AU2009292109B2

AU2009292109B2 - Plastic container having reinforced gripping structure

Info

Publication number: AU2009292109B2
Application number: AU2009292109A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stephen R. Guerin; David B. Heisner; Tapan Y. Patel; David P. Piccioli
Original assignee: Graham Packaging Co LP
Current assignee: Graham Packaging Co LP
Priority date: 2008-09-10
Filing date: 2009-08-19
Publication date: 2015-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-19
Also published as: US20100059532A1; CA2736447C; CA2736447A1; MX2011002571A; AU2009292109A1; EP2321185B1; WO2010030473A1; NZ591325A; EP2321185A1

Abstract

A plastic container (10) includes a generally cylindrical main body (16) portion having a longitudinal axis. At least one gripping recess (22) is defined in the main body portion that has an oblong shape when viewed in front elevation and that is defined in part by a curved concave inner surface (32) when viewed in side elevation. The gripping recess includes a plurality of horizontal indentations (26, 28, 30), each of which is sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic container is being gripped by the consumer.

Description

WO 2010/030473 PCT/US2009/054310 PLASTIC CONTAINER HAVING REINFORCED GRIPPING STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention 100011 This invention relates generally to the field of plastic containers, and more particularly to plastic containers that are intended for consumer use and that are fabricated using a blow molding process. 2. Description of the Related Technology [00021 Molded plastic containers for packaging beverages such as orange juice are in wide commercial use throughout the world. Such containers may be fabricated using the extrusion blow molding process, which is typical for containers that are fabricated from a material such as polyolefin, or a stretch blow molding process, which is typical for containers that are fabricated from polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly known as PET. [0003] When filled with a product, molded plastic containers can be fairly heavy and difficult to handle by some consumers, particularly in the larger sizes. This problem is compounded by any condensation in the form on the exterior surface of the plastic container. Accordingly, it is typical for certain types of plastic containers to be designed with integrated gripping recesses and handles so as to facilitate safety and ease of handling by the consumer. [0004] The configuration of many containers incorporating such gripping recesses and handles is such that a consumer will be induced to grip the container using the forefingers and the thumb in a pinching action that can impart significant compressive forces to the container. While this may facilitate a comfortable and effective manner in which to grip the container from the standpoint of the consumer, the resulting compressive forces, which tend to be concentrated near the recessed grip portions of the container, can result in significant inward -1- WO 2010/030473 PCT/US2009/054310 deflection and deformation of the container. Such deformation can result in a reduction of the storage volume of the container, causing product to be forced out of the pouring opening of the container in unwanted fashion when the container is full or close to being full. In addition, such deformation can result in a change in the pouring characteristics of the container, either by changing the shape of the dispensing opening itself or the shape of the surfaces that are immediately adjacent to the dispensing opening. [0005] In addition, some plastic containers must be designed to withstand significant pressure differentials between the inside of the container and ambient conditions. Carbonated beverages or malt beverages can generate significant internal pressure, on the order of 45-60 psi for malt beverages such as beer. Beer can be packaged using a cold aseptic or cold filtered process, or it can be pasteurized after filling and capping the container in order to kill any remaining yeast and stop further fermentation of the product. The pasteurization process typically involves spraying the filled and capped containers with hot water until the internal temperatures reach 140-142 degrees Fahrenheit. 100061 Plastic containers may also be designed for use in the hot fill process, which is typically used for packaging beverages such as fruit juices. For such containers, gripping recesses must be designed to withstand pressurization and the subsequent volumetric contraction that occurs during the hot-fill process. [00071 A need exists for an improved plastic container that provides a safe and convenient gripping configuration for the consumer but that exhibits better resistance against deformation than has been the case with conventional designs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [00081 Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved plastic container that provides a safe and convenient gripping configuration for the consumer but that exhibits better resistance against deformation than has been the case with conventional designs. [0009] In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention, a plastic container according to a first aspect of the invention includes a main body portion having a longitudinal -2- WO 2010/030473 PCT/US2009/054310 axis, the main body portion having a gripping recess defined therein, the gripping recess being defined in part by a curved concave inner surface when viewed in side elevation, the gripping recess further comprising a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of the horizontal indentations being sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic container is being gripped by the consumer. [00010] A plastic container according to a second aspect of the invention includes a main body portion having a longitudinal axis, the main body portion having a gripping recess defined therein, the gripping recess having an oblong shape when viewed in front elevation, the gripping recess further comprising a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of the horizontal indentations being sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic container is being gripped by the consumer. [00011] These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00012] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view depicting a container that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; [000131 FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view depicting the container that is shown in FIGURE 1; [00014] FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 in FIGURE 2; [000151 FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view depicting the container that is shown in FIGURE 1; [00016] FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 in FIGURE 4; and -3- WO 2010/030473 PCT/US2009/054310 [00017] FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 in FIGURE 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) [000181 Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to FIGURE 1, a plastic container 10 that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a conventional threaded finish portion 12, a neck portion 14, a main body portion 16 and a conventional bottom portion 18. [00019] Containers 10 may be fabricated using the extrusion blow molding process, which is typical for containers that are fabricated from a material such as polyolefin, or a stretch blow molding process, which is typical for containers that are fabricated from polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly known as PET. [000201 Plastic container 10 is shaped so as to be generally cylindrical and further includes a substantially smooth label panel 20 to which a label may be conveniently applied using conventional processes. [00021] Plastic container 10 further includes an opposed pair of gripping recesses 22 that are constructed to facilitate gripping of the container 10 by a consumer when the container 10 is full of liquid. Each of the gripping recesses 22 is constructed so as to be able to withstand pressurization and volumetric contraction that may occur within the container 10 as a result of carbonation, pasteurization, the hot-fill process or that may occur during transportation or use of the container 10. [00022] Referring briefly to FIGURE 2, it will be seen that each of the gripping recesses 22 has an outer boundary 24 when viewed in front elevation that has an oblong shape, with a major axis that is substantially vertical or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plastic container 10. The oblong shape of the gripping recesses 22 is preferably substantially symmetrical about both the major vertical axis and the minor horizontal axis. As may best be seen in FIGURE 4, each of the gripping recesses 22 is also defined in part by a curved concave inner surface 32 when viewed in side elevation. -4- WO 2010/030473 PCT/US2009/054310 [00023] Each of the gripping recesses 22 includes a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of which are sized to receive a finger of the consumer when the plastic container is being gripped by the consumer. In the preferred embodiment, three horizontal recesses or indentations 26, 28 and 30 are provided. As viewed in longitudinal cross-section, a first lip or projection 36 is defined between the recesses 26, 28 and a second lip or projection 38 is defined between the recesses 28, 30. [00024] Referring again to FIGURE 4, plastic container 10 has a maximum outer diameter Dmx. Preferably, the curved concave inner surfaces 32 of the gripping recesses 22 each have a radius R 1 s that is within a range of about 30 percent to about 130 percent of the maximum outer diameter Dmvx of the container 10, and that is more preferably within a range of about 50 percent to about 100 percent of the maximum outer diameter DMx of the container 10. [00025] In the preferred embodiment, each of the horizontal indentations 26, 28, 30 has an outer surface 34 that is convexly curved as viewed in horizontal cross section, as is best shown in FIGURE 5. Outer surface 34 in the preferred embodiment has a radius of curvature RGH that is within a range of about 20 percent to about 70 percent of the maximum outer diameter DAx of the container 10, and that is more preferably within a range of about 30 percent to about 60 percent of the maximum outer diameter DAX of the container 10. [00026] The outer surface 34 of each of the horizontal indentations 26, 28, 30 is also preferably concave as viewed in longitudinal cross-section, as is best shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. Each of the horizontal indentations 26, 28, 30 preferably has a longitudinal radius of curvature RGL that is preferably within a range of about 0.2 inches to about 1 inch, and that is more preferably within a range of about 0.45 inch to about 0.85 inch. Preferably, the longitudinal radius of curvature RGL is within a range of about 15% to about 35% of the maximum outer diameter Dmx of the container 10. [00027] FIGURE 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view depicting a cross-section of the container 10 taken at an elevation that intersects the second lip or projection 38. Both of the lips or projections 36, 38 have an outer surface that is convexly curved at a radius of curvature RLH that is preferably within a range of about 20 percent to about 50 percent of the -5- GRM20063WO PATENT maximum outer diameter DAx of the container. Preferably, the radius of curvature RLH is within a range of about 0.6 inch to about 1.1 inch. 100028i It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. [000291 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [00030J The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia. . Further, the reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such art would be understood, ascertained or regarded as relevant by the skilled person in Australia. -6-

Claims

1. A plastic container, comprising: a main body portion having a generally cylindrical shape with a maximum outer diameter, the main body portion having a gripping recess within an area defined by an outer boundary, the outer boundary having a generally oblong shape when viewed in front elevation, the generally oblong shape of the outer boundary having a major vertical axis substantially parallel to a vertical longitudinal axis of the plastic container and a minor horizontal axis, the gripping recess further having a concave inner surface when viewed in side elevation and including a plurality of indentations within the area defined by the outer boundary, the gripping recesses configured to withstand pressurization and volumetric contraction.

2. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein the outer boundary is symmetrical about the major vertical axis and the minor horizontal axis.

3. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of indentations includes a first indentation and a second indentation, the first indentation extending a shorter horizontal distance than the second indentation.

4. The plastic container of claim 3, wherein the gripping recess further comprises a convexly curved projection as viewed in horizontal cross-section located between the first indentation and the second indentation.

5. The plastic container of claim 4, wherein the convexly-curved projection has a radius of curvature in horizontal cross-section about 20 percent to about 50 percent of the maximum outer diameter.

6. The plastic container of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature is about 0.6 inch to about 1.1 inch. -7-

7. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of indentations has a convexly curved outer surface when viewed in horizontal cross-section.

8. The plastic container of claim 7, wherein the outer surface has a radius of curvature in a horizontal cross-section about 20 percent to about 70 percent of the maximum outer diameter.

9. The plastic container of claim 8, wherein the radius of curvature is about 30 percent to about 60 percent of the maximum outer diameter.

10. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of indentations is concave when viewed in longitudinal cross-section.

11. The plastic container of claim 10, wherein the outer surface has a longitudinal radius of curvature about 0.2 inch to about 1 inch.

12. The plastic container of claim 11, wherein the longitudinal radius of curvature is about 15 percent to about 35 percent of the maximum outer diameter.

13. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein a radius of the concave inner surface of the gripping recess is about 30 percent to about 130 percent of the maximum outer diameter.

14. The plastic container of claim 13, wherein the radius of the concave inner surface of the gripping recess is about 50 percent to about 100 percent of the maximum outer diameter.

15. The plastic container of claim 1, further comprising an elongated neck portion extending from the main body portion, the neck portion defining a dispensing opening with the vertical longitudinal axis extending therethrough.

16. A plastic container having a vertical longitudinal axis, comprising: a main body portion having a generally cylindrical shape with a maximum outer diameter, the main body portion having a gripping recess within an area defined by an outer boundary, the outer boundary having a generally oblong shape when viewed in front elevation, the generally oblong shape of the outer boundary - 8- having a major vertical axis substantially parallel to the vertical longitudinal axis of the plastic container and a minor horizontal axis, the gripping recess further having a concave inner surface when viewed in side elevation and including a plurality of indentations within the area defined by the outer boundary, the gripping recesses configured to withstand pressurization and volumetric contraction.

17. The plastic container of claim 16, wherein the plurality of indentations includes a first indentation and a second indentation, the first indentation extending a shorter horizontal distance than the second indentation.

18. The plastic container of claim 17, wherein the gripping recess further comprises a convexly-curved projection, as viewed in horizontal cross-section, located between the first indentation and the second indentation.

19. The plastic container of claim 16, further comprising a neck portion extending from the main body portion, the neck portion defining a dispensing opening with the vertical longitudinal axis extending therethrough.

20. The plastic container of claim 19, wherein the neck portion has an elongated shape. -9-