SERIES OF BOTTLES AND BOTTLE WITH LOGO PANEL

Abstract

A series of hot-fill, PET bottles, includes a first bottle with a first volume and a first front profile; and a second bottle with a second volume and a second front profile. The first volume and the second volume are different and the first front profile and the second front profile are substantially the same.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/449,713, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Beverage bottle makers, e.g., for PET bottles, provide bottled beverages for different customers (e.g., individual consumers, the food service industry and/or juice/beverage makers), and the different customers have needs for or expectations of different sized bottles. For example, individual consumers may prefer or expect a bottle that is sized for sixty-four fluid ounces of beverage whereas the food service industry may prefer or expect a bottle that is sized for sixty fluid ounces of beverage. In the past, different sized bottles and/or bottles that were directed to different customers were non-uniform in relation to size and/or shape as perceived by the customers. For example, see U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0326951, where FIGS. 2-9 illustrate a sixty-four fluid ounce bottle, FIGS. 10-16 illustrate a sixty fluid ounce bottle, and FIGS. 17-21 illustrate a ninety-six fluid ounce bottle, each of which is incorporated by reference. Such visually distinct bottles could cause consumer confusion, especially before labeling takes place. Differently sized bottles also satisfy a need to differentiate for different classes of trade, e.g., wholesale vs. retail.

Also, bottles exist with a region that is adapted to receive a label. Often, the region that receives the label is recessed.

A need has developed to address one or more shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY

The present technology addresses the shortcomings of the prior art.

An aspect of the present technology includes a series of bottles of different capacities or internal volumes with identical or similar appearances when viewed from the same direction, e.g., when viewed from the front or the back. Such a series of bottles can provide benefits related to brand identification across different size bottles.

An aspect of the present technology includes first and second bottles with similar or identical lower side profiles and different upper side profiles. With two such bottles, similar or identical front or rear profiles are possible while providing different capacities or internal volumes.

An aspect of the present technology includes a panel in a grip portion of a bottle, where a periphery of the panel transitions from a first relatively raised edge to a first relatively recessed edge to second relatively raised edge to second relatively recessed edge and back to the first relatively recessed edge. Such a panel can provide benefits related to both gripping the bottle and application of a label on the panel.

An aspect of the present technology is directed to a series of bottles (such as hot-fill, PET bottles), comprising a first bottle with a first volume and a first front profile; and a second bottle with a second volume and a second front profile, wherein the first volume and the second volume are different and the first front profile and the second front profile are substantially the same.

In examples, (a) the first front profile and the second front profile are approximately the same, (b) the first front profile and the second front profile are identical, (c) the first bottle comprises a first side profile, the second bottle comprises a second side profile, and the first side profile and the second side profile are different, (d) the first bottle comprises a first substantially rectangular cross-section along an axial extent of the first bottle and the first front profile corresponds to a longer side of the first substantially rectangular cross-section, the second bottle comprises a second substantially rectangular cross-section along an axial extent of the second bottle and the second front profile corresponds to a longer side of the second substantially rectangular cross-section, (e) the first front profile and the first side profile are substantially perpendicular to one another, and the second front profile and the second side profile are substantially perpendicular to one another, (f) a first lower portion of the first side profile and a second lower portion of the second side profile are substantially the same, (g) the first lower portion extends from a bottom of the first bottle to substantially half a height of the first bottle, and the second lower portion extends from a bottom of the second bottle to substantially half a height of the second bottle, (h) a first lower portion of the first side profile and a second lower portion of the second side profile are identical, (i) the first lower portion extends from a bottom of the first bottle to substantially half a height of the first bottle, and the second lower portion extends from a bottom of the second bottle to substantially half a height of the second bottle, (j) the first bottle has an internal volume that is about 64 fluid ounces, and the second bottle has an internal volume that is about 60 fluid ounces, (k) the first bottle comprises a first neck and a first body, the second bottle comprises a second neck and a second body, and the first body and the second body are substantially rectangular along entire axial extents thereof, (l) the first bottle comprises a first lower portion, the second bottle comprises a second lower portion and the first lower portion and the second lower portion have a same volume and a same height, and/or (m) the same height is about half a height of each bottle.

Another aspect of the present technology is directed to a plastic container (such as a hot-fill, PET bottle) comprising a grip portion. The grip portion comprises a panel adapted to present at least one of a logo and a label. A periphery of the panel comprises: two recessed portions that are recessed relative to a surrounding portion of the grip portion, two raised portions that are raised relative to the surrounding portion of the grip portion, and four inflection points that are neither recessed nor raised relative to the surrounding portion of the grip portion. Each recessed portion of the two recessed portions is adjacent to both of the two raised portions, and the four inflection points are each disposed between one recessed portion and one raised portion, and the surrounding portion of the grip portion adjoins the panel.

