MXPA97001711A - Plastic container molded by blowing which keeps a non-infrared assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plastic container, blow molded, of a generally round construction, having a central axis, characterized in that it comprises: a blow molded piece, of plastic, unitary of a generally round construction having a central axis which is coincident with the central axis of the container and which includes a top distributing end, a lower base and a body portion extending between the upper end of distribution and the lower base, the upper end of distribution includes a generally round shoulder extending around the central axis and upwardly from the body portion in an inward direction, towards the central axis, the upper end of distribution also includes a distribution mouth having an opening through which the contents of the container are filled and distributed, and the distribution mouth has a closing lid retainer, the lower base which extends downward from the body portion to close the container and which has a lower end supporting the container on a horizontal support surface in a vertical position, and the lower base having an upper join with the body portion a a height that is between 0.35 and 0.55 of the maximum diameter of the container, and the body portion that includes a round, upper drum section extending downward from the upper distribution end that also includes a lower, annular, handle section , which extends inwardly, which extends upwards from the lower base and has a juncture with the upper section at a height above the lower base end which is between 0.4 and 0.6 of the total height of the container, the lower section having a plurality of inwardly extending depressions, spaced around the central axis of the container, and each depression having an ext outstretched pad, iforior, an upper end, generally pointed and an intermediate portion having sides tapering each other in an upward direction from its blunt, lower end towards its upper end, generally pointed

Description

PLASTIC CONTAINER MOLDED BY BLOWING WHICH HAS A LOWER ANCHOR LOCK TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a blow molded plastic container having an annular, lower handle to facilitate the handling of the bottle during the distribution of its contents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The blow molded plastic containers have been previously provided with an inwardly extending handle that facilitates the handling of the container during the distribution of its contents. The construction of the inwardly extending handle also provides a more rigid construction after the container is opened, so that the hold of the container can be maintained with less flexion. Usually, these handles are located adjacent an upper portion of the container just below the upper distribution end of the REF: 24191 container, as described by U.S. Pat. 315,678, Dárr; 4,375,442, Ota et al; 4,610,366, Estes et al; and 5,224,614, Bono et al. Other containers having inwardly extending portions are described by U.S. Patents: 3,537,498, A and; 3,871,541, Adomaitis; and 4,379,099, Ota et al. Blow-molded plastic containers having a freestanding base including downwardly extending feet and curved ribs alternating between themselves around a central core are described in U.S. Patents: 5,064,080 Young et al., 5,139,162 Young et al; and 5,287,978 Young et al.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved blow molded plastic container having an inwardly extending handle which facilitates the handling of the container during the distribution of its contents. In carrying out the above object, a blow molded plastic container, constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a plastic, unitary blow molded part, and a generally round construction having a central axis and including an upper distribution end, a lower base and a body portion extending between the upper distribution end and the lower base. The upper distribution end of the container includes a generally round shoulder extending around the central axis and upwardly from the body portion in an inward direction toward the central axis. The upper distribution end also includes a dispensing mouth having an opening through which the contents of the container are filled and distributed. The dispensing mouth has a closure cap retainer to secure a closure cap that closes the container prior to distribution of its contents. The lower base of the container extends downward from the body portion to close the container and has an upper end supporting the container on a horizontal support surface in a vertical position. The lower base has a top joint with the body portion at a height that is between 0.35 and 0.55 of the maximum diameter of the container. The body portion of the container includes a round, upper drum section extending downwardly from the upper dispensing end and also includes an annular, lower, inwardly extending handle, which extends upwardly from the base. lower and has a joint with the upper section at a height above the lower extremity of the base that is between 0.4 and 0.6 of the total height of the container. The lower section has a plurality of inwardly extending depressions, spaced around the central axis of the container. Each depression has a blunt, lower end, a generally pointed upper end and an intermediate portion having sides that taper each other in an upward direction from its blunt end, lower towards its generally pointed upper end. The lower location of the annular handle section facilitates the initial holding of the container when it is collected from a horizontal support surface, since the handle is relatively close to the support surface. In addition, the upwardly tapering construction of the depressions in the annular handle section facilitates hand-holding of the container for children, as well as for adults with different hand sizes, due to the variable size of the depressions along the its heights. In the preferred construction of the blow molded plastic container, the upper, round drum section of the body portion has a height that is between 0.7 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container. Additionally, the lower, annular handle section, extending inwardly of the body portion has a height that is between 0.9 and 1.1 of the maximum diameter of the container. In this way, the upper, round drum section of the body portion has a height which is between 0.7 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container as well as the lower, annular handle section, which extends inwardly from the portion of body that has a height that is between 0.9 and 1.1 of the maximum diameter of the container.

