JP6744214B2 - Hot filling container - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[Description of related applications]
This application claims priority from US patent application Ser. No. 14/072,377, filed November 5, 2013. The disclosures of the above patent applications are all incorporated herein by reference.

〔Technical field〕
The present disclosure relates to a plastic hot fill container having a bottom that includes a feature, such as an equilateral triangular feature, configured to absorb reduced pressure.

[Background Art and Summary of Invention]
This chapter provides background information related to the present disclosure, but the description is not necessarily prior art. In addition, this chapter describes an outline of the present disclosure, and does not exhaustively disclose all features or a complete technical scope of the present disclosure.

Due to environmental concerns, we are now packing an unprecedented amount of plastic (specifically polyester, more specifically polyethylene) to package many products that were previously packaged in glass containers. A container made of terephthalate (PET) is used. Manufacturers and fillers, as well as consumers, recognize that PET containers are lightweight, low cost, recyclable, and mass producible.

Manufacturers currently supply PET containers for various liquid products such as juices and sports drinks. Suppliers often fill these containers with these liquid products at elevated temperatures, typically 68°C to 96°C (155°F to 205°F), usually about 85°C (185°F). When packaged in this way, the high temperature of the liquid product sterilizes the container during filling. In the packaging industry, this process is referred to as hot filling, and containers designed to withstand this process are referred to as hot fill or thermoset containers.

The hot filling process is applicable to products with high acid content, but not generally to products without high acid content. However, manufacturers and fillers of goods that do not have a high acid content also desire to supply goods in PET containers.

For products that do not have a high acid content, Pasteur and retort methods are the preferred sterilization processes. Both the Pasteur and Retort methods present a very significant challenge for the production of PET containers, where thermoset containers cannot withstand the temperature and time requirements of Pasteur and Retort methods. To do.

Both the Pasteur sterilization method and the retort method are processes for cooking or sterilizing the contents of a container after filling. In both processes, the contents of the container are heated to a temperature above the specified temperature (usually about 70° C. (about 155° F.)) for a specified time (20 minutes to 60 minutes). The retort method differs from the Pasteur sterilization method in that the retort method uses higher temperatures to sterilize the container and cook the contents. In the retort method, high pressure air is applied to the outside of the container in order to counter the pressure inside the container. Since a hot water bath is often used, and even if the temperature exceeds the boiling point, excess pressure can maintain the liquid in the hot water and the contents of the container in a liquid state, so that it is necessary to apply pressure to the outside of the container. is there.

PET is a crystallizable polymer, which means that PET can be used in either the amorphous or semi-crystalline state. The ability of PET containers to maintain material integrity is related to the percentage of PET containers in the crystalline state (also known as the "crystallinity" of PET containers). The crystallinity is defined as the volume ratio as in the following equation.

Crystallinity (%)=((ρ−ρ _α )/(ρ _c −ρ _α ))×100
Where ρ is the density of PET material, ρ _α is the density of pure amorphous PET material (1.333 g/cc), and ρ _c is the density of pure crystalline material (1.455 g/cc). is there.

Manufacturers of containers use mechanical treatments and heat treatments to increase the crystallinity of the PET polymer of the container. Mechanical processing orients the amorphous material for strain hardening. In this process, a PET preform is generally stretched along a longitudinal axis and the PET preform is expanded along a transverse or radial axis to form a PET container. This combination facilitates the molecular structure of the container, which manufacturers refer to as biaxial orientation. Manufacturers of PET containers currently utilize mechanical processing to produce PET containers with a sidewall crystallinity of about 20%.

In the heat treatment, the substance (which may be amorphous or semi-crystalline) is heated to promote crystal growth. When the heat treatment of the PET material is performed on the amorphous material, it takes a spherical conical shape, which interferes with the transmission of light. In other words, the resulting crystalline material is opaque and therefore generally undesirable. However, when heat treatment is used after mechanical treatment, high crystallinity and excellent transparency can be obtained in the portion having biaxial molecular orientation of the container. The heat treatment of the PET container after orientation is known as thermosetting and is usually blown with a PET preform onto a mold heated to about 120°C to 130°C (about 248°F to 266°F). Hold the blow molded container against the heated mold for about 3 seconds. Since PET bottles for juice must be hot-filled at about 85°C (185°F), manufacturers of PET bottles for juice now use thermosetting methods to achieve an overall crystallinity of about 25%. We make PET bottles in the range of ~35%.

After filling the thermosetting container with a high temperature, the cap portion is attached and the container is left at a temperature close to the filling temperature for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes of standing, the container is then actively cooled with the product before being transferred for labeling, packaging and shipping operations. Cooling reduces the volume of liquid in the container. As a result of the product shrinking phenomenon, a reduced pressure state is formed in the container. Generally, the depressurization pressure in the container is in the range of 1 mmHg to 300 mmHg lower than the atmospheric pressure (that is, 759 mmHg to 460 mmHg). If not controlled or addressed, this depressurization pressure will cause the container to deform, resulting in a poor appearance or instability.

In many instances, the weight of the container is a function of the final degree of vacuum in the container after the filling, capping, and cooling steps described above. That is, the container is made relatively heavy to accommodate the forces associated with depressurization. Similarly, reducing the weight of the container, i.e., "lightening" the container, is a significant cost savings from a material standpoint, but requires a reduction in the final degree of depressurization. Generally, the final degree of depressurization can be controlled by various processing options (eg, nitrogen injection technique, headspace minimization, fill temperature reduction, etc.). However, one disadvantage of employing the nitrogen injection technique is that the maximum production rate achievable with current techniques is limited to about 200 containers/minute. Such slow production rates are rarely acceptable. In addition, the consistency of injection is still not at the technical level where efficient operation can be achieved. Minimization of the upper space requires high precession during filling, which also causes slow production rates. Lowering the filling temperature is also unfavorable, as it limits the types of products suitable for the container.

Container manufacturers typically respond to reduced pressure by incorporating structures into the sidewalls of the container. Container manufacturers commonly refer to this structure as a vacuum panel. Conventionally, the area where this panel is installed is designed to have high semi-rigidity, so that it is not possible to cope with the high level decompression pressure currently generated especially in a lightweight container.

The development of technical options that can achieve the ideal balance between weight reduction and flexible design is of great interest. In accordance with the principles of the present teachings, an alternative vacuum absorption capacity is provided on both the body and bottom of the container. Conventional hot fill containers accommodate almost all decompression forces by bending the decompression panel at the body (or sidewall) of the container. These containers usually have a rigid bottom structure that substantially prevents bending, and therefore tends to be heavier than the rest of the container.

On the other hand, the POWERFEREX technology provided by the assignee of the present application employs a lightweight bottom design to accommodate almost all decompression forces. However, in order to accommodate such high levels of decompression, the POWERFLEX bottom must be designed to be reversible, which requires the outwardly curved initial shape to the inwardly curved final shape. It is necessary to turn over greatly. This usually requires that the side walls of the container have sufficient rigidity to allow the bottom to move under reduced pressure, thus requiring increased weight and/or structural installation on the side walls of the container. It Neither the prior art nor the POWERFLEX system provide the optimum balance between a thin and lightweight container body and bottom that can withstand the required reduced pressure.

Accordingly, one of the objectives of the present teachings is to achieve an optimal balance of weight and vacuum performance, both on the body and bottom of the container. To this end, in some embodiments, the bottom is lightweight and flexible and designed to move easily to accommodate reduced pressure, but with significant reversal or flipping. Is provided, thus providing a hot fill container that does not require the provision of heavy sidewalls. The flexible bottom design complements the vacuum absorption capacity of the container sidewall. Further, one of the objectives of the present teachings is to define a theoretical weight saving limit and explore alternative vacuum absorption techniques that form another structure under reduced pressure.

