US20100258455A1 - Plastic container - Google Patents
Plastic container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100258455A1 US20100258455A1 US12/664,244 US66424408A US2010258455A1 US 20100258455 A1 US20100258455 A1 US 20100258455A1 US 66424408 A US66424408 A US 66424408A US 2010258455 A1 US2010258455 A1 US 2010258455A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container element
- inner container
- outer container
- element body
- generally cylindrical
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/02—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material of curved cross-section
- B65D11/04—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures designed for pouring contents
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/16—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material with double walls
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2207/00—Standing packages
Definitions
- the present invention relates to containers and more particularly to plastic containers having a center of gravity which is lower than the geometrical center of the container.
- the present invention seeks to provide improved containers having a center of gravity which is lower than the geometrical center of the container.
- a plastic container including an outer container element having a geometrical center and an inner container element mounted within the outer container element, the outer container element and the inner container element, when mounted in the outer container element, together having a center of gravity which is lower than a geometrical center of the outer container element.
- the outer container element includes an outer container element body and an outer container element neck portion, the outer container element neck portion being operative to engage the inner container element.
- the outer container element body is integrally formed with the outer container element neck portion.
- the outer container element neck portion includes an inner facing wall surface, and an inner facing flange defining a shoulder.
- the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion.
- the inner container element includes an inner container element body having an outer facing surface and an inner container element stem portion, the inner container element body and the inner container element stem portion being integrally formed.
- the inner container element body includes at least one resilient snap element formed on the outer facing surface of the inner container element body and being operative to engage the outer container element.
- the outer container element includes an inner facing wall surface and an inner facing flange defining a shoulder and the at least one resilient snap element is operative to engage the shoulder, thereby retaining the inner container element in a desired position inside the outer container element.
- the at least one resilient snap element includes a plurality of resilient snap elements formed equidistantly about the outer facing surface of the inner container element body.
- the inner container element stem portion includes a generally cylindrical portion having a plurality of outwardly extending ribs extending therefrom, the ribs being equidistantly distributed about the cylindrical portion and a base portion having a convex base surface.
- the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the convex base surface of the inner container element stem portion engages a curved portion of the base surface of the outer container element.
- the cylindrical portion has a bore formed therethrough.
- the inner container element body includes a plurality of notches distributed equidistantly about the outer facing surface and a plurality of longitudinal grooves.
- the plurality of longitudinal grooves extend from the plurality of notches, the plurality of grooves being equidistantly distributed about the outer facing surface.
- the inner container element stem portion includes a generally cylindrical portion having a bore defined therein and defining a base surface.
- the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the base surface of the inner container element stem portion engages the curved portion of the base surface of the outer container element.
- the inner container element includes an inner container element neck portion and an inner container element body. Additionally, the inner container element body is integrally formed with the inner container element neck portion.
- a plastic container including an outer container element including a neck portion including a flange and an inner container element including at least one resilient snap element and being mounted within the outer container element, the at least one resilient snap element engaging the flange when the inner container element is mounted in the outer container element, thereby ensuring that the inner container element is centered with respect to the outer container element.
- the outer container element has a geometrical center and the outer container element and the inner container element, when mounted in the outer container element, together have a center of gravity which is lower than a geometrical center of the outer container element.
- the outer container element includes a base surface having a curved portion.
- the inner container element includes an inner container element body having an outer facing surface and an inner container element stem portion, the inner container element body and the inner container element stem portion being integrally formed.
- the at least one resilient snap element includes a plurality of resilient snap elements formed equidistantly about the outer facing surface of the inner container element body.
- the inner container element stem portion includes a generally cylindrical portion having a plurality of outwardly extending ribs extending therefrom, the ribs being equidistantly distributed about the cylindrical portion and a base portion having a convex base surface.
- the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the convex base surface of the inner container element stem portion engages a curved portion of the base surface of the outer container element.
- the cylindrical portion has a bore formed therethrough.
- the inner container element body includes a plurality of notches distributed equidistantly about the outer facing surface and a plurality of longitudinal grooves. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of longitudinal grooves extend from the plurality of notches, the plurality of grooves being equidistantly distributed about the outer facing surface.
- the inner container element stem portion includes a generally cylindrical portion having a bore defined therein and defining a base surface.
- the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the base surface of the inner container element stem portion engages the curved portion of the base surface of the outer container element.
- a plastic container including an outer container element and an inner container element having an inner container element internal volume and an inner container element center of gravity location, the inner container element internal volume being linearly adjustable by changing a diameter of the inner container element at the inner container element center of gravity location, such that the changing the diameter does not change the inner container element center of gravity location.
- the inner container element includes a moisture absorbent material.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IB-IB in FIG. 1A ;
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IIB-IIB in FIG. 2A ;
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer container element of FIGS. 1A and 1B and the inner container element of FIGS. 2A and 2B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3A ;
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IVB-IVB in FIG. 4A ;
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines VB-VB in FIG. 5A ;
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer container element of FIGS. 4A and 4B and the inner container element of FIGS. 5A and 5B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines VIB-VIB in FIG. 6A ;
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 7A ;
- FIGS. 8A and 8B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 8A ;
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, fowled of the outer container element of FIGS. 7A and 7B and the inner container element of FIGS. 8A and 8B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IXB-IXB in FIG. 9A ;
- FIGS. 10A and 10B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XB-XB in FIG. 10A ;
- FIGS. 11A and 11B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XIB-XIB in FIG. 11A ;
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer container element of FIGS. 10A and 10B and the inner container element of FIGS. 11A and 11B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XIIB-XIIB in FIG. 12A ;
- FIGS. 13A and 13B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XIIIB-XIIIB in FIG. 13A ;
- FIGS. 14A and 14B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XIVB-XIVB in FIG. 14A ;
- FIGS. 15A and 15B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer container element of FIGS. 13A and 13B and the inner container element of FIGS. 14A and 14B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XVB-XVB in FIG. 15A .
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element 10 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the outer container element 10 comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body 12 which is integrally formed as one piece with an outer container element neck portion 14 .
- Outer container element neck portion 14 has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 16 and a generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 18 .
- a plurality of typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 20 are preferably formed on outer facing wall surface 16 .
