CN111479757B

CN111479757B - Durable container with integral protection feature

Info

Publication number: CN111479757B
Application number: CN201880079826.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯科特·德马雷斯特; 奥斯卡·索伊
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Current assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2017-12-21
Filing date: 2018-12-13
Publication date: 2022-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-13
Also published as: CN111479757A; MX2020006329A; EP3728057A1; AU2018390465B2; US20210094746A1; AU2018390465A1; WO2019125908A1

Abstract

A container (100) comprising: a container body (102) having a cavity for receiving a product therein, the container body having a front surface (112), a rear surface (120), a first sidewall (116), and a second sidewall (118); and a bumper (121, 124) attached to at least a first sidewall of the container body, wherein the bumper includes a first opening extending to a predetermined depth therein, the bumper configured to elastically deform to absorb an external force applied to the container.

Description

Durable container with integral protection feature

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/608,961 filed on 21.12.2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of packaging, and in particular to protective packaging containers for dispensing fluids or gels.

Background

Various containers for holding and displaying fluids or gels (e.g., cleaning products, fabric care or oral care products) are known in the art. Such containers are typically formed with primary packages whose shape and size are selected to minimize weight and/or outer profile in order to maximize the number of containers that can be accommodated in a shipping carton. However, such primary packages sacrifice structural integrity for other factors, such as weight, size, and aesthetics. Therefore, in order to transport the containers, they must be provided with a secondary or tertiary packaging to protect the containers during transport. In some cases, the primary packages are loaded into shipping cartons (secondary packages), and the shipping cartons are provided with means to prevent further damage to the containers during shipping (tertiary packaging). For example, cushioning materials (e.g., loose-fill styrofoam packaging or "packing peanuts", air-filled bladders, etc.) are inserted into shipping cartons to prevent the containers from moving freely during shipping. However, these packaging systems are cumbersome and require the addition of additional packaging materials at various stages of shipping, thus increasing the labor required to ship the goods to the consumer, creating additional steps to be accomplished by the shipper and any intermediary parties (e.g., third party vendors), and increasing the overall cost of shipping the containers.

Furthermore, where only a small number of containers are to be transported, the containers are typically loaded in large shipping boxes, thereby using valuable space in the shipping vehicle and reducing the number of items that can be shipped together.

There is a need for a container that is configured to withstand forces applied thereto (e.g., for electronic commerce) while preventing the need for repackaging during transport.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a container comprising: a container body having a cavity for receiving a product therein, the container body having a front surface, a rear surface, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall; and a bumper attached to at least a first sidewall of the container body, wherein the bumper includes a first opening extending to a predetermined depth therein, the bumper being configured to elastically deform to absorb an external force applied to the container.

The invention also relates to a container comprising: a container body having a cavity for receiving a product therein and a lid sealing an opening of the cavity, the container body having a front surface, a rear surface, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall; and a protective bumper surrounding the container body, the protective bumper including a first opening extending to a predetermined depth therein, the protective bumper configured to deform to absorb an external force applied to the container.

The invention also relates to a transportation method, comprising: affixing a shipping label directly to a container, the container comprising: a container body having a cavity for receiving a product therein, the container body having a front surface, a rear surface, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall; and a bumper attached to at least a first sidewall of the container body, the bumper adapted to absorb a force applied to the container to protect the container body, wherein the bumper includes a first opening extending a predetermined depth therein, the opening configured to elastically deform to absorb an external force applied to the container. The method further comprises the step of transporting the container, with the proviso that the container is not provided with a secondary package, wherein the container is configured to withstand forces exerted thereon during transport without rupturing or leaking.

Drawings

Features of exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which like elements are labeled in a similar manner. The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a container in an offset resting configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of two of the containers of FIG. 1A in a partially compressed configuration;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view depicting the load distribution of the vessel of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a container in an offset resting configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a side view of two of the containers of FIG. 2A in a partially compressed configuration; and

fig. 2C is a perspective view depicting the load distribution of the vessel of fig. 2A.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of the illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended only for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless specifically stated to the contrary. Terms such as "attached," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or immobile attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the present invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments. The invention should therefore obviously not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may be present alone or in other feature combinations; the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with respect to packaging systems for fluid or fluid-like materials, including but not limited to cleansing products, aqueous solutions, skin care products, hair care products, and/or oral care products. However, other embodiments of the invention may be used to store and dispense any suitable type of fluid, and the invention is expressly not limited to any particular fluid material only.

