US20230303287A1 - Lightweight polymeric container finish - Google Patents
Lightweight polymeric container finish Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230303287A1 US20230303287A1 US18/326,076 US202318326076A US2023303287A1 US 20230303287 A1 US20230303287 A1 US 20230303287A1 US 202318326076 A US202318326076 A US 202318326076A US 2023303287 A1 US2023303287 A1 US 2023303287A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- finish
- container
- gripper
- tamper
- preform
- Prior art date
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- Pending
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- -1 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000015067 sauces Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000015096 spirit Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000011496 sports drink Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005429 filling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010102 injection blow moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
- B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
- B65D1/023—Neck construction
- B65D1/0246—Closure retaining means, e.g. beads, screw-threads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
- B29B11/00—Making preforms
- B29B11/14—Making preforms characterised by structure or composition
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/071—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration, e.g. geometry, dimensions or physical properties
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C49/4205—Handling means, e.g. transfer, loading or discharging means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
- B65D1/0207—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by material, e.g. composition, physical features
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/325—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings with integral internal sealing means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/34—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt
- B65D41/3423—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt
- B65D41/3428—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt the tamper element being integrally connected to the closure by means of bridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/0715—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration the preform having one end closed
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/076—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape
- B29C2949/0768—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform
- B29C2949/0769—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform characterised by the lip, i.e. very top of preform neck
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/076—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape
- B29C2949/0768—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform
- B29C2949/077—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform characterised by the neck
- B29C2949/0777—Tamper-evident band retaining ring
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/076—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape
- B29C2949/0768—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform
- B29C2949/0778—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform characterised by the flange
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/02—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison
- B29C49/06—Injection blow-moulding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2501/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece
- B65D2501/0009—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures designed for pouring contents
- B65D2501/0081—Bottles of non-circular cross-section
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a lightweight finish for polymeric storage containers.
- blow molded polymeric containers made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE), as well as any other suitable materials, to store food and beverage type products, such as spirits, sauces, carbonated soda, juice, water, sports drinks, and the like.
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- PP polypropylene
- PE polyethylene
- Most containers have a threaded finish at the opening of the container configured to cooperate with a threaded closure or cap in order to hermetically seal the contents inside the container.
- lightweight containers are preferred because they are relatively less costly to manufacture and transport.
- While current polymeric containers are suitable for their intended use, they are subject to improvement.
- the present teachings advantageously provide for improved polymeric containers having a finish portion that is relatively lighter in weight as compared to current containers.
- the containers according to the present teachings also advantageously maintain proper fitment with a closure to ensure that the fill product remains sealed during distribution of the container until the container is ultimately opened by the consumer.
- the containers according to the present teaching include features that allow the containers, and preforms thereof, to be supported in a blow mold during blow molding and be handled during the filling process without having a standard support flange.
- the present teachings provide for a method for maneuvering and supporting a container and a preform from which the container is blow molded before, during, and after blow molding, the method including: supporting the preform and the container on a surface by positioning on the surface a tamper lip of a finish of the preform and the container; and grasping the finish with a gripper through cooperation between the gripper and a gripper pad of the finish, the gripper pad is between threads and the tamper lip of the finish.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the present teachings
- FIG. 2 is a side view of a finish portion, and part of a neck portion, of the container of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the finish of the container of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 A illustrates a top surface of the finish of the container of FIG. 1 , the top surface including rounded edges in accordance with the present teachings;
- FIG. 4 B illustrates a top surface of the finish of the container of FIG. 1 , the top surface including stepped edges in accordance with the present teachings;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a closure according to the present teachings for closing the container of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 5 taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 illustrates the closure of FIG. 5 secured to a finish portion of the container of FIG. 1 in order to close the container;
- FIG. 8 is a side view of a preform according to the present teachings, from which the container of FIG. 1 can be blow molded;
- FIG. 9 is a side view of another finish according to the present teachings.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the finish of FIG. 9 with the closure of FIGS. 5 and 6 coupled thereto;
- FIG. 11 illustrates another container according to the present disclosure, the container not including an elongated neck portion
- FIG. 12 is a side view of another finish in accordance with the present teachings.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the finish of FIG. 12 and a gripper for gripping and maneuvering a preform including the finish;
- FIG. 14 sets forth a method for maneuvering and supporting the perform including the finish of FIG. 12 during blow molding.
- the container 10 can be made of any suitable material, such as any suitable polymeric material including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE).
- the container 10 generally includes a body 12 , a base 14 , a shoulder 16 , a neck 18 , and a finish 20 .
- the neck 18 is optional, and thus in some applications the finish 20 may be adjacent to the shoulder 16 , as illustrated in FIG. 11 for example.
- the body 12 is between the base 14 and the shoulder 16 .
- the base 14 can be any suitable container base configured to support the container 10 upright on a flat surface.
- the shoulder 16 extends from the body 12 to the neck 18 .
- the neck 18 extends from the shoulder 16 to the finish 20 , and thus the neck 18 is between the shoulder 16 and the finish 20 .
- the neck 18 can have any suitable diameter D N (see FIG. 2 ) measured generally where the neck 18 transitions to the finish 20 .
- One object of the invention is the diameter D N can be the same as, or similar to, an outer diameter Dc of closure 60 (see FIGS. 5 and 7 ), which provides a smooth aesthetic transition from the closure 60 to the neck 18 of the finish 20 . This is advantageous to provide a premium look to the customer.
- the container 10 can be configured to store any suitable product therein, such as spirits (liquor), alcohol, carbonated soda, juice, water, sports drinks, and any suitable type of food stuffs, such as sauces.
- the container 10 can have any suitable shape and size.
- the body 12 , base 14 , and shoulder 16 can have a generally oblong shape as illustrated.
- the neck 18 can be generally circular or oblong as well.
- the finish 20 is generally circular.
- the container 10 may have any other suitable shape in addition to that which is illustrated.
- the body 12 , the base 14 , the shoulder 16 , and the neck 18 can each be round, or generally round.
- the finish 20 defines an opening 22 of the container 10 .
- the opening 22 provides access to an internal volume 24 of the container 10 .
- the internal volume 24 can have any suitable capacity, such as 500 ml or less than 500 ml, or greater than 500 ml such as 1 liter or 1.5 liters.
- the container 10 may be filled with any suitable product through the opening 22 , and any product stored within the container 10 may be dispensed through the opening 22 .
- the opening 22 provides access to the internal volume 24 .
- a longitudinal access A of the container 10 extends through a radial center of the opening 22 , and through a center of each of the neck 18 , the shoulder 16 , the body 12 , and the base 14 .
- a top surface 30 of the finish 20 extends around the opening 22 , and defines the opening 22 at a top end of the container 10 .
- the top surface 30 may be smooth, or include any suitable surface features configured to reduce the weight of the finish 20 , as further explained herein and illustrated in FIGS. 4 A and 4 B .
- the finish 20 includes finish threads 32 at an outer surface 34 of the finish 20 .
- the threads 32 extend outward from the outer surface 34 , but in some configurations the threads 32 may be recessed within the outer surface 34 .
- the outer surface 34 is opposite to an inner surface 36 ( FIG. 3 ) of the finish 20 .
- the threads 32 are configured to cooperate with closure threads of any suitable closure, such as the threads 70 of the closure 60 of FIGS. 5 and 6 described herein.
- the finish threads 32 can have any suitable height H T , such as less than 0.04 inches.
- the finish threads 32 can have any suitable width W T measured from the outer surface 34 .
- the threads 32 can have a width W T of less than 0.025 inches.
- the finish 20 has a finish height H F , which extends from the top surface 30 to generally where the finish 20 and neck 18 meet.
- the finish height H F can be any suitable height, such as between 0.54 inches to 0.80 inches.
- the finish 20 further includes a tamper lip 40 .
- Another object of the invention is the tamper lip 40 is the only feature generally located between the threads 32 and the neck 18 .
- the tamper lip 40 is generally circular and extends outward from the outer surface 34 of the finish 20 .
- the tamper lip 40 is configured to engage a tamper tab of any suitable closure for the container 10 , such as the tamper tab 72 of the tamper band 64 of the closure 60 illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- the tamper lip 40 can have any suitable height H L measured generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A.
- the tamper lip 40 can have a height H L of less than 0.06 inches.
- the tamper lip 40 can have any suitable width measured from the outer surface 34 .
- the tamper lip 40 can have a width W L of less than 0.025 inches.
- the tamper lip 40 can have a generally rounded upper surface 42 , and a generally planar lower surface 44 .
- the rounded upper surface 42 extends from the outer surface 34 outward and down to the lower surface 44 .
- the lower surface 44 extends inward from the rounded upper surface 42 back to the outer surface 34 .
- the tamper lip 40 is advantageously configured such that during blow molding the tamper lip 40 can be engaged to support a preform, such as preform 110 of FIG.
- the gripper groove 50 provides an area of the finish 20 that is particularly suitable for engagement by any suitable infeed and outfeed gripping or coupling device for moving the container 10 /preform 110 as the container 10 is being formed.
- the gripping or coupling device can also engage the container 10 below the tamper lip 40 .
- the gripping or coupling device can also engage the container 10 at the gripper groove 50 and below the tamper lip 40 simultaneously.
- the tamper band recess 52 can be formed by injection molding as part of the container preform 110 , or formed as a blow molded feature in the container 10 .
- the finish 20 can have any suitable diameter for accepting industry standard closures, such as 18 mm, 22 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm, 33 mm, 38 mm, or 43 mm.
- the outer surface 34 of the finish 20 can have any suitable maximum outer diameter D O , such as less than 25 mm or greater than 30 mm.
- the inner surface 36 of the finish 20 can have any suitable maximum inner diameter D I , such as less than 22 mm.
- the finish 20 can have any suitable thickness or width T F between the outer surface 34 and the inner surface 36 .
- the thickness T F of the finish 20 as measured between the outer surface 34 and the inner surface 36 can be less than 0.045 inches.
- the finish 20 advantageously allows the finish weight to be less than the finish weight of current containers.
- the finish 20 may have the following finish weights for the following finish heights and standard finish sizes as recognized by the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT).
- inner and outer edges of the top surface 30 can be removed at the outer and inner surfaces 34 and 36 to provide the top surface 30 with generally rounded edges 54 . Due to the rounded edges, the finish 20 has less material, and is thus advantageously lighter. As illustrated in FIG. 4 B , the edges 54 need not be rounded, but can rather be stepped to provide stepped edges 56 , which advantageously also reduces the weight of the finish 20 . Other combinations of steps and rounded edges to make the finish 20 lighter will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
- the closure 60 generally includes a main body 62 , and a frangible tamper band 64 , which is connected to the main body 62 at perforated area/ring 66 .
- a tamper tab 72 extends from the frangible tamper band 64 inward into the closure 60 .
- the tamper tab 72 is sized and shaped to pass over the tamper lip 40 of the container finish 20 when the closure 60 is being secured to the finish 20 , such as through cooperation between threads 70 of the closure 60 and the threads 32 of the finish 20 .
- the tamper tab 72 slides over the rounded upper surface 42 of the tamper lip 40 as the closure 60 is being screwed onto the finish 20 . After the tamper tab 72 has passed over the rounded upper surface 42 , the tamper tab 72 will flex inward towards the longitudinal axis A and abut the lower surface 44 of the tamper lip 40 . There must be clearance between the bottom surface of the tamper band 64 and the neck 18 so that the neck 18 does not interfere with applying and tightening the closure 60 .
- the tamper tab 72 When the closure 60 is unscrewed and removed from the finish 20 , the tamper tab 72 will remain under the tamper lip 40 and the main body 62 will separate from the frangible tamper band 64 at the perforated ring 66 .
- the tamper band 64 is prevented from dropping to far down the neck 18 or the shoulder 16 by the tamper band recess 52 , and the tamper band 64 is retained below the tamper lip 40 and above the neck 18 or shoulder 16 .
- the tamper band is instead retained by a support flange, which the finish 20 advantageously does not include.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the closure 60 secured to the finish 20 of the container 10 .
- the overall closure height Hc can be any suitable height, such as between 0.54 inches to 0.80 inches, or less than 0.54 inches on containers with a diameter less than 28 mm.
- FIG. 11 illustrates the closure 60 (or a shorter version thereof) secured to the finish 20 of another container 10 ′ in accordance with the present disclosure, which does not include the elongated neck 18 .
- the container 10 can be manufactured in any suitable manner.
- the container 10 can be blow molded from any suitable preform, such as the preform 110 of FIG. 8 .
- the preform 110 itself can be formed in any suitable manner, such as by injection molding.
- the preform 110 includes the finish 20 , which defines the opening 22 and includes the threads 32 and the tamper lip 40 . Extending from the finish 20 is a neck portion 112 , a body portion 116 , and a base portion 118 .
- the neck portion 112 forms the neck 18
- the shoulder portion 114 forms the shoulder 16
- the body portion 116 forms the body 12
- the base portion 118 forms the base 14 .
- the finish 20 ′ is similar to the finish 20 , except for the following differences which make the finish 20 ′ advantageously lighter.
- threads 32 ′ are shorter than the threads 32 in that each one of the threads 32 ′ make only one complete turn around the finish 20 ′. This is in contrast to the threads 32 , which each make 1.5 turns around the finish 20 .
- the threads 32 ′ can be moved upward closer to the top surface 30 ′, and gripper groove 50 ′ can be made taller.
- the gripper groove 50 ′ extends further along a direction parallel to the longitudinal access A, as compared to the gripper groove 50 .
- the gripper groove 50 ′ can be more easily engaged by a suitable gripping or coupling device for moving the finish 20 ′ during manufacturing.
- the finish 20 ′ has a thickness F T ′ that is thinner than the finish thickness F T of the finish 20 .
- the finish thickness F T ′ of the finish 20 ′ is generally 0.015 inches thinner than the finish thickness F T of the finish 20 , which makes the finish 20 ′ about 0.648 grams lighter than the finish 20 (when the container 10 is made of PET). Making the finish 20 ′ thinner and lighter advantageously reduces the manufacturing and shipping cost of the container 10 .
- a crush bead 74 of the closure 60 will be arranged closer to the inside diameter of the finish 20 ′ as compared to the finish 20 when the closure 60 is secured to the respective finishes 20 / 20 ′.
- the finish thickness F T of the finish 20 can be 3.94 mm, or about 3.94 mm.
- the gripper groove 50 can have a height of 0.71 mm, or about 0.71 mm.
- the finish thickness F T ′ of the finish 20 ′ can have a thickness of 3.14 mm, or about 3.14 mm.
- the height of the gripper groove 50 ′ can be 2.3 mm, or about 2.3 mm.
- the present teachings advantageously provide for reducing the weight of the finish 20 , as well as the height of the finish 20 , to provide the container 10 with a height to center of gravity ratio that is greater than 0.025, or less than 0.499.
- the finish 20 can have any suitable weight, such as greater than 2.3 grams, or less than 2.5 grams.
- the finish 20 according to the present teachings has a weight that is advantageously about 35% less than, to about 44% less than, the weight of an industry standard finish for accepting the same size of closure.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another finish in accordance with the present disclosure at reference numeral 20 ′′.
- the finish 20 ′′ can be the finish of any suitable preform for forming any suitable container.
- the preform 110 may include the finish 20 ′′ in place of the finish 20
- the containers 10 , 110 may include the finish 20 ′′ in place of the finish 20 and the finish 20 ′ respectively.
- the finish 20 ′′ includes numerous features similar to, or the same as, the finish 20 .
- the similar features are designated in FIGS. 12 and 13 using the same reference numerals, but with a double prime (′′) designation.
- the description of these similar features set forth above in the description of the finish 20 also applies to the finish 20 ′′.
- the description set forth above of the threads 32 , the outer surface 34 , and the tamper lip 40 (including the rounded upper surface 42 and the lower surface 44 ) of the finish 20 also applies to the threads 32 ′′, the outer surface 34 ′′, and the tamper lip 40 ′′ (including the rounded upper surface 42 ′′ and the lower surface 44 ′′) of the finish 20 ′′.
- the finish 20 ′′ includes a gripper pad (gripper retainer) 80 between the threads 32 ′′ and the tamper lip 40 ′′.
- the gripper pad 80 extends entirely around the finish 20 ′′.
- the gripper pad 80 includes an upper pad surface (upper flange) 82 A and a lower pad surface (lower flange) 82 B, each of which extend around the finish 20 ′′ and protrude outward from the outer surface 34 ′′ such that an outermost portion of each of the upper pad surface 82 A and the lower pad surface 82 B is further from the longitudinal axis A (and a radial center of the finish 20 ′′) than the outer surface 34 ′′.
- the upper pad surface 82 A and the lower pad surface 82 B are spaced apart from one another. Between the upper pad surface 82 A and the lower pad surface 82 B is a gripper groove 90 formed in the gripper pad 80 .
- the gripper groove 90 is recessed inward beneath the outer surface 34 ′′. Thus, the gripper groove 90 is closer to the longitudinal axis A (and the radial center of the finish 20 ′′) than the outer surface 34 ′′ and both the upper and lower pad surfaces 82 A and 82 B.
- the gripper groove 90 is sized and shaped to cooperate with any suitable positioning tool for moving and positioning any suitable preform including the finish 20 ′′, such as the preform 110 for example.
- An example of such a suitable positioning tool is the gripper 210 .
- the gripper 210 includes a curved edge 212 , which is sized and shaped to cooperate with about one half of the groove 90 between the upper and lower pad surfaces 82 A and 82 B.
- FIG. 14 sets forth a method 510 for moving and/or supporting the finish 20 ′′ at various exemplary stages of the blow molding process.
- the preform 110 is supported on a molding machine in-feed rail through cooperation between the tamper lip 40 ′′ and the in-feed rail.
- the preform 110 is moved to a molding machine star wheel, where the preform 110 is supported through cooperation between the tamper lip 40 ′′ and the star wheel.
- the preform 110 is picked up by spindles, and at block 518 the preform 110 is transported through a heating oven.
- the gripper 210 grasps the preform 110 through cooperation between the curved edge 212 and the gripper pad 80 , and the gripper 210 moves the preform 110 out of the oven and into a blow mold of any suitable container, such as the container 10 or the container 10 ′.
- the curved edge 212 contacts the groove 90 between the upper pad surface 82 A and the lower pad surface 82 B.
- the preform is supported in the blow mold by the tamper lip 40 ′′ during blow molding.
- the blown container 10 (or the container 10 ′ or any other suitable container) is again grasped by the gripper through cooperation between the curved edge 212 and the gripper pad 80 , and the gripper 210 moves the preform 110 out from within the blow mold.
- the container 10 is supported by an outfeed rail through cooperation between the tamper lip 40 ′′ and the outfeed rail.
- the container 10 is supported on a conveyor through cooperation between the tamper lip 40 ′′ and the conveyor, and the container 10 is transported to any suitable location, such as a filling or packing station.
- the finish 20 ′′ thus advantageously includes the threads 32 ′′ and the tamper lip 40 ′′ without a dedicated support flange. Therefore, the tamper lip 40 ′′ serves a dual purpose.
- a first purpose of the tamper lip 40 ′′ is to cooperate with the tamper tab 72 of the closure 60 such that when the closure is removed the tamper tab 72 is separated from the closure 60 and retained on the finish 20 ′′ by the tamper lip 40 ′′ to indicate that the container 10 has been opened.
- Another purpose of the tamper lip 40 ′′ is to provide support for the preform 110 at specific points during manufacturing, such as at least at blocks 512 , 514 , 522 , 526 , and 528 .
- the gripper pad 80 advantageously allows the finish 20 ′′ to be gripped at specific points during manufacturing as well through cooperation between the curved edge 212 and the gripper pad 80 , such as at least at blocks 520 and 524 .
- One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure provides numerous other advantages and unexpected results as well.
- Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
- Spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Abstract
A method for maneuvering and supporting a container and a preform from which the container is blow molded before, during, and after blow molding, the method including: supporting the preform and the container on a surface by positioning on the surface a tamper lip of a finish of the preform and the container; and grasping the finish with a gripper through cooperation between the gripper and a gripper pad of the finish, the gripper pad is between threads and the tamper lip of the finish.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/698,213 filed Nov. 27, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/955,288 filed Apr. 17, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/763,778 filed on Mar. 27, 2018, which claims the benefit and priority of International Application No. PCT/US2017/025399 filed on Mar. 31, 2017, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/411,029 filed on Oct. 21, 2016. The entire disclosures of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to a lightweight finish for polymeric storage containers.
- This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.
- It is common in the packaging industry to use blow molded polymeric containers made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE), as well as any other suitable materials, to store food and beverage type products, such as spirits, sauces, carbonated soda, juice, water, sports drinks, and the like. Most containers have a threaded finish at the opening of the container configured to cooperate with a threaded closure or cap in order to hermetically seal the contents inside the container. In the packaging industry, lightweight containers are preferred because they are relatively less costly to manufacture and transport.
- While current polymeric containers are suitable for their intended use, they are subject to improvement. The present teachings advantageously provide for improved polymeric containers having a finish portion that is relatively lighter in weight as compared to current containers. The containers according to the present teachings also advantageously maintain proper fitment with a closure to ensure that the fill product remains sealed during distribution of the container until the container is ultimately opened by the consumer. Further, the containers according to the present teaching include features that allow the containers, and preforms thereof, to be supported in a blow mold during blow molding and be handled during the filling process without having a standard support flange.
- This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
- The present teachings provide for a method for maneuvering and supporting a container and a preform from which the container is blow molded before, during, and after blow molding, the method including: supporting the preform and the container on a surface by positioning on the surface a tamper lip of a finish of the preform and the container; and grasping the finish with a gripper through cooperation between the gripper and a gripper pad of the finish, the gripper pad is between threads and the tamper lip of the finish.
- Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of select embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the present teachings; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of a finish portion, and part of a neck portion, of the container ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the finish of the container ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4A illustrates a top surface of the finish of the container ofFIG. 1 , the top surface including rounded edges in accordance with the present teachings; -
FIG. 4B illustrates a top surface of the finish of the container ofFIG. 1 , the top surface including stepped edges in accordance with the present teachings; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of a closure according to the present teachings for closing the container ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the closure ofFIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 illustrates the closure ofFIG. 5 secured to a finish portion of the container ofFIG. 1 in order to close the container; -
FIG. 8 is a side view of a preform according to the present teachings, from which the container ofFIG. 1 can be blow molded; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of another finish according to the present teachings; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the finish ofFIG. 9 with the closure ofFIGS. 5 and 6 coupled thereto; -
FIG. 11 illustrates another container according to the present disclosure, the container not including an elongated neck portion; -
FIG. 12 is a side view of another finish in accordance with the present teachings; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the finish ofFIG. 12 and a gripper for gripping and maneuvering a preform including the finish; and -
FIG. 14 sets forth a method for maneuvering and supporting the perform including the finish ofFIG. 12 during blow molding. - Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- With initial reference to
FIG. 1 , a container according to the present teachings is generally illustrated atreference numeral 10. Thecontainer 10 can be made of any suitable material, such as any suitable polymeric material including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE). Thecontainer 10 generally includes abody 12, abase 14, ashoulder 16, aneck 18, and afinish 20. Theneck 18 is optional, and thus in some applications thefinish 20 may be adjacent to theshoulder 16, as illustrated inFIG. 11 for example. Thebody 12 is between thebase 14 and theshoulder 16. Thebase 14 can be any suitable container base configured to support thecontainer 10 upright on a flat surface. Theshoulder 16 extends from thebody 12 to theneck 18. Theneck 18 extends from theshoulder 16 to thefinish 20, and thus theneck 18 is between theshoulder 16 and thefinish 20. Theneck 18 can have any suitable diameter DN (seeFIG. 2 ) measured generally where theneck 18 transitions to thefinish 20. One object of the invention is the diameter DN can be the same as, or similar to, an outer diameter Dc of closure 60 (seeFIGS. 5 and 7 ), which provides a smooth aesthetic transition from theclosure 60 to theneck 18 of thefinish 20. This is advantageous to provide a premium look to the customer. - The
container 10 can be configured to store any suitable product therein, such as spirits (liquor), alcohol, carbonated soda, juice, water, sports drinks, and any suitable type of food stuffs, such as sauces. Thecontainer 10 can have any suitable shape and size. For example, thebody 12,base 14, andshoulder 16, can have a generally oblong shape as illustrated. Theneck 18 can be generally circular or oblong as well. Thefinish 20 is generally circular. Thecontainer 10 may have any other suitable shape in addition to that which is illustrated. For example, thebody 12, thebase 14, theshoulder 16, and theneck 18 can each be round, or generally round. - The
finish 20 defines anopening 22 of thecontainer 10. The opening 22 provides access to aninternal volume 24 of thecontainer 10. Theinternal volume 24 can have any suitable capacity, such as 500 ml or less than 500 ml, or greater than 500 ml such as 1 liter or 1.5 liters. Thecontainer 10 may be filled with any suitable product through theopening 22, and any product stored within thecontainer 10 may be dispensed through theopening 22. Theopening 22 provides access to theinternal volume 24. A longitudinal access A of thecontainer 10 extends through a radial center of theopening 22, and through a center of each of theneck 18, theshoulder 16, thebody 12, and thebase 14. - A
top surface 30 of thefinish 20 extends around theopening 22, and defines theopening 22 at a top end of thecontainer 10. Thetop surface 30 may be smooth, or include any suitable surface features configured to reduce the weight of thefinish 20, as further explained herein and illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B . Thefinish 20 includesfinish threads 32 at anouter surface 34 of thefinish 20. In the example illustrated, thethreads 32 extend outward from theouter surface 34, but in some configurations thethreads 32 may be recessed within theouter surface 34. Theouter surface 34 is opposite to an inner surface 36 (FIG. 3 ) of thefinish 20. Thethreads 32 are configured to cooperate with closure threads of any suitable closure, such as thethreads 70 of theclosure 60 ofFIGS. 5 and 6 described herein. - With reference to
FIG. 2 , thefinish threads 32 can have any suitable height HT, such as less than 0.04 inches. Thefinish threads 32 can have any suitable width WT measured from theouter surface 34. For example, thethreads 32 can have a width WT of less than 0.025 inches. Thefinish 20 has a finish height HF, which extends from thetop surface 30 to generally where thefinish 20 andneck 18 meet. The finish height HF can be any suitable height, such as between 0.54 inches to 0.80 inches. - The
finish 20 further includes atamper lip 40. Another object of the invention is thetamper lip 40 is the only feature generally located between thethreads 32 and theneck 18. Thetamper lip 40 is generally circular and extends outward from theouter surface 34 of thefinish 20. Thetamper lip 40 is configured to engage a tamper tab of any suitable closure for thecontainer 10, such as thetamper tab 72 of thetamper band 64 of theclosure 60 illustrated inFIG. 6 . Thetamper lip 40 can have any suitable height HL measured generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A. For example, thetamper lip 40 can have a height HL of less than 0.06 inches. Thetamper lip 40 can have any suitable width measured from theouter surface 34. For example, thetamper lip 40 can have a width WL of less than 0.025 inches. - The
tamper lip 40 can have a generally roundedupper surface 42, and a generally planarlower surface 44. The roundedupper surface 42 extends from theouter surface 34 outward and down to thelower surface 44. Thelower surface 44 extends inward from the roundedupper surface 42 back to theouter surface 34. Thetamper lip 40 is advantageously configured such that during blow molding thetamper lip 40 can be engaged to support a preform, such aspreform 110 ofFIG. 8 , for thecontainer 10 in a mold or a blow mold striker plate, on the infeed rails of a blow molding machine, and on a star wheel assembly, thereby eliminating the need for a separate support flange (not shown), which advantageously reduces the weight and height of thefinish 20 andcontainer 10. By reducing the height of thefinish 20, many suitable adjustments can be made to the blow molding equipment, such as reducing the height of spindles that transfer thepreform 110 through a blow mold oven, and adjusting blow mold heating lamp positions within the blow mold oven. - Between the
tamper lip 40 and thethreads 32 is agripper groove 50. Thegripper groove 50 provides an area of thefinish 20 that is particularly suitable for engagement by any suitable infeed and outfeed gripping or coupling device for moving thecontainer 10/preform 110 as thecontainer 10 is being formed. The gripping or coupling device can also engage thecontainer 10 below thetamper lip 40. The gripping or coupling device can also engage thecontainer 10 at thegripper groove 50 and below thetamper lip 40 simultaneously. - Below the
tamper lip 40 is atamper band recess 52. Thetamper band recess 52 can be formed by injection molding as part of thecontainer preform 110, or formed as a blow molded feature in thecontainer 10. - With reference to
FIG. 3 , thefinish 20 can have any suitable diameter for accepting industry standard closures, such as 18 mm, 22 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm, 33 mm, 38 mm, or 43 mm. Specifically, for example, theouter surface 34 of thefinish 20 can have any suitable maximum outer diameter DO, such as less than 25 mm or greater than 30 mm. Theinner surface 36 of thefinish 20 can have any suitable maximum inner diameter DI, such as less than 22 mm. Thefinish 20 can have any suitable thickness or width TF between theouter surface 34 and theinner surface 36. For example, the thickness TF of thefinish 20 as measured between theouter surface 34 and theinner surface 36 can be less than 0.045 inches. - The
finish 20 advantageously allows the finish weight to be less than the finish weight of current containers. For example, thefinish 20 may have the following finish weights for the following finish heights and standard finish sizes as recognized by the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT). -
Standard ISBT Finish Finish Finish Size Height* Weight <26 mm <6 mm <2 g 26 mm <7 mm <2.5 g 28 mm <10 mm <3 g 33 mm <12 mm <3.5 g 38 mm <13 mm <4.5 g 43 mm <14 mm <5.5 g -
- Measured from
top surface 30 offinish 20 tolower surface 44 oftamper lip 40.
- Measured from
- With reference to
FIG. 4A , inner and outer edges of thetop surface 30 can be removed at the outer andinner surfaces top surface 30 with generally rounded edges 54. Due to the rounded edges, thefinish 20 has less material, and is thus advantageously lighter. As illustrated inFIG. 4B , theedges 54 need not be rounded, but can rather be stepped to provide steppededges 56, which advantageously also reduces the weight of thefinish 20. Other combinations of steps and rounded edges to make thefinish 20 lighter will be apparent to those skilled in the art. - With reference to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , theclosure 60 will now be described in further detail. Theclosure 60 generally includes amain body 62, and afrangible tamper band 64, which is connected to themain body 62 at perforated area/ring 66. Atamper tab 72 extends from thefrangible tamper band 64 inward into theclosure 60. Thetamper tab 72 is sized and shaped to pass over thetamper lip 40 of thecontainer finish 20 when theclosure 60 is being secured to thefinish 20, such as through cooperation betweenthreads 70 of theclosure 60 and thethreads 32 of thefinish 20. Thetamper tab 72 slides over the roundedupper surface 42 of thetamper lip 40 as theclosure 60 is being screwed onto thefinish 20. After thetamper tab 72 has passed over the roundedupper surface 42, thetamper tab 72 will flex inward towards the longitudinal axis A and abut thelower surface 44 of thetamper lip 40. There must be clearance between the bottom surface of thetamper band 64 and theneck 18 so that theneck 18 does not interfere with applying and tightening theclosure 60. When theclosure 60 is unscrewed and removed from thefinish 20, thetamper tab 72 will remain under thetamper lip 40 and themain body 62 will separate from thefrangible tamper band 64 at theperforated ring 66. Thetamper band 64 is prevented from dropping to far down theneck 18 or theshoulder 16 by thetamper band recess 52, and thetamper band 64 is retained below thetamper lip 40 and above theneck 18 orshoulder 16. With current containers, the tamper band is instead retained by a support flange, which thefinish 20 advantageously does not include. Separation of themain body 62 from thefrangible tamper band 64 advantageously provides a visual indication that theclosure 60 has been removed from thefinish 20.FIG. 7 illustrates theclosure 60 secured to thefinish 20 of thecontainer 10. The overall closure height Hc can be any suitable height, such as between 0.54 inches to 0.80 inches, or less than 0.54 inches on containers with a diameter less than 28 mm.FIG. 11 illustrates the closure 60 (or a shorter version thereof) secured to thefinish 20 of anothercontainer 10′ in accordance with the present disclosure, which does not include theelongated neck 18. - The
container 10 can be manufactured in any suitable manner. For example, thecontainer 10 can be blow molded from any suitable preform, such as thepreform 110 ofFIG. 8 . Thepreform 110 itself can be formed in any suitable manner, such as by injection molding. Thepreform 110 includes thefinish 20, which defines theopening 22 and includes thethreads 32 and thetamper lip 40. Extending from thefinish 20 is aneck portion 112, abody portion 116, and abase portion 118. After injection blow molding of thepreform 110, theneck portion 112 forms theneck 18, theshoulder portion 114 forms theshoulder 16, thebody portion 116 forms thebody 12, and thebase portion 118 forms thebase 14. - With reference to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , anadditional finish 20′ in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. Thefinish 20′ is similar to thefinish 20, except for the following differences which make thefinish 20′ advantageously lighter. Specifically,threads 32′ are shorter than thethreads 32 in that each one of thethreads 32′ make only one complete turn around thefinish 20′. This is in contrast to thethreads 32, which each make 1.5 turns around thefinish 20. By making thethreads 32′ shorter, thethreads 32′ can be moved upward closer to thetop surface 30′, andgripper groove 50′ can be made taller. Specifically, thegripper groove 50′ extends further along a direction parallel to the longitudinal access A, as compared to thegripper groove 50. Thegripper groove 50′ can be more easily engaged by a suitable gripping or coupling device for moving thefinish 20′ during manufacturing. - With particular reference to
FIG. 10 thefinish 20′ has a thickness FT′ that is thinner than the finish thickness FT of thefinish 20. The finish thickness FT′ of thefinish 20′ is generally 0.015 inches thinner than the finish thickness FT of thefinish 20, which makes thefinish 20′ about 0.648 grams lighter than the finish 20 (when thecontainer 10 is made of PET). Making thefinish 20′ thinner and lighter advantageously reduces the manufacturing and shipping cost of thecontainer 10. Because thefinish 20′ has a finish thickness FT′ that is thinner than the finish thickness FT of thefinish 20, acrush bead 74 of theclosure 60 will be arranged closer to the inside diameter of thefinish 20′ as compared to thefinish 20 when theclosure 60 is secured to therespective finishes 20/20′. - The finish thickness FT of the
finish 20 can be 3.94 mm, or about 3.94 mm. Thegripper groove 50 can have a height of 0.71 mm, or about 0.71 mm. The finish thickness FT′ of thefinish 20′ can have a thickness of 3.14 mm, or about 3.14 mm. The height of thegripper groove 50′ can be 2.3 mm, or about 2.3 mm. - The present teachings advantageously provide for reducing the weight of the
finish 20, as well as the height of thefinish 20, to provide thecontainer 10 with a height to center of gravity ratio that is greater than 0.025, or less than 0.499. Thefinish 20 can have any suitable weight, such as greater than 2.3 grams, or less than 2.5 grams. Thefinish 20 according to the present teachings has a weight that is advantageously about 35% less than, to about 44% less than, the weight of an industry standard finish for accepting the same size of closure. -
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another finish in accordance with the present disclosure atreference numeral 20″. Thefinish 20″ can be the finish of any suitable preform for forming any suitable container. For example, thepreform 110 may include thefinish 20″ in place of thefinish 20, and thecontainers finish 20″ in place of thefinish 20 and thefinish 20′ respectively. - The
finish 20″ includes numerous features similar to, or the same as, thefinish 20. The similar features are designated inFIGS. 12 and 13 using the same reference numerals, but with a double prime (″) designation. The description of these similar features set forth above in the description of thefinish 20 also applies to thefinish 20″. Specifically, the description set forth above of thethreads 32, theouter surface 34, and the tamper lip 40 (including the roundedupper surface 42 and the lower surface 44) of thefinish 20 also applies to thethreads 32″, theouter surface 34″, and thetamper lip 40″ (including the roundedupper surface 42″ and thelower surface 44″) of thefinish 20″. - Unlike the
finish 20 and thefinish 20′, in place of thegripper groove 50 thefinish 20″ includes a gripper pad (gripper retainer) 80 between thethreads 32″ and thetamper lip 40″. Thegripper pad 80 extends entirely around thefinish 20″. Thegripper pad 80 includes an upper pad surface (upper flange) 82A and a lower pad surface (lower flange) 82B, each of which extend around thefinish 20″ and protrude outward from theouter surface 34″ such that an outermost portion of each of theupper pad surface 82A and thelower pad surface 82B is further from the longitudinal axis A (and a radial center of thefinish 20″) than theouter surface 34″. - The
upper pad surface 82A and thelower pad surface 82B are spaced apart from one another. Between theupper pad surface 82A and thelower pad surface 82B is agripper groove 90 formed in thegripper pad 80. Thegripper groove 90 is recessed inward beneath theouter surface 34″. Thus, thegripper groove 90 is closer to the longitudinal axis A (and the radial center of thefinish 20″) than theouter surface 34″ and both the upper andlower pad surfaces - The
gripper groove 90 is sized and shaped to cooperate with any suitable positioning tool for moving and positioning any suitable preform including thefinish 20″, such as thepreform 110 for example. An example of such a suitable positioning tool is thegripper 210. Thegripper 210 includes acurved edge 212, which is sized and shaped to cooperate with about one half of thegroove 90 between the upper andlower pad surfaces - During the blow molding process, the
finish 20″ is engaged at thetamper lip 40″ and/or thegripper pad 80 to move and support the preform that thefinish 20″ is included with, such as thepreform 110 for example.FIG. 14 sets forth amethod 510 for moving and/or supporting thefinish 20″ at various exemplary stages of the blow molding process. For example, atblock 512 thepreform 110 is supported on a molding machine in-feed rail through cooperation between thetamper lip 40″ and the in-feed rail. Atbock 514, thepreform 110 is moved to a molding machine star wheel, where thepreform 110 is supported through cooperation between thetamper lip 40″ and the star wheel. Atblock 516, thepreform 110 is picked up by spindles, and atblock 518 thepreform 110 is transported through a heating oven. Atblock 520, thegripper 210 grasps thepreform 110 through cooperation between thecurved edge 212 and thegripper pad 80, and thegripper 210 moves thepreform 110 out of the oven and into a blow mold of any suitable container, such as thecontainer 10 or thecontainer 10′. Specifically, thecurved edge 212 contacts thegroove 90 between theupper pad surface 82A and thelower pad surface 82B. - At
block 522, the preform is supported in the blow mold by thetamper lip 40″ during blow molding. Atblock 524, the blown container 10 (or thecontainer 10′ or any other suitable container) is again grasped by the gripper through cooperation between thecurved edge 212 and thegripper pad 80, and thegripper 210 moves thepreform 110 out from within the blow mold. Atblock 526, thecontainer 10 is supported by an outfeed rail through cooperation between thetamper lip 40″ and the outfeed rail. Atblock 528, thecontainer 10 is supported on a conveyor through cooperation between thetamper lip 40″ and the conveyor, and thecontainer 10 is transported to any suitable location, such as a filling or packing station. - The
finish 20″ thus advantageously includes thethreads 32″ and thetamper lip 40″ without a dedicated support flange. Therefore, thetamper lip 40″ serves a dual purpose. A first purpose of thetamper lip 40″ is to cooperate with thetamper tab 72 of theclosure 60 such that when the closure is removed thetamper tab 72 is separated from theclosure 60 and retained on thefinish 20″ by thetamper lip 40″ to indicate that thecontainer 10 has been opened. Another purpose of thetamper lip 40″ is to provide support for thepreform 110 at specific points during manufacturing, such as at least atblocks gripper pad 80 advantageously allows thefinish 20″ to be gripped at specific points during manufacturing as well through cooperation between thecurved edge 212 and thegripper pad 80, such as at least atblocks - The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
- Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
- When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Claims (5)
1. A method for maneuvering and supporting a container and a preform from which the container is blow molded before, during, and after blow molding, the method comprising:
supporting the preform and the container on a surface by positioning on the surface a tamper lip of a finish of the preform and the container; and
grasping the finish with a gripper through cooperation between the gripper and a gripper pad of the finish, the gripper pad between threads and the tamper lip of the finish.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein grasping the finish includes grasping a groove of the gripper pad that is between an upper pad surface and a lower pad surface of the gripper pad.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the upper pad surface and the lower pad surface extend outward of an outer surface of the finish such that the outer surface is closer to a radial center of the finish than each one of the upper pad surface and the lower pad surface.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the groove is recessed beneath an outermost portion of an outer surface of the finish such that the groove is closer to a radial center of the finish than the outermost portion of the outer surface of the finish.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein:
the upper pad surface and the lower pad surface extend outward of an outer surface of the finish such that the outer surface is closer to a radial center of the finish than each one of the upper pad surface and the lower pad surface; and
the groove is recessed beneath the outer surface such that the groove is closer to a radial center of the finish than an outer surface of the finish.
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US18/326,076 US20230303287A1 (en) | 2016-10-21 | 2023-05-31 | Lightweight polymeric container finish |
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US201662411029P | 2016-10-21 | 2016-10-21 | |
PCT/US2017/025399 WO2018075093A1 (en) | 2016-10-21 | 2017-03-31 | Lightweight polymeric container finish |
US201815763778A | 2018-03-27 | 2018-03-27 | |
US15/955,288 US10974859B2 (en) | 2016-10-21 | 2018-04-17 | Lightweight polymeric container finish |
US16/698,213 US11708188B2 (en) | 2016-10-21 | 2019-11-27 | Lightweight polymeric container finish |
US18/326,076 US20230303287A1 (en) | 2016-10-21 | 2023-05-31 | Lightweight polymeric container finish |
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US20050218103A1 (en) | 2004-04-01 | 2005-10-06 | Barker Keith J | Preform assembly, container assembly, and method of manufacture |
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DE202007009983U1 (en) | 2007-07-17 | 2007-10-31 | Krones Ag | Plastic container with engagement groove |
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ITRM20070552A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2009-04-24 | Acqua Minerale S Benedetto S P | PLASTIC CONTAINER |
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EP2100707A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 | 2009-09-16 | La Seda De Barcelona S.A. | Plastic preform having a low weight sealable neck finish |
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US10633151B2 (en) | 2015-06-16 | 2020-04-28 | Amcor Rigid Plastics Usa, Llc | Child resistant dropper closure |
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US11708188B2 (en) | 2023-07-25 |
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