Plastic containers

Abstract

A plastic container (1, 1") is disclosed having a container body (10, 10', 10") forming a filling volume and a gripping opening (11, 11") through the container body (10, 10', 10"). The gripping opening (11, 11") forms a handle (12, 12', 12", 12"') with a partial area (10a, 10a', 10a") of the container body (10, 10', 10"). A handle insert (13, 13', 13", 13"') is provided in the gripping opening (11, 11").

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a plastic container having a container body forming a filling volume and a gripping opening through the container body. The gripping opening forms a handle with a partial area of the container body. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various plastic containers are known from the prior art.

[0003] Various different methods are known for manufacturing plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles, the application of which also depends, inter alia, on the plastic used. Typically, plastic containers are manufactured by means of a blow molding process, in which a plastic container, for example a plastic bottle, is blown into its final shape by means of overpressure in a blow mold. In blow molding, various different process techniques are distinguished, among which particular mention is to be made of the extrusion blow molding process, the injection blow molding and the injection stretch blow molding process. In the extrusion blow molding process, a single- or multi-layer plastic tube is hot-extruded, introduced into a blow mold and blown into a plastic container by means of a blow mandrel which is moved into the mold cavity of the blow mold. The injection blow molding process is a combination of injection molding and blow molding. First, a preform is manufactured in an injection mold by means of an injection molding process. The preform is demolded from the injection mold (if necessary, after a pretreatment) and introduced into the mold cavity of a blow mold, where it is finally blown into the shape prescribed by the mold cavity by means of overpressure. Here, only the region of the preform below the neck is blown, the neck typically already having its final shape after injection molding. In the injection stretch blow molding process, the preform introduced into the mold cavity is additionally stretched by means of a stretching mandrel during the blow molding. The manufacture of the preform by means of an injection molding process can be followed immediately by the blowing. In an alternative manufacturing process, the further processing of the preform can also be carried out spatially and / or temporally separately from the manufacture of the preform. Finally, it should also be mentioned that the preform can also be manufactured by means of an impact extrusion process or an extrusion blow molding process.

[0004] Furthermore, plastic containers are known which have an integral handle, wherein it has been shown that essentially only plastic containers having a handle which is separate from the rest of the container and which can be completely surrounded by the hand are adopted by users. A relatively simple solution for providing such a handle is achieved in that the plastic container has a gripping opening through the container body.

[0005] A plastic container, in particular made of PET, having a gripping opening and a corresponding handle is known from WO 2017 / 211540 A1. The gripping opening of the plastic container of WO 2017 / 211540 A1 is obtained in that, after stretch blow molding of the plastic container, two wall portions are fused to one another, whereupon the corresponding region which is separated from the container by the fusion seam is detached from the container.

[0006] A similar plastic container made of polypropylene is known from EP 1 835 461 A2.

[0007] Both plastic containers have a connecting seam in the region of the gripping opening. This can form a weak point on the plastic container, which is disadvantageous in particular in mail order, since the handling of the product cannot be completely controlled and can repeatedly exceed the permissible quality load. Since the connecting seam is manufactured on the blow-molded plastic container, it must be carefully rounded for a pleasant feel and in particular to reduce the risk of injury to the user, which requires an additional processing step. SUMMARY

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present application to eliminate at least one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a plastic container should be provided which is stable, preferably has an attractive appearance and in particular has a pleasant feel and / or has a reduced risk of injury.

[0009] This object is achieved by the plastic container defined in the present application. Further embodiments result from the following.

[0010] The plastic container according to the application has a container body which forms a filling volume and a gripping opening which passes through the container body. The gripping opening forms a handle with a partial region of the container body. A handle insert is provided in the gripping opening. Thereby, a partial section of the handle insert is likewise a component of the handle.

[0011] The handle insert is provided in the gripping opening, in particular completely within the gripping opening, so as to provide the handle with a contour / inner contour which is independent of the contour and / or the dimensions, i.e. the specific configuration, of the gripping opening. Thereby, in particular plastic shapes or structures can be provided which are difficult to manufacture by means of a blow-molding process.

[0012] Furthermore, the provision of the handle insert in the gripping opening makes it possible for a connecting seam, for example a fusion seam, which extends along the periphery of the gripping opening, if necessary within the gripping opening, to be covered with the handle insert, so that this connecting seam can no longer be touched by the user.

[0013] The handle insert therefore completely surrounds the connecting seam along the inner contour or the periphery of the gripping opening.

[0014] The container body has two cross sections which are separate from one another in the region of the gripping opening, however, which are connected to one another above and below the gripping opening and thus form a common filling volume. Typically, the cross section of the partial region which forms the handle is many times smaller than the other cross section.

[0015] It can be provided that the handle insert has a parting plane.

[0016] This makes it possible for the handle insert to be inserted into the gripping opening even when the handle insert is configured in a region of the end or surface thereof which points outwardly, which is larger than the clear cross section of the gripping opening, so that with the handle insert a partial region of the container body which extends along the periphery of the gripping opening can be covered.

[0017] It is conceivable here that the parting plane is arranged substantially in the direction of the gripping opening, so that the handle insert can be inserted substantially helically into the gripping opening.

[0018] It is likewise conceivable that the handle insert is configured from two parts, which have a parting plane in the direction of the gripping opening. This makes it possible for a first half of the handle insert to be inserted into the gripping opening and to be moved substantially along the mold parting plane of the plastic container, and for a second half of the handle insert to be inserted substantially likewise into the gripping opening and to be moved oppositely.

[0019] Preferably, the handle insert is configured from two parts and has a first housing and a second housing.

[0020] This makes it possible for the handle insert to be inserted partially from multiple sides into the gripping opening.

[0021] The parting plane of the handle insert can be configured substantially parallel to the mold parting plane of the plastic container.

[0022] The parting plane is configured substantially parallel to the mold parting plane of the plastic container, which makes it possible for the handle insert to be inserted from both sides into the gripping opening, which is divided into two halves, which currently correspond to the first housing and the second housing of the handle insert. This makes it possible for the respective handle insert to be installed simply and in particular mechanically in the plastic container.

[0023] It can be provided here that the first housing has a first contact surface and the second housing has a second contact surface, which are aligned with one another. In other words, on the first housing and the second housing there is respectively provided a surface which is substantially complementary to one another, which can be attached and / or operatively connected to one another.

[0024] This makes it possible on the one hand to maintain a certain spacing between the surfaces which are located externally on the handle insert, and on the other hand to provide and / or apply a respective adhesive material on these surfaces, which connects the first housing to the second housing.

[0025] The first contact surface and the second contact surface can be connected to one another, in particular bonded to one another or welded to one another.

[0026] Correspondingly, an adhesive is provided as adhesive material, wherein in this case the adhesive can be easily applied to the respective contact surfaces and connected to one another once these contact surfaces are pressed together.

[0027] Likewise, the fusion enables the first housing and the second housing to be connected reliably and durably via the contact surface. However, fusion is not equally suitable for all plastics, so that more or less fusion-preparatory measures must be taken for different plastics.

[0028] However, it is also possible to provide that the connection between the first housing and the second housing is configured as an additional or alternative mechanical connection. Here, it is possible to provide that the first housing and the second housing are connected to one another by means of a snap connection.

[0029] The snap connection is characterized in that a first element is connected with a second element, wherein at least one of the elements is deformed elastically at least partially and the deformation is completely restored after the connection. It is also possible for the connection to be under a certain stress in the final state, too, with only partial restoration.

[0030] Here, an opening or a bottom recess can be formed on the first element, for example on the first housing, and an elastically deformable protrusion can be formed on the second element, i.e. on the second housing, which can be engaged into the respective bottom recess or the respective opening.

[0031] It is also conceivable to provide a threaded connection as a connection for a handle insert which is rotationally symmetrical about an axis.

