Containers for media, especially for liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures, or gases, and use of the container

Abstract

Containers for media, wherein media comprise liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures or gases, wherein - the container has a first container part and a second container part, - the two container parts each have an inner container surface that is curved at least in sections and a first opening to form one half of the inner container space, - the two container halves can be reversibly connected to each other via a closure, - the closure comprises closure elements that are arranged on both container parts in the area of ​​a first opening, - the inner surfaces of the two container parts are essentially symmetrical to a plane of symmetry passing through the closure and, in the connected state, define a container interior which can be reduced in size by deformation of at least one of the two container parts to such an extent that the inner surfaces of the two container parts are in contact with each other, - the circumference of the two container parts is greatest in the first opening, - at least one half of the container is made of a flexible material or has such a design that the corresponding at least one half of the container does not return to its original shape on its own when deformed, and - one of the container halves has a second opening through which the supply and removal of a medium into the interior of the container is possible.

Description

[0001] The invention described and claimed herein relates to a container for media, in particular for liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures, or gases, and the use of the container.

[0002] The container can be filled with liquid foods, beverages, cosmetics and care products, medical products, and industrial products, for example.

[0003] For example, the container can be used as a reusable squeeze pouch and feeding bottle for consuming fruit puree on the go, without needing utensils like a spoon (typically for toddlers). The container can, for instance, have both flexible and rigid walls. Furthermore, it can be equipped with handles on the walls or a single handle for sucking up fruit puree. The container can also be used by people who have difficulty eating for various reasons. For example, it can be used in elderly care or hospitals.

[0004] Fruit puree squeeze pouches and drinking bladders for backpacks are known from the state of the art.

[0005] Reusable squeeze pouches currently on the market are usually shaped similarly to non-reusable squeeze pouches, with the difference being that the bottom can be opened. These pouches are typically flexible bottles with a spindle-shaped cross-section and a similarly spindle-shaped opening at the bottom. This design makes cleaning difficult, especially if the pouch is to be cleaned in a dishwasher rather than by hand with a brush. This is because fruit pulp residue tends to settle relatively deep within the opening, and the flexible walls do not reliably separate during washing. Filling such squeeze pouches requires additional tools, such as a spoon, which is necessary due to the awkward spindle-shaped opening.

[0006] Separate filling stations exist for this purpose, which essentially use a large syringe to fill the squeeze pouch via a mouthpiece. A filling system without an additional station, which would then need to be cleaned and readily available at the time of filling, would be preferable. Since such stations are relatively large, they are difficult to transport.

[0007] There are also containers whose inner surface can be turned outwards for cleaning. One such container is known, for example, from GB 2 504 529 A. This container is disadvantageous, among other reasons, because in one preferred version, air flows into the container in exchange for the expressed medium, thus bringing the medium into contact with the air.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 20 2010 012 093 U1 discloses a flexible application container comprising a hollow body and a lid, wherein the hollow body is flexible and compressible. One disadvantage of this application container is that the small opening for filling, which is closed by the lid, allows for inadequate cleaning.

[0009] An object of one embodiment of the present invention can therefore be seen as providing a squeezeable and vacuumable container in which a medium has no contact with air / the medium outside the container even after partial emptying, wherein the container should be reusable and, to facilitate this reusability, easy to clean. Filling and emptying the container should also be easy.

[0010] According to one aspect, such an embodiment relates to a container comprising two container parts that form container walls, wherein one part of the container wall can be opened from the rest of the container wall by means of a closure. In further embodiments, additional parts of the container can be opened or separated from the container.

[0011] According to the invention, it is a container for media, wherein media comprise liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures or gases, wherein - the container has a first container part and a second container part, - the two container parts each have an inner container surface that is curved at least in sections and a first opening to form one half of the inner container space, - the two container halves can be reversibly connected to each other via a closure, - the closure comprises closure elements that are arranged on both container parts in the area of ​​a first opening, - the inner surfaces of the two container parts are essentially symmetrical to a plane of symmetry passing through the closure and, in the connected state, define a container interior which can be reduced in size by deformation of at least one of the two container parts to such an extent that the inner surfaces of the two container parts are in contact with each other, - the circumference of the two container parts is greatest in the first opening, whereby, when circumference is mentioned here, it refers in particular to the circumference of the container interior. - at least one half of the container is made of a flexible material or has such a design that the corresponding at least one half of the container does not return to its original shape on its own when deformed, and - one of the container halves has a second opening through which the supply and removal of a medium into the interior of the container is possible.

