Full measure container

Abstract

A container is provided that includes an upper chamber defined by upper sidewalls that together define a frusto-tetrahedral shape. Each of the upper sidewalls has an outwardly facing surface and at least one upper hollow pad protruding outwardly from the outwardly facing surface so that the at least one upper hollow pad increases the total enclosed and structural stiffness of the upper chamber. A lower chamber is also included that is defined by lower sidewalls that together form a frusto-tetrahedral shape. Each of the lower sidewalls has an outwardly facing surface and at least one lower hollow pad protruding outwardly from the outwardly facing surface wherein the at least one lower hollow pad increases the total enclosed volume and structural stiffness of the lower chamber. The upper chamber and lower chamber are interconnected by a central chamber defined by sidewalls that are recessed relative to the upper sidewalls and the lower sidewalls.

1 . A container comprising:
 an upper chamber defined by upper sidewalls that together define a frusto-tetrahedral shape, each of said upper sidewalls comprises an outwardly arcing surface and at least one upper hollow pad protruding outwardly from said outwardly arcing;   a lower chamber defined by lower sidewalls that together define a frusto-tetrahedral shape, each of said lower sidewalls comprises an outwardly arcing surface and at least one lower hollow pad protruding outwardly from said outwardly arcing surface; and   a central chamber defined by sidewalls that are recessed relative to said upper sidewalls and said lower sidewalls.   
   
   
       2 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said upper sidewalls are polygonally shaped each presenting an outwardly arcing surface. 
   
   
       3 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said lower sidewalls are polygonally shaped each presenting an outwardly arcing surface. 
   
   
       4 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said central chamber defines a narrow waist that is disposed between said upper chamber and said lower chamber, and comprises a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape. 
   
   
       5 . A container according to  claim 1  comprising a bottom wall located across a bottom of said lower chamber that closes said container and which is normally no less than the equivalent in length and width of said lower chamber so as to define a foot-print of said container. 
   
   
       6 . A container according to  claim 5  wherein said bottom wall is somewhat larger in length and width than said lower sidewall so that said side walls and said bottom together define a frusto-tetrahedrally shaped lower chamber. 
   
   
       7 . A container according to  claim 5  wherein said footprint is less than four inches by four inches. 
   
   
       8 . A container according to  claim 5  wherein said footprint is about 3.692 inches by about 3.692 inches. 
   
   
       9 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said upper sidewalls and said lower sidewalls are outwardly arced and upwardly swept so as to define and enclose a frusto-tetrahedrally shaped volume above said waist and a frusto-tetrahedrally shaped volume, larger frusto-tetrahedrally shaped volume below said waist. 
   
   
       10 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said upper chamber, said waist, and said lower chamber define a volume that is substantially equivalent to a circularly-cylindrical container. 
   
   
       11 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said container includes at least one tapered and outwardly arced pad that protrudes from an outwardly arcing surface of at least one of an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall thereby defining at least one hollow alcove in an inwardly facing surface. 
   
   
       12 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said upper chamber includes an outwardly arcing surface and two outwardly protruding and tapered pads. 
   
   
       13 . A container according to  claim 12  wherein said two outwardly protruding and tapered pads are formed by at least two outwardly projecting walls and a face wall wherein said outwardly projecting walls are tapered so as to be wider toward a top of said upper chamber and narrower toward said waist. 
   
   
       14 . A container according to  claim 13  wherein said upper sidewalls preferably include two side-by-side pads, making a total of eight pads protruding from said outwardly arcing surfaces of said side walls on said upper chamber. 
   
   
       15 . A blow molded synthetic resin container having:
 an upper chamber defined by outwardly arced and upwardly swept upper sidewalls that together define a frusto-tetrahedral volume, each of said upper sidewalls comprises an outwardly arcing surface and two upper hollow pads protruding outwardly from said outwardly arcing surface;   a lower chamber defined by outwardly arced and upwardly swept lower sidewalls that together define a frusto-tetrahedral volume, each of said lower sidewalls comprise an outwardly arcing surface and two lower hollow pads protruding outwardly from said outwardly arcing surface; and   a central waist chamber defined by sidewalls that are recessed relative to said upper sidewalls and said lower sidewalls.   
   
   
       16 . A polymeric container which exhibits superior top load strength comprising:
 an upper chamber defined by four outwardly arced and upwardly swept upper sidewalls that together define a frusto-tetrahedral volume, each of said upper sidewalls comprise an outwardly arcing surface having two hollow tapered and outwardly arced pads that protrude from said outwardly arcing surface thereby defining two hollow alcoves in each inwardly facing surface of each upper sidewall so as to stiffen each of said upper sidewalls;   a lower chamber defined by outwardly arced and upwardly swept lower sidewalls that together define a frusto-tetrahedral volume, each of said lower sidewalls comprises an outwardly arcing surface having two hollow tapered and outwardly arced pads that protrude from said outwardly arcing surface thereby defining two hollow alcoves in each inwardly facing surface of each lower sidewall so as to stiffen each of said lower sidewalls; and   a central chamber defined by sidewalls that are recessed relative to said upper sidewalls and said lower sidewalls.