Plastic container with flat upstanding feet and blow molding apparatus

Abstract

Plastic container with flat standing feet and blow molding device, the container having a bottom region, a base body connected to the bottom region in the longitudinal direction, and a mouth region with a container mouth connected to the base body at least indirectly in the longitudinal direction, the bottom region having at least three standing feet, each standing foot having at least one standing region extending through a standing region circumferential angle in a circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal direction, the standing regions each having at least one standing surface for the vertical standing of the container, at least one groove with a trough bottom being arranged between two adjacent standing feet of the standing feet, the trough bottom serving as a tie and widening out in a radial direction of the container, the three standing feet being delimited in the circumferential direction by a respective foot flank region and in the radial direction by a foot outer region, the three standing feet having at least one flat region in a corner region of the three standing feet, the standing region, the foot flank region and the foot outer region meeting in the corner region, the flat region resulting in a flattening of the respective standing foot in the corner region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a plastic container, preferably a PET plastic container and / or a plastic bottle. More specifically, this invention relates to a plastic container for beverages. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a bottom structure for such plastic containers. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, plastic containers are typically manufactured using blow molding processes, particularly stretch blow molding. In this process, a heated plastic preform expands within a blow mold to form a plastic container or bottle.

[0003] In the prior art, the so-called petal-shaped bottle bottom is known. Containers with petal-shaped bottle bottoms include multiple upright legs, typically five. For example, the bottom of the container bears the weight of the full bottle and is therefore subjected to a relatively high load. It is known from the prior art that there are grooves between these upright legs.

[0004] For the design of PET petal-shaped bottle bottoms in hot regions, the prior art uses so-called straps. For this purpose, it is known in the prior art to use rotating surfaces as straps between (upright) feet where more material is gathered, so as to fix the bottom center like a "seat belt" even under the influence of internal pressure and temperature.

[0005] A plastic container with a petal-shaped bottom is known from DE102013110139A1, wherein a tie forms a groove bottom between every two adjacent upright legs, the tie curving outwards and having a constant curvature when viewed in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the bottom wall of the container, particularly in the region of the groove bottom and particularly in the region of the geometric nut at the groove bottom, curves outwards, corresponding to a spherical region. It is further described that the tie surface is created by rotation about a rotational axis.

[0006] To produce plastic containers with this petal-shaped bottom, blow air (and / or a fluid blow media) with a (final) blow pressure exceeding 20 bar is applied to a plastic preform. The disadvantage is the need for relatively high blow air pressure to form the container, which is reflected in manufacturing costs.

[0007] The final blow molding pressure, the pressure at which the plastic parison is fully formed, accounts for a large portion of the energy demand in the blow molding process, and therefore this pressure should be as low as possible. A particularly decisive factor in determining the level of the final blow molding pressure is the shape of the final corners of the container, especially in the corner areas of upright legs, such as those at a petal-shaped bottom.

[0008] The object of this invention is to overcome the known disadvantages in the prior art and to provide a plastic container and a blow molding apparatus for producing such plastic containers, which allow for energy-efficient production, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the container and thus reducing energy costs. Simultaneously, the object of this invention is to achieve a high level of bottom stability for the container and to provide the best possible distribution of plastic material during the production process of the plastic container (e.g., in a stretch blow molding method, where a fluid medium is applied to a plastic preform, causing it to adhere tightly to a blow mold having a bottom shape).

[0009] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further improvements of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The plastic container according to the invention, particularly a plastic container for beverages, has a bottom region, a base connected to the bottom region in the longitudinal direction of the plastic container, and a container opening connected at least indirectly to the base in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] The bottom area has at least three upright legs, preferably at least five upright legs, and particularly preferably exactly five upright legs. Preferably, the bottom area is designed with a petal-shaped bottom.

[0012] The longitudinal direction specifically refers to the direction along the central axis of the plastic container. The central axis of the plastic container extends particularly centrally through the container opening (and also particularly centrally through the bottom region of the container and / or through the bottom center of the bottom region, particularly through the injection point). In the upright position of the container, the central axis extends particularly parallel to the vertical direction. Preferably, the longitudinal direction extends from the bottom region of the plastic container (along the central axis) towards the opening region.

[0013] The circumferential direction should preferably be understood as the direction of rotation about the central axis (or longitudinal direction) of the container (which is selected as the axis of rotation).

[0014] In the following text, the radial direction (relative to the longitudinal direction and / or the central axis) should be understood as the direction relative to the longitudinal direction (or the central axis of the container), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (or the central axis) and particularly away from the longitudinal direction (in a straight line, especially in the direction perpendicular to the central axis).

[0015] Each of these (at least three) upright legs has at least one upright region extending circumferentially in a direction relative to the longitudinal direction through an upright region circumferential angle (and radially in a direction relative to the longitudinal direction). Each upright region has at least one, particularly substantially flat, upright surface for the plastic container to stand upright. In other words, when standing (vertically or on the bottom region of the container or on at least three upright legs) on an upright plane, the upright surfaces of the upright legs form the contact surface between the upright legs and the upright plane.

[0016] Preferably, the circumferential angle of the upright region is selected from an angle range between 5° and 15°, more preferably between 7° and 12°, particularly preferably between 8° and 10°, and particularly preferably substantially 9°.

[0017] Preferably, the upright surface extends along the entire circumferential angle of the upright region. Preferably, the upright region extends from the bottom center (particularly the injection point) to the substrate. Preferably, the upright region extends substantially along its entire radial extent along substantially the entire circumferential angle of the upright region. In other words, the upright region extends at almost the same angle, i.e., the circumferential angle of the upright region, at any distance from the central axis. Preferably, viewed in the circumferential direction, the upright regions (at least one main extending surface of the upright region) are constructed or designed in substantially the same manner.

[0018] Preferably, each upright has exactly one vertical surface. Preferably, each vertical surface is designed in the shape of a circular segment.

[0019] The circumferential angle should preferably be understood as an angle about the central axis in the circumferential direction, based on the projection onto a plane perpendicular to the central axis. In particular, the circumferential angle through which the upright region extends is measured at the projection of the upright region onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (as an angle in the circumferential direction about the central axis).

[0020] At least one groove is arranged between two (particularly every two), particularly between adjacent uprights, of which a groove has a bottom that preferably acts as a tie (particularly at the bottom center of the bottom region, e.g., between the injection point and the substrate). Preferably, the groove bottom widens outward in the radial direction of the plastic container. Preferably, this widening occurs with increasing distance to the central axis and / or to the bottom center (preferably continuous widening and particularly preferably linear widening). Widening should be understood in particular as the width of the groove bottom (where the width should be understood as the extent of its circumferential extension) increasing outward in the radial direction of the container.

[0021] It is also conceivable that the bottom of the groove (particularly from a predetermined distance to the central axis) has a substantially uniform width, i.e., particularly (where width should be understood as the extent of extension in the circumferential direction). For example, except for the initial region of the groove bottom (in which the groove bottom (still) widens, particularly continuously and / or steadily), after reaching the predetermined distance, the width of the groove bottom or the extent of extension of the groove bottom in the circumferential direction remains (substantially) constant, particularly over the entire remaining region of the groove bottom and / or over the entire remaining region of the groove bottom except for the end portions. Preferably, the predetermined distance to the central axis is (substantially) the same for at least two, preferably for at least three, for at least four, and particularly preferably for all groove bottoms.

[0022] Preferably, the bottom of the groove extends circumferentially through a (predetermined) groove bottom circumferential angle. The groove bottom acts as a tie. Preferably, the groove bottom (substantially and preferably completely) forms a tie. In particular, the design of the groove bottom at the (given) circumferential angle (particularly by its shape) makes it function as or suitable as a tie. Preferably, the groove bottom substantially follows a hemispherical and / or elliptical orientation. The orientation of the near-spherical (or hemispherical) geometry provides the advantage of particularly stable force transmission from the bottom center to the substrate, distributing the gravity (of the filler material) acting on the bottom center (which does not contact the vertical plane when the plastic container stands vertically on it) to the container walls (particularly the container walls of the substrate).

[0023] When a plastic container stands upright on a vertical plane, the center of its bottom (especially the injection point, which preferably forms the bottom center) preferably does not contact the vertical plane, but maintains a certain distance from the flat vertical surface, i.e., the so-called ground clearance. Preferably, only the upright feet (the vertical surface of the upright area) contact the vertical plane.

[0024] Furthermore, the container is preferably integrally molded.

[0025] Specifically, the circumferential angle of the trough bottom through which the trough bottom extends is measured at the projection of the trough bottom onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (as an angle in the circumferential direction around the central axis).

[0026] The at least three upright feet are defined by at least one side region of each foot along the circumferential direction (and against the circumferential direction) and by the outer side region of each foot in the radial direction.

[0027] In other words, at (essentially) every point in the outer region of the foot, the principal extension direction of the normal vector is oriented along the radial direction (but not along or against the circumferential direction and / or along or against the longitudinal direction).

[0028] The principal extension direction of the normal vector should be understood in particular as a direction selected from the following: (along or against) the circumferential direction, (along or against) the radial direction, and (along or against) the longitudinal direction, wherein the component of the normal vector is the largest. This is particularly applicable to the outer region of the foot that forms the basic shape of the upright foot, which may additionally have decorative elements, such as recesses and / or ridges and / or grooves (but preferably without additional elements, and is designed to be substantially smooth).

[0029] Preferably, at (substantially) every point in the foot lateral region, the principal extension direction of the normal vector is oriented along (or against) the circumferential direction (but not along or against the radial direction and / or along or against the longitudinal direction).

[0030] Preferably, at (substantially) every point on the vertical surface of the vertical region, the principal extension direction of the normal vector is oriented along or against the longitudinal direction (but not along or against the radial direction and / or along or against the circumferential direction).

[0031] Preferably, the outer side region of the foot is adjacent to the upright region and / or preferably overlaps with the upright region in some regions, i.e., in regions where the principal extension direction of the normal vector of the upright region points in the radial direction. In particular, the upright region also has regions where the normal vector at each point of the upright region has a principal extension direction in the radial direction.

[0032] Preferably, the outer foot region is designed (at least partially) to be of the type of a cylindrical side surface region and / or designed to be similar to a cylindrical side surface region. Conversely, the foot side region extends only within a very narrow angular segment and extends almost over the entire (maximum) radial extent of the plastic container and / or (substantially or almost) extends from the bottom center at the same height relative to the longitudinal direction to the maximum radial extent of the bottom region.

[0033] In other words, the main extending directions of the lateral foot region are radial and longitudinal. In other words, the main extending directions of the lateral foot region are circumferential and longitudinal. The main extending directions of the vertical surface are preferably circumferential and radial.

[0034] According to the invention, at least three upright feet, preferably at least five upright feet, each having at least one flat area in a corner region, where the upright area, the side area of ​​the foot, and the outer area of ​​the foot intersect, and the flat area causes the corresponding upright foot to be flattened in the corner region. In particular, the corner region is arranged between the upright area (and / or the upright surface), the side area of ​​the foot, and the outer area of ​​the foot.

[0035] The invention is described below primarily with reference to an upright leg and (at least) an adjacent and / or adjacent groove (and its bottom). Preferably, at least three upright legs and / or at least five upright legs, and preferably all other upright legs in the bottom region, are designed in the same manner. Preferably, all upright legs and / or each groove and / or each groove bottom are designed identically.

[0036] Flattening is preferably understood as the region having a weaker arch or curvature than the adjacent region. In particular, corner regions with flat areas deviate from a spherical (segment) shape. Preferably, the flat areas are arranged substantially centrally and / or at the center of the corner regions.

[0037] The flat area preferably has a curved and / or arched outer surface. Preferably, the entire flat area and / or corner area (particularly in the two principal curvature directions) is designed to arch and / or bulge outward.

[0038] In particular, “arching outward” is understood to mean that the container wall arches outward from the container in the corresponding area. “Arching outward” is specifically understood to mean that the container wall, especially the outer surface of the container, is designed to bulge outward in the corresponding area (where “bulging outward” here specifically means that the straight line between any optional points on the surface (of the area) extends entirely inside the container (especially entirely inside the bottom area) and / or does not extend outside the container).

[0039] Preferably, the side and / or corner and / or flat areas of the upright foot do not arch inward. Preferably, the corner and / or flat areas are continuous areas.

[0040] "Inward arching" is specifically understood to mean that the container wall arches inward toward the container interior (i.e., toward the bottle interior) in the corresponding area. "Inward arching" is specifically understood to mean that the container wall, particularly the outer surface of the container, is designed to be recessed in the corresponding area (where "recessed" here specifically means that a straight line between any selectable points on the surface or area extends entirely outside the container wall and / or entirely outside the arch and / or not inside the container).

[0041] The region at the bottom of the container that bulges and bends in the two principal curvature directions should be understood in particular as one in which the tangential plane extends or is arranged outside the container and / or does not extend or is arranged inside the container at any point in the region, at least in the tangential plane region surrounding that point.

[0042] The region of concave curvature at the bottom of the container in the two principal curvature directions should be understood in particular as: at any point in this region, at least in the region of the tangential plane surrounding that point, not extending or arranged outside the container and / or (completely) extending or arranged outside the container.

[0043] The corner area specifically refers to the transition area between the upright area (and / or the vertical surface), the foot side area, and the foot outside area. Flattening specifically ensures that the transitions between the upright area and the foot side area, between the upright area and the foot outside area, and / or between the foot side area and the upright area (and / or the vertical surface) do not substantially intersect at a corner point.

[0044] In other words, by setting up flat areas (and flattening corner areas), what is achieved is that the bottom of the container is positioned closer to the straps or the bottom of the groove within that area, and / or the preform reaches the bottom of the container better during the blow molding process. Flat areas offer the significant advantage of requiring significantly lower blow molding pressure to form corner areas or uprights.

[0045] In a series of complex tests, the applicant, by comparing the bottom area with a design without a flat region (e.g., the bottom area described in the applicant's patent application DE102013110139A1), determined that by flattening, the blow molding pressure required to manufacture a plastic container with uniform shaping in all areas is significantly lower. In particular, even at lower blow molding pressures, the corresponding corner areas or the outer areas of upright legs are also well shaped (by setting flat regions).

[0046] This provides the advantage of a significantly more energy-efficient production process for plastic containers.

[0047] If we observe the region of the upright foot referred to as the sole region (which defines the upright foot relative to the longitudinal direction and / or where the principal extension direction of the normal vector points in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction), the edge region between the sole region and the outer side region can define the edge region between the outer side region and the side region and the sole region. In these edge regions, the components of the normal vector are the same in both directions. For example, in the case of the edge region between the outer side region and the side region, the radial component and the circumferential component of the normal vector are the same. Therefore, the edge region preferably represents a transition region, in which, for example, the substantially (radially) outward-facing outer side region transitions to the substantially circumferentially-facing side region.

[0048] An edge region is formed between the outer foot region and the side foot region, and within this edge region, the radial component and the circumferential component of the normal vector are particularly equal. Preferably, it opens into a flat region at a notch region, which differs from the notch region between the outer foot region and the sole foot region. Preferably, the notch region between the outer foot region and the sole foot region that opens into the flat region also differs from the notch region between the side foot region and the sole foot region. Preferably, the edge region between the sole foot region and the side foot region opens into a flat region at a notch region, which differs from the notch region between the side foot region and the outer foot region.

[0049] In other words, these edge regions do not intersect each other. Preferably, each pair of edge regions also does not intersect (but each leads to a flat area).

