Vessel for receiving liquids

Abstract

A vessel (100) for receiving liquids has: a vessel body which comprises an upper wall section (150) that surrounds a cavity with a substantially constant cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the vessel body, and a lower wall section (110) that surrounds a cavity having a widening cross-section starting from its upper end (112) towards its lower end (111); a shoulder section (170) with an outlet opening (172); and a bottom section (160). The lower wall section (110) has at least three web-like sections (130) which extend from the upper end (112) of the lower wall section (110) towards the lower end (111) of the upper wall section (110), and at least three surface sections (120), wherein each surface section (120) is arranged between two web-like sections (130) and between the upper end (112) and the lower end (110) of the lower wall section (110), wherein in a plane (AA, BB) perpendicular to a centre line (M) of the vessel body, each surface section (120) has a larger radius of curvature then each web-like section (130) or is uncurved.

Description

Container for holding liquids TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention relates to a container for holding liquids, for example liquids for cosmetic applications, and in particular relates to a container made of a plastic material, for example in the form of a bottle.

[0002] Liquids such as shampoos, hair gels, emulsions, developers for hair coloring, conditioners, and masks are often dispensed in bottle-shaped containers for use by end customers or by staff in professional hair salons and beauty studios. These liquids can be ready-to-use mixtures of substances (so-called ready-to-use cosmetics) or mixtures that are later combined with another component by the customer to create a ready-to-use mixture. An example of a mixture that the customer needs to create a ready-to-use mixture is a developer mixture, which contains water, hydrogen peroxide, and typically an organic acid. Other ready-to-use mixtures can contain, in addition to water and dyes, alcohols, fatty alcohols, surfactants, organic acids and bases, and other substances.

[0003] These ready-to-use mixtures, or premixes, are mixed by the manufacturer in industrial plants, filled into bottle-shaped containers, and then sealed and prepared for shipment or stored in intermediate warehouses. Several months can elapse between filling the containers and the customer's first use, during which time the filled containers are stored in a warehouse, delivered to distributors, and offered for sale by the distributors.

[0004] Liquids used in cosmetic applications are typically mixtures of very different components. These components can include substances with a high tendency to evaporate, such as alcohols, or substances with a high tendency to be absorbed by the inner walls of the bottle-shaped containers. Furthermore, it is possible that some of the substances, even if only to a small extent, may react with each other over time or diffuse through the container wall material.

[0005] Typically, these containers are made of plastic. Plastic materials can allow oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as short-chain hydrocarbons, to pass through them. They diffuse through, for example, from the gas volume above the liquid level, where a partial pressure equilibrium with the liquid has been established. This diffusion of gases can change the composition of the gas volume and, consequently, due to equilibrium conditions, also the composition of the liquid mixtures.

[0006] Even though manufacturers take the utmost care in tightly sealing the bottle-shaped containers, it cannot be ruled out that some of the liquid or one of the mixed substances may escape through the closures. This can lead to a slight loss of volume, which can create a slight negative pressure within the otherwise tightly sealed containers. A negative pressure can also arise from substances reacting with each other, absorbing onto the inner walls, or diffusing through the container wall, as explained above.

[0007] Another reason for the formation of a vacuum in the container can be explained by the fact that during the filling of the liquid and the sealing of the containers, there is a certain external pressure, which may be lower than the external pressure during the transport or storage of the containers, or the liquids were filled at higher temperatures and stored at somewhat lower temperatures.

[0008] Even if an end customer stores a container filled with liquid in a sealed container for an extended period of time after initial use, the processes described above can occur and a vacuum can form in the container.

[0009] A vacuum in such a container can lead to a slight deformation of the container walls, which is visible from the outside, as the relatively thin container wall is not very rigid. Since containers are typically offered in the form of a circular cylindrical bottle, the vacuum inside the bottle changes the circular cross-section to a more elliptical one. Such a deformation is not only undesirable for aesthetic reasons, but can also render product information printed or affixed to the outside of the bottle illegible.

[0010] Against this background, there is therefore a need to provide containers, especially bottle-shaped containers, in which the readability of product information is not impaired by deformations. SOLUTION

[0011] According to one embodiment described herein, a vessel for receiving liquids comprises a vessel body with a vessel wall comprising an upper wall section, which surrounds a cavity of substantially constant cross-section along the longitudinal direction of the vessel body and has a lower end and an upper end, and a lower wall section, which also has an upper end and a lower end. The lower wall section transitions at its upper end into the lower end of the upper wall section and surrounds a cavity that widens in cross-section from its upper end towards its lower end. The vessel further comprises a shoulder section with an outlet opening at the upper end of the upper wall section and a bottom section at the lower end of the lower wall section. The vessel body has a center line.The lower wall section has at least three web-shaped sections extending from the upper end of the lower wall section towards the lower end of the lower wall section, and at least three surface sections, wherein a surface section is arranged between two web-shaped sections and between the upper end and the lower end of the lower wall section, wherein in a plane perpendicular to the center line each surface section has a larger radius of curvature than each web-shaped section or is uncurved. FIGURES

[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the solution described herein, without the embodiments being intended to restrict the scope of protection defined by the claims. The elements of the drawings are relative to each other and not necessarily to scale. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a bottle according to one embodiment. Figure 2A shows a first side view of the bottle shown in Figure 1, Figure 2B shows a second side view, Figure 2C shows a view of the bottom section of the bottle, and Figure 2D shows a sectional view in the area of ​​the shoulder connection with a different closure. Figure 3 shows cross-sections in planes AA and BB from Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] A container for holding liquids with improved shape stability is described below using various embodiments that can be suitably combined with one another.

