U.S. patent application number 12/984420 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for container with non-cylindrical upper body portion.
This patent application is currently assigned to Plastipak Packaging, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard A. Lovelace, JR., James J. Miller, Edward V. Morgan, Ronald L. Uptergrove, William C. Young.
Application Number | 20110132916 12/984420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44081022 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110132916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Uptergrove; Ronald L. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
CONTAINER WITH NON-CYLINDRICAL UPPER BODY PORTION
Abstract
A one-piece, unitary molded plastic container includes a neck
portion; a base portion; and a sidewall extending upwardly from the
base portion toward the neck portion. The sidewall includes an
upper body portion and a lower body portion. The lower body portion
is substantially cylindrical, extends from the base portion toward
the upper body portion, and has a height that is from about 0.10 to
about 0.60 of the total height of the container. The upper body
portion is substantially non-cylindrical, extends upwardly from the
lower body portion toward the neck portion, and has a height that
is from about 0.30 to about 0.80 of the total height of the
container; and includes a curved label-receiving portion. In
embodiments, a label--e.g., a directly-applied ink label or
separately applied composite label--is applied to the
label-receiving portion.
Inventors: |
Uptergrove; Ronald L.;
(Northville, MI) ; Lovelace, JR.; Richard A.;
(Munroe Falls, OH) ; Young; William C.;
(Ypsilanti, MI) ; Miller; James J.; (Barberton,
OH) ; Morgan; Edward V.; (Northville, MI) |
Assignee: |
Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
Plymouth
MI
|
Family ID: |
44081022 |
Appl. No.: |
12/984420 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29367213 |
Aug 4, 2010 |
D633391 |
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12984420 |
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29351310 |
Dec 3, 2009 |
D624422 |
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29367213 |
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61367218 |
Jul 23, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/675 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2501/0036 20130101;
B65D 23/0828 20130101; B65D 1/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/675 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/02 20060101
B65D001/02; B65D 1/42 20060101 B65D001/42 |
Claims
1. A one-piece, unitary molded plastic container, comprising: a
neck portion; a base portion; a sidewall extending upwardly from
the base portion toward the neck portion, the sidewall including an
upper body portion and a lower body portion; wherein the lower body
portion is substantially cylindrical, extends from the base portion
toward the upper body portion, and has a height that is from about
0.10 to about 0.60 of the total height of the container; the upper
body portion is substantially non-cylindrical, extends upwardly
from the lower body portion toward the neck portion, has a height
that is from about 0.30 to about 0.80 of the total height of the
container; and includes a curved label-receiving portion.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is biaxially
oriented.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises
polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the vertical length of the
label-receiving portion is at least about 0.6 the vertical length
of the upper body portion.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the vertical length of the
label-receiving portion is at least about 0.70 the vertical length
of the upper body portion.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the upper body portion
includes two opposing sides, each opposing side including a
label-receiving portion.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein the label-receiving portion of
each opposing side are substantially minor images of each
other.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the label-receiving portion is
generally convex relative to a central axis.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the label-receiving portion
includes at least one reinforcing formation.
10. The container of claim 9, wherein the at least one reinforcing
formation includes a curved rib.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein the curved rib extends
radially inwardly.
12. The container of claim 9, wherein the at least one reinforcing
formation includes a curved rib and a plurality of curved
extensions, the curved extensions extending from the curved
rib.
13. The container of claim 9, wherein the at least one reinforcing
formation has a vertical length that is at least 0.70 of the
vertical length of the label receiving portion.
14. The container of claim 9, wherein the at least one reinforcing
formation has a vertical length that is at least 0.25 of the total
height of the container.
15. The container of claim 1, including a label applied to the
label-receiving portion.
16. The container of claim 15, wherein the label is comprised of
ink in direct contact with the outer surface of the label-receiving
portion.
17. The container of claim 15, wherein the label is comprised of
one of an in-mold label, a pressure sensitive label, and a heat
transferred label affixed or applied to the outer surface of the
label-receiving portion.
18. The container of claim 1, further comprising a grip area
located between the upper body portion and the lower body portion,
wherein the grip area comprises a concave recess to facilitate
handling.
19. The container of claim 1, wherein the container has a minimum
top load capability of 5 lbs.
20. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is produced by
injection stretch blow molding.
21. The container of claim 1, wherein the lower body portion
includes a plurality of generally horizontal ribs.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Application
No. 29/367,213, filed Aug. 4, 2010, which is a divisional of
Application No. 29/351,310, filed Dec. 3, 2009, now U.S. Design
Pat. D624,422, which are both hereby incorporated by reference as
though fully set forth herein. This application additionally claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/367,218, filed
Jul. 23, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference as though
fully set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates in general to plastic
containers, including plastic containers with non-cylindrical
portions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Plastic containers may include various integrated structural
and ornamental features. Most commercial containers that package
contents include, and even require, some form of labeling.
Consequently, various known labeling techniques have been employed
in the art. In a number of conventional applications, a label panel
is included, and the label panel is intended to be flat, or include
significant portions that are flat. However, such a constraint can
limit available positioning and/or design configurations. Moreover,
commercial containers are commonly grouped for shipping, so their
lower/base configurations are often intended to facilitate such
grouping.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a one-piece,
unitary molded plastic container including a neck portion; a base
portion; and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base portion
toward the neck portion. The sidewall includes an upper body
portion and a lower body portion. The lower body portion is
substantially cylindrical, extends from the base portion toward the
upper body portion, and has a height that is from about 0.10 to
about 0.60 of the total height of the container. The upper body
portion is substantially non-cylindrical, extends upwardly from the
lower body portion toward the neck portion, and has a height that
is from about 0.30 to about 0.80 of the total height of the
container; and includes a curved label-receiving portion. In
embodiments, a label--e.g., a directly-applied ink label or
separately applied composite label--is applied to the
label-receiving portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0006] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of embodiments of
containers formed in accordance with aspects or teachings of the
invention;
[0007] FIGS. 2A and 2B are left side elevational view of
embodiments of the containers shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,
respectively;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the embodiment of
a container shown in FIG. 1B;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of a
container shown in FIG. 1B;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of a
container shown in FIG. 1B;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the embodiment of a container
shown in FIG. 1B;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a container
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2B;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a representation of a cross section of the
container taken at cut A-A in FIG. 7;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a representation of a cross section of the
container taken at cut B-B in FIG. 7;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a representation of a cross section of the
container taken at cut C-C in FIG. 7;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a representation of a cross section of the
container taken at cut D-D in FIG. 7; and
[0017] FIG. 12 is a representation of a cross section of the
container taken at cut E-E in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are described herein and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will
be described in conjunction with embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to these
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0019] By way of example, and without limitation, embodiments of a
container 10 provided in accordance with aspects and teachings of
the invention are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The container may be a
single, one-piece, unitary molded plastic container. The
illustrated containers 10 include, inter alia: a neck portion 20,
with a dispensing opening 30, a closure-receiving (e.g., threaded)
portion 40, and a support flange 50; a base portion 60 (which may
be round or substantially round); and a sidewall 70.
[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sidewall 70 extends
upwardly from the base portion 60 toward the neck portion 20, and
includes an upper body portion 80 and a lower body portion 90. In
embodiments, the lower body portion 90 extends from the base
portion 60 toward the upper body portion 80, is substantially
cylindrical, and may have a vertical height that is from about 0.10
to about 0.60 of the total height H of the container. In an
embodiment, the lower body portion 90 extends from the base portion
60 toward the upper body portion 80, is substantially cylindrical,
and may have a vertical height that is from about 0.25 to about
0.50 of the total height H of the container. Further, in
embodiments, the upper body portion 80 is substantially
non-cylindrical, extends upwardly from the lower body portion 90
toward the neck portion 20, has a vertical height that is from
about 0.30 to about 0.80 of the total height H of the container,
and includes a curved label-receiving formation 100. In an
embodiment, the upper body portion 80 is substantially
non-cylindrical, extends upwardly from the lower body portion 90
toward the neck portion 20, has a vertical height that is from
about 0.40 to about 0.60 of the total height H of the container,
and includes a curved label-receiving formation 100.
[0021] The label-receiving portion 100 may itself take the overall
form of one or more decorative features (e.g., a leaf). In
embodiments, the label-receiving portion 100 is curved--i.e., such
that a portion, which may include all or a significant portion of
the label-receiving portion, is not flat or planar, but rather
includes a radius or a plurality of radii. With reference to FIG.
3, in an embodiment, the label-receiving portion 100 has a vertical
length VL that is greater than a horizontal length HL. Without
limitation, for embodiments, the vertical length VL of the
label-receiving portion 100 is at least 1.25 times the horizontal
length HL of the label-receiving portion 100, and for a number of
embodiments may be more than 1.6 times the horizontal length
HL.
[0022] For some embodiments, such as that illustrated, the
label-receiving portion 100 may have a vertical length VL that is
at least about 0.60 of the vertical length of the entire upper body
portion 80. In some embodiments, the label-receiving portion 100
has a vertical length VL that is at least about 0.70 of the
vertical length of the entire upper body portion 80.
[0023] The invention is not limited to the inclusion of a single
label-receiving portion 100 and, in embodiments, may include a
plurality of label-receiving portions. For some embodiments,
label-receiving portions may be provided on opposing sides of the
container, and may be similar to (and even minor images of) each
other. In the illustrated embodiment, the container includes two
curved label-receiving portions 100 (generally illustrated in FIGS.
4 and 5 as 100a and 100b).
[0024] As generally illustrated in the figures, the label-receiving
portions may be generally convex relative to a central axis CA of
the container 10. Additionally, as generally illustrated in FIG. 6,
for embodiments, the label-receiving portion 100 may remain
substantially, and even entirely, within the plan "footprint" of
the container (viewed in FIG. 6 from the top view)--which may,
overall, be circular or substantially circular, as shown.
[0025] With reference to FIG. 3, the label-receiving portion 100
may include at least one reinforcing formation, generally indicated
as element 110. In embodiments, the reinforcing formation may, for
example, include a rib (e.g., curved rib 120), which may extend
radially inwardly (although it may also extend radially outwardly).
As generally illustrated, the reinforcing formation 100 may also
include a plurality of extensions (e.g., curved extensions 130),
which may be small ribs of varying lengths, and which may cross or
extend from a primary rib. The ribs and/or extensions may be
configured to provide additional strength (e.g., to resist internal
or external pressures). If desired, for some embodiments, the at
least one reinforcing formation 110 may have a length that is at
least 0.70 of the vertical length VL of the label receiving portion
100. Moreover, for some embodiments, the at least one reinforcing
formation 100 may have a vertical length that is at least 0.25 of
the total height H of the container. As also generally illustrated
in FIG. 3, the lower body portion 90 may also include one or more
lower reinforcing formations--such as ribs 92--which may extend
radially inward and may extend circumferentially around the
container, whether in the form of annular rings, or in a
spiral-like formation such as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0026] FIG. 7 includes a side view of an embodiment of a container
10 similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2B. FIGS. 8 through 12
include representations of cross-sections of the container taken at
A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D, and E-E, respectively. For example, without
limitation, the aforementioned cross sections may be taken at the
following positions/indicated distances:
TABLE-US-00001 Section Cut Distance/Height from Bottom A-A D.sub.1
= 4.500 in. (114.30 mm) B-B D.sub.2 = 5.000 in. (127.00 mm) C-C
D.sub.3 = 5.500 in. (139.70 mm) D-D D.sub.4 = 6.000 in. (152.40 mm)
E-E D.sub.5 = 6.500 in. (165.10 mm)
[0027] With embodiments, the wall thickness of the label-receiving
portion may be about 10 mil or less and, for some embodiments, may
be about 7 mil or less. In that regard, while FIGS. 8-12 generally
represent cross sections, such lines may, for instance, be
considered median lines for the aforementioned thicknesses.
[0028] By way of example only, and without limitation, embodiments
of containers provided in accordance with aspects and teachings of
the invention may have measurements/dimensions of the type set
forth in the following table (which includes three different
embodiments--i.e., Emb #1, Emb #2, and Emb #3):
TABLE-US-00002 Emb #1 Emb #2 Emb #3 Container Height 5.7 in. 8.201
in. 8 in. Sidewall Height 5.028 in. 7.529 in. 7.529 in. Neck
Portion Height 0.672 in. 0.672 in. 0.471 in. Base Portion Height
0.473 in. 0.473 in. 0.473 in. Lower Body Portion 1.094 in. 2.859
in. 2.859 in. Height Combined Base 1.567 in. 3.773 in. 3.773 in.
Portion and Lower Body Portion Height Upper Body Portion 3.461 in.
3.923 in. 3.924 in. Height Base Portion 2.557 in. 2.79 in. 2.557
in. Maximum Diameter Container Volume 10 fl oz 20 fl oz 500 ML
Container Weight 10 g. 15.3 g. 10 g. Label-Receiving Portion Height
2.709 in. 2.874 in. 2.874 in. Label-Receiving 1.691 in. 1.785 in.
1.817 in. Portion Width Neck Portion Internal 26.7 mm 26.7 mm 26 mm
Diameter Lower Body Portion 19% 35% 36% Height to Container Height
Combined Base 27% 41% 42% Portion and Lower Body Portion Height to
Container Height Upper Body Portion 61% 48% 49% Height to Container
Height Label-Receiving 48% 35% 36% Portion Height to Container
Height Label-Receiving 78% 73% 73% Portion to Upper Body Portion
Height
[0029] It is noted that, when a container is in an upstanding
position, the label-receiving portion 100 may provide a visual that
is generally perpendicularly oriented with respect to the central
axis CA. That is, rather than being a significant part of a
shoulder portion of a container--which would convey a visual
impression angled "upwardly," the visual impression to an observer
would be directed radially outwardly in a substantially
perpendicular direction.
[0030] In embodiments, the container may include a label that is
applied to the label-receiving portion. It is noted, though, that
as used herein a "label" may include a conventional label that is
affixed to the label-receiving portion by conventional means, such
as in-mold labeling, pressure sensitive, heat transfer, and/or
adhesion applications, but may also include the application of ink
directly to all or portions of the label-receiving portions (for
example, by digital printing and/or screen printing). Moreover, the
content of the "label" may comprise text, designs, colors, or
various combinations of the forgoing. For example, with respect to
FIGS. 2A and 2B, a label may include ink-applied text (e.g., "TEXT"
140 in FIG. 2A) and/or may include one or more colors applied to a
portion (or portions) of the label-receiving portion (e.g.,
150).
[0031] In embodiments in which the label is comprised of ink, the
ink may be applied so as to be in direct contact with the outer
surface of the label-receiving portion. Moreover, if desired,
several coats of ink may be applied (e.g., a base coat and one or
more coats thereon). For example, without limitation, the ink(s)
may comprise a curable ink used for printing on plastic containers.
Moreover, examples of techniques for printing on non-planar
surfaces are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,713 and U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 12/490, 564, filed Jun. 24, 2009, and
12/604,557, filed Oct. 23, 2009, which are commonly owned, and
which are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set
forth herein.
[0032] Without limitation, the container 10 may, for example,
comprise a plastic injection molded or blow molded container. The
container may also, without limitation, be comprised of a wide
variety or monolayer or multilayer plastic materials, such as
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high density polyethylene
(HDPE). The container 10 may comprise a biaxially oriented
injection stretch blow molded container. Further, embodiments of an
empty container 10 may have a minimum top load capability of at
least about 2 lbs, preferably at least about 5 lbs, and more
preferably at least about 10 lbs. Moreover, a lightweight
embodiment of container 10 may have a wall thickness throughout the
container of about 10 mil or less.
[0033] If desired, a rotary system may provide for printing on
curved surfaces at relatively high production speeds. However,
alternative embodiments for a rotary system may be incorporated or
employed. For example, and without limitation, a system may be
configured so that containers move along a substantially linear
path, and individual containers are rotated in front of one or more
print heads/stations (e.g., about a central container axis) so as
to provide or maintain a substantially constant distance or radius
between the print head and the surface to be printed. In another
embodiment of a system, a container path--at least in front of one
or more print heads--may be configured with a radius or curved
portion to facilitate providing a substantially constant distance
between the print head and the print area on the container. It is
noted that the print heads associated with the various disclosed
embodiments may optionally be movable. Such movability can
facilitate providing or maintaining a substantially constant
distance (e.g., offset distance) between a print head and the print
area or surface to be printed. Moreover, the ability to provide or
maintain such a distance can be used in connection with non-round
containers or containers that have surface portions with
non-constant radii.
[0034] It is noted that a pre-treatment device may provide a form
of heat treatment to the label-receiving portion. Such heating may
be accomplished using known techniques including, without
limitation, flame, plasma jet, or corona heating/treatment
processes. Further, following application of a label to a
label-receiving portion, a curing device/station (or multiple
devices/stations) may be provided, and may comprise a number of
forms of curing devices including, for example, ultraviolet (UV)
lamps and/or LED devices.
[0035] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and various
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as
are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that
the scope of the invention be defined by the claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *