Earl R. Dean
Earl R. Dean | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | January 8, 1972 (aged 81) |
| Occupation | Industrial designer |
| Known for | Creating the Coca-Cola contour bottle |
Earl R. Dean (March 19, 1890 – January 8, 1972) is credited with creating the famous contour Coca-Cola bottle.[1]
In 1914, Harold Hirsch, legal counsel for Coca-Cola, launched a nationwide contest calling on bottle makers to develop a unique bottle design—one that could be identified by its shape and feel even if broken.[2]
The competition was won by the Root Glass Company based in Terre Haute. Drawing inspiration from an encyclopedia illustration of a cocoa pod, Dean created the sketch that evolved into the contour bottle prototype.[3] The first prototype featured a wider midsection, which caused instability on conveyor belts. To resolve this, Dean modified the design by making the middle and base diameters equal, resulting in the final contour Coca-Cola bottle used in production.[4]
Further reading
- Dean, Norman L. (2010). The Man Behind the Bottle: The Origin and History of the Classic Contour Coca-Cola Bottle as Told by the Son of Its Creator. Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 978-1-4500-5404-1
External links
- ContourBottle.com A tribute to Earl R. Dean and the creation of Coca-Cola's Contour bottle.
- ↑ The Coca-Cola Company acknowledged Dean, who worked for the Root Glass Company in Terre Haute, Indiana, as the inventor of the original prototype patented in 1915.
- ↑ Hirsch’s initiative was intended to safeguard the brand’s identity through distinctive packaging.
- ↑ Dean chose this natural form to guarantee distinctiveness and reinforce brand recognition.
- ↑ This modification balanced practicality with unique branding elements.