EP3183178B1 - Leichter behälterboden - Google Patents

Leichter behälterboden Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3183178B1
EP3183178B1 EP15833585.1A EP15833585A EP3183178B1 EP 3183178 B1 EP3183178 B1 EP 3183178B1 EP 15833585 A EP15833585 A EP 15833585A EP 3183178 B1 EP3183178 B1 EP 3183178B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
straps
base
strap
longitudinal axis
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15833585.1A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3183178A4 (de
EP3183178A1 (de
Inventor
Michael T. Lane
Walter Paegel
Peidong Han
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Amcor Rigid Packaging USA LLC
Original Assignee
Amcor Rigid Plastics USA LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/465,494 external-priority patent/US9694930B2/en
Application filed by Amcor Rigid Plastics USA LLC filed Critical Amcor Rigid Plastics USA LLC
Publication of EP3183178A1 publication Critical patent/EP3183178A1/de
Publication of EP3183178A4 publication Critical patent/EP3183178A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3183178B1 publication Critical patent/EP3183178B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D79/00—Kinds or details of packages, not otherwise provided for
    • B65D79/005—Packages having deformable parts for indicating or neutralizing internal pressure-variations by other means than venting
    • B65D79/008—Packages having deformable parts for indicating or neutralizing internal pressure-variations by other means than venting the deformable part being located in a rigid or semi-rigid container, e.g. in bottles or jars
    • B65D79/0081—Packages having deformable parts for indicating or neutralizing internal pressure-variations by other means than venting the deformable part being located in a rigid or semi-rigid container, e.g. in bottles or jars in the bottom part thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B65D1/0261—Bottom construction
    • B65D1/0284—Bottom construction having a discontinuous contact surface, e.g. discrete feet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2501/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece
    • B65D2501/0009—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures designed for pouring contents
    • B65D2501/0018—Ribs
    • B65D2501/0027—Hollow longitudinal ribs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2501/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece
    • B65D2501/0009—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures designed for pouring contents
    • B65D2501/0018—Ribs
    • B65D2501/0036—Hollow circonferential ribs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2501/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece
    • B65D2501/0009—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures designed for pouring contents
    • B65D2501/0081—Bottles of non-circular cross-section

