US20210284376A1

US20210284376A1 - Offset wave groove bottle

Info

Publication number: US20210284376A1
Application number: US17/199,199
Authority: US
Inventors: Naser Imran Hossain
Original assignee: Niagara Bottling LLC
Current assignee: Niagara Bottling LLC
Priority date: 2020-03-11
Filing date: 2021-03-11
Publication date: 2021-09-16
Also published as: CA3171342A1; MX2022011301A; WO2021183810A1

Abstract

A bottle includes a finish defining a bottle opening, a bell carrying the finish, a base, a central axis extending from the finish to the base, a sidewall extending between the bell and the base, and at least two grooves that circumferentially extend around the sidewall and spaced apart relative to the central axis, the grooves being circumferentially offset from one another.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/988,003, filed on Mar. 11, 2020, and entitled Offset Wave Groove Bottle, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to plastic containers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a plastic container that includes a groove pattern around an outer circumference that provides improved strength attributes of the plastic container.

BACKGROUND

Plastic containers are an alternative to glass or metal containers. A common plastic used in the manufacture of plastic containers is polyethylene terephthalate (or PET). Containers made of PET are generally transparent, thin walled, and can maintain their shape in response to force exerted on the walls by the contents of the container.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a bottle includes a finish defining a bottle opening, a bell carrying the finish, a base, a central axis extending from the finish to the base, a sidewall extending between the bell and the base, and at least two grooves that circumferentially extend around the sidewall and spaced apart relative to the central axis, the grooves being circumferentially offset from one another.
In another embodiment, a bottle includes a finish defining a bottle opening, a neck coupled to the finish, a bell coupled to the neck, a base, a sidewall extending between the bell and the base, a central axis extending from the finish to the base, a first groove extending around the sidewall, the first groove having a wave shape defined by at least one peak and at least one valley, and a second groove extending around the sidewall, the second groove having a wave shape defined by at least one peak and at least one valley, the second groove being circumferentially offset from the first groove, and spaced from the first groove along the central axis.
In another embodiment, a bottle includes a neck defining a bottle opening, a bell coupled to the neck, a base, a sidewall extending between the bell and the base, a central axis extending from the neck to the base, a first groove extending around an outer circumference of the sidewall, the first groove having a wave shape defined by alternating first peaks and first valleys, and a second groove extending around an outer circumference of the sidewall, the second groove having a wave shape defined by alternating second peaks and second valleys, the second groove being circumferentially offset from the first groove such that the alternating second peaks and second valleys of the second groove are positioned out of vertical alignment with the alternating first peaks and first valleys of the first groove.
Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a bottle illustrating a plurality of offset wave grooves.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the bottle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the bottle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a side view of another example of an embodiment of a bottle illustrating a plurality of offset wave grooves, and more specifically three total grooves.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a groove of the bottle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an embodiment of the groove of the bottle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bottle shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a plurality of circumferentially offset grooves.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the bottle shown in FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6, illustrating an angular distance between a valley of a first groove and a peak of an adjacent second groove.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the bottle shown in FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6, illustrating an angular distance between a first peak of the first groove and a closest second peak of the adjacent second groove.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bottle shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a diverted load path and improved hoop-wise strength generated by the plurality of circumferentially offset grooves.