[0050] Preferably, the three edge regions do not intersect at a single point (even as extensions). Preferably, the three opening regions are spaced apart from each other and are located particularly at the edges of the flat region. Preferably, the three opening regions are each spaced apart in pairs, with a spacing of at least one-third, preferably at least half, preferably substantially equal to, and preferably twice the circumferential extension of the vertical surface. These distances are preferably different from each other. This achieves the goal that the bottom region is closer to the bottom of the groove within the flat region, which advantageously facilitates forming.

[0051] Advantageously, the final blow molding pressure can be reduced by 3 to 5 bar compared to the final blow molding pressure required for a bottom shape without a flat area.

[0052] Preferably, the corner area and / or the area of ​​maximum curvature of the upright foot in at least one predetermined curvature direction, and preferably in two predetermined curvature directions, is not within the flat area. Preferably, the area of ​​minimum curvature of the corner area and / or the side area of ​​the foot is within the flat area.

[0053] Preferably, in the radial direction, the flat areas are not arranged between the central axis and the vertical surface (but rather, in the radial direction, the flat areas are arranged further out than the vertical surface and / or at the same radial distance from the vertical surface to the central axis). Preferably, the flat areas (preferably each flat area) are spaced apart from the central axis by a spacing of at least 60%, preferably at least 70% and / or at least 80% of the bottom and / or container radius (container diameter, e.g., half of the base). Additionally or alternatively, the flat areas are spaced apart from the central axis by a spacing of at most 90%, preferably at most 80% and / or at most 70% of the bottom and / or container radius (container diameter, e.g., half of the base).

[0054] Preferably, in particular, the entire flat area (preferably each flat area) forms a circular angle of up to 30°, preferably up to 25°, and especially preferably up to 22° with the geometric center of the upright area and / or the upright legs. Preferably, an angular segment of the bottom area is arranged between the geometric centers of the upright area and / or the upright legs, which in particular has a minimum circular angle of 2.5°, preferably 3°, preferably 5° (in which no part of the flat area is arranged). These circular angles are particularly preferred for a bottom area having five upright legs.

[0055] Another aspect of the invention is a plastic container, particularly a plastic container for beverages, having a bottom region, a base connected to the bottom region in the longitudinal direction of the plastic container, and an opening region connected at least indirectly to the base in the longitudinal direction, the opening region having a container opening.

[0056] The bottom region has at least three upright legs, which, when viewed in a circumferential direction (particularly in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis of the bottom region extending in the longitudinal direction, preferably the circumferential direction as defined above), preferably extend through an upright leg circumferential angle.

[0057] Each of these upright legs has at least one upright region extending circumferentially through an upright region circumferential angle (and radially relative to the longitudinal direction and / or the central axis, preferably as defined above), each of which preferably has at least one, particularly substantially flat, upright surface for the plastic container to stand upright. Specifically, the bottom region of the upright leg forms the upright surface, which the upright leg contacts when the plastic container stands upright on an upright plane (especially in the fully filled state).

[0058] For example, particularly preferably in the case of five upright legs, the circumferential angle of the upright area can be less than 20°, preferably less than 15°, preferably less than 10° and particularly preferably substantially 9°.

[0059] Preferably, the upright region (particularly preferably substantially only) extends within an angular segment (relative to the circumferential direction) (given by the circumferential angle of the upright region), within which the upright surface of the upright foot extends. In other words, the range of extension (angular) as viewed in the circumferential direction defines the upright region. In other words, within the angular segment of the bottom region given by the circumferential angle of the upright region, the upright region substantially occupies the entire bottom region located within that angular segment. Preferably, the upright region occupies at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the bottom region located within that angular segment.

[0060] In this arrangement, at least one groove is provided between (preferably in pairs) every two, particularly adjacent, uprights among these uprights. This groove has a bottom, which preferably acts as a tie (between the bottom center and the base in the bottom region). Preferably, the bottom widens outward in the radial direction. Preferably, this widening occurs with increasing distance to the central axis and / or to the bottom center (preferably continuous widening and particularly preferably linear widening). Widening should be understood in particular as the width of the bottom (where the width should be understood as the extent of its circumferential extension) increasing outward in the radial direction of the container.

[0061] Preferably, the at least three upright legs are defined by at least one side region of each leg along the circumferential direction (and against the circumferential direction). Preferably, the at least three upright legs are defined by the outer side region of each leg in the radial direction.

[0062] A transition region is provided between the upright foot and the adjacent groove, in which the direction of curvature of the bottom region changes (preferably reverses) and specifically transitions from convex curvature to concave curvature. Preferably, the area of ​​the upright foot facing the groove is convexly curved or arched inward, and the area facing the upright foot is concavely curved or arched inward (in the direction of curvature).

[0063] Preferably, the groove is designed as a saddle shape at least in the area facing or adjacent to and / or adjacent to the turning point area or in the area facing or adjacent to and / or adjacent to the upright foot (particularly preferably over almost the entire area adjacent to the turning point area).

[0064] Preferably, the groove, particularly preferably except for the bottom, is designed as a saddle-shaped or reverse-curved surface on its substantially entire surface (i.e., the surface of the groove bends in opposite directions in the two principal curvature directions). Preferably, this refers to the entire area of ​​the groove, at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, and particularly preferably at least 95% of the groove area. Here, the groove should preferably be understood as a bottom region extending from the bottom center through an angular segment defined by the circumferential angle of the groove to the substrate.

[0065] Preferably, the area of ​​the upright foot and / or the side of the foot facing the groove or the area adjacent to the groove is convexly curved or arched outward along the principal curvature direction, and is non-concavely curved along the second principal curvature direction, and preferably convexly curved.

[0066] Preferably, the longitudinal cut profile is convex and curved, obtained by longitudinally cutting the grooves of the container (preferably each groove) along a longitudinal section (which cuts through the central axis of the container) and preferably the bottom of the groove.

[0067] Preferably, the inflection point region extends through at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, and particularly preferably at least 90%, of the arc length of a line formed from the injection point and / or the bottom center and from there outward in a radial direction (only) to the substrate on the bottom wall.

[0068] Preferably, in the transition region, the convex curvature of the upright foot transitions to the concave curvature of the groove.

[0069] Preferably, the (particularly) transition point region (between the groove and the adjacent upright, particularly from the bottom center to the base) is each arranged substantially within an angular segment given by the transition point circumferential angle, which is relatively narrow compared to the upright foot circumferential angle and / or the groove circumferential angle. The transition point circumferential angle may be less than one-third of the groove circumferential angle and / or the upright foot circumferential angle, preferably less than one-quarter, more preferably less than one-fifth, and particularly preferably less than one-eighth.

[0070] Preferably, the inflection point circumferential angle is less than 5°, more preferably less than 3°, more preferably less than 2°, more preferably substantially 1°, and particularly preferably less than 1°. Preferably, the inflection point circumferential angle defines an angle segment on which the inflection point region extends and / or is arranged within the angle segment.

[0071] For example, the inflection point region in a predetermined angular segment (preferably given by an inflection point circumferential angle) may extend through more than 50%, preferably more than 65%, more than 70%, and particularly preferably more than 80% and particularly preferably more than 90% of the bottom region from the bottom center to the bottom region of the substrate (wherein the percentage information is specifically based on a bottom curve following the bottom region, which extends along a fixed circumferential angle relative to the circumferential direction). Preferably, the inflection point region extends to and / or almost to the substrate.

[0072] In other words, the (maximum) extension of the inflection point region viewed in the radial direction is many times larger than the (maximum) extension in the circumferential direction, preferably 20 times, preferably 10 times, preferably at least 5 times. In particular, the inflection point region is a transition region that (substantially) completely defines the foot side region and / or groove, in which the curvature of the surface of the bottom region is reversed at least along the corresponding principal curvature direction.

[0073] Preferably, the circumferential angle of the upright legs, particularly preferably in the case of a container with exactly five upright legs, is less than 60°, preferably less than 50°, preferably less than 40°, and particularly preferably 38°, 36°, or 34°. Preferably, the upright legs extend within an angular segment of the bottom region given by the circumferential angle of the upright legs. Preferably, viewed in the circumferential direction, the extension range of the upright legs increases radially according to the angular segment given by the circumferential angle of the upright legs. Preferably, the upright legs extend throughout their entire radial extension across the entire circumferential angle of the upright legs.

[0074] The extension of the upright foot at the circumferential angle of the upright foot (viewed in the circumferential direction) extends from the side area of ​​the foot (through the edge area) through the upright area (e.g., the upright surface) and / or the bottom area of ​​the foot and through the side area of ​​the other foot.

[0075] According to the invention, each of the at least three upright legs has at least one flat area (viewed in the circumferential direction) preferably at least partially and particularly preferably (especially only in the circumferential direction) completely arranged between the upright area and the adjacent groove, and has at least one arched area (viewed in the circumferential direction) arranged between the flat area and the upright area, wherein preferably, the flat area is flattened in terms of curvature behavior compared with the arched area.

[0076] In the circumferential direction, the arched area extends at most through half the circumference of the upright area (preferably at most through 0.45 of the circumference of the upright area and particularly preferably through 0.4 of the circumference of the upright area) and / or at most through one-tenth of the circumference of the upright foot (of the corresponding upright foot).

[0077] In other words, the present invention proposes to provide an arched region within a relatively narrow angular segment, i.e. within half of the circumference of the upright region and / or within 1 / 8, preferably 1 / 9, and particularly preferably one-tenth of the circumference of the upright foot (corresponding to the upright foot), which transitions in the direction of the bottom of the groove into a region with relatively weaker curvature and / or a flatter region, i.e., a flat region.

[0078] Preferably, viewed in the circumferential direction, the end of the arched region opposite the upright region forms an angle with the upright region that is at most half the circumferential angle of the upright region and / or at most one-tenth (1 / 8, preferably 1 / 9, particularly preferred) of the circumferential angle of the upright foot. This provides the advantage that, viewed in the circumferential direction, the arched region is arranged very close to the upright region.

[0079] In other words, when viewed in the circumferential direction, starting from the upright area, the arched area will not extend beyond an angle range that corresponds at most to half the circumference of the upright area and / or one-tenth the circumference of the upright foot.

[0080] Compared to the arched region, the flattening of the flat region in terms of curvature behavior can be specifically understood as the curvature orientation of the bottom region observed in both the flat and arched regions exhibiting a local minimum in the flat region and at least one (local) and preferably global (relative to both the flat and arched regions and preferably relative to the entire upright) maximum in the arched region. In other words, the arched region contains regions of maximum curvature, while the flat region preferably exhibits minimum curvature and / or at least does not exhibit local and / or global maximum curvature values ​​relative to both the flat and arched regions.

[0081] In the known curvature trends of the prior art, the curvature or arch of the upright foot toward the bottom of the groove only exhibits the maximum curvature value within a larger circumferential angle range, and then transitions to a flatter region with smaller curvature later (i.e., when the distance or angle from the upright region in the circumferential direction is greater).

[0082] The advantage provided by the solution proposed herein is that flat regions, which are crucial for good formability during the blow molding process, are formed significantly better due to their flattening (i.e., weaker or smaller curvature). Conversely, arched regions, which are in principle relatively difficult to form due to strong curvature or arching, are formed significantly better due to their proximity to upright regions, thus achieving better overall formability.

[0083] Particularly preferably, with exactly 5 upright feet, the arched area (viewed in the circumferential direction) preferably extends through a maximum circumferential angle of 8°, preferably a maximum of 5°, preferably a maximum of 4°, and particularly preferably substantially 3.5°.

[0084] Preferably, the arched region is adjacent to the upright region. Preferably, the arched region is adjacent to the upright surface of the upright region. Preferably, the arched region is located between the upright region and the flat region. This achieves the arrangement of an arched region with a stronger curvature than the flat region between the upright region and the relatively weakly curvature flat region. This arched region ensures that a particularly strong curvature is introduced in the direction of the trench bottom in the vicinity of the upright region or the upright surface, so that, viewed in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the (particularly arbitrary) observation portion of the flat region and the trench bottom is significantly smaller than the distance between the upright region and the trench bottom, and / or significantly smaller than the distance between a certain area of ​​the upright region and the trench bottom, the distance of which area is the same as the distance between the observation portion of the flat region and the central axis.

[0085] The plastic container (hereinafter also referred to as a container) may have any of the characteristics associated with the plastic container described above, either individually or in combination with each other. Conversely, the plastic container described above may have each of the features described (especially below) individually or in combination with each other. In particular, terms of the same choice are defined in the same manner, such as circumferential direction, central axis, longitudinal direction, radial direction, protrusion, depression, inward arching, etc. The same designated area of ​​the container or element / feature (e.g., flat area, arched area, upright area, etc.) preferably refers to the same area of ​​the container or the element / feature of the container.

[0086] Preferably, the arched area and the flat area are part of the aforementioned corner area of ​​the upright foot. Preferably, viewed in the circumferential direction, another arched area is provided between the flat area and the adjacent groove, and this other arched area is also adjacent to the flat area. Viewed in the circumferential direction, the other arched area is preferably arranged between the flat area and the turning point area. Preferably, this other arched area is adjacent to both the flat area and the turning point area.

[0087] Preferably, the arched region, and particularly preferably another arched region, is not concave in the two principal curvature directions, but rather convex.

[0088] The flat region is preferably non-concave and more preferably convex in the two principal curvature directions (over the entire region). The flat region may be non-curved in at least one direction or in both directions, i.e., flat.

[0089] Preferably, the surface curvature of the arched region is greater than that of any point in the flat region in some regions, and particularly preferably for any point in the arched region.

[0090] The flattening of the flat region compared to the arched region in terms of curvature behavior can also be specifically defined by the so-called bottom line. The bottom line is a (hypothetical) line formed along the bottom region (outer surface) that always maintains or occupies the same distance from the central axis (which specifically passes through the center of the bottom).

[0091] Preferably, the bottom line is created as a cylindrical cut profile derived from a cylindrical cut of the bottom region, wherein the central axis of the cylinder extends along the central axis of the plastic container.

[0092] If the bottom line is unfolded (along the side surface of the cylinder) and the curvature of the unfolded bottom line is observed, the curvature within the portion of the bottom line corresponding to the upright foot preferably exhibits a maximum (absolute) curvature value or a local maximum value in the arched region, preferably a global maximum value. If the bottom line segment starting from the upright region of the upright foot and extending to the adjacent groove and / or the transition region to the adjacent groove is observed, the curvature direction exhibits a maximum absolute value of curvature in the arched region arranged between the upright region and the flat region. The absolute value of the curvature value exhibited within the bottom line segment corresponding to the flat region is less than the absolute value of the curvature value exhibited within the bottom line segment corresponding to the arched direction.

[0093] Another aspect of the invention is a plastic container, particularly a plastic container for beverages, having a bottom region, a base connected to the bottom region in the longitudinal direction of the plastic container, and an opening region connected at least indirectly to the base in the longitudinal direction, the opening having a container opening, wherein the bottom region has at least three upright legs.

[0094] Each of these upright legs has at least one upright region extending circumferentially along a central axis extending longitudinally relative to the bottom region through an upright region circumferential angle (and radially relative to the longitudinal direction and / or the central axis). Each upright region has at least one, particularly substantially flat, upright surface for the plastic container to stand upright. At least one groove is arranged between each pair of upright legs, particularly adjacent upright legs, with a groove bottom that specifically acts as a tie (between the bottom center of the bottom region and the base). This groove bottom preferably widens radially outward. Preferably, this widening occurs with increasing distance to the central axis and / or to the bottom center (preferably continuous widening and particularly preferably linear widening). Widening should be understood in particular as the width of the groove bottom (where the width should be understood as the extent of its circumferential extension) increasing radially outward from the container.

