PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH DEFORMATION SECTION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a plastic container for holding liquids, and in particular beverages. Such plastic containers have been known for a long time and are now the predominant beverage packaging in the beverage industry. After manufacturing and filling, these containers are generally stacked on pallets. To ensure pallet stability for storage and transport, as well as to prevent bottles from breaking, the containers require a certain "filled topload," meaning a resistance to the vertical forces occurring during stacking. In lighter beverage containers, this resistance builds up due to the vertical compression of the container and the parallel increase in internal pressure. The areas where the container can be compressed are typically the bottom and any areas in the center of the container with a smaller diameter (pinch).

[0002] Here, due to the smaller diameter of the container, the internal pressure in the vertical direction contributes less to the force the container can exert. In this case, deformation occurs, which builds up the topload. The shoulder of the container should generally not collapse, as deformations there do not reverse themselves when the load is removed. The container is deformed in this way, particularly by the snapping of a mouthpiece into the shoulder.

[0003] If the container is deformed at the base, there is a high probability that it will tilt after the load is removed. Deformation more towards the center of the container also carries the risk of tilted containers and permanent design changes that are detrimental to the brand image. Furthermore, with slender containers, deformation can lead to significant buckling, resulting in pallet instability.

[0004] Document WO 2015 / 076362 A1 discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide a plastic container that can withstand a certain top load or stresses in its longitudinal direction. In particular, it should not cause permanent deformation of the container.

[0006] This objective is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] A plastic container according to the invention for holding liquids, and in particular beverages, has a base section, a main body adjoining the base section which forms a receiving volume for the liquid and extends in a longitudinal direction of the plastic container. In addition, a shoulder section is provided in which the cross-section decreases in the longitudinal direction, and an opening section adjoining the shoulder section in the longitudinal direction, in which an opening is formed through which the liquid can be supplied to the container. The shoulder section and the opening section are arranged in an upper section of the plastic container with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0008] According to the invention, the plastic 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 plastic container is deformable with respect to its longitudinal direction and in particular elastically deformable.

[0009] Therefore, the invention proposes providing for a deformation of the container, particularly in the aforementioned deformation area and especially below the shoulder area. This area has not previously been used as a deformation area in the prior art.

[0010] The container is particularly preferably compressible in its longitudinal direction, especially through the aforementioned deformation area.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the container is a disposable plastic container.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the container is intended for holding non-carbonated beverages.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, this compressible deformation area has an approximately constant diameter.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, this compressible deformation area has a non-constant diameter, but is conical. The ribbing present in this section ensures that the section can be compressed stably and does not fold inwards. This is achieved by a corresponding rib geometry that, when compressed in this section, causes the ribs to support each other.

[0015] In one embodiment, the rib geometry produces a defined deformation pattern.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the deformation area has several

[0017] The grooves are formed. Preferably, at least two of these grooves have different or varying groove depths. Thus, it is possible to have two groups of grooves with different groove depths, but it is also possible to have several, for example at least three or at least four, grooves with different groove depths. Preferably, these grooves are formed at least partially circumferentially around the longitudinal direction of the container.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment, the container is circular or rotationally symmetrical to its longitudinal direction.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the bottom section has a plurality of first ribs extending outwards from a center of the bottom section, and in particular extending radially outwards. Advantageously, a plurality of second ribs are also provided, which extend radially but are preferably shorter than the first ribs. Particularly preferably, the first ribs and the second ribs are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the bottom section.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, the short ribs extend radially inwards and terminate – preferably tapered – before the aforementioned central area. A injection point for the container (i.e., an injection point for the plastic preform from which the container was produced) is particularly preferably also located in the central area.

[0021] The central area and / or the bottom section particularly favorably exhibits a dome-like structure.

[0022] Preferably, the opening has a thread, and in particular an external thread. Specifically, this is a screw thread onto which a container closure can be screwed.

[0023] This container closure could be a conventional container closure. However, other types of closures, such as threadless closures, could also be used. An example of this are so-called snap-on closures, which have no threads but are pressed onto the container.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, the height of the deformation section in the longitudinal direction is less than the height of the base body in the longitudinal direction and / or less than the height in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder area.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the deformation section (relative to the longitudinal direction and to an upright state of the container) is preferably located in the upper half of the container, specifically in the upper third of the plastic container. The upper half is understood to refer to an upright state of the container.

[0026] Preferably, the plastic container is a blow-molded plastic container, and in particular a stretch blow-molded plastic container.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment, the deformation section is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the plastic container directly below the shoulder area.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the deformation section is arranged longitudinally directly above the base body. Preferably, the deformation section connects the base body directly to the shoulder area.

