JP2015515424A - Lightweight decompression resistant container with offset horizontal ribs - Google Patents

Abstract

A container with improved decompression resistance and aesthetic characteristics is provided. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a container that includes a body having at least first and second intermittent horizontal ribs (40, 44). The first intermittent horizontal rib is disposed in a horizontal plane different from the horizontal plane occupied by the second intermittent horizontal rib, and the first and second intermittent horizontal ribs are offset from each other. The ribs or recesses provided in the container are larger in height than similar known containers. The structural characteristics of the container advantageously provide improved decompression resistance compared to similar containers currently on the market. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to containers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a lightweight container with improved vacuum resistance capacities and improved aesthetics.

  [0002] Currently, there are many different shapes and sizes of containers on the market that can contain fluids. The shape and size of the fluid container can depend, among other things, on the amount of fluid to be accommodated, the type of fluid to be accommodated, consumer demands and desired aesthetics. For example, a toxic fluid may be required to be contained in a container having thicker walls and a more rigid structure. The market for these types of fluids is often determined by container safety rather than container aesthetics. In contrast, a consumed fluid such as water may be housed in a container having a generally thinner wall and a less rigid structure. In fact, the consumed fluid market may be determined by the aesthetics consumers desire rather than safety requirements.

  [0003] Regardless of its specific size and shape, a container must be able to withstand various environmental factors encountered during manufacture, transportation and display or storage in a retail store, for example. One example of such an environmental factor is the absorption of oxygen by the product contained in the container. In this regard, certain liquid consumer products are prone to absorb oxygen present in the top space of the container and / or oxygen entering from the outside environment. This oxygen absorption may depressurize the inside of the container, thereby deforming the bottle and losing aesthetics as a whole. Accordingly, there is a need for a lightweight liquid container with improved structural features and desirable aesthetic features.

  [0004] The present disclosure relates to a lightweight decompression-resistant container for containing liquid products. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a container comprising a body portion comprising at least first and second intermittent horizontal ribs. The first intermittent horizontal rib may be arranged on a horizontal plane different from the horizontal plane occupied by the second intermittent horizontal rib. Also, the first and second intermittent horizontal ribs may be offset from each other.

  [0005] In one embodiment, the body portion has a shape selected from the group consisting of cylindrical, square, rectangular, oval, circular, or combinations thereof.

  [0006] In one embodiment, the body portion is generally rectangular. The first intermittent horizontal rib may be disposed on the side of the container, and the second intermittent horizontal rib may be disposed on a corner of the container.

  [0007] In one embodiment, the body portion comprises a plurality of first and second intermittent horizontal ribs, each of the plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs having the same vertical portion in a different horizontal plane of the container. Each of the plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs occupies the same vertical portion in a different horizontal plane of the container.

  [0008] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs is alternately disposed with each of the plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs.

  [0009] In one embodiment, the body portion is generally circular. The first intermittent horizontal rib may be disposed on the side of the container that faces the second intermittent horizontal rib.

  [0010] In one embodiment, the body portion further comprises a plurality of first and second intermittent horizontal ribs. Each of the plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs may occupy the same vertical portion in different horizontal surfaces of the container, and each of the plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs may be the same vertical portion in different horizontal surfaces of the container. May occupy.

  [0011] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs is alternately disposed with each of the plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs.

  [0012] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first and second intermittent horizontal ribs has a height in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.

  [0013] In one embodiment, a container is provided, the container comprising a generally circular body portion, the body portion extending along the periphery of the body portion, and a first set of intermittent horizontal recesses; A second set of intermittent horizontal recesses extending along the periphery of the body portion. The first and second sets of intermittent horizontal recesses may be disposed on radially opposing sides of the body portion, and the first and second sets of intermittent horizontal recesses are first and second. Each of the intermittent horizontal recesses may be arranged on a different horizontal plane.

  [0014] In one embodiment, each of the first intermittent horizontal recesses of the first set of intermittent horizontal recesses is a second intermittent horizontal recess of the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses. Are arranged alternately with each other.