- the outer container element neck portion 14 and the outer container element body 12 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outer container element body 12 may be of any suitable shape and size and that the threading protrusions 20 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement.
- the outer container element neck portion 14 additionally includes, at a top part thereof, an inner facing flange 24 , defining a top surface 25 and also defining, together with inner facing wall surface 18 , a shoulder 26 .
- a bottom surface 28 of outer container element body 12 is preferably not planar, and includes a central, curved portion 30 , surrounded by a generally planar annular portion 32 . It is appreciated that the bottom surface 28 may be of any suitable shape or configuration.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element 50 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 50 comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body 52 which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element stem portion 54 .
- the container element stem portion 54 and the inner container element body 52 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed.
- inner container element 50 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material.
- the inner container element body 52 has a generally cylindrical outer facing surface 56 , a generally cylindrical inner facing surface 58 , and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in a generally planar base surface 60 . At a top portion thereof, the inner container element body terminates in an annular top surface 61 .
- the outer facing surface 56 includes, at a top portion thereof, a plurality of resilient snap elements 62 , which are arranged equidistantly about the outer facing surface 56 .
- Each of the snap elements 62 is connected to the outer facing surface 56 at a base point 64 , and extends to a resilient portion 66 . It is appreciated that the snap elements 62 terminate slightly lower than top surface 61 .
- the container element stem portion 54 includes a generally cylindrical portion 68 , having four outwardly extending ribs 70 distributed equidistantly therearound.
- the generally cylindrical portion 68 terminates in a generally circular base portion 72 , having a generally planar top surface 74 and a slightly convex bottom surface 76 .
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container 80 , formed of the outer container element 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B and the inner container element 50 of FIGS. 2A and 2B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 50 is located within the outer container element 10 , such that convex bottom surface 76 of inner container element 50 engages curved portion 30 of bottom surface 28 of outer container element 10 .
- resilient portions 66 engage inner facing wall surface 18 and shoulder 26 of outer container element neck portion 14 in snap-fit engagement.
- a top most section of outer facing surface 56 engages flange 24 , such that top surface 61 of inner container element body 52 is flush with top surface 25 of flange 24 , thus enabling sealing of the inner container element 50 and the outer container element 10 with a single, standard, sealing element (not shown) engaging coplanar surfaces 25 and 61 .
- the resilient snap elements 62 are pushed inwardly toward outer cylindrical surface 56 of inner container element body 52 by flange 24 of outer container element neck portion 14 . Once the resilient snap elements 62 are below the flange 24 , they snap outwardly and engage inner facing wall surface 18 and shoulder 26 , thereby preventing disengagement of the inner container element 50 from the outer container element 10 and ensuring that the inner container element 50 will be centered within the outer container element 10 .
- the center of gravity of the assembled container 80 is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled container 80 , indicated by C 2 in FIG. 3B , thereby making the assembled container 80 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged.
- gaps between the snap elements 62 of inner container element 50 allow for release of air caught between the outer container element body 12 and the inner container element body 52 during assembly of assembled container 80 .
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element 110 , constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the outer container element 110 comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body 112 which is integrally formed as one piece with a outer container element neck portion 114 .
- Outer container element neck portion 114 has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 116 and a generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 118 .
- a plurality of typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 120 are preferably formed on outer facing wall surface 116 .
- the outer container element neck portion 114 and the outer container element body 112 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outer container element body 112 may be of any suitable shape and size and that the threading protrusions 120 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement.
- the outer container element neck portion 114 additionally includes, at a top part thereof, an inner facing flange 124 , defining a top surface 125 and also defining, together with inner facing wall surface 118 , a shoulder 126 .
- a bottom surface 128 of outer container element body 112 is preferably not planar, and includes a central, curved portion 130 , surrounded by a generally planar annular portion 132 . It is appreciated that the bottom surface 128 may be of any suitable shape or configuration.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element 150 , constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 150 comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body 152 which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element stem portion 154 .
- the container element stem portion 154 and the inner container element body 152 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed.
- inner container element 150 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material.
- the inner container element body 152 has a generally cylindrical outer facing surface 156 , a generally cylindrical inner facing surface 158 , and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in a generally planar base surface 160 . At a top portion thereof, the inner container element body terminates in an annular top surface 161 .
- the outer facing surface 156 includes, at a top portion thereof, an annular resilient snap element 162 is connected to the outer facing surface 156 at a base point 164 , and extends to a resilient portion 166 .
- the container element stem portion 154 includes a generally cylindrical portion 168 , having a bore 169 formed therein, and four outwardly extending ribs 170 distributed equidistantly therearound.
- the generally cylindrical portion 168 terminates in a generally circular base portion 172 , having a generally planar top surface 174 and a slightly convex bottom surface 176 .
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container 180 , formed of the outer container element 110 of FIGS. 4A and 4B and the inner container element 150 of FIGS. 5A and 5B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 150 is located within the outer container element 110 , such that convex bottom surface 176 of inner container element 150 engages curved portion 130 of bottom surface 128 of outer container element 110 .
- resilient portions 166 engage inner facing wall surface 118 and shoulder 126 of outer container element neck portion 114 in snap-fit engagement.
- the resilient snap element 162 is pushed inwardly toward outer cylindrical surface 156 of inner container element body 152 by flange 124 of outer container element neck portion 114 . Once the resilient snap element 162 is below the flange 124 , it snaps outwardly and engages inner facing wall surface 118 and shoulder 126 , thereby preventing disengagement of the inner container element 150 from the outer container element 110 and ensuring that the inner container element 150 will be centered within the outer container element 110 .
- the center of gravity of the assembled container 180 is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled container 180 , indicated by C 12 in FIG. 6B , thereby making the assembled container 180 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged.
- stem portion 154 allows for release of air from the outer container element 110 during insertion of the inner container element 150 thereinto.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element 210 , constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the outer container element 210 comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body 212 which is integrally formed as one piece with a outer container element neck portion 214 .
- Outer container element neck portion 214 has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 216 and a generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 218 .
- a plurality of typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 220 are preferably formed on outer facing wall surface 216 .
- the outer container element neck portion 214 and the outer container element body 212 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outer container element body 212 may be of any suitable shape and size and that the threading protrusions 220 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement.