[0095] According to the invention, the bottom region is designed such that a bottom line extending from the geometric center of the upright region of an upright foot to the bottom of an adjacent groove, at a constant distance from the central axis, has a geometric orientation that reflects the relationship between the height value observed along the central axis and the rotation angle measured in a circumferential direction relative to the geometric center of the upright region. This rotation angle decreases sharply after passing through the upright region (in the direction from the upright region to the adjacent groove) such that the maximum height value presented in the upright region is reduced by at least 8%, preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 12%, and particularly preferably at least 14% of the maximum height difference relative to the bottom line within a segment of the bottom line. This segment accounts for at most 30% of the rotation angle between the geometric center of the upright region and the bottom of the adjacent groove.

[0096] This offers the advantage of bringing the corner areas of the upright legs, which are formed later in the blow molding process, closer to the bottom of the tank. This results in significantly better formability. This also provides the advantage of a more energy-efficient and effective production process for plastic containers.

[0097] The bottom line can be formed by cylindrically cutting the bottom region (as described above), particularly through the flat and / or arched regions as described above. The bottom line (along the cylindrical side surface) can then be unfolded to obtain the direction of the height value (height direction), which is a function of the circumferential angle (preferably measured using the position of the geometric center of the upright region as a reference position). The height value describes the coordinates of the corresponding point relative to the central axis. The height value is observed in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the height direction opposite to and parallel to the longitudinal direction), meaning the vertical surface of the upright region occupies a greater height value than the bottom center and / or the bottom of the groove. The bottom of the groove preferably occupies the minimum height value (of each) bottom line. The upright region of the upright foot preferably presents the maximum height value (of each) bottom line.

[0098] The plastic container (hereinafter also referred to as container) may, individually or in combination with each other, possess any of the characteristics associated with the two plastic containers described above (and also combinations of the characteristics of the two plastic containers described above). Conversely, each of the two plastic containers described above may, individually or in combination with each other, possess each of the described (especially hereinafter) features (and also combinations with the features of the other plastic container described above). In particular, terms of the same selection are defined in the same manner, such as circumferential direction, central axis, longitudinal direction, radial direction, protrusion, depression, inward arching, etc. The same designated area of ​​the container or element / feature (e.g., flat area, arched area, upright area, etc.) preferably refers to the same area of ​​the container or the element / feature of the container.

[0099] Preferably, the bottom line is selected such that it extends through the aforementioned corner area and / or the aforementioned arched area and / or the aforementioned flat orientation. Preferably, the point in the bottom line that represents 30% of the rotation angle between the geometric center of the upright area and the geometric center of the bottom of the adjacent groove lies within the aforementioned flat area.

[0100] Preferably, the aforementioned trend of the height values ​​of the bottom line (particularly a proportional decrease in the height values) applies to any bottom line having a predetermined distance to the central axis, which is between two predetermined, different distance values. Preferably, the two predetermined distance values ​​are greater than the radius of the upright circle of the container. The upright circle is in particular annulus on which upright (circular segmental) vertical surfaces with upright legs are arranged.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom region is designed such that a bottom line extending from the geometric center of the upright region of an upright foot through a turning point region (where the curvature direction of the bottom region (e.g., the bottom line mentioned below) changes) to the bottom of an adjacent groove, at a constant distance from the central axis, has a geometric orientation that reflects the relationship between the height value observed along the central axis and the rotation angle measured in the circumferential direction relative to the geometric center of the upright region. This rotation angle decreases sharply in the region adjacent to the upright region such that the maximum height value presented in the upright region is reduced by at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, and particularly preferably at least 30% of the height difference between the bottom line and the height value presented in the turning point region within a segment of the bottom line. This segment accounts for at most 30% of the rotation angle between the geometric center of the upright region and the bottom of the adjacent groove. This advantageously achieves that the upright foot itself (from the turning point region to the turning point region on the other side of the upright foot) is designed such that the height value decreases rapidly in the region adjacent to the upright region.

[0102] The bottom line is preferably the bottom line described above (wherein the direction of the height value is described relative to the height difference presented in the bottom of the tank).

[0103] Because the distance between the height value in the area between the upright region and the turning region and the height value presented in the bottom of the groove is smaller, significantly better formability of the upright foot (especially its corner region) is achieved.

[0104] Preferably, the bottom line is selected such that it extends through the aforementioned corner area and / or the aforementioned arched area and / or the aforementioned flat orientation. Preferably, the point in the bottom line that represents 30% of the rotation angle between the geometric center of the upright area and the geometric center of the bottom of the adjacent groove lies within the aforementioned flat area.

[0105] Preferably, the aforementioned trend in the height values ​​of the bottom line (particularly a proportional decrease in the height values) applies to any bottom line having a predetermined distance to the central axis, which is between two predetermined, different distance values. Preferably, the two predetermined distance values ​​are greater than the radius of the upright circle of the container. The upright circle is in particular annulus on which upright (circular segmental) vertical surfaces with upright legs are arranged.

[0106] In another preferred embodiment, whether viewed from the direction of the bottom of the adjacent groove and / or the groove of the adjacent groove, or from the direction of the upright area of ​​the upright foot, the flat area adjacent to the upright foot is, in each case, an arched area with the same curvature orientation, wherein the absolute value of curvature exhibits at least one maximum value (relative to the absolute value of curvature exhibited in the flat area) within the arched area. In this case, the curvature orientation along the (unfolded) bottom line is preferably considered.

[0107] Among them, whether the arched area is arranged in the direction of the adjacent groove / bottom or the direction of the vertical area, each of them has a (local or global) maximum value relative to the absolute value of curvature compared with the absolute value of curvature presented in the flat area.

[0108] Preferably, the arched region arranged in the vertical region direction exhibits a higher absolute value of curvature than the arched region arranged in the groove / bottom direction. Preferably, the maximum absolute value of curvature in the vertical region direction is at least two times, preferably at least four times, and particularly preferably at least ten times the maximum absolute value of curvature in the groove / bottom direction.

[0109] The maximum absolute value of curvature in the arched region is greater than the (local) maximum value in the flat region. If the (unfolded) bottom line passing through the flat region is observed, the maximum absolute value of curvature in the arched region is preferably at least five times, preferably at least ten times, and preferably at least twenty times the (possible) maximum absolute value of curvature in the flat region along the bottom line.

[0110] This advantageously allows areas with greater absolute curvature to be positioned closer to the upright region and closer to the bottom of the groove or recess. This advantageously makes it possible to significantly improve the formability of the uprights and thus allows for a reduction in the final blow molding pressure.

[0111] The curvature orientation can be, for example, the orientation of curvature in the principal curvature direction or the orientation of surface curvature. It is also conceivable that the curvature orientation is the orientation of curvature in a predetermined direction. As mentioned above, it is also conceivable to observe the curvature orientation relative to a predetermined line passing through the corresponding arched and flat regions.

[0112] Furthermore, preferably, alternatively or additionally, it is also feasible to have an arched region with the same curvature orientation as the flat region of the upright foot, adjacent to the flat region of the bottom center and / or the base, wherein the absolute curvature values ​​(each) in the arched region exhibit at least one maximum value compared to the absolute curvature values ​​presented in the flat region of the upright foot. Here, the curvature orientation along a longitudinally cut profile is preferably considered. The longitudinally cut profile is preferably obtained by longitudinally cutting the bottom region through the flat region, wherein the longitudinal cut is made along a longitudinal section passing through the central axis. Along such a longitudinally cut profile, the region of maximum absolute curvature is preferably not arranged in the flat region, but rather in the arched region (adjacent to the flat region). This provides the advantage of avoiding large absolute curvature values ​​that are difficult to form in the corner regions of the upright foot.

[0113] In another preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional profile formed by a longitudinal cut through the bottom region, the longitudinal section of which cuts through the flat area of ​​the upright foot and through the central axis of the plastic container, has a curvature direction that occupies a local minimum in the flat area compared to the surrounding portion, preferably compared to the arched area.

[0114] In another preferred embodiment, the arched region lies at least substantially on half a circumference and preferably around the entire circumference of the flat region. This provides the advantage of avoiding large absolute values ​​of curvature in the flat region.

[0115] In another preferred embodiment, the absolute value of the surface curvature over the entire flat region is less than the absolute value of the surface curvature over at least half a circumference and preferably over the entire circumference of the arched region surrounding the flat region.

[0116] In another preferred embodiment, the flattened region tapers gradually in the direction of the groove bottom. Preferably, the flattened region is designed to be triangular, with the apex of the triangle oriented in the direction of the substrate and / or in the direction of the groove bottom. This results in less flattening in areas less critical to formability and greater flattening in areas more critical to formability.

[0117] In another preferred embodiment, the flat area is designed to be substantially flat. It is also conceivable that the flat area is designed to be partially flat. Preferably, the flat area is designed to be entirely flat. This flat design allows for good formability.

[0118] In another preferred embodiment, the flat area has an area that is at least one-quarter, preferably at least one-third, preferably at least half, preferably at least equal to, preferably at least twice, particularly preferably at least three times the area of ​​the upright area of ​​the upright foot, especially the substantially flat upright surface, for the plastic container to stand upright.

[0119] In another preferred embodiment, each of the at least three upright legs has two, particularly symmetrically arranged and / or preferably mirror-symmetrical, flat regions that at least partially (preferably completely within the flat regions) follow the orientation of the sides of a triangle (preferably an isosceles triangle) in cross-section.

[0120] In another preferred embodiment, the distance (so-called offset) between the apex of the triangle (preferably an isosceles triangle) and the upright foot (especially the upright area of ​​the upright foot) is between 0 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm.

[0121] In another preferred embodiment, the angle of the triangle, which forms the apex of the triangle (i.e., the angle or interior angle of the triangle at the apex where two preferably equal-length sides of the triangle intersect, and in particular the angle formed by these two sides), is between 45° and 170°, preferably between 80° and 150°, preferably between 80° and 120°, preferably between 90° and 120°, and particularly preferably between 90° and 110°. Angles between 105° and 106° have proven particularly advantageous.

[0122] Preferably, each pair of flat regions follows the orientation of one side of a triangle, preferably an isosceles triangle, at least partially and preferably throughout the entire flat region in the cross-section. Preferably, such flat regions are created by using two intersecting planes with an intersection angle equal to the angle at the apex of the triangle considered above, thus causing the two planes to fit against the sides of the (hypothetical) triangle. The two planes are preferably arranged around the upright foot, as depicted in the figure (in an open book-like manner or shape).

[0123] A flat area can be created in such a way that the intersection of the upright foot and the plane is truncated.

[0124] These two planes and / or triangles are preferably arranged along the upright foot by means of a guiding profile.

[0125] The guide profile is preferably constructed on the middle of the (upright) foot, and particularly preferably constructed by means of a cut profile (of the upright foot and particularly preferably by means of the upright region). Preferably, a cut profile of the upright foot along the geometric center of the upright region is used.

[0126] There are many advantageous variations of the guide contour.

[0127] Variant A :

[0128] A straight line is used to construct a vertical line along the radius of the foot. This straight line is controlled by an angle. This angle moves within a range between the vertical line passing through the center point of the foot radius to the vertical surface and the straight line. This value is preferably between -30 degrees and 80 degrees, and more preferably between -10 degrees and 65 degrees.

[0129] Preferably (in the next construction step), a tangent perpendicular to the straight line is created. Parallel to the tangent, a straight line is created as a guide profile at a predetermined distance. This predetermined distance moves within a range between 0 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm. The length of the straight line can be set.

[0130] Variant B :

[0131] Here, an offset curve of the foot's cutting contour is preferably used (as a guide contour). The preferred distance is 0 mm to 20 mm, preferably between 0 mm and 10 mm. The length of the offset curve can be determined by defining the percentage of the start and end points. A preferred distance of the offset curve can be -10 mm to +20 mm, preferably between 0 mm and 10 mm.

[0132] In another preferred embodiment, the flat areas follow a substantially parabolic orientation. Preferably, the flat areas (at least partially and preferably throughout the entire flat area) follow branches of a parabola. Preferably, the two flat areas of a seat leg follow a substantially parabolic orientation. Preferably, the cross-sections of the seat leg and the two flat areas follow a parabola at least partially and preferably throughout the entire flat area.

[0133] Preferably, a parabola is arranged at the guide contour to construct the two flat regions. The guide contour can be selected according to one embodiment described above, such as the triangle used to construct the flat regions.

[0134] In another preferred embodiment, the upright foot has at least two, particularly symmetrically arranged, flat regions, and the two flat regions and the upright region of the upright foot at least partially follow the orientation of an open trapezoid, particularly an isosceles trapezoid, in cross-section. The flat regions can also be constructed by selecting a guiding profile as described above.

[0135] Preferably, in order to construct an upright foot with a flat area, an upright foot with the following preferred foot structure in the prior art is used. Preferably, the upright foot used for construction preferably has side wings, which preferably present free-form surfaces.

[0136] The construction of an upright leg (with a flat area) can also be understood as the construction of the shape to be constructed by the blow molding device for producing the corresponding inner surface of such an upright leg.

[0137] Preferably, a guide profile and at least one, preferably exactly one or exactly two lateral profiles are used to construct the upright foot. The lateral profiles specify the orientation of at least a portion of the resulting flat area.

[0138] The lateral profile can be described by the following preferred variations.

[0139] Variant Z :

[0140] It has a triangular geometry, with an angle between 45 degrees and 180 degrees, preferably between 80 degrees and 150 degrees. The height is preferably limited to between 2 mm and 50 mm.

[0141] Variant Y :

[0142] The trapezoidal geometry has its shorter side pointing downwards towards the vertical surface and / or vertical region. The length of the shorter side is preferably between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. The interior angles are preferably the same. The interior angles are preferably between 91 degrees and 170 degrees, and more preferably between 95 degrees and 155 degrees.

[0143] Variant X :

[0144] It is a parabolic contour, which is preferably given by a quadratic function, with the vertex located on the guiding contour.

[0145] y = ax^2 + bx + c

[0146] Preferably, parameter a is greater than 0, preferably, parameter b is greater than 0, and parameter c is preferably between -10mm and 10mm, preferably between -5mm and 5mm.

[0147] Preferably, the guiding contour can be achieved through the two options described above as variations A and B.

[0148] The variation of the guide contour can be combined with the variation of the lateral contour, as follows.

[0149] A and X, Y and / or Z

[0150] B and X, Y and / or Z

[0151] or

[0152] X and A and / or B

[0153] Y and A and / or B

[0154] Z and A and / or B

[0155] A further preferred lateral profile can also be described by an nth-degree polynomial, where the value of n can move in the range between 2 and 7.

[0156] For variant B with an offset curve or an approximate offset curve, two values ​​of the lateral profile are required for adjustment.

[0157] The offset curve should be understood in particular as a spline with an nth degree polynomial, where the value of n can move in the range between 2 and 7.

[0158] In another preferred embodiment, the foot lateral region of the upright foot, particularly the two foot lateral regions, is partially designed as a foot wing surface formed by a freeform surface, wherein the foot lateral region as a freeform surface is preferably designed to be substantially entirely outside the arched region.

[0159] The foot wing surface is preferably designed as a freeform surface, which is preferably connected to the surface edge of the foot and / or foot region, particularly to the surface edge of the substrate (especially the central region and / or injection point), especially in a tangentially continuous and preferably curvature-continuous manner. The freeform surface, in particular, is a surface whose curvature process in one direction (each) can be described by a polynomial of the power of n.

