DRINKS CONTAINER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid reservoir for a beverage container, wherein the beverage container is, in particular, a (metallic) beverage can. The beverage container serves to store a contents, e.g., a liquid, and the fluid reservoir, wherein the beverage container, in its closed state (initial state), is under an overpressure relative to the surroundings or to atmospheric pressure of approximately 1 bar. The fluid reservoir is provided for arrangement within the beverage container, wherein the fluid reservoir stores a fluid (a fluid other than the contents or liquid of the beverage container) that, in particular, escapes into the contents or liquid of the beverage container when the beverage container is opened.

[0002] Especially with beverage cans containing carbonated liquid, the beverage container can be under an internal pressure of up to 6.2 bar before being opened for the first time.

[0003] From EP 0 227 213 A2, a beverage container is known in which a pressure vessel (widget) is arranged inside the beverage container. A gas is stored in the pressure vessel, which escapes from an opening in the container when the beverage container is opened, causing the liquid stored in the beverage container to foam. The gas typically consists of an inert gas, optionally with the addition of carbon dioxide. The inert gas is, for example, nitrogen. The pressure vessel is arranged in a base region of the beverage container so that the gas escaping from the pressure vessel into the liquid causes the foaming of as large a volume of the liquid as possible. For this purpose, the pressure vessel is completely submerged in the liquid.

[0004] From the subsequently published DE 10 2018 110 764, a beverage container is known in which a pressure vessel is arranged. This pressure vessel is fixed in position within the beverage container by means of a retaining element or by means of an adhesive.

[0005] WO 93 / 25452 A1 refers to a beverage container in which a second chamber in the form of a hollow insert is arranged. The second chamber contains, for example, nitrogen. The second chamber is an extruded tube made of food-grade HDPP.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems existing with regard to the prior art and in particular to provide a fluid container (as a pressure vessel) which can be arranged in the beverage container in an alternative manner and fixed with regard to its position.

[0007] These problems are solved with a fluid container according to the features of claim 1 and a beverage container according to the features of claim 11.

[0008] Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined in a technologically meaningful manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0009] A fluid reservoir is proposed for arrangement within a beverage container. The fluid reservoir extends along an axial direction between a first end and a second end and has a first volume within a reservoir wall for storing a fluid. Between the first end and the second end, the fluid reservoir has a (sleeve-like, e.g., cylindrically shaped or rotationally symmetrical) central region, which has a constant cross-sectional area extending transversely to the axial direction and a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the axial direction and passing through a centroid of the constant cross-sectional area. The fluid reservoir has at least a first end region between the first end and the central region, wherein a) at least part of the first end region is formed by contacting opposing areas of the fluid vessel wall; and / or b) the first end region has first cross-sectional areas extending transversely to the axial direction with first centroids, wherein at least part of the first centroids are spaced radially from the longitudinal axis.

[0010] The fluid container has a fluid container wall made of a plastic, in particular PP (polypropylene), or of another material. The fluid container wall has a wall thickness of, in particular, at most one (1) millimeter, preferably at most 0.5 millimeters, and most preferably 0.25 millimeters.

[0011] The fluid container has a diameter of at least 20 millimeters, preferably at most 15 millimeters, and particularly preferably at most 13 millimeters, at least in its central region. In particular, the diameter is at least 5 millimeters, and preferably at least 10 millimeters.

[0012] The first volume enclosed by the fluid container can be connected to the surroundings of the fluid container via at least one or exactly one opening. In this case, the first volume is formed, in particular, by a fluid container wall considered to be closed. The at least one opening has, in particular, a maximum opening diameter of 0.5 millimeters. The fluid container can also be designed without an opening.

[0013] The middle section comprises in particular at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, and most preferably at least 75% of the first volume.

[0014] In particular, the central area extends along the axial direction over at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 75% of the length of the fluid container extending between the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis.

[0015] The central area has a constant cross-sectional area formed by the fluid container wall and the area enclosed by it within that cross-section. This constant cross-sectional area has a centroid, which is located, in particular, within the area itself (for example, in a cylindrical design of the central area, the constant cross-sectional area has a circular shape, with the centroid located at the center of the circle).

[0016] The longitudinal axis extends in particular through all the centroids of the constant cross-sectional areas of the central region.

