GB2459281A

GB2459281A - Stackable beverage bottle

Info

Publication number: GB2459281A
Application number: GB0806925A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Lenderyou
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-16
Filing date: 2008-04-16
Publication date: 2009-10-21
Also published as: GB0806925D0

Abstract

The container 2, suitable for a beverage, comprises an elongate body 4 with a cap 10, with both body and cap having an outer cross-sectional form allowing a plurality of containers to be packed together with substantially no space between adjacent containers. The container is preferably of a plastic material and has a square or rectangular cross-section. A pair of circumferential grooves 6, 8 may be provided in the outer surface of the container, in order to allow a ties, cords or straps (42, 44 Fig.3) to be used to retain a plurality of the containers together in a pack (41, Fig.3).

Description

CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a container, in particular to a container for a beverage. The container is particularly suitable for storing water, especially mineral water.

Bottles, including both plastic and glass bottles, are used extensively for the storage of a wide range of liquids, in particular beverages. In particular, water, such as mineral water, is almost exclusively provided in some form of bottle. However, despite their extensive use, bottles suffer a number of disadvantages. Fiist, the shape of bottles renders them difficult to pack together and results in an inefficient use of the available space. This, in turn, increases transport and storage costs for the bottled products. Further, again as a result of their shape, bottles require a significant amount of packaging material. Typically, individual bottles are packaged together in a tray, generally of cardboard, and/or wrapped in a plastic film, in order to keep the bottles retained and together. The packaging material is discarded as soon as an individual bottle from the package is required and represents a significant waste. The aforementioned problems are particularly acute in the case of bottled mineral water, which is currently being purchased and consumed in significant and increasing volumes.

A further problem with existing containers for beverages is that the available storage and transportation space is not optimally used. This is particularly the case with conventional bottles. Where beverages must be stored in a cool area or a refrigerator, the space available is inevitably limited. The shape and configuration of conventional bottles result in a significant volume of the available space being unused and, more importantly, unavailable for the storage of more beverages or other items. For example, packs of conventional bottles are generally stacked in a I..

: 30 refrigerator with the bottles in a vertical orientation. The space around the bottles is not occupied by the goods being stored, yet is unavailable for the storage of other items or products. In addition, the vertical orientation of the bottles often makes it difficult or impractical to store additional items above and on top of the pack.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved container for the storage and dispensing of beverages, in particular mineral water.

The present invention provides a container for a beverage, the container comprising an elongate body having an outer cross-sectional form allowing a plurality of containers to be packed together with substantially no space between adjacent containers.

The container of the present invention has an elongate body having an outer cross-sectional form that allows the containers to be packed tightly together with substantially no space between adjacent containers. The container preferably has a constant outer cross-sectional form throughout substantially its entire length. The cross-sectional form may be any form that allows the containers to be packed closely side by side. Preferably, the outer cross-sectional form of the body is polygonal, in particular convex polygons that allow the required close packing density. The required close packing density may be obtained by using a cross-section of the container that may be arranged in a tessellated pattern or so-called tiled'. Any polygonal cross-sectional shape that allows for such close packing of the containers may be used, especially polygons having three, four and six sides. Preferably, the body of the container has a four-sided or quadrilateral outer cross-section, with square or rectangular cross-sections being especially preferred.

A further aspect of the container of the present invention is that the containers may be arranged horizontally and stacked to form a stable assembly.

Accordingly, the present invention further provides a container for a beverage, the container comprising an elongate body having an outer cross-sectional form allowing a plurality of containers to be arranged horizontally and packed together in a stable *. assembly comprising a first row of containers disposed directly upon a second row of containers. : 30

The containers have an outer cross-sectional shape that allows the containers to be arranged in an assembly that is stable. That is, when a plurality of * .: the containers are arranged side by side together, arranged horizontally and stacked *..: into a plurality of layers, the assembly of containers is stable. In particular, the containers from one layer of the assembly remain in position on the containers of a layer below, even when there are no means retaining the containers together in the assembly or after such retaining means have been removed, In addition, the stable assembly requires nothing disposed between the containers, in particular adjacent layers of containers, such as a tray or the like, to retain the containers in a stable relationship. This stability of stacking preferably is provided by the close packing form of the containers described hereinbefore. Accordingly, preferred containers for providing a stable stacked assembly are those having polygonal outer cross-sections as hereinbefore described and defined.

Preferably, the container of the present invention has an outer cross-sectional shape that allows both a close packing density and a stable stacking assembly to be achieved, when a plurality of containers are arranged horizontally.

