Container having textured grip and enhanced wall integrity

Abstract

A nestable or stackable container having at least one recess formed in the sidewall of the container to improve wall strength integrity. The surface of the recess further including texturing to improve grippability such that the container can be grasped in any direction while providing improved tactile engagement. Engaging portions include an annular shoulder to maintain spacing between adjacent stacked containers, and depressions to define antirotational interlock between adjacent stacked containers.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29 / 215,059, filed Oct. 12, 2004, the contents of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of Invention [0003] The present invention relates to an improved nestable container, such as for food or beverages. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a nestable container having enhanced wall integrity, increased rim strength, and improved tactile engagement. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] A variety of thermoplastic containers, such as containers for food and beverages, are well known in the art. Such thermoplastic containers are relatively inexpensive and disposable; and therefore are extremely popular. Such containers are often used at parties, picnics, gatherings, and other occasions where little or no clean-up is desired. [0006] Although thermoplastic containers offer consumers many...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Containers having enhanced wall integrity and improved gripping features are disclosed herein. Generally, each of the disclosed containers of the present invention has a base defining a closed bottom and a side wall extending upwardly from the base. The side wall has an outer surface and at least one recess formed in the outer surface. The recessed surface has a texture that is different than the surface texture of the outer surface of the side wall.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one recess forms a recessed surface having a texture that increases tactile engagement. Although a variety of textures can be used, a preferred texture has a multidirectional surface pattern capable of increasing tactile engagement generally in any direction. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the multidirectional surface pattern includes an irregular surface pattern of protrusions and / or indentations, such as bumps, peaks and valleys. For example and not limitation, the texture can extend circumferentially, axially, or diagonally across the recessed surface. In accordance with a further preferred aspect of the invention, the texture extends entirely across the recessed surface.

Problems solved by technology

Although thermoplastic containers offer consumers many benefits, there are certain drawbacks affiliated with manufacture and use of thermoplastic containers.

For instance, many consumers using thermoplastic drinking cups have experienced collapsing or crushing of the side wall when the container is grasped by the consumer.

Conventional containers, which have side walls and rims that exhibit little crush resistance, therefore can cause messy spills and unwanted waste.

Another problem associated with thermoplastic containers is the lack of grippability due to condensation forming on the sidewall of the container, as well as the insufficient coefficient of friction of the material of the container.

Such a smooth outer surface can be very slippery when wet, for example, by condensation.

Thus, it is difficult for a consumer to obtain a comfortable and sufficient grip on a container having a smooth outer surface, unless extra force is used to grip the container.

However, as mentioned above, the typical container can have a sidewall that lacks sufficient crush resistance to withstand the extra gripping force required.

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