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US20240327052A1 - Bottle with ribbed neck - Google Patents

Bottle with ribbed neck Download PDF

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Publication number
US20240327052A1
US20240327052A1 US18/458,499 US202318458499A US2024327052A1 US 20240327052 A1 US20240327052 A1 US 20240327052A1 US 202318458499 A US202318458499 A US 202318458499A US 2024327052 A1 US2024327052 A1 US 2024327052A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
ribs
neck portion
neck
plastic bottle
bottle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US18/458,499
Inventor
Daniel Peter Sterling
Slavica Cesare
Marvin Stacy Sorby
Jonathan Dineen
Jessica Soto Vallejo
Kevin Robinson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Original Assignee
Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Henkel AG and Co KGaA filed Critical Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority to US18/458,499 priority Critical patent/US20240327052A1/en
Priority to CN202480024135.3A priority patent/CN120981397A/en
Priority to PCT/US2024/022366 priority patent/WO2024206919A1/en
Assigned to HENKEL AG & CO. KGAA reassignment HENKEL AG & CO. KGAA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CESARE, SLAVICA, ROBINSON, KEVIN, SORBY, Marvin Stacy, VALLEJO, JESSICA SOTO, DINEEN, JONATHAN, STERLING, DANIEL PETER
Publication of US20240327052A1 publication Critical patent/US20240327052A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0207Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by material, e.g. composition, physical features
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B65D1/023Neck construction
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B65D1/023Neck construction
    • B65D1/0246Closure retaining means, e.g. beads, screw-threads
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/40Details of walls
    • B65D1/42Reinforcing or strengthening parts or members
    • B65D1/46Local reinforcements, e.g. adjacent closures
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/04Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2501/00Containers having bodies formed in one piece
    • B65D2501/0009Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures designed for pouring contents
    • B65D2501/0018Ribs
    • B65D2501/0045Solid ribs
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2501/00Containers having bodies formed in one piece
    • B65D2501/0009Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures designed for pouring contents
    • B65D2501/0081Bottles of non-circular cross-section
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2547/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D2547/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D2547/06Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts ot tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D2547/063Details of spouts
    • B65D2547/066Details of spouts inserted in or attached to the base element

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to reinforced bottles and methods for reinforcing a bottle, specifically blow-molded plastic bottles.
  • Some embodiments described herein are directed to a plastic bottle including a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion, and a plurality of equally sized and spaced ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion.
  • the body portion can be configured to contain liquid.
  • the neck portion can define an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle and have a central axis.
  • Each of the plurality of ribs can extend across an interface region between the neck portion and the body portion.
  • Each of the plurality of ribs can extend across the interface region at an angle relative to the central axis of the neck.
  • Each of the plurality of ribs can have a length of 1 mm to 10 mm.
  • each of the plurality of ribs extends across the entire interface region.
  • each of the plurality of ribs extends across the interface region at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to the central axis of the neck.
  • each of the plurality of ribs has a length of 2 mm to 5 mm.
  • a width of each of the plurality of ribs is 1 to 10 times greater than a separation width between adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs.
  • a thickness of each of the plurality of ribs is approximately equal to a separation width between adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs.
  • 50 to 80 ribs are disposed around the circumference of the neck portion.
  • the bottle is blow-molded.
  • the neck portion extends vertically from the body portion.
  • the bottle includes a spout that directs liquid through the opening.
  • Some embodiments described herein are directed to a plastic bottle including a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion, and a plurality of ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion.
  • the body portion can be configured to contain liquid.
  • the neck portion can define an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle and have a central axis.
  • the plurality of ribs can extend from the neck portion to the body portion. An upper end of each of the plurality of ribs can smoothly transition into the neck portion, and a lower end of each of the plurality of ribs can smoothly transition into the body portion.
  • each of the plurality of ribs has a rounded outer profile.
  • each of the plurality of ribs extends linearly from the neck portion to the body portion.
  • At least half the circumference of the neck portion is covered by the plurality of ribs.
  • each of the plurality of ribs extends across the interface region at the same angle relative to the central axis.
  • ribs of a first pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs are separated by a first separation width
  • ribs of a second pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs are separated by a second separation width
  • the first separation width is equal to the second separation width
  • ribs of the plurality of ribs are equally sized and spaced.
  • a plastic bottle including a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion, a plurality of ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion, and a cap.
  • the body portion can be configured to contain liquid.
  • the neck portion can define an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle.
  • Each of the plurality of ribs can extend across an interface region between the neck portion and the body portion.
  • the cap can be removably attachable to the neck portion to close the opening.
  • a lower edge of the cap can be horizontally spaced apart from the plurality of ribs when the cap is attached to the neck portion.
  • a portion of each of the plurality of ribs extends below the cap when the cap is attached to the neck portion.
  • the interface region is angled 30 to 60 degrees relative to the neck portion.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bottle according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the bottle of FIG. 1 , without a cap.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the bottle of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a portion of the bottle of FIG. 1 , without a spout, taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a portion of the assembled bottle of FIG. 1 , taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 1 .
  • Some liquids e.g., laundry detergent, fabric softener, soft soaps, hair products, and cleaning liquids
  • plastic containers e.g., blow-molded plastic bottles
  • the bottles can be subjected to forces (for example, due to drops or other impacts).
