U.S. patent application number 15/985324 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-21 for stackable containers and methods of making the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Inline Plastics Corp.. Invention is credited to Carrie Cline, Christopher John Pohlman.
Application Number | 20190352046 15/985324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68532731 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190352046 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pohlman; Christopher John ;
et al. |
November 21, 2019 |
STACKABLE CONTAINERS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
A container includes a first container portion and a second
container portion. The first container portion includes a first
panel and a first sidewall extending from the first panel. The
first panel includes a groove formed around at least a portion of a
perimeter of the first panel. The second container portion includes
a second panel and a second sidewall extending from the second
panel toward the first container portion when the container is in a
closed position. The second panel includes an outwardly projecting
rib formed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the second
panel.
Inventors: |
Pohlman; Christopher John;
(West Haven, CT) ; Cline; Carrie; (Milford,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Inline Plastics Corp. |
Shelton |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68532731 |
Appl. No.: |
15/985324 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/0202 20130101;
B65D 43/021 20130101; B65D 21/022 20130101; B65D 85/36 20130101;
B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2401/10 20200501; B65D 2543/00194
20130101; B65D 2401/05 20200501; B65D 2543/00351 20130101; A47G
21/001 20130101; B65D 2203/02 20130101; B65D 2401/25 20200501 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02; B65D 43/02 20060101 B65D043/02 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a first container portion including a
first panel and a first sidewall extending from the first panel,
wherein the first panel includes a groove formed around at least a
portion of a perimeter of the first panel; and a second container
portion including a second panel and a second sidewall extending
from the second panel toward the first container portion when the
container is in a closed position, wherein the second panel
includes an outwardly projecting rib formed around at least a
portion of a perimeter of the second panel.
2. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the groove is
u-shaped.
3. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the outwardly
projecting rib is u-shaped.
4. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the groove of the
first panel is configured and adapted to mate with an outwardly
projecting rib of another container.
5. The container as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
gradual curved transition portion between the first panel and the
first sidewall.
6. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the first panel
includes a plateau portion raised with respect to the groove,
wherein the plateau portion defines an outwardly facing
surface.
7. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the groove includes
two linear segments.
8. The container as recited in claim 7, wherein the groove includes
a third linear segment connecting the two linear segments.
9. The container as recited in claim 8, wherein the groove includes
two arcuate transitions, wherein each arcuate transition is
adjacent to a respective end of the third linear segment, wherein
each arcuate transition connects the third linear segment to a
respective end of one of the two linear segments.
10. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the outwardly
projecting rib includes two linear segments.
11. The container as recited in claim 9, wherein the outwardly
projecting rib includes a third linear segment connecting the two
linear segments.
12. The container as recited in claim 11, wherein the outwardly
projecting rib includes two arcuate transitions, wherein each
arcuate transition is adjacent to a respective end of the third
linear segment, wherein each arcuate transition connects the third
linear segment to a respective end of one of the two linear
segments.
13. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
container portion is configured and adapted to engage with the
second container portion to form a leak resistant seal when the
container is in the closed position.
14. The container as recited in claim 1, further comprising a hinge
joining the first container portion to the second container
portion.
15. The container as recited in claim 14, wherein the first and
second container portions and the hinge are formed from a single
sheet of material.
16. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the second
container portion is a base of the container and the second panel
is a bottom panel of the base, wherein the outwardly projecting rib
of the bottom panel is configured and adapted to mate with a groove
of another container.
17. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
container portion is a lid of the container and the first panel is
a top panel of the lid, wherein the groove of the top panel is
configured and adapted to mate with an outwardly projecting rib of
another container.
18. A container assembly comprising: a container including: a lid
including an upper surface and a sidewall, wherein the upper
surface includes a groove formed around at least a portion of a
perimeter of the upper surface; and a base having a bottom surface
and a sidewall extending from the bottom surface toward the lid
when the container is in a closed position, wherein the bottom
surface includes a downwardly projecting rib formed around at least
a portion of a perimeter of the bottom surface.
19. The container assembly as recited in claim 18, wherein the
container is a first container, wherein the container assembly
includes a second container, wherein the second container includes:
a lid including an upper surface and a sidewall, wherein the upper
surface includes a groove formed around at least a portion of a
perimeter of the upper surface; and a base having a bottom surface
and a sidewall extending from the bottom surface toward the lid
when the second container is in a closed position, wherein the
bottom surface includes a downwardly projecting rib formed around
at least a portion of a perimeter of the bottom surface, wherein
the second container is stacked on top of the lid of the first
container, and wherein the downwardly projecting rib of the second
container is nested within the groove of the first container.
20. The container assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein the
first container includes a gradual curved transition portion
between the upper surface and the sidewall, wherein the first
container includes a label extending from the upper surface of the
lid, over the gradual curved transition portion toward the base of
the first container, wherein the label is in direct abutment with
the upper surface of the lid of the first container to mitigate
interference with the second container stacked on top of the first
container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to constructions and
methods of making stackable containers, and more particularly to,
containers that have a lid and base with interconnecting stacking
features such as grooves and/or projecting ribs. The
interconnecting stacking features are configured and adapted to
reduce or eliminate tearing of labels when multiple containers are
stacked on one another and to facilitate upright stacking of
multiple containers even with a label applied.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When a thermoplastic container or cup is covered on one side
with a label, mechanisms used for stacking containers, such as
rails on the top surface, tend to raise the labels above the top
surface of the container, such that there is a gap between the
label and the top surface of the container, also known as
"tenting." As a result, when a second container is stacked upon the
first, the label can be torn proximate to the area where the gap
is, as there is no support behind the label. Moreover, because the
label is raised with respect to the top of the container (e.g.
"tented") the mating recessed portions on the bottom of the second
container do not mate properly and can cause the second container
to be tilted with respect to the lid of the first. This tends to
present problems when many containers need to be stacked, as the
angle between the first container and those progressively stacked
gets larger and larger the more containers that are stacked.
[0003] The tearing results in a number of possible problems,
including altering the appearance of the container to the point
that consumers may not want to purchase or would otherwise return a
product in a container with a torn label. Furthermore, when such
containers are to be stacked on store shelves, for example, the
tilting may have a negative impact on the stackability of the
containers. For example, instead of a linear stack of containers,
the stack can be tilted off axis and result in containers
falling.
[0004] In general, the present containers have been considered
satisfactory for their intended purpose. There is a need,
therefore, for improved containers that are adapted and configured
to reduce or eliminate label tearing when the container is stacked,
or other stacking issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The purpose and advantages of the below described
illustrated embodiments will be set forth in and apparent from the
description that follows. Additional advantages of the illustrated
embodiments will be realized and attained by the containers and
methods particularly pointed out in the written description and the
claims herein, as well as from the drawings.
[0006] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the illustrated embodiments, in one embodiment,
described herein is a container having a first container portion
and a second container portion. The first container portion
includes a first panel and a first sidewall extending from the
first panel. The first panel includes a groove formed around at
least a portion of a perimeter of the first panel. The second
container portion includes a second panel and a second sidewall
extending from the second panel toward the first container portion
when the container is in a closed position. The second panel
includes an outwardly projecting rib formed around at least a
portion of a perimeter of the second panel. In certain
constructions, the first and second panels include substantially
planar portions. Alternatively, the first and second panels can
include convex/concave portions.
[0007] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the groove is
u-shaped and/or the outwardly projecting rib is u-shaped. It is
contemplated that the groove of the first panel is configured and
adapted to mate with an outwardly projecting rib of another
container. It is envisioned that, in constructions where the
container is round, the first and second panels can be circular and
the groove and/or outwardly projecting rib can include one or more
arcuate portions. In such constructions, the first and second
sidewalls have a circular cross-section and define a longitudinal
axis for the container and the base has a cross section that is
axially symmetrical.
[0008] It is envisioned that the first container portion can
include a gradual curved transition portion between the first panel
and the first sidewall. It is contemplated that the first panel can
include a plateau portion raised with respect to the groove. The
plateau portion can define an outwardly facing surface.
[0009] It is envisioned that in certain embodiments, the groove
includes two linear segments. The two linear segments can be
parallel to one another. It is contemplated that the groove can
include a third linear segment connecting the two linear segments.
The groove can include two arcuate transitions. Each arcuate
transition can be adjacent to a respective end of the third linear
segment. Each arcuate transition can connect the third linear
segment to a respective end of one of the two linear segments.
[0010] In accordance with some embodiments, the outwardly
projecting rib includes two linear segments. The two linear
segments of the outwardly projecting rib can be parallel to one
another. It is contemplated that, in certain embodiments, the
outwardly projecting rib includes a third linear segment connecting
the two linear segments. The outwardly projecting rib can include
two arcuate transitions. Each arcuate transition can be adjacent to
a respective end of the third linear segment. Each arcuate
transition can connect the third linear segment to a respective end
of one of the two linear segments.
[0011] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first
container portion is configured and adapted to engage with the
second container portion to form a leak resistant seal when the
container is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the
container can include a hinge joining the first container portion
to the second container portion. It is also contemplated that the
container can be a two-piece container without a hinge. In
accordance with some embodiments, the first and second container
portions and the hinge can be formed from a single sheet of
material.
[0012] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the second
container portion is a base of the container, the second panel is a
bottom panel of the base, and the second sidewall extends upwardly
from the bottom panel. It is also contemplated that in some
embodiments, the second container portion can be a lid of the
container. The bottom panel can include a planar portion upwardly
recessed toward the first container portion with respect to the
outwardly projecting rib. It is envisioned that in accordance with
some embodiments, the outwardly projecting rib of the bottom panel
is configured and adapted to mate with a groove of another
container, e.g. a groove on the lid of another container.
[0013] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first
container portion is a lid of the container, the first panel is a
top panel of the lid, and the first sidewall extends downwardly
from the top panel. It is also contemplated that in some
embodiments, the first container portion can be a base of the
container. It is envisioned that in accordance with some
embodiments, the groove of the top panel is configured and adapted
to mate with an outwardly projecting rib of another container, e.g.
an outwardly projecting rib on the base of another container.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect, a container assembly
includes a container having a lid and a base. The lid includes an
upper surface and a sidewall. The upper surface includes a groove
formed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the upper
surface. The base has a bottom surface and a sidewall extending
from the bottom surface toward the lid when the container is in a
closed position. The bottom surface includes a downwardly
projecting rib formed around at least a portion of a perimeter of
the bottom surface.
[0015] In accordance with some embodiments, the container is a
first container and the container assembly includes a second
container. The second container can include a lid and a base. The
lid of the second container is similar to lid of the first
container. The base of the second container is similar to the base
of the first container. The base of the second container can have a
bottom surface and a sidewall extending from the bottom surface
toward the lid when the second container is in a closed position.
The bottom surface of the second container can include a downwardly
projecting rib formed around at least a portion of a perimeter of
the bottom surface. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the
second container is stacked on top of the lid of the first
container and the downwardly projecting rib of the second container
is nested within the groove of the first container.
[0016] It is envisioned that the first container includes a gradual
curved transition portion between the upper surface and the
sidewall. In accordance with some embodiments, the first container
includes a label extending from the upper surface of the lid, over
the gradual curved transition portion toward the base of the first
container. The label can be in direct abutment with the upper
surface of the lid of the first container to mitigate interference
with the second container stacked on top of the first
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] So that those having ordinary skill in the art, to which the
present embodiments pertain, will more readily understand how to
manufacture the novel containers and employ the novel methods,
certain illustrated embodiments thereof will be described in detail
herein-below with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a container which has been
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure showing the container in the closed position with a
label applied over one side of the container;
[0019] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1A
shown in the closed position without a label;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an underside perspective view of the container of
FIG. 1A shown in the open position without any label;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two containers constructed
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of
which has been stacked on top of the other; and
[0022] FIG. 4 is a detail view of the stacked containers of FIG. 3,
showing a partial cross-sectional depiction of how the base of the
top container rests on the lid of the bottom container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The below illustrated embodiments are directed to container
constructions and methods of making the same, and more particularly
to, containers that have a lid which is constructed to reduce or
eliminate damage to a label on the container when the container is
stacked during shipment and retail, and to ensure easier more
reliable stacking of many containers. It is to be appreciated the
below illustrated embodiments are not limited in any way to what is
shown, as the illustrated embodiments described below are merely
exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms,
as appreciated by one skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be
understood that any structural and functional details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis
for the claims and as a representative for teaching one skilled in
the art to variously employ the certain illustrated
embodiments.
[0024] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art relating to the below illustrated
embodiments. Although any methods and materials similar or
equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the
practice or testing of the below illustrated embodiments, exemplary
methods and materials are now described.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B, there is illustrated a
container which has been constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention that has been designated as
reference numeral 100. Other embodiments of containers in
accordance with the disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided in
FIGS. 2-4 as will be described. Container 100 has top and bottom
surfaces that are generally square shaped and includes trapezoidal
shaped sidewalls. Container 100 includes rounded corners between
adjoining sides/surfaces. Those skilled in the art will readily
appreciated that other size and shape containers, vessels, etc. can
be used without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, container 100 includes a first
container portion, e.g. a lid 102, having a first panel, e.g. top
panel 104, a first sidewall, e.g. downwardly extending sidewall
106. Top panel 104 includes a groove 110 and a flat plateau portion
112 raised with respect to groove 110. Plateau portion 112 defines
an outwardly facing surface 114. Groove 110 is formed around at
least a portion of a perimeter of plateau portion 112. Instead of
having a groove or other indented portion (similar to groove 110)
between plateau portion 112 and downwardly extending sidewall 106
around the entire perimeter of plateau portion 112, at least a
portion of lid 102 between downwardly extending sidewall 106 and
top panel 104 is a gradual curved transition portion 108. Gradual
curved transition 108, e.g. a smooth transition surface, extends
between plateau portion 112 of top panel 104 and downwardly
extending sidewall 106.
[0027] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1B, gradual curved transition
portion 108 is between outwardly facing surface 114 of plateau
portion 112 and downwardly extending side wall 106. When a label
109 is applied on lid 102, gradual curved transition 108 allows
label 109 to extend from outwardly facing surface 114, over curved
transition 108 and downward towards side wall 106 without a gap
forming between label 109 and top panel 104 of lid 102, meaning
that label 109 is supported as it extends over top panel 104,
thereby avoiding or reducing tearing and damage to label 109 if
another container is stacked upon top panel 104 of container
100.
[0028] In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, groove 110 includes three
indented linear segments 110a, 110b and 110c, that are joined
together to form a u-shape about the perimeter of plateau portion
112. Indented portions 110a-110c define a perimeter edge 116 of
plateau portion 112 along three sides of plateau portion 112. Each
linear segment 110a-110c is parallel to a respective side of the
plateau portion. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, linear segments 110a
and 110c are parallel to one another. Arcuate transitions 118 at
each end of middle linear segment 110b connect middle linear
segment 110b to linear segments 110a and 110c adjacent thereto.
Groove 110 facilitates stacking of another container on top of
container 100, described in more detail below with reference to
FIG. 3. Because groove 110 is not defined around the entire
perimeter of top panel 104, a portion (e.g. the fourth side in this
case) is left available for the gradual curved transition portion
108, described above. It is also contemplated that, in some
embodiments, groove 110 could be defined on less than three sides
of container 100, groove 110 could be formed from three discrete
linear segments not connected by arcuate portions, and/or that
groove 110 could be an indented portion formed in another location
on top panel 104. For example, groove 110 could include a series of
indents located in a variety of positions across top panel 104.
[0029] With reference now to FIG. 2, container 100 includes a
second container portion, e.g. a base 120, that is configured and
adapted to engage with lid 102 to form a leak resistant seal when
container 100 is closed. Base 120 includes a second panel, e.g. a
bottom panel 122, and a second sidewall, e.g. an upwardly extending
sidewall 124, connected to the bottom panel 122. As shown in FIG.
1A, downwardly extending sidewall 106 of lid 102 is surrounded by a
peripheral sealing surface (not shown) proximate to an upwardly
extending flange 134 on lid 102. Upwardly extending sidewall 124 of
base 120 includes an upper peripheral rim 136 and a sealing surface
(not shown) which engages with the peripheral sealing surface
associated with lid 102 to form a leak resistant seal.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, bottom panel 122 includes an outwardly
projecting rib 126 and a planar portion 128. Planar portion 128 is
upwardly recessed toward the lid 102 with respect to the outwardly
projecting rib 126. The outwardly projecting rib 126 is formed
around at least a portion of a perimeter of bottom panel 122.
Outwardly projecting rib 126 includes three linear segments
126a-126c that are joined together to form a u-shape. In the
embodiment of FIG. 2, linear segments 126a and 126c are parallel to
one another. Linear segments 126a-126c are joined together with
arcuate transitions 132.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the u-shape formed in-part by raised
linear segments 126a-126c is configured to mate with a
corresponding u-shape (e.g. that formed by linear segments
110a-110c of groove 110) on the lid of another container having a
similar construction to container 100 to enable reliable and sturdy
stacking of containers during shipping and retail display. Each
linear segment 126a-126c is parallel to a respective side of the
planar portion 128. Outwardly projecting rib 126 of the bottom
panel 122 extends downwardly from a perimeter edge 130 of the
planar portion 128.
[0032] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-4, outwardly projecting
rib 126 also defines a portion of the perimeter edge of base 120.
It is also contemplated that outwardly projecting rib 126 could be
defined on less than three sides of base, that outwardly projecting
rib 126 could be formed with discrete raised portions not connected
by arcuate transitions, and/or that outwardly projecting rib 126
could be a raised portion formed in another location on bottom
panel 122. For example, outwardly projecting rib 126 could include
a series of raised portions located in a variety of positions
across bottom panel 122. It is also contemplated that in some
embodiments, a raised portion similar to outwardly projecting rib
126 can be on lid 102 and that an indented portion, similar to
groove 110 can be on the base 120.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 3-4, two containers (100 and 100')
are shown. Both containers 100 and 100' are the same as container
100 shown in FIGS. 1A-2. One container 100' is stacked on the other
container 100. In FIG. 4, only a portion of container 100 is shown
as a cross-section. Outwardly projecting rib 126 of bottom panel
122 on container 100' is configured and adapted to nest within
groove 110 of container 100. As shown in FIG. 4, because label 109
can be applied without a gap forming between top panel 104 and
label 109, bottom panel 122 of container 100' is stacked on top of
container 100 without interference from label 109. Meaning that
bottom panel 122 is parallel to top panel 104, thereby promoting
linear stacking of multiple containers. In other words, the stack
will not tilt or lean to one direction. Moreover, top panel is
directly under label 109 supporting it against any forces from
containers stacked on top, thereby reducing and/or preventing
tearing of label 109 due to stacking containers.
[0034] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-4, container 100 also
includes a hinge 123 joining lid 102 to base 120 of container 100.
As a result, container 100 is a single piece construction. Lid 102,
base 120 and hinge 123 are formed from a single sheet of material,
e.g. from a thermoformed polymer. However, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that container 100 could be a two-piece
construction without departing from the scope of the present
invention. As shown in the figures, each of the containers
described herein includes tamper resistant and tamper evident
features. These features are similar to those described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 7,073,680; 7,118,003; 8,795,580; 9,132,942 and 9,527,640
which are herein incorporated by reference to the extent they do
not conflict with the present disclosure.
[0035] A method of forming container 100 can include forming a
hinge 123 that joins the lid 102 to the base 120 of the container
100 from the single sheet of plastic material. Preferably, the
single sheet of plastic material has a uniform material thickness
such that the lid 102 and base 120 each are formed having the same
thickness.
[0036] The techniques described herein are exemplary, and should
not be construed as implying any particular limitation on the
present disclosure. It should be understood that various
alternatives, combinations and modifications could be devised by
those skilled in the art. For example, steps associated with the
processes described herein can be performed in any order, unless
otherwise specified or dictated by the steps themselves. The
present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
[0037] The terms "comprise", "include", and conjugations thereof
are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated
features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the
presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or
components or groups thereof.
[0038] Although the containers and methods of the subject invention
have been described with respect to the embodiments disclosed
above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the subject invention as defined by
the appended claims.
* * * * *