In examples, (a) the panel is between a center of gravity of the plastic container and an opening adapted to receive a cap, (b) the two recessed portions are an upper portion and a lower portion of the periphery and the two raised portions are lateral portions of the periphery, (c) the panel is adapted to receive a label secured by adhesive, (d) the panel includes an integrally molded logo, (e) the panel is substantially flat interior to the periphery, (f) the panel is slightly convex interior to the periphery, (g) the panel is substantially flat interior to the periphery and in a horizontal direction, and slightly convex interior to the periphery and in a vertical direction, (h) the bottle further comprises a second panel on an opposite side of the plastic container from the panel, the panel and the second panel being substantially the same, (i) the bottle further comprises a body that comprises the grip portion, wherein the body is substantially rectangular along an entire axial extent thereof, (j) the panel is designed to accommodate at least a portion of internal forces tending to collapse the plastic container inwardly due to filling of the plastic container with a liquid at an elevated temperature and subsequent cooling of the liquid, (k) the grip is designed to accommodate at least a portion of internal forces tending to collapse the plastic container inwardly due to filling of the plastic container with a liquid at an elevated temperature and subsequent cooling of the liquid, (l) the panel is substantially planar, (m) the plastic container further comprises a ledge adjacent to a bottom portion of the panel, wherein the ledge transitions continuously from the panel to an outermost vertical wall of the plastic container by way of a relatively straight portion adjacent to the panel to a rounded portion that smoothly transitions to the outermost vertical wall of the plastic container, and/or (n) the panel is substantially flat in a vertical direction and forms an angle between 0° and 30° with the vertical direction.

Another aspect of the present technology is directed to a method of manufacturing a plastic container (such as a hot-fill, PET bottle) with a grip portion with a panel adapted to present at least one of a logo and a label. The method comprises forming two recessed portions of the panel that are recessed relative to a surrounding portion of the grip portion, forming two raised portions of the panel that are raised relative to the surrounding portion of the grip portion, and forming four inflection points that are neither recessed nor raised relative to the surrounding portion of the grip portion. Each recessed portion of the two recessed portions is formed adjacent to both of the two raised portions. The four inflection points are each formed between one recessed portion and one raised portion. The surrounding portion of the grip portion is formed to adjoin the panel.

In examples, (a) a label is applied to the panel, (b) a second panel is formed on an opposite side of the plastic container and substantially the same as the panel, (c) a logo is molded on the panel, and/or (d) the panel is formed to be substantially planar.

Another aspect of the present technology is directed to a method of displaying a first bottle and a second bottle (such as hot-fill, PET bottles), the first bottle having a first volume and a first display profile and the second bottle having a second volume different from the first volume and a second display profile that is substantially the same as the first display profile. The method comprises displaying the first bottle and the second bottle on one or more shelves such that a bottom of the first bottle and a bottom of the second bottle are supported on the one or more shelves, and orienting first bottle so that the first display profile is displayed, and orienting the second bottle so that the second display profile is displayed.

Another aspect of the present technology is directed to plastic container (such as a hot-fill, PET bottle) comprising a body portion having a top portion and a bottom portion; the top portion including a grip portion and a grip edge provided along at least an upper side of the grip portion; and the bottom portion comprising a base portion and a plurality of vacuum panels. The top portion includes less than forty percent of a total internal volume of the plastic container.

In examples, (a) the top portion is between thirty three percent and thirty nine percent of the total internal volume, (b) the bottom portion is at least forty percent of a height of the plastic container, (c) the bottom portion is approximately forty eight percent of a height of the plastic container, (d) the bottom portion has substantially vertical walls, (e) the body portion has a substantially rectangular cross section all along a vertical axis of the body, (f) the container further comprises a transition shoulder where the top portion and the bottom portion meet, (g) the grip portion comprises a label portion with a first horizontal cross sectional area through a middle of the label portion, the bottom portion comprises a second cross sectional area through a middle of the bottom portion, and a ratio of the first cross sectional area to the second cross sectional area is between 6/10 and 9/10, (h) the ratio is between 7/10 and 8/10, (i) the ratio is about 3/4, (j) a center of gravity of the plastic container is located substantially where the top portion and the bottom portion meet, and/or (k) the top portion transitions from the bottom portion to a neck portion, the neck portion being adapted to receive a cap.

Another aspect of the present technology is directed to a plastic container (such as a hot-fill PET bottle) comprising: a grip portion comprising a panel adapted to present a logo and/or a label, and a first rib that is substantially vertical when viewed from a side of the plastic container that includes the grip portion. The first rib is disposed to extend from a bottom edge of the grip portion towards a bottom of the plastic container.