[0032] The plastic container can have a circumferential protrusion in the grip opening. The handle insert can have a first and a second pressing element, wherein the first and the second pressing element are pressed against the protrusion under a pretension.

[0033] It goes without saying that the pretension is exerted in the state of completed assembly, i.e. when the first housing and the second housing are connected to one another.

[0034] This enables the plastic container in the region of the grip opening, here the protrusion, to be pressed and to reduce the load occurring inside the protrusion and / or to guide the load out onto the handle insert. This generally results in a reinforcement of the region. It is possible to provide that a circumferential connection seam is provided in the grip opening.

[0035] The provision of the connection seam in the grip opening enables the connection seam to be covered and / or concealed with the handle insert.

[0036] The connection seam can be configured as part of the protrusion. By being configured as part of the protrusion, the connection seam is accessible before insertion into the grip region and can be provided at a distance from the rest of the container body. In other words, the connection seam is spaced apart from the direction of the container body towards the center of the grip opening via the protrusion of the container body.

[0037] A further aspect of the application relates to a plastic container. The plastic container has a container body which forms a filling volume and a gripping opening which passes through the container body. The gripping opening forms a handle with a partial region of the container body. A handle insert can be provided in the gripping opening. In this case, a partial section of the handle insert is likewise a component of the handle. The plastic container is constructed in particular as described herein.

[0038] The plastic container can have a pressure reduction groove in the gripping opening. The pressure reduction groove enables the energy of a shock wave to be reduced, which is transmitted from the liquid onto the plastic container when the liquid-filled plastic container is hit.

[0039] Here, the pressure reduction groove is configured as a notch in the plastic container.

[0040] The pressure reduction groove can be configured as a part of the protrusion. Here, a bottom gap is formed with respect to the protrusion, viewed in the direction of the plastic container from the center of the gripping opening, or viewed in the direction of the partial region of the plastic container which belongs to the handle. As a result, the free cross section narrows in this direction. As a result, a stretch or a bulge is produced in the protrusion with respect to the pressure reduction groove.

[0041] The bottom gap forms points inside the plastic container. These points are flexible, which means that they bend when a shock wave occurs, thereby absorbing a portion of the energy of the shock wave.

[0042] Furthermore, the space in the region of the protrusion widens with respect to the narrowest cross section. These stretches or bulges result in vortices in the liquid, which further reduce the energy of the shock wave.

[0043] It can be provided that the handle insert has a protruding element which engages at least partially into the pressure reduction groove.

[0044] This aspect improves the stability, and on the other hand, the position of the handle insert with respect to the plastic container can be improved or more precisely maintained.

[0045] Preferably, the pressure reduction groove is covered by the handle insert. This improves the feel and the appearance of the plastic container.

[0046] In the construction of the plastic container as described herein, the handle insert and its first and second pressing elements place the protrusion under pretension, and the connecting seam can be correspondingly relieved. As a result, forces which occur, for example, when the plastic container is shaken or mishandled, can be at least partially received by the handle insert, and the forces acting on the connecting seam which arise therefrom are significantly reduced.

[0047] The first and / or second pressing element can be configured from multiple parts. The respective pressing element can consist, for example, of a plurality of individual ribs.

[0048] This saves material on the one hand and enables the introduction of pre-tension points into the protrusion on the other hand.

[0049] Preferably, the handle insert has reinforcing ribs, in particular arranged between the respective pressing element and the surface to which it belongs. Here, respectively, the outwardly directed surface of the handle insert is meant, which provides the surface of the handle.

[0050] The construction with reinforcing ribs is particularly advantageous when the surface of the handle insert has a large spacing relative to the container body and / or when a high overlap between the handle insert and the container body is intended.

[0051] The plastic container can be a stretch-blow-molded plastic container, in particular made of PET, PET-G, EBM-PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, PEN, PHA, PHB, PEIT, PCTG, LLDPE, MDPE and copolymers of the aforementioned plastics, bioplastics, in particular PLA or PEF, filled plastics and mixtures of the aforementioned plastics.

