Container and mould

Abstract

A container extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a wall. The wall comprises: a neck portion defining an opening; a shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; a body portion connected to the shoulder portion and comprising a grip region; and a base portion connected to the body portion. The grip region defines a polygonal outer profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the polygonal outer profile at a first longitudinal location is rotated about the longitudinal axis with respect to the polygonal outer profile at a second longitudinal location. A mould defines an internal cavity. The internal cavity defines a longitudinal axis and defines: a neck portion; a shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; a body portion connected to the shoulder portion and defining a grip region; and a base portion connected to the body portion. The grip region defines a polygonal profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the polygonal profile at a first longitudinal location is rotated about the longitudinal axis with respect to the polygonal profile at a second longitudinal location.

Description

[0001] Container and mould

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to containers, for example bottles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to containers with improved load-handling performance to allow a reduction in raw material usage.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Currently, the market comprises many different shapes and sizes of containers capable of holding fluids. The shape and size of fluid containers can depend, among other things, on the amount of fluid to be held, the type of fluid to be held, consumer demands and desired aesthetics.

[0006] Thermoplastic containers for beverages are widely used. These containers are generally made of a semi-crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for good transparency. Such plastic containers are typically blow-moulded using an injected preform. The quantity of raw plastic material used to produce a container is the main factor in the production cost of such a container. There is a high interest, in particular in the bottled water industry, in reducing the quantity of material for forming the container to reduce its cost and environmental impact.

[0007] For this reason, lightweight containers have been proposed. Such lightweight containers contain less plastic and have a reduced wall thickness. Lightweight containers are cheaper to produce and have a lower environmental impact. The weight of plastic bottles on the market is constantly decreasing due to optimized geometry and reduced processing tolerances. However, the weight reduction achieved through reduced wall thicknesses results in challenges in meeting mechanical performance requirements.

[0008] Containers needs to be able to withstand different loading scenarios encountered during manufacturing, shipping, retail shelf stocking or storage and use (e.g. consumption of its content). One particular challenge for containers with reduced wall thicknesses is withstanding mechanical stresses applied by horizontal forces (i.e. perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container), for example due to a user gripping the container (e.g. for consumption of the content of the container) or due to shrinkage forces within packs of containers (i.e. due to plastic shrink wrapping).

[0009] In additional to having adequate mechanical performance, containers must allow a user to easily (and reliably) grip the container. Containers, for example water bottles, are often damp during use. This can reduce grip and cause containers to slip or be dropped by a user. The outer profile of the container is central to ensuring a user is readily able to achieve a robust grip. It is also important that containers provide a sufficient space for attaching a label or other means by which to convey important information regarding the product, and that the container is aesthetically pleasing.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a container. The container of the present disclosure provides improved mechanical performance. It also allows a user to readily, and reliably, grip the container. A container according to the invention is provided with good deformation resistance and stability, and can be formed by a thin wall, having for example a thickness of about 80 to 300 micrometres, often less than 200 micrometres. This allows the container to reduce raw material usage.

[0012] According to the disclosure is a container which extends along a longitudinal axis. The container comprises a wall. The wall comprises a neck portion defining an opening; a shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; a body portion connected to the shoulder portion and comprising a grip region; and a base portion connected to the body portion. The grip region defines a polygonal outer profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The polygonal outer profile at a first longitudinal location is rotated about the longitudinal axis with respect to the polygonal outer profile at a second longitudinal location.

[0013] The height of the container may be defined as the size of the container parallel to the longitudinal axis. The terms “upper”, “lower”, “top” and “bottom” may be used herein to describe relative locations. Unless stated otherwise, “top” refers to an end or side that is furthest away a surface on which the container is stood during normal use. “Bottom” refers to a part or direction closest to (e.g. in contact with) a surface on which the container is stood. Unless stated otherwise, the term “upper” refers to a relative location closest to the “top” of the container and “lower” refers to a relative location closest to the “bottom” of the container. The base portion of the container is the part of the container on which it is stood in normal use.