  • Bottles that are distributed through e-commerce channels may be especially likely to experience harsh impacts due to rough handling during the delivery journey.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bottle with increased impact strength at a shoulder region of the bottle so that, for example, the bottle is less likely to break or be damaged at the shoulder region if the bottle experiences an impact.
  • the embodiments of the present disclosure can, for example, help prevent a neck of the bottle from collapsing into a body of the bottle, or help prevent the neck of the bottle from tearing away from the body of the bottle, upon impact.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure can help a bottle meet the ISTA® (International Safe Transit Association) 6 standard for packaging and product integrity, which challenges a package and product to withstand hazards normally encountered during e-commerce handling, transportation, and delivery.
  • ISTA® International Safe Transit Association
  • the bottle can include a body for holding liquid and a neck extending from the body.
  • a plurality of ribs can be disposed around a circumference of the neck, and each of the plurality of ribs can extend across an interface region (sometimes referred to as a shoulder region) of the bottle between the neck and the body.
  • the ribs can have a reinforcing or dissipating effect, making the shoulder region less prone to deformation during impact (relative to a similar bottle without ribs) and thereby increase the impact strength of the shoulder region of the bottle.
  • the ribs can also reduce the overall stress around the circumference of the neck (relative to a similar bottle without ribs).
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show a bottle 10 according to some embodiments.
  • bottle 10 can include a body 100 configured to contain a liquid.
  • the liquid can be any liquid suitable for dispensing from a bottle.
  • the liquid is a detergent (e.g., laundry detergent).
  • the liquid is a fabric softener.
  • Other suitable liquids e.g., cleaning products, counter cleaners, toilet cleaners, bath cleaners, soft soaps, dish soaps, hand soaps, face soaps, body washes, hair products (e.g., gels), shampoos, conditioners, or lotions
  • hair products e.g., gels
  • Body 100 can have any shape suitable for storing a liquid therein.
  • body 100 has a complex shape including curved sides and an inward taper toward a top of body 100 .
  • body 100 can have another shape (e.g., a generally cylindrical shape or a generally rectangular prism shape).
  • body 100 includes a handle 101 coupled to and extending from body 100 .
  • Handle 101 can be used, for example, for lifting or tilting bottle 10 .
  • handle 101 is formed integrally with body 100 .
  • handle 101 can be formed separate from body 100 and then attached to body 100 .
  • Body 100 can define an interior volume 102 for storing liquid.
  • interior volume 102 can have a volume of 0.5 L to 10 L (e.g., 1 L to 8 L, or 2 L to 6 L).
  • the liquid is disposed in interior volume 102 .
  • a neck 108 extends from (e.g., extends upward from) body 100 and defines an opening 104 for dispensing liquid from within interior volume 102 .
  • Neck 108 and opening 104 can be disposed near a top of bottle 10 such that liquid stored in interior volume 102 can be poured out of opening 104 by tipping or inverting bottle 10 .
  • a central axis 105 extends through a center of neck 108 .
  • central axis 105 of neck 108 extends vertically.
  • neck 108 can be positioned such that neck 108 and thus central axis 105 is angled relative to vertical.
  • central axis 105 of neck 108 is aligned with a central axis 106 of body 100 .
  • central axis 105 of neck 108 can be offset from central axis 106 of body 100 .
  • Such a configuration can, for example, allow a liquid within interior volume 102 to be more easily poured (relative to a bottle in which central axis 105 and central axis 106 are aligned) through opening 104 by tipping a top of bottle 10 in the direction in which central axis 105 of opening 104 is offset from central axis 106 of body 100 .
  • neck 108 includes a spout 150 for dispensing liquid from interior volume 102 through opening 104 .
  • spout 150 includes a central duct 152 defining a pouring passage 154 that directs liquid from interior volume 102 through opening 104 .
  • spout 150 can be disposed at least partially within neck 108 (i.e., within opening 104 ).
  • a plurality of ribs 110 is disposed around a circumference 109 of neck 108 .
  • each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across an interface region 112 (sometimes referred to as a shoulder region) between neck 108 and body 100 .
  • the ribs 110 can, for example, reinforce interface region 112 between neck 108 and body 100 and increase the impact strength of interface region 112 .
  • one or more ribs 110 extend across the entire interface region 112 (i.e., from neck 108 to body 100 ). In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across the entire interface region 112 (i.e., from neck 108 to body 100 ). In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 does not extend beyond the interface region (i.e., beyond an inflection point between interface region 112 and body 100 ). In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs does not extend beyond the interface region (i.e., beyond an inflection point between interface region 112 and body 100 ).
  • one or more ribs 110 is a linear rib (i.e., rib 110 extends along a straight line rather than curving). In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs is a linear rib.
  • one or more ribs 110 has a length 116 of 1 mm to 10 mm, such as 2 mm to 5 mm. As shown in FIG. 3 , a length 116 of rib 110 is measured along a direction in which rib 110 extends across interface region 112 . In some embodiments, two or more ribs 110 have the same length 116 . In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has a length 116 of 1 mm and 10 mm, such as 2 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has the same length 116 (for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, such as 2 mm to 5 mm).