Before embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure can support other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure illustrates a container 100 that includes a plurality of offset wave grooves that improve structural strength of the container 100, which can reduce risk of damage, leakage, bending, or undue stresses on the container 100. The container 100 illustrated in the figures is a bottle 100, and further an approximately one-liter bottle. It should be appreciated that the bottle 100, and specifically the one-liter bottle, is provided for purposes of illustration and is not limiting. The bottle 100 can be any suitable or desired size and/or volume. For example, the bottle 100 can be, for example, 250 milliliters (mL), 1.0 Liter (L), 2.0 L, 8 ounces (oz.), 12 oz., 16.9 oz., 20 oz., 24 oz., or any other suitable or desired size or volume. In addition, the bottle 100 can be formed of a plastic or a polymer. For example, the bottle 100 can be formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or any other suitable material or combination of materials. The plurality of offset wave grooves described herein can be used with any type of suitable container or vessel, or any size of suitable bottle that benefits from improved strength properties, including improved structural strength.
Now with reference to the figures, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate the container 100 (also referred to as the bottle 100). With specific reference to FIGS. 1-3, the bottle 100 includes a sidewall 104, a bell 108 and a base 112. The sidewall 104 (also referred to as a body 104) extends between the bell 108 and the base 112. A shoulder 116 can be provided between the sidewall 104 and the bell 108 to provide a transition between the sidewall 104 and the bell 108. The bell 108 extends upward and inward relative to a central axis 120 (shown in FIG. 3) from the sidewall 104 to a neck 124 and a finish 128. As shown in FIG. 3, the central axis 120 extends from the finish 128 to the base 112. Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, the neck 124 is coupled to the bell 108, and the finish 128 is coupled to the neck 124. The finish 128 defines a bottle opening 132 (or an opening 132 or an orifice 132) (shown in FIG. 1) that leads to an interior of the bottle 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the finish 128 includes a thread 136 and a sealing surface 140. The thread 136 is configured to engage a closure (or a cap) (not shown). The sealing surface 140 defines a circumferential perimeter end of the opening 132. The sealing surface 140 is configured to engage with a portion of the closure (not shown) to seal the opening 132. A neck ring 144 (also referred to as a transfer bead 144) circumferentially extends around the neck 124 and is positioned between the finish 128 and the neck 124. The interior of the bottle 100 is configured to contain a beverage, a liquid, and/or any other suitable contents. In the illustrated embodiment, the bell 108 has a frustoconical cross-sectional shape, with the bell 108 having a first, smaller cross-sectional diameters adjacent the neck 124, and a second, wider cross-sectional diameter adjacent the sidewall 104. In other examples of embodiments, the bell 108 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape or geometry (e.g., arcuate, domed, semi-spherical, cupola-like, etc.) desired for the bottle 100. In addition, the sidewall 104 is illustrated as generally cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, the sidewall 104 can be any suitable or desired cross-sectional shape or geometry (e.g., sloped with an increasing cross-sectional diameter, sloped with a decreasing cross-sectional diameter, form an hourglass-like cross-sectional shape where a portion of the sidewall has a cross-sectional diameter that is smaller than a portion above and/or a portion below, etc.). In addition, the sidewall 104 can include additional or different features, including curvatures, tapers, handles, grips, etc.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the sidewall 104 includes a plurality of grooves 200 (otherwise referred to as ribs 200). Each groove 200 extends around a circumference of the sidewall 104. In other examples of embodiments, each groove 200 can extend around a portion of the circumference of the sidewall 104, or partially extend around the circumference of the sidewall 104. For example, each groove 200 can be defined by a plurality of groove sections to form an intermittent or broken groove around the circumference of the sidewall 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottle 100 includes five total grooves 200. In other embodiments, the bottle 100 can include any suitable number of grooves 200 (e.g., two, three, four, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten or more). As a nonlimiting example, FIG. 3A illustrates a bottle 100′, shown as a 250 mL bottle, that includes three grooves 200. Generally, the bottle 100 includes at least two grooves 200. In other embodiments, the bell 108 and/or the base 112 can also include at least one groove 200.
