USOO8141741 B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Metzger et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,141,741 B2
`Mar. 27, 2012
`
`(54) VACUUM CONTAINER WITH PROTECTIVE
`FEATURES
`
`(75) Inventors: Elizabeth A. Metzger, Milwaukee, WI
`(US); Thomas J. Clyde, Milwaukee, WI
`(US); Thomas S. Diss, Waukesha, WI
`(US); Kamchat Soisuvarn, Saugus, CA
`(US)
`(73) Assignee: Silgan Containers LLC, Woodland
`Hills, CA (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 982 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/098,300
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 4, 2008
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2009/0212004 A1
`Aug. 27, 2009
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 12/040,609.
`filed on Feb. 29, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part
`of application No. 29/304.271, filed on Feb. 27, 2008,
`now Pat. No. Des. 588,018.
`(51) Int. Cl.
`2006.O1
`B65D 8/2
`(2006.01)
`B65D 8/08
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............ 220/672; D9/776; D9/777; 220/906
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................. 220/670,
`220/672, 675,906,907; 215/382: D9/776,
`D9/777
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`
`
`
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`(Continued)
`
`BE
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`(Continued)
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`“The Revolutionary Stretching Technology” brochure, believed to be
`available by 2001 at www.canstretch.com, 1 page.
`"Stretch Machine” brochure, believed to be available by 2001 at
`www.canstretch.com, 1 page.
`Photograph of Six Cans, believed to be available by 2001 at www.
`canstretch.com, 1 page.
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — Mickey Yu
`V.
`title Earl
`Niki shwy inhart B
`5 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Reinhart Boerner Van
`CUC S.C.
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A container including a metal sidewall is provided. The metal
`idewall includ
`fir
`d
`d end
`porti
`S1dewall 1ncludes a first end; a Second end; a center port1on
`having a principal width; a first feature positioned between
`the center portion and the first end, the first feature extending
`from the sidewall such that the maximum width of the side
`wall at the first feature is greater than the principal width; and
`a second feature positioned between the center portion and
`the second end, the second feature extending from the side
`wall such that the maximum width of the sidewall at the
`second feature is greater than the principal width. The con
`tainer further includes a first beadlocated in the centerportion
`of the sidewall; and a second bead located in the center
`portion of the sidewall.
`13 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
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`
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`US 8,141,741 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`
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`

`

`US 8,141,741 B2
`Page 3
`
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`
`FR
`FR
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2584680
`1, 1987
`DMO51 799
`3, 2000
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`U.S. Appl. No. 29/298.989, filed Dec. 17, 2007, Diss.
`U.S. Appl. No. 29/305,877, filed Mar. 28, 2008, Diss et al.
`U.S. Appl. No. 29/305,883, filed Mar. 28, 2008, Diss et al.
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`U.S. Appl. No. 29/302,067, filed Jan. 9, 2008, Millspaw et al.
`U.S. Appl. No. 29/304.271, filed Feb. 27, 2008, Metzger et al.
`U.S. Appl. No. 12/040,609, filed Feb. 29, 2008, Metzger et al.
`U.S. Appl. No. 29/305,881, filed Mar. 28, 2008, Diss et al.
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`.S. Appl. No.
`Uzo, Illed May 14, Auus, akata et al.
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`Soudronic Image believed to be available by Apr. 24, 2007, 1 page.
`Engineering Drawing of Cans developed by Assignee at least by Jul.
`12, 2006, 1 page.
`Photograph of Can developed by Assignee at least by Aug. 4, 2006, 1
`page.
`* cited by examiner
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 8,141,741 B2
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`A.
`21 N -21
`A 7Ob
`
`70a
`
`10
`11
`
`20
`
`32
`
`FIG.
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 8,141,741 B2
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`65
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`68
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`60
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`1
`
`.
`\ 42
`
`f
`66
`
`61
`
`64 40 -
`
`21
`
`
`
`70a
`
`20
`
`21
`
`7Ob
`
`30
`
`32
`FIG. 2
`
`? 60
`
`61
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`67
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`62
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`63
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`64
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`FIG. 4
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`FIG. 3
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`
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`Mar. 27, 2012
`Mar. 27, 2012
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`US 8,141,741 B2
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`Sheet 3 of 4
`Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 8,141,741 B2
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`
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`Mar. 27, 2012
`Mar.27, 2012
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`US 8,141,741 B2
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`Sheet 4 of 4
`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 8,141,741 B2
`
`1.
`VACUUM CONTAINER WITH PROTECTIVE
`FEATURES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of the prior appli
`cation Ser. No. 12/040,609, filed Feb. 29, 2008, which is
`incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This applica
`tion is also a continuation-in-part of prior design Application
`No. 29/304,271 filed Feb. 27, 2008.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`The application generally relates to containers capable of
`maintaining a vacuum within the container after the container
`is sealed. The application relates more specifically to food
`containers capable of maintaining a vacuum with features to
`protect the integrity of the sealed container and/or to provide
`improved container structure.