[0014] The container may be configured to hold any type of liquid therein. In an embodiment, the containers are configured to hold a consumable liquid such as, for example, water, an energy drink, a carbonated drink, tea, infusion, coffee, milk, juice, etc.

[0015] The container may be a bottle, for example a plastic bottle.

[0016] Suitable materials for manufacturing containers of the present disclosure can include, for example, polymeric materials. Specifically, materials for manufacturing bottles of the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (“PE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), polypropylene (“PP”), polyethylene furanoate (“PEF”) or polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”). Such a container can be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing process such as, for example, conventional extrusion blow moulding, stretch blow moulding, injection stretch blow moulding, and the like.

[0017] The container, e.g. bottle, may be configured to hold any suitable volume of a liquid such as, for example, from about 150 to 4000 mL including 200 mL, 250mL, 300mL, 330mL, 450 mL, 500mL, 600mL, 750 mL, 800 mL, 900 mL, 1000 mL, 1500 mL, 2000 mL, 3000 mL, 4000 mL and the like (in particular an intermediate volume).

[0018] The wall may be a single, integral part. The container may consist of the wall. Such an arrangement may improve inherent mechanical strength characteristics of the container and thus allow the amount of raw material required to be minimised.

[0019] The neck portion may be substantially cylindrical. The next portion may be tubular. The opening may be for filling the container with fluid and emptying the container of fluid, for example. The neck may be for interconnection with a top, lid or cap. The neck may define a connection interface - for example and internal or external screw thread, clasp or snap-fit engagement - for connecting to a top, lid or cap. The neck portion may form between 3% and 10% of the total longitudinal length of the container.

[0020] The shoulder portion may be connected to (the lower end of) the neck portion. The shoulder portion may be configured to transition the average diameter of the container from the average diameter of the neck to that of the body portion, which may have a larger average diameter than the neck portion. The shoulder portion may be tapered. The shoulder portion may define a taper angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The taper angle may be between 20 and 50 or 30 and 40 degrees. The taper angle may be about 35 degrees. The taper angle may be consistent over the extent of the shoulder portion or may alternatively change to give a ‘curved’ profile.

[0021] The shoulder portion may form between 10% and 30%, or 15% and 25%, of the total longitudinal length of the container.

[0022] The body portion may be connected to (the lower end of) the shoulder portion. The body portion may have a larger average diameter than the neck portion and than the shoulder portion.

[0023] The body portion may comprise between 50% and 80%, or 60% and 70%, of the total longitudinal length of the container.

[0024] The base portion may be connected to (the lower end of) the body portion.

[0025] The base portion may be for standing the container on. The base portion may define a base, or bottom, for standing the container on during use. The base may be configured to stand on a flat horizontal surface. The base may comprise a substantially flat bottom, or may define channels or rounded ‘feet’ to improve manufacturability and improve the stability of the base.

[0026] The base portion may form between 5% and 15% of the total longitudinal length of the container. The proportions of the total height of the container attributed to the neck portion, shoulder portion, body portion and base portion provides an overall configuration of container that improves the ability of the container to withstand side loads.

[0027] The body portion comprises the grip region.

[0028] The grip region may form between 20% and 50% of the total longitudinal length of the container.

[0029] The grip region provides two important functional benefits - it provides improved mechanical strength, in particular with respect to side-loads applied to the container, and an outer profile that allows a user to comfortably, reliably and robustly grip the container.

[0030] The grip region may be shaped such that the polygonal outer profile rotates about the longitudinal axis along a longitudinal extent of the grip region.

