EP4686665A1

EP4686665A1 - Stackable table-top container with integrated pouring and handling means

Info

Publication number: EP4686665A1
Application number: EP24191957.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Steven Van Den Berghe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-07-31
Filing date: 2024-07-31
Publication date: 2026-02-04
Also published as: BE1032607A1; WO2026027281A1; NL2040839A

Abstract

The invention provides, amongst other aspects, a container comprising a bottom, a neck and a body extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, wherein the neck comprises an aperture acting as a passage for liquid containable in the body, wherein the neck further comprises a handling means for carrying the container and a pouring means for guiding the liquid when poured through said aperture, wherein the handling means and the pouring means both extend from the neck along respective different radial directions, preferably along respective radial directions spanning an angle of at least 90 degrees, more preferably along opposed radial directions. The invention further provides a set of identical containers. The invention further provides a method for stacking identical containers. The invention further provides a set of containers stacked atop one another.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the technical domain of containers, such as jerrycans, for containing and dispensing liquid.

Background art

Conventional containers are typically manufactured with a handle for carrying the respective container. Unfortunately, handles such as those described in WO2024017889A1 are provided for carrying the container upright, however, are disadvantageous when dispensing liquid from the container. Firstly, the forces acting on the pivot handle counter the tilting of the container for dispensing the liquid, therefore requiring more effort to tilt the container for dispensing the liquid. Secondly, due to the typical wide mouth of the containers, the dispensing of the liquid can be messy and in some cases dangerous.
These challenges highlight the need for an improved container which can overcome these limitations.
The present invention aims at addressing issues, such as the issues mentioned above.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a container comprising a bottom, a neck and a body extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, wherein the neck comprises an aperture acting as a passage for liquid containable in the body, wherein the neck further comprises a handling means for carrying the container and a pouring means for guiding the liquid when poured through said aperture, wherein the handling means and the pouring means both extend from the neck along respective different radial directions, preferably along respective radial directions spanning an angle of at least 90 degrees, more preferably along opposed radial directions.
Having a handling means extending in one radial direction and a pouring means extending in another radial direction allows for comfortable holding and pouring, thereby reducing strain and fatigue. Moreover, the flow of liquid or fluid contents can be better controlled, thereby reducing the likelihood of spills or messes, which may be dangerous in some cases (e.g., with toxic liquids). Furthermore, the separate handling means and pouring means allow for easy one-handed operation, freeing up the other hand for other tasks or making it easier to hold a utensil or spoon while pouring.
Prior art containers, such as those of WO2024017889A1 and CN204618983 , may be more difficult to use for individuals with certain physical limitations. The method of the invention may advantageously provide a more accessible and usable container by a wider range of people.
In particularly advantageous embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means both extend from the neck along opposed radial directions, wherein top portions of the handling means and the pouring means together define a common tabletop such that an object may be stacked on top of the container.
Such embodiments may advantageously allow for reduced need for separate stacking trays, thereby increasing the versatility of the container with stacking.
The opposed radial directions may advantageously provide improved ergonomics and a comfortable grip for users, reducing fatigue and strain when handling the container, especially when carrying heavy loads or using the pouring means. Furthermore, the opposed radial directions may advantageously enable more precise pouring, as the user can easily maneuver the container to direct the flow of liquid, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidental spills or messes during use.
In particularly advantageous embodiments, an outer surface of the bottom is shaped complementary to at least the top portions of the handling means and the pouring means, optionally further at least a top portion of the neck, (e.g., the tabletop) for enabling a stacking of a second container identical to the container on top of the container, whereby portions of the second container surround at least the top portions of the handling means and the pouring means, optionally further at least a top portion of the neck, (e.g., the tabletop) of the container.
Such embodiments may advantageously allow for efficient and/or seamless stacking of identical containers, thereby reducing the risk of containers toppling or becoming unstable during transportation or storage.
According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for stacking a first container according to the present invention atop a second container identical to the first container, whereby portions of the second container surround the neck, the handling means, and the pouring means.
According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a set comprising a first container according to the present invention; and a second container identical to the first container, wherein the first container is stacked atop the second container.
Such a system may advantageously allow for increased storage density. Furthermore, the precise fit between containers, firstly, minimizes the need for additional spacers or separators, reducing material waste and packaging costs, and secondly, improve transportation efficiency, as they are less likely to shift or topple during transit, reducing the risk of damage or spills.
Preferred embodiments and their advantages are provided in the description and the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings.

Fig. 1 and 2 show a perspective view of a container according to the invention.
Fig. 3 shows a lateral view of the container according to the invention.
Fig. 4 and 5 show anterior and posterior views of the container according to the invention.
Fig. 6 shows a top view of the container according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of the container according to the present invention.
Fig. 8 shows a set comprising a plurality of containers according to the present invention.

Description of embodiments

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to the disclosure is not intended to restrict or limit the disclosure to exact features of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
Furthermore, the various embodiments, although referred to as "preferred" are to be construed as exemplary manners in which the invention may be implemented rather than as limiting the scope of the invention.
The term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the elements or steps listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B, rather with respect to the present invention, the only enumerated components of the device are A and B, and further the claim should be interpreted as including equivalents of those components.
As used herein, the term "neck" may refer to the narrowest part of the container or a defined zone or protrusion at the top of the container, particularly above the body comprised in the container, where the neck comprises an opening or aperture acting as a passage for liquid containable in the body. In embodiments, the neck extends from a top surface of the body along the longitudinal axis. The neck, particularly an outer wall comprised in the neck, may extend around the longitudinal axis. Therefore, a center of the neck may coincide with a center of the top surface of the body. Thus, the longitudinal axis of the container may extend through the center of the neck. Alternatively, the center of the neck may not coincide with the center of the top surface of the body, and instead may be located at any point on the top surface of the body, such as at any distance along any radial direction on the top surface of the body. In embodiments, the neck has an outer diameter between 35-125 mm. In embodiments, the neck has an inner diameter (e.g., a diameter of the aperture) between 30-100 mm. Preferably, a difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the neck is between 5-25 mm. In embodiments, the neck extends along the longitudinal axis (i.e., has a height) between 20-90 mm.
The term "handling means" may refer to any feature or component designed to facilitate at least one of the manipulation, movement, and transportation of the container. In embodiments, the handling means comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion extends from the neck. The handling means may comprise a handle or a grip configured to enable at least one of lifting, carrying, and manipulating the container, wherein preferably the handle or the grip is the distal portion of the handling means.
The term "pouring means" may refer to any feature or component designed to facilitate the controlled flow and/or guidance of liquid when poured through the aperture. In embodiments, the pouring means comprises a flange or lip protruding from the neck or from an edge around the aperture or at a radial distance therefrom. In embodiments, the pouring means have an angled or curved surface that may cause the liquid to flow in a specific direction, such as downwards or away from the container, particularly away from the neck or the aperture comprised therein. In embodiments, the pouring means comprises a channel for guiding the liquid when poured through said aperture. Related, the term "channel" may refer to a continuous, linear feature that extends at least partially along a radial length of the pouring means. The channel may be configured to guide the flow of liquid as it exits the container through the aperture. In embodiments, the channel has an angled or curved surface. In embodiments, the channel has a depth with respect to a top surface of the pouring means, such as between 1-5 mm.
In this document, the term "tabletop" may refer to any surface or plane defined by top portions or top surfaces of the handling means and the pouring means. In embodiments, the tabletop relates to at least three points comprised in the top portions of the handling means and the pouring means, such as at least three contact points with the object that may be stacked on top of the container, wherein at least one of the at least three points is comprised in one of the handling means and the pouring means, and wherein the remaining of the at least three points are comprised in the other of handling means and the pouring means. The tabletop may be flat (e.g., at an angle with the longitudinal axis different than 90 degrees) or in a plane parallel to a transverse plane of the container (e.g., at an angle with the longitudinal axis substantially equal to 90 degrees). Alternatively, the tabletop may be defined as an outer contour formed by the top portions or the top surfaces of the handling means and the pouring means. In embodiments, top portions or top surfaces of the neck, the handling means and the pouring means together define the common tabletop such that an object may be stacked on top of the container. The tabletop may relate to at least three points comprised in the top portions or the top surfaces of the neck, the handling means and the pouring means, such as at least three contact points with the object that may be stacked on top of the container, wherein at least one of the at least three contact points is comprised in each of the neck, the handling means and the pouring means. For example, the top portion or the top surface of the neck comprises at least two contact points, the top portion or the top surface of each of the pouring means and the handling means comprises at least one contact point. The tabletop may be in two flat planes (e.g., each at an angle with the longitudinal axis different than 90 degrees or only one of the planes is at an angle of 90 degrees with the longitudinal axis) or in one plane (e.g., at an angle with the longitudinal axis substantially less than 90 degrees), such as a plane parallel to a transverse plane of the container (e.g., at an angle with the longitudinal axis substantially equal to 90 degrees). Alternatively, the tabletop may be defined as an outer contour formed by the top portions or the top surfaces of the neck, the handling means and the pouring means. In embodiments, where the container comprises a closure means and where the neck is closed, the top portion or the top surface of the neck is the top portion or the top surface of the closure means. Related, the term "object" may refer to any object that has a surface, preferably a bottom surface, configured to be stacked or placed on the tabletop, whereby the object has three point of contact with the tabletop. An example of an object is another container, preferably identical to the container according to the present invention. Another example of an object is a piece of substantially flat cardboard or a pallet.
In this document, the term "radial direction" may refer to any direction perpendicular to and pointing away from the longitudinal axis. Thereby, "extending along a radial direction" may relate to embodiments wherein the direction of extending is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e., with no projection in a longitudinal direction) and may also relate to embodiments wherein the direction of extending comprises a radial direction as well as a longitudinal direction, such as at an angle with the longitudinal axis different from 90 degrees (e.g., less than 90 degrees, i.e., extending at least partly in a direction of the longitudinal axis, or greater than 90 degrees, i.e., extending at least partly in an opposite direction of the longitudinal axis). In embodiments, a component extending along a radial direction comprises at least two subcomponents, a first subcomponent extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e., with no projection in a longitudinal direction) and a second subcomponent extending along a direction comprising a radial direction and a longitudinal direction (i.e., at an angle with the longitudinal axis different from 90 degrees).