  [0015] In an embodiment, each of the first intermittent horizontal recesses of the first set of intermittent horizontal recesses is a second intermittent horizontal recess of the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses. Each at least partially overlap along the vertical portion of the container.

  [0016] In one embodiment, each of the first and second intermittent horizontal recesses has a width of about 180 degrees to about 210 degrees.

  [0017] In one embodiment, each of the first and second intermittent horizontal recesses has a height of about 2.5 mm.

  [0018] In another embodiment, a container is provided, the container comprising a substantially square body, the body comprising four sides and four corners, at least one of the four sides being A plurality of intermittent horizontal recesses having a first length are included, and at least one of the four corners includes a plurality of intermittent horizontal recesses having a second length shorter than the first length. Each of the plurality of intermittent horizontal recesses on the side surface may be disposed on a horizontal plane different from the horizontal plane occupied by each of the plurality of intermittent horizontal recesses on the corner.

  [0019] In one embodiment, each of the first intermittent horizontal recesses of the first set of intermittent horizontal recesses is a second intermittent horizontal recess of the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses. Are arranged alternately with each other.

  [0020] In one embodiment, each of the first intermittent horizontal recesses of the first set of intermittent horizontal recesses is a second intermittent horizontal recess of the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses. Each at least partially overlap along the vertical portion of the container.

  [0021] In one embodiment, each of the first and second intermittent horizontal recesses has a height of about 2.5 mm.

  [0022] An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved container.

  [0023] Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a lightweight container that resists deformation due to reduced pressure.

  [0024] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a container with improved decompression resistance characteristics.

  [0025] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a container with improved aesthetics.

  [0026] Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a container that is configured and tailored for ease of use by consumers.

  [0027] Additional features and advantages are described herein and are apparent from the following detailed description and figures.

It is a perspective view of the container in one embodiment of this indication. It is a side view of the container in one embodiment of this indication.

  [0030] The present disclosure relates to lightweight, pressure-resistant bottles and / or containers for providing consumer products and other fluids. The bottle is constructed and tuned to be pressure resistant to provide a lightweight bottle that has not only improved structural features, but also improved aesthetics.

  [0031] Many liquid consumer products are known to be sensitive to oxygen. This becomes even more meaningful when, for example, liquid storage products are highly storage stable and may be displayed for a period of time on a retail store shelf. During the shelf life of the product, oxygen may be absorbed into the product from the top space of the container or from an external environment that permeates through the container wall. Such absorption of oxygen can cause the bottle to be evacuated or depressurized, causing the bottle to deform. Similarly, during packaging, distribution, and storage in retail stores, bottles are exposed to highly variable temperature and pressure changes (eg, bottle shrinkage in refrigerators), causing liquid loss or bottle removal. Exposed to external forces that push and shake. If the bottle contains, for example, a carbonated fluid, these types of environmental factors can contribute to internal pressure or vacuum that affects the overall quality of the product purchased by the consumer. For example, existing types of vacuum panels or thin plastic labels may occupy a wide area on the outer surface of the bottle to which it is attached and tend to have a great visual effect. When the inside of the bottle is in a decompressed state, the heat shrink sleeve label does not necessarily follow the slightly recessed shape of the bottle made by decompression, which causes the bottle's aesthetics to be impaired.

  [0032] We now have products that provide lightweight plastic containers (eg, polyethylene terephthalate) with improved product sleeve appearance due to increased decompression resistance due to improved ribs or recesses in the container. I don't think it exists in the market. In fact, containers with continuous annular horizontal ribs must have large rib dimensions to make a lightweight container. This makes the ribs more visible to the consumer and results in sub-optimal aesthetics. Also, providing a panel on the container provides a visually more attractive container, but requires more plastic material and makes the container heavier.