- the outer container element neck portion 214 additionally includes, at a top part thereof, an inner facing flange 224 , defining a top surface 225 and also defining, together with inner facing wall surface 218 , a shoulder 226 .
- a bottom surface 228 of outer container element body 212 is preferably not planar, and includes a central, curved portion 230 , surrounded by a generally planar annular portion 232 . It is appreciated that the bottom surface 228 may be of any suitable shape or configuration.
- FIGS. 8A and 8B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element 250 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 250 comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body 252 which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element stem portion 254 .
- the container element stem portion 254 and the inner container element body 252 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed.
- inner container element 250 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material.
- the inner container element body 252 has a generally cylindrical outer facing surface 256 , a generally cylindrical inner facing surface 258 , and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in a generally planar base surface 260 . At a top portion thereof, the inner container element body 252 terminates in an annular top surface 261 .
- the inner container element body 252 preferably includes a plurality of longitudinal notches 262 , distributed along a top portion of the inner container element body 252 .
- a plurality of longitudinal notches 262 are provided, and are arranged equidistantly around the inner container element body 252 .
- a plurality of longitudinal grooves 264 which do not extend through the entire width of the material of the inner container element body, extend towards base surface 260 from the longitudinal notches 262 , and are arranged equidistantly from each other around the inner container element body 252 .
- the container element stem portion 254 has a generally cylindrical outer facing surface 266 , a generally cylindrical inner facing surface 268 , and terminates, at a top portion thereof, in the generally planar base surface 260 , thereby defining a bore 270 therein. At a bottom portion thereof, the container element stem portion 254 terminates in an annular surface 272 .
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container 280 , formed of the outer container element 210 of FIGS. 7A and 7B and the inner container element 250 of FIGS. 8A and 8B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 250 is located within the outer container element 210 , such that annular surface 272 engages curved portion 230 of bottom surface 228 of outer container element 210 .
- the outer surface 256 of inner container element 250 engages inner surface 218 of outer container element neck portion 214 of the outer container element 210
- top surface 261 engages shoulder 226 of flange 224 of outer container element neck portion 214 .
- the inner container element body 252 is pushed inwardly by flange 224 of outer container element neck portion 214 , resulting in shrinking of the size of longitudinal notches 262 .
- the notches 262 return to their original size, thereby causing engagement between outer facing wall surface 256 of the inner container element body 252 and inner facing wall surface 218 and shoulder 226 , thereby preventing disengagement of the inner container element 250 from the outer container element 210 , and ensuring that the inner container element 250 will be centered within the outer container element 210 .
- the center of gravity of the assembled container 280 is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled container 280 , indicated by C 22 in FIG. 9B , thereby making the assembled container 280 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged.
- grooves 264 and notches 262 of inner container element body 252 allow for release of air from the outer container element 210 during insertion of the inner container element 250 thereinto.
- FIGS. 10A and 10B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element 310 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the outer container element 310 comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body 312 which is integrally formed as one piece with an outer container element neck portion 314 .
- Outer container element neck portion 314 has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 316 and a generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 318 .
- a plurality of typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 320 are preferably formed on outer facing wall surface 316 .
- the outer container element neck portion 314 and the outer container element body 312 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outer container element body 312 may be of any suitable shape and size and that the threading protrusions 320 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement.
- the outer container element neck portion 314 additionally includes, at a top part thereof, an inner facing flange 324 , defining a top surface 325 and also defining, together with inner facing wall'surface 318 , a shoulder 326 .
- a bottom surface 328 of outer container element body 312 is preferably not planar, and includes a central, curved portion 330 , surrounded by a generally planar annular portion 332 . It is appreciated that the bottom surface 328 may be of any suitable shape or configuration.
- FIGS. 11A and 11B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element 350 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 350 comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body 352 which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element stem portion 354 .
- the container element stem portion 354 and the inner container element body 352 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed.
- inner container element 350 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material.
- the inner container element body 352 has a generally cylindrical outer facing surface 356 , a generally cylindrical inner facing surface 358 , and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in a generally planar base surface 360 .
- the inner container element includes an outer facing flange 362 , including a top surface 364 , a bottom surface 366 and an outer facing surface 368 .
- the container element stem portion 354 includes a generally cylindrical portion 369 , having four outwardly extending ribs 370 distributed equidistantly therearound.
- the generally cylindrical portion 369 terminates in a generally circular base portion 372 , having a generally planar top surface 374 and a slightly convex bottom surface 376 .
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container 380 , formed of the outer container element 310 of FIGS. 10A and 10B and the inner container element 350 of FIGS. 11A and 11B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 350 is located within the outer container element 310 , such that convex bottom surface 376 of inner container element 350 engages curved portion 330 of bottom surface 328 of outer container element 310 .
- inner facing flange 324 of outer container element engages outer facing surface 356 of inner container element 350 .
- bottom surface 366 of flange 362 of inner container element 350 engages surface 325 of outer container element 310 , such that outer facing surface 368 of inner container element 350 is generally flush with outer surface 316 of outer container element 310 , thus enabling sealing of the inner container element 350 and the outer container element 310 with a single, standard, sealing element (not shown) engaging top surface 364 .
- the center of gravity of the assembled container 380 is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled container 380 , indicated by C 32 in FIG. 12B , thereby making the assembled container 380 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged.
- FIGS. 13A and 13B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element 410 , constructed and operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the outer container element 410 comprises a generally cylindrical outer container element body 412 which is integrally formed as one piece and includes an inner facing wall surface 414 and an outer facing wall surface 416 .
- the outer container element body 412 is preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outer container element body 412 may be of any suitable shape and size.
- a bottom surface 428 of outer container element body 412 is preferably not planar, and includes a central, curved portion 430 , surrounded by a generally planar annular portion 432 . Extending from annular portion 432 are a plurality of inwardly facing longitudinal ribs 434 , which are spaced equidistantly around the annular portion 432 and which preferably terminate at approximately a quarter of the height of the outer container element body 412 . It is appreciated that the bottom surface 428 may be of any suitable shape or configuration.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element 450 , constructed and operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 450 comprises a generally cylindrical inner container element body 452 which is integrally formed as one piece with an inner container element neck portion 454 .
- Inner container element neck portion 454 has a generally cylindrical outer facing wall surface 456 and a generally cylindrical inner facing wall surface 458 .