  • one or more ribs 110 has a width 118 of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, such as 1 mm to 2 mm. As shown in FIG. 3 , a width 118 of rib 110 is measured along a direction tangent to circumference 109 of neck 108 at a center of rib 110 . In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 have the same width 118 . In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has a width 118 of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, such as 1 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has the same width 118 (for example, 0.5 mm to 3 mm, such as 1 mm to 2 mm).
  • one or more ribs 110 has a thickness 120 of 0.2 mm to 3 mm, such as 0.5 mm to 1 mm. As shown in FIG. 4 , a thickness 120 of rib 110 is measured at a center of rib 110 in a direction orthogonal to length 116 and width 118 . In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 have the same thickness 120 . In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has a thickness 120 of 0.2 mm to 3 mm, such as 0.5 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has the same thickness 120 (for example, 0.2 mm to 3 mm, such as 0.5 mm to 1 mm).
  • ribs 110 of the plurality of ribs are equally sized.
  • each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs can have the same length 116 , width 118 , and thickness 120 .
  • one or more ribs 110 has a rounded top surface 122 with a radius that corresponds to a thickness 120 of the rib.
  • each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has a rounded top surface 122 with a radius that corresponds to a thickness 120 of the rib.
  • an upper end 128 of one or more ribs 110 smoothly transitions into neck 108 . That is, the upper end of one or more ribs 110 and neck 108 together form a curve that is differentiable.
  • a lower end 130 of one or more ribs 110 smoothly transitions into body 100 . That is, the lower end of one or more ribs 110 and body 100 together form a curve that is differentiable.
  • each of the plurality of ribs 110 smoothly transitions into neck 108 .
  • each of the plurality of ribs 110 smoothly transitions into body 100 .
  • ribs 110 are spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108 with a separation width 119 (shown in FIG. 3 ) between adjacent ribs 110 . As shown in FIG. 3 , separation width 119 is measured from an outside edge of one rib 110 to the outside edge of an adjacent rib 110 . In some embodiments, ribs of a first pair of adjacent ribs (e.g., pair 132 ) are separated by a first separation width, and ribs of a second pair of adjacent ribs (e.g., pair 134 ) are separated by a second separation width equal to the first separation width.
  • ribs of a first pair of adjacent ribs are separated by a first separation width
  • ribs of a second pair of adjacent ribs are separated by a second separation width different than the first separation width.
  • ribs 110 are equally spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108 (that is, the separation widths between each pair of adjacent ribs are all equal).
  • a majority of ribs 110 are equally spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108 (that is, a majority of pairs of adjacent ribs have the same separation width).
  • width 118 of each rib 110 of a pair of adjacent ribs is 1 to 10 times greater than separation width 119 between the adjacent ribs (i.e., the width of each rib is greater than the separation between them).
  • thickness 120 of each rib 110 of a pair of adjacent ribs is approximately equal to separation width 119 between the adjacent ribs.
  • ribs 110 of the plurality of ribs are equally spaced.
  • each pair of adjacent ribs 110 can have the same separation width 119 as every other pair of adjacent ribs 110 .
  • 30 to 80 ribs 110 are spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108 .
  • 50 to 80 ribs 110 are spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108 .
  • 70 ribs 110 are spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108 .
  • the number of ribs can vary depending, for example, on the circumference 109 of neck 108 , the width 118 of the ribs, and/or the separation width 119 between ribs.
  • one or more ribs 110 extend across interface region 112 at an angle 114 relative to vertical. In some embodiments, for example, one or more ribs extend across interface region 112 at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to vertical, such as 40 to 55 degrees relative to vertical. As shown in FIG. 3 , the angle of rib 110 relative to vertical is measured by drawing a tangent line to top surface 122 (see FIG. 4 ) at a midpoint (width and length) of rib 110 . In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 extend across interface region 112 at the same angle 114 . In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across interface region 112 at an angle 114 relative to vertical. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across interface region 112 at the same angle (for example, at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees, such as 40 to 55 degrees, relative to vertical).
  • one or more ribs 110 can extend across interface region 112 at an angle 114 relative to central axis 105 .
  • one or more ribs extend across interface region 112 at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to central axis 105 , such as 40 to 55 degrees relative to central axis 105 .
  • one or more ribs 110 extend across interface region 112 at the same angle 114 relative to central axis 105 .
  • each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across interface region 112 at an angle 114 relative to central axis 105 .
  • each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across interface region 112 at the same angle relative to central axis 105 (for example, at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees, such as 40 to 55 degrees, relative to central axis 105 ).
  • bottle 10 includes ribs only on interface region 112 . That is, in some embodiments, bottle 10 does not include any additional ribs (e.g., on body 100 ).
  • ribs 110 are contemplated.
  • the illustrated embodiment shows one configuration of ribs 110 that creates desirable properties for bottle 10 .
  • bottle 10 includes ribs 110 that are equally sized (length, width, and thickness) and spaced (separation width) around neck 108 .
  • an upper end 128 of each of the plurality of ribs 110 smoothly transitions into neck 108
  • a lower end 130 of each of the plurality of ribs 110 smoothly transitions into body 100 .
  • This configuration can, for example, provide even reinforcement around neck 108 .
  • bottle 10 can include a cap 200 .
  • Cap 200 can be removably attachable to neck 108 to close opening 104 .
  • cap 200 includes an upper surface 202 and a peripheral sidewall 204 extending downward from upper surface 202 .