In the preferred construction of the blow molded plastic container, the lower annular handle section extending inwardly of the body portion has upper and lower ends defining the maximum diameter of the container and the lower section, which extends inwards has an intermediate portion that defines the minimum diameter of the container that is between 0.75 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container. This intermediate portion of the lower, annular handle section of the body portion preferably has the minimum diameter thereof located above the lower extremity thereof at a height that is between 0.65 and 0.8 of the total height of the body. lower section. The minimum diameter of the lower, annular handle section of the body portion is between 0.75 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container. In its preferred construction, the blow molded plastic container also has its upper dispensing end provided with separate depressions about the central axis in its shoulder.

In one embodiment, the bottom base of the blow molded plastic container has an annular support surface defining its lower end for supporting the container and also having a central dome extending upwardly from the annular support surface. This central dome of the lower base includes ribs that separate around the central axis and extend radially in an outward direction from the central axis. In this way, this embodiment has the upper end of the distribution provided with separate depressions about the central axis in its shoulder as well as the lower base provided with an annular support surface defining its lower end to support the container and which also has a central dome extending upwardly from the annular support surface and including ribs that separate around the central axis and extend radially in an outward direction from the central axis. In another embodiment capable of resisting internal pressure, the lower base includes a central core and a plurality of downward projecting supports, which extend between the central core and the body portion. In addition, a plurality of curved ribs extend between the central core and the body portion in this embodiment in an alternating relationship with the supports. Each support has a curved outer wall having a radius of curvature that is greater than 0.75 of the maximum diameter of the container. In addition, each rib has a radius of curvature that is greater than 0.6 of the maximum diameter of the container and which is located on the opposite side of the central axis of the rib. The objects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an elevation view of a blow molded plastic container, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention with an annular, lower handle section.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container taken from a top position towards one side thereof to further illustrate the construction of the container.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the bottom part of the container, taken along the direction of line 3-3 in Figure 1, to illustrate the construction of a lower base of the container.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the container, taken along the direction of line 4-4 in Figure 4, to further illustrate the construction of the annular handle section of the container.

Figure 5 is a sectional, partial view taken along the direction of line 5-5 of Figure 3 to illustrate a rib construction of the lower base.

Figure 6 is an elevation view of another embodiment of a blow molded plastic container which is constructed in accordance with the present invention with a lower, annular handle section but having a different, lower base structure than the modality of Figures 1-5.

Figure 7 is a plan view of the bottom taken along line 7-7 in the Figure 6 to further illustrate the construction of the base of this additional embodiment.

BEST MODES TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a blow molded plastic container, indicated generally at 10, which sits on a support surface 12, horizontal in a vertical position. The recipient is constructed as a piece 14 blow molded from plastic, unitary from a suitable resin such as polyethylene terephthalate. The process used to perform the blow molding is preferably done by injection molding a preform that is cooled and then reheated during blow molding during which the preform is also axially stretched to provide biaxial orientation that strengthens the resulting container , after the blow molding is finished. The blow molded part 14, and the container 10 also have a generally round construction with a central axis A and includes an upper distribution end 16, a lower base 18 and a body portion 20 extending between the upper end of the container. distribution and the lower base. The container 10 has a total height Hio, which is the total height H? 6 of the upper distribution end 16, the height H? 8 of the lower base 18 and the height H20 of the body portion 20. Additionally, the Container 10 has a generally round shape with a maximum diameter Dmax and a minimum diameter Dm? n as more fully described later herein. The upper distributing end 16 of the container 10 has its height H? 6 between 0.65 and 0.85 of the maximum diameter Dmax of the container, while the lower base 18 has its height H? 8 between 0.35 and 0.55 of the maximum diameter Dmax of the container and the body portion 20 has its height H20 between 1.8 and 2.2 times the maximum diameter Dmax of the container. The container 18 has its total height H? 0 between 3.0 and 3.3 times its maximum diameter Dmax. With continued reference to Figure 1 and also to Figure 2, the upper distribution end 16 includes a generally round shoulder 22 extending around the central axis A and upwardly from the body portion 20 in an inward direction toward the central axis A. This upper distribution end 16 also includes a distribution mouth 24 having an opening 26 through which the contents of the container are filled and distributed. The distribution mouth 24 has a closure cap retainer 28 which is illustrated as a helical thread with axial cuts 30 which facilitate the release of the gas pressure as the container is initially opened in the unscrewing of a closure cap not shown . The lower base 18 of the container 10 extends downwardly as shown in Figures 1 and 2 from the body portion 20 to close the container and has a lower end 32 that supports the container as shown in Figure 1 on the surface 12 support, horizontal in the vertical position illustrated. The lower base has an upper junction 34 with the lower end of the body portion 20 at the aforementioned height H18 between 0.35 and 0.45 of the maximum diameter Dmax of the container. As illustrated by continuous reference to Figures 1 and 2, the body portion 20 of the container 10 includes a round, upper drum section 36 that extends downward from the upper distribution end 16 and also includes a handle section 38. annular, lower, inwardly extending, which extends upwards from the lower base 18 and has a joint 40 of an annular shape with the upper section 36. This joint 40, similar to the lower end of the distribution end 16 upper and similar to the upper end of the lower base 18, has a diameter that is equal to the maximum diameter Dmax of the container. In addition, the joint 40 has height H40 which is between 0.4 and 0.6 of the total height Hj_0 of the container.

As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the lower, annular grip section 38 of the body portion has a plurality of inwardly extending depressions 42 circumferentially spaced around the central axis A of the container. More specifically, there are twelve of the depressions as illustrated and each as illustrated in Figure 4 has a curved shape when viewed in a vertical section, as shown. Each section 40 of the lower section 38, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a blunt, lower end 44, an upper end 46 generally pointed and an intermediate portion 48 having sides 50 that taper each other in a direction upwards from the blunt, lower end towards its generally pointed upper end. The construction of the container 10 as illustrated with the lower handle section 38 relatively close to the lower end of the lower base 18, facilitates manual attachment and collection of the container from a horizontal support surface. Additionally, the construction of the depressions 42 with an upwardly tapering shape facilitates handholding by children and adults with varying hand sizes. In the preferred construction of the container 10, both the upper drum section 36 and the lower annular handle section 38 have sizes that are proportioned with respect to the maximum diameter Dmax of the container. More specifically, the upper, round drum section 36 of the body portion 20 has a height H36 that is between 0.7 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container, while the lower, annular handle section 38 extends into the body portion 20 has a height H38 extending between 0.9 and 1.1 of the maximum diameter of the container. With continuous reference to Figure 1, the lower annular handle section 38, extending inward from the body portion 20 has upper and lower ends 52 and 54, respectively, in the joint 40 with the upper drum section 36 and the juncture 34 with the lower base 18. In addition, the lower section 38, which extends inwardly, has an intermediate portion 56 extending between the ends 52 and 54, upper and lower, and defines the minimum diameter Dm? container that is between 0.75 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container. The intermediate portion 56 of the lower annular handle section of the body portion 20 has this minimum diameter Dmin thereof located at a height H56 which is between 0.65 and 0.8 of the total height H36 of the lower section 38. For its diameter At least the height H5e the intermediate portion 56 of the lower ring handle section 38 bends downward toward the juncture 34 of the lower base with a much softer curvature than the upper bend outward toward the joint 40 with the section 36 of upper drum. Additionally, the minimum diameter Dmln of the lower, annular, handgrip section 38 of the body portion 20 is between 0.75 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter Dmax of the container. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the preferred construction of the container 10 has its upper distribution end 16 provided with depressions 58 spaced around the central axis A at its shoulder 22. There are twelve of the depressions 58 as illustrated equally apart one of the other with teardrop shapes having a height-to-width ratio much smaller than the shapes of the depressions 42 of the lower annular handle 38 as previously described. As illustrated by combined reference to Figures 1 and 3, the container 10 has the lower base 18 provided with an annular surface 60 defining its lower end 32 shown in Figure 1 to support the container in the vertical position illustrated on the surface of support. The lower base 18 has a central dome 62 that extends upwards as illustrated in Figure 1 from the annular support surface 62 with its center located along the central axis A of the container. This central dome 62, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, has ribs 64 that separate around the central axis A and extend radially in an outward direction from the central axis. More specifically, as illustrated, there are six of the rib 64 separated at 60 ° intervals from each other around the central axis A and each rib 64 has an upwardly extending shape, as illustrated in Figure 5. With reference to Figure 6, another embodiment of the container 10 'has a construction that is generally the same as the embodiment of Figures 1-5 except that it will be noted that similar reference numbers apply to similar components thereof and much of the previous description is applicable such that it will not be repeated. However, this embodiment of the container 10 'has a lower base 18' of a different construction which is capable of withstanding the internal pressure as necessary with the aerated drinks. With reference to both Figures 6 and 7, the lower base 18 'has a freestanding construction that includes a central core 66 through which the axis extends the central axis A of the blow molded part 14 and the container 10'. The lower base 18 'also includes a plurality of supports 68 projecting downwardly from a hollow construction extending between the central core 66 of the body portion 20 at the lower end 54 of the handle section, annular, lower . As specifically illustrated in Figure 7, there are five of these supports 68 that extend downward. Additionally, the lower base 18 'also includes a plurality of curved ribs 70 extending between the central core 66 and the body portion 20 at the lower end 54 of the annular, lower, handle section 38. The curved ribs 70 of the lower base 18 'are in an alternating relationship with the supports 68. Thus, as illustrated, there are five of the curves 70 as well as five of the supports 68. As illustrated in Figure 6, each support 68 has an outer curved wall 72 having a radius of curvature Rw that is greater than 0.75 of the maximum diameter Dmax of the container 10 'and the blow molded part 14. More specifically, this outer curved wall is combined in a tangential relationship with the lower end 54 of the annular, lower handle section 38 at the upper end of the lower base 18 '. Each support 68 also has a lower plane foot 74 whose outer end is connected by a curved joint with the lower end of the outer curved wall 72 by a curved joint and whose inner end is connected to a connecting portion 76 extending upwards in a direction inclined to the central core 66. The central core 66, in the connecting portion 76 the foot 74 has a wall thickness much greater than the rest of the container since there is less elongation thereof during the blow molding such that they are parts of the container are relatively unoriented compared to the rest of the container. With continued reference to Figure 6, each curved rib 70 has a radius of curvature that is greater than 0.6 of the maximum diameter Dmax of the container 10 'and the blow molded part 14. Additionally, the center of the radius of the curvature Rr is located on the opposite side of the central axis A of the rib 70. It should also be noted that the inner portion of each curved rib 70 has a wall thickness greater than the outer portion thereof. , since there is less elongation thereof during blow molding such that the inner portion is relatively unoriented, compared to the rest of the container. In this regard, it should be mentioned that the curved ribs that carry the force that allows the lower base 18 'to resist the internal prison, may have lower, inner ends that are of a wider cross section than the outer, upper ends from the same, so that there is a greater amount of material, where the wall of the container is not oriented and of lesser strength, to provide connection of the curved ribs to the core 66 with a construction that thus strengthens the lower base portion. While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the technique to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention as defined by the following claims. . It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims (12)

1. A plastic container, blow molded, of a generally round construction, having a central axis, characterized in that it comprises: a plastic blow molded piece, unitary of a generally round construction having a central axis which is coincident with the central axis of the container and including an upper distribution end, a lower base and a body portion extending between the upper distribution end and the lower base; the upper end of distribution includes a generally round shoulder that extends around the central axis and upwardly from the body portion in an inward direction, towards the central axis, the upper end of the distribution also includes a distribution mouth that has an opening through which the contents of the container are filled and distributed, and the dispensing mouth has a closure cap retainer; the lower base extending downward from the body portion for closing the container and having a lower end supporting the container on a horizontal support surface in a vertical position, and the lower base having an upper joint with the portion of body at a height that is between 0.35 and 0.55 of the maximum diameter of the container; and the body portion including a top, round drum section extending downwardly from the upper dispensing end which also includes an annular, lower, inwardly extending handle section, which extends upwardly. from the lower base and has a juncture with the upper section at a height above the base lower extremity which is between 0.4 and 0.6 of the total height of the container, the lower section having a plurality of depressions extending inwardly , spaced about the central axis of the container, and each depression having a blunt, lower end, an upper end, generally pointed and an intermediate portion having sides tapering each other in an upward direction from its blunt, lower end towards its upper end, generally pointed.

2. A plastic container, blow molded according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper, round drum section of the body portion has a height that is between 0.7 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container.

3. A plastic container, blow molded according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower, annular handle section extending inward from the body portion has a height that is between 0.9 and 1.1 the maximum diameter of the container.

4. A plastic container, blow molded according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper, round drum section of the body portion has a height that is between 0.7 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container, and the handle section , annular, lower, extending into the body portion having a height that is between 0.9 and 1.1 of the maximum diameter of the container.

5. A plastic container, blow molded according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower, annular handle section, extending inwardly of the body portion has upper and lower ends defining the maximum diameter of the container, and the lower, inwardly extending section having an intermediate portion that defines the minimum diameter of the container that is between 0.75 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container.

6. A plastic container, blow molded according to claim 5, characterized in that the intermediate portion of the lower, annular handle section of the body portion has the minimum diameter thereof located above the lower end of the body portion. same at a height that is between 0.65 and 0.8 of the total height of the lower section.

7. A plastic container, blow molded according to claim 1, characterized in that the minimum diameter of the lower, annular handle section of the body portion is between 0.75 and 0.9 of the maximum diameter of the container.

8. A blow molded plastic container according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper distribution end includes separate depressions about the central axis in its shoulder.

9. A blow molded plastic container according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower base has an annular support surface defining its lower end to support the container and also has a central dome extending upwards from the annular surface of support, and the central dome including ribs that separate around the central axis and extend radially in an outward direction from the central axis.

10. A plastic container, blow molded according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper distribution end includes separate depressions about the central axis in its shoulder, the lower base having an annular support surface defining its lower end to support the container and also has a central dome extending upwardly from the annular support surface, and the central dome including ribs that separate around the central axis and extend radially in an outward direction from the central axis.

11. A plastic container, blow molded according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower base includes a central core, a plurality of supports projecting downwards, which extend between the central core and the body portion, and the plurality of curved ribs extending between the central core and the body portion in an alternating relationship with the supports.

12. A blow molded plastic container according to claim 11, characterized in that each support includes an outer curved wall having a radius of curvature that is greater than 0.75 of the maximum diameter of the container, and each rib having a radius of curvature which is greater than 0.6 in maximum diameter of the container. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A blow molded plastic container (10) having an upper distribution end (16), a lower base (18) and a body portion (20) extending therebetween is constructed with the body portion having an upper, round drum section (36) and an annular, lower, inwardly extending handle section (38) having depressions (42) spaced about a central axis A of the container. Each depression (42) has a blunt, lower end (44), an upper end (46) generally pointed and an intermediate portion (48) having sides (50) that taper each other in an upward direction. The lower location of the annular handle section (38) facilitates the manual holding of the bottle when it is initially clamped from an initial support surface while the tapering configuration of the depressions (42) facilitates hand-holding of the bottle. container when varying the sizes of the hand. One embodiment has a lower base (18) with a support surface (62), annular. Another modality has a lower base (18 ') which includes a central core (66) connected to the hollow supports (68) that extend downwards and curved ribs (70) that alternate with each other.