  [0033] In contrast, the inventors have surprisingly discovered a method of providing a lightweight container that resists internal decompression. In this regard, the container of the present disclosure helps to avoid bottle deformation that can cause the container to lose stability and make the consumer feel that the container is defective and not suitable for purchase. Includes features. For example, containers of the present disclosure may include horizontal ribs or recesses that have larger dimensions and are more visible and have a greater impact on the appearance of a thin film (eg, a container sleeve) that attaches to the container. Increasing the dimensions of the horizontal ribs approximately doubles the area of the rectilinear surface of the container, resulting in greater surface area for contacting the sleeve applied to the container and improving the pressure resistance within the container. The Also, the ribs of the present disclosure are intermittent and may be offset relative to one another along vertical lines that are disposed on different horizontal surfaces and extend along the body portion of the container.

  [0034] As noted above, containers of the present disclosure may be used to contain carbonated liquids, or temperature and / or during packaging, shipping, storage, and / or display at a retail store. Or it may be exposed to pressure changes. Any of the above factors (eg, carbonation, temperature change, pressure change, etc.) can affect the presence of internal vacuum in a sealed container when the container contains liquid. This is problematic for aesthetic reasons. The internal reduced pressure conditions that occur in the sealed container can cause deformation of the container that can pull the container wall away from the outer label (eg, sleeve), creating undesirable aesthetics. However, the inventors have surprisingly found that some structural features help to improve the vacuum resistance of the container to avoid undesirable container deformation.

  [0035] As used herein, and as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the "sleeve" of a container is a thin plastic film that may include indicia on it, typically Is used in the market for product identification and product information display.

  [0036] As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a container or bottle 10 having a mouth 12, a neck 14, a shoulder 16, a body 18 and a base 20. Container 10 includes, for example, about 50 ml to about 5000 ml, including 100 ml, 200 ml, 300 ml, 400 ml, 500 ml, 600 ml, 700 ml, 800 ml, 900 ml, 1000 ml, 1500 ml, 2000 ml, 2500 ml, 3000 ml, 3500 ml, 4000 ml, 4500 ml, etc. Can be sized to maintain a large volume of liquid.

  [0037] As disclosed above, the containers of the present disclosure are lightweight containers. In this regard, the containers of the present disclosure may require about 10% to about 25% less material than comparable containers that do not have the features described herein. A container of the present disclosure may have a weight in the range of about 10 g to about 40 g, about 15 g to about 35 g, about 20 g to about 30 g, or about 25 g or about 27 g.

  [0038] The container of the present disclosure may be configured to contain any liquid therein. In one embodiment, the container is configured to contain a consumable liquid such as, for example, water, energy drink, carbonated drink, tea, coffee. In one embodiment, the container is sized and configured to contain a carbonated beverage.

  [0039] Suitable materials for manufacturing the containers of the present disclosure can include, for example, polymeric materials. In particular, the materials for producing the bottles of the present disclosure include polyethylene (“PE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), polypropylene (“PP”) or polyethylene terephthalate (“ PET "), but is not limited to this. The container of the present disclosure can be manufactured by an appropriate manufacturing method such as conventional extrusion blow molding, stretch blow molding, injection stretch blow molding, and the like.

  [0040] The mouth 12 can be any size and shape known in the art as long as liquid can be introduced into the container 10 and poured or removed from the container 10. In one embodiment, the mouth 12 is generally circular and may have a diameter in the range of about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or about 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, and the like. In one embodiment, the mouth 12 is about 33 mm in diameter.

  [0041] The neck 14 can also be any size and shape known in the art, provided that liquid can be introduced into the container 10 and can be poured or removed from the container 10. In one embodiment, the neck 14 is generally circular and has a diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the mouth 12. Alternatively, the neck portion 14 may have a tapered shape so that the neck portion 14 has a substantially conical shape and is tapered toward the mouth portion 12. Those skilled in the art recognize that the shape and size of the neck 14 is not limited to the shape and size of the mouth 12. The neck 14 may have a height (from mouth 12 to shoulder 16) of about 5 mm to about 45 mm, or about 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, etc. In one embodiment, the neck 14 is about 25 mm high.

  [0042] The container 10 may further include an airtight cap 22 attached to the neck 14, as shown in FIG. The cap 22 may be any type of cap known in the art for use in a container that approximates the container described herein. The cap 22 may be manufactured from the same or different type of polymeric material as the container 10 and may be attached to the container 10 by a resealable screw, or a snap fit, a friction fit, or the like. Thus, in one embodiment, the cap 22 includes an internal thread (not shown) that is constructed and arranged to threadably engage with the external thread 24 of the neck 14.