Definitions

  • This disclosure generally relates to containers for retaining a commodity, such as a solid or liquid commodity. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a container having an optimized base design to provide a balanced vacuum and pressure response, while minimizing container weight.
  • PET containers are now being used more than ever to package numerous commodities previously supplied in glass containers.
  • PET is a crystallizable polymer, meaning that it is available in an amorphous form or a semi-crystalline form.
  • the ability of a PET container to maintain its material integrity relates to the percentage of the PET container in crystalline form, also known as the "crystallinity" of the PET container.
  • Container manufacturers use mechanical processing and thermal processing to increase the PET polymer crystallinity of a container.
  • Mechanical processing involves orienting the amorphous material to achieve strain hardening. This processing commonly involves stretching an injection molded PET preform along a longitudinal axis and expanding the PET preform along a transverse or radial axis to form a PET container. The combination promotes what manufacturers define as biaxial orientation of the molecular structure in the container.
  • Manufacturers of PET containers currently use mechanical processing to produce PET containers having approximately 20% crystallinity in the container's sidewall.
  • Thermal processing involves heating the material (either amorphous or semi-crystalline) to promote crystal growth.
  • thermal processing of PET material results in a spherulitic morphology that interferes with the transmission of light. In other words, the resulting crystalline material is opaque, and thus, generally undesirable.
  • thermal processing results in higher crystallinity and excellent clarity for those portions of the container having biaxial molecular orientation.
  • the thermal processing of an oriented PET container typically includes blow molding a PET preform against a mold heated to a temperature of approximately 121°C - 177°C (approximately 250°F - 350°F), and holding the blown container against the heated mold for approximately two (2) to five (5) seconds.
  • Manufacturers of PET juice bottles, which must be hot-filled at approximately 85°C (185°F) currently use heat setting to produce PET bottles having an overall crystallinity in the range of approximately 25% -35%.
  • PET containers for hot fill applications become lighter in material weight (aka container gram weight)
  • container gram weight material weight
  • the problem of expansion under the pressure caused by the hot fill process is improved by creating unique vacuum/label panel geometry that resists expansion, maintains shape, and shrinks back to approximately the original starting volume due to vacuum generated during the product cooling phase.
  • the present teachings provide for a container defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction that is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis.
  • the container includes a finish and a sidewall portion extending from the finish.
  • a plurality of ribs are defined by the sidewall portion.
  • a base portion extends from the sidewall portion and encloses the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity.
  • the base portion has a contact surface for supporting the container.
  • a plurality of straps extend radially along the base portion away from the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction, each one of the straps defines a strap surface that is closer to the finish than the contact surface.
  • the plurality of ribs and the base portion are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic charge-up when top load is applied to the container after the container is filled.
  • the present teachings also provide for a container defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction that is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis.
  • the container includes a finish, a sidewall portion, a base portion, a plurality of straps, a plurality of rib members, and a central portion.
  • the sidewall portion extends from the finish.
  • a plurality of horizontal side ribs are defined by the sidewall.
  • the base portion extends from the sidewall portion and encloses the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity.
  • the base portion has a contact surface for supporting the container.
  • the plurality of straps extend radially along the base portion away from the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction.
  • Each one of the straps defines a strap surface that is closer to the finish than the contact surface.
  • the plurality of base rib members are recessed within the base portion. Each one of the plurality of base rib members is between two of the plurality of straps.
  • a central pushup portion is at an axial center of the base portion. The longitudinal axis extends through the central pushup portion.
  • the plurality of horizontal side ribs and the base portion are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic charge-up when top load is applied to the container after the container is filled.
  • the present teachings further provide for a container defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction that is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis.
  • the container includes a finish, a sidewall portion, a base portion, a plurality of straps, a plurality of rib members, and a central pushup portion.
  • the sidewall portion extends from the finish.
  • a plurality of horizontal side ribs are defined by the sidewall portion.
  • the base portion extends from the sidewall portion and encloses the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity.
  • the base portion has a contact surface for supporting the container.
  • the plurality of straps extend radially along the base portion away from the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction.
  • Each one of the straps defines a strap surface that is closer to the finish than the contact surface.
  • a plurality of base rib members are recessed within the base portion. Each one of the plurality of base rib members is between two of the plurality of straps.
  • the central pushup portion is at an axial center of the base portion. The longitudinal axis extends through the central pushup portion.
  • Each one of the plurality of straps is at least partially aligned with one of the base rib members in the transverse direction on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis.
  • the plurality of horizontal side ribs and the base portion are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic charge-up when top load is applied to the container after the container is filled. The plurality of horizontal side ribs collapse upon application of top load, and movement of the base portion is constrained by a standing surface, thereby causing fluid within the volume of the container to reach an incompressible state and resist deformation of the container.
  • FIG. 40 to 45 A container according to the invention is shown in Figs. 40 to 45 .
  • the other figures show embodiments which are not necessarily covered by the invention but may be used to facilitate understanding.
  • Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.
  • first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
  • spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures.
  • Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.
  • the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
  • the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
  • This disclosure provides for a container being made of PET and incorporating a base design having an optimized size and shape that resists container loading and pressures caused by hot fill pressure and resultant vacuum, and helps maintain container shape and response.
  • the size and specific configuration of the container may not be particularly limiting and, thus, the principles of the present teachings can be applicable to a wide variety of PET container shapes. Therefore, it should be recognized that variations can exist in the present embodiments. That is, it should be appreciated that the teachings of the present disclosure can be used in a wide variety of containers, including rectangular, round, oval, squeezable, recyclable, and the like.
  • the present teachings provide a plastic, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), container generally indicated at 10.
  • the exemplary container 10 can be substantially elongated when viewed from a side and generally cylindrical when viewed from above and/or rectangular in throughout or in cross-sections (which will be discussed in greater detail herein).
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the exemplary container 10 can be substantially elongated when viewed from a side and generally cylindrical when viewed from above and/or rectangular in throughout or in cross-sections (which will be discussed in greater detail herein).
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the exemplary container 10 can be substantially elongated when viewed from a side and generally cylindrical when viewed from above and/or rectangular in throughout or in cross-sections (which will be discussed in greater detail herein).
  • Those of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the following teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to other containers, such as rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal
  • container 10 has been designed to retain a commodity.
  • the commodity may be in any form such as a solid or semi-solid product.
  • a commodity may be introduced into the container during a thermal process, typically a hot-fill process.