The container body and bottom of the present teachings are each lightweight structures designed to accommodate decompression forces simultaneously or sequentially. In either case, the goal is that both the container body and the bottom can absorb a large percentage of the vacuum. Partially absorbing vacuum pressure with a lightweight bottom design allows for overall weight reduction, flexible design, and effective use of alternative vacuum absorption capabilities for the sidewalls of the container. Accordingly, one of the purposes of the present teachings is to provide such a container. However, it is understood that in some embodiments, the principles of the present teachings (eg, bottom configuration) can be used separately from other principles (eg, sidewall configuration) and vice versa. It should be.

The present teachings provide a plastic container that includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a plurality of surface feature structures, and a generally cylindrical portion. The upper portion has a mouth defining an opening leading to the interior of the container. The bottom is movable to accommodate the decompression force created in the container, thereby reducing the volume of the container. The characteristic features of the plurality of surfaces are included in the bottom and are configured to accommodate decompression forces. The substantially cylindrical portion extends between the top portion and the bottom portion.

The present teachings further provide a plastic container that includes a top, a bottom, a plurality of adjacent equilateral triangular shaped features, and a generally cylindrical portion. The bottom is movable to accommodate the decompression force created in the container, thereby reducing the volume of the container. The plurality of adjacent triangular characteristic structures project from the bottom and are configured to correspond to the pressure reducing force. The substantially cylindrical portion extends between the top portion and the bottom portion.

The present teachings also provide a plastic container that includes a top, a bottom, a plurality of adjacent equilateral triangular shaped features, and a generally cylindrical portion. The upper portion has a mouth defining an opening leading to the interior of the container. The bottom is movable to accommodate the decompression force created in the container, thereby reducing the volume of the container. The plurality of adjacent regular triangular characteristic structures project from about 50% of the bottom portion and are configured to correspond to the pressure reducing force. The triangular feature is spaced from both the central raised portion of the bottom and the bottom wall. The substantially cylindrical portion extends between the top portion and the bottom portion. The triangular characteristic structure is formed from a mold including a plurality of peaks and valleys corresponding to the regular triangular characteristic structure. The crests are arranged along a first plane, and the valleys are arranged along a second plane extending parallel to the first plane.

Areas of applicability other than those described above will become apparent from the description herein. The description and specific examples described in the summary of the present invention are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[Drawing]
The drawings described herein are for purposes of illustration of selected embodiments only and are not exhaustive of all possible implementations. Further, it is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a plastic container according to the present teachings, which is preformed and empty.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the plastic container according to the present teachings, the container being filled and sealed.

3 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the plastic container of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the plastic container of FIG.

5 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic container taken generally along line 5-5 of FIG.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic container taken generally along the line 6-6 in FIG.

7 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIG. 5, according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

8 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIG. 6 according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the plastic container, which is molded and empty.

10 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic container taken generally along the line 10-10 of FIG.

11 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the plastic container shown in FIG. 9, the plastic container being prefilled and sealed.

12 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic container taken generally along line 12-12 of FIG.

13 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIGS. 5 and 7, according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

14 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIGS. 6 and 8 according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

16 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIGS. 5 and 7 according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

17 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIGS. 6 and 8 according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

19 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

20 is a sectional view of the plastic container of FIG.

21 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

22 is a sectional view of the plastic container of FIG.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged bottom view of the plastic container of FIG.

24 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the plastic container of FIG.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

27 is a sectional view of the plastic container of FIG.

FIG. 28 is a graph showing the pressure reduction response to displacement of the plastic container of FIG.

FIG. 29 is a graph showing the pressure reduction response of the plastic container of FIG. 1 to displacement.

FIG. 30 is a graph showing the pressure reduction response of the plastic container of FIG. 8 to displacement.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

32 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 33 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings.

Figure 34 is taken along line _P L -P _L in FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic container of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 shows an example of the triangular characteristic structure of the inversion ring of the plastic container of FIG.

36 is a cross-sectional view of a mold forming the plastic container of FIG. 33.

Corresponding member numbers indicate corresponding members throughout the drawings.

[Detailed description]
Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments are provided in order to fully disclose the present disclosure and to fully convey the technical scope to those skilled in the art according to the present disclosure. In order that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be fully understood, numerous specific details have been set forth such as specific components, devices, and method examples. It is not necessary to adopt specific details, that the exemplary embodiment can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and both the specific details and the exemplary embodiment are within the technical scope of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that they should not be construed as limiting.

The terminology used herein is intended only to describe a particular exemplary embodiment and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms (“a”, “an”, and “the”) are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Good. The terms "comprising...", "comprising...", "comprising..." and "having..." are inclusive, and thus the described features, It is specified that an example, step, operation, member, and/or component is present, but one or more other features, example, step, operation, member, component, and/or these It does not exclude the existence or addition of groups. The method steps, processes, and acts described herein should not be construed as having to be performed in the particular order shown or illustrated, unless specifically stated as a performing order. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

As mentioned above, in order to accommodate vacuum pressure in the thermosetting container when the contents are cooled, the container generally has a series of vacuum panels or ribs around the sidewalls. Conventionally, these decompression panels are semi-rigid and have been unable to prevent unwanted distortion in other parts of the container (especially lightweight containers). However, containers that do not have vacuum panels require a combination of controlled deformation (i.e., controlled deformation at the bottom or lid) and the vacuum resistance of other parts of the container. As described herein, each of the above-described examples (i.e., a conventional vacuum absorbent container having a lightweight flexible sidewall and a heavy and rigid bottom, and a lightweight flexible bottom and a heavy rigid bottom). It is hard to say that a POWRFLEX container with high side walls has a completely optimized hot-fill container design. Further, by simply combining the side wall of the conventional vacuum absorption container and the bottom of the POWERFLEX container, the side wall of the obtained container is usually turned over from the outwardly curved initial shape to the inwardly curved final shape. It does not have sufficient rigidity to withstand.

Thus, the present teachings teach that a plastic container in which the bottom portion can be easily deformed and moved under typical hot-fill process conditions while maintaining a rigid structure (ie, to internal vacuum) elsewhere in the container. Is provided. As an example, a 16 fluid ounce (fl. oz.) plastic container typically requires the container to accommodate a volume change of about 18 cc to 24 cc. The bottom of the plastic container meets almost all of this requirement, and other parts of the plastic container can easily accommodate the remaining volume change without causing noticeable distortion. More specifically, conventional containers utilize a combination of bottle shape and wall thickness to form a structure that can withstand a portion of the reduced pressure and, in addition, a movable sidewall to absorb the remaining reduced pressure. It forms a panel, collapsible ribs, or a movable bottom. By doing so, the internal reduced pressure is divided into two components, the residual reduced pressure and the absorbed reduced pressure. The sum of the residual reduced pressure and the absorbed reduced pressure is equal to the total amount of reduced pressure caused by the combination of the liquid product that contracts during cooling and the upper space in the rigid container.

Although other designs are available in the art, including designs that require the use of an external drive in a filling line (eg, Graham's ATP technology), the present teachings do not require an external drive. Lighter hot filling by absorbing a greater proportion of internal vacuum and/or volume in a controlled manner while at the same time providing sufficient structural integrity to maintain the desired bottle shape. Possible containers can be realized.

