US20070187413A1

US20070187413A1 - Circular plastic coffee container with handle

Info

Publication number: US20070187413A1
Application number: US11/353,093
Authority: US
Inventors: Glenn Gruskin; Jiayan Gu; John Blake; Leonard Scarola; George Albright
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
Priority date: 2006-02-14
Filing date: 2006-02-14
Publication date: 2007-08-16

Abstract

A plastic container for a particulate product includes a base and a surrounding wall member upstanding therefrom which generally define a container main interior volume. A top connects to the surrounding wall member and includes a large opening closed by a lid. The surrounding wall member includes a vertical side portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section and in which a pass-through handle is located having a generally vertical segment. The opening of the top is sufficiently large to extend over a portion of the hollow cavity; or is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5″ diameter cylinder therethrough, and has a ratio of a minimum span to a bottom diagonal of at least about 90%. A shoulder between the top and the surrounding wall member has an angle of less than about 40°. The handle is configured and sized for easy grasping and holding.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application has subject matter similar to application SN [attorney docket no. P08754US00] and application SN [attorney docket no. P08760US00], filed concurrently herewith and by the same inventors; which applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers for particulate (roast or ground) coffee have many unique requirements not considered for other containers. For example, coffee particulates give off gases while being stored, and are deleteriously affected by air. Thus, coffee particulate containers must prevent the ingress of air and hence be air-tight; but such containers must also be suitably robust to withstand a build-up of pressure, or alternatively, the container must vent the built up gases before the pressure thereof damages (miss-shapes or breaks) the container.
While particulate coffee containers were previously generally made of metal (which was easily made robust and air-tight), new plastic containers, particularly with layered walls, have now been found to be suitable for containing particulate coffee. However, such plastic containers have been difficult to handle, especially where they are of sufficient size to store a desired volume of particulate coffee, typically in the range of 2-4 pounds. Ease of use by the user of such plastic containers at home has also been a problem.
Plastic coffee containers have been known with pinch handles. However, such pinch handles require significant friction to be generated by the thumb/fingers of the user to prevent slippage, which friction is the result of the force with which the thumb/fingers engage the pinch handle. Thus, such pinch handles are difficult for the user to hold and to hold with the required force for a sufficient time due to tiring, so that the overall container weight which a user is able to hold is limited. In addition, as the container is supported against slippage by thumb/fingers engaging the pinch handle, this produces a moment on the wrist which produces strain to the wrist and which may also add to the difficulty of holding the container and the tiring of the hand of the user, and which adds to the difficulty of holding on to the pinch handle itself. Thus, from an ergonomics viewpoint, pinch handles have significant disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a plastic container for a particulate product, which product is removed by hand therefrom, includes a base and a surrounding wall member upstanding from the base. The base and the surrounding wall member generally define a container main interior volume, and generally form a footprint for the container which is in some embodiments generally circular or has distinct rounded portions. A top includes a large opening therein which is closed by a lid. A vertical side portion of the surrounding wall member which is arcuate in lateral cross section includes a pass-through handle located therein. The pass-through handle may include a generally vertical segment which may include a hollow cavity in a preferred embodiment which is in communication with the main interior volume. The opening of the top is sufficiently large so that it extends over a portion of the vertical segment or hollow cavity therein.
In a preferred embodiment, the opening is centered on the footprint. In addition, the hollow cavity has a top end and a bottom end, both of which are in communication with the main interior volume.
