Product container having narrowed waist portion

A product container includes a top portion defining an opening, a bottom portion defining a base, and a central portion including a plurality of sidewalls extending between the top and bottom portions. Three of the sidewalls include discrete planar facets that collectively define a narrowed waist portion, at which the product container has smaller dimensions or a smaller cross sectional area compared to the top portion and the bottom portion. The narrowed waist portion is configured to be gripped by a user for lifting the product container (even when wearing gloves), and a flat product label may also be placed on the product container at the narrowed waist portion. The narrowed waist portion provides a natural gripping location as well as clearance between abutting product containers when multiple abutting product containers are located on a shelf.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to containers and, more particularly, to a product container having contours to enhance gripping and product labeling of the container.

BACKGROUND

Many container designs are known for holding various items, such as liquid and solid particulate consumer or commercial goods. For example, a typical round jug-like container for holding bleach is clearly distinct from a generally rectilinear box for containing apple juice. Depending on the size and shape of the container, it can be difficult for a user to lift or control the movement of the container, especially when the container is filled. To this end, it can be difficult for a user to obtain a reliable grip on the round portion of a container for holding bleach in the example above. Moreover, containers such as rectilinear boxes fill space efficiently when a plurality of the containers are put in abutting relation on a shelf or other storage device, but this close abutting relation can make it highly difficult for a user to obtain a good initial grip on one of the containers to remove it from the shelf or storage device. In addition, product labels on the container may be damaged by rubbing against adjacent containers when stored on a shelf or other surface.

As a result, container manufacturers have conventionally added features to the known container designs to help make lifting and controlling movement of the container easier. In one well-understood example, one or more handles are affixed to the exterior surface of the container in order to permit grasping of the container. However, the inclusion of such handles adds complexity and cost to the manufacturing process, and these handles may also negatively affect the overall appearance of the container or make it difficult to apply product labels to the container. Separately added handles may also have a tendency to break off in certain extreme operating conditions, which can be potentially harmful to users of the containers.

In the laboratory and scientific fields, product containers may be used to hold liquid or dry chemicals, including some hazardous materials. The product label on such containers contains vital information that distinguishes the contents of that container from other containers while also giving warnings about any hazards associated with the chemicals stored therein. The typical round bottle used in these circumstances suffers from the problems above and also makes it difficult to orient the product labels so that each container and the chemicals therein can be identified before moving the containers off of a shelf. Furthermore, users are typically holding and moving these chemical containers with gloved hands, and it can be exceedingly difficult to obtain a reliable grip on the container (especially round containers) when wearing gloves.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a container that overcomes the disadvantages with conventional containers identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other shortcomings and drawbacks of containers heretofore known. While the invention will be described in connection with an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, a product container includes a top portion defining an opening, a bottom portion defining a base, and a central portion. At least a part of the top portion defines a first maximum cross sectional area extending in a horizontal plane, and at least a part of the bottom portion defines a second maximum cross sectional area extending in a horizontal plane. The central portion includes a plurality of sidewalls that extend between the top and bottom portions. A narrowed waist portion is defined by at least three adjacent sidewalls in the plurality of sidewalls, the narrowed waist portion defining a waist cross sectional area extending in a horizontal plane. This waist cross sectional area is smaller than each of the first and second maximum cross sectional areas, thereby enhancing the ability for a user to grip the product container at the narrowed waist portion while also providing clearance between containers when multiple containers are placed in abutting relation on a support surface. Each of the adjacent sidewalls that define the narrowed waist portion may consist of a plurality of discrete planar facets, thereby forming the narrowed waist portion with discrete planar facets. The planar facets enable labeling of the product container adjacent a gripping location, at least in this embodiment.