[0014] In a general design, the vessel, for example in the form of a bottle, comprises a body with a wall, a base, and a shoulder with an outlet opening. The wall forms a circumferential surface of the body and transitions into the base at its lower end and the shoulder at its upper end, thus creating a cavity enclosed by the wall, base, and shoulder. Access to this cavity is provided via the closable outlet opening of the shoulder.

[0015] The vessel wall of the vessel body has two distinct sections that differ in their external shape. An upper wall section, which transitions into the shoulder section, has a substantially constant cross-section along the longitudinal direction of the vessel body. In contrast, a lower wall section, which transitions into the floor section, has a cross-section that increases in size towards the floor section. The upper end of the lower wall section merges into the lower end of the upper wall section.

[0016] The vessel body defines a midline within the space enclosed by the vessel wall. In particular, the lower and upper wall sections share a common midline, which defines the midline of the vessel body.

[0017] The term "cross-section" defines the external cross-section of the vessel body, the upper wall section, or the lower wall section. The "internal cross-section" of the vessel wall typically corresponds to the external cross-section and is only smaller by the thickness of the vessel wall. External and internal cross-sections of the vessel body or the lower and upper wall sections are considered in a plane perpendicular to the midline.

[0018] The lower wall section comprises flat sections and rib-like sections that differ in their radii of curvature when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the centerline. Each flat section is positioned between, and specifically bounded by, two rib-like sections in the circumferential direction of the vessel wall. The radius of curvature of the flat sections, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the centerline, is larger than the radius of curvature of the rib-like sections in this plane. The flat sections may also be straight, i.e., planar. The rib-like sections may be inclined outwards with respect to the centerline, extending towards the bottom section.

[0019] The flat and web-like sections define areas of differing mechanical stiffness in the lower wall section. In particular, the web-like sections, due to their greater curvature, are stiffer than the flat sections, especially in a direction perpendicular to the respective sections. A change in the pressure conditions between the internal volume of a sealed vessel and its surroundings therefore tends to deform the flat sections. This also has a positive effect on the upper wall section. Since the lower wall section has areas with lower stiffness to pressure changes, primarily the flat areas in the lower wall section are deformed, while the upper wall section retains its cross-sectional shape.

[0020] The lower wall section, with its increasing cross-section towards the base, expands the available volume, allowing the container to be slightly reduced in height. Furthermore, the larger cross-section improves stability when the container is placed on a flat surface. This specific design of the lower wall section thus results in a container with a uniform upper cross-section, such as a circular cross-section, and a more angular lower cross-section, such as a triangular, square, or pentagonal cross-section.

[0021] Since the problem described above occurs particularly under negative pressure within the vessel, the surface sections are convex according to one embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments described herein. Under negative pressure, the surface sections are slightly pressed inwards.

[0022] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments described herein, the radius of curvature of the surface sections is larger than the radius of curvature of the upper wall section. The upper wall section has the shape of a cylinder, in particular a circular cylinder. Since the deformation is limited to the surface sections, the cross-sectional shape of the upper wall section is preserved.

[0023] The upper wall section can therefore display product information, for example, printed or affixed. Since the design of the lower wall section prevents deformation in the upper wall section, any negative pressure within the container does not affect the legibility of the product information.

[0024] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments described herein, the radius of curvature of each surface section in a plane perpendicular to the center line is at least 2 times as large, in particular at least 3 times as large, such as the radius of curvature of each web-shaped section in this plane. The larger the radius of curvature, the flatter and therefore more compliant the surface section, and the more likely a change in pressure will lead to a deformation limited to the surface sections.

[0025] To more reliably limit deformation due to negative pressure to the lower wall section, according to one embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments described herein, the lateral extent of each surface section, viewed perpendicular to the center line, can increase from top to bottom. Likewise, the lateral extent of each web-shaped section can decrease from top to bottom. The web-shaped sections are thus wider in the upper region than further down towards the bottom. The surface areas, on the other hand, become wider towards the bottom. Therefore, the surface areas are deformed particularly in a region closer to the bottom. The deformation in a region closer to the upper wall section is therefore less, so that the upper wall section is not affected by the deformation.