  • upper surface 202 and peripheral sidewall 204 together form a cup-shaped upper cap portion 206 .
  • cap 200 includes a skirt 208 extending outward and downward from peripheral sidewall 204 and configured to engage neck 108 to secure cap 200 to neck 108 .
  • Skirt 208 can include an outward extending flange 212 and a downward extending sidewall 214 .
  • neck 108 includes an attachment mechanism 124 and cap 200 (e.g., skirt 208 of cap 200 ) includes a corresponding attachment mechanism configured to engage with attachment mechanism 124 to removably attach cap 200 to neck 108 .
  • Attachment mechanism 124 and the corresponding attachment mechanism of cap 200 can be threaded connectors (as shown in FIG. 1 ), friction fit connectors, snap-fit connectors, or any other suitable releasable attachment mechanism.
  • the attachment of cap 200 to neck 108 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the figures. For example, in some embodiments, cap 200 can attach inside neck 108 rather than over neck 108 .
  • cap 200 when cap 200 is attached to neck 108 , cap 200 closes opening 104 to prevent liquid from flowing out of opening 104 (e.g., prior to use, during transport, when shipping, when being stored). In some embodiments, when cap 200 closes opening 104 , cap inhibits the passage of liquid stored in bottle 10 .
  • cap 200 can be removed from neck 108 of bottle 10 to receive a dosage of liquid from interior volume 102 of body 100 .
  • a user may dispense (e.g., pour) a liquid stored within interior volume 102 into cap 200 (e.g., into upper cap portion 206 ) by tipping or inverting bottle 10 over upper cap portion 206 .
  • a lower edge 210 of skirt 208 is spaced apart from ribs 110 around the circumference of neck 108 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the lower edge of skirt 208 can be spaced apart from ribs 110 , for example, by 0.5 mm to 3 mm, such as by 1 mm to 2 mm.
  • the spacing between lower ledge of skirt 208 and ribs 110 can have both a vertical and a horizontal component. The spacing between lower ledge of skirt 208 and ribs 110 can, for example, reduce the chance that cap 200 contacts body 100 or interface region 112 during an impact. This can further reduce the possibility that bottle 10 breaks at the shoulder region 112 during an impact.
  • Bottle 10 can be produced by various methods.
  • body 100 is blow-molded and other components (e.g., spout 150 and cap 200 ) are made by injection molding.
  • additional or excess weight can be disposed at the base of neck 108 adjacent interface region 112 to provide additional rigidity to interface region 112 .
  • a ring of plastic 126 shown in FIGS. 4 - 5
  • spout 150 can be tapered to accommodate ring of plastic 126 .
  • an outer diameter of a portion of spout 150 adjacent a rim 502 surrounding opening 104 can be larger than an outer diameter of a portion of spout 150 adjacent interface region 112 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • an inner diameter of ring of plastic 126 can be larger than the outer diameter of spout 150 at the vertical position of ring of plastic 126 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • ring of plastic 126 is an artifact of a blow-molding process used to produce bottle 10 and the placement of ring of plastic 126 is controlled during the blow-molding process to provide the benefits mentioned above.
  • Components of bottle 10 can be produced using various materials, such as one or more plastics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE)).
  • plastics e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE)
  • all components of bottle 10 are made of the same material such that the entire container can be recycled in a single recycling stream.
  • all components of bottle 10 are made of HDPE.
  • the terms “upper” and “lower,” “top” and “bottom,” “front” and “back,” “inner” and “outer,” and the like are intended to assist in understanding of embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to the orientation of the beverage closure as shown, and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the disclosure or to limit the disclosure scope to the embodiments depicted in the Figures.
  • the directional terms are used for convenience of description and it is understood that embodiments disclosed herein can be positioned in any of various orientations.
  • the term “about” or “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein refer to a considerable degree or extent.
  • the term “about” or “substantially” or “approximately” can indicate a value of a given quantity that varies within, for example, 1-15% of the value (e.g., +1%, +2%, +5%, +10%, or +15% of the value), such as accounting for typical tolerance levels or variability of the embodiments described herein.
  • references in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)

Abstract

A plastic bottle including a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion, and a plurality of equally sized and spaced ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion. The body portion can be configured to contain liquid. The neck portion can define an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle and have a central axis. Each of the plurality of ribs can extend across an interface region between the neck portion and the body portion. Each of the plurality of ribs can extend across the interface region at an angle relative to the central axis of the neck. Each of the plurality of ribs can have a length of 1 mm to 10 mm.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/493,539, filed Mar. 31, 2023, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.
  • BACKGROUND
  • The present disclosure relates to reinforced bottles and methods for reinforcing a bottle, specifically blow-molded plastic bottles.
  • BRIEF SUMMARY
  • Some embodiments described herein are directed to a plastic bottle including a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion, and a plurality of equally sized and spaced ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion. The body portion can be configured to contain liquid. The neck portion can define an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle and have a central axis. Each of the plurality of ribs can extend across an interface region between the neck portion and the body portion. Each of the plurality of ribs can extend across the interface region at an angle relative to the central axis of the neck. Each of the plurality of ribs can have a length of 1 mm to 10 mm.
  • In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs extends across the entire interface region.
  • In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs extends across the interface region at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to the central axis of the neck.
