CN1440354A - Containers with reduced heat gain - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid container (10) having a reflective layer (14) on more than 50% of the container body wall that reduces heat gain through the wall. The reflectivity is more than 70%. The container body may be housed in a passive bottom cup (30), the passive bottom cup (30) also having an outer layer that reflects radiation to further increase the thermal resistance of the container. The bottom cup can be used to actively cool the fluid in the container by including a chamber (66) with a fluid (68) that can be cooled, and a foam layer (24) can be used above or below the reflective layer on the container body and/or the cup to further reduce heat gain. The density of the reflective layer material is different from the density of the body/cup material of the container which is easily recycled.

Description

Containers with reduced heat gain

Previously filed applications referenced

This application claims to utilize U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/207,440 under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), entitled Plastic Containers with Reduced Heat Gain and Good Recyclability, filed May 2000 This application is hereby incorporated in its entirety into this application on March 3.

Background of the invention

1. Technical field

The present invention relates to containers, and more particularly to plastic fluid containers with reduced heat gain and good recyclability.

2. Background technology

Of course, containers such as plastic bottles are widely used for beverages like soft drinks. After such a container is removed from a refrigerator, cooling device or the like, it is undesirable for the beverage to start to warm.

More specifically, heat is conducted from the environment through the beverage container and to the beverage contained therein by three primary modes of heat transfer. The first transfer mode, as long as there is any temperature difference between the environment of a container (such as the air surrounding the container or the surface on which the container rests), heat is conducted through the container wall and into the beverage by convection. In the second way, heat can also enter the container by condensation of water vapor from the air on the surface of the container. For each drop of water that condenses on a surface, energy in the form of latent heat of condensation is transferred to the container wall. Third, the largest sources of heat transfer to the vessel walls are direct radiation from the sun and the ground. In the case of plastic bottles, for example, heat radiation easily penetrates the walls of the plastic bottle. As the radiation penetrates, it heats the plastic from the inside and on the outer surface of the plastic, further accelerating the heating of the container's contents.

Contents of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container capable of maintaining the freezing temperature of its contents for a longer period of time than the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a container which resists heat gain by radiation, conduction, convection or condensation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a container with an external reflective layer which reduces the heat gain caused by radiation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a container which uses a layer of foam material to reduce the heat gain mainly caused by convection, conduction or condensation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a passive bottom cup for holding the bottom of a plastic beverage container which serves to further reduce heat gain by radiation, conduction, and convection heating the bottom and beverage containing container. things.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bottom cup for a beverage container that actively contains a condensable phase change fluid to accommodate the bottom of the beverage container and further reduce heat gain through radiation, conduction and convection The bottom and beverage contents are heated.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming a container with reduced heat gain.

To achieve the above and other objects of the present invention, a reflective layer is formed on the outer surface of the wall of the container body to reduce the temperature gain across the wall. In addition, a foam layer arranged above or below the reflective layer enhances this heat gain reduction.

The container body may also be housed in a bottom cup. The bottom cup may also have a radiation reflective outer layer to further increase the thermal resistance of the container body. Also, a layer of foam material may be placed above or below the reflective layer to further improve heat gain suppression. If the cup is a "passive" thermal resistance for the bottom of the container body, the space inside the bottom cup can contain air, otherwise a coolable fluid can be supplied to an "active" bottom Cup shape.

The container body and bottom cup can also be efficiently recycled by using separation techniques according to the densities of the different materials. The material of the reflective layer is selected to have a density of less than 1 g/cc so that the reflective layer can be separated from the container body having a density of greater than 1 g/cc. Also, if the reflective material density is chosen to be greater than 1 g/cc, adding a layer of foam material can reduce the bulk density of the structure such that the combined density is less than 1 g/cc. Additionally, the passive bottom cup material may be selected such that the density is less than 1 g/cc, or may be combined with foam to form a structure such that the density is less than 1 g/cc. The converse is also true when the density of the container body is less than 1 g/cc.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like symbols designate the same or similar parts throughout the parts.

Brief description of the drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with this specification, serve to explain aspects of the invention. The attached drawings include:

Figure 1 is a side view of a container body according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sidewall of the container body shown in Figure 1 taken along line 2-2;

3A is a side wall cross-sectional view of a second container body according to the present invention;

3B is a side wall cross-sectional view of a third container body according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of a container body and a converging passive bottom cup according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the container body shown in Figure 4 contained in the passive bottom cup;

5B is a cross-sectional view of a container body and a passive foam bottom cup according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the container body shown in Figure 5B contained in the passive foam bottom cup;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an "active" bottom cup and container body according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the active bottom cup housing the bottom of the container body shown in Figure 6;

8 is a cross-sectional view of a container body bottom and an active bottom cup according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, wherein each body and the bottom cup include mating elements for their detachable connection; and

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the container body received by the active bottom cup shown in Figure 8 .

Detailed ways

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1-9.

Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the invention, generally, Figures 1 and 2 show a container 10 comprising a container body 12, for example in the form of a plastic bottle, for holding a beverage 22, such as a soft drink . The body 12 has a bottom 15 , a side wall 16 , an inner surface 18 and an outer surface 20 . The container body 12 may also include a threaded neck 21 for receiving a cap (not shown). A reflective layer or branding 14 capable of reducing heat gain through the container body 12 is formed on the outer surface 20 of the container body 12, as described below.

container body

The container body 12 is preferably made of a conventional polymeric material such as polyethylene including any crystallizable polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer suitable for use in packaging, particularly food packaging. Suitable polyethylenes are known in the art and may be derived from aromatic dicarboxylic acids, esters of dicarboxylates, anhydrides of dicarboxylates, glycols and combinations thereof.