[0012] According to the invention, the container has a partially inflexible and partially flexible wall, or a completely flexible wall, formed by the container halves. A portion of the container wall can be separated from the rest of the container wall, i.e., one container half from the other, to open the container (for cleaning and / or filling) and then reconnected. This is achieved via the closure. For example, the container halves can also be folded away after opening the closure and then reconnected. The container is particularly suitable for the (metered) receipt, storage, transport, and (metered) dispensing of liquids of varying viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures, or gases.

[0013] A reusable container is specified, allowing for metered dispensing of the medium by suction, squeezing, or allowing it to drain. Filling is possible via the container's regular opening, rather than through an opening in the container wall, or via an opening in the container wall. The container can also be designed to allow filling by suction. Advantages include filling by suction, the possibility of complete emptying, easy cleaning of the container interior, the choice of container shapes, the absence of air contact after opening, and the absence of moving seals. Furthermore, suction and squeezing of the medium can be implemented, for example, manually, pneumatically, hydraulically, or electromagnetically.

[0014] Part of the container wall can be opened, ensuring easy cleaning. Furthermore, at least part of the container wall is flexible, allowing for suction and dispensing without exposing the medium to air after opening.

[0015] The suction and squeezing process, achieved by moving the flexible container wall, can be done manually or hydraulically. The essentially symmetrical container walls promote complete emptying.

[0016] The container can be used, for example, as a reusable squeeze pouch for pasty foods on the go, as well as a hydration bladder in a backpack, even for long-term storage of liquids without air contact after opening. It can also be used in production or medicine for the controlled dispensing and intake of liquids where a moving seal would be problematic.

[0017] In further embodiments, at least one container part can be deformable via at least one or more handles, using pneumatics, hydraulics, electromagnetism, and / or mechanical pulling and / or pushing systems, in order to move the container wall of the at least one container part in order to introduce a medium into the container interior or to discharge a medium received in the container interior.

[0018] In other versions, the container wall of one of the two container parts can be completely inflexible.

[0019] In other versions, the second opening in one part of the container can be arranged at a distance from the first opening.

[0020] In other versions, the closure formed by the closure elements of the two container parts can be inflexible.

[0021] In further embodiments, the two container parts can have an inflexible frame surrounding the first opening, on which the closure elements of the respective container part are arranged.

[0022] In further embodiments, at least the frame of a container part may have struts or stiffening elements crossing the first opening.

[0023] In further embodiments, the closure can be a screw closure, wherein the closure elements of the two container parts have corresponding threaded sections, or a bayonet closure, wherein the closure elements of the two container parts are designed accordingly.

[0024] In further embodiments, the two container parts can be designed such that, in the connected state of the two container parts, the inner surfaces of the containers form a container interior that essentially has the shape of a body of revolution.

[0025] In further versions, a pipe, a hose, or an auxiliary instrument can be reversibly or permanently attached to the container half with the second opening in the area of ​​the second opening.

[0026] According to the invention, the container described above can be used in the various exemplary embodiments and explanations detailed below as a drinking bladder, squeeze pouch, for the metered dispensing and intake of media with or without the aid of hydraulics or pneumatics, or on a production line.

[0027] The container's design allows for controlled dispensing of the medium by suction, squeezing, or letting it flow out. Filling can be done via the container's second opening or via the first openings of the container sections.

[0028] The container can be designed so that it is filled in a metered manner by creating a vacuum inside the container, whereby a medium is drawn in through the second opening.

[0029] The medium in the container has no contact with air after emptying begins, as the flexible part of the container, or rather the flexible wall of that part, moves forward during emptying. If both parts of the container are flexible, both move forward.

[0030] The essential point here is that at least one flexible container half is designed in such a way that it can be deformed by its flexible design in order to push or suck the medium out of the container by applying force from the outside to the container wall or the flexible container half, and remains in the position it has assumed without an external force being applied.

[0031] The container is opened, separating the two halves, via any suitable closure or any separable and repairable connection. In some designs, this connection may incorporate one or more seals. If a medium is to be drawn in, the closure must be sufficiently tight to create a vacuum and prevent air from being drawn in through cracks or similar openings instead of the target medium. This also applies if a medium is to be expelled.