To this end, the narrowed waist portion in one aspect is formed by adjacent discrete planar facets which each define a smooth flat outer surface without projections or depressions. The smooth flat outer surface is configured to receive a flat product label during labeling of the product container. Advantageously, the user's attention is drawn to the location with the label when the user looks to grip and move the container at the narrowed waist portion. In another aspect, the bottom portion includes a bottom surface depression extending upwardly from the base to define a shoulder. The bottom surface depression is configured to receive one or more of a user's fingers to stabilize the product container when lifted for movement at the narrowed waist portion. More specifically, a user's finger(s) will slide into abutment with the shoulder and then hold the product container generally stationary, which lowers any risk of the product container sliding or pivoting out of the hand gripping the narrowed waist portion, especially in laboratory and scientific environments where users are wearing gloves while handling the container.

In yet another aspect, the first and second maximum cross sectional areas are equal to one another. Such an arrangement provides a symmetrical appearance for the product container similar in some respects to an hourglass having a narrowed center and larger ends. Furthermore, the central portion may include four sidewalls such that the product container defines a generally square shaped cross section extending in a horizontal plane at junctions between the plurality of sidewalls and the top and bottom portions. The central portion may also include a different number of sidewalls to provide a different external contour and appearance in other embodiments. The top portion may also include a neck defining the opening and including threads configured to engage a cap that is used to selectively close the opening in the top portion.

In another embodiment according to the invention, a product container once again includes a top portion defining an opening, a bottom portion defining a base, and a central portion, which includes a plurality of sidewalls extending between the top and bottom portions and has a narrowed waist portion with a smaller cross sectional area. In this regard, three adjacent sidewalls in the central portion include abutting discrete planar facets that collectively define the narrowed waist portion. At least one of the other sidewalls extending between the top and bottom portions remains spaced from the discrete planar facets collectively defining the narrowed waist portion in this embodiment. For example, the product container may include four sidewalls, with one of the sidewalls extending in a generally vertical and planar manner between the top and bottom portions to define a back wall opposite the narrowed waist portion.

In another type of embodiment according to the invention, a product container includes a top portion defining an opening, a bottom portion defining a base, and a central portion with a plurality of sidewalls that extend between the top and bottom portions such that at least some of the sidewalls collectively define a narrowed waist portion. Two of the sidewalls defining the narrowed waist portion include only three discrete planar facets that are disposed at an angle relative to and converge toward a fourth discrete planar facet that is oriented in a generally vertical direction. To this end, the product container may include four sidewalls, and the two walls with three converging planar facets may be located on opposite sides to delimit and space the narrowed waist portion from a rearmost of the sidewalls. Once again, a user is guided to grip the product container at the narrowed waist portion for reliable movement and control of the container.

In other alternative embodiments according to the invention, the top portion may define a first maximum width dimension and a first maximum depth dimension, while the bottom portion defines a second maximum width dimension and a second maximum depth dimension. The narrowed waist portion formed by the sidewalls of the central portion may then define a waist width dimension that is smaller than each of the first and second maximum width dimensions, and/or a waist depth dimension that is smaller than each of the first and second maximum depth dimensions. To this end, the narrowed waist portion may only limit the size of the product container in one general direction to enhance gripping rather than the entire cross sectional area of the container taken along a horizontal plane. However, it will be understood that these alternative embodiments may be used in combination with any or all of the features described above as well.

These and various additional aspects and features of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill upon review of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings of the exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIGS. 1 through 5, an exemplary embodiment of a product container10configured to hold chemicals, liquids and/or solid particulate is shown in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, the product container10includes contours and/or features such as a narrowed waist portion12, which help a user grasp the container10and control the container10during movement between storage and worksites. Unlike conventional containers with separately added handles, the narrowed waist portion12is incorporated into the design of the container10itself while also advantageously providing a surface for receiving a flat product label14as shown in the leftmost of the three product containers10inFIG. 1. Consequently, the product container10defines a distinctive contoured appearance while also enhancing a user's ability to grasp and control movements of the container10, even when wearing protective gloves in a laboratory or scientific environment, while not adversely affecting the needs for detailed product labeling in certain industries.

