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. An anti-rotation element is formed in the sidewall of the container and is configured to prevent rotation movement of the container when in a stacked or nested arrangement with a second container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 069,794, filed Mar. 1, 2005, and U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29 / 240,857, filed Oct. 18, 2005, each of which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. D 515,358, issued Feb. 21, 2006, the contents of each are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto.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....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a container with increased sidewall and rim strength, improved grippability, and enhanced stackability, reducing the likelihood of collapse and spills while maintaining ease of handling and storage.

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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