  • In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs has a length of 2 mm to 5 mm.
  • In some embodiments, a width of each of the plurality of ribs is 1 to 10 times greater than a separation width between adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs.
  • In some embodiments, a thickness of each of the plurality of ribs is approximately equal to a separation width between adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs.
  • In some embodiments, 50 to 80 ribs are disposed around the circumference of the neck portion.
  • In some embodiments, the bottle is blow-molded.
  • In some embodiments, the neck portion extends vertically from the body portion.
  • In some embodiments, the bottle includes a spout that directs liquid through the opening.
  • Some embodiments described herein are directed to a plastic bottle including a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion, and a plurality of ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion. The body portion can be configured to contain liquid. The neck portion can define an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle and have a central axis. The plurality of ribs can extend from the neck portion to the body portion. An upper end of each of the plurality of ribs can smoothly transition into the neck portion, and a lower end of each of the plurality of ribs can smoothly transition into the body portion.
  • In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs has a rounded outer profile.
  • In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs extends linearly from the neck portion to the body portion.
  • In some embodiments, at least half the circumference of the neck portion is covered by the plurality of ribs.
  • In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs extends across the interface region at the same angle relative to the central axis.
  • In some embodiments, ribs of a first pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs are separated by a first separation width, ribs of a second pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs are separated by a second separation width, and the first separation width is equal to the second separation width.
  • In some embodiments, ribs of the plurality of ribs are equally sized and spaced.
  • Some embodiments described herein are directed to a plastic bottle including a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion, a plurality of ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion, and a cap. The body portion can be configured to contain liquid. The neck portion can define an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle. Each of the plurality of ribs can extend across an interface region between the neck portion and the body portion. The cap can be removably attachable to the neck portion to close the opening. A lower edge of the cap can be horizontally spaced apart from the plurality of ribs when the cap is attached to the neck portion.
  • In some embodiments, a portion of each of the plurality of ribs extends below the cap when the cap is attached to the neck portion.
  • In some embodiments, the interface region is angled 30 to 60 degrees relative to the neck portion.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
  • The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bottle according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the bottle of FIG. 1 , without a cap.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the bottle of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a portion of the bottle of FIG. 1 , without a spout, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a portion of the assembled bottle of FIG. 1 , taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1 .
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Some liquids (e.g., laundry detergent, fabric softener, soft soaps, hair products, and cleaning liquids) are packaged in plastic containers (e.g., blow-molded plastic bottles) and shipped to retailers or directly to consumers. During transportation or delivery, the bottles can be subjected to forces (for example, due to drops or other impacts). Bottles that are distributed through e-commerce channels may be especially likely to experience harsh impacts due to rough handling during the delivery journey.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bottle with increased impact strength at a shoulder region of the bottle so that, for example, the bottle is less likely to break or be damaged at the shoulder region if the bottle experiences an impact. The embodiments of the present disclosure can, for example, help prevent a neck of the bottle from collapsing into a body of the bottle, or help prevent the neck of the bottle from tearing away from the body of the bottle, upon impact. Some embodiments of the present disclosure can help a bottle meet the ISTA® (International Safe Transit Association) 6 standard for packaging and product integrity, which challenges a package and product to withstand hazards normally encountered during e-commerce handling, transportation, and delivery.
  • As will be described in more detail below, the bottle can include a body for holding liquid and a neck extending from the body. A plurality of ribs can be disposed around a circumference of the neck, and each of the plurality of ribs can extend across an interface region (sometimes referred to as a shoulder region) of the bottle between the neck and the body. The ribs can have a reinforcing or dissipating effect, making the shoulder region less prone to deformation during impact (relative to a similar bottle without ribs) and thereby increase the impact strength of the shoulder region of the bottle. The ribs can also reduce the overall stress around the circumference of the neck (relative to a similar bottle without ribs). These and other embodiments are discussed below in more detail with reference to the figures.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show a bottle 10 according to some embodiments. As shown, bottle 10 can include a body 100 configured to contain a liquid. The liquid can be any liquid suitable for dispensing from a bottle. In some embodiments, the liquid is a detergent (e.g., laundry detergent). In some embodiments, the liquid is a fabric softener. Other suitable liquids (e.g., cleaning products, counter cleaners, toilet cleaners, bath cleaners, soft soaps, dish soaps, hand soaps, face soaps, body washes, hair products (e.g., gels), shampoos, conditioners, or lotions) can be stored in and dispensed from body 100.
  • Body 100 can have any shape suitable for storing a liquid therein. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, body 100 has a complex shape including curved sides and an inward taper toward a top of body 100. However, in other embodiments, body 100 can have another shape (e.g., a generally cylindrical shape or a generally rectangular prism shape). In some embodiments, body 100 includes a handle 101 coupled to and extending from body 100. Handle 101 can be used, for example, for lifting or tilting bottle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, handle 101 is formed integrally with body 100. However, in other embodiments handle 101 can be formed separate from body 100 and then attached to body 100.
  • Body 100 can define an interior volume 102 for storing liquid. In some embodiments, interior volume 102 can have a volume of 0.5 L to 10 L (e.g., 1 L to 8 L, or 2 L to 6 L). In some embodiments, the liquid is disposed in interior volume 102.