The contoured shape of the container10also protects the product label14from damage, as will be described in further detail below. The product label14will naturally be facing outwardly when the user replaces the container10on a shelf because the product label14is located on the side of the container10where gripping occurs, so the container10also helps ensure that the product labels14will be readable when the container10is placed with other containers10on a storage shelf. The container10will be understood to be formed from various different types of materials depending on the needs of the end user, but plastic and glass are typical exemplary materials for the product containers10of the present invention.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, each of the product containers10includes a top portion16defining an opening (not shown inFIG. 1) and a bottom portion18opposite the top portion16and defining a base20. As well understood in this field, the product containers10are configured to sit on the base20when placed upon a support surface, such as the shelf22shown in this Figure, and the opening provides selective access into the interior of the product container10so that the liquid or solid particulate material therein can be accessed. The product container10also includes a central portion24extending between the top and bottom portions16,18, with the narrowed waist portion12located at this central portion24. More specifically, the central portion24extends generally from a maximum cross section of the container10located at the bottom of the top portion16to another maximum cross section of the container10located at the top of the bottom portion18, and the narrowed waist portion12represents a partial portion or subset of the central portion24.

The exemplary embodiment of the product container10is generally square-shaped along horizontal planes taken through the container10, especially at junctions between the central portion24and the top and bottom portions16,18. As a result, the central portion24includes a plurality of sidewalls26a,26b,26c,26d(also collectively referred to as “26” below even though that reference numeral does not appear separately in the FIGS.) that are configured to abut one another when multiple product containers10are placed side-by-side on the shelf22as shown inFIG. 1. Each of the sidewalls26a,26b,26c,26dextends vertically along an entire distance from the bottom of the top portion16to the top of the bottom portion18.

Consequently, the narrowed waist portions12of two adjacent product containers10advantageously provides a lateral clearance30or open space between the adjacent sidewalls26a,26cabutting one another in this configuration. The lateral clearance30is partially defined by the narrowed waist portion12of one product container10and partially defined by the narrowed waist portion12of the adjacent product container10. As shown most clearly inFIG. 1, the lateral clearance30is sized to provide enough room for a user's hand32to be inserted between the adjacent product containers10in order to obtain a grip on the narrowed waist portion12of the product container10shown in the center of the shelf22inFIG. 1. More particularly, the gap defined by the lateral clearances30is large enough to receive the thumb32aof the user's hand32on one side and the fingers32bof the user's hand32on the other side, even when those fingers32band thumb32aare within protective gloves as typically used in the laboratory and scientific environment. It will be understood that the particular size and shape of the lateral clearance30may be modified in other embodiments of the container10. Thus, even when a multitude of product containers10is stored in abutting side-by-side relationship on the shelf22, a user can grasp and remove any of the product containers10with relative ease. Furthermore, the product labels14on each of the product containers10(only shown on one container inFIG. 1) remain readily visible at the point of grasping these product containers10and are protected from being damaged by adjacent product containers10. Furthermore, when the product containers10are placed back on the shelf22, the product labels14will naturally be facing outwardly where they can be viewed by later users needing access to the contents of the containers10.

Additional features of the product container are shown with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, which show different angled perspective views taken from outside a single one of the product containers10according to this embodiment. To this end, the top portion16is further defined by a plurality of contoured facets36a,36b,36c,36d(also collectively referred to as “36” below even though that reference numeral does not appear separately in the FIGS.) extending between a neck portion38at the top of the product container10and the plurality of sidewalls26in the central portion24. In the square-shaped embodiment of the product container10according to this embodiment, there are four contoured facets36a,36b,36c,36dincluded in the top portion16, with each of the contoured facets36a,36b,36c,36dextending to a junction with a corresponding one of the sidewalls26a,26b,26c,26d. However, it will be understood that more or fewer contoured facets36may be provided in other similar embodiments of the product container10, especially when the number of sidewalls26is modified from the exemplary embodiment.

