Plastic container

Abstract

The present invention provides a resin container that significantly reduces the volume of empty containers during the logistics process, thereby improving transportation efficiency; that can be restored to its original shape using air pressure before filling with contents; and that can be easily crushed when discarded. [Solution] The body of the resin container comprises a frame portion that constitutes a virtual X-shaped prism (where X is an integer of 3 or more), and a plurality of deformable surfaces that, in a side view, each form X quadrangular regions surrounded by the four frame portions, and which protrude in a Λ shape in a plan view. The side surface of the body is composed of a plurality of deformable surfaces, and each deformable surface consists of four surfaces in one quadrangular region: a triangular upper deformable surface connected to the shoulder portion, a triangular lower deformable surface connected to the bottom portion, and a trapezoidal first side deformable surface and a second side deformable surface positioned between the upper and lower deformable surfaces. The edges to which each deformable surface joins are composed of continuous recessed grooves that are recessed toward the inside of the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a resin container in which a side surface of a barrel portion can be folded inwardly of the container in a snap-like manner and the folded side surface of the barrel portion can be restored to its original shape by air pressure.

Background Art

[0002] Resin containers typified by PET bottles are usually manufactured by container manufacturers and sold to beverage manufacturers, cosmetics manufacturers, etc. However, in the logistics process of transporting empty containers from container manufacturers to beverage manufacturers, cosmetics manufacturers, etc., due to their light weight, they take up a large volume, resulting in extremely poor transportation efficiency.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1998-230919) discloses a technique for solving the above problems. Before transporting an empty resin container, a part of the barrel portion is folded inwardly of the container in a snap-like manner to reduce the volume, and before filling the container with contents, the original shape can be restored to improve the transportation efficiency. However, this technique can only fold a part of the arc surface of a cylindrical bottle inwardly, and the volume reduction rate (the rate of volume reduction) is limited.

[0004] In addition, when a resin container typified by a PET bottle is discarded as a recycled bottle after using up the contents, it is common to crush the barrel portion to reduce the volume. However, the operation of crushing an empty container requires time and effort.

[0005] Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-216993) discloses a resin container in which a side surface of a barrel portion can be deformed by sinking inwardly of the container to solve the above problems. However, since this container is only aimed at easily crushing (reducing the volume), it is not configured to be able to be restored to its original shape. According to experiments by the present inventors, even when high-pressure air is sent into the crushed container, most of the containers still have distortions and dents peculiar to resin containers remaining at the corners and the like, and cannot be beautifully restored to their original shapes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 1998-230919 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-216993 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a resin container that can significantly reduce the volume of an empty container during the logistics process, thereby improving transportation efficiency; that can be restored to its original shape using air pressure before filling with contents; and that can be easily crushed when disposing of the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention is: A resin container in which the sides of the body can be snap-folded inward and deformed, and the folded sides of the body can be restored to their original shape by air pressure, The aforementioned resin container is a one-piece molded container including a neck, shoulders, body, and bottom. The aforementioned torso is, A frame part that constitutes the framework of a virtual X-shaped prism (where X is an integer of 3 or more), In a side view, each of the X rectangular regions enclosed by the four frame portions is formed, and in a plan view, it comprises a plurality of deformable surfaces that protrude in a Λ shape, The side surface of the torso is composed of a plurality of deformation surfaces, The deformation surface is, in one of the quadrilateral regions, It consists of four surfaces: a triangular upper deformation surface connected to the shoulder portion, a triangular lower deformation surface connected to the bottom portion, and a trapezoidal first side deformation surface and a second side deformation surface positioned between the upper and lower deformation surfaces. The ridges where the upper deformation surface, the lower deformation surface, the first side deformation surface, and the second side deformation surface are joined are characterized by being composed of continuous grooves that are recessed toward the inside of the body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, multiple deformable surfaces constituting the sides of the body, which are made up of polygonal prisms, can be folded inward and maintained in that folded state. Therefore, in the logistics process of transporting empty containers, the volume can be greatly reduced and the transportation efficiency can be improved.

