Molded Container Patents (Class 220/675)
  • Publication number: 20130020336
    Abstract: A container includes: a base; one or more sidewalls integrally formed with and extending upwardly from the base, wherein the sidewalls surround an internal cavity and wherein one or more of the sidewalls include a reinforcing web of increased wall thickness; and an upper edge on the sidewalls defining a top opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ROPAK Corporation
    Inventors: Frano Luburic, Joshua Dana Urban, Ralph G. Perkins
  • Publication number: 20130015096
    Abstract: A tray, as described herein, includes one or more ribs that increase the stacking or compressive strength of the tray and advantageously direct vertical compressive stacking forces to the relatively stronger portions of the tray. Specifically, the ribs direct the compressive stacking forces from the intermediate portions of the sidewall downward and outward toward the adjacent corners. The ribs can have an at least partially curvilinear shape between the intermediate portion of the sidewall and the adjacent corner thereof, such as having an intermediate generally bell-shaped region such that a vertex of the concave region is higher on the sidewall than where its legs intersect the corners of the tray. In another or alternative form, the tray can include one or more gripping portions that facilitate a user holding onto the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Corey Jacob BeVier, Bonita M. Hinze, MeeWha Lee
  • Publication number: 20130008916
    Abstract: A container includes a container body which defines a volume wherein a product is to be held and a cover that engages the container body to provide sufficient sealing in conjunction with the container body for the product contained therein. The container body defines an opening to the volume and the opening defines a throat of the container. The cover is configured to act as a plug in the throat of the container which provides an interference fit. The cover has an outer flange which defines tabs and the container body has an outer flange which defines notches which are configured to mechanically interlock with the tabs when the tabs are bent to engage the notches and thereby secure the cover to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Matteo Anthony Russo, JR.
  • Patent number: 8342347
    Abstract: A collapsible, portable container having a roof, a base, two foldable end walls and two removable side walls. The container is collapsed by removing the side walls and inwardly folding the end walls to draw the roof closer to the base. A slide lock feature is present which alternatively allows or prevents the inward folding of the container end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nova Chemicals (International) S.A.
    Inventor: Henry F. Hay
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120305578
    Abstract: A multicolored drinking cup is formed by blow molding a multicolored parison. The parison is formed by feeding the outputs of a plurality of controllable rate extruders into an extruding head and varying the flow rates of the extruders in a controlled manner under computer control to produce a parison in which the colors vary in width along the height. The parison is then blow molded to form the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Erik Lipson
  • Patent number: 8322555
    Abstract: A lid includes a generally flat interior portion and an outer ridge area surrounding the interior portion. The outer ridge area includes a first ridge side, a ridge top, and a second ridge side. The first ridge side extends generally upward from the interior portion. The ridge top extends from the first ridge side and is generally parallel to the interior portion. The second ridge side extends generally downward from the ridge top. The second ridge side includes a top section and a bottom section. A thickness of the bottom section is smaller than a thickness of the top section. The bottom section includes at least one fixed tab and at least one tear band. The at least one fixed tab is separated from the at least one tear band by at least one vertical membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: PWP Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan K. Chen
  • Patent number: 8308006
    Abstract: A hot-fill container may have a shoulder portion, body portion, bottom portion, and numerous strengthening grooves and a thin-walled, flexible, bag-like, collapsible portion in the body portion. The collapsible portion may be located between the strengthening ribs. The container structure may also employ one or more vacuum panels in the body portion that may lie between the collapsible portion and the bottom portion. The vacuum panels and the collapsible body portion may move toward a central vertical axis when the container is subjected to an internal vacuum pressure. Strengthening grooves may border the collapsible body portion, which may be circular in pre-vacuum cross-section but polygonal in post-vacuum cross-section. Part of the collapsible portion may be concave inward toward a central vertical axis of the container while part of the collapsible portion may move away from the central vertical axis. Vertical columns may support the collapsible portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: John A. Nievierowski, Patricia M. Maslak, Walter J. Strasser, Luke A. Mast, Frederick C. Beuerle
  • Patent number: 8308007
    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 employ a plurality of contour ribs molded into the sidewall portion—each of the plurality of contour ribs operable to change from a first shape to a second shape in response to cooling of the liquid and further extending outwardly from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Luke A. Mast, Frederick C. Beuerle
  • Publication number: 20120279123
    Abstract: An injection molded container such as a flower pot having an outer surface and an inner surface and an indentation of a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of a design element member, the design element member and the container member adapted to easily engage one another and to be easily disengaged so as to provide at least one decorative element on the outside surface of the container which can be easily changed according to a selectable design scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Pride Garden Products
