CONTAINERS HAVING CORNER PILLARS AND DYNAMIC PANELS BETWEEN THE PILLARS, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SUCH CONTAINERS

Abstract

A container includes a body, the body has pillars, and the body also has dynamic panels. The pillars include first, second, third and fourth pillars, and each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars is substantially rounded outward relative to a vertical axis of the container. The dynamic panels include first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels. The first dynamic panel extends between the first pillar and the second pillar, is substantially parallel to the third dynamic panel, and is substantially perpendicular to each of the second and fourth dynamic panels, such that the pillars are positioned at corners of the container. Each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars has greater stiffness than each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels and thereby provide a controlled deformation of the container under vacuum pressure or top loading.

Claims

1. A container comprising a body, the body comprising a plurality of pillars, the body further comprising a plurality of dynamic panels, the plurality of pillars comprises first, second, third and fourth pillars, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars is substantially rounded outward relative to a vertical axis of the container; and the plurality of dynamic panels comprises first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, wherein the first dynamic panel extends between the first pillar and the second pillar, is substantially parallel to the third dynamic panel, and is substantially perpendicular to each of the second and fourth dynamic panels, such that the plurality of pillars are positioned at corners of the container, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars has greater stiffness than each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, such that the container is configured for controlled deformation in which one or more of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels deform under top loading or vacuum pressure, to thereby reduce a pressure differential between an inner volume of the container and a space external to the container, without any deformation of the first, second, third and fourth pillars.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the body is one integral piece of material, and each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars has a greater wall thickness than each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, to thereby provide at least part of the greater stiffness of each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars relative to each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels comprises a dynamic structural feature, to thereby provide at least part of the greater stiffness of each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars relative to each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the dynamic structural feature is selected from the group consisting of vertical ribs, horizontal ribs, square divots, orthogonal embosses, a single indent, and combinations thereof.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of dynamic panels is recessed from an outer periphery of the container relative to each of the plurality of pillars.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pillars comprises a column rib that forms a groove in a corresponding one of the plurality of pillars.

7. The container of claim 1, further comprising a base extending from a lower portion of the body, the base comprising a bottom panel that encloses an inner volume of the container.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the base comprises a plurality of base ribs that each form a groove in the base and are each aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of pillars.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of base ribs is continuous with the column rib of the corresponding one of the plurality of pillars.

10. The container of claim 7, wherein the base tapers with an inward slope as the base extends from the lower portion of the body to the bottom panel, such that the bottom panel has a smaller horizontal cross-section than that of the lower portion of the body.

11. The container of claim 1, further comprising a shoulder extending from a neck comprising a mouth of the container to an upper portion of the body, the shoulder configured to transfer top load applied to the container to the plurality of pillars.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the shoulder has an outward slope from about 15 degrees to about 35 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the container as the shoulder extends from the neck to the upper portion of the body.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein the body has a configuration selected from the group consisting of (a) a breath and a width of the body are substantially constant throughout an entire height of the body, from the shoulder to the base, and (b) at least a portion of the body is tapered inward, with a continuously decreasing breadth and/or a continuously decreasing width as the portion of the body extends toward the base.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pillars have identical dimensions to each other, and the plurality of dynamic panels have an identical height to each other, wherein the plurality of dynamic panels has a configuration selected from the group consisting of (i) the plurality of dynamic panels have the same width as each other, such that the body has a substantially square horizontal cross-section aside from the plurality of pillars which are substantially curved outward, and (ii) the first and third dynamic panels have the same width as each other, the second and fourth dynamic panels have the same width as each other, and the width of each of the first and third dynamic panels is different than the width of each of the second and fourth dynamic panels, such that the body has a substantially rectangular horizontal cross-section aside from the plurality of pillars which are substantially curved outward.

15. A method of storing and/or transporting a liquid product, the method comprising filling the liquid product into the container of claim 1.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising sealing the container, which has the liquid product therein, with a cap.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the liquid product is a beverage.

18. A method of manufacturing a container for a liquid product, the method comprising forming a body of the container, the body comprising a plurality of pillars and further comprising a plurality of dynamic panels, the plurality of pillars comprises first, second, third and fourth pillars, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars is substantially rounded outward relative to a vertical axis of the container; and the plurality of dynamic panels comprises first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, wherein the first dynamic panel extends between the first pillar and the second pillar, is substantially parallel to the third dynamic panel, and is substantially perpendicular to each of the second and fourth dynamic panels, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars has greater stiffness than each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels. the plurality of pillars comprises first, second, third and fourth pillars, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars is substantially rounded outward relative to a vertical axis of the container; and the plurality of dynamic panels comprises first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, wherein the first dynamic panel extends between the first pillar and the second pillar, is substantially parallel to the third dynamic panel, and is substantially perpendicular to each of the second and fourth dynamic panels, such that the plurality of pillars are positioned at corners of the container, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars has greater stiffness than each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, such that the container is configured for controlled deformation in which one or more of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels deform under top loading or vacuum pressure, to thereby reduce a pressure differential between an inner volume of the container and a space external to the container, without any deformation of the first, second, third and fourth pillars.

19. The method of claim 18, comprising molding the container.

20. A method of using a liquid product, the method comprising pouring at least a portion of a liquid product housed by a container from the container, the container comprising a body, the body comprising a plurality of pillars and further comprising a plurality of dynamic panels, the plurality of pillars comprises first, second, third and fourth pillars, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars is substantially rounded outward relative to a vertical axis of the container; and the plurality of dynamic panels comprises first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, wherein the first dynamic panel extends between the first pillar and the second pillar, is substantially parallel to the third dynamic panel, and is substantially perpendicular to each of the second and fourth dynamic panels, such that the plurality of pillars are positioned at corners of the container, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars has greater stiffness than each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, such that the container is configured for controlled deformation in which one or more of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels deform under top loading or vacuum pressure, to thereby reduce a pressure differential between an inner volume of the container and a space external to the container, without any deformation of the first, second, third and fourth pillars.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0004] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show perspective views of a non-limiting first embodiment of a container according to the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the container of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to the non-limiting first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the container of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to the non-limiting first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIGS. 4A-4B show another design for the dynamic panels of the container of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to the non-limiting first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 5A-5B show yet another design for the dynamic panels of the container of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to the non-limiting first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 6A-6B show yet another design for the dynamic panels of the container of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to the non-limiting first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIGS. 7A-7B show yet another design for the dynamic panels of the container of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to the non-limiting first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the container of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to the non-limiting first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 9 shows another detailed view of the container of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to the non-limiting first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a container according to a non-limiting second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a portion of the container of FIG. 10, according to the non-limiting second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a graph showing experimental results regarding filled top load performance of a prior art container.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a graph showing experimental results regarding filled top load performance of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein.