In some embodiments, containers according to the present teachings combine side wall decompression and/or volume compensation panels or collapsible ribs with a flexible bottom design. As a result, a hybrid technology of each of these technologies is realized, and a container lighter than a container manufactured by using any one of the methods is obtained.

The characteristic of compensating the reduced pressure and/or the volume is defined by the following equation.

X = total vacuum and/or percentage of volume absorbed by sidewall panels, ribs, and/or other vacuum and/or volume compensation features Y = total vacuum and/or volume absorbed by bottom migration Volume fraction Z=reduced pressure and/or volume remaining in the vessel after compensation by the side wall and/or bottom decompression and/or volume compensation features (ie, , Side walls only, or bottom only), the decompression and/or volume compensation is expressed as:

Z = 10% to 90% of total vacuum and/or volume
X or Y = total vacuum and/or 10% to 90% of volume
From the above description, it can be seen that conventional containers can only achieve a total vacuum and/or a total volume of 90%.

However, in accordance with the present teachings, there is provided a hot fillable container capable of achieving reduced pressure and/or volume compensation represented by:

Z = 0% to 25% of total vacuum and/or volume
X = 10% to 90% of total vacuum and/or volume
Y = 10% to 90% of total vacuum and/or volume
As can be seen from the above, according to these principles, the present teachings are operable to achieve reduced pressure absorption at both the bottom and sidewalls, thereby allowing all internal reduced pressure to be achieved if desired. It is also possible to absorb. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments it is desirable for the reduced pressure to remain marginal.

In order to achieve the lightest possible container weight for reduced pressure, the residual reduced pressure (Z) should be as close as possible to 0% of the total reduced pressure, and furthermore, the characteristic structure for each reduced pressure absorption The combined movement of parts causes essentially 100% of the volume shrinkage that occurs inside the container when the contents are cooled from the filling temperature to the temperature where the density is maximized under the required service conditions. Designed to absorb. At temperatures where this density is maximized, the application of an external force (eg, top load or side load) increases the pressure in the container, which helps the container to withstand the external force. do. As such, the weight of the container will be determined by the requirements of the handling and delivery system rather than by the filling conditions.

In some embodiments, the present teachings provide a substantially circular shape with a movable bottom and movable sidewalls having an average thickness of less than 0.020 inches that does not ovalize below 5% of the total vacuum absorption. Provide a plastic container. However, in some embodiments, the present teachings are directed to a plastic with a bottom that absorbs between 10% and 90% of the total vacuum, in cooperation with sidewalls that absorb between 90% and 10% of the total vacuum. It is possible to provide a container. In some embodiments, it is possible to drive the bottom and side walls at the same time. Also, in some embodiments, it is possible to drive the bottom and sidewalls in sequence.

Further in accordance with the present teachings, a substantially circular plastic container with a movable bottom and movable side walls that are driven simultaneously or sequentially at a vacuum level less than 5% of the total vacuum absorption of the container is provided. Provided.

Containers without vacuum panels require a combination of controlled deformation (i.e., bottom or lid deformation) and vacuum resistance of other parts of the container. Thus, the present teachings teach that a plastic container in which the bottom portion can be easily deformed and moved under typical hot-fill process conditions while maintaining a rigid structure (ie, to internal vacuum) elsewhere in the container. I will provide a.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plastic container 10 of the present invention includes a finish 12, a neck or elongated neck 14, a shoulder region 16, a body 18, and a bottom 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that even if the height of the neck 14 is very low (ie, even a short extension from the finish 12), the finish 12 and the shoulder region 16 may be as shown in the drawing. We recognize and understand that it may be an elongated neck extending between. The plastic container 10 is designed to hold goods during the heating process, which is typically a hot fill process. When applied to hot fill bottling, the boiler typically fills the container 10 with the liquid (or product) at an elevated temperature of about 155°F to 205°F (68°C to 96°C), The container 10 is sealed with the lid 28 before cooling. As the sealed container 10 cools, a slight vacuum (i.e., negative pressure) develops inside, causing the container 10 (especially bottom 20) to deform. Moreover, the plastic container 10 may be a container suitable for other high temperature Pasteur sterilization or retort filling processes, or other heating processes.

The plastic container 10 of the present teachings is a biaxially oriented container that is integrally blow molded from a single layer or multiple layer material. The well-known stretch molding, thermosetting process for making hot fillable plastic containers 10 generally has a shape similar to a test tube well known to those skilled in the art and is generally cylindrical in cross section, It involves the production of a preform (not shown) of a polyester material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), whose length is typically about 50% of the height of the container. A preform heated by a machine (not shown) to a temperature of about 190°F to 250°F (about 88°C to 121°C) is placed in a mold cavity (not shown) having a shape similar to that of the plastic container 10. To install. The mold cavity is heated to a temperature of about 250°F to 350°F (about 121°C to 177°C). A stretch rod device (not shown) stretches or expands the heated preform to approximately the length of the container in the mold cavity, thereby allowing the polyester material to be at the molecular level (typically in the central longitudinal axis 50). (Corresponding) axially oriented. While the stretch rod device stretches the preform, air at a pressure of 300 PSI to 600 PSI (2.07 MPa to 4.14 MPa) allows the preform to expand in the axial direction and the preform's circumference or hoop direction. , Which in turn deforms the polyester material into the same shape as the mold cavity and further orients the polyester material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction at the molecular level. Thereby, the biaxial molecular orientation of the polyester material is established in the majority of the container. Typically, the finish 12 material and some of the bottom 20 material are not substantially oriented at the molecular level. Prior to removing the container from the mold cavity, pressurized air holds the polyester material, which is approximately biaxially oriented at the molecular level, for about 2 seconds to 5 seconds against the mold cavity. To achieve proper material distribution within the bottom 20, the inventors have substantially performed the stretch forming steps taught in US Pat. No. 6,277,321 (herein incorporated by reference). Further adopt.

As a structure other than the above, for example, a manufacturing method other than the above using other conventional substances including high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a mixture of PET/PEN or a copolymer and various multilayer structures However, it may be suitable for manufacturing the plastic container 10. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize and understand alternative methods of making the plastic container 10 described above.

The finish 12 of the plastic container 10 includes a portion defining an aperture (opening) 22, a thread region 24, and a support ring portion 26. The aperture 22 allows the plastic container 10 to receive goods and the threaded region 24 also provides a means of attaching a threaded lid 28 (see FIG. 2). .. Other configurations may include other suitable devices that fit into the finishing section 12 of the plastic container 10. As described above, it is preferable that the lid portion (cap portion) 28 is fitted to the finishing portion 12 to seal the plastic container 10. The lid portion (cap portion) 28 is conventionally used in the lid manufacturing industry and is preferably made of plastic or metal suitable for heat treatment after the high temperature Pasteur sterilization method or the retort method. The support ring portion 26 may be used to convey or orient the preform (precursor member of the plastic container 10) (not shown) during, and at each stage of manufacturing. For example, the preform may be supported by the support ring portion 26 and conveyed. Also, a support ring portion 26 may be used to assist in positioning the preform in the mold. Alternatively, the end consumer may use the support ring portion 26 to carry the plastic container 10 once it is manufactured.

The elongated neck 14 of the plastic container 10 allows the plastic container 10 to meet, in part, volume requirements. Shoulder region portion 16 is integrally formed with elongated neck portion 14 and extends downwardly therefrom. The shoulder region portion 16 smoothly connects with the elongated neck portion 14 and the body portion 18 and forms a transition portion between the elongated neck portion 14 and the body portion 18. The body portion 18 extends downwardly from the shoulder region portion 16 to the bottom portion 20 and includes a sidewall 30. Due to the particular construction of the bottom 20 of the container 10, the sidewalls 30 of the thermoset container 10 do not necessarily require additional vacuum panels or tabs, so the particular construction can be generally smooth and glassy. However, very light containers are likely to include sidewalls with vacuum panels, ribs, and/or tabs with the bottom 20.