`Containers are used to store a variety of materials and
`objects. Some types of containers are used to store perishable
`material Such as organic material, Solid food, food having a
`liquid component, and liquids. These containers must often
`meet a variety of requirements depending on their intended
`use. For example, some containers must be able to withstand
`acidity of certain levels such that the container's intended
`contents do not compromise the container. Other containers
`must be able to Successfully store liquid Such that manipula
`tion of the container during shipping and typical use do not
`cause the container to deform, break an airtight seal, and/or
`leak the container's contents. Yet other containers must be
`able to withstand food cooking processes involving the con
`tainer. Some containers must meet all of the aforementioned
`requirements.
`One type of food and beverage container is provided with
`a closure that is affixed to the container primarily by the
`pressure differential between external atmospheric pressure
`and a lower internal pressure. Other types of closures (e.g.,
`twist on/off closures, Snap on/twist off closures, etc.) are
`affixed to the container mechanically. Another type of food
`and beverage container is provided with a can end affixed to
`the container by folding or crimping the material of the can
`end to the container body. Containers that maintain a vacuum
`after the container is sealed are Vulnerable to impacts during
`processing, labeling, and transport. Such impacts may break
`the hermetic vacuum seal of the container which may cause
`leakage and may expose contents of the container to spoilage.
`In addition, food and beverage storage containers are Sub
`jected to a variety of forces during manufacture, filling and
`processing, sales, and transport. Containers must be strong
`enough to resist these forces without deformation. Further,
`containers with an internal vacuum must be strong enough to
`resist compressive deformation by the external atmospheric
`pressure. One solution is to make the container material
`thicker. However, this approach increases the container
`weight and the cost of raw materials.
`Some containers are filled with hot, pre-cooked food then
`sealed for later consumption, commonly referred to as a "hot
`fill process. As the contents of the container cool, a vacuum
`develops inside the container. The resulting vacuum may
`partially or completely secure the closure to the body of the
`container. Foods packed with a hot fill process often have
`certain advantages. For example, end-users often appreciate
`pre-cooked food contents as preparation times are often
`shorter and more convenient.
`
`2
`Other containers are filled with uncooked food, the con
`tainer is sealed, and the food is cooked to the point of being
`commercially sterilized or “shelf stable' while sealed within
`the container. This process is commonly called a thermal
`process. Also commonly, the required heat for the process is
`delivered by a pressurized device, or retort. Thermal pro
`cesses also have certain advantages. First, the resulting shelf
`stable package offers long-term storage of food in a hermeti
`cally sealed container. Second, cooking the food inside the
`container commercially sterilizes the food and the container
`at the same time.
`Containers used with thermal processes often use can ends
`that require the use of a tool to open. For example, some
`containers Suitable for use with thermal processes are metal
`cans having an end designed for use with a can-opener. Other
`containers suitable for use with thermal retort processes are
`containers having “pop-tops”, “pull tops’, convenience ends,
`or convenience lids having a tab or ring that aids in removal of
`the can end. Thermal retort processes present challenges to
`the design and manufacture of vacuum containing containers.
`For example, the pressure and temperature rigors of the ther
`mal retort process may compromise the seal. In addition,
`differences in internal container pressure and external pres
`Sure during the thermal retort process may cause an unse
`cured vacuum sealable lid to separate from the container
`body.
`Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a container
`capable of maintaining a vacuum having one or more protec
`tive features. Further, it would be desirable to provide a vacu
`umized container with protective features that is suitable for
`use with hot fill and/or thermal processes.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`One embodiment relates to a food or drink can including a
`metal sidewall. The metal sidewall includes a first end; a
`second end; and a centerportion having a principal width. The
`metal sidewall further includes a first feature positioned
`between the center portion and the first end. The first feature
`extends from the sidewall such that the maximum width of the
`sidewall at the first feature is greater than the principal width.
`The metal sidewall further includes a second feature posi
`tioned between the center portion and the second end. The
`second feature extends from the sidewall such that the maxi
`mum width of the sidewall at the second feature is greater than
`the principal width. The food or drink can further includes a
`first bead located in the center portion of the sidewall and a
`second bead located in the center portion of the sidewall.
