MX2007010666A - Container having textured grip and enhanced wall integrity. - Google Patents

Abstract

A nestable or stackable container having at least one recess (120) formed in the sidewall (114) of the container (100) to improve wall strength integrity. The surface of the recess further including texturing (124) to improve grippability such that the container can be grasped in any direction while providing improved tactile engagement. An anti-rotation element (142) is formed in the sidewall of the container and is configured to prevent rotation movement of the container when in a stacked or nested arrangement with a second container.

Description

CONTAINER THAT HAS TEXTURIZED SUBJECTION AND IMPROVED WALL INTEGRITY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved container that can be fitted or housed, which is used for food or beverages. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a container that can be fitted or housed, which has improved wall integrity, an increase in ring strength and an improved touch surface or touch clutch.

Description of the Related Art A variety of thermoplastic containers, such as containers for food and beverages, is well known in the art. These thermoplastic containers are relatively inexpensive and in addition, they are disposable; and therefore, they are extremely popular. Often, these containers are used in parties, field days, meetings and other occasions where little or no cleaning is desired. Although thermoplastic containers offer many benefits to consumers, there are certain drawbacks added to the manufacture and use of containers. thermoplastics. For example, this container may have a weak or thin side wall, as well as a weak ring. For example, many consumers who use thermoplastic cups for drinking have experienced collapse or crushing of the side wall when the container is held by the consumer. Similarly, the rim of this container can flex inwardly when the cup is clamped around the periphery of the rim. Conventional containers, which have side walls and rings that have little resistance to crushing, can cause spills and unwanted waste. Another problem associated with thermoplastic containers is the lack of fastening due to the condensation that forms on the side wall of the container, as well as the insufficient coefficient of friction of the container material. Typically, conventional containers have an elaborate side wall of a smooth outer surface. This smooth outer surface can be very slippery when wet, for example, by condensation. In this way, it is difficult for the consumer to obtain a comfortable and sufficient hold on the container having a smooth outer surface, unless an additional force is used to hold the container. However, as mentioned previously, the common container may have a side wall that lacks of sufficient crush resistance to withstand the additional clamping force that is required. Numerous attempts have been made to develop an improved container that has adequate crush resistance and an improved tactile clutch without increasing manufacturing costs. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6, 554,154 discloses, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, a container having a duplicate set of annular ridges that provide a sidewall container. Although they are suitable for the intended purpose, the need remains for a container having the desired characteristics without limitation of the required flanges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be pointed out and apparent from the description that follows, as well as, they will be learned by practicing the invention. The additional advantages of the invention will be realized and achieved through the methods and systems particularly indicated in the written description and the claims thereof. Containers having improved wall integrity and improved fastening characteristics are described herein. In general, each of the Described containers of the present invention have a base defining a closed bottom part and a side wall extending upwardly from the base. The side wall has an outer surface and at least, a recess formed on the outer surface. The recessed surface has a texture that is different from the surface texture of the outer surface of the side wall. According to one aspect of the invention, at least one recess is defined by a boundary edge. In a preferred embodiment, the border edge has a curvilinear shape. In a further preferred embodiment, the boundary edge has a parabolic shape. However, the border edge can be configured to have alternative shapes, if desired. In one aspect of the invention, the container includes at least three recesses formed in the side wall. For example and without limitation, a preferred container has four recesses formed in the side wall. At least three recesses can be placed at the same distance around the periphery of the side wall of the container. At least each of the three recesses can be defined by a boundary edge having a similar curvilinear shape and size. However, it will be understood that at least some of the recesses may have a shape or size that is different from another under the same container.

In one embodiment, at least one recess forms a recessed surface having a texture that increases the contact surface or tactile clutch. Although a variety of textures may be used, a preferred texture has a multi-directional surface pattern with the ability to increase the tactile clutch, generally, in any direction. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the multi-directional surface pattern includes an irregular surface pattern of protrusions and / or indentations, such as protuberances, peaks and valleys. For example and without limitation, the texture may extend in the circumferential, axial or diagonal direction through the recessed surface. According to a further preferred aspect of the invention, the texture extends in its entirety through the recessed surface. According to another aspect of the invention, the container can be stacked with a second container in a similar manner. In this aspect of the invention, each container includes a supporting portion that holds an adjacent container in a similar manner, which is received in the mouth of the first container. Generally, the support portion is located adjacent to the base and includes a projection defined between the vertical base wall and the side wall of the container. The projection defines a projection along the interior surface of the container, so that the wall The bottom or the projection of an adjacent container, as desired, supports the projection of the first container in order to maintain a defined separation therebetween. According to another aspect of the invention, the container includes at least one immobilization anti-rotation element. At least the anti-rotation immobilization element is configured to interlock with the adjacent container, which is received in the mouth of the first container, and in this way, limits or prevents the independent rotation of each container, if necessary or desired. In one embodiment, at least one antirotation immobilization element includes a plurality of depressions located around the periphery of the container side wall. In another embodiment, at least one immobilization anti-rotation element includes a plurality of protuberances located around the periphery of the container's side wall. Alternately, however, at least one of the anti-rotation immobilization elements may be formed in the base wall of the container, if desired. The plurality of depressions or the plurality of protuberances may be aligned or located between the adjacent recesses. At least one anti-rotation immobilization element may have a height less than the height of at least one recess. In this respect, and in a modality Preferred, the container includes recesses and depressions or alternating protuberances along the periphery of the side wall, the height of each anti-rotation immobilization element is less than the height of each adjacent recess. In another aspect of the invention, the base of the container includes at least one indentation formed in the vertical base wall along the periphery of the closed bottom. In one aspect, the indentation is aligned in axial position with a depression, if provided. In another aspect of the invention, a stack of containers that can be nested or housed is provided. The stack comprises a first container and a second container received within the first container. Each of the containers is in a substantially similar manner and includes one or more of the same features described above. It will be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to be exemplary and to provide a further explanation of the claimed invention.

