CA2762144A1 - Liquid containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present embodiments provide improved liquid containers having enhanced structural integrity. In one embodiment, the liquid container comprises a cap region (402), an upper panel region (403) disposed beneath the cap region, a non-paneled circular region (404) disposed beneath the upper panel region, a lower panel region (405) disposed beneath the non- paneled circular region (430), and at least one central panel region disposed between the non-paneled circular region and the lower panel region. The upper and lower panel regions each may comprise a plu-rality of discrete generally flat sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container. Advantageously, the plurality of discrete generally flat sides about the cir-cumference of the container may provide horizontal and vertical strength by reduc-ing the amount of contiguous flat surface area. Further, various ribbed regions (410, 425, 426) may provide additional structural stability about the circumference of the container.

Description

LIQUID CONTAINERS

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This invention claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/178,827, entitled "Liquid Container," filed May 15, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND
to [0002] The present embodiments relate generally to liquid containers, and more particularly to bottles with improved structural stability desirably configured to be formed from a fully recyclable material, such as an organically-based biopolymer. The containers may be used for numerous types of liquids, including waters, juices and other types of beverages, as well as for non-beverage liquids.
[0003] Recyclable materials are well known in the art, and are commonly used for both products (newspapers, for example) and for packaging for products (bottles for beverages, for example) (collectively, "products"). Paper, glass, plastics, cardboard and the like are readily recycled through refuse collection programs in homes and business.
[0004] Typically, such programs involve the use of designated containers for recyclable products. When a recyclable product is ready to be discarded, it is placed in an appropriately-labeled container (paper, glass, plastic, etc.) and it is collected by a waste hauler along with other, non-recyclable waste.
[0005] Sometimes, consumers of the recyclable products sort the materials themselves; other times, recyclable products formed of many different types of recyclable materials are consolidated into a single container where they are later sorted by the waste hauler and/or a specialized recycling center.
[0006] Prior art recycling systems have met with only marginal success. While some states and countries have gone so far as to implement legislation, such as bottle deposits, designed to encourage recycling of recyclable products, statistics show that a large portion of recyclable products never get recycled.

[0007] With an ever-increasing focus on the environment, and renewable and recyclable materials, products, packaging and systems, conventional recycling systems and materials are being revisited.
[0008] For example, many traditional plastic water bottles typically are made from PET
(polyethylene terephthalate), a petroleum-based plastic. Although PET bottles are considered "recyclable," it is estimated that approximately 80% of PET bottles end of up in landfills and never get recycled. Additionally, a number of petroleum-based plastics, such as polystyrene (#6), are not recyclable at all.
[0009] Not only are PET bottles formed from a non-renewable material (petroleum), the production and disposal of petroleum-based plastics can have negative environmental and societal effects, such as increased dependence on oil, increased creation of greenhouse gases, increased pollution, increased usage of landfills and increased public litter.
Thus, there is a need for materials that are truly 100% renewable and recyclable, with a substantially-reduced environmental impact.
[0010] One such material has been developed by Natureworks LLC under the brand name IngeoTM. Such material is an organically-based biopolymer (polylactic acid or "PLA") that is derived from 100% annually renewable resources such as plants. Organically-based biopolymers are used to make numerous products, everything from packaging and consumer goods to fibers for apparel to furnishings. Because organically-based biopolymers are derived from renewable resources instead of petroleum, they are substantially more environmentally-friendly than traditional petroleum-based plastics.
[0011] For example, while a traditional PET bottle may take an estimated 1000 years (or more) to degrade in a typical landfill, a similar bottle formed from an organically-based biopolymer may degrade in as little as 75-80 days in a commercial compost.
[0012] While organically-based biopolymer products are significantly more environmentally-friendly than traditional prior art PET-based products, perhaps their most important advantage is that they are 100% recyclable. That is, while perhaps only 5% of PET regrind can be recycled into new PET products, 100% of organically-based biopolymer products can be recycled to make new products.
[0013] Despite the significant environmental advantages of organically-based biopolymer products, the use of organically-based biopolymer materials to manufacture such products faces many challenges. For example, it has been found that products formed from such materials are easily susceptible to structural deformation over time.
[0014] In particular, bottles formed of organically-based biopolymer materials may have a relatively short "shelf life," on the order of six months or less, before the structural integrity of the bottle begins to fail and the bottle undesirably undergoes deformation.
[0015] Such deformation often includes contraction or collapse of the bottle walls known as "paneling." Paneling of a bottle creates an unsightly appearance and can cause label distortion, stress cracking and spillage or leakage of the bottle contents.
[0016] If bottles formed of organically-based biopolymer materials are to be accepted and used on a widespread basis, and if the environment and societal benefits of fully-recyclable bottles formed from organically-based biopolymer materials are to be recognized in a meaningful way, it is crucial that such bottles be configured to have improved structural stability to counteract the inherent characteristics of organically-based biopolymer materials.
SUMMARY

