U.S. patent application number 14/729649 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-10 for faceted container.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Joseph Allen BERLEPSCH, Ramzi TAKIEDDINE.
Application Number | 20150353221 14/729649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53442986 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150353221 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BERLEPSCH; Joseph Allen ; et
al. |
December 10, 2015 |
FACETED CONTAINER
Abstract
A container having a faceted region, the container being
substantially free from facets above a location along the
longitudinal axis at which the aspect ratio is between about 1 and
about 1.1.
Inventors: |
BERLEPSCH; Joseph Allen;
(Hamilton, OH) ; TAKIEDDINE; Ramzi; (Cincinnati,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53442986 |
Appl. No.: |
14/729649 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62008744 |
Jun 6, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 ;
215/382; 220/669 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/205 20130101;
B65D 59/02 20130101; B65D 2501/0081 20130101; B65D 1/0207 20130101;
B65D 2501/0018 20130101; B65D 1/023 20130101; B65D 1/0223
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/02 20060101
B65D001/02; B65D 59/02 20060101 B65D059/02; B65D 25/20 20060101
B65D025/20 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: an open end circumscribing a
longitudinal axis; and a peripheral wall extending from said open
end about said longitudinal axis to a closed end; wherein said
peripheral wall and said closed end comprise a thermoplastic
material; wherein said peripheral wall comprises a faceted region
comprising a plurality of facets arranged edge to edge with at
least one adjacent facet, at least a portion of said faceted region
being located nearer to said closed end than to said open end;
wherein said peripheral wall has a peripheral wall exterior surface
oriented away from said longitudinal axis, said peripheral wall
exterior surface having a peripheral wall exterior surface area;
wherein each of said plurality of facets has a facet exterior
surface oriented away from said longitudinal axis and each of said
facets has a facet exterior surface area that is between about
0.0001% and about 4% of said peripheral wall exterior surface area;
wherein at local positions along said longitudinal axis said
container has a local maximum internal dimension orthogonal to said
longitudinal axis, a local major axis coincident with said local
maximum internal dimension, a local minor axis orthogonal to said
local major axis and said longitudinal axis, a local minor internal
dimension coincident with said local minor axis, and a local aspect
ratio defined as a ratio of said local maximum internal dimension
to said local minor internal dimension; wherein said peripheral
wall is substantially free from said facets above a location along
said longitudinal axis at which said aspect ratio is between about
1 and about 1.1.
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein said peripheral wall
above said neck is free from said facets.
3. The container according to claim 2, wherein individual said
facets have a radius of curvature of the principal curvatures at a
centroid of said facets greater than about 60 mm.
4. The container according to claim 3, wherein said peripheral wall
in said faceted region comprises an outer skin layer.
5. The container according to claim 4, wherein said skin layer is a
label selected from the group consisting of a shrink-sleeve label,
a stretch-sleeve label, an in-mold label, a heat transfer label,
and an adhesive label.
6. The container according to claim 5, wherein said skin layer is a
metallic ink printed shrink-sleeve label or a metallic ink printed
stretch-sleeve label.
7. The container according to claim 6, wherein said peripheral wall
below said neck has a surface area, wherein said faceted region
comprises between about 50% and about 100% of said surface
area.
8. The container according to claim 7, wherein said container
comprises a plug seal closure.
9. The container according to claim 1, wherein each of said
adjacent facets have a facet exterior surface area within about 20%
of one another.
10. The container according to claim 1, wherein said faceted region
extends around said peripheral wall.
11. The container according to claim 10, wherein said facet
exterior surfaces of said plurality of facets are positioned
convexly relative to said longitudinal axis about said longitudinal
axis.
12. The container according to claim 1, wherein each of said facets
has a facet exterior surface oriented away from said longitudinal
axis and said facet exterior surfaces of said plurality of facets
are positioned convexly relative to said longitudinal axis.
13. The container according to claim 2, wherein said facets have a
shape selected from the group consisting of substantially
polygonal, substantially triangular, substantially quadrilateral,
substantially rhomboidal, substantially hexagonal, and combinations
thereof.
14. The container according to claim 1, wherein individual said
facets have a radius of curvature of the principal curvatures at a
center point of said facets greater than about 60 mm.
15. The container according to claim 1, wherein said peripheral
wall has a peripheral wall exterior surface oriented away from said
longitudinal axis and wherein each of said facets has a centroid,
wherein said centroids of adjacent facets are aligned with one
another on said peripheral wall exterior surface at positions along
said longitudinal axis L.
16. The container according to claim 1, wherein said peripheral
wall has a peripheral wall exterior surface oriented away from said
longitudinal axis and wherein each of said facets has a centroid,
wherein said centroids of adjacent facets are aligned with one
another on said peripheral wall exterior surface of said container
at positions about said longitudinal axis L.
17. The container according to claim 1, wherein each of said facets
has a facet exterior surface area that is between about 0.0001% and
about 1% of said peripheral wall exterior surface area.
