Patent Application
20240199299
The present invention relates to a plastics material container for holding liquids and, in particular, beverages. Such plastics material containers have been known for a long time and are now the predominant beverage packaging in the beverage industry. After production and filling, these containers are generally stacked on pallets. In order to ensure pallet stability for storage and transport and an intact bottle, the containers need to have a certain “filled top load” as a resistance force against the vertical forces occurring during the stacking. In the case of lighter beverage containers, this resistance builds up due to the vertical compression of the container and the parallel increase in internal container pressure. The regions in which the container can be compressed are generally the bottom of the containers and possible locations in the middle of the container, which have a smaller diameter (pinch).
Here, due to the smaller diameter of the container, the internal pressure in the vertical direction contributes less to the force that the container can apply. In this case, a deformation takes place, which builds up the top load. As a rule, the shoulder of the container should not collapse, since deformations there do not reverse when the load is removed. The container is deformed in this way, in particular also by snapping a mouthpiece into the shoulder.
If the container is deformed in the bottom area, there is a high probability that the container will stand crooked after the load is removed. Deformation more in the center of the container also presents the risk of crooked containers, and also of permanent changes to the design that are not conducive to the brand image. Furthermore, in the case of slim containers, a deformation leads to a significant bending of the container and thus also to pallet instability.
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a plastics material container which can withstand a certain top load or loads in its longitudinal direction. In particular, no lasting deformations of the container should occur.
A plastics material container according to the invention for holding liquids and in particular beverages has a bottom section, a main body adjoining the bottom section, which forms a holding volume for holding the liquid and which extends in a longitudinal direction of the plastics material container. In addition, a shoulder region is provided, in which a cross-section in the longitudinal direction is reduced, and a mouth region adjoining the shoulder region in the longitudinal direction, in which a mouth is formed, via which the liquid can be supplied to the container. Here the shoulder region and the mouth region are arranged in an upper section of the plastics material container relative to the longitudinal direction.
According to the invention, the plastics material container has a deformation section in the upper section and in the longitudinal direction below the mouth section and in particular also below the shoulder section, in which the plastics material container can be deformed and in particular elastically deformed with respect to its longitudinal direction.
It is therefore proposed in the context of the invention to provide a deformation of the container, in particular in said deformation region and in particular below the shoulder region. In the prior art, this region has up to now not been used as a deformation region.
Particularly preferably, the container can be compressed in its longitudinal direction, in particular by the said deformation region.
In a further preferred embodiment, the container is a single-use plastics material container.
In a further preferred embodiment, the container is intended for holding non-carbonized beverages.
In a further preferred embodiment, this compressible deformation region is of an approximately constant diameter.
In a further preferred embodiment, this compressible deformation region is of a non-constant diameter, but is conical. The ribbing present in this section ensures that the section can be compressed in a stable manner and is not folded inwards. This is achieved by means of a corresponding rib geometry, which causes the ribs to rest on each other during compression in this section.
In one embodiment, the rib geometry brings about a defined deformation image.
In a further preferred embodiment, the deformation region has several grooves. Preferably, at least two of these grooves have a different or varying groove depth. It is thus possible for two groups of grooves having different groove depth to be provided, but several approximately at least three or at least four grooves having a different groove depth can also be provided. Preferably, these grooves are formed at least partially circumferentially around the longitudinal direction of the container.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the container is circular in shape or rotationally symmetrical to its longitudinal direction.
In a further preferred embodiment, the bottom section has a plurality of first ribs extending outwardly from a center of the bottom section and in particular extend radially outward. Advantageously a plurality of second ribs are also provided which extend radially but are preferably shorter than said first ribs. Particularly preferably, the first ribs and the second ribs are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the bottom section.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the short ribs extend radially inward and end—preferably tapered—in front of the said central region. Particularly preferably, an injection point of the container (i.e., an injection point of the plastic preform) from which the container was produced is also arranged in the central region.
Particularly preferably, said central region and/or bottom section has a dome-like structure.
Particularly preferably, the mouth has a thread and in particular an external thread. In particular, this is a screw thread onto which a container closure can be screwed.
This container closure can be a conventional container closure. However, other types of closures, such as non-threaded closures, could also be used. An example of this are so-called snap-on closures, which do not have a thread but are pressed onto the container.
In a further advantageous embodiment, a height of the deformation section in the longitudinal direction is less than a height of the main body in the longitudinal direction and/or less than a height in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder region.
In a further preferred embodiment, the deformation section (with respect to the longitudinal direction and with respect to an upright state of the container) is arranged in the upper half of the container, preferably in an upper third of the plastics material container. The upper half is understood here with reference to an upright state of the container.
Preferably, the plastics material container is a blow-molded plastics material container and in particular a stretch-blow-molded plastics material container.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the deformation section is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the plastics material container directly below the shoulder region.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the deformation section is arranged directly above the main body in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the deformation section directly connects the main body to the shoulder region.