In embodiments, the container is any one of a drum, a barrel, a jug, a pail, a canister and jerrycan. In embodiments, the container is a jerrycan, preferably a stackable jerrycan and/or a table-top jerrycan.
In embodiments, the container comprises a bottom, a neck and a body extending between the bottom and the neck along a longitudinal axis, wherein the neck comprises a handling means for carrying the container and a pouring means for guiding the liquid when poured through said aperture, wherein the handling means and the pouring means both extend from the neck along respective different radial directions, along respective radial directions spanning an angle of at least 90 degrees, preferably along opposed radial directions, such as spanning an angle of 180 degrees or such as being within a coronal plane of the container.
In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means have respective proximal portions, respective distal portions, and respective central portions therebetween, wherein the distal portions extend along the respective radial directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The respective proximal portions may extend along the respective radial directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or at an angle with the longitudinal axis different from 90 degrees. The respective central portions may extend along the respective radial directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or at an angle with the longitudinal axis different from 90 degrees.
In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means both extend from the neck along opposed radial directions, wherein top portions or top surfaces of the handling means and the pouring means together define a common tabletop such that an object may be stacked on top of the container. In embodiments, top portions or top surfaces of the neck, the handling means, and the pouring means together define the common tabletop.
In embodiments, the container comprises a closure means, such as a lid, configured to close the container, such as by closing the neck, particularly the aperture. In embodiments, the neck comprises flanges at an outer surface of the neck, wherein the flanges are configured to guide the closure means into place. The flanges may be flat, such as ribs, or may be at an angle, such as spiral or helical shape (e.g., a screw shape or a thread). The closure means may comprise a lip or flange which can fit over the rim or flange of the neck or the closure means forms a threaded connection with the neck. Other connections formed between the closure means and the neck shall be understood by the person skilled in the art.
In embodiments, an outer surface of the bottom is shaped complementary to the top portions of the handling means and the pouring means for enabling a stacking of a second container identical to the container on top of the container, whereby portions of the second container surround the top portions of the handling means and the pouring means of the container. In embodiments, the outer surface of the bottom is shaped complementary to the top portions of the neck, the handling means, and the pouring means for enabling a stacking of the second container identical to the container on top of the container, whereby portions of the second container surround the top portions of the neck, the handling means, and the pouring means of the container. In embodiments, an outer surface of the bottom is shaped complementary to the tabletop for enabling a stacking of a second container identical to the container on top of the container, whereby portions of the second container surround the tabletop of the container.
In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means are integrally formed with the neck. The handling means and the pouring means may be attached to the neck. Alternatively, the handling means and the pouring means may be formed with the neck. The handling means and the pouring means may belong together as a single piece. Preferably, the neck, the handling means and the pouring means belong to a single piece. Such embodiments may advantageously allow more for more cost-effective manufacturing, since by combining the handling means and the pouring means in one piece, the number of manufacturing steps is reduced. It is even more advantageous when combining the handling means and the pouring means in the container, particularly in the neck, thereby reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing processes even more. Furthermore, this may ensure more rigid and secure integration of the handling means and the pouring means in the container, particularly the neck.
In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means both extend from the neck along the respective radial directions within the radial extremity of the body, e.g. within a maximum radius of the body. Preferably, at least one of the handling means and the pouring means extends up to the radial extremity of the body, e.g., up to the maximum radius of the body. The radius of the body may consist of one radius, such as in a cylindrical body, or may consist of two radii, such as a first radius being half the length and a second radius being half the width in a rectangular body, therefore, the handling means and the pouring means may both extend from the neck along the respective radial directions within a maximum of respective radii of the body, preferably up to the maximum of the respective radii of the body. With the handling means and the pouring means extending within the radial limits of the body, an outer radial surface defined by the handling means, the pouring means and the body may be kept substantially the same along the longitudinal axis, thereby providing a more compact container.
In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means have a respective width which may be less than or equal to a diameter of the neck. This may advantageously allow the handling means and the pouring means, preferably the tabletop, to be more compact. Alternatively, at least one of the widths may be between a diameter of the neck and a diameter of the body. This may provide improved handling means and/or pouring means. The widths may be an extension of the handling means and the pouring means in a tangential direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the handling means and the pouring means. The respective width of the handling means and the pouring means may vary away from the neck, e.g., the respective width of the handling means and the pouring means is larger at the respective distal portion of the handling means and the pouring means than at the respective proximal portion of the handling means and the pouring means (e.g., at the neck). Alternatively, the respective width (measured tangentially) may be substantially constant along the radial direction.
In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means comprises a proximal portion (e.g., bottom portion) and a distal portion (e.g., the respective top portion). The proximal portions may extend from the neck along the respective different radial directions, i.e., may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e., with no projection in a longitudinal direction) and/or may extend along a direction comprising a radial direction and a longitudinal direction (i.e., at an angle with the longitudinal axis different from 90 degrees). The distal potions may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The distal potions may extend at an angle with the longitudinal axis less than or equal to 90 degrees.
In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means both extend from the neck to a height less than or equal to a height of a distal portion of the neck. This may allow the tabletop to be defined by the top portions or top surfaces of the neck, the handling means, and the pouring means. In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means both extend to a height greater than the height of the distal portion of the neck. This may allow the tabletop to be defined by the top portions or top surfaces of the handling means and the pouring means. The distal portion of the neck may be the distal portion of the closed neck, particularly the distal portion of the closure means.