In examples, (a) the panel is between a center of gravity of the plastic container and an opening adapted to receive a cap, (b) the container further comprises a second rib extending from the bottom edge of the grip portion towards the bottom of the plastic container, (c) the first rib and the second rib are substantially symmetrical with respect to one another about a vertical centerline of the panel, (d) the container further comprises a second grip portion on an opposite side of the plastic container from the grip portion, the grip portion and the second grip portion being substantially the same, and a third rib and a fourth rib, the first rib and the second rib being substantially the same as the third rib and the fourth rib, respectively, (e) the container further comprises a vacuum panel below the grip portion, and a shoulder disposed between the grip portion and the vacuum panel, wherein the first rib and the second rib extend from the grip portion, through the shoulder, and towards the vacuum panel, (f) the shoulder has a first height between the first rib and the second rib and a second height outside of the first rib and the second rib, wherein height is along a vertical axis of the plastic container, (g) the first height is less than the second height, (h) the shoulder has a first thickness between the first rib and the second rib and a second thickness outside of the first rib and the second rib, wherein thickness is along a direction substantially perpendicular to the vacuum panel, the first thickness is less than the second thickness, (i) the panel is adapted to receive a label secured by adhesive, (j) the panel includes an integrally molded logo, (k) the container further comprises a body that comprises the grip portion, wherein the body is substantially rectangular along an entire axial extent thereof, (l) the panel is designed to accommodate at least a portion of internal forces tending to collapse the plastic container inwardly due to filling of the plastic container with a liquid at an elevated temperature and subsequent cooling of the liquid, (m) the container further comprises a vacuum panel below the grip portion, wherein the first rib extends from the grip portion towards the vacuum panel, and/or (n) the container further comprises a second rib similar to the first rib, wherein the first rib and the second rib are horizontally and inwardly offset from respective horizontal outer edges of the panel.

Another aspect of the present technology is directed to a series of bottles, comprising: a first bottle with a first volume and a first front profile; and a second bottle with a second volume and a second front profile, wherein the first volume and the second volume are different and the first front profile and the second front profile are substantially the same.

In examples, (a) the first front profile and the second front profile are approximately the same, (b) the first bottle comprises a first side profile, the second bottle comprises a second side profile, and the first side profile and the second side profile are different, (c) the first bottle comprises a first substantially rectangular profile when viewed from a top view, and the first front profile corresponds to a longer side of the first substantially rectangular profile, the second bottle comprises a second substantially rectangular profile when viewed from a top view, and the second front profile corresponds to a longer side of the second substantially rectangular profile, (d) the first front profile and the first side profile are substantially perpendicular to one another, and the second front profile and the second side profile are substantially perpendicular to one another, (e) a first lower portion of the first side profile and a second lower portion of the second side profile are substantially the same, (f) the first lower portion extends from a bottom of the first bottle to substantially half a height of the first bottle, and the second lower portion extends from a bottom of the second bottle to substantially half a height of the second bottle, (g) a first lower portion of the first side profile and a second lower portion of the second side profile are identical, (h) the first lower portion extends from a bottom of the first bottle to substantially half a height of the first bottle, and the second lower portion extends from a bottom of the second bottle to substantially half a height of the second bottle, (i) the first bottle comprises a first neck and a first body, the second bottle comprises a second neck and a second body, and the first body and the second body are substantially rectangular along vertical extents thereof when viewed from above the first neck and the second neck, respectively, (k) the first bottle comprises a first lower portion, the second bottle comprises a second lower portion and the first lower portion and the second lower portion have a same height and width as seen from front and side views, (l) the same height is about half a height of each bottle, (m) the first bottle comprises: a grip portion comprising a panel, wherein a periphery of the panel comprises: a top portion and a bottom portion that are recessed relative to a surrounding portion of the grip portion, two side portions that are raised relative to the surrounding portion of the grip portion, and transitions between the top portion and the side portions and between the bottom portion and the side portions, (n) the panel is substantially flat interior to the periphery, (o) the first bottle further comprises a second panel on an opposite side of the first bottle from the panel, the panel and the second panel being substantially the same, (p) the first bottle further comprises a body that comprises the grip portion, wherein the body is substantially rectangular from a top view, and/or (q) the panel is substantially planar.

Another aspect of the present technology is directed to a method of arranging a first bottle and a second bottle, the first bottle having a first display profile and a first side profile and the second bottle having a second side profile different from the first side profile and a second display profile that is substantially the same as the first display profile, the method comprising: arranging the first bottle and the second bottle adjacent one another such that a bottom of the first bottle and a bottom of the second bottle are positioned in a common plane, and orienting first bottle so that the first display profile is displayed, and orienting the second bottle so that the second display profile is displayed.