[0017] The first end region has a shape that differs from the middle region. In particular, the first end region has a shape that is not rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] In particular, the first end region, e.g. starting from a shape corresponding to the shape in the middle region, is formed by a compression of the fluid container wall that is essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis, whereby previously opposing and spaced-apart areas of the fluid container wall now contact each other (and lie against each other) as a result of the compression and are possibly connected to each other, e.g. by a material bond.

[0019] In particular, alternatively or additionally, the first end region has first cross-sectional areas extending transversely to the axial direction, formed by the fluid vessel wall and by the area enclosed by it in the respective first cross-section. These first cross-sectional areas each have first centroids, with at least some of the first centroids being arranged radially spaced from the longitudinal axis.

[0020] In particular, the first areas of centroid lie, aligned along the longitudinal axis, within the constant cross-sectional areas of the central region.

[0021] In particular, the first centroids are arranged within a first cross-sectional area assigned to the respective first centroid.

[0022] In particular, at least part of the first centroids is located outside a first cross-sectional area assigned to the respective first centroid. Such a configuration can occur, for example, if the first cross-sectional area extends in a crescent shape.

[0023] In particular, the contacting areas (of the fluid container wall) form a connection area that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis over a width and along the longitudinal axis over a length. In particular, the length is greater than the wall thickness of the fluid container wall, especially by a factor of at least two (2), preferably by a factor of at least five (5), and most preferably by a factor of at least ten (10).

[0024] In the connection area, the fluid container in particular does not have a first volume enclosed by the fluid container walls.

[0025] At least part of the connection area has a curved (i.e., not a straight) shape along its width (i.e., along the first cross-sectional area).

[0026] In particular, the fluid container has at least one opening, and possibly several openings, in its first end region. This at least one opening connects the first volume within the fluid container, via the fluid container wall, to an environment outside the fluid container. Specifically, this at least one opening (and in particular each of the openings) is located outside the connection region.

[0027] In particular, the statements regarding the first end area also apply to the second end area, although both end areas may be designed differently.

[0028] In particular, the second end region is identical to the first end region, with the second end region preferably having no opening.

[0029] In particular, the opening is pierced, i.e., punctured, for example with a needle. To create an opening with a diameter of 0.1 millimeters, a needle with a diameter of 0.14 millimeters can be used, for example. The smaller diameter of the opening results from the partially elastic deformation of the container material during the piercing process.

[0030] Compared to known injection-molded containers, whose openings are then formed via, for example, core pulls, smaller openings can be produced reproducibly by piercing.

[0031] A further method for manufacturing the described fluid container is proposed. The method comprehensively comprises at least the following steps: a) Providing a sleeve-like body extending along the axial direction between a first body end and a second body end, and having a constant cross-sectional area extending transversely to the axial direction; b) (first) forming at least the first body end into the first end region; c) connecting opposing regions of the fluid vessel wall in at least part of the first end region and forming a connection region.

[0032] In particular, the constant cross-sectional area of ​​the body is the constant cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid container produced from the body.

[0033] In particular, one end of the body terminates at a constant height relative to the axial direction. However, it is also possible that at least one end of the body runs at an angle of less than 90 degrees, especially between 45 and 80 degrees, relative to the axial direction.

[0034] In particular, step b) includes a thermal (first) forming process in which the body is at least partially heated. Specifically, the provision of an elevated temperature enables a plastic (first) forming process, thus preventing elastic springback of the formed body as far as possible.

[0035] In particular, the first transformation reduces the (theoretical) volume of the sleeve-like body to the first volume.

[0036] In particular, step b) involves a plastic (first) deformation, i.e. the first end of the body is permanently deformed.

[0037] In particular, the (first) forming process involves compressing the opposing container walls, whereby, starting from the central area, the resulting initial centers of gravity are increasingly shifted outwards along the radial direction from the longitudinal axis towards the end of the fluid container. The compression can be carried out in at least part of the respective end area to such an extent that opposing areas of the fluid container wall are brought into contact with each other. In this part of the end area, a connection area can then be created by joining the container walls.

[0038] In particular, step c) includes a joining process, e.g. a thermal joining process, e.g. welding, especially pulse welding.

[0039] In particular, steps b) and c) are performed simultaneously.

[0040] In particular, after step c), a (second) transformation of at least part of the connection area or the areas connected together in step c) takes place.