    Inventor: Ravi Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 8297442
    Abstract: A light-weight stackable beverage crate includes a bottom plate, four side walls forming an interior space for placement of objects, and four vertically extending columns interconnecting the side walls and bottom plate. Each side wall includes a pattern of outer and inner arches interconnected by lateral beams, vertical support beams, and cross-beams. Side walls may include handle recesses. A lateral beam defines an upper edge of the side wall and another lateral beam defines a lower edge of the side wall. An upper end of the column extends above the upper edge of the side walls, and a lower end of the column extends below the lower edge of the side walls. The upper and lower ends of the column are capable of distributing a load force. When stacked, the only load-bearing points of contact between crates above are the upper and lower ends of the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Kent Byron
  • Publication number: 20120267381
    Abstract: A container forming assembly and method includes receiving a parison within a cavity of a mold, enclosing the parison within the mold having a wall with a recess, inflating the parison in the mold to form a blow molded container where the blow molded container has a sidewall, a movable region formed at the recess, and a hinge circumscribing an interface between the sidewall and the movable region, and moving or repositioning the movable region toward an interior of the blow molded container about the hinge before filling. The movable region can form a deep-set grip. Further, multiple movable regions can be provided, each of which may form respective deep-set grips. The container shape can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory Trude, Paul Kelley
  • Patent number: 8292117
    Abstract: A water holding tank with an approximately rectangular bottom wall and four side walls that are connected respectively to the sides of the bottom wall, each side wall has number of upper support platforms that are arranged periodically along one side of the bottom wall, a number of lower support platforms that are arranged alternately relative to the upper support platforms at a distance from the bottom wall, and a number of connecting walls, whereby each connecting wall connects an upper support platform to a lower support platform while leaving open a passage for water, in which the upper support platforms of a side wall are arranged in mirror positions of the lower support platforms of the opposite side wall relative to a 180° rotation and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Aliaxis Participations
    Inventors: Philippe Guibert, Fabien Yvai, Stephane Kugener, Tony Calton
  • Patent number: 8286823
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermoformed, rectangular disposable storage container. The container includes a base and lid. The base includes arched front and rear walls to redistribute the pressure placed on the top of the container and to generally evenly balance the load force around the container front, rear and end walls to prevent buckling of the container front or rear walls. The container lid includes an arched front wall and rear wall which generally corresponds to the degree of arch of the front and rear walls of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Joseph Anhalt
  • Patent number: 8283007
    Abstract: A system for making blow molded receptacles is disclosed generally comprising two mold portions that, when positioned adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a cavity defined by a molding surface, against which the walls of a blow molded receptacle are blown. One of the portions is a mold core, which has a base surface and a raised portion extending out from the base surface into the cavity. The raised portion has an outer surface and a side surface, which results in a corresponding, inner sidewall on the blow-molded receptacle. The raised portion houses a punch partly disposed in an opening in the side surface for punching a hole in the sidewall. In some embodiments, the side surface is substantially perpendicular to the seal between the two mold portions, and an actuator displaces the punch in a direction substantially parallel to the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Knapper, Daniel E. Koranda, Michael L. Grinnall
  • Patent number: 8281953
    Abstract: A plastic container includes a bottom portion and a main body portion having a plastic sidewall that is connected to the bottom portion. The main body portion has a reinforced sidewall area that comprises a plurality of first sidewall portions and a plurality of second sidewall portions that are respectively interposed between the first sidewall portions. Each of the second sidewall portions is shaped to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced structures that are selected from the group consisting of indentations and projections. The second sidewall portions may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertical columns, and adjacent second sidewall portions that are rotationally staggered with respect to each other so that the vertical columns on one second sidewall portion are not aligned with the vertical columns of an adjacent second sidewall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Sheldon E. Yourist
  • Publication number: 20120251679
    Abstract: The flanged container for a dairy product or similar food composition is provided with a hollow body and a generally planar annular flange connected to the top of the body, the flange having outer straight side edges and an inner edge defining a circular upper opening of the container. The body has a planar bottom and a lower portion tapering from a generally cylindrical upper portion toward the bottom in a curved manner. The lower portion has a height h1 in some embodiments not less than 14 mm and the ratio h1/H is less than 2:5 where H is the height of the container. The side wall of the body has a thickness profile such that the average thickness of the lower portion is more than the average thickness of the upper portion. Several identical containers can be grouped in a pack with breakable junctions at the outer straight side edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Compagnie Gervais Danone