`Another embodiment relates to a food or drink storage
`container including a metal body. The metal body includes a
`center portion having a principal width, a first end, a second
`end, and a midpoint. The metal body further includes a first
`feature that extends beyond the principal width, a second
`feature that extends beyond the principal width, a first body
`segment between the center portion and the first feature, and
`a second body segment between the center portion and the
`second feature. The metal body further includes a first bead
`positioned in the center portion of the body. The first bead is
`positioned between the midpoint and the first end of the center
`portion such that the distance from the midpoint to the first
`bead is greater than the distance from the first end to the first
`bead. The metal body includes a second bead positioned in the
`center portion of the body. The second bead is positioned
`between the midpoint and the second end of the centerportion
`such that the distance from the midpoint to the second bead is
`greater than the distance from the second end to the second
`bead. The food or drink container further includes a container
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`3
`end coupled to the metal body. The center portion is located
`between the first feature and the second feature, and the first
`body segment and the second body segment are inwardly
`curved portions.
`Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other fea
`tures and combinations of features as may be generally
`recited in the claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`
`10
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`The application will become more fully understood from
`the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with
`the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals
`refer to like elements, in which:
`FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container having
`protective features according to an exemplary embodiment.
`FIG. 2 shows a side view of a container having protective
`features according to an exemplary embodiment, and a cross
`sectional view of a container closure proximal to the con
`tainer.
`FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
`container of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.
`FIG. 4 shows a detail cross-sectional view of a portion of
`the container closure of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 5 shows a prospective view of a container having
`25
`protective features and a sanitary end according to an exem
`plary embodiment.
`FIG. 6 shows a prospective view of a container having
`protective features and a pull-top end according to an exem
`plary embodiment.
`30
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`4
`may take any number of other container shapes as may be
`desirable for different applications or aesthetic qualities. For
`example, body 10 may be formed as a prism having one or
`more angles that create a horizontal polygonal cross section
`Such as a rectangular cross section. In another embodiment,
`container 1 may be formed with an elliptical horizontal cross
`section. Container 1 may be sized to store about twenty-six
`ounces of liquid contents or combination of liquid and solid
`contents, or may be sized differently (e.g., less than twenty
`six ounces, more than twenty-six ounces, twelve ounces,
`sixteen ounces, thirty two ounces, etc.).
`Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of container 1 is shown,
`including body 10 having a vertical axis 13 and a center
`portion 21. Container 1 has a principal width, shown as prin
`cipal diameter 12 in the cylindrical embodiment of FIG. 2. In
`an exemplary twenty-six ounce embodiment, principal diam
`eter 12 is about 3.01 inches, and the height of body 10 is about
`6.08 inches. In other embodiments, both the principal diam
`eter and body height may be greater or lesser, and may vary
`according to the Volumetric size of the container.
`Body 10 is shown having a neck 40 integrally formed from
`the material of sidewall 20. Neck 40 may extend upward from
`a tapered transition 22 along the vertical axis of container
`body 10. The cross-sectional shape of neck 40 may substan
`tially match the cross-sectional shape of the container end to
`be coupled to neck 40. In addition, the width, shape, and
`height of neck 40 may be sized to match the width, shape, and
`depth of a container end with which neck 40 will be used.
`Referring to FIG. 2, a container end, shown as closure 60, has
`a maximum container end width, shown as maximum closure
`diameter 65.
`A rim or lip, shown as neck edge 42, may be curled or
`rounded to provide a Suitable sealing Surface (e.g., uniform
`and having some Substantial diameter relative to the gauge of
`the container walls). Neck edge 42 may also be curled or
`rounded to provide a suitable surface for mouth contact or
`drinking. Neck edge 42 may curl to the inside or outside of
`neck 40. The exterior width of the neck and structures of the
`neck may be appropriately sized to allow a closure to function
`properly. Neck 40 and neck edge 42 define a neck opening 48
`having a maximum opening width. In an exemplary twenty
`six ounce embodiment, neck opening 48 is a circular opening
`having a maximum opening width or diameter of about 2.89
`inches. In other embodiments, the diameter of neck opening
`48 may be about 83 percent of first protective feature diameter
`14. In alternative embodiments, neck opening 48 may have a
`diameter that is more than 83 percent of first protective fea
`ture diameter 14 (i.e., 90 percent, 95 percent, 99 percent), or
`less than 83 percent of first protective feature diameter 14
`(i.e., 80 percent, 75 percent, 70 percent, or less).
`Referring further to FIG. 2, the top of body 10 and sidewall
`20 angle inward to create a tapered transition 22. In a typical
`embodiment, tapered transition 22 is a frusto-conical shoul
`der area. According to other various exemplary embodiments,
`where body 10 is provided with a polygonal cross section,
`tapered transition 22 may include a transition from the
`polygonal cross section of body 10 to a circular neck edge 42
`and neck opening 48. In alternative embodiments where body
`10 is provided with a polygonal cross section, tapered transi
`tion 22 need not include a transition from the polygonal cross
`section of body 10 to a circular neck edge 42, and neck edge
`42 may thereby define a similarly polygonal neck opening 48.
