Multiserve polymeric spirits container including small thread finish

Abstract

A spirits container made of a polymeric material and formed from a preform. The spirits container includes: a base configured to support the spirits container upright; a body extending from the base, the body defining an internal volume of the spirits container; a shoulder extending from the body and tapering towards a longitudinal axis of the spirits container; a neck extending from the shoulder and tapering towards the longitudinal axis; and a finish at a distal end of the neck, the finish including threads and defining an opening of the spirits container with a diameter of 28mm, the finish having a finish weight of less than 10.0g. The spirits container is configured to hold 1.75 liters of spirits and has a total weight of less than 75.0g.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 8330-000745-WO-PCMULTISERVE POLYMERIC SPIRITS CONTAINER INCLUDING SMALL THREAD FINISHFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a polymeric spirits container.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] 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 package numerous commodities previously supplied in glass containers. Manufacturers and fillers, as well as consumers, have recognized that PET containers are lightweight, inexpensive, recyclable and manufacturable in large quantities.SUMMARY

[0004] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0005] The present disclosure provides for, in various features, a spirits container made of a polymeric material and formed from a preform. The spirits container includes: a base configured to support the spirits container upright; a body extending from the base, the body defining an internal volume of the spirits container; a shoulder extending from the body and tapering towards a longitudinal axis of the spirits container; a neck extending from the shoulder and tapering towards the longitudinal axis; and a finish at a distal end of the neck, the finish including threads and defining an opening of the spirits container with a diameter of 28mm, the finish having a finish weight of less than 10.0g. The spirits container is configured to hold 1.75 liters of spirits and has a total weight of less than 75.0g.

[0006] In further features, the finish weight is 6.0g. - 10.0g.

[0007] In further features, the spirits container has a maximum height of 13.0 inches.

[0008] In further features, the spirits container has a minimum height of 11.5 inches.Attorney Docket No. 8330-000745-WO-PC

[0009] In further features, the spirits container has a maximum outside diameter of 3.7 to 4.2 inches.

[0010] In further features, the neck has a neck length that is 20% to 30% of a maximum height of the spirits container.

[0011] In further features, a center of gravity of the spirits container is below a mid-point of a maximum height of the spirits container.

[0012] In further features, the center of gravity of the container is at 40% of the maximum height of the spirits container from the base.

[0013] In further features, the spirits container is formed from the preform by two-step injection stretch blow molding.

[0014] In further features, the body includes a label panel with a height of 5 to 8 inches.

[0015] In further features, the spirits container includes a grip area to facilitate grasping the spirits container.

[0016] In further features, the body is round.

[0017] In further features, the body is oval.

[0018] In further features, the body is non-symmetrical.

[0019] In further features, the body has a polygonal shape.

[0020] In further features, the spirits container is formed from the preform at a container axial stretch ratio of 2 to 2.25.

[0021] In further features, the spirits container is formed from the preform at a container radial stretch ratio of 4.5 to 4.75.

[0022] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. 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 disclosure.DRAWINGS

[0023] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a side view of a container in accordance with the present disclosure taking the form of a polymeric spirits container;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view of a finish of the container of FIG. 1 ;Attorney Docket No. 8330-000745-WO-PC

[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the finish of the container of FIG. 1 ;

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates area A of FIG. 3; and

[0028] FIG. 5 is a top view of the finish of the container.

[0029] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] The present disclosure is directed to polymeric containers, such as containers configured to store spirits or any other suitable product. The containers may have any suitable shape and size, such as 1.75 liters. 1.75 liter containers, such as for spirits, have traditionally been made of glass or heavy polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a larger thread finish (33.0 mm and above), necessitating expensive pour fitments. The high weight and cost associated with these containers has created a demand for a more efficient alternative.

[0032] The present disclosure is directed to a two-step blow-molded PET container with a 28.0 mm thread finish configured for holding 1.75 liters of liquid. The containers of the present disclosure reduce both the weight and cost compared to existing 1.75 liter containers, which typically utilize preforms weighing between 75-102 grams and require costly pour fitments.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a container 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. The container 10 may be configured to store any suitable product, such as spirits. The container 10 may be sized to store 1.75 liters of liquid, or be configured as any other suitable size. The container 10 may be shaped as illustrated, or have any other suitable shape.

[0034] The container 10 generally includes a base 20, which supports the container 10 upright when seated on a flat (or generally flat) surface. The base 20 may be configured as any suitable base, such as any suitable vacuum absorbing base. Above the base is a body 30 of the container 10. The body 30 defines an internal volume of the container 10. The body 30 may define a grip 32 configured to facilitate grasping of the container 10. The body 30 includes a label panel 34 of any suitable size. For example, the label panel 34 may have a width of 4.0 inches.Attorney Docket No. 8330-000745-WO-PC

[0035] Above the body 30, is a shoulder 40. The shoulder 40 tapers inward from the body 30 towards a longitudinal axis X of the container 10. The longitudinal axis X extends through a radial center of the container 10. A neck 50 extends from the shoulder 40, and also gradually tapers towards the longitudinal axis X. The neck 50 extends from the shoulder 40 to a finish 60.

[0036] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate the finish 60 in additional detail. The finish 60 includes a top end 62, and defines an opening 64. The container 10 is filled with spirits or any other suitable product through the opening 64. The contents of the container 10 are dispensed through the opening 64. At an outer surface 66 of the finish 60 are threads 68. The threads 68 are configured to cooperate with any suitable closure, such as any suitable cap with corresponding threads. The threads 68 may be interior threads or exterior threads. The container 10 includes a 28 mm thread finish.

[0037] Below the threads 68 is a retention ring 70. The retention ring 70 is configured to retain a tamper evident band on the finish 60 after the closure has been removed from the finish 60. Below the retention ring 70 is a flange 72. The flange 72 is configured to support the finish 60 in molding equipment during forming of the container 10 from a preform.

[0038] The container 10 may have any suitable height. For example, the container 10 may have a height of 12.0 in., or about 11.5 to 13 in., measured from a lowermost portion of the base 20 to the top end 62. The container 10 may have any suitable diameter, such as a maximum diameter at the body 30 of 4.0 in, or about 3.7 to 4.2 in. The container 10 may have any suitable weight, such as less than 75 grams. The finish 60 including the threads 68 may have any suitable weight, such as 10 grams or about 6 - 10 grams. The neck 50 may have any suitable length, such as a length that is 20% to 30% of an overall height of the container 10 measured from the lowest portion of the base 20 to the top end 62. The container 10 may have a center of gravity at about 40% of the overall height of the container from the lowermost portion of the base 20. Thus, the center of gravity is slightly below (10% below) a mid-point of the overall height of the container 10 as measured from the lowest portion of the base 20 to the top end 62.

[0039] The container 10 may be made of any suitable material, such as polyethylene terephthalate. The container 10 may be made by any suitable manufacturing process, such as two-step injection stretch blow molding, which provides the container 10 with a lightweight and robust configuration. This processing involvesAttorney Docket No. 8330-000745-WO-PCstretching an injection molded PET preform along a longitudinal axis with a preform to container axial stretch ratio of 2 to 2.5, and expanding the PET preform along a transverse or radial axis with a preform to container radial stretch ratio of 4.5 to 4.75, to form a PET container. The combination promotes biaxial orientation of the molecular structure in the container. The body 30 is configured to accommodate a label panel with a width of 4.0 inches, or any other suitable size. The container 10 may be round, such as at the body 30, or have any suitable shape to provide the container 10 with maximum use flexibility. The body 30 may alternatively have any suitable polygonal shape, for example.

[0040] The container 10 of the present disclosure provides numerous advantages. For example, the container 10 is formed from a 65g to 70g preform, which provides for significant weight savings making the container 10 lighter than traditional glass alternatives. Lighter containers use less polymeric material, which results in lower material costs. The container 10 also eliminates the need for an expensive pour fitment, which further reduces costs.

[0041] The container 10 includes a finish 60 with a diameter of 28.0mm, measured at the outside diameter of the threads 68. The finish 60 is defined as the top portion of the container 10 starting at the bottom of the support flange 72, and including the threads 68 and tamper evident retaining ring (bead) 70. For example, an industry standard 28 mm Kerr finish is a type of thread finish on a bottle that allows for a tamper-evident closure. The closure has a detachable tamper evident ring that breaks away from the closure when twisted to remove. A 28 mm Kerr finish is commonly used on liquor bottles, but can also be used for other types of bottles, such as glass flasks, that are used for marinades, BBQ sauces, maple syrups, and cocktail mixes. The weight of the finish 60 is about 10 grams or less, or between about 6 grams - 10 grams. The container 10 provides a lightweight PET alternative, which supports sustainability goals by reducing material use and transportation emissions.

[0042] The container 10 is configured for use in the spirits industry, but can also be used to store various other liquid products that require large-volume packaging. The cost-effective, lightweight configuration of the container 10 makes it suitable for both consumer and commercial use, and caters to market segments seeking sustainable and efficient packaging solutions.

[0043] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theAttorney Docket No. 8330-000745-WO-PCdisclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0044] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the 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 stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0046] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," “directly engaged to,” "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g.,Attorney Docket No. 8330-000745-WO-PC“between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0048] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 8330-000745-WO-PCCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A spirits container made of a polymeric material and formed from a preform, the spirits container comprising:a base configured to support the spirits container upright;a body extending from the base, the body defining an internal volume of the spirits container;a shoulder extending from the body and tapering towards a longitudinal axis of the spirits container;a neck extending from the shoulder and tapering towards the longitudinal axis; anda finish at a distal end of the neck, the finish including threads and defining an opening of the spirits container with a diameter of 28mm, the finish having a finish weight of less than 10.0g;wherein the spirits container is configured to hold 1.75 liters of spirits and has a total weight of less than 75.0g.

2. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the finish weight is 6.0g. - 10.0g.

3. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the spirits container has a maximum height of 13.0 inches.

4. The spirits container of claim 1, wherein the spirits container has a minimum height of 11.5 inches.

5. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the spirits container has a maximum outside diameter of 3.7 to 4.2 inches.

6. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the neck has a neck length that is 20% to 30% of a maximum height of the spirits container.

7. The spirits container of claim 1, wherein a center of gravity of the spirits container is below a mid-point of a maximum height of the spirits container.Attorney Docket No. 8330-000745-WO-PC8. The spirits container of claim 7, wherein the center of gravity of the container is at 40% of the maximum height of the spirits container from the base.

9. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the spirits container is formed from the preform by two-step injection stretch blow molding.

10. The spirits container of claim 1, wherein the body includes a label panel with a height of 5 to 8 inches.

11. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the spirits container includes a grip area to facilitate grasping the spirits container.

12. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the body is round.

13. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the body is oval.

14. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the body is non-symmetrical.

15. The spirits container of claim 1 , wherein the body has a polygonal shape.

16. The spirits container of claim 1, wherein the spirits container is formed from the preform at a container axial stretch ratio of 2 to 2.25.

17. The spirits container of claim 1, wherein the spirits container is formed from the preform at a container radial stretch ratio of 4.5 to 4.75.

Images