With specific reference to FIG. 3, the plurality of grooves 200 are vertically separated (or vertically spaced) along the central axis 120. Stated another way, the grooves 200 are longitudinally separated (or spaced) along the longitudinally extending central axis 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 200 are stacked, but spaced apart. The grooves 200 are equally spaced apart, such that a vertical distance between consecutive grooves 200 (or adjacent grooves) is the same along the central axis 120. In other embodiments, the grooves 200 can be unequally spaced apart, such that a vertical distance between two consecutive grooves 200 of the plurality of grooves 200 can be greater than or less than a vertical distance between two other consecutive grooves 200 of the plurality of grooves 200. It should be appreciated that the plurality of grooves 200 includes at least two grooves 200 a, 200 b.
Each groove 200 defines a wavelike pattern that extends around the circumference of the sidewall 104. Each wave includes a plurality of peaks 204, a plurality of valleys 208, and a plurality of transition sections 212. Each transition section 212 extends between each adjacent peak 204 and valley 208 (or each adjacent valley 208 and peak 204). The peaks 204 are generally positioned closer to the bell 108 than the base 112, while the valleys 208 are generally positioned closer to the base 112 than the bell 108. In the illustrated embodiment, each groove 200 is sinusoidal in that the peaks 204 and the valleys 208 have the same amplitude (or extend the same distance from a common origin). In addition, the peaks 204 and the valleys 208 of each groove 200 are rounded (or U-shaped). In other examples of embodiments, the peaks 204 and the valleys 208 of each groove 200 can be angled (or V-shaped), or can be generally flat (i.e., can have a surface parallel to the circumference of the sidewall 104. The plurality of grooves 200 have an identical pattern of peaks 204, valleys 208, and transition sections 212, such that the plurality of grooves 200 have the same general shape, the same amplitude, the same wavelength, and/or have the same dimensions between consecutive peaks 204. However, as discussed in additional detail below, each groove 200 of the plurality of grooves 200 is offset from the adjacent groove 200. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of grooves 200 can have a different pattern of peaks 204, valleys 208, and transition sections 212, while still being offset from the adjacent groove 200. Each groove 200 includes a total of six peaks 204 and six valleys 208. In other examples of embodiments, each groove 200 can include any suitable number of peaks 204 (e.g., two, three, four, seven, eight, nine, or ten or more), and any suitable number of valleys 208 (e.g., two, three, four, seven, eight, nine, or ten or more). In other examples of embodiments, the peaks 204 of a groove 200 can have the same amplitude (or extend the same vertical distance towards the bell 108) or can have different amplitudes (or extend different vertical distances towards the bell 108). Similarly, in other examples of embodiments, the valleys 208 of a groove 200 can have the same amplitude (or extend the same vertical distance towards the base 112) or can have different amplitudes (or extend different vertical distances towards the base 112). In yet other examples of embodiments, a groove 200 can have peaks 204 and valleys 208 that each have different amplitudes. For example, the peaks 204 can have a different amplitude than the valleys 208. In addition, the peaks 204 can have different amplitudes between peaks 204, and the valleys 208 can have different amplitudes between valleys 208. Further, the amplitudes of the peaks 204 can be different than the amplitudes of the valleys 208.
With reference now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the groove 200 is illustrated. The groove 200 includes opposing groove sidewalls 216 and a bottom wall 220. Each groove sidewall 216 is inclined (or sloped) from the sidewall 104 (of the bottle 100) to the bottom wall 220. The bottom wall 220 is flat (or substantially flat). The groove 200 has a depth D, as measured from the sidewall 104 to the bottom wall 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the depth D is in the range of approximately 0.8 millimeters (mm) to approximately 5.0 mm. In other embodiments, the depth D can be approximately 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm. In yet other embodiments, the depth D can be any suitable or desired depth.