[0032] For example, the closure can be a screw cap, although other types of closures can also be used. For instance, in further designs, the closure can be a bayonet fitting or a type of closure like that found on leak-proof glass food containers, which features snap closures all around. With the latter type of closure, the snap closures can be opened and closed against the sealing pressure, and the seals can have a relatively large diameter and cavity. In the case of a screw cap or bayonet fitting, external features such as profiling, raised sections, a tool profile, or similar elements can be incorporated to ensure a secure grip during turning or opening and closing.

[0033] Furthermore, there is at least one plane of symmetry on which a portion or even the entirety of the container's inner surface or interior is mirrored when the container wall is closed and the container is completely full. For this plane of symmetry, or for one of these planes of symmetry, at least the container wall on one side of this plane is at least partially, or even completely, flexible or deformable to a certain degree, while the container wall on the other side of this plane can be arbitrarily flexible, even completely inflexible. Hereinafter, the degree of flexibility can vary, even to the point of inflexibility. This plane of symmetry will henceforth be referred to as the first plane of symmetry.

[0034] In the following, if the container part or the container wall of the container part is inflexible on one side of this first plane of symmetry, and the container wall is flexible on the other side of the first plane of symmetry, it will be referred to as flexible plus inflexible or inflexible plus flexible. Conversely, if the container wall or the container parts are flexible on both sides of the first plane of symmetry, it will be referred to as flexible plus flexible.

[0035] In the case that the entire inner surface of the container has more than one plane of symmetry, the plane of symmetry is the first plane of symmetry that intersects the inner surface of the container where the inner surface of the container is circular and / or where the inner surface of the container has the largest circumference.

[0036] As a rule, the entire inner surface of the container, excluding inlets, outlets, or similar features, can be designed to be plane-symmetrical (i.e., mirror-image) relative to the first plane of symmetry. In particular, plane symmetry can, strictly speaking, exist everywhere around the first plane of symmetry, unless, for example, it is unavoidable due to the second opening. This is especially true if the container wall or...If the two halves of a container are to be moved on one side of the first plane of symmetry, or the container wall on both sides of the first plane of symmetry, to suck up and / or squeeze out a medium by a force acting at a single point, for example, a handle, instead of by hydraulics or pneumatics, which do not act at a single point, it is also recommended that the inner surface of the container, at all or as many points as possible, corresponds to the surface of a solid of revolution whose axis of rotation is orthogonal to the first plane of symmetry (and which also has the first plane of symmetry). This is also the case, for example, in the application of "squeezable pouches". It is also generally simpler in the case of a mechanical solution for sucking up and / or squeezing if only one container wall is on one side of the first plane of symmetry.A container section needs to be moved, which is why the container wall on the other side of the first plane of symmetry is completely inflexible (called flexible plus inflexible). This also increases the stability of the closure and thus its tightness under mechanical stress. This can be implemented, for example, in the case of squeeze pouches, if they are portable and have a handle for sucking (and squeezing), instead of being deformed directly by the container wall.

[0037] By positioning the closure in the area of ​​the first openings in the first plane of symmetry and the section with the largest circumference, good access to the inner surfaces of the container is achieved after opening the container. This is the case, for example, with squeeze pouches.

[0038] In other versions, deformation of at least one half of the container can be achieved, for example, by means of handles, pneumatics, hydraulics or electromagnetism, mechanical pulling and / or pushing systems and a suction pipe or suction hose.

[0039] In further embodiments, it is also possible that the flexible container wall has inflexible container wall areas or container halves on both sides of the first plane of symmetry.

[0040] The flexibility should be such that, in each application, all the inner surfaces of the container, which are symmetrical about the first plane of symmetry when the container is completely full, are in contact with each other when the container is completely empty (i.e., in its emptiest state). This ensures that no residue remains between these adjacent inner surfaces. This contact during emptying can be easily achieved, for example, if the container wall is inflexible on one side of the first plane of symmetry. The flexible wall on the other side of the first plane of symmetry is then pressed towards the inflexible wall until it inverts and its inner surface rests against the inner surface of the inflexible wall, where, when full, plane symmetry exists between these inner surfaces.Therefore, plane symmetry about the first plane of symmetry is desirable at as many points as possible on the inner surface of the container.

[0041] If the container wall is flexible on both sides of the first plane of symmetry, the two flexible container walls must be pulled apart or pushed together. The closure for the initial opening of the container sections or the container wall can therefore be inflexible. This also applies if the entire container wall is flexible on both sides of the first plane of symmetry (flexible plus flexible). In this case, only the surrounding frame, specifically the sealing elements surrounding it, of the two container (wall) sections that can be opened and reconnected, can be inflexible. The flexible container wall sections could each have an inflexible frame formed by the corresponding closure element for connecting to the other container wall section or by a separate component.

[0042] It should be noted that the resistance of the flexible container wall during emptying and absorption may not necessarily be linear. For example, if the flexible material is chosen to possess a certain degree of stiffness, it will, depending on the application, spring into the extreme states of "container completely full" and "container completely empty" on its own, thus facilitating filling just before fullness and also enabling more complete emptying. This can be determined by considering the desired properties when selecting the materials used and designing the container halves.On the other hand, in this example, if, for instance, the closure used to open and reconnect one part of the container wall is essentially inflexible and lies on the first plane of symmetry, a constriction must be traversed where excessive remaining stiffness of the flexible container wall on one or both sides of the first plane of symmetry could potentially be an obstacle. In this case, the aforementioned constriction represents the first plane of symmetry. This would be the narrowest point in the example, caused by the inflexible closure, which would have to be completely traversed by the flexible container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry during emptying and filling, assuming the container was designed with both flexible and inflexible components. Alternatively, the flexible container wall would have to partially traverse this point on both sides of the first plane of symmetry, assuming the container was designed with both flexible and flexible components.(This is the narrowest point that must be traversed, as the line from one intersection of the container with the first plane of symmetry to the opposite intersection is shorter than the length of the container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry, viewed in cross-section from one intersection to the opposite intersection.) This resistance, on the one hand when passing through the constrictions, and the supporting force, on the other hand, just before the container is empty and full (since the flexible material springs back to its original shape, as it did during manufacturing, or its inverted form), are only relevant forces if the flexible container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry, or the flexible container wall on both sides of it, is made less flexible. The degree of flexibility and the movement characteristics can be influenced, for example, by material selection, material thickness, profiling (changes in material thickness), or the shape of the container.A pull and / or push system, exemplified in the application case of a "reusable container for storing beverages such as juice", is also conceivable in order to influence the movement characteristics.

[0043] In further versions, the container can be designed so that the flexible container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry can be pulled away from the inflexible container wall on the other side of this plane, or the flexible container wall on both sides of the first plane of symmetry can be pulled away from each other, allowing the container to draw in a medium. This creates suction by increasing the container volume. This, of course, requires that no air is drawn in during suction, or that the container is sufficiently airtight against the external medium. A handle, several handles, or other aids can be attached to the container wall or elsewhere on the container to allow the flexible wall to be pulled away. Mushroom-shaped or ring-shaped handles are suitable, for example, for manual use. Generally, the handle can be used to pull the flexible wall away from the container wall.The walls should be gripped centrally, or more precisely, collectively centrally, so that pulling the container into full and empty states is as smooth as possible, or rather, so that the flexible wall(s) move uniformly in all directions. It is therefore optimal, especially here, if the flexible container wall is circular. The container is thus a sphere or a solid of revolution with a plane of symmetry passing through it, or through a circular portion of it. Then a handle, or more generally, a force, grips at the center of this circular area, or collectively grips at the center if the handle or force has multiple points of application. Naturally, such a handle or other aids can be used not only for suction but also for pushing the contents out. To avoid material transitions, and thus dead spaces and other disadvantages, in further designs the handles can be manufactured as a single piece with the container walls.

[0044] In other versions, a detachable extension for the container's inlet / outlet can be provided in the area of ​​the second opening and, for example, permanently attached to the container. The extension can be rigid or flexible, similar to a straw or hose, to provide a longer suction tube or a tube for media discharge, but primarily to facilitate the process of aspirating the medium.

[0045] Instead of a handle, an eyelet or similar device can be attached to the flexible container wall for automated emptying by squeezing and filling by suction. It is also possible to move the flexible container wall on one or both sides of the first plane of symmetry, for example, using pneumatics, hydraulics, or electromagnetism. In the case of pneumatics or hydraulics, a rigid dome can be attached externally over the flexible wall(s) in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner, allowing pressure or vacuum to be generated for movement by the hydraulics, pneumatics, etc. This dome could potentially be connected using the same connecting element, or the existing connection, that already joins the flexible wall section to the rest of the container wall, provided this connection is located where the first plane of symmetry intersects the container wall.The optional suction and squeezing functions can also be implemented more easily if the container is designed with both inflexible and flexible walls. In this case, only the flexible wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry needs to be pulled or pushed relative to the wall on the other side.

[0046] One embodiment relates to a reusable squeeze pouch for children to suck or squeeze fruit puree on the go, also including the option of filling the pouch by suction. The inner surface of the pouch sensibly corresponds largely to the surface of a solid of revolution. The pouch also features a screw cap for opening and connecting the pouch wall. The pouch wall can also be conveniently opened where the first plane of symmetry intersects the pouch wall. Furthermore, the pouch is designed to be both flexible and inflexible. The interior of the pouch is roughly shaped like two equally sized spherical segments (pocket halves) joined on their flat sides. The first plane of symmetry runs where these spherical segments are joined. These spherical segments have a small height compared to their diameter.The outer shape is based on the largely symmetrical inner surface of the container, with as few grooves or similar features as possible, both inside and out, and instead featuring smooth, rounded transitions. This further facilitates cleaning with the container open, for example, in a dishwasher. A mouthpiece with a screw cap can also be provided, attached to the rigid container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry. This mouthpiece can be used not only for eating from the container by squeezing or sucking, but also for filling the container by sucking. A handle can also be provided centrally on the circular, flexible container wall.A handle opposite this handle on the flexible container wall, i.e., on the inflexible container wall, is unnecessary because the inflexible part of the container, or in this case the closure of the container wall sections, can be gripped and held firmly during suction even without a tool (e.g., it can be grasped by an adult's hand, as the diameter of the screw cap on the outside, or the container itself, is not as large as the maximum gripping diameter of a hand). This saves space and thus makes it easier to carry, which is important for the container's design as a squeeze pouch. The flexible container wall can be thicker towards the handle, making it slightly less flexible. This is a simple measure to create a curved, segmented spherical shape instead of a conical shape when the flexible container wall is used for suction.This allows for a slightly larger volume than with a conical shape alone, thus making better use of the maximum capacity when vacuuming. It also helps to empty the container completely when squeezing, especially if you press on the handle. Children can also squeeze the container wall itself at various points to empty it.

[0047] Filling by suction can be supported by a suction tube or a funnel at the second opening, which here corresponds to the mouthpiece or inlet / outlet.

[0048] Further features, advantages, effects, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which, possibly with reference to one or more drawings, at least one embodiment is described in detail. The features described and / or illustrated, either individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter, possibly also independently of the claims, and may, in particular, also be the subject of one or more separate applications. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0049] This schematically illustrates: Fig. 1 a sectional drawing showing in individual parts: container wall opened, closure of the mouthpiece, suction tube unscrewed and funnel separate; Fig. 2. A sectional drawing of the container with the mouthpiece closed, or with the container outlet / inlet closed, and with the container wall unopened; Fig. 3 a sectional drawing of the container with the suction tube screwed onto the mouthpiece and with the container wall unopened in the completely emptied state; Fig. 4 a representation according to Fig. 3 with an additional funnel inserted into the mouthpiece; and Fig. 5 the top view of the assembled container according to Fig. 2.

[0050] In the drawings, elements designated with the same reference numerals are essentially equivalent to one another, unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, components that are not essential for understanding the technical teaching disclosed herein are not shown or described. Additionally, reference numerals are not repeated for all elements already introduced and illustrated, provided that the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to a person skilled in the art.

[0051] In this example, the container consists of the following demountable parts (see also) Fig. 1. Sectional drawing, container wall opened, mouthpiece closure, suction tube unscrewed and funnel separate, parts marked with reference numbers in drawing): - Flexible container wall 1 with mushroom-shaped handle and surrounding, ring-shaped screw closure element made of inflexible material, to be connected to inflexible container wall 2 via this. - Inflexible container wall 2 with mouthpiece or container outlet / inlet or second container opening and screw cap counterpart to the above screw cap element, in order to be connected to flexible container wall 1. - Screw cap 3, to close the mouthpiece or the container inlet / outlet. This must be designed / dimensions such that there is no risk of swallowing by babies, which is why the diameter in the example is relatively large. The diameter can be larger than 31.7 mm at at least one point, for example, to be considered a small part that cannot be swallowed. - Detachable suction tube 4 to extend the mouthpiece by screwing it onto the same thread used by the screw-on lid 3. This allows, for example, fruit puree to be sucked directly from a jar into the container. The suction tube 4 can also be longer than shown in the example. It is also possible to angle the end of the suction tube 4, pointing away from the container. - Funnel 5, which can be inserted into the mouthpiece as an alternative to the suction tube. Filling via the funnel can be assisted by simultaneously pulling the container wall sections apart, thus creating a suction effect.

[0052] The container can be made, for example, of plastics such as polypropylene or stainless steel sheet for all inflexible components, and of plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or silicone for the flexible container wall 1 and the mushroom-shaped handle attached to its center. If it contains plastic parts, these can be manufactured using injection molding. It is also conceivable to use a mixture of inflexible and flexible parts within the flexible container wall 1, so that, for example, pressing on the flexible container wall 1 moves a larger area of ​​the container wall when squeezing. Depending on the material chosen for the screw cap and the shape of the contact surface between the closure elements, a seal made of a different material for the screw cap against the container wall opening may be unnecessary. For example, a sealing profile can be molded into the existing material.Since the handle is gripped tightly and no large forces or leverage forces are expected, the handle can be manufactured in one piece with the flexible container wall 1 to avoid material transitions that would create insufficiently accessible dead spaces during washing.

[0053] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional drawing of the container with the mouthpiece (or inlet / outlet) closed and the container wall unopened. The flexible container wall 1 is undiminished on one side of the first plane of symmetry, indicating that the container is completely filled. Thus, in this state, the inner surface of the flexible container wall 1 is largely plane-symmetrical to the inner surface of the inflexible container wall 2 across the first plane of symmetry. The first plane of symmetry is also visible where the interior of the container has its greatest circumference. It is also evident that the inner surface of the container largely corresponds to the surface of a solid of revolution whose axis of rotation is orthogonal to the first plane of symmetry and which also possesses this first plane of symmetry. In this case, it is, more precisely, largely an ellipsoid of revolution.

[0054] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional drawing of the container with the suction pipe 4 screwed on and with the container wall closed in its completely empty state. Therefore, the upper, flexible container wall 1 rests with its inner surface against the inner surface of the inflexible, lower container wall 2 at the point where the inner surfaces of the containers are symmetrical about the first plane of symmetry when completely filled.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a representation according to Fig. 3 with an additional funnel 5 inserted into the mouthpiece. The funnel 5 facilitates and assists the filling of the container. In particular, filling the container with viscous media is made easier by this. At the same time, the handle can be used to assist the intake of the viscous medium by suction.

[0056] Fig. Figure 5 shows the top view of the assembled container according to Fig.2. Therefore, from above, one can see (among other things) the upper, flexible container wall 1 with its central handle and the upper screw-on closure element, which, with the help of the (here not visible) lower screw-on closure element, connects the flexible container wall 1 to the (here not visible) inflexible container wall 2 on the other side of the first plane of symmetry. Furthermore, the inlet / outlet of the container, which is closed with the screw cap 3, is visible.

[0057] Another embodiment is a hydration bladder in a backpack. The bladder should be positioned close to the wearer's body, with its center of gravity close to the body. Therefore, the bladder should lie relatively flat against the back panel inside the backpack. The inner and outer surfaces of the bladder can roughly resemble the shape of a balance cushion. The bladder can thus be shaped like a revolution ellipsoid, flattened to such an extent that the flattened sides are parallel to each other, forming parallel lines rather than curves. The first plane of symmetry is the one that intersects the bladder wall at the circular point with the largest circumference. The closure for opening the bladder wall is also located where the first plane of symmetry intersects the bladder wall. The closure can be a rigid screw cap, and the bladder itself can be both rigid and flexible.The closure at the point of the largest opening facilitates cleaning the interior of the container after opening the container wall. It is also easier for the flexible container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry to navigate this constriction, with its largest circumference on the inner surface of the container, during emptying and filling, compared to alternative constrictions or planes of symmetry that have a smaller circumference and are therefore more difficult to navigate. In the embodiment of the hydration bladder not shown, the rigid container wall can have a container inlet / outlet in line with its flat outer surface. This inlet / outlet can point downwards inside the backpack, and a drinking tube can be attached to it. Suction cup handles on the container can be omitted, as they are not essential for drinking and can also be cumbersome inside the backpack.Alternatively, handles can be recessed on opposite sides so that the tops of the handles are flush with the outer surface of the container and do not protrude towards the back or the inside of the backpack, should suction be desired, for example, for carbohydrate gels or other thicker foods. To make separating the container wall easier for cleaning, a flexible ring handle can be attached to the screw-on closure element of the flexible container wall opposite the inlet / outlet. This allows the container to be opened and closed more easily by gripping and twisting the inlet / outlet relative to the ring handle. The two container parts can then be opened and simply placed in the dishwasher for cleaning.

[0058] Alternatively, the hydration bladder can be roughly box-shaped, resembling a flat cuboid with strongly rounded edges, both internally and externally. This can be positioned vertically inside the backpack, against the inside of the back padding. The first plane of symmetry can be the one that intersects the bladder wall at the point where the inner surface is widest. This first plane of symmetry divides the bladder into two flat cuboids. Circumferential snap closures can also separate the bladder wall at the point where the first plane of symmetry intersects it. The closure can be made of an inflexible material, except for the seal, for a more secure and easier closure. The bladder can also be designed as a combination of flexible and flexible components. This would essentially result in an inflexible frame, forming the closure, with a flexible bladder wall attached to it.The container wall on both sides of the first symmetry plane can be made of flexible material to minimize volume loss in the backpack when the hydration bladder is empty. A reinforcing cross or similar element can be incorporated inside the container, on the first symmetry plane, to make the closure more robust and to only minimally impede emptying. Since the hydration bladder is intended solely for beverages, for example, no absorption is necessary. Instead, the liquid can simply flow into the inlet / outlet for filling. In this design, an inflexible container wall is therefore not advantageous, as would be the case with absorption or squeezing. The inlet / outlet, to which a drinking tube can be attached, is preferably located at the bottom and is connected to and encased in the inflexible material of one closure side, thus ensuring the drinking tube's durability.Here too, the hydration bladder can be completely cleaned in a dishwasher after opening the container wall. In contrast, conventional hydration bladders for backpacks are washed by hand, as the inner surface is not easily accessible.

[0059] Another application example, not shown, is a reusable container for storing beverages, such as juice. Here, the inner and outer surfaces of the container can be spherical, with a section of the sphere cut away from the top and bottom so that the container can stand upright without rolling over, and the top remains symmetrical to the bottom. A screw cap for opening the container wall can run horizontally at mid-height and would coincide with a first plane of symmetry. This first plane of symmetry can be the horizontal plane located where the container wall is circular and, in combination with this circularity, has the largest diameter. The upper container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry can be flexible, while the lower container wall on the other side of the first plane of symmetry can be rigid.A handle can be attached centrally to the upper spherical section, and opposite the handle, on the lower spherical section, footrests can be provided for standing (similar to an air pump). A detachable attachment to the floor or other structure, such as via an eyelet or by hanging it upside down from the ceiling, is also possible. This allows the container to be filled by pulling the flexible wall away from the rigid container wall, which is secured with, for example, footrests. A wide bracket or similar support can be attached above the handle to guide it. This bracket can also serve as a carrying handle and make the container more durable or even stackable. In this case, the upper handle can be a cord-like or rod-like handle that fits within the bracket.Such a handle guide, or a similar one, can generally be used in various applications, where necessary, to apply the squeezing and suction movements to the flexible container wall in a controlled manner. Therefore, the force vector, as well as the force development over time, can be better controlled by handle guides. To utilize the container volume even more effectively with a curved container wall, the curved, flexible container wall can be indirectly controlled during suction and squeezing via a mechanical system, such as a cable or rod system. This system can run externally along the flexible container wall, and the handle for squeezing and suction can be connected to this system. Thus, the handle can be used to pull on the system.Main cords / rods can form isosceles lines of an imaginary triangle, and these main cords / rods can be connected to the container wall in such a way that the container wall, via further rods / ropes of varying lengths, retains its curvature at the end point of suction (container completely filled) despite the tensile stress on the container wall. When squeezing, the system can also form the appropriate curvature at the end point of squeezing (container empty), even if only the handle itself is pressed, so that the flexible inner surface of the container rests against the inflexible inner surface on the other side of the first plane of symmetry at all points. These surfaces are symmetrical about the first plane of symmetry when the container is completely full. In the case of cords, the system resembles many suspension bridges for suction.An alternative to such a system, if a simpler design is desired, is, for example, profiling to adapt the movement characteristics of the flexible container wall. In this design, hydraulics or pneumatics can achieve particularly good results regarding the movement of the flexible container wall. An inlet / outlet valve can be provided at the bottom of the container. Such a container can be used for extended storage after opening, as the beverage inside remains in contact with air. Furthermore, the container is easy to clean and reusable. Metered dispensing of the medium and metered filling by suction are also possible.

[0060] Another application example, not shown, is its use in a production line or as a syringe pump in medicine for the controlled dispensing and intake of media. Here, the inner surface of the container can, for example, be largely spherical, and the closure for opening the container wall separates two hemispheres and lies on a plane of symmetry of the spherical inner surface, which then forms the first plane of symmetry. The container can, for example, be designed with both flexible and inflexible sections. The flexible container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry can be moved in a controlled manner using pneumatics, hydraulics, electromagnetism, or similar mechanisms to draw in or dispense media in a metered manner. In the case of pneumatics or hydraulics, a gas-tight dome can be placed over the flexible container wall.The system is designed to be liquid-tight, allowing the pneumatic or hydraulic system to move the entire flexible container wall by changing the pressure in the space between the dome and the flexible container wall. This eliminates the need for a syringe-like design in a production line. Uniform or linear dispensing and absorption of media can be achieved through non-homogeneous pressure changes on the flexible container wall. One advantage of such a system compared to a syringe is, for example, the absence of a stick-slip effect, as there is no transition from static to kinetic friction in a piston, since the system according to the invention does not have a moving seal.

[0061] In summary, the invention offers, among other things, the following advantages: The container is easy to clean, as all surfaces are easily accessible after opening the container wall or separating the two halves via the closure. If the container is not too large for a dishwasher or similar appliance and is appropriately shaped for this purpose, it can be machine-washed without manual intervention. - It can be filled by suction. - This facilitates almost complete emptying of the container. - Depending on the design, the container has a small internal surface area relative to its contents. A spherical interior can also be provided. - No moving seals are needed to squeeze out or absorb a medium, which is why the container is suitable for many media, such as abrasive liquids. - There is no stick-slip effect. - The medium does not come into contact with air after the container has been opened or partially emptied. - The media delivery and intake characteristics are controllable; this is achieved, among other things, by the container shape and adjustment of the flexibility of the movable container wall (on one or both sides of the first plane of symmetry).

[0062] Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the advantageous embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples. Other variations can be derived by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to the combinations of features specified below, but other combinations and partial combinations of the disclosed features that are obviously executable by a person skilled in the art can also be formed. Reference symbol list 1 flexible container wall 2 inflexible container walls 3 screw caps 4 detachable suction tube 5 funnels

Claims

[1] Containers for media, wherein media comprise liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures or gases, wherein - the container has a first container part and a second container part, - the two container parts each have an inner container surface that is curved at least in sections and a first opening to form one half of the inner container space, - the two container halves can be reversibly connected to each other via a closure, - the closure comprises closure elements that are arranged on both container parts in the area of ​​a first opening, - the inner surfaces of the two container parts are essentially symmetrical to a plane of symmetry passing through the closure and, in the connected state, define a container interior which can be reduced in size by deformation of at least one of the two container parts to such an extent that the inner surfaces of the two container parts are in contact with each other, - the circumference of the two container parts is greatest in the first opening, - at least one half of the container is made of a flexible material or has such a design that the corresponding at least one half of the container does not return to its original shape on its own when deformed, and - one of the container halves has a second opening through which the supply and removal of a medium into the interior of the container is possible. [2] Container according to claim 1, wherein at least one container part is deformable via at least one or more handles, by means of pneumatics, hydraulics, electromagnetism, and / or mechanical pulling and / or pushing systems in order to move a corresponding flexible container wall (1) of the at least one container part in order to introduce a medium into the interior of the container or to discharge a medium received in the interior of the container. [3] Container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container wall (2) of one of the two container parts is completely inflexible. [4] Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second opening in one container part is arranged spaced apart from the first opening. [5] Container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the closure formed by the closure elements of the two container parts is inflexible. [6] Container according to claim 5, wherein the two container parts have an inflexible frame surrounding the first opening and on which the closure elements of the respective container part are arranged. [7] Container according to claim 6, wherein at least the frame of a container part has struts or stiffening elements crossing the first opening. [8] Container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the closure is a screw closure, wherein the closure elements of the two container parts have corresponding threaded sections, or a bayonet closure, wherein the closure elements of the two container parts are designed accordingly. [9] Container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the two container parts are designed such that the inner surfaces of the containers, when the two container parts are connected, form a container interior which has the shape of a body of revolution. [10] Container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a tube, a hose or an auxiliary instrument is reversibly or permanently arranged on the container half with the second opening in the area of ​​the second opening. [11] Use of a container according to any one of claims 1 to 10 as a drinking bladder, squeeze pouch, for metered dispensing and receiving of media with or without the aid of hydraulics or pneumatics or on a production line. [12] Method for producing a container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the container is produced from plastic by injection molding.

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