  [0043] The shoulder 16 of the container 10 of FIG. 1 extends downward from the bottom of the neck 14 to the top of the body 18. The shoulder 16 has a substantially quadrangular pyramid shape. As used herein, a “square pyramid” is a quadrangular pyramid in which the shoulder 16 has four triangular faces and one hypothetical square face (not shown) at the bottom. Means that the upper part (for example, apex) of the shape of the square is very similar to a quadrangular pyramid. The shoulder portion 16 is tapered to the neck portion 14 for the function of the container 10, and thus has a truncated vertex. Also, as will be described in more detail below, the “square pyramid” shape includes a rounded edge 28 between the triangular faces 26 and between each triangular face 26 and the hypothetical square bottom. Includes a rounded edge 30.

  [0044] The shoulder 16 has a height (from the bottom of the neck 14 to the top of the body 18) ranging from about 15 mm to about 50 mm, or about 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, etc. Also good. In one embodiment, the shoulder 16 is about 35 mm high. At the bottom (eg, above the body 18), the shoulder 16 may range in width and length from about 40 mm to about 80 mm, or about 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, etc. . In one embodiment, the width and length of the bottom of shoulder 16 are the same, approximately 60 mm. Alternatively, the width and length of the bottom of the shoulder 16 may be different.

  [0045] Below the shoulder 16 is the body portion 18 of the container 10. The main body portion 18 can have any size and shape known in the art, and is not limited to a substantially square shape or a substantially rectangular shape regardless of the quadrangular frustum shape of the shoulder portion 16. For example, the main body 18 may have a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, a cylinder, a square, a rectangle, an egg, and the like. However, in one embodiment, the main body 18 has a substantially square or substantially rectangular shape. In another embodiment, the body portion 18 has a generally circular shape, as shown in FIG. 2 and described in more detail below.

  [0046] As clearly shown in FIG. 1, the body portion 18 of FIG. 1 may have a rounded edge 32, as with the shoulder portion 16, when the body portion 18 is substantially square or substantially rectangular in shape. These rounded edges 32 help to improve the performance of the container when exposed to ceiling loads or compressive forces.

  [0047] The body portion 18 can be any length, width, or height known in the art. In this regard, the body portion 18 may have a height ranging from about 50 mm to about 110 mm, or about 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm, 100 mm, 105 mm, and the like. In one embodiment, the body 18 has a height of about 80 mm. When the main body 18 is a substantially square or a substantially rectangular shape having a specific length and width, the length and width may be the same. Alternatively, the width of the main body 18 may be different from the length of the main body 18. Furthermore, the length and width of the main body 18 can be changed in relation to the height of the main body 18. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the body portion 18 includes at least a first portion 34 and a second portion 36 having a mirror image and an inward slope measured with respect to the vertical central axis of the container 10. But you can. The inward tilt may be in the range of about 5 ° to about 45 °, or about 10 °, 15 °, 20 °, 25 °, 30 °, 35 °, etc. In one embodiment, the inward slope is about 15 degrees in angle. Therefore, one or both of the length and the width of the main body 18 may be changed as the height of the container 10 is increased or decreased. Such a configuration provides the consumer with the added benefit of ease of handling. In this regard, the two mirror-like and inwardly inclined portions 34, 36 of the body portion 18 are joined at the tapered portion of the body portion 18 to help the consumer grasp the container 10 for ease of handling. However, the container of the present disclosure is not limited to such first and second portions 34, 36, and the body portion 18 may have a substantially straight wall and / or other suitable configuration. Good.

  [0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the tapered portion of the body portion 18 connecting the two mirror-like and inwardly inclined portions 34, 36 may have a continuous annular horizontal rib 38, which is also It helps the consumer to grasp the container 10 for ease of handling. “Annular rib” means that a rib (eg, a recessed or protruding elongated shape) extends to completely enclose the container 10 in a generally horizontal plane. The container 10 may have any number of annular ribs 38 and is not limited to only one. Further, the annular rib 38 may be disposed at an arbitrary position along the height of the main body 18.