The bottom 20 of the plastic container 10 extends inwardly from the body 18 and may include a bell 32, a contact ring 34, and a central portion 36. In some embodiments, the contact ring 34 is itself the part of the bottom 20 that contacts the support surface 38 that supports the container 10. Thus, the contact ring 34 may be a flat surface or a contact line that circumscribes the bottom 20 substantially continuously or intermittently. The bottom 20 functions to close the bottom of the plastic container 10 and cooperate with the elongated neck 14, shoulder region 16 and body 18 to hold a product.

In some embodiments, the plastic container 10 is preferably heat cured by the processes described above or other conventional heat curing processes. In some embodiments, the bottom 20 of the present teachings is novel and innovative so that it can accommodate vacuum forces while eliminating the need for vacuum panels and tabs on the body 18 of the container 10. The structure is adopted. In general, the central portion 36 of the bottom portion 20 may include a central raised portion 40 and an inversion ring 42. The inversion ring 42 can include an upper portion 54 and a lower portion 58. The bottom 20 may also include an upstanding circumferential wall (peripheral) 44 that forms a transition between the inversion ring 42 and the contact ring 34.

As shown, the central raised portion 40, when viewed in cross section, is generally shaped like a truncated cone, the top surface 46 of which is substantially parallel to the support surface 38. The side surface 48 has a substantially flat cross section, and is inclined upward toward the vertical axis 50 at the center of the container 10. The exact shape of the central raised portion 40 may vary greatly depending on various design criteria. However, in general, the overall diameter of the central raised portion 40 (ie, the truncated cone) is generally up to 30% of the overall diameter of the bottom portion 20. The central raised portion 40 is generally where the preform gate is captured in the mold. A portion of the bottom portion 20 containing polymeric material that is not substantially oriented at the molecular level is disposed within the top surface 46.

In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, and 16, the reversal ring 42 has a gradually changing radius during initial formation and has a center. It completely encloses the ridge 40 and circumscribes it. When formed, the inversion ring 42 can project outwardly below a plane that would be located if the bottom 20 were flat. The transition between the central ridge 40 and the adjacent inversion ring 42 should be a sharp transition to encourage as many orientations as possible near the central ridge 40. You can This construction serves primarily to ensure a minimum wall thickness 66 for the inversion ring 42, especially in the lower portion 58 of the bottom 20. In some embodiments, the wall thickness 66 of the lower portion 58 of the inversion ring 42 is about 0. 0 for a container having a bottom that is, for example, about 2.64 inches (67.06 mm) in diameter. 008 inches (0.20 mm) to about 0.025 inches (0.64 mm), preferably about 0.010 inches to about 0.014 inches (0.25 mm to 0.36 mm). The wall thickness 70 of the top surface 46 can be 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) or more, depending on exactly where it is measured. However, the wall thickness 70 of the uppermost surface 46 rapidly transitions to the wall thickness 66 of the lower portion 58 of the reversing ring 42. The wall thickness 66 of the inversion ring 42 must be relatively constant and sufficiently thin so that the inversion ring 42 is flexible and can function accurately. In addition to the above configuration, the reversing ring 42, at some point on its circumferential shape, is a small depression (illustrated in the figure) suitable for receiving a pawl that facilitates rotation of the container about the central longitudinal axis 50 during labeling operations. But is well known in the art).

Circumferential wall (peripheral) 44 defines a transition between contact ring 34 and reversal ring 42, and in cross section has a length of about 0.030 inches (0.76 mm) to about 0.325 inches ( It may be an upright, nearly straight wall (8.26 mm). Preferably, for a container having a bottom that is 2.64 inches (67.06 mm) in diameter, the circumferential wall 44 has a length of about 0.140 inches to about 0.145 inches (3.56 mm). 3.68 mm). For a container having a bottom that is 5 inches (127 mm) in diameter, the circumferential wall 44 can have a length as high as 0.325 inches (8.26 mm). Circumferential wall (peripheral) 44 may generally form an angle 64 with respect to central longitudinal axis 50 of between about 0° and about 20° (preferably about 15°). Therefore, the circumferential wall (peripheral portion) 44 does not have to be strictly parallel to the central vertical axis 50. The circumferential wall (peripheral portion) 44 is a clearly identifiable structure located between the contact ring 34 and the inversion ring 42. The circumferential wall (peripheral portion) 44 imparts strength to the transition portion between the contact ring 34 and the inversion ring 42. In some embodiments, this transition must be an abrupt transition to maximize local strength and yet form a topographically rigid structure. The resulting local strength increases resistance to wrinkle formation on the bottom 20. Contact ring 34 has a wall thickness 68 of about 0.010 inches to about 0.016 inches (0.25 mm to 0) for a container having a bottom that is 2.64 inches (67.06 mm) in diameter. .41 mm). In some embodiments, the wall thickness 68 is at least equal to the wall thickness 66 of the lower portion 58 of the inversion ring 42, and more preferably is greater than about 10% greater than the wall thickness 66.

At the time of initial formation, the central raised portion 40 and the inversion ring 42 are in the states described above and shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13 and 16. Thus, during molding, the dimension 52 measured between the upper portion 54 of the reversing ring 42 and the support surface 38 is greater than the dimension 56 measured between the lower portion 58 of the reversing ring 42 and the support surface 38. During filling, the central portion 36 of the bottom 20 and the reversing ring 42 will slightly descend or bend downwardly toward the support surface 38 depending on the temperature and weight of the product. As a result, the dimension 56 is almost zero. That is, the lower portion 58 of the reversing ring 42 substantially contacts the support surface 38. At the time of filling, cap mounting, sealing, and cooling of the container 10, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, and 17, due to the force related to depressurization. The central raised portion 40 and the reversing ring 42 are raised or raised, which changes the volume. In this position, the central raised portion 40 substantially retains its truncated cross-sectional shape in cross-section, while the uppermost surface 46 of the central raised portion 40 remains substantially parallel to the support surface 38. The inversion ring 42 is incorporated into the central portion 36 of the bottom 20 and virtually disappears into a more conical shape (see FIGS. 8, 14 and 17). Therefore, when the container 10 is capped, sealed, and cooled, the central portion 36 of the bottom 20 shows a substantially conical shape having a surface 60 in cross section, and the surface 60 is substantially flat, and the center of the container 10 is It inclines upward toward the vertical axis 50 (see FIGS. 6, 8, 14, and 17 ). The conical and generally planar surface 60 is defined in part by an angle 62 of about 7° to about 23° (and more typically about 10° to about 17°) with respect to the horizontal plane (support surface 38). To be done. As the value of dimension 52 increases and the value of dimension 56 decreases, the potential change in volume within container 10 increases. Also, while the planar surface 60 is generally straight (particularly as shown in FIGS. 8 and 14), those skilled in the art will often find that the planar surface 60 has a somewhat rippled appearance. You can understand. A typical container with a bottom that is 2.64 inches (67.06 mm) in diameter (container 10 with bottom 20) has a bottom clearance dimension 72 as molded. The bottom clearance dimension 72 is a dimension measured from the uppermost surface 46 to the support surface 38, and has a value of about 0.500 inch (12.70 mm) to about 0.600 inch (15.24 mm) ( (See FIGS. 7, 13 and 16). In response to the forces associated with reduced pressure, the bottom 20 has a bottom clearance dimension 74 when filled. The bottom clearance dimension 74 is a dimension measured from the uppermost surface 46 to the support surface 38 and has a value of about 0.650 inch (16.51 mm) to about 0.900 inch (22.86 mm) ( (See FIGS. 8, 14 and 17). For smaller or larger containers, the value of the bottom clearance dimension 72 during molding and the value of the bottom clearance dimension 74 during filling may differ from each other by a certain ratio.