- a plurality of typically mutually spaced threading protrusions 460 are preferably formed on outer facing wall surface 456 .
- the inner container element neck portion 454 and the inner container element body 452 are preferably formed by injection blow molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the threading protrusions 460 may be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement.
- inner container element 450 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material.
- an outer facing flange 462 Formed on the outer facing wall surface 456 is an outer facing flange 462 , operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown) which may be threaded onto threading protrusions 460 .
- the inner container element body 452 includes a generally cylindrical upper portion 464 having an upper portion diameter, and a generally cylindrical intermediate portion 466 having an intermediate portion diameter which is slightly less than the upper portion diameter. Formed on an outward facing surface of intermediate portion 466 , preferably at a top portion thereof, is a circumferential outward facing flange 468 . The upper portion 464 and the intermediate portion 466 are connected by a shoulder 470 .
- the inner container element body 452 further includes a generally cylindrical inwardly tapered portion 472 which connects the intermediate portion 466 to a generally cylindrical main portion 474 , having a main portion diameter which is less than the intermediate portion diameter.
- a generally cylindrical outwardly tapered portion 476 connects the main portion 474 to a generally cylindrical base portion 477 , having a diameter slightly greater than the main portion diameter.
- the inner container element body 452 includes a convex bottom surface 478 .
- FIGS. 15A and 15B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container 480 , formed of the outer container element 410 of FIGS. 13A and 13B and the inner container element 450 of FIGS. 14A and 14B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof.
- the inner container element 450 is located within the outer container element 410 , such that convex bottom surface 478 of inner container element 450 is centered with respect to curved portion 430 of bottom surface 428 of outer container element 410 , but does not engage curved portion 430 .
- outer facing flange 468 of the intermediate portion 466 of the inner container element 452 engages inner facing surface 414 of outer container element body portion 412 , such that the outer facing wall surface 416 of the outer container element body portion is flush with an outer surface of the upper portion 464 of the inner container element body.
- the center of gravity of the assembled container 480 is lower than the geometrical center of the assembled container 480 , indicated by C 42 in FIG. 15B , thereby making the assembled container 480 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged.
Abstract
A plastic container including an outer container element (10) having a geometrical center and an inner container element (50) mounted within the outer container element, the outer container element and the inner container element, when mounted in the outer container element, together having a center of gravity which is lower than the said geometrical center of the outer container element.
Description
- Reference is made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/811,785, filed Jun. 12, 2007 and entitled PLASTIC CONTAINER ELEMENTS, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37 CFR 1.78(a) (1) and (2)(i).
- Reference is made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/003,858, filed Nov. 19, 2007 and entitled PLASTIC CONTAINER ELEMENTS, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37 CFR 1.78(a) (4) and (5)(i).
- The present invention relates to containers and more particularly to plastic containers having a center of gravity which is lower than the geometrical center of the container.
- The following publications are believed to represent the current state of the art:
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,243,936; 4,830,251; 4,460,090; 5,219,005 and 5,894,914.
- The present invention seeks to provide improved containers having a center of gravity which is lower than the geometrical center of the container.
- There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a plastic container including an outer container element having a geometrical center and an inner container element mounted within the outer container element, the outer container element and the inner container element, when mounted in the outer container element, together having a center of gravity which is lower than a geometrical center of the outer container element.
- In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the outer container element includes an outer container element body and an outer container element neck portion, the outer container element neck portion being operative to engage the inner container element. Preferably, the outer container element body is integrally formed with the outer container element neck portion.
- In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the outer container element neck portion includes an inner facing wall surface, and an inner facing flange defining a shoulder. Preferably, the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion.
- In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the inner container element includes an inner container element body having an outer facing surface and an inner container element stem portion, the inner container element body and the inner container element stem portion being integrally formed. Preferably, the inner container element body includes at least one resilient snap element formed on the outer facing surface of the inner container element body and being operative to engage the outer container element.
- In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the outer container element includes an inner facing wall surface and an inner facing flange defining a shoulder and the at least one resilient snap element is operative to engage the shoulder, thereby retaining the inner container element in a desired position inside the outer container element. Preferably, the at least one resilient snap element includes a plurality of resilient snap elements formed equidistantly about the outer facing surface of the inner container element body.
- In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the inner container element stem portion includes a generally cylindrical portion having a plurality of outwardly extending ribs extending therefrom, the ribs being equidistantly distributed about the cylindrical portion and a base portion having a convex base surface. Preferably, the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the convex base surface of the inner container element stem portion engages a curved portion of the base surface of the outer container element. Additionally or alternatively, the cylindrical portion has a bore formed therethrough.
- In accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention the inner container element body includes a plurality of notches distributed equidistantly about the outer facing surface and a plurality of longitudinal grooves. Preferably, the plurality of longitudinal grooves extend from the plurality of notches, the plurality of grooves being equidistantly distributed about the outer facing surface.
- In accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention the inner container element stem portion includes a generally cylindrical portion having a bore defined therein and defining a base surface. Preferably, the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the base surface of the inner container element stem portion engages the curved portion of the base surface of the outer container element.
- Preferably, the inner container element includes an inner container element neck portion and an inner container element body. Additionally, the inner container element body is integrally formed with the inner container element neck portion.
- There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a plastic container including an outer container element including a neck portion including a flange and an inner container element including at least one resilient snap element and being mounted within the outer container element, the at least one resilient snap element engaging the flange when the inner container element is mounted in the outer container element, thereby ensuring that the inner container element is centered with respect to the outer container element.
- In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the outer container element has a geometrical center and the outer container element and the inner container element, when mounted in the outer container element, together have a center of gravity which is lower than a geometrical center of the outer container element. Preferably, the outer container element includes a base surface having a curved portion. Additionally or alternatively, the inner container element includes an inner container element body having an outer facing surface and an inner container element stem portion, the inner container element body and the inner container element stem portion being integrally formed.
- In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one resilient snap element includes a plurality of resilient snap elements formed equidistantly about the outer facing surface of the inner container element body. Preferably, the inner container element stem portion includes a generally cylindrical portion having a plurality of outwardly extending ribs extending therefrom, the ribs being equidistantly distributed about the cylindrical portion and a base portion having a convex base surface. Additionally or alternatively, the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the convex base surface of the inner container element stem portion engages a curved portion of the base surface of the outer container element.
