Recess In Sidewall Patents (Class 215/383)
  • Patent number: 8561821
    Abstract: A heat set container including a base portion, a shoulder portion, and a sidewall portion extending from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The shoulder portion, the sidewall portion and the base portion cooperate to define a receptacle chamber within the container into which product can be filled. A plurality of vacuum panels are equidistantly disposed about the sidewall portion. A plurality of transition lands are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of vacuum panels and spaced outwardly relative thereto. The plurality of vacuum panels and the plurality of transition lands cooperate to be inwardly collapsible from a first outside diameter to a second outside diameter in response to at least internal vacuum forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Ivan Harris, Ricardo Sandoval, Luke A. Mast
  • Patent number: 8544667
    Abstract: A round bottle that gives an overall impression of a slim body, while maintaining a basic shape of the round bottle and a vacuum absorbing function. An object is to provide a round synthetic resin bottle having a differentiated shape not found in conventional art. This involves narrowing down a diameter of the body in a tapered manner toward a middle height position of the body to form a tapered portion at either one of an upper end or a lower end of the basically cylindrical body and thus to form a waist portion in a narrowest part of this tapered portion, and forming a plurality of dented vacuum absorbing panels in a height range lying next to the waist portion of the body and in a configuration that each of the panels is disposed in parallel in a circumferential direction and dented by a stepped portion surrounding each panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ozawa, Takao Iizuka
  • Publication number: 20130213927
    Abstract: The invention includes a scalable, modular interlocking container with a multi-purpose use. Vertical and horizontal interconnectivity are achieved through interlocking mechanisms. An exemplary first use is for transporting and/or storing liquids or solids that can be poured. An exemplary second use is for a sturdy, low cost, easily assembled building block material of a standardized nature. Each modular unit slide-locks with other units to form strong wall and building structures that can be filled with natural earth, sand or other such materials, thereby forming a sturdy structure without the use of mortar, and can adapt to uneven base surfaces typically found in natural terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Friendship Products LLC
    Inventors: B. Everett Hendrickson, Timothy J. Carlson, A. Irene Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 8499946
    Abstract: A preformed liner that expands when filled is provided. In one embodiment, the preformed liner includes a central section having a plurality of flutes that allow the liner to expand. In other embodiments, the preformed liner includes at least a central section that is made of an expandable or stretchable elastomeric material. In still other embodiments, the preformed liner includes a central section having a plurality of flutes and is made of an expandable or stretchable elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Giles, David Conant
  • Publication number: 20130193102
    Abstract: Container of thermoplastic material having a body extending along a principal axis, characterized in that the body has at least one annular narrowed zone of extra thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Caroline Bellec, Mikael Derrien, Guy Feuilloley, Isabelle Maillot
  • Patent number: 8496130
    Abstract: A one-piece plastic container includes a container body and an upper portion having a finish. Integrally formed with the finish and extending downward therefrom is a shoulder region. The shoulder region merges into and provides a transition between the finish and a sidewall portion. The sidewall portion extends downward from the shoulder region to a base portion having a base. The sidewall portion defines a series of horizontal lands and horizontal ribs. The horizontal lands and horizontal ribs extend continuously in a vertical direction from the shoulder region to the base portion. The horizontal ribs are designed to achieve optimal performance with regard to vacuum absorption, top load strength capabilities and dent resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Michael T. Lane, Rohit V. Joshi, John B. Simon
  • Patent number: 8474621
    Abstract: A package system which combines an article and a container in an integrated package with the article secured in nested relationship within a recess of the container. The recess has sufficient depth such that portions of the side walls of the container extend outwardly effectively beyond an exposed surface of the article so as to protect the article against damage. Alternatively, the package system includes a pair of spaced columns which are integrally formed with the side wall of the container and which extend outwardly from the side wall. A recess is formed between the column members which is configured to receive an article in nested relationship within the recess. Methods for securing the article in nested relationship within the recess of the container are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Michael D. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8328033