As mentioned above, the difference in wall thickness between the bottom 20 of the container 10 and the body 18 is also important. The wall thickness of the body 18 must be large enough to allow the inversion ring 42 to bend accurately. Depending on the shape of the bottom portion 20 and the magnitude of force required to bend the reversing ring 42 accurately (that is, the ease of movement), the wall thickness of the main body portion 18 is larger than that of the bottom portion 20. It must be at least 15% larger on average. Preferably, the wall thickness of the body 18 is two to three times greater than the wall thickness 66 of the lower portion 58 of the reversing ring 42. A stronger force, either from the force initially required to bend the reversing ring 42 or from the force required to accommodate the additional force applied after the bottom 20 movement is complete. Greater differences are needed if the container must withstand.

In some embodiments, in addition to the configuration described above, a hinge or hinge point is a series of indents, recesses, or other that are operable to improve the responsiveness profile of the bottom 20 of the container 10. It may take the form of a characteristic structure. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 28-30, in some embodiments, the depressurization responsiveness profile of bottom 20 exhibits a pair of vertical sections 302, 304 that exhibit an internally depressurized pressure that drops sharply. The sharp bend response may be defined by drawing a discontinuous decompression curve divided into segments (see FIG. 29) that defines While this responsiveness is suitable for some embodiments, it may be desirable for other embodiments to have a more gradual and smoother decompression curve (see Figures 28 and 30, see below for details). In this way, a gentle and smooth decompression curve profile reduces the need to provide decompression panels and/or reshapes the sidewall shape and/or decompression panels so that the wall thickness of material along the sidewalls can be reduced. An opportunity to design can be provided. Such a configuration achieves a reduction in container weight and improved designability.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 16-27 and 33-36, the inversion ring 42 may include a series of indents, recesses, or other characteristic features 102 formed therein and throughout. .. As shown (see FIGS. 16-20), in some embodiments, this series of feature structures 102 is generally circular. However, it will be appreciated that the feature structure 102 may define any one of a plurality of shapes, configurations, arrangements, distributions, and profiles.

With particular reference to FIGS. 16-27 and 33-36, in some embodiments, the plurality of feature structures 102 are substantially equidistant from one another and completely cover the inversion ring 42. A plurality of rows and a plurality of columns are arranged in series. Similarly, this series of characteristic features 102 substantially completely surrounds and circumscribes the central raised portion 40 (see FIG. 18). Similarly, it will be appreciated that each row and each column of the characteristic structure 102 may be continuous or intermittent. The feature 102 may be conical with a lowest surface or point and a side surface 104, truncated, or rounded when viewed in cross section. The side surface 104 is substantially planar and is inclined inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis 50 of the container 10. The strict shape of the characteristic structure portion 102 may be greatly different according to various design criteria. While the shape of the characteristic structure 102 described above is preferred, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other shape configurations are possible as well.

With particular reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the feature structures 102 are evenly spaced from one another on the inversion ring 42 as a plurality of radial rows or columns extending from the central embossment 40 and have a similar shape. It is shown as a series of recesses. Although the feature 102 is illustrated as facing inwardly within the container 10, it should be understood that in some embodiments it may be outwardly facing. Also, the specific size, shape, and distribution of the recesses may be different depending on the desired decompression curve performance, which realizes control over the flexibility and movement of the bottom under reduced pressure and smooth drive. It should also be understood to provide. As shown in FIG. 28, in particular, under reduced pressure load, when the bottom 20 and the container 10 adopt the bottom of FIGS. 19 and 20, to generate a substantially smooth and constant decompression curve that defines a substantially constant slope. I understand.

With particular reference to FIGS. 21-23, the feature structures 102 are arranged on the ring 42 in a plurality of rows or columns extending from the central embossment 40 equidistant from one another to form a series of triangles of similar shape. It is shown as a recess that intersects to form. The characteristic structure 102 of the present embodiment faces inward, and defines a boundary surface common to the adjacent characteristic structure 102 along the periphery of the inverted triangle. The specific size, shape, and distribution of the recesses may vary depending on the desired decompression curve performance, providing control over the flexibility and movement of the bottom under reduced pressure, providing a smooth drive. It should also be understood.

With particular reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, the features 102 are shown as radially extending spider web folds 400 equidistant from one another on the ring 42 and extending from the central elevation 40. The folds 400 may be connected to each other by a series of interconnected folds 402 (eg, arcuate folds) extending between adjacent folds 400. The folds 402 form a series of rings in the circumferential direction having concentric intervals extending around the raised portion 40. The specific size, shape and distribution of folds 400 and interconnected folds 402 may vary depending on the desired decompression curve performance, providing control over bottom flexibility and movement under reduced pressure. However, it should also be understood to provide a smooth drive.

With particular reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, a series of circumferentially extending folds 500 of similar shape in which the characteristic features 102 are evenly spaced from each other on the inversion ring 42 and extend from the central elevation 40. As shown. The circumferential folds 500 may be connected by a series of interconnected folds 502 extending radially between adjacent circumferential folds 500. The circumferential folds 500 and the radially extending interconnected folds 502 cooperate to form a rotating brick pattern. It should be noted that each of the radially extending interconnected folds 502 may extend continuously from the embossment 40 as a single continuous fold, or may be staggered to form a brick pattern. The specific size, shape, and distribution of the pleats 500 and 502 may differ depending on the desired decompression curve performance, providing control over bottom flexibility and movement under reduced pressure, and smooth drive. It should also be understood to provide.

33-36, the feature structure 102 may be a series of triangular shaped feature structures. This triangular feature may be an equilateral triangle with all sides 112 having the same length J, an isosceles triangle with only two sides 112 having the same length J, or either. The side 112 may also be an isosceles triangle that does not have the same length J. The triangular shaped feature structures 102 can be arranged in any suitable form, such as multiple rows and/or columns. Neighboring triangular feature structures 102 may be adjacent to each other and share sidewalls (ie, boundaries) as shown. The triangular shaped feature 102 can be configured such that its central portion 110 projects outwardly from the bottom 20, as generally shown in the figure. The triangular shaped feature 102 is offset from the wall 44 of the bottom 20 and the central elevation 40, and can be separated by any suitable distance. For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the outermost peripheral edge 106 of the triangular feature 102 has a diameter of 67.78 mm (or about 67.78 mm), measured from the central longitudinal axis 50. The innermost peripheral edge 108 of the triangular shaped feature 102 can occupy a diameter of 23.55 mm (or about 23.55 mm), measured from the central longitudinal axis 50. The bottom 20 can have an outermost diameter of 87.5 mm (or about 87.5 mm), measured from the central longitudinal axis 50. The triangular shaped feature 102 may occupy any suitable portion of the surface area of the bottom 20, for example, from about 30% to about 70%, about 50% (or 50%) of the surface area of the bottom 20. ) Can be occupied. For example, the characteristic structural unit 102 of the triangular shape, of the total surface area 6,013Mm ² bottom 20 (or about 6,013mm ^{2), 3,172mm 2} the bottom 20 (or about 3,172mm ²⁾ Can occupy (cover) surface area. The triangular shaped feature 102 is located on any suitable portion of the bottom 20, such as any suitable portion of the inversion ring 42 between the wall 44 and the side 48 of the central elevation 40. Is possible.

