Extrusion blow-molded container

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (11) made of a plastic material, in particular by extrusion blow molding, comprising a container body (13), a first end (15), a second end (17) substantially opposite the first end, and a shell (14), a filling opening (25) with a first and second sealing surface formed on the inner wall (23) of the first end (15), wherein the first and second sealing surfaces can be fluid-tightly connected to each other, a container base (19) with a base (21) formed at the second end (17), and a pouring opening (29) formed at the first end (15). The filling opening (25) has a first central axis (45), and the pouring opening (29) has a second central axis (47). The first and second central axes (45, 47) are substantially parallel to each other.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container made of a plastic material by extrusion blow molding according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] The production of plastic containers, especially plastic bottles, made of materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene, is carried out using extrusion blow molding. In this process, a plastic suitable for blow molding is plasticized using an extruder and fed into a die. Within the die, the plastic is formed into a tube, which is then inserted into a blow mold. The tube is placed in the die, and with the die closed, it is inflated by pressurized gas via a blow mandrel. This causes the tube to expand and be pressed against the inner wall of a cavity in the blow mold, taking on the shape of the inner wall, which forms the negative form of a container. The inner wall then cools the blow-molded container until the plastic hardens. Finally, the container is removed from the open blow mold.In a separate step, the so-called slugs, which form due to the hose protrusion when the blow mold is closed and are usually connected to the removed container, are separated and can be added to the recycling stream. The hose can be single-layered or multi-layered.

[0003] Typically, the outlet openings are formed at one end of the container during blow molding. Accordingly, the containers are filled through these outlet openings during the filling process. Therefore, the filling speed at the filling line depends on the cross-section of the outlet opening and the consistency of the product being filled.

[0004] To enable increased filling speed, WO 2017 / 072185 A1 specifies an extrusion blow-molded container with a first open end and a second end. The first end has a first and second sealing surface. These sealing surfaces enclose a filling opening and can be sealed fluid-tight after filling. The second end is designed as a container base with a standing surface. Because the filling opening can extend across the entire cross-section of the container, rapid filling is possible.

[0005] To empty the container, either the container must be cut open or a sealing element with a pouring spout must be welded between the sealing surfaces. Cutting the container creates a pouring spout, which is less user-friendly because a tool is required to open it, and the contents can easily spill during pouring. If a sealing element is used, it must be inserted between the sealing surfaces before being welded to them. Additionally, the sealing element may be made of a different type of plastic than the container, making it impossible to recycle the container using a single material.

[0006] To overcome this disadvantage, an extrusion blow-molded container can be provided with a filling opening and a separate pouring opening. It is preferred that the filling opening be larger than the pouring opening. This allows the container to be filled quickly and the contents to be poured precisely or transferred to another container. Furthermore, material requirements are reduced if a screw cap is provided for a small pouring opening. However, such containers are not trivial to manufacture, as both openings require sufficient space. A container according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 18 65 465 U. Object of the invention

[0007] The disadvantages of the described state of the art necessitate improving the manufacturability of an extrusion blow-molded container with separate filling and pouring openings. Furthermore, such containers should be suitable or optimized for easy use in filling systems. Description

[0008] The problem is solved in a container made of a plastic material, particularly by extrusion blow molding, by the features specified in the characterizing section of claim 1. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] Preferably, the shoulder angles of the first and second necks are defined such that the filling opening has a first central axis and the pouring opening has a second central axis, and that the first and second central axes define a plane, wherein an imaginary first line running along the first shoulder and lying in this plane forms an angle α with respect to the first central axis, which differs from an angle β formed by an imaginary third line running along the third shoulder and lying in this plane with respect to the first central axis. This allows the two necks to be adapted to different widths of the container (bags).

[0010] It has proven advantageous to have the third and a fourth shoulder attached to the second neck, with the fourth shoulder merging into the first. This allows for even greater flexibility in designing the shoulder geometries on the second neck.

[0011] Preferably, the shoulder angles of the first and second neck are also defined by the fact that an imaginary second line running along the second shoulder and lying in the plane defined by the first and second central axes forms an angle γ opposite the first central axis, which differs from an angle δ which forms an imaginary fourth line running along the fourth shoulder and lying in this plane opposite the first central axis.

[0012] Because the first and second central axes are essentially parallel to an imaginary main axis of the container, space can be saved and multiple cavities can be incorporated into the blow mold. This enables faster cycle times, which is both ecologically and economically advantageous.

[0013] The following 7 embodiments allow for flexible geometries concerning the shoulders and shoulder angles, which preferably allows the following points to be realized. By adjusting the shoulder geometry, various container and bag sizes and volumes can be achieved. Separating the height of the pouring opening from the height of the weld seam allows for a higher neck design for the second neck, providing ample space for design elements such as a captive screw cap or a tamper-evident ring. Sufficient space can be created between the filling and pouring openings to facilitate machine sealing of the pouring opening with a capping tool and to allow the use of a welding bar for sealing the filling opening.

[0014] It has proven useful if the angle α is larger than the angle β, or if the first and third shoulders together form at least an approximate concave shape.

[0015] It has proven useful if the angle α is smaller than the angle β, or if the first and third shoulders together form at least an approximate convex shape.

[0016] It has proven useful if the third and a fourth shoulder are attached to the second neck, with the fourth shoulder merging into the first shoulder.

[0017] It has proven useful if the angle β and the angle δ are approximately equal and lie in the range of 10-30 degrees, especially 18-22 degrees.

[0018] It has proven useful if at least one of the shoulders is curved and the corresponding first, second, third or fourth line is a tangent at the apex of the shoulder curve.

[0019] It has proven useful if the angle α is in the range of 30-60 degrees, especially 40-50 degrees.

[0020] It has proven useful if angle β and / or angle δ are 0 degrees.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the pouring opening is located below the filling opening. This ensures that the pouring opening does not obstruct the welding process of the filling opening. Nevertheless, it is still possible for the second neck to have a certain height to accommodate design elements such as a retaining strap or a tamper-evident ring on the screw cap. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using the container according to the invention in filling systems.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to the feature that the filling opening has a first central axis and the pouring opening has a second central axis, and that the first and second central axes are essentially parallel to each other. This allows the openings to be formed particularly quickly and flexibly during extrusion blow molding.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second central axes are oriented parallel to the extrusion direction or to the longitudinal extent of the container. This orientation of the central axes or the openings saves space, allows for multiple cavities in the molds, and thus enables the production of a higher number of containers per cycle.

[0024] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the plane defined by the first and second central axes corresponds to the mold parting line of the container. This arrangement of the central axes of the openings ensures that sufficient material is available for forming threads, in particular external threads.

[0025] It proves advantageous if the filling opening is defined by a first neck surrounding it, with a first and second shoulder connected to this neck. The first neck can be easily closed using suitable joining techniques such as welding or gluing after the container has been filled through the filling opening. An additional closure or a separate, inserted neck is therefore advantageously unnecessary. The first and second shoulders form a first cone. The shoulder angles can be flexibly designed, allowing the shoulder geometries to be adapted to different container volumes.

[0026] The invention is also characterized in that the pouring opening is defined by a second neck surrounding the pouring opening, and at least one third shoulder connects to the second neck. This allows the shoulder geometries of the at least third shoulder to be adapted to the container shape and volume. It is possible that no fourth shoulder connects to the second neck and that the second neck transitions directly into the first shoulder if this is required by the container design.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the third and a fourth shoulder connect to the second neck. This means that the third and fourth shoulders also form a separate second cone, and the shoulder angles of the third and fourth shoulders can be flexibly adapted to the container design. It should be noted that closing the filling opening tilts the central axis of the small pouring opening, and that this tilt is influenced by the two shoulder geometries and their intersection. Therefore, the design of the third and fourth shoulders can lead to an optimized lateral tilt of the pouring opening, resulting from the fact that the essentially circular filling opening becomes a line with half the length of the circumference of the filling opening after closing. An appropriately chosen tilt can make the product more convenient for the consumer and improve the emptying of the packaging.

[0028] It is advantageous if the pouring opening is located below the filling opening. This prevents the pouring opening from interfering with the welding of the filling opening. Nevertheless, it is possible for the second neck to have a certain height to accommodate design elements such as a retaining strap or a tamper-evident ring on the screw cap. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using the container according to the invention in filling systems.

