U.S. patent application number 12/766623 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-18 for liquid containers.
This patent application is currently assigned to Green Planet Holdings, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andrew Edmund Kerley, Bradley S. Schulman.
Application Number | 20100288780 12/766623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42211933 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100288780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulman; Bradley S. ; et
al. |
November 18, 2010 |
LIQUID CONTAINERS
Abstract
The present embodiments provide improved liquid containers
having enhanced structural integrity. In one embodiment, the liquid
container comprises a cap region, an upper panel region disposed
beneath the cap region, a non-paneled circular region disposed
beneath the upper panel region, and a lower panel region disposed
beneath the non-paneled circular region. The upper and lower panel
regions each may comprise a plurality of discrete generally flat
sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container.
Advantageously, the plurality of discrete generally flat sides
about the circumference of the container may provide horizontal and
vertical strength by reducing the amount of contiguous flat surface
area. Further, various ribbed regions may provide additional
structural stability about the circumference of the container.
Inventors: |
Schulman; Bradley S.;
(Glencoe, IL) ; Kerley; Andrew Edmund; (Ridgway,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
Green Planet Holdings, Inc.
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
42211933 |
Appl. No.: |
12/766623 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61178827 |
May 15, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/669 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/0207 20130101;
B65D 65/466 20130101; B65D 1/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/669 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/02 20060101
B65D001/02; B65D 23/00 20060101 B65D023/00 |
Claims
1. A liquid container comprising: a cap region; an upper panel
region disposed beneath the cap region; a non-paneled circular
region disposed beneath the upper panel region; and a lower panel
region disposed beneath the non-paneled circular region.
2. The liquid container of claim 1 wherein the upper panel region
comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat sides disposed
about a circumference of the liquid container, wherein each of the
plurality of discrete generally flat sides has a width greater than
a height.
3. The liquid container of claim 1 wherein the lower panel region
comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat sides disposed
about a circumference of the liquid container, wherein each of the
plurality of discrete generally flat sides has a height greater
than a width.
4. The liquid container of claim 1 further comprising a base region
disposed beneath the lower panel region, wherein the base region is
flared radially outward relative to the lower panel region.
5. The liquid container of claim 1 wherein the liquid container is
tapered such that an outer diameter of the upper panel region is
greater than an outer diameter of the lower panel region.
6. The liquid container of claim 1 further comprising a first
ribbed region disposed between the upper panel region and the
non-paneled circular region, wherein the first ribbed region
extends horizontally around a circumference of the liquid
container.
7. The liquid container of claim 6 further comprising a second
ribbed region disposed between the non-paneled circular region and
the lower panel region, wherein the second ribbed region extends
horizontally around a circumference of the liquid container.
8. The liquid container of claim 1 further comprising at least one
central panel region disposed between the upper panel region and
the lower panel region.
9. The liquid container of claim 8 wherein the central panel region
is separated from each of the non-paneled circular region and the
lower panel region by at least one ribbed region extending
horizontally around a circumference of the liquid container.
10. The liquid container of claim 1 wherein the liquid container is
formed of an organically-based biopolymer material.
11. The liquid container of claim 10 wherein the organically-based
biopolymer material comprises polylactic acid.
12. A liquid container comprising: a cap region; an upper panel
region disposed beneath the cap region; a non-paneled circular
region disposed beneath the upper panel region; a lower panel
region disposed beneath the non-paneled circular region; a first
ribbed region disposed between the upper panel region and the
non-paneled circular region, wherein the first ribbed region
extends horizontally around a circumference of the liquid
container; a second ribbed region disposed between the non-paneled
circular region and the lower panel region, wherein the second
ribbed region extends horizontally around a circumference of the
liquid container; and a base region disposed beneath the lower
panel region.
13. The liquid container of claim 12 wherein the base region is
flared radially outward relative to the lower panel region.
14. The liquid container of claim 12 wherein the liquid container
is tapered such that an outer diameter of the upper panel region is
greater than an outer diameter of the lower panel region.
15. The liquid container of claim 12 wherein the liquid container
is formed of an organically-based biopolymer material, wherein the
organically-based biopolymer material comprises polylactic
acid.
16. A liquid container comprising: a cap region; an upper panel
region disposed beneath the cap region, wherein the upper panel
region comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat sides
disposed about a circumference of the liquid container, wherein
each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides of the upper
panel region comprises a width greater than a height; and a lower
panel region disposed beneath the upper panel region, wherein the
lower panel region comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat
sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container,
wherein each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides of
the lower panel region comprises a height greater than a width.
