Lightweight, vacuum-resistant containers having offset horizontal ribs

Abstract

Containers having improved vacuum-resistance and aesthetic features are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a container having a body with at least first (40) and second (44) interrupted horizontal ribs. The first interrupted, horizontal rib is located in a horizontal plane that is different from the horizontal plane occupied by the second, interrupted, horizontal rib, and the first and second interrupted, horizontal ribs are offset from each other. The ribs, or indentations, provided on the containers have an increased height when compared to similar, known containers. The structural features of the present containers advantageously provide for improved vacuum-resistance when compared to similar containers currently on the market.

1 . A container comprising:
 a body comprising at least first and second interrupted, horizontal ribs, the first interrupted, horizontal rib being located in a horizontal plane that is different from a horizontal plane occupied by the second, interrupted, horizontal rib, and the first and second interrupted, horizontal ribs are offset from each other.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a shape selected from the group consisting of cylindrical, square, rectangular, ovoid, round, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the body comprises a shape that is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the first interrupted, horizontal rib is located on a side of the container and the second, interrupted, horizontal rib is located on a corner of the container. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 3  comprising a plurality of first and second interrupted, horizontal ribs, each of the plurality of first interrupted, horizontal ribs occupies the same vertical portion of the container in a different horizontal plane, and each of the plurality of second interrupted, horizontal ribs occupies the same vertical portion of the container in a different horizontal plane. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein each of the plurality of first interrupted, horizontal ribs alternates with each of the plurality of second interrupted, horizontal ribs. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the body comprises a shape that is substantially round. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the first interrupted, horizontal rib is located on an opposing side of the container from that of the second interrupted, horizontal rib. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 7  comprising a plurality of first and second interrupted, horizontal ribs, each of the plurality of first interrupted, horizontal ribs occupies the same vertical portion of the container in a different horizontal plane, and each of the plurality of second interrupted, horizontal ribs occupies the same vertical portion of the container in a different horizontal plane. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of first interrupted, horizontal ribs alternates with each of the plurality of second interrupted, horizontal ribs. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the each of the plurality of first and second interrupted, horizontal ribs comprise a height ranging from about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. 
     
     
         12 . A container comprising:
 a substantially round body comprising a first set of interrupted, horizontal indentations extending along a circumference of the body, and a second set of interrupted, horizontal indentations extending along the circumference of the body,   the first and second sets of interrupted, horizontal indentations being located on radially opposing sides of the body, and each of the first and second interrupted, horizontal indentations in the first and second sets of interrupted, horizontal indentations being located on different horizontal planes.   
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein each of the first interrupted, horizontal indentations in the first set of interrupted, horizontal indentations alternates with each of the second interrupted, horizontal indentations in the second set of interrupted, horizontal indentations. 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein each of the first interrupted, horizontal indentations in the first set of interrupted, horizontal indentations at least partially overlaps with each of the second interrupted, horizontal indentations in the second set of interrupted, horizontal indentations along a vertical portion of the container. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein each of the first and second interrupted, horizontal indentations has an amplitude from about 180° to about 210°. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein each of the first and second interrupted, horizontal indentations has a height of about 2.5 mm. 
     
     
         17 . A container comprising:
 a substantially square body comprising four sides and four corners, at least one of the four sides comprising a plurality of interrupted, horizontal indentations having a first length, and at least one of the four corners comprising a plurality of interrupted, horizontal indentations having a second length that is shorter than the first length,   wherein each of the plurality of interrupted, horizontal indentations on the side are located on horizontal planes that are different from the horizontal planes occupied by each of the plurality of interrupted, horizontal indentations on the corner.   
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 17 , wherein each of the first interrupted, horizontal indentations in the first set of interrupted, horizontal indentations alternates with each of the second interrupted, horizontal indentations in the second set of interrupted, horizontal indentations. 
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 17 , wherein each of the first interrupted, horizontal indentations in the first set of interrupted, horizontal indentations at least partially overlaps with each of the second interrupted, horizontal indentations in the second set of interrupted, horizontal indentations along a vertical portion of the container. 
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 17 , wherein each of the first and second interrupted, horizontal indentations has a height of about 2.5 mm.