Container for materials, in particular for liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures or gases, and use of said container.
The container addresses the challenges of cleaning, filling, and transporting by using a design with two parts and a partly rigid, partly flexible wall, enabling easy and efficient handling of liquids and mixtures without air contact.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2020011574
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-11-12
- Filing Date
- 2020-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-04
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Existing containers for liquids of different viscosities and mixtures face challenges such as inadequate cleaning, need for additional filling tools, and difficulty in transporting large filling stations.
A container designed with two parts that can be opened and closed, featuring a partly rigid and partly flexible wall, allowing for easy cleaning, filling, and emptying without coming into contact with air, and facilitating suction and compression.
The container is reusable, easy to clean, and allows for efficient filling and emptying without air contact, making it suitable for various applications including food, medical, and industrial uses.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Container for materials, in particular for liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid or gas mixtures, and use of said container.
[0001] What is described and claimed below relates to a container for materials, in particular for liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures or gases, and the use of said container.
[0002] The container can, for example, be filled with liquid foods, beverages, cosmetic and care products, medical products and liquid industrial products.
[0003] For example, the container can be used as a reusable squeeze bag and baby bottle, to consume, for example, fruit compote on the go without having to use a tool such as a spoon (typically for young children). For this purpose, the container can, for example, have a flexible container wall and a rigid wall. In addition, container wall handles or a single handle can be provided for sucking up fruit compote, for example. In addition, the container can also be used for people who, for various reasons, have difficulty eating. For example, the container can also be implemented in elderly care or in hospitals.
[0004] Compression bags for fruit compote and drink pouches for backpacks are known in the state of the art.
[0005] The reusable compression bags available on the market are mostly shaped like a non-reusable compression bag, the difference being that the bottom can be opened. In this respect, flexible flanges with a spindle-shaped cross-section are known, which have a spindle-shaped opening in the bottom. This only allows for insufficient cleaning, especially when it is not intended to be done by hand and with a brush, but rather when cleaning is to be carried out in a dishwasher. The reason for this is that remnants of fruit compote are located rather deep in relation to the size of the opening and the flexible walls are not reliably separated from each other during washing.Filling such compression bags requires additional means such as a spoon, as filling is carried out through the spindle-shaped opening, which is, in this respect, disadvantageous.
[0006] There are also separate filling stations for this purpose, which in practice function like large syringes and fill the compression bag through a nozzle of the compression bag. It would be desirable to carry out the filling without an additional station, which in turn must be washed and be available at the time filling. Since such stations are relatively large, it is difficult to carry them with you.
[0007] There are also containers whose interior can be turned outwards for the purpose of washing them. Such a container is known, for example, from GB 2 504 529 A. This container is, among other things, disadvantageous because, in a preferred version thereof, air enters the container in exchange for the material which has been compressed outwards, the material thus coming into contact with the air.
[0008] Furthermore, DE 20 2010 012 093 U1 discloses a flexible control container which has a hollow body and a lid, the hollow body being flexible and capable of being compressed. The container is, among other things, disadvantageous because the small filling opening, which is closed by the lid, only allows for insufficient cleaning.
[0009] It can therefore be considered that an objective of an embodiment of the present invention lies in the specification of a container which can be compressed and sucked, in which a material, even after partial emptying, does not come into contact with air / material outside the container, said container having to be reusable and, to facilitate this reuse, easy to clean. Filling and emptying of the container must also be easy to carry out.
[0010] In one aspect, such an embodiment provides a container having two container portions that constitute the container walls, wherein a portion of the container wall is openable from the remainder of the container wall by means of a closure. In other embodiments, other container portions may be openable or separated from the container.
[0011] Another aspect of such an embodiment relates in particular to a container for materials, said materials comprising liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures or gases, • said container having a first container part and a second container part, • the two container parts each having an at least partially curved inner container surface and a first opening 6 intended to form half of the inner container space, • the two halves of the container can be joined together reversibly by means of a closure, • said closure comprising sealing elements which are arranged on the two container parts at a first opening 6, • the inner container surfaces of the two container parts being designed substantially symmetrical to a plane of symmetry passing through the closure and defining, in the joined state, an inner container space which can, by deformation of at least one of the two container parts, be decreased until the inner container surfaces of the two container parts touch, • the perimeter of the two parts of the container being at its maximum in the first opening 6, given that, when it is a question of perimeter here, it is in particular the perimeter of the interior space of the container, • at least one half of the container being made of a flexible material or having a structure such that said at least one corresponding half of the container does not, in the event of deformation, independently return to its original shape, and • one of the container halves having a second opening 7 through which material can be introduced into and removed from the interior space of the container.