See, for example, FIG. 34 showing the bottom 20 and reversal ring 42 before the plastic container 10 is hot filled. The inversion ring 42 includes thereon a triangular shaped feature 102 that resides between the wall 44 and the side 48 of the central elevation 40, and includes about 10 mm to about 30 mm (eg, about 20 mm (or 20.6 mm). )) radius R. The wall 44 may be angled inwardly with respect to the side wall 30 toward the central longitudinal axis 50 by an angle D of 9.5° (or about 9.5°). The uppermost surface 46 of the mound 40 may have a diameter E of 10.13 mm (or about 10.13 mm), measured from the central longitudinal axis 50. The top surface 46 may be spaced from the support surface 38 and provide a bottom clearance F of 15.5 mm (or about 15.5 mm). The reversing ring 42 may be separated from the support surface 38 by a minimum distance G of 2.27 mm (or about 2.27 mm). That is, before the plastic container 10 is hot filled, the reversal ring 42 is spaced from the support surface 38 by a distance of 2.27 mm (or about 2.27 mm) in the portion of the reversal ring 42 closest to the support surface 38. doing. As measured from the central longitudinal axis 50, the contact ring 34 includes a diameter H of 67.41 mm (or about 67.41 mm) which is 66.41 mm (or about after the plastic container 10 was hot filled). 66.41 mm).

For example, refer to FIG. 35 in which the triangular characteristic structure 102 is an equilateral triangle. In this case, each triangular shaped feature 102 has a height I of 3 mm (or about 3 mm) and each side 112 has an appropriate corresponding length J, each triangular shaped feature. 102 can define a depth within the inversion ring 42 at sides 112 between the triangular feature 102, which is 1 mm (or less than about 1 mm), measured from the outer surface of the inversion ring 42. However, each triangular feature 102 may have any suitable height I, may define any suitable depth, and the sides 112 may have any suitable length J. be able to. The height I, the depth, and/or the length J of each of the triangular characteristic structures 102 may be the same or different. The specific size, shape, number, and distribution of each of the triangular shaped features 102 may vary depending on the desired decompression curve performance, providing flexibility and movement of the bottom 20 under reduced pressure. To provide a smooth bottom 20 drive.

The triangular feature 102 can be formed by any suitable method, such as with the mold 150 of FIG. Mold 150 includes a plurality of peaks 152 and valleys 154 formed therein to define a triangular depression configured to provide bottom 30 with triangular feature 102. I'm out. Thus, adjacent peaks 152 are separated by a distance K of 3 mm (or about 3 mm), thereby providing a height I of 3 mm (or about 3 mm) to the triangular shaped feature 102. You can The valleys 154 are recessed in the mold 150 by a distance L of 1 mm (or about 1 mm) from the peaks 152, thereby providing a blow-to-width ratio of the width (or height) to the depth of the triangular feature 102. It can be 3:1 (or about 3:1). This molding ratio may be optimal in some applications. The crests 152 may be arranged along the first plane P ₁ and the troughs 154 may be arranged along the second plane P ₂ . The first plane P ₁ and the second plane P ₂ can extend parallel to each other.

To form the plastic container 10 that includes the triangular shaped feature 102, a portion of the bottom 20 that will become the inversion ring 42 is positioned with respect to the mold 150 so that the bottom 20 is in the first plane P ₁ and it may be extended substantially parallel to the second respective planes P ₂ of. When heated, the PET material from which the plastic container 10 is formed spreads toward the valley 154. The triangular depressions defined by the peaks 152 and valleys 154 cause the triangular feature 102 to project onto and into the inversion ring 42, which is formed as a curved surface. The triangular shaped feature 102 can also be formed by other suitable methods.

Thus, the above-described bottom design allows for the inversion ring 42 to be increased by at least increasing the surface area of the bottom 20 and, in some embodiments, reducing the thickness of the material in these regions. Movement and drive are easier to initiate. Alternate hinges or hinge points also cause the inversion ring 42 to rise or rise more easily, resulting in a large change in volume. Thus, the alternative hinge or hinge point preserves and improves the degree of ease of initiation and response of the inversion ring 42 while optimizing the degree of volume change. The alternative hinge or hinge point provides a large volume change while minimizing the amount of force associated with the reduced pressure required to cause movement of the reversing ring 42. Thus, if the container 10 includes the alternative hinge or hinge point and is subject to forces associated with reduced pressure, the inversion ring 42 will begin moving more easily and the planar surface 60 will generally Larger angles 62 are often achieved as compared to the angles that would otherwise be likely to occur, resulting in a greater change in volume.

In some embodiments, although not always necessary, bottom 20 may include three grooves 80 that are substantially parallel to side surface 48. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the grooves 80 are arranged at equal intervals centering on the central raised portion 40. The groove 80 is substantially semi-circular in cross section and has a surface that smoothly merges with the adjacent side surface 48. For a container 10 having a bottom that is 2.64 inches (67.06 mm) in diameter, the groove 80 typically has a depth 82 to the side surface 48 of about 0.118 inches (3.00 mm), This is a typical depth for vessels having a nominal capacity of 16 fl oz to 20 fl oz. As an alternative to the conventional approach, the inventors have a central 80 having a groove 80 for mating with a retractable spindle (not shown) for rotating the container 10 about a central longitudinal axis 50 during the labeling process. We expect that the ridge 40 is suitable. Although three grooves 80 are shown and this is the preferred configuration, those skilled in the art will appreciate that for some container configurations, other numbers of grooves 80, i.e., two, four, five, Alternatively, it will be appreciated and appreciated that six grooves 80 may be suitable.

When the bottom 20 having the relative wall thickness relationship as described above responds to the forces associated with reduced pressure, the groove 80 may assist in the ongoing uniform movement of the reversing ring 42. Without the groove 80, the reversing ring 42 would be uniform, even in response to pressure-related forces, particularly if the wall thickness 66 is not uniform or centered about the central longitudinal axis 50. May not move, or may move in a non-constant, twisted or unbalanced manner. Therefore, by providing the grooves 80, radial portions 84 are formed (at least initially during movement) within the inversion ring 42 and extend radially adjacent each groove 80 from the central longitudinal axis 50 ( (See FIG. 11), resulting in a substantially straight surface with an angle 62 in cross section (see FIG. 12). In other words, when the bottom 20 is viewed as shown in FIG. 11, the structure of the radial portion 84 looks like a valley depression inside the inversion ring 42. As a result, the second portion 86 of the inversion ring 42 between any two adjacent radial portions 84 retains a partially rounded shape with at least some rounding (at least initially during movement) ( See FIG. 12). In practice, the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 often take the final configuration shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. However, upon application of another reduced pressure related force, the second portion 86 will eventually become straight and will tilt at an angle 62 towards the central longitudinal axis 50, as shown in FIG. It forms a generally conical shape having a planar surface 60 that is open. Again, those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that planar surface 60 is likely to have some ripple-like appearance. The exact nature of the planar surface 60 depends on a number of other variables (eg, the specific bottom 20 and side wall 30 wall thickness relationships, specific dimensions of the container 10 (ie, diameter, height, volume)). , Specific hot fill process conditions, etc.).

