New Zealand No 319395 International No PCT/US96/14897
TO BE ENTERED AFTER ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION
Priority dates 18 091995,18 091995,
Complete Specification Filed 17 09 1996
Classification (6) B65D1/02
Publication date 28 October 1999
Journal No 1445
NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Title of Invention
Container with stiffening in central panel
Name, address and nationality of applicant(s) as in international application form
PLASTIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC , 1*65 Timberwolf Drive, Holland, Ohio 43528, United States of America
title
CONTAINER WITH STIFFENING IN CENTRAL PANEL
background of the invention
The invention relates to a plastic container and more particularly, to an improved plastic container structure of the type suitable for containing carbonated beverages The bottling of carbonated beverages in plastic 10 containers presents a number of problems, many of which arise in connection with the structure of the central portion of the container, particularly when the overall plastic content is decreased m weight Mere plastic duplication of the traditional glass bottle design 15 configuration is deemed unsatisfactory for a myriad of reasons, one of which is the tendency of the resultant container to feel somewhat flimsy in the hand of the ultimate user Also, mere duplications in plastic sometimes are unsatisfactory due to the fact that plastic 20 materials have a tendency to creep or become otherwise distorted when the containers are filled with carbonated beverages or other fluids under pressure Such distortion may alter the shape and dimensions of the container configuration which tends to adversely affect the 25 application of indicia containing outer wraps and result m a distortion of the wrap and integral indicia
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The above noted problems can threaten customer acceptance or satisfaction of the product within the container
A plastic container, when filled with a carbonated beverage and capped, must be able to withstand the impact of falling from at least a moderate height and must be dimensional stable m respect of the outer shape and dimensions to enable the container to be of the same capacity as glass containers so that they may be handled or processed by existing equipment and assist m customers' identification of the particular product contained therein Aesthetic appearance is typically a given requirement
Also, when the plastic container becomes distorted by the internal pressure, it may become unstable on a horizontal surface Such instability may result m a probability of an adverse customer reaction toward the container contents.
The prior art is replete with disclosures of plastic container structures illustrating and describing improved bottom structures for plastic containers of the type suitable for containing carbonated or effervescent beverages
However, the aspects of the side wall configuration have only relatively recently attracted attention primarily due to the desideratum on the part of beverage bottlers to reduce the overall weight of the plastic
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material required to form the container. Also, with the advent of the use of plastic sheet overlays on the container, it has become necessary to direct considerable attention to the dimensional stability aspects of the 5 central section of the container adapted to support the overlay ,'.1
SUMMARY OF THE INVRMTT ON In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a plastic container having an upper section including a neck portion, a closed base Bection, and a central section interconnecting the upper section and the base section, the t'
central section comprising a plurality of juxtaposed reinforcing flat panels, each one of said flat panels being connected to its adjacent said panels to form a polygonal cross sectional shape said panels being formed of a plastic material having outwardly deformable elastic characteristics, said panels together tending to substantially deform outwardly to a substantially circular cylindrical shape when the container is pressurized, and said upper and base sections tending to remain substantially undeformed and tending to substantially retain their configurations when the container is pressurized.
An improved plastic container of the type suitable for carbonated beverages, for example, has been developed Such new container contains a central section having a portion thereof which tends to change or vary at least m the outermost configuration as a result of internal
pressurization, typically due to the presence of a carbonated beverage. More specifically, the portion is caused to assume or approach a circular cylindrical shape upon pressurization and thence will return to its original shape upon depressurization due to the memory of the plastic material forming the container wall.
More objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become readily manifest to those skilled m the art from reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, when considered m the light of the accompanying drawings, m which:
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an elevational view of a container having a central section constructed m accordance with the invention,
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container illustrated in Figure 1 taken along line 2-2 thereof,
Figure 3 is an elevational view of the container of Figures 1 and 2 illustrating the configuration of the central section after the container has been filled with a 10 pressurized fluid and capped,
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container illustrated in Figure 3 taken along line 4-4 thereof,
Figure 5 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the container illustrated m Figures 1 to 4 15 having a central section constructed embodying the features of the invention,
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container illustrated in Figure 5 taken along line 6-6 thereof,
Figure 7 is an elevational view of the container of 2 0 Figures 5 and 6 illustrating the configuration of the central section after the container has been filled with a pressurized fluid and capped.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the container illustrated in Figure 7 taken along line 8-8 thereof
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Figure 9 is an elevational view, partially cut-away, of a container havinga central section constructed m accordance with the invention.
Figure 10 is an elevational view of the container illustrated in Figure 9 illustrating the configuration of the central section after the container has been filled with a pressurized fluid and capped,
Figure 11 is a fragmentary view, partially cut-away, of an embodiment of the container illustrated m Figures 9 and 10,
Figure 12 is a fragmentary view, partially cut-away, of another embodiment of the container illustrated m Figures 9 and 10,
Figure 13 is a fragmentary elevational view of another embodiment of the invention,
Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional view of the embodiment illustrated m Figure 13 taken along line 14-14 thereof,
Figure 15 is a fragmentary elevational view of another embodiment of the invention,
Figure 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 15 taken along line 16-16 thereof,
Figure 17 is a fragmentary elevational view of another embodiment of the invention,
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Figure 18 is a fragmentary sectional view of the embodiment illustrated m Figure 17 taken along line 18-18 thereof,
Figure 19 is a fragmentary elevational view of 5 another embodiment of the invention, and
Figure 20 is a fragmentary sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 19 taken along line 20-20
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a plastic container constructed generally in accordance with the teachings of the invention and is preferably formed of a thermoplastic material having gas barrier properties to 15 such a degree that the container will be suitable for containing a carbonated beverage at least throughout the expected shelf-life which typically is the period from the bottling of the beverage to consumption A number of materials having the above properties have been developed 20 A preferred material for forming the container of the invention is a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) product by Shell Oil Company under No 8006 and having an intrinsic viscosity of 80
The container is typically blow-molded from an 25 extruded or injection molded preform or parison and has preferably been so worked that the material is biaxially oriented
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The container typically includes an upper section 10, a base section 20, and a central section 30 The upper section 10 is provided with neck portion 12 having any desired neck finish such as the threaded finish shown 5 The threaded neck portion 12 is adapted to receive an internally threaded closure member 14 as illustrated m Figure 3 It will further be noted that the upper section 10 is formed to contain a plurality of parallel flutes 16 separated by valleys or grooves 18 10 The base section 20 has an outer surface 22 provided with generally radially arranged contoured foot portions 24 The foot portions 24 extend outwardly and are illustrated as preferably being five (5) m number The number of foot portions 24 is not deemed to be critical 15 and may be as low as three, the minimum number required to provide stable support on a planar surface, and the maximum number is limited only by the overall dimensions and wall thickness of the base section 2 0 The base section 20 is formed to contain a plurality of parallel 20 flutes 26 separated by valleys or grooves 2 8
The central section 30 is formed of a plurality of juxtaposed flat panels 32 and interconnects the upper section 10 and the base section 20 It will be noted that at the juncture of the lower end of the upper section 12 25 and the upper end of the central section 30, there is an inwardly formed step caused by the reduced diameter of the central section 30 A similar inwardly formed step is
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formed at the juncture of the upper end of the base section 20 and the lower end of the central section 30
An annular outwardly extending portion 3 8 is formed in the base section 20 intermediate the lower termination 5 of the flutes 26 and associated valleys 28, and the upper termination of the foot portions 24
The flutes 16, 26 and the associated valleys IB, 28 respectively, are deemed to be functional as well as aesthetic More specifically, the valleys 18, 28 provide 10 necessary conduits of moisture formed from condensate leaving the flutes 16, 26 somewhat free from moisture when grasped by the hand of a person handling the container
Additionally, the flutes 16, 26, the valleys 18, 28, and the flat panels 3 2 cooperate to lend rigidity, and 15 stiffness to the container, particularly in the unpressunzed condition Thereby, the hand of the ultimate user is left with a pleasing and comfortable reaction towards the container and its contents
Figure 3 and 4 illustrate the container of Figures 1 20 and 2 after it has been filled with a pressurized fluid such as, for example, a carbonated beverage generally indicated by the reference numeral 40 The pressurized fluid 40 is typically filled to a fill line 41
Upon pressurization of the container, the center 25 section 30 tends to assume a right cylindrical shape as is readily apparent from viewing Figure 4 The flat panels 32 of the unpressunzed container as illustrated clearly
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in Figure 2, assume a curved cross-section and the decidedly angular configuration between the panels 32 tends to disappear again as illustrated m Figure 4
The relative smoothness of the center section 30 m the pressurized condition is of particular advantage from an identification standpoint The trademark and contents of the interna"' beverage may now be applied to a separate plastic film overla_ or overwrap Due to the substantially uninterrupted exterior of the central section 30 in the pressurized state of the container, the associated film containing the printed indicia, is likewise unfettered with wrinkles or other irregularities which otherwise would adversely affect the appearance of tue trademark and other recognition and advertising indicia thereon The resultant appearance is pleasing to the ultimate consumer achieving one of the important sales objectives of the bottler of the carbonated beverage
When the ultimate user finally loosens the closure 14 allowing the container to assume the unpressunzed state, the container assumes the condition and physical configuration of Figures 1 and 2 It is in such unpressunzed condition that the container returns to the more rigid condition
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An embodiment of the container illustrated m Figure 1 to 4 is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8 In describing the embodiment, prime reference numerals will be used to designate features similar to those contained m the 5 container of Figures 1-4
The container typically includes an upper section 10', a base section 20', and a central section 30' The upper section 101 is provided with neck portion 12' having any desired neck finish such as the threaded finish shown 10 The threaded neck portion 12' is adapted to receive an internally threaded closure member 14' as illustrated m Figure 7 It will further be noted that the upper section 10' is formed to contain a plurality of parallel flutes 16' separated by outwardly extending ribs 19 15 The base section 20' has an outer surface 22'
provided with generally radially arranged contoured foot portions 24' The foot portions 24' extend outwardly and are illustrated as preferably being five (5) in number The number of foot portions 24' is not deemed to be 20 critical and may be as low as three, the minimum number required to provide stable support on a planar surface, and the maximum number is limited only by the overall dimensions and wall thickness of the base section 20' The base section 20' is formed to contain a plurality of 25 parallel flutes 26' separated by outwardly extending ribs 29
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The central section 30' is formed of a plurality of juxtaposed flat panels 32' and interconnects the upper section 10' and the base section 20' A bead or rib 34 is formed at the juncture of the lower end of the upper section 12' and the upper end of the central section 30' A similar bead or rib 3 6 is formed at the juncture of the upper end of the base section 20' and the lower end of the central section 30'. The preferred geometry of the container dictates that the diameter of the beads 34 and 36 are substantially equal
An annular bead or rib 38 is formed in the base section 20' intermediate the lower termination of the flutes 26' and associated ribs 29, and the upper termination of the foot portions 24
Additionally, the flutes 16', 26', the ribs 19, 29, and the flat panels 32, and the beads 34 and 36 cooperate to lend rigidity, and stiffness to the container, particularly m the unpressunzed condition Thereby, the hand of the ultimate user is left with a pleasing and comfortable reaction towards the container and its contents
Figure 7 and 8 illustrate the container of Figures 5 and 6 after it has been filled with a pressurized fluid such as, for example, a carbonated beverage generally indicated by the reference numeral 40" The pressurised fluid 40' is typically filled to a fill line 41*
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Upon pressurization of the container, the center section 30' tends to assume a right cylindrical shape as is readily apparent from viewing Figure 8 The flat panels 32' of the unpressunzed container as illustrated 5 clearly in Figure 6, assume a curved cross-section and the decidedly angular configuration between the panels 32' tends to disappear again as illustrated m Figure 8
When the ultimate user finally loosens the closure 14' allowing the container to assume the unpregsurized 10 state, the container assumes the condition and physical configuration of Figures 5 and 6 It is m such unpressunzed condition that the container returns to the more rigid condition
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a container which 15 typically includes an upper section 110, a base section 12 0, and an inwardly stepped central section 13 0 The upper section 110 is provided with neck portion 112 having any desired neck finish such as the threaded finish shown The threaded neck portion 112 is adapted to receive an 20 internally threaded closure member 114 as illustrated in Figure 10 It will further be noted that the upper section 110 is formed to contain a plurality of parallel flutes 116 separated by valleys or grooves 118
The base section 120 has an outer surface 122 25 provided with generally radially arranged contoured foot portions 124 The foot portions 124 extend outwardly and are illustrated as preferably being five (5) in number
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The number of foot portions 124 is not deemed to be critical and may be as low as three, the minimum number required to provide stable support on a planar surface, and the maximum number is limited only by the overall dimensions and wall thickness of the base section 120 The base section 120 is formed to contain a plurality of parallel flutes 126 separated by valleys or grooves 128
The inwardly stepped central section 130 is formed of a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel horizontal valleys 132 and interconnects the upper section 110 and the base section 12 0 A bead or rib 134 is formed at the juncture of the lower end of the upper section 110 and the upper end of the central section 13 0 A similar bead or rib 136 is formed at the juncture of the upper end of the base section 120 and the lower end of the central section 130 The preferred geometry of the container dictates that the diameter of the beads 134 and 136 are substantially equal
An annular bead or rib 13 8 is formed m the base section 120 intermediate the lower termination of the flutes 126 and associated valleys 128, and the upper termination of the foot portions 124
The flutes 116, 126 and the associated valleys 118, 128, respectively, are deemed to be functional as well as aesthetic More specifically, the valleys 118, 128 provide necessary conduits of moisture formed from condensate leaving the flutes 116, 126 somewhat free from
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moisture when grasped by the hand of a person handling the container
It will be appreciated that the inwardly stepped central section 130 is adapted to contain a plastic sheet 5 overlay provided withthe product trademark, contents,
company name, etc The relative position or dimensions of the central section 130 with respect to the flutes 116 and 126, for example, effectively protects the plastic sheet overlay from damage which might otherwise occur m an 10 associated vending machine or secondary packaging
Additionally, the flutes 116, 12S and the valleys 118, 128 of the upper and lower sections, respectively, the valleys 132 of the central section 130, and the beads 134 and 136 cooperate to lend rigidity and stiffness to 15 the container, particularly in the unpressunzed condition Thereby, the hand of the ultimate user is left with a pleasing and comfortable reaction towards the container and its contents
Figure 10 illustrates the container of Figure 9 after 20 it has been filled with a pressurized fluid such as, for example, a carbonated beverage The pressurized fluid is typically tilled to a desired fill line 140
Upon pressurization of the container, the center section 130 tends to assume a right cylindrical shape as 25 is readily apparent from viewing Figure 10 The valleys
132 of the unpressunzed container, as illustrated clearly in Figure 9, assume a smooth cross-section and the
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decidedly curved configuration of the valleys 132 tends to disappear as illustrated in Figure 10
The relative smoothness of the center section 130 m the pressurized condition is of particular advantage from 5 an identification standpoint The indicia of the trademark and contents of the internal beverage may now be applied to a separate plastic film overlay or overwrap. Due to the substantially uninterrupted exterior of the central section 130 m the pressurized state of the 10 container, the associated film containing the printed indicia, is likewise unfettered with wrinkles or other irregularities which otherwise would adversely affect the appearance of the trademark and other recognition and advertising indicia thereon The resultant appearance is 15 pleasing to the ultimate consumer achieving one of the important sales objectives of the bottler of the carbonated beverage
When the ultimate user finally loosens the closure 114 allowing the container to assume the unpressunzed 20 state, the container assumes the condition and physical configuration of Figure 9 It is m such unpressunzed condition that the container returns to the desired rigid condition
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The embodiment illustrated in Figure 11 discloses a central portion 130 having valleys 13 2A which are generally spaced at greater distances than the corresponding valleys 132 of the central portion 130 of 5 the embodiment illustrated m Figures 9 and 10
It has been found that satisfactory results have been achieved by forming the valleys 132 and 132A of the embodiments illustrated m Figures 9 to 11 from approximately 0 030" to 0 120"
The embodiment illustrated m Figure 12 discloses a central portion 130 having valleys 132B which are generally spaced more closely together than the corresponding valleys 132 of the embodiment illustrateed m Figures 9 and 10 15 The embodiment illustrated in Figures 13 and 14
disclosures a central portion 13 0 having valleys 132C which extend generally vertically and are of substantially the same size as the valleys 132B of the embodiment illustrated m Figure 12 20 The embodiment illustrated in Figures 15 and 16
discloses a central portion 130 having valleys 132D which extend diagonally The valleys 132D intersect to form a plurality of diamond-shaped configurations spanning the central portion 130
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The embodiment illustrated m Figures 17 and 18 discloses a central portion 130 having a series of valleys 132E which extend diagonally in parallel spaced relation discloses a central portion 13 0 which contains a plurality of valleys 132F formed therein m a rather chicken-wire like pattern
The embodiments illustrated m Figures 11 and 20 with 10 the exception of the above distinctions are m all other aspects similar to that illustrated in Figures 9 and 10
While the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings contemplate the use of a foot base configuration, it will be appreciated that other base 15 configurations could be employed without departing from the invention herein set forth
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment 20 However, at should be understood that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope
The embodiment illustrated m Figures 19 and 20
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-17' 98(TUE) 19■35 MST-PERRfSBURG, OH TEL-419 874 1100 P. 00
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