U.S. patent application number 12/664244 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-14 for plastic container.
This patent application is currently assigned to LOG-PLASTIC PRODUCTS COMPANY LTD.. Invention is credited to Yari Barkai, Dan Peleg, Jonathan Schanin, Amit Shay.
Application Number | 20100258455 12/664244 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42933490 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100258455 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shay; Amit ; et al. |
October 14, 2010 |
PLASTIC CONTAINER
Abstract
A plastic container including an outer container element (10)
having a geometrical center and an inner container element (50)
mounted within the outer container element, the outer container
element and the inner container element, when mounted in the outer
container element, together having a center of gravity which is
lower than the said geometrical center of the outer container
element.
Inventors: |
Shay; Amit; (Gan Ner,
IL) ; Schanin; Jonathan; (Haifa, IL) ; Barkai;
Yari; ( Jordan Valley, IL) ; Peleg; Dan;
(Kiryat Tivon, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Assignee: |
LOG-PLASTIC PRODUCTS COMPANY
LTD.
Jordan Valley
IL
|
Family ID: |
42933490 |
Appl. No.: |
12/664244 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
June 11, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2008/000791 |
371 Date: |
June 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11811785 |
Jun 12, 2007 |
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12664244 |
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61003858 |
Nov 19, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/204 ;
220/506 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2207/00 20130101;
B65D 11/16 20130101; B65D 11/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/204 ;
220/506 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/26 20060101
B65D081/26; B65D 25/04 20060101 B65D025/04 |
Claims
1. A plastic container comprising: an outer container element
having a geometrical center; and an inner container element mounted
within said outer container element, said outer container element
and said inner container element, when mounted in said outer
container element, together having a center of gravity which is
lower than a geometrical center of said outer container
element.
2-16. (canceled)
17. A plastic container according to claim 1 and wherein said inner
container element comprises an inner container element neck portion
and an inner container element body.
18. A plastic container according to claim 17 and wherein said
inner container element body is integrally formed with said inner
container element neck portion.
19. A plastic container according to claim 1 and wherein said inner
container element comprises a moisture absorbent material.
20. A plastic container comprising: an outer container element
including a neck portion comprising a flange; and an inner
container element including at least one resilient snap element and
being mounted within said outer container element, said at least
one resilient snap element engaging said flange when said inner
container element is mounted in said outer container element,
thereby ensuring that said inner container element is centered with
respect to said outer container element.
21-31. (canceled)
32. A plastic container according to claim 20 and wherein said
inner container element comprises a moisture absorbent
material.
33. A plastic container comprising: an outer container element; and
an inner container element having an inner container element
internal volume and an inner container element center of gravity
location, said inner container element internal volume being
linearly adjustable by changing a diameter of said inner container
element at said inner container element center of gravity location,
such that said changing said diameter does not change said inner
container element center of gravity location.
34. A plastic container according to claim 33 and wherein said
inner container element comprises a moisture absorbent material.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Reference is made to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/811,785, filed Jun. 12, 2007 and entitled PLASTIC CONTAINER
ELEMENTS, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37
CFR 1.78(a) (1) and (2)(i).
[0002] Reference is made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/003,858, filed Nov. 19, 2007 and entitled PLASTIC
CONTAINER ELEMENTS, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37
CFR 1.78(a) (4) and (5)(i).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to containers and more
particularly to plastic containers having a center of gravity which
is lower than the geometrical center of the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The following publications are believed to represent the
current state of the art:
[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,243,936; 4,830,251; 4,460,090; 5,219,005
and 5,894,914.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention seeks to provide improved containers
having a center of gravity which is lower than the geometrical
center of the container.
[0007] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention a plastic container including
an outer container element having a geometrical center and an inner
container element mounted within the outer container element, the
outer container element and the inner container element, when
mounted in the outer container element, together having a center of
gravity which is lower than a geometrical center of the outer
container element.
[0008] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention the outer container element includes an outer container
element body and an outer container element neck portion, the outer
container element neck portion being operative to engage the inner
container element. Preferably, the outer container element body is
integrally formed with the outer container element neck
portion.
[0009] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the outer container element neck portion includes
an inner facing wall surface, and an inner facing flange defining a
shoulder. Preferably, the outer container element body includes a
base surface having a curved portion.
