• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    HEAT HARDENED CONTAINER. A heat-hardened container having a shoulder portion and a side wall portion extending from the shoulder portion to a base. The base closes one end of the container. The shoulder portion, the side wall portion and the base cooperate to define a Receptacle chamber in the container in which product can be filled. The side wall portion defines a larger container diameter of the container. The side wall portion includes an upper vacuum absorption region joined to a lower vacuum absorption region in a reduced waist section. The reduced waist section forms a smaller container diameter that is smaller than the larger container diameter. In some embodiments, such a configuration forms a heat-hardened, hourglass container in which the upper vacuum absorption region and the lower vacuum absorption region are collectively shaped to provide flexible internal vacuum absorption in the receptacle chamber.
    公开号:BR112012023493B1
    申请号:R112012023493-5
    申请日:2011-01-19
    公开日:2020-11-17
    发明作者:Richard J. Steih；Chris LaBombarbe；Brian L. Pieszchala；Chad Keilen
    申请人:Amcor Rigid Plastics Usa, Llc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Field of the Invention
    [0001] The present invention relates generally to containers for holding an article, such as a solid or liquid article. More specifically, the present invention relates to a heat-hardened polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container with a pair of vacuum-absorbing regions tapered inwardly towards each other to form a circumferential waist section, narrow relative to the (s) main diameter (s) of the container. Background of the Invention
    [0002] This section provides background information related to the present invention that is not necessarily state of the art.
    [0003] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the North American document US 2005269284, since while the present invention makes use of underlying surfaces of the vacuum panels that have a triangular shape, in which said vacuum panels are alternately oriented around from the longitudinal axis, allowing adjacent pairs of underlying surfaces on the longitudinal axis to be inverted with respect to each other, US 2005269284 does not disclose or suggest triangular vacuum panels or alternating inverted panels.
    [0004] Thus, it is important to highlight that the use of alternating triangular vacuum panels used in the present invention advantageously provides an increase in the surface area of the vacuum panel, thus generating a better capacity for the container to absorb the vacuum and improve its hot fill performance.
    [0005] As a result of environmental and other concerns, plastic containers, more specifically polyester and, even more specifically, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers, are now being used more than ever to pack numerous items previously supplied in containers of glass. Manufacturers and packers, as well as consumers, have recognized that PET containers are light, inexpensive, recyclable and can be manufactured in large quantities.
    [0006] Blow molded plastic containers have become common in the packaging of numerous articles. PET is a crystallizable polymer, meaning that it is available in an amorphous form or a semi-crystalline form. The ability of a PET container to maintain its material integrity refers to the percentage of the PET container in crystalline form, also known as the "crystallinity" of the PET container. The following equation defines the percentage of crystallinity as a fraction of volume:
    % crystallinity =
    [0007] Where p is the density of the PET material; pa is the density of pure amorphous PET material (1.333 g / cm3); and pc is the density of pure crystalline material (1,455 g / cm3)
    [0008] Container manufacturers use mechanical processing and thermal processing to increase the crystallinity of PET polymer in a container. Mechanical processing involves orienting the amorphous material to obtain stress hardening. Such processing commonly involves stretching an injection molded PET preform along a longitudinal geometry axis and expanding the PET preform along a transverse or radial geometry axis to form a PET container. The combination promotes what manufacturers define as biaxial orientation of the molecular structure in the container. PET container manufacturers currently use mechanical processing to produce PET containers having approximately 20% crystallinity on the side wall of the container.
    [0009] Thermal processing involves heating the material (amorphous or semi-crystalline) to promote crystal growth. In amorphous material, the thermal processing of PET material results in a spherulitic morphology that interferes with light transmission. In other words, the resulting crystalline material is opaque, and thus, generally undesirable. Used after mechanical processing, however, thermal processing results in higher crystallinity and excellent clarity for those portions of the container having biaxial molecular orientation. Thermal processing of an oriented PET container, which is known as heat hardening, typically includes blow molding a PET preform against a mold heated to a temperature of approximately 250 ° F - 350 ° F (approximately 121 ° C - 177 ° C) and hold the blown container against the heated mold for approximately two (2) to five (5) seconds. Manufacturers of PET juice bottles, which should be filled hot at approximately 185 ° F (85 ° C), currently use heat hardening to produce PET bottles having a crystalline crystallinity in the range of approximately 25% - 35%. Summary of the Invention
    [0010] This section provides a general summary of the invention and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
    [0011] In accordance with the principles of the present teachings, a heat-hardened container having a shoulder portion and a side wall portion extending from the shoulder portion to a base is provided. The base is closed at one end of the container. The shoulder portion, the side wall portion and the base cooperate to define a receptacle chamber in the container into which the product can be filled. The side wall portion defines a larger container diameter of the container. The side wall portion includes an upper vacuum absorption region joined to a lower vacuum absorption region in a reduced waist section. The reduced waist section forms a smaller container diameter that is smaller than the larger container diameter. In some embodiments, such a configuration forms an hourglass heat-hardened container, in which the upper vacuum absorption region and the lower vacuum absorption region are collectively molded to provide flexible absorption of an internal vacuum in the receptacle chamber.
    [0012] Additional areas of applicability will become evident from the description provided here. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
    [0013] Drawings
    [0014] The drawings described here are for illustrative purposes only of selected modalities and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
    [0015] Figure 1 is a front view of a plastic container constructed in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
    [0016] Figure 2 is a side view of the container of figure 1;
    [0017] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the container constructed in accordance with the modalities of the present invention;
    [0018] Figure 4 is a front view of a plastic container constructed in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention;
    [0019] Figure 5 is a side view of the container of figure 4;
    [0020] Figure 6 is a front view of a plastic container constructed in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention;
    [0021] Figure 7 is a side view of the container of Figure 6;
    [0022] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of figure 6; and
    [0023] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in figure 6 of the container finish.
    [0024] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in all the various views of the drawings. Detailed Description
    [0025] Example modalities will now be described more fully with reference to the attached drawings. Example modalities are provided so that this invention is complete, and fully passes the scope on to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set out as examples of specific components, devices and methods, to provide a complete understanding of the modalities of the present invention. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that specific details do not need to be employed, that the modalities of examples can be incorporated in many different ways and that none of them should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
    [0026] The terminology used here is for the purpose of describing specific example modalities only and is not intended to be limiting. As used here, the singular forms "a", "an" and "o, a" may claim to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and, therefore, specify the presence of features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components mentioned, but do not prevent the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described here are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as the order of performance. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps can be employed.
    [0027] When an element or layer is mentioned as being "in", "engaged with", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly in, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer , or intermediate elements or layers may be present. Conversely, when an element is mentioned as being "directly in", "directly engaged with", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there can be no element or intermediate layer present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar way (for example, "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.), as used here, the term "and / or "includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
    [0028] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by those terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms like "first", "second" and other numeric terms when used here do not indicate a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. In this way, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be called a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example modalities.
    [0029] Spatially relative terms, such as "internal", "external", "below", "below", "lower", "above", upper "and the like, can be used here to facilitate the description to describe an element or feature relationship with other element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover orientations other than the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. device in the figures is facing upwards, elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or characteristics would then be oriented "above" the other elements or characteristics, so the example term "below" can cover both an orientation above as below The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used here interpreted accordingly.
    [0030] This invention provides a container having an hourglass shape that effectively absorbs an internal vacuum while maintaining its basic shape. The hourglass shape can be described as having two or more inverted cylinder or taper sections that together form a reduced waist section. The container of the present teachings, unlike conventional heat-hardened containers, is non-cylindrical and does not need to include any vertical column. The reduced waist section may comprise a horizontal reinforcement belt with stiffening characteristics in the smallest diameter. This structure results in separate upper and lower vacuum absorption regions for improved vacuum and performance performance.
    [0031] As will be discussed in more detail here, the shape of the heat-hardened container of the present teachings can be formed according to one of at least two variations. First, the present container can be formed having an even number of alternating triangular or trapezoidal vacuum panels (as in inversion) around the circumference. Second, the present container can be formed having a number of trapezoidal vacuum panels arranged around the circumference of the container such that the smaller end of the trapezoidal panel is next to or generally adjacent to the smaller diameter of the container and the end larger is next to or generally adjacent to the larger diameter (s).
