Flexible bottle container

Abstract

A container body of the flexible bottle container of the present invention has a main body portion including an upper portion located at a position close to a neck portion, a lower portion located at a position close to a bottom portion, and a central portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion. The main body has an oblong shape having a short diameter and a long diameter in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis, and includes a pair of first side surfaces disposed at both ends of the short diameter, and a pair of second side surfaces disposed at both ends of the long diameter. The main body section has a pair of buckling prevention sections formed continuously in the direction of the central axis in a pair of second side surfaces of the central section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a flexible bottle container that discharges contents by being pressed from the side by the user's hand. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a flexible resin container for containing infusion fluid was known. For example, in the infusion container described in Patent Document 1, the container body has a flat-sectioned main body portion, which includes two parallel sidewall portions facing each other and two curved portions facing each other. In this infusion container, the container body deforms when the infusion fluid is discharged.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-188193 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve Furthermore, flexible bottle containers can be designed so that the contents are expelled by pressing the side with the user's hand. In such flexible bottle containers, once the contents are expelled by pressing the side, the shape of the container body temporarily returns to its original shape, and then the contents are expelled further by pressing the side again.

[0005] On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a push for the development of environmentally friendly containers. Reducing the amount of resin used in flexible bottle containers refers to thinning the container body (i.e., lightweighting). The inventors have discovered that when the container body is thinned, there is a tendency for the container body's resilience to decrease after the contents are discharged. Resilience is sometimes referred to as "pumping performance."

[0006] This disclosure describes a flexible bottle container that can maintain resilience even when the container body is thinned.

[0007] Methods for solving problems [1] A flexible bottle container of one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a mouth portion having an outlet at one end in the direction of a central axis; a neck portion; and a container body connected to the neck portion and extending along the central axis direction to contain liquid contents, the container body having: a bottom portion disposed at the other end in the direction of the central axis direction; and a cylindrical body portion disposed between the neck portion and the bottom portion, the body portion including an upper portion located near the neck portion, a lower portion located near the bottom portion, and a central portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the body portion having an elongated oval shape having a minor axis and a major axis in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis direction, including a pair of first side surfaces disposed at both ends of the minor axis and a pair of second side surfaces disposed at both ends of the major axis, the body portion having a pair of anti-bending portions continuously formed along the direction of the central axis in the pair of second side surfaces of the central portion.

[0008] In the flexible bottle container of [1], the contents are contained within the container body. When using the flexible bottle container, the main body is held by the user's hand, for example, with the opening facing downwards. The first side of the central (or upper) part of the main body is pressed by the user's hand, and the contents are discharged from the outlet. At this time, the central part is temporarily bent (concave), and the anti-bending part of the second side prevents bending and maintains the restoring force. Thus, even when the container body is thin-walled, the restoring force can still be maintained, and the contents can be discharged without obstruction.

[0009] [2] In the flexible bottle container described above [1], the anti-bending portion may include a continuous upper and lower side reinforcing rib formed by at least one protrusion, at least one groove, or a combination of protrusion and groove extending continuously along a portion of the central axis in the circumferential direction. In this case, the continuous upper and lower side reinforcing rib is provided in a portion of the circumferential direction. In this specification, the term "reinforcing rib" is used as a concept to include both the protrusion (i.e., the portion that protrudes from other portions and extends in a predetermined direction) and the groove (i.e., the portion that is recessed from other portions and extends in a predetermined direction) provided in the three-dimensional structure such as the flexible bottle container. According to the continuous upper and lower side reinforcing rib, even if the central portion is temporarily flexed (recessed) when the first side is pressed by the user's hand, the buckling of the second side can be prevented.

[0010] [3] In the flexible bottle container described in [2] above, the continuous upper and lower reinforcing ribs on the side can be one ridge portion as a protrusion extending along the central axis. In this case, the second side is prevented from buckling by the simple configuration of a pair (2) ridge portions.

[0011] [4] In the flexible bottle container described in [2] above, the continuous upper and lower reinforcing ribs on the side can be composed of a plurality of arc-shaped grooves that are grooves extending circumferentially within a portion of the circumferential direction, and a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions that are formed between the arc-shaped grooves and extend circumferentially within a portion of the circumferential direction. The buckling of the second side is prevented by the plurality of arc-shaped grooves and the plurality of arc-shaped protrusions that extend circumferentially and are alternately formed in the direction of the central axis.

[0012] [5] In any of the above-described [1] to [4] flexible bottle containers, the anti-buckling portion may be formed spanning the central portion and the upper portion, and a lateral reinforcing rib extending circumferentially within a pair of second side surfaces of the upper portion, including a portion thereof. According to this configuration, the restoring force can be improved. Because the lateral reinforcing rib extends circumferentially, buckling of the upper portion is prevented even if the lateral reinforcing rib is present at a position relatively close to the pressing position. Furthermore, because the lateral reinforcing rib is provided on the upper portion of the main body, deformation achieved by pumping and pressing is not hindered.

[0013] [6] In the flexible bottle container described in [4] above, the anti-buckling portion may be formed at least across the central portion and the upper portion, and a pair of second side surfaces on the upper portion may have a quadrangular side-defining corner reinforcing rib formed within a portion of the circumferential direction. Furthermore, a continuous upper and lower side-mounted reinforcing rib composed of a plurality of arc-shaped grooves and a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions may be surrounded by the side-defining corner reinforcing rib. According to this configuration, the overall buckling of the second side surface is more reliably prevented through the synergy of the side-defining corner reinforcing rib and the continuous upper and lower side-mounted reinforcing rib disposed therein.

[0014] [7] The flexible bottle container as described in any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the radius of curvature of the first side of the upper portion is more than 1 and less than 1.2 times the radius of curvature of the first side of the central portion. According to this configuration, the adhesion of the label on the first side can be improved.

[0015] [8] As described in any one of [1] to [7] above, the radius of curvature of the lower first side can be larger than either the radius of curvature of the upper first side or the radius of curvature of the central first side. According to this configuration, when the flexible bottle container is transported, the first side faces the transport surface. Since the lower first side is similar to a plane, the twisting of the flexible bottle container can be reduced. Furthermore, the flexible bottle container can be transported, for example, in an upright position (or a horizontal position, etc.).

[0016] [9] In any of the above-described [1] to [8] flexible bottle containers, the upper and lower portions each have a pair of flat portions orthogonal to the direction of the major axis on the second side. According to this configuration, when multiple flexible bottle containers are transported, the second sides of two adjacent flexible bottle containers face each other. Since the upper and lower flat portions of two adjacent flexible bottle containers are aligned, the twisting of the flexible bottle containers can be reduced. In this case, the flexible bottle containers can be transported, for example, in an upright position (or a horizontal position, etc.).

[0017]

[10] In any of the above-described flexible bottle containers [1] to [9], the total length of the anti-buckling portion along its central axis may be longer than the total length of the central portion of the main body. By ensuring that the anti-buckling portion is sufficiently long, the restorative force can be maintained more reliably.

[0018]

[11] In any of the above-described flexible bottle containers [1] to

[10] , the central portion may include a radius-reduced portion having a center with a radius of curvature relative to the first side surface in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis. It can be considered that the closer the side surface of the pressed container is to a spherical shape, the higher the restoring force. The radius-reduced portion increases the restoring force when released.

[0019]

[12] In the flexible bottle container described in

[11] above, the radius of curvature of the radius reduction portion may be a certain value within a certain range in the direction of the central axis. According to this configuration, the restoring force during the removal of force is further improved.

[0020]

[13] In the flexible bottle container described above

[12] , the radius reduction portion may be located within the range of the anti-buckling portion in the direction of the central axis.

[0021]

[14] In any of the above-described flexible bottle containers [1] to

[13] , the lower part may include a full-circumferential reinforcing rib extending throughout the circumferential direction. According to this configuration, by providing a full-circumferential reinforcing rib at a position away from the pressing position (the first side of the central part), the surface stiffness is improved, and buckling can be reliably prevented.

[0022]

[15] In any of the above-mentioned flexible bottle containers [1] to

[14] , the thickness of the first side may be greater than the thickness of the second side.

[0023] Invention Effects According to this disclosure, even when the container body is made thin-walled, it can still maintain resilience and can discharge the contents without obstruction. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of a flexible bottle container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of flexible bottle container 1.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Top view of flexible bottle container 1.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the flexible bottle container 1.

[0028] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view cut off by the VV line.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the full-circumference reinforcing rib.

[0030] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view cut off along line VII-VII.

[0031] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view cut off along line VIII-VIII.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a front view of a flexible bottle container according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Side view of flexible bottle container 1.

[0034] Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view cut off along the XI-XI line.

[0035] Figure 12 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view cut off along line XII-XII.

[0036] Figure 13 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view cut off along line XIII-XIII.

[0037] Figure 14 (a) means Figure 9 A diagram illustrating an example of transporting flexible bottle containers. Figure 14 (b) is a diagram illustrating the transport of a flexible bottle container as a reference example. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The following explanations will be provided. Furthermore, the same symbol will be assigned to the same element in the description of the accompanying drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The scale of the drawings may not necessarily be the same as the scale of the descriptions.

[0039] In the following description, an example of applying this disclosure to a flexible bottle container with a rated capacity of 500 ml is illustrated. Values ​​in units of "length," such as radius (including radius of curvature), depth, and thickness, are values ​​related to a 500 ml flexible bottle container.