[0041] In particular, the second forming process also includes thermal forming. Specifically, the second forming process does not include any further reduction of the first volume. Preferably, only a connection area is formed by the second forming process. In particular, at least part of the connection area acquires a curved shape along its width (i.e., along the first cross-sectional area) as a result of the second forming process.

[0042] In particular, during thermal forming, the body is heated, at least partially (preferably in the area to be formed), to a (locally) elevated temperature and then formed. The temperature is particularly at least 60 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 100 degrees Celsius.

[0043] In particular, during or after step b), the fluid container is cut to length, at least in the first end area.

[0044] Preferably, the cutting to length takes place during or after step c).

[0045] In particular, the cutting to length also takes place after the second forming (of the connection area).

[0046] Cutting the tubing to length adjusts the length of the fluid tank.

[0047] Cutting to length can be achieved by separating (e.g., by cutting) a portion of the material from the object. Alternatively, cutting to length can also involve a forming process (e.g., folding, creasing, etc.) to adjust the container length. Furthermore, cutting to length may involve a thermal or chemical transformation of the material within the object.

[0048] In particular, at least one opening is arranged or produced in the area of ​​the first end region as part of the process. Preferably, the opening is created during or after step c). Particularly preferably, the opening is created after the second forming and / or after cutting to length.

[0049] In particular, as part of step b), the second end of the body is additionally transformed into a second end region.

[0050] The statements regarding the first end of the body apply equally to the second end of the body, although the two ends can also be designed differently.

[0051] In particular, the second body end is identical to the first body end, with the second body end preferably having no opening.

[0052] In particular, the fluid container is cut to length in the second end area during or after step b).

[0053] In particular, the body or fluid container is at least partially filled with a fluid before the fluid container is completely closed.

[0054] Alternatively, the fluid container can also be left unfilled with any fluid (except ambient air or the surrounding atmosphere), so that filling of the fluid container only takes place at a later time and then via the at least one opening.

[0055] The fluid can be a gas, a liquid, or a solid, such as a powder. It can also be composed of several different fluids, for example, powdered and gaseous fluids, powdered and liquid fluids, etc. In particular, the state of matter of the fluid within the fluid container can change over time.

[0056] A (metallic) beverage container is proposed, comprising at least a (in an initial state, leak-proof) housing with a base, a lid, and a (cylindrical) wall section connecting the base to the lid. The beverage container has a second volume that can be partially filled (or is filled in the initial state) with a liquid (with a third volume). The described fluid container is arranged within the second volume.

[0057] The beverage container is, in particular, a beverage can.

[0058] In an upright position, the base of the beverage container is at the bottom and the lid is at the top relative to the direction of gravity. Specifically, the wall area between the base and lid extends along an axial direction (essentially) parallel to the direction of gravity (when the beverage container is upright) and circumferentially around both the base and lid.

[0059] The beverage container is in an initial state, in particular under a first pressure that is greater than a second pressure of the surroundings (in particular, the second pressure is at most 1.1 bar, preferably the first pressure is at least 2.5 bar). As long as the beverage container is in this initial state, the pressure within the volumes (first volume, second volume, third volume) is in particular the same.

[0060] The fluid container is initially at least partially filled with a fluid (e.g., a gas) (and possibly also partially filled with the liquid, particularly from the third volume). When the beverage container is opened and the pressure equalizes with the surroundings, at least the fluid (and possibly also the liquid) from the first volume escapes, for example, through the at least one opening into the liquid or into the third volume.

[0061] The fluid reservoir or the connection area can be designed in such a way that, when the beverage container is opened and pressure equalization occurs with the environment, the otherwise closed fluid reservoir bursts open, particularly at a designated point, so that the fluid can escape from the fluid reservoir into the liquid.

[0062] The second volume is in particular between 0.1 and 5 liters, preferably at most 3 liters, most preferably at most 1.5 liters.

[0063] The third volume is in particular between 1% and 10%, preferably between 1% and 5%, less than the second volume.

[0064] The first volume is in particular between 1% and 5%, preferably between 1% and 3% of the second volume.

[0065] In particular, the sum of the first volume and the third volume is at least 1% smaller than the second volume.

[0066] The beverage container is usually opened via a release mechanism in the lid. In particular, this release mechanism is not resealable, and the initial overpressure inside the beverage container can only be partially restored by closing the release mechanism.