The container may have any suitable shape and form for its interior. In one preferred embodiment, the inner cross-sectional shape is of a similar form as the outer cross-sectional form, but of reduced dimensions.

The container has an elongate body, that is the length of the body is significantly greater than its width. Preferably, the ratio of the length of the container to its width is at least 3:1, more preferably 5:1. The body may have a ratio of length to width of up to 10:1, or more, depending upon the circumstances of its transportation, storage and use.

The form of the body of the container preferably allows a plurality of such containers to be packed together with the minimum use of space, thus ensuring the most efficient use of the available storage and transportation space. In addition, by being able to be closely packed together, an assembly of the containers arranged horizontally may be significantly more stable than an assembly of known bottles, for a...

: 30 example. This in turn allows the packaging of the containers to be much simpler and use significantly less packaging material than known containers. In particular, the containers of the present invention may simply be bound together, for example using :.:: a strap, a tie, a cord or the like. Other suitable means for retaining a plurality of the containers in a stacked or packed assemb'y will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The container of the present invention may have a constant outer cross-sectional shape throughout its length. More preferably, the container has a substantially constant outer cross-sectional shape along its length and is provided with one or more means for retaining a strap, tie or cord. In a preferred embodiment, the means for retaining a strap, tie or cord comprises one or more grooved portions in the outer surface of the container. The grooved portion preferably comprises a groove extending circumferentially around at least a part of the circumference of the container, more preferably a circumferential groove extending around the entire circumference of the container. A single circumferential groove may be sufficient to allow the containers to be packed together. More preferably, the container comprises two or more such grooves along its length. For example, three or four circumferential grooves may be provided in the case of longer containers.

The container may comprise any suitable form of closure means for allowing the container to be filled with the desired liquid and closed. Preferably, the closure means comprises a cap or lid. The cap or lid may be pivotably mounted to the container, for example by a suitable hinge, such as a living hinge. Alternatively, the cap or lid may be completely removable. A snap on or screw on cap or lid is a convenient form and suitable arrangements are known in the art. The closure means preferably has an outer cross-sectional form that is the same in shape and dimensions as that of the container.

The container may be formed from any suitable material. Particularly preferred materials for the container include plastics materials, especially polymers such as polyolefins, including polyethylene and polypropylene. Other suitable polymers will be known in the art. In one preferred embodiment, the container is : 30 made from a recycled and/or biodegradable material, such as a recycled or biodegradable plastic. * .

* *: As noted above, a particular aspect of the container of the present invention is its ability to be close packed and/or stacked horizontally in a stable arrangement to form an assembly. In this way, the containers of the assembly may be bound together for the purposes of shipping and storage using the minimum of packaging materials.

Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a further aspect, an assembly comprising a plurality of containers as hereinbefore described. The containers are preferably arranged horizontally within the assembly, in particular in a stacked arrangement with the containers arranged in two or more layers.

The assembly of containers may be packaged by being bound using a simple cord, tie, strap or the like extending around the outer surfaces of the outer containers of the assembly.

Accordingly, the present invention further provides a pack comprising a plurality of containers as hereinbefore described retained by a packaging means.

The containers are preferably arranged horizontally within the pack. The containers may be held together in the pack by any suitable packaging means. However, as noted above, it is a significant advantage of the pack of the present invention that the containers have an outer shape and form that allows only minimal packaging material to be used to hold the containers together in the pack. The packaging means are preferably a cord, tie, strap or the like. A single such means may be provided.

However, it is preferred that two or more such packaging means are employed, in particular with containers having a higher ratio of length to width.

The containers of the present invention may be used to hold any suitab'e liquid, in particular beverages. The ability of the containers to be closely packed in a *:::* stable arrangement in packs using very little packaging material renders them particularly suitable for use with beverages that are consumed in large volumes and/or require transporting significant distances. In particular, the reduction in : 30 packaging material required when using the container of the present invention is significant, in turn reducing the amount of waste material that must be disposed of or recycled, after use. In addition, the reduction in packaging material results in a consequent reduction in the overall weight of the package, in turn reducing the cost of transportation. This is particularly important when the transportation and shipping of the containers in bulk is to be considered, as is the case with the mineral water industry. As a result, the containers offer significant advantages in the packing, storage, transport and dispensing of soft beverages, in particular mineral waters.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stack of containers of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pack of containers of Figure 1 Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a container, generally indicated as 2.