17. The liquid container of claim 16 further comprising a
non-paneled circular region disposed between the upper panel region
and the lower panel region.
18. The liquid container of claim 16 further comprising a base
region disposed beneath the lower panel region, wherein the base
region is flared radially outward relative to the lower panel
region.
19. The liquid container of claim 16 wherein the liquid container
is tapered such that an outer diameter of the upper panel region is
greater than an outer diameter of the lower panel region.
20. The liquid container of claim 16 wherein the liquid container
is formed of an organically-based biopolymer material.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This invention claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/178,827, entitled "Liquid
Container," filed May 15, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present embodiments relate generally to liquid
containers, and more particularly to bottles with improved
structural stability desirably configured to be formed from a fully
recyclable material, such as an organically-based biopolymer. The
containers may be used for numerous types of liquids, including
waters, juices and other types of beverages, as well as for
non-beverage liquids.
[0003] Recyclable materials are well known in the art, and are
commonly used for both products (newspapers, for example) and for
packaging for products (bottles for beverages, for example)
(collectively, "products"). Paper, glass, plastics, cardboard and
the like are readily recycled through refuse collection programs in
homes and business.
[0004] Typically, such programs involve the use of designated
containers for recyclable products. When a recyclable product is
ready to be discarded, it is placed in an appropriately-labeled
container (paper, glass, plastic, etc.) and it is collected by a
waste hauler along with other, non-recyclable waste.
[0005] Sometimes, consumers of the recyclable products sort the
materials themselves; other times, recyclable products formed of
many different types of recyclable materials are consolidated into
a single container where they are later sorted by the waste hauler
and/or a specialized recycling center.
[0006] Prior art recycling systems have met with only marginal
success. While some states and countries have gone so far as to
implement legislation, such as bottle deposits, designed to
encourage recycling of recyclable products, statistics show that a
large portion of recyclable products never get recycled.
[0007] With an ever-increasing focus on the environment, and
renewable and recyclable materials, products, packaging and
systems, conventional recycling systems and materials are being
revisited.
[0008] For example, many traditional plastic water bottles
typically are made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a
petroleum-based plastic. Although PET bottles are considered
"recyclable," it is estimated that approximately 80% of PET bottles
end of up in landfills and never get recycled. Additionally, a
number of petroleum-based plastics, such as polystyrene (#6), are
not recyclable at all.
[0009] Not only are PET bottles formed from a non-renewable
material (petroleum), the production and disposal of
petroleum-based plastics can have negative environmental and
societal effects, such as increased dependence on oil, increased
creation of greenhouse gases, increased pollution, increased usage
of landfills and increased public litter. Thus, there is a need for
materials that are truly 100% renewable and recyclable, with a
substantially-reduced environmental impact.
[0010] One such material has been developed by Natureworks LLC
under the brand name Ingeo.TM.. Such material is an
organically-based biopolymer (polylactic acid or "PLA") that is
derived from 100% annually renewable resources such as plants.
Organically-based biopolymers are used to make numerous products,
everything from packaging and consumer goods to fibers for apparel
to furnishings. Because organically-based biopolymers are derived
from renewable resources instead of petroleum, they are
substantially more environmentally-friendly than traditional
petroleum-based plastics.
[0011] For example, while a traditional PET bottle may take an
estimated 1000 years (or more) to degrade in a typical landfill, a
similar bottle formed from an organically-based biopolymer may
degrade in as little as 75-80 days in a commercial compost.
[0012] While organically-based biopolymer products are
significantly more environmentally-friendly than traditional prior
art PET-based products, perhaps their most important advantage is
that they are 100% recyclable. That is, while perhaps only 5% of
PET regrind can be recycled into new PET products, 100% of
organically-based biopolymer products can be recycled to make new
products.
[0013] Despite the significant environmental advantages of
organically-based biopolymer products, the use of organically-based
biopolymer materials to manufacture such products faces many
challenges. For example, it has been found that products formed
from such materials are easily susceptible to structural
deformation over time.
[0014] In particular, bottles formed of organically-based
biopolymer materials may have a relatively short "shelf life," on
the order of six months or less, before the structural integrity of
the bottle begins to fail and the bottle undesirably undergoes
deformation.
[0015] Such deformation often includes contraction or collapse of
the bottle walls known as "paneling." Paneling of a bottle creates
an unsightly appearance and can cause label distortion, stress
cracking and spillage or leakage of the bottle contents.
[0016] If bottles formed of organically-based biopolymer materials
are to be accepted and used on a widespread basis, and if the
environment and societal benefits of fully-recyclable bottles
formed from organically-based biopolymer materials are to be
recognized in a meaningful way, it is crucial that such bottles be
configured to have improved structural stability to counteract the
inherent characteristics of organically-based biopolymer
materials.
SUMMARY
[0017] The present embodiments provide improved liquid containers
having enhanced structural integrity. In one embodiment, a liquid
container comprises a cap region, an upper panel region disposed
beneath the cap region, a non-paneled circular region disposed
beneath the upper panel region, and a lower panel region disposed
beneath the non-paneled circular region. The upper and lower panel
regions each may comprise a plurality of discrete generally flat
sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container. In
one embodiment, each of the plurality of discrete generally flat
sides of the upper panel region comprises a width that is greater
than a height, while each of the plurality of discrete generally
flat sides of the lower panel region comprises a height greater
than a width.
[0018] The liquid container may be formed of an organically-based
biopolymer material. In one example, the organically-based
biopolymer material comprises polylactic acid. Advantageously,
because of various structural features of the bottle, the
structural integrity may be enhanced. As one example, the plurality
of discrete generally flat sides in the upper and lower panel
regions may provide horizontal and vertical strength by reducing
the amount of contiguous flat surface area.
[0019] The liquid container further may comprise various other
features to enhance structural integrity. For example, the liquid
container may comprise a first ribbed region disposed between the
upper panel region and the non-paneled circular region, wherein the
first ribbed region extends around a circumference of the liquid
container. The liquid container may further comprise a second
ribbed region disposed between the non-paneled circular region and
the lower panel region, wherein the second ribbed region extends
around a circumference of the liquid container. Optionally, at
least one central panel region may be disposed between the upper
panel region and the lower panel region.
[0020] In various embodiments, the liquid container may be tapered
such that an outer diameter of the upper panel region is greater
than an outer diameter of the lower panel region. Further, the
liquid container may comprise a base region disposed beneath the
lower panel region, wherein the base region is flared radially
outward relative to the lower panel region.
[0021] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the
invention, and be encompassed by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of the liquid container provided in
accordance with a first embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the liquid container of
FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the liquid container
of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 4 is an additional side view of the liquid container of
FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a top view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the liquid container of FIG.
1.
[0029] FIG. 7 is an additional side view of the liquid container of
FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 8 is an additional bottom view of the liquid container
of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 9 is an additional side perspective view of the liquid
container of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 10 is an additional bottom perspective view of the
liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a side view of two liquid containers, including a
smaller bottle on the left that is shown further in FIGS. 12-18
below, and a larger bottle on the right that is shown further in
FIGS. 1-10 above.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a side view of a liquid container according to an
alternative embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the liquid container
of FIG. 12.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the liquid container of FIG.
12.
[0037] FIG. 15 is an additional side view of the liquid container
of FIG. 12.
[0038] FIG. 16 is an additional side perspective view of the liquid
container of FIG. 12.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the liquid container
of FIG. 12.
[0040] FIG. 18 is an additional bottom view of the liquid container
of FIG. 12.
[0041] FIG. 19 is a side view of a further alternative embodiment
of a liquid container.
[0042] FIG. 20 is a side view of a yet further alternative
embodiment of a liquid container.
[0043] FIG. 21 is a side view of still a further alternative
embodiment of a liquid container.
[0044] FIG. 22 is a side view of still a further alternative
embodiment of a liquid container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] In the various embodiments show herein, a liquid container
may be formed from organically-based biopolymer materials, and
other materials, that may be subject to degradation in structural
integrity or structural deformation over time. The embodiments
shown herein are designed to provide enhanced structural integrity
for a liquid container, and particularly one formed from
organically-based biopolymer materials.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1-18, first and second embodiments of
a liquid container are shown. In FIGS. 1-10, bottle 1 is shown,
while in FIGS. 12-18 bottle 100 is shown (bottle 1 and bottle 100
are shown side-by-side in FIG. 11).
[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, bottle 1 has a larger capacity
than bottle 100. Solely by way of example, and without limitation,
bottle 1 may have a 500 ml capacity, while bottle 100 may have a
330 ml or 350 ml capacity. However, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the principles disclosed herein are equally
applicable to bottle 1 and bottle 100, and that various other sized
bottles and liquid containers can embody the principles disclosed
herein. Those skilled in the art will further understand and
appreciate that the structural features described herein with
respect to bottle 1 will be cross-referenced (in parentheses) to
bottle 100 within the present disclosure.
[0048] Bottle 1 (100) may be used for numerous types of liquids,
including waters, juices and other types of beverages, as well as
for non-beverage liquids. However, bottle 1 (100) is particularly
suitable for use as a bottle for water. Bottle 1 (100) comprises
important structural features configured to maximize the structural
integrity of bottle 1 (100) and to decrease structural deformation,
or paneling, of bottle 1 (100) over extended periods of time.
[0049] Bottle 1 (100) may comprise multiple regions. In one
embodiment, bottle 1 comprises a cap and neck region 2 (102), an
upper panel region 3 (103), a non-paneled circular region 4 (104),
a lower panel region 5(105), and a base region 6 (106). The overall
geometry of bottle 1 (100) is generally cylindrical with a tapered
profile extending from upper panel region 3 (103) through lower
panel region 5 (105), wherein an outer diameter of upper panel
region 3 (103) is greater than an outer diameter of lower panel
region 5 (105).
[0050] In one embodiment, bottle 1 (100) is formed entirely of an
organically-based biopolymer material, such as polylactic acid
("PLA") or polyactide, using manufacturing methods well known to
those skilled in the art. For example, bottle 1 (100) may be formed
using a two-step process as is generally known in the art. Namely,
PLA resin is injection molded to form a preform. The preform then
is blowmolded to form bottle 1 (100).
[0051] In the disclosed embodiments, the organically-based
biopolymer material used to form bottle 1 (100) may be sold by
Natureworks LLC of Minnetonka, Minn., under the brand name
Ingeo.TM.. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the structural features of bottle 1 (100) may be used for liquid
containers formed of numerous types of materials which may be
subject to structural degradation or deformation, and the present
embodiments are not limited to liquid containers formed of PLA or
organically-based biopolymer materials.
[0052] Cap and neck region 2 (102) comprises cap 7 (107) and neck 8
(108) of bottle 1 (100), and may be provided in a manner known to
those skilled in the art. Upper panel region 3 (103) comprises a
plurality of discrete generally flat sides or upper panels 9 (109)
disposed about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In the
embodiments shown, the upper panel region 3 (103) comprises eight
such upper panels 9 (109) disposed symmetrically about the
circumference of bottle 1 (100). However, greater or fewer upper
panels 9 (109) may be used without departing from the spirit of the
present embodiments.
[0053] Upper panels 9 (109) are configured to reduce the amount of
contiguous flat surface area about the circumference of bottle 1
(100). In this manner, horizontal and vertical strength is achieved
and structural stability is improved over previous bottles.
[0054] Disposed beneath and adjacent to upper panel region 3 (103)
is a first ribbed region 10 (110), preferably formed horizontally
about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In some embodiments of
bottle 1 (100), ribbed region 10 (110) is formed as a lip along the
outer surface of bottle 1 (100). In other embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 1-18, ribbed region 10 (110) is formed as a groove along the
outer surface of bottle 1 (100). In either embodiment, ribbed
region 10 (110) serves to provide additional structural stability
across an outer diameter of bottle 1 (100), thereby reducing the
likelihood of paneling and deformation.
[0055] Disposed beneath and adjacent to the first ribbed region 10
(110) is non-paneled circular region 4 (104), which preferably
comprises a single contiguous, circular panel 11 (111) extending
about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). The circular region 4
(104) preferably comprises a generally smooth cylindrical shape.
Circular panel 11 (111) desirably is configured to allow a label or
other form of indicia to be applied to bottle 1 (100) using
traditional techniques, such as adhesives.
[0056] Disposed beneath and adjacent to circular panel 11 (111) and
circular region 4 (104) is a second ribbed region 12 (112),
preferably formed horizontally about the circumference of bottle 1
(100). In some embodiments of bottle 1 (100), ribbed region 12
(112) is formed as a lip along the outer surface of bottle 1 (100).
In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-18, ribbed region 12
(112) is formed as a groove along the outer surface of bottle 1
(100). In either embodiment, the second ribbed region 12 (112),
like the first ribbed region 10 (110) discussed above, serves to
provide additional structural stability across the diameter of
bottle 1 (100), thereby reducing the likelihood of paneling and
deformation.
[0057] Disposed beneath and adjacent to the second ribbed region 12
(112) is lower panel region 5 (105). Lower panel region 5 (105) may
be generally similar to upper panel region 3 (103), as discussed
above. For example, lower panel region 5 (105) comprises a
plurality of discrete generally flat sides or lower panels 13 (113)
disposed about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In this
embodiment, the plurality of lower panels 13 (113) comprises eight
such lower panels 13 (113) disposed symmetrically about the
circumference of bottle 1 (100). However, greater or fewer lower
panels 13 (113) may be used.
[0058] Like upper panels 9 (109), lower panels 13 (113) are
configured to reduce the amount of contiguous flat surface area
about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In this manner,
horizontal and vertical strength is achieved and structural
stability is improved over previous bottles.
[0059] In one embodiment, the number of lower panels 13 (113) is
equal to the number of upper panels 9 (109). Further, the alignment
and distribution of lower panels 13 (113) about the circumference
of bottle 1 (100) may be identical to the alignment and
distribution of upper panels 9 (109) about the circumference of
bottle 1 (100). In this manner, the structural stability provided
by lower panels 13 (113) and upper panels 9 (109) may be
enhanced.
[0060] However, in alternative embodiments, is not required that
the number of lower panels 13 (113) be equal to the number of upper
panels 9 (109). Moreover, the alignment and distribution of lower
panels 13 (113) about the circumference of bottle 1 (100) need not
be identical to the alignment and distribution of upper panels 9
(109) about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). All such
variations are included with the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0061] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of discrete
generally flat sides 9 (109) of the upper panel region 3 (103) may
comprise a width w that may be greater than a height h.sub.1, as
depicted by the measurements illustrated in FIG. 4. By contrast,
each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides 13 of the
lower panel region 5 may comprise a height h.sub.2 that may be
greater than a width w, as depicted in FIG. 4. Advantageously, such
a relatively large height h.sub.2 in the lower panel region 5
allows a relatively tall or vertical orientation of the generally
flat sides 13, which may enhance structural stability of the bottle
1 (100) as noted above.
[0062] In the embodiments shown herein, the generally flat sides 9
(109) of the upper panel region 3 may comprise a reduced height
h.sub.1, relative to height h.sub.2, to accommodate a higher
positioning of the non-paneled circular region 4 (104) comprising
the circular panel 11 (111), e.g., to allow for a relatively high
label placement. In one embodiment, the width w of the generally
flat sides 9 (109) of the upper panel region 3 (103) may be
identical to the width of the generally flat sides 13 (113) of the
lower panel region 5 (105). However, in further embodiments, the
relative sizing of the widths and heights depicted herein may be
modified. For example, if the vertical positioning of the
non-paneled circular region 11 (111) comprising the circular panel
11 (111) is altered, then it may affect the dimensions of the
heights h.sub.1 and h.sub.2.
[0063] Disposed beneath and adjacent to lower panel region 5 (105)
is base region 6 (106). Base region 6 (106) comprises a base 14
(114) formed at the bottom of bottle 1 (100). In the disclosed
embodiments, base 6 is formed with a flared geometry with the
diameter of base 14 (114) increasing along the length of bottle 1
(100) toward the bottom of bottle 1 (100). The flared geometry of
base 14 (114) provides additional structural stability and provides
a stable wide structure upon which bottle 1 (100) may securely rest
in a standing position.
[0064] Base 14 (114), in the disclosed embodiment, further
comprises a plurality of ribs 15 (115) extending radially (in a
"star" shape) from the center of base 14 (114) to an outer
circumference of bottle 1 (100). In one embodiment, ribs 15 (115)
are disposed symmetrically about the circumference of bottle 1
(100) and each rib 15 (115) is aligned with an intersection of two
lower panels 13 (113). Ribs 15 (115) are formed as grooves along
the bottom surface of bottle 1 (100).
[0065] Ribs 15 (115) add structural stability to base 14 (114) such
that bottle 1 (100) may withstand low levels of pressurization
(such as during filling of bottle 1 (100)) without exhibiting
significant structural deformation. Ribs 15 (115) also desirably
provide a degree of stretch to the material that forms base 14
(114) thereby further increasing the strength of base 14 (114).
[0066] As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, base 14 (114) of bottle 1
(100) in one embodiment further comprises an internal concave
region 16 (116). Internal concave region 16 (116) is disposed in
the bottom of base 14 (114) and is formed coaxial with the central
longitudinal axis of bottle 1 (100). Internal concave region 16
(116) is configured to further increase resistance to structural
deformity and paneling of bottle 1 (100) by providing relief to
pressure and vacuum forces during the filling process of bottle 1
(100).
[0067] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the relative
dimensions of cap and neck region 2 (102), upper panel region 3
(103), non-paneled circular region 4 (104), lower panel region 5
(105), and base region 6 (106) may be altered without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0068] Additionally, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that numerous other organically-based biopolymer liquid
containers could be manufactured within the scope of the present
embodiments, including by way of example and without limitation,
other types of food and beverage packaging as well as packaging for
other products and general consumer goods.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 19-22, various alternative
embodiments of liquid containers are shown. In FIGS. 19-22, bottles
201, 301, 401 and 401' are generally similar to the bottles 1 and
101 shown in FIGS. 1-18. For example, the bottles 201, 301, 401 and
401' each may be formed entirely of an organically-based biopolymer
material, such as PLA. Further, each of the bottles 201, 301, 401
and 401' generally comprises an upper panel region, a lower panel
region, and a non-paneled circular region disposed therebetween, as
explained further below.
[0070] The bottle 201 of FIG. 19 may have a 500 ml capacity,
although a greater or lesser capacity bottle may be provided with
the structural features shown in FIG. 19. The bottle 201 comprises
a cap and neck region 202, an upper panel region 203, a non-paneled
circular region 204, a lower panel region 205, and a base region
206, each of which are generally similar to corresponding parts of
the bottle 1 of FIGS. 1-11. However, the base region 206 of FIG. 19
comprises a plurality of panels 236 that match the number of panels
209 of the upper panel region 203. Further, the plurality of panels
236 of the base region 206 may comprise an overall outer diameter
that is substantially identical to an overall outer diameter of the
upper panel region 203. Advantageously, the bottle 201 may convey
better in production and/or may ship with reduced movement.
[0071] The bottle 301 of FIG. 20 may have a 350 ml capacity,
although a greater or lesser capacity bottle may be provided with
the structural features shown in FIG. 20. The bottle 301 comprises
a cap and neck region 302, an upper panel region 303, a non-paneled
circular region 304, a lower panel region 305, and a base region
306, each of which are generally similar to corresponding parts of
the bottle 101 of FIGS. 12-18. Notably, a height of the non-paneled
circular region 304 of the bottle 301 of FIG. 20 is less than a
height of the non-paneled circular region 104 of the bottle 101 of
FIGS. 12-18. Accordingly, the height of the plurality of panels 313
of the lower panel region 305 may be increased, which may enhance
the overall structural stability of the bottle 301 and reduce
deformation and paneling.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 21-22, the bottles 401 and 401', by
way of example and without limitation, may have a 1000 ml capacity
and a 1500 ml capacity, respectively, although greater or lesser
capacity bottles may be provided with the structural features shown
in FIGS. 21-22. The bottles 401 and 401' are structurally similar
to one another, with the exception of generally proportionally
larger features in bottle 401' compared to bottle 401.
[0073] The bottle 401 (401') comprises a cap and neck region 402
(402'), an upper panel region 403 (403'), a non-paneled circular
region 404 (404'), a lower panel region 405 (405'), and a base
region 406 (406'), each of which may be generally similar to
corresponding parts of the bottle 1 of FIGS. 1-11. However, at
least one central panel region 430 (430') is disposed between the
upper panel region 403 (403') and the lower panel region 405
(405'). In the embodiment shown, the central panel region 430
(430') is disposed between the non-paneled circular region 404
(404') and the lower panel region 405 (405'). The central panel
region 430 (430') may comprise a plurality of discrete generally
flat sides 439 (439') that may align with a plurality of discrete
generally flat sides 409 (409') of the upper panel region, and also
may align with a plurality of discrete generally flat sides 413
(413') of the lower panel region.
[0074] Further, at least three ribbed regions may be provided in
the embodiments of FIGS. 21-22. In particular, a first ribbed
region 410 (410') may be disposed between upper panel region 403
(403') and non-paneled circular region 404 (404'). A second ribbed
region 425 (425') may be disposed between non-paneled circular
region 404 (404') and central panel region 430 (430'), while a
third ribbed region 426 (426') may be disposed between central
panel region 430 (430') and lower panel region 405 (405'), as shown
in FIGS. 21-22. As noted above, in some embodiments, such ribbed
regions may extend horizontally around the circumference of the
bottle, and may be formed as a lip along the outer surface of the
bottle, or alternatively, as a groove along the outer surface of
bottle, either of which serves to provide additional structural
stability across the outer diameter of the bottle and reduce the
likelihood of paneling and deformation.
[0075] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of
the attached claims and their equivalents. Moreover, the advantages
described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the
invention and it is not necessarily expected that every embodiment
of the invention will achieve all of the advantages described.
* * * * *