Each of the contoured facets36define a more planar contour adjacent the plurality of sidewalls26and a more rounded contour adjacent the neck portion38as a result of the round profile of the neck portion38and the square-shaped profile of the central portion24. Even with the transition to the more rounded contour, the contoured facets36provide a generally four-sided or square-shaped cross-sectional appearance in a horizontal plane along most of the longitudinal length (measured top to bottom) of the contoured facets36. The contoured facets36each become generally wider going from the neck portion38to the central portion24, which causes the top portion16to expand in size to a maximum size at a junction with the sidewalls26of the central portion24. This maximum size defines a first maximum cross sectional area for the product container10as described in further detail below. As noted above, the central portion24extends downwardly from the location where the contoured facets36define the first maximum cross sectional area. Moreover, each of the contoured facets36a,36b,36c,36dhas a generally trapezoidal appearance when viewed straight on, but the trapezoidal shape is rounded along the top at the neck portion38as described above.

Adjacent pairs of the contoured facets36abut one another at discrete corners40that are more sharp or angled towards the junction with the central portion24and the sidewalls26. Each of the corners40becomes less sharp and begins to smooth out entirely towards the neck portion38as a result of the rounding along the top end of the contoured facets36. It will be appreciated that the specific shapes and contours of the contoured facets36and the corners40may be modified in other embodiments, such as, for example, including less rounding when a round neck portion38is not present in the product container10.

The neck portion38is largely concealed in the views ofFIGS. 2 and 3as a result of engagement with a cap42that is configured to close the opening (not shown in these FIGS.) at the top portion16. The specific engagement of the cap42with the neck portion38is described in further detail below with reference toFIG. 5, but the cap42of this embodiment is located proximate to the contoured facets36when fully engaged with the neck portion38as shown. Therefore, the cap42and contoured facets36provide the desirable outward appearance of essentially the entire top portion16when the product container10is fully assembled with the cap42. The specific features of the cap42may be modified in other embodiments without departing from the advantageous design of the product container10.

Similar to the top portion16, the bottom portion18is also at least partially defined by a plurality of facets extending between the base20and the central portion24. In this regard, the bottom portion18of the illustrated embodiment includes four planar facets46a,46b,46c,46d(also collectively referred to as “46” below even though that reference numeral does not appear separately in the FIGS.), each extending upwardly and outwardly from the base20to a junction with a corresponding one of the sidewalls26a,26b,26c,26d. Whenever the term “planar facet” or “discrete planar facet” is used throughout this specification, it will be understood that the panel or surface defined by this facet may be generally or substantially planar and therefore may include some minor variations in contour, including, but not limited to grip-enhancing projections and depressions, without departing from the scope of this term. Each of the planar facets46a,46b,46c,46din the bottom portion18defines a generally trapezoidal shape with angled edges that define corners48with adjacent planar facets46. The planar facets46increase in width towards the central portion24, which causes the bottom portion18to expand in size from the base20to a maximum size at the junction with the sidewalls26. This maximum size defines a second maximum cross sectional area for the product container10as described in further detail below. As noted above, the central portion24extends upwardly from the location where the planar facets46define the second maximum cross sectional area. It will also be understood that the four planar facets46a,46b,46c,46dmay be used as temporary support surfaces or bases for the product container10in a tilted orientation when pipetting liquid from a nearly empty product container10, in some embodiments.

As a result of including four planar facets46, the product container10defines a generally square-shaped appearance or horizontal cross section along this bottom portion18. Of course, the number of planar facets46and specific configuration may be modified in other embodiments depending on the preferences and needs of the end user of the product container10, which would result in a corresponding change in appearance and horizontal cross section. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base20defines a generally square-shaped surface upon which the product container10sits when placed on a shelf22or other support surface. The base20is oriented so as to be generally planar and horizontal to reliably support the product container10in the upright position shown in these FIGS. The base20may also be located adjacent a bottom surface depression (not shown inFIGS. 2 and 3) described in further detail below.

With continued reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, the external profile defined along the central portion24of the product container10is shown in further detail. In the exemplary embodiment, the central portion24includes left and right sidewalls26a,26cwhich each extend between a front sidewall26band a rear sidewall26d. Each of these sidewalls26a,26b,26c, and26dis defined by one or more facets and corners to provide the specific container profile, which in the exemplary embodiment includes the narrowed waist portion12. As shown in this embodiment, the narrowed waist portion12is defined along only a partial portion or subset of the central portion24. More specifically, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, each of the sidewalls26a,26b,26c, and26dconsists solely of one or more discrete planar facets. The specific arrangement of facets for the central portion24in this embodiment is described in detail below, but it will be appreciated that the arrangement and sizing of the facets may be modified in other embodiments. Furthermore, still other embodiments of the product container10may include additional structures and facets in addition to, or in lieu of, the discrete planar facets.

Beginning with the left sidewall26a, a portion of the narrowed waist portion12of the product container10is defined along this left sidewall26a. For example, the left sidewall26aincludes three discrete converging planar facets52a,52b,52c(these and other converging planar facets on the sidewalls26are also collectively referred to as “52” below even though that reference numeral does not appear separately in the FIGS.) that are angled from and converge inwardly to a fourth discrete vertical planar facet54a(these and other vertical planar facets on the sidewalls26are also collectively referred to as “54” below even though that reference numeral does not appear separately in the FIGS.). More specifically, one of the discrete converging planar facets52aconverges inwardly from a corner56wformed with one of the contoured facets36aof the top portion16of the container10, another of the discrete converging planar facets52bconverges inwardly from another corner56xformed with the rear sidewall26d, and another of the discrete converging planar facets52cconverges inwardly from yet another corner56w, this one formed with one of the planar facets46aof the bottom portion18of the container10. In this regard, and as described in further detail below, these converging planar facets52therefore reduce the size and cross-sectional area defined by the product container10from a maximum value down to smaller values at the narrowed waist portion12. It will be understood that while the reference numeral56wis used to refer to a type of corner formed between a converging planar facet52and the top or bottom portions16,18of the container10and while the reference number56xis used to refer to a type of corner formed between a converging planar facet52and a generally vertical facet, these and other corners are also collectively referred to as “56” below even though that reference numeral does not appear separately in the FIGS.

As shown most clearly inFIG. 2, the converging and angling inwardly of the converging planar facets52is enabled by each of these converging planar facets52defining a generally trapezoidal shape when viewed straight on. At each edge of the trapezoidal shape of the converging planar facets52, a corner56is formed with another facet, whether that other facet is located on another of the sidewalls26or on the top and bottom portions16,18. For example, in addition to the corners56wand56xdescribed above, the converging planar facets52a,52b,52cof the left sidewall26ashare corners56ybetween each other and with other converging planar facets52on the front sidewall26b(described in further detail below), and an internal type of corner56xwith the fourth discrete vertical planar facet54a. It will be understood that while the reference numeral56yis used to refer to a type of corner formed between two converging planar facets52, these and other corners are also collectively referred to as “56” below even though that reference numeral does not appear separately in the FIGS.

As a result of the converging inwardly of these facets52, the vertical planar facet54athat forms a portion of the narrowed waist portion12is spaced apart from the top and bottom portions16,18and also spaced apart from the rear sidewall26din the central portion24(this is also why the narrowed waist portion12defines only a subset of the central portion24of the product container10). The specific angling formed at the corners56xbetween the converging planar facets52a,52b,52cand the vertical planar facet54amay be modified in other embodiments to change the size and shape of the narrowed waist portion12relative to the remainder of the product container10without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, other non-illustrated embodiments may include a different number of planar facets or a combination of additional facets and surfaces depending on the end shape of the product container to be formed, so long as the left sidewall26acontinues to span the distance between the top and bottom portions16,18while also defining the narrowed waist portion12.

However, the exemplary embodiment of the product container10shown in the FIGS. is advantageous at least because the use of only four discrete planar facets (e.g.,52a,52b,52c,54a) in a sidewall26aforming a part of the narrowed waist portion12enables simplified manufacturing and a desirable profile for grasping the product container10as well as for labeling the container10. Therefore, the specific combination of solely discrete planar facets52a,52b,52c,54ashown in the exemplary embodiment provides important benefits, even if this or other sidewalls26of the product container10are modified as alluded to above. Although not shown in a profile view inFIGS. 2 and 3, it will be understood that the right sidewall26cis identical (but a mirror image) to the left sidewall26a. Consequently, the right sidewall26calso includes three converging planar facets52d,52e,52fthat are angled from and converge towards a vertical planar facet54bdefining a portion of the narrowed waist portion12.

Like the left sidewall26a, the first converging planar facet52dextends between corners56yformed with adjacent converging planar facets52and also extends between a corner56wformed with one of the contoured facets36cof the top portion16and a corner56xformed with the vertical planar facet54b; the second converging planar facet52eextends between corners56yformed with adjacent converging planar facets52d,52fand also extends between a corner56xformed with the rear sidewall26dand a corner56xformed with the vertical planar facet54b; and the third converging planar facet52fextends between corners56yformed with adjacent converging planar facets52and also extends between a corner56wformed with one of the planar facets46cof the bottom portion18and a corner56xformed with the vertical planar facet54b. It will be understood that some of these facets52,54and corners56are not shown except at edge profiles inFIGS. 1 through 3. However, further detailed description of these identical opposing sidewalls26a,26cis unnecessary in view of the description provided above.

Turning to the front sidewall26b, a similar arrangement of planar facets is provided (seeFIG. 2). However, because the front sidewall26bis adjacent to and abutting two other sidewalls26a,26cthat form a portion of the narrowed waist portion12, the front sidewall26bonly includes two converging planar facets52g,52hangled from and converging inwardly to a third vertical planar facet54c. Each of the converging planar facets52g,52hdefines a generally trapezoidal shape when viewed straight on in order to produce this inward taper or narrowing of the product container10at the narrowed waist portion12. One of the converging planar facets52gextends between corners56yformed with adjacent converging planar facets52a,52don other sidewalls26a,26cand also extends between a corner56wformed with one of the contoured facets36bof the top portion16and a corner56xformed with the vertical planar facet54c. Another of the converging planar facets52hextends between corners56yformed with adjacent converging planar facets52c,52fformed on other sidewalls26a,26cand also extends between a corner56wformed with one of the planar facets46bof the bottom portion18and a corner56xformed with the vertical planar facet54c.

Therefore, the three adjacent and abutting vertical planar facets54a,54b,54cdefining the narrowed waist portion12are effectively surrounded circumferentially on all sides by these converging planar facets52a,52b,52c,52d,52e,52f,52g,52hformed in the corresponding three adjacent sidewalls26a,26b, and26c. This arrangement causes the vertical planar facets54defining the narrowed waist portion12to be spaced from each of the top and bottom portions16,18as well as the rear sidewall26d. The abutting vertical planar facets54a,54b,54care connected to one another along corners56z, and this reference numeral is used to refer to corners56located between two generally vertical facets54. Although there are a total of eight converging planar facets52shown in the exemplary embodiment, it will be understood that more or fewer of these facets may be provided when the container10includes more sidewalls26, and each of the sidewalls26defining ends of the narrowed waist portion12will generally include three converging planar facets52while sidewalls26in between these ends of the narrowed waist portion12will include only two converging planar facets52.

As briefly described above, the three adjacent vertical planar facets54a,54b,54calong the sidewalls26a,26b, and26cprovide both clearance to grasp the product container10along the narrowed waist portion12as well as a convenient forward-facing surface to label the container10with a flat product label14. To this end, in the exemplary embodiment each of the vertical planar facets54a,54b,54cfurther defines a smooth flat outer surface58facing away from the remainder of the product container10. The smooth flat outer surface58is specifically provided with no projections or depressions that would adversely affect the application and adhesion of the flat product label14to the product container10at the narrowed waist portion12. The application of the product label14at these smooth flat outer surfaces58encourages the user's attention to be drawn to the same location both when picking up the product container10to move it and while identifying the contents and any ancillary instructions provided for the container10and its contents. Thus, in addition to simplified manufacturing and a desirable aesthetic appearance, the narrowed waist portion12also provides practical benefits for the ease of the end user.

The rear sidewall26dis shown most clearly with reference toFIG. 3. In the exemplary embodiment, this rear sidewall26dincludes a single discrete planar facet60that extends the entire distance between a corner56wat the top portion16and a corner56wat the bottom portion18. The single discrete planar facet60also extends between corners56xformed with the rearmost converging planar facets52b,52eof the other sidewalls26a,26c. Although the planar facet60of the rear sidewall26dextends along a generally vertical direction in this embodiment, it will be understood that this planar facet60may be oriented non-vertically in other embodiments (such as when the top and bottom portions16,18do not define the same maximum dimensions and cross sectional area. Furthermore, the rear sidewall26dmay be defined by more than one facet having different profiles and shapes in other embodiments. Regardless of the particular configuration chosen for the rear sidewall26d, the rear sidewall26dremains spaced from the vertical planar facets54a,54b,54cthat define the narrowed waist portion12as the rear sidewall26dextends between the top and bottom portions16,18of the product container10. The generally planar rear sidewall26dof the exemplary embodiment enables multiple rows of product containers10to be placed side-by-side and in close abutment front-to-back along a shelf22while maximizing the internal volume of the product container10in regions away from the narrowed waist portion12.

With reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, additional features of the product container10of the exemplary embodiment are revealed using cross sections through the container10. These cross sections reveal the beneficial reduction of dimensions and/or cross sectional area at the narrowed waist portion12relative to the top and bottom portions16,18, which assists with helping the user obtain a handle-like grip on the product container10, even when the user is wearing gloves in a laboratory or scientific environment.

As shown most specifically inFIG. 4, the bottom portion18defines a second maximum cross sectional area ABP that is simulated in phantom lines surrounding the periphery of the product container10in that top-down view. As readily understood from the previous discussion of the perspective views, the bottom portion18defines this square-shaped second maximum cross sectional area ABP at the junction with the central portion24, e.g., along the corners56wformed at the bottom edges of the sidewalls26. The narrowed waist portion12of the exemplary embodiment reduces the cross sectional area to the (smaller) waist cross sectional area AWP, which is also shown schematically in a phantom line surrounding the periphery of the cross-sectioned portion shown inFIG. 4. This waist cross sectional area AWP is also smaller than the first maximum cross sectional area ATP defined at the top portion16. In the exemplary embodiment shown in these FIGS., the first and second maximum cross sectional areas ATP, ABP are identical in size because the top portion16and the bottom portion18of the product container10are formed to be roughly equivalent in size, but these cross sectional areas ATP, ABP may be differently sized in other embodiments so long as the waist cross sectional area AWP remains smaller than both.

It will also be understood that the narrowed waist portion12may instead be defined by one or more smaller dimensions rather than by a smaller cross sectional area in some embodiments. For example with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the narrowed waist portion12defines a waist width dimension WW and a waist depth dimension DW for the product container10at the location of the vertical planar facets54. One or both of these dimensions WW, DW is smaller in size than the corresponding maximum width dimension WBP and the corresponding maximum depth dimension DBP defined along the bottom portion18of the product container10(both dimensions are smaller in the exemplary embodiment). Although not shown in the downward cross section illustration ofFIG. 4, the maximum width dimension and maximum depth dimension for the top portion16of the product container10would be identical to those shown for the bottom portion18in the exemplary embodiment, so these dimensions are not labeled and do not need to be shown to understand this reduction of dimensions at the narrowed waist portion12. Regardless of whether the reduction in size of the narrowed waist portion12is along one dimension, two dimensions, or a cross sectional area, the reduction in size results in the advantageous benefits discussed in detail above (easier handling of the bottle, more clearance, desirable appearance, etc.).

With continued reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, the bottom portion18further includes a bottom surface depression66extending generally upwardly from the base20. More particularly, the base20surrounds the bottom surface depression66in the exemplary embodiment circumferentially so that a shoulder68is formed between the base20and the bottom surface depression66. The bottom surface depression66of the exemplary embodiment is defined by a square-shaped generally planar facet70connected to the base20at the four-sided shoulder68, which matches the four-sided contour of the bottom portion18in this embodiment of the product container10. However, it will be appreciated that non-planar and multiple facets could be used to define bottom surface depressions66having different contours in other embodiments.

The bottom surface depression66provides a space for receiving one or more of a user's fingers on the opposite hand from the one gripping the narrowed waist portion12as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. These other fingers can abut against the shoulder68to stabilize the product container10from unnecessarily swinging around during movement, especially if the hand grip slips for some reason at the narrowed waist portion12, and even if the user is wearing gloves while handling the product container10. Therefore, it will be understood that the proposed modifications to the shape and size of the bottom surface depression66discussed above would not affect the functionality of providing the shoulder68to enhance the carrying capabilities for the user. In other embodiments where a bale handle or separate structure is used (not included in the exemplary embodiment), the bottom surface depression66serves as an even more reliable method of stabilizing the product container10during movement.

Even though the bottom surface depression66and the narrowed waist portion12define inward structures, the interior space72defined by the product container10remains maximized for holding liquids or solid particulate goods. To this end, the narrowed waist portion12and the bottom surface depression66, at least in the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, are limited in how far these elements extend inwardly towards the interior space72. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of the product container10includes no other inwardly extending or blocking structures within the interior space72that would further reduce the storage capacity of the product container10. Particularly when using the four-sided or square-shaped exemplary embodiment, the interior space72is generally maximized, and this increases efficiency of storage space use for the end user. Of course, similar benefits could also be achieved in other embodiments defining different shapes and sizes for the product container10.

As briefly noted above, the interior space72is accessed in the exemplary embodiment via an opening74, which is shown inFIG. 5as being defined by a generally cylindrical extension76at the neck portion38. The cylindrical extension76at the neck portion38includes external threads78which are configured to engage with internal threads80formed on the cap42. Therefore, the cap42can be screwed into and out of engagement with the neck portion38along the corresponding threads78,80to seal the opening74closed in the position shown inFIG. 5or open access into the interior space72via the opening74when the cap42is removed. The generally cylindrical extension76may also include additional structures such as the radial flange82which engages with tamper-evident band features84provided on the cap42as well understood in the product container art. However, these structures and even the entire neck portion38itself may be omitted in other embodiments of the product container10consistent with the present invention, such as where the opening74is formed in one of the other facets36defining the top portion16. To this end, the cap42and the neck portion38may be modified without affecting the advantageous benefits provided by the remainder of the design of the product container10.

In view of the structural features described in detail above with reference to the exemplary embodiment inFIGS. 1 through 5, the product container10provides several advantages. For example, by forming the top and bottom portions16,18and the central portion24with a plurality of discrete facets, the product container10can be formed by known molding processes such as blow molding and injection molding (regardless of the materials used), thereby simplifying manufacturing of the product container10. No additional handle-like structures need to be separately added to the product container10. Moreover, the narrowed waist portion12and bottom surface depression66provide natural places for gripping and stabilizing the product container10during movement (even when a user's hands are in gloves in a laboratory or scientific environment), while also enabling labeling of the product container10at the same location where attention is drawn for gripping and moving the product container10. The product label14will naturally be positioned to face outwardly and will usually be readable when the product container10is put on a shelf as a result of the placement of the product label14at the narrowed waist portion12where gripping of the container10will occur. Accordingly, the product container10of the present invention addresses many of the drawbacks with conventional containers.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, and while that embodiment has been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, the specific number and placement of discrete planar facets may be modified in other embodiments of the product container. The present invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the general inventive concept.