Other suitable polymeric materials for forming the container are also known in the art, including multilayer formulations including: PET/MXD6 (polyamide)/PET, and PET/EVOH/PET. Such multilayer polymers are currently used to make beer containers, for example. Additional known suitable polymeric materials include polycarbonate, polyolefins (HDPE, PP, LDPE, etc.), polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride.

Conventional additives can also be used if desired. Such additives include without limitation: colorants, pigments, carbon black, glass fibers, fillers, impact modifiers, antioxidants, stabilizers, flame retardants, reheating aids, acetaldehyde reducers, barrier Additives, oxygen scavengers, etc.

The container body 12 is formed by a conventional method such as extrusion molding, preferably stretch blow molding.

reflective layer

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-2 , the reflective layer 14 is applied to the outer surface 20 of the container body 12 . Because the side wall 16 provides the largest surface area of the container body 12 that is directly exposed to a source of radiant heat, it is preferred that the side wall 16 be covered with the reflective layer 14, and it is less desirable that the reflective layer extend to the bottom of the container body 12. 15 and/or neck 21.

The reflective layer 14 should account for 50%-100% of the outer surface 20; generally 75%-100%, preferably 85%-100%. Suitable materials for the heat reflective layer 14 include one or more of metal foil, metallized paper, metallized polymeric film, and the like.

The reflective layer 14 can be applied to the outer surface 20 using well known techniques such as heat shrinking, stretching, pressure sensitive marking and adhesives. It is known in the art that each coating technique can affect the ability of the container to be efficiently recycled. Advertisements or other signs can of course be pasted on the outer surface of the reflective layer 14 .

The reflectivity of the reflective layer 14 should be greater than about 70%; generally greater than about 90%, preferably greater than about 97%. Reflectivity is measured by industry standard methods such as ASTM E903-96 with vacuum metallic film standards according to NIST.

The reflective layer 14 can be very thin and still significantly reduce heat gain from radiation. Reflective layer 14 thicknesses of less than 5 mils and even less than 3 mils have been found to significantly reduce heat gain. This reduces the material necessary to make the container 10 with the lowest heat gain, thus minimizing the container's impact on the recycling industry. In contrast, thicker foam layers (0.009-0.010 inches, 9-10 mils) did not significantly reduce heat gain.

There are various methods for producing the reflective layer 14 . A reflective film can be made by adding metallic flakes or pigments to new plastic resins using standard extrusion processes. As is known in the art, colored plastics reduce recycling efficiency. Also, any changes to the plastic during the injection molding process will adversely affect the stretch blowing step which uses infrared radiation to heat the plastic.

Furthermore, a suitable reflective layer 14 can be produced by direct printing of highly reflective metallic inks on paper or plastic. Furthermore, it is known that if the reflective layer 14 is applied to the outer surface 20 of the container body 12 by painting or other coating techniques, such as by spraying techniques, then depending on the type of coating, its thickness and the geometry of the container May adversely affect recyclability.

Similarly, plastic and paper can be solution coated with silver or aluminum. Preferably the plastic or paper is metallized using vacuum deposition. Also, white pigments can be added to the film to create a reflective matrix; however, the reflectivity will not be as great as a metallic matrix. When printing on any kind of reflective substrate, it is recommended to use inks that do not absorb in the infrared region.

Combinations of reflective layers 14 can be used for greater cooling benefit. For example a metallized low shrink wrap film or paper label with a reflective layer 14 can be used to cover the flat or paneled portion of the container body 10, and a reflective layer in the form of a metallized or printed shrink film with reflective ink 14 may be used to cover curved portions of the container body 12 , such as near the neck 21 or bottom 15 . The shrink properties of the polymeric film can be used to make the label with reflective layer 14 conform to the shape of the container body 10 more easily.

Foam layer on container body

The reflective layer 14 can be used alone or in combination with other materials that enhance the reduction of heat gain. In this regard, foam is the most practical and efficient material, which meets the following two goals: low heat gain by conduction, and easy recycling.

Figure 3A shows a second embodiment according to the invention. As shown here, a foam film or layer 24 may be used with the reflective layer 14 to further reduce the temperature increase, particularly through the sidewall 16 . The foam layer 24 is preferably disposed between the outer surface 20 of the container side wall 16 and the reflective layer 14 to further block heat absorption.

The density of the foam layer 24 should be less than 0.5 g/cm ³ , preferably less than 0.2 g/cm ³ .

The foam layer 24 may comprise a polystyrene-based homopolymer or copolymer, a polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer, a polyester homopolymer or copolymer, or any other foamable thermoplastic polymer.

The foam layer 24 may have a thickness of 0.001-0.080 inches, preferably 0.004-0.020 inches.