[0017] The present embodiments provide improved liquid containers having enhanced structural integrity. In one embodiment, a liquid container comprises a cap region, an upper panel region disposed beneath the cap region, a non-paneled circular region disposed beneath the upper panel region, a lower panel region disposed beneath the non-paneled circular region, and at least one central panel region disposed between the non-paneled circular region and the lower panel region. The upper and lower panel regions each may comprise a plurality of discrete generally flat sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides of the upper panel region comprises a width that is greater than a height, while each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides of the lower panel region comprises a height greater than a width.
[0018] The liquid container may be formed of an organically-based biopolymer material. In one example, the organically-based biopolymer material comprises polylactic acid.
Advantageously, because of various structural features of the bottle, the structural integrity may be enhanced. As one example, the plurality of discrete generally flat sides in the upper and lower panel regions may provide horizontal and vertical strength by reducing the amount of contiguous flat surface area.
[0019] The liquid container further may comprise various other features to enhance structural integrity. For example, the liquid container may comprise a first ribbed region disposed between the upper panel region and the non-paneled circular region, wherein the first ribbed region extends around a circumference of the liquid container. The liquid container may further comprise a second ribbed region disposed between the non-paneled circular region and the lower panel region, wherein the second ribbed region extends around a circumference of the liquid container. Optionally, at least one central panel region may be disposed between the upper panel region and the lower panel region.
[0020] In various embodiments, the liquid container may be tapered such that an outer diameter of the upper panel region is greater than an outer diameter of the lower panel region.
Further, the liquid container may comprise a base region disposed beneath the lower panel region, wherein the base region is flared radially outward relative to the lower panel region.
[0021] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the invention, and be encompassed by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of the liquid container provided in accordance with a first embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 4 is an additional side view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a top view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 7 is an additional side view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 8 is an additional bottom view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 9 is an additional side perspective view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 10 is an additional bottom perspective view of the liquid container of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a side view of two liquid containers, including a smaller bottle on the left that is shown further in FIGS. 12-18 below, and a larger bottle on the right that is shown further in FIGS. 1-10 above.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a side view of a liquid container according to an alternative embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the liquid container of FIG. 12.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the liquid container of FIG. 12.
[0037] FIG. 15 is an additional side view of the liquid container of FIG. 12.
[0038] FIG. 16 is an additional side perspective view of the liquid container of FIG. 12.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the liquid container of FIG.
12.
[0040] FIG. 18 is an additional bottom view of the liquid container of FIG.
12.
[0041] FIG. 19 is a side view of a further alternative embodiment of a liquid container.
[0042] FIG. 20 is a side view of a yet further alternative embodiment of a liquid container.
[0043] FIG. 21 is a side view of still a further alternative embodiment of a liquid container.
[0044] FIG. 22 is a side view of still a further alternative embodiment of a liquid container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] In the various embodiments show herein, a liquid container may be formed from organically-based biopolymer materials, and other materials, that may be subject to degradation in structural integrity or structural deformation over time. The embodiments shown herein are designed to provide enhanced structural integrity for a liquid container, and particularly one formed from organically-based biopolymer materials.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1-18, first and second embodiments of a liquid container are shown. In FIGS. 1-10, bottle 1 is shown, while in FIGS. 12-18 bottle 100 is shown (bottle 1 and bottle 100 are shown side-by-side in FIG. 11).
[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, bottle 1 has a larger capacity than bottle 100. Solely 3o by way of example, and without limitation, bottle 1 may have a 500m1 capacity, while bottle 100 may have a 330m1 or 350m1 capacity. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles disclosed herein are equally applicable to bottle 1 and bottle 100, and that various other sized bottles and liquid containers can embody the principles disclosed herein.
Those skilled in the art will further understand and appreciate that the structural features described herein with respect to bottle 1 will be cross-referenced (in parentheses) to bottle 100 within the present disclosure.
[0048] Bottle 1 (100) may be used for numerous types of liquids, including waters, juices and other types of beverages, as well as for non-beverage liquids. However, bottle 1 (100) is particularly suitable for use as a bottle for water. Bottle 1 (100) comprises important structural features configured to maximize the structural integrity of bottle 1 (100) and to decrease structural deformation, or paneling, of bottle 1 (100) over extended periods of time.
[0049] Bottle 1 (100) may comprise multiple regions. In one embodiment, bottle comprises a cap and neck region 2 (102), an upper panel region 3 (103), a non-paneled circular region 4 (104), a lower panel region 5 (105), and a base region 6 (106). The overall geometry of bottle 1 (100) is generally cylindrical with a tapered profile extending from upper panel region 3 (103) through lower panel region 5 (105), wherein an outer diameter of upper panel region 3 (103) is greater than an outer diameter of lower panel region 5 (105).
[0050] In one embodiment, bottle 1 (100) is formed entirely of an organically-based biopolymer material, such as polylactic acid ("PLA") or polyactide, using manufacturing methods well known to those skilled in the art. For example, bottle 1 (100) may be formed using a two-step process as is generally known in the art. Namely, PLA resin is injection molded to form a preform. The preform then is blowmolded to form bottle 1 (100).
[0051] In the disclosed embodiments, the organically-based biopolymer material used to form bottle 1 (100) may be sold by Natureworks LLC of Minnetonka, MN, under the brand name IngeoTM. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the structural features of bottle 1 (100) may be used for liquid containers formed of numerous types of materials which may be subject to structural degradation or deformation, and the present embodiments are not limited to liquid containers formed of PLA or organically-based biopolymer materials.
[0052] Cap and neck region 2 (102) comprises cap 7 (107) and neck 8 (108) of bottle 1 (100), 3o and may be provided in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Upper panel region 3 (103) comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat sides or upper panels 9 (109) disposed about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In the embodiments shown, the upper panel region 3 (103) comprises eight such upper panels 9 (109) disposed symmetrically about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). However, greater or fewer upper panels 9 (109) may be used without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments.
[0053] Upper panels 9 (109) are configured to reduce the amount of contiguous flat surface area about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In this manner, horizontal and vertical strength is achieved and structural stability is improved over previous bottles.
[0054] Disposed beneath and adjacent to upper panel region 3 (103) is a first ribbed region (110), preferably formed horizontally about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In some embodiments of bottle 1 (100), ribbed region 10 (110) is formed as a lip along the outer 10 surface of bottle 1 (100). In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-18, ribbed region 10 (110) is formed as a groove along the outer surface of bottle 1 (100). In either embodiment, ribbed region 10 (110) serves to provide additional structural stability across an outer diameter of bottle 1 (100), thereby reducing the likelihood of paneling and deformation.
[0055] Disposed beneath and adjacent to the first ribbed region 10 (110) is non-paneled circular region 4 (104), which preferably comprises a single contiguous, circular panel 11 (111) extending about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). The circular region 4 (104) preferably comprises a generally smooth cylindrical shape. Circular panel 11 (111) desirably is configured to allow a label or other form of indicia to be applied to bottle 1 (100) using traditional techniques, such as adhesives.
[0056] Disposed beneath and adjacent to circular panel 11 (111) and circular region 4 (104) is a second ribbed region 12 (112), preferably formed horizontally about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In some embodiments of bottle 1 (100), ribbed region 12 (112) is formed as a lip along the outer surface of bottle 1 (100). In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-18, ribbed region 12 (112) is formed as a groove along the outer surface of bottle 1 (100). In either embodiment, the second ribbed region 12 (112), like the first ribbed region 10 (110) discussed above, serves to provide additional structural stability across the diameter of bottle 1 (100), thereby reducing the likelihood of paneling and deformation.
[0057] Disposed beneath and adjacent to the second ribbed region 12 (112) is lower panel region 5 (105). Lower panel region 5 (105) may be generally similar to upper panel region 3 (103), as discussed above. For example, lower panel region 5 (105) comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat sides or lower panels 13 (113) disposed about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In this embodiment, the plurality of lower panels 13 (113) comprises eight such lower panels 13 (113) disposed symmetrically about the circumference of bottle 1 (100).
However, greater or fewer lower panels 13 (113) may be used.

[0058] Like upper panels 9 (109), lower panels 13 (113) are configured to reduce the amount of contiguous flat surface area about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In this manner, horizontal and vertical strength is achieved and structural stability is improved over previous bottles.
[0059] In one embodiment, the number of lower panels 13 (113) is equal to the number of upper panels 9 (109). Further, the alignment and distribution of lower panels 13 (113) about the circumference of bottle 1 (100) may be identical to the alignment and distribution of upper panels 9 (109) about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). In this manner, the structural stability provided by lower panels 13 (113) and upper panels 9 (109) may be enhanced.
[0060] However, in alternative embodiments, is not required that the number of lower panels 13 (113) be equal to the number of upper panels 9 (109). Moreover, the alignment and distribution of lower panels 13 (113) about the circumference of bottle 1 (100) need not be identical to the alignment and distribution of upper panels 9 (109) about the circumference of bottle 1 (100). All such variations are included with the scope of the present disclosure.
[0061] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides 9 (109) of the upper panel region 3 (103) may comprise a width w that may be greater than a height hl, as depicted by the measurements illustrated in FIG. 4. By contrast, each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides 13 of the lower panel region 5 may comprise a height h2 that may be greater than a width w, as depicted in FIG. 4. Advantageously, such a relatively large height h2 in the lower panel region 5 allows a relatively tall or vertical orientation of the generally flat sides 13, which may enhance structural stability of the bottle 1 (100) as noted above.
[0062] In the embodiments shown herein, the generally flat sides 9 (109) of the upper panel region 3 may comprise a reduced height hl, relative to height h2, to accommodate a higher positioning of the non-paneled circular region 4 (104) comprising the circular panel 11 (111), e.g., to allow for a relatively high label placement. In one embodiment, the width w of the generally flat sides 9 (109) of the upper panel region 3 (103) may be identical to the width of the generally flat sides 13 (113) of the lower panel region 5 (105). However, in further embodiments, the relative sizing of the widths and heights depicted herein may be modified.
For example, if the vertical positioning of the non-paneled circular region 11 (111) comprising the circular panel 11 (111) is altered, then it may affect the dimensions of the heights hl and h2-[00631 Disposed beneath and adjacent to lower panel region 5 (105) is base region 6 (106).
Base region 6 (106) comprises a base 14 (114) formed at the bottom of bottle 1 (100). In the disclosed embodiments, base 6 is formed with a flared geometry with the diameter of base 14 (114) increasing along the length of bottle 1 (100) toward the bottom of bottle 1 (100). The flared geometry of base 14 (114) provides additional structural stability and provides a stable wide structure upon which bottle 1 (100) may securely rest in a standing position.
[0064] Base 14 (114), in the disclosed embodiment, further comprises a plurality of ribs 15 (115) extending radially (in a "star" shape) from the center of base 14 (114) to an outer circumference of bottle 1 (100). In one embodiment, ribs 15 (115) are disposed symmetrically about the circumference of bottle 1 (100) and each rib 15 (115) is aligned with an intersection of two lower panels 13 (113). Ribs 15 (115) are formed as grooves along the bottom surface of bottle 1 (100).
[0065] Ribs 15 (115) add structural stability to base 14 (114) such that bottle 1 (100) may withstand low levels of pressurization (such as during filling of bottle 1 (100)) without exhibiting significant structural deformation. Ribs 15 (115) also desirably provide a degree of stretch to the material that forms base 14 (114) thereby further increasing the strength of base 14 (114).
[0066] As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, base 14 (114) of bottle 1 (100) in one embodiment further comprises an internal concave region 16 (116). Internal concave region 16 (116) is disposed in the bottom of base 14 (114) and is formed coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of bottle 1 (100). Internal concave region 16 (116) is configured to further increase resistance to structural deformity and paneling of bottle 1 (100) by providing relief to pressure and vacuum forces during the filling process of bottle 1 (100).
[0067] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the relative dimensions of cap and neck region 2 (102), upper panel region 3 (103), non-paneled circular region 4 (104), lower panel region 5 (105), and base region 6 (106) may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0068] Additionally, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous other organically-based biopolymer liquid containers could be manufactured within the scope of the present embodiments, including by way of example and without limitation, other types of food and beverage packaging as well as packaging for other products and general consumer goods.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 19-22, various alternative embodiments of liquid containers are shown. In FIGS. 19-22, bottles 201, 301, 401 and 401' are generally similar to the bottles 1 and 101 shown in FIGS. 1-18. For example, the bottles 201, 301, 401 and 401' each may be formed entirely of an organically-based biopolymer material, such as PLA.
Further, each of the bottles 201, 301, 401 and 401' generally comprises an upper panel region, a lower panel region, and a non-paneled circular region disposed therebetween, as explained further below.

[0070] The bottle 201 of FIG. 19 may have a 500ml capacity, although a greater or lesser capacity bottle may be provided with the structural features shown in FIG. 19.
The bottle 201 comprises a cap and neck region 202, an upper panel region 203, a non-paneled circular region 204, a lower panel region 205, and a base region 206, each of which are generally similar to corresponding parts of the bottle 1 of FIGS. 1-11. However, the base region 206 of FIG. 19 comprises a plurality of panels 236 that match the number of panels 209 of the upper panel region 203. Further, the plurality of panels 236 of the base region 206 may comprise an overall outer diameter that is substantially identical to an overall outer diameter of the upper panel region 203. Advantageously, the bottle 201 may convey better in production and/or may ship with reduced movement.
[0071] The bottle 301 of FIG. 20 may have a 350m1 capacity, although a greater or lesser capacity bottle may be provided with the structural features shown in FIG. 20.
The bottle 301 comprises a cap and neck region 302, an upper panel region 303, a non-paneled circular region 304, a lower panel region 305, and a base region 306, each of which are generally similar to corresponding parts of the bottle 101 of FIGS. 12-18. Notably, a height of the non-paneled circular region 304 of the bottle 301 of FIG. 20 is less than a height of the non-paneled circular region 104 of the bottle 101 of FIGS. 12-18. Accordingly, the height of the plurality of panels 313 of the lower panel region 305 may be increased, which may enhance the overall structural stability of the bottle 301 and reduce deformation and paneling.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 21-22, the bottles 401 and 401', by way of example and without limitation, may have a 1000ml capacity and a 1500m1 capacity, respectively, although greater or lesser capacity bottles may be provided with the structural features shown in FIGS. 21-22. The bottles 401 and 401' are structurally similar to one another, with the exception of generally proportionally larger features in bottle 401' compared to bottle 401.
[0073] The bottle 401 (401') comprises a cap and neck region 402 (402'), an upper panel region 403 (403'), a non-paneled circular region 404 (404'), a lower panel region 405 (405'), and a base region 406 (406'), each of which may be generally similar to corresponding parts of the bottle 1 of FIGS. 1-11. However, at least one central panel region 430 (430') is disposed between the upper panel region 403 (403') and the lower panel region 405 (405').
In the embodiment shown, the central panel region 430 (430') is disposed between the non-paneled circular region 404 (404') and the lower panel region 405 (405'). The central panel region 430 (430') may comprise a plurality of discrete generally flat sides 439 (439') that may align with a plurality of discrete generally flat sides 409 (409') of the upper panel region, and also may align with a plurality of discrete generally flat sides 413 (413') of the lower panel region.
[0074] Further, at least three ribbed regions may be provided in the embodiments of FIGS.
21-22. In particular, a first ribbed region 410 (410') may be disposed between upper panel region 403 (403') and non-paneled circular region 404 (404'). A second ribbed region 425 (425') may be disposed between non-paneled circular region 404 (404') and central panel region 430 (430'), while a third ribbed region 426 (426') may be disposed between central panel region 430 (430') and lower panel region 405 (405'), as shown in FIGS.
21-22. As noted above, in some embodiments, such ribbed regions may extend horizontally around the circumference of the bottle, and may be formed as a lip along the outer surface of the bottle, or alternatively, as a groove along the outer surface of bottle, either of which serves to provide additional structural stability across the outer diameter of the bottle and reduce the likelihood of paneling and deformation.
[0075] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.
Moreover, the advantages described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the invention and it is not necessarily expected that every embodiment of the invention will achieve all of the advantages described.

Claims (20)

1. A liquid container comprising:
a cap region;

an upper panel region disposed beneath the cap region;
a non-paneled circular region disposed beneath the upper panel region;
a lower panel region disposed beneath the non-paneled circular region; and at least one central panel region disposed between the non-paneled circular region and the lower panel region.

2. The liquid container of claim 1 wherein the upper panel region comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container, wherein each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides has a width greater than a height.

3. The liquid container of claim 1 wherein the lower panel region comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container, wherein each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides has a height greater than a width.

4. The liquid container of claim 1 further comprising a base region disposed beneath the lower panel region, wherein the base region is flared radially outward relative to the lower panel region.

5. The liquid container of claim 1 wherein the liquid container is tapered such that an outer diameter of the upper panel region is greater than an outer diameter of the lower panel region.

6. The liquid container of claim 1 further comprising a first ribbed region disposed between the upper panel region and the non-paneled circular region, wherein the first ribbed region extends horizontally around a circumference of the liquid container.

7. The liquid container of claim 1 wherein the central panel region is separated from each of the non-paneled circular region and the lower panel region by at least one ribbed region extending horizontally around a circumference of the liquid container.

8. The liquid container of claim 1 wherein the liquid container is formed of an organically-based biopolymer material.

9. The liquid container of claim 8 wherein the organically-based biopolymer material comprises polylactic acid.

10. A liquid container comprising:
a cap region;
an upper panel region disposed beneath the cap region, the upper panel region comprising a plurality of discrete generally flat sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container;
a non-paneled circular region disposed beneath the upper panel region;
a lower panel region disposed beneath the non-paneled circular region; and a base region disposed beneath the lower panel region, wherein the base region comprises a plurality of panels that match a number of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides of the upper panel region, and further wherein the plurality of panels of the base region comprises an overall outer diameter that is substantially identical to an overall outer diameter of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides of the upper panel region.

11. The liquid container of claim 10 wherein the base region is flared radially outward relative to the lower panel region.

12. The liquid container of claim 10 wherein the liquid container is tapered such that an outer diameter of the upper panel region is greater than an outer diameter of the lower panel region.

13 13. The liquid container of claim 10 wherein the liquid container is formed of an organically-based biopolymer material, wherein the organically-based biopolymer material comprises polylactic acid.

14. The liquid container of claim 10 further comprising a first ribbed region disposed between the upper panel region and the non-paneled circular region, wherein the first ribbed region extends horizontally around a circumference of the liquid container.

15. A liquid container comprising:
a cap region;
an upper panel region disposed beneath the cap region;
a non-paneled circular region disposed beneath the upper panel region;
a lower panel region disposed beneath the non-paneled circular region;
at least one central panel region disposed between the non-paneled circular region and the lower panel region;
a first ribbed region disposed between the upper panel region and the non-paneled circular region, wherein the first ribbed region extends horizontally around a circumference of the liquid container; and wherein the central panel region is separated from each of the non-paneled circular region and the lower panel region by at least one additional ribbed region extending horizontally around a circumference of the liquid container.

16. The liquid container of claim 15 wherein the upper panel region comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container, wherein each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides has a width greater than a height.

17. The liquid container of claim 15 wherein the lower panel region comprises a plurality of discrete generally flat sides disposed about a circumference of the liquid container, wherein each of the plurality of discrete generally flat sides has a height greater than a width.

18. The liquid container of claim 15 further comprising a base region disposed beneath the lower panel region, wherein the base region is flared radially outward relative to the lower panel region.

19. The liquid container of claim 15 wherein the liquid container is tapered such that an outer diameter of the upper panel region is greater than an outer diameter of the lower panel region.

20. The liquid container of claim 15 wherein the liquid container is formed of an organically-based biopolymer material.