[0052] The handle insert can be an injection-molded part, in particular made of PET, PET-G, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, PEN, PHA, PHB, PEIT, PCTG, LLDPE, MDPE and copolymers of the aforementioned plastics, bioplastics, in particular PLA or PEF, filled plastics and mixtures of the aforementioned plastics.

[0053] Preferably, the plastic container and the handle insert are made of the same material.

[0054] In the recycling process, a time- and labor-consuming separation process can be dispensed with.

[0055] As already mentioned, the handle insert is arranged in the gripping opening. That is to say, the handle insert does not, for example, completely surround an element or partial region of the plastic container. Preferably, the handle insert is arranged completely within the enclosed outer contour of the plastic container. In other words, the surface of the handle insert does not protrude beyond the enclosed outer contour of the plastic container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0056] The application is further illustrated by means of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the only diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:

[0057] Figure 1 : a plastic container is shown;

[0058] Figure 2 : a sectional view along the line A-A is shown; Figure 1 of the plastic container;

[0059] Figure 3 : a sectional view along the line B-B is shown; Figure 2exploded view of the handle insert of

[0060] Figure 4 a further embodiment of the plastic container of Figure 2 is shown;

[0061] Figure 5 an exploded view of the handle insert of Figure 4 is shown;

[0062] Figure 6 an exploded view of the handle insert of Figure 4 and Figure 5 is shown;

[0063] Figure 7 an exploded view of the handle insert of Figure 6 is shown;

[0064] Figure 8 a further embodiment of the handle insert is shown;

[0065] Figure 9 an exploded view of the handle insert of Figure 8 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 A plastic container 1 having a container body 10 is shown. The container body 10 provides a filling volume (not shown in detail). The container body 10 is penetrated by a gripping opening 11 and is thus composed of two parts in the region of the gripping opening 11. The container body 10 thus has two different cross sections in this region. A handle insert 13 is arranged within the gripping opening 11. The handle insert 13 forms, with a partial region 10a of the container body 10, a handle 12 for holding and operating the plastic container 1.

[0067] Figure 2 a sectional view of the plastic container of Figure 1 is shown along the line A-A. A handle insert 13 is arranged within the gripping opening 11. Here, the handle insert 13 has a first housing 13a and a second housing 13b, which are connected to one another along a parting plane 14. The parting plane 14 is located substantially in a mold parting plane (not shown in detail) of the plastic container 1 (see Figure 1). The handle insert 13 forms the handle 12 together with a partial area 10a of the container body 10. The handle insert 13 has a first outwardly directed surface 135 and a second outwardly directed surface 136. Outwardly directed here means that the respective outer surface or surface faces towards the outer contour of the plastic container 1. However, the handle insert 13 is arranged completely within the enclosed outer contour of the plastic container 1. In other words, the surfaces 135 and 136 of the handle insert do not protrude from the enclosed outer contour of the plastic container 1. If the gripping opening 11 is not provided, the enclosed outer contour of the plastic container 1 is located in the area of the gripping opening 11, i.e. essentially a stable connection of the surface of the container body 10 directly adjacent to the gripping opening. The first shell 13a has a first pressing element 133 and the second shell 13b has a second pressing element 134. The container body 10 has a circumferential bulge 16 in the area of the gripping opening 11, on which a connecting seam 17 is arranged. In the present embodiment, the circumferential bulge 16 has two outwardly directed arches or elevations. They are connected to the plastic container via a pressure relief groove 161. The cross section thus has a constriction in the area of the pressure relief groove 161 and an expansion in the area of the bulge 16. The first pressing element 133 and the second pressing element 134 are in operative connection with the bulge 16 and here with the respective arch. The first shell 13a and the second shell 13b are pressed against one another by the first and second contact surfaces 131, 132 (see Figure 3 ). Accordingly, there is a specific spacing between the first pressing element 133 and the second pressing element 134, which is smaller than the minimum width of the circumferential bulge 16 at the respective location. As a result, the circumferential bulge 16 is squeezed by the first pressing element 133 and the second pressing element 134 and is in a pre-tensioned state. As a result, the forces occurring in this area are now received by the handle insert 13. Thus, the connecting seam 17, which is located within the contour of the handle insert 13, is relieved of pressure.