Further in a preferred embodiment, the top opening is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5″ diameter cylinder therethrough to assure that a user's hand will also fit therethrough. Additionally, the top opening may preferably have a ratio of a minimum span to a longest bottom dimension of at least about 90%.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the handle has a vertical length of at least about 2.5″ and a width to thickness ratio of about 1.0 to 1.2. In addition, the hollow cavity of the handle tapers slightly inward from the bottom to the top, which taper is preferably about 3°.
In one embodiment, the surrounding wall member is generally connected to the top by a shoulder whose angle to vertical at a maximum thereof is less than about 40°. This connection may also include one or more beads above the shoulder. In addition, the vertical side portion at a location above the handle preferably includes a thumb receiving concavity. If desired, the vertical segment can include vertically spaced concavities forming finger grips on an inwardly directed part thereof.
In another preferred embodiment, the surrounding wall member includes a label receiving area indented from a remainder thereof. In addition, the surrounding wall member may include vertical ribs and/or horizontal ribs.
In a further preferred embodiment, various embodiments of the handle are provided.
In still other preferred embodiments, the container footprint is round, oval, has two distinct arcuate sides or three distinct arcuate sides.
It is an advantage of the present invention that a plastic container from which a particulate product is withdrawn includes a handle which is easily grasped and held.
It is also an advantage of the present invention that the container has a wide opening permitting easy access thereto by the user in order to withdraw the product therefrom, especially when the container is almost empty.
It is a further advantage that the container has sufficient shoulder strength to withstand stacking and/or loading without damage.
Other features and advantages of the present invention are stated in or apparent from detailed descriptions of presently preferred embodiments of the invention as discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a particulate coffee container of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an elevation view taken in the direction of arrow A FIG. 1.
FIG. 2A is a profile view of a corner portion taken in the plane of line 2A-2A in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2B is a partial cross sectional view taken in the plane of line 2B-2B of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an elevation view taken in the direction of arrow B of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is an elevation view taken in the direction of arrow C of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 2 but showing an alternative handle and vertical reinforcing ribs for the container of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 2 but showing another alternative handle and horizontal reinforcing ribs for the container of FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 6 but showing still another alternative handle having a thumb concavity for the container of FIG. 1.
FIG. 10 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 2 but showing an alternative label receiving area for the container of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is a top view of another embodiment of a particulate coffee container of the present invention but having a footprint with central straight portions.
FIG. 12 is a top view of another embodiment of a particulate coffee container of the present invention but having an overall oval footprint.
FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of a particulate coffee container of the present invention but having a footprint with three arcuate portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the views, a first embodiment of a plastic particulate coffee container 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-6. It will be appreciated that container 10 is designed for the containing of ground or roast (particulate) coffee 11 or a like non liquid-like product, so that container 10 is made of a suitable blow-molded plastic such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), preferably by an extrusion blow molding rotary process. Typically, as known in the art, such a plastic material is provided as different polymeric layers including an O₂barrier layer. As known in the art, when an excess pressure of off gases generated by particulate coffee 11 is present, a suitable vent is provided at some convenient location to release this excess pressure, as discussed subsequently hereafter. It will also be appreciated that particulate coffee 11 is typically not poured by the user, so pouring of particulate coffee 11 from container 10 is not likely. Rather, particulate coffee 11 will be removed from container 10 by a user with a scoop, spoon, or the like.
In general, it will be appreciated that container 10 includes a generally round base 12 with a surrounding wall member 14 extending upwardly therefrom. The transition intersection of base 12 and surrounding wall member 14 is curved as shown for strength in this embodiment. It will be appreciated that the general footprint 22 of container 10 is circular as shown in FIG. 3 for this embodiment.
Container 10 also includes a top 24 including a circular rim 34 connected to surrounding wall member 14 so that container 10 defines a main interior volume 26 in which particulate coffee 11 is retained. Provided in top 24 and defined by rim 34 is a large opening 28. Rim 34 and opening 28 are circular in this embodiment, but either could be another shape such as oval or the like, so long as opening 28 is sufficiently large to permit a hand of a consumer to pass therethrough and scoop particulate coffee 11 from container 10. The size of opening 28 is especially important when the user is trying to scoop the remaining particulate coffee 11 from the bottom of container 10, as the large opening 28 makes it easier to pass more of the user's hand therethrough in order to easily reach particulate coffee 11 resting on base 12. An opening having a main length dimension of about at least 4.5 inches and a main lateral dimension of about at least 3.5 inches is sufficient for this purpose. However, it has been found that a minimum preferred effective size for opening 28 where opening 28 is round is a 5″ diameter—though if the opening were not circular, the minimum effective preferred size would be that which would (similarly) pass a cylinder 5″ in diameter. In addition, a ratio of a minimum opening span of opening 28 (which is the diameter in this embodiment) to a bottom diameter of base 12 is at least about 90%, and preferably closer to 95% so as to approach the maximum of 100% (which is not quite reachable in view of the lateral thickness of the lid (as discussed below) covering opening 28. As shown best in FIG. 4, opening 28 is preferably centered in footprint 22.
Covering opening 28 is a plastic lid or covering 30. Lid 30 is preferably removably (snap-on) held on rim 34 of top 24 as typical in the container art. In this embodiment, the removability of lid 30 is provided by use of an outside bead 32 extending laterally about the uppermost part of rim 34 and a corresponding flange 36 extending laterally inward from a bottommost part of lid 30. As shown, flange 36 is received and held underneath bead 32 when lid 30 is removably attached to rim 34. It will be appreciated that the resiliency of lid 30 permits lid 30 to be removed from rim 34 easily by a user, and that while lid 30 does serve to generally seal particulate coffee 11 from atmosphere, this is not an air-tight seal. Alternatively, a screw-on lid or the like could be used to more securely cover opening 28 of top 24 and to better seal main interior volume 26.
Prior to use—that is after manufacture/filling, during shipping and storage, and before being opened for use by a consumer—opening 28 is covered by a peelable sheet (including foil, plastic or layered foil/plastic) 38 which maintains an air-tight seal over opening 28. Sheet 38 is very thin and hence is depicted schematically by a broken line. In this preferred embodiment, sheet 38 also carries a one-way vent 40 (also schematically depicted) which permits pressurized off-gases generated in container 10 to be vented therefrom when the pressure in container 10 reaches a predetermined value. Once vented from container 10, the off-gases pass to atmosphere along small grooves (not shown) provided in lid 30 adjacent bead 32 so that the seal of lid 30 to top 24 is not air-tight as noted above. Suitable vents for use as vent 40 are known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,544 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,827) and thus need not be discussed further; and it will be appreciated that vents at other locations such as on surrounding wall member 14 are also known and could be used if desired.
As shown best in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, there is a shoulder 42 between rim 34 and surrounding wall member 14. In this embodiment, shoulder 42 is slightly S-shaped for strength as shown best in FIG. 2A. It will be appreciated that shoulder 42 forms an angle α from vertical to the bead where shoulder 42 ends, which angle α is less than 40° to provide a strong load bearing capability for top 24. Shoulder 42 is located below a convex bead 44 defining the lower part of rim 34. Bead 44 serves as a further reinforcement mechanism for rim 34 above shoulder 42 to reinforce the strength of rim 34 when a load is applied to top 24, such as by stacking one or more similar containers 10 thereupon as would typically occur during shipping and storage.

The provision and noted orientation of shoulder 42 serves to significantly increase the top load strength of container 10 relative to prior art containers in view of the amount of material used in container 10, termed “design effectiveness”. In top load tests performed with a four-walled container having this shoulder configuration of the present invention (which would thus apply as well to this round container 10) and available prior art containers, where a force is evenly distributed to a container top having no lid under the conditions of room temperature and pressure and with nothing in the container, the following results were obtained:



	TOP	WEIGHT-	VOLUME-	EFFECTIVE-
CONTAINER	LOAD-Lbs	Grams	Liters	NESS

HILLS BROS.¹	281	212	3.044	4.03
HILLS BROS.¹	166	184	3.044	2.74
DUTCH BOY²	205	230	4.218	3.75
Invention	350	128	2.874	7.85

¹A plastic container with 39 oz. of coffee packaged therein, a SARAH LEE product.
²A plastic container with one gallon of DUTCH BOY paint therein.

where top load is the maximum force sustained; and
where design effectiveness is defined as (top load)×(volume)/(weight).
Design effectiveness is thus a measure of strength as a function of the volume and the amount of material needed to create that volume—which material for all containers was primarily high density polyethylene (HDPE). It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a superior design effectiveness compared to the presently available containers which were tested. While the preferred embodiment has a design effectiveness of 7.85 as indicated above, it is considered that a design effectiveness of at least about 5.0 is satisfactory to effect the advantages of the present invention.
To assist in any desired stacking of containers 10, it will also be appreciated that base 12 and lid 30 of container 10 are generally flat. However, base 12 and lid 30 are designed to have some stacking mechanism or interlocking (not shown) therebetween so that two stacked containers 10 will not have much play therebetween when stacked. For example, base 12 may have a raised platform or like concavity inside the perimeter thereof so as to create four short feet of the base, so that during stacking the four feet would receive therebetween or nest with the lid 30 of an underlying container. Other such stacking mechanisms are well known in the art, so that any other suitable prior art stacking mechanism could be used as desired.
As also shown best in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, there is a pass-through handle 50 provided in a vertical side portion 48 of surrounding wall member 14 of container 10. Consistent with the circular footprint of container 10, vertical side portion 48 has an arcuate lateral cross section, which in this embodiment is the same as the remaining portions of surrounding wall member 14. Handle 50 includes a generally vertical segment 52 (see FIG. 2B) which defines a hollow cavity 54 therein. It will be appreciated that cavity 54 is in communication with main interior volume 26 at both a top end 56 before the top transition segment of handle 50 and a bottom end 58 before the bottom transition segment of handle 50 as shown in FIG. 2B; though if desired this hollow cavity could be closed off or formed as a solid or filled (and then would no longer be a “cavity”). It will also be appreciated that opening 28 extends over a portion of cavity 54, as shown by broken line 60 which extends down from opening 28 is FIG. 2B. Handle 50 is considered “pass-through” since when handle 50 is gripped by a user, the fingers of the user will pass between the remainders of surrounding wall member 14 and handle 50, which pass through region is thus considered as an opening 61.
By use of the pass through or opening 61, handle 50 is easily and securely gripped by the hand of the user. The outside of handle 50 is generally configured the same as the arcuate curve of surrounding wall member 14 to fit within the circular footprint of container 10, and the inside is also somewhat convex to make it easier to grip and hold container 10. In addition, it will be appreciated that opening 61 terminates vertically upward so that the upper portion of the hand of the user gripping handle 50 will rest directly against the upper end of opening 61 for easier holding and support of container 10. Further, it will be appreciated that handle 50 starts a short distance above base 12 in surrounding wall member 14, which also facilitates the blow-molding thereof, while still affording sufficient length for handle 50. As handle 50 is probably the most difficult part of container 10 to form effectively in the blow molding process, the configuration and transitions thereof are important in producing a satisfactory blow molded container 10.
It has been found that it is easier for most users to grip handle 50 when handle 50 is at least about 2.5 inches in length and preferably about 2.75 inches, as this affords a sufficient length for almost everyone's hand to surround. In addition, handle 50 is also easier to grip by most users when the width (horizontally across corner 48) thereof is equal to or slightly above about 1 inch, and the thickness (from the outside towards the center of container 10) is equal to or slightly below about 1 inch, so that the ratio of width to thickness falls in the range of about 1.0 to 1.2. In the preferred embodiment, the width is about 1.09 inches and the thickness is about 0.96 inches, for a ratio of about 1.09. Also in the preferred embodiment, the height of handle 50 is preferably about 45-60% of the total height of container 10. This percentage of height provides an easily gripped and manipulated handle relative to the overall size/height of container 10.
It will be appreciated that “pass-through” handle 50 is preferred over a more easily formed “pinch” handle for a container which houses a particulate such as coffee 11. One advantage of pass-through handle 50 is that it can be encircled by the hand of the user; while a pinch handle would include only opposed indentations in a side so that the pinch handle would have to be pinched between the thumb and fingers of the user requiring significant friction and thus being more difficult to hold—especially as container 10 may house four pounds or more of particulate coffee or the like. Another advantage of pass-through handle 50 is that the hand (palm) is closer to the handle and will do most of the supporting. Thus, with a pass-through handle 50, there will be a reduced moment on the wrist (due to the smaller moment arm) than with a pinch handle where the wrist will be further away from the handle and in addition the weight must be supported by thumb/fingers against slippage. Further, by use of pass-through handle 50, slippage is prevented by the upper end of the pass-through opening being engaged in a normal grip with no squeezing required. In view of these advantages, it is believed that a user will be able to hold about 60-70% more weight in a container with a pass-through handle as compared to a container with a pinch handle. Thus, from an ergonomics viewpoint, the pass-through handle is considered superior to a pinch handle for a particulate container—especially for those with smaller/weaker wrists.
If desired and as appropriate, container labels or like information can be applied to surrounding wall member 14 over as much or little of the area thereof on either side of vertical side portion 48 as required or desired. In addition, a label or labels could also be provided on the generally flat area of vertical side portion 48 underneath of handle 50 as well. In use, it is anticipated that handle 50 will generally be displayed or used so that handle 50 can be easily grasped from the right thereof, in which case the portion of surrounding wall member 14 to the left of (or clockwise from) handle 50 will be facing the user and be the primary portion for display of a label especially while container 10 is being displayed for purchase.
FIG. 7 shows an alternative container 10 a. Container 10 a is generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with an “a” added thereafter. It will thus be appreciated that container 10 a has a pass-through handle 50 a in vertical side portion 48 a of surrounding wall member 14 a. Handle 50 a has a generally vertically straight outside just like handle 50 to fit within the circular footprint of container 10 a. However, the inside is also generally straight as well in this embodiment for a more pleasing aesthetic appearance and simpler blow-molding operation. Alternatively, handle 50 a could be cylindrically shaped.
It will also be appreciated that bridging of particulate coffee 11 may be a problem in cavity 54 a of handle 50 a. As appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, bridging of particulate materials occurs due to the tendency of particulates in a relatively narrow vertical volume to form a horizontal “bridge” across the volume rather than flowing readily to the bottom of the cavity. Thus, to prevent bridging of particulate coffee 11 a inside of handle 50 a, handle 50 a and hence cavity 54 a thereof tapers inward slightly from bottom to top along the two lateral sides thereof, so that the top end (cross section) of cavity 54 a is slightly smaller than the bottom end (cross section). In this preferred embodiment, the taper is about 3°, which has been found to facilitate the flowing of particulate coffee 11 a freely down cavity 54 a. Alternatively, the tapering could be along the inner and outer sides.
FIG. 8 shows another alternative container 10 b. As with similar container 10 a, container 10 b is generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with a “b” added thereafter. It will thus be appreciated that container 10 b has a pass-through handle 50 b in vertical side portion 48 b of surrounding wall member 14 b. Handle 50 b has a generally straight outside just like handle 50 to fit within the circular footprint of container 10 b, but the inside of container 10 b includes concave recesses 62 spaced vertically therealong to receive the four fingers of a user when the user grasps handle 50 b, and thus to provide a more sure and easy gripping of container 10 b by the user.
It will also be appreciated that a container in accordance with the present invention can be provided with vertical ribs in the sides to increase top load potential, and/or horizontal ribs in the sides to help prevent side panel warping and distortion. An example of vertical ribs 86 is shown in container 10 a of FIG. 7; while an example of horizontal ribs 88 is shown in container 10 b of FIG. 8. Ribs 86 and 88 can be either concave as shown, or convex.
FIG. 9 shows another alternative container 10 c. As with similar containers 10 a and 10 b, container 10 c is generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with a “c” added thereafter. It will thus be appreciated that container 10 c has a pass-through handle 50 c in vertical side portion 48 c of surrounding wall member 14 c which is substantially similar to handle 50 (and which could be identical to handles 50 a or 50 b as well). However, the lateral sides of handle 50 c are slightly convexly curved as shown in FIG. 9, to provide additional comfort for the user, as well as to facilitate the molding thereof. In addition, located above handle 50 c in vertical side portion 48 c is a thumb receiving concavity 64, which as shown is deepest adjacent an upper end thereof. Thumb receiving cavity 64 serves to make container 10 c even easier to grip, as the user can place their thumb in cavity 64 for a more secure grip of container 10 c.
FIG. 10 shows another alternative container 10 d. As with similar containers 10 a, 10 b and 10 c, container 10 d is generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with a “d” added thereafter. It will thus be appreciated that container 10 d has the portion of surrounding wall member 14 as shown and with the not shown portion being a mirror image thereof, and that this portion of surrounding wall member 14 has been indented to provide a label receiving area 66 thereon which extends from one side of vertical side portion 48 d to the other. Label receiving area 66 is suitably flat and sized to adhesively or otherwise receive a label or labels thereon. The use of label area 66 serves to add prominence to the labels, and the perimeters thereof also serve as a strength reinforcement for the associated side or corner. If desired, a single label could extend from one side of label area 66 around to the other side (not shown), or separate labels could be provided therealong.
FIG. 11 shows another alternative container 10 e. As with similar containers 10 a, 10 b, 10 c and 10 d, container 10 e is generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with an “e” added thereafter. It will thus be appreciated that container 10 e has a base 12 e (shown in profile) with a semi-circular shape at each end and with straight lines therebetween, and with a suitably shaped surrounding wall member 14 e extending upwardly therefrom. With this configuration, surrounding wall member 14 e has two straight side portions 70 and two semi-circular shaped vertical side portions 72. The length dimension of straight side portions 70 is somewhat less than a radius of semi-circular shaped vertical side wall portions 72; but alternatively the length dimension could be varied as desired. It will also be appreciated that container 10 e is depicted with a pass-through handle 50 e provided in one semi-circular side wall portion 72 as shown and also designated with number 48 e consistent with the other embodiments, and that this handle 50 e can be similar to any of the previously above-described handles 50 and could be located in straight portion 70 if desired.
FIG. 12 shows another alternative container 10 f. As with similar containers 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d and 10 e, container 10 f is generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with an “f” added thereafter. The most significant difference between container 10 f and the previous containers is that container 10 f has an oval footprint, and hence an oval lid 30 f. It will also be appreciated that container 10 f is depicted with a pass-through handle 50 f provided in one long side thereof having a designated vertical side portion 48 f as shown, and that this handle 50 f can be similar to any of the previously above-described handles 50.
FIG. 13 shows another alternative container 10 g. As with similar containers 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e and 10 f, container 10 g is generally similar to container 10 and thus similar elements when discussed will be identified with the same numbers but with a “g” added thereafter. The most significant difference between container 10 g and the previous containers is that container 10 g has three vertical side portions 16 g, 18 g, 20 g which form surrounding wall member 14 g. With this construction, lid 30 g is similarly shaped as shown. Container 10 g thus has a somewhat arcuate-triangular footprint as shown. In this embodiment, container 10 g is shown with three wall portions that are all equal, but that the wall portions could be of unequal size and additional wall portions could be provided as desired (so there would be 4, 5, etc total wall portions). It will also be appreciated that container 10 g is depicted with a pass-through handle 50 g provided in one (arbitrary) vertical side portion 18 g also identified as 48 g consistent with the other embodiments, but handle 50 g could be provided in either of the other two vertical side portions; and that this handle 50 g can be similar to any of the previously above-described handles 50.
Although the preferred embodiments of the containers have been depicted with handles which are generally offset somewhat vertically towards the base, other locations of the handles would be possible. Thus, each handle could instead be located vertically more toward the midway point or even offset toward the top. It would even be possible for the handle to extend almost all of the way from the top to the bottom.
It will also be appreciated that the particular features (or lack thereof of one embodiment could also be used with or incorporated into other embodiments; i.e., the various features of the embodiments are interchangeable. For example, the handle of any one embodiment could be used in place of a different handle in any of the other embodiments, or the thumb receiving cavity used with any handle, besides the ones depicted, etc. Further, an embodiment having particular features could be configured without one or more such features in the manner shown in other embodiments.
While the present invention has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A plastic container for a particulate product, said container comprising:

a base and a surrounding wall member which is upstanding from said base, said base and said surrounding wall member

generally defining a container main interior volume, and

generally forming a footprint for the container;

a top which connects with said surrounding wall member, said top including a large opening therein;

wherein said surrounding wall member includes

a vertical side portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, and

a pass-through handle located in said arcuate side portion, said pass-through handle including a generally vertical segment; and

wherein said opening extends over a portion of said vertical segment.

2. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said opening is centered on said footprint.

3. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle has a vertical length of at least about 2.5″ and a width to thickness ratio of about 1.0 to 1.2.

4. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vertical segment defines a hollow cavity having a top end and a bottom end, both of which are in communication with said main interior volume.

5. A plastic container as claimed in claim 4, wherein said hollow cavity of said handle tapers slightly inward from the bottom to the top.

6. A plastic container as claimed in claim 5, wherein said hollow cavity tapers about 3°.

7. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said surrounding wall member further includes a thumb receiving concavity above said handle.

8. A plastic container as claimed in claim 7, wherein said vertical segment includes vertically spaced concavities on an inwardly directed part thereof.

9. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said surrounding wall member includes vertical ribs.

10. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said surrounding wall member includes horizontal ribs.

11. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said surrounding wall member includes a second vertical side portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, and wherein the footprint for the container has at least two rounded portions generated by the vertical side portions.

12. A plastic container as claimed in claim 11, wherein said top opening is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5″ diameter cylinder therethrough.

13. A plastic container as claimed in claim 12, wherein said footprint is generally circular.

14. A plastic container as claimed in claim 12, wherein said footprint is generally oval.

15. A plastic container as claimed in claim 12, wherein said surrounding wall member further includes a third vertical side portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, the first-mentioned, second, and third vertical side portions being horizontally connected to respective adjacent said vertical side portions.

16. A plastic container as claimed in claim 11, wherein said surrounding wall member is generally connected to said top by a shoulder whose angle to vertical is less than about 40° at a maximum extent thereof.

17. A plastic container as claimed in claim 16, wherein a bead connects said shoulder to a remainder of said top.

18. A plastic container as claimed in claim 11, wherein said surrounding wall member includes at least one label receiving area indented from a remainder thereof.

19. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container is made primarily of HDPE and has a design effectiveness, defined as a maximum top load in pounds times a volume in liters both divided by a weight in grams, of at least about 5.0.

20. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle is vertically located generally offset toward said base.

21. A plastic container as claimed in claim 1, further including:

an air-tight sheet which covers said opening, and

a one-way vent carried on said sheet which allows pressure within the container volume to be vented to atmosphere.

22. A plastic container for a particulate product, said container comprising:

a footprint which includes a rounded portion, said footprint being defined by a surrounding wall member having a vertical side portion which defines the arcuate portion;

a main interior volume in which the product is contained which is defined by the surrounding wall member, a top and a bottom;

an opening in the top through which the product is removed by a hand of a user which passes therethrough;

wherein the vertical side portion includes a pass-through handle having

a vertical outer surface located at an outer edge of said footprint, and

a vertical segment which is vertical; and

wherein said top opening is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5″ diameter cylinder therethrough.

23. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said top opening has a ratio of a minimum span to a longest bottom dimension of at least about 90%.

24. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said opening is centered in said footprint and extends vertically over said vertical segment.

25. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said handle has a vertical length of at least about 2.5″ and a width to thickness ratio of about 1.0 to 1.2.

26. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said vertical segment defines a hollow cavity having a top end and a bottom end, both of which are in communication with said main interior volume.

27. A plastic container as claimed in claim 26, wherein said hollow cavity of said handle tapers slightly inward from the bottom to the top.

28. A plastic container as claimed in claim 27, wherein said hollow cavity tapers about 3°.

29. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said surrounding wall member includes a thumb receiving concavity above said handle.

30. A plastic container as claimed in claim 29, wherein said vertical segment includes vertically spaced concavities on an inwardly directed part thereof.

31. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said surrounding wall member includes vertical ribs.

32. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said surrounding wall member includes horizontal ribs.

33. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said surrounding wall member includes a second vertical side portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, and wherein the footprint for the container has at least two rounded portions generated by the vertical side portions.

34. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said footprint is generally circular.

35. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said footprint is generally oval.

36. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said surrounding wall member further includes a third vertical side portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, the first-mentioned, second, and third vertical side portions being horizontally connected to respective adjacent said vertical side portions.

37. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said surrounding wall member is generally connected to said top by a shoulder whose angle to vertical is less than about 40°.

38. A plastic container as claimed in claim 37, wherein a bead connects said shoulder to a remainder of said top.

39. A plastic container as claimed in claim 33, wherein two of said surrounding wall member includes at least one label receiving area indented from a remainder thereof.

40. A plastic container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said container is made primarily of HDPE and has a design effectiveness, defined as a maximum top load in pounds times a volume in liters both divided by a weight in grams, of at least about 5.0.

41. A plastic container as claimed in claim 27, wherein said handle is vertically located generally offset toward said base.

42. A plastic container for a particulate product, said container comprising:

a base and a surrounding wall member which is upstanding from said base and which includes a vertical side portion having an arcuate lateral cross section, said base and said surrounding wall member

generally defining a container main interior volume, and

generally forming a footprint for the container;

wherein said vertical side portion includes a pass-through handle located therein, said pass-through handle including a generally vertical segment; and

wherein an intersection between said surrounding wall member and said top is defined by a shoulder, said shoulder forming an angle of less than about 40° to vertical.

43. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said opening is centered on said footprint.

44. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said handle has a vertical length of at least about 2.5″ and a width to thickness ratio of about 1.0 to 1.2.

45. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said vertical segment defines a hollow cavity having a top end and a bottom end, both of which are in communication with said main interior volume.

46. A plastic container as claimed in claim 45, wherein said hollow cavity of said handle tapers slightly inward from the bottom to the top.

47. A plastic container as claimed in claim 46, wherein said hollow cavity tapers about 3°.

48. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said surrounding wall member further includes a thumb receiving concavity above said handle.

49. A plastic container as claimed in claim 48, wherein said vertical segment includes vertically spaced concavities on an inwardly directed part thereof.

50. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said surrounding wall member includes vertical ribs.

51. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said surrounding wall member includes horizontal ribs.

52. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said surrounding wall member includes a second vertical side portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, and wherein the footprint for the container has at least two rounded portions generated by the vertical side portions.

53. A plastic container as claimed in claim 52, wherein said top opening is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5″ diameter cylinder therethrough.

54. A plastic container as claimed in claim 53, wherein said footprint is generally circular.

55. A plastic container as claimed in claim 53, wherein said footprint is generally oval.

56. A plastic container as claimed in claim 53, wherein said surrounding wall member further includes a third vertical side portion which is arcuate in lateral cross section, the first-mentioned, second, and third vertical side portions being horizontally connected to respective adjacent said vertical side portions.

57. A plastic container as claimed in claim 52, wherein a bead connects said shoulder to a remainder of said top.

58. A plastic container as claimed in claim 52, wherein said surrounding wall member includes at least one label receiving area indented from a remainder thereof.

59. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said container is made primarily of HDPE and has a design effectiveness, defined as a maximum top load in pounds times a volume in liters both divided by a weight in grams, of at least about 5.0.

60. A plastic container as claimed in claim 42, wherein said handle is vertically located generally offset toward said base.