In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means both extend from a proximal portion of the neck and may preferably extend to a height less than or equal to the height of the distal portion of the neck. Alternatively, the handling means and the pouring means both extend from a central portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the neck and may preferably extend to a height less than or equal to the height of the distal portion of the neck.
In embodiments, the pouring means comprises a channel for guiding the liquid when poured through said aperture. The channel may be a groove and/or may extend along a radial length of the pouring means. In embodiments, the channel extends tangentially, such that the channel has a width. In embodiments, the width of the channel varies away from the neck, e.g., the width of the channel is larger at the distal portion of the channel than at the proximal portion of the channel (e.g., at the neck). For example, the width of the channel increases away from the neck (e.g., a funnel shape). The width of the channel along the radial direction may be less than or equal to the width of the pouring means along the radial direction. The width may be an extension of the channel in a direction perpendicular to the direction along which the channel extends. The proximal and distal portions of the channel may respectively coincide with the proximal and distal portions of the pouring means. In embodiments, a ratio of a maximum width of the channel to the width of the pouring means is less than or equal to 60%, less than or equal to 50%, less than or equal to 40%, less than or equal to 30%, etc. In embodiments, a ratio of a minimum width of the channel to the width of the pouring means is less than or equal to 40%, less than or equal to 30%, less than or equal to 20%, less than or equal to 10%, less than or equal to 5%, etc. In embodiments, the width of the channel is in the range of 1-75 mm, 1-70 mm, 1-65 mm, 1-60 mm, 1-55 mm, 1-50 mm, 1-45 mm. 1-40 mm, 1-30 mm, 1-25 mm, 1-20 mm, etc.
In embodiments, the channel is substantially flat or preferably includes a curvature with a radius less than or equal to the height of the neck, such as any of upper bounds being less than or equal to 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, etc. Preferably, the radius may have any of lower bounds being larger than or equal to 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, etc. In embodiments, the curvature has a radius in a range between 1-90 mm, 2-80 mm, 3-70 mm, 4-60 mm, 5-50 mm, etc. The curvature may have a radius in another range, such as in between any of the upper bounds and any of the lower bounds.
In embodiments, the outer surface of the bottom exhibits 180-degree rotational symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis. This may advantageously allow simpler stacking a second container identical to the first container on top of the first container, whereby the second container can be stacked atop the first container in two possible rotational positions.
In embodiments, a top surface of the body comprises at least one top projection segment extending along at least one respective radial direction between a respective at least one shoulder of the neck and a maximum radius of the body, wherein the at least one top projection segment projects along a longitudinal direction (i.e., along the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis). In embodiments, the at least one top projection segment comprises at least two top projection segments extending along at least two respective different radial directions spanning an angle of at least 90 degrees. For example, 12 top projection segments extending along 12 different radial directions spanning an angle of 30 degrees between consecutive radial directions. For example, eight top projection segments extending along eight different radial directions spanning an angle of 45 degrees between consecutive radial directions. For example, four top projection segments extending along four different radial directions spanning an angle of 90 degrees between consecutive radial directions. For example, three top projection segments extending along three different radial directions spanning an angle of 120 degrees between the radial directions. For example, two top projection segments extending along two different radial directions spanning an angle of 180 degrees between the radial directions.
In embodiments, the at least one respective radial direction along which the at least one top projection segment extends has an angle of at most 90 degrees with one of the respective different radial directions along which the handling means and the pouring means extend. For example, a first radial direction and optionally a second radial direction has/have an angle of 90 degrees with both the radial directions along which the handling means and the pouring means extend. For example, a third radial direction has an angle of 0 degrees with the radial direction along which the handling means extends and a fourth radial direction has an angle of 0 degrees with the radial direction along which the pouring means extends.
In embodiments, the at least one top projection segment extends from the neck in the at least one respective radial direction, preferably from the proximal portion of the neck.
In embodiments, the at least one top projection segment comprises a respective proximal portion and a respective distal portion, the proximal portion of the respective proximal portion extending radially from the neck, and the respective distal portion extending in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction at the respective side of the outer surface of the body.
In embodiments, the outer surface of the bottom is shaped complementary to the at least one top projection segment for enabling a stacking of a second container identical to the container on top of the container, whereby portions of the second container surround the at least one top projection segment of the container. Thus, an angle of extension of a top projection segment with one of the respective different radial directions along which the handling means and the pouring means extend being different from 0 degrees may advantageously improve the stability of the stacking of a second container identical to a first container atop the first container, since the top projection segment may prevent the container from sliding along the opposite radial directions along which the handling means and pouring means extend.
In embodiments, the bottom comprises a bottom central recess, a first bottom recess segment and a second bottom recess segment, wherein the first bottom recess segment and the second bottom recess segment extend within a respective plane which respectively includes the radial direction along which the handling means and the pouring means extend, respectively, wherein the bottom central recess and the first and second bottom recess segments are retracted along the longitudinal direction (i.e., it the direction of the longitudinal axis) inwardly into the body. In preferred embodiments, the first and second bottom recess segments extend within a coronal plane of the body/container. In embodiments, the bottom central recess and the first and second bottom recess segments are configured for enabling a stacking of a second container identical to the container on top of the container, whereby the bottom central recess is configured to accommodate the (closed) neck of the container and whereby the first and second bottom recess segments are configured to accommodate the handling means and the pouring means of the container, respectively.