  [0049] The annular rib 38 may have a height ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, or 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, etc. Good. Further, the annular rib 38 may protrude to some extent inside the container 10. For example, the rib 38 has a height of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm in the vertical direction along the main body portion 18 of the container 10, or 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4 mm, It may be 5 mm. In one embodiment, the ribs 38 are about 1.5 mm high. The inventors have discovered that the ribs 38 can help maintain the intended shape of the container 10. For example, if the container 10 is substantially square or substantially rectangular, the ribs 38 can help limit the container 10 from becoming substantially oval during use. The ribs 38 also allow for a uniform contraction of the container 10 in the vertical direction, thereby allowing internal pressure to accumulate inside and allow for greater ceiling loads.

  [0050] In addition to the annular rib 38, the body 18 may have any number of intermittent side ribs 40 disposed on the side 42 of the container 10. The side rib 40 is described as “intermittent” because it does not extend completely around the container 10 but is interrupted around the container 10. The body 18 may have any number of intermittent side ribs 40, for example in the range of about 1 to about 10, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. Each side rib 40 is supported at both ends by the corners 32 of the main body 18 and forms a bridge across the main body 18. By interrupting the side ribs 40 at the corners 32 of the body 18, the visual impact can be limited in any applied label or heat shrink sleeve.

  [0051] The container 10 may also have any number of intermittent corner ribs 44 disposed at the corners 32 of the container 10. The corner rib 44 is similarly described as “intermittent” because it does not extend completely around the container 10 but is interrupted around the container 10. . The body 18 may have any number of intermittent corner ribs 44, such as in the range of about 1 to about 10, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. Each corner rib 44 is supported at both ends by the side surfaces 42 of the main body 18 and forms a bridge across the main body 18. By interrupting the corner ribs 44 at the side surfaces 42 of the body portion 18, the visual impact can be limited in any applied label or heat shrink sleeve.

  [0052] In one embodiment, the intermittent side ribs 40 and the intermittent corner ribs 44 are greater in height compared to, for example, known ribs or annular ribs 38. The intermittent side ribs 40 and the intermittent corner ribs 44 have a vertical height along the body portion 18 of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, or 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, It may be 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm or the like. In one embodiment, the intermittent side ribs 40 and the intermittent corner ribs 44 are about 2.5 mm high. In this regard, intermittent side ribs 40 and intermittent corner ribs 44 may have a rib height that is about 0.25 mm to about 2 mm greater than known ribs or annular ribs 38. Alternatively, intermittent side ribs 40 and intermittent corner ribs 44 may be about 0.5 mm to about 1.75 mm, about 0.75 mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 1 compared to known ribs or annular ribs 38. It may have a rib height greater than 0.0 mm to about 1.25 mm. The increased length and / or radius of the ribs can help prevent deformation due to reduced pressure. In fact, the inventors surprisingly found that complete ribs (ie, annular ribs) are not necessary to help prevent deformation due to reduced pressure, and for labels or heat shrink wrapping applied to the container 10. It was discovered that it could be a cause of deteriorating aesthetics.

  [0053] Also, as clearly shown in FIG. 1, the inventors have surprisingly increased the size (eg, height) of the ribs 40, 44 to increase the size of the container 10 as described above. It has been discovered that the inventors can provide intermittent offset horizontal ribs that do not extend around the entire circumference. Instead, the intermittent side ribs 40 are each arranged in a different horizontal plane with respect to one side 42 of the container 10. In this regard, the first side 42 of the container 10 may have any number of intermittent side ribs 40 in different horizontal planes. However, the second side 42 of the container 10 may also have any number of intermittent side ribs 40 in different horizontal planes, provided that these horizontal planes are intermittent on the first side 42 of the container 10. The horizontal plane occupied by the side ribs 40 may or may not correspond.