[0160] In particular, the straps located at the bottom of the container, especially those between the upright legs, serve to guide the force acting on the center of the bottom (e.g., the injection point of the plastic container) to the sidewalls of the plastic container.

[0161] A groove should be understood as a geometry that extends inward at a normal horizontal level relative to the (outer) wall of the container (around), i.e., the (outer) wall of the bottom region, particularly relative to the circumferential wall (especially in the direction of the container opening and / or the central axis). Preferably, the groove is a region between two inflection point regions that extend around the circumferential angle of the inflection point as shown above.

[0162] The bottom of the groove should be understood as a (partial) area of ​​the groove that differs from at least one other area by its (uniform or common) geometry, such as uniform parameters of surface parameterization and / or the selection of surfaces (or common rules of surface structure), particularly from the rest of the groove and / or from the foot flank surface of the upright foot.

[0163] The bottom of the groove should be understood as, for example, the (particularly continuous) region of the recess that extends substantially inward (to the farthest point) to form the (smallest) area (and the area surrounding that area). In this case, the bottom of the groove is preferably different from the rest of the recess because it is constructed with a different surface shape compared to the rest of the groove, particularly different from the region of the groove laterally adjacent to the bottom of the groove, which lies between the bottom of the groove and the upright. Preferably, the aforementioned region adjacent to the bottom of the groove and located between the bottom of the groove and the upright is (overall) part of the foot side of the upright (particularly constructed accordingly).

[0164] Preferably, the matrix is ​​used to accommodate a large volume of (beverage) fill. The matrix has (side) walls that encircle the entire circumference. In this case, the matrix can have a substantially circular cross-section (preferably a circular cross-section with a given main diameter, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the central axis). However, the matrix can also have a substantially square or rectangular cross-section, particularly with rounded corners.

[0165] Preferably, the bottom of the container (particularly each bottom) (or tie), specifically each, has two lateral tie areas in which the walls of the container (particularly the walls of the bottom region) arch outwards, and a central tie area arranged circumferentially between the two lateral tie areas, wherein the walls of the container arch inwards. In particular, the two lateral tie areas and the central tie area (circumferentially) positioned between the two lateral tie areas are positioned between two (adjacent) uprights. In particular, the surface of the central tie area curves inwards toward the interior of the container or bottle.

[0166] Preferably, each of the two lateral tether regions forms an outer tether region (viewed from the circumferential direction) and / or an outer groove bottom region. Preferably, (in particular each) groove bottom or (in particular each) tether (viewed in and / or from the opposite direction of the circumferential direction) is defined by one of the two lateral tether regions (towards the adjacent upright foot).

[0167] The walls of the container in the bottom region, particularly in the middle region of the groove bottom (central tie region), are at least partially curved inward, and in the two edge regions of the groove bottom adjacent to the middle region of the groove bottom (partial tie regions), they are curved outward.

[0168] The advantage of this invention is that the curvature towards the interior of the bottle allows the straps to better fit the geometry of the bottom. This allows the material to stretch more easily into the foot or upright leg. This preferably avoids the formation of defects and increases stability. Furthermore, inflatability and formability are also improved.

[0169] In other words, the bottom region has a concave bend or concave arch on the outer surface of the container within the central tie region. Preferably, such a concave curvature or concave arc is essentially a line segment pointing towards the substrate between and / or around the injection points, between the boundary of the central region and the bottom region.

[0170] In particular, the bottom regions (each) have a convex bend or convex arch on the outer surface of the container within the lateral tie region. Preferably, such a convex curvature or convex arc is substantially a line segment pointing towards the substrate along the boundary between the central region and the bottom region between and / or around the injection points.

[0171] Preferably, the basic profile of the bottom region of the container can be described in the upright region of the upright foot (particularly throughout the upright region) by the basic profile in the foot region, which preferably begins with a straight portion (particularly starting from the geometric center point and / or injection point and / or middle portion of the container), followed by a spline or curved portion. This curved portion is preferably followed by a further curved portion or spline, preferably a further curved portion, through the base of the bottom region. The upright region or foot surface, particularly the upright foot and / or upright region, is preferably generated by rotating this basic profile about the central axis of the container selected as the axis of rotation. Explicit reference is made to the applicant's patent application DE102013110139A1, which describes this preferred geometry of the foot region of the upright region or bottom region (referred to as the bottom portion in that patent application) (and in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 (See description in the document). All features relating to the region of the upright foot (and its curvature direction) described in this application (referred to herein as the upright region) are also considered to be disclosed by reference.

[0172] Preferably, the groove bottom and / or central lacing region and / or the two lateral lacing regions extend radially outward from the injection point or the central region surrounding the injection point (along the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall), substantially to (or almost to) the substrate. Preferably, the groove and / or groove bottom and / or central lacing region and / or the two lateral lacing regions extend through at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90% of the arc length of the line formed from the injection point and / or the central region and from there radially outward on the bottom wall to the substrate.

[0173] Preferably, the groove and / or its bottom (especially at least one groove and / or its bottom extending between two uprights) extends in the radial direction (at least one component). Preferably, in the projection of the groove or its bottom onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the main direction of extension of the groove and / or its bottom is substantially, in particular, exactly in the radial direction.

[0174] Preferably, at least one, and preferably exactly one, groove (with a groove bottom extending at a (given) circumferential angle) is arranged between every two (lateral or circumferential) adjacent standing feet, wherein preferably, each groove has a main extension direction extending in the radial direction (wherein in particular, at least one component of the main extension direction points in the radial direction in each case).

[0175] Preferably, the bottom of each groove (and / or each recess) extends substantially along each bottom height portion of the groove bottom (where the bottom height of a portion is measured longitudinally with the elevation of the container as a reference plane), and in particular, extends substantially at the same (given) circumferential angle. This means that the area of ​​the groove bottom near the vertical surface extends at substantially the same (given) circumferential angle as the area of ​​the groove bottom near the base and / or opening (viewed longitudinally).

[0176] In other words, the projection of the bottom of the tank and / or the projection of the central tethering area and / or (in particular, the projections of the respective) lateral tethering areas (relative to the longitudinal direction) occupy a segment of their respective projection planes (the bottom area) on the vertical plane of the container (which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction), which can be defined and / or described essentially by circumferential angles.

[0177] Preferably, each groove base is arranged substantially and preferably completely symmetrically (relative to the circumferential direction) between two (adjacent) uprights. Preferably, each groove and / or groove base is axially symmetrical with respect to the plane extending longitudinally along the central axis of the container and along the radial direction (viewed in the circumferential direction) of the geometric center of the groove and / or groove base.

[0178] Preferably, at the geometric center of the groove, particularly at the geometric center of the bottom, there is a wall region of the bottom area that extends furthest (radially and / or toward the central axis) into the container relative to the circumferential wall portion. In other words, in the case of a line formed (completely) circumferentially along the bottom wall (particularly along the outer surface of the bottom area), the line segment at the geometric center of the bottom is closest to the central axis. Preferably, this circumferential line (completely) has at least one inward curvature in the bottom area, preferably throughout the entire bottom area. If a portion of the bottom area forms a plane perpendicular to the central axis, then this plane bends inward (towards the central axis) throughout the bottom area (particularly throughout the entire area). Preferably, the turning areas where this curvature and / or bending is reversed and / or whose direction is changed are located outside the (completely) bottom.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment, the central tether region extends at least along the geometric center of the tank bottom, preferably symmetrical with respect to the geometric center. In particular, the walls of the container are at least partially curved inward, preferably substantially along the geometric center of the tank bottom (especially when considering that the principal orientation of the surface corresponds to the circumferential orientation). This symmetrical arrangement results in a particularly stable bottom geometry.

[0180] In a preferred embodiment, the trough bottom has at least one first turning region and a second turning region, in which the surface regions of the trough bottom change the direction of their curvature. Preferably, in the first turning region, the direction of the first lateral lacing region (outward curvature) changes to the direction of the central lacing region (inward curvature). Furthermore, in the second turning region (different from the first turning region), the direction of the central lacing region (inward curvature) changes to the direction of the second lateral lacing region (outward curvature).

[0181] Preferably, the surface of the trough bottom region has at least one (particularly each) line extending in a circumferential direction (particularly not extending in a longitudinal direction), a first turning region, wherein the surface region of the trough bottom changes the direction of its curvature, particularly from an outwardly curved region to an inwardly curved region. Furthermore, the line has a second turning region, in which the surface region of the trough bottom changes the direction of its curvature, particularly from an inwardly curved region to an outwardly curved region.

[0182] In a preferred embodiment, the tether and / or the groove bottom is a rotating surface, i.e., a surface created by rotating (particularly the tether profile extending through the central axis in the longitudinal section) about the central axis (about the circumferential angle of the groove bottom) in the circumferential direction.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment, the tie (particularly achieved by the groove bottom) is a freely shaped bottom portion. Specifically, compared to the above, the rotating surface is replaced by a free-form surface. The freely shaped portion allows for a more purposeful distribution of material within the tie. In particular, it avoids (visible) deformation that could weaken the tie. This increases the stability of the bottom.

[0184] Freeform surfaces are understood to be, in particular, three-dimensional, usually hyperbolic surfaces, which are preferably (and especially uniquely) mathematically represented by splines (sheet polynomial functions) and / or by NURBS (non-uniform rational B-splines).

[0185] Particularly preferably, the straps or groove bottom are designed as freeform surfaces that connect to the surface edges or transition regions of the foot flank surfaces, which are laterally arranged at the upright feet and connected to the container base and the central region or injection point around the injection point, particularly in a tangentially continuous and especially curvature-continuous manner. The curvature process of the freeform surface of the groove bottom in any given direction can be described by a polynomial of the power of n.

[0186] Preferably, at least one, preferably at least two, and preferably at least three parameters characterizing the freeform surface of the groove bottom are selected and / or determined, for example, approximately, such that the geometry of the freeform surface approximates a spherical region, particularly designed as a hemispherical (segment) shape.

[0187] In an advantageous embodiment, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container, the cross-sectional profile of the bottom of the trough at least partially, preferably substantially completely, follows an nth-order spline, deviating at least partially from a circular path, particularly in the central tie-down region and / or the two lateral tie-down regions. This causes the surface (of the central tie-down region) to curve inward toward the bottle, allowing its cross-section to change, which is advantageous. The effect of doing so is that the tie-downs better conform to the geometry of the bottom.

[0188] In a preferred embodiment, at least one groove bottom (preferably each groove bottom) (preferably between two uprights) has a groove bottom circumferential angle, the groove circumferential angle being between 10° and 60°, preferably between 20° and 50°, preferably between 30° and 38°, and particularly preferably 34°.

[0189] In a preferred embodiment, at least one groove bottom (preferably each groove bottom of each groove between the two uprights) extends through a groove bottom circumference angle, which is between 2.5° and 10°, preferably between 3° and 7°, preferably between 4° and 6°, and particularly preferably 5°. In this way, a sufficiently functional tether can be achieved.

[0190] Preferably, the bottom of the groove between the two upright legs (preferably each groove bottom) occupies substantially exactly the extent of its extension in the circumferential direction, which corresponds to the angle segment on the predetermined groove bottom circumferential angle. In the circumferential direction, the groove bottom thus extends longitudinally along its entire extent past (substantially precisely past) the predetermined groove bottom circumferential angle.

[0191] Preferably, the groove between the two upright legs (preferably each groove) occupies substantially exactly the extent of its extension in the circumferential direction, which corresponds to the angle segment at the predetermined groove circumferential angle. In the circumferential direction, the bottom of the groove thus extends longitudinally along its entire extent past (substantially precisely past) the predetermined groove circumferential angle.

[0192] In another advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the trough and / or the trough itself is designed to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the geometric center of the bottom. This symmetrical design makes the bottom geometry particularly stable.

[0193] In another advantageous embodiment, the area of ​​the bottom portion between the upright foot and the bottom of the groove extends through the bottom of the groove in a tangentially continuous and / or curvature continuous manner. This also results in particularly good tensile strength of the material at the toe.

[0194] In another advantageous embodiment, the bottom of each groove (between two adjacent bases) extends through the remaining area of ​​the groove (and / or the base area) and / or the foot flank surface (of the base), and its main direction of extension extends (substantially entirely) radially along the base area wall, in particular not circumferentially.

[0195] Preferably, the transition area from the bottom of (each) groove into the remaining area of ​​the groove and / or into the foot wing surface (of the upright foot) is given by a line formed on the bottom area, which extends (substantially entirely) radially rather than circumferentially along the bottom area.

[0196] In another advantageous embodiment, (preferably each) a region located in the bottom portion between the upright foot and the groove bottom extends through the groove bottom in a tangentially continuous and / or curvature-continuous manner. In other words, a (particularly each) region located in the bottom portion of the laterally adjacent groove bottom (particularly the foot wing surface) extends through the groove bottom (viewed in the circumferential direction) in a tangentially continuous and / or curvature-continuous manner. In this paragraph, tangential or curvature continuity is particularly seen when taking into account the transition in the circumferential direction and / or along the bottom line and / or in the radial viewing direction. Such a tangentially continuous and / or curvature-continuous transition provides the advantage that the plastic material to be distributed during blow molding can be moved or stretched, for example, from the bottom of the groove (along the foot wing surface) to the upright foot, while the friction caused by the geometry (of the corresponding blow mold) is minimized.

[0197] In another advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the tank follows a circular, spherical orientation at least in a portion of its area (preferably at least circumferentially, between the two uprights), particularly substantially along its entire radial extension. Preferably, the bottom area between each pair of (adjacent) uprights has a region (extending substantially from the central area and / or injection point to the base of the container) having a spherical (segmental) shape. The advantage of this is that the advantageous geometry of the spherical (segmental) walls in terms of force transmission can be largely preserved, and the surface processes of the walls (generally) approximate the spherical (segmental) orientation.

[0198] Preferably, the bottom of the trough deviates (essentially) exactly from the hemispherical (segmental) shape of the wall portion or orientation, at least partially, particularly in the area between the two uprights (each) and in the circumferential direction. In other words, it is preferable that no area of ​​the trough bottom follows a strictly geometric hemispherical orientation.

[0199] The hemispherical orientation of the region should be understood in particular as meaning that the region deviates from the radius of the sphere approximating the region by no more than 20%, preferably no more than 10%, more preferably no more than 5%, and particularly preferably no more than 2.5% (especially in the radial direction relative to the center of the approximate sphere).

[0200] Preferably, the bottom of the trough is adapted at least partially, preferably by a selected portion of the bottom (especially over its entire circumferential extension) between the two uprights, and particularly preferably, the entire bottom of the trough is adapted between two (hypothetical) spherical surfaces whose radii deviate from each other by less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and particularly preferably less than 2.5%.

[0201] Preferably, the line formed on the wall along the geometric center between two adjacent uprights and / or the geometric center of the groove and / or the bottom of the groove deviates from the arc that at least partially approximates the line. This deviation, in terms of the geometric distance between the formed line and the approximate circular line, is less than 20% of the radius of the approximate circular line (preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, particularly preferably less than 2.5%). Preferably, the formed line occupies more than 20%, preferably more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, particularly preferably more than 85% of the arc length of the connecting line formed on the wall through the geometric center between two adjacent uprights and / or through the geometric center of the groove and / or the bottom of the groove. This connecting line starts from the bottom center point and / or injection point and ends at the transition from the bottom region to the substrate. Preferably, this formed line can be described by an nth-order spline (at least partially, preferably within the range of more than 85% of the arc length). However, it is also conceivable that this formed line can be described by a circle.