18. A container comprising: an open end circumscribing a
longitudinal axis; and a peripheral wall extending from said open
end about said longitudinal axis to a closed end; wherein said
peripheral wall and said closed end comprise a thermoplastic
material; wherein said peripheral wall comprises a faceted region
comprising a plurality of facets arranged edge to edge with at
least one adjacent facet, at least a portion of said faceted region
being located nearer to said closed end than to said open end;
wherein said peripheral wall has a peripheral wall exterior surface
oriented away from said longitudinal axis, said peripheral wall
exterior surface having a peripheral wall exterior surface area;
wherein each of said plurality of facets has a facet exterior
surface area oriented away from said longitudinal axis and each of
said facets has a facet exterior surface area that is between about
0.0001% and about 4% of said peripheral wall exterior surface area;
wherein at local positions along said longitudinal axis said
container has a local maximum internal dimension orthogonal to said
longitudinal axis, a local major axis coincident with said local
maximum internal dimension, a local minor axis orthogonal to said
local major axis and said longitudinal axis, a local minor internal
dimension coincident with said local minor axis, and a local aspect
ratio defined as a ratio of said local maximum internal dimension
to said local minor internal dimension; wherein said peripheral
wall is free from said facets above a location along said
longitudinal axis at which said aspect ratio is between about 1 and
about 1.1; wherein individual said facets have a radius of
curvature of the principal curvatures at a center point of said
facets greater than about 60 mm; wherein said peripheral wall in
said faceted region comprises a metallic ink printed outer skin
layer; wherein said container comprises a plug seal closure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Container for a product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Blow molded containers are commonly used for packaging
consumer goods such as liquid fabric softeners, liquid detergent,
powdered detergent, water, soda, beer, wine, tea, fruit juice,
surface cleaning compositions, milk, particulate laundry scent
additives, and the like. Marketers of such products must compete
with others participants in the market to attract consumers to
their brands. One way by which marketers attempt to differentiate
their product from the products of others is to use a container
shape that is proprietary or unique to their brand.
[0003] Blow molding can be used produce containers having a variety
of shapes. One constraint on the shape of the container adopted by
a marketer is that the container must have sufficient structural
stability to endure the stresses applied to the container during
the life-cycle of the container. The life-cycle of a container can
include steps of production, filling, packing, transfer, storage as
inventory, shipping, display, storage in-home, and use in-home.
[0004] One of the most stressful conditions imposed on a container
during the life-cycle of the container is during storage. In a
typical situation, a cardboard carton or tray and cap package is
used to store a plurality of containers. For example, ten or more
containers of fabric softener or water may be packed together. The
cardboard cartons or tray and cap packages may be placed on a
palate and multiple cartons or tray and cap packages may be stacked
one on top of another. To provide for economy of handling the
containers, marketers desire to stack cartons or tray and cap
packages as high as possible so that a single palate carries as
many containers as practical.
[0005] One limitation to how high cartons or tray and cap packages
can be stacked is the top-load buckling strength of the containers
since the containers on the bottom of the stack may carry some or
all of the weight of the containers above. If the containers do not
have sufficient top-load buckling strength, the containers may
axially buckle. Marketers can improve the buckling strength of
containers by using thicker walled containers or using container
shapes that tend to having high top-load buckling strength.
Containers having thick walls are more expensive than containers
having thin walls. The shapes for containers that tend to have
relatively high top-load buckling strength also may not generate
the desired visual interest of a consumer when presented on the
shelf of a retailer.
[0006] A container that is buckled may leak, may cause the
overlying stack of cartons or tray and cap packages to become
unstable, and may be unattractive to the consumer considering
purchasing the container and contents thereof. A buckled container
may be perceived by the consumer as being indicative of inferior
goods, especially as compared to another competing brand displaying
unmarred containers.
[0007] In view of the above, marketers face trade-offs between
efficiency of handling of the containers, desired shape, and cost
of the containers when choosing a particular container to carry
their product. With these limitations in mind, there is a
continuing unaddressed need for containers having sufficient
top-load bucking strength.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A container comprising: an open end circumscribing a
longitudinal axis; and a peripheral wall extending from said open
end about said longitudinal axis to a closed end; wherein said
peripheral wall and said closed end comprise a thermoplastic
substrate; wherein said peripheral wall comprises a faceted region
comprising a plurality of facets arranged edge to edge with at
least one adjacent facet, at least a portion of said faceted region
being located nearer to said closed end than to said open end;
wherein said peripheral wall has a peripheral wall exterior surface
oriented away from said longitudinal axis, said peripheral wall
exterior surface having a peripheral wall exterior surface area;
wherein each of said plurality of facets has a facet exterior
surface area oriented away from said longitudinal axis and each of
said facets has an exterior surface area that is between about
0.0001% and about 4% of said peripheral wall exterior surface area;
wherein at local positions along said longitudinal axis said
container has a local maximum internal dimension orthogonal to said
longitudinal axis, a local major axis coincident with said local
maximum internal dimension, a local minor axis orthogonal to said
local major axis and said longitudinal axis, a local minor internal
dimension coincident with said local minor axis, and a local aspect
ratio defined as a ratio of said local maximum internal dimension
to said local minor internal dimension; wherein said peripheral
wall is free from or substantially free from said facets above a
location along said longitudinal axis at which said aspect ratio is
between about 1 and about 1.1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a container.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the container shown in
FIG. 1 as marked in FIG. 1, the view being taken towards the closed
end.
[0011] FIG. 3 is cut-out view of a portion of the peripheral wall
shown in FIG. 2 as marked in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is profile view of a container.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a plurality of facets.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a plurality of facets.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a plurality of facets.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a plurality of facets.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a plurality of facets.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a profile view of a container having a sleeve
label.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a profile view of a container having a bounded
label.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-section of a container 10 taken
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, the closed end of the
container being visible.
[0021] FIG. 13 is container having a plug-seal closure.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a carton containing a plurality of
containers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] A container 10 having a neck 20 is shown in FIG. 1. The
container 10 can be formed by injection stretch blow molding. The
container 10 can be formed by injection molding, injection stretch
blow molding, extrusion blow molding, or similar process. The
container 10 can be a thermoformed container 10.