[0067] The beverage container extends from the base to the lid along an axial direction. This axial direction preferably runs parallel to the wall area. In particular, the beverage container is essentially cylindrical and (apart from structures, e.g., in the lid, for opening / closing the second volume) has an axis of rotation or axis of symmetry that extends parallel to the axial direction.

[0068] In particular, the beverage container comprises at least one first core slope extending along a circumferential direction between the base and the wall area, or within the base, and a second core slope arranged opposite the first core slope and extending along the circumferential direction between the lid and the wall area, or within the lid. The maximum height of the second volume extends between the first core slope and the second core slope (along the axial direction).

[0069] The fluid container is arranged, in particular, with its first end in the first core slope and with its second end in the second core slope, and is positively locked in the second volume via the core slopes opposite a radial direction.

[0070] In particular, the fluid container extends between the first end and the second end over a container length, the container length being at most 5 millimeters less than the greatest height.

[0071] The special design of at least the fluid container allows for a permanently fixed position of the fluid container in the beverage container.

[0072] In particular, this eliminates the need for an additional retaining element or adhesive. If necessary, an adhesive is used to at least temporarily secure the fluid reservoir inside the beverage container, for example, to the wall area.

[0073] In particular, fixing the fluid container in the core slopes ensures that at least a temporary softening of an adhesive (e.g. during pasteurization of the liquid stored in the beverage container) does not lead to a displacement of the fluid container within the beverage container.

[0074] In particular, a beverage container can have a wall area as well as a base and lid, and can be filled with a liquid as such a housing, whereby the fluid container can already be arranged inside the beverage container (and possibly fixed in the beverage container, e.g., with adhesive). After the fluid container is in place, the missing base and lid can be provided to close the beverage container, with the fluid optionally being supplied before closing.

[0075] The second volume has its greatest height (namely, between the core slopes) particularly between the bottom and the lid along an axial direction, wherein the fluid reservoir has a length along the axial direction between the first end and the second end that is at least 85% of the greatest height. Particularly preferably, the reservoir length is at least 90% or even at least 95% of the greatest height, and most preferably at least 99.5% of the greatest height.

[0076] In particular, the first volume of the fluid container in an upright beverage container extends into an upper area adjacent to the lid, with the upper area being above a predetermined liquid level.

[0077] In particular, the second volume of an upright beverage container has at least one lowest point (in the first core slope). The first end of the fluid container extends into the first core slope and to the lowest point, or at least to a near point thereafter. The first volume of the fluid container, filled or fillable with a fluid, extends to a lower region adjacent to the bottom, in particular such that the at least one opening is located at most 20 millimeters, more preferably at most 10 millimeters, preferably at most 6 millimeters, and most preferably at most 4 millimeters from the lowest point.

[0078] The gas-filled pressure vessels or fluid reservoirs used in beverage containers to date have typically been positioned centrally relative to the base and the wall. These reservoirs were placed flush against the (regularly) curved base of the second volume and, if necessary, secured with adhesive. This placement on the curved base inevitably results in the opening in the fluid reservoir being located at a greater distance from the lowest point of the second volume. Consequently, only a small portion of the liquid stored in the beverage container could be stimulated to react with the escaping fluid, for example, to form foam.

[0079] The fluid container proposed here, extending along the axial direction and in height, can, due to its smaller radial dimensions, also be positioned off-center to the base or to the second volume. This allows the pressure vessel to be positioned particularly (directly) adjacent to the wall area and to extend into the core slopes of the beverage container (the lowest edge of the beverage container, which extends regularly around the curved base).

[0080] As a result of the arrangement of at least one opening at a short distance from the lowest point, a larger partial volume of the third volume can be excited by the outflow of at least the fluid from the fluid container.

[0081] In particular, the fluid container extends into both core slopes of the beverage container, so that it is fixed in its position (i.e. extending into both core slopes) via the core slopes at least relative to a radial direction.

[0082] In particular, the fluid container can be elastically deformed at least at one end, preferably at both ends, by the beverage container (especially exclusively) (preferably by the core slope or by both core slopes), so that the pressure vessel is fixed in its position in the core slopes and in the first volume also against a circumferential direction.

[0083] In particular, the fluid container is arranged at least at its first end or at its second end (immediately) adjacent to a wall (e.g., the bottom, the lid, or the wall section) of the beverage container, such that a stop is formed between the end and the wall at least in one axial direction. Specifically, the fluid container is arranged relative to the wall in such a way that any further displacement of the pressure vessel along the axial direction forces at least a displacement of the end of the fluid container contacting the wall in the radial or circumferential direction. In this context, "adjacent" means, in particular, that the end is arranged at a distance of no more than 2 millimeters from the wall. "Immediately adjacent" then means that the end is in contact with the wall.

[0084] In particular, at least one end of the fluid container has a curved profile in the area of ​​a connection area, which is adapted to the profile of the corresponding core slope along the circumferential direction.

[0085] In particular, both ends are arranged (immediately) adjacent to a wall, so that further movement of the fluid container along the axial direction is at least restricted.

[0086] In particular, this prevents the fluid container from coming loose and the development of noise caused by movement of the fluid container relative to the beverage container.

[0087] Alternatively, the fluid container can be connected to a wall (especially to the wall area) of the beverage container using an adhesive, wherein the pressure vessel is additionally fixed in its position at least against a radial direction, e.g. by extending into the core slopes of the beverage container, or is even fixed in its position by friction (e.g. as a result of at least elastic deformation or by a retaining element).

[0088] The filling of the beverage container and the fluid container can be carried out in a known manner, e.g. as follows: Providing a housing comprising the base and walls, without a lid; providing the fluid container (e.g., with an opening, possibly already filled with fluid or empty); arranging the fluid container in the housing, possibly using an adhesive; filling the housing with the liquid (third volume); if necessary, filling the housing (starting from the third volume, in particular up to at most the second volume) with fluid, e.g., with inert gas (possibly at least partially liquefied); (gas-tight) sealing of the housing with the lid, forming the beverage container; if necessary, turning the beverage container upside down so that the base faces upwards (relative to the direction of gravity) and so that any opening is located above the liquid level of the second volume; if necessary, filling the fluid container through the opening with the fluid, e.g., with the inert gas that expands when heated in the closed beverage container.by changing the state of matter of the inert gas and the resulting expansion of the inert gas. Providing the beverage container in an initial state.

[0089] The statements regarding the fluid container apply equally to the beverage container and the process, and vice versa.

[0090] It should be noted as a precaution that the numerical terms used here ("first", "second", "third", ...) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and thus do not necessarily dictate any dependency and / or sequence between these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependency and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here, or it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art upon studying the specific configuration described.

[0091] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the situations explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. The same reference numerals denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement. The figures schematically show: Fig. 1: a fluid container in a perspective view; Fig. 2: the fluid container after Fig. 1 , with adhesive, in a perspective view; Fig. 3: a beverage container with a fluid container arranged inside, in a perspective semi-transparent view; Fig. 4: the beverage container after Fig. 3with the fluid container, in a semi-transparent side view; Fig. 5: the beverage container after Figs. 3 and 4 , upside down, in a side view; Fig. 6: the beverage container after Figs. 3 to 5 and the fluid container, in a side view; Fig. 7: shows a body for manufacturing the fluid container in a perspective view; and Fig. 8: the fluid container according to Figs. 1 and 2 in a side view.

[0092] Fig. 1 shows a fluid container 1 in a perspective view. Fig. 2 shows fluid container 1 after Fig. 1 , with adhesive 35, in a perspective view. The Figs. 1 and 2 will be described together below.

[0093] The fluid container 1 extends along an axial direction 3 between a first end 4 and a second end 5 and has a first volume 7 within a fluid container wall 6 for storing a fluid 8. Between the first end 4 and the second end 5, the fluid container 1 has a (sleeve-like, e.g., cylindrically shaped or rotationally symmetrical) central region 9, which has a constant cross-sectional area 10 extending transversely to the axial direction 3 and a longitudinal axis 11 extending parallel to the axial direction 3 and passing through a centroid of the constant cross-sectional area 10. Between the first end 4 and the central region 9, the fluid container 1 has a first end region 12.Part of the first end region 12 is formed by contacting opposing areas of the fluid container wall 6, and the first end region 12 has first cross-sectional areas 13 extending transversely to the axial direction 3 with first centroids 14, wherein at least part of the first centroids 14 are arranged spaced apart from the longitudinal axis 11 in a radial direction 15 (see . Fig. 4 ).

[0094] The first volume 7 enclosed by the fluid container 1 is connected to the surroundings of the fluid container 1 via exactly one opening 19.

[0095] The first end region 12 is formed, starting from a shape corresponding to the shape in the middle region 9, by a compression of the fluid container wall 6 essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis 11, whereby previously opposing and spaced-apart areas of the fluid container wall 6 now contact each other (and lie against each other) as a result of the compression and are connected to each other, e.g. by material bonding.

[0096] The first end region 12 has first cross-sectional areas 13 extending along the axial direction 3 and transversely to the axial direction 3. These areas are formed by the fluid vessel wall 6 and by the area enclosed by it in the respective first cross-section. These first cross-sectional areas 13 each have first centroids 14 that lie aligned along the longitudinal axis 11 within the constant cross-sectional area 10 of the central region 9 (see Fig. 4The first centroids 14 are partially located within a first cross-sectional area 13 assigned to each first centroid 14. A portion of the first centroids 14 (towards the ends 4, 5) are located outside a first cross-sectional area 13 assigned to each first centroid 14. Such a configuration, as shown, occurs when the first cross-sectional area 13 extends in a crescent shape.

[0097] The contacting areas of the fluid vessel wall 6 form a connection area 16, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 11 over a width 17 and along the longitudinal axis 11 over a length 18. The connection area 16 has a curved (i.e., not a straight) profile along the width 17 (i.e., along the first cross-sectional area 13).

[0098] The descriptions for the first end area 12 also apply, as shown, to the second end area 23, which is identical to the first end area 12, except that the second end area 23 does not have an opening 19.

[0099] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a beverage container 2 with a fluid container 1 arranged inside it, in a perspective semi-transparent view. Fig. 4 shows beverage container 2 after Fig. 3 with fluid container 1, in a semi-transparent side view. Fig. 5 shows beverage container 2 after Figs. 3 and 4 , upside down, in a side view. Fig. 6 shows beverage container 2 after Figs. 3 to 5 and fluid container 1, in a side view. Figs. 3 to 6 will be described together below. The explanations regarding... Figs. 1 and 2 Reference is made to this.

[0100] The beverage container 2 comprises a housing 24 (which is sealed in an initial state) with a base 25, a lid 26, and a cylindrical wall section 27 connecting the base 25 to the lid 26. The beverage container 2 has a second volume 28, which is partially filled with a third volume 36 containing a liquid 29. The fluid reservoir 1 is located within the second volume 28.

[0101] The beverage container 2 comprises a first core slope 31 extending along a circumferential direction 30 between the base 25 and the wall region 27, or in the base 25, and a second core slope 32 arranged opposite the first core slope 31 and extending along the circumferential direction 30 between the lid 26 and the wall region 27, or in the lid 26. A maximum height 33 of the second volume 28 extends between the first core slope 31 and the second core slope 32 along the axial direction 3.

[0102] The fluid container 1 is arranged with its first end 4 in the first core slope 31 and with its second end 5 in the second core slope 32 and is positively locked in the second volume 28 via the core slopes 31, 32 opposite a radial direction 15.

[0103] The special design of the fluid container 1 enables a permanently fixed position of the fluid container 1 in the beverage container 2.

[0104] The second volume 28, when the beverage container 2 is upright, has at least one lowest point 37 (in the first core slope 31). The first end 4 of the fluid container 1 extends into the first core slope 31 and to the lowest point 37, or at least to its vicinity. The first volume 7 of the fluid container 1, filled with a fluid 8, extends to a lower region adjacent to the base 25, such that one opening 19 is located only a short distance from the lowest point 37.

[0105] The fluid container 1 proposed here, extending along the axial direction 3, can, due to its smaller dimensions in a radial direction 15, be arranged off-center to the base 25 or to the second volume 28, as shown. This allows the fluid container 1 to be positioned directly adjacent to the wall region 27 and to extend into the core slopes 31, 32 (the lowest and highest edges of the beverage container 2 and the second volume 28, respectively, which extend regularly around the curved base 25 and the lid 26) of the beverage container 2.

[0106] The fluid container 1 extends with its ends 4, 5 into both core slopes 31, 32 of the beverage container 2, as shown, so that it is fixed in its position (i.e. extending into both core slopes 31, 32) at least relative to a radial direction 15 via the core slopes 31, 32.

[0107] Both ends 4, 5 of the fluid container 1 have a curved profile in the area of ​​the respective connection area 16, which is adapted to the profile of the corresponding core inclination 31, 32 along the circumferential direction 30.

[0108] Here, both ends 4, 5 are arranged directly adjacent to a wall, so that further movement of the fluid container 1 along the axial direction 3 is at least restricted.

[0109] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a body 20 for the production of the fluid container 1 in a perspective view. Fig. 8 shows fluid container 1 after Figs. 1 and 2 in a side view. Figs. 7 and 8 will be described together below. The explanations regarding the Figs. 1 to 6 Reference is made to this.

[0110] The method for manufacturing the fluid container 1 comprises, according to step a), providing a sleeve-like body 20 which extends along the axial direction 3 between a first body end 21 and a second body end 22 and has a constant cross-sectional area 10 extending transversely to the axial direction 3. According to step b), the first body end 21 is first formed into the first end region 12 and the second body end into the second end region 23. According to step c), opposing regions of the fluid container wall 6 are joined in a portion of the first end region 12 and the second end region 23, respectively, and a connection region 16 is formed.

[0111] In Fig. 7 It can be seen that the body ends 21, 22 of the body 20 each end at the same height all around relative to the axial direction 3.

[0112] The first transformation reveals the (theoretical) volume (recognizable in Fig. 7 The volume between the body ends 21, 22) of the sleeve-like body 20 is reduced to the first volume 7. The first forming process involves compressing the opposing container walls 6 in the end regions 12, 23, whereby, starting from the central region 9 or the body 20, the resulting first centers of gravity 14 are increasingly displaced outwards from the longitudinal axis 11 along the radial direction 15 towards the ends 4, 5 of the fluid container 1. The compression is carried out in at least a part of the respective end region 12, 23 to such an extent that opposing areas of the fluid container wall 6 are brought into contact with each other. In this part of the end region 12, 23, a connection area 16 is then created by joining the container walls 6.

[0113] After step c), a second forming process takes place at least on part of the connection area 16, or on the areas connected in step c). This second forming process does not result in any further reduction of the first volume 7. Only the connection areas 16 are reshaped by the second forming process. As a result of this second forming process, the connection areas 16 acquire a curved shape along the width 17 (i.e., along the first cross-sectional area 13).

[0114] The fluid container 1 is then cut to length at both ends 12 and 23, resulting in a container length 34. This container length 34 corresponds to the maximum height 33 of the beverage container 2 intended for the fluid container 1.

[0115] Furthermore, as part of the procedure, an opening 19 is arranged or produced in the area of ​​the first end area 12. Reference symbol list

[0116] 1 Fluid container 2 Beverage container 3 Axial direction 4 First end 5 Second end 6 Fluid container wall 7 First volume 8 Fluid 9 Middle area 10 Constant cross-sectional area 11 Longitudinal axis 12 First end area 13 First cross-sectional area 14 First centroid 15 Radial direction 16 Connection area 17 Width 18 Length 19 Opening 20 Body 21 First body end 22 Second body end 23 Second end area 24 Housing 25 Bottom 26 Lid 27 Wall area 28 Second volume 29 Liquid 30 Circumferential direction 31 First core slope 32 Second core slope 33 Maximum height 34 Container length 35 Adhesive 36 Third volume 37 Lowest point

Claims

1. Fluid container (1) for arrangement in a beverage container (2), wherein the fluid container (1) extends in an axial direction (3) between a first end (4) and a second end (5) and has a first volume (7) for storing a fluid (8) inside a fluid container wall (6), wherein the fluid container (1) has, between the first end (4) and the second end (5), a central region (9) which has, in the axial direction (3), a constant cross-sectional area (10) which extends transversely to the axial direction (3), and a longitudinal axis (11) which extends parallel to the axial direction (3) and runs through a centroid point of the constant cross-sectional area (10), wherein the fluid container (1) has a first end region (12) at least between the first end (4) and the central region (9), characterized in that a) at least a part of the first end region (12) is formed by the contacting of opposing regions of the fluid container wall (6); wherein the regions which contact one another form a connecting region (16) which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis (11) over a width (17) and along the longitudinal axis (11) over a length (18); wherein at least a part of the connecting region (16) has a curved profile over the width (17); and / or b) the first end region (12) has, in the axial direction (3), first cross-sectional areas (13), which extend transversely to the axial direction (3), with first centroid points (14), wherein at least some of the centroid points (14) are arranged so that they are spaced apart from the longitudinal axis (11) in a radial direction (15).

2. Fluid container (1) according to Claim 1, wherein at least some of the first centroid points (14) are arranged outside a first cross-sectional area (13) associated with the respective first centroid point (14).

3. Fluid container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid container (1) has at least one aperture (19) in the first end region (12).

4. Method for producing a fluid container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least the following steps: a) providing a sleeve-like body (20) which extends in the axial direction (3) between a first body end (21) and a second body end (22) and has, in the axial direction (3), a constant cross-sectional area (10) extending transversely to the axial direction (3); b) deformation of at least the first body end (21) to form the first end region (12); c) connecting opposing regions of the fluid container wall (6) in at least a part of the first end region (12) and forming a connecting region (16).

5. Method according to Claim 4, wherein step b) comprises a thermal deformation during which the body (20) is heated at least partially.

6. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 4 and 5, wherein after step c) a deformation takes place of at least a part of the connecting region (16).

7. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 4 to 6, wherein cutting to size of the fluid container (1) takes place during or after step b) at least in the first end region (12).

8. Method according to Claim 7, wherein the cutting to size takes place during or after step c).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 8, wherein as part of step b), the second body end (22) is additionally deformed to form a second end region (23).

10. Method according to Claim 9, wherein cutting to size of the fluid container (1) takes place during or after step b) in the second end region (23).

11. Beverage container (2) at least comprising a shell (24) with a base (25), a lid (26) and a wall region (27) connecting the base (25) to the lid (26); wherein the beverage container (2) has a second volume (28) which can be partly filled with a liquid (29); wherein a fluid container (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 3 is arranged inside the second volume (28).

12. Beverage container (2) according to Claim 11, at least comprising at least a first core bevel (31) running around in a circumferential direction (30) between the base (25) and the wall region (27), and a second core bevel (32) arranged opposite the first core bevel (31) and running around in the circumferential direction (30) between the lid (26) and the wall region (27), wherein a maximum height (33) of the second volume (28) extends between the first core bevel (31) and the second core bevel (32), and the fluid container (1) is arranged with the first end (4) in the first core bevel (31) and with the second end (5) in the second core bevel (32) and arranged in a form-fitting fashion in the second volume (28) via the core bevels (31, 32) relative to a radial direction (15).

13. Beverage container (2) according to Claim 12, wherein the fluid container (1) extends between the first end (4) and the second end (5) over a container length (34), wherein the container length (34) is no more than 5 millimetres less than the maximum height (33).

14. Beverage container (2) at least comprising a shell (24) with a base (25), a lid (26) and a wall region (27) connecting the base (25) to the lid (26); wherein the beverage container (2) has a second volume (28) which can be partly filled with a liquid (29); wherein a fluid container (1) is arranged inside the second volume (28), which extends in an axial direction (3) between a first end (4) and a second end (5) and has a first volume (7) for storing a fluid (8) inside a fluid container wall (6); wherein the fluid container (1) has, between the first end (4) and the second end (5), a central region (9) which has, in the axial direction (3), a constant cross-sectional area (10) which extends transversely to the axial direction (3), and a longitudinal axis (11) which extends parallel to the axial direction (3) and runs through a centroid point of the constant cross-sectional area (10), wherein the fluid container (1) has a first end region (12) at least between the first end (4) and the central region (9); wherein at least a part of the first end region (12) is formed by the contacting of opposing regions of the fluid container wall (6); wherein at least • the beverage container (2) at least comprises at least a first core bevel (31) running around in a circumferential direction (30) between the base (25) and the wall region (27), and a second core bevel (32) arranged opposite the first core bevel (31) and running around in the circumferential direction (30) between the lid (26) and the wall region (27), wherein a maximum height (33) of the second volume (28) extends between the first core bevel (31) and the second core bevel (32), and the fluid container (1) is arranged with the first end (4) in the first core bevel (31) and with the second end (5) in the second core bevel (32) and arranged in a form-fitting fashion in the second volume (28) via the core bevels (31, 32) relative to a radial direction (15); or • wherein the fluid container (1) extends between the first end (4) and the second end (5) over a container length (34), wherein the container length (34) is no more than 5 millimetres less than the maximum height (33).