[0010] Furthermore, because the ridges where multiple deformable surfaces join are composed of recessed grooves that indent inward towards the body, it can be easily folded and deformed in a snap-like manner, and the folded sides of the body can be neatly restored to their original shape by appropriate air pressure (without leaving any distortion or dents characteristic of resin containers, such as at the corners of the container).

[0011] Furthermore, when disposing of the container as a recyclable item after the contents have been used up, users can easily crush the body of the container with little force, and the crushed state is maintained, thus reducing the waste storage space required. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Side view of a resin container according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] Plan view of a resin container according to the first embodiment [Figure 3] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the resin container according to the first embodiment (cross-sectional view AA in Figure 2) [Figure 4] B1-B1 cross-section in Figure 1 [Figure 5] B2-B2 cross-section in Figure 1 [Figure 6] Side view and longitudinal cross-sectional view (CC cross-sectional view in Figure 7) of the resin container body with the side surface folded according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]Plan view of the resin container according to the first embodiment with the side surface of the barrel portion folded and D-D sectional view in FIG. 6 [Figure 8] Side view and longitudinal sectional view (E-E sectional view in FIG. 9) of the resin container according to the second embodiment [Figure 9] Plan view of the resin container according to the second embodiment [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the resin container according to the second embodiment (F-F sectional view in FIG. 8) [Figure 11] Side view (part 1) of the resin container according to the third embodiment [Figure 12] Side view (part 2) of the resin container according to the third embodiment [Figure 13] Plan view of the container with the frame portion as a virtual triangular prism in the natural state, plan view of the state where each deformable surface is folded inward, and its sectional view [Figure 14] Plan view of the container with the frame portion as a virtual hexagonal prism in the natural state, plan view of the state where each deformable surface is folded inward, and its sectional view [Figure 15] Plan view of the container with the frame portion as a virtual octagonal prism in the natural state, plan view of the state where each deformable surface is folded inward, and its sectional view

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are side views and plan views seen from above of the resin container 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The resin container 1 includes a neck portion 2, a shoulder portion 3, a barrel portion 4, and a bottom portion 5, and is an integrally molded product made of a flexible resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate, and is used as a beverage container, a lotion container, etc.

[0014] The resin container 1 has a frame section 6 that is composed of convex lines (protruding lines) that project outward from the body section 4 and constitutes the frame of a virtual rectangular prism. This frame section 6 is rectangular in the side view shown in Figure 1, square in the plan view shown in Figure 2, and also square in the bottom view (not shown). A total of 12 frames (convex lines) are connected to form the frame of the virtual rectangular prism. The upper and lower frame sections 6 also serve as the four edges of the square shoulder section 3 and bottom section 5 in the plan view, and have a predetermined strength. The predetermined strength is the strength required to maintain the shape of the virtual rectangular prism frame when each deformation surface of the body section 4, as described below, is folded inward, when the folded state is maintained, and when it is restored.

[0015] The sides of the body section 4 are composed of multiple deformable surfaces that can be folded inward toward the resin container 1. Within the area enclosed by the rectangular frame section 6 in side view shown in Figure 1, there are four surfaces: a triangular upper deformable surface 7 that connects to the shoulder section 3 (upper horizontal frame 6), a triangular lower deformable surface 8 that connects to the bottom section 5 (lower horizontal frame 6), and trapezoidal first and second deformable surfaces 9-1 and 9-2 positioned between the upper and lower deformable surfaces 7 and 8 and connected to the vertical frame 6. Each of these deformable surfaces with the same structure is also formed on the other three sides. As shown in the figure, the upper deformable surface 7 and the lower deformable surface 8 are identical triangles, and the first and second deformable surfaces 9-1 and 9-2 are identical trapezoids.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ridges where the upper deformation surface 7, lower deformation surface 8, first side deformation surface 9-1, and second side deformation surface 9-2 join are composed of continuous recessed grooves 10 that are recessed toward the inside of the body 4. In its natural state as a container, each deformation surface, which is the side of the body 4, protrudes in a Λ shape in plan view, as shown in Figure 2, and the body 4 has a regular square prism shape with its four upper and lower corners cut diagonally by the upper deformation surface 7 and the lower deformation surface 8.