The plastic container 10 may include one or more horizontal ribs 602. As shown in FIG. 31, the horizontal rib 602 further includes an upper wall 604 and a lower wall 606 separated by an inner curved wall 608. The inner curved wall 608 is partially defined by a relatively steep innermost radius r ₁ . In some embodiments, the steepest innermost radius r ₁ is in the range of about 0.01 inches to about 0.03 inches. The relatively steep innermost radius r ₁ of the inner curved wall 608 improves material flow during blow molding of the plastic container 10, thereby allowing the formation of relatively deep horizontal ribs 602.

Each horizontal rib 602 further includes an upper outer radius r ₂ and a lower outer radius r ₃ . Upper outer radius _{r 2} and a lower outer radius _{r 3} are both preferably in the range of about 0.07 inches to about 0.14 inches. The upper outer radius r ₂ and the lower outer radius r ₃ may be equal to or different from each other. The sum of the upper outer radius r ₂ and the lower outer radius r ₃ is preferably about 0.14 inches or more and less than about 0.28 inches.

As shown in FIG. 31, the horizontal rib 602 further includes an upper inner radius r ₄ and a lower inner radius r ₅ . Upper inner radius r ₄ and lower inner radius r ₅ are each in the range of about 0.08 inches to about 0.11 inches. The upper inner radius r ₄ and the lower inner radius r ₅ may be equal to each other or different from each other. The sum of the upper inner radius r ₄ and the lower inner radius r ₅ is preferably greater than or equal to about 0.16 inches and less than about 0.22 inches.

The rib depth RD of the horizontal rib 602 is about 0.12 inch, and the rib width RW is about 0.22 inch, measured from the upper end of the upper outer radius r ₂ and the lower end of the lower outer radius r ₃ . Therefore, each horizontal rib 602 has a ratio of rib width RW to rib depth RD. The ratio of rib width RW to rib depth RD is, in some embodiments, in the range of about 1.6 to about 2.0.

The horizontal ribs 602 are designed to achieve optimal performance with respect to vacuum absorption, top load strength, and collapse resistance. The horizontal ribs 602 are designed to be slightly compressed in the vertical direction so as to respond to and absorb the decompression force caused by hot filling, cap mounting, and cooling of the contents of the container. .. The horizontal ribs 602 are further designed to be compressed even if the filled container experiences excessive top loading forces.

As shown in FIG. 31, the combination of the radius, the wall, the depth, and the width of the horizontal rib 602 described above forms the rib angle A. The rib angle A of the unfilled plastic container 10 may be about 58°. After hot filling, capping, and cooling the contents of the container, the resulting decompression force reduces the rib angle A to about 55°. This indicates that the rib angle A has decreased by about 3° (about 5% of the rib angle A) as a result of the depressurizing force present in the plastic container 10. The rib angle A is preferably reduced by at least about 3% and at most about 8% or less as a result of the vacuum force.

After filling, a plurality of plastic containers 10 are usually packaged together on a pallet. Since a plurality of pallets are stacked, a load force on the uppermost portion is applied to the plastic container 10 during storage and delivery. Therefore, the horizontal rib 602 is designed so that the rib angle A is further reduced and the load force on the uppermost portion is absorbed. However, the horizontal ribs 602 are designed so that the upper wall 604 and the lower wall 606 do not come into contact with each other due to reduced pressure or load on the uppermost part. As an alternative to the above configuration, the horizontal ribs 602 are designed to allow the plastic container 10 to reach a state in which it is partially supported by the inner product when subjected to excessive top load. By doing so, permanent distortion of the plastic container 10 is prevented. Furthermore, this allows the horizontal ribs 602 to repel when the top load is removed and return to approximately the same shape as before the top load was applied.

The horizontal land 610 is substantially flat in a vertical cross section during molding. The horizontal land 610 expands slightly outward in the vertical cross section when the plastic container 10 is subjected to pressure reduction and/or a load force applied to the uppermost part, and the plastic container 10 absorbs these forces uniformly. Designed to assist.

It should be appreciated that the ribs 602 need not be parallel to the bottom 20, as shown in FIG. In other words, the ribs 602 may be arcuate in one or more directions around the container 10 and on the sidewalls 30 of the container 10. More specifically, the rib 602 may have an arc shape such that the central portion of the rib 602 has an arc shape upward toward the neck portion 18. This is true for all ribs 602 of container 10 when viewed from the same side of container 10. However, each rib 602 may be arcuate in a different orientation, opposite orientation, or downward (eg, towards the bottom of container 10). More specifically, the central portion of the rib 602 may be closer to the bottom portion 20 than any of the side surfaces. In rotating the container 10 to rotate the rib 602 360° about the container 10, the rib 602 has two equally high, highest and two equally low, lowest points. Good.

The above description of the embodiments is for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, and may be interchanged where appropriate, even though not specifically shown or described. , Can be used in selected embodiments. Although the present invention has been described above, it can be modified in various ways. Such modifications do not depart from the invention and are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

1 is an elevational view of a plastic container according to the present teachings, the container being preformed and empty. FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the plastic container according to the present teachings, the container being filled and sealed. It is a bottom perspective view of a part of the plastic container of FIG. FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the plastic container of FIG. 2. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic container taken generally along line 5-5 of FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic container taken generally along the line 6-6 in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIG. 5 according to some embodiments of the present teachings. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIG. 6 according to some embodiments of the present teachings. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the plastic container, the container being preformed and empty. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic container taken generally along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the plastic container shown in FIG. 9, wherein the plastic container is filled and sealed. 12 is a sectional view of the plastic container taken generally along the line 12-12 in FIG. 11. FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIGS. 5 and 7, according to some embodiments of the present teachings. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIGS. 6 and 8 according to some embodiments of the present teachings. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIGS. 5 and 7, according to some embodiments of the present teachings. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container similar to FIGS. 6 and 8 according to some embodiments of the present teachings. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings. It is sectional drawing of the plastic container of FIG. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings. It is sectional drawing of the plastic container of FIG. FIG. 22 is an enlarged bottom view of the plastic container of FIG. 21. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings. It is sectional drawing of the plastic container of FIG. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings. It is sectional drawing of the plastic container of FIG. It is a graph which shows the pressure-reducing response with respect to a displacement of the plastic container of FIG. It is a graph which shows the pressure reduction response with respect to a displacement of the plastic container of FIG. It is a graph which shows the pressure reduction response with respect to a displacement of the plastic container of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a plastic container according to some embodiments of the present teachings. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic container of FIG. 33 taken along the line P _L -P _L of FIG. 33. 34 shows an example of the triangular characteristic structure of the reversing ring of the plastic container of FIG. 33. It is sectional drawing of the mold which forms the plastic container of FIG.

Claims (25)

A plastic container,
An upper portion having a mouth portion that defines an opening leading to the inside of the container,
A bottom portion that is movable to accommodate the decompression force generated in the container, thereby reducing the volume of the container ;
And a substantially cylindrical portion that extends between the upper Symbol top and the bottom,
The bottom is
A contact ring supporting the upright of the bottom,
An upright circumferential wall extending from the contact ring to the top,
With a central ridge located at the center of the bottom,
Including a reversal ring extending between the upright circumferential wall and the central raised portion,
The inversion ring has flexibility,
At the time of filling the container, it moves so as to be separated from the upper part, and at the time of mounting, sealing, and cooling the cap part of the container, it moves toward the upper part by the depressurizing force in the container, whereby the reversing ring. Is to move from a convex shape to a substantially flat shape when viewed from the outside of the bottom portion,
Characteristic structure of a plurality of triangular surfaces such that the reversing ring achieves flexibility and movement to absorb the decompression force by moving it toward the upper part due to the decompression force in the container. Has a section,
Each triangular surface characteristic structure of the plurality of triangular surface characteristic structures includes a first triangular surface, a second triangular surface, and a third triangular surface having the same shape. The triangular face, the second triangular face, and the third triangular face share one vertex and two sides share another triangular face,
The apex is movable so as to correspond to the decompression force generated in the container,
From the height of a triangle formed by the sides of the first triangular surface, the second triangular surface, and the third triangular surface that are not shared with other triangular surfaces, and the plane including the triangle, the ratio of the distance to the vertex 3: wherein the 1 der Turkey, plastic containers. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion is movable to correspond to a depressurizing force generated in the container, thereby reducing the volume of the container. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic structure of the surface is configured to form a decompression force curve having a substantially constant slope. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the surface characteristic structure has an equilateral triangular surface characteristic structure. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the surface characteristic structure has a triangular surface characteristic structure each having at least two sides having different lengths. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic structures of adjacent triangular surfaces are close to each other. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein adjacent triangular surface features share common sidewalls. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein characteristic structures of adjacent triangular surfaces share a common boundary. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic structure portion of the triangular surface projects from the bottom portion when the container is filled . The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic structure of the triangular surface is spaced from the circumferential wall of the bottom. Characteristic structure of the triangular surface is spaced from the raised portion of the center of the bottom, a plastic container according to claim 1. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein the triangular shaped surface feature is spaced from both the central raised portion of the bottom and the circumferential wall of the bottom. It said inversion ring has that have a 1 0 mm or et 3 0 mm radius of curvature, a plastic container according to claim 1. The bottom surface area sac Chi 5 0% has a characteristic structure of equilateral triangular surfaces, plastic container according to claim 1. The regular triangular surface characteristic structure is formed from a mold including a plurality of peaks and valleys corresponding to the regular triangular surface characteristic structure, and a recess extending below the outer surface of the bottom portion. At a blow molding ratio in which the ratio of the distance from the bottom of the characteristic structure to the apex facing the bottom is 3 :1 with respect to the depth of the peaks, the peaks are separated from each other, and the valleys are inside the mold. The plastic container according to claim 4, wherein the plastic container is recessed under the mountain portion. A plastic container,
An upper portion having a mouth portion that defines an opening leading to the inside of the container,
A bottom portion that is movable to accommodate the decompression force generated in the container, thereby reducing the volume of the container ;
And a substantially cylindrical portion that extends between the upper Symbol top and the bottom,
The bottom is
A contact ring supporting the upright of the bottom,
An upright circumferential wall extending from the contact ring to the top,
With a central ridge located at the center of the bottom,
Including a reversal ring extending between the upright circumferential wall and the central raised portion,
The inversion ring has flexibility,
At the time of filling the container, it moves so as to be separated from the upper part, and at the time of mounting, sealing, and cooling the cap part of the container, it moves toward the upper part by the depressurizing force in the container, whereby the reversing ring. Is to move from a convex shape to a substantially flat shape when viewed from the outside of the bottom portion,
Characteristic structure of a plurality of triangular surfaces such that the reversing ring achieves flexibility and movement to absorb the decompression force by moving it toward the upper part due to the decompression force in the container. Has a section,
Each triangular surface characteristic structure of the plurality of triangular surface characteristic structures are close to each other, and when the container is filled, protrude from the bottom portion,
The characteristic structure portion of each triangular surface includes a first triangular surface, a second triangular surface, and a third triangular surface having the same shape, and the first triangular surface, the second triangular surface, and the third triangular surface. The three triangular faces share one vertex and two sides share other triangular faces,
The apex is movable so as to correspond to the decompression force generated in the container,
The height of a triangle formed by the sides of the first triangular surface, the second triangular surface, and the third triangular surface that are not shared with other triangular surfaces, and the plane including the triangle from the above. the ratio of the distance to the vertex 3: wherein the 1 der Turkey, plastic containers. 17. The plastic container of claim 16, wherein the triangular surface feature comprises a plurality of equilateral triangles. 17. The plastic container of claim 16, wherein at least some of the triangular surface feature features have at least two sides that differ in length. Characteristic structure of the triangular surface is included in the inversion ring of the bottom portion having a 1 0 mm or et 3 0 mm radius of curvature, a plastic container according to claim 16. The characteristic structure of the triangular surface is spaced from both of the circumferential wall of the raised portion and the bottom of the center of the bottom, a plastic container according to claim 16. The bottom surface area sac Chi 5 0% has the characteristic structure of the triangular surface, a plastic container according to claim 16. The triangular surface feature is molded from a mold that includes peaks and valleys arranged along a plurality of common planes corresponding to the triangular surface feature. At a blow molding ratio in which the ratio of the distance from the bottom of the characteristic structure to the apex opposite to the bottom to the depth of the recess extending below the outer surface of the valley is 3 :1, the peaks are separated from each other, and the valleys are spaced apart from each other. The plastic container according to claim 16, wherein the portion is recessed in the mold below the peak portion. A plastic container,
An upper portion having a mouth portion that defines an opening leading to the inside of the container,
A bottom portion that is movable to accommodate the decompression force generated in the container, thereby reducing the volume of the container ;
And a substantially cylindrical portion that extends between the upper Symbol top and the bottom,
The bottom is
A contact ring supporting the upright of the bottom,
An upright circumferential wall extending from the contact ring to the top,
With a central ridge located at the center of the bottom,
Including a reversal ring extending between the upright circumferential wall and the central raised portion,
The inversion ring has flexibility,
At the time of filling the container, it moves away from the upper part, and at the time of mounting, sealing, and cooling the cap part of the container, it moves toward the upper part by the depressurizing force in the container, whereby the reversing ring. Is to move from a convex shape to a substantially flat shape when viewed from the outside of the bottom portion,
Characteristic of a plurality of equilateral triangular surfaces such that the reversing ring achieves flexibility and movement to absorb the decompression force by moving it toward the upper portion by the decompression force in the container. Has a structural part,
50% of the surface area of the bottom comprises the plurality of regular triangular surface features.
Each equilateral triangular surface characteristic structure of the plurality of equilateral triangular surface characteristic structures is separated from both the central raised portion of the bottom portion and the circumferential wall of the bottom portion, Close to each other, protruding from the bottom when filling the container,
The characteristic structure portion of each equilateral triangular surface is composed of a first triangular surface, a second triangular surface, and a third triangular surface having the same shape, and the first triangular surface, the second triangular surface, and the The third triangular face shares one vertex and two sides share other triangular faces,
The apex is movable so as to correspond to the decompression force generated in the container,
The height of an equilateral triangle formed by the sides of the first triangular surface, the second triangular surface, and the third triangular surface that are not shared with other triangular surfaces, and a plane including the equilateral triangle. the ratio of the distance to the vertex 3: wherein the 1 der Turkey, plastic containers. Characteristic structure of the equilateral triangular surface is included in the inversion ring of the bottom portion having a 1 0 mm or et 3 0 mm radius of curvature, a plastic container according to claim 23. The equilateral triangular surface feature is molded from a mold that includes peaks and troughs arranged along a plurality of common planes corresponding to the equilateral triangular feature. At a blow molding ratio in which the ratio of the distance from the bottom of the characteristic structure to the apex facing the bottom with respect to the depth of the recess extending below the outer surface of the bottom is 3 :1, the peaks are separated from each other, 24. The plastic container according to claim 23, wherein the troughs are recessed below the peaks in the mold.

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