Container with improved surface fracture resistance

• Main Author: FEHN GREGORY M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 24.01.2002
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS,e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES,DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; CONVEYING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; LAYERED PRODUCTS; LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT ORNON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM; PACKAGES; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; STORING; TRANSPORTING

A plastic container having a thin outer layer that protects against stress concentration effects arising from either surface irregularities or flexing when dropped and a method of making that container. The outer layer helps avoid bottle failure resulting from cracks that start at such areas of stress. The outer layer may incorporate both the stress inducing irregularities and the properties to minimize possible, resulting catastrophes. The surface irregularities giving birth to stress include edges of in-mold-applied labels, ridges, stippling, and grip bumps. Dropping the container gives rise to flexing which can also induce stress concentrations. The outer layer, to accomplish the protective function, should display lesser brittleness or, in some cases, lesser density than the bulk of the container wall. Making the container involves forming the bulk of the wall with a first, inner, structural plastic. A thin layer displaying lesser brittleness or, in some cases, lesser density is formed as the container's outer layer.