[0017] FIG. 14 is a graph showing experimental results regarding empty top load performance of a prior art container.

[0018] FIG. 15 is a graph showing experimental results regarding empty top load performance of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein.

[0019] FIG. 16 is a graph showing experimental results regarding vacuum performance of a prior art container.

[0020] FIG. 17 is a graph showing experimental results regarding vacuum performance of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure relates to vacuum-resistant containers (e.g., plastic bottles) for providing consumable products or other fluids. Preferred embodiments of the containers are constructed and arranged to be vacuum resistant and not only have improved structural features, but also lighter bottle weights, as well as desirable aesthetic characteristics.

[0022] Many liquid consumable products are oxygen sensitive. This problem becomes increasingly relevant, for example, when the liquid consumable products are shelf-stable and may spend an amount of time sitting on a retail shelf. During the shelf-life of a product, oxygen may be absorbed by the product from the headspace in the container or from the outside environment that permeates through the container walls. Such oxygen absorption may induce a vacuum inside the bottle that causes the bottle to deform. Similarly, during packaging, distribution and retail stocking, bottles may be exposed to widely varying temperature and pressure changes (e.g., bottle contraction in the refrigerator), liquid losses, and external forces that jostle and shake the bottles. These types of environmental factors may contribute to internal pressures or vacuums that affect the overall quality of the product purchased by the consumer. For example, existing types of vacuum dynamic panels, or thin plastic labels, may occupy large areas of the exterior of the bottle to which they are added and tend to have great visual impacts. When an internal vacuum is created within the bottle, the shrink sleeve labels do not always follow the slightly inverted shape of the bottle created by the vacuum, thereby accounting for poor aesthetics of the bottle. This effect is observed in standard plastic bottle.

[0023] The above effect is typically more important for a lightweight plastic bottle, where the thickness of the plastic walls of the bottle is lower than the one of the standard bottle. Existing containers use fully circumferential, horizontal ribs to provide top load and vacuum resistance. However, containers with fully circumferential, horizontal ribs typically increase the rib dimension to create a lightweight container. As such, the ribs are more visible to the consumer, which provides less than optimal aesthetic properties.

[0024] Applicant surprisingly discovered how to provide a container that resists internal vacuums while maintaining a lightweight container. In this regard, containers of the present disclosure include features that help provide strength for top load compression and that dynamically resist vacuum deformation of the container. These features disclosed herein are particularly effective when the container is a lightweight bottle.

[0025] Containers of the present disclosure may house liquids (e.g., non-carbonated liquids) and may be exposed to temperature and/or pressure changes during packaging, shipping, storage and/or retail display. Any of the above-described factors, such as temperature changes and pressure changes, may contribute to the presence of an internal vacuum within a sealed container when the container houses a liquid. This effect is problematic for aesthetic reasons because internal vacuums created within the sealed container may cause deformation of the container that may pull the walls of the container away from any exterior label (e.g., a sleeve), creating an undesirable aesthetic. Applicant surprisingly found, however, that certain structural features may improve a container's vacuum resistance to thereby avoid undesired container deformation.

[0026] An advantage of one or more embodiments in the present disclosure is an improved lightweight container.

[0027] Another advantage of one or more embodiments in the present disclosure is a lightweight container having improved top loading performance.

[0028] Still another advantage of one or more embodiments in the present disclosure is a lightweight container that provides controlled deformation under vacuum pressure, with the controlled deformation reducing internal vacuum level of the container by accommodating increased vacuum pressure instead of merely resisting it.

[0029] Yet another advantage of one or more embodiments in the present disclosure is a lightweight container in which part of the structure of the container adopts a changed shape (e.g., deforms inward or outward) under increasing vacuum pressure developed in the container, to thereby accommodate the increasing vacuum pressure, while the other parts of the structure of the container does not deform under the increasing vacuum pressure (e.g., the other parts maintain their position in the container, their size and their shape).

[0030] Another advantage of one or more embodiments in the present disclosure is a lightweight container that is constructed and arranged for easy handling by a consumer.

[0031] Additional features and advantages are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the figures and description. Also, any particular embodiment does not necessarily include all of the advantages listed herein, and it is expressly contemplated to claim individual advantageous embodiments separately. Moreover, any embodiment may be combined with any other embodiment unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0032] As used herein, about, approximately and substantially are understood to refer to numbers in a range of numerals, for example the range of 10% to +10% of the referenced number, preferably 5% to +5% of the referenced number, more preferably 1% to +1% of the referenced number, most preferably 0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number or property. For example, a surface that is substantially planar is at least 90% planar, preferably at least 95% planar, more preferably at least 99% planar, most preferably at least 99.9% planar. As another example, a surface that is substantially curved is at least 90% curved, preferably at least 95% curved, more preferably at least 99% curved, most preferably at least 99.9% curved.

[0033] All numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers, whole or fractions, within the range. Moreover, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 1 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth.

[0034] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a rib or the rib includes two or more ribs.

[0035] The words comprise, comprises and comprising are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise, the terms include, including and or should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context. Nevertheless, the compositions disclosed herein may lack any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosure of an embodiment using the term comprising includes a disclosure of embodiments consisting essentially of and consisting of' the components identified.

[0036] The terms at least one of and and/or used respectively in the context of at least one of X and Y and X and/or Y should be interpreted as X without Y, or Y without X, or both X and Y. Where used herein, the terms example and such as, particularly when followed by a listing of terms, are merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be deemed to be exclusive or comprehensive.

[0037] Where used herein, the terms example and such as, particularly when followed by a listing of terms, are merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be deemed to be exclusive or comprehensive.

[0038] As used herein, a container is any device that can hold, store and dispense a liquid product. A bottle is a container having one single opening for the liquid product to enter and exit an interior volume of the container, preferably at an uppermost end of the container opposite from a surface on which the container stands. A bottle preferably has a height both greater than its width (distance from side to side) and greater than its breadth (distance from front to back, which can be the same or different distance as the width). A beverage is an orally consumable liquid.

[0039] As used herein, upward refers to a direction toward the mouth of the container disclosed herein, and downward refers to a direction toward the base of the container disclosed herein. Moreover, the top of a component refers to the portion of the component closest to the mouth of the container disclosed herein, and the bottom of a component refers to the portion of the component closest to the base of the container disclosed herein. As used herein, horizontal means perpendicular to the central axis of the container (i.e., an axis extending between the center of the mouth and the center of the base), and vertical means parallel to this central axis.

[0040] As used herein, a lightweight container is a container having a maximum wall thickness throughout the container that is less than 0.45 mm maximum wall thickness throughout the container, in some embodiments less than 0.40 mm maximum wall thickness throughout the container, and even less than 0.38 mm maximum wall thickness throughout the container in some embodiments. As used herein, stiffness is resistance to deformation under pressure.

[0041] In preferred embodiments provided by the present disclosure, a container comprises a body, the body comprising a plurality of pillars, the body further comprising a plurality of dynamic panels. The plurality of pillars comprises first, second, third and fourth pillars, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars is substantially rounded outward relative to a vertical axis of the container. The plurality of dynamic panels comprises first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, wherein the first dynamic panel extends between the first pillar and the second pillar, is substantially parallel to the third dynamic panel, and is substantially perpendicular to each of the second and fourth dynamic panels, such that the plurality of pillars are positioned at corners of the container.

[0042] Each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars has greater stiffness than each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, such that the container is configured for controlled deformation in which one or more of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels deform under top loading or vacuum pressure, to thereby reduce a pressure differential between an inner volume of the container and a space external to the container, without any deformation of the first, second, third and fourth pillars.

[0043] In some embodiments, the body is one integral piece of material, and each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars has a greater wall thickness than each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels, to thereby provide at least part of the greater stiffness of each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars relative to each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels. Additionally or alternatively, each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels comprises a dynamic structural feature, to thereby provide at least part of the greater stiffness of each of the first, second, third and fourth pillars relative to each of the first, second, third and fourth dynamic panels. The dynamic structural feature may be selected from the group consisting of vertical ribs, horizontal ribs, square divots, orthogonal embosses, a single indent, and combinations thereof.

[0044] Preferably, each of the plurality of dynamic panels is recessed from an outer periphery of the container relative to each of the plurality of pillars.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pillars comprises a column rib that forms a groove in a corresponding one of the plurality of pillars.

[0046] Preferably, the container further comprises a base extending from a lower portion of the body, the base comprising a bottom panel that encloses an inner volume of the container. The base may comprise a plurality of base ribs that each form a groove in the base and are each aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of pillars. Each of the plurality of base ribs may be continuous with the column rib of the corresponding one of the plurality of pillars. The base may taper with an inward slope as the base extends from the lower portion of the body to the bottom panel, such that the bottom panel has a smaller horizontal cross-section than that of the lower portion of the body.

[0047] In some embodiments, the container further comprises a shoulder extending from a neck comprising a mouth of the container to an upper portion of the body, the shoulder configured to transfer top load applied to the container to the plurality of pillars. The shoulder may have an outward slope from about 15 degrees to about 35 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the container as the shoulder extends from the neck to the upper portion of the body.

[0048] Preferably, the body has a configuration selected from the group consisting of (a) a breath and a width of the body are substantially constant throughout an entire height of the body, from the shoulder to the base, and (b) at least a portion of the body is tapered inward, preferably at a slope from about 5 to about 15 relative to the vertical axis of the container, with a continuously decreasing breadth and/or a continuously decreasing width as the portion of the body extends toward the base.

[0049] In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars have identical dimensions to each other, and the plurality of dynamic panels have an identical height to each other, wherein the plurality of dynamic panels has a configuration selected from the group consisting of (i) the plurality of dynamic panels have the same width as each other, such that the body has a substantially square horizontal cross-section aside from the plurality of pillars which are substantially curved outward, and (ii) the first and third dynamic panels have the same width as each other, the second and fourth dynamic panels have the same width as each other, and the width of each of the first and third dynamic panels is different than the width of each of the second and fourth dynamic panels, such that the body has a substantially rectangular horizontal cross-section aside from the plurality of pillars which are substantially curved outward.

[0050] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of storing and/or transporting a liquid product, the method comprising filling the liquid product into any container disclosed herein. The method may further comprise sealing the container, which has the liquid product therein, with a cap. The liquid product is preferably a beverage.

[0051] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing a container for a liquid product, the method comprising forming the body of any container disclosed herein. The method may comprise molding the container.

[0052] Still another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of using a liquid product, the method comprising pouring at least a portion of a liquid product housed by any container disclosed herein from the container. The liquid product is preferably a beverage.

[0053] For general illustration, FIGS. 1A-1C show an embodiment of a container 100, such as a bottle, comprising a mouth 102, a neck 104, a shoulder 106, a body 108, and a base 110. The container 100 may be sized to hold any volume of a liquid such as, for example, from about 200 mL to about 2000 mL, for example about 950 mL. In some embodiments, the container 100 further comprises a sleeve surrounding and/or connected to at least a portion of the body 108, for example, as sleeve of thin plastic film that may include indicia thereon and may be used in the marketplace for product identification and for displaying product information.

[0054] A height of the container 100 as used herein is defined as the maximum vertical distance from the mouth 102 (at the first end 103 of the container 100) to the bottom of the base 110 (at the second end 123 of the container 100). The height may vary for different bottles of different volumes and may be any suitable height, for example, heights from about 100 mm to about 250 mm, for example about 150 mm. Non-limiting examples of suitable diameters of the container 100 are about 50 mm to about 125 mm.

[0055] As disclosed above, embodiments of the container 100 may be lightweight containers. For example, embodiments of the container 100 may require from about 10% to about 25% less material to manufacture than similar containers not having the features described herein. In other examples, embodiments of the container 100 may provide opportunities for lightweighting. For example, the container 100 may have approximately the same weight but improved mechanical performance compared to similar containers not having the features described herein. Thus, the embodiments of the container 100 provide an opportunity to reduce the weight of the container 100 while maintaining the mechanical performance compared to similar containers not having the features described herein. Embodiments of the container 100 of the present disclosure may have a weight ranging from about 15 g to about 50 g, for example about 26 g.

[0056] Embodiments of the container 100 of the present disclosure, as a standard container or as a lightweight container, may be configured to house any type of liquid therein. In an embodiment, the container 100 is configured to house a consumable liquid such as, for example, water, an energy drink, a non-carbonated drink, tea, coffee, or juice. In an embodiment, the container 100 is sized and configured to house a predetermined number of servings of a consumable liquid, such as one or more servings of a consumable liquid.

[0057] Suitable non-limiting materials for manufacturing embodiments of the container 100, as standard container or as lightweight container, may include, for example, polymeric materials. Specifically, materials for manufacturing embodiments of the container 100 may include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (PE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Further, embodiments of the container 100 of the present disclosure may be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing process such as, for example, extrusion blow molding, stretch blow molding, or injection stretch blow molding.

[0058] In some embodiments, the container 100 is made of one integral piece of material, such as one integral piece of any of the plastics disclosed herein. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the mouth 102, the neck 104, the shoulder 106, the body 108, and the base 110 are all formed from one integral piece of material.

[0059] As seen in FIG. 1B, the mouth 102 of the container 100 is preferably located substantially on a plane at the first end 103 of the container 100. The mouth 102 is an opening through which liquid may be filled into the container 100 (e.g., by a manufacturer) and from which the liquid may be poured from the container 100 (e.g., by a consumer). The mouth 102 may be any size and any shape such that liquid may be introduced into the container 100 through the mouth 102 and may be poured or otherwise removed from the container 100 through the mouth 102.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, preferably the mouth 102 is the only opening to the inner volume 200 of the container 100 and the only exit from the inner volume 200 of the container 100 (e.g., the only opening in the neck 104, the shoulder 106, the body 108, and the base 110). In some embodiments, the container 100 may further comprise a cap connected over the mouth 102, as discussed in greater detail later herein.

[0061] In an embodiment, the mouth 102 may be substantially circular in shape and have an outer diameter ranging, for example, from about 28 mm to about 38 mm. The center of the mouth 102 defines one end of a vertical axis 802 of the container 100, while a center of the base 110 (e.g., a central divot 302) defines the other end of the vertical axis 802 of the container 100.

[0062] As seen in FIGS. 1A-1C, the neck 104 may begin at the first end 103 of the container 100 and may extend from the mouth 102 downward to terminate at the top of the shoulder 106. The neck 104 may be configured for the liquid entering the mouth 102 to thereby enter the inner volume 200 of the container 100 and for the liquid being poured from the inner volume 200 of the container 100 to exit through the mouth 102. The neck 104 may also have any size and shape so long as the neck 104 defines a conduit for the liquid, from the mouth 102 into the inner volume 200 of the container 100.

[0063] In an embodiment, the neck 104 is substantially cylindrical in shape and may have a diameter that substantially corresponds to a diameter of the mouth 102. Additionally or alternatively, the neck 104 may have a tapered geometry, for example the neck 104 may be substantially conical in shape and taper up to or down from the mouth 102. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the shape and the size of the neck 104 are not limited to being identical to the shape and the size of the mouth 102. In embodiments where the neck 104 is tapered, preferably the angle of the taper of the neck 104 relative to the vertical axis 802 of the container 100 is a different angle than that of the shoulder 106 relative to the vertical axis 802 of the container 100.

[0064] The neck 104 may have a height (e.g., a vertical distance from the mouth 102 to the top of the shoulder 106) from about 15 mm to about 30 mm. The neck 104 may have an outer diameter ranging, for example, from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or about 15 mm, about 20 mm, about 25 mm, about 30 mm, about 35 mm, about 40 mm, or about 45 mm. In a non-limiting particularly preferred embodiment, the neck 104 has a height of about 21 mm and a diameter of about 42 mm.

[0065] The container 100 may further include an air tight cap (not illustrated) attached to the neck 104. During manufacturing, the cap may be attached to the neck 104 after the container 100 is filled with liquid, thus sealing the liquid in the container 100. The air tight cap may be any type of cap known in the art for use with containers similar to those described herein. The air tight cap may be manufactured from the same material or a different material as the container 100, such as different polymeric materials, and may be attached to the container 100 by re-closeable threads (e.g., external threads 112), and/or may be snap-fit or friction-fit. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the cap includes internal threads that are constructed and arranged to mate with the external threads 112 of the neck 104.

[0066] The neck 104 may further include a retaining ring 113. The retaining ring 113 may retain the cap or a portion of the cap (e.g., a breakaway band at a lower portion of the cap) on the container 100. For example, a bottom of the cap may abut the retaining ring 113 when the cap is connected to the neck 104.

[0067] The shoulder 106 of the embodiment of the container 100 in FIGS. 1A-1C may extend from the bottom of the neck 104 downward to a top portion 118 of the body 108. The shoulder 106 preferably defines a portion of the container 100 in which the size of the horizontal cross-section increases from the horizontal cross-section of the neck 104 (which may be defined by the diameter of the neck 100) to a larger horizontal cross-section in the body 108 (which may be defined by the periphery of the body 108). For example, the shoulder 106 preferably tapers outward from the bottom of the neck 104 to the top of the body 108, with a continuously increasing size of the horizontal cross-section of the shoulder 106 as the shoulder 106 extends toward the body 120. The shoulder 106 of this embodiment of the container 100 preferably has a shape that is substantially a square pyramid frustum, meaning that the shoulder 106 has a shape of a square pyramid having four triangular faces with a top portion (e.g., the apex) of the square pyramid truncated. The square pyramid frustum shape of the shoulder 106 may also include rounded edges between triangular faces and/or rounded edges between each triangular face and the body 108.

[0068] As discussed below for FIG. 8, optionally the shoulder 106 may have a steep angle to thereby transfer load to the body 108 during top loading, such as about 15 to about 35 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, or about 30 degrees, or as a non-limiting particular example, about 28 degrees (all relative to the vertical axis 802 of the container 100). The angle of the shoulder 106 is preferably substantially constant over the entirety of the height of the shoulder 106.

[0069] The height of the shoulder 106 (e.g., a vertical distance from the bottom of the neck 104 to the top of the body 108) may range from, for example, about 15 mm to about 50 mm. At a bottom portion (e.g., before the body 108), the shoulder 106 may have a width (e.g., a maximum distance from a first lateral side to an opposite lateral side) and a breadth (e.g., a maximum distance from a front side to a back side) ranging from about 40 mm to about 80 mm, or about 45 mm, about 50 mm, about 55 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, about 70 mm, or about 75 mm. In a non-limiting particularly preferred embodiment, the width and the breadth of the bottom portion of the shoulder 106 are both about 76 mm, such that the periphery of the bottom portion of the shoulder 106 is substantially square. Alternatively, the bottom portion of the shoulder 106 may be substantially rectangular, with different widths and breadths, or may even be other shapes.

[0070] In the example of FIGS. 1A-1C, the body 108 of the container 100 extends from the bottom of the shoulder 106 to the top of the base 110. The body 108 of the embodiment of the container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C may be the main containing portion of the container 100, having a horizontal cross-section and a vertical height larger relative to those of the neck 104.

[0071] In an embodiment, the body 108 is a substantially sqround shape. For example, a preferred embodiment of the body 108 has a horizontal cross-section which is a substantially square shape with rounded corners. Preferably, the body 108 may comprise at least four pillars 114a-114d, which are preferably substantially rounded outward relative to the vertical axis 802 of the container 100; and the body 108 may further comprise at least four dynamic panels 116a-116d. Each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d may be positioned between a pair of the pillars 114a-11d. The dynamic panels 116a-116d may be substantially identical to each other in one or more of material, size, shape and structure; and the pillars 114a-114d may be substantially identical to each other in one or more of material, size, shape and structure. Although the particularly preferred embodiment uses four of the dynamic panels 116a-116d and four of the pillars 114a-114d, some embodiments may have more pillars and thus more dynamic panels therebetween, with the number of pillars equal to the number of dynamic panels.

[0072] As noted earlier herein, a preferred embodiment of the container 100 is made of one integral piece of material, such as one integral piece of any of the plastics disclosed herein. For example, the dynamic panels 116a-116d and the pillars 114a-114d may together be part of one integral piece of material.

[0073] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the first dynamic panel 116a may oppose and be parallel with the third dynamic panel 116c, and the first dynamic panel 116a may be orthogonally situated and perpendicular to each of the second and fourth dynamic panels 116b, 116d on either side of the first dynamic panel 116a. In this embodiment, the second dynamic panel 116b may oppose and be parallel with the fourth dynamic panel 116d, and the second dynamic panel 116b may be orthogonally situated and perpendicular to each of the first and third dynamic panels 116a, 116c on either side of the second dynamic panel 116b.

[0074] A height of the body 108 is the maximum vertical distance from the bottom of the shoulder 106 to the top of the base 110 of the container 100. A width of the body 108 is the maximum horizontal distance from the second dynamic panel 116b to the fourth dynamic panel 116d. A breadth of the body 108 is the maximum horizontal distance from the first dynamic panel 116a to the third dynamic panel 116c. The body 108 may have any width, any breadth, and any height, for example to accommodate a desired volume of the container 100.

[0075] The body 108 of the embodiment of the container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C may be substantially square-shaped, such that the breadth and the width of the body 108 are the same. In other embodiments, the body 108 may be substantially rectangular-shaped, such that the breadth of the body 108 may be different than the width of the body 108.

[0076] In this regard, the body 108 may have a breadth and a width each ranging from, for example, about 50 mm to about 125 mm. The body 108 may have a height ranging from about 100 mm to about 150 mm, for example about 130 mm. In a non-limiting particularly preferred embodiment, the body 108 has a breadth of about 76 mm, a width of about 76 mm, and a height of about 130 mm. In other examples, as the height of the container 100 increases or decreases, the breadth and the width of the body 108 may change as well. The height of the body 108 may also change with respect to the breadth and the width of the body 108.

[0077] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the breadth and the width of the body 108 may be substantially constant throughout the entirety of a first portion 118 extending from the bottom of the shoulder 106. At a second portion 120 extending from the first portion 118 to the base 110, the breadth and the width of the body 108 may taper inward from the bottom of the first portion 118 to the top of the base 110. In some embodiments, the second portion 120 may taper inward at an inward-directed slope from about 2 to about 45, or about 10, about 15, about 20, about 25, about 30, or about 35 relative to the vertical axis 802 of the container 100. In other embodiments, the breadth and the width of the body 108 may remain substantially constant throughout both the first portion 118 and the second portion 120 of the body 108.

[0078] During top loading, the pillars 114a-114d that are positioned at least partially in the body 108 may be a significant contributor to improved top load performance of the container 100. For example, as a load is applied to the top of the container (e.g., at the mouth 102 in a direction toward the base 110), the container 100 may transfer the load through the neck 104 and the shoulder 106 to the pillars 114a-114d. The pillars 114a-114d may thereby increase top load performance of the container 100 compared to known containers. For example, a maximum load applied to the container 100 in top loading before buckling of the container 100 may be greater relative to a maximum load applied to known containers in top loading which causes buckling of the known containers.

[0079] The pillars 114a-114d may provide the primary stiffness (e.g., load resistance) of the container 100. Accordingly, each of the pillars 114a-114d has a greater stiffness than each the dynamic panels 116a-116d. For example, in a preferred embodiment, each of the pillars 114a-114d has a greater wall thickness than each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d (preferably resulting from the blowing of the container 100). Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the dynamic panels 116a-116d comprises a dynamic structural feature 122 that reduces a stiffness of the corresponding one of the dynamic panels 116a-116d, as discussed in more detail later herein.

[0080] The pillars 114a-114d may maintain their size, shape and position in the container 100 while at least a portion of one or more of the dynamic panels 116a-116d move outward to a convex configuration and/or inward to a concave configuration, to thereby provide a controlled deformation of the container 100. The controlled deformation of the container 100 may reduce the inner volume 200 of the container 100 when the container 100 is subjected to pressure differences.

[0081] The movement of one or more of the dynamic panels 116a-116d may aid the container 100 in equalizing the external and internal pressures. As a result, when the container 100 is subjected to pressure differentials, the internal pressure in the container 100 may be decreased due to the controlled deformation of the container 100 (i.e., deformation of at least a portion of one or more of the dynamic panels 116a-116d, while the pillars 114a-114d may maintain their size, shape and position in the container 100). For the dynamic panels 116a-116d to move as a unit and deform in a controlled manner, the dynamic panels 116a-116d may have certain features shared between them. For example, each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d may be recessed relative to the outer periphery of the pillars 114a-114d; for example, each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d may have an outer periphery that is recessed relative to the outer periphery of the pillars 114a-114d.

[0082] In the example of FIGS. 1A-1C, a preferred embodiment of the dynamic structural feature 122 is a plurality of vertical ribs in each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d, and each plurality of vertical ribs forms grooves in the corresponding one of the dynamic panels 116a-116d. As discussed below for FIGS. 4-7, the dynamic structural feature 122 may comprise other shapes additionally or alternatively to the vertical ribs. In each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d, the dynamic structural feature 122 may be located on the body 108 and optionally extend into the shoulder 106 and/or into the base 110 of the container 100. In other embodiments, the dynamic structural feature 122 may be limited to the body 108 of the container 100 or a portion of the body 108 of the container 100 and not extend into the shoulder 106 and/or into the base 110 of the container 100.

[0083] In the example of FIGS. 1A-1C, the base 110 may extend from the bottom of the body 108 of the container 100 to the second end 123 of the container 100. As discussed below for FIG. 3, the base 110 may define a lower, terminal portion of the container 100 including a bottom panel which encloses the inner volume of the container 100. As seen in FIGS. 1A-1C, the lateral sides of the base 110 may taper inward from the bottom of the second portion 120 of the body 108. In some embodiments, the base 110 is tapered inward at the same slope as the second portion 120 of the base 110. In other embodiments, the base 110 is tapered inward at a steeper angle than the second portion 120 of the base 110. As non-limiting examples, the base 110 may taper inward at an inward-directed slope from about 2 to about 45, or about 10, about 15, about 20, about 25, about 30, or about 35 relative to the vertical axis 802 of the container 100.

[0084] The base 110 of FIGS. 1A-1C may optionally further include base ribs 124a-124d which form grooves in the base 110. Preferably each of the base ribs 124a-124d is positioned at least partially in a corresponding corner of the base 110 of the container 100, for example aligned with, extending into, and/or extending toward a corresponding one of the pillars 114a-114d. In other embodiments, the container 100 may omit one or more of the base ribs 124a-124d or even not have any base rib. The base ribs 124a-124d may improve the structural strength of the base 110. For example, the base ribs 124a-124d may delay failure (e.g., buckling) of the container 100 and/or increase a maximum load at failure (e.g., buckling) in the base 110 during top loading.

[0085] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. In FIG. 2, each of the pillars 114a-d and the dynamic panels 116a-d are illustrated. From the top view, the mouth 102 is seen opening into the inner volume 200 of the container 100. The threads 112 surrounding the neck 104 of the container 100 are also visible in top view.

[0086] FIG. 2 further illustrates the recessed position of the dynamic panels 116a-116d relative to the pillars 114a-114d. For example, in a cross-section top view, a virtual line connecting two of the pillars 114a-114d may be located further from the vertical axis 802 of the container 100 than the plane of the one of the dynamic panels 116a-116d located between the two of the pillars 114a-114d. Accordingly, each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d may be recessed from an outer periphery of the container 100 which is defined by the pillars 114a-114d.

[0087] Specifically, a virtual line connecting the first pillar 114a and the second pillar 114b may be located further from the vertical axis 802 of the container 100 than the plane of the first dynamic panel 116a. A virtual line connecting the second pillar 114b and the third pillar 114c may be located further from the vertical axis 802 of the container 100 than the plane of the second dynamic panel 116b. A virtual line connecting the third pillar 114c and the fourth pillar 114d may be located further from the vertical axis 802 of the container 100 than the plane of the third dynamic panel 116c. A virtual line connecting the fourth pillar 114c and the first pillar 114a may be located further from the vertical axis 802 of the container 100 than the plane of the fourth dynamic panel 116d.

[0088] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. The container 100 may include a bottom panel 300 which encloses the inner volume 200 of the container 100. In addition to the pillars 114a-114d and the dynamic panels 116a-116d, the base ribs 124a-124d are shown in the bottom view. As seen in FIG. 3, each of the base ribs 124a-124d may begin in a corresponding one of the pillars 114a-114d and extend toward and through the base 110, such that each of the base ribs 124a-124d may extend through the bottom panel 300 of the container 100. At a center point of the bottom panel 300, the base ribs 124a-124d may meet at a central divot 302. The bottom panel 300 may further include a dimple 304 which may curve inward toward the inner volume 200 of the container 100.

[0089] FIGS. 4A-4B show a second design for the dynamic structural feature 122 of the dynamic panels 116a-116d, in a container 400 that is a non-limiting preferred embodiment of the container 100 of FIGS. 1-3. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a side view of the container 400 having the second design of the dynamic structural feature 122, and FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the container 400. As illustrated in the container 400, the second design for the dynamic structural feature 122 comprises horizontal ribs in each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d, and the horizontal ribs form grooves in the corresponding one of the dynamic panels 116a-166d. Other features of the container 400 may be the same as disclosed herein for the container 100.

[0090] FIGS. 5A-5B show a third design for the dynamic structural feature 122 of the dynamic panels 116a-116d, in a container 500 that is a non-limiting preferred embodiment of the container 100 of FIGS. 1-3. Specifically, FIG. 5A shows a side view of the container 500 having the third design of the dynamic structural feature 122, and FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the container 500. As illustrated in the container 500, the third design for the dynamic structural feature 122 comprises a plurality of square divots in each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d. Other features of the container 500 may be the same as disclosed herein for the container 100.

[0091] FIGS. 6A-6B show a fourth design for the dynamic structural feature 122 of the dynamic panels 116a-116d, in a container 600 that is a non-limiting preferred embodiment of the container 100 of FIGS. 1-3. Specifically, FIG. 6A shows a side view of the container 600 having the fourth design of the dynamic structural feature 122, and FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the container 600. As illustrated in the container 600, the fourth design for the dynamic structural feature 122 comprises a pattern of orthogonal embossing resembling a tire tread in each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d. Other features of the container 600 may be the same as disclosed herein for the container 100.

[0092] FIGS. 7A-7B show a fifth design for the dynamic structural feature 122 of the dynamic panels 116a-116d, in a container 700 that is a non-limiting preferred embodiment of the container 100 of FIGS. 1-3. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows a side view of the container 700 having the fifth design, and FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the container 700. As illustrated in the container 700, the fifth design for the dynamic structural feature 122 comprises a single large rectangular indent in each of the dynamic panels 116a-116d. Other features of the container 700 may be the same as disclosed herein for the container 100.

[0093] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of an upper portion (the neck 104 and the shoulder 106) of some embodiments of the containers disclosed herein (Sq bottle: 100,400,500,600,700). A shoulder region of known containers is shown in FIG. 8 via a dashed line 800. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the shoulder 106 of any of the containers disclosed herein (100,400,500,600,700) may have a steeper angle relative to the vertical axis 802 of the container 100, as compared to the shoulder region of known container. For example, the initial slope of the dashed line 800 representing the should region of the known container, immediately below the neck 104, may be about 55 degrees from the vertical axis 802. However, the initial slope of the shoulder 106 of any of the containers disclosed herein (100,400,500,600,700) may be a steeper angle, to thereby transfer load during top loading to the pillars 114a-114d. For example, the initial slope of the shoulder 106 of any of the containers disclosed herein (100,400,500,600,700) may be from about 15 to about 35 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, or about 30 degrees from the vertical axis 802. In a non-limiting particularly preferred embodiment, the slope of the shoulder 106 of any of the containers disclosed herein (100,400,500,600,700) is about 28 degrees from the vertical axis 802.

[0094] FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of a lower portion (the base 110 and the second portion 120 of the body 108) in some embodiments of the containers disclosed herein (100,400,500,600,700). As described above, the base 110 may be tapered inward from the bottom of the second portion 120 of the base 110. In FIG. 9, the taper angle 902 of the base is illustrated. In some examples, the taper angle 902 of the base 110 may compensate for structural integrity lost due to wall thinning observed in the transition from the body 108 to the base 110.

[0095] For example, during manufacturing of the container 100,400,500,600,700, material thinning in the base 110 and/or an area of the container near the base 100 may be observed. To mitigate the effects of material thinning at the base 110, the base 110 may include the taper angle 902. The value of the taper angle 902 may be selected based on preform weight and processing conditions. In some examples, the taper angle 902 for a rectangular bottle is steeper (e.g., increased taper angle 902) than for a square bottle due to the increased material thinning of the rectangular bottle during manufacturing.

[0096] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the body of a second non-limiting embodiment of the container disclosed herein: here, container 1000. The cross-section of the body of the container 1000 has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. For example, the width of the container 1000 (i.e., the horizontal distance between the first side panel 1004a and the second side panel 1004c) is greater than the breadth (i.e., the distance between the front panel 1006a and the back panel 1006b) of the second example container 1000. The first side panel 1004a is positioned between the first pillar 1002a and the fourth pillar 1002d, the second side panel 1004b is positioned between the second pillar 1002b and the third pillar 1002c, the front panel 1006a is positioned between the first pillar 1002a and the second pillar 1002d, and the back panel 1006b is positioned between the third pillar 1002c and the fourth pillar 1002d.

[0097] Due to the rectangular shape of the cross-section, the two side dynamic panels 1004a, 1004b have a different shape than the front and back dynamic panels 1006a, 1006b. For example, the front and back dynamic panels 1006a, 1006b are each wider than each of the side dynamic panels 1004a, 1004b because the width of the container 1000 is greater than the breadth of the container 1000.

[0098] Preferably each of the pillars 1002a-1002d includes a corresponding one of a plurality of column ribs 1008a-1008d, and each of the plurality of column ribs 1008a-1008d forms a groove in a corresponding one of the pillars 1002a-1002d. The column ribs 1008a-1008d may be added to the pillars 1002a-1002d to improve the structural strength of the container 1000. For example, the column ribs 1008a-1008d may delay failure (e.g., buckling) and/or increase a load at failure (e.g., buckling) of the container 1000 during top loading.

[0099] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a portion of the container 1000 according to the second embodiment. The container 1000 preferably includes one or more base ribs 1100 in the base 1102 of the container 1000, and the one or more base ribs 1100 each form a groove in the base 1102. As illustrated in FIG. 11, each of the column ribs 1008a-1008d may be continuous with a corresponding one of the one or more base ribs 1100. In other embodiments, one or more of the column ribs 1008a-1008d may be offset from the one or more base ribs 1100.

[0100] The foregoing may be better understood by reference to the following examples, which are presented for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLES

[0101] Applicant performed several tests on the container 100 disclosed herein, as well as existing containers having round cross-sections and horizontal ribs in order to compare their performance.

Example 1

Filled Top Load Performance

[0102] FIG. 12 shows a graph 1200 of experimental results for filled top load performance of a prior art container. The x-axis of the graph 1200 represents displacement in millimeters (mm) while the y-axis of the graph 1200 represents force in Newtons (N). In the example of FIG. 12, the prior art container was a container with a round body cross section and horizontal ribs. In the loading scenario, a computer model of the prior art container was generated, including liquid filling the inner volume of the prior art container. A computer simulation was executed on the computer model of the filled prior art container where a load is applied to the top (e.g., the mouth) of the container in a direction toward the bottom (e.g., the base) of the container. The graph 1200 represents the load response of the filled prior art container as a function of displacement. As seen in FIG. 12, the maximum load the filled prior art container withstands is 279 N at a displacement of approximately 2.7 mm. Upon further loading, the filled prior art container buckles and the load drops for additional displacement values.

[0103] FIG. 13 shows a graph 1300 of experimental results for filled top load performance of the container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. The x-axis of the graph 1300 represents displacement in millimeters (mm) while the y-axis of the graph 1300 represents force in Newtons (N). The container 100 represents a 2.77% weight reduction compared to the prior art container while maintaining the same inner volume capacity. In the loading scenario, a computer model of the container 100 was generated, including liquid filling the inner volume 200 of the container 100. A computer simulation was executed on the computer model of the filled container where a load is applied to the top (e.g., the mouth 102) of the container 100 in a direction toward the bottom (e.g., the base 110) of the container 100. The graph 1300 represents the load response of the filled container as a function of displacement. As seen in FIG. 13, the maximum load the filled container withstands is 382 N at a displacement of approximately 2.2 mm. Upon further loading, the filled container buckles and the load drops for additional displacement values.

Example 2

Empty Top Load Performance

[0104] FIG. 14 shows a graph 1400 of experimental results for empty top load performance of a prior art container. The x-axis of the graph 1400 represents displacement in millimeters (mm) while the y-axis of the graph 1400 represents force in Newtons (N). In the example of FIG. 14, the prior art container includes the same container as evaluated in FIG. 12 of a container with a round body cross section and horizontal ribs. In the loading scenario, a computer model of the prior art container was generated, omitting any liquid filling the inner volume. A computer simulation was executed on the computer model of the empty prior art container where a load is applied to the top (e.g., the mouth) of the container in a direction toward the bottom (e.g., the base) of the container. The graph 1400 represents the load response of the filled prior art container as a function of displacement. As seen in FIG. 14, the maximum load the empty prior art container withstands is 196 N at a displacement of approximately 3.0 mm. Upon further loading, the empty prior art container buckles and the load drops for additional displacement values.

[0105] FIG. 15 shows a graph 1500 of experimental results for empty top load performance of the container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. The x-axis of the graph 1500 represents displacement in millimeters (mm) while the y-axis of the graph 1500 represents force in Newtons (N). The container 100 represents a 2.77% weight reduction compared to the prior art container while maintaining the same inner volume capacity. In the loading scenario, a computer model of the container 100 was generated, omitting any liquid filling the inner volume 200. A computer simulation was executed on the computer model of the empty container where a load is applied to the top (e.g., the mouth 102) of the container 100 in a direction toward the bottom (e.g., the base 110) of the container 100. The graph 1500 represents the load response of the filled container as a function of displacement. As seen in FIG. 15, the maximum load the empty container withstands is 379 N at a displacement of approximately 2.2 mm. Upon further loading, the empty container buckles and the load drops for additional displacement values.

[0106] The results of Examples 1 and 2 show that the sqround container disclosed herein has an improved load capacity for top loading scenarios for both filled and empty containers compared to prior art containers. This improved load capacity is observed even with a sqround container having a 2.77% weight reduction compared to the prior art container. Therefore, the container disclosed herein presents an opportunity for even additional light-weighting while maintaining existing top loading performance of the container.

Example 3

Vacuum Performance

[0107] FIG. 16 shows a graph 1600 of experimental results for vacuum performance of a prior art container. The x-axis of the graph 1600 represents time in seconds(s) while the y-axis of the graph 1600 represents pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). In the example of FIG. 16, the prior art container includes the same container as evaluated in FIGS. 12 and 14 of a container with a round body cross section and horizontal ribs. For the vacuum performance evaluation, a computer model of the prior art container was generated. A computer simulation was executed on the computer model of the prior art container where the pressure external to the container is increased according to the line 1602 of the graph 1600.

[0108] During a first portion of the evaluation, the external pressure is increased from approximately 11.9 psi to approximately 14.7 psi. During a second portion of the evaluation, the external pressure is held steady at approximately 14.7 psi. The first portion of the evaluation represents conditions a container may undergo when filled and sealed at a high elevation (e.g., a mountainous elevation) and later shipped to a lower elevation (e.g., approximately at sea level). Thus, the external pressure of about 11.9 psi represents an approximate atmospheric pressure at a mountainous elevation while the external pressure of about 14.7 psi represents an approximate atmospheric pressure at sea level. The second portion of the evaluation represents 1.5% volume loss over a 12-month period, as may be experienced by a container during the shelf life of the container.

[0109] The line 1604 represents the internal pressure of the prior art container as a function of time. As seen in FIG. 16, at the end of the first portion of the evaluation the internal pressure of the prior art container experienced a 0.658 psi vacuum relative to the external pressure. At the end of the second portion of the evaluation, the internal pressure of the prior art container experienced a 1.553 psi vacuum relative to the external pressure.

[0110] FIG. 17 shows a graph 1700 of experimental results for vacuum performance of the container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. The x-axis of the graph 1700 represents time in seconds(s) while the y-axis of the graph 1700 represents pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). In the example of FIG. 17, a computer model of the container 100 was subjected to the external pressure conditions described above for FIG. 16 and represented by the line 1702 in the graph 1700. The line 1704 represents the internal pressure of the container 100 as a function of time. As seen in FIG. 17, at the end of the first portion of the evaluation, the internal pressure of the container 100 experienced only a 0.0264 psi vacuum relative to the external pressure. At the end of the second portion of the evaluation, the internal pressure of the container 100 experienced a 0.08 psi vacuum relative to the external pressure. The results show that the sqround container 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C accommodates vacuum better than existing round bottles with horizontal ribs.

[0111] FIGS. 16 and 17 demonstrate that the container structures disclosed herein provide controlled deformation under vacuum pressure, with the controlled deformation reducing internal vacuum level of the container by accommodating increased vacuum pressure instead of merely resisting it.

Conclusion

[0112] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the example embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0113] It should be appreciated that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, is not intended to be invoked unless the terms means or step are explicitly recited in the claims. Accordingly, the claims are not meant to be limited to the corresponding structure, material, or actions described in the specification or equivalents thereof.