  • bottlers For hot-fill bottling applications, bottlers generally fill the container 10 with a product at an elevated temperature between approximately approximately 68°C to 96°C (155°F to 205°F) and seal the container 10 with a closure before cooling.
  • the plastic container 10 may be suitable for other high-temperature pasteurization or retort filling processes or other thermal processes as well.
  • the commodity may be introduced into the container under ambient temperatures.
  • the exemplary plastic container 10 defines a body 12, and includes an upper portion 14 having a cylindrical sidewall 18 forming a finish 20. Integrally formed with the finish 20 and extending downward therefrom is a shoulder portion 22. The shoulder portion 22 merges into and provides a transition between the finish 20 and a sidewall portion 24. The sidewall portion 24 extends downward from the shoulder portion 22 to a base portion 28 having a base 30. In some embodiments, sidewall portion 24 can extend down and nearly abut base 30, thereby minimizing the overall area of base portion 28 such that there is not a discernable base portion 28 when exemplary container 10 is uprightly-placed on a surface.
  • the exemplary container 10 may also have a neck 23.
  • the neck 23 may have an extremely short height, that is, becoming a short extension from the finish 20, or an elongated height, extending between the finish 20 and the shoulder portion 22.
  • the upper portion 14 can define an opening for filling and dispensing of a commodity stored therein.
  • the container can be a beverage container; however, it should be appreciated that containers having different shapes, such as sidewalls and openings, can be made according to the principles of the present teachings.
  • the finish 20 of the exemplary plastic container 10 may include a threaded region 46 having threads 48, a lower sealing ridge 50, and a support ring 51.
  • the threaded region provides a means for attachment of a similarly threaded closure or cap (not shown).
  • Alternatives may include other suitable devices that engage the finish 20 of the exemplary plastic container 10, such as a press-fit or snap-fit cap for example.
  • the closure or cap engages the finish 20 to preferably provide a hermetical seal of the exemplary plastic container 10.
  • the closure or cap is preferably of a plastic or metal material conventional to the closure industry and suitable for subsequent thermal processing.
  • the container 10 can comprise a lightweight base configuration 100 generally formed in base portion 28.
  • Base configuration 100 can comprise any one of a number of features that facilitate vacuum response, improve structural integrity, minimize container weight, and/or improve overall performance of container 10.
  • base configuration 100 can be used in connection with any container shape, however, by way of illustration, containers having rectangular and cylindrical cross-sections will be examined.
  • the base portion 28 functions to close off the bottom portion of the plastic container 10 to retain a commodity in the container 10.
  • FIGS. 1-31B illustrate a variety of base configurations 100 and base portions 28 as well, as will be discussed.
  • the base portion 28 of the plastic container 10, which extends inward from the body 12, can comprise one or more contact surfaces 134 and a central portion 136.
  • the contact surface(s) 134 is the area of the base portion 28 that contacts a support surface (e.g. shelf, counter, and the like) that in turn supports the container 10.
  • the contact surface 134 may be a flat surface (an individual flat surface or a collection of separately spaced flat surfaces that each lie within a common plane.
  • the contact surface 134 can also be a line of contact generally circumscribing, continuously or intermittently, the base portion 28.
  • the base portion 28 includes four contact surfaces 134, which are spaced away from each other about the longitudinal axis 150 of the container 10. Also, in the embodiments shown, the contact surfaces 134 are arranged at the corners of the base portion 28. However, it will be appreciated that there can be any number of contact surfaces 134 and the contact surfaces 134 can be disposed in any suitable position.
  • the base portion 28 can further include a central pushup portion 140, which is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
  • the central pushup portion 140 can be centrally located (i.e., substantially centered on the longitudinal axis 150).
  • the central pushup portion 140 can extend generally toward the finish 20.
  • the central pushup portion 140 when viewed in cross section ( FIG. 5 ), is generally in the shape of a truncated cone having a top surface 146 that is generally parallel to the support surfaces 134.
  • the pushup portion 140 can also include side surfaces 148 that slope upward toward the central longitudinal axis 150 of the container 10.
  • the side surfaces 148 can be frusto-conic or can include a plurality of planar surfaces that are arranged in series about the axis 150.
  • the pushup portion 140 can be partially frusto-conic and partially cylindrical.
  • the pushup portion 140 can be generally frusto-conic with a plurality of ribs 171 that extend at an angle along the side surface 148 at equal spacing about the axis 150.
  • the pushup portion 140 can be annular, so that a depending frusto-conic projects exteriorly along the axis 150.
  • FIGS. 35A-35D show additional shapes for the pushup portion 140 (in respective bottom views of the container 10).
  • the top surface 146 can be defined by a plurality of convexly curved lines that are arranged in series about the axis ( FIG. 35A ), an octagon or other polygon ( FIG. 35B ), alternating convexly and concavely curved lines ( FIG. 35C ), and a plurality of concavely curved lines ( FIG. 35D ).
  • the side surface(s) 148 can project therefrom to have a corresponding shape.
  • the top surface 146 and/or the side surface(s) 148 can have a concave and/or convex contour.
  • the top surface 146 can have a concave curvature (indicated at 146') or a convex curvature (indicated at 146").
  • the side surface 148 can have a concave curvature (indicated at 148'), a convex curvature (indicated at 148"), or a S-shaped combination concave and convex curvature (indicated at 148'''). This curvature can be present when the container 10 is empty. Also, the curvature can be the result of deformation due to vacuum loads inside the container 10.
  • the side surface 148 can also be stepped in some embodiments. Also, the side surface 148 can include ribs, convex or concave dimples, or rings.
  • central pushup 140 can vary greatly depending on various design criteria. For additional details about suitable shapes of central pushup 140, attention should be directed to commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 12/847,050 , which published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0017700, which was filed on July 30, 2010 .
  • the central pushup 140 is generally where the preform gate is captured in the mold when the container 10 is blow molded. Located within the top surface 146 is the sub-portion of the base portion 28, which typically includes polymer material that is not substantially molecularly oriented.
  • the container 10 can be hot-filled and, upon cooling, a vacuum in the container 10 can cause the central pushup 140 to move (e.g., along the axis 150, etc.) to thereby decrease the internal volume of the container 10.
  • the central pushup 140 can also resiliently bend, flex, deform, or otherwise move in response to these vacuum forces.
  • the top surface 146 can be flat or can convexly curve without the vacuum forces, but the vacuum forces can draw the top surface 146 upward to have a concave curvature as shown in FIG. 34 .
  • the side surfaces 148 can deform due to the vacuum to be concave and/or convex as shown in FIG. 34 .
  • the central pushup 140 can be an important component of vacuum performance of the container 10 (i.e., the ability of the container 10 to absorb these vacuum forces without losing its ability to contain the commodity, withstand top loading, etc.)
  • the base portion 28 can enhance such vacuum performance.
  • material can be trapped or otherwise urged into the pushup portion of the base.
  • the amount of material in these conventional applications is often more than is required for loading and/or vacuum response and, thus, represents unused material that adds to container weight and cost.
  • This can be overcome by tailoring the pushup diameter (or width in terms of non-conical applications) and/or height to achieve improved loading and/or vacuum response from thinner materials. That is, by maximizing the performance of the central pushup 140, the remaining container portions need not be designed to withstand a greater portion of the loading and vacuum forces, thereby enabling the overall container to be made lighter at a reduced cost. When all portions of the container are made to perform more efficiently, the container can be more finely designed and manufactured.
  • each container 10 having pushup 140 defines several dimensions, including a pushup width Wp (which is generally a diameter of the entrance of central pushup 140), a pushup height Hp (which is generally a height from the contact surface 134 to the top surface 146), and an overall base width Wb (which is generally a diameter or width of base portion 28 of container 10). Based on performance testing, it has been found that relationships exist between these dimensions that lead to enhanced performance.
  • central pushup 140 can define a major diameter (e.g. typically equal approximately to the pushup width Wp or the diameter at the lowermost portion of central pushup 140).
  • the central pushup 40 can further define a minor diameter (e.g.