[0029] According to the invention, a conical section is provided between the deformation area and the base body. This conical section preferably tapers towards the opening of the container. According to the invention, the diameter of the container is reduced by at least 5%, preferably by at least 10%, in this conical section. Preferably, the diameter of the container is reduced by at most 50%, more preferably by at most 40%, and most preferably by at most 30%. This section particularly preferably serves to prevent the container from "turtle" and / or tipping over.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the deformation section has a smaller cross-section than the base body, and particularly preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the deformation section is between 60% and 98% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the base body, preferably between 70% and 95% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the base body, preferably between 80% and 95% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the base body.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the deformation section tapers upwards in the longitudinal direction of the container. Preferably, the ratio of the minimum cross-section of the deformation section to its maximum cross-section is between 0.35 and 0.80, more preferably between 0.45 and 0.70, and most preferably between 0.55 and 0.60.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, the base body has a labeling area in which the cross-section of the container is essentially constant in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, this labeling area is formed within the base body in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the labeling area connects a first section of the base body with a second section of the base body.

[0033] Preferably, the base body has a smaller cross-section in the labeling area than in the areas above and below 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 area. These grooves preferably have the same cross-section. These grooves preferably contribute to the stability of the container in the radial direction.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, at least partially continuous grooves are provided. These improve grip stability and / or maintain a more stable diameter. It is possible that some grooves are slightly deeper to further enhance grip stability.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastic container has at least one first circumferential rib in the deformation section, which is at least partially circumferential. Preferably, this rib or groove is directed towards the inner volume of the container. Particularly preferably, this rib has sections with different radii of curvature and / or different cross-sections.

[0036] In a plane containing 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, preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Particularly preferably, this groove also has a straight section, which particularly preferably widens outwards, from top to bottom.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the first rib has several rib sections which are connected to one another in the circumferential direction of the deformation section. Preferably, these rib sections are directly adjacent to one another. Particularly preferably, these rib sections are arranged at the same height with respect to the longitudinal direction of the container. Particularly preferably, the ribs are composed of n repeating identical circumferential segments (n = 2 ... 13). Particularly preferably, the rib sections widen from a first starting point and then taper again.

[0038] Particularly preferred is the number of these rib sections greater than two, preferably greater than three, and preferably greater than four. In a further advantageous embodiment, the number of rib sections is less than 13, preferably less than 12, preferably less than 10, and preferably less than 7.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, the plastic container has a second circumferential rib in the deformation section, the second circumferential rib being offset from the first rib in the longitudinal direction. Particularly preferably, the second rib adjoins the first rib directly in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] The second rib is particularly preferably designed in a similar way to the first rib and in particular has a similar cross-section.

[0041] Preferably, the second rib also has several rib sections which connect to one another in the circumferential direction of the deformation section, wherein the rib sections of the second rib are advantageously offset and / or twisted relative to the rib sections of the first rib in the circumferential direction. Particularly preferably, the second ribs are offset relative to the first ribs by half a division. Preferably, the number of second rib sections corresponds to the number of first rib sections.

[0042] Particularly preferably, the first rib sections and / or the second rib sections enclose an angle greater than 25° in the circumferential direction of the container, 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 less than 200° in the circumferential direction of the container, preferably less than 180°, preferably less than 140°, preferably less than 130°, and particularly preferably less than 100°.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the plastic container has a third rib in the deformation area, which is preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the container above the first and second ribs. This third rib also preferably has several rib segments. The rib segments of the third rib are preferably rotated or offset relative to the rib segments of the second rib in the circumferential direction. The rib segments of the third rib are preferably arranged in the same rotational positions relative to the rib segments of the first rib.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, an additional circumferentially extending rib and / or groove is formed in the shoulder section. This rib is particularly preferably formed with a uniform cross-section and is particularly preferably fully circumferential. This additional rib particularly preferably serves to relieve stress on the plastic container. This additional rib is particularly preferably smaller in cross-section than the ribs in the deformation area.

[0045] Within the scope of the invention, it is therefore proposed to create a region directly below the shoulder area, which preferably has a conical or dome shape, that allows for spring action. This is the aforementioned deformation section. To achieve this elastic deformation, the interrupted ribs, a diameter reduced compared to the main diameter, and the aforementioned relief rib above the deformation section are proposed, as mentioned above.

[0046] The geometric design of the container described here places the deformation required to build up the necessary topload in the upper part of the container and, moreover, makes it reversible. This prevents the design from being damaged by the topload. This offers advantages both for stacking the container and for the integrity of the design. Therefore, even with very low container weights, mechanically stable and easily stackable bottles can be produced.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the plastic container has a holding volume greater than 100 ml, preferably greater than 300 ml, and more preferably greater than 400 ml. In a further preferred embodiment, the plastic container has a holding volume of at most 8 liters, preferably at most 2.0 liters, and more preferably at most 1.5 liters.