    [0032] It must be recognized that the size and number of vacuum panels depends on the size of the container and the vacuum absorption required. Therefore, it must be recognized that variations may exist in the designs currently described. According to some embodiments, a single dose container may comprise five trapezoidal vacuum panels around the circumference of the upper and lower vacuum-absorbing regions of the container.
    [0033] As illustrated in figures 1-9, the present teachings provide a one-piece plastic container, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), generally indicated at 10. Container 10 is substantially hourglass-shaped when viewed on one side. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the following teachings of the present invention are applicable to other containers, such as rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal or square shaped containers, which may have different dimensions and volume capacities. It is also considered that other changes can be made depending on the specific application and environmental requirements.
    [0034] As shown in figures 1-9, the one-piece plastic container 10 according to the present teachings defines a body 12 and includes an upper portion 14 having a cylindrical side wall 18 forming a finish 20. Integrally formed with the finish 20 and extending downward from there is a shoulder portion 22. shoulder portion 22 melts into and provides a transition between finish 20 and a side wall portion 24. side wall portion 24 extends downwardly from from the shoulder portion 22 to a base portion 28 having a base 30. An upper transition portion 32, in some embodiments, can be defined in a transition between the shoulder portion 22 and the side wall portion 24. A portion of lower transition 34, in some modalities, can be defined as a transition between the base portion 28 and the side wall portion 24.
    [0035] The exemplary container 10 can also have a neck 23. The neck 23 can have an extremely short height, that is, becoming a short extension of the finish 20, or an elongated height, extending between the finish 20 and the portion of shoulder 22. The upper portion 14 can define an opening 42 (figure 11). Although the container is shown as a drinking container, it must be recognized that containers having different shapes, such as side walls and openings, can be made in accordance with the principles of the present teachings.
    [0036] As illustrated in figures 1, 2, 4-7 and 9, the finish 20 of the plastic container 10 can include a threaded region 46 having threads 48, a lower seal ridge 50 and a support ring 51. The region threaded 46 provides a means for fixing a similarly threaded closure or cap (not shown). Alternatives may include other suitable devices that engage the finish 20 of the plastic container 10, such as a snap-on cap or snap-on, for example. Accordingly, the closure or lid (not shown) engages the finish 20 to preferably provide an airtight seal of the plastic container 10. The closure or lid (not shown) is preferably of a plastic or metal material conventional in the closure industry and suitable for subsequent thermal processing.
    [0037] With reference now to figures 1, 2 and 4-8, the side wall portion 24 of the present teachings will now be described in greater detail. As discussed here, the side wall portion 24 may comprise an hourglass shape that effectively absorbs the internal vacuum while maintaining its basic shape. The hourglass shape can be described as having two or more cylinder or inverted conical sections that together form a reduced waist section. The reduced waist section may comprise a horizontal reinforcement belt with stiffening characteristics in the smallest diameter. This structure results in separate upper and lower vacuum absorption regions for improved vessel and vacuum performance.
    [0038] More particularly, in some embodiments, the side wall portion 24 of the container 10 may comprise an upper vacuum absorption region 60 and a lower vacuum absorption region 62 joined around a reduced waist section 64. As seen in figures 1 and 2, the upper vacuum-absorbing region 60 and the lower vacuum-absorbing region 62 may comprise a generally tapered shape having a smaller diameter thereof joined along a reduced waist section 64 to form the hourglass shape . It should be immediately recognized that the upper vacuum absorption region 60 and lower vacuum absorption region 62 may have different dimensions, particularly angle, length and the like, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The upper vacuum absorption region 60 it can be joined to the shoulder portion 22 through the upper transition portion 32. In some embodiments, the upper transition portion 32 may include an inwardly oriented rib 66 forming a reinforcement rib for vessel integrity and / or vacuum absorption. Similarly, in some embodiments, the lower vacuum absorption region 62 may be joined to the base portion 28 through the lower transition portion 34. In some embodiments, the lower transition portion 34 may include an inwardly oriented rib 68 forming a reinforcement rib for vessel integrity and / or vacuum absorption.