  • this major diameter and minor diameter can result in the formation of a truncated conical shape.
  • the surface of this truncated conical shape can define a draft angle of less than about 45 degrees relative to central longitudinal axis 150. It has been found that this major diameter or width can be less than about 50mm and the minor diameter or width can be greater than about 5mm, separately or in combination.
  • the container 10 can include an inversion ring 142.
  • the inversion ring 142 can have a radius that is larger than the central pushup 140, and the inversion ring 142 can completely surround and circumscribe the central pushup 140.
  • the inversion ring 142 can be drawn upward along the axis 150 away from the plane defined by the contact surface 134.
  • the inversion ring 142 can protrude outwardly away from the plane defined by the contact surface 134.
  • the transition between the central pushup 140 and the adjacent inversion ring 142 can be rapid in order to promote as much orientation as near the central pushup 140 as possible.
  • the inversion ring 142 may alternatively feature a small indentation, not illustrated but well known in the art, suitable for receiving a pawl that facilitates container rotation about the central longitudinal axis 150 during a labeling operation.
  • the container 10 can further comprise one or more straps 170 formed along and/or within base portion 28.
  • straps 170 can be formed as recessed portions that are visible from the side of container 10. That is, straps 170 can be formed such that they define a surface (i.e., a strap surface 173 that defines a strap axis of the respective strap 170).
  • the strap surface 173 can be offset at a strap distance Ds ( FIG. 2 ) from contact surface(s) 134 in the Z-axis (generally along central longitudinal axis 150 of container 10).
  • this offset Ds between straps 170 and contact surface 134 can be in the range of about 5mm to about 25mm.
  • the strap surface 173 can extend transverse to the axis 150 to terminate adjacent the sidewall portion 24.
  • the periphery of the straps 170 can contour so as to transition into the sidewall portion 24 and/or the contact surfaces 134.
  • At least a portion of the strap surface 173 can extend substantially parallel to the plane of the contact surfaces 134 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 . Also, in some embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 , at least a portion of the strap surface 173 can be partially inclined at a positive angle relative to the contact surface 134. The angle can be less than 15 degrees in some embodiments. The angle can be greater than 15 degrees in other embodiments.
  • FIG. 36 shows various shapes that the straps 170 can have.
  • the straps can concavely contour toward the interior of the container 10 as the strap extends in the transverse direction (indicated at 170').
  • the strap can also convexly contour away from the interior as the strap extends in the transverse direction (indicated at 170").
  • the strap can have one or more steps the along the axis 150 as the strap extends in the transverse direction (indicated at 170"').
  • FIGS. 37-39 show how the straps can be shaped in plan view (viewed along the longitudinal axis 150).
  • the strap can have a sinusoidal curvature in the transverse direction (indicated at 170"" in FIG. 37 ).
  • the strap can also include steps as the strap extends in the transverse direction (indicated at 170''''' in FIG. 37 ).
  • the width of the strap can increase (shown on the right side of FIG. 37 ) or can decrease (shown on the left side of FIG. 37 ) as the strap extends transversely away from the longitudinal axis 150.
  • the strap can smoothly taper in the transverse direction (indicated at 170'''''' in FIG. 39 ).
  • the width of the strap can either increase (top and bottom straps of FIG. 39 ) or decrease (left and right straps of FIG. 39 ) as the strap extends away from the longitudinal axis 150. Additionally, the straps can radiate from the longitudinal axis 150 and can each have a substantially common curvature in the transverse direction to resemble a pinwheel (indicated at 170''''''' in FIG. 38 ). Other shapes, curvatures, etc. are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the shape, dimensions, and other features of the straps 170 can depend upon container shape, styling, and performance criteria. Moreover, it should be recognized that the offset (along the axis 15) of one strap 170 can differ from the offset of another strap 170 on a single container to provide a tuned or otherwise varied load response profile. Straps 170 can interrupt contact surface 134, thereby resulting in a plurality of contact surfaces 134 (also known as a footed or segmented standing surface). Because of the offset nature of straps 170 and their associate shape, size, and inclination (as will be discussed), straps 170 is visible from a side view orientation and formable via simplified mold systems (as will be discussed).
  • straps 170 can serve to reduce the overall material weight needed within base portion 28, compared to conventional container designs, while simultaneously providing sufficient and comparable vacuum performance.
  • straps 170 have permitted containers according to the principles of the present teachings to achieve and/or exceed performance criteria of conventional containers while also minimizing container weight and associated costs.
  • container 10 can include at least one strap 170 disposed in base portion 28.
  • additional straps 170 can be used, such as two, three, four, five, or more.
  • Multiple straps 170 can radiate from the central pushup portion 140 and the longitudinal axis 150. In some embodiments, the straps 170 can be equally spaced apart about the axis 150.
  • rectangular containers may employ two or more even-numbered straps 170.
  • the straps 170 can, in some embodiments, bisect the midpoint (i.e., the middle region) of the respective sidewall. Stated differently, the strap 170 can intersect the respective sidewall approximately midway between the adjacent sidewalls. If the sidewall portion 24 defines a different polygonal cross section (taken perpendicular to the axis 150), the straps 170 can similarly bisect the sidewalls.
  • cylindrical containers may employ three or more odd-numbered or even-numbered straps 170.
  • straps 170 can be disposed in a radial orientation such that each of the plurality of straps 170 radiates from a central point of base portion 28 to an external edge of the container 10 (e.g. adjacent sidewall portion 24). It should be noted, however, that although straps 170 may radiate from a central point, that does not mean that each strap 170 actually starts at the central point, but rather means that if a central axis of each strap 170 was extended inwardly they would generally meet at a common center.
  • the relationship of the number of straps used to radial strength of container 10 has shown an increasing radial strength with an increasing number of straps used (see FIG. 23B ).
  • strap 170 can be used in conjunction with the aforementioned central pushup 140, which would thereby interrupt straps 170.
  • benefits of the present teachings may be realized using straps 170 without central pushup 140.
  • straps 170 can define any one or a number of shapes and sizes having assorted dimensional characteristics and ranges. However, it has been found that particular strap designs can lead to improved vacuum absorption and container integrity. By way of non-limiting example, it has been found that straps 170 can define a strap plane or central axis 172 that is generally parallel to contact surface 134 and/or a surface upon which container 10 sits, thereby resulting in a low strap angle. In other embodiments, strap plane/axis 172 can be inclined relative to contact surface 135 and/or the surface upon which container 10 sits, thereby resulting in a high strap angle.
  • this inclined strap plane/axis 172 can be inclined such that a lowest-most portion of inclined strap plane/axis 172 is toward an inbound or central area of container 10 and a highest-most portion of inclined strap plane/axis 172 is toward an outbound or external area of container 10 (e.g. adjacent sidewall portion 24). Examples of such inclination can be seen in FIGS. 26B and 27B .
  • Low strap angles provide base flexibility resulting in base flex that displaces volume through upward deflection. This upward deflection will be enhanced under vertical load providing additional volume displacement, transitioning to positive pressure to maximize filled capped topload. The volume displacement causes increased vacuum in the container 10.
  • This complementary "co-flex base” technology provides volume displacement & filled capped topload performance thereby resulting in a "lightweight panel-less” container configuration for multi-serve applications.
  • a high strap angle e.g., FIGS. 26B and 27B
  • Rectangular container designs provide sufficient volume displacement.
  • This complementary "rigid-base” technology provides enhanced handling properties on fill-lines and tray distribution offerings thereby resulting in a "lightweight tray capable” container configuration for multi-serve applications.
  • an inclination angle ⁇ ( FIG. 19 ) of strap plane/axis 172 of about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees (i.e. strap angle) can provide improved performance.
  • This strap angle ⁇ can be measured in a side cross-section take along strap plane or axis 172 relative to a horizontal reference plane or axis as shown in FIG. 19 .
  • other strap angles may be used and/or the direction of inclination can be varied.
  • the relationship of inclination angle ⁇ to volume displacement of container 10 has shown an increasing volume displacement with a decreasing inclination angle ⁇ (see FIG. 33A ).