In embodiments, the outer surface of the bottom is formed as a relief-like bottom contour surface with the first and second bottom recess segments and with bottom load contact segments adjacent to the bottom central recess and/or the first and the second bottom recess segments. In preferred embodiments, the bottom central recess and/or the first and second bottom recess segments may be in between the bottom load contact segments. In embodiments, the bottom load contact segments project along a longitudinal direction opposite to the direction of the longitudinal axis beyond the bottom central recess and/or the first and second bottom recess segments, so that the bottom central recess and/or the first and second bottom recess segments is/are excluded from contacting any one or more of the neck, the handling means, the pouring means, and the tabletop of the container. This may advantageously allow to protect any one or more of the neck, the handling means, the pouring means, and the tabletop of the container from the weight of the second container. In embodiments, the at least one third bottom recess segment comprises at least two third bottom recess segments configured to accommodate the at least two top projection segments of the container.
In embodiments, the bottom comprises at least one third bottom recess segment extending along the at least one respective radial direction along which the at least one top projection segment extends (e.g., along at least one direction parallel to the at least one respective radial direction), wherein the at least one third bottom recess segment is retracted along the longitudinal direction (i.e., it the direction of the longitudinal axis) inwardly into the body. Preferably, the at least one third bottom recess segment extends within a sagittal plane of the body/container. In embodiments, the at least third bottom recess segment is configured for enabling a stacking of the second container identical to the container on top of the container, whereby the at least one third bottom recess segment is configured to accommodate the at least one top projection segment of the container.
In embodiments, at least one of the bottom load contact segments is divided into at least two subsegments, whereby the at least two subsegments are adjacent to the respective at least one third bottom recess segment, so that the at least one third bottom recess segment is excluded from contacting the at least one top projection segment of the container. This may advantageously prevent the second container from sliding along the sagittal plane of the container.
In embodiments, the bottom comprises bottom radial recesses extending along respective radial directions from the neck along which the radial protrusions extend (e.g., along directions which are parallel to the respective radial directions). The bottom radial recesses may be in between radially adjacent first, second and third bottom recess segments. In embodiments, the bottom radial recesses extend along respective radial directions in between the respective radial directions along which the first, second and third bottom recess segments extend. In embodiments, the bottom radial recesses extend at an angle with the respective radial directions along which the first, second and third bottom recess segments extend between 0-90 degrees, preferably 45 degrees.
In embodiments, the body comprises a bottom portion, a top portion and a central portion therebetween. The central portion may have a radius smaller than the radius of any of the top portion and the bottom portion.
In embodiments, the top portion or the top surface of the body has a bevel. Said bevel may contour the top surface of the body and may be a sloping or an angled edge that forms a lip of the container.
In embodiments, an outer surface (of the central portion) of the body comprises elongate grooves extending along an opposite direction to the radial direction inwardly into the body. The elongate grooves may extend from any side of the outer surface of the body or from the circumference of the outer surface of the body inwardly into the body. The central portion of the body may be in between the bottom and the top surface of the body.
In embodiments, each of at least one side (of the central portion) of the body, preferably each of at least two opposite sides, more preferably each of all sides of the body includes multiple elongate grooves which extend inwardly into the body from the outer surface of the body. The elongate grooves may span the side(s) or the circumference of the outer surface of the body in any distributed pattern, such as a rib-like pattern, a parallel pattern (e.g., in rows), a grid pattern, or a wavy pattern. The elongate grooves may advantageously provide increased stiffness and rigidity of the body, thereby improving load distribution.
In embodiments, the outer surface of the body comprises grooves in between any two adjacent sides of the body, preferably between each two adjacent sides of the body, and may extend inwardly into the body. The respective of said grooves may be located in between two adjacent elongate grooves in the two adjacent sides of the body, respectively. Said grooves may advantageously further increase the stiffness and rigidity of the body, particularly for rectangular bodies.
In embodiments, the top surface of the body comprises a respective groove at a respective top corner of the body, wherein the respective groove extends inwardly into the body. Said respective grooves may advantageously improve the stiffness and rigidity of the top surface, particularly when a second (identical) container is stacked atop the container. Particularly, where the weight of the second container may be highest at the corners of the body caused by the load contact segments of the second container. In embodiments, the respective groove extends along a respective radial direction from the respective corner. The top corners may be comprised in the top portion of the body.
In embodiments, the respective side of the outer surface (of the central portion) of the body comprises longitudinal grooves adjacent to the respective of the at least one top projection segment, preferably adjacent to the respective distal portion of the respective at least one top projection segment. In embodiments, the longitudinal grooves are adjacent to two top projection segments, preferably adjacent to the respective distal portion of the respective two top projection segments. The two top projection segments may be extending along the opposed radial directions along which the respective of the handling means and the pouring means extends (e.g., along opposed directions which are parallel to the respective opposed radial directions). Said longitudinal grooves, particularly in combination with the top projection segment(s), may advantageously increase the stiffness and rigidity of the top surface of the body, particularly when the container is being lifted by the handling means and/or the pouring means, whereby the forces acting on the neck are distributed by said longitudinal grooves and the top projection segment(s).