[0040] First, refer to Figures 1-3 The basic structure of the flexible bottle container 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the flexible bottle container 1 is a flexible resin container that holds liquids such as physiological saline or water for injection (content liquid) inside. The flexible bottle container 1 is formed by blow molding, for example, based on a specified resin material. There are no particular limitations on the resin material used for the flexible bottle container 1, and it can be appropriately selected considering the contents to be contained and the heat resistance of the sterilization treatment, for example, thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

[0041] The flexible bottle container 1 has a shape that extends relatively long along a central axis L, and has a mouth 2 and a neck 3 at one end along the central axis L. The mouth 2 includes a discharge port 2a, for example, circular, for discharging the contents (see reference). Figure 3 A stopper 7 is installed at the opening 2 to seal the discharge port 2a. The stopper 7 is removed by the user using their fingers upon initial use. After the stopper 7 is removed, the discharge port 2a is opened, allowing the contents to be discharged. The user holds the flexible bottle container 1 with the opening 2 facing downwards and presses the main body 10 with their fingers to discharge the contents from the discharge port 2a. Furthermore, the flexible bottle container 1 is shown... Figure 3 In subsequent diagrams, the illustration of plug component 7 will be omitted.

[0042] The flexible bottle container 1 has a container body 4 connected to the other end of the neck 3 (opposite to the mouth 2) and extending along the central axis L. The container body 4 contains the contents. In the following description, regarding the container body 4, the end side where the neck 3 is located in the central axis L direction is sometimes referred to as "upper," and the opposite end side is referred to as "lower." The container body 4 has a bottom 6 disposed at the lower end (the other end) and a cylindrical main body portion 10 disposed between the neck 3 and the bottom 6. The bottom 6 has a shape that protrudes into the interior of the container body 4, but the shape of the bottom 6 can be appropriately modified based on known bottle forming techniques.

[0043] The main body 10 of the container body 4 includes an upper part 11 located near the neck 3, a lower part 12 located near the bottom 6, and a central part 13 located between the upper part 11 and the lower part 12. The upper part 11, the central part 13, and the lower part 12 are integrally cylindrical, and there is no dividing line between them. However, in this specification, the meanings (ranges) of the terms "upper part," "central part," and "lower part" of the "main body" are clearly defined. In the direction of the central axis L, it is preferable that the upper part 11 is the portion corresponding to 40% of the total length (total height) of the main body 10, the central part 13 is the portion corresponding to 30-40% of the total length, and the lower part 12 is the portion corresponding to 20-30% of the total length. The portion that continues along the neck 3 and whose inner diameter continuously increases, namely the shoulder 17, corresponds to the upper part of the upper part 11.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the main body 10 is in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis L (or as shown in the figure). Figure 3 As shown in top view, it has an elongated oval shape with a minor axis A and a major axis B. The term "elongated oval" does not refer to a geometrically defined "ellipse," but rather to a shape that is slender along the major axis B and has rounded corners. Therefore, the broad definition of "elongated oval shape" in this specification includes the narrow definition of "ellipse shape." The main body 10 is formed with both the plane containing the minor axis A and the plane containing the major axis B being symmetrical.

[0045] The main body 10 comprises the entirety of the upper part 11, the central part 13, and the lower part 12 (i.e., the entirety in the direction of the central axis L), a pair of first side surfaces 21 disposed at both ends of the minor diameter A, and a pair of second side surfaces 22 disposed at both ends of the major diameter B. The first side surfaces 21 may also be referred to as minor diameter surfaces, and the second side surfaces 22 may also be referred to as major diameter surfaces.

[0046] Except for the shoulder portion 17 continuous with the neck 3 in the upper portion 11, and the portion forming the ridge portion 30, full-circumference reinforcing rib 40, and local reinforcing rib 50 (details will be described later), the main body portion 10 has the same characteristics as those in this embodiment. Figure 8 The same cross-sectional shape S1 is shown. Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view cut off along line VIII-VIII is the sectional view of the lower part 12. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the cross-sectional shape S1 of the lower part 12 smoothly connects a pair of first side surfaces 21, which are arc-shaped around the center C1 and located outside the range of the main body 10, to a pair of second side surfaces 22, which are arc-shaped around the center C1 and located within the range of the main body 10 (on the major axis B). In the cross-sectional shape S1, the radius of curvature R1 of the first side surface 21 is larger than the radius of curvature R2 of the second side surface 22. The radius of curvature R1 is, for example, 70 mm, and the radius of curvature R2 is, for example, 27 mm.

[0047] Next, the parts of the main body 10 that are unique to this embodiment will be described. In the flexible bottle container 1 of this embodiment, in order to reduce the amount of resin used, the container body 4 is made thinner and lighter. For example, the thickness (average wall thickness at multiple points) of the container body 4 of the flexible bottle container 1 is in the range of 0.27 to 0.44 mm in the upper part 11, in the range of 0.29 to 0.37 mm in the central part 13, and in the range of 0.20 to 0.40 mm in the lower part 12. In any part, the thickness of the first side surface 21 is greater than the thickness of the second side surface 22.

[0048] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the central portion 13 of the main body 10, a pair of ridge portions 30 extending along the central axis L are formed on a pair of second side surfaces 22. That is, the main body 10 has a pair of ridge portions 30 on a pair of second side surfaces 22 of the central portion 13. Each ridge portion 30 is formed as a straight line. Figure 5 As shown, the "edge portion 30" is formed at the junction of two curved surfaces (arc-shaped curved surfaces). The "edge portion 30" can also be described as the part where the slope of the tangent of the curved surface changes abruptly (discontinuously). Furthermore, for the convenience of actual forming, the edge portion 30 has a cross-sectional arc shape. Ideally, the radius of curvature of the edge portion 30 is less than 1 mm.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the ridge portion 30 is formed over the entire area of ​​the central portion 13 in the direction of the central axis L. The ridge portion 30 may be longer than the entire length of the central portion 13 of the main body 10. That is, the ridge portion 30 may be formed over the entire area of ​​the central portion 13 in the direction of the central axis L and the lower part of the upper portion 11, or it may be formed over the entire area of ​​the central portion 13 in the direction of the central axis L and the upper part of the lower portion 12. The ridge portion 30 may also be formed over the entire area of ​​the central portion 13 in the direction of the central axis L, the lower part of the upper portion 11, and the upper part of the lower portion 12. Alternatively, the ridge portion 30 may be formed within the area of ​​the central portion 13 in the direction of the central axis L.

[0050] The ridge portion 30 in the second side surface 22 is a continuous upper and lower reinforcing rib formed continuously along the central axis L, constituting part of the buckling-resistant portion 15 described later. The ridge portion 30 is continuous along the central axis L and exists only in a portion of the circumferential direction. More specifically, the ridge portion 30 exists only in a very limited circumferential range (within a range of several millimeters in width). The ridge portion 30 is a protruding portion extending along the central axis L. The ridge portion 30 is formed at least across the central portion 13 and the upper portion 11.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, in the central portion 13 of the main body 10, in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis L, a radius-reduced portion 35 is provided at the center C on the minor axis A, having a radius of curvature Ra related to the first side surface 21. That is, the central portion 13 includes the radius-reduced portion 35. The radius of curvature Ra is preferably 35 mm or more and 50 mm or less, more preferably 40 mm or more and 45 mm or less. The arc-shaped wall surface based on the radius of curvature Ra extends not only to the first side surface 21, but also to the region relative to the second side surface 22 (i.e., near the ridge portion 30). The radius of curvature Ra is determined based on the dimensions of the minor axis A and the major axis B.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the radius of curvature Ra of the radius-reduced portion 35 has a fixed value within a certain interval Z in the direction of the central axis L. The main body 10 has, within the radius-reduced portion 35, as shown... Figure 5 The cross-sectional shape S2 is shown. The length of a certain interval Z is preferably 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0053] The radius-reduced portion 35 is located within the area where the ridge portion 30 is situated in the direction of the central axis L. Outside the aforementioned certain interval Z, the main body portion 10 is shaped as... Figure 5 The cross-sectional shape S2 of the radius reduction portion 35 shown, and the shape connected to the cross-sectional shape S1 mentioned above.

[0054] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 ,and Figure 6 As shown, a full-circumferential reinforcing rib 40 extending throughout the circumferential direction is formed in the lower part 12 of the main body 10. That is, the lower part 12 includes a full-circumferential reinforcing rib 40 extending throughout the circumferential direction. The reinforcing rib angle α of the full-circumferential reinforcing rib 40 is preferably less than 120°, more preferably less than 90°. The depth d is preferably more than 3 mm. These values ​​are obtained in the simulation of pumping performance based on the viewpoint of ensuring the recovery force during decompression.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 ,and Figure 7 As shown, on the upper part 11 of the main body 10, a pair of localized reinforcing ribs 50 are formed on a pair of second side surfaces 22, extending only a portion of the circumferential direction. That is, the upper part 11 includes a pair of localized reinforcing ribs 50. Each localized reinforcing rib 50 is preferably formed as an arc with a radius of curvature Rb exceeding 38 mm centered on the central axis L. In this case, the depth is less than 3 mm. These values ​​are obtained in simulations of pumping performance based on the viewpoint of ensuring the recovery force during decompression. Furthermore, in this specification, "reinforcing rib" may also be referred to as "rib".

[0056] In this embodiment, the radius of curvature of the first side surface 21 of the upper part 11 (omitted) Figure 7 The radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the upper part 11 is slightly larger than that of the first side surface 21 of the central part 13. For example, the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the upper part 11 is more than 1 times and less than 1.2 times that of the first side surface 21 of the central part 13. In addition, the radius of curvature R1 of the first side surface 21 of the lower part 12 (refer to...) Figure 8 It is larger than either the radius of curvature of the first side surface 21 of the upper part 11 or the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the central part 13.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the ridge portion 30, for example, does not reach the full-circumference reinforcing rib 40 but terminates slightly above it. Alternatively, the ridge portion 30 may reach the local reinforcing rib 50.

[0058] In this embodiment, a pair of anti-buckling portions 15 are formed continuously along the central axis L by a pair of ridge portions 30 and a pair of local reinforcing ribs 50. The anti-buckling portions 15 are formed continuously from the upper portion 11 beyond the central portion 13 to the vicinity of the lower portion 12. In other words, the anti-buckling portions 15 are formed across the central portion 13 and the upper portion 11. The pair of local reinforcing ribs 50 are transverse reinforcing ribs defined on a pair of second side surfaces 22 of the upper portion 11, extending circumferentially only within a portion of the circumferential direction of the container body 4.

[0059] In the flexible bottle container 1 of this embodiment, the container body 4 contains liquid contents. When using the flexible bottle container 1, the main body 10 is held by the user's hand, for example, with the opening 2 facing downwards. The first side 21 of the central portion 13 (or the upper portion 11) of the main body 10 is pressed by the user's hand, causing the liquid contents to be discharged from the outlet 2a. The pressing position may vary each time, but it is more likely to be within the range of the central portion 13. That is, the pressing position is more likely to be within the range where the ridge portion 30 is formed (or near the radius reduction portion 35). At this time, the central portion 13 is temporarily bent (depressed), but the ridge portion 30, which is part of the anti-bending portion 15, prevents the second side 22 from bending and maintains the restoring force. Thus, even when the container body 4 is thin-walled, the restoring force can still be maintained, and the liquid contents can be discharged without obstruction.

[0060] In the previous flexible bottle container 1, the central part 13 also adopted... Figure 8 The cross-sectional shape S1 is shown. If the container body 4 is thinned while maintaining this shape, the bending stiffness is greatly reduced, which may result in the side surfaces (first side surface 21 and / or second side surface 22) being prone to buckling and not recovering once buckling occurs. The flexible bottle container 1 according to this embodiment can solve this problem.

[0061] By providing ribs 30 (continuous reinforcing ribs on the upper and lower sides) only in a portion of the circumference of the container body 4, buckling of the second side 22 can be prevented even when the central portion 13 temporarily flexes (depresses) when the user presses the first side 21. In addition, the simple configuration of the pair of ribs 30 can prevent buckling of the second side 22.

[0062] The radius of curvature of the first side surface 21 of the upper part 11 is more than 1.2 times and less than 1.2 times the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the central part 13. As a result, the adhesion of the label on the first side surface 21 can be improved.

[0063] The radius of curvature R1 of the first side surface 21 of the lower part 12 (refer to) Figure 8The radius of curvature of the first side surface 21 of the upper part 11 is larger than either the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the central part 13. When the flexible bottle container 1 is transported in a horizontal position, the first side surface 21 faces the transport surface. Since the first side surface 21 of the lower part 12 is similar to a plane, the twisting of the flexible bottle container 1 can be reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, the total length of the ridge portion 30 is longer than the total length of the central portion 13 of the main body portion 10. The sufficient length of the ridge portion 30 allows for more reliable maintenance of the restoring force.

[0065] It is believed that the closer the side of the pressed container body 4 is to a spherical shape, the higher the recovery force. The recovery force when released is improved by the radius reduction section 35.

[0066] The radius of curvature Ra of the radius-reduced section 35 has a fixed value within a certain interval Z along the central axis L. This further enhances the restoring force during the removal of stress.

[0067] By providing full-circumference reinforcing ribs 40 at locations away from the pressing position (the first side 21 of the central portion 13), surface stiffness is improved, and buckling is reliably prevented.

[0068] The recovery force can be improved by the presence of a pair of local reinforcing ribs 50. Since the local reinforcing ribs 50 extend only along a portion of the circumferential direction, buckling of the second side surface 22 (long-diameter surface) of the upper part 11 can be prevented even if the local reinforcing ribs 50 are located close to the pressing position. In addition, since the local reinforcing ribs 50 are provided on the upper part 11 of the main body 10, they do not hinder deformation achieved by pumping and pressing.

[0069] The above description describes one embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, at least one of the full-circumference reinforcing rib 40 and the local reinforcing rib 50 may be omitted. Alternatively, the radius of curvature Ra of the radius-reduced portion 35 may not be maintained, and the radius-reduced portion 35 with a radius of curvature Ra may only be formed at a portion in the direction of the central axis L. It is also possible that the present invention does not include... Figure 5 The radius reduction section 35 is shown.

[0070] Then, referring to Figures 9-13 The figures below illustrate a flexible bottle container 1A according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The flexible bottle container 1A shown in another embodiment is, with Figure 1 and Figure 2The flexible bottle container 1 described above differs from the other two in that it has a pair of anti-bending portions 15A, which includes a pair of continuous concave-convex portions 60 and a pair of side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70, instead of the anti-bending portion 15 which includes a pair of ridge portions 30 and a pair of side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 50. Both the flexible bottle container 1 and the flexible bottle container 1A share the commonality of having anti-bending portions 15 and 15A on a pair of second side surfaces 22, but their specific configurations differ. In the flexible bottle container 1A, a suspension portion 8 is provided at the bottom 6 (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0071] Furthermore, both the buckling-resistance portion 15 and the buckling-resistance portion 15A share a common point located only within a portion of the circumferential direction of the container body 4. Both the buckling-resistance portion 15 and the buckling-resistance portion 15A are provided only on a pair of second side surfaces 22. The buckling-resistance portion 15 and the buckling-resistance portion 15A are continuously formed along the central axis L direction only on the second side surfaces 22, from the lower portion of the upper part 11 to the central part 13 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 10 ).like Figure 5 (or Figure 7 )and Figure 11 As shown, the main body 10 of the container body 4 (whether in the central part 13 or the upper part 11) is composed of a pair of first side surfaces 21 and a pair of second side surfaces 22. The main body 10 is composed of a pair of first side surfaces 21 and a pair of second side surfaces 22 connected circumferentially. That is, in the elongated oval shape of the main body 10, for example, each second side surface 22 can be defined as a side surface extending less than one-quarter of the total length of the main body 10 along its circumference. The circumferential center position of each second side surface 22 corresponds to the position of the endpoint of the major axis B.

[0072] like Figure 11 As shown, the main body 10 has an elongated oval shape with a minor axis A and a major axis B in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis L. The main body 10 is formed symmetrically with respect to either the plane containing the minor axis A or the plane containing the major axis B. Similarly, in the flexible bottle container 1A, the container body 4 is made thinner and lighter to reduce the amount of resin used. For example, the thickness (average wall thickness at multiple points) of the container body 4 of the flexible bottle container 1A is in the range of 0.27 to 0.44 mm in the upper part 11, in the range of 0.29 to 0.37 mm in the central part 13, and in the range of 0.20 to 0.40 mm in the lower part 12. In any part, the thickness of the first side surface 21 is greater than the thickness of the second side surface 22.

[0073] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the main body 10 of the container body 4 has a pair of anti-buckling portions 15A continuously formed along the central axis L on a pair of second side surfaces 22 of the central portion 13. Each anti-buckling portion 15A includes a concave-convex continuous portion 60 and side-defined corner reinforcing ribs 70. The concave-convex continuous portion 60 is a continuous upper and lower side reinforcing rib formed by a plurality of arcuate grooves 62 (grooves) extending circumferentially in only a portion of the circumference of the container body 4, and a plurality of arcuate protrusions 61 (spurs) formed between the plurality of arcuate grooves 62 and extending circumferentially in only that portion. The concave-convex continuous portion 60 is formed at least across the central portion 13 and the upper portion 11. Each arcuate groove 62 and each arcuate protrusion 61 has an equal length in the circumferential direction. The arcuate protrusions 61 and arcuate grooves 62 are arranged in an alternating continuous manner along the central axis L. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the diagram, the anti-bending portion 15A on the left and the anti-bending portion 15A on the right (which have the same structure) are represented differently by symbols in order to facilitate the understanding of the constituent elements.

[0074] The side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70 are formed at least across the central portion 13 and the upper portion 11. The side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70 are formed as quadrilaterals only within a portion of the circumferential direction on the second side 22. The side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70 are rectangular grooves in side view. A continuous concave-convex portion 60, composed of multiple arc-shaped grooves 62 and multiple arc-shaped protrusions 61, is surrounded by the side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70. That is, the anti-bending portion 15A is formed across the lower portion of the central portion 13 and the upper portion 11. Figure 10 As shown, the side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70 include arc-shaped upper short-side reinforcing ribs 71 and arc-shaped lower short-side reinforcing ribs 72 extending circumferentially from the lower part of the upper portion 11 to the lower part of the central portion 13, respectively. Additionally, the side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70 include a pair of straight long-side reinforcing ribs 73 extending along the central axis L from the lower part of the upper portion 11 to the central portion 13. The side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70 are formed by the interconnection of these upper short-side reinforcing ribs 71, lower short-side reinforcing ribs 72, and the pair of long-side reinforcing ribs 73. The connecting portions (corners) of the "side reinforcing ribs" can be rounded as shown in the figure, or they can be connected at right angles.

[0075] The upper short-side reinforcing rib 71 in the side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70 is a side-defining transverse reinforcing rib that extends only within a portion of the circumferential direction. That is, the upper short-side reinforcing rib 71 has the same function as the local reinforcing rib 50 in the above embodiment. The upper short-side reinforcing rib 71 is formed on a pair of second side surfaces 22 in the upper part 11 of the main body 10.

[0076] Similarly, in the flexible bottle container 1A, a pair of anti-bending portions 15A are formed continuously along the central axis L by a pair of continuous concave-convex portions 60 and a pair of side-defining corner reinforcing ribs 70. The anti-bending portions 15A are formed continuously from the upper portion 11 across approximately the entire area of ​​the central portion 13. The anti-bending portions 15A may be longer than the entire length of the central portion 13 of the main body portion 10. That is, the anti-bending portions 15A may be formed covering the entire area of ​​the central portion 13 and the upper portion of the lower portion 12 in the direction of the central axis L. The anti-bending portions 15A may also be formed covering the entire area of ​​the central portion 13, the lower portion of the upper portion 11, and the upper portion of the lower portion 12 in the direction of the central axis L. Alternatively, the anti-bending portions 15A may be formed within the area of ​​the central portion 13 in the direction of the central axis L.

[0077] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 They are along Figure 9 Cross-sectional views cut off along lines XI-XI, XII-XII, and XIII-XIII. (See also...) Figure 11 As shown, in the central portion 13 of the main body 10, in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis L, a radius-reducing portion 35 is provided, having a center C with a radius of curvature Ra about the first side surface 21 on the minor axis A. That is, the central portion 13 includes the radius-reducing portion 35. The radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the central portion 13 is preferably 40 mm or more and 55 mm or less, more preferably 45 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The radius of curvature Ra of the radius-reducing portion 35 is a fixed value within a certain interval Z in the direction of the central axis L. The main body 10 has, as shown in the radius-reducing portion 35... Figure 11 The cross-sectional shape S2 is shown. The length of a certain interval Z is preferably 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the same applies to the upper part 11 and lower part 12 of the main body 10, where a center C of the radius of curvature Ra with respect to the first side surface 21 exists on the minor axis A. Figure 12 As shown, the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the upper portion 11 is preferably 45 mm or more and 65 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or more and 60 mm or less. For example, the Ra of the first side surface 21 of the upper portion 11 is more than 1.2 times the Ra of the first side surface 21 of the central portion 13. Furthermore, as... Figure 13 As shown, the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the lower part 12 is preferably 70 mm or more and 90 mm or less, and more preferably 75 mm or more and 85 mm or less.

[0079] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in the central part 13 and the upper part 11, the center C of the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 is located within the cross-section of the container body 4. Figure 13 As shown, in the lower part 12, the center C of the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 is located outside the cross-section of the container body 4. The radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the lower part 12 is larger than either the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the upper part 11 or the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the central part 13.

[0080] like Figure 12 As shown, the upper part 11 of the container body 4 includes a pair of upper flat portions 81 orthogonal to the direction of the major axis B on a pair of second side surfaces 22. Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown, the lower part 12 of the container body 4 includes a pair of lower flat parts 82 on a pair of second side surfaces 22, which are orthogonal to the direction of the major axis B.

[0081] The flexible bottle container 1A, according to another embodiment, can also achieve the same function and effect as the flexible bottle container 1. The anti-bending portion 15A, including the continuous concave-convex portion 60, prevents the second side 22 from bending and maintains its restorative force. Therefore, even when the container body 4 is thin-walled, its restorative force can still be maintained, allowing for unimpeded discharge of the contents.

[0082] In the concave-convex continuous portion 60, the second side surface 22 is prevented from buckling by a plurality of arc-shaped grooves 62 and a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions 61.

[0083] The buckling of the second side surface 22 (long diameter surface) of the upper part 11 is prevented by a pair of upper short side reinforcing ribs 71.

[0084] By combining the four corner reinforcing ribs 70 defined on the sides with the concave-convex continuous portion 60 disposed therein, the buckling of the second side 22 as a whole can be prevented more reliably.

[0085] The radius of curvature of the first side surface 21 of the upper part 11 is more than 1.2 times and less than 1.2 times the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the central part 13. This improves the adhesion of the label on the first side surface 21. For example, as... Figure 9As shown, a label can be firmly attached to a rectangular area X on the first side 21 (it is not easily peeled off even with pumping pressure). The area X on the first side 21 with the label attached is, for example, located in most (more than 80%) of the central portion 13 in the direction of the central axis L. Area X may be located throughout the entire area of ​​the central portion 13 in the direction of the central axis L. Alternatively, area X may be located within most or all of the central portion 13 and the lower portion of the upper portion 11. That is, area X may be located at least across the central portion 13 and the upper portion 11. Alternatively, area X may be located throughout most or all of the central portion 13 and the upper portion of the lower portion 12 (however, it does not overlap with the area of ​​the full-circumference reinforcing rib 40). Based on another viewpoint, area X is positioned in the direction of the central axis L at a location that at least includes the aforementioned radius reduction portion 35.

[0086] The radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the lower part 12 can be larger than either the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the upper part 11 or the radius of curvature Ra of the first side surface 21 of the central part 13. When transporting the flexible bottle container 1A, the first side surface 21 faces the transporter. Because the first side surface 21 of the lower part 12 is similar to a plane, the twisting of the flexible bottle container 1A can be reduced. Furthermore, in Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 In (b), an example of a flexible bottle container being transported in an upright position is shown (top view). The above-mentioned distortion suppression effect can be achieved not only when the flexible bottle container is transported in an upright position, but also when the flexible bottle container is transported in a horizontal or other position.

[0087] When transporting multiple flexible bottle containers 1A, the second sides 22 of two adjacent flexible bottle containers 1A face each other. Due to the configuration of a pair of upper flat portions 81 and a pair of lower flat portions 82 formed in the upper part 11 and lower part 12 respectively, the twisting of the flexible bottle containers 1A can be reduced because the upper flat portions 81 and lower flat portions 82 of two adjacent flexible bottle containers 1A are aligned. The reduction in twisting of the flexible bottle containers 1A achieved by the radius of curvature Ra of the lower part 12 and the upper flat portions 81 and lower flat portions 82 is based on… Figure 14 The conveying state of the conveying device M shown in (a) is easily understood. It is not limited to the case where the flexible bottle container is conveyed in an upright position; the aforementioned distortion reduction effect can be obtained even when the flexible bottle container is conveyed in a horizontal position or other positions. Furthermore, in Figure 14 In (b), the conveying state of the flexible bottle container 100 being conveyed by the conveying device M is shown.

[0088] The present invention has been described above with reference to one embodiment and another embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the continuous upper and lower side reinforcement as part of the anti-buckling portion is not limited to the ridge portion 30 or the concave-convex continuous portion 60. For example, the continuous upper and lower side reinforcement may be a combination of one or more ridge portions (protrusions) extending along the central axis L and a combination of ...

[0089] The Ra of the first side 21 of the upper part 11 can be 1.2 times larger than the Ra of the first side 21 of the central part 13.

[0090] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. 1A Flexible Bottle Container 2. Mouth 2a Discharge outlet 3. Neck 4 Container body 6. Bottom 10 Main Body 11 upper part 12 lower part 13. Central Department 15, 15A Anti-buckling section 21 First side view 22 Second side 30. Ridge section (continuous upper and lower reinforcing ribs on the side) 35 Radius Reduction Section 40 Full-circumference reinforcement 50 Localized stiffeners (laterally defined transverse stiffeners) 60. Continuous concave-convex section (continuous reinforcing ribs on the upper and lower sides) 61 Arc-shaped convex part 62 Arc-shaped groove 70 Side-mounted corner reinforcing ribs 71. Upper short side reinforcing rib (lateral side limiting transverse reinforcing rib) 72. Lower short side stiffener 81. Upper flat part (flat part) 82 Lower flat portion (flat portion) A Short Diameter B Major axis L central axis

Claims

1. A flexible bottle container, comprising: a mouth having an outlet at one end along a central axis; a neck; and a container body connected to the neck and extending along the central axis, for containing liquid contents. The container body has: The bottom, located at the other end in the direction of the central axis; and A cylindrical main body is disposed between the neck and the bottom. The main body includes an upper portion located near the neck, a lower portion located near the bottom, and a central portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion. The main body has an elongated oval shape with a minor axis and a major axis in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis, and includes a pair of first side surfaces disposed at both ends of the minor axis and a pair of second side surfaces disposed at both ends of the major axis. The main body portion has a pair of anti-buckling portions continuously formed along the central axis within the pair of second sides of the central portion.

2. The flexible bottle container as described in claim 1, wherein, The buckling-resistant portion includes a continuous upper and lower side reinforcing rib consisting of at least one protrusion, at least one groove, or a combination of the protrusion and the groove, extending continuously along a portion of the central axis and in the circumferential direction.

3. The flexible bottle container as described in claim 2, wherein, The continuous upper and lower reinforcing ribs on the side are one of the ridges of the protruding strips extending along the central axis.

4. The flexible bottle container as described in claim 2, wherein, The continuous upper and lower reinforcing ribs on the side are composed of a plurality of arc-shaped grooves that are grooves extending circumferentially within the range of the part, and a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions that are formed between the arc-shaped grooves and extend circumferentially within the range of the part.

5. The flexible bottle container as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The buckling-resistant portion is formed across the central portion and the upper portion, and within the pair of second sides of the upper portion, a lateral stiffener is defined by a side extending circumferentially within a portion of the circumferential direction.

6. The flexible bottle container of claim 4, wherein, The anti-buckling portion is formed at least across the central portion and the upper portion, and the pair of second side surfaces of the upper portion, within the range of the aforementioned portion, are formed into quadrangular side surfaces defining quadrangular reinforcing ribs. The continuous upper and lower reinforcing ribs on the side surface, which are composed of the plurality of arc-shaped grooves and the plurality of arc-shaped protrusions, are surrounded by the four corner reinforcing ribs defined by the side surface.

7. The flexible bottle container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The radius of curvature of the first side surface of the upper part is more than 1 and less than 1.2 times the radius of curvature of the first side surface of the central part.

8. The flexible bottle container as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The radius of curvature of the first side surface of the lower part is larger than either the radius of curvature of the first side surface of the upper part or the radius of curvature of the first side surface of the central part.

9. The flexible bottle container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The upper part and the lower part each include a pair of flat portions on the second side surface that are orthogonal to the direction of the major axis.

10. The flexible bottle container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The total length of the anti-buckling portion along its central axis is longer than the total length of the central portion of the main body.

11. The flexible bottle container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The central portion includes, within a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis, a radius-reduced portion having a center with a radius of curvature about the first side surface on the minor axis.

12. The flexible bottle container of claim 11, wherein, The radius of curvature of the radius-reduced portion is a certain value within a certain range in the direction of the central axis.

13. The flexible bottle container of claim 12, wherein, The radius reduction portion is located within the range of the anti-buckling portion in the direction of the central axis.

14. The flexible bottle container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The lower part includes full-circumferential reinforcing ribs extending throughout the circumferential direction.

15. The flexible bottle container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The thickness of the first side is greater than the thickness of the second side.

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