  • In some embodiments, a neck 108 extends from (e.g., extends upward from) body 100 and defines an opening 104 for dispensing liquid from within interior volume 102. Neck 108 and opening 104 can be disposed near a top of bottle 10 such that liquid stored in interior volume 102 can be poured out of opening 104 by tipping or inverting bottle 10.
  • As shown in FIG. 1 , a central axis 105 extends through a center of neck 108. In the illustrated embodiment, central axis 105 of neck 108 extends vertically. In other embodiments, neck 108 can be positioned such that neck 108 and thus central axis 105 is angled relative to vertical. In the illustrated embodiment, central axis 105 of neck 108 is aligned with a central axis 106 of body 100. In other embodiments, central axis 105 of neck 108 can be offset from central axis 106 of body 100. Such a configuration can, for example, allow a liquid within interior volume 102 to be more easily poured (relative to a bottle in which central axis 105 and central axis 106 are aligned) through opening 104 by tipping a top of bottle 10 in the direction in which central axis 105 of opening 104 is offset from central axis 106 of body 100.
  • In some embodiments, neck 108 includes a spout 150 for dispensing liquid from interior volume 102 through opening 104. In some embodiments, spout 150 includes a central duct 152 defining a pouring passage 154 that directs liquid from interior volume 102 through opening 104. In some embodiments, spout 150 can be disposed at least partially within neck 108 (i.e., within opening 104).
  • With reference to FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, a plurality of ribs 110 is disposed around a circumference 109 of neck 108. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across an interface region 112 (sometimes referred to as a shoulder region) between neck 108 and body 100. The ribs 110 can, for example, reinforce interface region 112 between neck 108 and body 100 and increase the impact strength of interface region 112.
  • In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 extend across the entire interface region 112 (i.e., from neck 108 to body 100). In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across the entire interface region 112 (i.e., from neck 108 to body 100). In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 does not extend beyond the interface region (i.e., beyond an inflection point between interface region 112 and body 100). In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs does not extend beyond the interface region (i.e., beyond an inflection point between interface region 112 and body 100).
  • In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 is a linear rib (i.e., rib 110 extends along a straight line rather than curving). In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs is a linear rib.
  • In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 has a length 116 of 1 mm to 10 mm, such as 2 mm to 5 mm. As shown in FIG. 3 , a length 116 of rib 110 is measured along a direction in which rib 110 extends across interface region 112. In some embodiments, two or more ribs 110 have the same length 116. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has a length 116 of 1 mm and 10 mm, such as 2 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has the same length 116 (for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, such as 2 mm to 5 mm).
  • In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 has a width 118 of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, such as 1 mm to 2 mm. As shown in FIG. 3 , a width 118 of rib 110 is measured along a direction tangent to circumference 109 of neck 108 at a center of rib 110. In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 have the same width 118. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has a width 118 of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, such as 1 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has the same width 118 (for example, 0.5 mm to 3 mm, such as 1 mm to 2 mm).
  • In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 has a thickness 120 of 0.2 mm to 3 mm, such as 0.5 mm to 1 mm. As shown in FIG. 4 , a thickness 120 of rib 110 is measured at a center of rib 110 in a direction orthogonal to length 116 and width 118. In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 have the same thickness 120. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has a thickness 120 of 0.2 mm to 3 mm, such as 0.5 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has the same thickness 120 (for example, 0.2 mm to 3 mm, such as 0.5 mm to 1 mm).
  • In some embodiments, ribs 110 of the plurality of ribs are equally sized. For example, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs can have the same length 116, width 118, and thickness 120.
  • In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 4 , one or more ribs 110 has a rounded top surface 122 with a radius that corresponds to a thickness 120 of the rib. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs has a rounded top surface 122 with a radius that corresponds to a thickness 120 of the rib.
  • As shown in FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, an upper end 128 of one or more ribs 110 smoothly transitions into neck 108. That is, the upper end of one or more ribs 110 and neck 108 together form a curve that is differentiable. As shown in FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, a lower end 130 of one or more ribs 110 smoothly transitions into body 100. That is, the lower end of one or more ribs 110 and body 100 together form a curve that is differentiable. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs 110 smoothly transitions into neck 108. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs 110 smoothly transitions into body 100.
  • In some embodiments, ribs 110 are spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108 with a separation width 119 (shown in FIG. 3 ) between adjacent ribs 110. As shown in FIG. 3 , separation width 119 is measured from an outside edge of one rib 110 to the outside edge of an adjacent rib 110. In some embodiments, ribs of a first pair of adjacent ribs (e.g., pair 132) are separated by a first separation width, and ribs of a second pair of adjacent ribs (e.g., pair 134) are separated by a second separation width equal to the first separation width. In some embodiments, ribs of a first pair of adjacent ribs are separated by a first separation width, and ribs of a second pair of adjacent ribs are separated by a second separation width different than the first separation width. In some embodiments, ribs 110 are equally spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108 (that is, the separation widths between each pair of adjacent ribs are all equal). In some embodiments, a majority of ribs 110 are equally spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108 (that is, a majority of pairs of adjacent ribs have the same separation width).
  • In some embodiments, width 118 of each rib 110 of a pair of adjacent ribs is 1 to 10 times greater than separation width 119 between the adjacent ribs (i.e., the width of each rib is greater than the separation between them). In some embodiments, thickness 120 of each rib 110 of a pair of adjacent ribs is approximately equal to separation width 119 between the adjacent ribs.