In examples, (a) the first side profile and the second side profile each have upper portions and lower portions, the upper portions are different, and/or (b) the lower portions are substantially the same.

Other aspects, features, and advantages of this technology will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of this technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front profile view of two bottles;

FIG. 2 is a side profile view of two bottles;

FIG. 3 is a top profile view of two bottles;

FIG. 4 is a front profile view of one bottle;

FIG. 5 is a side profile view of one bottle;

FIG. 6 is a top profile view of one bottle;

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross sectional view of one bottle taken at 7-7 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross sectional view of one bottle taken at 8-8 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a horizontal cross sectional view of one bottle taken at 9-9 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a top portion of a bottle;

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross sectional view of a bottle taken at 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a top portion of a bottle;

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross sectional view of a bottle taken at 13-13 in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is provided in relation to several examples which may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of any one example may be combinable with one or more features of the other examples. In addition, any single feature or combination of features in any of the examples may constitute additional examples.

As discussed herein, unless stated otherwise, all bottle volumes refer to cold volumes. In order to achieve the cold volumes, containers may be filled with a greater volume of hot liquid which then achieves the lower desired cold volume upon cooling.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,575,321; 6,749,075; 7,004,342 and 7,350,658 disclose a hot-fillable, generally rectangular, plastic container with various vacuum panels in top and bottom portions of the container. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0326951 discloses a hot-fillable, generally rectangular, plastic container with reinforced corner portions. The subject of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,575,321, 6,749,075, 7,004,342 and 7,350,658 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0326951 are each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Any aspect disclosed therein can be used in conjunction with the examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates two containers that are shown, e.g., arranged, as a front profile view, or display view, of a first bottle 100 and a second bottle 300. The first bottle 100 and the second bottle 300 may be plastic, e.g. a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), hot-fillable or cold-fillable beverage container. Typically, a hot-fillable bottle will include one or more vacuum panels, while it is not necessary for cold fill bottles to include such vacuum panels. However, a hot-fillable bottle can be used for cold fill applications. The bottles may have a filling capacities of 64 oz., 60 oz., 96 oz., or smaller than 60 oz. or larger than 96 oz., etc. The first bottle 100 is illustrated with a first volume, e.g. 64 oz., and the second bottle 300 is illustrated with a second volume, e.g. 60 oz. Also, while described in conjunction with rectangular bottles, such features may also have application to other types of bottles.

The bottles 100, 300 include necks 130, 330 and body portions 140, 340 that extend away from the necks 130, 330. The necks 130, 330 may be crystallized to have a substantially opaque appearance, as is well known in the art. However, it is not necessary to provide a crystallized neck. The body portions 140, 340 include top portions 145, 345 and bottom portions 150, 350 that, in this example may be taller than the top portions 145, 345, although the bottom portions 150, 350 may be shorter than the top portions 145, 345. The top portions 145, 345 and/or bottom portions 150, 350 may have vacuum deformation portions 155, 355. Base or heel portions 125, 325 are provided below the vacuum deformation portions 155, 355.

The bottles 100, 300 are manufactured, for example, using a blow-molding process which is well known. During blowmolding, preforms (not shown) are expanded and assume the shape of an interior molding surface, i.e., a mold (not shown), to form substantially transparent, biaxially-oriented bottles. The necks 130, 330 of the preforms are not expanded and remain as the necks 130, 330 of the bottles 100, 300. The necks 130, 330 include threads and open mouths 135, 335 for receiving screw-on caps (not shown) such as 38 mm or 43 mm caps. Other size caps may be used as well. The lower portions of the preforms are expanded to form the body portions 140, 340 of the bottles 100, 300, including the top portions 145, 345 and the bottom portions 150, 350.

The bottles 100, 300 include shoulder or dome portions 160, 360 and grip portions 165, 365 below the shoulder portions 160, 360. The grip portions 165, 365 are inwardly recessed into the body portions 140, 340 at least at an upper, central portion of the grip portions 165, 365 so as to result in an overhang 400 that tends to prevent the bottles 100, 300 from slipping out of a user's hand.

As is evident from FIG. 1, the bottles 100, 300 have front profiles that are substantially the same, although they may be identical. The bottles 100, 300 may have different features making up the front profile, yet the front profiles could still be substantially the same or identical. For example, a centrally located feature (such as vacuum panel) could protrude on one bottle but be relatively more recessed on another bottle, resulting in different depths and/or volumes but the same front profile. Such differences might only be apparent in a side or perspective view or cross sectional view. Having substantially the same front profiles is beneficial in that it helps consumers identify the bottles. However, different consumers require different volumes of product within the bottles. With bottles that have substantially the same front profile, but different volumes, a manufacturer can provide brand identification while meeting the need for different volumes, while bottles can be differentiated, if necessary, using labels. Different volume bottles that have substantially the same front profile can be achieved by having bottles with different side profiles. The bottles 100, 300 are shown with threads on the neck portions 130, 330. The type, location and orientation of the threads need not be identical for the profiles of the bottles 100, 300 to be considered identical.