[0010] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the inner container element includes an inner
container element body having an outer facing surface and an inner
container element stem portion, the inner container element body
and the inner container element stem portion being integrally
formed. Preferably, the inner container element body includes at
least one resilient snap element formed on the outer facing surface
of the inner container element body and being operative to engage
the outer container element.
[0011] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the outer container element includes an inner
facing wall surface and an inner facing flange defining a shoulder
and the at least one resilient snap element is operative to engage
the shoulder, thereby retaining the inner container element in a
desired position inside the outer container element. Preferably,
the at least one resilient snap element includes a plurality of
resilient snap elements formed equidistantly about the outer facing
surface of the inner container element body.
[0012] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention the inner container element stem portion includes
a generally cylindrical portion having a plurality of outwardly
extending ribs extending therefrom, the ribs being equidistantly
distributed about the cylindrical portion and a base portion having
a convex base surface. Preferably, the outer container element body
includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the convex
base surface of the inner container element stem portion engages a
curved portion of the base surface of the outer container element.
Additionally or alternatively, the cylindrical portion has a bore
formed therethrough.
[0013] In accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the
present invention the inner container element body includes a
plurality of notches distributed equidistantly about the outer
facing surface and a plurality of longitudinal grooves. Preferably,
the plurality of longitudinal grooves extend from the plurality of
notches, the plurality of grooves being equidistantly distributed
about the outer facing surface.
[0014] In accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of
the present invention the inner container element stem portion
includes a generally cylindrical portion having a bore defined
therein and defining a base surface. Preferably, the outer
container element body includes a base surface having a curved
portion, and the base surface of the inner container element stem
portion engages the curved portion of the base surface of the outer
container element.
[0015] Preferably, the inner container element includes an inner
container element neck portion and an inner container element body.
Additionally, the inner container element body is integrally formed
with the inner container element neck portion.
[0016] There is also provided in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention a plastic container including
an outer container element including a neck portion including a
flange and an inner container element including at least one
resilient snap element and being mounted within the outer container
element, the at least one resilient snap element engaging the
flange when the inner container element is mounted in the outer
container element, thereby ensuring that the inner container
element is centered with respect to the outer container
element.
[0017] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention the outer container element has a geometrical center and
the outer container element and the inner container element, when
mounted in the outer container element, together have a center of
gravity which is lower than a geometrical center of the outer
container element. Preferably, the outer container element includes
a base surface having a curved portion. Additionally or
alternatively, the inner container element includes an inner
container element body having an outer facing surface and an inner
container element stem portion, the inner container element body
and the inner container element stem portion being integrally
formed.
[0018] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the at least one resilient snap element includes
a plurality of resilient snap elements formed equidistantly about
the outer facing surface of the inner container element body.
Preferably, the inner container element stem portion includes a
generally cylindrical portion having a plurality of outwardly
extending ribs extending therefrom, the ribs being equidistantly
distributed about the cylindrical portion and a base portion having
a convex base surface. Additionally or alternatively, the outer
container element body includes a base surface having a curved
portion, and the convex base surface of the inner container element
stem portion engages a curved portion of the base surface of the
outer container element.
[0019] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the cylindrical portion has a bore formed
therethrough. Preferably, the inner container element body includes
a plurality of notches distributed equidistantly about the outer
facing surface and a plurality of longitudinal grooves.
Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of longitudinal
grooves extend from the plurality of notches, the plurality of
grooves being equidistantly distributed about the outer facing
surface.
[0020] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention the inner container element stem portion includes
a generally cylindrical portion having a bore defined therein and
defining a base surface. Preferably, the outer container element
body includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the base
surface of the inner container element stem portion engages the
curved portion of the base surface of the outer container
element.
[0021] There is further provided in accordance with yet another
preferred embodiment of the present invention a plastic container
including an outer container element and an inner container element
having an inner container element internal volume and an inner
container element center of gravity location, the inner container
element internal volume being linearly adjustable by changing a
diameter of the inner container element at the inner container
element center of gravity location, such that the changing the
diameter does not change the inner container element center of
gravity location.