The container 2 has a generally elongate body 4 with a length to width ratio of between about 5:1 to 10:1. The body 4 of the container 2 has a square outer cross-sectional shape. A circumferential groove 6 is formed in the outer surface of the body 4 in one end portion of the body. A second, similar circumferential groove 8 is formed in the second end portion of the body.

A cap 10 is provided to close the container 2 and is a screw fit on the second end of the body 4, in a manner known in the art. The cap 10 has an outer cross-sectional form that is identical in shape and dimensions to the body 4 of the container 2. The cap 10 may be coloured to indicate the contents of the container 2. Thus, in the case of mineral water, the cap 10 may be coloured red to indicate a carbonated or sparkling mineral water and blue to indicate a still or non-carbonated mineral water, as is common practice in the art. Other colour schemes will be known andlor : 30 readily applicable by the person skilled in the art to indicate the contents of the container, depending upon the liquid contents in question. S. *

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a stack, generally indicated as 40, comprising a plurality of containers 2, of the kind shown in Figure 1. The containers 2 are arranged horizontally and stacked in a close-packed relationship to form a generally cuboidal assembly. It will be noted that the containers may be stacked to maximise the use of the available space, in particular to maximise the volume of beverage held within the boundary of the stack. The stack 40 is typical of the manner in which the containers may be arranged and stored, for example in a domestic or commercial refrigerator for use as and when an individual container is required.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a pack of containers, generally indicated as 41. The containers are arranged in a stack as shown in Figure 2. The containers of the pack are retained by straps 42 and 44 engaging with the grooves 6 and 8 in the outer surfaces of the outer containers of the assembly The straps 42 and 44 are of known form and configuration.

The containers 2 may be withdrawn from the pack 40 by being slid out of the assembly horizontally. Alternatively, one or both of the straps 42 and 44 may be removed. The assembly is generally stable when the straps 42 and 44 are removed and remains stable as containers are removed.

The container of the present invention in general and the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 in particular, offers significant advantages in terms of reduced use of packaging material and an optimal use of the transportation and storage space, as mentioned hereinbefore. For example, a domestic or commercial refrigerator, such as in a bar or restaurant, may have a volume reserved for the *... storage of mineral water of 30 cm deep, 30 cm wide and 25 cm high. This available space will house approximately 25 bottles, each having a capacity of 750 ml, arranged vertically and standing side by side in close formation. A container : 30 according to the present invention, for example as shown in the accompanying figures, has a capacity of 750 ml when having a square cross-section with sides of 5 cm and a length of 30 cm. when arranged horizontally in rows and stacked vertically within the same refrigerator space, some 30 containers may be retained. This represents an increase in the storage capacity of mineral water of 20%. A similar advantage is realised in the bulk transportation and storage of the mineral water containers, where either a 20% increase in the volume of mineral water can be achieved using known vehicles and warehousing, or a 20% reduction in the size of vehicles and storage capacity can be realised. * S. * * . * ** * S * S.. * S... S..

S S. * * S* * .* S. * S * S S.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container for a beverage, the container comprising an elongate body having an outer cross-sectional form allowing a plurality of containers to be packed together with substantially no space between adjacent containers.
2. A container for a beverage, the container comprising an elongate body having an outer cross-sectional form allowing a plurality of containers to be arranged horizontally and packed together in a stable assembly comprising a first row of containers disposed directly upon a second row of containers.
3. The container according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the elongate body has a polygonal outer cross-section.
4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the cross-section is a quadrilateral.
5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the cross-section is rectangular or square.
6. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container has a ratio of length to width of at least 3:1.
7. The container according to claim 6, wherein the ratio of length to width is at least 5:1. * ** * * * *
S.

* 8. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate body comprises means for retaining a strap, cord, tie or the like to allow a plurality of *..S *.. 30 containers to be held together by the strap or the like. *
9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the means for retaining a strap or the like comprises a circumferential groove in the elongate body.
10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the elongate body comprises two circumferential grooves.
11. An assembly comprising a plurality of containers as claimed in any preceding claim.
12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the containers are arranged horizontally.
13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the containers are arranged in a plurality of rows, a first row of containers being disposed directly on a second row of containers.
14. A pack comprising a plurality of containers as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10.
15. The pack according to claim 14, wherein the containers are held together by a strap, tie, cord or the like.
16. The pack according to either of claims 14 or 15, wherein the containers are arranged horizontally in the pack.
17. A container substantially as hereinbef ore described having reference to the accompanying figures.
18. An assembly of containers substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the accompanying Figure 2. * * .
19. A pack substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the 30 accompanying Figure 2. *** S. S * SS * S. S * S S.