The groove 200 has a maximum width W, as measured between ends of the groove sidewalls 216 proximate the sidewall 104 (of the bottle 100). In the illustrated embodiment, the width W is in the range of approximately 2.0 mm to approximately 6.0 mm. In other embodiments, the width W can be approximately 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm, or 6.0 mm. In yet other embodiments, the width W can be any suitable or desired width. In addition, the maximum width is greater than a width of the bottom wall 220. As such, the groove 200 has a cross-sectional geometry similar to a trapezoid (or a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape).
The groove 200 has a first radius R1 between the sidewall 104 (of the bottle 100) and each of the groove sidewalls 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the first radius R1 is approximately 1.0 mm. In other embodiments, the first radius R1 can be any suitable or desired radius length.
The groove has a second radius R2 between each groove sidewall 216 and the bottom wall 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the second radius R2 is less than the first radius R1. In other examples of embodiments, the second radius R2 is greater than the first radius R1. In yet other examples of embodiments, the second radius R2 is the same as the first radius R1.
Each groove sidewall 216 has a length L1. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L1 of the groove sidewalls 216 are approximately 1.51 mm. In other embodiments, the length L1 of the groove sidewalls 216 can be any suitable or desired length.
An angle X° can extend between the groove sidewalls 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle X° can be approximately 55 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle X° can be less than 55 degrees, can be more than 55 degrees, or can be any suitable or desired angle.
With reference to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of another example of the groove 200′ is illustrated. The groove 200′ is substantially the same as groove 200, with like number identifying like components, and like variables identifying like ranges. The groove 200′ differs in that the bottom wall 220 is curved (or arcuate), instead of flat (or substantially flat) as shown in groove 200.
With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 6, the plurality of grooves 200 are circumferentially offset from one another. More specifically, each groove 200 of the plurality of grooves 200 is circumferentially offset from an adjacent groove 200. As such, the peaks 204, the valleys 208, and/or the transition sections 212 of one groove 200 are not in vertical alignment (or are not vertically aligned relative to the central axis 120) with the peaks 204, the valleys 208, and/or the transition sections 212 of the adjacent groove 200. It should be appreciated that the term adjacent groove 200 can include the immediately next groove 200 above and/or below one of the grooves 200.
With reference to FIG. 6, a first groove 200 a of the plurality of grooves 200 includes a plurality of peaks 204 and a plurality of valleys 208. A second groove 200 b of the plurality of grooves 200, which is adjacent the first groove 200 a, also includes a plurality of peaks 204 and a plurality of valleys 208. To illustrate the circumferentially offset arrangement of adjacent grooves 200, the first groove 200 a includes a first valley V₁and a first peak P₁. The second groove 200 b includes a second valley V₂and a second peak P₂. The second valley V₂of the second groove 200 b corresponds to the first valley V₁of the first groove 200 a. Stated another way, the first and second valleys V₁, V₂are the same valleys in different grooves 200 a, 200 b. The second valley V₂is horizontally translated (or shifted) around an outer perimeter of the sidewall 104 (or circumferentially offset) relative to the first valley V₁. Stated another way, the first valley V₁is horizontally translated (or shifted) around an outer perimeter of the sidewall 104 (or circumferentially offset) relative to the second valley V₂. Similarly, the second peak P₂of the second groove 200 b corresponds to the first peak P₁of the first groove 200 a. Stated another way, the first and second peaks P₁, P₂are the same peaks in different grooves 200 a, 200 b. The second peak P₂is horizontally translated (or shifted) around an outer perimeter of the sidewall 104 (or circumferentially offset) relative to the first peak P₁. Stated yet another way, the first peak P₁is horizontally translated (or shifted) around an outer perimeter of the sidewall 104 (or circumferentially offset) relative to the second peak P₂. It should be appreciated that the first groove 200 a can be any one of the plurality of grooves 200, and the second groove 200 b can be any groove 200 that is adjacent the first groove 200 a (i.e., a groove 200 above or below the first groove 200 a).