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first representative embodiment of a container of according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the container of Figure 1 according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the container of Figure 1 according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic bottom view of the container of Figure 1 according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a container according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the container of Figure 5 according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the container of Figure 5 according to the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic bottom view of the container of Figure 5 according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the container according to Figure 1 according to the present invention; Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment representative of a stack of nested containers according to the present invention; Figure HA is a schematic perspective view of a further representative embodiment of a container that includes at least one immobilization anti-rotation element according to the present invention; Figure 11B is a schematic perspective view of a further representative embodiment of a container including at least one anti-rotation immobilization element according to the present invention; Figure 12A is a schematic side view of a further representative embodiment of a container according to the present invention; Figure 12B is a schematic side view of a further representative embodiment of a container according to the present invention; Figure 12C is a schematic side view of a further representative embodiment of a container according to the present invention; Figure 12D is a schematic side view of a further representative embodiment of a container according to the present invention; Figure 12E is a schematic side view of an additional representative embodiment of a container according to the present invention; Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a further representative embodiment of a container according to the present invention; Figure 14 is a schematic bottom view of the container of Figure 5 according to the present invention; Figure 15 is a schematic top view of a container according to the present invention; Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the container of Figure HA according to the present invention; and Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a further representative embodiment of a container according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the following, reference will be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying figures. The present invention provides a container having an improved wall strength and an improved tactile clutch, so that the container is configured with the ability to be substantially clamped from any address Generally, these containers include, but are not limited to, beverage cups and food containers. According to the invention, there is provided a container having a base defining a closed bottom part, and a side wall extending upwardly from the base. The side wall includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The closed lower part and the side wall extending from the base define a receptacle space. The side wall defines a mouth or inlet formed opposite the closed bottom. According to the invention, the container further includes at least one recess having a recessed surface formed in the side wall of the container. The recessed surface has a texture that increases the tactile clutch with it. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the textured surface is configured to increase the tactile clutch when it is substantially clamped from any direction. For the explanatory purpose of illustration and not as limitation, one embodiment of the container according to the invention is shown in Figure 1, and is designated by reference character 100. The characteristics, aspects and additional embodiments of a container in accordance with the invention are provided in Figures 2-17 as will be described below. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, which is included herein as depicted in Figure 1, the container 100 has a base 112 defining a closed bottom portion 103, and a base wall 112a extending upwardly to from the base. In a preferred embodiment, the base wall 112a has an inverse taper. That is, the base wall 112a has an upward and inward taper. An inlet or mouth 105 is formed opposite the closed bottom 103. The base 112 and the side wall 114 define a receptacle space with the ability to hold the contents in the container 100. The side wall, included herein, has a substantially cylindrical shape, and more preferably, has a frusto-conical shape, as generally shown in Figures 1-4. However, the side wall can be configured to have a variety of other shapes, including but not limited to rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal polyhedron shapes. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the side wall 114 has an upward and outward taper. Accordingly, the diameter of the mouth 115 is larger than the diameter of the closed bottom 103. In alternate form, nevertheless the side wall 114 may be configured, so that the diameter of the mouth 105 may be substantially the same as the diameter of the closed bottom 103, if desired. The dimensions of the side wall 114 are a function of the particular application. For example and not as a limitation, if the container were a beverage cup of 510.29 grams (18 ounces), the side wall 114 may have a height of approximately 11.43 centimeters (4.5 inches), and a radius at the base of approximately 2.54 centimeters. (1 inch) and a radius in the mouth of approximately 5.08 centimeters (2 inches). According to a further aspect of the invention, the container 100 further includes a first portion 130 and a second portion 132, as shown in Figure 2. The first portion 130 includes at least a first side wall section 114a located next to the base 112 and extending upward to the second portion 132 of the container 100. The second portion 132 includes at least a second section of the side wall 114b located proximate the mouth 105. In a preferred embodiment, the side wall 114a of the first portion 130 has a shape different from the shape of the side wall 114b of the second portion 132 of the container 100. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, as shown in Figure 2, the side wall 114a may have a substantially frustoconical shape, a side wall 114b may have a substantially bowl shape. In this way, the side wall 114a is proximate the base 112 and extends upward at a constant taper or angle to the location 162 proximate the second portion 132 of the container 100. The portion of the side wall 114b has a radius which extends outwardly larger than the radius achieved by the side wall 114a. In this way, the larger radius of the side wall 114a can define in part a wider mouth 105, as well as, a contoured surface of an ergonomic shape for the user's hand. Preferably, the first portion extends approximately between 50 to 75% the height of the side wall. Although the shape of the side wall 114a and the side wall 114b are at least partly imposed by the spokes of the base 112 and the mouth 105, respectively, the side wall 114a and the side wall 114b may have a variety of shapes. alternative ways. In addition, the shape of the side wall 114a and the side wall 114b can have substantially the same shape and radius so as to provide a continuous conical or nonconical container, if desired. According to a further aspect of the invention, the side wall 114 has at least one recess 120 formed in the side wall. At least one recess is configured to increase the crush resistance of the wall Lateral 114. The term "crush resistance" as used herein, refers to the strength of the deformation into the side wall of the container. In particular, the integrity of the wall of the container 100 is increased by the recess, whereby occurrences of collapse of the side wall are reduced when the container 100 is clamped. In a preferred embodiment, the container 100 may have a plurality of recesses. For example, and not as limitation in a preferred embodiment, the container 100 has four recesses. At least one recess includes a recessed surface 121 defined by a boundary edge 122, as shown in Figure 1. In a preferred embodiment, the boundary edge 122 has a curvilinear shape, and more preferably, a continuously curved shape. . In particular, and in accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the boundary edge defines a parabola with a vertex located opposite the base. Therefore, at least one recess has a lower portion and an upper portion. The width of the lower portion of at least one recess is larger than the width in the upper portion of at least one recess, so that the width decreases with increasing height along the container 100, and the upper portion of the recess less than one recess forms a vertex. In this way, the recess 120 also has a curvilinear shape. However, the boundary edge 122 may be configured to have alternative shapes, for example and not as limitation, polygonal shapes, which are considered suitable or desirable for the intended purpose. Further, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the boundary edge 122 defines an edge surface 123 extending between the recessed surface 121 and the side wall 114. As depicted herein, the edge surface has a parabolic shape and angled in relation to the recessed surface and the side wall, respectively. For the purpose of illustration and not as limitation, as is included herein and represented in Figure 2, at least one recess 120 has a height generally perpendicular to the closed bottom 103 which is approximately between 50 and 80% of the height of the side wall 114. In a preferred embodiment, at least one recess extends upwardly from the base 112 and is formed in the first portion 130 of the side wall 114. The preferred portion, at least a portion of the border edge 122, such as the edge surface can extend at least the second portion 132 of the side wall 114 of the container 100, as shown in Figure 2. As further described below, and from In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the base 112 may include a base wall 112a extending upwardly from the bottom closed portion. The base wall 112a and the side wall 114 define an annular projection 146 therebetween. As included herein and as depicted in Figure 2, at least one recess may extend from the annular projection 146 upwardly of the side wall 114. Alternatively, at least one recess 120 may extend from the bottom closed part 103 of the container 100 upwards along the height of the side wall 114. If desired or if an annular projection is not provided. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the recessed surface can define a surface configuration of cylindrical shape generally partial, frusto-conical or even bowl-shaped, as desired. For example and as shown in Figure 2, the side wall may extend upwardly at a first angle to define a frustoconical surface configuration, and the recessed surface of at least one recess may extend upward at a second different angle to the object. of defining a portion of a second frustoconical surface configuration. By providing different angles or configurations therebetween, at least one recess can additionally be defined from the side wall and the The strength of the side wall can be further improved. In yet another alternative, the side wall and at least one recess may extend upward substantially at the same angle in a separate relationship. In this way, at least one recess can be further defined from the side wall by providing a step in the side wall. According to a further aspect of the invention, the recessed surface of at least one recess is configured to achieve a tactile clutch improved by the user. Particularly and as included herein, the recessed surface 121 is provided with a texture 124 that increases the contact surface or tactile clutch. A variety of textures can be incorporated, either individually or in combination. These textures include ridges, protrusions and indentations. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the textured surface is configured to increase the tactile clutch when clamped virtually from any direction. Therefore, the textured surface is preferred to be defined or formed by a surface pattern of multiple injections of protrusions and / or indentations, such as but not limited to a regular or irregular pattern of protrusions defining peaks and valleys. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-directional surface pattern includes approximately from 10 to 900 protrusions or peaks per square inch of textured surface, and more preferably, from about 100 to 700 protrusions or peaks per square inch of textured surface. According to the invention, the multi-directional surface patterns may extend circumferentially, axially or diagonally across the recessed surface 121. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the recessed surface may include a combination of flanges and a surface pattern texture of multiple directions. For example and not as a limitation, the recessed surface may include ridges or projections having a textured surface thereon or between them. The ridges or projections can be placed in any suitable pattern, for example and not as a limitation, the ridges can form a linear series or alternatively, they can form a circular pattern, with the multi-directional surface pattern extending circumferentially , axial or diagonal. The multi-directional surface pattern improves the contact surface or tactile clutch and also improves container hold. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, the protrusions provide a larger surface area for the touch clutch by the user, and the indentations may providing a plurality of channels for receiving and eliminating condensation. In this way, the multi-directional surface pattern increases the contact surface or tactile clutch by reducing slippage when a container according to the present invention has condensation on its outer surface. In addition, the larger surface area and / or coefficient of friction provided by the multi-directional surface pattern improves the tactile clutch and also improves the hold of the container having a dry surface. In addition, due to the texture of the multi-directional surface pattern, for example, of protuberances, protrusions, depressions and indentations, or cross-hatching of grid form, the container is configured to obtain an improved tactile clutch without considering the direction in the which is fastened. That is, a discrete pattern of ridges or ridges generally provides a contact surface or tactile clutch in a single direction. In this regard, the particular direction or orientation of the ridges on the surface of the container impose the direction in which the container has to be held if the improved fastening is to be achieved. In contrast, the use of a multi-directional surface pattern according to the present invention provides a surface in the container that achieves a Improved tactile clutch despite the orientation of the container when fastened. In addition, the texture according to the present invention can be provided with an increased coefficient of friction when measured in a variety of directions, unlike a discrete pattern that could only provide an increase in the coefficient of friction in a limited number of addresses. The larger coefficient of friction of the surface pattern of multiple directions of protrusions and / or indentations improves the contact surface or clutch and grip when the container 100 is held by the consumer. A variety of multi-directional patterns is suitable for the present invention. For example, the pattern of multiple directions may be provided in the form of a regular pattern of displaced protrusions or of a high cross-sectional intersection. Alternately, an irregular pattern of protrusions or protrusions may be used, as preferred and included in the present. In addition, the texture according to this aspect of the present invention can provide the advantage of eliminating at least one step in the manufacturing process, in order to provide a more efficient and less expensive process. By providing the texture with an irregular pattern, for example, imperfections otherwise visible with a regular or symmetric pattern are not relevant. That is, each irregular pattern is unique, and is not limited by symmetry. In this regard, the manufacturing process for forming a container 100 in accordance with the present invention does not require an additional inspection of quality control to ensure that each container produced in the assembly line includes a texture having an identical pattern. In contrast, the manufacturing process to form containers having a regular pattern, such as a pattern that includes ridges or ridges, generally requires a stage in the visual inspection process of each container in order to ensure that the regular pattern is maintained for each container. Other advantages of the supply of a container having a texture according to the present invention is that the texture eliminates the imperfections of the molding process, in order to hide the marks of heat cracking, surface depression marks and flow marks. According to another aspect of the invention, the texture is coextensive with the entire recessed surface. In this way and unlike the discrete or isolated raised rim, an increase in the contact surface or touch clutch and any place within the boundary of the recessed surface can be achieved. This arrangement increases the prediction to hold the container with the recesses provided. The container may also include additional suitable surface treatments as is known in the art. A variety of techniques can be used for shaping the texture on the recessed surface according to the invention. For the purpose of illustration and not as limitation, the container 100 can be provided with a texture 124 on the surface of the recess 120 through a textured mold. In this way, a metal mold for example, but not limited to, an aluminum mold body can be configured with a multi-directional pattern and preferably, an irregular pattern according to the present invention. For example, although not as a limitation, the metal mold can be etched to define a texture pattern. In this regard, the acid can be applied in a portion of the metal mold to degrade the metal material in a particular or desired pattern. Alternatively, a stamping process may be used, in which a masterpiece having a particular texture is forcefully applied in a metal mold, such as, for example, an aluminum mold. The particular pattern in the masterpiece displaces portions of the metal mold to create the desired texture. Next, the textured mold is used to manufacture the container according to the present invention. In a modality Preferred, the mold is configured to provide an irregular pattern of protrusions, similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 5, in order to define a depth of approximately 0.02 centimeters (0.008 inches) and a lateral inclination angle of approximately 12 ° minimum. These textured molds can be formed and provided, for example, for a variety of texturing supplies that are known in the art. According to a further aspect of the invention, the container includes a support portion that is configured to hold a second container similarly received in a nested relationship within the mouth of the container. Generally, the support portion 140 is located proximate the base 112. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, and as described above, the base 112 may include a vertical base wall 112a extending from the closed lower part 103. As shown in Figure 2, the supporting portion 140 includes a projection 146 defined between the vertical base wall 112a and the side wall 114. The projection defines a projection on the interior surface of the container, as it is depicted in Figure 3 and in the cross section in Figure 9. The shoulder can be configured to support the lower portion 103 of an adjacent container that is received within the first container so as to maintain a separate relationship between the two containers as it is depicted in Figure 10. Alternatively, the projection may be configured to support the projection of an adjacent container as described with respect to the embodiments of Figure 5 below. In a further aspect of the invention, the container 100 further includes at least one antirotation immobilization element 142 which prevents relative rotation between the adjacent containers received in a nested relationship. At least one anti-rotation immobilization element is configured to limit or prevent the rotational movement of a container when it is engaged with a second container in a similar manner. In this regard, at least one anti-rotation immobilization element 142 is configured to interlock with another anti-rotation immobilization element located on an adjacent container in a similar manner when it is received in the mouth of the first container. At least one anti-rotation immobilization element 142 may include at least one depression 142 '(as shown for example in Figures HA, 11B, 12A and 12B), at least one protrusion 142"(as shown for example, in Figures 12C, 12D and 12E) formed in the side wall 114 of the container, or a combination of at least one depression 142 'and at least one of the protuberances 142"as shown for example in Figure 17.

Alternatively, at least one recess 120 may be configured to prevent relative rotation between adjacent containers that are received in a nested relationship. In this regard, no additional immobilization anti-rotation elements are required. In a preferred embodiment, the container includes four recesses configured to join with an adjacent container and limit the independent rotation of each container. At least one anti-rotation immobilization element may be located in the first portion 130 of the container or the second portion 132 thereof, as shown in Figures 12B and 12A, respectively. Alternatively, as is included in Figure HA, at least one antirotation immobilization element may be located between the first and second portions of the container so as to extend the first portion 130 and the second portion 132 of the container 100. If If desired, at least one anti-rotation immobilization element can be located in the base 112 of the container 100, as shown in Figure 5. In particular, at least one anti-rotation immobilization element 142 can be located close to the base 112 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, proximate to the annular lip 150 that is illustrated in Figure 11B, or that is formed in the base wall 112a as illustrated in Figure 5. In addition, at least one anti- rotation of immobilization can be located, so that it is aligned in axial position with at least one recess, axially misaligned with at least one recess, or can be positioned so that at least one anti-rotation immobilization element is adjacent to the recess 120 as illustrated in Figures 11B, 12A and HA, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, at least one anti-rotation immobilization element includes a plurality of anti-rotation immobilization elements located around the periphery of the container, which are placed at regular or irregular angular intervals around the periphery of the container. In this regard, the plurality of anti-rotation immobilization elements can be located around the periphery of the container, so that at least one first anti-rotation immobilization element formed in the side wall at a first location is diametrically opposite to a second anti-rotation immobilization element formed in the side wall at a second location, if desired. For example, and as it is included herein as depicted in Figure 3, at least one immobilization anti-rotation element 142 includes a plurality of depressions 142 'formed in the side wall near the base 112. Particularly and As it is included herein, at least one depression is located in the side wall above the annular projection. How I know shown in Figure 4, the plurality of depressions is located around the periphery of the side wall 114. In addition for example and as illustrated in Figure HA, at least one depression 142 'can be formed in the side wall between two recesses adjacent 120. In alternate form, however at least one depression 142 'can be configured so that it is in axial alignment with at least one recess 120. At least one anti-rotation immobilization element is configured to define an outgoing edge . In particular, at least one depression 142 'extends inward to define or form a projecting edge 144' extending from the inner surface of the side wall 114 towards the receptacle of the container 100, as best seen from of Figure 3 and the cross section in Figure 9. At least one protrusion extends outward to define or form a projecting edge 144"extending from the outer surface of the side wall 114 to the exterior of the container 100. As shown in Figures 12C-E, at least one protrusion is formed in the side wall 114 of the container 100, so that a cavity is also formed in the interior surface of the side wall 114 and that it is formed a corresponding protrusion on the outer surface of the side wall 114, with which defines the protruding edge 144"as illustrated in Figure 12C In addition, at least one recess 120 can be configured to join an adjacent container that is received in the mouth of a first container and to limit or prevent rotation Relative between the containers In this regard, the boundary edge 123 can be configured to define or form a projecting edge extending from the inner surface of the side wall 114 towards the receptacle of the container, as illustrated in the Figure 15. The projecting edge 144 ', 144"formed or defined by at least one anti-rotation immobilization element (or as the case may be by the recess) includes a depth 170 measured from the phantom extension 188 of the circumference of the container, as illustrated in Figure 14. Phantom extension 188 extends along the horizontal cross-section of container 100. As illustrated in Figure 16, the projecting edge 1 44 ', 144"defines a lateral inclination angle 184 with respect to the vertical axis 186 of the container. Preferably, the vertical axis 186 is a central axis that is perpendicular to the lower part 103 of the container 100. The angle of lateral inclination 184 is measured from the axis 186 to the projecting edge 144 'at the apex of the projecting edge. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral tilt angle 184 is about 5 to 85 °, and preferably, about 20 to 30 °. As further illustrated in Figure 16, a second angle of lateral tilt 180 is defined by the projecting edge 144 'and the side wall 114 of the container 100. In a preferred embodiment, the depth 170 as shown in Figure 14 and the Side angle of inclination 180 as shown in Figure 16 vary through the height of at least one immobilization anti-rotation element 142, as discussed below. In addition, the lateral inclination angle 182 is defined between the central axis 186 and the side wall 114 of the container 100, as illustrated in Figure 16. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of lateral inclination 182 is approximately 0 °, approximately 30 ° and most preferably, around 5 to 15 °. In particular, and as discussed above, at least one depression 142 'as illustrated in Figures 14 and 16 (or at least one recess) includes a protruding edge having a varied depth 170 and a side tilt angle 180 that increases with the height of the depression. On the contrary, at least one protrusion includes a protruding edge having a varied depth and a lateral inclination angle which decreases with increasing height of the protrusion. In a preferred embodiment, at least one immobilization anti-rotation element, i.e. at least one depression or at least one protrusion, includes a protruding edge having a depth ranging from approximately 0.11 to 0.21 centimeters (0.045 to 0.082 inches) and a lateral inclination angle 180 which may vary approximately from 4 to 90 °. In this way, at least one depression can have a continuous depth of increase along the height of the depression and at least one protrusion can have a continuous depth of decrease along the height of the protrusion. Alternatively, at least one depression (or at least one recess) or at least one protrusion can be configured to include a step defining an adjacent area of increasing or decreasing depth, respectively. As will be recognized by a person skilled in the art, the depth 170 of the anti-rotation immobilization element and the lateral inclination angles 182 and 184 can be optimized to facilitate the manufacture, for example, the removal of the container from the mold and for the desired height of stacking or housing a stack of containers. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the depression that is closest to the central axis 186 is located in the lower part of the depression. The protruding edge of the immobilization anti-rotation element 142 is capable of engaging with an anti-rotation element. corresponding immobilization rotation of a second container in a similar manner. The clutch between the anti-rotation elements of immobilization or recesses of the adjacent containers maintains the proper alignment for stacking and prevents rotation between them. In addition, the anti-rotation immobilization element can be configured to maintain a separate axial relationship between the side wall 114 of a container and the side wall of a second container when in a stacked or nested orientation, if desired. In one embodiment, as shown schematically in Figure 4, the container includes at least one recess and at least one depression. At least one depression has a height less than the height of at least one recess. Although the dimensions of at least one depression may be a function of the particular application. For example and not as limitation, for a drink cup at least one depression may have a height of approximately 1.02 centimeters (0.4 inches) and a depth of approximately 0.11 centimeters (0.045 inches) to 0.21 centimeters (0.082 inches). In one embodiment, at least one depression is formed in the base wall 112a of the base 112 below the annular projection 146, as shown in Figure 5. As depicted in Figure 6 and can best be observed in the Figure 7, at least one depression extends radially inward beyond the projection formed by the annular projection. In this embodiment, the base 112 of the container is configured to have a diameter smaller than the internal diameter provided by the projection formed by the annular projection. In this regard, the projection of an adjacent container that is introduced into the mouth of the first container will support the projection formed by the projection of the first container. Therefore, depression 142 defines a bank that engages through a corresponding depression in an adjacent container that is introduced into the mouth of the first container in order to establish the desired anti-rotation characteristics of immobilization and / or portion separation. of clutch. The projection formed by the annular projection can also be configured to maintain a separate relationship between the side wall of the container and a side wall of a second container when in a stacked orientation. Alternatively, the container can be configured without an annular projection. At least one immobilization anti-rotation element according to the invention can be configured to have a variety of shapes. For example and not as limitation, as described above at least one anti-rotation element can be configured so that have a curvilinear shape, as shown in Figure 2. Additionally or alternatively, at least one anti-rotation immobilization element can be configured to have other suitable shapes such as polygonal or polyhedral shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not as limitation, at least one anti-rotation immobilization element may be configured in suitable shapes such as diamond, square, rectangular, triangular or other polygonal shape. In addition, at least one anti-rotation immobilization element may have a linear shape or may be configured to represent a logo and may include alpha numeric characters or variations thereof, if desired. In addition, at least one anti-rotation immobilization element can be configured to include a finger grip 172 that provides ergonomic comfort to the user, as depicted in Figure 13. In this regard, the finger grip can be an indentation. ergonomically configured to receive a finger, for example, the user's thumb. Alternatively, the finger grip can be a raised surface. If desired, the finger grip would include a textured surface to increase the grip. In addition, the base 112 may include the indentation 116, which can best be seen in Figure 4, formed within the base wall 112a along the periphery of the closed bottom 103. In one embodiment, the indentation 116 is aligned in axial position with a corresponding depression 142, although alternative arrangements may be provided. In addition according to the invention, the inlet or mouth 105 of the container 100 includes an annular lip 150. In a preferred embodiment, the lip has a substantially flat upper surface 152 and a flange 154 laterally angled from the substantially flat upper surface 152, as shown in Figure 1. The flange 154 is bent at least partially below the substantially planar upper surface 152, so that the flange is configured at an angle of approximately 25 ° and larger, for example and not as a limitation of 45 ° relative to the substantially flat upper surface 152. Thus, the configuration of the annular lip may have a substantially triangular configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the single annular lip configuration can be formed through known lip forming techniques. In this way, a lip forming machine is used to form a lip on the rim of thermoformed containers, such as disposable cups, food containers, and the like. A stack of housed or nested containers is fed into a conveyor, which directs the containers towards a space between a set of rotating feeding rollers. The feed rollers engage with the ring of the containers and rotate the stack of nested containers. As a result, the containers are advanced into a heating furnace having a heating source, such as, for example, a source of high electrical resistance. The stacking of nested containers is heated in the furnace and subsequently directed to a set of rotating shaping spindles. The forming spindles engage the hot rings of the containers and progressively bend a portion of the ring downward to create a triangular lip configuration on the rim of each container. However, the annular lip may also have other configurations such as but not limited to a rounded, rectangular or square configuration, or may be folded or otherwise wound in a conventional manner. The dimensions of the annular lip, which include the substantially flat upper surface 152 and the flange 154, as well as also the particular angle in which the flange is rolled, will be a function of the intended application of the container. For example, and not as limitation, for a beverage container such as a cup, the surface The flat top has a length of approximately 0.38 centimeters (0.15 inches), the flange 152 has a length of approximately 0.25 centimeters (0.10 inches) and the flange is preferred to be at an angle of approximately 28 ° relative to the flat upper surface 152. As shown in Figure 2, the side wall 114 can be configured to include at least one shoulder 160 located in a circumferential position around the surface of the side wall, if desired. For example and not as limitation, the projection 160 is located close to the annular lip 150. Alternatively, however, the projection 160 may be located in other locations, if desired. In addition, a plurality of projections may be located in a circumferential position around the side wall 114 of the container 100. In particular, a disposable beverage container of 5.32 deciliters (18 ounces) according to the present invention and having a similar configuration to the configuration of Figures 1-4, it was formed with the following relevant dimensions: a height of 12.07 centimeters (4.75 inches); the diameter of the base is 5.92 centimeters (2.33 inches); the diameter of the mouth is 10.16 centimeters (4.0 inches); the number of recesses is 4; The height of the recess includes a boundary edge of 7.87 centimeters (3.1 inches); and a formed lip including an upper flat surface having a length of 0.38 centimeters (0.15 inches), a flange having a length of 0.38 centimeters (0.15 inches), the flange forming an angle of 28 ° relative to the upper surface flat As mentioned above, the container according to the present invention has an improved crush resistance of the side wall or an improved integrity of the wall strength, as well as an improved resistance of the lip. To demonstrate the improvement in the strength of the container according to the present invention, a standard comparison strain test was performed on the side wall and the lip of a container according to the present invention and of a commercially available container of a size generally similar. Each container sample tested was a drink cup of 5.32 deciliters (18 ounces). The results of the comparative strain test illustrated that the container according to the present invention has approximately 8% increase in the strength of the side wall compared to the commercially available standard container. The results also illustrated that the container according to the present invention has an approximately 31% increase in lip strength if compared to the commercially available standard container. In this way, the results of the comparative deformation analysis illustrated the improvement in structural integrity of both the side wall and the lip achieved through the container according to the present invention. According to another aspect of the invention, a stack of containers that can be nested 110 is provided. The stack of containers that can be fitted includes a first container 100 and an adjacent container 101 received within the first container. Each container that can be stacked has a substantially similar shape as described above. For the purpose of illustration and not as limitation, and as shown in Figure 10, in a preferred embodiment a second container 100 'is received within the mouth 105 of the first container 100, so that the body of the second container extends down through the mouth and into the receptacle of the first container. As discussed previously, and as shown in Figure 10, the annular projection 146 of the first container 100 provides a projection along the interior surface of the first container, so that when the second container 100 'is located within the interior of the first container 100. the mouth 105 of the first container and extend down to Through its receptacle, the lower part of the second container 100 'supports the projection on the inner surface of the first container 100 to maintain a defined separation therebetween. In alternate form and as previously observed with respect to the embodiment of Figure 5, the lower part can be dimensioned so that it is smaller than the transversal dimension of the projection. In this way, the lower part of the second container will be located within the volume defined by the vertical base wall of the first container, and the projection of the second container will support the projection of the first container. According to a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the shoulder 160, located in a circumferential position around the surface of the side wall 114 of the first container 100, engages at least one portion of the annular lip 150 of the adjacent container. 101 when in the stacked orientation. According to a further aspect of the invention, the clutch portion 140 of the first container includes at least one depression which is connected with a corresponding clutch portion of the second container. In one embodiment, at least one depression 142 has a substantially constant depth and provides a projecting edge 144 that extends along the interior surface of the first container 100. Thus, the projecting edge 144 provided by at least one depression 142 engages at least one depression 142 of the second container 100 'with the outer surface. At least one depression 142 in conjunction with the protruding edge 144 helps to provide an adequate alignment of the first and second nested or housed containers. In addition, at least one depression and one protruding edge also prevent or limit the independent rotation movement of each container, if necessary. At least one anti-rotation feature provides benefits during manufacturing, for example, during the process of shaping the lip, so that the stack of the nested container maintains proper alignment. In addition, at least one depression is configured to maintain a separate relationship between the side wall of the first container and the side wall of the second container. The separation and lack of rotation movement prevents extensive wear of the containers. Any of a variety of suitable polymers can be used for the container of the present invention, including but not limited to polystyrenes and copolymers thereof, polypropylene polymers, such as, for example, polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene random copolymers or polypropylene impact copolymers, ethylene polymers such as, for example, high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene or low density polyethylene, polybutenes and copolymers thereof, polyesters and mixtures or copolymers thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the container material may include at least one colorant. The colorant can be any suitable material with the ability to provide a vivid color, including but not limited to any color of the spectrum, as well as black and white, in the container material. Colorants that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, pigments or dyes. The colorants could be used in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, dry color, conventional color concentrates, liquid color and pre-colored resin. The dye is provided in a sufficient concentration in order to supply the desired color. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations in the method and system of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (30)

1. CLAIMS 1. A container, characterized in that it comprises: a base defining a closed lower part; and a side wall extending upwardly from the base, the side wall has an outer surface and at least one recess formed therein, the recessed surface has a surface texture different from the surface texture of the outer surface; and at least one anti-rotation immobilization element located on the side wall of the container and which is capable of engaging with a similar anti-rotation element for immobilization of a second container. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one immobilization anti-rotation element is located in a first or second portion of the side wall of the container or between the first and second portions. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one anti-rotation immobilization element includes a protruding edge having a depth that varies along the height of at least one anti-rotation immobilization element. The container according to claim 3, characterized in that the depth is increased along the height of at least one element anti-rotation immobilization. The container according to claim 3, characterized in that the depth decreases along the height of at least one immobilization anti-rotation element. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the base comprises a base wall oriented in a circumferential direction and at least one anti-rotation immobilization element located in the base wall of the container. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one anti-rotation immobilization element is aligned in an axial position with at least one recess. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two recesses, and furthermore in which at least one immobilization anti-rotation element is located between at least two recesses. The container according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of immobilization anti-rotation elements. The container according to claim 9, characterized in that the plurality of immobilization anti-rotation elements includes a first immobilization anti-rotation element and a second anti-rotation immobilization element, the first anti-rotation immobilization element is located on the opposite side of the container as the second anti-rotation immobilization element. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one anti-rotation immobilization element comprises a depression or a protrusion. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one anti-rotation element includes a finger grip configured to receive a finger. The container according to claim 12, characterized in that the finger grip has a surface, the surface is indented or raised. The container according to claim 12, characterized in that the surface of the finger holder includes a texture. 15. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one immobilization anti-rotation element has a curvilinear, polygonal or polyhedral surface. 16. A container, characterized in that it comprises: a base defining a closed lower part; a side wall that extends upwards from the base, the side wall has an outer surface; and at least one anti-rotation immobilization element formed in the side wall, the anti-rotation immobilization element includes at least one recess having a recessed surface and a depth, the recessed surface has a surface texture different from the surface texture of the outer surface. The container according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one recess has a curvilinear shape. 18. The container according to claim 17, characterized in that the curvilinear shape is a parabola. The container according to claim 16, characterized in that the side wall has a first portion proximate to the base, and a second portion defining an open mouth, at least one recess defines a boundary edge that extends, so less partially, towards the second portion. The container according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one anti-rotation immobilization element includes a protruding edge having a depth that varies along the height of at least one anti-rotation immobilization element. 21. The container in accordance with claim 16, characterized in that the depth increases along the height of at least one immobilization anti-rotation element. 22. A stack of containers that can be fitted, characterized in that it comprises: a first container; and a second container received within the first container; each of the first container and the second container is substantially similar in shape and includes a base defining a closed bottom; and a side wall extending upwardly from the base, the side wall has an outer surface and at least one recess formed therein, the recessed surface has a surface texture different from the surface texture of the outer surface; and at least one anti-rotation immobilization element located on the side wall of the container. 23. The stack according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one anti-rotation immobilization element includes at least one depression or at least one protrusion formed in the container. 24. The stacking according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one anti-rotation immobilization element includes a protruding edge having a depth that varies along the height of at least one immobilization anti-rotation element. 25. The stack according to claim 24, characterized in that the depth increases along the height of at least one immobilization anti-rotation element. 26. The stack according to claim 24, characterized in that the depth decreases along the height of at least one immobilization anti-rotation element. 27. The stack according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one anti-rotation immobilization element includes a finger grip. 28. The stack according to claim 27, characterized in that the finger grip has an indented or raised surface. 29. The stacking according to claim 27, characterized in that the surface of the finger clamp includes a texture. 30. The stack according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one immobilization anti-rotation element is configured as a curvilinear, polygonal, polyhedral, square, triangular, diamond, pyramidal, V-shaped or spherical shape. .