U.S. patent application number 15/135836 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-27 for lightweight containers with improved load resistance.
The applicant listed for this patent is NESTEC S.A.. Invention is credited to Nicolas Dabrowski, Eric Didier.
Application Number | 20160311570 15/135836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57146729 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160311570 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Didier; Eric ; et
al. |
October 27, 2016 |
LIGHTWEIGHT CONTAINERS WITH IMPROVED LOAD RESISTANCE
Abstract
Lightweight containers having improved stability and side- and
top-loading features are provided. In a general embodiment, the
present disclosure provides a first body portion with ribs having a
constant depth and a constant width; a second body portion
connected to the first body portion and having several undulating
ribs, each undulating rib having a constant depth, a constant
width, and at least one bridge member located within the width of
its corresponding rib; and a third body portion connected to the
second body portion and having at least one rib having a constant
depth and a constant width. The structural features of the present
containers advantageously provide for improved compression capacity
and stability when compared to similar containers currently on the
market.
Inventors: |
Didier; Eric; (Remoncourt,
FR) ; Dabrowski; Nicolas; (Vittel, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NESTEC S.A. |
Vevey |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
57146729 |
Appl. No.: |
15/135836 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62151154 |
Apr 22, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2501/0036 20130101;
B65D 1/0223 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/02 20060101
B65D001/02 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a first body portion comprising a
plurality of ribs having a constant depth and a constant width; a
second body portion connected to the first body portion and
comprising a plurality of undulating ribs, each undulating rib
comprising a constant depth, a constant inner width, and a constant
outer width, and at least one bridge member; and a third body
portion connected to the second body portion and comprising at
least one rib having a constant depth, a constant inner width, and
a constant outer width.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein first body portion comprises
three ribs having a constant depth and a constant width, each rib
comprising a width of about 1 mm to about 5 mm, and a depth of
about 1 mm to about 4 mm.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the second body portion
comprises at least three ribs having a constant depth, a constant
inner width, and a constant outer width, each rib having an inner
width of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, an outer width of about 2 mm
to about 5 mm, and a depth of about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the third body portion
comprises one rib having a constant depth, a constant inner width,
and a constant outer width, the rib having an inner width of about
1.0 mm to about 4 mm, an outer width of about 5 mm to about 15 mm,
and a depth of about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.
5. The container of claim 1 comprising at least six undulating
ribs, each undulating rib comprising a peak-to-peak amplitude of
about 1 mm to about 10 mm, and each undulating rib completes two
wave periods around a circumference of the container.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the bridge members comprise
projections having a depth that is less than a depth of a
corresponding rib.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein each undulating rib comprises
at least two bridge members and each bridge member comprises a
substantially semi-circular shape that projects outward from an
inner-most portion of a corresponding rib.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein each undulating rib comprises
at least ten bridge members evenly spaced from each other.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ribs
of the first body portion comprises at least ten bridge members
evenly spaced from each other, and wherein each undulating rib of
the second body portion comprises at least ten bridge members
evenly spaced from each other.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion
tapers from a first container diameter to a second container
diameter in a downward direction over a distance from about 3 mm to
about 7 mm, and with a first inward radius of curvature of about 8
mm, and with a second outward radius of curvature of about 1
mm.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the second connecting portion
tapers from a first container diameter to a second container
diameter in an upward direction over a distance from about 0.5 mm
to about 3.5 mm, and with a first inward radius of curvature of
about 2 mm, and with a second outward radius of curvature of about
1 mm.
12. A container comprising: a first connector portion connecting
(i) a first body portion having at least one rib with a constant
width and a constant depth and (ii) a second body portion having at
least one undulating rib having a constant inner width, a constant
outer width, and a constant depth, the first connector portion
tapering downward from a first container diameter to a second
container diameter over a distance of about 3 mm to about 7 mm; and
a second connector portion connecting (i) the second body portion
and (ii) a third body portion having at least one rib with a
constant inner width, a constant outer width and a constant depth,
the second connector portion tapering upward from a first container
diameter to a second container diameter over a distance of about
0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein a tangential line
intersecting a bottom inner width and a bottom outer width of the
undulating rib and a tangential line intersecting an upper inner
width and an upper outer width of the undulating rib form an angle
0 therebetween.
14. The container of claim 13, wherein the angle 0 is from about
25.degree. to about 75.degree..
15. The container of claim 12, wherein a tangential line
intersecting a bottom inner width and a bottom outer width of the
at least one base rib and a tangential line intersecting an upper
inner width and an upper outer width of the at least one base rib
form an angle .theta. therebetween.
16. The container of claim 15, wherein the angle .theta. is from
about 45.degree. to about 135.degree..
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the first connector portion
comprises a first inward radius of curvature of about 8 mm, and a
second outward radius of curvature of about 1 mm.
18. The container of claim 12, wherein the second connector portion
comprises a first inward radius of curvature of about 2 mm, and a
second outward radius of curvature of about 1 mm.
19. A container comprising an internal volume of about 500 mL, an
empty weight that is less than 10.0 g, and a characteristic
selected from the group consisting of over-splashing between 17.0
and 18.0 mm with a force between 1.0 and 1.5 kg; a prehension
sinking between 2.5 mm and 4.0 mm, and a level after breaking
between 21.0 and 23.0, and combinations thereof.
20. A container comprising: a neck; a shoulder connected to the
neck; a label portion connected to the shoulder, the label portion
comprising at least two ribs having a constant width and a constant
depth; a prehension portion connected to the label portion via a
first connecting portion, the prehension portion comprising at
least five undulating ribs, each undulating rib comprising a
plurality of bridge members; and a base portion connected to the
prehension portion via a second connecting portion, the base
portion comprising at least one rib having a constant width and a
constant depth.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/151,154, filed on Apr. 22, 2015, the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to containers. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to lightweight
containers having improved stability as well as side- and top-load
resistance.
[0003] Currently, the market comprises many different shapes and
sizes of containers capable of housing fluids. The shape and size
of fluid containers can depend, among other things, on the amount
of fluid to be housed, the type of fluid to be housed, consumer
demands and desired aesthetics. For example, lightweight containers
for beverages are known in the art that are made of a
semi-crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for good
transparency and processability properties. Such lightweight
containers are typically blow-molded using an injected preform, and
can have a wall thickness, at least in the middle-height region of
the container body that is less than or equal to 100 .mu.m. These
lightweight containers are, therefore, manufactured with a
substantially lower amount of plastic material compared to
containers of similar volume content, but made using traditional
processes. Accordingly, these containers are cheaper to produce and
are also particularly environment-friendly.
[0004] Examples of prior art lightweight containers include those
described, for example, in International Patent Application WO
03/033361 A1 or WO 2005/04 7120 A1. These containers are known to
be of generally ovoid or spherical shape, which provides for good
volume/weight ratios. However, these containers also exhibit
several drawbacks in that they are sometimes difficult to store and
to pile in pallets for transportation. Lightweight container should
be able to withstand different environmental factors encountered
during manufacturing, shipping and retail shelf stocking or
storage. One example of such an environmental factor includes
top-loading forces. In this regard, containers may be stacked one
on top of another during packaging, shipping and display. Thus, the
containers should be manufactured so as to withstand the
compressive forces applied by one or more filled containers placed
on top of the container without buckling.
[0005] Additionally, due to the generally ovoid or spherical shape,
the sides of the container body are very flexible and a risk exists
that once the container is open, the contents splash out of the
container when grabbed or squeezed by the consumer. Accordingly, a
need exists for a fluid container having improved structural
features as well as desirable aesthetic characteristics.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure relates to lightweight, stable,
load-bearing containers for housing liquid products. In a general
embodiment, the present disclosure provides a container having a
first body portion comprising a plurality of ribs with a constant
depth and a constant width. The container further includes a second
body portion connected to the first body portion and having a
plurality of undulating ribs, each undulating rib having a constant
depth, a constant inner width, and a constant outer width, and at
least one bridge member located within its corresponding rib. The
container also includes a third body portion connected to the
second body portion and having at least one rib having a constant
depth, a constant inner width, and a constant outer width.
[0007] In an embodiment, the first body portion includes three ribs
having a constant depth and a constant width, each rib includes a
width of about 1 mm to about 5 mm, and a depth of about 1 mm to
about 4 mm.
[0008] In an embodiment, the second body portion comprises at least
three ribs having a constant depth, a constant inner width, and a
constant outer width, each rib having an inner width of about 0.5
mm to about 3 mm, an outer width of about 2 mm to about 5 mm, and a
depth of about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.
[0009] In an embodiment, the third body portion includes one rib
having a constant depth, a constant inner width, and a constant
outer width, each rib having an inner width of about 1.0 mm to
about 4 mm, an outer width of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, and a
depth of about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.
[0010] In an embodiment, the container includes at least six
undulating ribs, each undulating rib comprising a peak-to-peak
amplitude of about 1 mm to about 10 mm.
[0011] In an embodiment, each undulating rib completes two wave
periods around a circumference of the container.
[0012] In an embodiment, the bridge members are projections having
a depth that is less than a depth of corresponding rib. In an
embodiment, each undulating rib has at least two bridge members and
each bridge member comprises a substantially semi-circular shape
that projects outward from an inner-most portion of its
corresponding rib. In an embodiment, each undulating rib has at
least ten bridge members evenly spaced from each other.
[0013] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of ribs of the first
body portion includes at least ten bridge members evenly spaced
from each other, and wherein each undulating rib of the second body
portion includes at least ten bridge members evenly spaced from
each other.
[0014] In an embodiment, the first connecting portion tapers from a
first container diameter to a second container diameter in a
downward direction over a distance from about 3 mm to about 7 mm,
and with a first inward radius of curvature of about 8 mm, and with
a second outward radius of curvature of about 1 mm.
[0015] In an embodiment, the second connecting portion tapers from
a first container diameter to a second container diameter in an
upward direction over a distance from about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm,
and with a first inward radius of curvature of about 2 mm, and with
a second outward radius of curvature of about 1 mm.
[0016] In another embodiment, a container is provided and includes
a first connector portion connecting (i) a first body portion
having at least one rib with a constant width and a constant depth
and (ii) a second body portion having at least one undulating rib
having a constant inner width, a constant outer width, and a
constant depth, the first connector portion tapering downward from
a first container diameter to a second container diameter over a
distance from about 3 mm to about 7 mm. The container further
includes a second connector portion connecting (i) the second body
portion and (ii) a third body portion having at least one rib with
a constant inner width, a constant outer width and a constant
depth, the second connector portion tapering upward from a first
container diameter to a second container diameter over a distance
from about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm.
[0017] In an embodiment, a tangential line intersecting a bottom
inner width and a bottom outer width of the undulating rib and a
tangential line intersecting an upper inner width and an upper
outer width of the undulating rib form an angle .theta.
therebetween. In an embodiment, the angle .theta. is from about
25.degree. to about 75.degree..
[0018] In an embodiment, a tangential line intersecting a bottom
inner width and a bottom outer width of the at least one base rib
and a tangential line intersecting an upper inner width and an
upper outer width of the at least one base rib form an angle
.theta. therebetween. In an embodiment, the angle .theta. is from
about 45.degree. to about 135.degree..
[0019] In an embodiment, the first connector portion comprises a
first inward radius of curvature of about 8 mm, and a second
outward radius of curvature of about 1 mm. The second connector
portion includes a first inward radius of curvature of about 2 mm,
and a second outward radius of curvature of about 1 mm.
[0020] In still another embodiment, a container is provided and
includes an internal volume of about 500 mL, an empty weight that
is less than 10.0 g, and a characteristic selected from the group
consisting of over-splashing between 17.0 and 18.0 mm with a force
between 1.0 and 1.5 kg; a prehension sinking between 2.5 mm and 4.0
mm, a level after breaking between 21.0 and 23.0, or combinations
thereof.
[0021] In yet another embodiment, a container is provided
comprising a neck; a shoulder connected to the neck; a label
portion connected to the shoulder, the label portion comprising at
least two ribs having a constant width and a constant depth; a
prehension portion connected to the label portion via a first
connecting portion, the prehension portion comprising at least five
undulating ribs, each undulating rib comprising a plurality of
bridge members; and a base portion connected to the prehension
portion via a second connecting portion, the base portion
comprising at least one rib having a constant width and a constant
depth.
[0022] An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an
improved, lightweight container.
[0023] Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a
container having improved stability.
[0024] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to
provide a container with improved side- and top-load resistance
properties.
[0025] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is to
provide a container having connector portions that help to improve
load-resistance.
[0026] Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a
container having a plurality of ribs having varying depths and
radii of curvature that aid in improving load-resistance of the
container.
[0027] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to
provide a container that is so constructed and arranged for ease of
handling by a consumer.
[0028] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and
will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the
Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a prior art container.