[0022] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention the inner container element includes a moisture absorbent
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0024] FIGS. 1A and 1B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an outer container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the
sectional illustration being taken along section lines IB-IB in
FIG. 1A;
[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an inner container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the
sectional illustration being taken along section lines IIB-IIB in
FIG. 2A;
[0026] FIGS. 3A and 3B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer
container element of FIGS. 1A and 1B and the inner container
element of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and a simplified sectional illustration
thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines
IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3A;
[0027] FIGS. 4A and 4B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an outer container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof,
the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IVB-IVB
in FIG. 4A;
[0028] FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an inner container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof,
the sectional illustration being taken along section lines VB-VB in
FIG. 5A;
[0029] FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer
container element of FIGS. 4A and 4B and the inner container
element of FIGS. 5A and 5B, and a simplified sectional illustration
thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines
VIB-VIB in FIG. 6A;
[0030] FIGS. 7A and 7B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an outer container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of
the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration
thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines
VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 7A;
[0031] FIGS. 8A and 8B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an inner container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of
the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration
thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines
VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 8A;
[0032] FIGS. 9A and 9B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an assembled container, fowled of the outer
container element of FIGS. 7A and 7B and the inner container
element of FIGS. 8A and 8B, and a simplified sectional illustration
thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines
IXB-IXB in FIG. 9A;
[0033] FIGS. 10A and 10B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an outer container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof,
the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XB-XB in
FIG. 10A;
[0034] FIGS. 11A and 11B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an inner container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof,
the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XIB-XIB
in FIG. 11A;
[0035] FIGS. 12A and 12B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer
container element of FIGS. 10A and 10B and the inner container
element of FIGS. 11A and 11B, and a simplified sectional
illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along
section lines XIIB-XIIB in FIG. 12A;
[0036] FIGS. 13A and 13B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an outer container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of
the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration
thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines
XIIIB-XIIIB in FIG. 13A;
[0037] FIGS. 14A and 14B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an inner container element, constructed and
operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of
the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration
thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines
XIVB-XIVB in FIG. 14A; and
[0038] FIGS. 15A and 15B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer
container element of FIGS. 13A and 13B and the inner container
element of FIGS. 14A and 14B, and a simplified sectional
illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along
section lines XVB-XVB in FIG. 15A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer
container element 10, constructed and operative in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified
sectional illustration thereof.
[0040] As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the outer container element 10
comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body 12
which is integrally formed as one piece with an outer container
element neck portion 14. Outer container element neck portion 14
has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 16 and a
generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 18. A plurality of
typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 20 are preferably
formed on outer facing wall surface 16. The outer container element
neck portion 14 and the outer container element body 12 are
preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any
other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed.
It is appreciated that the outer container element body 12 may be
of any suitable shape and size and that the threading protrusions
20 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement.
[0041] Formed on the outer facing wall surface 16 is an outer
facing flange 22, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown)
which may be threaded onto threading protrusions 20. The outer
container element neck portion 14 additionally includes, at a top
part thereof, an inner facing flange 24, defining a top surface 25
and also defining, together with inner facing wall surface 18, a
shoulder 26.
[0042] As seen in FIG. 1B, a bottom surface 28 of outer container
element body 12 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,
curved portion 30, surrounded by a generally planar annular portion
32. It is appreciated that the bottom surface 28 may be of any
suitable shape or configuration.
[0043] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner
container element 50, constructed and operative in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified
sectional illustration thereof.
[0044] As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the inner container element 50
comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body 52
which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element
stem portion 54. The container element stem portion 54 and the
inner container element body 52 are preferably formed by injection
molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or
material may alternatively be employed. In accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, inner container
element 50 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing
material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing
material.
[0045] The inner container element body 52 has a generally
cylindrical outer facing surface 56, a generally cylindrical inner
facing surface 58, and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in
a generally planar base surface 60. At a top portion thereof, the
inner container element body terminates in an annular top surface
61.
[0046] As seen with particular clarity in FIG. 2B, the outer facing
surface 56 includes, at a top portion thereof, a plurality of
resilient snap elements 62, which are arranged equidistantly about
the outer facing surface 56. Each of the snap elements 62 is
connected to the outer facing surface 56 at a base point 64, and
extends to a resilient portion 66. It is appreciated that the snap
elements 62 terminate slightly lower than top surface 61.