- In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the cylindrical portion has a bore formed therethrough. Preferably, the inner container element body includes a plurality of notches distributed equidistantly about the outer facing surface and a plurality of longitudinal grooves. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of longitudinal grooves extend from the plurality of notches, the plurality of grooves being equidistantly distributed about the outer facing surface.
- In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the inner container element stem portion includes a generally cylindrical portion having a bore defined therein and defining a base surface. Preferably, the outer container element body includes a base surface having a curved portion, and the base surface of the inner container element stem portion engages the curved portion of the base surface of the outer container element.
- There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a plastic container including an outer container element and an inner container element having an inner container element internal volume and an inner container element center of gravity location, the inner container element internal volume being linearly adjustable by changing a diameter of the inner container element at the inner container element center of gravity location, such that the changing the diameter does not change the inner container element center of gravity location.
- In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the inner container element includes a moisture absorbent material.
- The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IB-IB inFIG. 1A ; -
FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IIB-IIB inFIG. 2A ; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer container element ofFIGS. 1A and 1B and the inner container element ofFIGS. 2A and 2B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IIIB-IIIB inFIG. 3A ; -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IVB-IVB inFIG. 4A ; -
FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines VB-VB inFIG. 5A ; -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer container element ofFIGS. 4A and 4B and the inner container element ofFIGS. 5A and 5B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines VIB-VIB inFIG. 6A ; -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines VIIB-VIIB inFIG. 7A ; -
FIGS. 8A and 8B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines VIIIB-VIIIB inFIG. 8A ; -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, fowled of the outer container element ofFIGS. 7A and 7B and the inner container element ofFIGS. 8A and 8B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines IXB-IXB inFIG. 9A ; -
FIGS. 10A and 10B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XB-XB inFIG. 10A ; -
FIGS. 11A and 11B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XIB-XIB inFIG. 11A ; -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer container element ofFIGS. 10A and 10B and the inner container element ofFIGS. 11A and 11B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XIIB-XIIB inFIG. 12A ; -
FIGS. 13A and 13B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an outer container element, constructed and operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XIIIB-XIIIB inFIG. 13A ; -
FIGS. 14A and 14B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an inner container element, constructed and operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XIVB-XIVB inFIG. 14A ; and -
FIGS. 15A and 15B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembled container, formed of the outer container element ofFIGS. 13A and 13B and the inner container element ofFIGS. 14A and 14B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof, the sectional illustration being taken along section lines XVB-XVB inFIG. 15A . - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of anouter container element 10, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , theouter container element 10 comprises a generally cylindrical outercontainer element body 12 which is integrally formed as one piece with an outer containerelement neck portion 14. Outer containerelement neck portion 14 has a generally cylindrical outer facingwall surface 16 and a generally cylindrical inner facingwall surface 18. A plurality of typically mutually spaced threadingprotrusions 20 are preferably formed on outer facingwall surface 16. The outer containerelement neck portion 14 and the outercontainer element body 12 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outercontainer element body 12 may be of any suitable shape and size and that the threadingprotrusions 20 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement. - Formed on the outer facing
wall surface 16 is an outer facingflange 22, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown) which may be threaded onto threadingprotrusions 20. The outer containerelement neck portion 14 additionally includes, at a top part thereof, an inner facingflange 24, defining atop surface 25 and also defining, together with inner facingwall surface 18, ashoulder 26. - As seen in
FIG. 1B , abottom surface 28 of outercontainer element body 12 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,curved portion 30, surrounded by a generally planarannular portion 32. It is appreciated that thebottom surface 28 may be of any suitable shape or configuration. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 2A and 2B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of aninner container element 50, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 2A and 2B , theinner container element 50 comprises a generally cylindrical innercontainer element body 52 which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element stemportion 54. The container element stemportion 54 and the innercontainer element body 52 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,inner container element 50 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material. - The inner
container element body 52 has a generally cylindrical outer facingsurface 56, a generally cylindricalinner facing surface 58, and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in a generallyplanar base surface 60. At a top portion thereof, the inner container element body terminates in an annulartop surface 61. - As seen with particular clarity in
FIG. 2B , the outer facingsurface 56 includes, at a top portion thereof, a plurality ofresilient snap elements 62, which are arranged equidistantly about the outer facingsurface 56. Each of thesnap elements 62 is connected to the outer facingsurface 56 at abase point 64, and extends to aresilient portion 66. It is appreciated that thesnap elements 62 terminate slightly lower thantop surface 61. - The container element stem
portion 54 includes a generallycylindrical portion 68, having four outwardly extendingribs 70 distributed equidistantly therearound. The generallycylindrical portion 68 terminates in a generallycircular base portion 72, having a generally planartop surface 74 and a slightlyconvex bottom surface 76. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembledcontainer 80, formed of theouter container element 10 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B and theinner container element 50 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , theinner container element 50 is located within theouter container element 10, such that convexbottom surface 76 ofinner container element 50 engagescurved portion 30 ofbottom surface 28 ofouter container element 10. - As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 3B ,resilient portions 66 engage inner facingwall surface 18 andshoulder 26 of outer containerelement neck portion 14 in snap-fit engagement. As seen, a top most section of outer facingsurface 56 engagesflange 24, such thattop surface 61 of innercontainer element body 52 is flush withtop surface 25 offlange 24, thus enabling sealing of theinner container element 50 and theouter container element 10 with a single, standard, sealing element (not shown) engagingcoplanar surfaces - It is appreciated that during assembly of the assembled
container element 80, theresilient snap elements 62 are pushed inwardly toward outercylindrical surface 56 of innercontainer element body 52 byflange 24 of outer containerelement neck portion 14. Once theresilient snap elements 62 are below theflange 24, they snap outwardly and engage inner facingwall surface 18 andshoulder 26, thereby preventing disengagement of theinner container element 50 from theouter container element 10 and ensuring that theinner container element 50 will be centered within theouter container element 10. - It is a particular feature of the present invention that the center of gravity of the assembled