[0030] FIG. 2A is a front plan view of a container in an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 2B is a side plan view of a container in an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 3A is an enlarged, partial view of the container of
FIG. 2A in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 3B is an enlarged, partial view of the container of
FIG. 2B in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 4A is an enlarged, partial view of the container of
FIG. 2A in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 4B is an enlarged, partial view of the container of
FIG. 2B in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 2A
in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial view of the container of FIG.
5 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial view of the container of FIG.
5 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, partial view of the container of FIG.
5 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, partial view of the container of FIG.
5 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial view of the container of
FIG. 5 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG.
2A in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 12 is a front plan view of a container in an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 13 is a side plan view of a container in an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a container in an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 15 is a side plan view of a container in an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a preform for a
container in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 17 is a graphical representation of the results
obtained from an experiment performed with a container of the
present disclosure and two prior art containers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] The present disclosure relates to lightweight, stable,
load-bearing containers for providing consumable products and, in
particular, fluids. The containers are constructed and arranged to
be stable and load-bearing to provide a container having not only
improved structural features, but also desirable aesthetics.
[0050] As described above, lightweight containers for housing
liquids are known to have problems transmitting vertical loads
efficiently. Specifically, during packaging, distribution and
retail stocking, containers or bottles can be exposed to large
amounts of top-loading and can buckle at any existing points of
weakness on the container. Indeed, top-loading, as well as
side-loading, can be especially problematic for lightweight
containers.
[0051] Additionally, due to the generally ovoid or spherical shape
of known containers, the sides of the container body are very
flexible and a risk exists that once the container is open, the
contents splash out of the container when grabbed or squeezed by
the consumer.
[0052] Further, during packaging, distribution, and retail
stocking, containers can be exposed to widely varying temperature
and pressure changes, as well as external forces that jostle and
shake the container. These types of environmental factors can
contribute to rises in internal pressure that affect the overall
quality of the product purchased by the consumer.
[0053] A prior art container 10 is illustrated by FIG. 1. Container
10 includes ribs that traverse a circumference of the bottle and
may be used to provide added hoop strength, rigidity and resistance
to bending, leaning, crumbling and/or stretching. Container 10 also
includes a neck portion 12, a shoulder portion 14, a label portion
16, a grip portion 18 and a base 20. Label portion 16 includes
several ribs 22 that traverse a circumference of the container and
have constant width and depth. Grip portion 18 includes two ribs 24
of constant width and depth, as well as one rib 26 having a first
curvature, one rib 28 having a second curvature that is greater
than the first curvature, and one rib 30 having a third curvature
that is greater than the second curvature. Grip portion 18 is also
substantially V-shaped along a side wall of container 10 that is
parallel to a vertical axis of container 10, with rib 30 being the
vertex of the V-shape. Container 10 further includes an integrally
formed shape 32 on an upper, transition portion of the grip portion
18, as well as integrally formed shapes 34 oriented substantially
vertically on shoulder portion 14. Although container 10 includes
ribs, container 10 may not necessarily be configured to deliver
optimized stability or optimized side- and top-load resistance for
a lightweight container.
[0054] In contrast, Applicants have surprisingly found that the
configuration of the containers disclosed herein provides improved
stability, improved side-load resistance, and improved top-load
resistance. In this regard, Applicants have surprisingly found that
the specifically disclosed geometry of the container's ribs in
combination with its specifically configured transition or
connecting portions provides improved stability and load resistance
for lightweight containers.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2A, container 40 of the present disclosure
includes a mouth 41, a neck portion 42, a shoulder portion 44, a
label portion 46, a grip portion 48 and a base portion 50, all of
which combine to form an interior of container 40 that is capable
of housing a liquid. As is further shown by FIG. 2A, a vertical
cross-section of container identified by line V-V is illustrated in
FIG. 5, which will be discussed further below with respect to its
various sectional views provided by FIGS. 6-10.
[0056] Containers of the present disclosure may be configured to
house any type of liquid therein. In an embodiment, the containers
are configured to house a consumable liquid such as, for example,
water, an energy drink, a carbonated drink, tea, coffee, milk,
juice, etc. In an embodiment, the containers are configured to
house water. Containers 40 may hold any suitable volume of a liquid
such as, for example, from about 50 to 5000 mL including 100 mL,
200 mL, 300 mL, 400 mL, 500 mL, 600 mL, 700 mL, 800 mL, 900 mL,
1000 mL, 1500 mL, 2000 mL, 2500 mL, 3000 mL, 3500 mL, 4000 mL, 4500
mL and the like. In an embodiment, containers 40 are configured to
hold about 500 mL of a liquid.
[0057] Suitable materials for manufacturing containers of the
present disclosure can include, for example, polymeric materials.
Specifically, materials for manufacturing bottles of the present
disclosure can include, but are not limited to, polyethylene
("PE"), low density polyethylene ("LDPE"), high density
polyethylene ("HDPE"), polypropylene ("PP") or polyethylene
terephthalate ("PET"). In an embodiment, the containers are
lightweight containers manufactured from PET, which has
viscoelastic properties of creep and relaxation. Further, the
containers of the present disclosure can be manufactured using any
suitable manufacturing process such as, for example, conventional
extrusion blow molding, stretch blow molding, injection stretch
blow molding, and the like.
[0058] Mouth 41 may be any size and shape known in the art so long
as liquid may be introduced into container 40 and may be poured or
otherwise removed from container 40. In an embodiment, mouth 41 may
be substantially circular in shape and have a diameter ranging from
about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or about 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35
mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, or the like. In an embodiment, mouth 41 has a
diameter that is about 25 mm.
[0059] Neck portion 42 may also have any size and shape known in
the art so long as liquid may be introduced into container 40 and
may be poured or otherwise removed from container 40. In an
embodiment, neck portion 42 is substantially cylindrical in shape
having a diameter that corresponds to a diameter of mouth 41. The
skilled artisan will appreciate that the shape and size of neck
portion 42 are not limited to the shape and size of mouth 41. Neck
portion 42 may have a height (from mouth 41 to shoulder portion 44)
from about 5 mm to about 45 mm, or about 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25
mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, or the like. In an embodiment, neck
portion 42 has a height of about 15 mm.
[0060] Container 40 can further include an air tight cap 43
attached to neck portion 42, as shown in FIG. 2B. Cap 43 can be any
type of cap known in the art for use with containers similar to
those described herein. Cap 43 may be manufactured from the same or
a different type of polymeric material as container 40, and may be
attached to container 40 by re-closeable threads, or may be
snap-fit, friction-fit, etc. Accordingly, in an embodiment, cap 43
includes internal threads (not shown) that are constructed and
arranged to mate with external threads 45 of neck portion 42.
[0061] Shoulder portion 44 of container 40 extends from a bottom of
neck portion 42 downward to a top of label portion 46. Shoulder
portion 44 comprises a shape that is substantially a conical
frustum. As used herein, a "conical frustum" means that shoulder
portion 44 has a shape that very closely resembles a cone having a
top portion (e.g., the apex) of the cone lopped-off. Shoulder
portion 44 has a lopped-off apex since shoulder portion 44 tapers
into neck portion 42 for functionality of container 40. Further,
the "conical frustum" shape also includes a rounded edge 47 wherein
shoulder portion 44 curves downward in a substantially vertical
orientation to meet label portion 46.
[0062] Shoulder portion 44 may have a height (from a bottom of neck
portion 42 to a top of label portion 46) ranging from about 15 mm
to about 50 mm, or about 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm,
or the like. In an embodiment, shoulder portion 44 has a height
that is about 43 mm. At a bottom portion (e.g., before label
portion 46), shoulder portion 44 may have a diameter ranging from
about 40 mm to about 80 mm, or about 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65
mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, or the like. In an embodiment, the diameter of a
bottom, widest portion of shoulder portion 44 is about 66 mm.
[0063] Label portion 46 of container 40 includes a plurality of
ribs 52 having a constant width (W) and depth (D), as shown more
clearly in FIG. 6. In this regard, ribs 52 have a constant width
because the ribs do not increase or decrease in width as the ribs
traverse the circumference of container 40. Ribs 52 have a constant
depth because the ribs do not change the distance between an inner
most portion of the rib and an adjacent portion of an outer wall of
container 40 as the ribs traverse the circumference of container
40. In general, ribs 52 are curved ribs that provide a spring
effect allowing for increase of pressure within the container,
which is typical, for example, during storage and transport of
lightweight, liquid-filled containers.
[0064] Container 40 may include any number of straight and/or
constant ribs 52 having any size that provides improved stability
and load resistance. Container 40 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9 or 10 ribs 52. In an embodiment, container 40 includes a
plurality of ribs 52. In another embodiment, container 40 includes
2-5 ribs 52, or 3-4 ribs 52, or 3 ribs 52. Ribs 52 may have a width
from about 1 to about 5 mm, for from about 2 to about 4 mm, or
about 3 mm. In an embodiment, ribs 52 have a width that is about 3
mm. Ribs 52 may also have a depth that is from about 1 mm to about
4 mm, or from about 2 to about 3 mm. In an embodiment, ribs 52 have
a depth that is about 1.5 mm.
[0065] At a widest point of ribs 52, container 40 may have a
diameter ranging from about 40 mm to about 80 mm, or about 45 mm,
50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, or the like. In an
embodiment, the diameter of container 40 at the widest portion of
rib 52 is about 65 mm.
[0066] Additionally, ribs 52 may have a first radius of curvature,
or a bend radius, where a substantially vertical side wall of
container 40 curves inward to form rib 52. This radius of curvature
is indicated by the arrow in combination with (R.sub.1), and is
also present where a bottom portion of rib 52 curves to meet the
substantially vertical side wall of container 40 located below rib
52. Ribs 52 may also include a second radius of curvature at a
depth (D) of rib 52. This second radius of curvature is indicated
by the arrow in combination with the (R.sub.2) indicator. In an
embodiment, the radii of curvature (R.sub.1, R.sub.2) of ribs 52
are the same and are 3 mm.
[0067] Grip portion 48 of container 40 also includes a plurality of
ribs 54, which are different than the straight and/or constant
width/depth ribs 52 of label portion 46. Instead, ribs 54 of grip
portion 48, while possibly having a constant width and depth,
undulate or swirl around container 40 as they traverse its
circumference. Ribs 54 provide the container with reinforced
side-load resistance (i.e., lateral resistance of the container) in
part due to the number of ribs, and in part due to the trapezoidal
geometry of the ribs. The specific wave shape arrangement of the
ribs also helps top-load resistance in comparison to ribs 52.
[0068] As used herein, "undulating" ribs or the "undulation" of
ribs means that the ribs move in a wavy, sinuous, curved, or rising
and falling manner as the ribs oscillate and traverse a
circumference of the present containers. Accordingly, the presently
disclosed undulating ribs may be described in terms of a wave. In
this regard, undulating ribs may have, for example, a peak-to-peak
amplitude (e.g., as measured from crest to adjacent trough) and a
wave period (e.g., as measured from crest to crest or from trough
to trough). In an embodiment, undulating ribs may have a
peak-to-peak amplitude from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, or 2 mm, or
3 mm, or 4 mm, or 5 mm, or 6 mm, or 7 mm, or 8 mm, or 9 mm. In an
embodiment, undulating ribs have a peak-to-peak amplitude of about
7 mm. In an embodiment, undulating ribs complete one to three wave
periods as undulating ribs traverse a circumference of the
container. In an embodiment, undulating ribs complete two wave
periods as undulating ribs traverse a circumference of the
container.
[0069] As used herein, "grip portion" may be used interchangeably
with "prehension portion." As used herein, "prehension" means the
act of taking hold, seizing or grasping. Accordingly, a prehension
portion, or grip portion, of the container may be a portion of the
container intended for seizing or grasping by the consumer during
handling of the container.
[0070] As shown in greater detail in FIG. 8, ribs 54 may include a
constant inner width (W.sub.I) and a constant outer width (W.sub.O)
that is greater than inner width (W.sub.I). Inner width (W.sub.I)
may range from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, or about 1 mm to about
2.5 mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 2 mm. In an embodiment, inner
width (W.sub.I) is about 2 mm. Outer width (W.sub.O) may range from
about 2 mm to about 5 mm, or from about 3 mm to about 4 mm. In an
embodiment, outer width (W.sub.O) is about 3.5 mm. In anther
embodiment, outer width (W.sub.O) is about 3.6 mm. An upper portion
of inner width (W.sub.I) and an upper portion of outer width
(W.sub.O) may be connected via a theoretical first line. Similarly,
a lower portion of inner width (W.sub.I) and a lower portion of
outer width (W.sub.O) may be connected via a theoretical second
line. Because inner width (W.sub.I) is smaller than outer width
(W.sub.O), the theoretical first and second lines form an angle
.theta. therebetween. Angle .theta. may be from about 25.degree. to
about 75.degree., or from about 30.degree. to about 70.degree., or
from about 35.degree. to about 65.degree., or from about 40.degree.
to about 60.degree., or from about 45.degree. to about 55.degree.,
or about 50.degree., as shown by FIG. 8. In an embodiment, angle
.theta. is about 50.degree..
[0071] Ribs 54 may have a depth (D) from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5
mm, or about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm, or about 1.5 mm, or about 1.7
mm.
[0072] Additionally, ribs 54 may have a first radius of curvature,
or a bend radius, where a substantially vertical side wall of
container 40 curves inward to form rib 54. This radius of curvature
is indicated by the arrow in combination with (R.sub.3), and is
also present where a bottom portion of rib 54 curves to meet the
substantially vertical side wall of container 40 located below rib
54. In an embodiment, radius of curvature R.sub.3 is about 1 mm.
Ribs 54 may also include a second radius of curvature at a depth
(D) of rib 54 where inwardly curved radius R.sub.3 meets a
substantially vertical inner portion of rib 54. The second radius
of curvature is also present where the substantially vertical inner
portion of rib 54 curves outward toward radius R.sub.3 located at a
bottom of rib 54. This second radius of curvature is indicated by
the arrow in combination with (R.sub.4). In an embodiment, radius
of curvature R.sub.4 is about 1 mm.
[0073] A bottom portion of container 40 comprises base portion 50,
which may be of any suitable design, including those known in the
art and as illustrated. Importantly, however, base portion 50 of
the present containers includes a base rib 56, which is an opened
trapezoidal rib that helps to ensure good rigidifying structure of
the container. Although the present disclosure depicts base portion
50 as having one rib 56, the skilled artisan will appreciate that
base portion 50 may include more or less than one rib 56 so long as
the container is able to provide the desired stability and improved
side- and top-load resistance.
[0074] As shown in more detail in FIG. 10, and similar to swirling
ribs 54, rib 56 may include a constant inner width (W.sub.I) and a
constant outer width (W.sub.O) that is greater than inner width
(W.sub.I). Inner width (W.sub.I) may be from about 1 mm to about 4
mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, or about 2 mm to about 3 mm.
In an embodiment, inner width (W.sub.I) is about 2.5 mm. In another
embodiment, inner width (W.sub.I) is about 2.6 mm. Outer width
(W.sub.O) maybe from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, or from about 6 mm
to about 14 mm, or from about 7 mm to about 13 mm, or from about 8
mm to about 12 mm, or from about 9 mm to about 11 mm, or about 10
mm. In an embodiment, outer width (W.sub.O) is about 9 mm. In
another embodiment, outer width (W.sub.O) is about 9.5 mm. An upper
portion of inner width (W.sub.I) and an upper portion of outer
width (W.sub.O) may be connected via a theoretical first line.
Similarly, a lower portion of inner width (W.sub.I) and a lower
portion of outer width (W.sub.O) may be connected via a theoretical
second line. Because inner width (W.sub.I) is smaller than outer
width (W.sub.O), the theoretical first and second lines form an
angle .theta. therebetween. Angle .theta. may be from about
45.degree. to about 135.degree., or from about 55.degree. to about
125.degree., or from about 65.degree. to about 115.degree., or from
about 75.degree. to about 105.degree., or from about 85.degree. to
about 95.degree., or about 90.degree..
[0075] Rib 56 may have a depth (D) from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5
mm, or about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm, or about 1.5 mm, or about 1.7
mm.
[0076] Additionally, rib 56 may have a first radius of curvature,
or a bend radius, where a substantially vertical side wall of
container 40 curves inward to form rib 56. This radius of curvature
is indicated by the arrow in combination with (R.sub.5). This
radius of curvature is also present where a bottom portion of rib
56 curves to meet the substantially vertical side wall of container
40 located below rib 56. In an embodiment, radius of curvature
R.sub.5 is about 2.5 mm. Rib 56 may also include a second radius of
curvature at a depth (D) of rib 56 where inwardly curved radius
R.sub.5 meets a substantially vertical inner portion of rib 56,
which is also present where the substantially vertical inner
portion of rib 56 curves outward toward radius R.sub.5 located at a
bottom of rib 56. This second radius of curvature is indicated by
the arrow in combination with (R.sub.6). In an embodiment, radius
of curvature R.sub.6 is about 1 mm.
[0077] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of container 40 of the
present disclosure. As can be seen from the figure, the difference
between the side (FIG. 2B) and front (FIG. 2A) views of container
40 lies in grip portion 48 of the container. In this regard, and
due to the undulating or swirling nature of ribs 54, side view of
container 40 illustrates that an upper portion of grip portion 48
includes truncated rib 58 that is unable to traverse an entire
circumference of container 40 due to the undulation of rib 54
located immediately below rib 58. Further, the bottom-most rib 54
of grip portion 48 is interrupted by an undulating or swirling lip,
that forms a transition or connecting portion 60 between base
portion 50 and grip portion 48, as will be discussed further
below.
[0078] FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of portion 3A-3A of FIG. 2A. As
seen in the figure, label portion 46 includes a bottom-most rib 52
that is adjacent to a first substantially vertical portion 62 of
container 40. First vertical portion 62 is immediately adjacent to
a second substantially vertical portion 64 that has a slightly
larger diameter than first vertical portion 62. As such, first
vertical portion 62 tapers slightly outward at the bottom to meet
the larger diameter vertical portion 64. At the bottom of vertical
portion 64, label portion 46 includes a transition or connecting
section 66 that connects label portion 46 to grip portion 48. As
discussed previously, Applicants believe that the advantages and
benefits derived from the presently disclosed containers is due, at
least in part, to the combination of the specific geometries of the
different ribs of the container with the specific geometry of
connecting portion 66. Indeed, Applicants believe that his
combination of structural features aids in improvement of stability
and load resistance of the containers of the present disclosure
when compared to known prior art containers.
[0079] As is better illustrated in FIG. 7, connecting portion 66
has a container diameter that is greater than a diameter of grip
portion 48. The diameter of connecting portion 66, however, tapers
from its largest container diameter at a top of connecting portion
66, which is approximately the same as the diameter of vertical
portion 64, to meet the smaller container diameter of grip portion
48 at a bottom of connecting portion 66. This taper may be
quantified in terms of a distance, or height (e.g., a linear
measurement) and a radius of curvature. For example, connecting
portion 66 requires a certain distance or height, when measured
along a substantially vertical plane that runs parallel to a
vertical axis of container 40, to complete its taper. In this
regard, the "h" indicator of FIG. 7 quantifies the measurement from
where connecting portion 66 has a substantially vertical
orientation and a diameter that is substantially the same as
vertical portion 64, to completion of its taper at a diameter
approximately the same as grip portion 46. This distance, or height
or may anywhere from about 3 mm to about 7 mm, or from about 4 mm
to about 6 mm, or about 5 mm.
[0080] The diameter of container 40 at the widest portion of
connecting portion 66 may range from about 40 mm to about 80 mm, or
about 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, or the like.
In an embodiment, the diameter of container 40 at the widest
portion of connecting portion 66 is about 66 mm.
[0081] Connecting portion 66 also includes a depth (D) as shown by
FIG. 7 that extends from a substantially vertical side wall of
container 40 horizontally outward to the widest portion of
connecting portion 66. The depth of connecting portion 66 may be
from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, or from about 1.0 mm to about 2.5
mm, or from about 1.5 mm to about 2.0 mm. In an embodiment, the
depth of connecting portion 66 is about 1.5 mm. In another
embodiment, the depth of connecting portion 66 is about 2.0 mm.
[0082] Connecting portion 66 may also include at least one radius
of curvature to define its taper toward grip portion 48. In an
embodiment, connecting portion 66 includes two radii of curvature.
A first radius of curvature defines its taper from a substantially
vertical orientation inward toward grip portion 48 such that the
inward curve is convex with respect to an exterior of container 40.
This radius of curvature is indicated in FIG. 7 by the arrow and
(R.sub.7). In an embodiment, radius of curvature R.sub.7 is about 8
mm. In FIG. 7, connecting portion 66 also includes a second radius
of curvature to define a slight concave curve joining the convex
curve to a substantially vertical side wall of grip portion 48.
This radius of curvature is indicated by the arrow and (R.sub.8).
In an embodiment, radius of curvature R.sub.8 is about 1 mm.
[0083] As is also shown by FIG. 3A, grip portion 48 includes a
number of bridge members 68 or semi-circle-shaped projections in
ribs 54 from an exterior of container 40. Bridge members 68 will be
discussed further below. In general, however, bridge members 68
serve as reinforcing pins and are material local elements forming a
link between two mechanical elements (vertically-adjacent ribs, for
example) having strengthening function. Bridge members 68 serve to
compensate for the spring effect obtained with ribs 54, and
increase mechanical resistance of ribs 54 in connection with top
loading. In this regard, it is important to keep top-loading
capabilities as high as possible due to the fact that the
lightweight containers of the present disclosure are typically
assembled in packs and are palletized for storage and delivery.
[0084] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of portion 3B-3B of FIG. 2B. As
previously discussed, the difference between the side (FIG. 2B) and
front (FIG. 2A) views of container 40 lies in grip portion 48. In
this regard, and due to the undulating or swirling nature of ribs
54, a side view of container 40 illustrates that an upper portion
of grip portion 48 includes truncated rib 58 that is unable to
traverse an entire circumference of container 40 due to the
undulation of rib 54 located immediately below rib 58. In this
regard, undulating rib 54 located immediately below rib 58
undulates in an upward direction on either side of truncated rib 58
at approximately 90.degree. from truncated rib 58 so that it nearly
reaches connecting portion 66. In this manner, rib 54 limits the
circumferential traverse of rib 58 around container 40. Although
rib 58 does not completely traverse the circumference of container
40, rib 58 still aids in providing additional stability and load
resistance to the presently disclosed containers.
[0085] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of portion 4A-4A of FIG. 2A. As
previously discussed, bottom-most rib 54 of grip portion 48 is
interrupted by an undulating or swirling lip, that forms a
transition or connecting portion 60 between base portion 50 and
grip portion 48. As shown by FIG. 4A, a bottom-most rib 54
undulates in an upward manner on a front (and correspondingly, a
back) of container 40 so as to avoid contact with an upwardly
undulating portion of connecting portion 60.
[0086] As is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 9, connecting portion
60 has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of grip portion
48. The diameter of connecting portion 60, however, tapers from its
largest diameter at a bottom of connecting portion 60, which is
approximately the same as the diameter of a top portion of base
portion 50, to meet the smaller diameter of grip portion 48 at a
top of connecting portion 60. This taper may be quantified in terms
of a distance or height (e.g., a linear measurement) and a radius
of curvature. For example, connecting portion 60 requires a certain
distance or height, when measured along a substantially vertical
plane that runs parallel to a vertical axis of container 40, to
complete its taper. In this regard, the "h" indicator of FIG. 9
quantifies the measurement from where connecting portion 60 has a
substantially vertical orientation and a container diameter that is
substantially the same as (or slightly less than) a top portion of
base portion 50, to completion of its taper at a container diameter
approximately the same as grip portion 46. This distance, or height
or may anywhere from about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, or from about 1
mm to about 2.5 mm, or from about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, or about
2 mm.
[0087] Connecting portion 60 may have a depth (D) as shown in FIG.
9 that is from about 0.2 mm to about 1.2 mm, or about 0.3 mm to
about 1.1 mm, or about 0.4 mm to about 1.0 mm, or about 0.5 mm to
about 0.9 mm, or about 0.6 mm to about 0.8 mm. In an embodiment,
connecting portion 60 has a depth of about 0.7 mm. In another
embodiment, connecting portion 60 has a depth of about 0.8 mm.
[0088] The diameter of container 40 at the widest portion of base
portion 50 may range from about 40 mm to about 80 mm, or about 45
mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, or the like. In an
embodiment, the diameter of container 40 at the widest portion of
base portion 50 is about 66 mm.
[0089] Connecting portion 60 may also include at least one radius
of curvature to define its upward taper toward grip portion 48. In
an embodiment, connecting portion 60 includes two radii of
curvature. A first radius of curvature defines the upward taper of
connecting portion 60 from a substantially vertical orientation
inward toward grip portion 48 such that the curve is convex with
respect to an exterior of container 40. This radius of curvature is
indicated in FIG. 9 by the arrow and (R.sub.9). In an embodiment,
radius of curvature R.sub.9 is about 2 mm. In FIG. 9, connecting
portion 60 also includes a second radius of curvature to define a
slight concave curve joining the convex curve to a substantially
vertical side wall of grip portion 48. This radius of curvature is
indicated by the arrow and (R.sub.10). In an embodiment, radius of
curvature R.sub.10 is about 1 mm.
[0090] FIG. 4B further illustrates that connecting portion 60
undulates in much the same manner as ribs 54. In this regard,
connecting portion 60 includes a substantially horizontal bottom
portion that is substantially parallel to a bottom surface of
container 40. A top portion of connecting portion 60, however,
undulates as connecting portion 60 traverses a circumference of
container 40. As with ribs 54, connecting portion 60 may complete
one to three wave periods as connecting portion 60 traverses a
circumference of container. In an embodiment, connecting portion 60
completes two wave periods as it traverses the circumference.
[0091] Additionally, as shown by FIG. 4A, bottom-most rib 54
undulates upwardly at a front (and correspondingly, a back) of
container 40 such that bottom-most rib 54 does not contact top-most
undulating portions 70 of connecting portion 60. This is in direct
contrast to FIG. 4B, which is an enlarged view of portion 4B-4B of
FIG. 2B, which depicts a side view of container 40. In FIG. 4B,
bottom-most rib 54 undulates downwardly at a side of container 40
such that bottom-most rib 54 is intersected by top-most undulating
portions 70 of connecting portion 60.
[0092] A cross-sectional view of grip portion 48 of FIG. 2A is
provided in FIG. 11, which will aid in further describing bridge
members 68. As mentioned above, grip portion 48 includes a number
of bridge members 68 that are projections in ribs 54 extending
toward an exterior of container 40. In an embodiment, bridge
members 68 are semi-circular in shape when viewed from a
cross-section, but the skilled artisan will appreciate that bridge
members 68 need not be limited to such shape. In this regard,
bridge members 68 may also have a square, rectangular, oval,
triangular, or any other shape known in the art, so long as bridge
members 68 are capable of providing the desired reinforcement. In
this regard, bridge members 68 serve as reinforcing pins and are
material local elements forming a link between two mechanical
elements (vertically-adjacent ribs, for example) having
strengthening function. Bridge members 68 serve to compensate for
the spring effect obtained with ribs 54, and increase mechanical
resistance of ribs 54 in connection with top loading. In this
regard, it is important to keep top-loading capabilities as high as
possible due to the fact that the lightweight containers of the
present disclosure are typically assembled in packs and are
palletized for storage and delivery.
[0093] More specifically, and as shown in FIG. 11, each bridge
member 68 includes a semi-circular projection 72 in a slightly
flattened wall portion 74 of container 40. As the skilled artisan
would appreciate, bridge members 68 serve to compensate for the
spring effect obtained with ribs 54, and increase mechanical
resistance of ribs 54 in connection with top loading. It is
believed that this may be due, at least in part, to the connecting
function that bridge members 68 provide between vertically-adjacent
ribs 54. In this regard, bridge members 68 can help to transfer
top-loading from one rib 54 to the next lowest rib 54 to more
efficiently distribute the top-loading.
[0094] As with the different types of ribs discussed herein above,
semi-circular projection 72 may have a depth (D) and a radius of
curvature as depicted by FIG. 11. For example, semi-circular
projection 72 may have a depth from about 0.25 mm to about 2.75 mm,
or from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, or from about 0.75 mm to
about 2.25 mm, or from about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm, or from about
1.25 mm to about 1.75 mm, or about 1.5 mm. In an embodiment,
semi-circular projection 72 has a depth of about 1.6 mm.
[0095] Further, semi-circular projection 72 has a radius of
curvature as the slightly flattened wall portion 74 curves outward
to form the semi-circular projection 72. This radius of curvature
is indicated in FIG. 11 by the arrow and (R.sub.11). In an
embodiment, radius of curvature R.sub.11 is about 1.6 mm.
[0096] As is also illustrated by FIG. 11, and in an embodiment,
slightly flattened wall portion 74 of the container's wall may be
oriented at 90.degree. from each other. For example, the
cross-sectional view provided by FIG. 11 indicates that the bridge
member 68 intersected by cross-sectional line XI-XI on the front of
container 40 corresponds to a second bridge member 68 located on
the back of container 40, both of which are located about
180.degree. from each other on an upwardly undulating portion of
rib 54. Similarly, FIG. 2A also illustrates that the same rib 54
that is intersected by the cross-sectional line XI-XI includes
bridge members 68 located on both sides of container 40 at
90.degree. from the front and back bridge members 68.
[0097] The widest diameter of container 40 at the cross-sectional
line XI-XI of FIG. 2A may range from about 30 mm to about 80 mm, or
about 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75
mm, or the like. In an embodiment, the widest diameter of container
40 at the cross-sectional line XI-XI is about 59 mm.
[0098] Further, FIG. 2A also illustrates that location of bridge
members 68 container 40 may alternate with adjacent rib members 54.
In this regard, top-most rib 54 includes bridge member 68 located
in a vertical plane that intersects the center of a front of
container 40. The second rib 54 away from label portion 46 includes
two bridge members 68, each located in a separate vertical plane
and each separate vertical plane is offset 45.degree. in opposite
directions from the vertical plane containing bridge member 68 of
top-most rib 54. The third rib 54 away from label portion 46
includes a bridge member 68 located in the same vertical plane as
the first bridge member 68, and so on.
[0099] The skilled artisan will appreciate that the embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes four bridge members 68 per
undulating rib 54. The skilled artisan will also appreciate,
however, that the containers of the present disclosure need not be
limited to this particular configuration of bridge members 68, and
more or less bridge members 68 may be included on each undulating
rib 54.
[0100] For example, FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a second embodiment of
the present disclosure where each rib 54 includes more than four
bridge members 68 evenly spaced from each other along rib 54.
Specifically, FIGS. 12-13 illustrate an embodiment wherein each rib
54 includes twelve bridge members 68 evenly spaced form each other
along rib 54. Accordingly, the skilled artisan will appreciate that
each rib 54 may include any number of bridge members 68 (e.g., 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) so long as the number
of bridge members 68 is able to provide the desired improved
stability and side- and top-load resistance. The skilled artisan
will also appreciate that bridge members 68 need not be evenly
spaced from each other along rib 54, so long as the spacing of
bridge members 68 is able to provide the desired improved stability
and side- and top-load resistance.
[0101] FIGS. 14-15 illustrate a third embodiment of the present
disclosure where each straight and/or constant width rib 52 also
includes bridge members 68. Ribs 52 may include the bridge member
68 orientation described with respect to ribs 54 of FIGS. 2A and
2B, or a configuration described with respect to FIGS. 12-13, or
any other configuration that is able to provide the desired
improved stability and side- and top-load resistance. Similarly,
ribs 52 may have the same or a different number of, or the same or
a different configuration of bridge members 68 when compared to
ribs 54 of a same container.
[0102] FIG. 16 shows an example preform 76 that may be used to
manufacture a lightweight container of the present disclosure.
Preform 76 includes a thin wall neck 12 that can help, for example,
to efficiently blow-mold lightweight containers, protect critical
dimensions of the bottle, stabilize the blow-molding process, and
utilize less resin during manufacturing.
[0103] The foregoing may be better understood by reference to the
following Example(s), which are presented for purposes of
illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
EXAMPLES
[0104] To demonstrate improved stability and side- and top-load
resistance, Applicants performed several experiments using the
prior art containers of FIG. 1 and containers according to the
present disclosure, both of which were tested while filled with
liquid at 10.9 g, 9.9 g and 9.0 g container weights (i.e., each
empty container weighed either 10.9 g, 9.9 g, or 9.0 g). The volume
of the containers was 500 mL.
[0105] Initially, Applicants calculated a minimum top-load
requirement for the heaviest, filled containers of the present
disclosure at break as being 27.6 kg force. This calculation was
performed in consideration of palletization of a plurality of
containers for shipment and/or storage and included the following
input information: product (liquid) weight, container material
weight, closure weight, weight per container per filled, containers
per case, cases per layer, layers per pallet, pallet weight, number
of pallets high, and safety factor. The calculation further
included the following output information: total weight of product
and containers per pallet, weight of wooden pallet's above first
pallet, weight per case, weight of one layer of filled containers,
number of containers per layer, predicted force applied to each
container on the lowest layer of the bottom pallet by the filled
containers, predicted force applied by the wooden pallets to each
container on the lowest layer of the bottom pallet, and total force
applied to each container on the lowest layer of the bottom
pallet.
[0106] As shown by FIG. 17, a filled, top-load comparison of a 10.9
g prior art container, a 9.9 g prior art container, and a 9.9 g
container of the present disclosure illustrates that the 9.9 g
container of the present disclosure outperformed both of the prior
art containers, even when the prior art container had a greater
amount of material used to form the container (i.e., the 10.9 g
prior art container).
[0107] Further, Table 1 below shows the lab results obtained from
several experiments performed by Applicants to compare the prior
art containers of FIG. 1 and containers according to the present
disclosure, both of which were tested while filled with liquid at
10.9 g and 9.9 g container weights. The volume of the containers
was 500 mL.
[0108] As used herein, "over-splashing" refers to an amount of
contained liquid that is displaced upon squeezing a grip portion of
the container with a known amount of force. As used herein,
"prehension sinking" refers to a depression amount of a grip
portion of the container when the grip portion is squeezed with a
known amount of force. As used herein, "level after breaking" is
used in connection with a side-loading of the container; when the
container presents irreversible deformation, the level of liquid in
the container is measured. As used herein, a "drop test" refers to
an experiment wherein the container is dropped on the floor from a
height of 1 meter and then the number of surviving bottles (not
burst) is counted.
[0109] As shown by Table 1 below, the 9.9 g container of the
present disclosure again outperformed both of the prior art
containers, even when the prior art container had a greater amount
of material used to form the container (i.e., the 10.9 g prior art
container). Additionally, Table 1 also illustrates that even the
9.0 g container of the present disclosure was able to
satisfactorily withstand the tested level of top-loading.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Prior Art Claimed Prior Art Claimed Claimed
Container Container Container Container Container 10.9 g/ 10.9 g/
9.9 g/ 9.9 g/ 9.0 g/ 66.7 mm 66.7 mm 66.7 mm 66.7 mm 63 mm Height
(mm) 199.7 202.2 200.9 202.5 202.4 Capacity 516 514 520 516.7 515.2
(ml) at 23 mm Base Weight 1.29 1.53 1.35 1.59 1.37 (g) Lower Body
3.23 3.25 2.36 2.47 2.05 Weight (g) Label 1.64 1.38 1.48 1.14 0.84
Weight (g) Shoulder 4.93 4.88 4.96 4.88 4.71 Weight (g) Filled Top
21.3 31.3 12.6 24.1 18.9 Load at 5 mm (kg) Filled Top 47.6 55.1
42.2 55.6 40 Load at break (kg) Empty Top 4.8 2.2 2.4 1.7 0.6 Load
(kg) Over- 1.6 1.46 0.93 1.05 0.72 splashing Force (kg) Prehension
2.57 2.99 3.79 3.86 6.01 Sinking (mm) Drop Test 0/4 0/5 1/5 0/5
1/5
[0110] Applicants further performed testing on both the prior art
containers of FIG. 1 and containers according to the present
disclosure, both of which were tested while filled with liquid with
at least 10.9 g and 9.9 g container weights. The volume of the
containers was 500 mL. The containers were tested for prehension
resistance on an open bottle with varying forces until
over-splashing occurred. The containers were tested for prehension
depression on a closed bottle with 0.5 kg lateral force.
[0111] As shown by Table 2 below, the 9.9 g container of the
present disclosure outperformed both of the prior art containers,
even when the prior art container had a greater amount of material
used to form the container (i.e., the 10.9 g prior art container).
Additionally, Table 2 also illustrates that even the 9.0 g
container of the present disclosure demonstrated satisfactory
prehension resistance.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Prehension Level After Over-Splashing
Sinking Breaking (mm) (kg) (mm) (mm) Prior Art Container (10.9 g)
14.88 1.6 2.57 22.2 Claimed Container (10.9 g) 17.86 1.46 2.99 22.6
Prior Art Container (9.9 g) 14.81 0.93 3.79 21.6 Claimed Container
(9.9 g) 17.35 1.05 3.86 21.8 Claimed Container (9.0 g) 17.22 0.72
6.01 19.9
[0112] The structural features of the present containers described
herein advantageously allow for the manufacture of lightweight, yet
stable containers. In this regard, the disclosed geometries of the
different ribs in combination with the at least two different
connecting portions provide advantageous improvements in stability
and side- and top-loading resistance when compared to prior art
containers.
[0113] Further, a reduced use of resin in the containers provides
the advantage of a lower cost per unit and increased sustainability
when compared to a bottle without such structural features. By
manufacturing the containers of the present disclosure using lower
amounts of raw materials, the bottles can provide lower
environmental and waste impact. Along the same lines, the bottles
can be constructed to use less disposal volume than other plastic
bottles designed for similar uses.
[0114] Additionally, the containers of the present disclosure can
also improve the ease of use and handling by manufacturers, retails
and consumers. In this regard, the structural features described
herein provide for improved stability and improved side- and
top-loading resistance to help achieve a lightweight container that
is desirable by consumers.
[0115] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
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