[0202] In another advantageous embodiment, the bottom (or tie) is not a rotationally symmetric surface about the central axis of the container (particularly in its entirety, and preferably not at least partially). This distinguishes the structure of the bottom from that known in the prior art, where the basic profile of the tie rotates about the central axis at both ends of the angular segment via tie angles. The advantage of deviating from the rotationally symmetric surface portion is that it can accommodate the direction of the curve (particularly in terms of curvature) while maintaining a generally hemispherical segmental shape.

[0203] The opening region preferably has external threads and / or a support ring. Preferably, the bottom region has an injection point, particularly located on the central axis, and the bottom region preferably has a central region surrounding the injection point, particularly with a rotationally symmetrical design. Preferably, viewed longitudinally, the injection point is located above the container foot (when the container is upright).

[0204] Preferably, the upright legs or the outer surface of the upright legs form particularly flat, especially extending (entirely) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, preferably at least partially annular, upright portion of the plastic container extending at a given circumferential angle.

[0205] Preferably, the container has a filling capacity of at least 0.1 liters, more preferably at least 0.2 liters, more preferably at least 0.3 liters, more preferably at least 1 liter, more preferably at least 1.5 liters, more preferably at least 2 liters, more preferably at least 3.5 liters, and particularly at least 5 liters (for beverages). Preferably, the maximum filling capacity of the container is 5 liters, more preferably 3.5 liters, more preferably 2 liters, more preferably 1.5 liters, and more preferably 1 liter. Preferably, the filling capacity of the container is between 2 liters and 3.5 liters.

[0206] Preferably, the container is suitable for carbonated beverages.

[0207] Preferably, the bottom portion has three or more upright legs, more preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, and particularly preferably seven or more upright legs. Preferably, the bottom portion has fewer than ten upright legs, more preferably fewer than eight, more preferably fewer than six, and particularly preferably fewer than four. Preferably, the container has a petal-shaped bottom.

[0208] Preferably, the bottom of the container has discrete axisymmetry with respect to the central axis.

[0209] In another advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the container has a substantially constant wall thickness, at least in a portion, preferably across the entire surface. Specifically, the wall thickness of the bottom region and the tank bottom region is substantially the same. In this way, maximum stability of the container or its bottom can be achieved with minimal material.

[0210] Another aspect of the invention is a blow molding apparatus for manufacturing plastic containers, particularly for manufacturing the bottom region of plastic containers, the blow molding apparatus having an inner wall, wherein the plastic container (preferably a plastic container manufactured by blow molding with a plastic preform) can expand during the blow molding process to conform to the inner wall.

[0211] According to the invention, the inner wall has a profile suitable for and intended for the production of plastic containers, wherein the plastic containers can be designed to have all the aforementioned features related to plastic containers, either individually or in combination with each other.

[0212] In particular, the blow molding device here has a bottom component or is (only) implemented as a bottom component, which is adapted and intended to manufacture a bottom area of ​​the type described above.

[0213] The bottom component is preferably used together with at least two blow molding side components (in an assembled or operating state) to form a cavity in which a plastic preform can be formed into a plastic container by applying a flowable medium (preferably a gaseous medium), wherein the inner walls of the confined cavity of the blow molding side components and the bottom component have contours that produce a predetermined shape of the container to be manufactured.

[0214] In addition to the bottom component, the blow molding device may also have a (blow mold) side component (preferably releasably connected to the bottom component).

[0215] Preferably, the blow molding apparatus has multiple openings, particularly for ventilation. These ventilation openings enable the removal of fluid media, preferably gaseous media, during the expansion process of the plastic container.

[0216] In an advantageous embodiment, the blow molding apparatus has at least one upright foot forming region for manufacturing an upright foot of a plastic container, wherein the inner wall and / or internal profile of the blow molding apparatus has at least one flat region in the region of the upright foot forming region, preferably two flat regions.

[0217] In another advantageous embodiment, each upright forming area of ​​the blow molding device designed to form an upright has at least one opening, particularly for ventilating the blow molding device, and preferably has multiple openings, particularly for ventilating the blow molding device, wherein at least one opening is arranged at least in some areas and preferably entirely in the flat area of ​​the blow molding die.

[0218] By arranging at least one opening in the flat area, it is advantageously achieved that, during molding, the accumulated flowable medium can be discharged through the opening in the flat area between the plastic container produced by the plastic preform and the inside of the blow molding device (by displacement caused by the expansion of the container), particularly in the corner area of ​​the upright foot in the bottom area (which is the last part to be completed in the blow molding process), thereby preventing the generation of high back pressure.

[0219] As demonstrated by complex experiments, this combination of the opening and container design, or the bottom shape with a flat area (in the corner region of the uprights), advantageously achieves high quality in the corner region of the uprights, which in the prior art could only be manufactured with high final blow pressure, but can now be manufactured with significantly lower final blow pressure while still maintaining high quality results.

[0220] Preferably, the ratio between the surface area of ​​the bottom component and the surface area of ​​the openings (preferably all openings arranged in the bottom component for ventilation of the blow molding device) is 3-350, more preferably 4-200, and particularly preferably 5-100.

[0221] Preferably, the ratio between the surface area of ​​the bottom component and the surface area of ​​the opening is 25-180, more preferably 35-175, and particularly preferably 47-169. Preferred or advantageous ratios depend in particular on the size or volume of the bottle and the shape of the opening.

[0222] For example, for a bottle volume of 0.5 liters, the ratio between the surface area of ​​the bottom component and the surface area of ​​the opening (preferably a hole or drilled hole) is preferably 169. Advantageously, the ratio between the surface area of ​​the bottom component and the surface area of ​​the opening is here 145-180, preferably 150-175, and particularly preferably 155-173.

[0223] Therefore, according to the present invention, the ratio between the opening and the surface area of ​​the bottom component is always approximately the same, regardless of the diameter of the bottom component; that is, the surface area occupied by the opening is also larger when the diameter is larger. This can be achieved, for example, by having more or even larger openings compared to a bottom component with a smaller diameter. This ensures sufficient ventilation for each blow mold or container size.

[0224] The surface area of ​​an opening is understood here as the surface area occupied or present on the bottom component in the form of a hole, slot, or other arbitrary shape.

[0225] During the applicant's internal investigation, it was found that the ratio between the surface area of ​​the bottom geometry and the surface area of ​​the openings, particularly ventilation openings or vents, affects ventilation.

[0226] The applicant's internal investigation and testing showed that, based on this example, a plastic container with a diameter of 65 mm achieved very good final blow molding pressure results. Therefore, for a test container with a diameter of 100 mm, the ratio between the surface area of ​​the bottom geometry and the surface area of ​​the vent is preferably adjusted to the ratio of the container with a diameter of 65 mm. Preferably, the surface area of ​​the (vent) opening of the container is substantially 0.000094 m². 2 (94mm 2 ).

[0227] The holes or openings are preferably designed such that they are large enough to allow ventilation or a sufficiently large flow cross-section, but still small enough that no material of the plastic container is forced into the opening during molding and no visible and / or touchable area is formed on the finished plastic container.

[0228] Preferably, the openings lead to channels that extend through the walls of the blow mold and the bottom component, such that the flowable medium is preferably removed from the blow mold via the channels. Therefore, the openings within the walls of the blow-molded component, particularly the bottom component, are preferably adjacent to the channels for removing the gaseous medium. Advantageously, these channels extend at least partially through the walls of the bottom component. Preferably, the channels establish a flow connection between the outer and inner walls of the bottom component, and therefore, preferably also between the internal and external spaces of the blow mold.

[0229] In a preferred embodiment, the diameter (particularly the maximum diameter) of the bottom component or blow molding device is between 50 mm and 200 mm, and the surface area of ​​the opening is between 23 mm². 2 With 500mm 2 The surface area of ​​the middle and / or bottom components is between 3900 mm². 2 With 65000mm 2 Between these values, the surface area of ​​the opening is between 23 mm. 2 With 500mm 2 Between. The combination of the diameter of the bottom component, the surface area of ​​the opening, and the surface area of ​​the bottom component is advantageous, resulting in a ratio between the surface area of ​​the opening and the surface area of ​​the bottom component preferably being 160-175, and particularly preferably close to 169, because such a ratio ensures minimal compressed air consumption while guaranteeing the highest possible container mass. This ratio is particularly advantageous here for a 0.5-liter bottle volume where the opening is designed as a perforation.

[0230] In another preferred embodiment, the opening is a plurality of holes and / or slots arranged in the bottom component, particularly in the area of ​​the bottom component for forming the finished container. A combination of slots and holes is also preferred here.

[0231] If the opening is designed, for example, as a groove, a ratio of 169 still provides satisfactory results, but a ratio as high as 47 can further improve the quality of the bottle. Therefore, the ratio between the surface area of ​​the opening and the surface area of ​​the bottom component (when the opening is designed as a groove) is preferably 40-180, preferably 45-170, and particularly preferably 47-169.

[0232] If the opening is designed as a combination of slots and holes, the ratio between the surface area of ​​the opening and the surface area of ​​the bottom component is preferably 30-50, more preferably 33-45, and particularly preferably 35-41.

[0233] The holes can preferably be arranged in an ordered manner along at least one and preferably at least two imaginary geometric lines. However, a disordered arrangement of the holes is also conceivable, for example, in areas where it is difficult to form an upright container, such as in very narrow or small areas.

[0234] Preferably, the groove may also be formed by an arrangement of multiple holes or drilled holes, which are preferably arranged along a row or a spline. The multiple holes here preferably extend along at least one geometric line. Preferably, the holes are arranged adjacent to each other along two or more rows, such that at least two rows of holes extend side-by-side along the geometric line. The number of holes in the ventilation holes in the bottom component here preferably again depends on the required or desired ventilation hole surface relative to the surface of the bottom component.

[0235] Preferably, the openings and / or holes are arranged in three rows.

[0236] The holes in a single row can preferably be arranged directly side by side at the same height or offset from each other. The holes preferably have a diameter of 0.2 mm to 7 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably 0.5 mm to 4 mm. The distance between individual holes in a row is preferably the same or different. Preferably, this distance is 0.6 to 2.5 times the hole diameter, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 2 times the hole diameter.

[0237] On the outer side of the bottom shape, openings, and particularly a plurality of holes arranged in a row, are preferably guided within a channel to facilitate faster removal of the gaseous medium from the bottom mold. The width of the channel is here based on the diameter of the holes, and is preferably several times the diameter of the holes.

[0238] Preferably, each portion of the bottom component has a specific drilling pattern. The drilling pattern in the foot and / or bottom component portions may preferably consist of an arrangement of several rows and columns. Preferably, the drilling pattern is centrally located within the bottom component portion. The holes or vents here preferably all have the same diameter or different diameters. For different diameters, the ratio between the diameters is preferably 0.25 to 10, more preferably 0.4 to 8, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 6. Here, the number of vents in the bottom component also preferably depends on the required or desired vent surface area in proportion to the surface area of ​​the bottom component.

[0239] In another preferred embodiment, the bottom component is designed to form uprights for the plastic container, wherein each upright has multiple openings. Preferably, three to twelve upright areas are arranged in the bottom component to form three to twelve uprights for the plastic container.

[0240] Therefore, the opening is preferably located in the region of the bottom component that forms the upright area of ​​the container. Alternatively, the opening is preferably located in the curved portion of the bottom component.

[0241] In a preferred embodiment, each upright leg or bottom component has 7-35 openings, preferably 8-30 openings, and particularly preferably 10-25 openings in each upright region for forming the container. In total, the bottom component with five upright regions thus has 35-175 openings, preferably 40-150 openings, and particularly preferably 50-125 openings.

[0242] In another preferred embodiment, at least one hole has a diameter between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 2 mm. Particularly preferably, to avoid forming overly noticeable ventilation holes on visible surfaces or functional surfaces at the bottom, the diameter of these holes should preferably be no greater than 2 mm and no less than 0.8 mm. Elsewhere, the opening is preferably up to 5 mm to achieve rapid ventilation.

[0243] Preferably, the distance between two side-by-side openings is less than 4 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm, and more preferably less than 2 mm. In particular, there must be sufficient material between the two side-by-side openings, especially holes or boreholes, to prevent them from merging or fusing together. The minimum distance between the edges of two boreholes is preferably 0.2 mm. Therefore, the distance between two side-by-side openings, especially holes, is preferably between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, more preferably between 0.4 mm and 3 mm, and particularly preferably between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

[0244] In another preferred embodiment, at least one groove has a width between 0.4 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, and particularly preferably between 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm. The groove is preferably arranged on the bottom component by line etching, milling, die-cutting, or laser cutting. A rectangular cross-section can be created depending on the width of the cut or groove.

[0245] Preferably, each region of the upright area or bottom component for forming the plastic container preferably has one to four slots.

[0246] Preferably, at least one opening in the flat area of ​​the upright leg forming region has a larger surface area or a larger opening diameter than the openings arranged outside the flat area, preferably twice, and particularly preferably three times, the surface area and / or opening diameter (and / or flow cross-section). Preferably, the flat area of ​​the upright leg forming region has exactly one opening. This advantageously ensures that this area of ​​the upright leg does not form as rapidly as other areas of the bottom during the blow molding process of the container. This results in particularly high-quality forming of the bottom area.

[0247] Preferably, the upright leg forming area has an arched area with an inner surface or profile corresponding to the aforementioned arched area of ​​the upright leg of the plastic container (particularly according to a preferred embodiment). Preferably, at least one, preferably exactly one, opening is arranged in the arched area. Preferably, viewed in the radial direction (and / or along the shortest connecting line on the profile of the blow molding device), the opening arranged in the arched area is positioned between the opening in the flat area and the bottom center of the blow molding device (for producing the bottom center of the plastic preform). Preferably, two openings are arranged in the area of ​​the blow molding device corresponding to the upright area.

[0248] Preferably, the opening designed as a slot leads to a generally circular opening arranged in a flat area.

[0249] The upright foot forming area (particularly each upright foot forming area) preferably has multiple, more than five, and more than ten openings on each side of the upright foot. The multiple openings are preferably each arranged within an upright foot forming area, which is designed to correspond to a region of the upright foot arranged circumferentially or counter-circumferentially next to the upright region of the upright foot.

[0250] Multiple openings may be arranged (basically) in a common plane. In particular, the multiple openings may be all openings on one side of the upright leg forming area, which is arranged radially outward relative to the central axis of the blow molding device or the plastic container produced in the blow molding device than the flat area and / or the arched area.

[0251] Multiple openings can be arranged in one, two, three or more rows, with each row consisting of multiple openings.

[0252] Each row may follow a generally straight (e.g., along a common plane) or a curved direction.

[0253] Extensive series of tests conducted by the applicant have demonstrated that the combination of this ratio between the surface area of ​​the bottom component and (particularly) the surface area of ​​all (particularly arranged in the bottom component) openings (and / or the arrangement of the openings), and the favorable flat area described above, enables a reduction in the final blow molding pressure to 7 bar. This provides significant advantages for the energy- and resource-efficient production of plastic containers. Attached Figure Description

[0254] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a plastic container is shown;

[0255] Figure 2 A diagram showing the orientation of the upright legs in the region of the plastic container of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment;

[0256] Figure 3 It shows in Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the curvature direction in the shown section;

[0257] Figure 4 A diagram showing the orientation in the bottom of a tank according to a preferred embodiment of a plastic container according to the invention;

[0258] Figures 5 to 10 The bottom region 2 is shown as one embodiment of the prior art, each having a curvature direction shown along different cutting curves;

[0259] Figures 11 to 13 , Figure 19 A diagram showing the construction of the upright foot 22 of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment and the resulting construction of the bottom region is illustrated.