In embodiments, the top surface or the top portion of the body comprises radial protrusions extending along respective radial directions from the neck, preferably along radial directions different from the radial directions along which the at least one top projection segment, the handling means, and the pouring means extend, respectively. In embodiments, the radial protrusions extend along respective radial directions in between the respective radial directions along which the top projection segments extend. In embodiments, the radial protrusions extend at an angle with the longitudinal axis different than 90 degrees, such as at 135 degrees. In embodiments, the radial protrusions extend from the neck, preferably from the proximal portion of the neck, to the top surface of the body. In embodiments, the radial protrusions comprise two radial protrusions extending radially adjacent to the handling means and two other radial protrusions extending radially adjacent to the pouring means. In embodiments, the radial protrusions extend radially in between the at least two top projection segments, particularly between adjacent top projection segments. In embodiments, the radial protrusions extend along respective radial directions towards the respective top corners. By incorporating the radial protrusions, and optionally the radial grooves, around the neck of the container, the structural integrity and stiffness of the neck region may be significantly improved. This may allow for greater resistance to deformation or collapse under various loads, including impact, compression, or torsion.
In embodiments, the top surface or the top portion of the body comprises radial grooves extending along the respective radial directions along which the respective radial protrusions extend. The respective radial grooves extend from respective central portions or from respective distal portions of the respective radial protrusions inwardly into the body. The radial grooves may work in conjunction with the radial protrusions to provide optimal performance and functionality of the radial protrusions.
In embodiments, the body comprises respective top-edge reinforcements extending along respective radial directions from the respective edges defined by adjacent sides of the body towards the respective top corners, preferably at an angle with the longitudinal axis different from or less than 90 degrees, such as 45 degrees. In embodiments, the top-edge reinforcements are fins. The top-edge reinforcements provide improved structural integrity by increasing the contact area between the top portion of the body and the central portion of the body, particularly the side walls and the edges therebetween.
In embodiments, the body comprises respective bottom-edge reinforcements extending along respective radial directions from the respective edges defined by adjacent sides of the body towards respective bottom corners, preferably at an angle with the longitudinal axis different from or greater than 90 degrees, such as 135 degrees. In embodiments, the bottom-edge reinforcements are fins. The bottom corners may be comprised in the bottom portion of the body.
The bottom-edge reinforcements provide improved structural integrity by increasing the contact area between the top portion of the body and the central portion of the body, particularly the side walls and the edges therebetween.
In embodiments, the handling means and the pouring means may extend along respective opposed radial directions in the coronal plane of the container. Thus, the handling means and the pouring means may be mirror symmetrical with respect to the coronal plane of the container. In embodiments, the outer surface of the bottom is mirror symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane and/or the coronal plane of the container. In embodiments, the body is mirror symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane and/or the coronal plane of the container. In embodiments, the container is mirror symmetrical with respect to the coronal plane of the container.
In embodiments, the container is a molded container, such as a blow molded container or an injection molded container. The container according to the present invention can be advantageously molded as a single unit using a single molding technique (e.g., blow molding, injection molding, etc.). This may ensure improved rigidity and stability of the container as a whole and also the components thereof, particularly that of the pouring means and the handling means.
In embodiments, the container is configured to be carried by one person or two persons. Examples of such a container are containers wherein the respective bodies have volumes (in liters) of 2 L, 5 L, 7.5 L, 10 L, 15 L, 20 L, 30 L, 40 L, 45 L, 50 L, etc. In embodiments, the container may be any of a cylindrical container, a rectangular container, conical container, etc. Examples of dimensions of the container defining a specific volume include, but are not limited to: a cylindrical 20 L container has a body with a height in the range of 30-60 cm and a diameter in the range of 25-40 cm; a rectangular 20 L container has a body with a height in the range of 15-40 cm, a length in the range of 20-80 cm, and a width in the range of 20-40 cm; a cylindrical 15 L container has a body with a height in the range of 25-40 cm and a diameter in the range of 20-30 cm; a rectangular 15 L container has a body with a height in the range of 15-30cm, a length in the range of 20-60 cm, and a width in the range of 15-30 cm; a cylindrical 10 L container has a body with a height in the range of 20-30 cm and a diameter in the range of 15-25 cm; a rectangular 10 L container has a body with a as height in the range of 15-25cm, a length in the range of 20-50 cm, and a width in the range of 10-20 cm. a cylindrical 5 L container has a body with a height in the range of 15-25 cm and a diameter in the range of 10-20 cm; a rectangular 5 L container has a body with a height in the range of 10-20cm, a length in the range of 20-30 cm, and a width in the range of 10-20 cm.
In embodiments, the dimensions of the neck are relative to the dimensions of the container, particularly the height of the neck being at most 15% of the height of the body, preferably at most 10%, and/or the diameter of the neck being at most 50% of the diameter of the body, preferably at most 40%. Examples of dimension of the neck include, but are not limited to: a neck comprised in a 20 L container may have a diameter in the range of 75-125 mm and a height in the range of 30-90 mm; a neck comprised in a 15 L container may have a diameter in the range of 65-115 mm and a height in the range of 30-80 mm; a neck comprised in a 10 L container may have a diameter in the range of 55-105 mm and a height in the range of 30-70 mm; a neck comprised in a 5 L container may have a diameter in the range of 45-95 mm and a height in the range of 20-60 mm.
In embodiments, the width of the pouring means and/or the handling means is in the range of:
In embodiments, the set may comprise a pallet serving as a base for supporting the first container. The pallet can allow for more efficient transport of a plurality of containers.
In embodiments, the set comprises a plurality of first containers and a plurality of second containers identical to the first containers and stacked atop the first containers, respectively. Preferably, the first containers are tiered side-by-side, and the second containers stacked atop the respective first containers are analogously tiered side-by-side. More preferably, the plurality of first containers and the plurality of second containers are tiered to form a plurality of rows of stacked containers.
In embodiments, the set comprises a plurality of containers stacked in a tiered configuration (e.g., in rows and columns) where a plurality of layers are stacked atop each other, with each layer having its own set of rows and columns of containers, preferably each layer having an equal number of rows and/or columns.
In embodiments, the set comprises at least two containers, preferably an even number of containers. The invention is not limited to a set with an even number of containers, for example, the set may comprise three identical containers stacked atop each other, such as a first container stacked atop a second container which is stacked atop a third container. Therefore, an odd number of containers may also be considered.
In embodiments, the set comprises a further pallet stacked atop the plurality of containers, preferably atop the plurality of second containers. More preferably, the further pallet is stacked atop the uppermost tier of second containers.