  • In some embodiments, ribs 110 of the plurality of ribs are equally spaced. For example, each pair of adjacent ribs 110 can have the same separation width 119 as every other pair of adjacent ribs 110.
  • In some embodiments, 30 to 80 ribs 110 are spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108. For example, in some embodiments, 50 to 80 ribs 110 are spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108. As another example, in some embodiments, 70 ribs 110 are spaced around circumference 109 of neck 108. The number of ribs can vary depending, for example, on the circumference 109 of neck 108, the width 118 of the ribs, and/or the separation width 119 between ribs.
  • As shown in FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 extend across interface region 112 at an angle 114 relative to vertical. In some embodiments, for example, one or more ribs extend across interface region 112 at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to vertical, such as 40 to 55 degrees relative to vertical. As shown in FIG. 3 , the angle of rib 110 relative to vertical is measured by drawing a tangent line to top surface 122 (see FIG. 4 ) at a midpoint (width and length) of rib 110. In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 extend across interface region 112 at the same angle 114. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across interface region 112 at an angle 114 relative to vertical. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across interface region 112 at the same angle (for example, at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees, such as 40 to 55 degrees, relative to vertical).
  • In embodiments where central axis 105 of neck 108 is angled relative to vertical, one or more ribs 110 can extend across interface region 112 at an angle 114 relative to central axis 105. In some embodiments, for example, one or more ribs extend across interface region 112 at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to central axis 105, such as 40 to 55 degrees relative to central axis 105. In some embodiments, one or more ribs 110 extend across interface region 112 at the same angle 114 relative to central axis 105. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across interface region 112 at an angle 114 relative to central axis 105. In some embodiments, each rib 110 of the plurality of ribs extends across interface region 112 at the same angle relative to central axis 105 (for example, at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees, such as 40 to 55 degrees, relative to central axis 105).
  • In some embodiments, bottle 10 includes ribs only on interface region 112. That is, in some embodiments, bottle 10 does not include any additional ribs (e.g., on body 100).
  • As discussed, various configurations of ribs 110 are contemplated. The illustrated embodiment shows one configuration of ribs 110 that creates desirable properties for bottle 10. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, bottle 10 includes ribs 110 that are equally sized (length, width, and thickness) and spaced (separation width) around neck 108. As another example, in the illustrated embodiment, an upper end 128 of each of the plurality of ribs 110 smoothly transitions into neck 108, and a lower end 130 of each of the plurality of ribs 110 smoothly transitions into body 100. This configuration can, for example, provide even reinforcement around neck 108.
  • As shown in FIG. 1 , bottle 10 can include a cap 200. Cap 200 can be removably attachable to neck 108 to close opening 104.
  • In some embodiments, cap 200 includes an upper surface 202 and a peripheral sidewall 204 extending downward from upper surface 202. In some embodiments, upper surface 202 and peripheral sidewall 204 together form a cup-shaped upper cap portion 206. In some embodiments, cap 200 includes a skirt 208 extending outward and downward from peripheral sidewall 204 and configured to engage neck 108 to secure cap 200 to neck 108. Skirt 208 can include an outward extending flange 212 and a downward extending sidewall 214.
  • In some embodiments, neck 108 includes an attachment mechanism 124 and cap 200 (e.g., skirt 208 of cap 200) includes a corresponding attachment mechanism configured to engage with attachment mechanism 124 to removably attach cap 200 to neck 108. Attachment mechanism 124 and the corresponding attachment mechanism of cap 200 can be threaded connectors (as shown in FIG. 1 ), friction fit connectors, snap-fit connectors, or any other suitable releasable attachment mechanism. The attachment of cap 200 to neck 108 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the figures. For example, in some embodiments, cap 200 can attach inside neck 108 rather than over neck 108.
  • In some embodiments, when cap 200 is attached to neck 108, cap 200 closes opening 104 to prevent liquid from flowing out of opening 104 (e.g., prior to use, during transport, when shipping, when being stored). In some embodiments, when cap 200 closes opening 104, cap inhibits the passage of liquid stored in bottle 10.
  • In some embodiments, cap 200 can be removed from neck 108 of bottle 10 to receive a dosage of liquid from interior volume 102 of body 100. For example, a user may dispense (e.g., pour) a liquid stored within interior volume 102 into cap 200 (e.g., into upper cap portion 206) by tipping or inverting bottle 10 over upper cap portion 206.
  • In some embodiments, when cap 200 is attached to neck 108, a lower edge 210 of skirt 208 is spaced apart from ribs 110 around the circumference of neck 108, as shown in FIG. 5 . The lower edge of skirt 208 can be spaced apart from ribs 110, for example, by 0.5 mm to 3 mm, such as by 1 mm to 2 mm. The spacing between lower ledge of skirt 208 and ribs 110 can have both a vertical and a horizontal component. The spacing between lower ledge of skirt 208 and ribs 110 can, for example, reduce the chance that cap 200 contacts body 100 or interface region 112 during an impact. This can further reduce the possibility that bottle 10 breaks at the shoulder region 112 during an impact.
  • Bottle 10 can be produced by various methods. For example, in some embodiments, body 100 is blow-molded and other components (e.g., spout 150 and cap 200) are made by injection molding.