[0031] The outer profile may be the shape defined by the outer circumference of the wall, taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0032] The majority of the grip region may comprise a polygonal outer profile along a longitudinal extent (i.e. part, or all, of its length). The grip region may comprise a prismatic section, defined by the polygonal cross-section. The polygonal outer profile (cross-section) may rotate along its length, such that the polygon at one end of the prismatic section is rotated with respect to that of the other end. The grip region may comprise a polygonal outer profile at or near an upper end, closest to the shoulder portion, and at or near a lower end, closest to the base portion. The polygonal outer profile at or near the upper end may be rotated about the longitudinal axis with respect to that at the lower end.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the polygonal outer profile has a at least seven sides. It can be septagonal (7-sides), octagonal, nonagonal or decagonal. The polygon may have more than 10 sides, for example 12, 14, 16 or 20. The polygonal outer profile is preferably octagonal. The polygon may be regular (i.e. all sides having the same length) or irregular. The sides of the polygonal outer profile may be slightly bowed. That is, the sides may not be exactly straight, but instead include a slight outward curve. This is due to manufacturability reasons. Where reference to a polygon or specific straight-sided shape is made herein, it is to be understood to refer to a substantially straight-sided shape with a slight curve in the sides. The degree of curve is such that it does not affect a user’s impression of the shape being substantially straight-sided.

[0034] The corners of the polygonal outer profile may define columns that may extend along a longitudinal extent of the grip region. Each column may extend in a straight line from a corner of the polygonal outer profile at the first longitudinal location to the same corner of the polygonal outer profile at the second longitudinal location.

[0035] The grip region may be configured such that the path taken by the corners of the polygonal outer profile along the longitudinal extent of the grip region define straight lines. That is, a substantially straight edge may be defined by the path of each corner of the polygonal outer profile within the grip region. Each column may be one of the substantially straight edge or path defined by a respective corner of the polygonal outer profile within the grip region.

[0036] The path taken by the corners may correspond to a line defined by the outermost (from the longitudinal axis) point of the corner. That is, the peak, or summit of the corners.

[0037] Each column may define an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The angle may be between 0 and 30 degrees, 10 and 25 degrees or 15 and 20 degrees.

[0038] The polygonal outer profile may comprise rounded or chamfered corners. The radius of the rounded corners or length of the chamfers may vary along the longitudinal extent of the grip region.

[0039] The radius of the rounded corners may be between 10 and 80 mm, 20 and 70 mm, 30 and 60 mm, or 40 and 50 mm. The length of the chamfers may be between 1 and 10 mm, 2 and 8 mm, 3 and 7 mm, or 4 and 6 mm The corners of the polygonal outer profile may not define sharp vertices - this may improve manufacturability and user comfort when holding the container. The extent or “size” of the corner - i.e. the degree of rounding or chamfering applied - may vary along the grip region.

[0040] The size of the corner may be defined as the distance between the interface between the corner and a first connecting side of the polygonal profile, and the interface between the corner and a second connecting side of the polygonal profile. The interface may be defined as the location at which the curvature of the outer profile changes between a side of the polygonal outer profile and the corner of the outer profile.

[0041] The corners of the polygonal outer profile define the columns, as such, it follows that the shape of the columns is determined by the changing profile of the respective corners. A rounded corner with a small radius or a small chamfer will define a narrower column than a corner having a larger radius or chamfer length.

[0042] The grip region may comprise an upper end, closest to the shoulder portion. The grip region may comprise a lower end, closest to the base portion.

[0043] The grip region may comprise an intermediate-point between the lower end and upper end. The intermediate point need not be at, or near, the midpoint of the grip region.

[0044] The radius of the rounded corners or length of the chamfers may be larger at the intermediate-point than adjacent the lower end and adjacent the upper end.

[0045] The radius of the rounded corners or length of the chamfers may vary from zero at the upper and / or lower end of the grip region to a maximum corner radius or chamfer length at an intermediate point between the upper and lower ends. Such an arrangement provides an advantageous balance between a robust grip as well as a comfortable surface to hold for a user.

[0046] The polygonal outer profile may merge into a round or circular outer profile at the upper end and / or the lower end. The neck portion, shoulder portion, label region (see below) and / or base portion may define a round or circular outer profile. The polygonal outer profile may merge into the round or circular outer profile of the adjacent portion or region. This may improve manufacturability.