`According to an exemplary embodiment, tapered transition
`22 is angled around thirty degrees from the vertical axis 13 of
`body 10. According to various other embodiments, tapered
`transition 22 is angled more or less than thirty degrees from
`Vertical. According to an exemplary embodiment, tapered
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`Before turning to the figures which illustrate the exemplary
`embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the appli
`cation is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in
`the following description or illustrated in the figures. It should
`also be understood that the terminology employed herein is
`for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded
`as limiting.
`Referring generally to the figures, a container is shown
`having protective features integrally formed from the mate
`rial of the container body. The container is provided with a
`container end (e.g., a closure, lid, cap, cover, top, end, can
`end, sanitary end, “pop-top', 'pull top', convenience end,
`convenience lid, pull-off end, easy open end, “EZO' end,
`etc.). The container end may be any element that allows the
`container to be sealed Such that the container is capable of
`maintaining a vacuum. The container end may be made of
`metals, such as Steel or aluminum, metal foil, plastics, com
`50
`posites, or combinations of these materials. The container is
`typically a food container suitable for use with a thermal
`process. It should be understood that the phrase “food used
`to describe various embodiments of this disclosure may refer
`to dry food, moist food, powder, liquid, or any other drinkable
`or edible material, regardless of nutritional value. It should be
`further understood that the container may beformed from any
`material, including metals, various plastics, and glass.
`Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a container 1 is
`shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Container 1
`includes abody 10 having a sidewall 20 and a bottom end wall
`32. Body 10 is shown as generally cylindrical (i.e., the con
`tainer walls or piece forming sidewall 20 are curvilinear).
`Body 10 is generally a cylinder having a circular cross sec
`tion. More specifically, body 10 is generally a right cylinder
`whereinvertical axis 13 forms a right angle with bottom end
`wall 32. According to various other embodiments, body 10
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`US 8,141,741 B2
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`transition 22 is angled so that the diameter of neck opening 48
`is about 83 percent of principal diameter 12 of body 10.
`Tapered transition 22 may also be provided with additional
`curvature to improve the visual aesthetics and/or structural
`stability of container 1. The curvature may create an aestheti
`cally pleasing container top, provide a user with increased
`leverage for opening the top, and/or prevent the container top
`and closure from experiencing some amount of the unavoid
`able contact that containers typically have with adjacent con
`tainers or other structures during manufacture, shipping, and/
`O US.
`Referring still furtherto FIG.2, body 10 is further provided
`with a centerportion 21. In an exemplary embodiment, center
`portion 21 is a cylindrical portion having a diameter equal to
`principal diameter 12 having vertical sidewalls. In this
`embodiment, the center portion has a Substantially circular
`horizontal cross section. In an exemplary twenty-six ounce
`embodiment, center portion 21 has a height of about 1.25
`inches. In an alternative embodiment, center portion 21 is
`Smoothly concave such that the diameter at the midpoint of
`center portion 21 is a minimum diameter, and the container
`body diameter increases in the direction of first and second
`protective features 24 and 26.
`Center portion 21 may optionally be provided with one or
`more beads 70, shown as beads 70a and 70b. In an exemplary
`embodiment, center portion 21 is provided with two beads
`70a and 70b, wherein bead 70a is positioned near the top of
`cylindrical center portion 21, and bead 70b is positioned near
`the bottom of cylindrical center portion 21. However, one or
`more beads 70 may be placed at other locations on center
`30
`portion 21, or within the curved portions of sidewall 20 com
`prising the protective features described in greater detail
`below. For example, in the embodiments shown in FIG. 5 and
`FIG. 6, a third bead 70c is located in center portion 21. Beads
`70 provide a contour that strengthens center portion 21,
`thereby increasing resistance to deformation of centerportion
`21 caused by the pressure differential between the internal
`vacuum and the external atmospheric pressure. Beads 70 may
`further be configured to provide a contour to facilitate the
`grasping of container 1 by a user.
`As shown best in FIG. 3 according to one exemplary
`embodiment, beads 70 are provided with a smoothly curved
`cross sectional profile concaving radially inward. In other
`embodiments, beads 70 may have other cross sectional pro
`files, such as a sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, or a
`sawtooth profile. In an exemplary embodiment, beads 70 have
`a depth of about 0.03 inches, a radius of approximately 0.075
`inches, and form a fillet with sidewall 20 with a radius of
`approximately 0.065 in. In alternate embodiments, beads 70
`may have a depth of about 0.02 inches or less, or about 0.04
`inches or more. In still another embodiment, beads 70 may
`extend radially outward from cylindrical center portion 21.
`According to one exemplary embodiment, as shown in
`FIGS. 1-3, body 10 includes two beads 70. Beads 70 are
`generally located symmetrically along the length of center
`portion 21. In an exemplary twenty-six ounce embodiment,
`beads 70 may be spaced about 1.02 inches apart. Applicants
`have found tha