    Abstract: A one-piece plastic hot-fill container may employ a shoulder portion, a base portion and a sidewall portion, which may be integrally formed with and extend from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The container may further have a plurality of compression ribs molded into the sidewall portion in vertical and horizontal directions—at least the vertical compression ribs being operable to change from a first shape to a second shape in response to cooling of the liquid and further extending inwardly within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventor: Luke A. Mast
  • Patent number: 8286814
    Abstract: A volumetrically efficient plastic hot fill container at least one vacuum panel defined by a vacuum panel area of a sidewall that is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly in order to accommodate volumetric shrinkage that may occur within the container as a result of the conventionally known hot fill process. Advantageously, at least a portion of the vacuum panel area of the sidewall is formed as a plurality of undulations. The undulations preferably have a vertical component and provide an increased surface area to the vacuum panel area relative to what a flat surface would provide. As a result, the amount of volumetric shrinkage that may be accommodated through inward deflection of said vacuum panel area of said sidewall is increased relative to a flat surface would provide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Raymond A. Pritchett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8276775
    Abstract: Container, made of a thermoplastic such as PET, having a body oriented along a longitudinal axis with a wall enclosing the axis defining two faces separated from each other by two connecting regions. The body is provided with one groove extending partly over the two faces of the body and one of the two connecting regions, wherein the one groove extends approximately in a plane at right angles to the axis of the body with a depth which is variable between a first depth P1 in the two faces of the body and a second depth P2 in the connecting region. The ratio P1/P2 between the two depths is between zero and a value less than or equal to 0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventor: Michel Boukobza
  • Patent number: 8256634
    Abstract: The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to create a shape of vacuum absorbing panels that can control swelling deformation involved in hot filling of synthetic resin bottles, without impairing the vacuum absorbing function of the bottles. A principle means of giving solution to this problem is a synthetic resin bottle of this invention comprising multiple vacuum absorbing panels in a dented shape disposed around a body in parallel in a circumferential direction, and also a vertical groove disposed in a laterally central area of each vacuum absorbing panel so that the vertical groove performs a function as a starting point for the deformation into a further dented state at the time of depressurization, wherein the vertical groove has a changing depth that gradually grows larger toward an upper end and a lower end, starting from a vertically central area of each vacuum absorbing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshimasa Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120216918
    Abstract: A bottle shape is provided that allows for volume-reducing deformation of a peripheral wall of the body, while maintaining stable posture of the bottle by making use of a combination of a refill container and a regularly used container having an upright discharge cylinder segment. The body is formed to have a thin peripheral wall so that volume-reducing deformation would take place along with the depressurization going on inside the bottle. The peripheral wall has three ridge lines formed in a mountain fold at approximately equal intervals in the vertical direction and has three panel walls connected to one another. Each panel wall is bordered by two adjacent ridge lines, and has a valley fold line that diagonally connects an upper end of one ridge line to a lower end of another adjacent ridge line so that three valley fold lines are disposed obliquely in parallel along a circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Tsuda, Tsuyoshi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20120175339
    Abstract: A synthetic resin round bottle having a shape of the peripheral groove ribs that can increase the plane rigidity of the peripheral sidewall, without lowering the buckling strength in the vertical directions and the moldability of the bottle, including a round bottle having a neck, a tapered cylindrical shoulder, a cylindrical body, a bottom, a pair of peripheral groove ribs disposed at certain height positions of the body and formed in groove shapes, with one groove over the other groove in proximity to each other, where bases of these peripheral groove ribs are inclined relative to the direction of central axis of the bottle in a vertical sectional view, and the incline of a rib base for the upper peripheral groove rib has a direction opposite that of the incline of the rib base for the lower peripheral groove rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Tanaka, Hiroaki Imai
  • Patent number: 8186528
    Abstract: An improved blow molded plastic container having generally rounded sidewalls that are adapted for hot-fill applications has two adjacent sides and two pairs of controlled deflection panels, each pair reacting to vacuum pressure at differing rates of movement, whereby one pair inverts under vacuum pressure and the other pair remains available for increased squeezability or extreme vacuum extraction. The opposing sidewalls are symmetric relative to vacuum panel and rib shape and placement. The ribs and controlled deflection panels cooperate to retain container shape upon filling and cooling and also improves bumper denting resistance, decreases vacuum pressure within the container, and increases light weight capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Melrose, Paul Kelley, Scott Bysick, Justin Howell
  • Patent number: 8186529
    Abstract: A pressure resistant thermoplastic container. The container may include a sidewall and a number of indentations formed in the sidewall. One or more of the indentations may include one or more reinforcements formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Malcolm Kinmont, Tracey M. Momany, Robert J. Groll
  • Patent number: 8162162
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a container having a reduced area of vacuum-absorbing panels and thus acquiring improved appearance and having strength against a pressure drop, i.e., the strength enough to retain the shape of the container even when there is a pressure drop inside the container. A shoulder portion or a bottom portion of a resin-made storage container is molded by aligning one or two groups of three corners and one or two groups of three pillars vertically and in parallel to the central axis of the container. Each group of three corners is a part of the corners forming a cross-section of a regular enneagon and being connected to either the shoulder portion or the bottom portion, and the lines connecting these three corners form a regular triangle. Each group of three pillars is a part of the pillars belonging to the body and forming a cross-section of a hexagon, and the lines connecting these three pillars form a regular triangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Suntory Holdings Limited, Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hata, Naokazu Fujita, Toshimasa Tanaka, Masaaki Sasaki, Takao Iizuka
  • Patent number: 8141733
    Abstract: A plastic beverage container that can withstand deformation by positive pressure and that can be stably stored lying on its side is provided. The beverage container for storing a product under positive pressure includes a body portion having an outer wall made of plastic, and the body portion has a symmetrical cross-sectional shape formed by a plurality of circular arcs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Kenshi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8123059
    Abstract: A synthetic resin bottle including a body having a bottom, wherein the body is divided by a waist into an upper body portion and a lower body portion. The bottle is easily portable and operable without requiring an additional handle, etc. and has high buckling strength. The bottle has a dome-shaped upper body portion connected, with the waist in between, to the lower body portion having the bottom, a shoulder surrounding the upper end of the upper body portion, and a tubular neck part connected to the shoulder. Two depressions facing each other are arranged on the rear side of the upper body portion along its circumferential direction. The portion formed between the depressions functions as a grip, and vertical ribs are each provided on a step surface formed on the front side of each depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Keiji Shimamoto, Masaaki Sasaki, Tadayori Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8113370
    Abstract: A container structure for a hot fill liquid may employ an upper portion defining a mouth, a shoulder portion integrally formed with and extending downward from the upper portion, a bottom portion defining a base, and a body and sidewall extending between and joining the shoulder and bottom portions. The sidewall may employ a pair of opposing columns oriented diagonally relative to the base and concave inward relative to a container central vertical axis before the container is filled. The columns become concave inward to a lesser extent when the bottle is under an interior vacuum. The sidewall may also employ a pair of opposing, compound angle vacuum panels oriented diagonally relative to the base. A vacuum initiator groove is formed in each of the vacuum panels to initiate panel movement during liquid content cooling. The vacuum initiator groove is generally coincident with a vacuum panel longitudinal centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Liye Zhang, Anna Wilcox, Rohit V. Joshi, Juan Sancho, Richard J. Steih
  • Patent number: 8100278
    Abstract: Drink bottle with a promotional object, characterised by the plastic or glass body (1) of the drink bottle being on at least one point provided with a concave recess (2), into which a object (3) is inserted and at least a part of the surface of the drink bottle with the object (3) is covered with wrapping (4), constituting namely the drink bottle label, when the cover (4) is advantageously made of shrink-wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Pavel Dlouhy
  • Publication number: 20120000882
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed toward bottles with improved top loading resistance and does so by, among other things, utilizing walls, shoulder, and/or other structural features of a particular size, taper, angle, and/or material. The bottle includes a mouth, a barrel connected to a base, and a shoulder extending between the mouth and barrel. The shoulder may include upper, intermediate, and lower sections, in which the intermediate section may be relatively thicker than the upper section. The barrel may also include upper, intermediate, and lower sections, in which the intermediate section may be relatively thicker than the lower section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose de Jesus Castillo Higareda
  • Patent number: 8070003
    Abstract: Formation of an “organically”-shaped feature on an otherwise abstract-shaped package. In particular, an organic or human anatomical feature is provided on an otherwise inanimate shape. More particularly, a package, such as a bottle, having a non-representational form (in other words, a package not shaped to resemble any particular form existing in nature) is provided with a feature specifically designed to resemble a form in nature or “organic” form. In an exemplary embodiment, the form in nature (or “organic” feature) is a “baby fat crease.” In particular, a crease is provided on the package to mimic the look of a baby fat crease. The geometry of the crease as well as the geometry of the package are optimized to achieve the desired organic look or effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Todd True, David Hu
  • Patent number: 8069986
    Abstract: A blow molded plastic container is disclosed that includes a bottom portion, a top portion and a body portion. In an embodiment, the body portion includes side portions and includes at least one side portion that has a support protrusion extending therefrom. The top portion is connected to the body portion and includes a dispensing opening. The bottom portion is connected to the side portions. In an embodiment, when the container is positioned to rest on a surface on a side portion, the centerline axis of the dispensing opening is angled with respect to a plane formed by said surface. Embodiments of a container in which the side portion opposing the side support portion includes a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the support protrusion from a second similarly configured container are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Darr, James J. Miller, Richard A. Lovelace, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110204070
    Abstract: The plastic container includes a hollow body of plastic material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower base and an upper neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall with an opening therein. The sidewall includes at least one panel having a central region and an outer boundary, with the outer boundary being depressed with respect to the central region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc A. Pedmo, James C. Dorn, James J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110186540
    Abstract: The present invention is a liquid container having an internal storage cavity with a substantially cylindrical sidewall, a neck area and a base area. The neck area contains an opening at its apex to permit entry and egress of liquids. The neck area also contains a handle that runs across a concave indentation, which is also part of the neck area. Furthermore, the handle's first point and second point are contained completely within the neck area. The handle's curvature is substantially the same as the curvature of the neck and it outer arc having the same radian value as the outer arc of the neck area. Equal radian values camouflage the presence of the claimed handle, reducing its potential jarring appearance, while also retaining the same overall shape of the exterior arc, thus largely alleviating the need to retool or reconfigure existing bottle making equipment or storage equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Robert PRIESSNITZ
  • Publication number: 20110174769
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bottle having a neck portion and a body portion for containing liquid contents therein. The bottle includes a plurality of guides formed around at least partial area or an entire area of the body portion. The guides protrude inwards from the inner surface of the body portion to have convex shapes. Thus, the liquid contents are guided towards an opening of the neck portion while spirally revolving inside the body portion. At least one reinforcing wire is provided in the guides to reinforce upright strength of the body portion formed with the plurality of guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Kyung Jung, II
  • Patent number: 7959024
    Abstract: The plastic container includes a hollow body of plastic material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower base and an upper neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall with an opening therein. The sidewall includes at least one panel having a central region and an outer boundary, with the outer boundary being depressed with respect to the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc A. Pedmo, James C. Dorn, James J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110079575
    Abstract: A blow molded plastic container for hot fill and pasteurization uses includes a main body portion that is shaped so as to be substantially round in horizontal cross-section and a base portion. The base portion is shaped to define a generally circular standing ring and an elevated push-up portion that is positioned radially inward of the standing ring. The push-up portion includes a central region, an annular, substantially straight and substantially vertical rise portion that is positioned immediately radially inward of the standing ring and a plurality of radially oriented waves. Each of the waves extends radially outwardly from the central region to the vertical rise portion and is preferably shaped so as to subtend a substantially constant angle along its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer, Benton A. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110079577
    Abstract: A bottle which may be placed on a shelf or suspended from a fixture comprising an open-ended hollow body, first and second opposite axial ends, where the first axial end forms a bottom of the bottle and the second axial end forms a top of the bottle. The top of the bottle includes a tapered pouring neck. Suspension means is formed with the hollow body for suspending the wine bottle in a fixture. The suspension means is integrated with at least contralateral sidewalls of the hollow body and disposed superjacent to the bottom of the bottle but generally proximate to the bottom of the bottle. The suspension means may include a pair of recesses, a recessed annular ring or a protruding annular ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: WINE FROM THE VINE, LLC
    Inventor: John A. Guido
  • Publication number: 20110079574
    Abstract: A blow molded plastic container for hot fill and pasteurization uses includes a main body portion that is shaped so as to be substantially rectangular in horizontal cross-section and a base portion. The base portion is shaped to define a generally rectangular standing ring and an elevated push-up portion that is positioned radially inward of the standing ring. The push-up portion includes a central region, an annular, substantially straight and substantially vertical rise portion that is positioned immediately radially inward of the standing ring and a plurality of radially oriented waves. Each of the waves extends radially outwardly from the central region to the vertical rise portion. The main body portion is shaped so as to have a plurality of sidewall portions that are bounded by a plurality of vertically extending edge portions. In one embodiment, at least one of the vertically extending edge portions may have at least one inwardly extending gusset defined therein to provide structural reinforcement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer, Benton A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7900796
    Abstract: A container that includes a hollow body having at least a first exterior wall and a recess defined in the first exterior wall A tab is formed integrally with the exterior wall and located in the recess. The tab does not extend substantially beyond the recess. Removal of the tab forms an opening in the first exterior wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric B. Ungrady, Larry Taylor
  • Patent number: 7886924
    Abstract: A wine glass constructed from molded plastic includes an upper body defining an upwardly narrowed flume for concentrating the wine bouquet, in combination with a contoured lower base defining an annular moat surrounding a central punt for enhanced visual inspection of the wine. In addition, the upper body further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof forming a shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules adapted for assembly to form the wine glass, and disassembly for respective compact stacking. In another form, the wine glass has a one-piece construction adapted for compact stacking by nested reception of the upwardly narrowed flume partially into the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: By the Glass, LLC
    Inventors: Boyd I. Willat, Joseph T. Perrulli, Amber R. Willat, Paul H. Velick, Gary D. Delgado
  • Patent number: 7882971
    Abstract: A thin-walled, non-round plastic container having a body portion with generally rectangular sidewalls and a base. The body portion having a label mounting area extending between an upper label bumper and a lower label bumper on at least two of the adjacent sidewalls. The label mounting area includes a vacuum panel on a first sidewall, and a plurality of ribs, which may be on a second sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul V. Kelley, Richard Ogg, David Melrose, Seungyeol Hong, Jonh Denner
  • Publication number: 20110024385
    Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes includes a container body defining an internal space and having a main body portion that defines a longitudinal axis and an outer diameter. The main body portion is substantially cylindrical at its outer diameter, and includes first and second recessed flexible vacuum uptake panels, each of which is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly to provide vacuum uptake when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space relative to ambient external pressure. The main body portion further includes a front side defining a first curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels and a rear side defining a second curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels. The first curved sidewall portion has a length L1 as viewed in horizontal cross-section that is less than a length L2 of the second curved sidewall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Benton A. LEWIS, Justin A. HOWELL, Sunil S. SHAH, Michael T. KELLY, Robert WALTEMYER
  • Publication number: 20110011825
    Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur as a result of internal pressure and temperature changes during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body has at least one flexible panel defined therein, which includes an outer flexible panel portion and an inner flexible panel portion. The outer flexible panel portion has a shape when a pressure equilibrium exists between the internal space and ambient external pressure, and is further constructed and arranged to assume a shape of increased concavity when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space. The inner flexible panel portion is constructed and arranged to flex relative to the outer flexible panel portion in order to accommodate internal pressure changes within the container body. The inner and outer flexible panel portions accordingly work in tandem to permit efficient vacuum uptake in a hot-fill type container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Justin A. Howell, Benton A. Lewis, Eric B. Ungrady, Sunil S. Shah
  • Patent number: 7857157
    Abstract: A plastic container has an upper portion including a mouth defining an opening into the container. A shoulder region extends from the upper portion. A sidewall portion extends from the shoulder region to a base portion. The base portion closes off an end of the container. An upper bumper portion is defined at a transition between the shoulder region and the sidewall portion. The upper bumper portion includes an upper raised wall defining a maximum width of the container. The upper raised wall includes a recessed portion formed therein. A lower bumper portion is defined at a transition between the base portion and the sidewall portion. The lower bumper portion includes a lower raised wall defining the maximum width of the container. The lower raised wall includes a recessed portion formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Michael T Lane, Mark O Blystone, G. David Lisch, Richard K Rangler
  • Patent number: 7845145
    Abstract: A package system which combines an article and a container in an integrated package with the article secured in nested relationship within a recess of the container. The recess has sufficient depth such that portions of the side walls of the container extend outwardly effectively beyond an exposed surface of the article so as to protect the article against damage. Alternatively, the package system includes a pair of spaced columns which are integrally formed with the side wall of the container and which extend outwardly from the side wall. A recess is formed between the column members which is configured to receive an article in nested relationship within the recess. Methods for securing the article in nested relationship within the recess of the container are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Michael D. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7837049
    Abstract: A thermoplastic container (1) having a body (2) provided with at least one groove (6) that forms a closed loop and that extends perpendicularly to the axis of the body; the groove having a depth (p) that lies in the range 3 mm to 6 mm; in right section, the groove comprises: an bottom (8) that is rounded, having a small radius of curvature (R1) in the range 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm; two faces (9) that are plane and that flare apart from each other on either side of the bottom (8) at an angle (?) in the range 50° to 90°; and two faces (10) that are curvilinear, and that extend away from the respective plane faces (9) at an angle (?) that is less than 180°, and that are connected thereto by respective rounded walls (11) of small radius of curvature (R2) that does not exceed 1.5 mm, and that are connected tangentially to the wall (12) of the body (2). Such a groove (6) is deformable with a capacity to pinch axially in the presence of an axial force applied to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventor: Michel Boukobza
  • Patent number: 7832583
    Abstract: A hot-fillable container that has an aesthetically pleasing shaped after the hot-fill process. The side walls of the container have structural aspects that permit the side walls to retain a substantially similar shape after the hot-fill process. This allows for an aesthetically pleasing design that compensates for the deformation that can occur during the hot-fill process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric B. Ungrady, Sheldon E. Yourist
  • Publication number: 20100270255
    Abstract: A finish for a plastic container and a preform adapted to be molded into the plastic container. The finish and the preform include an upper portion having a mouth defining an opening into the container. At least one groove is defined around a radial sidewall of the upper portion. The groove slopes gradually downward along the radial sidewall to a terminal end having a first groove depth at a groove entrance and a second groove depth after a predetermined amount of groove travel. The second groove depth being greater than the first groove depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Michael E. PENNY
  • Publication number: 20100206839
    Abstract: According to a bottle of the present invention, grooves are formed at each of an upper and a lower end portions of a column; the grooves extend along a circumferential direction; both end portions of each of the grooves in the circumferential direction are in contact with each of both end edges of the column in the circumferential direction, whereby occurrence of local deformation in the column can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Tanaka, Toyoji Kato, Masaaki Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20100176081
    Abstract: A container has meta-stable panels to compensate for internal vacuum from hot filling. The panels include a groove that yields during deformation such that the stiffness of the panel varies from its pre-yield stage to its post-yield stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Satya Kamineni, Timothy J. Boyd, Michael R. Mooney
  • Publication number: 20100163515
    Abstract: A synthetic resin container including a mouth part 2, a shoulder part 3, a trunk part 4 and a bottom part 5, wherein the trunk part 4 has rectangular cylindrical parts 41 and 42, and a round cylindrical part 43 which is formed by narrowing into a cylindrical shape a region between the upper rectangular cylindrical part 41 positioned near the shoulder part 3 and the lower rectangular cylindrical part 42 positioned near the bottom part 5 side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: TOYO SEIKAN KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshinori Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20100155360
    Abstract: A blow molded container has a neck portion defining a mouth. The neck portion leads into a shoulder portion and a bottom portion forms a container base. A sidewall portion connects the shoulder portion and the bottom portion and employs a first pair of opposing convex vacuum panels and a second pair of opposing convex vacuum panels. The first pair of opposing convex vacuum panels is larger in surface area than the second pair of opposing convex vacuum panels. A vertical column at each corner of the container joins the first pair of opposing vacuum panels to the second pair of opposing vacuum panels. A structural convex arch resides above and below each convex vacuum panel. Each of the vertical columns are molded into the structural convex arches. Vacuum initiator grooves may be molded into the first and second pair of opposing vacuum panels to control vacuum panel movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Luke A. Mast, Walter J. Strasser, David Downing, Frederick C. Beuerle
  • Publication number: 20100155359
    Abstract: A one-piece plastic hot-fill container may employ a shoulder portion, a base portion and a sidewall portion, which may be integrally formed with and extend from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The sidewall portion may generally be in an hourglass shape and employ a plurality of arched contour ribs and a plurality of arched contour lands that may alternate along a longitudinal length of the sidewall portion. An outside diameter of an upper body portion is greater than an outside diameter of a lower body portion, which may form a hand grip area. The arched contour ribs may further employ an upper flat wall, a lower flat wall, and an inner curved wall joining the upper and lower walls, which together may form an angle of about 60 degrees, and move in response to hot-fill product contraction within the container or top load forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: John B. Simon, Walter J. Strasser, Anna C. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 7726500
    Abstract: A hollow plastic container with a separately formed handle engaging the sidewall of the container and supported thereby. The handle includes an elongated portion extending upwardly over the major portion of the longitudinal extent of the sidewall and arm portions extending from the elongated portion towards the sidewall for engagement with the sidewall, wherein the sidewall receives the arm portions and holds the handle in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Young, Richard C. Darr, Christopher E. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 7721922
    Abstract: The present invention includes a receptacle for a cosmetic or care product although other substances may be used in conjunction with the present application. The receptacle includes a body with a single opening. An insert is secured in the opening and includes a passage for extracting the cosmetic or care product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Pascal Balzeau
  • Patent number: 7717282
    Abstract: A semi-rigid collapsible container has a side-wall with an upper portion, a central portion, a lower portion and a base. The central portion includes a vacuum panel portion having a control portion and an initiator portion. The control portion is inclined more steeply in a vertical direction, i.e. has a more acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the container, than the initiator portion. On low vacuum force being present within the container panel following the cooling of a hot liquid in the container, the initiator portion will flex inwardly to cause the control portion to invert and flex further inwardly into the container and the central portion to collapse. In the collapsed state upper and lower portions of the central portion may be in substantial contact so as to contain the top-loading capacity of the container. Raised ribs made an additional support for the container in its collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: CO2 Pac Limited
    Inventor: David Melrose
  • Patent number: 7699183
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are bottle-shaped containers having a trunk portion approximating a square. The trunk portion comprises four tabular side walls arrayed about a center axis and four corner walls connected to adjacent side walls in a corner-cutting form. The width of the corner walls expands from the top end and the bottom end toward a position about midway between the top end and the bottom end. By making the widths of the side walls and the corner walls about equal at a location about midway between the top portion and the bottom portion, the distance between the corner walls in mutual opposition with respect to the center axis can be decreased, forming a waist portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: The Coca-Cola Company, Yoshino Kogyosho, K.K.
    Inventors: Kenshi Matsuoka, Ryoichi Tomishima, Satoshi Kuboi, Toshimasa Tanaka, Tadashi Hayakawa, Takao Iizuka
  • Publication number: 20100084360
    Abstract: A plastic bottle (1) and similar containers for receiving fluid substances have an elongated body (2), wherein the one longitudinal end is closed by a bottom (3) and the opposite end transitions into a neck section (4) having a pouring spout (5). A shoulder section (6) extends from the neck section (4) to a region (7) of the body (2), wherein the region has a larger diameter. The shoulder section (6) is equipped with structured regions (10) at least in a portion of the axial and circumferential extensions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Dornbach