
26, 28, 30 is also preferably concave as viewed in longitudinal
cross-section, as is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each of the
horizontal indentations 26, 28, 30 preferably has a longitudinal
radius of curvature R.sub.GL that is preferably within a range of
about 0.2 inches to about 1 inch, and that is more preferably
within a range of about 0.45 inch to about 0.85 inch. Preferably,
the longitudinal radius of curvature R.sub.GL is within a range of
about 15% to about 35% of the maximum outer diameter D.sub.MAX of
the container 10.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view depicting a
cross-section of the container 10 taken at an elevation that
intersects the second lip or projection 38. Both of the lips or
projections 36, 38 have an outer surface that is convexly curved at
a radius of curvature R.sub.LH that is preferably within a range of
about 20 percent to about 50 percent of the maximum outer diameter
D.sub.MAX of the container. Preferably, the radius of curvature
R.sub.LH is within a range of about 0.6 inch to about 1.1 inch.
[0030] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of
the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the
principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the
broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed.
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