[0047] The average diameter of the grip region may taper along at least part of the longitudinal extent of the grip region. A tapered grip improves handling of the container.

[0048] The average diameter of the grip region may taper from the lower end towards the upper end.

[0049] For example, the lower quarter, third, half, two third or three quarters of the grip region may taper from the lower end towards the upper end. An intermediate point of the grip region may therefore have a smaller average diameter than the lower end.

[0050] A taper angle (the angle between the longitudinal axis and the outer profile of the grip region when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) may be constant or, alternatively, may vary along its length (for example to provide a curved appearance).

[0051] The average diameter of the grip region may taper from the lower end towards an intermediate-point and increase from the intermediate-point towards the upper end.

[0052] The average diameter of the grip region may increase from an intermediate point towards the upper end, such that the grip region defines a waist when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This may improve grip and comfort. The intermediate point may be located a fifth, quarter, third or half of the way down the grip region from the upper end.

[0053] The grip region may define a plurality of circumferential ribs. The ribs may have a sinusoidal path, such that the ribs define a wave-like shape around the perimeter of the container.

[0054] The ribs may be channels or elongated recesses in the surface of the wall. Circumferential ribs may be stiffening elements and may thus improve stability and strength of the container. The ribs may be circumferentially offset with respect to each other - e.g. such that adjacent sinusoidal paths are phase-shifted with respect to each other. Alternatively, the ribs may be aligned and / or parallel.

[0055] The body portion may further comprise a label region for receiving a label. The label region may be connected to the shoulder portion and the grip region. The grip region may be connected to the label region and the base portion.

[0056] The label region may be configured to receive a flexible label, for example fixed by an adhesive product. The label region may have a plain surface where the flexible label can be fixed. The surface of the label region comprises a plurality of circumferential ribs. The ribs may be the same, or different, to those of the grip region.

[0057] The label region may have an average diameter which is smaller than the largest diameter of the container. This may reduce the likelihood of the label being damaged during packaging or handling of the container.

[0058] The label region may form between 10 and 40% of the total longitudinal length of the container.

[0059] Further according to the disclosure is a mould. The mould defines an internal cavity. The internal cavity defines a longitudinal axis. The internal cavity further defines a neck portion; a shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; a body portion connected to the shoulder portion and defining a grip region; and a base portion connected to the body portion. The grip region defines a polygonal profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the polygonal profile at a first longitudinal location is rotated about the longitudinal axis with respect to the polygonal profile at a second longitudinal location.

[0060] The mould may be configured to produce a container as described herein. The neck portion, shoulder portion, body portion and base portion of the internal cavity of the mould may be for producing the neck portion, shoulder portion, body portion and base portion of the container and, as such, may be as described anywhere herein with respect to the container.

[0061] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figures 1A to 1 E are orthogonal views and a cross-section of a bottle according to the disclosure;

[0063] Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of the bottle of Figure 1A;

[0064] Figures 3A to 3D are horizontal cross-sections through the bottle of Figure 1A;

[0065] Figure 4 is a horizontal cross-section through the bottle of Figure 1A;

[0066] Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the bottle of Figure 1 A;

[0067] Figure 6 is a vertical cross-section through the bottle of Figure 1A; and

[0068] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a mould.

[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Figures 1A to 1 E show a container according to the disclosure - in this case a bottle 10. Figure 1A is a bottom view, Figures 1 B and 1D are side views, Figure 1C is a top view and Figure 1 E is a cross-section in plane C shown in Figure 1 D.

[0071] The bottle 10 of Figure 1A comprises a wall which defines both the outer profile of the bottle 10 and the inner cavity in which a fluid - for example drinking water - can be contained.

[0072] The wall is substantially continuous and defined as a single integral part - for example by blow-moulding. The wall defines a plurality of different portions, each portion being integral and continuous with adjacent portions. The bottle 10 defines a longitudinal axis X, which extends along the central axis of the bottle 10. The bottle 10 is largely - although not entirely - rotationally symmetric about the axis X.

