Bottle container and instructions for using the bottle container

Abstract

To provide a bottle container and a method for using the bottle container that allows for multiple refills and offers excellent operability during refilling. [Solution] The bottle container 1A comprises a container body 10 in which the contents are contained. The container body 10 has a cylindrical body portion 11 having a bottom portion 13 and a neck portion 14 for discharging the contents. The body portion 11 is divided into a plurality of individually collapsible volume variable portions 2. The plurality of volume variable portions 2 have different deformation directions or rigidities. The bottle container 1A is configured so that as each volume variable portion 2 deforms, an amount of contents corresponding to the reduction in volume of the volume variable portion 2 is discharged. Preferably, the bottle container 1A has deformation maintenance means to suppress the volume variable portion 2 from returning to its pre-deformation state after deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bottle container and a method of using the bottle container.

Background Art

[0002] As a bottle container for containing contents such as liquid detergents, there is known one configured to be deformable in a specific direction. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a container in which discontinuous reinforcing ribs extending on a diagonal line are formed on a side surface of a cubic body portion and the container can be folded while forming a fold line along the reinforcing ribs.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a container including a container body having a bellows-shaped body portion and a check valve provided at an opening portion of the container body, in which the inside of the container body is forcibly decompressed by the shape restoring property of the body portion and the check valve prevents fluid outside the container from flowing into the container body.

[0004] Also, the applicant has previously proposed a refill bottle container having a body portion with a constricted outer peripheral surface shape whose outer diameter is reduced so as to be smaller at the central portion in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of deformation guiding ribs are formed on each of the upper body portion and the lower body portion sandwiching the minimum outer diameter portion of the body portion (Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Refillable containers sometimes contain an amount of contents corresponding to the number of refills, allowing for multiple refills. In this case, the contents may sometimes be dispensed from the refillable container in excess of the capacity of the container being refilled. The containers disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 had room for improvement in terms of ease of use during refilling when multiple refills were possible.

[0007] The present invention relates to a bottle container that allows for multiple refills and offers excellent operability during refilling, and to a method for using the bottle container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a bottle container comprising a container body in which contents are contained. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the container body has a cylindrical body with a bottom and a spout for dispensing the contents. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the body portion is divided into a plurality of volume-variable sections that deform independently without being linked. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the plurality of volume-variable parts have different deformation directions or rigidities from one another. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the contents are discharged in an amount corresponding to the reduction in volume of each of the variable-volume sections as the individual variable-volume sections deform.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a method for using a bottle container, which is equipped with a container body in which contents are contained. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the container body has a cylindrical body with a bottom and a spout for dispensing the contents. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the body portion is divided into a plurality of volume-variable sections that deform independently without being linked. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the plurality of volume-variable parts have different deformation directions or rigidities from one another. As one embodiment, it is preferable that the usage method includes deforming each of the variable volume portions to discharge an amount of the content corresponding to the reduced volume of the variable volume portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the bottle container and the usage method of the bottle container of the present invention, it is possible to refill multiple times, and the operability during refilling is excellent.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the bottle container according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the check valve shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing another embodiment of the check valve. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the bottle container according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the deformation guiding rib. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the bottle container according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the bottle container shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the bottle container according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is a plan view of the bottle container shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 12(b) is a bottom view of the same bottle container. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partially broken view of FIG. 11. [Figure 14]Figs. 14(a) to (c) are cross-sectional views showing an embodiment of the deformation-inducing rib on the peripheral wall of the variable-volume portion. [Figure 15] Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the flow path opening / closing valve that can be provided in the bottle container according to the present invention. [Figure 16] Fig. 16(a) is a perspective view and a plan view showing the state where the flow path of the flow path opening / closing valve shown in Fig. 15 is open, and Fig. 16(b) is a perspective view and a plan view showing the state where the flow path of the flow path opening / closing valve shown in Fig. 15 is closed.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on its preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 3 show an embodiment of the bottle container of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the bottle container 1A of the present embodiment includes a container body 10 in which contents such as liquid are stored.

[0013] The type of the liquid stored in the container body 10 of the present embodiment is not particularly limited. Examples of the liquid include liquid hair care agents such as shampoo, hair conditioner, and hair rinse, liquid soaps such as body soap and hand soap, liquid detergents for clothes and dishes, softeners and bleaches, liquid detergents for bathroom and floor cleaning, liquid cosmetics, liquid beverages, foods, pharmaceuticals, engine oil, etc. Also, a liquid with a high viscosity such as cream may be used. The liquid is stored in the storage space S inside the container body 10.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the container body 10 of this embodiment is a thin-walled bottle-shaped container, having a cylindrical body 11 with a bottom 13 and a neck 14 for dispensing the contents of the container. The container body 10 has a storage space S for contents inside the body 11 (see Figure 2). The container body 10 can stand on its own by placing the bottom 13 of the body 11 on a horizontal surface. In the self-standing state, the height direction Z (central axis direction) of the bottle container 1A (container body 10) coincides with the vertical direction, and the neck 14 is located above in the vertical direction and is positioned opposite the bottom 13 in the same direction. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, the description of the bottle container 1A of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 will be in the self-standing state.

[0015] The body portion 11 is cylindrical and has a bottom portion 13 that closes the lower opening of the cylindrical body and a top portion 12 that closes the upper opening. The neck portion 14 protrudes upward from the top portion 12. The container body 10 is a blow-molded product, and the body portion 11, including the top portion 12 and the bottom portion 13, and the neck portion 14 are integrally molded, with these portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 being continuous. The shape of the cylindrical body is not particularly limited and may be substantially cylindrical, or it may be a polygonal columnar body including a substantially triangular prism.

[0016] The neck portion 14 is a cylindrical part that protrudes upward from the top portion 12. The inside of the neck portion 14 is in communication with the inside of the body portion 11 and serves as a flow path for discharging the contents of the body portion 11. The neck portion 14 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the top portion 12. A cap (not shown) that closes the discharge opening of the nozzle portion 14 is detachably attached to the nozzle portion 14.

[0017] The body 11 is divided into a plurality of variable-volume sections 2. As shown in Figure 1, the body 11 of this embodiment has two variable-volume sections 2 connected in the height direction Z. Hereinafter, the upper variable-volume section 2 in the height direction Z will also be called the "upper variable-volume section 21," and the lower variable-volume section 2 in the height direction Z will also be called the "lower variable-volume section 26." These variable-volume sections 21 and 26 are cylindrical bodies with a hollow structure, and the internal space of each variable-volume section 21 and 26 forms part of the storage space S of the container body 10.

[0018] In this embodiment, the upper volume variable section 21 is a cylindrical body that hangs down from the periphery of the top surface section 12, and has a connecting section 22 connected to the periphery of the top surface section 12 and an upper main body section 23 connected to the lower end edge of the connecting section 22. The outer diameter of the upper main body section 23 is constant in the height direction Z and is larger than the outer diameter of the top surface section 12. In this upper volume variable section 21, a frustoconical connecting section 22 is interposed between the top surface section 12 and the upper main body section 23, with the outer diameter gradually increasing downwards (see Figure 1).

[0019] In this embodiment, the lower volume variable section 26 is a cylindrical body that hangs down from the lower end edge of the upper volume variable section 21, and has a connecting section 27 connected to the lower end edge of the upper volume variable section 21, and a lower main body section 28 connected to the lower end edge of the connecting section 27. The lower main body section 28 is erected from the periphery of the bottom section 13 toward the neck section 14. The outer diameter of the lower main body section 28 is constant in the height direction Z and is larger than the outer diameter of the upper main body section 23. In this lower volume variable section 26, a frustoconical connecting section 27 is interposed between the upper main body section 23 and the lower main body section 28, with the outer diameter gradually increasing downwards (see Figure 1). In the body portion 11 of this embodiment, the outer diameter of the lower body portion 28 is larger than that of the upper body portion 23, and a frustoconical connecting portion 27 is connected to the lower edge of the upper body portion 23, so that the upper edge of the connecting portion 27 forms the boundary between the upper and lower volume variable portions 21 and 26.

[0020] The multiple volume-variable sections 2 deform independently without being linked. In other words, the multiple volume-variable sections 2 can be compressed individually. For example, if an external force is applied to one volume-variable section 2, that section can be deformed to reduce its volume. The multiple volume-variable sections 2 have different deformation directions or rigidities. This allows the volume-variable sections 2 to be compressed individually.

[0021] (Direction of deformation) With respect to the volume-variable section 2, the deformation direction is the direction in which the volume-variable section 2 deforms in response to external forces such as pressure applied by pressing. In other words, it is the direction in which the volume-variable section 2 collapses in response to external forces. The direction of deformation may coincide with the direction in which the external force is applied, or it may differ from the direction in which the external force is applied. The direction of deformation is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be directed inward in the height direction Z of the container body 10, or radially inward in the container body 10, or it may be in a direction along the combined vector of the circumferential direction and the height direction Z of the container body 10. The direction of deformation can be directed (controlled) by deformation guide ribs or deformation guide lines, etc., which will be described later. Different deformation directions result in different shapes of the variable volume section 2 after deformation. An example of this is a configuration in which one variable volume section 2 can be crushed so as to be compressed in the height direction Z, and the other variable volume section 2 can be crushed in the horizontal direction (radially inward in the container body 10). In this embodiment, the radial direction of the self-supporting container body 10 described above coincides with the horizontal direction. The radial direction of the container body 10 is also the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the neck section 14.