[0047] The container element stem portion 54 includes a generally
cylindrical portion 68, having four outwardly extending ribs 70
distributed equidistantly therearound. The generally cylindrical
portion 68 terminates in a generally circular base portion 72,
having a generally planar top surface 74 and a slightly convex
bottom surface 76.
[0048] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled
container 80, formed of the outer container element 10 of FIGS. 1A
and 1B and the inner container element 50 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and a
simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0049] As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the inner container element 50
is located within the outer container element 10, such that convex
bottom surface 76 of inner container element 50 engages curved
portion 30 of bottom surface 28 of outer container element 10.
[0050] As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 3B, resilient portions 66 engage inner facing wall surface 18
and shoulder 26 of outer container element neck portion 14 in
snap-fit engagement. As seen, a top most section of outer facing
surface 56 engages flange 24, such that top surface 61 of inner
container element body 52 is flush with top surface 25 of flange
24, thus enabling sealing of the inner container element 50 and the
outer container element 10 with a single, standard, sealing element
(not shown) engaging coplanar surfaces 25 and 61.
[0051] It is appreciated that during assembly of the assembled
container element 80, the resilient snap elements 62 are pushed
inwardly toward outer cylindrical surface 56 of inner container
element body 52 by flange 24 of outer container element neck
portion 14. Once the resilient snap elements 62 are below the
flange 24, they snap outwardly and engage inner facing wall surface
18 and shoulder 26, thereby preventing disengagement of the inner
container element 50 from the outer container element 10 and
ensuring that the inner container element 50 will be centered
within the outer container element 10.
[0052] It is a particular feature of the present invention that the
center of gravity of the assembled container 80, indicated by CI in
FIG. 3B, is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled
container 80, indicated by C2 in FIG. 3B, thereby making the
assembled container 80 more stable than a container whose center of
gravity and geometrical center are merged.
[0053] It is appreciated that the gaps between the snap elements 62
of inner container element 50 allow for release of air caught
between the outer container element body 12 and the inner container
element body 52 during assembly of assembled container 80.
[0054] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer
container element 110, constructed and operative in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a
simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0055] As seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the outer container element 110
comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body 112
which is integrally formed as one piece with a outer container
element neck portion 114. Outer container element neck portion 114
has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 116 and a
generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 118. A plurality of
typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 120 are preferably
formed on outer facing wall surface 116. The outer container
element neck portion 114 and the outer container element body 112
are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any
other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed.
It is appreciated that the outer container element body 112 may be
of any suitable shape and size and that the threading protrusions
120 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement.
[0056] Formed on the outer facing wall surface 116 is an outer
facing flange 122, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown)
which may be threaded onto threading protrusions 120. The outer
container element neck portion 114 additionally includes, at a top
part thereof, an inner facing flange 124, defining a top surface
125 and also defining, together with inner facing wall surface 118,
a shoulder 126.
[0057] As seen in FIG. 4B, a bottom surface 128 of outer container
element body 112 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,
curved portion 130, surrounded by a generally planar annular
portion 132. It is appreciated that the bottom surface 128 may be
of any suitable shape or configuration.
[0058] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner
container element 150, constructed and operative in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a
simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0059] As seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the inner container element 150
comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body 152
which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element
stem portion 154. The container element stem portion 154 and the
inner container element body 152 are preferably formed by injection
molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or
material may alternatively be employed. In accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, inner container
element 150 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing
material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing
material.
[0060] The inner container element body 152 has a generally
cylindrical outer facing surface 156, a generally cylindrical inner
facing surface 158, and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in
a generally planar base surface 160. At a top portion thereof, the
inner container element body terminates in an annular top surface
161.
[0061] As seen with particular clarity in FIG. 5B, the outer facing
surface 156 includes, at a top portion thereof, an annular
resilient snap element 162 is connected to the outer facing surface
156 at a base point 164, and extends to a resilient portion
166.
[0062] The container element stem portion 154 includes a generally
cylindrical portion 168, having a bore 169 formed therein, and four
outwardly extending ribs 170 distributed equidistantly therearound.