    [0039] In some embodiments, each of the upper vacuum absorption 60 and lower vacuum absorption regions 62 may comprise a plurality of vacuum panels 70. In some embodiments, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the plurality of panels of vacuum 70 can each have a generally triangular shape and have a generally equidistant spacing and alternating orientation (i.e., triangular base portion of a panel being low and adjacent triangular base portions being elevated) around the side wall portion 24 of the container 10. While such spacing is useful, other factors such as labeling requirements or the incorporation of grab characteristics or graphics may require different spacing from equidistant. The container 10 illustrated in figures 1 and 2 can comprise six (6) vacuum panels 70 in each of upper vacuum absorption region 60 and lower vacuum absorption region 62. Inclined streaks or columns 72 are defined between adjacent vacuum panels 70 that provide structural support and rigidity to the side wall portion 24 of the container 10.
    [0040] Still with reference to figures 1 and 2, vacuum panels 70 may comprise an underlying surface 74 and perimeter wall, surface or edge 76 (collectively referred to as a perimeter surface 76, below). The perimeter surface 76 may define a transition between the underlying surface 74 and the side wall portion 24 (or streaks 72, in some embodiments) and in some embodiments may define an upright wall. In addition, in some embodiments, the perimeter surface 76 may have a variable wall height (i.e., spacing between the side wall portion 24 (or streaks 72) and the underlying surface 74). In this way, the underlying surface 74 can be shaped or otherwise inclined with respect to the side wall portion 24. It should be noted that in some embodiments it is desirable that the transition between the perimeter surface 76 and the underlying surface 74 and / or portion side wall 24 is abrupt to maximize local strength as well as to form a geometrically rigid structure. The resulting localized resistance increases the resistance to wrinkles in the side wall portion 24.
    [0041] With reference to figures 1 and 2, the upper vacuum absorption region 60 and the lower vacuum absorption region 62 can be joined along the reduced waist section 64 such that streaks 72 of the absorption region upper vacuum 60 and lower vacuum absorption region 62 meet along and transition through a circumferential, inwardly oriented rib 78 forming a reinforcement rib for vessel integrity and / or vacuum absorption. It should be seen that a diameter of the reduced waist section 64 (and more, the inward rib rib diameter 78) is less than a larger diameter of the upper vacuum absorption region 60 and / or the lower vacuum absorption region 62 , thereby resulting in a restricted central area and the aforementioned hourglass shape.
    [0042] In some embodiments, as illustrated in figures 4-8, vacuum panels 70 may comprise underlying surface 74 and perimeter surface 76. Perimeter surface 76 may define a transition surface between adjacent underlying surfaces 74 which, in some modalities, it is a single radius surface tangential to adjacent underlying surfaces 74. It should be understood that other transition surfaces can be used that are generally extension of underlying surface 74, which can form uniform, consistent interconnections. In addition, in some embodiments, the perimeter surface 7 6 may have a variable wall shape and / or wall thickness. In such embodiments, an upright perimeter surface 76 may extend from the underlying surface 74 to the side wall portion 24 (or streaks 72). Depending on the shape of the underlying surface 7 4 and side wall portion 24 (or streaks 72), this transition can result in an overall arcuate underlying surface, 74 '.
    [0043] With reference to figures 4-8, the upper vacuum absorption region 60 and the lower vacuum absorption region 62 can again be joined along the reduced waist section 64 such that streaks 72 of the absorption region upper vacuum 60 and lower vacuum absorption region 62 meet along and transition via an inwardly oriented circumferential rib 78 forming a reinforcement rib for vessel integrity and / or vacuum absorption. It should be seen that a diameter of the reduced waist section 64 (and more, the diameter of the inwardly oriented circumferential rib 78) is smaller than a larger diameter of the upper vacuum absorption region 60 and / or the lower vacuum absorption region 62, thereby resulting in a restricted central area and the aforementioned hourglass shape. The inwardly oriented circumferential rib formation 78 may include a generally radius shape 78 '(see figures 1, 2, 4 and 5); generically inclined, linear surfaces (when viewed in cross section) 78 "(see figures 6 and 7); or any other desired shape for features that support vacuum, support load or aesthetics. In addition, the reduced waist section 64 can form a constant circumferential diameter.