With reference to FIG. 7A, the circumferentially offset arrangement of the first and second grooves 200 a, 200 b is illustrated by a first angle θ₁. The first angle this defined as the angular distance (in degrees) between the first valley V₁of the first groove 200 a and the second peak P₂of the second groove 200 b (shown in FIG. 6). This can also be referred to as an angular distance measured from valley to peak of adjacent grooves 200 a, 200 b. The first angle θ₁can be in the range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 80 degrees. More specifically, the first angle θ₁can be in the range of approximately 25 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. More specifically, the first angle θ₁can be in the range of approximately 25 degrees to approximately 50 degrees. More specifically, the first angle θ₁can be in the range of approximately 35 degrees to approximately 55 degrees. More specifically, the first angle θ₁can be in the range of approximately 35 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. More specifically, the first angle θ₁can be in the range of approximately 40 degrees to approximately 50 degrees. More specifically, the first angle θ₁can be approximately 40 degrees. More specifically, the second angle θ₂can be approximately 25, 26, 27, 28, 229, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 degrees. All of the above approximations can be plus or minus approximately 5 degrees.
With reference to FIG. 7B, the circumferentially offset arrangement of the first and second grooves 200 a, 200 b is illustrated by a second angle θ₂. The second angle θ₂is defined as the angular distance (in degrees) between the first peak P₁of the first groove 200 a and the second peak P₂of the second groove 200 b (shown in FIG. 6). This can also be referred to as an angular distance measured from peak to peak of adjacent grooves 200 a, 200 b (or the angular distance between the first peak P₁of the first groove 200 a and the angularly closest peak P₂of the adjacent second groove 200 b). The second angle θ₂can be in the range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. More specifically, the second angle θ₂can be approximately 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45 degrees. All of the above approximations can be plus or minus approximately 5 degrees. It should be appreciated that in embodiments where the adjacent grooves 200 a, 200 b have the same general shape and are circumferentially offset from each other, the angular distance as measured from peak to peak (or from the first peak P₁to the second peak P₂) will be the same as the angular distance as measured from valley to valley (or between the first valley V₁of the first groove 200 a and the angularly closest, second valley V₂of the second groove 200 b (shown in FIG. 6)).
The plurality of circumferentially offset grooves 200 advantageously improve load strengthening. More specifically, the grooves 200 disrupt a downward load path to provide additional strength to the bottle 100. With reference to FIG. 8, the circumferentially offset grooves 200 of the bottle 100 divert (or break up) a load path, illustrated by arrows 404. The curved, downward arrows 404 indicate a path of load disruption caused by the plurality of circumferentially offset grooves 200. More specifically, the circumferentially offset grooves 200 directs a downward force from a valley 208 of one groove 200 (or 200 a) towards the closest peak 204 of an adjacent groove 200 (or 200 b) positioned on the base side of the groove 200 (or 200 a). The additional strength reduces a risk of buckling (or failure) of the sidewall 104 as compared to aligned grooves, where the downward load path is generally parallel to the central axis 120 (shown in FIG. 6). In addition, the circumferentially offset grooves 200 provided improved hoop strength (or hoop-wise strength, or circumferential strength, or strength in a circumferential direction), shown by arrows 408. The increase in hoop-wise strength is achieved as the load is diverted (or broken up) in the longitudinal/axial direction. Thus, advantageously, the downward load is provided partially downwards and partially in a twisting action.
Table I below illustrates the load effectiveness of disruption/strengthening (as a percentage or %). The angle described in Table I below illustrates the first angle θ₁shown in FIG. 7A, defined as the angular distance (in degrees) between the first valley V₁of the first groove 200 a and the second peak P₂of the adjacent second groove 200 b. The effectiveness strengthening of Table I is measured by the first major drop in torsional resistive force, which signifies the first major failure of the sidewall 104.