Examples

Example embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1-8, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Example 1: example of a container according to the invention

This example is described with reference to Fig. 1-7. In this example according to embodiments of the invention, a container (1) comprises a bottom (9), a neck (7) and a body (10) extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, wherein the neck (7) comprises an aperture (8) acting as a passage for liquid containable in the body (10), wherein the neck (7) further comprises a handling means (2) for carrying the container (1) and a pouring means (3) for guiding the liquid when poured through said aperture (8), wherein the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) both extend from the neck (7) along respective different radial directions, particularly along respective radial directions spanning an angle of 180 degrees, i.e., along opposed radial directions.
It can be seen that the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) are integrally formed with the neck (7), preferably belonging to a single piece.
As shown in Fig. 1-3, top portions of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) together define a common tabletop such that an object may be stacked on top of the container (1). From Fig. 3, it may be that the top portions of the handling means (2), the pouring means (3), and the neck (7) together define the common tabletop. It may be that when the neck (7) is closed with a closure means that that the top portions of the handling means (2), the pouring means (3), and the closed neck or the closure means together define the common tabletop.
Particularly in Fig. 3, the common tabletop is shown as a plane parallel to a transverse plane of the container (e.g., at an angle with the longitudinal axis substantially equal to 90 degrees). Furthermore, the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) both extend from the neck within a maximum radius of the body (10). In this example, the handling means extends up to the maximum radius of the body (10). Furthermore, the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) both extend from a proximal portion of the neck (7) to a height substantially equal to a height of the distal portion of the neck (7). The respective proximal portions and the respective distal portions of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) extend along the respective radial directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The respective central portions (6, 5) of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) extend along the respective radial direction as well as the longitudinal direction, such as at an angle with the longitudinal axis different from 90 degrees.
Fig. 1, 2, 5 and 6 show the pouring means (3) comprising a channel (4) for guiding the liquid when poured through said aperture, preferably wherein the channel (4) extends along a radial length of the pouring means (3). As can be seen in Fig. 5, the channel (4) has a curvature with a radius which is smaller than the height of the neck (4).
Particularly in Fig. 4-6, the (tangential) width of each of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) is less than the diameter of the neck (7).
Particularly in Fig. 6, the width of each of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) varies along the respective radial direction. For instance, the respective proximal portions and/or the respective central portions (5, 6) of the pouring means (3) and the handling means (2) has a smaller width than the width of the respective distal portion (2, 3) of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3). Furthermore, the width of the channel (4) varies along the respective radial direction. For instance, the width of the channel (4) is larger at the distal portion of the channel (4) than at the proximal portion of the channel (4), whereby the proximal and distal portions of the channel (4) respectively coincide with the proximal and distal portions of the pouring means (3).
Fig. 6-7 show that the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) extend along respective opposed radial directions in the coronal plane of the container, whereby the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) are mirror symmetrical with respect to the coronal plane of the container (1). Furthermore, the top surface of the body (10) is mirror symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane and/or the coronal plane of the container (1).
Fig. 1-6 show the body (10) comprising top projection segments (11) extending along different radial directions, particularly spamming an angle of substantially 90 degrees. Thereby, two top projection segments (11) extend along respective radial directions having an angle of substantially 90 degrees with the respective opposed radial directions of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3). Thereby, two other top projection segments (11) extend along respective radial directions having an angle of substantially 0 degrees with the respective opposed radial directions of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3).
Fig. 7 shows that an outer surface of the bottom (9) is shaped complementary to the tabletop for enabling a stacking of a second container identical to the container (1) on top of the container (1), whereby portions of the second container surround the tabletop of the container (1). Here, the bottom (9) comprises a bottom central recess (21) and a first and a second bottom recess segment (23), which are complementary to the top portions or surface of the (closed) neck (e.g., of the closure means), the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3), respectively. Furthermore, the bottom comprises third bottom recess segments (22) which are complementary to two of the top projection segments (11) extending in respective radial directions different form the respective radial directions along which the respective radial protrusions extend. The third bottom recess segments (22) extend along the respective radial directions along which the top projection segments (11) extend, wherein the at least one third bottom recess segment is retracted along the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis) inwardly into the body. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the outer surface of the bottom (9) is formed as a relief-like bottom contour surface with the bottom central recess (21), the first and second bottom recess segments (23), and the third bottom recess segments (22), and with bottom load contact segments (19) adjacent thereto, thereby the first and second bottom recess segments (23) extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the radial direction along which the third bottom recess segments (22) extend.
Other one or more features shown in Fig. 1-7, which the container (1) may include are: a bevel (16) comprised in the top surface of the body (10), particularly at the outer contour of the top surface of the body (10); elongate grooves (14) comprised in the sides of the body (10), which are shown as parallel elongate grooves (14) forming multiple rows thereof; grooves (15) comprised in the body (10) between said sides of the body (10), particularly between the parallel elongate grooves (14) forming multiple rows of parallel elongate grooves (14) and grooves (15); respective grooves (13) at respective top corners of the body (10); longitudinal grooves (12) adjacent to the two top projection segment (11) extending in respective radial directions different form the respective radial directions along which the respective radial protrusions extend; radial protrusions (18) comprised in the top portion or top surface of the body (10) extending along respective radial directions from the neck (7) in between the respective radial directions along which the top projection segments (11) extend; radial grooves (17) comprised in the top portion or top surface of the body (10) extending along the respective radial directions along which the respective radial protrusions (18) extend; top-edge reinforcements (20) comprised in the body (10) extending along respective radial directions from the respective edges, defined by adjacent sides of the body (10), towards the respective top corners.