    Inventor: Vincent Ferry
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120234833
    Abstract: A container comprising a pail, removable cover, and a gasket disposed between the cover and the pail is disclosed. The pail has an angled bead at the proximal end of the pail and a plurality of satellite rings that extend circumferentially around the pail and form a wall junction with the pail. The wall junction has a substantially constant wall thickness. A bail ear is formed to connect at least two of the satellite rings to define an opening between the bail ear and the body. The pail also includes a shock absorbing wall section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ROPAK Corporation
    Inventor: Frano LUBURIC
  • Publication number: 20120228314
    Abstract: Snapable narrow width rectangular dust pan that can clip about a flat side outer edge of the open end of a refuse container having curved or flat side open rim edges. The dust pan can be used for converting a refuse container into a dust pan refuse container. The receptacle can include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacle can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris into the D-shaped opening. At least one handle located on the apex of the D-shaped opening allows the container to be lifted to a vertical standing position, and curved interior wall surfaces allow debris to slide toward the bottom of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: XTREME PLASTICS, LLC
    Inventor: David H. Miller
  • Patent number: 8261932
    Abstract: The present invention provides a handle for a container, a handle-equipped container, and a method for manufacturing same. It is accordingly possible to provide a container that has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially quadrangular and allows for exceptional storability, has favorable blow-molding properties, presents none of a variety of anomalies in the container and the handle, and has adequate strength to withstand drop impact. The present invention is characterized in comprising a polyester container, which has a finish part, a shoulder part, a body part, and a base part in the stated order from a top part; which has a concavity provided to a portion of the body part; and which has a handle-attaching convexity provided to the concavity; and a polyester handle attached to the handle-attaching convexity of the container. A space is provided between the handle and a wall surface that surrounds the handle-attaching convexity in the concavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Miura
  • 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: 20120181292
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container comprising a retention mechanism for attaching a closure to an opening or neck of a container with a portion of the container body comprising a physical geometry that creates more than one undercut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Widalys Luz DESOTO-BURT, Todd Mitchell Day, Ralph Edwin Neufarth, Richard Darren Satterfield, Chow-chi Huang, Miguel Alberto Herrera, Su-Yon McConville, Alfredo Pagan, Brian David Andres, Cristian Alexis Viola-Prioli
  • Patent number: 8196772
    Abstract: The invention comprises a disposable beverage cup that comprises a ledge between the cup's rim and the grasping portion of the cup that is commonly held in the user's hand. The ledge, which comprises a curb, a horizontal plane, and one or more indentations, acts as a barrier between the user's hand and other objects, preventing a lid that has been press fit onto the cup's rim from being dislodged. In order to remove the lid, the user must insert a finger and/or thumb into the indentation(s) and press upward on the lid. The cup has a contour between the ledge and the grasping portion with ergonomic features to increase the user's comfort in handling the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Leon, David W. McGinnis
  • 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: 8181805
    Abstract: The plastic container according to the present disclosure is an aesthetically pleasing plastic container suitable for premium hot fill beverages, such as teas and fruit juices. The plastic container defines a body and includes 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 first vacuum absorbing region. The first vacuum absorbing region merges into a waist region. The waist region merges into a second vacuum absorbing region. The second vacuum absorbing region transitions into a base portion having a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Steven P. Barker, Bradley W. Caszatt
  • Patent number: 8167181
    Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag is formed of a plurality of panels. The saddlebag includes an outer panel, an inner panel, a lid, and a hinge. Some embodiments may also include a bottom panel. The lid is coupled to the outer panel by the hinge. The inner panel includes flanges extending around at least some of its perimeter edges. The outer panel is generally U-shaped shaped and receives the inner panel such that the flanges engage inner surfaces of the outer panel. The flanges are joined to the inner surfaces of the outer panel such that the outer and inner panel (and, in some embodiments, a bottom panel) cooperate to define a storage chamber. In some embodiments, portions of the outer panel extend beyond the inner panel and may be trimmed after bonding of the inner and outer panels to customize an inner contour of the saddlebag for different motorcycle applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Dowco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kaczkowski, Timothy J. LaFleur, Troy M. Zaskowski
  • Patent number: 8162164
    Abstract: A transport tank system includes a molded thermoplastic tank defining an aperture therethrough and having a discharge end and an opposing end, the thermoplastic tank being rigidly configured for holding a consumable cargo received through the aperture and including a material resistant to passage of oxygen to preserve the consumable cargo. The tank is capable of standing alone for storing the consumable cargo, or the tank can be loaded into a standard dry box container to convert the dry box container into a bulk liquid transport container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen D. Podd, Victor I. Podd