    [0044] With specific reference to figure 8, it should be understood that the present teachings can comprise vacuum panels of generally convex shape 70. Each of the vacuum panels 70, as described here, can be directly coupled together through the perimeter surface 7 6 (in this form, a surface) such that the underlying convex surface 74 'sweeps along and is joined by a perimeter surface 76. This convex shape can be useful to absorb vacuum forces during hot filling. That is, after filling, capping, sealing and cooling, the underlying surfaces 74 'can be pulled inward, towards the central longitudinal axis of the container 10, displacing volume. In some embodiments, this response can be significant in causing the underlying surface 74 'to flex further inward to a reduced convex shape, flat shape or concave shape, depending on the desired deflection extent.
    [0045] As seen in Figures 6 and 7, in some embodiments, the side wall portion 24 may comprise an intermediate section 86 disposed between the lower vacuum absorption region 62 and the base portion 28, between the absorption region of upper vacuum 60 and shoulder portion 22 (not shown) or both. In some embodiments, the intermediate section 86 may form a part of the shoulder portion 22, side wall portion 24, and / or base portion 28. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 86, shoulder portion 22, base portion 28 , or combinations thereof may comprise additional vacuum characteristics 88 formed therein. In addition, container 10 may comprise intermediate transition portion (s) 90 between intermediate section 86 and the contiguous portion or region.
    [0046] Plastic container 10 is designed to hold an article. The article can be in any form as a solid or semi-solid product. In one example, an article can be introduced into the container during a thermal process, typically a hot-fill process. For hot fill filling applications, the fillers generally fill the container 10 with a product at a high temperature between approximately 155 ° F and 205 ° F (approximately 68 ° C and 96 ° C) and seal the container 10 with a closure (not shown) before cooling. In addition, plastic container 10 may be suitable for other retort filling or pasteurization processes at elevated temperature or other thermal processes as well. In another example, the article can be introduced into the container at room temperatures.
    [0047] The plastic container 10 of the present invention is a biaxially oriented container, blow-molded with a unitary construction of a single layer or multiple layer material. A well-known heat-hardening, stretch molding process for making the one-piece plastic container 10 generally involves the manufacture of a preform (not shown) from a polyester material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), having a shape well known to those skilled in the art similar to a test tube with a generally cylindrical cross section. An exemplary method of making the plastic container 10 will be described in more detail later.
    [0048] An exemplary method of forming container 10 will now be described. A preformed version of the container 10 includes a support ring 51, which can be used to load or guide the preform through and at various stages of manufacture. For example, the preform can be loaded by the support ring 51, the support ring 51 can be used to help position the preform in a mold cavity, or the support ring 51 can be used to load a intermediate container after molded. At first, the preform can be placed in the mold cavity such that the support ring 51 is captured at an upper end of the mold cavity. In general, the mold cavity has an inner surface that corresponds to a desired external profile of the blown container. More specifically, the mold cavity according to the present teachings defines a region that forms a body, a region that forms an optional disorder and a region that forms an optional opening. After the resulting structure, hereinafter referred to as an intermediate container, has been formed, any disorder created by the region that forms the disorder can be separated and discarded. It must be recognized that the use of a disorder-forming region and / or an opening region are not necessarily in all training methods.
    [0049] In one example, a machine (not shown) places the heated preform at a temperature between approximately 190 ° F and 250 ° F (approximately 88 ° C and 121 ° C) in the mold cavity. The mold cavity can be heated to a temperature between approximately 250 ° F and 350 ° F (approximately 121 ° C and 177 ° C). A drawing rod apparatus (not shown) stretches or extends the heated preform in the mold cavity to a length approximately that of the intermediate container thereby molecularly orienting the polyester material in an axial direction generally corresponding to a central longitudinal geometric axis 44 of container 10. While the drawing rod extends the preform, air having a pressure between 300 PSI and 600 PSI (2.07 MPa to 4.14 MPa) helps to extend the preform in the axial direction and expand the preform in a circumferential or hoop direction thereby substantially shaping the polyester material to the shape of the mold cavity and additionally molecularly orienting the polyester material in a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction, thereby establishing the biaxial molecular orientation of the material polyester in most of the intermediate container. The pressurized air retains the mostly bi-axially oriented polyester material against the mold cavity for a period of approximately two (2) to five (5) seconds before removal of the intermediate container from the mold cavity. This process is known as heat hardening and results in a heat resistant container suitable for filling with a product at elevated temperatures.