Preferably, a conical section is provided between the deformation region and the main body. This conical section preferably tapers in the direction of the mouth of the container. Preferably, in this conical region, a diameter of the container is reduced by at least 5%, preferably by at least 10%. Preferably, in this conical region, a diameter of the container is reduced by at most 50%, preferably by at most 40%, and particularly preferably by at most 30%. This section is particularly preferably used to prevent the container from “cooing” and/or falling over.
Particularly preferably, the deformation section has a smaller cross-section than the main bodies, and particularly preferably, a cross-sectional area of the deformation section is between 60% and 98% of the cross-sectional area of the main body, preferably between 70% and 95% of the cross-sectional area of the main body, preferably between 80% and 95% of the cross-sectional area of the main body.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the deformation section tapers upward in the longitudinal direction of the container. Preferably, a minimum cross-section of the deformation section is in a ratio to a maximum cross-section of the deformation section which is between 0.35 and 0.80, preferably between 0.45 and 0.70, and particularly preferably between 0.55 and 0.60.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the main body has a labeling region in which cross-section the container is or remains substantially constant in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, this labeling region is formed within the main body in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the labeling region connects a first section of the main body to a second section of the main body.
Particularly preferably, the main body has a smaller cross-section in the labeling region than in the areas below and above it. Particularly preferably, a grooved section with a plurality of grooves extending one above the other and preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is provided in the longitudinal direction of the container above the labeling region. Particularly preferably, these grooves have the same cross-section. These grooves preferably contribute to a stability of the container in the radial direction of the container.
In a preferred embodiment, at least partially continuous grooves are provided. These result in improved grip stability or they keep the diameter more stable. It is possible for some grooves to be made slightly deeper in order to provide increased grip stability.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastics material container has at least one first rib in the deformation section that is circumferential at least in sections. Preferably, this rib or groove is directed in the direction of the inner volume of the container. Particularly preferably, this rib has sections with different radii of curvature and/or different cross-sections.
In a plane that contains the longitudinal direction of the container and a direction extending from the longitudinal direction to the groove, this groove, viewed from above, preferably has an outwardly curved region with a radius of curvature between 1 mm and 2 mm. Preferably, this region is followed by a further inwardly curved radius, which is preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Particularly preferably, this groove also has a rectilinear section, which particularly preferably widens outward from top to bottom.
In a further preferred embodiment, the first rib has several rib sections which adjoin one another in the circumferential direction of the deformation section. Preferably, these rib sections are immediately adjacent to each other. Particularly preferably, these rib sections are arranged at the same height relative to the longitudinal direction of the container. Particularly preferably, the ribs are made up of n repeating equal circumferential segments (n=2 . . . 13). Particularly preferably, the rib sections widen starting from a first initial point and then taper again.
Particularly preferably, the number of these rib sections is greater than two, preferably greater than 3 and preferably greater than 4. In a further advantageous embodiment, the number of rib sections is smaller than 13, preferably smaller than 12, preferably smaller than 10 and preferably smaller than 7.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastics material container has, in the deformation section, at least one second rib that is circumferential at least in sections, wherein the second circumferential rib being offset with respect to the longitudinal direction relative to the first rib. Particularly preferably, the second rib adjoins the first rib directly in the longitudinal direction.
Particularly preferably, the second rib is formed in a similar manner as the first rib and, in particular, has a similar cross-section.
Particularly preferably, the second rib also has several rib sections which adjoin one another in the circumferential direction of the deformation section, wherein the rib sections of the second rib being advantageously offset and/or twisted in the circumferential direction with respect to the rib sections of the first rib. Particularly preferably, the second ribs are offset from the first ribs by half a pitch. Preferably, the number of second rib sections is equal to the number of first rib sections.
Particularly preferably, the first rib sections and/or the second rib sections enclose an angle in the circumferential direction of the container that is greater than 25°, preferably greater than 40°, preferably greater than 50°, and preferably greater than 60°. Particularly preferably, the first rib sections and/or the second rib sections enclose an angle in the circumferential direction of the container that is less than 200°, preferably less than 180°, preferably less than 140°, preferably less than 130°, particularly preferably less than 100°.
In a further preferred embodiment, the plastics material container has a third rib in the deformation region, which is preferably arranged above the first and second ribs in the longitudinal direction of the container. Particularly preferably, this third rib also has several rib sections. Particularly preferably, the rib sections of the third rib are twisted or offset in the circumferential direction relative to the rib sections of the second rib. Particularly preferably, the rib sections of the third rib are arranged in the same rotational positions relative to the rib sections of the first rib.
In a further preferred embodiment, a further rib and/or groove extending in the circumferential direction is formed in the shoulder section. Particularly preferably, this rib has a uniform cross-section and, particularly preferably, is completely circumferential. Particularly preferably, this further rib serves to relieve the plastics material container. Particularly preferably, this further rib has a smaller cross-section than the ribs in the deformation region.