  • strap 170 can further define or include a secondary contour or shape when viewed generally along strap plane or axis 172. That is, when viewing from the side of the container 10, the strap 170 can define a peaked shape or trapezoid shape adjacent the sidewall portion 24 having a raised central area and downwardly extending side surfaces (see FIGS. FIG. 26B and 27B ) as opposed to defining a generally flat, single plane.
  • the trapezoidally shaped portion can be planar also and disposed at a draft angle relative to a horizontal (imaginary) reference line. This draft angle can be between 0 degrees and 45 degrees.
  • this section of the strap 170 can have a triangular shape that further provides improved vacuum response and structural integrity while simultaneously permitting reduction in material weight and costs.
  • a peak 175 of the strap 170 ( FIGS. 19 , 26B and 27B ) can define a peak angle ⁇ ( FIG. 19 ) relative to a vertical or perpendicular reference line in the range of about 0 degrees to 90 degrees (flat strap 170).
  • peak angle ⁇ can define a range of about 1 degree to about 45 degrees.
  • other angles may be used and/or the direction and overall shape of strap 170 can be varied.
  • the relationship of peak angle ⁇ to volume displacement of container 10 has shown an increasing volume displacement with a decreasing peak angle ⁇ (see FIG. 23C ).
  • base portion 28 can further comprise one or more ribs 180 formed in (e.g., entirely within) or along strap 170, or between two straps 170.
  • Ribs 180 can include an inwardly-directed channel (recessed toward the interior of the container 10) or outwardly-directed channel (projecting outward from the interior of the container 10).
  • the rib 180 can be contained entirely within the respective strap 170 or can extend out of the respective strap 170 in some embodiments.
  • the ribs 180 can serve to tune or otherwise modify the vacuum response characteristics of straps 170.
  • ribs 180 serve to modify the response profile of one or more straps 170.
  • ribs 180 can follow one of a number of pathways, such as a generally V-shaped pathway ( FIGS. 29B, 30B ) or along longitudinal axis 180 extending from the central longitudinal axis 150.
  • these pathways can define a pair of arcuate channels 182 terminating at a central radius 184.
  • the plastic container 10 of the present disclosure is a blow molded, biaxially oriented container with a unitary construction from a single or multi-layer material.
  • a well-known stretch-molding, heat-setting process for making the one-piece plastic container 10 generally involves the manufacture of a preform (not shown) of a polyester material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), having a shape well known to those skilled in the art similar to a test-tube with a generally cylindrical cross section.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the mold system 306 can be employed for the manufacture of container geometries, namely base geometries, that could not be previously made.
  • the mold system 306 can comprise a base system 310 disposed in operably connection with a sidewall system 320.
  • Base system 310 can be configured for forming generally an entire portion of base portion 28 of container 10 and extends radially and upward until a transition to sidewall portion 24.
  • Base system 310 in some embodiments, can maintain a temperature that is different from sidewall system 320-either hotter or colder than sidewall system 320. This can facilitate formation of container 10 to speed up or slow down the relative formation of the base portion 28 of container 10 during molding.
  • base system 310 can comprise a lower pressure cylinder to extend and retract a push up member 323 (shown in phantom in FIG. 32 ).
  • the push up member 32 can be used to extend or otherwise stretch central pushup 140 axially toward the interior of the container 10.
  • push up member 322 can be centrally disposed in base system 310.
  • the push up member 322 can have a retracted position, wherein the push up member 322 is close to flush with surrounding portions of the base system 310, and an extended position (shown in phantom), wherein the push up member 322 can extend away from surrounding portions of the base system 310.
  • the push up member 322 can engage the preform during forming and urge preform upward (e.g. inwardly) to form central pushup 140. Also, following formation of central pushup 140, push up member 322 can be retracted to permit demolding of the final container 10 from the mold. In some additional embodiments, push up member 322 of base system 310 can be paired with a counter stretch rod, if desired.
  • a preform version of container 10 includes a support ring, which may be used to carry or orient the preform through and at various stages of manufacture.
  • the preform may be carried by the support ring, the support ring may be used to aid in positioning the preform in a mold cavity 321 ( FIG. 32 ), or the support ring may be used to carry an intermediate container once molded.
  • the preform may be placed into the mold cavity 321 such that the support ring is captured at an upper end of the mold cavity 321.
  • the mold cavity has an interior surface corresponding to a desired outer profile of the blown container.
  • the mold cavity defines a body forming region, an optional moil forming region and an optional opening forming region.
  • an intermediate container Once the resultant structure (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate container) has been formed, any moil created by the moil forming region may be severed and discarded. It should be appreciated that the use of a moil forming region and/or opening forming region are not necessarily in all forming methods.
  • a machine places the preform heated to a temperature between approximately 88°C to 121°C (approximately 190°F to 250°F) into the mold cavity.
  • the mold cavity may be heated to a temperature between approximately 121°C to 177°C (approximately 250°F to 350°F).
  • a stretch rod apparatus (not illustrated) stretches or extends the heated preform within the mold cavity to a length approximately that of the intermediate container thereby molecularly orienting the polyester material in an axial direction generally corresponding with the central longitudinal axis of the container 10.
  • air having a pressure between 2.07 MPa to 4.14 MPa assists in extending the preform in the axial direction and in expanding the preform in a circumferential or hoop direction thereby substantially conforming the polyester material to the shape of the mold cavity and further molecularly orienting the polyester material in a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction, thus establishing the biaxial molecular orientation of the polyester material in most of the intermediate container.
  • the pressurized air holds the mostly biaxial molecularly oriented polyester material against the mold cavity for a period of approximately two (2) to five (5) seconds before removal of the intermediate container from the mold cavity. This process is known as heat setting and results in a heat-resistant container suitable for filling with a product at high temperatures.
  • plastic container manufacturing methods such as for example, extrusion blow molding, one step injection stretch blow molding and injection blow molding, using other conventional materials including, for example, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a PET/PEN blend or copolymer, and various multilayer structures may be suitable for the manufacture of plastic container 10.
  • PEN polyethylene naphthalate
  • PET/PEN blend or copolymer a PET/PEN blend or copolymer
  • multilayer structures may be suitable for the manufacture of plastic container 10.
  • a container 10 according to the present invention is illustrated as a generally round container with a generally round base 30.
  • the container 10 and the base 30 are generally illustrated in Figures 40-45 as being round, the container 10 and the base 30 can have any suitable shape or size.
  • the container 10 can have any of the shapes described and/or illustrated above, including, but not limited to, the following: rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, or square.
  • the base 30 includes lightweight base configuration 100, which generally includes straps 170, central pushup portion 140, and ribs 180.
  • the straps 170 extend generally radially from the central longitudinal axis 150 away from the central pushup portion 140 to the sidewall portion 124. Each one of the straps 170 is spaced apart about the base 30.
  • the straps 170 can be spaced apart at any suitable interval, such as a generally uniform interval as illustrated in Figures 40-42 , for example. Any suitable number of the straps 170 can be included, such as five as illustrated or seven. Generally, the greater the diameter of the base 30, the more straps 170 that can be included.
  • Each one of the straps 170 extends along the strap plane/axis 172 thereof and is thus an elongated strap.
  • the straps 170 are illustrated as each having a width that generally increases along a length thereof, such that each strap is widest at the sidewall portion 24 and most narrow proximate to the central longitudinal axis 150.
  • the strap surface 173 extends further from either side of the strap plane/axis 172 at the sidewall portion 24 as compared to proximate to the central longitudinal axis 150.
  • Each strap 170 generally includes a first end 176 and a second end 178, which are at opposite ends of each strap 170 along the strap plane/axis 172 thereof.
  • the first end 176 is proximate to the longitudinal axis 150 and the second end is at the sidewall portion 24.
