Reinforced Large Polystyrene Container

Abstract

An expanded polystyrene container is described as having capacities of between about 50 and 200 fluid ounces and having a pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed reinforcing band positioned adjacent its uppermost peripheral edge.

Description

This invention relates to plastic packages and, more particularly, to relatively large expanded polystyrene food containers. Such containers are well known for their insulating effects and thus their suitability in the service of both cold and hot foodstuffs.

Prior art containers of the type noted have, for the most part, been molded in various sizes and shapes, but usually below a 50-ounce capacity. These, therefore, have in many instances been limited to uses related to the dispension of cold and hot drinks and to small quantity carry-home items such as are available in delicatessens or the like.

As is well known, expanded polystyrene containers are not characteristically strong due, of course, to the method by which they are formed as well as to the basic material of construction. Therefore, containers of sizes approximating 150 fluid ounces had until recently been thought impractical. It has, however, recently become feasible to manufacture such containers in these considerably larger sizes and, like their predecessors, such may also be employed, for example, for popular carry-home food products.

There larger containers, particularly those of a size between about 50 and 200 fluid ounces, have proven to be most satisfactory. In some instances, nonetheless, it has been considered appropriate that such be capable of withstanding stresses beyond those which appear feasible for only the expanded polystyrene. Therefore, the primary objective of this invention is to make available a relatively large(50-150 fluid ounces) expanded polystyrene container which is substantially strengthened by suitable reinforcing means.

A further objective is to insure that such reinforcement is compatible for inclusion in the basic container construction considering cost, end usage, manufacturing technique, weight and related problems.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the ensuing specification, claims and drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a container illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-section taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the container shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the invention partially broken away.

A typical expanded polystyrene container incorporating the features of the instant invention is designated by the numeral 10 in FIG. 1. Such container in the preferred embodiment is approximately 9 inches in diameter and 10 inches tall. Thus, the holding cavity thereof is about 170 fluid ounces.

As was mentioned above, polystyrene containers of this size under loaded conditions may experience significant stresses, especially when subjected to handling. Therefore, an economical and effective means for reinforcing these containers was a practical necessity if repreated failures in usage were to be avoided.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, it may be seen that container 10 is formed by an integral side wall area 12 and a bottom wall 18. Again, in the preferred embodiment, the basic configuration of the container is cylindrical, as is obvious from FIG. 3. However, it should also be apparent that other shapes might be equally suitable and might equally well incorporate the salient features of this invention in certain circumstances.

The container shown, therefore, is for the most part similar to the various cup constructions which are commonly used for hot and cold drinks of various types. Thus, the sidewall area 12 tapers upwardly and outwardly to its upper peripheral edge 14 which is of a bead-like configuration. Similarly, an upper rim area 16 is provided proximate the upper peripheral edge 14.

In lifting containers of the size noted, it is not uncommon for a filled container 10 to be grasped between the thumb and forefingers in the rim area. Despite the fact that the wall thicknesses in these will be between about 0.125 and 0.250 inches, and preferably about 0.1875 inches, such handling in many instances produces tensile stresses in excess of those which the polystyrene construction is capable of withstanding, thus resulting in the noted failures.

The upper peripheral edge 14 and rim 16 of container 10 in accordance with the dictates of this invention are, however, reinforced with a band-type material 20. Such material is affixed to the rim 16 by an adhesive composition 22 immediately under and adjacent edge 14.

Preferably, this material is an adhesive-backed pressure-sensitive tape of between 0.250 and 0.500 inches wide. Various tapes of this type have been found to be satisfactory in providing the intended reinforcement. Several typical such materials are manufactured by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company and are of polyester film, cellophane, crepe and mylar constructions. Others, of course, may be equally satisfactory and may be selected for reasons of clarity, decorative or other effects.

The 3M polyester film material is preferred because of its clarity and unobtrusive appearance around the container exterior. Likewise, it is preferred to use a single 0.375 inch tape strip; however, the width thereof may vary between 0.250 and 0.500 inches and it may be, in certain circumstances, advantageous to employ a plurality of strips adjacently positioned on the rim area. Tape material 20 is also overlapped as at 24 to assure that the container or tab is reinforced around its entire peripheral extent. This may also be modified if, for example, a plurality of tape strips are employed. FIG. 4 illustrates such an arrangement of plural tape strips.

The above sets forth specific embodiments of the invention having attendant advantages characterized by increased tensile properties for the container construction described and by which means there is produced a wholly satisfactory product.

Claims

I claim:

1. A reinforced plastic package comprising a container member of expanded polystyrene between about a 50 and to 200 ounce capacity and having outwardly tapering sidewall means extending from a bottom wall member to an upper peripheral edge forming the open end thereof, and including at least one tape strip fixedly adhered to the exterior of said upper peripheral edge around and in close contact with the rim of the container member so that the upper portion thereof will retain its basic size and shape even under tensile loading conditions.

2. A reinforced plastic package according to claim 1 wherein said tape strip encompases substantially the entire peripheral extent of said package.

3. A reinforced plastic package according to claim 2 wherein said container walls are of an expanded polystreme composition of approximately about between 0.125 and 0.250 inches thickness and wherein said tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesively backed material adhered to the container and is about between 0.250 and 0.500 inches wide.

4. A reinforced plastic package according to claim 1 wherein said tape strip includes a multiplicity of pressure-sensitive tape strips respectively spaced from one another and each encompassing substantially the entire peripheral extent of said package.