The generally cylindrical portion 168 terminates in a generally
circular base portion 172, having a generally planar top surface
174 and a slightly convex bottom surface 176.
[0063] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled
container 180, formed of the outer container element 110 of FIGS.
4A and 4B and the inner container element 150 of FIGS. 5A and 5B,
and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0064] As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the inner container element 150
is located within the outer container element 110, such that convex
bottom surface 176 of inner container element 150 engages curved
portion 130 of bottom surface 128 of outer container element
110.
[0065] As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 6B, resilient portions 166 engage inner facing wall surface
118 and shoulder 126 of outer container element neck portion 114 in
snap-fit engagement.
[0066] It is appreciated that during assembly of the assembled
container 180, the resilient snap element 162 is pushed inwardly
toward outer cylindrical surface 156 of inner container element
body 152 by flange 124 of outer container element neck portion 114.
Once the resilient snap element 162 is below the flange 124, it
snaps outwardly and engages inner facing wall surface 118 and
shoulder 126, thereby preventing disengagement of the inner
container element 150 from the outer container element 110 and
ensuring that the inner container element 150 will be centered
within the outer container element 110.
[0067] It is a particular feature of the present invention that the
center of gravity of the assembled container 180, indicated by C11
in FIG. 6B, is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled
container 180, indicated by C12 in FIG. 6B, thereby making the
assembled container 180 more stable than a container whose center
of gravity and geometrical center are merged.
[0068] It is appreciated that the bore 169 of stem portion 154
allows for release of air from the outer container element 110
during insertion of the inner container element 150 thereinto.
[0069] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer
container element 210, constructed and operative in accordance with
yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a
simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0070] As seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the outer container element 210
comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body 212
which is integrally formed as one piece with a outer container
element neck portion 214. Outer container element neck portion 214
has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 216 and a
generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 218. A plurality of
typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 220 are preferably
formed on outer facing wall surface 216. The outer container
element neck portion 214 and the outer container element body 212
are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any
other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed.
It is appreciated that the outer container element body 212 may be
of any suitable shape and size and that the threading protrusions
220 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement.
[0071] Formed on the outer facing wall surface 216 is an outer
facing flange 222, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown)
which may be threaded onto threading protrusions 220. The outer
container element neck portion 214 additionally includes, at a top
part thereof, an inner facing flange 224, defining a top surface
225 and also defining, together with inner facing wall surface 218,
a shoulder 226.
[0072] As seen in FIG. 7B, a bottom surface 228 of outer container
element body 212 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,
curved portion 230, surrounded by a generally planar annular
portion 232. It is appreciated that the bottom surface 228 may be
of any suitable shape or configuration.
[0073] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner
container element 250, constructed and operative in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified
sectional illustration thereof.
[0074] As seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the inner container element 250
comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body 252
which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element
stem portion 254. The container element stem portion 254 and the
inner container element body 252 are preferably formed by injection
molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or
material may alternatively be employed. In accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, inner container
element 250 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing
material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing
material.
[0075] The inner container element body 252 has a generally
cylindrical outer facing surface 256, a generally cylindrical inner
facing surface 258, and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in
a generally planar base surface 260. At a top portion thereof, the
inner container element body 252 terminates in an annular top
surface 261.
[0076] As seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the inner container element body
252 preferably includes a plurality of longitudinal notches 262,
distributed along a top portion of the inner container element body
252. Typically, four longitudinal notches 262 are provided, and are
arranged equidistantly around the inner container element body 252.
Typically, a plurality of longitudinal grooves 264, which do not
extend through the entire width of the material of the inner
container element body, extend towards base surface 260 from the
longitudinal notches 262, and are arranged equidistantly from each
other around the inner container element body 252.
[0077] The container element stem portion 254 has a generally
cylindrical outer facing surface 266, a generally cylindrical inner
facing surface 268, and terminates, at a top portion thereof, in
the generally planar base surface 260, thereby defining a bore 270
therein. At a bottom portion thereof, the container element stem
portion 254 terminates in an annular surface 272.
[0078] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled
container 280, formed of the outer container element 210 of FIGS.