  • Each strap 170 extends linearly from the first end 176 to the second end 178, such as linearly along the strap plane/axis 172 extending along the strap surface 173 from the first end 176 to the second end 178 at the peak 175.
  • Each strap 170 is generally inclined along the strap plane/axis 172 thereof from the first end 176 to the second end 178, such that the first end 176 is generally at the contact surface/foot surface 134 of the base 30 and the second end 178 is at the peak 175. Therefore, the second end 178 is further recessed into the base 30 as compared to the first end 176, which may not be recessed into the base 30 at all.
  • the straps 170 are illustrated as generally being inclined or sloped in this manner, the straps 170 need not be inclined, and thus the strap plane/axis 172 may extend linearly such that the strap plane/axis 172 is perpendicular to, or substantially perpendicular to, the central longitudinal axis 150 along its entire length or a substantial portion thereof.
  • the base 30 further includes a plurality of the ribs 180, which as illustrated in the container 10 of Figures 40-45 are spaced apart from the straps 170.
  • Each rib 180 is generally elongated and extends generally radially from the central longitudinal axis 150 along a rib longitudinal axis 190 of each rib 180.
  • Each rib 180 extends to the sidewall portion 24 from any suitable position along the base 30 between the central longitudinal axis 150 and the sidewall 30.
  • One or more of the ribs 180 can be between two of the straps 170.
  • only one of the ribs 180 can be between two of the straps 170, and can be equidistant between the two straps 170.
  • Any suitable number of ribs 180 can be included, such as five as illustrated.
  • the number of ribs 180 can generally correspond to the number of straps 170, such that a single rib 180 is between two of the straps 170.
  • the straps 170 extend linearly and are angled such that relative to a base surface 192 that the container 10 may be seated upon, at the inclined strap plane/axis 172 the strap surface 173 is at an angle ⁇ from the surface 192.
  • the angle ⁇ can be any suitable angle such as, for example, from about 0° to about 30°, from about 5° to about 20°, about 10°, or 10°.
  • the straps 170 can be arranged at an angle ⁇ , which is measured between the central longitudinal axis 150 and the inclined strap plane/axis 172.
  • the angle ⁇ can be any suitable angle, such as in the range of about 0° to about 90°, about 45° to about 85°, about 80°, or 80°.
  • the central pushup portion 140 includes a top offset surface 194 at the top surface 146 and a bottom offset surface 196 opposite to the top offset surface 194.
  • the top offset surface 194 is recessed within the top surface 146, and the bottom offset surface 196 protrudes from a bottom surface 200 of the central pushup portion 140, which is opposite to the top surface 146.
  • the central pushup portion 140 further includes a flange 198 defined by the side surfaces 148 of the central pushup portion 140.
  • the side surfaces 148 are illustrated as generally curving away from the central longitudinal axis 150, but can have any other suitable shape or configuration as described above, such as in conjunction with Figure 34 , which illustrates side surfaces 148 having concave, convex, and generally planar surfaces.
  • the lightweight base configuration 100 is configured to move, such as by flexing, in a variety of different directions in order to enhance durability, structural integrity, resistance to undesirable deformation, and usefulness of the container 10, such as when the container 10 is subject to increased vacuum pressures during cooling of hot filled contents thereof.
  • the central pushup portion 140 is configured to move along the central longitudinal axis 150, and remain centered on the central longitudinal axis 150 as the central pushup portion 140 moves along the central longitudinal axis 150.
  • the central pushup portion 140 is arranged such that the central longitudinal axis 150 extends through the top offset surface 194, the bottom offset surface 196, and generally an axial center of the top surface 146.
  • the central pushup portion 140 can flex along the central longitudinal axis 150 towards the finish 20 to position 140', with the side surface 148 flexing to 148'.
  • the straps 170 also flex towards the finish 20, such as to the position at 170' of Figure 44 .
  • the straps 170 flex across an angle ⁇ up to the line 210 and flex across angle ⁇ up and away from the line 210.
  • the angles ⁇ and ⁇ are the same or generally the same.
  • an outward strap radius 202 will generally decrease and move to position 202'.
  • the outward strap radius 202/202' is generally measured at the smallest radius where the straps 170 transition to the sidewall portion 24 at an interior of the container 10.
  • the outward strap radius 202 generally decreases to 202'.
  • the outward strap radius 202 generally decreases from about 10% to about 40%, such as 25% or about 25% of the original; or to within a range of about 0.9 times to about 0.6 times the original, such as 0.75 times or about 0.75 times the original.
  • the degree to which the outward strap radius 202 decreases will depend on the size and the composition of the container 10, as well as on the contents thereof and the number of straps 170 present. For example, the greater the number of straps 170 present, the more that the outward strap radius 202 will decrease.
  • a base clearance Cb will increase a distance Cb', thereby making the overall base clearance Cb + Cb'.
  • the distance Cb' will also increase.
  • the base clearance will increase anywhere from about 3mm to about 7mm.
  • the distance Cb' will increase to within a range of from about 3mm to about 7mm.
  • the distance that the base clearance increases which is identified in Figure 45 as Cb', depends on the size and the composition of the container 10, as well as on the contents thereof and the number of straps 170 present. For example, the greater the number of straps 170 present, the more that the base clearance will increase, and the greater that the distance Cb' will be.
  • the contact/foot surface 134 moves towards the finish 20 to position 134', thus decreasing standing base radius Rsb to Rsb'.
  • the standing base radius is generally measured from the central longitudinal axis 150 to a point where the contact/foot surface 134 makes contact with surface 192.
  • the standing base radius will generally decrease from Rsb to Rsb'.
  • the standing base radius will generally decrease to Rsb' within a range of from about 28mm to about 40mm. Again, the distance that the standing base radius decreases will depend on the size and composition of the container, the contents thereof, and the number of straps 170 present.
  • an inward foot radius of the base configuration 100 increases as measured at about a midway point along the curved side surface 148.
  • the inward foot radius can increase about 1.1 times to about 2.0 times the original before displacement, such as 1.5 times or about 1.5 times the original.
  • the decrease in the outward strap radius and the increase in the inward foot radius are directly proportional.
  • the inward foot radius increases a distance that is about 1.2 times to about 3.3 times, or about 2 times, the distance that the outward strap radius decreases.
  • the outward strap radius will decrease 10% or about 10%, and the inward foot radius will increase 20% or about 20%.
  • Any suitable relationship can be established between the outward (or outer) strap radius and the inward (or inner) foot radius. With reference to Figure 1 for example, the relationship between the outward strap radius and the inward foot radius can be set at any point in the illustrated box.
  • each strap 170 decreases.
  • the width can be measured between any suitable points of each strap 170.
  • the width of each strap 170 can be measured between two points that are on opposite sides of the strap plane/axis 172, furthest from the longitudinal axis 150, and configured to rest on planar base surface 192 when the container 20 is seated on the planar base surface 192.
  • the feet 134 between the straps 170 move closer together, thus decreasing a foot separation distance between the feet 134.
  • the foot separation distance also decreases.
  • the foot separation distance will decrease about 5% to about 20%, such as about 10% to about 17%, such as about 12.5%.
  • the width Ws of the straps 170 is effectively the separation distance between the straps 170, and thus the width Ws of the straps 170 will decrease the same amount as the separation distance.
  • Figure 52A illustrates the container 10 in an as-blown, pre-filled configuration.
  • Figure 52B illustrates the container 10 after being hot-filled and subsequently cooled, with the as-blown position shown at AB.
  • Figure 52C illustrates the container 10 subject to top load pressure, with the as-blown position shown at AB.
  • Figure 52D illustrates the container 10 subject to additional top load pressure, with the as-blown position shown at AB.
  • the container 10 of Figures 52A-52D includes the generally round base portion 30 and the light base configuration 100 described above.
  • the container 10 of Figures 52A-52D includes the straps 170 and the central pushup portion 140, and may include the ribs 180 as well.
  • the main body portion 12 includes the sidewall 24, which extends to the base portion 30 of the container 10.
  • the sidewall 24 defines an internal volume 326 of the container 10 at an interior surface thereof.
  • the sidewall 24 may be tapered inward towards the longitudinal axis 150 at one or more areas of the sidewall 24 in order to define recesses or ribs 350 at an exterior surface of the sidewall 32, as well as an inwardly tapered portion 352 between the ribs 350 and the shoulder portion 22.