[0068] Figure 3 An exploded view of the handle insert 13 is shown in a three-dimensional view. Figure 2 The handle insert 13 comprises a first shell 13a and a second shell 13b. The first shell 13a has a first contact surface 131. Along the periphery of the first contact surface 131 there is arranged a first pressing element 133, which here is formed by a plurality of individual ribs. Likewise, the second shell 13b has a second contact surface 132. Along the periphery of the second contact surface 132 there is likewise arranged a second pressing element 134. This second pressing element 134 is also formed by a plurality of individual ribs. During normal use, the first contact surface 131 faces towards the second contact surface 132.

[0069] In the present case, the first contact surface 131 and the second contact surface 132 are configured to be substantially flat. In order to connect the first shell 13a with the second shell 13b, in the present embodiment, an adhesive is applied to the first and / or second contact surface 131, 132 and the first shell 13a and the second shell 13b are pressed against each other with their contact surfaces 131, 132.

[0070] Figure 4 A sectional view corresponding to the view of Figure 2 is shown by the plastic container 1. The plastic container 1 corresponds to the plastic container of Figure 1 . A handle insert 13' is provided within the gripping opening 11. The handle insert 13' is also provided to lie completely within the outer contour of the plastic container 1. Here, the handle insert 13' has a first shell 13a' and a second shell 13b', which are connected to each other along a parting plane 14'. The parting plane 14' lies substantially in the mold parting plane (not shown in detail) of the plastic container 1. The handle insert 13' forms, together with a partial region 10a' of the container body 10, a handle 12'. The handle insert 13' has a first outwardly directed surface 135' and a second outwardly directed surface 136'. Outwardly directed here means that the respective outer surface or surface faces towards the outer contour of the plastic container 1. The first shell 13a' has a first pressing element 133' and the second shell 13b' has a second pressing element 134'. The container body 10 has a circumferential bulge 16 in the region of the gripping opening 11, on which a connecting seam 17' is provided. In the present embodiment, the circumferential bulge 16' has two outwardly directed arches or elevations. They are connected to the plastic container via a pressure relief groove 161'. The cross section thus has a constriction in the region of the pressure relief groove 161' and an expansion in the region of the bulge 16'. The first pressing element 133' and the second pressing element 134' are in operative connection with the bulge 16' and here with the respective arch. The first shell 13a' and the second shell 13b' lie against each other by means of the first and second contact surfaces 131', 132' (see Figure 5 ). Accordingly, there is a specific distance between the first pressing element 133' and the second pressing element 134', which is smaller than the minimum width of the circumferential bulge 16'. As a result, the circumferential bulge 16' is squeezed by the first pressing element 133' and the second pressing element 134' and is in a pre-tensioned state. As a result, the forces occurring in this region are now received by the handle insert 13'. The connecting seam 17' located within the contour of the handle insert 13' is thus relieved of pressure.

[0071] Figure 5 The view of Figure 4Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the handle insert 13' according to the present application. The handle insert 13' comprises a first housing 13a' and a second housing 13b'. The first housing 13a' has a first contact surface 131 '. Along the periphery of the first contact surface 131'a first pressing element 133' is provided, which in this configuration is configured as a circumferential shoulder. Likewise, the second housing 13b' has a second contact surface 132'. Along the periphery of the second contact surface 132' a second pressing element 134' is likewise provided. The second pressing element 134' is also configured as a circumferential protrusion. In normal use, the first contact surface 131'faces the second contact surface 132'.