7A and 7B and the inner container element 250 of FIGS. 8A and 8B,
and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0079] As seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the inner container element 250
is located within the outer container element 210, such that
annular surface 272 engages curved portion 230 of bottom surface
228 of outer container element 210.
[0080] As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 9B, the outer surface 256 of inner container element 250
engages inner surface 218 of outer container element neck portion
214 of the outer container element 210, and top surface 261 engages
shoulder 226 of flange 224 of outer container element neck portion
214.
[0081] It is appreciated that during assembly of the assembled
container element 280, the inner container element body 252 is
pushed inwardly by flange 224 of outer container element neck
portion 214, resulting in shrinking of the size of longitudinal
notches 262. Once the top surface 261 of inner container element
body 252 is below the flange 224, the notches 262 return to their
original size, thereby causing engagement between outer facing wall
surface 256 of the inner container element body 252 and inner
facing wall surface 218 and shoulder 226, thereby preventing
disengagement of the inner container element 250 from the outer
container element 210, and ensuring that the inner container
element 250 will be centered within the outer container element
210.
[0082] It is a particular feature of the present invention that the
center of gravity of the assembled container 280, indicated by C21
in FIG. 9B, is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled
container 280, indicated by C22 in FIG. 9B, thereby making the
assembled container 280 more stable than a container whose center
of gravity and geometrical center are merged.
[0083] It is appreciated that the grooves 264 and notches 262 of
inner container element body 252 allow for release of air from the
outer container element 210 during insertion of the inner container
element 250 thereinto.
[0084] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A and 10B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer
container element 310, constructed and operative in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified
sectional illustration thereof.
[0085] As seen in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the outer container element
310 comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body
312 which is integrally formed as one piece with an outer container
element neck portion 314. Outer container element neck portion 314
has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 316 and a
generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 318. A plurality of
typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 320 are preferably
formed on outer facing wall surface 316. The outer container
element neck portion 314 and the outer container element body 312
are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any
other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed.
It is appreciated that the outer container element body 312 may be
of any suitable shape and size and that the threading protrusions
320 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement.
[0086] Formed on the outer facing wall surface 316 is an outer
facing flange 322, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown)
which may be threaded onto threading protrusions 320. The outer
container element neck portion 314 additionally includes, at a top
part thereof, an inner facing flange 324, defining a top surface
325 and also defining, together with inner facing wall'surface 318,
a shoulder 326.
[0087] As seen in FIG. 10B, a bottom surface 328 of outer container
element body 312 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,
curved portion 330, surrounded by a generally planar annular
portion 332. It is appreciated that the bottom surface 328 may be
of any suitable shape or configuration.
[0088] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A and 11B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner
container element 350, constructed and operative in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified
sectional illustration thereof.
[0089] As seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the inner container element
350 comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body
352 which is integrally formed as one piece with a container
element stem portion 354. The container element stem portion 354
and the inner container element body 352 are preferably formed by
injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique
or material may alternatively be employed. In accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, inner container
element 350 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing
material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing
material.
[0090] The inner container element body 352 has a generally
cylindrical outer facing surface 356, a generally cylindrical inner
facing surface 358, and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in
a generally planar base surface 360. At a top portion thereof, the
inner container element includes an outer facing flange 362,
including a top surface 364, a bottom surface 366 and an outer
facing surface 368.
[0091] The container element stem portion 354 includes a generally
cylindrical portion 369, having four outwardly extending ribs 370
distributed equidistantly therearound. The generally cylindrical
portion 369 terminates in a generally circular base portion 372,
having a generally planar top surface 374 and a slightly convex
bottom surface 376.
[0092] Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A and 12B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled
container 380, formed of the outer container element 310 of FIGS.
10A and 10B and the inner container element 350 of FIGS. 11A and
11B, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0093] As seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the inner container element
350 is located within the outer container element 310, such that
convex bottom surface 376 of inner container element 350 engages
curved portion 330 of bottom surface 328 of outer container element
310.
[0094] As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 12B, inner facing flange 324 of outer container element
engages outer facing surface 356 of inner container element 350.
Additionally, bottom surface 366 of flange 362 of inner container
element 350 engages surface 325 of outer container element 310,
such that outer facing surface 368 of inner container element 350
is generally flush with outer surface 316 of outer container
element 310, thus enabling sealing of the inner container element
350 and the outer container element 310 with a single, standard,
sealing element (not shown) engaging top surface 364.
[0095] It is a particular feature of the present invention that the
center of gravity of the assembled container 380, indicated by C31
in FIG. 12B, is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled
container 380, indicated by C32 in FIG. 12B, thereby making the
assembled container 380 more stable than a container whose center
of gravity and geometrical center are merged.
[0096] Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A and 13B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer
container element 410, constructed and operative in accordance with
yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a
simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0097] As seen in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the outer container element
410 comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body
412 which is integrally formed as one piece and includes an inner
facing wall surface 414 and an outer facing wall surface 416. The
outer container element body 412 is preferably formed by injection
molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or
material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the
outer container element body 412 may be of any suitable shape and
size.
[0098] As seen in FIG. 13B, a bottom surface 428 of outer container
element body 412 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,
curved portion 430, surrounded by a generally planar annular
portion 432. Extending from annular portion 432 are a plurality of
inwardly facing longitudinal ribs 434, which are spaced
equidistantly around the annular portion 432 and which preferably
terminate at approximately a quarter of the height of the outer
container element body 412. It is appreciated that the bottom
surface 428 may be of any suitable shape or configuration.
[0099] Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A and 14B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner
container element 450, constructed and operative in accordance with
yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a
simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0100] As seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the inner container element
450 comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body
452 which is integrally formed as one piece with an inner container
element neck portion 454. Inner container element neck portion 454
has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 456 and a
generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 458. A plurality of
typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 460 are preferably
formed on outer facing wall surface 456. The inner container
element neck portion 454 and the inner container element body 452
are preferably formed by injection blow molding polyolefin,
although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively
be employed. It is appreciated that the threading protrusions 460
may be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement. In accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, inner
container element 450 is formed of a material including a moisture
absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture
absorbing material.
[0101] Formed on the outer facing wall surface 456 is an outer
facing flange 462, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown)
which may be threaded onto threading protrusions 460.
[0102] The inner container element body 452 includes a generally
cylindrical upper portion 464 having an upper portion diameter, and
a generally cylindrical intermediate portion 466 having an
intermediate portion diameter which is slightly less than the upper
portion diameter. Formed on an outward facing surface of
intermediate portion 466, preferably at a top portion thereof, is a
circumferential outward facing flange 468. The upper portion 464
and the intermediate portion 466 are connected by a shoulder
470.
[0103] The inner container element body 452 further includes a
generally cylindrical inwardly tapered portion 472 which connects
the intermediate portion 466 to a generally cylindrical main
portion 474, having a main portion diameter which is less than the
intermediate portion diameter. A generally cylindrical outwardly
tapered portion 476 connects the main portion 474 to a generally
cylindrical base portion 477, having a diameter slightly greater
than the main portion diameter. As seen in FIG. 14B, the inner
container element body 452 includes a convex bottom surface
478.
[0104] Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A and 15B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled
container 480, formed of the outer container element 410 of FIGS.
13A and 13B and the inner container element 450 of FIGS. 14A and
14B, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
[0105] As seen in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the inner container element
450 is located within the outer container element 410, such that
convex bottom surface 478 of inner container element 450 is
centered with respect to curved portion 430 of bottom surface 428
of outer container element 410, but does not engage curved portion
430.
[0106] As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 15B, outer facing flange 468 of the intermediate portion 466
of the inner container element 452 engages inner facing surface 414
of outer container element body portion 412, such that the outer
facing wall surface 416 of the outer container element body portion
is flush with an outer surface of the upper portion 464 of the
inner container element body.
[0107] It is a particular feature of the present invention that the
center of gravity of the assembled container 480, indicated by C41
in FIG. 15B, is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled
container 480, indicated by C42 in FIG. 15B, thereby making the
assembled container 480 more stable than a container whose center
of gravity and geometrical center are merged.
[0108] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present
invention includes both combinations and sub-combinations of
various features described and shown herein and modifications and
variations thereof which are not known in the prior art.
* * * * *