[0029] It has proven advantageous to have an external thread formed on the second neck, which can engage with the internal thread of a screw cap. The external thread of the pouring opening was specifically developed for use with lightweight packaging. It can be formed using very little material. The external thread only achieves its final rigidity when screwed onto the cap, as it is compressed like an accordion during this process.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second and third shoulders merge into the body of the container. This provides sufficient space between the first and second necks, ensuring that the respective processing steps do not interfere with each other. For example, the pouring opening can be initially closed with a sealing tool without the first neck being in the way, or the filling opening can be welded shut without the second neck obstructing the process. This is also advantageous in filling systems.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the third shoulder merges into the first shoulder. This is advantageous if sufficient space remains between the first and second necks, even though the third shoulder does not open directly into the shell of the container or into the container body.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the second neck rises from a platform formed on the container, the platform having a first and second flank, these flanks extending into the body. The platform increases the torsional rigidity of the spout or the second neck. This is particularly advantageous during the assembly and disassembly of the screw cap.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the shoulder facing the pouring opening has a convex shape. The downward-curving first shoulder also provides sufficient space for the machine-applied screw cap or for attaching the screw cap to a warranty strap or a retaining strap.

[0034] It is advantageous if the pouring opening is shaped so that, when viewed from above, it lies within the outline of the container base. This simplifies the requirements for the blow mold and allows the second neck to be formed accurately. Furthermore, this facilitates palletizing because the second neck does not protrude. This is also beneficial if the container is to be decorated, for example, printed, labeled, or wrapped with shrink film.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second necks are blow-molded together with the container. Therefore, providing the pouring and filling openings requires no additional production step; they are blown in the same shape and simultaneously with the container. The container is thus manufactured quickly and without any additional production effort. No leaks can occur between the necks and the container body, since both are blown from the same extruded plastic tube. Extrusion-blown containers are clearly identifiable by a seam on the underside of the base, which is created when the mold is closed by compressing the free end of the plastic tube.It proves particularly advantageous if the first and second sealing surfaces form a seam with a longitudinal side and a first and second seam end, if the sealing surfaces are fluid-tight, and if the first and second shoulders are formed on the container following the longitudinal side of the seam. After rapid filling of the container, made possible by a suitably sized filling opening, the container can be reliably closed.

[0036] It is advantageous to provide a vent on the container. This is advantageously located opposite the pouring opening and can be a cut-off nipple. This allows the contents to flow homogeneously and evenly from the container.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, after the filling opening is closed, the first and second central axes form an acute angle ε with each other. This orients the pouring opening in the direction of the tilting movement of the container when pouring out the contents. The user-friendliness of the container is therefore significantly improved by forming this angle ε.

[0038] It is advantageous if at least one compensating groove is formed on the shoulders to compensate for thermal deformations, oriented in the circumferential direction of the shoulders. The compensating groove reduces the deformations or compensates for the thermal stresses caused by welding the filling opening.

[0039] Preferably, the compensating groove is formed at the transition of the second shoulder to the container body and at the transition of the second neck or the fourth shoulder into the first shoulder 39. At this location, the compensating groove can be formed effectively and can compensate for thermal deformations particularly efficiently.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one compensating groove extends towards the shoulders. This prevents the shoulders from being weakened by the groove. However, it is also conceivable that the groove is circumferential and does not end before the shoulders.

[0041] Advantageously, the depth of at least one compensating groove is variable. This allows the compensating groove to compensate for varying degrees of deformation at different locations. The cross-sectional shape can also vary. Preferably, the groove cross-section is V-shaped.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention relates to a combination of a container according to one of the preceding descriptions and a screw cap that can be placed onto the second neck. The invention is characterized in that the sealing effect between the sealing element of the screw cap and the second neck is achieved by the fact that the second neck is expanded when the sealing element projects into it. This type of sealing function allows the second neck to be made particularly thin-walled, since the necessary rigidity for creating the seal is provided by the sealing element. This allows the second neck to be formed using very little plastic material.

[0043] It proves advantageous if the external thread achieves its final rigidity through the screw connection with the screw cap. This allows for a material-saving design of both the second neck and the external thread. The rigidity is achieved through a kind of "accordion effect".

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw cap has a projection onto which a tool can be attached and from which torque can be transmitted to the cap. This allows the screw cap to be screwed onto the second neck for the first time even when there is insufficient space on the wide side of the container for a standard tool (capper) to place the cap onto the second neck, and thus the capper cannot grip the screw cap on its outer surface. Preferably, the projection is an internal hexagon socket or another positive-locking connection using a splined connection.

[0045] The design effectively incorporates a recess that acts as the sealing element. This allows the sealing element to fulfill two functions, and with a suitable design, the screw cap requires less plastic material for its manufacture.

[0046] It proves particularly advantageous if the container is manufactured in one piece. This not only eliminates further production steps, but also allows the container, along with the pouring element, to be disposed of separately.

[0047] With regard to the production of the plastic according to the invention, it is particularly important to note that it should be weldable or adhesive, at least in the area to be sealed. In this context, reference is made to the disclosure of WO 2017 / 072185 A1.

[0048] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic diagrams. These are shown in a representation not to scale: Figures 1a, 1b, 1c: A side view, a top view, and a perspective view of an extrusion blow-molded container with a filling opening and a pouring opening; Figure 2: A first embodiment of the container with a screw cap in a side view; Figures 3a, 3b: A second and third embodiment of an extrusion blow-molded container with a screw cap in a side view, which show, among other things, that the pouring opening is located below the filling opening; Figures 4a, 4b: The second and third embodiments, in which the space required between the two openings is highlighted; Figure 5: A perspective view of a fourth embodiment.Embodiment in which a platform is formed on the container; Figure 6: a sectional view through the pouring opening and a screw cap placed on the pouring opening; Figure 7: the screw cap in a perspective view; Figures 8a, 8b: a comparison of an embodiment with a straight and a convex shoulder geometry and the different positions of the pouring opening compared to the filling opening; Figures 9a, 9b: a comparison of the embodiment with a straight and a convex shoulder geometry and the associated space requirement; Figure 10: a side view of the container after the filling opening has been welded shut; Figure 11: a side view showing the angles of inclination of the shoulders; Figure 12: a side view of the container in an embodiment with two visualized compensating grooves; Figure 13: another side view of the container. Figure 12Figure 14 shows another side view of the container. Figure 12 and Figure 15 a perspective view of the container made of Figure 12 .

[0049] In the Figures 1 to 5 Figures 8 to 15 show possible embodiments of a container made of a plastic material by extrusion blow molding and collectively designated by reference numeral 11. Figure 1 shows a front view, a side view and a perspective view of a possible embodiment of container 11.

[0050] The container 11 comprises a container body 13, which has a first end 15 and a second end 17 substantially opposite the first end 15. The second end 17 is fluid-tight and designed as a container base 19, on which a base 21 is formed. The extrusion blow-molded container 11 has an inner wall 23. The inner wall 23 defines a filling opening 25 at the first end 15, through which a product is filled into the extrusion blow-molded container 11. The first end 15 has a first sealing surface 27a and a second sealing surface 27b opposite the first sealing surface 27a on its inner wall 23. These sealing surfaces can be fluid-tightly connected and are fluid-tightly connected after the product has been filled. For this purpose, the sealing surfaces 27a and 27b can be welded. Preferably, the container 11 is therefore made of a weldable plastic.Alternatively, the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b can be coated with a hot melt adhesive or an adhesion promoter, which may also be textured. The filling opening 25 is wide enough to allow the contents to be poured quickly and without overflowing into the container 11.

[0051] Below the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b, a pouring opening 29 is formed. The pouring opening 29 is blow-molded together with the other containers 11 and is therefore formed simultaneously with the container 11 in the blow mold by blowing in the container material.

[0052] After filling the container 11, the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b are fluid-tightly joined together by being brought into contact with each other, thereby closing the filling opening 25. In the closed state, the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b form a seam 31, which is located in the Figures 3 and 8The seam 31 has a longitudinal side 33 and a first and second seam end 35, 37. This deformation creates a first and second shoulder 39, 41 on the container 11 below the longitudinal side 31. The bottom 19 can have the shape of an ellipse 43.

[0053] The filling opening 25 has a first central axis 45, and the pouring opening 29 has a second central axis 47. It is particularly preferred that the first and second central axes 45, 47 are parallel to each other and oriented parallel to the extrusion direction or the longitudinal extent of the container 11. In the EBM (Extrusion Blow Moulding) process, it is especially advantageous if both openings 25, 29 are in a line parallel to the tube. This saves space, allows for a higher number of cavities in a mold, thus enabling a higher output and is therefore economically and ecologically advantageous.

[0054] The filling opening 25 is defined by a first neck 49 surrounding the filling opening 25, to which the first and second shoulders 39, 41 are connected. The pouring opening 29 is defined by a second neck 51 surrounding the pouring opening 29. At least one third shoulder 53 is connected to the second neck 51.

[0055] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, both openings 25, 29 are located within the mold parting line. This ensures that sufficient material is available for forming an external thread 55 on the second neck 51.

[0056] In another embodiment of container 11 ( Figure 2 The first neck 49 extends into the first and second shoulders 39, 41, with the second shoulder 41 transitioning into the container body 13 and the shell 14 of the container 11, respectively. The second neck 51 extends into the third shoulder 53 and into a fourth shoulder 57 ( Figure 2). The third shoulder 53 can either extend directly into the container body 13 ( Figure 2 , 3b,4b ) or is detached and runs into the first shoulder 39 ( Figure 1 , 3a , 4a , 8 , 9 ).

[0057] The second neck 51 can also transition directly into the first shoulder 39 if the basic shape of the container 11 allows this ( Figures 3 and 4 , 8a , 9a ), thus eliminating a fourth shoulder 57. The first and second necks 49, 51 are therefore mounted on two separate cones ( Fig. 2The division into four shoulders allows for flexible adjustment of the pouring and filling openings 29, 25. This ensures that the pouring and filling openings on the broad side of the container 11 have sufficient space despite varying container widths. The up to four shoulders and their different shoulder angles offer further advantages: By adapting the shoulder geometries, the pouring and filling openings 29, 25 can be positioned on the broad side of containers of different sizes or volumes without encountering space constraints. The pouring opening 29 is positioned lower than the filling opening 25. This allows the filling opening 25 to be welded or glued shut without the pouring opening 29 obstructing this process. Furthermore, the adjustable shoulders provide sufficient space for the closure of the pouring opening 29 and elements such as a tamper-evident ring 59 or a retaining strap.The different positions of the pouring opening compared to the filling opening, depending on the shoulder geometry, are described in the . Figures 3 and 8 shown and clarified by the double arrows.

[0058] There is also sufficient space between the pouring and filling openings to allow the use of a sealing tool to place a screw cap 61 onto the second neck 51. The sufficient distance is shown in the Figures 4 and 9 This is illustrated by the hatched area 63. In comparison to the Figures 4a and 9a The shoulder geometries shown, compared to those in the Figures 4b and 9b The shoulder geometries shown demonstrate that the ones in the Figures 4b and 9b The shoulder geometries shown, with the same dimensions for the filling opening and the pouring opening, allow for significant space savings.

[0059] In the Figure 5The container 11 is shown with a platform 65. The platform 65 has a first and second flank 67a, 67b, which flanks extend into the container body 13 and the shell 14, respectively. The platform 65 increases the torsional stiffness of the pouring opening 29 and the second neck 51. This is particularly important during the assembly and disassembly of the screw cap 61.

[0060] The external thread 55 was specially developed for use in lightweight packaging. It can be formed with very little material and only achieves its final rigidity when screwed together with the screw cap 61, as it is compressed by the attached screw cap 61.

[0061] The screw cap 61 has a formed sealing element 69 which projects into the pouring opening 29 when the screw cap is placed on the second neck 51. The screw cap 61 also has an internal thread 71 which interacts with the external thread 55. The sealing element is designed to be rigid enough to expand the thin-walled second neck 51. This creates the sealing effect between the second neck 51 and the screw cap 61.

[0062] The screw cap 61 preferably has a recess 73, which acts as the sealing element 69. The recess can have a projection for a tool to enable the positive transmission of torque to the screw cap 61. The projection can be an internal hexagon 75 or another spline.

[0063] In the Figures 8b and 9bAnother embodiment is shown in which the first shoulder 39 has a convex shape. The first shoulder 39 is curved away from the pouring opening 29. The convex first shoulder provides sufficient space, in addition to the provision of two cones below the first and second necks 49, 51, for the machine screwing on of the screw cap 61, for closing the filling opening 25, and the necessary height for providing a tamper-evident ring and / or a retaining band.

[0064] To ensure a homogeneous flow of material during pouring, a vent opening 77 can be provided on the container body 13 ( Fig. 2 This can be achieved through a slittable nipple.

[0065] In the Figure 1bIt has been shown that the pouring opening 29 and the filling opening 25 are shaped such that, in a top view of the container 11, they lie within the base 19 or the largest body contour. The pouring and filling openings are therefore located within the "footprint" of the container 11.

[0066] The shoulder design can lead to an optimized lateral inclination of the pouring opening 29 by changing the shape during the welding process. This change in the inclination of the second central axis 47 by closing the filling opening 25 with a weld seam 79 is described in Figure 10The angle ε is shown and defined by the angle ε, which indicates the angle between the first and second central axes 45, 47 after the filling opening 25 is closed and is an acute angle. This inclination of the second central axis 47 relative to the first central axis 45 is influenced by the two shoulder geometries and their intersection. Thus, the design of the third and fourth shoulders 53, 57 can lead to an optimized lateral inclination of the pouring opening 29, which results from the fact that the essentially circular filling opening 25 becomes a line with half the length of the circumference of the filling opening 25 after closure. A suitably chosen inclination can make the product more convenient for the consumer and improve the emptying of the packaging, since the second central axis 47 is oriented in the tilting direction of the container 11 during pouring.

[0067] In the Figure 11The angles between the four shoulders 39, 41, 53, 57 and the first central axis 45 are shown. The first and second central axes 45, 47 define a plane. In this plane lie a first, second, third, and fourth line, which extend along the first, second, third, and fourth shoulders, respectively. If one of the shoulders is curved, the corresponding line runs as a tangent at the apex of the shoulder curvature. The container 11 has a principal axis 81, which is preferably parallel to the first and second central axes 45, 47 and oriented parallel to the extrusion direction, longitudinal extent, or shell 14 of the container 11.

[0068] The first line forms an angle α with the first central axis 45. The third line forms an angle β with the first central axis 45. The second line forms an angle γ with the first central axis 45. The fourth line forms an angle δ with the first central axis 45. Since the first and second central axes 45, 47 are preferably parallel, the four angles also occur between the four lines and the second central axis 47.

[0069] It is preferred that angles α and β are different and that angles γ and δ are different. It is preferred that angle α is in the range of 30–60 degrees, particularly 40–50 degrees. It is also preferred that angles β and δ are approximately equal and in the range of 10–30 degrees, particularly 18–22 degrees. Angle β or angle δ may be 0 degrees. If angle β and angle δ are 0 degrees, then the second cone becomes a cylinder.

[0070] By choosing the size of the angles α, β, γ and δ, shoulder geometries can be flexibly designed, allowing the following points to be realized: By adjusting the shoulder geometries, different sizes or volumes of the container 11 can be achieved. Separating the height of the pouring opening 29 from the height of the weld seam 79 allows for a higher neck design of the second neck 51, thus providing sufficient space for design elements such as a captive screw cap 61 or a guarantor ring 59. The welding area 80, realized by welding bars, is located in the Figure 12As shown, sufficient space can be created between the filling and pouring openings 25, 29 to facilitate the machine-assisted closure of the pouring opening with a capping tool and to allow the use of a welding bar for closing the filling opening. The design of the shoulder geometries can lead to an optimized lateral inclination of the pouring opening 29 when the filling opening 25 is closed. This can make the product more convenient for the consumer and improve the complete emptying of the container 11.

[0071] Between the first and second shoulders 39, 41, at least one compensating groove 80 can be formed, as shown in the Figures 12 to 15As shown, if the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b are welded in the welding area 80, significant thermal deformations can occur due to the welding of the filling opening 25. The compensating groove 83 can compensate for these deformations, so that the rest of the container is only minimally deformed, if at all. The depth of the groove 83 can be variable and, for example, decrease in depth towards the two shoulders 39, 41. This allows the groove 83 to taper to one or both shoulders. The groove can also run around the shoulders 39, 41 or end before one or both shoulders 39, 41. The cross-section of the groove 83 can, for example, be V-shaped. Preferably, the compensating groove 83 is formed at the transition of the second shoulder 41 to the container body 13 and at the transition of the second neck 51 or the fourth shoulder 57 to the first shoulder 39.

[0072] These design features of the groove 83 enable the compensating groove 83 to compensate for deformations of varying degrees caused by the welding of the filling opening 25 at different locations.

[0073] The extrusion blow-molded container 11 is formed in one piece, and the first and second necks 49, 51 are blown together with the container body 13 in a single mold. The first and second necks are therefore an integral part of the container 11 and do not need to be subsequently inserted and connected to it. The container 11 is characterized by the fact that, during its manufacture using the EBM (Extrusion Blow Moulding) process, the filling and pouring openings 25, 29 are aligned parallel to the extruded tube. Legend:

[0074] 11 Container 13 Container body 14 Shell 15 First end 17 Second end 19 Container bottom 21 Base 23 Inner wall 25 Filling opening 27a, 27b First and second sealing surface 29 Pouring opening 31 Seam 33 Longitudinal side of seam 35 First seam end 37 Second seam end 39 First shoulder 41 Second shoulder 43 Ellipse 45 First center axis 47 Second center axis 49 First neck 51 Second neck 53 Third shoulder 55 External thread 57 Fourth shoulder 59 Guarantee ring 61 Screw cap 63 Hatched area 65 Platform 67a, 67b First and second flank 69 Sealing element 71 Internal thread 73 Recess 75 Internal hexagon 77 Vent opening 79 Weld seam 80 Weld area 81 Main axis of the container 83 Compensating groove ε Angle between the first and second central axes α Angle between the first central axis and the first straight line β Angle between the first central axis and the third straight line γ Angle between the first central axis and the second straight line δ Angle between the first central axis and the fourth straight line

Claims

1. A container (11) produced from a plastic material, especially in extrusion blow molds, comprising - a container body (13) having a first end (15), a second end (17) substantially opposite the first end, and a jacket (14), - a filling opening (25) having a first and a second sealing surface (27a, 27b) formed on the inner wall (23) of the first end (15), wherein the first and second sealing surfaces (27a, 27b) can be connected to one another in a fluidtight manner, - a container base (19) having a standing surface (21) formed at the second end (17) and a pouring opening (29) formed at the first end (15), wherein the filling opening (25) is defined by a first neck (49) surrounding the filling opening (25) and the pouring opening (29) is defined by a second neck (51) surrounding the pouring opening (29) and at least one third shoulder (53) adjoins the second neck (51) characterized in that a first and a second shoulder (39, 41) adjoin the first neck (49).

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling opening (25) has a first center axis (45) and the pouring opening (29) has a second center axis (47), and in that the first and second center axes (47, 49) define a plane, wherein an imaginary first straight line extending along the first shoulder (39) and lying in this plane encloses an angle α with respect to the first center axis (45) that differs from an angle β that is enclosed, with respect to the first center axis (45), by an imaginary third straight line extending along the third shoulder and lying in this plane.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first center axis (45) and the second center axis (47) are oriented substantially parallel to an imaginary main axis of the container.

4. The container according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the angle α is greater than the angle β, or in that the first and third shoulders (39, 53) together form an at least approximately concave shape.

5. The container according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the angle α is less than the angle β, or in that the first and third shoulders (39, 53) together form an at least approximately convex shape.

6. The container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third and a fourth shoulder (53, 57) adjoin the second neck (51), wherein the fourth shoulder (57) transitions into the first shoulder (39).

7. The container according to claim 6, characterized in that an imaginary, second straight line extending along the second shoulder (41) and lying in the plane defined by the first and second center axes encloses an angle γ with respect to the first center axis (45) that differs from an angle δ that is enclosed, with respect to the first center axis (45), by an imaginary, fourth straight line extending along the fourth shoulder (57) and lying in this plane.

8. The container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle β and the angle δ are approximately equal and are in the range of 10-30 degrees, in particular 18-22 degrees.

9. The container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the shoulders (39, 41, 53, 75) is curved and the corresponding first, second, third or fourth straight line is a tangent at the apex of the shoulder curvature.

10. The container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle α is in the range of 30-60 degrees, in particular 40-50 degrees.

11. The container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle β and / or the angle δ is 0 degrees.

12. The container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring opening (29) is provided below the filling opening (25).

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