container 80, indicated by CI inFIG. 3B , is lower than the geometrical center of the assembledcontainer 80, indicated by C2 inFIG. 3B , thereby making the assembledcontainer 80 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged. - It is appreciated that the gaps between the
snap elements 62 ofinner container element 50 allow for release of air caught between the outercontainer element body 12 and the innercontainer element body 52 during assembly of assembledcontainer 80. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of anouter container element 110, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 4A and 4B , theouter container element 110 comprises a generally cylindrical outercontainer element body 112 which is integrally formed as one piece with a outer containerelement neck portion 114. Outer containerelement neck portion 114 has a generally cylindrical outer facingwall surface 116 and a generally cylindrical inner facingwall surface 118. A plurality of typically mutually spaced threadingprotrusions 120 are preferably formed on outer facingwall surface 116. The outer containerelement neck portion 114 and the outercontainer element body 112 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outercontainer element body 112 may be of any suitable shape and size and that the threadingprotrusions 120 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement. - Formed on the outer facing
wall surface 116 is an outer facingflange 122, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown) which may be threaded onto threadingprotrusions 120. The outer containerelement neck portion 114 additionally includes, at a top part thereof, aninner facing flange 124, defining atop surface 125 and also defining, together with inner facingwall surface 118, ashoulder 126. - As seen in
FIG. 4B , abottom surface 128 of outercontainer element body 112 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,curved portion 130, surrounded by a generally planarannular portion 132. It is appreciated that thebottom surface 128 may be of any suitable shape or configuration. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of aninner container element 150, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 5A and 5B , theinner container element 150 comprises a generally cylindrical innercontainer element body 152 which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element stemportion 154. The container element stemportion 154 and the innercontainer element body 152 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,inner container element 150 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material. - The inner
container element body 152 has a generally cylindrical outer facingsurface 156, a generally cylindricalinner facing surface 158, and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in a generallyplanar base surface 160. At a top portion thereof, the inner container element body terminates in an annulartop surface 161. - As seen with particular clarity in
FIG. 5B , the outer facingsurface 156 includes, at a top portion thereof, an annularresilient snap element 162 is connected to the outer facingsurface 156 at abase point 164, and extends to aresilient portion 166. - The container element stem
portion 154 includes a generallycylindrical portion 168, having abore 169 formed therein, and four outwardly extendingribs 170 distributed equidistantly therearound. The generallycylindrical portion 168 terminates in a generallycircular base portion 172, having a generally planartop surface 174 and a slightlyconvex bottom surface 176. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 6A and 6B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembledcontainer 180, formed of theouter container element 110 ofFIGS. 4A and 4B and theinner container element 150 ofFIGS. 5A and 5B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 6A and 6B , theinner container element 150 is located within theouter container element 110, such that convexbottom surface 176 ofinner container element 150 engagescurved portion 130 ofbottom surface 128 ofouter container element 110. - As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 6B ,resilient portions 166 engage inner facingwall surface 118 andshoulder 126 of outer containerelement neck portion 114 in snap-fit engagement. - It is appreciated that during assembly of the assembled
container 180, theresilient snap element 162 is pushed inwardly toward outercylindrical surface 156 of innercontainer element body 152 byflange 124 of outer containerelement neck portion 114. Once theresilient snap element 162 is below theflange 124, it snaps outwardly and engages inner facingwall surface 118 andshoulder 126, thereby preventing disengagement of theinner container element 150 from theouter container element 110 and ensuring that theinner container element 150 will be centered within theouter container element 110. - It is a particular feature of the present invention that the center of gravity of the assembled
container 180, indicated by C11 inFIG. 6B , is lower than the geometrical center of the assembledcontainer 180, indicated by C12 inFIG. 6B , thereby making the assembledcontainer 180 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged. - It is appreciated that the
bore 169 ofstem portion 154 allows for release of air from theouter container element 110 during insertion of theinner container element 150 thereinto. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 7A and 7B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of anouter container element 210, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 7A and 7B , theouter container element 210 comprises a generally cylindrical outercontainer element body 212 which is integrally formed as one piece with a outer containerelement neck portion 214. Outer containerelement neck portion 214 has a generally cylindrical outer facingwall surface 216 and a generally cylindrical inner facingwall surface 218. A plurality of typically mutually spaced threadingprotrusions 220 are preferably formed on outer facingwall surface 216. The outer containerelement neck portion 214 and the outercontainer element body 212 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outercontainer element body 212 may be of any suitable shape and size and that the threadingprotrusions 220 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement. - Formed on the outer facing
wall surface 216 is an outer facingflange 222, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown) which may be threaded onto threadingprotrusions 220. The outer containerelement neck portion 214 additionally includes, at a top part thereof, aninner facing flange 224, defining atop surface 225 and also defining, together with inner facingwall surface 218, ashoulder 226. - As seen in
FIG. 7B , abottom surface 228 of outercontainer element body 212 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,curved portion 230, surrounded by a generally planarannular portion 232. It is appreciated that thebottom surface 228 may be of any suitable shape or configuration. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 8A and 8B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of aninner container element 250, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 8A and 8B , theinner container element 250 comprises a generally cylindrical innercontainer element body 252 which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element stemportion 254. The container element stemportion 254 and the innercontainer element body 252 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,inner container element 250 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material. - The inner
container element body 252 has a generally cylindrical outer facingsurface 256, a generally cylindricalinner facing surface 258, and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in a generallyplanar base surface 260. At a top portion thereof, the innercontainer element body 252 terminates in an annulartop surface 261. - As seen in
FIGS. 8A and 8B , the innercontainer element body 252 preferably includes a plurality oflongitudinal notches 262, distributed along a top portion of the innercontainer element body 252. Typically, fourlongitudinal notches 262 are provided, and are arranged equidistantly around the innercontainer element body 252. Typically, a plurality oflongitudinal grooves 264, which do not extend through the entire width of the material of the inner container element body, extend towardsbase surface 260 from thelongitudinal notches 262, and are arranged equidistantly from each other around the innercontainer element body 252. - The container element stem