    [0050] Alternatively other manufacturing methods, such as extrusion blow molding, one-step injection stretch blow molding and injection blow molding, using other conventional materials including, for example, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a PET / PEN mixture or copolymer, and various multilayer structures may be suitable for the manufacture of the plastic container 10. Those with common knowledge in the art will readily know and understand the plastic container manufacturing.
    [0051] Turning now to the figures, exemplary dimensions for container 10 will be described. It is recognized that other dimensions can be used. With reference to the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, a diameter D1 of the neck 23 below the support ring 51 can be 39.62 mm (1.56 inches). A diameter D2 of the upper transition portion 32 (and in some embodiments the largest diameter of the container 10) can be 7 4.53 mm (2.93 inches). A diameter D3 of the base portion 28 (and in some embodiments the largest diameter of the container 10) can be 74.53 mm (2.93 inches). A height H1 taken from the top to the contact surface of the container 10 (overall height) can be 206.21 mm (8.12 inches).
    [0052] With reference to the embodiment of figures 4 and 5, a diameter Dl of the neck 23 below the support ring 51 can be 39.62 mm (1.56 inches). A diameter D2 of the upper transition portion 32 (and in some embodiments the largest diameter of the container 10) can be 74.53 mm (2.93 inches). A diameter D3 of the base portion 28 (and in some embodiments the largest diameter of the container 10) can be 74.53 mm (2.93 inches). A height H1 taken from the top to the contact surface of the container 10 (overall height) can be 207.41 mm (8.17 inches).
    [0053] With reference to the embodiment of figures 6-8, a diameter Dl of the neck 23 below the support ring 51 can be 34.94 mm (1.38 inches). A diameter D2 of the upper transition portion 32 (and in some embodiments the largest diameter of the container 10) can be 74.53 mm (2.93 inches). A diameter D3 of the base portion 28 (and in some embodiments the largest diameter of the container 10) can be 74.53 mm (2.93 inches). A diameter D4 of the side wall portion 24 at its minimum point can be 53 mm (2.09 inches). Therefore, the diameter D4 can be at least 10 mm (0.40 inch) smaller than at least one diameter D2 and diameter D3. In some embodiments, the diameter D4 can be at least 15 mm (0.60 inch) smaller than at least one of the diameter D2 and diameter D3. A height H1 taken from the top to the contact surface of the container 10 (overall height) can be 206.21 mm (8.12 inches). As seen in figure 8, an angle A1 between the centers of the surface of the adjacent perimeter 76 can be 72 ° and each underlying surface 74 '(or 74 in figures 1 and 4) can form an arcuate surface having an R1 radius of 44, 78 mm (1.76 inches).
    [0054] The above description of the modalities has been provided for purposes of illustration and described. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or characteristics of a specific modality are not generally limited to that specific modality, however, where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in a selected modality, even if not specifically shown or described. The same can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [0001]
    1. Heat-hardened container (10) comprising: a shoulder portion (22); a side wall portion (24) extending from said shoulder portion (22) to a base (30), said base (30) closing one end of said container (10); said shoulder portion (22), said side wall portion (24) and said base (30) cooperating to define a receptacle chamber in the container (10) into which the product can be filled; said side wall portion (24) having an upper vacuum absorption region (60) joined to a lower vacuum absorption region (62) in a reduced waist section (64), said upper vacuum absorption region (60) extending downwards from said shoulder portion (22) and forming a first larger container diameter (02), said lower vacuum absorption region (62) extending upwards from said base (30) and forming a second larger container diameter (03), said reduced waist section (64) forming a smaller container diameter (04), said smaller container diameter (04) being smaller than at least one of said first larger container diameter (02) and said second larger container diameter (03); a plurality of vacuum panels (70) arranged over at least one of said upper vacuum absorption region (60) and said lower vacuum absorption region (62), the plurality of vacuum panels (70) defined by a respective underlying surface (74) which is connected by a respective perimeter surface (76), the perimeter surface (76) including an upper end and a lower end, characterized by the fact that said heat-hardened container (10) comprises : a totality of the underlying surface (74) being tapered between the upper and lower ends, the underlying surfaces (74) of the vacuum panels (70) being triangular in shape, the plurality of vacuum panels (70) being alternately oriented around the longitudinal axis (44) so that adjacent pairs of the underlying surfaces (74) on the longitudinal axis (44) are inverted with respect to each other.