Within the scope of the invention, it is therefore proposed to generate, directly below the shoulder region, which preferably runs in a conical or dome-shaped manner, a region that allows deflection. This is the deformation section mentioned above. To achieve this elastic deformation, the interrupted ribs, a reduced diameter compared to the main diameter, and the above-mentioned relief rib above the deformation section are proposed, as mentioned above.
Due to the geometric design of the container described here, the deformation required to build up the required top load is placed in the upper region of the container and is in addition made reversible. In this way, a destruction of the design by the top load does not occur. This brings advantages both during stacking of the container and for the integrity of the design. Therefore, mechanically stable and easily stackable bottles can be produced even with very low container weights.
In a preferred embodiment, the plastics material container has a holding volume which is greater than 100 ml, preferably greater than 300 ml, and preferably greater than 400 ml. In a further preferred embodiment, the plastics material container has a holding volume which is at most 8l, preferably at most 2.0l, preferably at most 1.5l.
The present invention is further directed to a mold tool and, more particularly, a blow mold for producing a plastics material container of the type described above. Particularly preferably, this blow mold is of at least two-part construction, particularly preferably at least three-part construction. Particularly preferably, the blow mold has at least two side parts which have a corresponding negative to the plastics material container to be produced or whose inner wall is formed accordingly.
The present invention is further directed to a method for producing a container of the type described above. In particular, the method is a blow molding method and in particular a stretch blow molding method.
Particularly preferably, the above-described container is produced by means of a rotary machine.
Further advantages and embodiments result from the accompanying drawings.
In the figures:
Adjacent to the main body in the longitudinal direction L of the container is the lower shoulder, then the above-mentioned deformation section 6, which has a height hD. This deformation section 6 is followed by the shoulder region 8 of the container, and this in turn by a mouth region 10 with a height hM.
It can be seen that the main body section extends over more than half the height of the entire container. The height hD of the deformation section is preferably less than the height hS of the shoulder region and also less than the height hG of the main body.
The reference sign 12 refers to a conical region, which is preferably arranged between the deformation section and the main body 4 and which particularly preferably tapers towards the top.
It can be seen that two grooves 62 and 64, arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction L, are provided in the deformation section 6. The groove 62 has three groove sections 62a, 62b, and 62c that adjoin one another and are located one after the other in the circumferential direction. A groove base of these three groove sections is the same size in each case. The cross-section of a groove section, such as groove section 62b, preferably widens from its starting point A to a central region M and then tapers again to its end section B. Preferably, the groove sections are each symmetrical with respect to a plane which extends in the longitudinal direction of the container through the center of the groove sections and which extends in a radial direction of the plastics material container.
It can be seen that the groove sections 64a and 64b are offset here by half a pitch in the circumferential direction of the container relative to the groove sections 62a, 62b, and 62c.
In addition, another groove 82 is provided (above the grooves 62, 64), which is formed in the shoulder region 8. It can be seen that this further groove is formed circumferentially without interruption.
It can be seen that three grooves 62, 64 and 66 arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction L are provided in the deformation section 6. The groove 62 has three groove sections 62a, 62b, and 62c that adjoin one another and are located one after the other in the circumferential direction. A groove base of these three groove sections is the same size in each case. The cross-section of a groove section, such as groove section 62b, preferably widens from its starting point A to a central region M and then tapers again to its end section B. Preferably, the groove sections are each symmetrical with respect to a plane which extends in the longitudinal direction of the container through the center of the groove sections and which extends in a radial direction of the plastics material container.
It can be seen that the groove sections 64a and 64b are offset here by half a pitch in the circumferential direction of the container relative to the groove sections 62a, 62b, and 62c.
The groove 66 also has three groove sections 66a, 66b and 66c here. In the rotational position, these are again arranged at the same position as the groove sections 62a, 62b and 62c of the groove 62.
In addition, a further groove 82 is provided (above the grooves 62, 64, 66), which is formed in the shoulder region 8. It can be seen that this further groove is formed circumferentially without interruption.
The reference signs 38 indicate further—but shortened—radial ribs, each of which is arranged between the first reinforcing ribs 32. These second radial ribs 38 also extend in the radial direction R but do not extend to the central region, but ending at approximately halfway along the bottom section.
In the upper section of the main body, two diameters D6 and D7 are also shown, but they are also only slightly different.
The diameters D8-D12 indicate the individual ribs 62, 64 in the deformation section 6. It can be seen that rib 64 has a smaller diameter overall than rib 62.
It can also be seen that the bottom section extends slightly inwards, which is indicated by the distance A1. The reference sign hE indicates the height of the label section 42.
The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are novel over the prior art individually or in combination. It is also pointed out that features which can be advantageous in themselves are also described in the individual figures. The person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure can be advantageous even without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual or in different figures.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2022 134 017.1 | Dec 2022 | DE | national |