[0024] The container 10 can have a closed end 30. The closed end 30
can have a closed end periphery 40. The closed end periphery 40 can
define the extent of the closed end away from the longitudinal axis
L. The closed end 30 can be shaped to have a structure that can be
stably rested on a flat surface such as a table. The closed end 30
can be shaped as shown in FIG. 1. The closed end 30 can be provided
with a plurality of feet upon which the closed end 30 can rest on a
flat surface such as a table.
[0025] A peripheral wall 50 can extend from the closed end
periphery 40 about a longitudinal axis L of the container 10 to the
open end 60. The longitudinal axis L is an axis of the container 10
that passes through the open end 60 and the closed end 30 about
which the peripheral wall 50 extends. The peripheral wall 50 can
extend from the open end 60 to the closed end 30. The peripheral
wall 50 can be symmetric or asymmetric about the longitudinal axis
L. The open end 60 can be about the longitudinal axis L. If the
open end is generally circularly shaped, the open end 60 can
circumscribe the longitudinal axis L.
[0026] The peripheral wall 50 and closed end 30 can have a
peripheral wall exterior surface 170 oriented away from the
longitudinal axis L and an opposing interior surface 180. The
interior surface 180 of the peripheral wall 50 is oriented towards
the longitudinal axis L. The interior surface 180 of the closed end
30 is oriented towards the open end 60. The peripheral wall
exterior surface 170 can have a peripheral wall exterior surface
area 172, which is the total area of the peripheral wall exterior
surface's 170 faces and curved surfaces above and below the
neck.
[0027] The closed end 30 and peripheral wall 50 can comprise a
thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material can be a
petroleum based thermoplastic material or a plant based
thermoplastic material. The closed end 30 and peripheral wall 50
can be any polymeric material that can be blow molded. The
container 10 can comprise a material selected from the group
consisting of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene,
polypropylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene polyethylene,
polyethylene terphthalate,polyethylene terephthalate glycol,
processable polylactic acid, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic
startch, cellulose bioplastic, aliphatic polyesters, and polylactic
acid.
[0028] The peripheral wall 50 can define a variable open
cross-section 70 of the container 10 in a plane orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis L as function of distance from the closed end 30.
A variable cross-section 70 of the container 10 at a particular
height or location along the longitudinal axis L is stippled and
labeled as 70 in FIG. 1. At various locations along the
longitudinal axis L, the cross-section orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis L can have different shapes and or sizes.
[0029] The variable open cross-section 70 defines an area within
the container 10 within which the contents of the container 10 are
held. The container 10 can be a bulbous shaped container 10 having
a relatively narrow closed end 30 and a peripheral wall 50 that
broadens in relationship to the height of the container 10, the
height being taken along the longitudinal axis L moving away from
the closed end 30.
[0030] Starting from the closed end 30 and moving along the
longitudinal axis L, the area of the open cross-section 70 can have
an initial value that gradually increases with height as measured
from the closed end 30 along the longitudinal axis L. The area of
the open cross-section 70 can have a maximum at a particular
height, above which the area of the open cross-section 70 decreases
with increasing height as measured from the closed end 30 along the
longitudinal axis L. The maximum can be a global maximum or local
maximum.
[0031] The container 10 can have a neck 20 having a neck open
cross-section 80 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. The neck 20
can be a narrowed region of the container 10 that can be generally
located proximal the open end 60 of the container 10. The neck open
cross-section 80 is marked in FIG. 1 and stippled. The neck 20 can
be sized and dimensioned to be able to be gripped by an adult
female hand
[0032] The peripheral wall 50 can comprise a faceted region 90. The
faceted region 90 can comprise plurality of facets 100. The facets
100 forming the faceted region 90 can be arranged edge to edge with
one or more adjacent facets 100. The faceted region 90 can comprise
more than about 5 facets 100. The faceted region 90 can comprise
more than about 10 facets 100. The faceted region 90 can comprise
more than about 20 facets 100. The faceted region 90 can comprise
more than about 40 facets 100. The faceted region 90 can comprise
more than about 80 facets 100. The faceted region 90 can comprise
more than about 150 facets 100. The faceted region 90 can comprise
more than about 300 facets 100. Without being bound by theory, it
is thought that the greater the number of facets 100 in the faceted
region 90, the more flashes of reflectance that can be generated as
the relative position of the container 10 changes with respect to
the consumer, e.g. by movement of the container 10 in the
consumer's hands or movement of the consumer as she moves in
proximity to the container 10. The faceted region can comprise
between about 5 and about 15 facets. The faceted region can
comprise between about 5 and about 25 facets. The faceted region
can comprise between about 5 and about 50 facets. The faceted
region can comprise between about 5 and about 100 facets. The
faceted region can comprise between about 20 and about 40
facets.
[0033] A facet 100 can be a small plane surface. A facet 100 can
have a facet exterior surface area 102 oriented away from the
longitudinal axis that is less than about 4 cm.sup.2. A facet 100
can have a facet exterior surface area 102 oriented away from the
longitudinal axis that is less than about 2.5 cm.sup.2. A facet 100
can have a facet exterior surface area 102 oriented away from the
longitudinal axis between about 0.1 cm.sup.2 and about 4 cm.sup.2.
A facet 100 can have a facet exterior surface area 102 oriented
away from the longitudinal axis between about 0.1 cm.sup.2 and
about 2.5 cm.sup.2.