    [0002]
    2. Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said perimeter surfaces (76) are each an upright wall that protrudes out of the respective underlying surface (74) resulting in the surface underlying (74) of each of said plurality of vacuum panels (70) being inserted in relation to streaks (72) surrounding said respective vacuum panel (70).
    [0003]
    3. Heat-hardened container (10), according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the adjacent underlying surfaces (74) are coupled through one of the respective perimeter surfaces (76), each of said surfaces of perimeter (76) being tangential to those adjacent to the underlying surface (74).
    [0004]
    4. Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of said underlying surfaces (74) is convex without a vacuum charge in said receptacle chamber.
    [0005]
    5. Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said reduced waist section (64) comprises an inwardly oriented rib (78).
    [0006]
    6. Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the inwardly oriented rib (78) is a radius rib.
    [0007]
    Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the inwardly oriented rib (78) comprises at least one linearly inclined circumferential surface (78 ').
    [0008]
    8. Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said upper vacuum absorption region (60) and said lower vacuum absorption region (62) are shaped as conical regions converging and opposite.
    [0009]
    Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said upper vacuum absorption region (60) and said lower vacuum absorption region (62) are collectively molded to provide flexible absorption of an internal vacuum in said receptacle chamber.
    [0010]
    10. Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a transition portion (32) between said shoulder portion (22) and said upper vacuum absorption region (60), said transition portion (32) having an inwardly oriented rib (66).
    [0011]
    11. Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: a transition portion (34) between said base (30) and said lower vacuum absorption region (62 ), said transition portion (34) having an inwardly oriented rib (68).
    [0012]
    12. Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the reduced waist section (64) defines a consistent circumferential diameter.
    [0013]
    13. Heat-hardened container (10) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the streaks (72) extend helically over the longitudinal axis (44).
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    CA2791605C|2017-11-28|Flexible standing ring for hot-fill container
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    BR112020023863A2|2021-04-13|BLOW AND STRETCH MOLDING METHOD AND PLASTIC CONTAINER.
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2011112278A2|2011-09-15|
    BR112012023493A2|2016-05-24|
    AR080002A1|2012-03-07|
    US8813996B2|2014-08-26|
    WO2011112278A3|2011-11-10|
    CO6571860A2|2012-11-30|
    US20110220668A1|2011-09-15|
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    法律状态:
    2018-04-17| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: AMCOR GROUP GMBH (CH) |
    2019-01-08| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-02-12| B06T| Formal requirements before examination [chapter 6.20 patent gazette]|
    2019-07-23| B15K| Others concerning applications: alteration of classification|Free format text: AS CLASSIFICACOES ANTERIORES ERAM: B65D 1/02 , B65D 1/42 , B65D 90/02 Ipc: B65D 1/02 (1968.09), B65D 1/42 (1968.09) |
    2019-07-30| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2019-09-17| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: AMCOR RIGID PLASTICS USA, LLC (US) |
    2020-02-11| B06G| Technical and formal requirements: other requirements [chapter 6.7 patent gazette]|
    2020-05-26| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-11-17| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 19/01/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US12/721,003|2010-03-10|
    US12/721,003|US8813996B2|2010-03-10|2010-03-10|Heat set container|
    PCT/US2011/021615|WO2011112278A2|2010-03-10|2011-01-19|Heat set container|
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