Containers according to the present invention are formed with protective features on their outer surfaces that are configured to allow shipping of the container without the need for secondary packaging. Although conventional containers (e.g., containers containing oral care products such as toothpaste or mouthwash; containers containing household care products such as detergents, softeners, cleaning solutions, dishwashing liquids, etc.) are packaged in shipping cartons that include cushioning material therein to prevent breakage and/or leakage during shipping, the containers described herein are configured to allow shipping without the use of any secondary packaging. In contemplating the containers described herein, extensive research has been conducted to determine the forces and loads applied to the articles during transport from the manufacturing facility to the end user. The containers described herein are capable of withstanding forces from dropping, radial compression (e.g., when loaded on a transport vehicle with other packages), and the like. In particular, the containers described herein are provided with features configured to absorb external forces and isolate the interior of the container from the external forces. Any of the protective features described herein may be integrally formed with the container or may be removably attached to the container. Further, any of the containers described herein can be provided with any combination of the protective features described herein. The exemplary containers described herein are also configured to receive a shipping label directly thereon. The shipping label may be removably or permanently attached to the container. The exemplary containers described herein may be shipped individually or with any number of additional containers without any secondary packaging. In addition, the exemplary container may also be transported to a brick and mortar retail store and sold with the exemplary protective buffer provided thereon.

The containers described herein may be formed with an integrally formed bumper permanently attached thereto. For example, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the container may be manufactured (e.g., by injection stretch blow molding, extrusion blow molding, etc.) with the bumper thereon. In another embodiment, the bumper may be formed separately from the container body and attached thereto during the manufacturing step by one or more of adhesives, welding, mechanical attachment (e.g., tongue and groove, snap fit, friction fit, key fit, etc.), or any other attachment method known to those skilled in the art. Any of the container bodies described herein can be modified to include one or more of the bumpers described herein to provide increased strength to particular portions of the container body. Furthermore, the various features of the containers described herein may be combined with one another without departing from the scope of the invention. By way of non-limiting example, the shape of the container body may be substantially rectangular as in fig. 1A-1C, frustoconical as in fig. 2A-2C, cylindrical, elliptical, or any other shape. In embodiments using a cylindrical container body, the front surface of the container body may correspond to a portion of the container outer body oriented in the first direction. The side surface of the container body may be offset from the front surface by about 90 degrees, and the rear surface of the container body may correspond to a surface located opposite the front surface and separated from the side surface by about 90 degrees. As described herein, the bumper can be attached to the cylindrical container body in the same manner as described herein with respect to the rectangular container body. Further, any of the container bodies can be modified to include any of the necked or other forms of covers described herein. Additionally, any of the protective bumpers described herein can be formed to have a solid or hollow configuration. Further, any of the container bodies can be modified to include any of the necked or other forms of covers described herein. Any of the protective bumpers described herein can be formed to have a solid or hollow configuration.

The integrally formed containers described herein may be formed from one or more of polyolefins (polypropylene, low, medium, and high density polyethylene), which may be formed by extrusion blow molding, and any combination of the foregoing, polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") (made by injection stretch blow molding), and elastomeric materials. Such containers comply with the limitations of the blow molding process and can therefore be manufactured faster than multi-component parts and can be completely recycled. Separately formed containers provide the additional advantage that a variety of different materials can be used to provide the desired combination of strength, resiliency, weight, and aesthetic appeal. The container body of the separately formed container may be formed of the same materials discussed above. The bumpers of the separately formed containers may be formed from extruded resins, polyolefins (polypropylene, low, medium and high density polyethylene) made by extrusion blow molding, and any combination of the above, PET made by injection stretch blow molding, elastomeric materials, rubber, molded or extruded cellulose (e.g., pulp).

Fig. 1A-1C depict a container 100 for storing a fluid material. The container includes a unitary container body 102 formed of a polymer and extending along a longitudinal axis 101. A lid 104 is provided on the upper surface 106 of the container 100, the lid 104 selectively sealing an opening (not shown) formed in the upper surface 106 to provide access to the contents of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the lid 104 is coupled to the container 100 by a hinge mechanism, wherein the hinge may be integrally formed with the lid. Alternatively, the lid 104 may be separable from the container 100. In a preferred embodiment, the container body 102 is substantially rectangular and includes rounded edges to minimize damage thereto upon impact. This shape further facilitates box packaging and is strong enough to minimize the need for secondary packaging. The upper surface 106 also includes a recessed portion 108 adjacent the opening (not shown). The recessed neck of the container body 102 also includes a retaining ring (not shown) that engages a corresponding retaining ring on the cap 104. The recessed portion 108 is longitudinally offset from the upper surface 106 by a predetermined depth selected such that the cover 104 is flush with or below the upper surface 106 when the cover 104 is positioned thereon. This configuration reduces the forces applied to the lid during transport and thus reduces the risk of the lid accidentally disengaging from the container. The lid 104 also includes a protrusion or tab 110 disposed on a gripping surface thereof to enhance the ability of a user to grip and open the lid. In an alternative embodiment, the cover may be flush with the upper surface. The lid 104 may alternatively be coupled to the container 100 by a threaded engagement, a friction fit, or another attachment means known in the art. Additional securing means (e.g., a removable sealing mechanism, such as a sticker, etc.) may optionally be provided on the cover 104. At least the outer portion of the cover 104 is rectangular to prevent the cover 104 from rotating and changing orientation once received on the container body 102. Alternatively, the cover 104 may be circular.

The container includes a front surface 112, a lower surface 114 opposite the upper surface 106, opposite side surfaces 116, 118 and a rear surface 120. One or both of the front and

back surfaces

112, 120 may include a label or decoration indicating, for example, the contents of the package. For example, the front surface 112 may include a label indicating the contents of the package, while the back surface 120 may remain blank, or may include instructions regarding the use of the product, instructions for use, or any other information conventionally provided on the package for ultimate consumer reference. The rear surface 120 is also adapted to receive a shipping label (not shown) thereon. The rear surface 120 may be surface treated (e.g., a high gloss surface treatment) that allows the end recipient to remove the shipping label therefrom without tearing, damaging or otherwise hindering the use instruction label. Alternatively, the instruction label may not be obscured by the shipping label. In yet another embodiment, the instruction label may be included in a separate booklet (not shown) that is shipped with the container 100. Alternatively, the shipping label may be a two-layer sticker, wherein a first transparent layer (not shown) is permanently attached to the rear surface 120 by a permanent or semi-permanent adhesive and a second removable layer is disposed thereon, the second removable layer comprising shipping information including, but not limited to, sender details, recipient details, order number, QR code, and the like.

The container 100 also includes first and

second bumpers

122, 124 on the side surfaces 116, 118, respectively. The first and

second bumpers

122, 124 may be integrally formed with the container body 102. Alternatively, the first bumper and the second bumper may be separate elements attached to the container body 102 by one or more of adhesives, welding, mechanical attachment (e.g., tongue and groove, snap fit, friction fit, key fit, etc.), or any other attachment method known to those skilled in the art. First bumper 122 and second bumper 124 each include an arm 126 defined by an opening 128 extending through container body 102. The opening 128 may be elongated in a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. In one embodiment, the opening 128 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. The opening 128 may include a first smooth surface 139 and a second curved surface 130. As the skilled person will appreciate, the curved surface 130 may be used to dissipate external forces applied to the container 100. In one embodiment, the opening 128 may be sized to allow a user to insert his or her fingers through the opening to grasp the container 100. Although the container 100 is depicted as a container 100 having a particular combination of smooth and curved surfaces, any combination thereof is contemplated within the scope of the present invention, for example, to control the manner in which external forces are distributed on the container 100. For example, the entire perimeter of the opening 128 may be curved in the same manner as the surface 130. Alternatively, the entire perimeter of the opening 128 may be smooth. In a preferred embodiment, the opening 128 is elongated in a longitudinal direction or direction representing the maximum dimension of the container 100. Alternatively, the opening 128 may be elongated in any direction or only those directions that experience the greatest load during transport. Preferably, the opening 128 has a length that is greater than or equal to at least 50% of the length of the container. Alternatively, the opening 128 may have a length that is greater than or equal to 50-99% of the length of the container. In yet another embodiment, the opening 128 may have a length that is less than 50% of the length of the container. In this embodiment, the container may optionally be supplemented with additional corner openings on the bumper, for example, as depicted in fig. 2A-2C.

The portions of the

bumpers

122, 124 that are radially outward of the container (represented as

portions

132, 134 in fig. 1B) may be hollow and open to the hollow container body 102 such that fluid contained therein is free to flow therethrough. In alternative embodiments, the

portions

132, 134 may be filled with a material (e.g., a compressible material configured to absorb external forces applied thereto, a polyolefin (polypropylene, low, medium, and high density polyethylene), PET, an elastomeric material, an extruded resin, rubber, molded or extruded cellulose (e.g., pulp), and any combination of the above).

At least the

bumper portions

122, 124 may compress in one or more directions when subjected to an external load. As depicted in fig. 1B, when radially compressed in direction A, B, the bumper is compressed to cause a corresponding compression of opening 128 from a first resting width as depicted in fig. 1A to a second smaller width as depicted in fig. 1B. The elastically deformable nature of the container 100 allows for compression thereof in one or more directions when subjected to an external load without compromising the structural integrity of the container. Further, the exemplary container 100 of the present disclosure is capable of radial compression under load, yet exhibits strength and rigidity that allows it to be shipped without any secondary packaging. When subjected to an external load (e.g., radial compression as shown by arrow A, B, or an angled vector applied, for example, by dropping the container 100), the external load is dissipated across the container 100, as depicted by

arrows

1, 2, 3, 4 in fig. 1C.

The configuration of the opening 128 in the container 100 has been selected to allow the container 100 to deform under external forces that would otherwise result in rupture or breakage of the container. This configuration is also selected to strengthen the container 100 while avoiding adding any unnecessary volume to the container, which would result in increased manufacturing and shipping costs. The result is a container 100 that exhibits significantly improved rigidity compared to prior art containers while minimizing production and shipping costs. Through extensive testing, it has been found that the container 100 is able to withstand the forces exerted during transport (e.g., from a warehouse to a transport carrier, and ultimately to a delivery address such as a home or business), and eliminates the need for additional packaging within the transport box. That is, the conventional containers must be packaged within a separate shipping box in which the additional filler is provided, but the exemplary container 100 described herein can be shipped separately without the use of any secondary packaging.

For example, if a force exceeding a predetermined minimum force is applied to any of the upper, lower, front or rear surfaces,

bumpers

122, 124 may be elastically deformed (e.g., compressed or expanded in one or more directions through opening 128) to absorb the external force applied to the container and prevent rupture or breakage of the container. Upon removal of the external force applied thereto, the container 100 may be biased to return to the resting configuration of fig. 1A. It should be noted that although the

bellows

122, 124 are depicted as having two openings 128, any number of openings, examples of which are described with reference to fig. 2A-2C, may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Many variations on the container 100 are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. For example, the inner wall 129 may be flat (planar) or curved to correspond to the curvature of the wall 130. For example, the curvature of wall 129 may be configured to align peak-to-peak or peak-to-valley relative to the peaks and valleys of wall 130. Further, the opening 128 may extend completely through the container 100, or alternatively may extend through only a portion of the container. In the latter embodiment, the container 100 may be provided with two openings (not shown) disposed on the front and

rear surfaces

112 and 120, respectively, and aligned with each other. The two openings may be closed to each other or at least partly open to each other. In the latter case, the container 100 may include a plurality of segmented openings that open onto each other along the length of the openings. For example, the openings may open into each other at one or more predetermined locations.

The opening 128 may have a uniform profile throughout the depth of the container or may be tapered as in the opening of fig. 2A-2C. In one embodiment, the taper angle may be 0-60 degrees and more preferably 0-45 degrees, with the opening tapering toward the interior portion of the container.

Further, any of the bumpers described herein can be configured to allow elastic deformation via a combination of materials used for the bumpers and the size and shape of the bumpers. This elastic deformation allows the container to temporarily change shape when subjected to a force, the temporary shape change being self-reversing upon removal of the force, such that the container returns to its original shape. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the bumpers described herein may be configured to allow plastic deformation. For example, if the force applied to the container exceeds a predetermined maximum, the bumper may plastically deform, which absorbs at least a portion of the force, thereby protecting the container and its contents from damage.

Fig. 2A-2C illustrate a container 200 according to another embodiment. The container 200 is substantially similar to the container 100, except as described below. Similar to container 100, container 200 includes a unitary outer body 202 extending along a longitudinal axis 201, a lid 204, an upper surface 206, a recessed portion 208, a front surface 212, a lower surface 214, side surfaces 216, 218, and a rear surface 220. Unlike the container 100 having two openings 128 formed in the

bumpers

122, 124, the container 200 includes a bumper region 222 that substantially surrounds the container body 202 and includes a plurality of

openings

228A, 228B, 230A, 230B. In one embodiment, the front surface 212 and the rear surface 220 may be recessed from the respective front and rear surfaces of the bumper 222.

The bumper 222 may be integrally formed with the container body 202, or may be separately formed and permanently attached to the container body 202 during the manufacturing step. In one embodiment, bumper 222 may be a two-piece bumper having a front bumper portion 140 and a rear bumper portion 142 joined to each other along an interface 144. Fig. 1A may also be formed with a similar configuration.

Bumper portions

140, 142 may engage one another via one or more of friction fit, welding, adhesive, bosses, snap fit, staking, one-way ratcheting, or any alternative mechanical locking device known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the bumper 222 may be a unitary member extruded directly on the container body 202 or integrally with the container body 202.

The bumper 222 may include a first pair of

openings

228A, 228B adjacent to one another, opposite a plane P bisecting the container 200. The

openings

228A, 228B are identical to one another, except for their respective locations. Thus, any description of opening 228A below also applies to opening 228B. Opening 228A tapers from a first larger profile at front surface 112 to a second smaller profile at a predetermined depth within bumper 222. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the

openings

228A, 228B remains the same throughout their depth. The exemplary tapered configuration provides the benefit of a compressible and expandable opening that can deform to absorb external forces applied thereto while minimizing the amount of material removed from the bumper 222, thereby maintaining a maximum amount of structural rigidity. Although the

openings

228A, 228B are depicted as having a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape, other shapes are contemplated within the scope of the present invention, including, but not limited to, circular, oblong, rectangular, pyramidal, and the like. Preferably, any shape for the openings has rounded vertices to aid in load distribution, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. A pair of

openings

228A, 228B are provided adjacent the

side walls

216, 218, respectively. Preferably,

openings

228A, 228B are larger than

openings

230A, 230B and are positioned at a midpoint between upper surface 206 and lower surface 214. Further, the

openings

228A, 228B are defined by protrusions 229 formed as arcs extending radially outward from the container 200. This configuration is selected to assist in absorbing external forces applied to the container 200 when dropped on the side surfaces 216, 218. That is, the protrusions 229 are capable of absorbing and dissipating forces applied to the side surfaces 216, 218 such that the full range of forces is not applied to the container body 202 itself.

The bumper 222 also includes a plurality of

openings

230A, 230B provided at each of the four corners of the container 200. The

openings

230A, 230B may be formed in a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape with rounded vertices, although any shape described with respect to the

openings

228A, 228B may be used. For example, as depicted in fig. 2C, the

openings

230A, 230B are configured to absorb and dissipate forces applied to the container 200 when dropped on any of the eight corners. In particular, the openings 230A and/or 230B may compress, expand, or otherwise deform when subjected to an externally applied load, thereby reducing the magnitude of the force applied to the container body 202. Although the portion of the bumper 222 having the

openings

230A, 230B is depicted as conforming to the outer dimensions of the container body 202, the bumper 222 may alternatively include protrusions (not shown) similar to the protrusions 229 at one or more of the

openings

230A, 230B.

In one embodiment, the

openings

228A, 228B and 230A, 230B do not open into each other, but are separated from each other by a minimum predetermined distance. Alternatively, the

openings

228A, 228B and 230A, 230B may contact or open into each other to form impact absorbing and energy dissipating zones that significantly reinforce the vulnerable areas such as sides and corners.

The

example openings

128, 228A, 228B, 230A, 230B are configured to work together by combining fluid flow principles to create internal baffles that control fluid flow within the

vessel

100, 200 when subjected to severe stresses. The net effect of these openings is to absorb the impact applied to the

container

100, 200 by using a fluid and a valve to control damping when the impact is caused. In one such example, when the container 100 is subjected to an impact, its fluid contents follow a flow pattern as indicated by

arrows

1, 2, 3, 4 within the container body 102, with the fluid itself helping to absorb at least a portion of the external force applied thereto.

In a preferred embodiment, bumper 222 is capable of withstanding a predetermined shear stress on upper surface 206 and lower surface 214, wherein:

wherein, tau₁Shear stress;

f — the force applied to the upper surface 206 and the lower surface 214; and is

A is the area of one of the upper surface 206 and the lower surface 214.

The side surfaces 216, 218 are at least able to withstand the shear stress τ₂. The front surface 212 and the rear surface 220 are capable of withstanding at least a predetermined shear stress τ₃. Due to the placement and orientation of the

openings

228A, 228B, in combination with the configuration of the bumper 222 around the container body 202, the bumper 222 is able to withstand large shear stresses on the side, front and rear surfaces.

In another alternative configuration, any one or more of the

openings

228A, 228B, 230A, 230B may be replaced with a boss (not shown) that protrudes from an outer surface of the bumper 222.

The containers described herein may be used to store any of a variety of liquid, gel, solid, or semi-solid products, such as toothpastes, oral care solutions, household cleaning products, soaps, fabric softeners, deodorants, lip care products, and the like, as well as non-liquid products.

The embodiments described herein may be modified to add or replace features of one embodiment with features of another embodiment. For example, any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to be integrally formed on the container body or removably attached thereto. Further, any of the protection features described herein may be incorporated into the container body to provide additional protection. Any combination and modification of the elements described herein is contemplated as within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A container, comprising:

a container body having a cavity for receiving a product therein, the container body having a front surface, a rear surface, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall; and

a bumper attached to or integral with at least a first sidewall of the container body, wherein the bumper comprises:

a first opening extending to a predetermined depth therein,

a second opening extending to the predetermined depth in the bumper;

a third opening extending into the bumper and positioned opposite the first opening, the third opening being axially aligned with the first opening; and

a fourth opening extending into the bumper and positioned opposite the second opening, the fourth opening being axially aligned with the second opening;

the buffer is configured to be elastically deformed to absorb an external force applied to the container;

wherein the first opening opens into the third opening and the second opening opens into the fourth opening; and is

Wherein the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening are tapered toward an interior portion of the container.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first opening extends along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container body.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the first opening is positioned adjacent a first sidewall of the container body and the second opening is positioned adjacent a second sidewall of the container body.

4. A container as defined in claim 3, wherein each of the first and second openings is positioned at a longitudinal midpoint of the container body.

5. The container of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second openings extends through the bumper and is open at first and second ends thereof.

6. A container according to claim 3, wherein the first and second openings extend over at least 50% of the length of the container body.

7. The container of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of additional openings extending into the bumper.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the plurality of additional openings comprises a plurality of pairs of opposing openings disposed near one or more corners of the container.

9. The container of claim 3, wherein the sidewalls of the first and second openings are curved.

10. The container of claim 3, further comprising a protrusion formed on the first and second sidewalls adjacent the first and second openings.

11. The container of claim 1, further comprising a shipping label directly attached to one of the container body and the buffer.

12. A method of transportation, comprising:

affixing a shipping label directly to the container of claim 1; and

shipping the container with the proviso that the container is not provided with a secondary package, wherein the container is configured to withstand forces exerted thereon during shipping without rupturing or leaking.