  • Patent number: 8152018
    Abstract: A container is disclosed, generally having an open top defined by an annular rim, a base, and a sidewall extending between the top and the base. The sidewall has two arcuately formed longitudinal recesses, an annular rib, an annular shoulder located between the longitudinal recesses and the base, and a lower portion extending between the annular shoulder and the base. The annular shoulder is characterized by two arched portions aligned with the longitudinal recesses, and the lower portion has two beveled portions aligned with the longitudinal recesses. This container is more ergonomic, and has greater sidewall strength and rigidity, than existing containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Smith, Kevin Ray Smith, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Kimberly Vaile Healy, Randy Golden, Rudy DesChamps, Irshad Khan, Bryce C. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, John H. Loudenslager, Jan Rolf Stillerman
  • Patent number: 8152019
    Abstract: Snapable narrow width rectangular dust pans that can easily clip about a flat side outer edge of the open end of a refuse containers having curved or flat side open rim edges. The dust pans can be used as adapters, systems, devices, apparatus, and include novel methods of converting refuse containers into dust pans refuse containers. The receptacles and the dust pans can be formed from molded plastic. The receptacles include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacles can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris fully into the D-shaped opening with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Xtreme Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: David H. Miller
  • 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: 8127970
    Abstract: A bottle formed of a food-grade plastic material, such as clear polyethylene terephthalate, may include a frustoconical neck portion, a shoulder region, a base region, and a sidewall portion have opposed grip-enhancing surfaces, and elastically deformable pressure panels. A cap for the container may include a valve to control product leakage, and may be sized to allow inversion of the bottle. A generally trapezoidal tab of the cap may be moveable between a closed position covering a cap orifice and an open position outside the plane of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: H.J. Heinz Company
    Inventors: Wayne C. Cleary, Michael D. McMahon
  • 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: 8113369
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Luke A. Mast, Walter J. Strasser, David Downing, Frederick C. Beuerle
  • Patent number: 8113368
    Abstract: A synthetic resin bottle is provided with a shape that improves rigidity and strength in a lateral direction, without increasing the cost of material to thicken the bottle wall. The synthetic resin bottle is provided at a low cost in such a way that the bottles can be used smoothly on the carrier line, in vending machines, and in storage in stacks with no deformation. The bottles are capable of performing a vacuum-absorbing function enough to be used in hot filling. Multiple pillar sections in a projected strip-like shape are disposed on the body of a synthetic resin bottle, the pillar sections being inclined spirally at a uniform angle of gradient (?) relative to a central axis of the bottle and disposed in parallel to one another, so that the cylindrical body wall is prevented from being deformed by a pressure force acting in a lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Oguchi, Tomoyuki Ozawa, Takao Iizuka
  • Publication number: 20120031916
    Abstract: Mold for manufacturing, by blowing blanks made of plastic material, containers having a body and a bottom and a wall defining a cavity around a principal axis of the mold and a lateral surface. The wall has, in a lower part, an opening defining a passage for a mold bottom, an upper surface that confers at least in part the shape to the bottom of the container, with said opening having an upper edge. The mold, in any plane containing the axis of the wall: the ratio between a transverse dimension of the upper edge of the opening and a transverse dimension of a lower end of the lateral surface of the wall is greater than 0.95, and the tangent to the lateral surface of the wall, at the lower end thereof, forms with the axis of the wall an angle equal to or less than 30°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Mickael Derrien, Michel Boukobza
  • Patent number: 8109398
    Abstract: A plastic container that particularly adapted for hot-fill applications includes a bottom portion; and a sidewall portion that is unitary with the bottom portion. The sidewall portion has a maximum outer diameter, and includes first and second pairs of opposing first and second vacuum panels, respectively. At least one of the second vacuum panels includes gripping structure. The first and second vacuum panels respectively have first and second substantially constant radii of curvature as measured in a horizontal plane that are substantially constant from upper to lower ends of the vacuum panels. At least one of the second vacuum panels may be asymmetric about a central vertical axis as viewed in side elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Benton A. Lewis, Luis Carvallo, Justin A. Howell
  • Patent number: 8104632
    Abstract: There is provided a synthetic resin bottle having high commercial value, which prevents plastic deformation accompanied with buckling. The invention provides a PET bottle comprising a body portion connected to a mouth portion via a shoulder portion, and a constricted portion provided on the body portion and looping along the circumferential direction. The body portion comprises a front wall and a back wall which face to each other, a left sidewall and a right sidewall which face to each other, and connecting portion which respectively join the walls. The cross section of the body portion along the circumferential direction a generally polygonal outer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Sasaki, Takao Iizuka
  • Patent number: 8104635
    Abstract: A base for a food container includes a pattern of rib units in a side wall of the container. The rib units are formed at multiple angles and depths to provide strength to the side wall. The base also includes a bottom with ribs of alternating heights and angles that provide strength to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hayes, James N. Gomoll
  • Publication number: 20120012595
    Abstract: An extrusion blowmolded PET container having superior top load strength characteristics includes a sidewall having an outer surface, and an inner surface that defines an interior space. The sidewall is fabricated from a material that includes extrudable PET. The sidewall is shaped to define a bottom portion, a finish portion and a main body portion. The finish portion has an opening defined therein that is in communication with the interior space. The main body portion has a neck surface, a shoulder surface and a fillet that is defined between the neck surface and the shoulder surface. The neck surface forms a first angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the container that is substantially within a range of about 2° to about 20°, and the fillet has an average radius of curvature that is substantially within a range of about 15 mm to about 55 mm. The container is preferably fabricated using an extrusion blowmolding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Sheldon E. Yourist
  • Patent number: 8091720
    Abstract: Plastic bottle including a body (9) extending along a central axis (Z) that includes a lower portion (3) with a substantially constant cross section; followed by a gripping portion (4); and terminated by an upper portion (5) with a substantially constant section and arranged to correspond with the cross section of the lower portion. The gripping portion (4) includes two globally plane gripping panels (41) arranged to be parallel to each other and to the central axis (Z) at a distance convenient for gripping with the hands. These panels have at least one reinforcing relief (44; 45) extending in a transverse plane, and are connected to each other by connecting panels (42) extending along the lower portion (3) and the upper portion (5), through rounded angles located at the circumferential ends of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: SA des Eaux Minerales d'Evian SAEME
    Inventor: Alain Colloud
  • Patent number: 8087525
    Abstract: A container adapted to increase volume contraction and reduce pressure having four panels that are adapted to contract inwardly from vacuum forces created by contraction of container contents. The container has a sidewall including four panels. The four panels are vacuum panels, including vertical transitional walls disposed between and joining the panels and the body is adapted to increase volume contraction and reduce pressure. The panels are adapted to contract inwardly in response to internal negative pressure created during hot-fill processing and subsequent cooling of a hot liquid in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Kelley, Scott Bysick, Justin Howell
  • Patent number: 8083092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for receiving a liquid cosmetic product, in particular a colored cosmetic product for the lips, eyelids, fingernails or the like. A transparent or translucent material is provided as container material. The container is of a two-piece design comprising a first container element and a second container element, wherein the first and the second container element are securely joined together in a liquid-tight manner. The first container element has an inner wall with a profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Geka Brush GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Hartstock
  • Patent number: 8083093
    Abstract: A container has a base with a bottom wall rib structure which deforms downwardly when an unresisted load is applied. The rib structure stiffens the base, and also can elevate the food product from liquid within the container. The bottom wall has a central platform which extends upwardly from a lower encircling segment. The lower encircling segment marks the lowermost portion of the base as molded, and extends inwardly from the lower margin of the sidewall. Two generally parallel longitudinal ribs extend across the platform and project upwardly from the platform. The longitudinal ribs extend from the lower encircling segment at the front of the base to the rear of the base. Short bridging ribs are evenly spaced parallel to one another and extend laterally between and connect the two longitudinal ribs. A plurality of cross ribs extend outwardly from each longitudinal rib to the encircling segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Placon Corporation
    Inventor: Donald E. McCumber
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 8047390
    Abstract: A plastic container includes an upper portion having a mouth defining an opening into the container. A shoulder region extends from the upper portion. A sidewall portion extends between the shoulder region and a base portion. The base portion closes off an end of the container. A vacuum panel region defined in part by at least two vacuum panels. Each of the vacuum panels are movable to accommodate vacuum forces generated within the container resulting from heating and cooling of its contents. The vacuum panel region occupies an area outboard of the sidewall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Walter J. Strasser, Steve P. Barker
  • Publication number: 20110259902
    Abstract: A method of forming respective overmoulds to protect and seal an enclosure apparatus is provided. Respective separate overmoulds for external surfaces of the enclosure and for sealing a cavity or cavities defined by the enclosure may be formed in a single injection moulding tool in a single operation. An enclosure component and enclosure are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Dinesh Nataly Gandhi
  • Patent number: 8025176
    Abstract: A blow molded, hollow plastic container including two opposed, relatively longer sidewall portions which alternate with two opposed, relatively shorter sidewall portions. A first of the relatively shorter sidewall portions includes a grip area, and the opposed second relatively shorter sidewall portion includes a pour area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Little, James J. Miller