In addition to the front profiles being substantially the same, the entire front side (and/or rear side) of the bottles 100, 300 may very similar or identical.

FIG. 2 illustrates the bottles 100, 300 from a side view. As is evident, the bottles 100, 300 have side profiles that are different. As illustrated, the bottom portions 150, 350 have substantially the same side profiles whereas the side profiles of the top portions 145, 345 are different. Although the bottom portions 150, 350 could have different profiles, keeping them the same or substantially the same has certain benefits. For example, if the bottom portions 150, 350 are identical, the lower mold halves for the bottles 100, 300 may be identical, which may reduce capital expenditures for the molds. Similarly, if the bottom portions 150, 350 are substantially the same, manufacturing equipment related to transport and handling may be the same for both bottles 100, 300. For example, when the bottles are moved through a bottling or packing facility, the bottom portions 150, 350 may move along the same conveying system. Similarly, with the bottom portions 150, 350 being substantially the same, similar packaging, such as cardboard cases with a number of bottles in a single package, may be dimensionally similar or the same, again saving manufacturing costs. Also, with bottles having the same height, stacks of bottles with different volumes will have the same height, which may provide benefits in storage or with handling equipment. Similar portions of differently sized bottles also allows for common change parts for packaging lines where they contact the similar portions of the bottles. The similar portions of differently sized bottles also allows for common secondary packaging such as labels, cases, trays, etc.

If the front profiles of the bottles 100, 300 and side profiles of the bottom portions 150, 350 are substantially the same, the side profiles of the top portions 145, 345 should be different. As shown in FIG. 2, the top portion 345 of the second bottle 300 is generally narrower than the top portion 145 of the first bottle 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bottom portions 150, 350 of the bottles 100, 300 may have an internal volume of about 37 oz. for each bottle if the bottle 100 is a 64 oz. bottle and the bottle 300 is a 60 oz. bottle. Accordingly, the bottle 100 will have a top portion 145 that is about 27 oz. whereas the bottle 300 will have a top portion that is about 23 oz. Alternatively, the bottom portion 350 of the bottle 300 may have a volume that is 100% of the volume of the bottom portion 150 of the bottle 100. The top portion 345 may have an internal volume that is between 80% and 90% of an internal volume of the top portion 145, between 84% and 86% of the top portion 145, or about 85% of the volume of the top portion 145. Generally, both of the bottles 100, 300 may have about a 40%/60% split between their top portions 145, 345 and bottom portions 150, 350, respectively. Alternatively, the bottle 100 may include about 42% of the total volume in the top portion 145 and about 58% of the total volume in the bottom portion 150. The bottle 300 may include about 36% of the total volume in the top portion 345 and about 64% of the total volume in the bottom portion 350. The differences in volumes of the top portions 145, 345, while having substantially similar, approximately similar or identical front profiles, allows for a bottle that looks identical to a bottle with a different volume when viewed from the front.

FIG. 3 illustrates the bottles 100, 300 from a top view.

The bottles 100, 300 may be displayed in an advantageous manner. For example, the bottles 100, 300 may be placed and/or arranged on a common surface and/or plane, such as a shelf, or different surfaces, so that the front profiles of the bottles 100, 300 are visible. One of each bottle 100 and bottle 300 may be displayed adjacent to or in contact with one another or the bottles 100, 300 may be displayed relatively far part. Similarly, many bottles 100 could be displayed together and many bottles 300 could be displayed together. Regardless of the number and relative locations of the bottles 100 and bottles 300, by displaying the bottles 100, 300 so that the front, or display, profiles of each of the bottles 100, 300 are visible, a consumer can see the similarities between the bottles readily, which will reduce consumer confusion because the consumer can readily identify the profiles of the bottles regardless of the internal volume of the bottles 100, 300.

As illustrated, the primary differences between the bottle 300 and the bottle 100 are the grip portions 165, 365 and the side profiles of the upper portions 145, 345. However, the grip portion 365 could also be applied to the bottle 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates the bottle 300 from the front view. The grip portion 365 includes a panel 370 that is illustrated as an oval shape, but could be any other shape, e.g. a square, a rectangle, a circle, a star, etc. The grip portion 365 is generally above a center of gravity R and below a neck 330. The center of gravity R is generally located at or near a transition shoulder or upper label bumper 390, which transitions the bottle 300 between the top portion 345 and the bottom portion 350. A lower label bumper 425 is illustrated near the bottom of the bottle 300. The upper label bumper 390 and lower label bumper 425 delimit an area of the bottle where a wrap around label (not shown) may typically be applied.

A periphery of the panel 370 includes two recessed portions 375 that are recessed with respect to a surrounding portion of the grip portion 365 (an overhang 400 and a ledge 405) and two raised portions 380 that are raised with respect to a surrounding portion of the grip portion 365. In between the raised portions 380 and the recessed portions 375 are four inflection points 385, e.g., four transitions. At the inflection points 385, the periphery of the panel 370 transitions between one recessed portion 375 and one raised portion 380. Thus, the inflection points 385 are at substantially a same height relative to the surrounding portion of the grip portion 365.

The panel 370 may include an integrally molded logo and/or be adapted to receive an adhesive label. The panel 370 may include a logo, such as “Ocean Spray®” and/or the Ocean Spray® “wave”. The logo may include an anti-slip surface in the form of raised or embossed (depressed) lettering, logos, characters or other designs, which helps prevent the bottle 300 from slipping out of the user's fingers and thumb.

Further, in addition to or instead of using integrally formed lettering, designs or logos, the logo may be in the form of a label that is applied, e.g., using an adhesive, to the grip portion. When applying an adhesive label, the panel 370 as illustrated provides certain advantages. For example, by including one or more raised portions 375, it may be easier to more accurately place the label on the panel 370. If a machine is used to place the label, it may be easier for the machine to locate a raised edge as opposed to a recessed area. Also, a raised portion may be advantageous in that there are not other surrounding structures (such as raised portions) that could interfere with application of a label. Thus the overhang 400 and the ledge 405 together define a label wrap or application area.

Including a recessed portion 375 and/or overhang 400 may also be advantageous in that a user's hand can grip the bottle 300 more surely. For example, if the bottle 300 is refrigerated and then left out in a humid environment, condensation could make a surface of the bottle 300 slippery. However, a recessed portion 375 can provide a ledge, shelf, ridge, etc. (overhang 400), that will not readily slip through the user's hand.

Thus, by including both a raised portion 380 and a recessed portion 375, a label can be applied more easily while still allowing a user a sure grip on the grip portion 365. Also, the combination of a raised portion 380 and a recessed portion 375 may provide improved or alternative stiffness. For example, the inflection points 385 may provide for locations that are intentionally allowed to flex or hinge more so than the raised portion 380 and/or the recessed portion 375. Also, including both raised portions 380 and recessed portions 375 may provide improved stiffness because, for example, the raised portion 380 may be more resistant to inwardly applied forces whereas the recessed portion 375 may be more resistant to outwardly applied forces or vise versa.

The panel 370 may also serve as a vacuum deformation panel. A vacuum deformation panel is a structure that tends to accommodate at least a portion of internal forces tending to collapse the bottle 300 inwardly that occur when the bottle 300 is filled with a liquid at an elevated temperature and subsequently cooled. For example, the material connected to the raised portions 380 and the recessed portions 375 include material that will be relatively more resistant to a pressure exerted normal to the panel 370 because the material connected to the raised portions 380 and the recessed portions 375 are at an angle to the relatively large surface area of the panel 375. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (discussed in more detail below), material near the raised portions 380 is at nearly a right angle to the panel 370, which will be relatively more resistant to forces tending to collapse the panel 370 than the panel 370 itself.

In an example, the top portion 345 may be 40% or less of a total volume of the bottle 300. In an example, the top portion 345 may be between 33% and 39% of a total volume of the bottle 300. In an example, the bottom portion 350 of the bottle 300 is at least 40% of a total height of the bottle 300. In an example, the bottom portion 350 of the bottle 300 is approximately 48% of a height of the bottle 300. By including a bottle with the percentages discussed above, the bottle 300 can be configured to look substantially the same as the bottle 100 from a front view, while having a different volume.

FIG. 5 illustrates the bottle 300 from a side view. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the lower recessed portion 375 is recessed relative to the surrounding portion of the grip portion 365 by a distance D_A1 and the upper recessed portion 375 is recessed relative to the surrounding portion of the grip portion 365 by a distance D_A2. In an example, D_A1 is 5-15 mm and D_A2 is 1-10 mm. In another example, D_A1 is 10-14 mm and D_A2 is 2-5 mm. In another example, D_A1 is about 11.3 mm and D_A2 is about 3.8 mm. Also evident from FIG. 5, the raised portion 380 is raised relative to a surrounding portion of the grip portion 365 by a distance D_E. In an example, D_E is 1-8 mm. In another example, D_E is 2-6 mm. In another example, D_E is about 3.7 mm.

As is evident from FIGS. 4 and 5, the bottom portion 350 may have substantially vertical walls.

FIG. 6 illustrates the bottle 300 from a top view. In the top view, two raised portions 380, one recessed portion 375 and two inflection points 385 are visible for each panel 370.

FIG. 7 illustrates a vertical cross section taken through the grip portion 365 (as shown in FIG. 4). For each panel 370, two recessed portions 375 are visible, along with the respective amounts that they are recessed (D_A1, D_A2). Also evident from FIG. 7, the panels 370 are generally flat in a vertical direction. However, the panels 370 could also be convex or slightly convex in the vertical direction. If the panels 370 are convex or slightly convex, the panels 370 will be more rigid than if the panels 370 are perfectly flat.

The panel 370 also forms angles α and β with the ledge 405 and the overhang 400, respectively. In an example, α and β are greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°. In another example, α and β are between 135° and 165°. In another example, α is between 143° and 149° and β is between 154° and 160°. In another example, α is about 146° and β are about 157°. As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill, α and β do not have to be equal and can be chosen based upon the needs of a particular design. In FIG. 7, α and β are shown along 7-7 of FIG. 4 (at the midpoint of the width of the panel 370). As is apparent from the remaining figures, α and β may have different values if measured at locations other than along 7-7, or they may remain the same.

The shape of the ledge 405 is due, at least in part, to the differences between the dimensions D_W1 and D_W2. These dimensions will also determine, to a great extent, the volume of the upper portion 345. For example, the greater the difference between D_W1 and D_W2, the smaller the volume of the upper portion 345 will be. In an example, D_W1 is 90-115 mm. In another example, D_W1 is 100-105 mm. In another example, D_W1 is about 103.5 mm. In an example, D_W2 is 115-140 mm. In another example, D_W2 is 122-129 mm. In another example, D_W2 is about 125.9 mm. Also, as can be seen in FIG. 7, the upper portion 345 generally tapers from the ledge 405 to the neck 330 following an angle defined between the panels 370, where each panel 370 forms an angle γ measured from vertical. Thus, by decreasing D_W1, the panels 370 will become closer to being parallel, decreasing the volume of the upper portion 345. In an example, γ is between 0° and 30°. In another example, γ is between 0° and 20°. In another example, γ is between 4° and 12°. In another example, γ is about 8°. Although γ is illustrated as being equal on both the left and right sides of FIG. 7, γ may have different values on the left and right sides as may be dictated by the needs of a particular design.

The ledges 405 are defined largely by D_A1, D_A2 and α. As illustrated, the bottle 300 transitions from vertical, via a curved or rounded portion 410, to a straight portion of the ledge 405. Thus, the ledges 405 may transition continuously from the panel 370 to an outermost vertical wall 415 of the bottle by way of a relatively straight portion, adjacent to the panel 370, to the rounded portion 410 that smoothly transitions to the outermost vertical wall 415 of the bottle. However, the rounded portion 410 could a more abrupt or angular transition. In an example, the rounded portion 410 has a radius between 10 and 22 mm. In another example, the rounded portion 410 has a radius between 14 and 18 mm. In another example, the rounded portion 410 has a radius of about 16 mm.

FIG. 8 illustrates a horizontal cross section taken through the grip portion 365 (as shown in FIG. 4). The cross section is generally rectangular, with the panels 370 being located on longer sides of the rectangle; however, the panels 370 could also be located on the shorter sides of the rectangle depending on the volume requirements of a given bottle. Of course, the rectangle could also be square. For each panel 370, two raised portions 380 are visible, along with the amount they are raised (D_E). Also evident from FIG. 8, the panels 370 are generally flat in a horizontal direction, although the panels could also be convex or slightly convex in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 9 illustrates a horizontal cross section taken through the bottom portion 350 (as shown in FIG. 4). Although the cross section is shown as rectangular, other shapes, such as a square, could be provided as well.

Although the cross sections illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 are both shown as generally rectangular, they could have different shapes. For example, the cross section in FIG. 9 could be square while the cross section in FIG. 8 could be rectangular. Similarly, the cross section shown in FIG. 9 could be circular or oval and the cross section shown in FIG. 8 could be generally rectangular or square.

In an example, the cross section shown in FIG. 8 is between 60%-90% (ratio between 6/10 and 9/10) of the area of the cross section shown in FIG. 9. In another example, the cross section shown in FIG. 8 is between 70%-80% (ratio between 7/10 and 8/10) of the area of the cross section shown in FIG. 9. In another example, the cross section shown in FIG. 8 is about 75% (ratio of about 3/4) of the area of the cross section shown in FIG. 9

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a top portion of a bottle 300 with features not illustrated in the figures described above. Although not illustrated, the features discussed below related to FIGS. 10-13 could also be incorporated into the bottle 100. In particular, a first vertical rib 500 and a second vertical rib 510 are illustrated. These ribs extend from a bottom edge or boundary of the grip portion 365 through the upper label bumper 390 and towards the vacuum deformation portion 355 (illustrated as a panel). The area between the grip portion 365 through and including the upper label bumper 390 may be referred to as a shoulder 520. The ribs are horizontally and inwardly offset respectively from outermost horizontal edges of the grip portion 365. FIG. 11 illustrates the depth of the first vertical rib 500. The second vertical rib 510 may have a similar depth. The depth may be substantially coincident with a surface of the bottom portion 355.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are similar to FIGS. 10 and 11 except for the shoulder 520 between the first vertical rib 500 and the second vertical rib 510. In FIG. 12, the shoulder 520 is illustrated has having a height (along a vertical direction of the bottle 300) inside the ribs 500, 510 that is less than outside the ribs 500, 510. In FIG. 13, the shoulder 520 is illustrated has having a thickness (along a horizontal direction or direction substantially perpendicular to the vacuum deformation portion 355) inside the ribs 500, 510 that is less than outside the ribs 500, 510.

While the present technology has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred examples, it is to be understood that the technology is not to be limited to the disclosed examples, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the technology.

Claims

1. A series of bottles, comprising:

a first bottle with a first volume and a first front profile; and

a second bottle with a second volume and a second front profile,

wherein the first volume and the second volume are different and the first front profile and the second front profile are substantially the same.

2. The series of bottles according to claim 1, wherein the first front profile and the second front profile are approximately the same.

3. The series of bottles according to claim 1, wherein

the first bottle comprises a first side profile,

the second bottle comprises a second side profile, and

the first side profile and the second side profile are different.

4. The series of bottles according to claim 3, wherein

the first bottle comprises a first substantially rectangular profile when viewed from a top view, and the first front profile corresponds to a longer side of the first substantially rectangular profile,

the second bottle comprises a second substantially rectangular profile when viewed from a top view, and the second front profile corresponds to a longer side of the second substantially rectangular profile.

5. The series of bottles according to claim 3, wherein

the first front profile and the first side profile are substantially perpendicular to one another, and

the second front profile and the second side profile are substantially perpendicular to one another.

6. The series of bottles according to claim 3, wherein a first lower portion of the first side profile and a second lower portion of the second side profile are substantially the same.

7. The series of bottles according to claim 6, wherein

the first lower portion extends from a bottom of the first bottle to substantially half a height of the first bottle, and

the second lower portion extends from a bottom of the second bottle to substantially half a height of the second bottle.

8. The series of bottles according to claim 3, wherein a first lower portion of the first side profile and a second lower portion of the second side profile are identical.

9. The series of bottles according to claim 8, wherein

the first lower portion extends from a bottom of the first bottle to substantially half a height of the first bottle, and

the second lower portion extends from a bottom of the second bottle to substantially half a height of the second bottle.

10. The series of bottles according to claim 1, wherein

the first bottle comprises a first neck and a first body,

the second bottle comprises a second neck and a second body, and

the first body and the second body are substantially rectangular along vertical extents thereof when viewed from above the first neck and the second neck, respectively.

11. The series of bottles according to claim 1, wherein the first bottle comprises a first lower portion, the second bottle comprises a second lower portion and the first lower portion and the second lower portion have a same height and width as seen from front and side views.

12. The series of bottles according to claim 11, wherein the same height is about half a height of each bottle.

13. The series of bottles according to claim 1, wherein the first bottle comprises:

a grip portion comprising a panel, wherein a periphery of the panel comprises: a top portion and a bottom portion that are recessed relative to a surrounding portion of the grip portion, two side portions that are raised relative to the surrounding portion of the grip portion, and transitions between the top portion and the side portions and between the bottom portion and the side portions.

14. The series of bottles according to claim 13, wherein the panel is substantially flat interior to the periphery.

15. The series of bottles according to claim 13, further comprising a second panel on an opposite side of the first bottle from the panel, the panel and the second panel being substantially the same.

16. The series of bottles according to claim 13, further comprising a body that comprises the grip portion, wherein the body is substantially rectangular from a top view.

17. The series of bottles according to claim 13, wherein the panel is substantially planar.

18. A method of arranging a first bottle and a second bottle, the first bottle having a first display profile and a first side profile and the second bottle having a second side profile different from the first side profile and a second display profile that is substantially the same as the first display profile, the method comprising:

arranging the first bottle and the second bottle adjacent one another such that a bottom of the first bottle and a bottom of the second bottle are positioned in a common plane, and

orienting first bottle so that the first display profile is displayed, and

orienting the second bottle so that the second display profile is displayed.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the first side profile and the second side profile each have upper portions and lower portions, the upper portions are different.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the lower portions are substantially the same.