TABLE I

Effectiveness Values for Wave Alignment

	Angle	Effectiveness of disruption/
	(degrees)	strengthening (%)

	0	0
	10	18
	20	22
	30	31
	40	42
	50	35
	60	28
	70	21.6

Table II below illustrates how changing the circumferential offset (or alignment) of adjacent grooves 200 a, 200 b can improve load performance. The angle described in Table II below illustrates the first angle θ₁shown in FIG. 7A, defined as the angular distance (in degrees) between the first valley V₁of the first groove 200 a and the second peak P₂of the adjacent second groove 200 b. The top load increase is measured as a percentage change from zero degrees of angular offset (or vertically aligned grooves), as measured by the first major drop in downward resistive force, which signifies the first major failure of the sidewall 104.

TABLE II

Load Values for Wave Alignment

	Angle	Top Load
	(degrees)	Increase (%)

	0	0
	10	3.5
	20	4.7
	30	6.6
	40	8.5
	50	8.0
	60	6.1
	70	5.2

Based on the results listed in Table II, embodiments of the bottle 100 that incorporate a plurality of circumferentially offset grooves 200 can have a load strength increase in the range of approximately 3.0% to approximately 8.5% as compared to a bottle without offset grooves (such as a bottle with circumferentially aligned grooves). More specifically, the bottle 100 can have a load strength increase of at least approximately 3.0%, 4.0%, 5.0%, 6.0%, 7.0%, 8.0%, or 8.5% as compared to a bottle without offset grooves (such as a bottle with circumferentially aligned grooves). In other embodiments, the load strength increase of the bottle that incorporates a plurality of circumferentially offset grooves 200 can be greater than 8.5% or less than 3.0% based on the size, dimensions, material, geometry, and/or other variables associated with bottle design.
The illustrated embodiment of the bottle 100 presents a plurality of circumferentially offset grooves 200, where each groove 200, 200 a includes a plurality of peaks 204 and a plurality of valleys 208 that are not in vertical alignment with (or are circumferentially offset from) the plurality of peaks 204 and the plurality of valleys 208 in an adjacent groove 200, 200 b. It should be appreciated that in other examples of embodiments, the plurality of grooves 200 can include a groove 200, 200 a that includes at least one peak 204 that is not in vertical alignment with (or is circumferentially offset from) at least one peak 204 in an adjacent groove 200, 200 b. In yet other examples of embodiments, the plurality of grooves 200 can include a groove 200, 200 a that includes at least one valley 208 that is not in vertical alignment with (or is circumferentially offset from) at least one valley 208 in an adjacent groove 200, 200 b.
It should be appreciated that the bottle 100 includes at least two grooves 200 a, 200 b, and the at least two grooves 200 a, 200 b are circumferentially offset (or not vertically aligned relative to the central axis 120. In other examples of embodiments, the bottle 100 includes a plurality of grooves 200, and each groove 200 is circumferentially offset relative to the adjacent groove 200. Each groove 200 of the plurality of grooves 200 can be circumferentially offset relative to the adjacent groove 200 by the same angular distance (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3), or a different angular distance (e.g., within the plurality of grooves 200, a first pair of adjacent grooves 200 is circumferentially offset a different angular distance than a second pair of adjacent grooves 200, etc.).
In yet other examples embodiments, the plurality of grooves 200 can have an alternating circumferentially offset geometry. For example, every other groove 200 of the plurality of grooves 200 can be vertically aligned relative to the central axis 120, however, any two adjacent grooves 200 are circumferentially offset. Stated another way, and as a nonlimiting example, in an embodiment of a bottle 100 having a plurality of grooves 200 that includes at least four grooves 200 vertically spaced along the central axis 120, a second groove 200 can be circumferentially offset from an adjacent first groove 200, the first groove being closer to the bell 108 than the second groove 200. A third groove 200 can be circumferentially offset from the adjacent second groove 200, the second groove being closer to the bell 108 than the third groove 200. A fourth groove 200 can be circumferentially offset from the adjacent third groove 200, the third groove being closer to the bell 108 than the fourth groove 200. The first and third grooves 200 can be vertically aligned relative to the central axis 120, and the second and fourth grooves 200 can be vertically aligned relative to the central axis 120. In this configuration, each groove 200 is circumferentially offset by being rotated (or horizontally translated) either in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction relative to the adjacent groove 200. In one or more examples of embodiments, the angular distance defining the circumferential offset can be the same or can be different between adjacent pairs of grooves 200 within the plurality of grooves 200.
In yet other examples of embodiments, the plurality of grooves 200 can have an alternating circumferentially offset geometry, however every other groove 200 of the plurality of grooves 200 is not vertically aligned relative to the central axis 120. Stated another way, and as a nonlimiting example, in an embodiment of a bottle 100 having a plurality of grooves 200 that includes at least four grooves 200 vertically spaced along the central axis 120, a second groove 200 can be circumferentially offset from an adjacent first groove 200, the first groove being closer to the bell 108 than the second groove 200. A third groove 200 can be circumferentially offset from the adjacent second groove 200, the second groove being closer to the bell 108 than the third groove 200. A fourth groove 200 can be circumferentially offset from the adjacent third groove 200, the third groove being closer to the bell 108 than the fourth groove 200. The second groove 200 is circumferentially offset from the first groove 200 by being horizontally translated a first distance (or having a first angular distance) in a first direction relative to the first groove 200. The third groove 200 is circumferentially offset from the second groove 200 by being horizontally translated a second distance (or having a second angular distance) in a second direction, opposite the first direction, relative to the second groove 200. The absolute value of the second distance (or the second angular distance) is not the same absolute value as the first distance (or the first angular distance). The fourth groove 200 is circumferentially offset from the third groove 200 by being horizontally translated a third distance (or having a third angular distance) in the first direction relative to the third groove 200. The absolute value of the third distance (or the third angular distance) is not the same absolute value as the first distance (or the first angular distance) or the second distance (or the second angular distance).
The illustrated embodiment of the bottle 100 discusses the circumferentially offset orientation of adjacent grooves 200 a, 200 b of the plurality of grooves. It should be appreciated that the offset between two grooves 200 that are not adjacent can be determined. For example, and with reference to FIG. 8, the circumferential offset between the first groove 200 a and a third groove 200 c that is not adjacent to the first groove 200 a can be determined by multiplying the angular distance between the first groove 200 a and the adjacent second groove 200 b (e.g., the first angle θ₁, the second angle θ₂, etc.) by one plus the total number of grooves between the first and third grooves 200 a, 200 c. As a nonlimiting examples, in the illustrated example in FIG. 8, if the angular distance between the first and second grooves 200 a, 200 b is hypothetically 5 degrees, the angular distance between the first and third grooves 200 a, 200 c is (5 degrees)×(1+3 grooves between the first and third grooves 200 a, 200 c)=(5 degrees)×(4)=20 degrees.
With reference back to FIGS. 3 and 6, in one or more examples of embodiments, adjacent grooves 200 a, 200 b can be shifted approximately 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 91.9, 92, 93, 94, or 95 mm in a horizontal direction. In one or more examples of embodiments, a vertical distance between peaks 204 (e.g., P₁to P₂, etc.) of adjacent grooves 200 a, 200 b can be approximately 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 mm. In one or more examples of embodiments, a vertical distance between a valley 208 of the first groove 200 a and a peak 204 of an adjacent second groove 200 b can be approximately 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 mm. In one or more examples of embodiments, one or more of the grooves 200 can have an amplitude of approximately 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 mm. In one or more examples of embodiments, one or more of the grooves 200 can have a period of approximately 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45 mm.
One or more aspects of the bottle 100 provides certain advantages. For example, the sidewall 104 includes a plurality of grooves 200, and more specifically at least two grooves 200 a, 200 b. The plurality of grooves 200 are circumferentially offset from each other. The circumferential offset arrangement of the grooves 200 advantageously improve load strengthening by disrupting a downward load path. The load is diverted in a curved, downward direction by the circumferentially offset grooves 200. More specifically, the load is diverted from a valley 208 of one groove 200 (or 200 a) towards the closest peak 204 of an adjacent, offset groove 200 (or 200 b) positioned on the base side of the groove 200 (or 200 a). The additional strength reduces a risk of buckling (or failure) of the sidewall 104, while also increasing strength in a hoop (or circumferential) direction. These and other advantages are realized by the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bottle comprising:

a finish defining a bottle opening;

a bell carrying the finish;

a base;

a central axis extending from the finish to the base;

a sidewall extending between the bell and the base; and

at least two grooves that circumferentially extend around the sidewall and spaced apart relative to the central axis, the grooves being circumferentially offset from one another.

2. The bottle of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two grooves include a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys.

3. The bottle of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two grooves are sinusoidal.

4. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the at least two grooves include a first groove and a second groove.

5. The bottle of claim 4, wherein the first groove includes a plurality of alternating first peaks and first valleys, and the second groove includes a plurality of alternating second peaks and second valleys.

6. The bottle of claim 4, wherein the first groove and the second groove are each sinusoidal in shape.

7. The bottle of claim 4, wherein one of the second peaks of the second groove is circumferentially offset from a closest first peak of the first groove by an angular distance of 5 degrees to 45 degrees.

8. The bottle of claim 4, wherein one of the second valleys of the second groove is circumferentially offset from a closest first valley of the first groove by an angular distance of 5 degrees to 45 degrees.

9. The bottle of claim 4, wherein the first groove is positioned closer to the bell than the second groove, and wherein the first and second grooves are configured, in response to a load applied to the bottle, to direct the load from each of the first valleys of the plurality of first valleys of the first groove towards each of the closest second peaks of the plurality of second peaks of the second groove.

10. A bottle comprising:

a finish defining a bottle opening;

a neck coupled to the finish;

a bell coupled to the neck;

a base;

a sidewall extending between the bell and the base;

a central axis extending from the finish to the base;

a first groove extending around the sidewall, the first groove having a wave shape defined by at least one peak and at least one valley; and

a second groove extending around the sidewall, the second groove having a wave shape defined by at least one peak and at least one valley, the second groove being circumferentially offset from the first groove, and spaced from the first groove along the central axis.

11. The bottle of claim 10, wherein the first groove and the second groove are sinusoidal in shape.

12. The bottle of claim 10, wherein the second groove is circumferentially offset from the first groove by an angular distance of 5 degrees to 45 degrees.

13. The bottle of claim 10, wherein the at least one peak of the second groove is circumferentially offset from the at least one peak of the first groove by an angular distance of 5 degrees to 45 degrees.

14. The bottle of claim 10, wherein the at least one valley of the second groove is circumferentially offset from the at least one valley of the first groove by an angular distance of 5 degrees to 45 degrees.

15. The bottle of claim 10, wherein the first groove is positioned closer to the bell than the second groove, and wherein the first and second grooves are configured, in response to a load applied to the bottle, to direct the load from the at least one valley of the first groove towards the closest at least one peak of the second groove.

16. A bottle comprising:

a neck defining a bottle opening;

a bell coupled to the neck;

a base;

a sidewall extending between the bell and the base;

a central axis extending from the neck to the base;

a first groove extending around an outer circumference of the sidewall, the first groove having a wave shape defined by alternating first peaks and first valleys; and

a second groove extending around an outer circumference of the sidewall, the second groove having a wave shape defined by alternating second peaks and second valleys, the second groove being circumferentially offset from the first groove such that the alternating second peaks and second valleys of the second groove are positioned out of vertical alignment with the alternating first peaks and first valleys of the first groove.

17. The bottle of claim 16, wherein the first and second grooves are sinusoidal in shape.

18. The bottle of claim 16, wherein one of the second peaks of the second groove is circumferentially offset from a closest first peak of the first groove by an angular distance of 5 degrees to 45 degrees.

19. The bottle of claim 16, wherein one of the second valleys of the second groove is circumferentially offset from a closest first valley of the first groove by an angular distance of 5 degrees to 45 degrees.

20. The bottle of claim 16, further comprising:

a third groove extending around an outer circumference of the sidewall, the third groove having a wave shape defined by alternating third peaks and third valleys, the third groove being circumferentially offset from the second groove such that the alternating third peaks and third valleys of the third groove are positioned out of vertical alignment with the alternating second peaks and second valleys of the second groove, wherein the first groove is positioned closer to the bell than the second groove, and the second groove is positioned closer to the bell than the third groove.