Example 2: example of a set according to the invention

This example is described with reference to Fig. 8. In this example according to embodiments of the invention, the set (31) comprises a plurality of containers comprising second containers identical to a first container (1), such as the container (1) as described in Fig. 1-7. In Fig. 8, the set comprises a pallet (32) serving as a base for supporting the plurality of containers.
Each of the plurality of containers comprises a closure means (25), particularly a lid, which closes the neck or the aperture.
A shown in Fig. 8, the plurality of containers stacked in a tiered configuration, where a plurality of layers, particularly four layers of containers are stacked atop each other, with each layer having five rows and three columns of containers. Thus, in each of the four layers, each row has five containers and each column has three containers, thereby, each layer comprises 15 containers and the set comprises 60 containers.

(End of Example 2)

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A container (1) comprising a bottom (9), a neck (7) and a body (10) extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, wherein the neck (7) comprises an aperture (8) acting as a passage for liquid containable in the body (10),
wherein the neck (7) further comprises a handling means (2) for carrying the container (1) and a pouring means (3) for guiding the liquid when poured through said aperture (8),

wherein the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) both extend from the neck (7) along respective different radial directions, preferably along respective radial directions spanning an angle of at least 90 degrees, more preferably along opposed radial directions.
The container (1) of claim 1, wherein the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) both extend from the neck along opposed radial directions, and wherein top portions of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) together define a common tabletop such that an object may be stacked on top of the container (1).
The container (1) of claim 2, wherein an outer surface of the bottom (9) is shaped complementary to the tabletop for enabling a stacking of a second container identical to the container (1) on top of the container (1), whereby portions of the second container surround the tabletop of the container (1).
The container (1) of claims 1-3, wherein the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) are integrally formed with the neck (7), preferably belonging to a single piece.
The container (1) of claims 1-4, wherein the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) both extend from the neck within a maximum radius of the body (10), preferably at least one of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) extends up to the maximum radius of the body (10).
The container (1) of claims 1-5, wherein a width of each of the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) is less than or equal to a diameter of the neck (7).
The container (1) of claims 1-6, wherein the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) both extend from a proximal portion of the neck (7).
The container (1) of claims 1-7, wherein the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) both extend to a height less than or equal to a height of the distal portion of the neck (7).
The container (1) of claims 1-8, wherein the pouring means (3) comprises a channel (4) for guiding the liquid when poured through said aperture, preferably wherein the channel (4) extends along a radial length of the pouring means (3).
The container (1) of claim 9, wherein the channel (4) has a curvature with a radius between 5-50 mm.
The container (1) of claims 1-10, wherein a top surface of the body (10) comprises at least one top projection segment (11) extending along at least one respective radial direction between a respective at least one shoulder of the neck (7) and a maximum radius of the body (10),
wherein the at least one top projection segment (11) projects along a longitudinal direction. preferably wherein the at least one top projection segment (11) comprises at least two top projection segments (11) extending along at least two respective radial directions spanning an angle of at least 90 degrees.
The container (1) of claim 11, wherein the at least two respective radial directions have an angle of at most 90 degrees with one of the respective different radial directions along which the handling means (2) and the pouring means (3) extend.
The container (1) of claims 1-12, wherein the container (1) is a molded container, preferably a blow molded container.
A method for stacking a first container (1) of claims 1-13 atop a second container identical to the first container (1), whereby portions of the second container surround the neck (7), the handling means (2), and the pouring means (3).
A set (31) comprising:
a first container (1) according to claims 1-13; and

a second container identical to the first container (1),

wherein the first container (1) is stacked atop the second container.