[0073] Throughout the present disclosure the terms “top” and “bottom” may be used. These terms refer to the general orientation of the container when standing on its base portion.

[0074] The wall defines a neck portion 12.

[0075] The neck portion 12 defines an opening 24 through which fluid may pass during use - for example during filling of the bottle 10 and drinking from the bottle 10. The opening 24 may be of any size and shape known in the art so long as liquid may be introduced into the bottle 10 and may be poured or otherwise removed from the bottle 10. The opening 24 may be substantially circular in shape and have a diameter ranging from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or about 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, or the like. In an embodiment, the opening 24 has a diameter of about 25.6 mm.

[0076] The neck portion 12 may have a height (measured along the longitudinal axis X from the opening 24 to the shoulder portion 14 from about 5 mm to about 45 mm, for example about 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, or the like. In an embodiment, the neck portion 12 has a height of about 9.5 mm.

[0077] On its outer circumferential surface, the neck 12 defines a screw thread for engagement with a screw top (not shown). The neck 12 of the present example defines flange for engagement with a closure security device (not shown).

[0078] The wall further defines a shoulder portion 14. The shoulder portion 14 is connected to the neck portion 12, for example the lower end thereof. The shoulder portion 14 is tapered to define an increasing outer (and inner) diameter of the bottle 10 in the direction longitudinally away from the neck portion 12. The shoulder portion 14 of the present example is substantially frusto-conical. The shoulder angle formed between the wall surface of the shoulder portion 14 and the axis X is an important feature to increase the top-load deformation resistance (i.e., vertical resistance to deformation, in the direction of the longitudinal axis X of the container. The shoulder angle may for example be between 30° and 60°, for example about 43°.

[0079] The wall further defines a body portion 16. The body portion 16 extends from and is connected to the shoulder portion 14. The body portion 16 forms the majority of the bottle 10 and, in the present example, is substantially tubular. The body portion 16 comprises a grip region 20. The body portion 16 shown in Figure 1 B also comprises and a label region 22. The grip region 20 and label region 22 are discussed in more detail below.

[0080] The grip region 20 may have a height (measured along the longitudinal axis X) from about 40 mm to about 150 mm, for example about 70 mm to 120 mm, or 90 mm to 110 mm, or the like.

[0081] The wall further defines a base portion 18. The base portion 18 is connected to (the lower end of) the body portion 16. The base portion 18 defines a base 26, or bottom, of the bottle 10. The base 26 of the bottle 10 defines a surface (flat or otherwise) on which the bottle 10 can stand, for example on a flat horizontal surface, during filling, transport and use. The base 2 is shown in more detail in Figure 1A. The base portion 18 may define a plurality of channels 28, for example to allow fluid flow and improve the stability of the bottle 10 - or example by negating surface-tension effects of fluid from prejudicing the grip and stability of the bottle 10 when stood on the base 26.

[0082] Typically, the neck portion 12, shoulder portion 14, body portion 16 and base portion 18 make up between 3-10%, 10-30%, 50-80% and 5-15%, respectively, of the entire longitudinal length of the bottle.

[0083] The average, or largest, diameter of the label region 22 is smaller than the largest diameter of the bottle 10 as a whole. This ensures that a label located on the label region 22 is not damaged when multiple bottles 10 are packaged adjacent each other. Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of the bottle 10 of Figure 1.

[0084] Figures 3A to 3D are cross-sections through the bottle 10. The cross-sections are in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, such as the plane C shown in Figure 1 D. Figure 3A is a cross-section taken near a lower end 38 (see Figure 5) of the grip region 20, closest to the base portion 18. Figure 3D is a cross-section taken near an upper end 36 (see Figure 5) of the grip region 20, closest to the shoulder portion 14 and label region 22. Figures 3B and 3C are cross-sections taken at two different intermediate points between the upper and lower ends of the grip region 20.

[0085] As can be seen from Figures 3A and 3D, the grip region 20 comprises a substantially circular outer profile at its upper and lower ends 36, 38. The outer profile is defined by the outer circumference of the wall, taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0086] Between the upper and lower ends 36, 38 of the grip region 20, the grip region 20 defines a polygonal outer profile. In this particular case, the grip region 20 has an octagonal outer profile, defined by its eight sides 30a-30h and corners 32a-h.

[0087] The grip region 20 is configured such that the polygonal outer profile merges smoothly into a round or circular outer profile at its upper and lower ends 36, 38.

[0088] The polygonal outer profile of the grip region 20 rotates about the longitudinal axis X along the longitudinal extent (i.e. in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X) of the grip region 20. That is, considering the bottle through a fixed frame of reference, a corner of the polygon (for example corner 32b) may be located at the “6 o’clock” position at a first longitudinal location of the grip region 20 (see for example Figure 3B), but at the “5 o’clock” position at a second longitudinal location of the grip region 20 (see for example Figure 3C). Accordingly, the outer circumferential profile of the grip region 20 defines a polygon that rotates as you travel along the grip region 20 in the longitudinal direction. This particular profile provides improved mechanical strength, in particular in relation to side-loads, while also providing a high level of grip for a user. It is noted that, while the outer profile is described as polygonal, the sides 30a-30h of the polygon are, in fact, slightly bowed, in order to facilitate the manufacturing of the bottle 10.

[0089] Referring now to Figure 4, construction lines 34a-34c are superimposed on Figure 3C to illustrate the path of the corners 32a-32c of the polygonal profile along the length of the grip region 20. The trajectories of the corners of the polygonal profile along the longitudinal direction of the grip region define columns 40. That is, in the bottle 10 of Figure 1A, the corners 32a-32h of the polygonal profile of the grip region 20 define columns 40 extending along the longitudinal extent of the grip region 20. The columns 40, defined by the corners 32a-32h of the polygonal profile, provide structural rigidity to the grip region 20 in both a longitudinal, and transverse (i.e. horizontal) direction.

[0090] As can be seen from Figure 4, the columns 40 are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the bottle 10. In the present example, the columns 40 are straight and extend in a straight line from the upper end 36 of the grip region 20 (or adjacent thereto) to the lower end 38 of the grip region 20 (or adjacent thereto). In the present example, each corner 32a-32h of the polygonal outer profile at the upper end 36 of the grip region 20 is rotated by 45 degrees with respect to the corresponding corner at the lower end 38 of the grip region 20. Given that the present example uses an octagon, this means that a first corner 32a at the upper end 36 of the grip region 20 (and hence the top of a first column 32a) is aligned ‘above’ a second corner 32b at the lower end 38 of the grip region 30 (and hence the base of a second column 32b), as shown in Figure 5. Although the columns 40 become less defined as the polygonal profile merges into the round or circular profile at the upper end 36 and lower end 38 of the grip region 20, they are still present up until the point that the profile is entirely round or circular.

[0091] Turning now to Figure 5, a side profile of part of the bottle 10 is shown. As noted above, the columns 40 are defined by the path of the corners 32a-32h of the polygonal profile of the grip region 20.

[0092] The corners 32a-32h of the polygonal profile are rounded or chamfered. This makes manufacturing easier and also improves the comfort of the bottle 10 in a user’s hand. In the present example, the corners 32a-32h are rounded. The bottle 10 of Figure 1A has rounded corners that have a variable radius of curvature - and hence a variable ‘size’ of corner. The radius of curvature of each corner 32a-32h varies along the longitudinal direction of the grip region - i.e. along the path of the corners. The radius of curvature of the corners 32a-32h determines the geometry of the corresponding column 40.

[0093] As shown in Figure 5, in the present example, the radius of curvature varies from almost zero at the upper end 36 and lower end 38 of the grip region 20 (see “A” and “E” respectively) to a larger radius at an intermediate point 42 between the upper end 36 and lower end 38 (see “C”). The intermediate point 42 need not be at a mid-point between the upper end 36 and lower end 38 and may be at any point between the upper end 36 and lower end (see, for example, “B” and “D”).

[0094] The grip region 20 comprises a plurality of ribs 44a-44d. The ribs 44a-44d are circumferential recesses and act to increase the bottle’s resistance to horizontal forces. They also improve grip. In the present example, the ribs 44a-44d have a sinusoidal path, such that the ribs define a wave-like shape around the perimeter of the bottle 10.

[0095] Figures 6A and 6B are vertical cross-sections of the bottle 10. The average diameter of the grip region tapers from the lower end 38 towards the upper end 36. The average diameter stops tapering at an intermediate point between the upper end 36 and lower end 38. The average diameter then increases again from the intermediate point towards the upper end 36. The average diameter of the grip region 20 defines an hourglass shape. Figure 6B includes superimposed lines to illustrate the tapering of the grip region 20.

[0096] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a mould 50. The mould 50 defines an internal cavity 52. The internal cavity 52 defines a cavity that corresponds to the shape of bottle 10 of Figure 1A.

[0097] The present invention has been described above purely by way of example. Modifications in detail may be made to the present invention within the scope of the claims as appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A container which extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the container comprises a wall; and the wall comprises: a neck portion defining an opening; a shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; a body portion connected to the shoulder portion and comprising a grip region; and a base portion connected to the body portion; wherein the grip region defines a polygonal outer profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the polygonal outer profile at a first longitudinal location is rotated about the longitudinal axis with respect to the polygonal outer profile at a second longitudinal location.

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the grip region is shaped such that the polygonal outer profile rotates about the longitudinal axis along a longitudinal extent of the grip region.

3. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the corners of the polygonal outer profile define columns extending along a longitudinal extent of the grip region; and each column extends in a straight line from a corner of the polygonal outer profile at the first longitudinal location to the same corner of the polygonal outer profile at the second longitudinal location.

4. The container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the polygonal outer profile comprises rounded or chamfered corners and the radius of the rounded corners or length of the chamfers varies along the longitudinal extent of the grip region.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the grip region comprises: an upper end, closest to the shoulder portion; a lower end, closest to the base portion; and an intermediate-point between the lower end and upper end; whereinthe radius of the rounded corners or length of the chamfers is larger at the intermediate-point than adjacent the lower end and adjacent the upper end.

6. The container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the grip region comprises: an upper end, closest to the shoulder portion; and a lower end, closest to the base portion; wherein the polygonal outer profile merges into a round or circular outer profile at the upper end and / or the lower end.

7. The container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the average diameter of the grip region tapers along at least part of the longitudinal extent of the grip region.

8. The container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the grip region comprises: an upper end, closest to the shoulder portion; and a lower end, closest to the base portion; wherein and the average diameter of the grip region tapers from the lower end towards the upper end.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the grip region further comprises an intermediate-point between the lower end and the upper end; wherein the average diameter of the grip region: tapers from the lower end towards the intermediate-point; and increases from the intermediate-point towards the upper end.

10. The container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the polygonal outer profile is octagonal.11 . The container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the grip region defines a plurality of circumferential ribs and the ribs have a sinusoidal path, such that the ribs define a wave-like shape around the perimeter of the container.

12. The container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the body portion further comprises a label region for receiving a label; the label region is connected to the shoulder portion and the grip region; and the grip region is connected to the label region and the base portion.1813. The container of claim 12, wherein the label region has an average diameter which is smaller than the largest diameter of the container.

14. The container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the grip region forms between 20% and 50% of the total longitudinal length of the container.

15. A mould defining an internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity defines a longitudinal axis and defines: a neck portion; a shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; a body portion connected to the shoulder portion and defining a grip region; and a base portion connected to the body portion; wherein the grip region defines a polygonal profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the polygonal profile at a first longitudinal location is rotated about the longitudinal axis with respect to the polygonal profile at a second longitudinal location.

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