U.S. patent application number 17/047039 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-20 for injection molded polymeric biodegradable container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cove, PBC. Invention is credited to Alex TOTTERMAN, Matthew WHITE.
Application Number | 20210147130 17/047039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005370555 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-20 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210147130 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TOTTERMAN; Alex ; et
al. |
May 20, 2021 |
INJECTION MOLDED POLYMERIC BIODEGRADABLE CONTAINER
Abstract
A biodegradable container including a unitary polymeric body
element having a top portion and a cylindrical body portion. The
top portion has a cylindrical neck wherein the cylindrical neck
defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The container
further includes a polymeric bottom element welded to the
cylindrical body portion of the unitary polymeric body element. A
polymeric cap defines an internal rim configured to be received by
the inner surface of the cylindrical neck. The polymeric cap
includes an external cover having an interior surface which may be
tapered so that the outer surface of the cylindrical neck and the
interior surface of the external cover form an inner seal. The
interior surface of the external cover may also form an outer seal
with the outer surface of the cylindrical neck when the polymeric
cap is in a closed position.
Inventors: |
TOTTERMAN; Alex; (Bath,
GB) ; WHITE; Matthew; (West Sussex, GB) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cove, PBC |
West Hollywood |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
1000005370555 |
Appl. No.: |
17/047039 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
April 11, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US19/27091 |
371 Date: |
October 12, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16262847 |
Jan 30, 2019 |
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17047039 |
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62656253 |
Apr 11, 2018 |
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62699532 |
Jul 17, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/0842 20130101;
B29C 65/06 20130101; B65D 2401/15 20200501; B29C 45/0001 20130101;
B65D 41/34 20130101; B65D 2203/02 20130101; B65D 11/20 20130101;
B65D 41/325 20130101; B65D 11/04 20130101; Y10T 428/1352 20150115;
B65D 65/466 20130101; B29C 45/0003 20130101; B29L 2031/7158
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/46 20060101
B65D065/46; B65D 8/00 20060101 B65D008/00; B65D 6/00 20060101
B65D006/00; B65D 23/08 20060101 B65D023/08; B65D 41/32 20060101
B65D041/32; B29C 45/00 20060101 B29C045/00; B29C 65/06 20060101
B29C065/06; B65D 41/34 20060101 B65D041/34 |
Claims
1. A biodegradable container, comprising: a cylindrical polymeric
body element; a polymeric top dome element including a dome portion
and a cylindrical neck, the dome portion being welded to the
cylindrical polymeric body portion and the cylindrical neck
defining an inner surface and an outer surface; a paper sleeve
surrounding the cylindrical polymeric body element; and a polymeric
cap defining an internal rim configured to be received by the inner
surface of the cylindrical neck.
2. The biodegradable container of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical
polymeric body element is injection-molded and defines a set of
exterior ribs extending from a circumference defined by an external
surface of a body of the cylindrical polymeric body element, the
paper sleeve being supported by the set of exterior ribs.
3. The biodegradable container of claim 2 wherein a draft angle
associated with the external surface of the body is 0.5.degree. or
less.
4. The biodegradable container of claim 3 wherein the set of
external ribs are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
biodegradable container.
5. The biodegradable container of claim 2 wherein one or more of
the set of external ribs each define a barb to retain the paper
sleeve.
6. The biodegradable container of claim 1 wherein the internal rim
surface defines threads configured to engage corresponding threads
defined by the inner surface of the cylindrical neck.
7. The biodegradable container of claim 1 wherein the polymeric cap
includes an outer cylindrical cover configured to extend over the
outer surface of the cylindrical neck.
8. The biodegradable container of claim 1 wherein the outer
cylindrical cover includes a sealing lip disposed to form a seal
between an interior surface of the outer cylindrical cover and the
outer surface of the cylindrical neck.
9. The biodegradable container of claim 1 further including a
tamper-evident label affixed to an exterior surface of the
cylindrical neck and an exterior surface of the polymeric cap.
10. The biodegradable container of claim 1 further including a seal
between the internal rim surface and the inner surface of the
cylindrical neck.
11. The biodegradable container of claim 1 wherein the a polymeric
top dome element defines one or more indentations configured to
engage tooling for spin welding of the polymeric top dome element
to the cylindrical polymeric body element.
12. A method of producing a biodegradable container, the method
comprising: injection molding a polymeric material into a
cylindrical polymeric body element and a polymeric top dome element
wherein the injection molding includes forming the polymeric top
dome element so as to include a dome portion and a cylindrical neck
defining an aperture and forming the cylindrical body element so as
to include a plurality of ribs extending from an external surface
of the cylindrical body element; welding a lower lip of the dome
portion to an upper lip of the cylindrical polymeric body element;
sliding a cylindrical paper sleeve around a periphery of the
cylindrical polymeric body element so as to envelop the cylindrical
polymeric body element, the cylindrical paper sleeve being
supported by the plurality of ribs.
13. The method of claim 12, further including capping the aperture
using a polymeric cap having a threaded internal rim circumscribed
by an external cap cover, the threaded internal rim being received
by a threaded surface of the cylindrical neck and the external cap
cover covering an external surface of the cylindrical neck.
14. The method of claim 13 further including affixing a
tamper-evident label to an exterior surface of the cylindrical neck
and an exterior surface of the external cap cover.
15. The method of claim 13 further including introducing a sealing
element between the threaded internal rim and the threaded surface
of the cylindrical neck.
16. The method of claim 12 wherein the welding includes using
tooling to spin weld the polymeric top dome element to the upper
lip of the cylindrical polymeric body element wherein the tooling
is configured to engage one or more indentations defined by the
polymeric top dome element.
17. The method of claim 12 wherein the tooling is further
configured to engage one or more ribs defined by the cylindrical
polymeric body element so as to prevent rotation of the cylindrical
polymeric body element.
18. A biodegradable container, comprising: a unitary polymeric body
element including a top portion and a cylindrical body portion, the
top portion having a cylindrical neck wherein the cylindrical neck
defines an inner surface and an outer surface; a polymeric bottom
element welded to the cylindrical body portion of the unitary
polymeric body element; and a polymeric cap defining an internal
rim configured to be received by the inner surface of the
cylindrical neck.
19. The biodegradable container of claim 18 wherein the polymeric
cap includes an external cover having an interior surface, the
outer surface of the cylindrical neck and the interior surface of
the external cover forming an inner seal.
20. The biodegradable container of claim 18 wherein the inner
surface of the cylindrical neck defines a tri-start internal thread
configured to engage a thread defined by the internal rim of the
polymeric cap and form an inner seal.
21. The biodegradable container of claim 19 wherein the interior
surface of the external cover is tapered so as define a tapered
sealing face wherein the tapered sealing face contacts the outer
surface of the cylindrical neck when the polymeric cap is in a
closed position.
22. The biodegradable container of claim 20 wherein the interior
surface of the external cover forms an outer seal with the outer
surface of the cylindrical neck when the polymeric cap is in a
closed position.
23. A method of producing a biodegradable container, the method
comprising: injection molding a polymeric material into a unitary
polymeric body element including a top portion and a cylindrical
body portion, the top portion having a cylindrical neck wherein the
cylindrical neck defines an inner surface and an outer surface; and
welding a polymeric bottom element welded to the cylindrical body
portion of the unitary polymeric body element.
24. The method of claim 23 further including capping the
biodegradable container using a polymeric cap defining an internal
rim configured to be received by the inner surface of the
cylindrical neck.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/262,847, entitled INJECTION
MOLDED POLYMERIC BIODEGRADABLE CONTAINER, filed on Jan. 30, 2019,
which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e)
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/656,253, entitled
BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING CONTAINER, filed on Apr. 11, 2018, and of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/699,532, entitled SEGMENTED
BIODEGRADABLE CONTAINER HAVING TUBULAR SHELL, filed on Jul. 17,
2018, the contents of each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to biodegradable packaging
containers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Packaging used for containing liquids generates large
amounts of waste. Recycling of packaging used for containment of
liquids can be inconsistent, costly and despite many efforts
harmful to the environment. Not every non-biodegradable part or
packaging component is pulled out into a recycling stream, leaving
potentially harmful packaging in landfills or other waste
management systems.
[0004] Efforts towards creating an environmentally efficient
container/package system that is cost effective, carbon effective
and readily recyclable while being very usable for dispensing
liquids, aggregates or powders and performing as a container for
distribution through typical retail logistic chains have been
increasing.
[0005] Traditionally, many beverages such as wine, beer and milk
have been supplied in glass bottles. The glass used to make these
bottles may itself be recycled. However, the energy required to
make the bottles is high. Also, the weight of the resulting
packaging is high, increasing the amount of energy required to
transport the products. While the glass can be recycled, this does
require that the bottles are separated from other waste, for
example by users separating the glass bottles from other household
waste for collection. Therefore, it is often the case that glass
bottles are disposed of with other waste. In this case, the glass
bottles may be disposed of in a landfill site. This is a problem
since, unlike some other forms of waste, glass is not
biodegradable.
[0006] More recently, it has become common to use bottles made from
plastics, such as PET or HDPE, for liquid such as water, juice,
carbonated drinks, or milk. In this case, it is common for the
bottles to be formed from virgin, i.e., non-recycled, material to
ensure that the liquid contained within the bottle is not
contaminated as could be the case if the containers were formed
from recycled material. While the material itself could be recycled
if separated from other waste, as with glass bottles this
frequently does not occur due to the need for the waste producer,
such as a householder, to separate the containers from other waste
material. Again, if the container is disposed of in a landfill site
or the like, the bottle is not biodegradable. Also, bottles take up
a volume larger than that of the material itself due to their
hollow, rigid, structure, and therefore take up an excessive amount
of space in a landfill site.
[0007] It has also been proposed to package liquid in laminated
cardboard containers, for example in containers marketed by Tetra
Pak. In this case, the cardboard from which the body of the
container is formed may be virgin or recycled material. The
cardboard is laminated with a waterproof coating. This ensures that
the container is able to hold liquid and also acts as a barrier
between the liquid and the cardboard, which can prevent
contamination of the liquid from the cardboard. This is especially
needed where the cardboard is formed from recycled material. A
problem with such packages is that they are difficult to recycle,
and the waterproof coating prevents them fully decomposing. The
problem is exacerbated when a plastic dispensing nozzle or cap is
formed as part of the package for dispensing the contents. This is
another component that would need to be separated before the
container can be recycled or parts of this be allowed to
decompose.
[0008] In some countries, liquid such as milk is packaged in bags.
However, these bags have little structural stability, and therefore
are difficult to transport and to stack on shelves. They are often
not re-sealable, making them hard to hold and carry.
[0009] It is known to package wine in boxes. These comprise a box
body, typically formed of laminated cardboard, which provides the
structure for the package. A bag is provided within the box, the
wine being contained within the bag. A dispensing tap is often
connected to the bag, and when in use is arranged to protrude
through a side opening in the box. In such instances, the spout is
made to protrude or hang outside of the box for dispensing. The
weight of the liquid is usually distributed along the box bottom
and is not supported by the dispensing tap protruding from the box.
For the efficient disposal of such a container, each of the parts
made from different materials would be also separated, namely the
bag from the box, the dispensing tap from the bag, and the
lamination from the cardboard forming the box. This separation of
packaging components is difficult and prevents such packages from
being disposed of or recycled efficiently.
[0010] Furthermore, in some cases bottles or other liquid
containers contain additional, separable components that do not
make it into a recycling bin. For example, loose caps, straws, and
plastic tamperproof or tamper-evident devices can contribute to
overall litter in the environment. Even if bottles make it into a
recycling bin or garbage can, their caps or other types of closures
often end up as general litter.
[0011] Containers produced using biodegradable molded fibers or
pulp have been developed in recent years. Attempts at creating
stable manufacturing methods for sealed pulp containers have been
so far minimal in their effectiveness and usefulness as traditional
molding methods have not been able to solve the issues of failsafe
assembly of pulp parts so as to contain the materials inside in a
consistent, repeatable fashion. Functionally, aesthetically, and
manufacturability are all deficiencies of molded fiber
biodegradable containers currently available on the market. There
is a desire and need to ensure correct tolerances are met during
the pulp container assembly process.
SUMMARY
[0012] The disclosure generally pertains to biodegradable
containers for holding materials, such as solids and liquids, and
to methods for making the same.
[0013] In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a biodegradable
container including a cylindrical polymeric body element and a
polymeric top dome element. The dome element includes a dome
portion and a cylindrical neck, the dome portion being welded to
the cylindrical polymeric body portion. A paper sleeve surrounds
the cylindrical polymeric body element. A polymeric cap defines an
internal rim configured to be received by an inner surface of the
cylindrical neck. A surface of the internal rim may define one or
more threads configured to engage corresponding threads defined by
the inner surface of the cylindrical neck.
[0014] In another aspect the cylindrical polymeric body element is
injection-molded and defines a set of exterior ribs extending from
a circumference defined by an external surface of a body of the
cylindrical polymeric body element, the paper sleeve being
supported by the set of exterior ribs. The set of external ribs may
be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the biodegradable
container. One or more of the set of external ribs may define a
barb to retain the paper sleeve.
[0015] In a further aspect the polymeric cap includes an outer
cylindrical cover configured to extend over the outer surface of
the cylindrical neck. The outer cylindrical cover may include a
sealing lip disposed to form a seal between an interior surface of
the outer cylindrical cover and the outer surface of the
cylindrical neck to prevent contaminants from reaching drinking
surfaces on the cylindrical neck. A seal may also be formed between
the internal rim surface and the inner surface of the cylindrical
neck to enable pressurization of the container.
[0016] In yet another aspect a tamper-evident label is affixed to
an exterior surface of the cylindrical neck and an exterior surface
of the polymeric cap.
[0017] In another aspect the polymeric top dome element may define
one or more indentations configured to engage tooling for spin
welding of the polymeric top dome element to the cylindrical
polymeric body element.
[0018] The disclosure also pertains to a method of producing a
biodegradable container. The method includes injection molding a
polymeric material into a cylindrical polymeric body element and a
polymeric top dome element. The injection molding may include
forming the polymeric top dome element so as to include a dome
portion and a cylindrical neck defining an aperture. The injection
molding may also include forming the cylindrical body element so as
to include a plurality of ribs extending from an external surface
of the cylindrical body element. The method includes welding a
lower lip of the dome portion to an upper lip of the cylindrical
polymeric body element. The method further includes sliding a
cylindrical paper sleeve around a periphery of the cylindrical
polymeric body element so as to envelop the cylindrical polymeric
body element. The cylindrical paper sleeve may be supported by the
plurality of ribs.
[0019] In another aspect the method includes further capping the
aperture using a polymeric cap having a threaded internal rim
circumscribed by an external cap cover, the threaded internal rim
being received by a threaded surface of the cylindrical neck and
the external cap cover covering an external surface of the
cylindrical neck
[0020] In a further aspect the method includes affixing a
tamper-evident label to an exterior surface of the cylindrical neck
and an exterior surface of the external cap cover.
[0021] In yet another aspect the method includes introducing a
sealing element between the threaded internal rim and the threaded
surface of the cylindrical neck.
[0022] In an additional aspect the welding includes using tooling
to spin weld the polymeric top dome element to the upper lip of the
cylindrical polymeric body element wherein the tooling is
configured to engage one or more indentations defined by the
polymeric top dome element. The tooling may be further configured
to engage one or more ribs defined by the cylindrical polymeric
body element so as to prevent rotation of the cylindrical polymeric
body element.
[0023] The disclosure is also directed to a biodegradable container
including a unitary polymeric body element having a top portion and
a cylindrical body portion. The top portion has a cylindrical neck
wherein the cylindrical neck defines an inner surface and an outer
surface. The container further includes a polymeric bottom element
welded to the cylindrical body portion of the unitary polymeric
body element. A polymeric cap defines an internal rim configured to
be received by the inner surface of the cylindrical neck. The
polymeric cap includes an external cover having an interior surface
which may be tapered so that the outer surface of the cylindrical
neck and the interior surface of the external cover form an inner
seal. Alternatively, an inner seal may be formed when a tri-start
internal thread defined by the inner surface of the cylindrical
neck engages a thread defined by the internal rim of the polymeric
cap. The interior surface of the external cover may also form an
outer seal with the outer surface of the cylindrical neck when the
polymeric cap is in a closed position.
[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure
will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the
following detailed description, wherein only illustrative
embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As
will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and
different embodiments, and its several details are capable of
modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing
from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are
to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] For a better understanding of the nature and objects of
various embodiments of the invention, reference should be made to
the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1A is a diagram providing a side view of an assembled
biodegradable container comprising a polymeric body element covered
by a paper sleeve, a polymeric top dome element welded to the
polymeric body element, a polymeric cap, and a tamper-evident seal
in accordance with an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 1B is a sectional view along a longitudinal axis of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 1A.
[0028] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the biodegradable container
of FIG. 1A.
[0029] FIG. 1D is perspective view of the biodegradable container
of FIG. 1A in an inverted orientation.
[0030] FIG. 1E is a top view of the container of FIG. 1A.
[0031] FIG. 1F is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 1A.
[0032] FIG. 1G is a sectional view along a transverse axis of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 1A.
[0033] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of opposite sides of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 1A.
[0034] FIGS. 3A-3D are alternate perspective views of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 1A which provide various views of a
tamper-evident seal affixed to the container.
[0035] FIGS. 4A-4B are alternate perspective views of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 1A in an inverted orientation.
[0036] FIG. 5A is another side view of an assembled biodegradable
container comprising a polymeric body element covered by a paper
sleeve, a polymeric top dome element welded to the polymeric body
element, a polymeric cap, and a tamper-evident seal in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 5A
illustrating the manner in which a plurality of external ribs of
the polymeric body unit provide support for the paper sleeve.
[0038] FIG. 5C is a transverse sectional view of the container of
FIG. 5A illustrating the manner in which the plurality of external
ribs of the polymeric body unit provide support for the paper
sleeve.
[0039] FIG. 5D is a bottom perspective view of the container of
FIG. 5A.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view diagram of a
biodegradable container comprising a polymeric body element, a
paper sleeve disposed to cover the polymeric body element, a
polymeric top dome element configured to be welded to the polymeric
body element, a polymeric cap, and a tamper-evident seal in
accordance with an embodiment
[0041] FIG. 7A is a side view of a polymeric top dome element for a
container.
[0042] FIG. 7B is a sectional view along a longitudinal axis of the
top dome element of FIG. 7A.
[0043] FIG. 7C is a top perspective view of the top dome element of
FIG. 7A.
[0044] FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the top dome element of
FIG. 7A in an inverted orientation.
[0045] FIG. 7E is a top view of the top dome element of FIG.
7A.
[0046] FIG. 7F is a bottom view of the top dome element of FIG.
7A.
[0047] FIG. 8A is another side view of a polymeric top dome element
for a container.
[0048] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the top dome element of
FIG. 8A.
[0049] FIG. 8C is a sectional view along a transverse axis of the
top dome element of FIG. 8A which illustrates indentations defined
by the top dome element for engaging spin-weld tooling.
[0050] FIG. 8D is a top view of the top dome element of FIG.
8A.
[0051] FIG. 8E is a bottom view of the top dome element of FIG.
8A.
[0052] FIG. 9A is a side view of a polymeric body element for a
container.
[0053] FIG. 9B is a sectional view along a longitudinal axis of the
polymeric body element of FIG. 9A.
[0054] FIG. 9C is a top perspective view of the polymeric body
element of FIG. 9A.
[0055] FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the polymeric body element
of FIG. 9A in an inverted orientation.
[0056] FIG. 9E is a top view of the polymeric body element of FIG.
9A.
[0057] FIG. 9F is a bottom view of the polymeric body element of
FIG. 9A.
[0058] FIG. 10A is a side view of a polymeric cap for a
container.
[0059] FIG. 10B is a sectional view along a longitudinal axis of
the polymeric cap of FIG. 10A.
[0060] FIG. 10C is a top perspective view of the polymeric cap of
FIG. 10A.
[0061] FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the polymeric cap of FIG.
10A in an inverted orientation.
[0062] FIG. 10E is a top view of the polymeric cap of FIG. 10A.
[0063] FIG. 10F is a bottom view of the polymeric cap of FIG.
10A.
[0064] FIG. 11A is a side view of a spiral-wound paper sleeve for a
container.
[0065] FIG. 11B is a sectional view along a longitudinal axis of
the paper sleeve of FIG. 11A.
[0066] FIG. 11C is a top perspective view of the paper sleeve of
FIG. 11A.
[0067] FIG. 11D is an end view of the paper sleeve of FIG. 11A.
[0068] FIG. 12A is a side view of a polymeric body element for a
container.
[0069] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of tooling configured to
engage external ribs of the polymeric body element of FIG. 12A
during a spin welding operation.
[0070] FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a polymeric body element
for a container together with a partially cutaway perspective view
of tooling engaging the polymeric body element to facilitate the
spin welding operation.
[0071] FIG. 13A shows bottom perspective views of a top dome
element for a container.
[0072] FIG. 13B illustrates tooling configured to engage the top
dome element during a spin welding operation.
[0073] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of a top dome element for a
container together with a partially cutaway perspective view of
tooling engaging the top dome element to facilitate the spin
welding operation.
[0074] FIG. 14A is a side view of a polymeric top dome element of a
container engaged by tooling configured to spin weld the polymeric
top dome element to a body element of the container.
[0075] FIG. 14B is a longitudinal sectional view of the top dome
element and tooling of FIG. 14A.
[0076] FIG. 14C is a transverse sectional view of the top dome
element and tooling of FIG. 14A which illustrates indentations for
tooling engagement defined by the top dome element.
[0077] FIGS. 15A and 15B collectively provide a partially
disassembled side view of a container and tooling configured to
spin weld a polymeric top dome element and a polymeric body element
of the container of FIG. 15A.
[0078] FIGS. 15C and 15D show opposite side views of the container
and tooling of FIGS. 15A and 15B with the polymeric top dome
element and the polymeric body element welded together.
[0079] FIGS. 16A and 16B collectively provide a partially
disassembled side view of a capped container including a polymeric
top dome element and a polymeric body element together with a
sectional view of spin welding tooling engaging the container.
[0080] FIGS. 16C and 16D show opposite side and sectional views,
respectively, of the capped container and tooling of FIGS. 16A and
16B with the top dome element and the polymeric body element welded
together.
[0081] FIG. 17A is a side view of a polymeric top dome element for
an uncapped container engaged by tooling, shown in section,
together with a sectional view of a polymeric body element of the
uncapped container engaged by tooling disposed to spin weld the
elements.
[0082] FIGS. 17B and 17C illustrate opposite side and sectional
views of the uncapped container and spin weld tooling of FIG. 17A
with the polymeric top dome element and the polymeric body element
welded together.
[0083] FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C respectively illustrate the detail
areas D1, D2 and D3 of FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C.
[0084] FIGS. 19A and 19B are sectional views of a biodegradable
container in accordance with the disclosure when empty and filled
with liquid, respectively.
[0085] FIG. 20 is a magnified sectional view of an upper portion of
the filled biodegradable container of FIG. 19B.
[0086] FIGS. 21A and 21B are partially disassembled and assembled
perspective views, respectively, of a biodegradable container in
accordance with the disclosure.
[0087] FIGS. 22A and 22B are side and sectional views,
respectively, of a polymeric top dome portion of a container sealed
with a polymeric cap.
[0088] FIGS. 23A-23D illustrate stages in a process of inserting a
partially assembled biodegradable container into a spiral wound
paper sleeve of the container.
[0089] FIG. 24A illustrates a partially cutaway side view of a
biodegradable container in accordance with the disclosure.
[0090] FIG. 24B depicts a portion of a polymeric body element of
the biodegradable container of FIG. 24A configured with external
ribs having notches for engaging a spiral wound sleeve enveloping
the polymeric body element.
[0091] FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views of a biodegradable
container that has been partially and completely, respectively,
sealed with a tamper-evident seal.
[0092] FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate different versions of a
tamper-evident seal for a biodegradable container in accordance
with the disclosure.
[0093] FIG. 26E illustrates an upper portion of a biodegradable
container having a tamper-evident seal attached to a polymeric cap
and a polymeric top dome element of the container.
[0094] FIG. 27A is an exploded perspective view of a biodegradable
container comprising a unitary polymeric body element, a bottom
element and a polymeric cap in accordance with an embodiment.
[0095] FIG. 27B is a top perspective view of the unitary polymeric
body element.
[0096] FIG. 29A is a top view of the cap included within the
biodegradable container of FIG. 27A.
[0097] FIG. 29B is a top perspective view of the cap included
within the biodegradable container of FIG. 27A.
[0098] FIG. 29C is a bottom perspective view of the cap included
within the biodegradable container of FIG. 27A.
[0099] FIG. 29D is a partially cutaway side view of a first
embodiment of the cap included within the biodegradable container
of FIG. 27A.
[0100] FIG. 29E is a partially cutaway side view of a second
embodiment of the cap included within the biodegradable container
of FIG. 27A.
[0101] FIG. 29F is a bottom view of the cap included within the
biodegradable container of FIG. 27A.
[0102] FIG. 30A is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 27A utilizing the first embodiment
of the cap.
[0103] FIG. 30B is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 27A utilizing the second embodiment
of the cap of the cap.
[0104] FIG. 31A is a side view of the cap included within the
biodegradable container of FIG. 27A.
[0105] FIG. 31B is a side sectional view of the cap included within
the biodegradable container of FIG. 27A.
[0106] FIG. 31C is a magnified view of a portion of a defining
tri-start threads.
[0107] FIG. 31D is a bottom view of the cap included within the
biodegradable container of FIG. 27A.
[0108] FIG. 31E is a bottom view of the cap included within the
biodegradable container of FIG. 27A.
[0109] FIG. 31F is a longitudinal sectional view of the second
embodiment of the cap included within the biodegradable container
of FIG. 27A.
[0110] FIG. 31G is an inverted and partially transparent
perspective view of the second embodiment of the cap included
within the biodegradable container of FIG. 27A.
[0111] FIG. 31H is a transverse sectional view of the second
embodiment of the cap included within the biodegradable container
of FIG. 27A.
[0112] FIG. 32A is a side view of a biodegradable container in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0113] FIG. 32B is a side perspective view of the biodegradable
container of FIG. 32A.
[0114] FIG. 32C is a top perspective view of the biodegradable
container of FIG. 32A.
[0115] FIG. 32D is a bottom perspective view of the biodegradable
container of FIG. 32A.
[0116] FIG. 32E is an alternate bottom perspective view of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 32A.
[0117] FIG. 32F is a bottom view of the biodegradable container of
FIG. 32A.
[0118] FIG. 32G is a top view of the biodegradable container of
FIG. 32A.
[0119] FIG. 33A is a side view of a biodegradable container in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0120] FIG. 33B is a side perspective view of the biodegradable
container of FIG. 33A.
[0121] FIG. 33C is a top perspective view of the biodegradable
container of FIG. 33A.
[0122] FIG. 33D is a bottom perspective view of the biodegradable
container of FIG. 33A.
[0123] FIG. 33E is an alternate bottom perspective view of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 33A.
[0124] FIG. 33F is a bottom view of the biodegradable container of
FIG. 33A.
[0125] FIG. 33G is a top view of the biodegradable container of
FIG. 33A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0126] The disclosure provides for biodegradable containers
comprising parts selected from the group including a polymeric body
element, a spiral-wound paper sleeve disposed to envelop or
otherwise cover the polymeric body element, a polymeric top dome
element welded to the polymeric body element, a polymeric cap, a
tamper-evident seal affixed to the polymeric cap and the polymeric
top dome element, an internal seal between and internal rim of the
polymeric cap and an inner surface of a neck of the polymeric top
element, and an external seal between an outer rim of the polymeric
cap and an outer surface of the neck of the polymeric top
element.
[0127] These container parts described herein can be interchanged
or combined with various illustrations of the disclosed
embodiments.
[0128] The containers described herein can be used for the delivery
and/or storage of beverages for human consumption or for the
delivery of other materials not for human consumption. Examples of
materials that can be contained include beverages, syrups,
concentrates, soaps, inks, gels, solids, and powders. The polymeric
cap, polymeric top dome element and polymeric body element can be
preferably comprised of one type of a fully biodegradable material
such as a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), e.g.,
polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), facilitating full recycling and minimal
negative impact on environment. In other embodiments these
components of the container can be made significantly of one type
of similar biodegradable material.
[0129] The polymeric top dome element can be joined to the
polymeric body element utilizing, for example, spin welding or
sonic welding, or alternative bonding, sealing, or gluing
techniques. Fluid can be dispensed from the container by pouring,
sucking, squirting, or other means. The polymeric body element is
designed in the embodiments to enhance strength and rigidity
without compromising on aesthetics and ergonomics. The polymeric
body element can resist side force on the container sufficient to
allow the container to be picked up in one hand and the beverage or
materials to be dispensed in a controlled fashion.
[0130] In one embodiment a complete biodegradable container
assembly may be created by, for example, injection molding a
polymeric material into a cylindrical polymeric body element and
into a polymeric top dome element. The polymeric top dome element
may include a dome portion and a cylindrical neck defining an
aperture and the cylindrical body element may include a plurality
of ribs extending from an external surface. Following the injection
molding operation, a lower lip of the dome portion may be spin
welded to an upper lip of the cylindrical polymeric body element.
To facilitate the spin welding, the dome portion may include
indentations for receiving tooling configured to spin the top dome
element relative to the cylindrical body element. Other tooling may
engage the plurality of ribs of the cylindrical body element in
order to render it stationary relative to the top dome element.
Once the spin welding has been performed, a spiral-wound paper
sleeve may be slid onto the cylindrical polymeric body element such
that it is supported by the plurality of ribs.
[0131] The container may include a polymeric cap having a threaded
internal rim circumscribed by an external cap cover. The threaded
internal rim is received by a threaded internal surface of the
cylindrical neck. Once the cap is so received by the internal
surface of the cylindrical neck, the external cap cover covers an
external surface of the cylindrical neck. A tamper-evident label
may be affixed to an exterior surface of the cylindrical neck and
to an exterior surface of the external cap cover.
[0132] In one embodiment a grade of PHA that is not compounded is
utilized so that injection-molding (IM) grades can be pure. The
walls of the polymeric body element may be of 0.5 draft internally
is minimum to maximize volume in straight shape.
[0133] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A and 1B are side and
longitudinal sectional views, respectively, of an assembled
biodegradable container 100 in accordance with an embodiment. The
biodegradable container 100 includes a polymeric body element 104
covered by a paper sleeve 106, a polymeric top dome element 110
welded to the polymeric body element 104, a polymeric cap 114, and
a tamper-evident label 118 in accordance with an embodiment. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the tamper-evident label 118 does
not extend completely around the circumference of the container
100; however, in other embodiment the label 118 may completely
encircle the container 100.
[0134] As shown, FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the biodegradable
container of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D is perspective view of the
biodegradable container of FIG. 1A in an inverted orientation. FIG.
1E is a top view of the container of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1F is a bottom
view of the container of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1G is a sectional view along
a transverse axis of the biodegradable container of FIG. 1A.
[0135] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of opposite sides of the
biodegradable container 100 of FIG. 1A. FIGS. 2A and 2B are
relatively rotated about a longitudinal axis of the container 100
so as to depict different views of the tamper-evident seal 118. In
addition, FIGS. 3A-3D are alternate perspective views of the
biodegradable container 100 of FIG. 1A which provide various other
views of the tamper-evident seal 118 affixed to the container
100.
[0136] FIGS. 4A-4B are alternate perspective views of the
biodegradable container 100 of FIG. 1A in an inverted orientation
which depict an implementation of the tamper-evident seal 118 from
different perspectives.
[0137] FIG. 5A is another side view of an assembled biodegradable
container comprising a polymeric body element covered by a paper
sleeve, a polymeric top dome element welded to the polymeric body
element, a polymeric cap, and a tamper-evident seal in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0138] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 5A
illustrating the manner in which a plurality of external ribs of
the polymeric body unit provide support for the paper sleeve.
[0139] FIG. 5C is a transverse sectional view of the container of
FIG. 5A illustrating the manner in which the plurality of external
ribs of the polymeric body unit provide support for the paper
sleeve.
[0140] FIG. 5D is a bottom perspective view of the container of
FIG. 5A.
[0141] FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view diagram of a
biodegradable container 600 comprising a polymeric body element
604, a paper sleeve 608 disposed to cover the polymeric body
element 604, a polymeric top dome element 610 configured to be
welded to the polymeric body element 604, a polymeric cap 614, and
a tamper-evident label 618 in accordance with an embodiment.
[0142] FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate an embodiment of the top dome element
610 in greater detail. Specifically, FIG. 7A is a side view of the
polymeric top dome element 610; FIG. 7B is a sectional view along a
longitudinal axis of the top dome element 610; FIG. 7C is a top
perspective view of the top dome element 610; FIG. 7D is a
perspective view of the top dome element 610 in an inverted
orientation; FIG. 7E is a top view of the top dome element 610; and
FIG. 7F is a bottom view of the top dome element 610.
[0143] As shown most clearly in in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the top dome
element 610 includes a cylindrical neck 704 and a dome portion 708.
In one embodiment the wall thickness of the tope dome element 610
is made to be relatively thin in order to aid in its
biodegradation. An external surface 710 of the cylindrical neck 704
forms a sealing face configured to be substantially flush with an
inner surface of an external cover of the cap 614 (FIGS. 10A-10F).
An internal surface 712 of the cylindrical neck 704 defines a
tri-start internal thread 716 configured to engage a thread defined
by an inner rim of the cap 614 (FIGS. 10A-10F). A sealing rim 724
is designed to prevent contaminates from entering an interior of
the container 600. In one embodiment an optional inner rim 728
contains welding flash. In addition, a split line 732 may be
defined on a top lip of the cylindrical neck 704.
[0144] FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate additional details of an embodiment
of the top dome element 610. As is illustrated by FIG. 8C, which is
a section view corresponding to a transverse plane proximate a top
of the dome portion 808, a dome rim of the dome portion 808 may
define a set of indentations 840 or other recesses configured to be
engaged by tooling used in spin welding of the top dome element 610
and the polymeric body element 604. These indentations 840 may
match teeth in the spin weld tooling in order to transmit torque
into the weld joint. In one embodiment the indentations 840 or
other recesses are made to be relatively small to improve
aesthetics of the container 600 (e.g., e.g., to enable the
indentations 840 to be hidden by the tamper-evident label 618) and
to minimize detrimental effects on sealing or adhesion of the label
618 to the top dome element 610.
[0145] In one embodiment at least the top dome element 610 and body
element 604 are injection molded using a material such as a form of
PHA. In this embodiment it may be particularly advantageous to spin
weld the top dome element 610 to the body element 604 since this
may be done inexpensively and results in a uniform seal between the
two components. In one embodiment the walls of the top dome element
610 to the body element 604 are very thin and essentially all
available thickness of each is used in spin welding the parts
together. The optional internal rim 728 keeps the flash in check.
In other embodiments the the top dome element 610 to the body
element 604 could be sonic welded are alternatively welded or
otherwise joined together.
[0146] FIGS. 9A-9F provide various views of the polymeric body
element 604. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a side view of a polymeric
body element 604; FIG. 9B is a sectional view along a longitudinal
axis of the polymeric body element 604; FIG. 9C is a top
perspective view of the polymeric body element 604; FIG. 9D is a
perspective view of the polymeric body element 604 in an inverted
orientation; FIG. 9E is a top view of the polymeric body element
604; and FIG. 9F is a bottom view of the polymeric body element
604.
[0147] As shown, the polymeric body element 604 includes a
plurality of external ribs 910 supported by a main body 920. It has
been found that the external ribs 910 facilitate in-mold material
flow in the injection molding process and provide support for the
spiral-wound paper sleeve 608. One or more of the ribs 910 may also
include a barbed section to retain the paper sleeve 608 in a fixed
position once it has been slide over the ribs 910. In one
embodiment each of the external ribs 910 has a rounded end shape
that allows for zero draft in a longitudinal direction, which
facilitates the molding process.
[0148] As is discussed below, the external ribs 910 may be engaged
by tooling to hold or otherwise maintain the polymeric body element
in as fixed position during the spin molding process as the top
dome element 610 is rotated.
[0149] The main body 920 will preferably have relatively thin walls
to aid in biodegradation and will preferably be formed through a
line-of-draw injection molding process. In one embodiment the
nominal draft of walls of the main body is 0.5.degree..
[0150] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 10A-10F, which provide
various views of the polymeric cap 614. Specifically, FIG. 10A is a
side view of the polymeric cap 614; FIG. 10B is a sectional view
along a longitudinal axis of the polymeric cap 614; FIG. 10C is a
top perspective view of the polymeric cap of 614; FIG. 10D is a
perspective view of the polymeric cap 614 in an inverted
orientation; FIG. 10E is a top view of the polymeric cap 614; and
FIG. 10F is a bottom view of the polymeric cap 614.
[0151] As shown, the cap 614 includes an internal rim 1010 which
defines a hidden tri-start thread 1014 and an external cover 1020.
When the cap 614 is received by the neck of the 704 of the top dome
element 610, the thread 1014 engages the tri-start internal thread
716 of the neck 704. In addition, when the cap 614 is in a closed
position an inner surface 1024 of the cover 1020 covers the
external surface 710 of the cylindrical neck 704.
[0152] The external cover 1020 also defines a plurality of recesses
1030, i.e., sections of reduced wall thickness. These
reduced-thickness recesses 1030 aid in biodegradation and provide a
grip for opening and closing the container 600 using the cap 614.
In one embodiment a nominal wall thickness within the recesses 1030
is 0.75 mm with a nominal draft of 0.5.degree..
[0153] In one embodiment the cap 614 seals on the internal rim 1010
below the thread 1014. This enables the liquid contents of the
container 600 to be pressurized (e.g., even still water may have
nitrogen added to slightly "pump up" the container 600 or otherwise
better enable to maintain its shape in the event of substantial
impacts or external pressure. An external seal 1040 may also be
present at a base 1042 of the cap 614 to keep a drinking surface
(e.g., external surface 710) of the container 600 clean from
contaminants.
[0154] FIGS. 11A-11D provide various views of the spiral-wound
paper sleeve.
[0155] FIG. 12A is a side view of the polymeric body element 604
together with a perspective view of tooling 1210 (FIG. 12B)
configured to engage the external ribs 910 of the polymeric body
element 604 during a spin welding operation. As shown, the tooling
1210 includes tool grooves 1220 for engaging the ribs 910 so as to
prevent rotation of the body element 604 during spin welding. FIG.
12C shows a partially cutaway perspective view of the tooling 1210
when engaging the polymeric body element 604.
[0156] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 13 and 14, which
illustrate the top dome element 610 and tooling 1310 for rotating
the top dome element 610 during spin welding of the top dome
element 610 and the body element 604. As shown, recesses 840
defined by a rim of the top dome element 610 are configured to be
engaged by teeth 1320 of the tooling 1310 to prevent slippage
during the spin welding process.
[0157] Turning now to FIGS. 15-18, various illustrations are
provided of the top tooling 1310 and the bottom tooling 1210
respectively engaging the top dome element 610 and the body element
604 in connection with spin welding of these elements. In one
embodiment the top tooling 1310 is configured for rotation and the
bottom tooling 1210 is configured to hold the body element 604 in a
fixed, non-rotating position. As is indicated by FIG. 15A, top
tooling 1310 engages the top dome element 610 before pressing the
top dome element 610 into contact with the body element 604 and
initiating spin welding. At this point a weld is formed by friction
of the materials of the spinning top dome element 610 and fixed
body element 604.
[0158] FIGS. 19A and 19B are sectional views of the biodegradable
container 600 when empty and filled with liquid 1910, respectively.
FIG. 20 is a magnified sectional view of an upper portion of the
filled biodegradable container 600 (FIG. 19B) with the cap 614
received by the cylindrical neck 704 of the top dome element
610.
[0159] FIGS. 21A and 21B are partially disassembled and assembled
perspective views, respectively, of a biodegradable container 2100
in accordance with the disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 21 the
container 2100 includes a polymeric top dome element 2104 spin
welded to a ribbed polymeric body element 2108. A polymeric cap
2112 engages with an internally-threaded neck portion 2120 of the
top dome element 2104. In one implementation the polymeric top dome
element 2104, ribbed polymeric body element 2108 and polymeric cap
2112 are substantially identical to the top dome element 610, body
element 604 and cap 614 of FIG. 6 and the container 2100 may be
formed through the spin welding process described above.
[0160] FIGS. 22A and 22B are side and sectional views,
respectively, of the polymeric top dome element 2104 and the cap
2112. As shown in FIG. 22B, a rim of the top dome element 2104
defines an indentation 2210 for engaging tooling used during the
process of spin welding the top dome element to the ribbed
polymeric body element 2108.
[0161] Although the container 2100 may be useful without an
external sleeve, FIGS. 23-24 illustrate stages in a process of
inserting the biodegradable container 2100 into a spiral wound
paper sleeve 2310. The container 2100 is first placed in axial
alignment with the sleeve 2310 and then inserted through an end of
the sleeve 2310 (FIGS. 23A-23C). The sleeve 2310 is then pushed
upward against the ribs 2110. As is indicated by FIGS. 24A and 24B,
one or more of the ribs 2110 may define barbs 2410 for retaining
the sleeve 2310 in place once its leading edge has been pushed to
proximate a top end 2420 of the body element 2108, thereby yielding
covered container 2100' (FIG. 23D).
[0162] FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views of the container
2100 after having been partially and completely, respectively,
sealed with a tamper-evident label 2510 designed to function as a
security seal. In one embodiment the diameter of the cap 2112 and
the diameter of the neck 2120 of the top dome element 2104 are
substantially equal, allowing for the label 2510 to be placed
across the joint between these elements. In one embodiment the
label 2510 may be perforated or otherwise segmented across a
midline so that it shears along such perforations when the cap 2112
is removed. Any adhesive added to the side of the label 2510
affixed to the container 2100' may be applied such that is not
present over the joint between the cap 2112 and the neck 2120. The
label 2510 can be applied easily by a rotational machine.
[0163] FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate different versions of the
tamper-evident label 2510. FIG. 26E illustrates an upper portion of
the biodegradable container 2100' with the tamper-evident label
2510 attached.
[0164] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 27-31, which illustrate a
biodegradable container 2700 having a unitary polymeric body
element designed to be manufactured simply and inexpensively. FIG.
27A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the
biodegradable container 2700. As shown, the embodiment of the
biodegradable container comprises a unitary polymeric body element
2710, a bottom element 2720 and a polymeric cap 2730 in accordance
with an embodiment. FIG. 27B is a top perspective view of the
unitary polymeric body element 2710. As shown, the unitary
polymeric body element 2720 includes a polymeric top dome portion
2740 contiguous with a cylindrical body portion 2750. The bottom
element 2720 may be welded (e.g., sonic welded) to the cylindrical
body portion 2750 of the unitary polymeric body element 2720. In
one embodiment the biodegradable container is comprised primarily
or exclusively of P-Hydroxy-Benzoate Hydroxylase (PHBH).
[0165] The polymeric top dome portion 2740 includes a cylindrical
neck 2742 and a dome portion 2744. In one embodiment the wall
thickness of the tope dome portion 2740 is made to be relatively
thin in order to aid in its biodegradation. An external surface
2746 of the cylindrical neck 2742 forms a sealing face configured
to be substantially flush with an inner surface of an external
cover of the cap 2730. An internal surface 2748 of the cylindrical
neck 2742 defines a tri-start internal thread 2752 configured to
engage a thread defined by an inner rim of the cap 2730.
[0166] FIGS. 28A and 28B are a side view and a longitudinal
sectional view, respectively, of an embodiment of the unitary
polymeric body element 2710. FIG. 28C is a top view of the
embodiment of the unitary polymeric body element 2710 of FIG.
28A.
[0167] FIGS. 29A-29F and 31A-31H provide various views of the cap
2730 included within the biodegradable container 2700.
Specifically, FIG. 29A is a top view of the cap 2730. FIG. 29B is a
top perspective view of the cap 2730. FIG. 29C is a bottom
perspective view of the cap 2730. FIG. 29D is a partially cutaway
side view of a first embodiment of the cap 27301. As is described
more fully below, FIG. 29E is a partially cutaway side view of a
second embodiment of the cap 27302 having a tapered sealing face.
FIG. 29F is a bottom view of the cap 2730.
[0168] FIG. 31A is a side view of the cap 2730. FIG. 31A is a side
sectional view of the cap 2730. FIG. 31C is a magnified view of a
portion of the cap 2730 defining tri-start threads 2914. FIG. 31D
is a bottom view of the cap 2730. FIG. 31E is a bottom view of the
cap 2730. FIG. 31F is a longitudinal sectional view of the second
embodiment of the cap 27302. FIG. 31G is an inverted and partially
transparent perspective view of the second embodiment of the cap
27302. FIG. 31H is a transverse sectional view of the second
embodiment of the cap 27302.
[0169] FIG. 30A is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the
biodegradable container 2700 utilizing the first embodiment of the
cap of the cap 27301. As shown, the internal rim 2910 of the cap
27301 defines a tri-start thread 2914. When the cap 27301 is
received by the neck 2742 of the polymeric top dome portion 2740,
the thread 2914 engages the tri-start internal thread 2752 of the
neck 2742. In addition, when the cap 27301 is in a closed position
an inner surface 2924 of the cover 2920 covers an external surface
2746 of the cylindrical neck 2742.
[0170] The external cover 2920 also defines a plurality of recesses
2930, i.e., sections of reduced wall thickness substantially
perpendicular to a base 2942 of the cap 27301. These
reduced-thickness recesses 2930 aid in biodegradation and provide a
grip for opening and closing the container 2900 using the cap 2720.
In one embodiment a nominal wall thickness within the recesses 2930
is 0.75 mm with a nominal draft of 0.5.degree..
[0171] In one embodiment the cap 2720 seals on the internal rim
2910 below the thread 2752. This enables the liquid contents of the
container 2700 to be pressurized (e.g., even still water may have
nitrogen added to slightly "pump up" the container 2700 or
otherwise better enable to maintain its shape in the event of
substantial impacts or external pressure.
[0172] FIG. 30B is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the
biodegradable container 2700 utilizing the second embodiment of the
cap of the cap 27302. In the embodiment of FIG. 30B, an inner
surface 2924' of the cover 2920 forms a tapered sealing face that
forms an inner seal 2950 with an upper portion of the external
surface 2746 of the cylindrical neck 2742 when the cap 27302 is in
a closed position. This inner seal ensures liquid is retained
within the container 2700 and enables the liquid contents of the
container 2700 to be pressurized. In addition, the inner surface
2924' of the cover 2920 forms an outer seal 2960 with a lower
portion of the external surface 2746 of the cylindrical neck 2742
when the cap 27302 is in the closed position. The outer seal
prevents contaminants from entering the container 2700.
[0173] One advantage of the embodiment of FIG. 30B is that the cap
27302 can can be made from a simplified injection molding process
that does not require tooling to perform an unscrewing function in
connection with forming the thread 2914. Since no unscrewing
mechanism or machinery is required to be introduced into the
manufacturing process, the thread 2914 can be created by using hot
tips to injected the polymer being used along a path defined by
tooling along the outer surface of internal rim 2910. Since in the
embodiment of FIG. 30B sealing is effected by contact between the
inner surface 2924' and the surface 2746 of the cylindrical neck
2742, the thread 2914 can be attenuated and need not form a shelf
or other surface to seal with a corresponding thread or other
surface defined by the cylindrical neck 2742.
[0174] FIGS. 32A-32G are various external views of a biodegradable
container 3200 in accordance with the disclosure. The biodegradable
container 3200 includes a unitary polymeric body element 3210, a
bottom element 3220 and a polymeric cap 3230 in accordance with an
embodiment. FIG. 32A is a side view of the biodegradable container
3200; FIG. 32B is a side perspective view of the biodegradable
container 3200; FIG. 32C is a top perspective view of the
biodegradable container 3200; FIG. 32D is a bottom perspective view
of the biodegradable container 3200; FIG. 32E is an alternate
bottom perspective view of the biodegradable container 3200; FIG.
32F is a bottom view of the container 3200; and FIG. 32G is a top
view of the biodegradable container 3200.
[0175] FIGS. 33A-33G are various external views of a biodegradable
container 3300 in accordance with the disclosure. The biodegradable
container 3300 includes a unitary polymeric body element 3310 and a
bottom element 3320. The unitary polymeric body element 3310
defines a neck portion 3330 having internal threads 3340 configured
to receive a polymeric cap (not shown). FIG. 33A is a side view of
the biodegradable container 3300; FIG. 33B is a side perspective
view of the biodegradable container 3300; FIG. 33C is a top
perspective view of the biodegradable container 3300; FIG. 33D is a
bottom perspective view of the biodegradable container 3300; FIG.
33E is an alternate bottom perspective view of the biodegradable
container 3300; FIG. 33F is a bottom view of the container 3300;
and FIG. 33G is a top view of the biodegradable container 3300.
[0176] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not limitation. They are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise forms disclosed.
Indeed, many modifications and variations are possible in view of
the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the described systems and
methods and their practical applications, they thereby enable
others skilled in the art to best utilize the described systems and
methods and various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0177] Where methods described above indicate certain events
occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be
modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed
concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as
performed sequentially as described above. Accordingly, the
specification is intended to embrace all such modifications and
variations of the disclosed embodiments that fall within the spirit
and scope of the appended claims.
[0178] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used
specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the
claimed systems and methods. However, it will be apparent to one
skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order
to practice the systems and methods described herein. Thus, the
foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the described
systems and methods are presented for purposes of illustration and
description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
claims to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the described systems and methods
and their practical applications, they thereby enable others
skilled in the art to best utilize the described systems and
methods and various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the
following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the
systems and methods described herein.
[0179] Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or
more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts
performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way.
Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are
performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include
performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as
sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
[0180] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0181] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0182] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
[0183] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the
claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of
patent law.
[0184] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0185] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the
United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures,
Section 2111.03.
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