  • the sidewall 24 defines five recesses or ribs 350a-350e. However, any suitable number of recesses or ribs 350 can be defined.
  • the ribs 350 can have any suitable external diameter, which may vary amongst the different ribs 350.
  • the ribs 350 can articulate about the sidewall 24 to arrive at a vacuum absorbed position, as illustrated in Figure 52B for example.
  • the ribs 350 can be vacuum ribs.
  • the ribs 350 can also provide the container 10 with reinforcement features, thereby providing the container 10 with improved structural integrity and stability. Larger ribs, such as rib 350a which has a larger vertical height and is recessed deeper in the sidewall 24 relative to other ribs 350, will have a greater vacuum response. Smaller ribs, such as ribs 350b, 350c, and 350e, will provide the container with improved structural integrity.
  • base portion 30, which as described above is a vacuum base portion 30, and the horizontal ribs 350 allows the container 10 to reach a state of hydraulic charge up when a top load force is applied after the container 10 is filled, as illustrated in Figures 52C and 52D for example, which allows the container 10 to maintain its basic shape.
  • This movement of the base portion 30 caused by top load force is constrained by the standing surface, and the horizontal ribs 350 begin to collapse, thereby causing filled internal fluid to approach an incompressible state. At this point, the internal fluid resists further compression and the container 10 behaves similar to a hydraulic cylinder, while maintaining the basic shape of the container 10.
  • Figure 53 is a graph of base volume change versus pressure
  • Figure 54 is a graph of filled, capped, and cooled top load versus displacement of an exemplary container 10 according to the present teachings. The various phases described herein are illustrated in Figures 53 and 54 .
  • Figure 52D illustrates phase 4 and an increase in top load, which returns the base portion 30 substantially to the original as-blown position of Figure 52A and phase 1.
  • the base portion 30 is constrained by the standing surface thereof, the ribs 350 collapse causing further reduction in internal volume of the container 10, and a hydraulic spike in internal pressure advantageously facilitates very high top load capability.
  • Figures 55-57 illustrate pressure-volume characteristics under vacuum and filled capped cooled top load of an exemplary container 10 according to the present teachings. Specifically, Figure 55 illustrates container volume change versus pressure. Figure 56 illustrates body volume change versus pressure. Figure 57 illustrates the base volume change versus pressure. From Figure 57 , it is clear that the base 30 is flexible under vacuum and significantly stiffer under top load, which is a desired characteristic for good vacuum and filled capped cooled top load. Figure 56 demonstrates that under top load the volume of the body and ribs 350 continuously decreases, leading to increased pressure.
  • the ribs 350 are suitable for allowing displacement to increase as top load increases because the ribs 350 are axially flexible ( i.e., can be axially compressed to lead to pressure charge-up) and radially stiff to maintain pressure. Therefore, combination of the base 30 and ribs 350 provides an advantageous configuration for improved vacuum and top load responses.
  • any of the containers 10 described herein can include any suitable number of the ribs 350, such as five ribs 350a-350e.
  • any of the containers 10 according to the present teachings can exhibit the performance characteristics set forth in the graphs at Figures 53-57 , such as by providing the containers 10 with the ribs 350 and the base portion 30 including the straps 170 and central pushup 140, and optionally the ribs 180.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Ein Behälter, der eine Längsachse (150) und eine Querachse, die quer in Bezug auf die Längsachse (150) verläuft, definiert, wobei der Behälter (10) Folgendes aufweist:
    einen Hals (20);
    einen Seitenwandbereich (24), der sich von dem Hals (20) aus erstreckt;
    eine Mehrzahl von Rippen (350, 350 a-e), die durch den Seitenwandbereich (24) definiert sind;
    einen Basisbereich (28), der sich von dem Seitenwandbereich (24) aus erstreckt und den Seitenwandbereich (24) umschließt, um ein Volumen (326) zu bilden, um darin ein Produkt aufzunehmen,
    wobei der Basisbereich (28) eine Kontaktfläche (134) zur Abstützung des Behälters (10) aufweist; und
    eine Mehrzahl von Bändern (170), von denen sich jedes radial entlang des Basisbereichs (28) von der Längsachse (150) weg in der Querrichtung von einem ersten Ende (176) zu einem zweiten Ende (178) erstreckt, wobei jedes der Bänder (170) eine Bandoberfläche (173) definiert, die näher an dem Hals (20) als die Kontaktfläche (134) ist;
    wobei die Mehrzahl von Rippen (350, 350 a-e) und der Basisbereich (28) den Behälter (10) in einem Zustand von hydraulischer Aufladung platzieren, wenn von oben eine Last auf den Behälter (10) ausgeübt wird, nachdem der Behälter (10) gefüllt ist;
    wobei die Bänder (170) sich längs erstrecken und derart abgewinkelt sind, dass sie relativ zu einer Basisfläche (192), auf die der Behälter (10) gestellt sein kann, sich in einer geneigten Bandachse (172) erstreckt, wobei sich die Bandoberfläche (173) in einem Winkel (α) zwischen ungefähr 5° bis ungefähr 30° von der Basisfläche (192) aus erstreckt;
    wobei der Basisbereich (28) ferner einen mittigen hervorstehenden Bereich (140) aufweist;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der mittige hervorstehende Bereich (140) eine obere abgesetzte Oberfläche (194) an der oberen Fläche (146) aufweist, und eine vom Boden abgesetzte Fläche (196) gegenüber der von der oberen Fläche abgesetzten Fläche (194), und dass die obere abgesetzte Fläche (194) innerhalb der oberen Fläche (146) zurückgesetzt ist, und dass die vom Boden abgesetzte Fläche (196) von einer Bodenfläche (200) des mittigen hervorstehenden Bereichs (140) hervorsteht, die gegenüber der oberen Fläche (146) ist, und dass der mittige hervorstehende Bereich (140) einen Flansch (198) einschließt, der von den Seitenflächen (148) des mittigen hervorstehenden Bereichs (140) definiert ist.
  2. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem die Mehrzahl von Rippen (350, 350 a-e) bei Anwendung einer Last von oben kollabieren, und wobei die Bewegung des Basisbereiches (28) durch die Basisfläche (192) begrenzt ist, wodurch bewirkt wird, dass Fluid innerhalb des Volumens (326) des Behälters (10) einen inkompressiblen Zustand erreicht und einer Deformation des Behälters (10) widersteht.
  3. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem jede der Bandoberflächen (173) an den Seitenwandbereich (24) derart angrenzt, dass die Bandoberfläche (173) von einer Seite des Behälters (10) sichtbar ist.
  4. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem jede der Bandoberflächen (173) einen Toppunkt (175) aufweist, der an den Seitenwandbereich (24) angrenzt und in einem Topwinkel in Bezug auf die Längsachse (150) angeordnet ist.
  5. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem jedes der Mehrzahl von Bändern (170) mit dem ersten Ende (176) in der Nähe der Längsachse ist, und das zweite Ende (178) angrenzend an den Seitenwandbereich (24), wobei jedes der Mehrzahl von Bändern (170) an dem ersten Ende (176) enger als an dem zweiten Ende (178) ist, oder wobei jedes der Mehrzahl von Bändern (170) sich nach außen von der Bänderlängsachse (172) aus verjüngt, so dass jedes der Mehrzahl von Bändern (170) an dem Seitenwandbereich (24) am breitesten ist.
  6. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 1, der ferner eine Mehrzahl von Basisrippenelementen (171, 180) an dem Basisbereich (28) aufweist, wobei wenigstens eines der Mehrzahl von Basisrippenelementen (171, 180) zwischen zwei von der Mehrzahl von Bändern (170) angeordnet ist.
  7. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 6, bei dem die Mehrzahl von Basisrippenelementen (171, 180) sich entlang des Basisbereichs (28) von der Längsachse (150) in der Querrichtung weg erstreckt, oder wobei die Mehrzahl von Basisrippenelementen (171, 180) innerhalb des Basisbereichs (28) vertieft sind.
  8. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem der mittige hervorstehende Bereich (140) an einer axialen Mitte des Basisbereichs (28) ist, wobei sich die Längsachse (150) durch den zentralen hervorstehenden Bereich (140) erstreckt.
  9. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 8, bei dem die obere Fläche (146) des hervorstehenden Bereiches (140) von der Kontaktfläche (134) beabstandet ist, wobei sich die Längsachse (150) durch die Topfläche (146) erstreckt, und wobei sich die Seitenfläche (148) zwischen der Kontaktfläche (134) und der Topfläche erstreckt, wobei vorzugsweise die Seitenfläche von der Längsachse weg gekrümmt ist.
  10. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem eine in der Querrichtung definierte Breite von jedem der Bänder (170) abnimmt, wenn der Behälter (10) einer Volumenverschiebung ausgesetzt ist, die ein vergrößertes Vakuum bewirkt.
  11. Der Behälter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem in Bezug auf eine Linie, die sich senkrecht zu einer Längsachse (150) des Behälters (10) erstreckt, während der Volumenverschiebung jedes der Mehrzahl von Bändern (170) so ausgebildet ist, dass es zu dem Hals (20) hin liegen kann, mit einem ersten Abstand zu der Linie und einem zweiten Abstand von der Linie, wobei der erste Abstand ungefähr gleich dem zweiten Abstand ist.
EP15833585.1A 2014-08-21 2015-06-29 Leichter behälterboden Active EP3183178B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/465,494 US9694930B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2014-08-21 Lightweight container base
PCT/US2015/038321 WO2016028393A1 (en) 2014-08-21 2015-06-29 Lightweight container base