[0072] In the present case, the first contact surface 131'and the second contact surface 132' are configured to be substantially flat. In order to connect the first housing 13a' with the second housing 13b', in the present embodiment four snap connections 15a', 15b' are provided, of which only one of the snap connections 15a', 15b' is shown for the sake of clarity and explained in more detail here. The snap connections 15a', 15b' have a first element 15a' and a second element 15b', wherein the first element 15a' is configured as an opening with a bottom gap and the second element 15b' is configured as an elastically deformable protrusion. In engagement, the elements 15a' and 15b' engage with one another, thereby forming a connection between the first housing 13a' and the second housing 13b'.

[0073] According to Figure 5 The handle insert 13' is provided with reinforcing ribs 137', which are provided between the first pressing element 133' and the surface 135' to which it belongs, or between the second pressing element 134' and the surface 136' to which it belongs, respectively.

[0074] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of the handle insert 13' is shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 Figure 6 The alternative embodiment of the handle insert 13' is shown by means of a plastic container 1". Figure 2 ​corresponding to the view in Fig. 1 1. The handle insert 13" is arranged within the gripping opening 1 1". The handle insert 13" is also arranged to lie completely within the outer contour of the plastic container 1". Here, the handle insert 13" has a first shell 13a" and a second shell 13b", which are connected to one another along a parting plane 14". The parting plane 14" lies substantially in the mold parting plane (not shown in detail) of the plastic container 1". The handle insert 13" forms the handle 12" together with a partial region 10a" of the container body 10. The handle insert 13" has a first outwardly directed surface 135" and a second outwardly directed surface 136". Outwardly directed here means that the respective outer surface or surface faces toward the outer contour of the plastic container 1". The first shell 13a" has a first pressing element 133" and the second shell 13b" has a second pressing element 134". The container body 10" has a surrounding connecting seam 17" in the region of the gripping opening 1 1", which projects from the container body 10" and thus provides an element corresponding to the projection 17" of the embodiment according to Figure 4 In the present embodiment, the surrounding connecting seam 17" has two substantially flat sections of the wall of the plastic container 10". These flat sections are connected to the plastic container via pressure-relief grooves (not shown in detail). The first pressing element 133" and the second pressing element 134" are in operative connection with these walls and thus with the connecting seam 17". The first pressing element 133" and the second pressing element 134" press the walls of the connecting seam 17" against one another such that the connecting seam 17" is in a pre-tensioned state.

[0075] As a result, forces that now arise in this region are received by the handle insert 13". As a result, the connecting seam 17" that lies within the contour of the handle insert 13" is relieved of pressure.

[0076] Figure 7 An exploded view of the handle insert 13" is shown in a three-dimensional view. Figure 6 The handle insert 13" comprises a first shell 13a" and a second shell 13b". The first shell 13a" has a first pressing element 133", which is configured here as a surrounding face. Likewise, the second shell 13b' has a second pressing element 134'. The second pressing element 134' is also configured as a surrounding face. In the course of normal use, the first pressing element 133" faces toward the second pressing element 134".

[0077] In order to connect the first shell 13a" with the second shell 13b", in the present embodiment five snap connections 15a", 15b" are provided, wherein for the sake of clarity only one of the snap connections 15a", 15b" is shown and explained in more detail here. The snap connections 15a", 15b" have a first element 15a" and a second element 15b", wherein the first element 15a" is configured as an opening with a bottom gap and the second element 15b" is configured as an elastically deformable protrusion. In the engaged state, the elements 15a" and 15b" engage with each other, thereby forming a connection between the first shell 13a" and the second shell 13b". The first pressing element 133" and the second pressing element 134" then press the walls of the connection seam 17" against each other, so that the connection seam 17" is in a pre-tensioned state (cf. Figure 6 ).