portion 254 has a generally cylindrical outer facingsurface 266, a generally cylindricalinner facing surface 268, and terminates, at a top portion thereof, in the generallyplanar base surface 260, thereby defining abore 270 therein. At a bottom portion thereof, the container element stemportion 254 terminates in anannular surface 272. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 9A and 9B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembledcontainer 280, formed of theouter container element 210 ofFIGS. 7A and 7B and theinner container element 250 ofFIGS. 8A and 8B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 9A and 9B , theinner container element 250 is located within theouter container element 210, such thatannular surface 272 engagescurved portion 230 ofbottom surface 228 ofouter container element 210. - As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 9B , theouter surface 256 ofinner container element 250 engagesinner surface 218 of outer containerelement neck portion 214 of theouter container element 210, andtop surface 261 engagesshoulder 226 offlange 224 of outer containerelement neck portion 214. - It is appreciated that during assembly of the assembled
container element 280, the innercontainer element body 252 is pushed inwardly byflange 224 of outer containerelement neck portion 214, resulting in shrinking of the size oflongitudinal notches 262. Once thetop surface 261 of innercontainer element body 252 is below theflange 224, thenotches 262 return to their original size, thereby causing engagement between outer facingwall surface 256 of the innercontainer element body 252 and inner facingwall surface 218 andshoulder 226, thereby preventing disengagement of theinner container element 250 from theouter container element 210, and ensuring that theinner container element 250 will be centered within theouter container element 210. - It is a particular feature of the present invention that the center of gravity of the assembled
container 280, indicated by C21 inFIG. 9B , is lower than the geometrical center of the assembledcontainer 280, indicated by C22 inFIG. 9B , thereby making the assembledcontainer 280 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged. - It is appreciated that the
grooves 264 andnotches 262 of innercontainer element body 252 allow for release of air from theouter container element 210 during insertion of theinner container element 250 thereinto. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 10A and 10B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of anouter container element 310, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 10A and 10B , theouter container element 310 comprises a generally cylindrical outercontainer element body 312 which is integrally formed as one piece with an outer containerelement neck portion 314. Outer containerelement neck portion 314 has a generally cylindrical outer facingwall surface 316 and a generally cylindrical inner facingwall surface 318. A plurality of typically mutually spaced threadingprotrusions 320 are preferably formed on outer facingwall surface 316. The outer containerelement neck portion 314 and the outercontainer element body 312 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outercontainer element body 312 may be of any suitable shape and size and that the threadingprotrusions 320 may also be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement. - Formed on the outer facing
wall surface 316 is an outer facingflange 322, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown) which may be threaded onto threadingprotrusions 320. The outer containerelement neck portion 314 additionally includes, at a top part thereof, aninner facing flange 324, defining atop surface 325 and also defining, together with inner facingwall'surface 318, ashoulder 326. - As seen in
FIG. 10B , abottom surface 328 of outercontainer element body 312 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,curved portion 330, surrounded by a generally planarannular portion 332. It is appreciated that thebottom surface 328 may be of any suitable shape or configuration. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 11A and 11B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of aninner container element 350, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 11A and 11B , theinner container element 350 comprises a generally cylindrical innercontainer element body 352 which is integrally formed as one piece with a container element stemportion 354. The container element stemportion 354 and the innercontainer element body 352 are preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,inner container element 350 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material. - The inner
container element body 352 has a generally cylindrical outer facingsurface 356, a generally cylindricalinner facing surface 358, and terminates, at a bottom portion thereof, in a generallyplanar base surface 360. At a top portion thereof, the inner container element includes an outer facingflange 362, including atop surface 364, abottom surface 366 and an outer facingsurface 368. - The container element stem
portion 354 includes a generallycylindrical portion 369, having four outwardly extendingribs 370 distributed equidistantly therearound. The generallycylindrical portion 369 terminates in a generallycircular base portion 372, having a generally planartop surface 374 and a slightlyconvex bottom surface 376. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 12A and 12B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembledcontainer 380, formed of theouter container element 310 ofFIGS. 10A and 10B and theinner container element 350 ofFIGS. 11A and 11B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 12A and 12B , theinner container element 350 is located within theouter container element 310, such that convexbottom surface 376 ofinner container element 350 engagescurved portion 330 ofbottom surface 328 ofouter container element 310. - As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 12B , inner facingflange 324 of outer container element engages outer facingsurface 356 ofinner container element 350. Additionally,bottom surface 366 offlange 362 ofinner container element 350 engagessurface 325 ofouter container element 310, such that outer facingsurface 368 ofinner container element 350 is generally flush withouter surface 316 ofouter container element 310, thus enabling sealing of theinner container element 350 and theouter container element 310 with a single, standard, sealing element (not shown) engagingtop surface 364. - It is a particular feature of the present invention that the center of gravity of the assembled
container 380, indicated by C31 inFIG. 12B , is lower than the geometrical center of the assembledcontainer 380, indicated by C32 inFIG. 12B , thereby making the assembledcontainer 380 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 13A and 13B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of anouter container element 410, constructed and operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 13A and 13B , theouter container element 410 comprises a generally cylindrical outercontainer element body 412 which is integrally formed as one piece and includes an inner facingwall surface 414 and an outer facingwall surface 416. The outercontainer element body 412 is preferably formed by injection molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the outercontainer element body 412 may be of any suitable shape and size. - As seen in
FIG. 13B , abottom surface 428 of outercontainer element body 412 is preferably not planar, and includes a central,curved portion 430, surrounded by a generally planarannular portion 432. Extending fromannular portion 432 are a plurality of inwardly facinglongitudinal ribs 434, which are spaced equidistantly around theannular portion 432 and which preferably terminate at approximately a quarter of the height of the outercontainer element body 412. It is appreciated that thebottom surface 428 may be of any suitable shape or configuration. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 14A and 14B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of aninner container element 450, constructed and operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 14A and 14B , theinner container element 450 comprises a generally cylindrical innercontainer element body 452 which is integrally formed as one piece with an inner containerelement neck portion 454. Inner containerelement neck portion 454 has a generally cylindrical outer facingwall surface 456 and a generally cylindrical inner facingwall surface 458. A plurality of typically mutually spaced threadingprotrusions 460 are preferably formed on outer facingwall surface 456. The inner containerelement neck portion 454 and the innercontainer element body 452 are preferably formed by injection blow molding polyolefin, although any other suitable technique or material may alternatively be employed. It is appreciated that the threadingprotrusions 460 may be of any suitable shape, size and arrangement. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,inner container element 450 is formed of a material including a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel or other suitable moisture absorbing material. - Formed on the outer facing