  [0054] Similarly, the intermittent corner ribs 44 are each disposed on a different horizontal plane with respect to one corner 32 of the container 10. In this regard, the first corner 32 of the container 10 may have any number of intermittent corner ribs 44 in different horizontal planes. However, the second corner 32 of the container 10 may also have any number of intermittent corner ribs 44 in different horizontal planes, provided that these horizontal planes are in the first corner 32 of the container 10. The horizontal plane occupied by the intermittent corner ribs 44 may or may not correspond.

  [0055] As used herein, "offset" ribs are intermittent ribs that are in different horizontal planes and do not substantially overlap along the vertical portion of the body portion 18. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the intermittent side ribs 40 are in a different horizontal plane than the intermittent corner ribs 44 and only slightly overlap along a vertical line 46 extending along the body 18. Therefore, since the intermittent side ribs 40 and the intermittent corner ribs 44 are in different horizontal planes and do not substantially overlap along the vertical portion of the body portion 18, the intermittent side ribs 40 and the intermittent side ribs 40 are intermittent. The corner ribs 44 are offset from each other. Alternatively, the intermittent side ribs 40 are in different horizontal planes but substantially overlap along the vertical portion of the body 18 (e.g., the intermittent side ribs 40 are all other intermittent sides on the same side of the container). 100% overlap in the vertical direction to be parallel to the ribs 40). Therefore, the intermittent side ribs 40 are not offset from each other. The offset rib is about 50% or more, about 40% or more, about 30% or more, about 20% or more, about 10% or more of the circumference of the container 10 (for example, circumference, outer surface measurement value, etc.) Or it should not overlap in the vertical direction by more than about 5%. In one embodiment, the offset ribs do not overlap at all along the vertical portion of the body portion 18.

  [0056] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of intermittent side ribs 40 are arranged alternately with the plurality of intermittent corner ribs 44 in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, any number of intermittent side ribs 40 may be disposed in a continuous horizontal plane before one intermittent corner rib 44 is disposed, or vice versa. For example, two intermittent side ribs 40 may be arranged on adjacent horizontal planes, and one intermittent corner rib 44 may be arranged above or below the two intermittent side ribs 40. Accordingly, the container 10 of the present disclosure may have any regular or any pattern of intermittent side ribs 40 and intermittent corner ribs 44 as long as there is at least one set of offset ribs. Will be understood by those skilled in the art. The set of offset ribs includes two ribs that are arranged in different horizontal planes that do not substantially overlap along the vertical portion of the body portion 18. For example, in FIG. 1, the first intermittent side ribs 40 and the adjacent intermittent corner ribs 44 can constitute a set of offset ribs.

  [0057] The container 10 may have a wide base 20 to allow it to stand up when the container is fully filled, partially filled, or empty. Base portion 20 can be any size and shape known in the art. However, in one embodiment, the base portion 20 includes a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the body portion 18. In this regard, when the main body portion 18 is a substantially square having a specific length and width, the base portion 20 may also be a substantially square having the same length and width. Alternatively, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the base portion 20 is not limited to the size and shape of the body portion 18 and may have a different size and shape than the body portion 18. The base 20 may have a height ranging from about 5 mm to about 45 mm, or about 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, and the like. The base 20 may be in a substantially vertical arrangement, take some form (eg, semi-circular), or taper inward from the bottom surface 48 of the container 10 in an upward direction. The base 20 is shaped and configured to contract under normal loads and absorbs and distributes loads over a wider area.

  [0058] Like the body portion 18, the base portion 20 has one or more intermittent features that may or may not have the same size and shape as the side and corner ribs provided on the body portion 18. Side ribs 40 or one or more intermittent corner ribs 44 may be included. Further, a punt 50 may be formed in the bottom surface 48 of the container 10. The indentation 50 may provide additional structural integrity to the container 10 and may be useful for stacking the containers 10 on top of each other.

  [0059] The features described herein with respect to the square container of FIG. 1 (eg, volume, material, amount of material, pressure resistance, rib height, etc.) can be applied to any other shaped container Those skilled in the art will understand that. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a circular container 10 is provided, which is directed toward the mouth 12, neck 14, shoulder 16, body 18, base 20 and second portion 36. A tapered first portion 34 is included. Similar to the container 10 of FIG. 1, the container 10 of FIG. 2 includes a plurality of offset ribs. For example, in FIG. 2, a first set of intermittent horizontal ribs 52 extends around the right side of the container 10 over about 50% to about 60% of the circumference of the container 10. Also in FIG. 2, a second set of intermittent horizontal ribs 54 extends around the left side of the container 10 over about 50% to about 60% of the circumference of the container 10. In this regard, the first set of ribs 52 and the second set of ribs 54 are offset from each other and are disposed on opposite sides of the container 10 (in the radial direction).

  [0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the ribs 52, 54 may extend to various extents around the periphery of the container 10. For example, the ribs 52, 54 may be about 30% to about 75%, about 35% to about 70%, about 40% to about 65%, about 45% to about 60%, or about 50% to about the circumference of the container 10. About 55% may be covered. In other embodiments, the ribs 52, 54 may range in width from about 90 ° to about 270 °, from about 135 ° to about 225 °, or from about 180 ° to 210 °. In addition, the ribs 52 and 54 may be disposed on side surfaces that are opposed to each other in the radial direction (for example, approximately 180 ° apart from each other).

  [0061] The structural features of the container described herein (eg, larger rib dimensions, offset horizontal ribs, etc.) are useful to allow the use of lower mass preforms. . The reduced use of resin in the container has the advantage of lower cost per piece and increased sustainability compared to bottles that do not have such structural features. In this regard, containers of the present disclosure can be manufactured with at least about 10% to about 25% reduction in raw materials. Also, by producing the containers of the present disclosure using lower amounts of raw materials, the bottles can provide a reduction in environmental and waste loads. Similarly, the bottle can be configured to have less waste compared to other plastic bottles designed for approximate use.

  [0062] The containers of the present disclosure can also improve decompression resistance and ease of use and handling for manufacturers, retailers and consumers. In this regard, the structural features described herein result in reduced deformation due to reduced pressure, which helps consumers achieve a pre-set container shape that is desirable for consumers.

  [0063] It should also be noted that such a rib configuration has twice as many (rib-free) straight surfaces as compared to a bottle with full horizontal ribs.

  [0064] The foregoing can be better understood with reference to the following examples, which are described for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Absent.

  [0066] In order to show that offset-type horizontal ribs with increased height can provide the same decompression resistance as continuous annular ribs, we have several types with different weights in both square and circular The bottles were manufactured and measured for pressure resistance compared to a reference bottle having the same shape and weight.

Example 1 Square bottle
[0068] A square reference bottle having a weight of 27.5 g and a capacity of 900 ml and having four continuous annular horizontal ribs on top was prepared. The decompression resistance of the reference bottle was measured as 65 mbar.

  [0069] Square bottles according to the present disclosure were also tested. The square bottle weighed 27.5 g and had a capacity of 900 ml, and was prepared with four intermittent offset horizontal ribs on top. The decompression resistance of the reference bottle was measured as 60 mbar.

  [0070] Since measured pressure resistance is very close, and increased rib dimensions have been shown to increase pressure resistance, we have compared to reference bottles with continuous annular ribs. Bottles with intermittent offset-type horizontal ribs have proved that the same or similar decompression resistance measurements can be obtained.

Example 2 Round bottle
[0072] A circular reference bottle having a weight of 15 g and a capacity of 330 ml and having five continuous annular horizontal ribs along the body of the bottle was prepared. The decompression resistance of the reference bottle was measured as 90 mbar.

  [0073] Circular bottles according to the present disclosure were also tested. The round bottle had a weight of 15 g and a capacity of 330 ml, and was prepared as having six intermittent offset horizontal ribs along the main body of the bottle. The decompression resistance of the reference bottle was measured as 100 mbar.

  [0074] The measured pressure resistance is very close, and increasing the size of the ribs has been shown to increase the pressure resistance, so we compared to a reference bottle with a continuous annular rib. Bottles with intermittent offset-type horizontal ribs have proved that the same or similar decompression resistance measurements can be obtained.