[0260] Figure 15 , Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the corner region of an upright foot in the prior art and a cross-sectional view of the corner region of an upright foot according to an embodiment of the present invention having an upright foot with a flat region are shown.

[0261] Figure 17 , Figure 18 An exemplary selection of a lateral profile as a triangle is shown, which is used to construct a flat region, with and without the resulting bottom region;

[0262] Figure 14 , Figures 20 to 25 Each shows a bottom region according to one embodiment of the invention to illustrate the curvature direction;

[0263] Figures 26 to 31 Similar to Figures 20 to 25 The curvature direction of the bottom region according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown, having a trapezoidal shape as the lateral contour for constructing a flat region;

[0264] Figure 32 This demonstrates the use of a trapezoid as an alternative to a horizontal profile;

[0265] Figure 33 It shows Figures 26 to 31 The trapezoid used.

[0266] Figures 34 to 36 The diagram illustrates the relative geometrical positions of the flat region with respect to the upright region, the bottom of the trench, and the inflection point region, as well as the corresponding angular dimensions, of a preferred embodiment.

[0267] Figures 37 to 39 A three-dimensional illustration of the bottom region according to a preferred embodiment is shown;

[0268] Figure 40 It shows the relationship with Figures 34 to 36 The corresponding diagrams are used for Figures 5 to 10 The bottom area of ​​the prior art is shown;

[0269] Figures 41 to 47 A comparison is shown between the bottom line of the bottom region according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the bottom line of the corresponding bottom region in the prior art;

[0270] Figure 44 , Figure 48 and Figure 49 An illustration shows the cutting curve that cuts through the bottom region and the bottom line;

[0271] Figure 50 and Figure 51 This shows a true-proportional thermal illustration of the surface curvature of the upright foot in the region between the upright area and the starting point of the tank bottom, for the purposes of existing technology ( Figure 50 The bottom area of ​​) for example in Figures 5 to 10 As described and illustrated herein, and based on Figures 20 to 25 The bottom region 2 of the present invention in the illustrated embodiment; and

[0272] Figures 52 to 59 Various preferred embodiments of the blow molding apparatus according to the present invention are shown.

[0273] List of icon numbers

[0274] Plastic container 1

[0275] Bottom area 2

[0276] Matrix 4

[0277] Opening area 6

[0278] Container mouth 8

[0279] Injection point, bottom center 18

[0280] Geometric center of bottom wall, bottom center 19

[0281] Standing feet 22

[0282] Vertical facade 23

[0283] Upright area 24

[0284] 26 on the side of the foot

[0285] 27 on the sole of the foot

[0286] 28 on the outer side of the foot

[0287] Groove 30

[0288] 32 trough bottom

[0289] flat area 40

[0290] Arched area 42

[0291] Blow molding device 100

[0292] Area 122 formed by upright feet

[0293] Upright area 124

[0294] Opening 130

[0295] 132 slotted opening

[0296] Flat area 140

[0297] Arched area 142

[0298] Curved direction 152

[0299] Straight or sloping direction 132

[0300] Maximum height difference A of the bottom line

[0301] Edge BK

[0302] "Written" BF

[0303] Corner area E

[0304] Longitudinal direction L

[0305] Vertical Cutting Profile LK

[0306] Flat area boundary line LA

[0307] The longitudinal cutting profile LKA, with its central axis M cut through a flat area.

[0308] Vertical region geometric center MS

[0309] Round K

[0310] Curvature direction KV

[0311] Side DS

[0312] Turning point region W

[0313] Vertical region circumference angle α SB

[0314] upright leg inscribed angle α F

[0315] Circumferential angle α of the arched area W

[0316] Circumferential angle α of the arched area T / 2 Detailed Implementation

[0317] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a plastic container 1 is shown. This plastic container has an opening region 6 with a container spout 8 and a base 50 adjacent to the opening region 6. The base 50 is used to hold a large quantity of filling material. The shape of the base can also be... Figure 1 The design may vary; for example, it may have waves or patterns. The opening region 6 may have the external thread of the plastic container 1 and a support ring located at the container opening 8. The container according to the invention also preferably has an external thread and a support ring.

[0318] In the attached figure, reference numeral L indicates the longitudinal direction of the plastic container 1. As shown, the longitudinal direction L is along the central axis M of the container. Furthermore, Figure 1 The circumferential direction U is shown, which is the direction around the central axis or the longitudinal direction L as the axis of rotation.

[0319] The base area 2 of the plastic container 1 is adjacent to the base body 50, thereby allowing the base body 50 to pass through the bottom area 2 either through a curved portion or through a non-curved portion.

[0320] Reference numeral 22 indicates the upright legs of the container (not shown here) (see, for example, see...) Figure 2 The bottom region 2 may have multiple upright feet 22, enabling it to stand upright on a straight surface. The reference numeral R refers to the radial direction relative to the central axis M or the longitudinal direction L of the plastic container. The radial direction R is perpendicular to the central axis M and the longitudinal direction L, and either faces them or faces outwards away from them. The base 50 is specifically composed of or has sidewalls. These sidewalls extend fully in the circumferential direction U of the container.

[0321] Figure 2 An illustration shows a preferred bottom portion in the region of the upright foot 22. More precisely, Figure 2 The lines shown illustrate the orientation within the upright foot region. The basic outline of this foot region is initially described by a straight line 101, followed by a spline or curved section 102. This curved section 102 is preferably followed by a further curved section or spline 103, and more preferably a further curved section 104, with the bottom portion transitioning into the base 14 via this curved section. Figure 2 The outline shown can be used to generate the foot surface by rotating the bottom geometry around the rotation axis M (which also determines the geometric center point of the bottom portion), which will be explained in more detail below.

[0322] The transition from the straight portion 101 to the curved portion 102 at point F and / or from the curved portion 102 to the foot radius 103 at point E is preferably tangentially continuous. The position of point E can be controlled via angle 110 on the foot radius of portion 103. Preferably, the transition to the curved portion or spline 104 is also tangentially continuous, and particularly preferably curvature continuous. The curved portion 104 preferably transitions tangentially and particularly preferably curvature continuously to the outer diameter of the base or container.

[0323] The curvature of the curved portion 104 can be described here by an nth-degree polynomial.

[0324] The external dimensions of the bottom portion are determined by the outer diameter or radius 105 and the bottom height 106. The diameter or radius 107 of the vertical circle is preferably determined by its ratio to the outer diameter 105. The height of the straight line 108 is preferably described by its ratio to the outer diameter 105.

[0325] The starting point D of the curve 104 is generated here by the straight line between points B and C. This straight line BC is advantageously arranged to be tangent to the foot radius. The starting point D of the curve 103 can also be determined using the angle 109 on the foot radius of the portion 103 between points A and C.

[0326] Figure 3 Showing Figure 2 The curvature of the portions shown is oriented as follows. It can be seen that region 102 bends in the first direction, and region 103 bends in the second direction. There is a turning point W between these two regions where the curvature changes. It can also be seen that the curvature in region 103 is stronger than that in region 104. The straight lines extending perpendicular to this line provide a measure of the inverted curvature; that is, the longer the corresponding line, the larger the radius of curvature and the smaller the curvature. Therefore, the entire orientation of the bottom portion generated by portions 102, 103, and 104 has only one turning point.

[0327] Figure 4 A preferred orientation is shown in the area of ​​the groove bottom 62 or the lacing. In this area, the profile is again first described by a straight line 114, followed by a large lacing radius 111, which is a region with a constant curvature. After this area 111 is an area 112 with a smaller lacing radius. After this area is a segment 113, where the orientation can also be straight. After this area 113 is the basic profile of the foot and the transition into the base. According to the profile shown, the lacing surface is also generated by rotation about the axis of rotation M, as shown in more detail below. Advantageously, the transitions between area 111, area 112, segment 113 and basic profile 104 are also tangentially continuous here.

[0328] Figures 5 to 10The diagram shows the bottom region 2 of a plastic container 1 according to one embodiment of the prior art, each having a curvature direction KV shown along different cut curves. These are all identical bottom regions 2 designed with a petal-shaped bottom, for example, for carbonated beverages.

[0329] For clarity, Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 and Figure 10 Pairs of identical curvature directions KV extending along corresponding cutting curves are shown, represented once in a three-dimensional grayscale image and once in a pure line.

[0330] like Figure 9 As shown, the exemplarily illustrated bottom region here has five upright legs 22, each of which has an upright area 24 extending substantially from the bottom center 18 to the boundary between the bottom region and the substrate. The upright area 24 has a particularly flat vertical surface 23 with an upright plane on which the plastic container 1 stands vertically with its upright legs 22. The bottom center (typically the injection point of the plastic container 1) maintains a certain distance from the upright plane, i.e., the so-called ground clearance.

[0331] A groove 30 is arranged between every two upright legs 22, in which the bottom region 2 extends further into the container. Figure 5 It can also be seen that the bottom region 2 in the groove (at least partially) arches or bends inward, while the bottom region (except for the region around the bottom center 18) arches or bends outward (especially in each of the two principal curvature directions).

[0332] Therefore, there is a transition region (marked by reference numeral W in the figure below) between the upright foot 22 and the adjacent groove, in which the direction of curvature of the bottom region (at least in the direction of principal curvature) is reversed.

[0333] Reference numeral 32 indicates the bottom of the groove 30, which is located at the geometric center of the groove and is designed such that it acts as a strap that transmits the force acting on the bottom center 18 to the substrate. For this purpose, the bottom preferably has a substantially hemispherical (or elliptical) orientation (within an angular segment defined along the circumferential direction).

[0334] Reference numeral 26 denotes the foot lateral region 26, which refers to the lateral region of the upright foot 22. In particular, this foot lateral region mainly faces the adjacent upright foot 22. The principal extension direction of the corresponding normal vector of the surface point of this foot lateral region 26 is along (or against) the circumferential direction U.

[0335] Reference numeral E in the attached figure denotes the corner region of the upright foot 22. In this corner region, the outer foot region 28, the (radial) (mainly) outward-facing region, and the (in the upright standing position) (mainly) downward-facing foot base region 27 intersect each other. This corner region is located between the foot lateral region 26 and the upright region. In other words, the corner region serves as a transition area from the upright region 24 to the foot lateral region 26. Similarly, the corner region E serves to transform the outer foot region 28 into the foot lateral region 26.

[0336] according to Figures 5 to 10 A preferred example of a plastic container having a bottom region 2 may have a diameter of 100 mm. The diameter of the upright circle may be 64.5 mm. In this example, the ground clearance measured from the contact surface / upright plane to the bottom center / injection point is 5.507 mm.

[0337] The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings will be used to indicate areas or features that are the same or have similar effects and / or designs.

[0338] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The curvature direction KV of the bottom region along the longitudinal cut profile LK is shown. This longitudinal cut profile is generated by a longitudinal cut through the bottom region 2, which passes through the corner region E, and the longitudinal cut is made along the plane containing the central axis M. The longitudinal cut profile LK has no extension in the circumferential direction U.

[0339] The curvature along the longitudinal cut profile indicates that the bottom region arches inward in the area around the injection point or bottom center 18. Further radially outward, i.e., with increasing distance from the central axis M, the direction of curvature reverses to an outward arch or convex curvature. Particularly around the corner region E, the bottom region convexly curves along the longitudinal cut profile. The absolute value of curvature increases sharply in the area of ​​corner region E, and initially decreases slightly in the corner region, then rapidly decreases after the corner region. In the upper outer foot region viewed along the longitudinal direction L, the bottom region also exhibits a slight (convex) curvature only along the longitudinal cut profile LK. It can also be seen that within the corner region E and in the radially adjacent portion of the longitudinal cut profile LK to the corner region E, the absolute value and / or curvature value continuously decrease, but compared to the adjacent region, the portion of the longitudinal cut profile located within the corner region E does not have a local minimum of the absolute value and / or curvature value.

[0340] Figure 7 and Figure 8The curvature direction of the corner region E and the upright region 24 of the upright foot 22, which are traversed along the bottom line BL, is shown. Here (and below), the bottom line should be understood as the contour created by a cylindrical cut of the bottom region or a line that follows the contour on the outer surface.

[0341] When projected onto a vertical plane along the central axis, the bottom line appears as a circular line.

[0342] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the selected bottom line, for the example of the preferred container with this bottom region described above, the diameter of the circle is selected to be 77mm.

[0343] In an alternative definition, the bottom line describes the direction of a line that follows the bottom region (or its outer surface) and is always equidistant from the central axis.

[0344] The curvature direction of the bottom line here (and below) specifically refers to the bottom line BL unfolding (along the side surface of the cylinder), so that the curvature direction shown reflects only the curvature direction of the height value of the bottom region, which has a functional relationship with the circumferential angle (measured in the circumferential direction).

[0345] In this method, the height value can be measured (only) along the central axis by projecting the corresponding point of the bottom line onto the central axis only in the radial direction.

[0346] For example, the height value is measured as the distance from a corresponding point on the bottom line to a plane extending perpendicularly to the central axis, which, for example, passes through a container region where the bottom region transitions into the substrate and / or adjacent substrate.

[0347] As can be seen from the curvature trend (expressed as curvature values ​​perpendicular to the bottom line), the bottom region along the upright region 24 is not curved (it has the same height value and moves along a circular line). The bottom line BL extends accordingly along the circular line within the upright region 24. Adjacent to the upright region 24, the curvature value first increases abruptly, continues to rise steadily within the corner region E until it reaches its maximum value MW (either the absolute value or the curvature value), then steadily decreases until it reaches the inflection point WP, and then changes the direction of curvature within the groove 30 after reaching the inflection point WP. Here, the inflection point WP represents the boundary between the groove region 30 and the upright foot 22.

[0348] It can be seen that within the corner region E, the curvature along the bottom line BL reaches its maximum value. This maximum value also represents the (global) maximum value of the curvature and / or absolute value of the entire bottom line along the section between the upright region and the turning point WP.

[0349] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Two slightly different perspective views are shown, each showing a bottom area with a bottom line BL that also passes through corner area E and upright area 24, but here also passes through upright surface 23.

[0350] In the above-described exemplary preferred container, the bottom line (in the above projection) has a circle diameter of 64.50 mm.

[0351] The bottom line BL passing through vertical surface 23 shows a similarity to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The selected bottom line exhibits curvature behavior similar to BL.

[0352] Similarly, the non-curved region (curvature value is zero) within the upright surface 23 can be observed, where the curvature value abruptly increases in the portion of the upright region (here, the upright surface 23) adjacent to the bottom line BL in the upright foot 22. Likewise, the absolute value or curvature value increases until it reaches a maximum value MW (exactly one) within the corner region E, and then steadily decreases until it reaches the turning point WP (where the curvature value is zero).

[0353] The turning point WP indicates the boundary between the upright foot 22 and the groove 30.

[0354] Within the groove, the absolute value of curvature increases steadily again until it reaches the maximum absolute value of curvature (the minimum curvature value, being a negative curvature value). Continuing along the bottom line in the direction of groove bottom 32, the absolute value of curvature decreases steadily again here. It is conceivable that here, the absolute value of curvature suddenly decreases upon transitioning to groove bottom 32. It is conceivable that... Figures 7 to 9 The shown tank bottom has a non-curved bottom line within it. However, other embodiments of the tank bottom are also conceivable, such as having different regions that arch inward and outward.