[0017] Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the resin container 1 (cross-sectional view AA in Figure 2), Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view B1-B1 in Figure 1, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view B2-B2 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the angle β between the upper deformation surface 7 and the shoulder portion 3, and the angle θ between the lower deformation surface 8 and the bottom portion 5 are both set to 45°, but any angle within the range of 45° ± 10° is acceptable. Also, as shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the angle α at which the first side deformation surface 9-1 and the second side deformation surface 9-2 join in a Λ shape is set to 90°, but any angle within the range of 90° to 110° is acceptable.

[0018] The angles α, β, and θ described above are not particularly limited, as long as they are within an angle range that allows each deformed surface to be easily folded inward into the torso and to be restored cleanly. Furthermore, while it is easier for deformation and restoration to be clean if the angle β between the upper deformed surface 7 and the shoulder part 3 and the angle θ between the lower deformed surface 8 and the bottom part 5 are the same, they may be different angles as long as they do not hinder deformation and restoration.

[0019] As shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 4 and 5, the ridges where the upper deformation surface 7 joins the first side deformation surface 9-1 and the second side deformation surface 9-2, and the ridges where the first side deformation surface 9-1 and the second side deformation surface 9-2 join, are continuously formed with recessed grooves 10 that are recessed toward the inside of the body 4. These recessed grooves 10 allow each deformation surface to be folded in a snap-type manner. The cross-section of the recessed grooves 10 is composed of shapes such as an arc, V-shape, or square.

[0020] Figures 6 and 7 show a side view, a plan view, and longitudinal and transverse sections of the upper deformation surface 7, lower deformation surface 8, first side deformation surface 9-1, and second side deformation surface 9-2 folded inward towards the body 4 (Figure 6(b) is the CC section of Figure 7, and Figure 7(b) is the DD section of Figure 6). Since the upper deformation surface 7, lower deformation surface 8, first side deformation surface 9-1, and second side deformation surface 9-2 are joined by a continuous groove 10 that recesses inward toward the body 4, the internal pressure is reduced by releasing the air inside the container, or by applying an external force toward the inward direction of the body 4 to each deformation surface, using the frame made up of the frame part 6 as a support (axis), and after being completely folded, it maintains its shape.

[0021] By setting the angle α at which the first deformation surface 9-1 and the second deformation surface 9-2 join to within the range of 90° to 110°, as shown in Figure 7(b), the folded deformation surfaces do not interfere with each other inside the container, and because the angle is not acute, they are easy to fold. Furthermore, by introducing air into the container and increasing the internal pressure, the container can be neatly restored to its natural state (original shape) without retaining distortions or dents in the corners, etc., which are characteristic of resin containers.

[0022] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the resin container 1 has its upper deformation surface 7, lower deformation surface 8, first side deformation surface 9-1, and second side deformation surface 9-2 completely folded inward towards the body 4, the external dimensions of the body 4 become a virtual rectangular prism formed by the frame 6, thus reducing its volume by approximately half during transport. In other words, it is possible to pack approximately twice the number of containers that can be transported in their natural state as in the conventional method, thereby significantly improving transport efficiency.

[0023] Furthermore, when users have finished using the contents and are disposing of the bottle for recycling, it can be easily crushed with a snap-type mechanism by simply pressing the side of the body with minimal force. Since the crushed bottle maintains its shape, it will not expand spontaneously in the storage location, and thus requires less storage space for the waste.

[0024] (Second embodiment) Figures 8-10 show a resin container 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 8(a) is a side view, Figure 8(b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (EE cross-sectional view in Figure 9), Figure 9 is a top view, and Figure 10 is an FF cross-sectional view in Figure 8. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that a continuous groove 10 that recesses toward the inside of the body portion 4 is further added to the joints of the frame portion 6 and the upper deformation surface 7, lower deformation surface 8, first side deformation surface 9-1, and second side deformation surface 9-2. In this case, the groove 10 is also continuous with the groove 10 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-7.

[0025] With this configuration, grooves 10 that are continuous with the grooves 10 formed on the ridges are also formed between the frame portion 6 and each deformation surface. As a result, compared to the first embodiment, it is easier to snap-deform with a smaller and lighter force, and it can be restored cleanly even with lower air pressure (internal pressure).

[0026] (Third embodiment) Figures 11 and 12 are side views showing a resin container 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the difference from the first and second embodiments being that the upper deformation surface 7 and the lower deformation surface 8, and the first side deformation surface 9-1 and the second side deformation surface 9-2, each form a small triangular plane 11 at the intersection where they meet in a Y-shape.

[0027] Furthermore, while the configuration shown in Figure 11 connects the small plane 11 with the upper deformation surface 7, the lower deformation surface 8, the first side deformation surface 9-1, and the second side deformation surface 9-2 by simple edges, the configuration shown in Figure 12 further surrounds the entire perimeter of the small plane 11 with a continuous groove 10, which connects to the upper deformation surface 7, the lower deformation surface 8, the first side deformation surface 9-1, and the second side deformation surface 9-2. In this case, the groove 10 is also continuous with the groove 10 of the first embodiment.

[0028] According to the above configurations, by providing a small triangular plane 11 at the Y-shaped intersection where distortion and dents are likely to occur during restoration, the components can be restored cleanly without distortion or dents at the corners, even with lower air pressure (internal pressure) compared to the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, the configuration shown in Figure 12, in which the entire perimeter of the small plane 11 is surrounded by a continuous groove 10, allows for even cleaner restoration with even lower air pressure (internal pressure) than the configuration shown in Figure 11.

[0029] In addition, the third embodiment described above is an example in which small planes 11 and grooves 10 are added to the configuration described in the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. However, it is also possible to have a configuration in which small planes 11 and grooves 10 are added to the configuration described in the second embodiment. The grooves 10 may be formed discontinuously, but in order to achieve ease of folding, ease of restoration, and neat restoration, it is preferable in any case that all grooves 10 are formed continuously.

[0030] The amount of air pressure (internal pressure) required for restoration is greatest in the first embodiment and least in the third embodiment. However, in all embodiments, a certain amount of air pressure is sufficient for a clean restoration, and no distortion or dents characteristic of resin containers remain.

[0031] In each of the embodiments described above, the frame portion 6 is shown as a virtual rectangular prism. However, the frame portion 6 is not limited to a virtual rectangular prism; it can be any frame that constitutes a virtual X-shaped prism (where X is an integer of 3 or more), and is not particularly limited.

[0032] Figure 13 shows a plan view (a) of the frame 6 in its natural state with a virtual triangular prism, a plan view (b) of the state with each deformation surface folded inward, and a cross-sectional view (c) thereof. Figure 14 shows a plan view (a) of the frame 6 in its natural state with a virtual hexagonal prism, a plan view (b) of the state with each deformation surface folded inward, and a cross-sectional view (c) thereof. Furthermore, Figure 15 shows a plan view (a) of the frame 6 in its natural state with a virtual octagonal prism, a plan view (b) of the state with each deformation surface folded inward, and a cross-sectional view (c) thereof.

[0033] As shown in each figure, the angle α at which the first deformation surface 9-1 and the second deformation surface 9-2 join in a Λ shape is 110° in the example shown in Figure 13, and 90° in the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15. However, any angle within the range of 90° to 110° is acceptable for any prism of any shape.

[0034] Furthermore, in the case of a virtual pentagonal prism or larger, even if the angle α at which the first deformation surface 9-1 and the second deformation surface 9-2 join in a Λ shape is acute (less than 90°), there will be no interference inside the body when the deformation surfaces are folded. However, if angle α is acute, the overall design of the container is compromised, and a large force is required when folding and restoring each deformation surface. This large force applied to each deformation surface and groove poses a risk of damage and distortion, making it impractical.

[0035] In the resin container according to the present invention, the angle α is set to 90° to 110° regardless of the prism's orientation. Therefore, in a frame of a virtual X-sided prism (where X is an integer of 3 or more), the smaller X is, the greater the volume reduction rate (percentage of volume decrease), and the larger X is, the smaller the volume reduction rate. This can be appropriately applied depending on the container's external design. While X is theoretically infinite, this is not practical for tens of sides prisms or shapes very close to cylinders, and the volume reduction effect would also be weak. Therefore, the realistic maximum value of X is around 12.

[0036] Furthermore, although the frame portion 6 described in each embodiment is shown as being composed of convex lines (convex-shaped lines) that protrude outward from the body portion 4 in order to provide a predetermined strength, it may also be composed of cylinders or prisms with a thickness greater than each deformation surface. In other words, as long as the structure has the strength and function to act as a support (support axis) to maintain the shape of the virtual X-shaped prism frame when each deformation surface is folded inward from the body portion 4 by external force and then restored, it is not particularly limited.

[0037] Furthermore, the thickness of each deformable surface constituting the body 4 can be molded to be about the same as that of a normal resin container, and is not particularly limited.

[0038] As described above, according to the present invention, multiple deformable surfaces constituting the side surface of the body, which is made of a polygonal prism, can be folded inward of the body and the folded state can be maintained, so that the volume can be greatly reduced and the transportation efficiency can be improved in the logistics process of transporting empty containers.

[0039] Furthermore, because the ridges where multiple deformable surfaces join are composed of recessed grooves that indent inward towards the body, it can be easily folded and deformed in a snap-like manner, and the folded sides of the body can be neatly restored to their original shape by appropriate air pressure (without leaving any distortion or dents characteristic of resin containers, such as at the corners of the container).

[0040] Furthermore, when disposing of the container as a recyclable item after the contents have been used up, users can easily crush the body of the container with little force, and the crushed state is maintained, thus reducing the waste storage space required. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0041] 1. Plastic container 2 neck 3 Shoulder 4 Torso 5 Bottom 6. Frame section 7 Upper deformation surface 8 Lower deformation surface 9-1 First side deformation surface 9-2 Second side deformation surface 10 grooves 11 facets

Claims

1. A resin container in which the sides of the body can be snap-folded inward and deformed, and the folded sides of the body can be restored to their original shape by air pressure, The aforementioned resin container is a one-piece molded container including a neck, shoulders, body, and bottom. The aforementioned torso is, A frame part that constitutes the framework of a virtual X-shaped prism (where X is an integer of 3 or more), In a side view, each of the X rectangular regions enclosed by the four frame portions is formed, and in a plan view, it comprises a plurality of deformable surfaces that protrude in a Λ shape, The side surface of the torso is composed of a plurality of deformation surfaces, The deformation surface is, in one of the quadrilateral regions, It consists of four surfaces: a triangular upper deformation surface connected to the shoulder portion, a triangular lower deformation surface connected to the bottom portion, and a trapezoidal first side deformation surface and a second side deformation surface positioned between the upper deformation surface and the lower deformation surface. The ridges where the upper deformation surface, the lower deformation surface, the first side deformation surface, and the second side deformation surface are joined are composed of continuous grooves that are recessed toward the inside of the body. A resin container characterized by the following features.

2. The frame portion is composed of convex lines that protrude outward from the body portion. The resin container according to feature 1.

3. The frame portion is composed of a cylinder or prism with a thickness greater than the deformation surface. The resin container according to feature 1.

4. At the intersections where the upper deformation surface, the first side deformation surface, and the second side deformation surface meet in a Y-shape, and at the intersections where the lower deformation surface, the first side deformation surface, and the second side deformation surface meet in a Y-shape, small triangular planes are further formed. The resin container according to feature 1.

5. A continuous groove is formed around the entire perimeter of the small plane, which is recessed toward the inside of the body. The resin container according to feature 4.

6. The joints between the frame portion and the upper deformation surface, the lower deformation surface, the first side deformation surface, and the second side deformation surface are further provided with continuous grooves that recess toward the inside of the body portion. The resin container according to feature 1.

7. The material of the aforementioned resin container is a flexible resin containing polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. The resin container according to feature 1.

8. The angle α at which the first side deformation surface and the second side deformation surface join in a Λ shape is between 90° and 110°. The resin container according to feature 1.

9. The angle β between the upper deformation surface and the shoulder portion, and the angle θ between the lower deformation surface and the bottom portion, are both 45° ± 10°. The resin container according to feature 1.

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