Patent Application
20080073317
The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent by describing non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:
The container and packing system according to non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in
The container may be made of plastic, which can be blow molded into various configurations, however, any material suitable for containing a particular kind of content may be used.
To facilitate handling in a variety of positions, the first handle portion 8, the second handle portion 9 and the bottom grip 10, are included. For use in a carrying position, the first handle portion 8 is formed in an elongated fashion, which extends from the front side 5 to the back side 6 and provides for a space between the first handle portion 8 and the top 2 of the container for inserting a hand. Thus, a user may slip his fingers through the first handle portion 9 to lift the container 1. Additionally, when used in a pouring position, such as when tilted forward, the second handle portion 9 is provided and extends in a direction transverse to the first handle portion. This facilitates handling when the container is titled off vertical, such as when emptying the contents of the container 1. This second handle portion 9 may be utilized in tandem with the bottom grip 10 so that the container 1 may be gripped using two hands when tipped to pour the contents from the container 1. These handle and grip configurations provide for stable and secure handling, especially when the container is heavy.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
The second handle portion 9 may have a width that is convenient for gripping around its side by the thumb and over the top by the remaining fingers. For example, the width of the second handle portion preferably ranges from one-fourth to three-quarters of the width of the container 11. More preferably, the width ranges from one-third to one-half the width of the container 11. In inches, the width of the second handle portion may range from 2-4 inches and, preferably, about three inches.
The bottom grip 10, similar to the second handle portion 11, may be formed for gripping the container 11 when it is tilted for pouring. A recess 13 in the bottom, as shown in
Containers having these features may be advantageous when handling specific volumes of heavy fluids or materials.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container 1 is enclosed within a box 14 to create a packaging system 26 as shown in
Additionally, to improve the ergonomics of the packaging system, the box 14 may include a notch section 16 in the front 21 of the box 14 for exposing a portion of the neck 25 of the spout 7. This notch section 16 improves access to the spout 7 and also prevents the contents, when being poured from the container 1, from entering the inside of the box 14. The top opening 15 in this embodiment may also extend to the end of the first handle portion 8 to expose the narrowed neck portion 12. Thus, the second handle portion 8, while positioned under the top cover 19, is accessible for handling when pouring the contents from the container 11.
Referring to
This packaging system provides unique features that permit use of the above-described container 1 without removal of the container from the box 14. The box 14 is configured to permit access to the spout 7 for removing a lid or the like, and permits access to all the potential grasping points so that the packaging system 26 may be carried or used to pour contents from the container 1. Furthermore, the packaging system 26 provides a strong, stackable package for continual use until all the contents of the container 1 are consumed.
Another feature of this embodiment provides that both the container 11 and the box are fitted with chamfered corners 24, 28 to improve the strength and stackability of the packaging system 26. With regard to strength improvements, the chamfered corners 24, 28 make the package less susceptible to structural damage from blows directed at the corners of the box 14. Furthermore, the chamfered corners 24 facilitate the adjacent stacking of multiple packaging systems on either a pallet or a warehouse space. Moreover, the improved structural characteristics permit more weight to be stacked vertically above each packaging system 26. The chamfered corners 24, 28 also provide a unique surface for displaying advertisements and the like.
Illustrated in
While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the above description should be considered in as illustrations of the exemplary embodiments only and are not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.