[0012] According to the invention, it is a container with a partly rigid and partly flexible container wall, or exclusively a flexible container wall, which consists of two container halves, whereby one part of the container wall can be removed from or reconnected to the rest of the container wall, i.e. one container part from the other container part, for the purpose of opening the container (for cleaning and / or filling). This is done by means of the closure. For this purpose, the container halves can, for example, be folded outwards even after opening the closure, and reconnected by means of said closure. The container is designed in particular for accommodating (in a controlled manner), preserving, transporting, storing and dispensing (in a controlled manner) liquids of various viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures or gases.
[0013] A reusable container is specified herein, wherein controlled removal of the material is possible by suction, by compression or by letting it flow. Filling is possible by filling through the normal opening of the container instead of an opening in the container wall, or by opening the container wall. The container can also be made such that filling is possible by suction. In particular, filling by suction, the possibility of total emptying, the ease of cleaning the interior of the container, the choice of container shapes, the absence of contact with air once opened as well as the absence of movable seals are advantageous. Likewise, suction and compression of a material can be carried out, for example, by hand, pneumatically, hydraulically or electromagnetically.
[0014] A portion of the container wall can be opened, which ensures easy cleaning. Furthermore, at least a portion of the container wall is flexible, so that it allows suction and compression towards the outside without the material coming into contact with air after opening.
[0015] The suction and compression towards the outside by the movement of the flexible container wall can be carried out for example by hand or by means of hydraulics. The container walls substantially symmetrical in the plane promote total emptying.
[0016] The container can, for example, be used as a reusable compression bag for pasty food on the go as well as a beverage bag in a backpack, also for long-term storage of materials without contact with air after opening. It would also be possible to use it in production or medicine, for dispensing and housing in a controlled manner materials for which a movable closure would be problematic.
[0017] In other embodiments, at least one container portion may be transformed by means of at least one or more handles, pneumatically, hydraulically, electromagnetically and / or by mechanical traction and / or pressure systems to move the container wall of said at least one container portion to introduce material into the interior space of the container or to discharge material contained in the interior space of the container.
[0018] In other embodiments, the container wall of one of the two container parts may be entirely rigid.
[0019] In other embodiments, the second opening 7 may, in said container part, be arranged at a distance from the first opening 6.
[0020] In other embodiments, the closure consisting of the sealing elements of the two container parts may be rigid.
[0021] In other embodiments, the two container parts may have a rigid frame which surrounds the first opening 6 and on which the closing elements of the respective container part are arranged.
[0022] In other embodiments, it is at least the frame of a container part which may have crosspieces or reinforcing pieces passing through the first opening 6.
[0023] In other embodiments, the closure may be a screw cap, the closure elements of the two container parts having corresponding thread portions, or a bayonet cap, said closure elements of the two container parts being designed correspondingly.
[0024] In other embodiments, the two container parts may be designed such that the container inner faces, when the two container parts are connected, clamp a container inner space that has substantially the shape of a body of revolution.
[0025] In other embodiments, a cannula, a flexible hose or an accessory tool may be reversibly or permanently arranged on the container half provided with the second opening 7, at said second opening 7.
[0026] According to the invention, the container described above can, in the various embodiments and explanations indicated by way of example in more detail below, be used as a beverage bag, compression bag, for the controlled distribution and housing of materials with or without resorting to hydraulics or pneumatics, or in a production line.
[0027] The way in which the container is designed allows controlled removal of material by suction, compression or by letting it flow. Filling can be carried out via the second opening 7 of the container or via the first openings of the parts of the container.
[0028] The container can be made so as to be filled in a controlled manner by generating a vacuum in the container, i.e. a material is sucked in through the second opening 7.
[0029] The material in the container does not come into contact with the air once emptying has begun since the flexible part of the container, or even the flexible wall of the container part, follows the movement at the time of emptying. If both container parts are made flexible, they both follow the movement.
[0030] In this respect, it is essential that said at least one flexible half of the container is made so that it can deform due to its flexible construction in order to press or suck the material out of the container by applying an external force to the wall of the container, or even half of the flexible container, and that it remains in the position respectively taken, without applying an external force.
[0031] The opening of the container, the two container halves being separated from each other, is carried out by any closure, or even by any connection which can be separated and re-established. For this connection, one or more closures may be provided in other embodiments. In the case where it is also necessary to suck in a material, the closure must also be sufficiently tight for this purpose so that suction can be generated and no "bad air" is sucked in instead of the material itself through cracks or the like. This applies in the same way if it is a question of pressing a material to make it come out.
[0032] For example, the closure may be a screw cap, and other types of closures may also be used in the same way. For example, in other embodiments a closure may be a bayonet cap or a closure such as for airtight glass food containers, for which ratchet closures are provided on the circumference. In the latter, the ratchet closures can be opened and closed against the sealing pressure, and the closures may have a relatively large diameter and hollow space. In the case of a screw cap or a bayonet cap, ribbing, individual raised areas, a profile for a tool or the like can be provided on the outside to ensure support during rotation or opening and closing.
[0033] There is also at least one plane of symmetry, on both sides of which a part up to the entire inner face of the container or even the interior space of the container is symmetrically equal when the container wall is open and the container is completely filled. For this plane of symmetry or even for one of these planes of symmetry, it is valid that at least the container wall located on one side of this plane of symmetry is partially to completely flexible or deformable or formable to a certain extent, the container wall on the other side of this plane of symmetry can be as flexible as necessary up to completely rigid, here too the extent of the flexibility or even the rigidity can change depending on the location. Hereinafter, this plane of symmetry will be called "first plane of symmetry".
[0034] Hereinafter, in cases where the container part or even the container wall of the container part are rigid on one of the two sides of this first plane of symmetry and the container wall is flexible on the other side of the first plane of symmetry, they will be referred to as “flexible plus rigid” or “rigid plus flexible”. Conversely, in the other case where the container wall or even the container parts are flexible on both sides of the first plane of symmetry, they will be referred to as “flexible plus flexible”.
[0035] In the case where the entire container interior surface has more than one plane of symmetry, the plane of symmetry is the first plane of symmetry which intersects the container interior surface where the container interior surface is circular and / or where the container interior surface has its largest circumference.
[0036] As a general rule, the total container interior surface area less the inward or outward flow means or equivalent may be made plane-symmetrical (i.e., equal by symmetry) with respect to said first plane of symmetry. In particular, there may in fact be plane-symmetry throughout by means of said first plane of symmetry, provided that this is not unavoidable, for example by the second opening 7.In particular, when the container wall or even both container halves located on one side of said first plane of symmetry or the container wall located on both sides of said first plane of symmetry must be moved to suck and / or press out a material by a force that is applied at a single point, for example a handle, instead of by hydraulics or pneumatics applying the force, conversely, in a non-point manner, it is further recommended that the inner surface of the container corresponds to all or as many points as possible in addition to the surface of a body of revolution whose axis of rotation is orthogonal to said first plane of symmetry (and which therefore also has the first plane of symmetry). For example, this is also the case in the "compression bag" implementation. As a general rule, it is also easier, in the case of a . mechanical solution for suction and / or outward pressing, if only a container wall located on one side of the first plane of symmetry or even a part of the container has to be moved, which is why the container wall located on the other side of said first plane of symmetry is completely rigid (called more rigid flexible). This also increases the stability of the closure and therefore its tightness in the event of mechanical stress. This can be achieved, among other things, in the "compression bag" implementation, if it is portable and has a handle for suction (or outward pressing) instead of being directly deformed by the container wall.
[0037] The arrangement of the closure at the first openings in the first plane of symmetry and the portion of greater circumference allows good access to the interior surfaces of the container once the container is opened. This is the case, among other things, in the “compression bag” implementation.
[0038] By means of, for example, handles, using pneumatics, hydraulics or electromagnetism, by traction and / or compression system and a suction cannula or a flexible suction hose, it is possible in other embodiments to obtain a deformation of at least one half of the container.
[0039] In other embodiments, it is also possible for the container wall located on both sides of the first plane of symmetry to have rigid container wall areas or container halves. In each implementation, the flexibility must be such that, if possible, all inner surfaces of the container which, when the container is full, are symmetrical in the plane by the first plane of symmetry, meet when the container has been completely emptied (is therefore in the emptiest possible state). Thus, there is no remainder between the inner surfaces of the container adjoining each other.This state of attachment at the time of emptying of the container can for example be obtained when the wall of the container located on one side of the first plane of symmetry is rigid, the flexible wall of the container located on the other side of the first plane of symmetry is then pressed towards the rigid wall of the container until it is inverted and is attached, with its inner container surface, to the inner container surface of the rigid wall of the container, where, in the full state, a plane of symmetry prevails between said inner surfaces of the container. Thus, it is recommended to have a plane symmetry passing through the first plane of symmetry at as many places as possible on the inner surface of the container.
[0040] If the container wall is flexible on both sides of said first plane of symmetry, the two flexible container walls must be spaced apart from each other or even pressed against each other. The closure in the direction of the first opening 6 of the container parts or even of the container wall can therefore be made rigid. This applies also in the case where the entire container wall is made flexible on both sides of the first plane of symmetry (flexible plus flexible). Thus in this case, only the peripheral frame, more precisely the sealing closing elements at the periphery of the two container (wall) parts which open and close can be rigid. The flexible container wall parts could, in this respect, thus each have a rigid frame consisting of a corresponding closing element intended to effect the connection with the other container wall part, or consisting of a separate part.
[0041] It should be remembered that the resistance of the flexible container wall may not necessarily be linear at the time of emptying or suction. If, for example, the flexible material is selected so as to nevertheless have a certain rigidity, it is thus obtained, depending on the implementation, that it passes by itself into these extreme states just before reaching the extreme states "container completely full" and "completely empty", and therefore that filling before being completely full as well as more complete emptying are facilitated. This can be determined with a view to the desired property when choosing the materials used and the shape of the container halves.On the other hand, in this example, if the closure for opening and reconnecting said one part of the container wall to the rest of the container wall is, for example, substantially rigid and is located in the first plane of symmetry, a bottleneck must be crossed in which too much rigidity of the flexible container wall remains on one or even on both sides of the first plane of symmetry, which may possibly represent an obstacle. In this case, said bottleneck represents the first plane of symmetry. In the present example, this would be the narrowest point, due to the rigid closure, to be crossed in its entirety at the time of emptying and filling by suction by the flexible container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry, if this example is made more rigidly flexible, or even to be crossed partially by the flexible container wall on both sides of the first plane of symmetry in the case where more flexible.(This is the narrowest point that has to be crossed, because the line from a point of interconnection of the container with the first plane of symmetry to the opposite point of intersection is shorter than the length of the container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry from a point of intersection to the opposite point of intersection seen in section.) This resistance, on the one hand when crossing the bottlenecks, and the supporting force just before the empty and full state of the container (since the flexible material returns to its production shape, or even the inverse of it) on the other hand are only of interest, as forces, if the flexible container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry or even the flexible container wall on both sides is designed less flexible. The degree of flexibility and the movement characteristic. can be influenced, for example, by the choice of the selected material, the material thickness, the ribbing (variation in material thickness) or the shape of the container. A traction and / or compression system, for example in the application case of "reusable container for storing beverages such as juices", is also conceivable to influence the movement property.
[0042] In other embodiments, the container may additionally be designed such that the flexible container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry can be moved away from the rigid container wall on the other side of this plane of symmetry, or even such that the flexible container wall on both sides of the first plane of symmetry can be moved away from each other, so that a material can be sucked in using the container. A suction effect is thus generated by increasing the volume of the container. This naturally requires that no bad air is sucked in at the time of suction, or that the container is sufficiently sealed against the external material. To move the flexible wall apart, a handle, several handles or other tools can be attached to the container wall or elsewhere on the container. For example, mushroom-shaped or ring-shaped handles are considered for manual use.In general, the handle can grip the flexible container wall or even the walls centrally, or more precisely centrally in short, so that pulling in the full or empty state is carried out in the best possible way, or so that the flexible wall or walls move uniformly on all sides. It is therefore particularly preferable here that the flexible container wall is circular in shape. The container, either a globe or a body of revolution with a plane of symmetry that passes through the or a circular part of the container. Then a handle, or also in general a force that exerts its action in the center of this circular surface or in short that exerts its action in total in the center if said handle or said force has several points of action. Naturally, such a handle or other tools are also possible not only for sucking but also for compressing outwards.To avoid material transitions and thus dead spaces or other disadvantages, in other embodiments the handles can be manufactured in one piece with the container walls.
[0043] In other embodiments, it is also possible to provide a detachable extension for the inlet / outlet of the container at the second opening 7 and fix it, for example, in a durable manner to the container. This extension can be designed fixed or flexible, like a straw or a flexible pipe to have a longer suction cannula or a tube intended for the distribution of the material, but mainly to facilitate the step of sucking up a material.
[0044] Instead of a handle, an eyelet or equivalent can also be mounted on the container at the bottom wall of the container for emptying by machine by compression towards the outside and filling by suction / aspiration. It is also possible to move the flexible container wall on one or both sides of the first plane of symmetry, for example by pneumatics, hydraulics or electromagnetism. In the case of pneumatics or hydraulics, for example, a rigid dome can be mounted on the outside, over the flexible wall(s) that is gas-tight or liquid-tight, so that pressure or vacuum can be generated to cause a movement by hydraulics, pneumatics, etc. This dome could also possibly be connected with the same connecting element, or even use the connection that already connects the container wall part to the rest of the container wall, as long as this connection is located where the first plane of symmetry passes through the container wall.The optional "suction" and "outward compression" functions can also be implemented more easily if the container is designed with a rigid and flexible wall. It is then sufficient to pull or press the flexible container wall on said one side of the first plane of symmetry relative to the container wall on the other side.
[0045] One embodiment relates to a reusable squeeze bag for children, which allows fruit compote to be eaten on the go by sucking or by squeezing outwards, whereby filling the container by sucking is optionally also included. It is convenient here that the inner surface of the container essentially corresponds to the surface of a body of revolution. The container designed as a squeeze bag also has a screw cap for opening and connecting the container wall. Conveniently, the container wall can also be opened where the first plane of symmetry passes through the container wall. In addition, the container here is made softer and stiffer. The inner space of the container has, roughly speaking, the shape of two globe portions (container halves) of the same size. The first plane of symmetry passes through where these globe portions are connected.These globe portions or globe elements have a low height relative to the diameter. The outer shape is oriented to the inner container surface, which is essentially symmetrical in plan, whereby there are as far as possible no grooves or the like on the outside as well as on the inside, but rather transitions that are as smooth and rounded as possible. This also facilitates cleaning when the container wall is open, for example in a dishwasher. In addition, a spout with a screw cap can be provided, mounted on the rigid container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry. This spout can be used not only for eating from the container by squeezing or sucking, but also for filling the container by suction. In addition, a handle can be provided in the center of the flexible, circular container wall.A handle opposite this handle on the flexible container wall, therefore on the rigid container wall, is no longer necessary since the . rigid container part or, in this case, the closure of the container wall parts, can also be grasped without tools or even held firmly during suction (e.g., can be grasped by an adult hand since the diameter of the screw cap on the outside or the container on the outside is not as high as the maximum gripping diameter of the hand). This saves space and thus facilitates transport, which is important for the production of the container as a compression bag. The soft container wall can, in terms of material thickness, thicken towards the handle and thus lose some flexibility. This is a simple measure to achieve with the soft container wall, when suctioning, a curved conical portion shape rather than a conical shape.This allows you to use a little more volume than with just the conical shape, which allows you to better take advantage of the maximum volume when sucking. Even by compression, this helps to empty the container completely, in case you press the handle, children can press themselves on the wall surface of the container, in several places, to compress the container.
[0046] Filling can be assisted by suction using a suction cannula or a funnel at the second opening 7 which here corresponds to the spout or even the inlet / outlet.
[0047] Other features, advantages, effects and details result from the following description, in which at least one exemplary embodiment is described, referring where appropriate to one or more drawings. The features described and / or represented by drawing constitute, in themselves or in any relevant combination, the subject of the application, where appropriate also independently of the claims, and may in particular furthermore be the subject of one or more separate applications. Equivalent, similar and / or functionally equal parts bear the same reference signs.
[0048] In this regard, the following are represented by diagram:
[0049] [Fig.l] Sectional diagram, showing in detail: Open container wall, closing of the spout as well as unscrewed suction cannula and separate funnel;
[0050] [Fig.2] Sectional diagram of the container with closed spout or closed container inlet / outlet, and with open container wall;
[0051] [Fig.3] Sectional diagram of the container with suction cannula screwed to the spout and with container wall open in the completely empty state;
[0052] [Fig.4] Diagram according to [Fig.3] with funnel introduced into the spout, in addition; and
[0053] [Fig.5] Top view of the container assembled according to [Fig.2].
[0054] Elements provided with the same reference signs in the diagrams correspond substantially to each other, unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, It has been omitted to show and describe elements that are not essential to the understanding of the technical teaching disclosed herein. Hereinafter, the reference signs will not be repeated for all elements already introduced and represented, since the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to those skilled in the art.
[0055] In the example, the container consists of the following removable parts (see also [Fig.l], sectional diagram, open container wall, spout closure, as well as unscrewed suction nozzle and separate funnel, parts provided with reference signs in the diagram): • Flexible container wall 1, with mushroom-shaped handle, screw closure element made of rigid material, circumferential and ring-shaped, intended to be connected to the rigid container wall 2. • Rigid container wall 2, with spout or container outlet / inlet or second container opening 7 and screw closure in counterpart to the screw closure element above, intended to be connected to the flexible container wall 1. • Screw lid 3 intended to close the spout or the inlet or outlet of the container. This must be made / must have dimensions such that there is no risk of ingestion by babies, which is why the diameter chosen or even shown in the example is relatively large. The diameter may, for example, be greater than 31.7 mm in at least one place to be considered a small, non-swallowable part. • Removable suction nozzle 4 for extending the spout, by screwing it onto the same screw thread that is also used by the screw cap 3. Thus, for example, fruit compote can be sucked directly from a glass fruit compote jar into the container. The suction nozzle 4 can also be made longer than shown in the diagram. It is also advisable to bevel the suction nozzle 4 at its end, i.e. in the direction away from the container. • Funnel 5 to be inserted into the spout, as an alternative to the suction cannula. Filling by the funnel can be facilitated by simultaneously moving the wall parts of the container apart, or by the resulting suction effect.
[0056] For example, the container may be made of plastics such as polypropylene or stainless steel sheet for all rigid parts, and of plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene or silicone for the flexible container wall 1 and the mushroom-shaped handle mounted therein in the center. If it contains plastic parts, these may be manufactured by injection molding. It is also conceivable to use rigid parts mixed with flexible parts in the flexible container wall 1, so that, for example, the pressure exerted on the flexible container wall 1 during compression displaces more container wall area. Depending on the material chosen for the screw cap and the shape of the contact surface between the closure elements, a seal made of another material for the screw cap may be superfluous for opening the container wall. For example, a sealing profile can be formed from the existing material. Since the handle is gripped tightly and the occurrence of large forces or lever effects is unlikely, the handle can be manufactured in one piece with the flexible container wall 1 to avoid material transitions that form dead spaces that are difficult to access during cleaning.
[0057] [Fig. 2] shows a cross-sectional diagram of the container with a closed spout or closed container outlet / inlet and an open container wall, the flexible container wall 1 on one side of the first plane of symmetry being uncrushed or the container being completely full. Thus, the inner container surface of the flexible container wall 1 is, in this state, mainly symmetrical in the plane to the inner container surface of the rigid container wall 2 by the first plane of symmetry or even with respect to the first plane of symmetry. The first plane of symmetry can also be distinguished where the circumference of the inner space of the container is at its maximum. It is also distinguished here that the inner surface of the container essentially corresponds to the surface of a body of revolution whose axis of rotation is orthogonal to the first plane of symmetry and which also has this first plane of symmetry.In reality, in this case it is essentially an ellipsoid of revolution.
[0058] [Fig. 3] shows a cross-sectional diagram of the container with screwed suction cannula 4 and with open container wall in the completely empty state. The upper flexible container wall 1 is here attached, with its inner container surface, to the inner container surface of the rigid container wall 2, where the inner container surfaces are, in the completely full state, symmetrical in the plane by the first plane of symmetry.
[0059] [Fig.4] shows a diagram according to [Fig.3] with funnel 5 additionally inserted into the spout. The funnel 5 facilitates and promotes the filling of the container. In particular, it is easier to fill the container with thick materials. In this respect, the handle simultaneously facilitates the reception of the thick material by suction.
[0060] [Fig. 5] shows the top view of the container assembled according to [Fig. 2]. It shows (among other things) seen from above the upper flexible container wall 1 provided with a handle in the center, and the upper screw closure element which connects, by means of the element lower screw closure (not visible here), the flexible wall of container 1 to the rigid wall of container 2 (not visible here) on the other side of the first plane of symmetry. In addition, the inlet / outlet of the container is seen, which is closed by the screw lid 3.
[0061] Another exemplary embodiment is a beverage pouch in a backpack. The beverage pouch must, in terms of its center of gravity, be located very close to the wearer's body. Thus, the beverage pouch must be relatively flat inside the backpack and must be close to the back. The inner surface of the container and the exterior can roughly resemble a balance cushion. The container can thus be formed in the shape of an ellipsoid of revolution so flattened that the flattened sides are parallel to each other and do not form curves but parallel lines. As the first plane of symmetry, the plane of symmetry is used which passes through the container wall at the circular location with the largest circumference. The closure for opening the container wall also passes through it and opens the container wall where the first plane of symmetry intersects the container wall.The closure can be implemented as a rigid screw cap and the container can be implemented as a more flexible rigid one. Closing the larger opening at this location makes it easier to clean the inside of the container once the container wall is opened. With the flexible container wall on one side of the first plane of symmetry, it is easier to pass through this bottleneck formed at the larger circumference of this inner surface of the container during emptying and filling compared to alternative bottlenecks or planes of symmetry which have a smaller circumference and are therefore more difficult to pass through. The rigid container wall can, in the exemplary embodiment of the beverage bag not shown, have a container outlet / inlet in line with its flat outer surface.This container inlet / outlet can be turned downwards in the backpack and a flexible drinking tube can be attached to it. Handles for suction on the container can be dispensed with, as they are not necessarily necessary for drinks and can get in the way in the backpack. Another option would be for the handles to be recessed opposite each other, so that the upper parts of the handles end at the height of the outer surfaces of the container and do not protrude against the back or into the inner area of the backpack in case one still wishes to suck the material, for example for carbohydrate gels or other foods with a thick consistency.To make it easier to separate the container wall for cleaning, a handle in the form of a flexible ring can be attached opposite the inlet / outlet to the screw-on closure element of the flexible container wall, so that the container can be opened and closed more easily by grasping and turning the inlet / outlet relative to the ring handle. Everything can be done. simply open and put both container parts in the dishwasher to clean them.
[0062] In another option, the beverage pouch can be made, as to the inner surface of the container and its outer appearance, approximately box-shaped, i.e. as a flat cuboid but everywhere with largely rounded corners. In the backpack, it can be pressed vertically against the inner surface of the back padding. As the first plane of symmetry, the plane of symmetry that intersects the container wall at the point where the circumference of the container's inner surface is at its maximum can be used. Thus, the first plane of symmetry can cut the container into two flat cuboids. Peripheral snap closures can also separate the container wall where the first plane of symmetry intersects the container wall. The peripheral closure can also be made of a rigid material, apart from the seal, so that it can be closed more securely and easily. The container can be made more flexible.This would essentially result in a rigid frame that represents the closure, and the flexible container wall that is attached to it. The container wall on both sides of the first plane of symmetry can be made of flexible material, so that as little volume as possible is lost in the backpack when the beverage bag is empty. Inside the container, on the first plane of symmetry, a reinforcing cross or the like can be provided, which increases the resistance of the closure to mechanical stress and only hinders emptying the container to a lesser extent. Since the beverage bag can only be used for beverages, suction is therefore not necessary. For filling, it is instead sufficient for the liquid to flow through the inlet / outlet. In this embodiment, a rigid container wall is therefore not advantageous, whereas it would tend to be for suction or even outward compression.The inlet / outlet, to which a drinking tube can be attached, is preferably located underneath and is connected to the rigid material of a closure face and recessed, so that the drinking tube can be mechanically stressed. Here too, the drinking bag can be completely cleaned in a dishwasher after opening the container wall. Drinking bags for backpacks are known from the state of the art, which, on the other hand, can be cleaned by hand since it is not easy to access the inner surface.
[0063] Another exemplary embodiment not shown is a reusable container for storing beverages such as juices. For this purpose, the inner surface of the container and also its exterior can be made in a conical shape, a cone portion being able to be cut from the lower face and the upper face, so that the container can be placed upright without rolling, and the upper face remains symmetrical in the plane to the lower face. A screw cap for opening the wall of the container can be located horizontally at mid-height and would correspond to a first plane of symmetry. In this respect, the first plane of symmetry can be the horizontal plane of symmetry which is located where the wall of the container is circular in shape and has, in combination with this circular shape, its largest diameter. The upper wall of the container on one side of the first plane of symmetry can be flexible, the lower wall of the container located on the other side of the first plane of symmetry can be rigid. A handle can be mounted in the center at the top on the conical portion and opposite the handle on the lower portion of the bottom, footrests can be provided to place it there (as on an air pump). A detachable fixing to the floor or equivalent is also possible, such as for example by an eyelet, or conversely hanging from the ceiling.Thus, the container can be filled by moving the flexible wall away from the rigid container wall, which is held by footrests, for example. In addition, a wide bracket or the like can be mounted on the flexible container as a handle guide. This bracket can also be a carrying handle and also make the container more robust or even allow it to be stacked. In this case, the upper handle can be designed as a cord or rod so that it can be guided into the bracket. Such a handle guide or the like can, if necessary, also be used in general in various applications to exert the compression and suction movement in a controlled manner on the flexible container wall. Thus, handle guides allow better control of the force vector but also the deployment of the force over time.To optimize the use of the container volume when the container wall is curved, the curved flexible container wall can be indirectly controlled by a mechanical system, for example a cable system or a rod system, during suction and also outward compression. This system can be located on the outside of the flexible container wall and the handle can be connected to this system for outward compression and suction. Thus, the handle can exert traction on the system.The main cables / main rods can form parallel straight lines of an imaginary triangle and these main cables / main rods can thus be connected to the container wall in such a way that the container wall maintains, by means of other rods / cables of different lengths, its curvature at the end point of suction (container completely filled) despite the tensile stress exerted on the container wall. By compression, the system can just as well at the end point of compression (container empty) form the appropriate curvature, even if the pressure is only applied to the handle itself, so that the soft inner surface of the container is at all points adjacent to the rigid inner surface of the container on the other side of the first plane of symmetry, which are symmetrical in the plane by the first plane of symmetry when the container is completely full. In the case of cables, the . system resembles suspension bridges intended for suction. One possibility already mentioned as an alternative to such a system, in case it is simply necessary to hold it, is for example a grooving to adjust the movement characteristic of the flexible wall of the container. In this embodiment, hydraulics or pneumatics make it possible to achieve particularly positive results with regard to the movement of the flexible wall of the container. A pouring / pouring tap can be provided on the underside of the container. Such a container can be used for prolonged storage after opening, since the beverage contained therein does not come into contact with the air. In addition, the container is easy to clean and reuse. It is also possible to compress a material towards the outside and fill by suction / suction in a controlled manner.
[0064] Another exemplary embodiment not shown is the use in a product line or as a syringe pump in medicine for controlled pouring and receiving of materials. Here, the inner surface of the container may, for example, be essentially conical in shape and the closure for opening the container wall may separate two half-cones and correspond to a plane of symmetry of the inner surface of the conical container which therefore forms the first plane of symmetry. The container may be made, for example, more rigidly flexible. The flexible wall of the container on one side of the first plane of symmetry may be moved in a controlled manner by pneumatics, hydraulics, electromagnetism or the like to suck up materials or compress them outwards in a controlled manner.In the case of pneumatics or hydraulics, a dome can rest on the flexible container wall in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner, so that the pneumatics or hydraulics can move the flexible container wall in its entirety by changing the pressure in the space between the dome and the flexible container wall. This makes it possible to replace a syringe construction on a production line. Uniform or linear pouring and receiving of materials can be achieved by a non-uniform pressure change on the flexible container wall. An advantage that such a system can achieve over the syringe is, for example, that there is no stick-slip effect because there is no occurrence of slip-stick transmission in a piston since in the system according to the invention there is no movable seal.
[0065] In summary, the following advantages of the invention result, among others: • The container is easy to clean since all surfaces are easily accessible after opening the container wall or after separating the container halves by the closure. When the container is of such dimensions that it is not too large for a dishwasher or equivalent and its shape is judicious in this regard, the container can be machine washed without manual intervention. • It is possible to fill it by suction. • Emptying of the container with virtually no residue is encouraged. • The container has, depending on the embodiment, a surface The inner container space is smaller than the contents of the container. It is also possible to provide a cone-shaped inner container space. • Movable seals are not required for outward compression or suction of a material, which is why the container is suitable for many materials, for example for abrasive liquids. • There is no formation of stick-slip effect. • The material does not come into contact with air once the container is opened or after it has been partially emptied. • It is possible to control the characteristic relating to the distribution and reception of material; this is achieved, among other things, by the shape of the container and by adjusting the flexibility of the moving wall of the container (on one or both sides of the first plane of symmetry).
[0066] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the advantageous embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples. A person skilled in the art will be able to derive other versions therefrom without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to the combinations of features indicated below, but other combinations and partial combinations of the disclosed features may be formed which can also be reproduced in an obvious manner by a person skilled in the art. List of reference signs
[0067] 1 Flexible container wall
[0068] 2 Rigid container wall
[0069] 3 Screw cover
[0070] 4 Removable suction cannula
[0071] 5 Funnel
[0072] 6 first opening
[0073] 7 second opening
Claims
Claims
1. Container for materials, the materials including in particular liquids of different viscosities, solid-liquid mixtures or gases, • said container having a first container part and a second container part, • the two container parts each having an at least partially curved container inner surface and a first opening (6) for forming one half of the container interior, • the two container halves being reversibly connectable to each other by means of a closure, • said closure comprising closure elements which are arranged on the two container parts at a first opening (6), • the container inner surfaces of the two container parts being designed substantially symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry passing through the closure and defining, in the joined state,a container interior which can, by deformation of at least one of the two container parts, be reduced until the container interior surfaces of the two container parts touch, • the circumference of the two container parts being at most in the first opening (6), • at least one container half consisting of a flexible material or having a structure such that the at least one corresponding container half does not, in the event of deformation, independently return to its original shape, and • one of the container halves having a second opening (7) through which material can be introduced into and removed from the container interior.,
2. Container according to claim 1, at least one container part being transformable by means of at least one or more handles by pneumatics, hydraulics, electromagnetism and / or by mechanical traction and / or pressure systems to move a container wall (1) of said at least one container part for introducing a material into the interior space of the container or discharging a material contained in the interior space of the container.
3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, the container wall (2) of one of the two container parts being entirely rigid.
4. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the second opening (7) in said first container part being arranged at a distance from the first opening (6).
5. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the closure formed by the closure elements of the two container parts being rigid.
6. Container according to claim 5, the two container parts being able to have a rigid frame which surrounds the first opening (6) and on which the closing elements of the respective container part are arranged.
7. Container according to claim 6, the frame of at least one part of the container being able to have crosspieces or reinforcing pieces passing through the first opening (6).
8. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the closure being able to be a screw cap, the closure elements of the two container parts having corresponding thread portions, or a bayonet cap, the closure elements of the two container parts being designed accordingly.
9. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the two container parts being designed so that the container inner surfaces, in the connected state of the two container parts, clamp a container inner space which has substantially the shape of a body of revolution.
10. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a cannula, a flexible tube or an accessory tool being able to be arranged reversibly or permanently on the container half provided with the second opening (7), at the level of said second opening (7).
11. Use of a container according to any one of claims 1 to 10 as a beverage pouch, compression bag, for the controlled dispensing and receiving of materials with or without the means mentioned in claim 2 or in a production line. 21
12. A method of manufacturing a container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said container being manufactured by injection molding of plastic material.