[0026] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments described herein, the surface sections have a total area larger than the total area of ​​the web-shaped sections. This ensures that sufficient wall surface area is available for controlled deformation limited to the surface areas. For example, the ratio of the total area of ​​the web-shaped sections to the total area of ​​the surface sections can be approximately 1:1.5 to approximately 1:2. The web-shaped sections include all areas, except for the surface areas of the lower wall section, that extend from an imaginary plane toward the bottom section, which touches the upper ends of the surface areas.

[0027] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments described herein, the flat sections and the rib-shaped sections are uniformly distributed around the circumference of the vessel wall. Furthermore, the flat sections and the rib-shaped sections each have the same shape, with the flat sections having a different shape than the rib-shaped sections. The lower wall section is therefore preferably symmetrical about the center line, exhibiting rotational symmetry depending on the number of flat sections and rib-shaped sections.With two surface sections and two web-shaped sections, there is a 2-fold rotational symmetry (rotation by 180° each), with three surface sections and three web-shaped sections there is a 3-fold rotational symmetry (rotation by 120° each), with four surface sections and four web-shaped sections there is a 4-fold rotational symmetry (rotation by 90° each), and with five surface sections and five web-shaped sections there is a 5-fold rotational symmetry. (Rotation by 72° each time). The number of surface sections and web-shaped sections is the same.

[0028] A configuration with four flat sections and four rib-like sections has proven particularly advantageous in terms of a uniform distribution of deformation while largely maintaining sufficient stability of the lower wall section. For example, if a vessel with two flat sections and two rib-like sections is considered, the flat sections could each be relatively large and deform significantly. However, this could compromise the overall stability of the lower wall section, since there are only two rib-like sections, even if they are somewhat wider. Conversely, if there is a large number of flat sections and rib-like sections, the area of ​​each individual flat section is rather small, and the advantage of controlled deformation diminishes or only occurs under very low pressure.With three to five, especially with four surface sections and four web-shaped sections, a good compromise can be found between sufficient stability of the lower wall section and controllable deformability.

[0029] A configuration with four flat sections and four rib-shaped sections is also advantageous for optimizing space when packing containers in a transport container, as the base of the containers is more or less square, allowing them to be packed close together. The more circular cross-section of the upper wall section, however, makes it easier to grip the containers during packing and unpacking.

[0030] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments described herein, the radius of curvature of the web-shaped sections, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the centerline, lies between 0.5 and 1.2 times the distance of the web-shaped sections from the centerline in that plane. The web-shaped wall sections therefore do not exhibit very small curvatures, which would tend to result in narrow web-shaped sections.

[0031] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments described herein, the minimum width of a web-shaped section, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the center line, is at least 0.15 times, preferably at least 0.2 times, and in particular at least 0.25 times, the distance of the web-shaped section from the center line in that plane. This ensures sufficient width and thus stability of the web-shaped sections.

[0032] The vessel wall, base, and shoulder section can be integrally designed and formed, for example, from a single-layer or multi-layer wall material made of one or more plastic materials. To manufacture a vessel, particularly by extrusion blow molding, a preform can first be produced using injection molding. This preform has the outlet opening and an axially extending tube body with a closed bottom. It is then inserted into a blow mold with a cavity that defines the vessel's outer shape. By inflating the tube body at elevated temperature and under pressure, the tube body is expanded until the expanded material conforms to the inner wall of the blow mold and assumes the shape defined by the mold. After cooling, the vessel can be removed from the blow mold.

[0033] For multi-layered wall materials, these can be co-extruded to produce the preform. The layer structure is retained during blowing.

[0034] For example, the inner wall of the container, which comes into contact with the liquid, can be made of a material that is as inert or pure as possible with respect to the liquid. A virgin plastic material is preferably used for this purpose. For example, the inner wall can consist entirely of virgin polyethylene (PE), virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or virgin polypropylene (PP), which are also frequently referred to as virgin PE, virgin HDPE, and virgin PP, respectively. If the wall material of the container is two-layered or multi-layered, the container wall can consist of an inner layer of virgin PE, virgin HDPE, or virgin PP and an outer layer and / or an intermediate layer, which is arranged between the inner and outer layers, made of a different material, for example, recycled PP, recycled PE, recycled HDPE, or another recycled plastic material.The inner layer of the inner container is preferably made of new HDPE, as polyethylene is more flexible compared to polypropylene.

[0035] Virgin plastic material differs from recycled plastic material primarily in its purity. The use of virgin polyethylene (PE), virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or virgin polypropylene (PP) therefore allows for more precise adjustment of the properties of PE, HDPE, or PP, thus better adapting them to the purity and inertness requirements of the cosmetics industry.

[0036] In contrast, the outer layer and / or the intermediate layer may be made of a different plastic material. However, it is also possible that all layers of the container's wall material consist of the same plastic material. differ only in mechanical or physicochemical properties, which can be adjusted by the polymer structure (e.g., chain length and degree of branching) of the plastic material.

[0037] For example, an intermediate layer of the wall material may be primarily responsible for mechanical stability, an outer layer may serve to improve haptics (gripability) and / or printability, and an inner layer may be adapted with regard to purity.

[0038] According to one embodiment, which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the vessel wall has a structure of at least three layers and comprises an intermediate layer located between an inner layer and an outer layer of the wall material. The intermediate layer can be recycled high-density polyethylene with a melt flow index of 0.40 or greater to 0.85 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190°C, 2.16 kg); the outer layer can be high-density polyethylene with a melt flow index of 0.20 or greater to 0.35 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190°C, 2.16 kg) or recycled high-density polyethylene with a melt flow index of 0.40 or greater to 0.85 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190°C, 2.16 kg); and the inner layer can be high-density polyethylene with a melt flow index of 0.The viscosity must be 20 to equal to or less than 0.35 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190°C, 2.16 kg). The inner layer may consist of virgin high-density polyethylene.

[0039] The degradation process during polyethylene recycling is responsible for the reduction in its molecular weight. Therefore, recycled polyethylene has a lower molecular weight than virgin polyethylene. This lower molecular weight is reflected in a melt flow index that is higher than that of virgin polyethylene. Since the intermediate layer and, if present, the outer layer contain recycled polyethylene, these layers exhibit polyethylene with a comparatively high melt flow index.

[0040] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments described herein, the wall thickness of the vessel wall is greater in the area of ​​the rib-shaped sections than in the area of ​​the flat sections. This results in the rib-shaped sections being more stable compared to the flat sections, thus leading to increased dimensional stability of the lower wall section overall, without impairing the flat sections' ability to deform more. Increased wall thickness can be achieved, for example, by manufacturing the preform with a greater wall thickness in the areas that will later form the rib-shaped sections. This is possible in extrusion blow molding.

[0041] With reference to Figures 1, 2A to 2D, and 3, an exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail, which appropriately complements and modifies the above descriptions. The following explanations can therefore also be combined with the general embodiments described above as desired.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a vessel 100 in the form of a bottle. Hereinafter, the vessel 100 will also be referred to as bottle 100, without being specifically limited to this.

[0043] The vessel 100 has a vessel body with a circumferential vessel wall and a center line. The vessel wall comprises an upper wall section 150 and a lower wall section 110. The upper wall section radially surrounds a cavity with a substantially constant cross-section along the longitudinal direction of the vessel body and has a lower end 151 and an upper end 152. The lower wall section 110 has an upper end 112 and a lower end 111. In the embodiment shown here, the upper wall section is cylindrical, i.e., it has a lateral surface that bounds a cavity with a circular cross-section. The external shape of the upper wall section 150 therefore corresponds to the lateral surface of a body of revolution (cylinder).

[0044] The lower wall section 110 transitions at its upper end 112 into the lower end 151 of the upper wall section 150 and has an expanding cross-section from its upper end 112 towards its lower end 111.

[0045] The vessel 100 further comprises a shoulder section 170 with an outlet opening 172, see Figure 2A, at the upper end 152 of the upper wall section 150. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the outlet opening is closed with a releasable closure 180. The closure can be, for example, a screw cap (Figure 2D), a closure with a hinged cap or lid (Figures 1 and 2B), or a closure with a dispensing device.

[0046] The vessel 100 further comprises a base section 160 at the lower end 111 of the lower wall section 110, with which the vessel is closed at its bottom. The vessel can be placed on a flat surface using the base section 160. The base section 160 is shaped accordingly for this purpose.

[0047] The lower wall section 110 has at least three web-shaped sections 130, and in the embodiment shown here, four web-shaped sections 130, which extend from the upper end 112 of the lower wall section 110 towards the lower end 111 of the lower wall section 110. The lower wall section 110 further has at least Three surface sections 120, in the embodiment shown here four surface sections 130, wherein each surface section 120 is arranged between two web-shaped sections 130 and between the upper end 112 and the lower end 110 of the lower wall section 110. In a plane (AA, BB) perpendicular to the center line, each surface section 120 has a larger radius of curvature than each web-shaped section 130 or is uncurved.

[0048] The web-shaped sections 130 include all areas of the lower wall section 110, except for the surface areas 120, which extend from an imaginary plane, indicated in Figure 2A by EE, towards the floor section, touching the upper ends of the surface areas 120. The ratio of the total area of ​​the web-shaped sections 130 to the total area of ​​the surface sections 120 can be approximately 1:1.5 to approximately 1:2.

[0049] The lower wall section 110 can have a cross-sectional shape that does not extend beyond the lateral surface of an imaginary truncated cone as its envelope. The web-shaped sections 130 can lie within the lateral surface of the imaginary truncated cone. The wall sections 20 touch the lateral surface of the imaginary truncated cone at their edge 121, i.e., along the line forming the transition to the respective adjacent web-shaped sections 130, and otherwise extend within the lateral surface of the imaginary truncated cone. The surface sections 110 can be considered as sectional surfaces in the lateral surface of the imaginary truncated cone.

[0050] The lower wall section thus surrounds a cavity that widens in cross-section, radially viewed in the longitudinal direction from its upper end 112 towards its lower end 111.

[0051] If one assumes an angle of inclination for the lateral surface of the imaginary truncated cone, then the angle of inclination of the surface regions 120 can be greater than the angle of inclination of the lateral surface. The "plane" of a surface region 120 can be considered to be the plane defined by the boundary 121 of the surface region 120, since surface sections 120 may be slightly convex.

[0052] The boundary between floor section 160 and lower wall section 110 is defined as the area lying in the plane where the lower wall section 110 has its greatest extent and where the floor section 160, with its decreasing cross-section, adjoins it (Figure 2A). The boundary between upper wall section 150 and shoulder section 170 is defined as the highest plane perpendicular to the center line where the cross-section of the upper wall section 150 still corresponds to the cross-section in the planes below. This is also evident from Figure 2A.

[0053] Figure 1 shows two planes, AA and BB, in the lower wall section 110, with plane BB lying above plane AA and thus the wall section 110 having a smaller cross-sectional area there than in plane AA. Figure 3 shows a projection of the sections through the lower wall section 110 in planes AA and BB along the center line M, indicated in Figures 2A and 3. The section through the lower wall section 110 in plane BB is shown with a dashed line. This section lies within the section through the lower wall section 110 in plane AA.

[0054] In the embodiment shown here, the radii of curvature R1a of the web-shaped sections 130 in plane AA correspond to the radius of the cross-section of the imaginary truncated cone in plane AA, and the radii of curvature R1b of the web-shaped sections 130 in plane BB correspond to the radius of the cross-section of the imaginary truncated cone in plane BB. The cross-sections of the imaginary truncated cone are not shown here.

[0055] In contrast, surface segments 120 have a significantly larger radius of curvature. The radius of curvature R2b of surface segments 120 in plane AA is shown here as an example.

[0056] As can be seen in Figure 3, the width of the surface sections 120 in plane AA is greater than in plane BB, as can also be seen in Figure 1. Conversely, the width of the rib-shaped sections 130 in plane AA is smaller than in plane BB. The width of the surface sections 120 therefore increases from top to bottom when considering the width in corresponding planes perpendicular to the center line M. Conversely, the width of the rib-shaped sections 130 decreases from top to bottom. The surface sections 120 therefore have their greatest width or lateral extent in "lower" planes, i.e., in areas closer to the bottom region 160, so that the surface sections 120 also experience their greatest deformation there when subjected to pressure in the vessel 100.Since the area of ​​greatest deformation is sufficiently far from the upper wall section 150, and the more strongly curved, web-like sections 130 increase in width towards the upper wall section 150, the deformation of the surface sections 120 does not affect the upper wall section 150. The upper wall section 150 is not deformed.

[0057] The surface sections 120 are, in particular, convex outwards, i.e., they have a finite, albeit large, radius of curvature. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the surface sections 120 in the plane AA, BB is at least twice as large, and in particular at least three times or at least four times as large, as the radius of curvature of each web-shaped section 130 in the corresponding plane AA, BB. The comparison of the radii of curvature of surface sections 120 and web-shaped sections 130 always refers to the same plane.

[0058] The radius of curvature of the surface sections 120 is also larger than the radius of curvature of the upper wall section 150, again considered in a plane perpendicular to the center line. The radius of curvature of each surface section can be at least twice as large, and in particular at least three or four times as large, as the radius of curvature of the upper wall section 150. Therefore, the surface sections 120 have the least curvature, i.e., they are relatively flat, and deform more easily than the web-shaped sections 130 and the upper wall section 150.

[0059] As can be seen in Figure 3, the radius of curvature (R1a, R1b) of the web-shaped sections 130 can increase towards the base section 160. In contrast, the radius of curvature of the surface sections 120 can remain constant or increase only slightly, thus ensuring consistent deformability of the surface sections 120. For example, the radius of curvature of each surface section 120 can remain essentially constant or increase from the upper end 112 of the lower wall section 110 towards the lower end 111 of the lower wall section 110, for instance by a smaller amount than the increase in the radius of curvature of the web-shaped sections 130.

[0060] Figure 1 shows that the surface sections 120 and the web-shaped sections 130 are evenly distributed and alternate around the circumference of the lower wall section 110. A change in pressure therefore leads to an evenly distributed deformation, so that the lower wall section 110 as a whole is not deformed unevenly, which could otherwise have a detrimental effect on the upper wall section 150.

[0061] Furthermore, the surface sections 120 and the web-shaped sections 130 border each other laterally, i.e., they merge directly into one another.

[0062] The lower and upper wall sections 110, 150 can have a similar vertical extent. The transition 105 between the upper end 112 of the lower wall section 110 and the lower end 151 of the upper wall section 150 is therefore located in a central region of the vessel body formed by the upper and lower wall sections 110, 150.

[0063] The transition 105 between the lower wall section 110 and the upper wall section 150 can be located, in particular, in a range between 0.4 and 0.6 times, preferably between 0.45 and 0.55 times, the distance between the lower end 111 of the lower wall section 110 and the upper end 152 of the upper wall section 150. The lower wall section 110 therefore has sufficient vertical extent to accommodate deformation and to protect the upper wall section 150 from deformation.

[0064] In Figure 2A, which shows a first side view, the transition 105 between the circular cylindrical upper wall section 150 and the lower wall section 110, which corresponds to the shape of a truncated cone in the area of ​​the web-shaped wall sections 130, is clearly visible. The first side view is chosen so that the lateral surface of the imaginary truncated cone is recognizable, which here is defined by two opposing web-shaped wall sections 130.

[0065] The downwardly widening lower wall section 110 is stabilized at its lower end 111 by the base section 160 with its concave bottom 161. Not only the concave shape of the bottom 161 contributes to this stabilization, but also its increased material thickness, as can be seen in Figure 2A. The bottom section 160 stabilizes the lower wall section 110 as a whole, so that even if the surface sections 120 are deformed, the lower wall section 110 is not deformed unevenly.

[0066] The shoulder section 170, on the other hand, stabilizes the upper end 152 of the upper wall section 150. The shoulder section 170 can be of any shape. Typically, viewed in a section encompassing the midline M, the shoulder section 170 transitions via several curves into a nozzle 171, which forms the outlet opening 172. The outlet opening 172 is closed by a releasable closure 180. For this purpose, the nozzle 171 can, for example, be provided with an external thread onto which the internally threaded closure 180 is screwed. Any other type of closure can also be used.

[0067] Figure 2B shows a second side view of the vessel 100, where the vessel 100 is viewed such that the fully shown surface section is congruent with its opposite surface section. That is, the viewing direction is centered with respect to the surface sections 120. The second side view is therefore taken from a viewing direction rotated by 45° compared to the first side view.

[0068] As can be seen in Figure 2B, the surface sections 120 extend in the vertical direction parallel to the center line M. The radius of curvature of the surface sections 120 is therefore essentially constant.

[0069] The edge 121 of surface section 120 is curved, and the shape of surface section 120 is mirror-symmetric with respect to a median plane. This contributes to the fact that the surface sections 120 can deform uniformly.

[0070] Figure 2C shows a view of the bottom section 160 with the base 161. At the transition between bottom section 160 and lower wall section 110, the vessel 100 its maximum cross-section, indicated by Rmax. It is also evident that the surface sections 120 are slightly curved outwards, i.e., convex.

[0071] As can be seen in Figure 1, the web-shaped sections 130 can be bounded towards the bottom section 160 by short webs 135, which are rather flat and even.

[0072] The surface sections 120 transform the lateral surface of the imaginary truncated cone into a lateral surface with a more square cross-sectional shape, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 3. The vessel 100 can therefore be stored more compactly in a transport container with other vessels 100. The surface sections 120 of adjacent vessels 100 are preferably located opposite each other. For this reason as well, a lower wall section 110 with four surface sections 120 and four web-shaped sections 130, arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, is advantageous.

[0073] The vessel 100 is, in particular, a bottle 100 made of a plastic material for holding a liquid intended for cosmetic applications, for example, shampoos, hair gels, emulsions, developers for hair coloring, conditioners, and masks. PP is preferably used. The vessel wall material can be single-layered or multi-layered. A three-layered structure, as described above, is preferred. The bottle 100 can be filled with the liquid and closed by means of the closure 180. EXECUTION FORMS

[0074] The following is a list explaining various embodiments that can be suitably combined with all embodiments described herein. Embodiment 1: Container for holding liquids, comprising a A vessel body comprising a vessel wall comprising an upper wall section, which longitudinally surrounds a cavity of substantially constant cross-section and has a lower end and an upper end, and a lower wall section with an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower wall section merges at its upper end into the lower end of the upper wall section and, extending from its upper end towards its lower end, surrounds a cavity that widens in cross-section; a shoulder section with an outlet opening at the upper end of the upper wall section; and a bottom section at the lower end of the lower wall section, wherein the vessel body has a centerline, the lower The wall section has at least three web-shaped sections extending from the upper end of the lower wall section towards the lower end of the lower wall section, and has at least three surface sections, wherein each surface section is arranged between two web-shaped sections and between the upper end and the lower end of the lower wall section, wherein in a plane perpendicular to the center line each surface section has a larger radius of curvature than each web-shaped section or is uncurved. Embodiment 2: Container for holding liquids comprising a A vessel body comprising an upper wall section, a lower wall section, a shoulder section, and a bottom section, wherein the upper wall section surrounds a cavity with a substantially constant cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the vessel body, and the lower wall section surrounds a cavity widening in cross-section, wherein the lower wall section has at least three web-like sections extending from the upper end of the lower wall section towards the lower end of the lower wall section, and at least three surface sections, wherein a surface section is arranged between two web-like sections and between the upper end and the lower end of the lower wall section, wherein in a plane perpendicular to a centerline of the vessel body, each surface section has a larger radius of curvature than any web-like section or is uncurved. Embodiment 3: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a transition between the lower wall section and the upper wall section is located in an area, viewed from the lower end of the lower wall section, between 0.4 times and 0.6 times, preferably between 0.45 times and 0.55 times, the distance between the lower end of the lower wall section and the upper end of the upper wall section. Embodiment 4: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the radius of curvature of each surface section in the plane (AA, BB) is at least 2 times as large, in particular at least 3 times as large, as the radius of curvature of each web-shaped section in the plane (AA, BB). Embodiment 5: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the radius of curvature of each web-shaped section increases from the upper end of the lower wall section towards the lower end of the lower wall section, and wherein the radius of curvature of each surface section increases from the upper the end of the lower wall section remains essentially constant or increases in the direction of the lower end of the lower wall section, for example by a measure that is less than the measure by which the radius of curvature of the web-shaped sections increases. Embodiment 6: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each surface section has a lateral extension perpendicular to the center line, the lateral extension of each surface section increasing from the upper end of the lower wall section towards the lower end of the lower wall section. Embodiment 7: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each web-shaped section has a lateral extension perpendicular to the center line, the lateral extension of each web-shaped section decreasing from the upper end of the lower wall section towards the lower end of the lower wall section. Embodiment 8: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the surface sections and the web-shaped sections laterally delimit each other. Embodiment 9: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lower and upper wall sections forming the vessel, bottom section and shoulder section are formed from a single- or multi-layered wall material made of a plastic material, wherein the plastic material is in particular polyethylene (PE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Embodiment 10: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wall material of the vessel is at least two-layered and an inner layer which comes into contact with the liquid consists of virgin plastic material and an intermediate layer or outer layer consists of recycled plastic material. Embodiment 11: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wall material of the vessel is at least three layers and an intermediate layer, located between an inner layer and an outer layer of the wall material, comprises high-density polyethylene with a melt flow index in the range of > 0.40 to < 0.85 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190 °C, 2.16 kg), and the outer layer comprises high-density polyethylene with a melt flow index in the range of > 0.20 to < 0.35 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190 °C, 2.16 kg) or recycled high-density polyethylene with a melt flow index in the range of > 0.40 to < 0.85 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190 °C, 2.16 kg), and the The inner layer consists of high-density polyethylene with a melt flow index in the range of > 0.20 to < 0.35 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190 °C, 2.16 kg). Embodiment 12: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the surface sections and the web-shaped sections are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the vessel wall. Embodiment 13: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the radius of curvature of the web-shaped sections, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the center line, lies between 0.5 times and 1.2 times the distance of the web-shaped sections from the center line in that plane. Embodiment 14: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the minimum width of a web-shaped section, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the center line, is at least 0.15 times, preferably at least 0.2 times, in particular at least 0.25 times, the distance of the web-shaped section from the center line in that plane. Embodiment 15: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wall thickness of the vessel wall in the area of ​​the web-shaped sections is greater than in the area of ​​the flat sections. Embodiment 16: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the surface sections have a total area that is larger than the total area of ​​the rib-shaped sections. Embodiment 17: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ratio of the total area of ​​the rib-shaped sections (130) to the total area of ​​the surface sections is approximately 1 :1.5 to approximately 1 :2. Embodiment 18: Vessel according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the vessel is a bottle made of a plastic material and has a closure for closing the outlet opening, wherein the bottle is filled with a liquid intended for cosmetic applications, for example shampoos, hair gels, emulsions, developers for hair coloring, conditioners and masks. Embodiment 19: Transport container having a receiving space in which several vessels according to one of the preceding claims are stored, wherein the vessels are arranged next to each other such that surface sections of adjacent vessels lie next to each other.

[0075] Although specific embodiments have been presented and described herein, it is within the scope of the present invention to modify the embodiments shown in a suitable manner without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 containers / bottles 105 Transition between upper and lower wall section 110 lower wall section 111 lower end of the lower wall section 112 upper end of the lower wall section 120 area section 121 Edge of the area section 130 web-shaped section 135 Bridge 150 upper wall section 151 lower end of the upper wall section 152 upper end of the upper wall section 160 floor section 161 concave floor 170 Shoulder end / Neck 171 Stutzen 172 Outlet opening 180 Closure / Screw cap

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A vessel (100) for holding liquids, comprising: a vessel body with a vessel wall having an upper wall section (150) which, in the longitudinal direction of the vessel body, surrounds a cavity with a substantially constant cross-section and has a lower end (151) and an upper end (152), and a lower wall section (110) with an upper end (112) and a lower end (111), wherein the lower wall section (110) merges at its upper end (112) into the lower end (151) of the upper wall section (150) and, starting from its upper end (112) towards its lower end (111), surrounds a cavity which widens in cross-section, a shoulder section (170) with an outlet opening (172) at the upper end (152) of the upper wall section (150), and a bottom section (160) at the lower end (111) of the lower wall section (110), wherein the vessel body has a center line (M),the lower wall section (110) has three to five web-shaped sections (130) which extend from the upper end (112) of the lower wall section (110) towards the lower end (111) of the lower wall section (110), and has three to five surface sections (120), wherein in each case a surface section (120) is arranged between two web-shaped sections (130) and between the upper end (112) and the lower end (110) of the lower wall section (110), wherein in a plane (AA, BB) perpendicular to the center line (M), each surface section (120) is curved outwards and has a larger radius of curvature than each web-shaped section (130) or is uncurved, wherein each surface section (120) has a lateral extension which runs perpendicular to the center line (M), wherein the lateral extension of each surface section (120) increases from the upper end (112) of the lower wall section (110) towards the lower end (111) of the lower wall section (110),and wherein the surface sections (120) and the web-shaped sections (130) are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the vessel wall., 2. Vessel according to claim 1, wherein a transition (105) between the lower wall section (110) and the upper wall section (150) lies in a region, viewed from the lower end (111) of the lower wall section (110), between 0.4 times and 0.6 times, preferably between 0.45 times and 0.55 times, the distance between the lower end (111) of the lower wall section (110) and the upper end (152) of the upper wall section (150).

3. Vessel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radius of curvature of each surface section (120) in the plane (AA, BB) is at least 2 times as large, in particular at least 3 times as large, as the radius of curvature of each web-shaped section (130) in the plane (AA, BB).

4. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radius of curvature of each web-shaped section (130) increases from the upper end (112) of the lower wall section (110) towards the lower end (111) of the lower wall section (110), and wherein the radius of curvature of each surface section (120) remains substantially constant or increases from the upper end (112) of the lower wall section (110) towards the lower end (111) of the lower wall section (110), for example increases by an amount which is less than the amount by which the radius of curvature of the web-shaped sections (130) increases.

5. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each web-shaped section (130) has a lateral extent which is perpendicular to the center line (M), the lateral extent of each web-shaped section (130) decreasing from the upper end (112) of the lower wall section (110) towards the lower end (111) of the lower wall section (110).

6. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface sections (120) and the web-shaped sections (130) delimit each other laterally.

7. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower and upper wall sections (110, 150), bottom section (160) and shoulder section (170) forming the vessel are formed from a single-layer or multi-layer wall material made of a plastic material, wherein the plastic material is in particular polyethylene (PE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

8. Vessel according to claim 7, wherein the wall material of the vessel is at least two-layered and an inner layer, which comes into contact with the liquid, consists of virgin plastic material and an intermediate layer or outer layer consists of recycled plastic material.

9. Vessel according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the wall material of the vessel is at least three-layered and an intermediate layer, which is located between an inner layer and an outer layer of the wall material, comprises high-density polyethylene with a melt index in the range of equal to or greater than 0.40 to equal to or less than 0.85 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190 °C, 2.16 kg), and the outer layer comprises high-density polyethylene with a melt index in the range of equal to or greater than 0.20 to equal to or less than 0.35 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190 °C, 2.16 kg) or recycled high-density polyethylene with a melt index in the range of equal to or greater than 0.40 to equal to or less than 0.85 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190 °C, 2.16 kg), and the inner layer comprises high-density polyethylene with a melt index in the range of equal to or greater than 0.20 to equal to or less than 0.35 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190 °C, 2.16 kg).

10. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum width of a web-shaped section (130), viewed in a plane perpendicular to the center line (M), is at least 0.15 times, preferably at least 0.2 times, in particular at least 0.25 times the distance of the web-shaped section (130) from the center line (M) in this plane.

11. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface sections (120) have a total area which is larger than the total area of ​​the web-shaped sections (130).

12. A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vessel is a bottle made of a plastic material and has a closure (180) for closing the outlet opening (172), the bottle being filled with a liquid intended for cosmetic applications, for example shampoos, hair gels, emulsions, developers for hair coloring, conditioners and masks.

13. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radius of curvature of the web-shaped sections (130), viewed in a plane (AA, BB) perpendicular to Center line (M), between 0.5 times and 1.2 times the distance of the web-shaped sections (130) from the center line (M) in this plane (AA, BB).

14. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall thickness of the vessel wall is greater in the region of the web-shaped sections (130) than in the region of the surface sections (120).

15. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of the total area of ​​the web-shaped sections (130) to the total area of ​​the surface sections (120) is approximately 1:1.5 to approximately 1:

2.

16. Transport container having a receiving space in which a plurality of vessels according to one of the preceding claims are stored, wherein the vessels are arranged next to one another in such a way that surface sections of adjacent vessels lie next to one another.

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