[0034] Each of the plurality of facets 100 can have a facet
exterior surface area oriented away from the longitudinal axis L
and each of the plurality of facets 100 can have a facet exterior
surface area 102 oriented away from the longitudinal axis L that is
less than about 2% of the peripheral wall exterior surface area
172. The facet exterior surface area 102 oriented away from the
longitudinal axis L can be between about 0.0001% and about 4% of
the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172. The facet exterior
surface area 102 oriented away from the longitudinal axis L can be
between about 0.0001% and about 2% of the peripheral wall exterior
surface area 172.
[0035] Each of the plurality of facets 100 can have a facet
exterior surface area 102 oriented away from the longitudinal axis
L and each of the plurality of facets 100 can have a facet exterior
surface area 102 oriented away from the longitudinal axis L that is
less than about 1% of the peripheral wall exterior surface area
172. The facet exterior surface area 102 oriented away from the
longitudinal axis L can be between about 0.0001% and about 1% of
the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172.
[0036] Each of the plurality of facets 100 can have a facet
exterior surface area 102 oriented away from the longitudinal axis
L and each of the plurality of facets 100 can have an exterior
surface area 102 oriented away from the longitudinal axis L that is
less than about 0.5% of the peripheral wall exterior surface area
172. The facet exterior surface area 102 oriented away from the
longitudinal axis L can be between about 0.0001% and about 0.5% of
the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172.
[0037] The facets 100 can be small plane surfaces of individual
panels. When a plurality of facets 100 are arranged to form a
faceted region 90 on a container 10, individual facets 100 can
present surfaces that reflect incident light in different
directions. That is, the orthogonal directions away from the
surfaces of individual facets 100 are divergent. The differences in
intensity of light reflected to an observer's eyes are perceived to
give the container 10 luster or make the container 10 look sparkly.
Without being bound by theory, it is thought that containers having
a faceted region 90 may shimmer as compared containers having the
same general container shape that do not have faceted region 90.
The shimmer, which can be perceived by consumers as flashes of
light draw a consumer's eyes to the container 10 having a faceted
region 90. Further, a container 10 formed of a thermoplastic
material having a faceted region 90 can appear to be a glass
container. As such, a lightweight container 10 can have the
appearance of a more substantial glass container. By having a
container 10 that shimmers when viewed on the shelf of the store,
it is thought that more consumers may be attracted to the container
and consider purchasing the container 10 and contents therein.
[0038] At least a portion of the faceted region 90 can be located
nearer to the closed end 30 than the open end 60. Without being
bound by theory, it is thought that such an arrangement can provide
for enhanced luster when the position of the longitudinal axis L is
changes front to back relative to an observer's eye and when
container 10 is rotated about the longitudinal axis L.
[0039] FIG. 2 is an approximate sectional view of the container 10
shown in FIG. 1 to illustrate one configuration of the structure of
a section of the container 10. A variety of cross-sections
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis are contemplated herein. As
shown in FIG. 2, around the peripheral wall 50, at least a portion
of the peripheral wall 50 about the longitudinal axis L in a plane
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L below the neck 20 can be
defined by a plurality of substantially straight line segments 110.
The line segments 110 can be arranged end to end, as shown in FIG.
2. At any particular location along the longitudinal axis L below
the neck 20, at least a portion of the peripheral wall 50 about the
longitudinal axis L in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis
L can be defined by a plurality of substantially straight line
segments 110. The peripheral wall 50 about the longitudinal axis L
in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L below the neck 20
can be entirely defined by a plurality of substantially straight
line segments 110. Each line segment 100 can have length 120, as
shown in FIG. 3 which is a cut-out view of a portion of the
peripheral wall shown in FIG. 2 as marked in FIG. 2. The length of
the transition segment 130 between adjacent line segments 100 can
have a length less than about 10% of the length of an adjacent line
segment 100. The length of the transition segment 130 between
adjacent line segments 100 can have a length between about 0.0001%
and about 10% of the length of an adjacent line segment 100.
Without being bound by theory, it is thought that shorter
transition segments 130 can provide for more visual definition of
the facets 100.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral wall 50 about the
longitudinal axis L in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis
L above the neck 20 can be free from or substantially free from
having line segments 110 arranged end to end.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 12, at local positions along the
longitudinal axis L, the container 10 has a local maximum internal
dimension 210 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, a local major
axis 201 coincident with the local maximum internal dimension 210,
a local minor axis 202 orthogonal to the local major axis 201 and
the longitudinal axis L, a local minor internal dimension 220
coincident with the local minor axis 202. At local positions along
the longitudinal axis L, the container 10 has a local aspect ratio
defined as a ratio of the local maximum internal dimension 210 to
the local minor internal dimension 220. The neck 20 can be
considered to be a location at which the local aspect ratio is
between 1 about 1.1.
[0042] The local aspect ratio can be thought of as descriptive of
the shape of the various cross sections of the container 10 taken
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the container 10. If the
local aspect ratio of a section of the container 10 taken
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L is 1, that section of the
container 10 can be circular, recognizing that the aspect ratio as
defined herein of non-circular cross sections could be 1 if the
local maximum internal dimension 210 and the local minor internal
dimension 220 are the same, for example as might occur for a square
cross section.
[0043] It can be practical to provide a container 10 that when
resting on the closed end 30 has a broad front dimension, taken to
be from left to right of the observer, and a slimmer front to back
dimension, which is taken to be front to back into a shelf on which
the container 10 is observed. Such an arrangement can provide more
space for branding and labeling of the container. Higher up on the
container 10, the cross section of the container 10 orthogonal to
the longitudinal axis L can become more circular to provide a
circular open end 60 that can be conveniently fitted with a
closure.
