U.S. patent application number 12/567271 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for hot-fill container having improved label support.
This patent application is currently assigned to GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.. Invention is credited to Justin A. Howell, Benton A. Lewis, Anthony J. Schlies.
Application Number | 20110073559 12/567271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43066659 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110073559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schlies; Anthony J. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2011 |
HOT-FILL CONTAINER HAVING IMPROVED LABEL SUPPORT
Abstract
A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal
volumetric changes such as those that occur during the hot-fill
process includes a container body defining an internal space. The
container body includes a main body portion having a plurality of
vacuum panels disposed about an outer circumference thereof and a
corresponding plurality of columns interposed between the vacuum
panels. A label covers at least a portion of the vacuum panels and
the columns. The label has a first portion having a first surface
area that is in contact with the container and a second portion
having a second surface area that is not in contact with the
container. A ratio of said first surface area to said second
surface area is at least 1.0, thereby ensuring superior label
support. The main body portion further has a maximum outer radius
and a maximum depth that is defined with respect to the maximum
outer radius. A ratio of the maximum depth to the maximum outer
radius is preferably no greater than about 0.2, which also
contributes to the quality of the label support.
Inventors: |
Schlies; Anthony J.; (York,
PA) ; Lewis; Benton A.; (Manchester, PA) ;
Howell; Justin A.; (New Cumberland, PA) |
Assignee: |
GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY,
L.P.
York
PA
|
Family ID: |
43066659 |
Appl. No.: |
12/567271 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/381 ;
206/459.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/0223 20130101;
B65D 79/005 20130101; B65D 2501/0081 20130101; B65D 23/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/381 ;
206/459.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 23/00 20060101
B65D023/00; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal
volumetric changes, comprising: a container body defining an
internal space, said container body comprising a main body portion
having a plurality of vacuum panels disposed about an outer
circumference thereof and a corresponding plurality of columns
interposed between the vacuum panels; and a label covering at least
a portion of said vacuum panels and said columns, said label having
a first portion having a first surface area that is in contact with
said container and a second portion having a second surface area
that is not in contact with said container, and wherein a ratio of
said first surface area to said second surface area is at least
1.0.
2. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said ratio of
said first surface area to said second surface area is at least
1.3.
3. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said ratio of
said first surface area to said second surface area is at least
1.6.
4. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said vacuum
panels and said columns are arranged in a repeating pattern that
extends about an entire circumference of said main body
portion.
5. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said vacuum
panels are configured so as to have no island defined therein.
6. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said label
extends about an entire circumference of said main body
portion.
7. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein at least one
of said columns comprises a raised transition portion that is
integral with an adjacent vacuum panel, said raised transition
portion extending radially outwardly with respect to an adjacent
portion of said column, whereby the adjacent vacuum panel is
elevated with respect to portions of said column in order to
improve label support.
8. A plastic container according to claim 7, wherein said at least
one of said columns includes two of said raised transition
portions, each of said raised transition portions being integral
with a respective adjacent vacuum panel, a raised central portion
that is positioned between said raised transition portions and two
recessed portions, each of said recessed portions being positioned
between said raised central portion and a respective one of said
raised transition portions.
9. A plastic container according to claim 1, wherein said main body
portion has a maximum outer radius, and wherein said main body
portion has a maximum depth with respect to said maximum outer
radius, with a ratio of said maximum depth to said maximum outer
radius being no greater than about 0.2.
10. A plastic container according to claim 9, wherein said ratio of
said maximum depth to said maximum outer radius being no greater
than about 0.1.
11. A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal
volumetric changes, comprising: a container body defining an
internal space, said container body comprising a main body portion
having a plurality of vacuum panels disposed about an outer
circumference thereof and a corresponding plurality of columns
interposed between the vacuum panels; a label covering at least a
portion of said vacuum panels and said columns; and wherein at
least one of said columns comprises a raised transition portion
that is integral with an adjacent vacuum panel, said raised
transition portion extending radially outwardly with respect to an
adjacent portion of said column, whereby the adjacent vacuum panel
is elevated with respect to portions of said column in order to
improve label support.
12. A plastic container according to claim 11, wherein said at
least one of said columns includes two of said raised transition
portions, each of said raised transition portions being integral
with a respective adjacent vacuum panel, a raised central portion
that is positioned between said raised transition portions and two
recessed portions, each of said recessed portions being positioned
between said raised central portion and a respective one of said
raised transition portions.
13. A plastic container according to claim 11, wherein said main
body portion has a maximum outer radius, and wherein said main body
portion has a maximum depth with respect to said maximum outer
radius, with a ratio of said maximum depth to said maximum outer
radius being no greater than about 0.2.
14. A plastic container according to claim 13, wherein said ratio
of said maximum depth to said maximum outer radius being no greater
than about 0.1.
15. A plastic container according to claim 11, wherein said vacuum
panels and said columns are arranged in a repeating pattern that
extends about an entire circumference of said main body
portion.
16. A plastic container according to claim 11, wherein said vacuum
panels are configured so as to have no island defined therein.
17. A plastic container according to claim 11, wherein said label
extends about an entire circumference of said main body portion.
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
designed to accommodate volumetric expansion and contraction such
as that inherent to the hot-fill packaging process or to packaging
applications where internal pressurization is anticipated.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0004] Many products that were previously packaged using glass
containers are now being supplied in plastic containers, such as
containers that are fabricated from polyesters such as polyethylene
terephthalate (PET).
[0005] PET containers are typically manufactured using the stretch
blow molding process. This involves the use of a preform that is
injection molded into a shape that facilitates distribution of the
plastic material within the preform into the desired final shape of
the container. The preform is first heated and then is
longitudinally stretched and subsequently inflated within a mold
cavity so that it assumes the desired final shape of the container.
As the preform is inflated, it takes on the shape of the mold
cavity. The polymer solidifies upon contacting the cooler surface
of the mold, and the finished hollow container is subsequently
ejected from the mold.
[0006] Hot fill containers are designed to be used with the
conventional hot fill process in which a liquid or semi-solid
product such as fruit juice, sauce, salsa, jelly or fruit salad is
introduced into the container while warm or hot, as appropriate,
for sanitary packaging of the product. After filling, such
containers undergo significant volumetric shrinkage as a result of
the cooling of the product within the sealed container. Hot fill
type containers accordingly must be designed to have the capability
of accommodating such shrinkage. Typically this has been done by
incorporating one or more vacuum panels into the side wall of the
container that are designed to flex inwardly as the volume of the
product within the container decreases as a result of cooling.
Several vacuum panels are typically provided, with integral column
structures interposed between the respective vacuum panels. The
vacuum panel regions of conventional hot fill containers are
usually recessed with respect to the adjacent columns.
[0007] In many cases, the needs of a manufacturer require that an
adhesive or shrink-fit label be secured to the container over the
vacuum panels. In order to avoid excessive crinkling or deformation
of the label when the container is squeezed or when volumetric
expansion or contraction occurs within the container, it is
important that the vacuum panels and the container as a whole be
designed to provide as much support for the label as possible. In
some cases, one or more raised areas are provided within the vacuum
panel for improved label support. These are typically referred to
as islands. However, even containers having vacuum panels with
islands typically have a significant amount of surface area that is
not in direct contact with the label. Air gaps accordingly exist
between the container and the label. In one conventional container
having six vacuum panels that is marketed by the assignee of this
invention, the ratio of the surface area under the label that is in
direct contact with the label to the surface area under the label
that is not in direct contact with the label is about 0.85. This is
typical for containers of this type.
[0008] In terms of design priorities, conventional measures that
can be taken to improve label support often have the unwanted
effect of reducing the efficacy of the vacuum panels at
accommodating volumetric expansion and contraction. The design of
such containers is also often influenced by the aesthetic
preferences of manufacturers, which in some instances can place
limitations of the size of the vacuum panels and on structure for
providing label support.
[0009] A need exists for an improved vacuum panel configuration for
a plastic container that achieves optimal label support, vacuum
uptake capacity and aesthetics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved vacuum panel configuration for a plastic container that
achieves optimal label support, vacuum uptake capacity and
aesthetics.
[0011] In order to achieve the above and other objects of the
invention, a plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to
internal volumetric changes includes a container body defining an
internal space. The container body includes a main body portion
having a plurality of vacuum panels disposed about an outer
circumference thereof and a corresponding plurality of columns
interposed between the vacuum panels. A label covers at least a
portion of the vacuum panels and the columns. The label has a first
portion having a first surface area that is in contact with the
container and a second portion having a second surface area that is
not in contact with the container. A ratio of the first surface
area to the second surface area is at least 1.0.
[0012] A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to
internal volumetric changes according to a second aspect of the
invention includes a container body defining an internal space. The
container body has a main body portion having a plurality of vacuum
panels disposed about an outer circumference thereof and a
corresponding plurality of columns interposed between the vacuum
panels. A label covers at least a portion of the vacuum panels and
the columns. At least one of said columns comprises a raised
transition portion that is integral with an adjacent vacuum panel.
The raised transition portion extends radially outwardly with
respect to an adjacent portion of the column, whereby the adjacent
vacuum panel is elevated with respect to portions of the column in
order to improve label support.
[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 side elevational view of a container that is
constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2-2 in
FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 in
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical depiction of a label secured to
the container as it is shown in FIG. 2; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical depiction of a label secured to
the container as is shown in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0019] 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
is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes, such as
those that typically occur during the hot fill process or for
applications in which internal pressurization of the container 10
is anticipated.
[0020] Container 10 is preferably fabricated from a material such
as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using a conventional reheat
stretch blow molding process. It includes a bottom portion 12, a
threaded upper finish portion 14, a dome or bell portion 16 and a
main body portion 18. The main body portion 18 is preferably
substantially cylindrical in shape and has a plurality of vacuum
panels 20 disposed about an outer circumference of the main body
portion 18. A corresponding plurality of columns 22 is provided,
with each column 22 being interposed between two adjacent vacuum
panels 20.
[0021] In the preferred embodiment, the vacuum panels 20 have an
hourglass shape with relatively wide upper and lower portions and a
relatively narrow central portion as viewed in side elevation, and
the columns 22 have a complementary bow shape having a relatively
wide central portion and relatively narrow upper and lower
portions. The vacuum panels 20 and the columns 22 are preferably
arranged in a repeating pattern that extends about the entire
circumference of the main body portion 18.
[0022] The vacuum panels 20 are preferably configured so as to have
no island or other raised portion defined therein. Accordingly, the
entire surface area of each of the vacuum panels 20 is available
for flexion in order to accommodate vacuum uptake during the hot
fill process.
[0023] Each of the vacuum panels 20 is preferably slightly convex
as viewed in transverse cross-section as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,
with a transverse radius of curvature that is preferably
substantially constant longitudinally from the top of the vacuum
panel 20 to the bottom of the vacuum panel 20.
[0024] As may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body portion 18 as
viewed in any horizontal cross-section includes a maximum outer
radius R.sub.MAX. As viewed in horizontal cross-section, it will be
seen that each of the columns 22 includes a central raised portion
26 that represents the maximum outer radius, a pair of raised
transition portions 28 that are integral with an adjacent vacuum
panel 20 and a pair of recessed portions 30 that are positioned
between the central raised portion 26 and a raised transition
portions 28. Each of the raised transition portions 28 extends
radially outwardly with respect to an adjacent portion of the
column 22, namely the recessed portion 30, so that the adjacent
vacuum panel 20 is elevated with respect to portions of the column
22 in order to improve label support.
[0025] Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment each of the columns
22 has a W-shaped cross-section that provides enhanced label
support. Additionally, the W-shaped cross sections of the columns
22 create an accordion effect permitting expansion of the main body
portion 18 and additional vacuum uptake capacity together with the
vacuum uptake capacity that is provided by the flexible vacuum
panels 20.
[0026] Each of the vacuum panels 20 further has a maximum depth
D.sub.VP with respect to the maximum outer radius R.sub.MAX of the
main body portion 18 within the same horizontal cross-section. This
represents the maximum depth of the main body portion 18.
Preferably, the maximum depth of the main body portion 18 as
expressed as a ratio with respect to the maximum outer radius
R.sub.MAX is no greater than about 0.2. More preferably, this ratio
is no greater than about 0.1.
[0027] The recessed portions 30 of the columns 22 have a maximum
depth D.sub.R, and the raised transition portions 28 have a minimum
depth D.sub.OT. Preferably, the ratio of D.sub.R to D.sub.OT is
within a range of about 1 to about 2. The vacuum panels 20 have a
length L.sub.VP and the columns 22 have a length L.sub.C as viewed
in horizontal cross-section.
[0028] Referring briefly to FIGS. 4 and 5, it will be seen that
container 10 further includes a label 24 that covers at least a
portion of both the vacuum panels 20 and the columns 22. Label 24
preferably extends about an entire circumference of the main body
portion 18. In the preferred embodiment, label 24 covers
substantially all of the surface area of the vacuum panels 20 and
the columns 22.
[0029] Label 24 has a first portion having a first surface area
that is in contact with the container 10, and more specifically the
main body portion 18, and a second portion having a second surface
area that is not in direct contact with the main body portion 18.
As may be seen in FIG. 5, which is a representation of how the
label 24 fits the main body portion 18 of the container 10 as
viewed in cross-section along lines 3-3 in FIG. 1, the label 24 is
in direct contact with the main body portion 18 in areas C.sub.VP
over the vacuum panels 20 and in areas C.sub.C over a central
raised portion 26 of each of the columns 22. The label 24 is not in
direct contact with the main body portion 18 in areas N.sub.R that
overlay portions of the raised transition portions 28 and the
intermediate recessed portions 30 of the columns 22. Accordingly, a
very high percentage of the label 24 is in direct contact with the
main body portion 18, with only a small air gap between the label
24 and the main body portion 18 existing over the outermost
portions of the columns 22.
[0030] Preferably, the ratio of the first surface area to the
second surface area is at least 1.0. More preferably, the ratio of
the first surface area to the second surface area is at least 1.3,
and most preferably the ratio of the first surface area to the
second surface area is at least 1.6.
[0031] The main body portion 18 of the container 10 accordingly
undergoes very little depth change when squeezed, which minimizes
crinkling and the potential for initiation of delamination of the
label 24.
[0032] 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.
* * * * *