[0078] According to Figure 7 , the handle insert 13" is provided with reinforcing ribs 137", which are respectively arranged between the first pressing element 133" and the surface 135" to which it belongs, or between the second pressing element 134" and the surface 136" to which it belongs. In order to adjust the specific spacing of the pressing elements 134" and 133" to each other, a protrusion 138" can be provided on one of the pressing elements 133" and 134". The protrusion is here configured as a bump, which is arranged on the elastic protrusion.

[0079] Figure 8 A further embodiment of a handle insert is shown. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view corresponding to the view of Figure 2 is shown by means of a plastic container 1". The plastic container 1" corresponds to the plastic container described in Figure 6 . A handle insert 13"' is arranged within the gripping opening 11". The handle insert 13"' is also arranged so as to lie completely within the outer contour of the plastic container 1". Here, the handle insert 13"' has a first shell 13a"' and a second shell 13b"', which are connected to each other along a parting plane 14"'. The parting plane 14"' lies substantially in the mold parting plane (not shown in detail) of the plastic container 1". The handle insert 13"' forms a handle 12"' together with a partial region 10a"' of the container body 10"'. The handle insert 13"' has a first outwardly directed surface 135"' and a second outwardly directed surface 136"'. Outwardly directed here means that the respective outer surface or surface faces towards the outer contour of the plastic container 1". The first shell 13a"' has a first pressing element 133"' and the second shell 13b"' has a second pressing element 134"'. The container body 10" has a surrounding connection seam 17" in the region of the gripping opening 11", which protrudes from the container body 10" and thus provides a connection corresponding to the connection according to Figure 4of the embodiment. In the present embodiment, the circumferential connecting seam 17" has two sections of the substantially flat wall of the plastic container 10". These flat sections are connected to the plastic container via pressure relief grooves (not shown in detail). The first and second pressure elements 133'" and 134'" are in operative connection with these walls and thus with the connecting seam 17". The first and second pressure elements 133" and 134" press the walls of the connecting seam 17" against each other such that the connecting seam 17" is in a pre-tensioned state. At the same time, the first and second housing parts 13a'" and 13b'" are pressed against each other by the first and second contact surfaces 131'", 132'" (see Figure 9 ).

[0080] Thereby, forces now occurring in this region are received by the handle insert 13". Thus, the connecting seam 17" located within the contour of the handle insert 13'" is relieved of pressure.

[0081] Figure 9 An exploded view of the handle insert 13'" is shown in a three-dimensional view. Figure 8 The handle insert 13'" comprises a first housing part 13a'" and a second housing part 13b'". The first housing part 13a'" has a first contact surface 131'". Along the periphery of the first contact surface 131'" a first pressure element 133'" is provided, which in this configuration is embodied as a circumferential shoulder. Likewise, the second housing part 13b'" has a second contact surface 132'". Along the periphery of the second contact surface 132'" a second pressure element 134'" is likewise provided. The second pressure element 134'" is also embodied as a circumferential shoulder. During normal use, the first contact surface 131'" faces the second contact surface 132'".

[0082] In the present case, the first and second contact surfaces 131'" and 132'" are configured to be substantially flat. In order to connect the first housing part 13a'" with the second housing part 13b'", in the present embodiment six plug-in connections are provided. Each plug-in connection has a protrusion 19 and an opening 18. For the sake of clarity, only the elements of the plug-in connections are shown and are explained in detail here. In order to connect the housing parts 13a'" and 13b'", the housing parts 13a'" and 13b'" are moved towards each other and the protrusions 19 are inserted into the openings 18. The protrusions have ribs on the outside such that the outer contour of the protrusions 19 is larger than the inner contour of the openings 18. This enables the protrusions 19 to be clamped in the openings 18. Thus, the housing parts 13a'" and 13b'" can be reliably connected.

[0083] The number of connection elements described herein, for example the number of plug-in connections or the number of snap connections, is to be understood as non-limiting. Preferably, however, at least three connection elements are provided.

Claims

1. A stretch-blow-molded plastic container (1, 1") having a container body (10) forming a filling volume and a gripping opening (11) through the container body (10), wherein the gripping opening (11) forms a handle (12, 12', 12", 12"') with a partial area (10a, 10a', 10a") of the container body (10, 10', 10"), characterized in that a handle insert (13, 13', 13", 13"') is provided in the gripping opening (11, 11"), wherein the handle insert completely surrounds along an inner contour of the gripping opening, a surface of the handle insert does not protrude from an enveloping outer contour of the plastic container, the plastic container is a plastic bottle, and a surrounding connecting seam (17, 17', 17") is provided within the gripping opening (11, 11").

2. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle insert (13, 13', 13", 13"') has a parting plane (14, 14', 14", 14"').

3. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 2, characterized in that the handle insert (13, 13', 13", 13"', 13", 13"') is configured to consist of two parts and has a first shell (13a, 13a', 13a", 13a"') and a second shell (13b, 13b', 13b", 13b"').

4. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 3, characterized in that the parting plane (14, 14', 14", 14"') is configured to be essentially parallel to a mold parting plane of the plastic container (1, 1").

5. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 4, characterized in that the first shell (13a, 13a', 13a"') has a first contact surface (131, 131', 131"') and the second shell (13b, 13b', 13b"') has a second contact surface (132, 132', 132"'), which are aligned with each other.

6. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 5, characterized in that the first contact surface (131, 131', 131"') and the second contact surface (132, 132', 132"') are connected to each other.

7. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 6, characterized in that the first contact surface (131, 131', 131"') and the second contact surface (132, 132', 132"') are bonded or fused to each other.

8. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first shell (13a', 13a"') and the second shell (13b', 13b") are connected to each other by a snap connection (15a', 15a", 15b', 15b").

9. The plastic container (1, 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plastic container (1, 1") has a circumferential protrusion (16, 16') within the gripping opening (11, 11") and the handle insert (13, 13', 13", 13"') has a first pressing element (133, 133', 133", 133"') and a second pressing element (134, 134', 134", 134"'), wherein the first pressing element (133, 133', 133", 133"') and the second pressing element (134, 134', 134", 134"') are pressed against the protrusion (16, 16') under pretension.

10. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting seam (17, 17') is configured as part of the protrusion (16, 16').

11. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 9, characterized in that the first pressing element (133) and / or the second pressing element (134) are configured in multiple parts.

12. The plastic container (1, 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the handle insert (13, 13', 13", 13"') has a reinforcing rib.

13. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 9, characterized in that the handle insert (13, 13', 13", 13"') has a reinforcing rib, which is arranged between the first pressing element (133', 133") or the second pressing element (134', 134") and the surface (135', 135", 136', 136") to which it belongs.

14. The plastic container (1, 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plastic container is made of PET, PET-G, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, PEN, PHA, PHB, PCTG, LLDPE, MDPE, a copolymer of PET, PET-G, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, PEN, PHA, PHB, PCTG, LLDPE, MDPE, a bioplastic or a mixture of PET, PET-G, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, PEN, PHA, PHB, PCTG, LLDPE, MDPE, the copolymer and the bioplastic.

15. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 14, characterized in that the bioplastic is PLA or PEF.

16. The plastic container (1, 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the handle insert (13, 13', 13", 13"') is an injection-molded part.

17. The plastic container (1, 1") according to claim 16, characterized in that The injection-molded piece is made of PET, PET-G, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, PEN, PHA, PHB, PCTG, LLDPE, MDPE, a copolymer of PET, PET-G, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, PEN, PHA, PHB, PCTG, LLDPE, MDPE, a bioplastic, or a mixture of PET, PET-G, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, PEN, PHA, PHB, PCTG, LLDPE, MDPE, the copolymer, and the bioplastic.

18. The plastic container (1, 1”) according to claim 17, characterized in that the bioplastic is PLA or PEF.

19. The plastic container (1, 1”) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the handle insert (13, 13’, 13”, 13”’) and the plastic container (1, 1”) are made of the same material.

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