[0355] Here, the minimum absolute value and / or minimum local curvature value within the bottom line extending between the vertical plane 23 and the turning point WP are not presented in the corner area.

[0356] The corner areas E on the two sides of the upright foot 22 represent the areas most difficult to form during blow molding. With this bottom design, good formability can only be achieved by applying very high final blow molding pressure.

[0357] Figures 11 to 13 Each shows the construction of the upright leg 22 according to the present invention. Figure 11 , Figure 12 ) and the resulting bottom region 2 having a plurality of the present invention's upright legs 22 according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 12The illustrations are shown in two different perspectives, showing the view from the outside towards the centrally located upright leg 22.

[0358] from Figures 11 to 13 As can be seen, by setting a flat area 40, the previous bottom orientation of the upright foot 22 is flattened in the two corner areas E of the upright foot 22, which are arranged on the sides of the upright area or the upright surface 24. Figures 11 to 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the flat region 40 is designed to be flat. An arched region 42 is provided around the flat region 40, which transforms the bottom orientation of the upright region into the bottom region of the groove or the remaining foot side surface 26.

[0359] Figure 13 A comparison is shown between the previous bottom orientation of the upright foot and an embodiment of the bottom orientation of the upright foot 22 modified according to the present invention. Preferably, only the two corner regions E of the upright foot are changed. For better distinction, Figures 5 to 10 The corner area of ​​the upright foot of the prior art shown and described in the figure is marked with reference numeral E' and shown transparently.

[0360] It can be seen that the flattening of the corner area E of the upright foot due to the setting of the flat area 40 causes the bottom direction in the corner area to descend more rapidly in the direction of the groove bottom 32 and / or the recess 30. Reference numeral 34 indicates the geometric center of the groove bottom 32, which typically also forms the geometric center of the recess 30.

[0361] The applicant discovered in complex experiments that this flattened upright requires only a significantly lower final blow molding pressure to ensure good formability of the corner area E of the upright.

[0362] Two appendices Figure 11 and 12 The construction of the flat region 40 is shown. Besides the flat region and the arched region, all other regions known from the prior art as (petal-shaped) uprights, especially... Figures 5 to 10 The bottom region 2, as described and shown in the text, is preferably kept unchanged.

[0363] Preferably, a transverse profile is used for construction, which is given here by an isosceles triangle with a apex S and two sides DS (described above as variant Z). The angle of the triangle at the apex S can be between 45° and 179°, preferably between 80° and 150°. In the example shown, the angle is 105°. The height (of the apex S above the upright region) is preferably between 2 mm and 50 mm.

[0364] Further preferably, a guide profile is used to construct the flat area. The guide profile preferably extends in a plane passing through the geometric center of the upright area 24 and / or the upright foot 22. Figure 11 In the diagram, the guiding contour passes through the tip of triangle S and is perpendicular to the plane of the attached drawing.

[0365] For example, variations A or B described above can be used as guide contours. The guide contour is preferably constructed on the middle of the foot, and particularly preferably constructed using a cutting contour.

[0366] exist Figure 19 The steps for constructing a guide contour are explained exemplarily in the example.

[0367] For example, to generate the guide profile, a vertical line is constructed on the radius FR of the (upright) foot 22 using a straight line. Here, the reference numeral FM denotes the center point of a circle with radius FR, and the cross-sectional profile of the foot at least partially follows this center point. This straight line is controlled by an angle. This angle moves within a range between the vertical line passing through the center point of the foot radius to the upright surface and the straight line. This value is between -30° and 80°, preferably between -10° and 65°.

[0368] In the attached diagram, reference numeral FG denotes a straight line extending along radius FR. The straight line FG chosen here forms an angle of 36.7° with the longitudinal direction L. Angles between 10° and 50° are conceivable, but preferably between 30° and 40°.

[0369] Further, create a tangent line FT perpendicular to this line. Create a straight line FK parallel to this tangent line at a certain distance (2.5 mm in the example shown) as a guide profile. This distance moves within a range between 0 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm. The length of the line can be set.

[0370] exist Figure 12 In the figure, the edge marked with reference numeral BK is the guiding contour. A transverse contour (here, an isosceles triangle) is guided along this guiding contour, so that when viewed from both sides of the upright foot 22, a cross section with a surface orientation BF is produced, which resembles a book cover BF opened with the apex of a triangle.

[0371] The guiding profile, particularly the distance from the guiding profile to the upright region, and / or the lateral profile, particularly the angle of the lateral profile, such as the angle of a triangle here, are specifically chosen such that a cutting profile LA with a surface orientation BF is generated in the corner region E of the upright foot. This cutting profile LA preferably forms the boundary of the flat region 40 thus constructed. The flat region 40 can be given by the inner surface of the cutting profile LA located in the cut plane BF.

[0372] Based on the selected lateral contour and / or guide contour, a flat direction (a triangle as the lateral contour and a straight line as the guide contour) or a curved direction (e.g., a parabolic direction through the lateral contour) of the flat region 40 selected as the cutting region is generated from the flat region 40.

[0373] Here, the arched region 42, which completely surrounds and / or is adjacent to the flat region 40, is created by the rounding of the bottom region at the transition edge of the cross section and the surrounding bottom region.

[0374] Figure 17 and 18 The lateral profile used is shown again (in Figures 11 to 13 middle)( Figure 17 Together with the bottom region generated by the flat region 40 of the invention according to one embodiment, the lateral profile here has, for example, a triangular geometry.

[0375] For the container size mentioned in the example above, the height of the triangle could be, for example, 10mm.

[0376] Figure 15 and 16 Cross-sectional views of the corner region E' of the upright foot 22 according to the prior art and cross-sectional views of the corner region of the upright foot having a flat region 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively. In particular, in Figure 15 Triangles are used as the horizontal outline, and... Figure 16 A trapezoid is used as the lateral contour to construct the flat region 40. In the figures, reference numeral d indicates the distance between the corner region E' of the prior art and the flat region 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0377] Figure 14 , Figures 20 to 25 Each figure shows a bottom region 2 for displaying curvature direction according to an embodiment of the present invention. These curvature directions correspond to those according to the prior art. Figures 5 to 10 The curvature direction of the corresponding bottom region is shown in the figure.

[0378] in, Figure 14 , Figures 20 to 25 The flat region 40 is a flat area that can be constructed using a triangular outline as a lateral outline.

[0379] in, Figure 14 , 22 23 shows a slightly different perspective view of the curvature direction along the bottom line BL. Figure 14 A diagram represented by either a dashed line or a line drawn entirely on the ground. Figure 23The bottom line extends through the upright region 24, that is, through the region of the upright region 24 that is located further outward in the radial direction from the upright surface 23. In particular, the bottom line shown here passes through the flat region 40 and the arched region 42 adjacent to the flat region.

[0380] for Figures 5 to 10 The exemplary container described herein has a modified bottom region according to the invention, and when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the bottom line shown in the example has a circle diameter of 77 mm.

[0381] The design of the upright area, the groove, and the bottom of the groove and Figures 5 to 10 The bottom region 2 shown is the same, therefore the curvature behavior KV of the bottom line BL is the same in these regions.

[0382] In the corner region E, the curvature behavior KV of the bottom line BL now changes. During the transition from the upright region 24 to the arched region 42, the curvature value (and absolute value of curvature) KV increases abruptly, then steadily decreases until it reaches the flat region 40. There is no curvature in the flat region, so the curvature value is zero. After the portion of the bottom line BL that extends in the flat region, the bottom line passes through another portion of the arched region 42 that completely surrounds the flat region 40. In this portion, the bottom line bends again, where the curvature has the same direction as the portion of the arched region 42 between the flat region 40 and the upright region 24.

[0383] In particular, Figure 22 As shown here, both the curve direction KV1 (in the circumferential direction U) in the portion of the arched region 42 between the flat region 40 and the upright region 24, and the curve direction KV2 (in the circumferential direction U) in the portion of the arched region 42 between the flat region 40 and the adjacent groove and / or groove bottom (along the circumferential direction U), exhibit a maximum value, which is greater than the maximum value of the absolute value or curvature value within the flat region 40.

[0384] two Figure 24 and 25 The curve direction KV corresponding to the bottom line BL is shown. The bottom line passes through the outer edge of the vertical surface 23 and the arched area 42, but does not pass through the flat area 40.

[0385] for Figures 5 to 10 The exemplary container described herein has a modified bottom region according to the invention, and when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the bottom line shown in the example has a circle diameter of 64.50 mm.

[0386] Within the outer edge, the arched shape essentially reappears as the curvature of the bottom region, based on existing technology. This is why the curvature of the bottom line BL, KV, here corresponds to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The curvature direction (between the upright region 24 and the inflection point WP) has only one occurrence of maximum curvature value or maximum absolute curvature value.

[0387] Figure 25 Show Figure 24 The dashed line represents this.

[0388] Figure 20 and 21 ( Figure 20 The dashed line (representing the curvature direction KV along the longitudinal cut profile LKA) shows the curvature direction KV, similar to... Figure 5 and 6 The longitudinal cutting profile LKA passes through the arched region 42 and the flat region 40.

[0389] Compared with existing technology Figure 5 and Figure 6 Compared to the curvature direction KV present in the corner region E in the bottom region shown, a significantly different curvature direction can also be seen here. The curvature direction within the flat region 40 also exhibits a (absolute) minimum value within the corner region E formed by the arched region 42 and the flat region. The portion of the longitudinal cut profile LKA extending in the flat region 40 is also (within the arched region 42) surrounded by the adjacent portion of the longitudinal cut profile LKA, in which the longitudinal cut profile bends (protrudes) in the same direction and, in each case, exhibits a larger curvature value and / or absolute curvature value compared to the curvature value within the flat region 40.

[0390] Figures 26 to 31 This illustration shows the curvature direction of the bottom region 2 of the invention according to the second embodiment, similar to... Figures 20 to 25 The use of trapezoids (and) Figures 20 to 25 In the case of triangles (in contrast to triangles in other cases), the horizontal contour is constructed.

[0391] in, Figure 26 and Figure 27 ( Figure 27 yes Figure 26 The dashed line (represented by the line) shows the curvature direction along the bottom line BL, which passes through the vertical surface 23 but does not pass through the flat area 40 (and at the edge of the arched direction 42).

[0392] for Figures 5 to 10The exemplary container described herein has a modified bottom region according to the invention, and when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the bottom line shown in the example has a circle diameter of 66 mm.

[0393] Here, the curvature orientation is again similar to that of existing technologies.

[0394] in, Figure 28 and 29 ( Figure 29 yes Figure 28 The dashed line (represented by the underline) shows the curvature direction along the bottom line BL, which passes through the upright region 24, rather than through the upright surface 23. Further, the bottom line BL passes through the flat region 40 and the arched direction 42.

[0395] for Figures 5 to 10 The exemplary container described herein has a modified bottom region according to the invention, and when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the bottom line shown in the example has a circle diameter of 77 mm.

[0396] In the corner region E, the curvature behavior KV of the bottom line BL differs from that of the prior art. During the transition from the upright region 24 to the arched region 42, the curvature value (and absolute value of curvature) KV suddenly increases and then steadily decreases until it reaches the flat region 40. There is no curvature in the flat region, so the curvature value is zero. After the portion of the bottom line BL that extends in the flat region, the bottom line passes through another portion of the arched region 42 that completely surrounds the flat region 40. In this portion, the bottom line bends again, where the curvature has the same direction as the portion of the arched region 42 between the flat region 40 and the upright region 24.

[0397] Figure 30 and Figure 31 The bottom line BL shown Figure 31 yes Figure 30 (The dashed line indicates that it extends outside the arched area and the flat direction, thus having a curvature direction similar to that of the prior art.)

[0398] for Figures 5 to 10 The exemplary container described herein has a modified bottom region according to the invention, and when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the bottom line shown in the example has a circle diameter of 64.50 mm.

[0399] Figure 32 This illustrates an alternative to using a trapezoid with sides TS as the lateral profile instead of a triangle, which is used in accordance with... Figures 26 to 31 In the construction of the bottom region.

[0400] Figure 33 The trapezoid used here is shown, which has a 130° angle, a preferred height of 15 mm, and a preferred side length of 5.0 mm.

[0401] Restrictions in the radial and circumferential directions:

[0402] The flat section is symmetrical at the foot, moving within a range between 60% and 90% of the bottom diameter (D*60%). Measurements are taken from the middle of the foot to the right and left at angles of 2.5° to 22°.

[0403] Figures 34 to 36 The diagram shows the relative geometric position of the flat region 40 with respect to the circumferential direction U, relative to the upright region 24, the groove bottom 32, and the turning point region W, and the corresponding angular dimensions.

[0404] in, Figure 34 It is shown that: (preferably the entire) flat region 40 is arranged between 5° and 22°, measured from the geometric center of the vertical surface 24 (in the circumferential direction U).

[0405] Figure 35 The radial location of the flat region 40 is shown. Preferably, viewed radially, the flat region lies between 60% and 90% of the container's radius and / or the bottom region (half the bottom diameter).

[0406] Figure 36 It is shown that the inflection point W of the curvature (especially the bottom line BL) is not at 18°, but at 19° when viewed from the left side of the foot (the geometric center of the upright area) and at 17° when viewed from the lacing (especially from the geometric center of the groove bottom 32 of the groove 30).

[0407] Preferably, the surface between the lacing 5° and the foot angle 8.54° is constructed using auxiliary geometries of diameter * 35%, diameter * 70%, and diameter * 95%. In this example, the diameter is 100 mm.

[0408] Figure 36 It is also shown that: marked α SB The circumferential angle of the upright region, through which the upright region 24 extends, characterizes or defines the extent of the extension of the upright region 24; denoted as α. F The circumference angle of the upright leg, where a single upright leg 22 extends through the circumference angle when viewed in the circumferential direction; denoted as α. W The circumferential angle of the arched region 42 (viewed in the circumferential direction) is located between the flat region 40 and the upright region 24, and the region extends through the circumferential angle of the arched region.

[0409] W1 and W2 denote lines defining an angle segment in which the corresponding turning point WP (along the curvature of the bottom line) is arranged between the upright foot 22 and the groove 30 or the groove bottom 32. It can be seen that the angle segment is very narrow, or has only a 1° extension range (in the circumferential direction).

[0410] Figures 37 to 39 A further three-dimensional illustration of the bottom region according to a preferred embodiment is shown. Different bottom lines and their curvature directions are shown.

[0411] Figure 40 It shows the relationship with Figures 34 to 36 The corresponding diagrams are used for Figures 5 to 10 The bottom area of ​​the prior art is shown. Here, the angle extension range of the upright legs is also 19°, in the case of 5 upright legs.

[0412] Figures 41 to 47 Each illustration shows a comparison between two bottom lines of a bottom region according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and a corresponding bottom line of a bottom region in the prior art. The bottom lines are... Figure 41 It is shown as being along the bottom region and also in an unfolded state (along the side surface of the cylinder).

[0413] In the prior art, the bottom line (BLS) is shown as a dashed line.

[0414] Figure 42 It shows Figure 41 The bottom line is shown, but the bottom area is not shown. It is clearly visible that, compared to the corresponding bottom line BLS in the prior art, the bottom line BL1 is flattened in the corner area of ​​the upright foot.

[0415] BLS here refers to a bottom line with the same diameter as the vertical circle (the diameter of the vertical circle is 64.5 mm in this case).