  [0075] Thus, the inventors can surprisingly improve bottle decompression resistance and aesthetics by providing intermittent offset-type horizontal ribs and / or increasing rib dimensions. Proved. In this regard, the containers of the present disclosure may have improved appearance when a thin plastic film or sleeve is attached to the exterior of the container.

  [0076] Various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. That is, such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A container having a main body,
The main body portion includes at least a first intermittent horizontal rib and a second intermittent horizontal rib, and the first intermittent horizontal rib is different from a horizontal plane occupied by the second intermittent horizontal rib. A container disposed in a horizontal plane, wherein the first intermittent horizontal rib and the second intermittent horizontal rib are offset from each other.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, an oval shape, a circular shape, and combinations thereof.   The container according to claim 2, wherein the main body is substantially rectangular.   The container according to claim 3, wherein the first intermittent horizontal rib is disposed on a side surface of the container, and the second intermittent horizontal rib is disposed at a corner of the container. A plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs and a plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs;
Each of the plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs occupies the same vertical portion in different horizontal planes of the container, and each of the plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs is the same vertical in different horizontal planes of the container. The container of claim 3 occupying a portion.   The container according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs is alternately disposed with each of the plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs.   The container according to claim 2, wherein the main body is substantially circular.   The container according to claim 7, wherein the first intermittent horizontal rib is disposed on a side of the container that faces the second intermittent horizontal rib. A plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs and a plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs;
Each of the plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs occupies the same vertical portion in different horizontal planes of the container, and each of the plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs is the same vertical in different horizontal planes of the container. The container of claim 7 occupying a portion.   The container according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs is alternately disposed with each of the plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs.   The plurality of first intermittent horizontal ribs and the plurality of second intermittent horizontal ribs each have a height in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. container. A container having a substantially circular main body,
A first set of intermittent horizontal recesses in which the main body portion extends along the periphery of the main body portion; and a second set of intermittent horizontal recesses in which the main body portion extends along the periphery of the main body portion. Prepared,
The first set of intermittent horizontal recesses and the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses are disposed on radially opposite side surfaces of the main body, and the first set of intermittent horizontal recesses and A container in which each of the first intermittent horizontal recess and the second intermittent horizontal recess of the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses is disposed on a different horizontal plane.   Each of the first intermittent horizontal recesses of the first set of intermittent horizontal recesses corresponds to the second intermittent horizontal recess of the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses. 13. A container according to claim 12, arranged alternately with each of the above.   Each of the first intermittent horizontal recesses of the first set of intermittent horizontal recesses corresponds to the second intermittent horizontal recess of the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses. 13. A container according to claim 12, wherein each container overlaps at least partially along a vertical portion of the container.   The container of claim 12, wherein each of the first intermittent horizontal recess and the second intermittent horizontal recess has a width of about 180 ° to about 210 °.   The container of claim 12, wherein each of the first intermittent horizontal recess and the second intermittent horizontal recess has a height of about 2.5 mm. A container having a substantially square body,
The main body includes four side surfaces and four corners, at least one of the four side surfaces includes a plurality of intermittent horizontal recesses having a first length, and at least one of the four corners is A plurality of intermittent horizontal recesses having a second length shorter than the first length;
The container, wherein each of the plurality of intermittent horizontal recesses on the side surface is disposed on a horizontal plane different from a horizontal plane occupied by each of the plurality of intermittent horizontal recesses on the corner.   Each of the first intermittent horizontal recesses of the first set of intermittent horizontal recesses alternates with each of the second intermittent horizontal recesses of the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses. The container of claim 17, which is disposed in   Each of the first intermittent horizontal recesses of the first set of intermittent horizontal recesses is each of a second intermittent horizontal recess of the second set of intermittent horizontal recesses; The container of claim 17, wherein the container overlaps at least partially along a vertical portion of the container.   The container of claim 17, wherein each of the first intermittent horizontal recess and the second intermittent horizontal recess has a height of about 2.5 mm.

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