  • In embodiments in which body 100 is blow-molded, additional or excess weight can be disposed at the base of neck 108 adjacent interface region 112 to provide additional rigidity to interface region 112. For example, a ring of plastic 126 (shown in FIGS. 4-5 ) can be disposed on an inner surface of neck 108 behind ribs 110. This can, for example, provide additional rigidity to ribs 110 and further reinforce interface region 112. If bottle 10 includes a spout 150 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , spout 150 can be tapered to accommodate ring of plastic 126. For example, an outer diameter of a portion of spout 150 adjacent a rim 502 surrounding opening 104 can be larger than an outer diameter of a portion of spout 150 adjacent interface region 112, as shown in FIG. 5 . Accordingly, an inner diameter of ring of plastic 126 can be larger than the outer diameter of spout 150 at the vertical position of ring of plastic 126, as shown in FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, ring of plastic 126 is an artifact of a blow-molding process used to produce bottle 10 and the placement of ring of plastic 126 is controlled during the blow-molding process to provide the benefits mentioned above.
  • Components of bottle 10 can be produced using various materials, such as one or more plastics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE)). In some embodiments, all components of bottle 10 are made of the same material such that the entire container can be recycled in a single recycling stream. In some embodiments, all components of bottle 10 are made of HDPE.
  • As used herein, the terms “upper” and “lower,” “top” and “bottom,” “front” and “back,” “inner” and “outer,” and the like are intended to assist in understanding of embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to the orientation of the beverage closure as shown, and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the disclosure or to limit the disclosure scope to the embodiments depicted in the Figures. The directional terms are used for convenience of description and it is understood that embodiments disclosed herein can be positioned in any of various orientations.
  • The term “about” or “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein refer to a considerable degree or extent. When used in conjunction with, for example, an event, circumstance, characteristic, or property, the term “about” or “substantially” or “approximately” can indicate a value of a given quantity that varies within, for example, 1-15% of the value (e.g., +1%, +2%, +5%, +10%, or +15% of the value), such as accounting for typical tolerance levels or variability of the embodiments described herein.
  • It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not any other section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. Other sections may set forth one or more but not all embodiments of the present disclosure as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present disclosure and the appended claims in any way.
  • The present disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.
  • The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the disclosure that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
  • The above examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
  • References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
  • The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
1. A plastic bottle comprising:
a body portion configured to contain liquid;
a neck portion extending from the body portion, the neck portion defining an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle and having a central axis; and
a plurality of equally sized and spaced ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion, each of the plurality of ribs extending across an interface region between the neck portion and the body portion,
wherein each of the plurality of ribs extends across the interface region at an angle relative to the central axis of the neck, and
wherein each of the plurality of ribs has a length of 1 mm to 10 mm.
2. The plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ribs extends across the entire interface region.
3. The plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ribs extends across the interface region at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to the central axis of the neck.
4. The plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ribs has a length of 2 mm to 5 mm.
5. The plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein a width of each of the plurality of ribs is 1 to 10 times greater than a separation width between adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs.
6. The plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein a thickness of each of the plurality of ribs is approximately equal to a separation width between adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs.
7. The plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein 50 to 80 ribs are disposed around the circumference of the neck portion.
8. The plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein the bottle is blow-molded.
9. The plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein the neck portion extends vertically from the body portion.
10. The plastic bottle of claim 1, further comprising a spout that directs liquid through the opening.
11. A plastic bottle comprising:
a body portion configured to contain liquid;
a neck portion extending from the body portion, the neck portion defining an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle and having a central axis; and
a plurality of ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion and extending from the neck portion to the body portion,
wherein an upper end of each of the plurality of ribs smoothly transitions into the neck portion, and
wherein a lower end of each of the plurality of ribs smoothly transitions into the body portion.
12. The plastic bottle of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of ribs has a rounded outer profile.
13. The plastic bottle of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of ribs extends linearly from the neck portion to the body portion.
14. The plastic bottle of claim 11, wherein at least half the circumference of the neck portion is covered by the plurality of ribs.
15. The plastic bottle of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of ribs extends across the interface region at the same angle relative to the central axis.
16. The plastic bottle of claim 11, wherein ribs of a first pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs are separated by a first separation width,
wherein ribs of a second pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs are separated by a second separation width, and
wherein the first separation width is equal to the second separation width.
17. The plastic bottle of claim 11, wherein the plurality of ribs are equally sized and spaced.
18. A container comprising:
a plastic bottle comprising:
a body portion configured to contain liquid;
a neck portion extending from the body portion, the neck portion defining an opening for dispensing liquid from the bottle; and
a plurality of ribs disposed around a circumference of the neck portion, each of the plurality of ribs extending across an interface region between the neck portion and the body portion; and
a cap removably attachable to the neck portion to close the opening,
wherein a lower edge of the cap is horizontally spaced apart from the plurality of ribs when the cap is attached to the neck portion.
19. The container of claim 18, wherein a portion of each of the plurality of ribs extends below the cap when the cap is attached to the neck portion.
20. The container of claim 18, wherein the interface region is angled 30 to 60 degrees relative to the neck portion.
US18/458,499 2023-03-31 2023-08-30 Bottle with ribbed neck Pending US20240327052A1 (en)

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