[0416] BLS indicates a standard bottom without a flat section, based on existing technology, in the case of a 75mm diameter (the diameter of a circle projected onto a plane perpendicular to the central axis).

[0417] BL1 indicates a bottom line with a flat bottom when the bottom line is 75mm (the diameter of a circle projected onto a plane perpendicular to the central axis).

[0418] Figure 43 It shows Figure 41 The expansion of the bottom lines BL1, BL2, and BLS in the diagram.

[0419] Figure 44 , 48Figures 49 and 49 illustrate by showing a cutting curve that cuts through the bottom area and the bottom line: In the prior art, the point of the bottom line of the bottom is 1.4 mm (the unfolded distance) further away from the geometric center of the upright foot and / or the upright area than the point of the bottom line located in the center of the flat area, and the bottom area around these two points has the same tangent.

[0420] Figure 49 This shows a radial profile with a defined angle.

[0421] Figure 44 In a preferred example of the aforementioned container shown here, the height of the inflection point is 9.6 mm.

[0422] Furthermore, with a diameter of 75mm, the distance from the original bottom to the bottom with the flat section is 1.4mm.

[0423] The horizontal distance from the original bottom to the flat bottom is 0.9 mm, which is equivalent to about 1.2°.

[0424] The vertical distance from the flat section to the height line of the inflection point is 6.7 mm, so the ratio is approximately 6.7 / 9.6 = 0.69791666, or 69.79%.

[0425] The vertical distance from the original bottom BLS to the height line of the turning point is 7.9mm, approximately 7.9 / 9.6 = 0.8229, or 82.29%.

[0426] As described above, for this example of a container with a bottom area and / or a container diameter of 100 mm and a vertical circle diameter of 64.5 mm, the ground clearance is 5.507 mm. The ground clearance here is measured from the contact surface to the injection point.

[0427] Figures 45 to 47 The diagram illustrates the orientation of the height values ​​for the different bottom lines BL1, BL2, and BLS in the preceding figures. The height values ​​are plotted on the upward-pointing axis H in the attached plane (see also...). Figure 48 A represents the maximum difference (maximum amplitude) in height between the bottom line of the vertical region and the bottom line of the trench bottom region. The height axis H is preferably oriented opposite to the longitudinal direction L, but parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0428] The height value can be measured, for example, from the distance of each point on the bottom line to a plane perpendicular to the central axis, which for example passes through the boundary region between the bottom region and the container base and / or is parallel to the vertical plane on which the container stands.

[0429] Where P represents a point on the portion of the bottom line within the flat region 40. This indicates the corresponding point on the bottom line BLS in the prior art, which has the same tangent as point P in the bottom line PL1.

[0430] Figure 46 and 47 As shown here, the height value H of the bottom line passing through the flat region 40 is significantly reduced due to flattening, compared to the bottom lines of the same diameter or the same distance from the central axis in the prior art.

[0431] In the attached diagram, the upward-pointing axis is the height axis H, on which the height values ​​of the bottom lines are plotted. The corresponding inflection points of the bottom lines are used here as references, i.e., the height values ​​here are measured as distances to a plane (perpendicular to the central axis) that passes through the inflection points of the corresponding bottom lines between the uprights and the adjacent recesses.

[0432] In the attached plane, the axis pointing to the right represents the direction of the circumferential angle α measured from the geometric center of the upright region. The curve shown corresponds to... Figure 45 The figure shows the unfolded bottom line. The reference numeral MS indicates the geometric center of the upright region. The reference numeral H... S This represents the height value of MS, the geometric center of the upright region.

[0433] α T / 2 This represents the angle between the geometric center of the upright region and the geometric center MN of the adjacent groove and / or the bottom of the adjacent groove.

[0434] ΔH represents the height difference between points P and MS.

[0435] Figures 45 to 47 This is not an illustration, but a diagram at full scale.

[0436] Figure 50 and 51 This is a thermal diagram (to-scale) illustrating the surface curvature of the upright foot in the region between the upright area and the starting point of the trough bottom, for use with respect to existing technology ( Figure 50 The bottom area of ​​) for example in Figures 5 to 10 As described and illustrated herein, and based on Figures 20 to 25 The bottom region 2 of the present invention in the illustrated embodiment.

[0437] It can be clearly seen that Figure 51 The bottom of the flat region 40 shown has a minimum surface curvature in the region of the flat region 40 (in the entire region of the flat region 40) (where the surface curvature is zero). It can also be seen that this region is (completely) surrounded by a region having (at least) a local maximum absolute value or curvature value. This region represents the arched region 42.

[0438] Conversely, in the upright foot, the maximum curvature value is not in the (circular) annular region, but in the region of maximum surface curvature value, which is particularly circular or near-circular, where the shortest connecting line between two points in the region extending along the bottom region also extends in the region of maximum surface curvature value.

[0439] Figures 52 to 59 Different preferred embodiments of the blow molding apparatus 100 according to the invention are shown, which are designed herein for forming the bottom region 2 of a plastic container 1. Figures 52 to 59 The blow molding apparatus shown is only suitable for and intended to manufacture the bottom region and has only a bottom component with an inner contour or inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the bottom region of the plastic container to be manufactured. The blow molding apparatus 100 may additionally have two side components for producing the base or sidewall of the plastic container 1. Preferably, the bottom component and at least one side component or two side components can be detachably connected to each other (preferably in pairs).

[0440] Figures 52 to 59 Each blow molding device in the blow molding apparatus 100 shown has (five in this case) upright forming areas 122 for the corresponding forming or manufacturing of the uprights 22 of the plastic container 1 to be manufactured.

[0441] Each upright leg forming area here has an upright area 124 for forming the upright leg 22 of the plastic container 1 to be manufactured (as described above).

[0442] Along and against the circumferential direction (based on the central axis of the plastic container 1 to be manufactured), a flat area 140 is arranged next to the upright area, the flat area being designed to correspond to the aforementioned flat area 40 (particularly according to a preferred embodiment).

[0443] Figures 52 to 59 The diagram shows an opening (exactly one) preferably arranged in the flat area for ventilating the blow molding apparatus. Preferably, the opening 130 arranged in the flat area 140 has a larger ventilation and / or flow cross-section than the other openings. This is advantageously because this area of ​​the upright foot does not form as quickly as other areas of the bottom during the blow molding process of the container. This results in particularly high-quality forming of the bottom area.

[0444] The opening 130 preferably has a diameter between 0.8 mm and 5 mm.

[0445] Figures 52 to 59Further shown is an arched region 142, which is at least partially disposed around the flat region 140 (the arched region being more curved than the flat region), and this arched region is preferably designed to correspond to the aforementioned arched region 42 (particularly according to a preferred embodiment). In the illustrations shown, the arched region in each case completely surrounds the corresponding flat region 140 and is particularly preferably completely adjacent to the flat region.

[0446] Figure 52 and Figure 53 Two different perspective views of the blow molding apparatus 100 are shown, in which the opening 132 is designed as a curved groove. This curved groove preferably leads to an opening arranged in the flat region 140. Another opening is arranged in a portion of the arched region 142 closer to the bottom center than the flat region.

[0447] Figure 54 A blow molding apparatus 100 with numerous openings 130 having a substantially circular cross-section (for ventilation of the blow molding apparatus) is shown; these openings are preferably drilled holes. The openings 100 are arranged along a (unique) curve 152 (which extends specifically in a circumferential direction relative to the central axis of the plastic container to be manufactured). Preferably, the curvature of the curve increases with radial distance to the central axis.

[0448] Figure 55 and 56 Two different perspective views of a blow molding apparatus 100 with a large number of openings 130 having a substantially circular cross-section (for ventilation of the blow molding apparatus) are shown. These openings are preferably drilled holes. The openings 100 are arranged along line 153, which extends substantially in a plane and / or along a straight line. Preferably, the plane or the straight line is arranged obliquely relative to a central axis, wherein the plane or straight line preferably extends circumferentially. Preferably, the large number of openings 130 are arranged in a row.

[0449] Figure 57 A blow molding device 100 with numerous openings 130 having a substantially circular cross-section (for ventilation of the blow molding device) is shown; these openings are preferably drilled holes. The openings 100 are arranged in two rows along a line 153 that extends substantially in a plane and / or along a straight line. Preferably, the respective planes or straight lines are arranged obliquely relative to a central axis, wherein the planes or straight lines preferably extend circumferentially. Preferably, the two rows are arranged substantially side-by-side and / or substantially parallel to each other.

[0450] Figure 58A blow molding apparatus 100 with numerous openings 130 having a substantially circular cross-section (for ventilation of the blow molding apparatus) is shown; these openings are preferably drilled holes. The openings 100 are arranged in two rows along a curve 152 (which extends circumferentially relative to the central axis of the plastic container to be manufactured). Preferably, the curvature of the corresponding lines increases with radial distance to the central axis. Preferably, the two rows are arranged substantially side-by-side and / or substantially parallel to each other.

[0451] Figure 59 A blow molding device 100 with numerous openings 130 having a substantially circular cross-section (for ventilation of the blow molding device) is shown; these openings are preferably drilled holes. The openings 100 are each arranged in three rows along a line 153 that extends substantially in a plane and / or along a straight line. Preferably, the respective planes or straight lines are arranged obliquely relative to a central axis, wherein the planes or straight lines preferably extend circumferentially. Preferably, the three rows are arranged substantially side-by-side and / or substantially parallel to each other.

[0452] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as fundamental features of the invention, provided that these features, individually or in combination, are novel compared to the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that features that may be advantageous in themselves are also described in individual figures. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without employing other features in that figure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can also be derived by combining several features shown in a single figure or different figures.

Claims

1. A plastic container (1) having a bottom region (2), a base (50) connected to the bottom region (2) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the plastic container (1), and a mouth region (6) at least indirectly connected to the base (50) in the longitudinal direction (L), the mouth region having a container mouth (8), wherein the bottom region (2) has at least three upright legs (22), wherein each of the upright legs (22) has at least one upright region (24), the upright region extending in a circumferential direction (U) relative to the longitudinal direction (L) through an upright region circumferential angle (α). SB Each of the upright regions has at least one upright surface (23) for the plastic container (1) to stand upright, wherein at least one groove (30) is arranged between two upright feet (22), the groove having a bottom (32) which acts as a strap, the bottom of the groove widening outward in the radial direction (R) of the plastic container (1), wherein the at least three upright feet are defined in the circumferential direction (U) by at least one foot side area (26) and outward in the radial direction (R) by a foot outer area (28). Its features are, The at least three upright feet have at least one flat area (40) in the corner area (E) of the upright feet, the upright area (24), the side area (26) of the foot and the outer area (28) of the foot intersect in the flat area, the flat area causes the upright feet (22) to be flattened in the corner area (E), wherein each of the at least three upright feet has at least one arched area (42) arranged between the flat area (40) and the upright area (24).

2. A plastic container (1) having a bottom region (2), a base (50) connected to the bottom region (2) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the plastic container (1), and a mouth region (6) at least indirectly connected to the base (50) in the longitudinal direction (L), the mouth region having a container mouth (8), wherein the bottom region (2) has at least three upright legs (22), each upright leg extending through an upright leg circumferential angle (α) in a circumferential direction (U) relative to the central axis (M) extending along the longitudinal direction (L) of the bottom region (2). F Each of the upright legs (22) has at least one upright region (24) that extends in the circumferential direction (U) through an upright region circumferential angle (α). SB Each of the upright regions has at least one upright surface (23) for the plastic container (1) to stand upright, wherein at least one groove (30) is arranged between two upright feet (22), the groove having a bottom (32) that acts as a strap and widens outward in the radial direction (R). Its features are, Each of the at least three upright legs has at least one flat region (40) at least partially disposed between the upright region (24) and the adjacent recess, and at least one arched region (42) disposed between the flat region (40) and the upright region (24), wherein the flat region (40) is flattened in terms of curvature behavior compared to the arched region (42), wherein, viewed in the circumferential direction (U), the arched region extends at most through the circumferential angle (α) of the upright region. SB Half and / or at most through the upright foot circumference angle (α) F One-tenth of ).

3. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The bottom region (2) is designed such that, along the bottom region (2), from the geometric center (MS) of the upright region of an upright foot (22), through a turning point region (W), the curvature direction of the bottom region (2) changes, extending to the bottom of the adjacent groove (32) at a constant distance from the central axis (M). This geometric orientation reflects the relationship between the height value (H) observed along the central axis and the rotation angle (α) measured in the circumferential direction (U) relative to the geometric center of the upright region (24), which decreases sharply in the region adjacent to the upright region (24), such that the maximum height value (H) presented in the upright region (24) is achieved. S The height difference between the bottom line (BL) and the height value presented in the inflection point region (W) is reduced by at least 15% within a segment of the bottom line (BL), and the segment accounts for at most 30% of the rotation angle between the geometric center (MS) of the upright region and the geometric midpoint (MN) of the bottom of the adjacent groove.

4. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, Whether viewed from the direction of the bottom of the adjacent groove and / or the adjacent groove, or from the direction of the upright area of ​​the upright foot, the flat area adjacent to the upright foot is, in each case, an arched area with the same curvature orientation, wherein the absolute value of the curvature in the arched area presents at least one maximum value relative to the absolute value of the curvature presented in the flat area.

5. The plastic container (1) according to claim 4. Its features are, The arched region surrounds the flat region at least substantially on half a circumference.

6. The plastic container (1) according to claim 5. Its features are, The absolute value of the surface curvature over the entire flat region is less than the absolute value of the surface curvature of the arched region surrounding the flat region at least on half a circumference.

7. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The cross-sectional profile formed by a longitudinal cut through the bottom region, the longitudinal section of which cuts through the flat region of an upright foot and through the central axis (M) of the plastic container (1), has a curvature orientation that occupies a local minimum in the flat region compared to the surrounding portion.

8. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The flat area (40) gradually tapers in the direction of the bottom of the groove (32).

9. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The flat area (40) is designed to be substantially flat.

10. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The flat area (40) has an area that is at least one-quarter the size of the vertical surface of the upright area of ​​the upright foot, the vertical surface being used for the plastic container to stand upright.

11. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, Each of the at least three upright legs has two flat regions (40), which at least partially follow the orientation of the sides of the triangle in cross-section.

12. The plastic container (1) according to claim 11. Its features are, The distance between the apex (S) of the triangle and the upright foot is between 0 mm and 20 mm.

13. The plastic container (1) according to claim 11. Its features are, The angle of the triangle, which forms the apex of the triangle, is between 45° and 170°.

14. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The flat region follows a generally parabolic trajectory.

15. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The upright foot has at least two flat areas, and the two flat areas of the upright foot and the upright area (24) at least partially follow the orientation of an open trapezoid in cross-section.

16. The plastic container (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The side area of ​​the upright foot is partially designed as a foot wing surface formed by a free-form surface.

17. A blow molding apparatus (100) for manufacturing a plastic container (1), the blow molding apparatus having an inner wall, wherein the plastic container (1) can expand during the blow molding process to conform to the inner wall. Its features are, The inner wall has a profile that is adapted and designed to manufacture a plastic container (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

18. The blow molding apparatus according to claim 17, Its features are, The blow molding apparatus has at least one upright foot forming area (122) for manufacturing the plastic container (1), wherein the inner wall of the blow molding apparatus has at least one flat area (140) in the area of ​​the upright foot forming area (122).

19. The blow molding apparatus according to claim 18, Its features are, The blow molding device is designed to form each upright foot forming area (122) with at least one opening (130), wherein the at least one opening (130) is arranged in at least some areas in the flat area (140) of the blow molding die.

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