wall surface 456 is an outer facing flange 462, operative to engage a sealing lid (not shown) which may be threaded onto threadingprotrusions 460. - The inner
container element body 452 includes a generally cylindricalupper portion 464 having an upper portion diameter, and a generally cylindricalintermediate portion 466 having an intermediate portion diameter which is slightly less than the upper portion diameter. Formed on an outward facing surface ofintermediate portion 466, preferably at a top portion thereof, is a circumferential outward facingflange 468. Theupper portion 464 and theintermediate portion 466 are connected by ashoulder 470. - The inner
container element body 452 further includes a generally cylindrical inwardly taperedportion 472 which connects theintermediate portion 466 to a generally cylindricalmain portion 474, having a main portion diameter which is less than the intermediate portion diameter. A generally cylindrical outwardlytapered portion 476 connects themain portion 474 to a generallycylindrical base portion 477, having a diameter slightly greater than the main portion diameter. As seen inFIG. 14B , the innercontainer element body 452 includes aconvex bottom surface 478. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 15A and 15B , which are, respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration of an assembledcontainer 480, formed of theouter container element 410 ofFIGS. 13A and 13B and theinner container element 450 ofFIGS. 14A and 14B , and a simplified sectional illustration thereof. - As seen in
FIGS. 15A and 15B , theinner container element 450 is located within theouter container element 410, such that convexbottom surface 478 ofinner container element 450 is centered with respect tocurved portion 430 ofbottom surface 428 ofouter container element 410, but does not engagecurved portion 430. - As seen with particular clarity in the enlarged portion of
FIG. 15B , outer facingflange 468 of theintermediate portion 466 of theinner container element 452 engages inner facingsurface 414 of outer containerelement body portion 412, such that the outer facingwall surface 416 of the outer container element body portion is flush with an outer surface of theupper portion 464 of the inner container element body. - It is a particular feature of the present invention that the center of gravity of the assembled
container 480, indicated by C41 inFIG. 15B , is lower than the geometrical center of the assembledcontainer 480, indicated by C42 inFIG. 15B , thereby making the assembledcontainer 480 more stable than a container whose center of gravity and geometrical center are merged. - It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and sub-combinations of various features described and shown herein and modifications and variations thereof which are not known in the prior art.
Claims (10)
1. A plastic container comprising:
an outer container element having a geometrical center; and
an inner container element mounted within said outer container element,
said outer container element and said inner container element, when mounted in said outer container element, together having a center of gravity which is lower than a geometrical center of said outer container element.
2-16. (canceled)
17. A plastic container according to claim 1 and wherein said inner container element comprises an inner container element neck portion and an inner container element body.
18. A plastic container according to claim 17 and wherein said inner container element body is integrally formed with said inner container element neck portion.
19. A plastic container according to claim 1 and wherein said inner container element comprises a moisture absorbent material.
20. A plastic container comprising:
an outer container element including a neck portion comprising a flange; and
an inner container element including at least one resilient snap element and being mounted within said outer container element,
said at least one resilient snap element engaging said flange when said inner container element is mounted in said outer container element, thereby ensuring that said inner container element is centered with respect to said outer container element.
21-31. (canceled)
32. A plastic container according to claim 20 and wherein said inner container element comprises a moisture absorbent material.
33. A plastic container comprising:
an outer container element; and
an inner container element having an inner container element internal volume and an inner container element center of gravity location,
said inner container element internal volume being linearly adjustable by changing a diameter of said inner container element at said inner container element center of gravity location, such that said changing said diameter does not change said inner container element center of gravity location.
34. A plastic container according to claim 33 and wherein said inner container element comprises a moisture absorbent material.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/664,244 US20100258455A1 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2008-06-11 | Plastic container |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/811,785 US20080308559A1 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2007-06-12 | Plastic container elements |
US385807P | 2007-11-19 | 2007-11-19 | |
PCT/IL2008/000791 WO2008152631A2 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2008-06-11 | Plastic container |
US12/664,244 US20100258455A1 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2008-06-11 | Plastic container |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/811,785 Continuation-In-Part US20080308559A1 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2007-06-12 | Plastic container elements |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100258455A1 true US20100258455A1 (en) | 2010-10-14 |
Family
ID=42933490
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/664,244 Abandoned US20100258455A1 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2008-06-11 | Plastic container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100258455A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101237981B1 (en) * | 2010-12-06 | 2013-03-04 | 리드메디 (주) | Medical bottle |
USD813035S1 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2018-03-20 | Log Plastic Products (1993) Ltd. | Canister insert |
US20180079582A1 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2018-03-22 | Log Plastic Products Company (1993) Ltd. | Bottle insert and a kit |
US11457773B2 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2022-10-04 | Pyar Ltd. | Storage unit for storing products that can be affected by humidity |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6080350A (en) * | 1995-04-19 | 2000-06-27 | Capitol Specialty Plastics, Inc. | Dessicant entrained polymer |
US20080185301A1 (en) * | 2007-02-02 | 2008-08-07 | Rick Merical | Containers Intended for Moisture-Sensitive Products |
-
2008
- 2008-06-11 US US12/664,244 patent/US20100258455A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6080350A (en) * | 1995-04-19 | 2000-06-27 | Capitol Specialty Plastics, Inc. | Dessicant entrained polymer |
US20080185301A1 (en) * | 2007-02-02 | 2008-08-07 | Rick Merical | Containers Intended for Moisture-Sensitive Products |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101237981B1 (en) * | 2010-12-06 | 2013-03-04 | 리드메디 (주) | Medical bottle |
USD813035S1 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2018-03-20 | Log Plastic Products (1993) Ltd. | Canister insert |
US20180079582A1 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2018-03-22 | Log Plastic Products Company (1993) Ltd. | Bottle insert and a kit |
US11457773B2 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2022-10-04 | Pyar Ltd. | Storage unit for storing products that can be affected by humidity |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LOG-PLASTIC PRODUCTS COMPANY (1993) LTD., ISRAEL Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHAY, AMIT;BARKAI, YAIR;TIVON, KIRYAT;REEL/FRAME:024664/0828 Effective date: 20100628 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |