EP2322436A1

EP2322436A1 - Container kit and method for providing a container kit

Info

Publication number: EP2322436A1
Application number: EP09176022A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frédéric Drzewiecki; Murielle Vigny-Schmitt
Original assignee: Nestec SA
Current assignee: Nestec SA
Priority date: 2009-11-16
Filing date: 2009-11-16
Publication date: 2011-05-18
Also published as: WO2011057992A2; WO2011057992A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container kit (100), comprising at least two containers (1). Each container (1) has a main axis (A) extending from the bottom portion (2) to the neck (3) and has along its main axis (A) a recess (4) with a reduced circumferential diameter. The containers (1) are positioned with their main axis (A) in parallel to each other and with adjacent recesses (4). The kit further provides a binding (90) around the at least two containers (1) along the recesses (4).

The present invention further relates to a method for providing such a container kit (100).

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention concerns a container kit as well as to a method for providing a container kit.

Background of the invention

Known containers, specifically bottles for beverages are usually sold as a kit of two or more containers. In order to keep the containers within a kit together, the complete kit is wrapped into plastic or another type of packaging material, i.e. at least four sides of the kit are completely coated with plastic or other wrapping material to keep to containers together within the kit.
The needed large amount of packaging material has some disadvantages. The more packaging material is used, the more the environment is negatively impacted and waste management becomes more difficult.
Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container kit and a method for providing a container kit which allow to reduce the material needed for the kit. Further, it is an object of the present invention to simplify production of such a kit.
This object is solved by the independent claims. Further features and embodiments are subject matter of the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description of the presently preferred embodiments which are set out below with reference to the drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view of a container according to the present invention ;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a binding to be used for the container kit according to the present invention ;
Figures 4 to 7 show alternative embodiment of a container used within a container kit according to the present invention ;
Figures 8 and 9 show alternative embodiments of a container kit according to the present invention ;
Figure 10 shows a pallet comprising a plurality of container kits according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The container used within the present invention is suitable for fluids and is preferably made of polyethylene terephthalates, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, polylactic acids, polyvinyl chlorides and combinations thereof.
The container is preferably a bottle, into which different kinds of fluids can be filled. Examples of such fluids are beverages, e.g. water, juices or carbonated beverages.
The principle of the present invention will be explained with reference now to figures 1 to 3 .
The present invention relates to a plastic container 1 which has a main axis A extending from a bottom portion 2 to a neck 3. The container 1 along the main axis A has different circumferential diameters. Specifically, the container 1 according to the present invention has at least two different circumferential diameters.
Hereby a first circumferential diameter is provided at both end portions of the container, i.e. next to the bottom portion and next the neck. The position of this first circumferential diameter is indicated with 5 in the figure 1 . The container 1 further has in a central portion a second circumferential diameter being smaller than the first circumferential diameter, so that a recess 4 is formed. The position of the second circumferential diameter is indicated with 6 in the figure.
According to the present invention hereby the ratio between the first circumferential diameter at the end portions of the container 1 and the second circumferential diameter at the recess 4 of the container lies between 1, 1 and 2, preferably between 1,15 and 1,5, more preferably between 1,15 and 1,25, most preferably equals 1,2. The advantage of the specific ratios will be explained later on in detail.
The container preferably comprises a cap 7 which is placed onto a corresponding winding 14 as for example shown in figure 4 .
The advantages of such a bottle having the specific ratio of the two circumferential diameters will become evident in the following when explaining the container kit 100 as shown in figure 2 .
For providing a container kit 100 according to the present invention, at least two of the previously described containers 1 having a main axis A extending from the bottom portion 2 to the neck 3 and having along its main axis A a recess 4 with a reduced circumferential diameter, are positioned with their main axis A in parallel to each other and with adjacent recesses 4 as shown in figure 2 . The container kit is finalized by a binding 90 around the at least two containers 1, whereby the binding 90 is positioned along the recesses 4, which are on the outer side of the kit 100.
The binding 90 does not cover at least four complete sides of the kit as package material would do in prior art. Rather, according to the present invention the binding 90 covers only a part of four sides of the kit 100. The present invention thus proposes a kit having a binding being smaller than the known cover wraps, which allows to keep the containers within the kit together. This becomes only possible by providing containers 1 having a recess 4 as described before-hand. With the recess the binding 90 is kept in place when wrapped around the container 1, so that fewer material than in prior art can be used for the binding 90.
It is apparent, that the recess 4 preferably has specific properties to allow the binding to be kept in place, i.e. the recess 4 preferably has a specific depth or in other words, provides a specific reduction of the circumferential parameter. If the reduction of the circumferential parameter is too low, then the binding 90 will not stay in place and the containers 1 within the kit 100 might slip out of the binding. On the other hand, if the reduction of the circumferential parameter is too high, then the container 1 might become instable and/or filling volume is lost.
Therefore, the ratio between the first circumferential diameter at the end portions of the container 1 and the second circumferential diameter at the recess 4 of the container lies between the above-mentioned ratios. This allows an excellent fixation of the containers 1 within the kit 100, but on the other hand allows a stable container 1 with almost no volume loss.
A schematic view of such a binding 90 is also shown in figure 3 . In a preferred embodiment the binding 90 can further comprise a handle 91 making it easier for a customer to grab and carry the container kit 100. The containers 1 are hereby transported in a lying position.
The binding 90 in order to perfectly fit into the recess 4 hereby in a first embodiment has a width, which is equal to or smaller than the extension of the recess 4 in direction of the main axis A. In another embodiment, the binding 90 can also have a width larger than the extension of the recess 4.
The present invention thus foresees that only a very small wrapping material is provided for packing the containers together. Such a binding 90 with reduced material becomes only possible if the containers 1 can be kept in a fixed position within the kit. In prior art this is achieved by wrapping the binding around the complete kit on all sides or at least on four sides. In contrast hereto, in the present invention by providing containers 1 having a recess 4, which provides a specific amount of reduction of the circumferential diameter of the container 1 at the end portions, it becomes possible to guide the binding 90 along the recesses 4 of the kit 100, so that the binding 90 is fixed within the recess and keeps the containers 1 within the kit in their position.
The container 1 according to the present invention can have any possible cross-section, such as roundish, rectangular or square as a sub case of rectangular. However, in a preferred embodiment the container 1 has a rectangular cross-section. Specifically, the container 1 comprises a bearing area 8, which is an area coming into contact with other containers within the kit ensuring a tight fit between the containers. The bearing area 8 therefore preferably is a flattened area, which can be easily provided when using rectangular containers.
With reference to figures 4 to 7 now different embodiments of a container according to the present invention will be explained. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a container having two end portions 10, 12, i.e. portions which are located next to the bottom 2 and next to the neck 3. Along these portions the container 1 has a first circumferential diameter, i.e. a substantially constant circumferential diameter. However, as shown in the figures, the container 15 can comprise additional horizontal reinforcing elements 15, such as ribs and/or grooves, which might provide a slight change in diameter, however as shown for example in figure 4 the first circumferential diameter 5 along the end portions 10, 12 is measured at a point having no horizontal ribs and/or grooves.
The same applies to the central portion 11, where the recess 4 is provided. Also in this central portion 11 ribs and or grooves can be provided, however the second circumferential diameter 6 of the central portion 11 is measured along a part having no horizontal grooves and/or ribs.
Also indicated in figure 4 is the height H of the container 1.
The container 1 comprises further a transition portion 13, which provides a transition between the first circumferential diameter at the end portions 10, 12 and the second circumferential diameter within the central portion 11. The transition portion preferably provides a smooth, i.e. constantly increasing or decreasing transition between the two circumferential diameters. However, it is also possible that a sharp edge can be provided between the end portions 10, 12 and the central portion 11.
In figure 5 a second embodiment of a container is shown. In this embodiment the container 1 in addition to the horizontal reinforcing elements 15 also comprises vertical reinforcing elements 16.
Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a container 1 according to the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment shown in figure 4 and additionally comprises fixation elements 17, which are provided on those parts of the containers 1, where the containers are in contact with each other and/or where the binding 90 is provided. These fixation means 17 thus prevent a slippage of the containers against each other and/or a slippage of the binding 90 around the kit.
The fixation means 17 can preferably be small roundish protrusions, such as for example dots, provided on the outside of the container. In case of a blow-molded container 1, these fixation elements are established during the blow-molding process. Preferably, the fixation means 17 are of the same material as the container. Alternatively, they can be of any material which emphasizes the aspect of preventing slippage, such as for example rubber or the like.
The fixation means can be provided along the transition portion 13 and extending partly into the recess 4 as well as into the end portions 10, 12. Alternatively or additionally, fixation means can also be provided at a neck transition portion 18, which is a transition between the end portion 10 and the neck 3 of the container 1.
Figure 7 is a fourth embodiment of a container according to the present invention, which corresponds to the embodiment shown in figure 6 but additionally has vertical reinforcing elements 16.
The container according to the present invention has a first circumferential diameter at the end portions 10, 12 of 15mm to 300mm, preferably of 25mm to 150mm, most preferably of 40mm to 120mm. The second circumferential diameter along the recess preferably is 12mm to 250mm, more preferably 20mm to 120 mm, most preferably 32mm to 100mm.
The ratio between the first circumferential diameter and the second circumferential diameter preferably lies within a range of 1,15 to 1,25, most preferably equals to 1,2.
The bottle has a height H of 40mm to 500mm, preferably of 100mm to 400, most preferably of 150mm to 350mm. The ratio between the height and the first circumferential diameter is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 2 to 7 and most preferably 2 to 4.
Figure 8 shows a first embodiment of a container kit 100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment the binding 90 is a sleeve or a link, wrapped around the kit of four containers 1. Hereby, in the figure the fourth container is only schematically indicated with dashed lines to provide a view on the container below. The bearing area 8 is indicated which allows a contact between adjacent containers 1 is hatched.
The binding can be of plastic or carton and can be a stretched sleeve of LDPE, a shrink sleeve of PET, OPS, PVC, a strapping link of PET, OPP or a carton binding made of cardboard.
In this embodiment the width W of the binding 90 is equal to the extension E of the recess 4.
Further, since with the binding according to the present invention at least a part of the outside of the containers 1 within the kit 100 is not covered by any material, it is further possible to provide interlocking elements 19 on the neck and/or bottom portion of the containers to allow an interlocking with neighboring containers 1. This is advantageous within the kit 100 itself to increase stability and possibly to further reduce the material needed for the binding, but on the other hand is also advantageous when piling the kits 100 onto a pallet, since such interlocking features provide a higher pallet stability and more pallet occupation.
Such interlocking features can be provided at the top end portion 10 and/or the bottom end portion 12. The interlocking element 19 can be any type of protrusion 19a and/or recess 19b enabling an interlocking mechanism between adjacent containers 1.
Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a container kit 100 according to the present invention, consisting again of four containers and comprising as binding a net made out of plastic or textile, for example of OPP, LDPE or textile (a combination of rubber, polyester and cotton).
In order to provide a kit which is easy to carry, the center of gravity of the kit lies within the binding 90, i.e. lies within a plane which is defined by the circumferential binding 90. Thereby, if the handle 91 is attached to the binding, it is possible to carry the kit 100 in a stable way, so that no tilting of the kit 100 in any direction will occur. The bottles hereby are transported in a lying position.
In this alternative embodiment the width W of the binding 90 is larger than the extension E of the recess 4.
As shown in figure 10 , such kits 100 according to the present invention can be easily stacked, for example onto a pallet 80. Since all bottles comprise bearing areas 8 enabling a good contact to adjacent bottles, the kits 100 comprising such bottles can be easily stacked one above the other and one next to the other. Since due to the binding 90 the kits are very stable, such a pallet 80 with a plurality of kits according to the present invention will also provide a high stability, which makes the handling, i.e. storage and transportation more simple.
For providing a container kit 100 according to the present invention, at least two of the previously described containers 1 are provided and positioned with their main axis A in parallel to each other and with adjacent recesses 4. The binding 90 is then provided around the at least two containers 1 along the recesses 4.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

Container kit (100), comprising at least two containers (1), each container (1) having a main axis (A) extending from the bottom portion (2) to the neck (3) and having along its main axis (A) a recess (4) with a reduced circumferential diameter, said containers (1) being positioned with their main axis (A) in parallel to each other and with adjacent recesses (4), and a binding (90) around the at least two containers (1) along the recesses (4).
Container kit according to claim 1, wherein the container (1) is made from a thermoplastic material, whereby the thermoplastic is chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalates, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, polylactic acids, polyvinyl chlorides and combinations thereof.
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby each container (1) has a substantially rectangular cross-section.
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby each container (1) comprises a bearing area (8), preferably a flattened area, for enabling contact with the one or more adjacent containers (1).
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby at least one container comprises fixation means on the outside surface preventing a slippage of two adjacent containers (1) and/or of the binding (90) on the container (1).
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby at least one container (1) comprises interlocking means (19, 19a, 19b) on the outside surface enabling engagement with a corresponding interlocking means (19, 19a, 19b) of an adjacent container (1).
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the center of gravity of all containers (1) lies in a plane defined by the binding (90).
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the ratio between a first circumferential diameter at both end portions (10, 12) of the container (1) and the second circumferential diameter of the recess (4) at a central portion (11) of the container (1) lies between 1,1 and 2, preferably between 1,15 and 1,5, more preferably between 1,15 and 1,25, most preferably equals 1,2..
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the width of the binding (90) is equal to or smaller than the extension of the recess (4) in direction of the main axis (A).
Container kit (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, whereby the width of the binding (90) is larger than the extension of the recess (4) in direction of the main axis (A)
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the ratio between the height (H) of the container (1) and said first circumferential diameter lies between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 7, more preferably between 2 and 4.
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the binding (90) is made of plastic, textile or carton, such as LDPE, PET, OPS, PVC, PET, OPP, cardboard or a mixture of rubber, polyester and textile.
Container kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a handle (91) attached to the binding (90).
Method for providing a container kit (100), comprising the steps of providing at least two containers (1), each container (1) having a main axis (A) extending from the bottom portion (2) to the neck (3) and having along its main axis (A) a recess (4) with a reduced circumferential diameter, positioning said containers (1) with their main axis (A) in parallel to each other and with adjacent recesses (4), and providing a binding around the at least two containers (1) along the recesses (4).