Hourglass Hot Fill Container Grippability Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a large, round, multi-serve hot fillable plastic container that offers superior grippability while being suitable for shrink fit labeling has been problematic, especially in circular containers, as deep vacuum panels used for grippability interfere with label placement and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A round hot fillable container with a main body having a generally hourglass shape and multiple grooves, featuring upper and lower gripping surfaces with vacuum panels and outwardly extending pillow portions for label support, optimized for grippability and dimensional stability, allowing for effective handling and shrink fit labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If deep vacuum panels are provided to enhance grippability in large multi-serve containers, then the consumer can easily grip and handle the container, but the shrink fit label will bridge the recesses and render the vacuum panels inaccessible for gripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from deep recessed vacuum panels (3D) to substantially flat vacuum panels (2D) that extend along the circumferential direction. This dimensional change allows the label to be applied smoothly across the container surface without bridging deep recesses, while the flat panels still provide adequate gripping surfaces for consumer handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different characteristics to different regions: the vacuum panels are made substantially flat for label compatibility, while the column structures provide structural support and define the panel boundaries. This local differentiation allows each element to optimize its function without compromising the other.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vacuum panels are recessed to accommodate volumetric shrinkage during hot-fill cooling, then the container can accommodate product cooling, but the label will crinkle or deform when the container is squeezed or when volumetric expansion or contraction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum panels are designed as substantially flat surfaces extending in the circumferential direction rather than deep recesses. This flat configuration allows the label to conform smoothly to the container surface while the panels still flex to accommodate volumetric changes in the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the depth parameter of the vacuum panels, reducing them from deep recesses to substantially flat surfaces. This parameter change maintains the functional ability to accommodate volumetric shrinkage while eliminating the label crinkling problem associated with deep recesses.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container is made round for aesthetic and manufacturing reasons, then the container has simplified manufacturing and appealing appearance, but it is difficult to implement gripping recesses in a circular container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the smooth circular surface by introducing substantially flat vacuum panels separated by column structures. This segmentation creates tactile and visual breaks on the round container that provide gripping points without requiring the container to be non-circular, thus maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and grippability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local structural variations (flat vacuum panels and columns) to specific regions of the round container. These localized features provide gripping surfaces without changing the overall circular shape, allowing the container to maintain its aesthetic and manufacturing advantages while gaining improved grippability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hourglass shape and strategically placed grooves and vacuum panels enhance grippability and dimensional stability, enabling efficient handling and accommodating shrink fit labels without compromising accessibility, thus addressing the challenge of combining grippability and labeling in large, round containers.
Implementation Method 1
The preform is first heated and then is longitudinally stretched and subsequently inflated within a mold cavity so that it assumes the desired final shape of the container
Implementation Method 2
The polymer solidifies upon contacting the cooler surface of the mold
Implementation Method 3
After filling, such containers undergo significant volumetric shrinkage as a result of the cooling of the product within the sealed container
Data Source
AI summary
A round, hot fillable plastic container includes an upper portion defining an opening; a bottom portion; and a main body portion having a plastic sidewall that has a plurality of vacuum panels defined therein. The main body portion has a generally hourglass shape with a central portion that is narrower than upper and lower portions thereof. The hourglass shape optimizes grippability of the container. Grippability is optimized further by the presence of indentations that are formed between columns that define the hourglass shape and pillow portions that are provided for finger support. The indentations permit a consumer to gain finger traction and purchase with respect to the container body, even when a label is positioned between the container body and the user's fingers. The main body portion further has a first groove defined in the upper portion thereof, a second groove defined in the lower portion thereof and a third groove that is defined in the central portion thereof. The grooves provide dimensional stability during handling and when the main body portion is gripped by a consumer.