[0048] The present invention further relates to a mold and, in particular, a blow mold for producing a plastic container of the type described above. This blow mold is preferably designed in at least two parts, and more preferably in at least three parts. The blow mold particularly preferably has at least two side parts which have a corresponding negative of the plastic container to be produced or whose inner wall is designed accordingly.

[0049] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a container of the type described above. In particular, the method is a blow molding process, and more specifically a stretch blow molding process.

[0050] The containers described above are preferably manufactured using a rotary machine.

[0051] Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the attached drawings: These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a plastic container according to the invention; Fig. 2a,b two detailed views of the upper area of ​​a plastic container; Fig. 3 a front view of the container Fig. 1 shown plastic container; Fig. 4 Detail B from Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 Detail C from Fig. 3 Fig. 6 a top view of the plastic container according to the invention; Fig. 7 a bottom view of the base section of the plastic container; Fig. 8 Detail E from Fig. 3 Fig. 9 a view of the container in section AA from Fig. 3 .

[0052] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a view of a plastic container 1 according to the invention. This container has a bottom section 2. A base body 4 of the container, which forms a substantial part of the receiving volume for a liquid, is attached to this bottom section 2. A labeling area 42 is provided within this base body. The reference numeral hG denotes the height of this base body in the longitudinal direction of the container. The reference numeral hB denotes the height of the bottom section (also in the longitudinal direction).

[0053] The lower shoulder adjoins the main body in the longitudinal direction L of the container, followed by the aforementioned deformation section 6, which has a height hD. The shoulder area 8 of the container adjoins this deformation section 6, and this in turn leads to an opening area 10 with a height hM.

[0054] It can be seen that the base 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 area and also less than the height hG of the base body.

[0055] Reference numeral 12 refers to a conical area, which is preferably arranged between the deformation section and the base body 4 and which particularly preferably tapers upwards.

[0056] Fig. 2a shows a detailed view of the in Fig. 1 shown container.

[0057] It can be seen that in the deformation section 6, two grooves 62 and 64 are arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction L. The groove 62 has three groove sections 62a, 62b, and 62c, which are adjacent to one another and lie one behind the other in the circumferential direction. The base of each of these three groove sections is the same size. The cross-section of a groove section, such as groove section 62b, preferably widens from its starting point A into 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 that extends through the center of the groove sections in the longitudinal direction of the container and runs in a radial direction of the plastic container.

[0058] It can be seen that groove sections 64a and 64b are offset by half a division in the circumferential direction of the container compared to groove sections 62a, 62b and 62c.

[0059] In addition, a further groove 82 is provided (above grooves 62, 64), which is formed in the shoulder area 8. It can be seen that this further groove is formed continuously around the circumference without interruption.

[0060] Fig. 2b shows a further detailed representation of a slightly modified container, which, however, can preferably be combined with the above designs.

[0061] It can be seen that in the deformation section 6, three grooves 62, 64, and 66 are arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction L. The groove 62 has three groove sections 62a, 62b, and 62c, which are adjacent to one another and lie one behind the other in the circumferential direction. The base of each of these three groove sections is the same size. The cross-section of a groove section, such as groove section 62b, preferably widens from its starting point A into 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 that extends through the center of the groove sections in the longitudinal direction of the container and runs in a radial direction of the plastic container.

[0062] It can be seen that groove sections 64a and 64b are offset by half a division in the circumferential direction of the container compared to groove sections 62a, 62b and 62c.

[0063] Groove 66 also has three groove sections 66a, 66b and 66c. In the rotational position, these are arranged in the same position as groove sections 62a, 62b and 62c of groove 62.

[0064] In addition, a further groove 82 is provided (above grooves 62, 64, 66), which is formed in the shoulder area 8. It can be seen that this further groove is formed continuously around the entire circumference.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a representation of the in Fig. 2 The container shown, with individual sections A, B, C, and E highlighted for further illustration, reveals that numerous grooves are formed both above and below the labeling area 42.

[0066] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a detailed view of the base body and the grooves arranged therein. It can be seen that these grooves are connected by a very short groove base. The grooves have a radius of curvature between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 1.8 mm, and most preferably between 1.3 mm and 1.7 mm.

[0067] Fig. 5 This shows a detailed view of an area of ​​the uppermost groove 66 in the deformation section. It can be seen that, viewed from above, the wall has a radius of curvature R1 and below it transitions via an inwardly curved radius of curvature R2 into an approximately straight section.

[0068] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the in Fig. 1 The container shown is essentially rotationally symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal direction L. The grooves 62, 64, and 66 in the deformation section are also visible from above.

[0069] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a view from below of the bottom section of the container. Here, a total of eight long, radially extending ribs 32 can be seen, which terminate in the central area 34 of the bottom section. The reference numeral 36 indicates a center point of the bottom section which preferably contains the injection point.

[0070] Reference numerals 38 denote further – albeit shortened – radial ribs, each arranged between the first reinforcing ribs 32. These second radial ribs 38 also extend in the radial direction R, but not to the central area; instead, they terminate approximately halfway across the bottom section.

[0071] Fig. 8 shows a view along the arrows EE from Fig. 3 , i.e., in the area of ​​the first rib 62 of the deformation section. It can be seen that a total of four rib sections 62A, 62B, 62C and 62D are provided here. The cross-section is at its maximum at the respective connection points between the rib sections 62.

[0072] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the container according to the invention. Numerous diameters D1 to D14 are shown. For example, diameter D3, which is also the diameter of the container's base, can be seen. In the area of ​​the labeling section, a maximum cross-section D4 and a minimum cross-section D5 are shown. These preferably differ by less than 10%, preferably by less than 5%.

[0073] The upper section of the base body also shows two diameters D6 and D7, which are also only slightly different.

[0074] The diameters D8 - D12 identify the individual ribs 62, 64, in deformation section 6. It can be seen that rib 64 has a smaller diameter overall than rib 62.

[0075] It can also be seen that the floor section extends slightly inwards, which is indicated by the distance A1. The reference symbol hE denotes the height of the labeled section 42.

Claims

1. Plastics material container (1) for holding liquids, especially beverages, comprising a bottom section (2) , a main body (4) adjoining the bottom section (2) that forms a holding volume for holding the liquid and that extends in a longitudinal direction (L) of the plastics material container, a shoulder region (8) adjoining the main body in the longitudinal direction (L), in which a cross-section in the longitudinal direction (L) is reduced and with a mouth region (10) which adjoins the shoulder region (8) in the longitudinal direction (L), in which a mouth is formed, via which the liquid can be supplied to the container, wherein the shoulder region and the mouth region being arranged in an upper section of the plastics material container in relation to the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the plastics material container has a deformation section (6) in the upper section and in the longitudinal direction (L) below the mouth section (10), in which deformation section the plastics material container (1) is elastically deformable with respect to its longitudinal direction, wherein the deformation section (6) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (L) directly below the shoulder region (8), such that deformation of the container is provided in the deformation section below the shoulder region and the container is compressible in its longitudinal direction through the deformation section, characterized in that a tapered section (12) is provided between the deformation section (6) and the main body (4), wherein the tapered section (12) tapers toward the mouth of the container and in this tapered region the diameter of the container is reduced by at least 5%.

2. Plastics material container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation section (6) is arranged in an upper half, preferably in an upper third, of the plastics material container.

3. Plastics material container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation section (6) is arranged directly above the main body (4) in the longitudinal direction (L).

4. Plastics material container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation section (6) has a smaller average cross-section than the main body (4) and / or the deformation section (6) has a larger average cross-section than the shoulder region.

5. Plastics material container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body has a labeling region (42) in which a cross-section of the container in the longitudinal direction is substantially constant.

6. Plastics material container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastics material container has in the deformation section (6) a first rib (62) that is circumferential at least in sections.

7. Plastics material container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first rib (62) has several rib sections (62a, 62b, 62c) which adjoin each other in the circumferential direction of the deformation section.

8. Plastics material container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the number of rib sections is greater than 2, preferably greater than 3 and preferably greater than 4 and / or the number of rib sections is less than 13, preferably less than 12, preferably less than 10 and preferably less than 7.

9. Plastics material container (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the plastics material container has, in the deformation section (6), at least one second, in particular a third, fourth and fifth, rib (64) 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 (62).

10. Plastics material container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second rib (64) and, preferably additional ribs, has, in the deformation region, several rib sections (64a, 64b, 64c) which adjoin one another in the circumferential direction of the deformation section, wherein the rib sections (64a, 64b, 64c) of the second rib (64) being advantageously offset and / or twisted with respect to the rib sections (62a, 62b, 62c) in the circumferential direction.

11. Plastics material container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further rib (42), extending in the circumferential direction, which is preferably circumferential, is formed in the main body.

12. Mold tool, in particular blow mold, for producing a plastics material container according to at least one of the preceding claims.

13. Method for producing a container according to at least one of the preceding claims.