In general, the reflective layer 14 may function to block heat gain by radiation from the environment, for example from the sun. Instead, the foam layer 24 serves to block heat gain primarily from conduction, such as someone holding the container body 12 in their hand. The reflective layer 14 is most effective in these various functions, for example reducing the maximum heat gain when consuming beverages contained in plastic containers in an outdoor environment dominated by a radiation source such as the sun. The reflective layer only provides marginal heat reduction relative to conventional containers when there are no major sources of radiation, eg indoors, and is otherwise only used for cosmetic and/or labeling purposes (advertising markings).

In a third embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, a reflective layer 14a is applied directly to the outer surface 20 of the container body 12, and a layer of foam material 24a is applied to the reflective layer 14a. The foam layer 24a blocks heat gain due to conduction, and the reflective layer 14a minimizes heat gain from radiation sources.

recycle

Generally, the recycling process includes the following steps. Labeled bottles (eg PET) according to the invention are sorted, squeezed and crushed into "chips". Using water separation techniques known in the art, the less dense reflective layer material floats to the top while the PET material sinks. The reflective layer material is then separated from the PET material for recycling.

From a recycling point of view, depending on the thickness and type of the reflective layer 14, the foam layer 24 can be added. For example, if the reflective layer 14 is metallized paper or PET instead of metallized polyethylene or propylene, a foam layer is used. That is, metallized polyolefin floats in water (density less than 1) while PET will sink. On the other hand, metallized PET or paper or any matrix with a density greater than 1 will tend to create problems in this recycling water separation which will be alleviated by adding a foam layer.

That is, the reflective layer 14 can be conveniently separated from the container body 12 selected to have a density greater than 1 g/cc during conventional recycling. In this way, the reflective layer 14 on the lighter material such as the foam layer 24 will float to the top relative to the heavier container body 12 material.

Bottom cup overview

In addition to the container body 12/reflective layer 14, 14a combination described above (with optional foam layer 24, 24a), the present invention also contemplates the use of a bottom cup. As will be described in more detail below, the bottom cup takes the form of a "passive" bottom cup as shown in Figures 4-5C, or an "active" bottom cup as shown in Figures 6-9. Passive means that the bottom cup only serves to increase the thermal resistance of the container body and does not provide a source of cooling. Conversely, an active bottom cup increases the thermal resistance of the container body and also provides a cooling source that actively cools the container body.

The bottom cup described herein is also the subject of a co-pending application entitled "Container Bottom Cup with Reduced Heat Gain," the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated.

passive bottom cup

4-5A show a fourth embodiment of the invention comprising a container body 12 and a bottom cup 30 attached to the bottom 15 of the container body 12 as described above. The bottom cup 30 includes a bottom 32 , a sidewall 34 having an inner surface 36 and an outer surface 38 , and an open top 40 .

The passive bottom cup should be made of a material with a density below 1 g/cc and of polyolefinic nature (typically PP, LDPE, HDPE or LLDPE are used). The bottom cup 30 can also be made by mixing other polymers with metallized flakes and pigments during extrusion or injection molding.

A reflective layer 44 may be coated on the outer surface 38 of the bottom cup 30 as described above in connection with the container body 12 . As mentioned above, the coverage of the reflective layer 44 relative to the area of the outer surface 38 of the bottom cup 30 is greater than 50%, preferably in the range of 85%-100%. As also mentioned above, the reflective layer should have a reflectivity greater than 70%; typically greater than 90%, preferably greater than 97%.

As also shown in FIG. 4 , the inner diameter d of the bottom cup 30 is such that the inner surface 36 of the bottom cup fits on the outer surface 20 of the bottom 15 of the container body 12 . The outer diameter d' of the container body 12 in the area covered by the bottom cup 30 may be slightly reduced relative to the outer diameter d" of the container body 12 in the area not covered by the bottom cup 30, so that the bottom The outer diameter d''' of the cup 30 is equal to the outer diameter d" of the container body 12 in the uncovered area.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the bottom cup 30 receives the bottom 15 of the container body 12 therein, air is trapped therebetween. This trapped air 42 acts as a passive thermal resistance, thereby further minimizing heat gain through the vessel body 12 .

Also as with the container body 12 described above, the passive bottom cup 30 may include a layer of foam material 46 either under a reflective layer 44 as shown in FIGS. Foam layer 46 above 44 (compare FIG. 3B ). However, reflective layers with a density of less than 1 g/cc do not require the addition of a foam layer for recycling purposes.

Figures 5B and 5C show a fourth embodiment of the invention in which a passive bottom cup 50 is formed from polymer foam. The density of the foam is generally less than 0.5 g/ ^cm3 , preferably less than about 0.2 g/ ^cm3 . A reflective layer 52 may be applied directly to the outside of the bottom cup 50 .

The composition of the foam material may be a polystyrene-based homopolymer or copolymer, a polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer, a polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer, or any other foamable thermoplastic polymer, Specifically included are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polystyrene or any combination thereof.

The thickness of the foam material is in the range of 0.01-0.3 inches, preferably 0.02-0.2 inches.

In this regard, the base cup 50 may be formed by any means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. These methods include in-mold forming expanded bulb foam, post-extrusion forming extruded foam slabs, injection molding, and the like. The preferred method is in-mold forming of expanded bulb foam and post-extrusion to form extruded foam slabs. In the latter case the optional heat reflective layer 52 is preferably laminated prior to forming the bottom cup 50 .

Because the bottom cup 50 itself is made of foam, it is not necessary to have an additional layer of foam next to the reflective layer 52 as described in the previous embodiments.

active bottom cup

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The active bottom cup 60 includes a side wall 61, an inner surface 62, an outer surface 64, a cavity 66, and a Fluid 68.

This bottom cup 60 may be constructed of polypropylene, high density polyethylene or any other thermoplastic material as described above. The cavity 66 therein can be formed by any method known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the most preferred method being injection molding.

The volume of the chamber 66 should be proportional to the size of the container body bottom 15 and also support an upright standing of the container body 12 . For example, for a 3.5 inch diameter 32 oz bottle, the volume of chamber 66 should be between 0.5 cubic inches and 2 cubic inches, preferably between 0.75 cubic inches and 1.5 cubic inches.

Fluid 68 should readily freeze (or change to a solid phase) at or above domestic freezer conditions. Suitable phase change fluids 68 are known and used in commercially available reusable freezer packs. Possible phase change fluids include, but are not limited to, water, brine, water/glycol mixtures, combinations thereof, and the like. The melting point of the selected phase change fluid is preferably at or near the desired "end use" temperature. Typically ambient and 32°F depending on the particular beverage. The fact that freezing point and melting temperature are not necessarily the same is due to the fact that most fluids must be supercooled for freezing/crystallization to occur. It is important that the overcooling does not result in a freezing temperature so low that the consumer cannot conveniently recool the phase change fluid.

The phase change fluid 68 may also include nucleating agents and/or impurities to bring the freezing and crystallization points closer together. This helps to form solidified crystals during cooling so that less supercooling is required. The active bottom cup 60 can be removed, condensed and reapplied to the container body 12 so that the active bottom cup 60 acts as a portable cooling device for the container body 12 . In this regard, the bottom cup can also be directly snapped or screwed onto the bottom 15 of the container body 12 by the method described below.

The fluid 68 can also be frozen but not frozen and still provide the active properties of the bottom cup 60 .

It is also possible to make the bottom cup directly from a polymer/material that undergoes a phase change by itself at the desired temperature, so that the cavity 66 does not need to be formed. Examples of such materials include polyisobutylene and polyethylene glycol. By choosing the appropriate molecular weight, the melting point of these polymers will be between 32°F and room temperature. These polymers are most suitable in combination with another structural polymer such as PET, HDPE, PC or other similar materials to form a blend, or as a separate layer. But with suitable molecular weight and morphology, a polymer such as polyisobutylene can be rigid enough to act as a free-standing phase change bottom cup 60 in contact with the bottom 15 of the container body 12 .

The chamber 66 does not have to be completely filled with liquid 68 so that heat must jump over the air gap in the chamber 66 as it moves axially upwards. That is, heat would have to enter the reflective bottom cup 60 primarily by natural conduction, pass through the polymer material of the side walls 61 of the bottom cup 60, melt the frozen phase change liquid 68 in the chamber 66, Through the remaining air gap in the chamber 66 , through the wall forming the bottom 15 of the container body 12 , into the beverage 22 . This creates a thermal resistance and initially has the effect of transferring heat from the beverage 22 into the cooled bottom cup 60 . When the frozen phase change liquid 68 in the bottom cup 60 melts, the heat flow will be reversed.

The active bottom cup 60 will not necessarily be sold as part of the container body 12 . Instead it may be sold separately, such as with the soft foam container currently commonly used with beer cans. Such an active bottom cup 60 is generally reusable and does not have to be recycled like the container body 12 or passive cup 30 described above.

The bottom cup 60 can be made reflective by adding a reflective layer 70 using the method described above, as in the above-described embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , a foam film or layer 76 may be used below the reflective layer 70 to further reduce the temperature increase particularly through the sidewall 61 of the bottom cup 60 . Also as mentioned above, the reflective layer 70 may be applied directly to the container body 12 and then a layer of foam material 76 applied to the reflective layer 70 as shown in FIG. 3B for the container body 12 .

The foam layer 76 may comprise the same homopolymer or copolymer, or any other foamed thermoplastic polymer described above in connection with the foam layer 24 .

Foam layer 76 has a thickness in the range of about 0.001-0.080 inches, preferably about 0.004-0.020 inches.

As with the foam layer 24 embodiment described above, the density of the reflective layer 70/foam layer 76 combination should be less than 1 g/cc to allow for recycling, eg, to provide improved separation during recycling. The density of foam layer 76 should generally be less than about 0.5 g/cm ³ , and preferably should be less than about 0.2 g/cm ³ . This allows the reflective layer 70 to be easily separated from a container body 12 having a density greater than 1 g/cc during conventional recycling. This allows the lighter reflective layer 70/foam layer 76 material to float to the top relative to the heavier container body 12 material during recycling.

Bottom cup connection

The passive bottom cup 30 is preferably secured to the container body 12 by a friction fit between two connecting surfaces. In addition, if desired, mechanical locking devices can also be used, such as threaded installation, interference or snap-fit installation, bonding (such as an adhesive that dissolves in water and is easy to recycle), or any other known to those of ordinary skill in the art. method.

For an active bottom cup 60, the connection method should be the easy-to-remove method (eg, friction or screwing) described above. In this regard, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown, peripheral protrusions 72 formed on the inner surface 62 of the bottom cup 60 engage corresponding peripheral grooves 74 formed on the outer surface 20 of the container body 12 by interference or snap fit. Of course the protrusion 72 and groove 74 could be helical to allow a threaded releasable engagement.

Also, the reflective layer 70 with or without the foam layer 76 may be used with embodiments of the attachment means.

Due to the need to include a chamber 66 filled with a liquid 68, and due to the need for easily detachable connections such as the aforementioned protrusion/recess combinations 72, 74, the active cup 60 is less vulnerable than the passive cup. Cost-effective and less user-friendly, the passive cup only forms a thermally resistant air gap between the bottom of the cup and the bottom of the container body.

The invention is further illustrated by the following preferred examples, although it is to be understood that the examples included are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless specifically indicated.

Example 1. Comparative Conventional Heat Addition - Non-PET Labeled Container

A sample of a 32oz, 49.4g polyethylene terephthalate container was obtained and tested. To simulate the heat gain of beverages in an outdoor environment, the environmental chamber was controlled under the following conditions: ambient conditions of 80°F, a source of circulating air, a tiled floor, and an infrared energy source. The source of infrared energy was a 250 watt heat lamp mounted at a 50 degree angle to the test object placed on the tiled floor. The test article is equilibrated to 40°F in a small refrigerator for at least 12 hours prior to testing. Allows the container to be placed directly on the floor. Temperature data is available during the 2 hour test period. The non-labeled control container of this test produced a temperature increase of greater than 40°F.

Example 2. Traditional BOPP label

32 oz PET containers were evaluated following the standard testing procedure outlined in Example 1 by a standard 2.2 mil biaxially oriented printed polypropylene label. This label was found to provide a temperature reduction of 2-4°F when compared to the container in Example 1 when covering the container 40%-75%.

Example 3. Calorie Boosting of Beverages - Metallic Labels

Metallized substrates according to the invention (1.4 mil metallized plastic film and 2.4 mil metallized paper) were tested on standard 32 oz containers according to the method outlined in Example 1 of the invention. As the coverage increases, the overall temperature increase decreases. The label provided a 3°F-8°F reduction in beverage temperature at 25% coverage relative to the comparative example, a 7°F-8°F reduction at 50% coverage, and a 10°F reduction at 75% coverage The reduction in heat gain achieved at F-12°F at 100% coverage is 13-14°F.

Example 4. Container with foam film and metallized paper label

Commercially available .009-.010 inch samples of polystyrene foam film were evaluated according to the standard test method outlined in Example 1 in conjunction with metallized paper labels. The combination label provided an additional temperature reduction of 1-2°F at 75% coverage compared to the metallized label alone. Also, when the foam film is used in combination with metallized paper or metallized polyethylene terephthalate, the combined label floats to the top in standard recycling methods.

Example 5: Passive bottom cup, unlabeled container

Passive bottom cups were evaluated by the standard test method outlined in Example 1.

The PET passive bottom cup is used to isolate a traditional 32oz PET container from the floor by creating an air gap between the container and the floor. The passive bottom cup was made by cutting the bottom of a standard 2 liter PET container. For testing purposes, the cut portion of the 2 liter container was then inverted so that the 32oz PET container was placed directly on top of the bottom cup. This design produced the desired air gap beneath it for evaluation. The passive bottom cups evaluated had the following sizes: 140ml (-0.75" air gap), 260ml (1 7/8" air gap), 350ml (3 1/4" air gap). 0.75" air gap reduces beverage temperature by 3-4°F, 1 7/8" air gap reduces beverage temperature by 5-6°F, and 3 1/4" air gap reduces beverage temperature by 8 -9°F.

Example 6: Active bottom cup, unlabeled container

Active bottom cups were evaluated by the standard testing procedure outlined in Example 1.

Active bottom cups are made from sections cut from standard 2 liter containers. The portion is then filled with varying volumes of water and frozen in a standard freezer. The frozen ice plugs serve as active elements of the bottom cup. The active bottom cups evaluated had volumes of (60ml, 100ml, 150ml). The 60ml bottom cup reduces the beverage temperature by 5-6°F, the 100ml by 12-13°F, and the 150ml by 15-16°F.

Example 7: Active bottom cup, container with reflective label

Active bottom cups incorporating reflective labels were evaluated by the standard testing procedure outlined in Example 1.

The 100 ml active bottom cup described in Example 6 was evaluated in combination with the reflective label embodiment of the container body 12 described above. The 100ml bottom cup was evaluated on a 32oz container covered with a 50% reflective label. The combination of the 50% reflective label and the 100ml bottom cup reduces the beverage temperature by 20-21°F. The 100ml active bottom cup was evaluated on a 32oz container covered with a 100% reflective label, the combination of the 100% reflective label and the 100ml bottom cup lowered the beverage temperature by 25-26°F. This data is consistent with previous results showing that the 50% reflective label alone reduces temperature by 7-8°F, and with the 100% reflective label alone reduces temperature by 12-14°F. The additional temperature reduction from the 100ml bottom cup was about 12-13°F.

Example 8: Active "reflective" bottom cup, container with reflective label

Active bottom cups incorporating reflective labels were evaluated by the standard testing procedure outlined in Example 1.

This 32oz container covered with a 100% reflective label was evaluated by the following active bottom cups: 100ml, 150ml, 200ml. The bottom cup is also made reflective by applying a metallized film. The combination of reflective container and reflective bottom cup reduces the temperature significantly. For the combination of the 100ml reflective active bottom cup and the 100% reflective label, the overall reduction is 25-26°F. For the combination of the 150ml reflective active bottom cup and the 100% reflective label, the overall reduction is 28-29°F. For the combination of the 200ml reflective active bottom cup and the 100% reflective label, the overall reduction is 29-30°F.

Example 9: 32oz water bottle, active bottom cup

Active reflective bottom cups incorporating reflective labels were evaluated by the standard testing procedure outlined in Example 1 on a different container, a 32 oz water bottle container.

The water bottles evaluated had a base thickness similar to the 32 oz standard container, but the side wall thickness was 12 mils as compared to 15 mils for the standard test container. In addition, the diameter of the container is 3" corresponding to the standard container diameter of 3 1/4". The height of the water bottle is 9 1/2" compared to the height of the standard container which is 8 1/2". The water bottles were evaluated using 60ml and 150ml active bottom cups on unlabeled containers. The overall temperature drop obtained was 3-4°F for the 60ml bottom cup on a 32oz water bottle and 10-12°F for the 150ml bottom cup. The temperature drop achieved on one vessel is not directly transferred to the other vessel; however the invention still reduces the overall temperature increase in that vessel relative to the comparative example.

Example 10: 32oz water bottle, reflective label, active bottom cup

Active reflective bottom cups incorporating reflective labels were evaluated by the standard testing procedure outlined in Example 1 on the 32 oz water bottle container described in Example 9.

This water bottle covered with a 100% reflective label was evaluated by the following active bottom cups: 100ml, 150ml, 200ml. For the combination of a 100ml active bottom cup and a 100% reflective label on a 32oz water bottle, the temperature drop was 20-21°F. For the combination of a 150ml active bottom cup and a 100% reflective label on a 32oz water bottle, the temperature reduction is 24-25°F. For the combination of a 200ml active bottom cup and a 100% reflective label on a 32oz water bottle, the temperature drop was 30-31°F.

Example 11: Unlabeled 20oz Carbonated Soft Drink Container, Active Bottom Cup

Active bottom cups were evaluated by the standard testing procedure outlined in Example 1 on unlabeled 20 oz carbonated soft drink containers.

A 20oz carbonated soft drink container is 2 1/4" in diameter and 8.5" in height. The containers were evaluated by the following bottom cup sizes 60ml, 100ml and 200ml. Adding the bottom cup also reduces the overall temperature of the carbonated soft drink container. The 60ml active bottom cup lowers the beverage temperature by 1-2°F, the 100ml active bottom cup reduces the beverage temperature by 5-6°F, and the 200ml active bottom cup reduces the beverage temperature by 13-14°F ,

The foregoing merely illustrates the concept of the invention. Since various changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the precise construction and operation shown and described.

Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty)

1. A container comprising:

a body for containing the fluid having an integral wall capable of supporting the fluid in a vertical position, said wall comprising a base, an inner surface for contacting the fluid and an outer surface; and

A layer having a reflectivity of at least about 70% covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the container body for reducing heat gain of the fluid.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the body is made of a polymer material.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the reflective layer is at least one of the group consisting of metal foil, metallized paper and metallized polymer.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the reflective layer has a reflectivity of greater than about 90%.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the reflective layer has a reflectivity of greater than about 97%.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the reflective layer covers 75%-100% of the outer surface of the container body.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the reflective layer covers 85%-100% of the outer surface of the container body.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the reflective layer has a thickness of less than about 5 mils.

9. The container of claim 1, further comprising:

A cup comprising a bottom, an inner surface that accommodates the bottom of the container body, an outer surface, and a fluid-reducing coating having a reflectivity of at least about 70% and covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the cup. reflective layer for heat gain.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the cup further comprises:

A chamber containing at least one of a phase change fluid and air is located between the bottom of the cup and the bottom of the container body.

11. The container according to claim 9, wherein the cup and the container body are detachably connected.

12. The container of claim 9, wherein the cup is made of a polymer material.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the polymeric material of the cup is one of plastic and foam.

14. The container of claim 12, wherein the polymer material of the cup comprises one of polyisobutylene and polyethylene glycol.

15. The container according to claim 9, wherein the reflective layer on the cup is at least one selected from the group consisting of metal foil, metallized paper and metallized polymer.

16. The container of claim 9, wherein the reflective layer on the cup has a reflectivity of greater than about 90%.

17. The container of claim 9, wherein the reflective layer on the cup has a reflectivity of greater than about 97%.

18. The container of claim 9, wherein the reflective layer covers 85%-100% of the outer surface of the cup.

19. The container of claim 9, wherein the thickness of the reflective layer on the cup is about 5 mils.

20. The container of claim 1, wherein the density of the container body is different from the density of the reflective layer on the container body.

21. The container of claim 9, wherein the cup has a different density than the reflective layer on the cup.

22. The container of claim 1, wherein a foam layer is interposed between the outer surface of the container body and the reflective layer.

23. The container of claim 9, wherein a foam layer is interposed between the outer surface of the cup and the reflective layer on the cup.

24. The container of claim 1, wherein one surface of the reflective layer on the container body is in contact with an outer surface of the container body, and a foam layer is applied to an opposite surface of the reflective layer.

25. The container of claim 9, wherein one surface of the reflective layer on the cup is in contact with the outer surface of the cup, and a foam layer is applied to an opposite side of the reflective layer. On the surface.

26. A container comprising:

a polymeric body for containing a fluid, the polymeric body having an integral wall capable of supporting the fluid in a vertical position, said wall comprising a base and side walls having an inner surface in contact with the fluid, and a The outer surface;

a layer for reducing fluid heat gain having a reflectivity of about at least 70% covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the sidewall of the container body; and

A cup comprising a bottom, a side wall, an inner surface accommodating the bottom of the body, an outer surface, and a reflectivity of at least 70% and covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the side wall of the cup reflective layer.

27. The container of claim 26, wherein the cup further comprises:

A chamber containing at least one of a phase change fluid and air is located between the bottom of the cup and the bottom of the container.

28. The container of claim 26, wherein the cup is made of a polymeric material comprising one of polyisobutylene and polyethylene glycol.

29. The container of claim 26, wherein the foam layer is attached to the reflective layer on the container body.

30. The container of claim 26, wherein a foam layer is attached to the reflective layer on the cup.

31. The container of claim 29, wherein said foam layer has a density of less than about 0.5 g/ ^cm3 .

32. The container of claim 27, wherein said phase change fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, brine, water/glycol mixtures and combinations thereof.

33. A method for forming a container comprising the steps of:

forming a container body for containing the fluid and having an integral wall capable of supporting the fluid in a vertical position, said wall including a bottom, an inner surface for contacting the fluid, and an outer surface; and

Coating a layer having a reflectivity of at least 70% covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the container body to reduce heat gain of the fluid.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer is at least one selected from the group consisting of metal foil, metallized paper and metallized polymer.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer is selected to have a reflectivity greater than about 90%.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer is selected to have a reflectivity greater than about 97%.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer selectively covers 75%-100% of the outer surface of the container body.

38. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer selectively covers 85%-100% of the outer surface of the container body. .

39. The method of claim 33, wherein the thickness of the reflective layer is selected to be less than about 5 mils.

40. The method of claim 33, further comprising the step of forming a cup comprising a bottom, an inner surface accommodating the bottom of the container body, an outer surface, and a reflectivity A layer for reducing heat gain of the fluid at least 70% and covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the cup.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the cup is formed to include a chamber containing at least one of a phase change fluid and air, the chamber being located in a between the bottom and the bottom of the container body.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein the cup is made of a polymer material comprising one of polyisobutylene and polyethylene glycol.

43. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of removably attaching the cup to the container body.

44. The method of claim 40, wherein the cup is selected as a polymer material.

45. The method of claim 40, wherein the polymeric material is selected from one of plastic and foam.

46. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer on the outer surface of the cup is at least one selected from the group consisting of metal foil, metallized paper and metallized polymer.

47. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflectivity of the reflective layer on the outer surface of the cup is selected to be greater than about 90%.

48. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflectivity of the reflective layer on the outer surface of the cup is selected to be greater than about 97%.

49. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer covers 75%-100% of the outer surface of the cup.

50. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer covers 85%-100% of the outer surface of the cup.

51. The method of claim 40, wherein the thickness of the reflective layer on the outer surface of the cup is selected to be less than about 5 mils.

52. The method of claim 40, wherein the density of the container body is selected to be different from the density of the reflective layer on the container body.

53. The method of claim 40, wherein the density of the cup is chosen to be different from the density of the reflective layer on the cup.

54. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of inserting a foam layer between the outer surface of the container body and the reflective layer on the container body.

55. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of inserting a foam layer between the outer surface of the cup and the reflective layer on the cup.

56. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer on the container body is shaped to include a surface in contact with the outer surface of the container body, and an opposite surface on which a foam layer is received.

57. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer on the cup is shaped to include a surface in contact with the outer surface of the cup, and an opposite surface on which a foam layer is received. surface.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein said foam layer formed on the container body has a density of less than about 0.5 g/ ^cm3 .

59. The method of claim 57, wherein the foam layer formed on the cup has a density of less than about 0.5 g/ ^cm3 .

60. The method of claim 41, wherein said phase change fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, brine, water/glycol mixtures and combinations thereof.

Claims (60)

1. A container comprising: a body having a bottom, an inner surface and an outer surface for containing fluid; A layer for reducing heat gain having a reflectivity of at least about 70% covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the container body. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the body is made of a polymer material. 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the reflective layer is at least one of the group consisting of metal foil, metallized paper and metallized polymer. 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the reflective layer has a reflectivity of greater than about 90%. 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the reflective layer has a reflectivity of greater than about 97%. 6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the reflective layer covers 75%-100% of the outer surface of the container body. 7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the reflective layer covers 85%-100% of the outer surface of the container body. 8. The container of claim 1, wherein the reflective layer has a thickness of less than about 5 mils. 9. The container of claim 1, further comprising: A cup comprising a bottom, an inner surface that accommodates the bottom of the container body, an outer surface, and a fluid-reducing coating having a reflectivity of at least about 70% and covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the cup. reflective layer for heat gain. 10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the cup further comprises: A chamber containing at least one of a phase change fluid and air is located between the bottom of the cup and the bottom of the container body. 11. The container according to claim 9, wherein the cup and the container body are detachably connected. 12. The container of claim 9, wherein the cup is made of a polymer material. 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the polymeric material of the cup is one of plastic and foam. 14. The container of claim 12, wherein the polymer material of the cup comprises one of polyisobutylene and polyethylene glycol. 15. The container according to claim 9, wherein the reflective layer on the cup is at least one selected from the group consisting of metal foil, metallized paper and metallized polymer. 16. The container of claim 9, wherein the reflective layer on the cup has a reflectivity of greater than about 90%. 17. The container of claim 9, wherein the reflective layer on the cup has a reflectivity of greater than about 97%. 18. The container of claim 9, wherein the reflective layer covers 85%-100% of the outer surface of the cup. 19. The container of claim 9, wherein the thickness of the reflective layer on the cup is about 5 mils. 20. The container of claim 1, wherein the density of the container body is different from the density of the reflective layer on the container body. 21. The container of claim 9, wherein the cup has a different density than the reflective layer on the cup. 22. The container of claim 1, wherein a foam layer is interposed between the outer surface of the container body and the reflective layer. 23. The container of claim 9, wherein a foam layer is interposed between the outer surface of the cup and the reflective layer on the cup. 24. The container of claim 1, wherein one surface of the reflective layer on the container body is in contact with an outer surface of the container body, and a foam layer is applied to an opposite surface of the reflective layer. 25. The container of claim 9, wherein one surface of the reflective layer on the cup is in contact with the outer surface of the container body, and a foam layer is applied to an opposite surface of the reflective layer . . 26. A container comprising: A polymeric body for holding a fluid, the polymeric body has a bottom, a sidewall, an inner surface and a reflectivity of about at least 70% covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the sidewall of the container body for reducing layers of fluid heat gain; and A cup comprising a base, side walls, an inner surface housing the base of the body, an outer surface, and a reflective layer having a reflectivity of at least 70% and covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the side wall of the cup. 27. The container of claim 26, wherein the cup further comprises: A chamber containing at least one of a phase change fluid and air is located between the bottom of the cup and the bottom of the container. 28. The container of claim 26, wherein the cup is made of a polymeric material comprising one of polyisobutylene and polyethylene glycol. 29. The container of claim 26, wherein the foam layer is attached to the reflective layer on the container body. 30. The container of claim 26, wherein a foam layer is attached to the reflective layer on the cup. 31. The container of claim 29, wherein said foam layer has a density of less than about 0.5 g/ ^cm3 . 32. The container of claim 27, wherein said phase change fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, brine, water/glycol mixtures and combinations thereof. 33. A method for forming a container comprising the steps of: forming a container body for containing a fluid and having a bottom, an inner surface, an outer surface and a layer having a reflectivity of at least 70% covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the container body to reduce heat gain of the fluid . 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer is at least one selected from the group consisting of metal foil, metallized paper and metallized polymer. 35. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer is selected to have a reflectivity greater than about 90%. 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer is selected to have a reflectivity greater than about 97%. 37. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer selectively covers 75%-100% of the outer surface of the container body. 38. The method of claim 33, wherein the reflective layer selectively covers 85%-100% of the outer surface of the container body. . 39. The method of claim 33, wherein the thickness of the reflective layer is selected to be less than about 5 mils. 40. The method of claim 33, further comprising the step of forming a cup comprising a bottom, an inner surface accommodating the bottom of the container body, an outer surface, and a reflectivity A layer for reducing heat gain of the fluid at least 70% and covering at least 50% of the outer surface of the cup. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the cup is formed to include a chamber containing at least one of a phase change fluid and air, the chamber being located in a between the bottom and the bottom of the container body. 42. The method of claim 40, wherein the cup is made of a polymer material comprising one of polyisobutylene and polyethylene glycol. 43. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of removably attaching the cup to the container body. 44. The method of claim 40, wherein the cup is selected as a polymer material. 45. The method of claim 40, wherein the polymeric material is selected from one of plastic and foam. 46. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer on the outer surface of the cup is at least one selected from the group consisting of metal foil, metallized paper and metallized polymer. 47. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflectivity of the reflective layer on the outer surface of the cup is selected to be greater than about 90%. 48. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflectivity of the reflective layer on the outer surface of the cup is selected to be greater than about 97%. 49. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer covers 75%-100% of the outer surface of the cup. 50. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer covers 85%-100% of the outer surface of the cup. 51. The method of claim 40, wherein the thickness of the reflective layer on the outer surface of the cup is selected to be less than about 5 mils. 52. The method of claim 40, wherein the density of the container body is selected to be different from the density of the reflective layer on the container body. 53. The method of claim 40, wherein the density of the cup is chosen to be different from the density of the reflective layer on the cup. 54. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of inserting a foam layer between the outer surface of the container body and the reflective layer on the container body. 55. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of inserting a foam layer between the outer surface of the cup and the reflective layer on the cup. 56. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer on the container body is shaped to include a surface in contact with the outer surface of the container body, and an opposite surface on which a foam layer is received. 57. The method of claim 40, wherein the reflective layer on the cup is shaped to include a surface in contact with the outer surface of the cup, and an opposite surface on which a foam layer is received. surface. 58. The method of claim 56, wherein said foam layer formed on the container body has a density of less than about 0.5 g/ ^cm3 . 59. The method of claim 57, wherein the foam layer formed on the cup has a density of less than about 0.5 g/ ^cm3 . 60. The method of claim 41, wherein said phase change fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, brine, water/glycol mixtures and combinations thereof.

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