[0044] The container 10 can have a local aspect ratio between about
1.3 and about 5 mid-way along the longitudinal axis L, for example
as shown in FIG. 12. Such a local aspect ratio can provide for a
container 10 that has a broad dimension that can be suitable as a
primary label face 501 of the container 10. The primary label face
501 of the container can contain the brand name of the product
contained within the container 10 in a large enough font so as to
be readable by an observer at a distance of less than about 2 m
under typical lighting conditions that occur in a retail
environment. The primary label face 501 of the container 10 can be
generally in line with a local major axis 201 of the container 10,
recognizing that the primary label face 501 may be a curved
surface. Optionally, the container 10 can have a local aspect ratio
between about 1.4 and about 5 mid-way along the longitudinal axis
L. Optionally, the container 10 can have a local aspect ratio
between about 1.5 and 5 mid-way along the longitudinal axis L.
Optionally, the container 10 can have a local aspect ratio between
about 1.7 and 5 mid-way along the longitudinal axis L. Optionally,
the container 10 can have a local aspect ratio between about 2 and
5 mid-way along the longitudinal axis L.
[0045] Without being bound by theory, it is thought that containers
10 having a faceted region 90 can be practical for attracting the
attention of consumers from a distance of between about 2 m and
about 10 m. However, since the faceted region 90 has a plurality of
facets 100, each of which reflect in divergent direction, labeling
on the container 10 can be difficult for an observer to read at a
close distance, such as between about 0.1 m and about 2 m of the
container 10. A container 10 having a local aspect ratio between
about 1.3 and about 5 mid-way along the longitudinal axis L can
provide for a less rounded portion of the container 10 that can be
labeled with brand identifying information. A faceted region 90
provided on such a container can balance the desire to provide for
a container 10 having a luster when viewed from a distance yet be
legibly labeled on a primary label face 501 of the container
10.
[0046] As the consumer approaches the container 10 when walking
along an aisle, different portions of the container 10 will be
visible depending on her position relative to the container. For
instance, if the primary label face 501 is facing the front of the
shelf, the consumer will first be exposed to a portion of the side
of the container 10 after which she will be exposed to the front of
the container 10. The sharper curved surfaces of the container 10
can provide more luster as compared to the less curved surfaces of
the container 10 since the surfaces of the individual facets 100
are more divergent for the former as compared to the latter. Facets
100 provided on the primary label face 501 still can provide for
luster yet branding information provided in that location can also
be readable by the observer from a distance within 2 m under normal
lighting conditions.
[0047] Along between about 20% and about 95% of the longitudinal
axis L the container 10 can have a local aspect ratio between about
1.3 and about 5. Along between about 20% and about 95% of the
longitudinal axis L the container 10 can have a local aspect ratio
between about 1.5 and about 5. Along between about 40% and about
95% of the longitudinal axis L the container 10 can have a local
aspect ratio greater between about 1.3 and about 5. Along between
about 40% and about 95% of the longitudinal axis L the container 10
can have a local aspect ratio between about 1.5 and about 5. Along
between about 20% and about 85% of the longitudinal axis L the
container 10 can have a local aspect ratio between about 1.3 and
about 5. Along between about 20% and about 85% of the longitudinal
axis L the container 10 can have a local aspect ratio between about
1.5 and about 5. Along between about 40% and about 85% of the
longitudinal axis L the container 10 can have a local aspect ratio
greater between about 1.3 and about 5. Along between about 40% and
about 85% of the longitudinal axis L the container 10 can have a
local aspect ratio between about 1.5 and about 5.
[0048] Surprisingly, it has been found that providing a peripheral
wall 50 that is free from or substantially free from the facets 100
above a location along the longitudinal axis L at which the local
aspect ratio is between about 1 and about 1.1 can provide for a
higher top load buckling strength as compared to a container 10
having facets 100 above a location at which the local aspect ratio
is between about 1 and about 1.1. That is, as the cross section
taken orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the container 10
becomes more circularly shaped, the inclusion of facets 100 can
reduce the top load buckling strength of the container 10. Without
being bound by theory, it is thought that stress concentrates at
the boundary between adjacent facets 100, thereby lowering the
buckling strength of the container 10.
[0049] The neck 20 can be nearer to the open end 60 than to the
closed end 30. By having the neck 20 located as such, a greater
portion of the container 10 can be provided with a faceted region.
Further, since the neck 20 can form a portion of the container 10
designed to be gripped, the center of mass of the container 10 plus
the contents therein will tend to be lower than the neck 20. A
lower center of gravity may be practical for providing a container
from which it is easy to pour contents, is stable in the user's
hand, and is stable when resting on a flat surface.
[0050] The neck 20 can have a neck open cross-section 80 between
about 5 cm.sup.2 and about 80 cm.sup.2. A neck 20 dimensioned as
such can provide for a convenient location at which to grip the
container 10. The neck 20 can have a neck open cross-section 80
between about 5 cm.sup.2 and about 60 cm.sup.2. The neck 20 can
have a neck open cross-section 80 between about 5 cm.sup.2 and
about 40 cm.sup.2. The neck 20 can have a neck open cross-section
80 between about 5 cm.sup.2 and about 40 cm.sup.2. The neck 20 can
have a neck open cross-section 80 between about 5 cm.sup.2 and
about 20 cm.sup.2 or even less than about 20 cm.sup.2. The neck 20
can have a neck open cross-section 80 between about 5 cm.sup.2 and
about 10 cm.sup.2. Having a smaller neck 20 can be practical for
containers 10 that designed for used by persons having small
hands.
[0051] The container 10 can have a total volume defined by the
closed end 30, the peripheral wall 50, and the open end 60. The
total volume can be more than about 300 mL. The total volume can be
more than about 500 mL. The total volume can be more than about
1000 mL. The total volume can be more than about 1500 mL. The total
volume can be more than about 2000 mL. The total volume can be
between about 300 mL and about 2000 mL.
[0052] The container 10 can have a partial volume above the neck
20. The partial volume is defined by the neck open cross-section 80
at the neck, the peripheral wall 50 above the neck 20, and the open
end 60. The partial volume can be thought of as the volume of the
part of the container 10 above the neck 20. The partial volume
above the neck 20 can be less than about 20% of the total volume of
the container 10. The partial volume above the neck 20 can be less
than about 10% of the total volume of the container 10. By having a
lower fraction of the total volume above the neck 20, the container
10 can be more ergonomic for the person gripping the container 10
about the neck 20 since most of the contents within the container
10 are located below the axis about which the container 10 is
tipped when dispensing the contents. The partial volume above the
neck 20 can be between about 1% and about 50% of the total volume
of the container 10. The partial volume above the neck 20 can be
between about 1% and about 20% of the total volume of the container
10. The partial volume above the neck 20 can be between about 1%
and about 10% of the total volume of the container 10.
[0053] The faceted region 90 can comprise more than about 30% of
the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the peripheral wall 50
below the neck 20. As shown in FIG. 4, faceted region 90 can be on
a face 140 of the container 10. A faceted region 90 comprising more
than about 30% of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the
peripheral wall 50 below the neck 20 can be large enough so that
the shimmer emanating there from can be noticeable by a consumer
from a distance of about 1 meter under lighting conditions
typically found in stores. The peripheral wall exterior surface 170
of the peripheral wall 50 is the surface of the peripheral wall 50
oriented away from the longitudinal axis L. The faceted region 90
can comprise more than about 50% of the peripheral wall exterior
surface 170 of the peripheral wall 50 below the neck 20. The
faceted region 90 can comprise more than about 60% of the
peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the peripheral wall 50
below the neck 20. The faceted region 90 can comprise more than
about 90% of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the
peripheral wall 50 below the neck 20. The faceted region 90 can
comprise about 100% of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of
the peripheral wall 50 below the neck 20. The higher the percentage
of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 that the faceted region
90 comprises, the technical effect of flashes of reflection from
the faceted region 90 is apparent from a wider viewing angle. The
faceted region 90 can comprise between about 30% and about 100% of
the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the peripheral wall 50
below the neck 20. The faceted region 90 can comprise between about
40% and about 100% of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of
the peripheral wall 50 below the neck 20. The faceted region 90 can
comprise between about 50% and about 100% of the peripheral wall
exterior surface 170 of the peripheral wall 50 below the neck 20.
The faceted region 90 can comprise between about 60% and about 100%
of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the peripheral wall
50 below the neck 20.
[0054] The peripheral wall exterior surface 170 below the neck 20
can have a surface area. The faceted region 90 can comprise more
than about 30% of the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172
below the neck 20. The faceted region 90 can comprise more than
about 50% of the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172 below
the neck 20. The faceted region 90 can comprise more than about 70%
of the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172 below the neck 20.
The faceted region 90 can comprise more than about 80% of the
surface area of the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172 below
the neck 20. The larger the faceted region 90, the more noticeable
the faceted region 90 can be since the technical effect of flashes
of reflection from the faceted region 90 is apparent from a wider
viewing angle.
[0055] The peripheral wall exterior surface 170 below the neck 20
can have a surface area. The faceted region 90 can comprise between
about 30% and 100% of the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172
below the neck 20. The faceted region 90 can comprise between about
50% and about 100% of the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172
below the neck 20. The faceted region 90 can comprise between about
70% and about 100% of the peripheral wall exterior surface area 172
below the neck 20. The faceted region 90 can comprise between about
80% and about 100% of the surface area of the peripheral wall
exterior surface area 172 below the neck 20. The larger the faceted
region 90, the more noticeable the faceted region 90 can be since
the technical effect of flashes of reflection from the faceted
region 90 is apparent from a wider viewing angle.
[0056] The faceted region 90 can extend around the peripheral wall
50, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. By arranging the faceted region 90
as such, as the consumer rotates the container 10 around the
longitudinal axis L to view all parts of peripheral wall 50, the
movement of the facets 100 relative to her eyes will create flashes
of reflection that provide the impression of a sparkly luster from
a glass container to the consumer.
[0057] The area of the faceted region 90 can be greater than about
60 cm.sup.2. The visibility of the faceted region 90 is thought to
increase with increasing size of the faceted region 90. The faceted
region 90 can be a discrete portion of peripheral wall 50 that is
provided with facets 100. For example, a portion of the peripheral
wall 50 can comprise a faceted region 90 and the remainder of the
peripheral wall 50 can be free from or substantially free from
facets 100. For example, a portion of the peripheral wall 50 can
comprise a faceted region 90 and the remainder of the peripheral
wall 50 can be smooth and or provided with ribs and or other
surface contours that are decorative and or structural. The area of
the faceted region 90 can be between about 60 cm.sup.2 and about
2000 cm.sup.2.
[0058] The facets 100 can have a facet exterior surface 150
oriented away from the longitudinal axis L. The facet exterior
surface 150 of each of the facets 100 can have an opposing facet
interior surface that is oriented towards the longitudinal axis L.
The facet exterior surfaces 150 of the plurality of facets 100 can
be positioned convexly relative to the longitudinal axis L.
[0059] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of facets 100
can be positioned convexly relative to the longitudinal axis L. In
this arrangement, the plurality of facets 100 can be arranged to
extend in a direction from towards the closed end 30 towards the
open end 60 of the container. This arrangement can be thought of as
being generally up and down the container 10 when the container 10
is resting on the closed end 30. By arranging the plurality of
facets 100 to be positioned in a direction from towards the closed
end 30 towards the open end 60, the container 10 can generate
flashes of reflectance when the longitudinal axis L of the
container 10 is tipped relative to the observer. This can give the
visual impression of a heavy faceted glass or crystal container yet
have the weight of light plastic container.
[0060] Similarly, the facet exterior surfaces 150 of the plurality
of facets 100 can be positioned convexly relative to the
longitudinal axis L in a direction about the longitudinal axis L.
That is, the plurality of facets 100 can be positioned to at least
partially wrap around, or even entirely wrap around, the
longitudinal axis L of the container 10 at a particular height of
the container along the longitudinal axis L. By arranging the
plurality of facets 100 in this manner, the container 10 can have
the impression of a sparkly luster when the container 10 is rotated
about the longitudinal axis L or when the consumer walks past the
container 10 and is progressively exposed to different portions of
the peripheral wall 50 as she walks to, in front of, and past the
container presented on a shelf in a store.
[0061] The convex arrangement of the plurality of facets 100
relative to the longitudinal axis can be up and down the container
10, around the container 10, or both up and down and around the
container 10, for example in a helical or spiral arrangement.
[0062] Another way of describing the facets 100 forming the faceted
region 90 is that the facet exterior surfaces 150 of the facets 100
are divergent from one another. That is, the normal direction away
from the facet exterior surface 150 of each of the facets 100
forming the faceted region can be unique for each facet 100. The
normal direction away from the facet exterior surface 150 of each
facet 100 can be divergent from the normal direction away from the
facet exterior surface 150 each adjacent facet 100. Such an
arrangement can provide for flashes of reflection with changes in
the viewing angle of the faceted region 90.
[0063] The facets 100 can have a variety of different shapes. All
of the facets 100 on the container 10 can have a substantially
similar shape. As the shape of the container 10 can be a function
of location along the longitudinal axis L, the facets 100 can be
scaled to fit such shape. Optionally, the shape of the facets 100
can be transformed such that the shape of each of the facets 100 is
common with each of the other facets 100 when the surface of the
peripheral wall 50 is transformed to have a common dimensional
scale throughout the peripheral wall 50. Such an arrangement is
illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the number of facets 100
around the peripheral wall 50 is the same at all locations along
the longitudinal axis L below the neck 20.
[0064] The size of the facets at a particular height on the
container 10 can be a function of the perimeter of the container 10
which can be in turn a function of the location along the
longitudinal axis L. The size of the facets 100 can decrease with
decreasing perimeter.
[0065] A variety of shapes are suitable for the facets 100. For
example, the facets 100 can have a substantially rhomboidal shape,
as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the facets
100 can have a centroid 160.
[0066] The centroid 160 of adjacent facets 100 can be aligned with
one another on the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the
container 10 at positions along the longitudinal axis L, as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 4. Similarly, the centroids 160 of adjacent facets
100 can be aligned with one another on the peripheral wall exterior
surface 170 of the container 10 at positions about the longitudinal
axis L, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 7, 8, and 9.
[0067] The facets 100 can have a shape selected from the group
consisting of substantially polygonal, substantially triangular,
substantially quadrilateral, substantially rhomboidal,
substantially hexagonal, and combinations thereof. A faceted region
90 can comprise facets 100 having a plurality of shapes, by way of
non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0068] Each of the adjacent facets 100 can have a facet exterior
surface area 102 that is within about 20% of one another. For each
facet 100, the facet exterior surface area 102 is the area of the
facet exterior surface 150 of the facet 100. Each of the adjacent
facets 100 can have substantially the same shape. The facet
exterior surface area 102 of each facet 100 forming the plurality
of facets 100 can be less than about 10% of the surface area of the
peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the container 10. The facet
exterior surface area 102 of each facet 100 forming the plurality
of facets 100 can be between about 0.001% and about 10% of the
surface area of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the
container 10. The facet exterior surface area 102 of each facet 100
forming the plurality of facets 100 can be less than about 5% of
the surface area of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the
container 10. The facet exterior surface area 102 of each facet 100
forming the plurality of facets 100 can be between about 0.001% and
about 5% of the surface area of the peripheral wall exterior
surface 170 of the container 10. The facet exterior surface area
102 of each facet 100 forming the plurality of facets 100 can be
less than about 3% of the surface area of the peripheral wall
exterior surface 170 of the container 10. The facet exterior
surface area 102 of each facet 100 forming the plurality of facets
100 can be between about 0.001% and about 3% of the surface area of
the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the container 10. The
facet exterior surface area 102 of each facet 100 forming the
plurality of facets 100 can be less than about 2% of the surface
area of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the container
10. The facet exterior surface area 102 of each facet 100 forming
the plurality of facets 100 can be between about 0.001% and about
2% of the surface area of the peripheral wall exterior surface 170
of the container 10. The facet exterior surface area 102 of each
facet 100 forming the plurality of facets 100 can be less than
about 1% of the surface area of the peripheral wall exterior
surface 170 of the container 10. The facet exterior surface area
102 of each facet 100 forming the plurality of facets 100 can be
between about 0.001% and about 1% of the surface area of the
peripheral wall exterior surface 170 of the container 10. Without
being bound by theory, it is thought that if smaller facets 100 are
used, more facets 100 can be provided on the peripheral wall
exterior surface 170 of the container 10 which can provide for more
flashes of reflectance as incident light is reflected off of the
facets 100.
[0069] The facets 100 can be substantially flat. The facets 100 can
be flat. The flatter the facets 100 the more reflective the facets
100. Substantially flat surfaces are thought to provide for
enhanced luster to the faceted region 100. Individual facets 100
can have a radius of curvature of the principal curvatures at the
centroid of the facet 100 greater than about 60 mm. Individual
facets 100 can have a radius of curvature of the principal
curvatures at the centroid of the facet 100 greater than about 70
mm.
[0070] Individual facets 100 can have a radius of curvature of the
principal curvatures at the centroid of the facet 100 greater than
about 90 mm. Individual facets 100 can have a radius of curvature
of the principal curvatures at the centroid of the facet 100
greater than about 130 mm Without being bound by theory, such
facets 100 are thought to be flat enough so as to be sufficiently
reflective to provide for the desired luster.
[0071] The facets 100 forming the faceted region 100 can have a
Gaussian curvature between about -0.04 and about 0.04. The facets
100 forming the faceted region 100 can have a Gaussian curvature
between about -0.01 and about 0.01. The Gaussian curvature of a
facet 100 is the product of the principal curvatures of the facet
100.
[0072] To provide for enhanced flashes of reflectance from incident
light reflecting off of the container 10, the peripheral wall 50 in
the faceted region 90 can comprise an outer skin layer 190. The
outer skin layer 190 can be a sleeve 200 disposed about the
peripheral wall 50 of the container, as shown in FIG. 10. The outer
skin layer 190 can be provided, by way of non-limiting example, to
the container after the container 10 is blow molded or during blow
molding of the container 10. For example, the sleeve 200 can be a
shrink sleeve that is heat shrunk around the finished container 10.
Alternatively, the sleeve 200 can be stretch sleeve into which a
pre-form or parison is blown to stretch the stretch sleeve to form
the finished container 10.
[0073] The outer skin layer 190 can be a bounded label 2100, as
shown in FIG. 11. A bounded label 190 is a label forming part of
the container 10 that only partially extends about the longitudinal
axis L. The bounded label 190 can be selected from the group
consisting of a heat transfer label, an in-mold label, and an
adhesive label.
[0074] The outer skin layer 190 can be selected from the group
consisting of an in-mold label, an adhesive label, a heat transfer
label, a stretch sleeve label, wet glue label, and a shrink sleeve
label.
[0075] To enhance the reflective properties of the facets, the
outer skin layer 190 can be selected from the group consisting of a
biaxially oriented polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and
glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate. The outer skin layer
190 can be printed. The outer skin layer 190 can be reverse
printed. The outer skin layer 190 can be a metallic ink printed
outer skin layer 190. The printing can be a metallic ink or
pearlescent ink. A metallic foil can be included in a laminate
comprising the outer skin layer 190. A metallic ink comprises small
particles of metal, such as aluminum, bronze, copper, zinc, or
other metallic element. The labels can be printed by digital
printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, or other
suitable printing technology. An outer skin layer 190 that is a
metallic ink printed outer skin layer 190 can provide for a
reflective surface that that generates more intense perceived
flashes of reflectance.
[0076] A polyethylene terphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate
glycol, or oriented polystyrene label may be used. This method of
printing puts the reflective surface on the outside of the package.
This can be enhanced by using metallic ink (ink mixed with small
particles of aluminum, bronze, copper, zinc, or other elements),
pearlescent ink, and metallic foils.
[0077] To provide for structural stability of the container 10
above the neck 20, the peripheral wall 50 above the neck 20 the
neck 20 can be free from or substantially free from facets 100. The
lack of facets 100 above the neck 20 is thought to provide for
improved resistance to buckling of the container as compared to
container 10 that is not free from or substantially free from
facets 100 above the neck 20.
[0078] The container 10 can further comprise a plug seal closure 62
operatively engaged with the open end 60, as shown in FIG. 13.
Together, the container 10 and plug seal closure can provide for an
enclosed package 64 that does not leak the contents of the package
64 under stresses that are anticipated to occur during the
manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and use of the package
and/or contents of the package 64. The plug seal closure 62 can be
a closure that is threaded onto the open end 60 of the container 10
for fit into or over the open end 60 of the container. The open end
60 of the container 10 can be calibrated. For instance the open end
60 of the container 10 can have dimensional tolerance between about
0% and about 2% of the diameter of the open end 60.
[0079] A plurality of containers 10 can be contained within a
carton 600, as shown in FIG. 14. The carton 600 can comprise paper.
The carton 600 can comprise corrugated paper. The carton 600 can
have an interior height dimension H. The container 10 can be sized
and dimensioned to fit upright within the carton 600. The container
10 and plug seal closure 62 can be sized and dimensioned to fit
upright within the carton 600. The container 10 can have a
container height 11 that is the distance between the open end 60
and closed 30. The container height 11 can be less than or equal to
the interior height dimension H of the carton 600. The interior
height dimension H can be less than about 5 mm greater than the
container height 11. A plurality of cartons 600 containing
containers 10 as described herein can be stacked on top of one
another. The containers 10 as described herein can have adequate
top load strength so that the containers 10 in a carton 600
underneath another carton 600 containing containers 10 do not
buckle under the stress applied from above.
[0080] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm. "
[0081] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0082] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *