Container Neck With Recesses

Abstract

A container defines a central longitudinal axis and includes an engagement part that secures a lid to the container. A neck portion is disposed adjacent the engagement part and includes a plurality of recessed portions spaced circumferentially around the neck portion, where each recessed portion has a periphery. The neck portion also includes an outwardly protruding rib disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of at least one recessed portion and an outer surface extending between each pair of adjacent recessed portions. The rib projects outwardly from both the outer surface and the at least one recessed portion.

1 . A container defining a central longitudinal axis comprising:
 an engagement part configured for securing a lid to the container; and   a neck portion disposed adjacent the engagement part and comprising:
 a plurality of recessed portions each having a periphery and being spaced circumferentially around the neck portion, 
 an outwardly protruding rib disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of at least one recessed portion, and 
 an outer surface extending between each pair of adjacent recessed portions, 
   wherein the rib projects outwardly from both the outer surface and the at least one recessed portion.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the rib generally encircles the at least one recessed portion. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the neck portion has a minimum diameter of approximately 2.8 inches or less. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the neck portion has a minimum diameter of approximately 1.9 to 2.8 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein a minimum longitudinal angle of depression for the plurality of recessed portions on a vertical plane through the axis is approximately at least 20.7 degrees. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein a minimum circumferential angle of depression for the plurality of recessed portions on a horizontal plane perpendicular with the axis is approximately at least 5 degrees. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein a minimum depth of the plurality of recessed portions on a vertical plane through the axis is approximately at least 0.118 inches. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein a minimum depth of the plurality of recessed portions on a horizontal plane perpendicular with the axis is approximately at least 0.020 inches. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1  further comprising a convex portion disposed between the plurality of recessed portions and the engagement part, wherein the convex portion has an outer diameter greater than the minimum diameter of the neck at the recessed portions, but less than the bottom most diameter of the neck, and wherein the engagement part further comprises threading distinct from the convex portion. 
     
     
         10 . A container defining a central longitudinal axis comprising:
 an engagement part having at least one thread for securing a lid to the container; and   a neck portion comprising:
 a first convex portion having a first maximum diameter and being disposed adjacent the engagement part, 
 a second convex portion having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is less than the second diameter, and 
 a concave portion disposed between the first and second convex portions, and having a varying diameter including a minimum diameter of approximately 2.8 inches or less, the concave portion further including a plurality of recessed portions spaced around the circumference. 
   
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 10  further comprising a lid with a diameter, wherein the neck portion is transparent, and wherein the second diameter is greater than the lid diameter so that the contents of the container are visible through the neck portion from above the lid when the lid is fully assembled onto the engagement part. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 10  wherein each recessed portion has a periphery, and wherein the concave portion comprises an outer surface extending between each pair of adjacent recessed portions, and an outwardly protruding rib disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of at least one of the plurality of recessed portions, the rib being raised with respect to both the outer surface and the plurality of recessed portions. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 12  wherein the outwardly protruding rib generally encircles the at least one recessed portion. 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 13  wherein the plurality of recessed portions and the outwardly protruding rib are generally oval. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 14  wherein the plurality of recessed portions and the outwardly protruding rib are elongate in a direction generally parallel to the axis. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein a minimum longitudinal angle of depression for the plurality of recessed portions on a vertical plane through the axis is approximately at least 20.7 degrees. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein a minimum circumferential angle of depression for the plurality of recessed portions on a horizontal plane perpendicular with the axis is approximately at least 5 degrees. 
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein a minimum depth of the plurality of recessed portions on a vertical plane through the axis is approximately at least 0.118 inches. 
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein a minimum depth of the plurality of recessed portions on a horizontal plane perpendicular with the axis is approximately at least 0.020 inches. 
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 10  wherein the minimum diameter of the concave portion is approximately 1.9 to 2.8 inches.