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3183178A1 EP3183178A1 (de) 2017-06-28
EP3183178A4 EP3183178A4 (de) 2018-03-28
EP3183178B1 true EP3183178B1 (de) 2020-02-26

Family

ID=55352166

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15833585.1A Active EP3183178B1 (de) 2014-08-21 2015-06-29 Leichter behälterboden

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3183178B1 (de)
SV (1) SV2017005388A (de)
WO (1) WO2016028393A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10538357B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2020-01-21 Amcor Rigid Plastics Usa, Llc Lightweight container base
MX2019012478A (es) * 2017-04-28 2019-12-02 Amcor Rigid Plastics Usa Llc Base de contenedor ligero.

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5080244A (en) * 1978-11-07 1992-01-14 Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd. Synthetic resin thin-walled bottle and method of producing same
US20020153343A1 (en) * 2001-04-19 2002-10-24 Tobias John W. Multi-functional base for a plastic, wide-mouth, blow-molded container
US20110011873A1 (en) * 2008-03-25 2011-01-20 Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd Synthetic resin container

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7137520B1 (en) * 1999-02-25 2006-11-21 David Murray Melrose Container having pressure responsive panels
US8584879B2 (en) * 2000-08-31 2013-11-19 Co2Pac Limited Plastic container having a deep-set invertible base and related methods
US8240493B2 (en) * 2009-06-29 2012-08-14 Amcor Limited Container having oriented standing surface
US8567624B2 (en) * 2009-06-30 2013-10-29 Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. Lightweight, high strength bottle
PE20121189A1 (es) 2009-07-31 2012-09-06 Amcor Ltd Recipiente de llenado en caliente
JP5584929B2 (ja) 2010-12-17 2014-09-10 サントリーホールディングス株式会社 樹脂製容器
PE20141925A1 (es) 2011-08-31 2014-12-05 Amcor Ltd Base de recipiente de peso ligero

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5080244A (en) * 1978-11-07 1992-01-14 Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd. Synthetic resin thin-walled bottle and method of producing same
US20020153343A1 (en) * 2001-04-19 2002-10-24 Tobias John W. Multi-functional base for a plastic, wide-mouth, blow-molded container
US20110011873A1 (en) * 2008-03-25 2011-01-20 Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd Synthetic resin container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SV2017005388A (es) 2017-08-18
WO2016028393A1 (en) 2016-02-25
EP3183178A4 (de) 2018-03-28
EP3183178A1 (de) 2017-06-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9694930B2 (en) Lightweight container base
US9833938B2 (en) Heat-set container and mold system thereof
US10532848B2 (en) Lightweight container base
US9079709B2 (en) Heat set container
EP2285699B1 (de) Behälter für heissfüllung
WO2011112278A2 (en) Heat set container
EP3538444B1 (de) Verfahren zur bereitstellung eines befüllten behälters
US8556097B2 (en) Container having vacuum panel with balanced vacuum and pressure response
US8505757B2 (en) Shoulder rib to direct top load force
WO2014036516A1 (en) Lightweight container base
EP3183178B1 (de) Leichter behälterboden
US10723504B2 (en) Heat set container with label boundary panel
WO2012012182A2 (en) Pressure resistant vacuum/label panel
US11091289B2 (en) Lightweight container base
EP3615436A1 (de) Leichter behälterboden

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20170315

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: AMCOR GROUP GMBH

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20180226

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B65D 1/40 20060101ALI20180220BHEP

Ipc: B65D 1/02 20060101AFI20180220BHEP

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20190130

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: AMCOR RIGID PLASTICS USA, LLC

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190910

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1237360

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602015047867

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200526

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200626

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200526

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2784786

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20200930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200719

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1237360

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602015047867

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20201127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20200629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200629

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20200630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200629

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230510

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230510

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20230707

Year of fee payment: 9