[0022] In this embodiment, the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26 are each formed with a deformation-guiding rib 3 that guides deformation so that the volume variable section becomes concave inward. The deformation-guiding rib 3 is formed on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical volume variable section 21 and 26 and is either a linear recess that is concave inward (radially inward) towards the inside of the volume variable section 21 and 26, or a linear protrusion that protrudes from the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the volume variable section 21 and 26. Examples of deformation-guiding ribs 3 include those where both the outer surface F1 and inner surface F2 of the peripheral wall of the volume-variable section 21, 26 are deformed. For example, if the deformation-guiding rib is a linear convex portion, both the outer surface F1 side and the inner surface F2 side of the peripheral wall of the volume-variable section 21, 26 will bulge radially outward [see Figure 14(a)]. If the deformation-guiding rib is a linear concave portion, both the outer surface F1 side and the inner surface F2 side of the peripheral wall of the volume-variable section 21, 26 will collapse radially inward [see Figure 14(b)]. When the deformation-guiding rib 3 is in such a bulging or concave form, the portion of the peripheral wall of the volume-variable section 21, 26 where the deformation-guiding rib 3 is formed will have approximately the same thickness as the portion other than the rib 3. From the viewpoint of ensuring more reliable volume reduction, it is preferable that the deformation-inducing rib 3 is a linear recess that is recessed toward the interior of the volume-variable sections 21 and 26. Furthermore, the deformation-inducing rib 3 may be a linear convex portion in which the outer surface F1 of the peripheral wall of the volume-variable portion 21, 26 is a convex portion that protrudes radially outward, while the inner surface F2 is flat [see Figure 14(c)].

[0023] In this embodiment, the upper body portion 23 of the upper volume variable section 21 has a horizontal rib 31 extending horizontally as a deformation guiding rib 3. This horizontal rib 31 is a straight rib and is formed to encircle the peripheral wall of the upper body portion 23. In this embodiment, the lower body portion 28 of the lower volume variable section 26 has inclined curved ribs 32 formed as deformation guiding ribs 3, which are inclined with respect to the height Z and the horizontal direction. These inclined curved ribs 32 are curved ribs that extend in a semi-parabolic shape from the upper end to the lower end of the lower body portion 28.

[0024] From the viewpoint of more reliably maintaining the strength of the body portion 11 while more easily deforming the volume variable portion 2, the dimensions of the deformation guidance rib 3 are preferably within the following range. In the circumferential direction of the volume variable sections 21 and 26, the length of the deformation guide rib 3 relative to the total circumferential length of the volume variable sections 21 and 26 is preferably 1 / 6 or more and 1 / 2 or less, more preferably 1 / 5 or more and 1 / 3 or less. The total circumferential length of the volume variable sections 21 and 26 is the maximum circumferential length of the volume variable sections 21 and 26. The length of the deformation-guiding rib 3 is preferably 1 mm to 100 mm, and more preferably 3 mm to 50 mm. The width of the deformation-guiding rib 3 is preferably 0.05 mm or more and 3 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less. The difference in the unevenness of the deformation guidance rib 3 relative to the volume variable sections 21 and 26 is preferably 1 / 200 to 1 / 10, more preferably 1 / 100 to 1 / 20, relative to the thickness of the volume variable sections 21 and 26. If the deformation guidance rib 3 is a linear convex portion, the difference in unevenness is the height H1 of the convex portion [see Figure 14(a)], and if the deformation guidance rib 3 is a linear concave portion, the difference in unevenness is the depth D1 of the concave portion [see Figure 14(b)]. More specifically, if the deformation guidance rib 3 is a convex portion, the difference in unevenness is the length between the outer surface F1 of the peripheral wall of the volume variable section 21 and 26 in the thickness direction and the top of the convex portion. If the deformation guidance rib 3 is a concave portion, the difference in unevenness is the length between the outer surface F1 of the peripheral wall of the volume variable section 21 and 26 in the thickness direction and the bottom of the concave portion. In the variable-volume sections 21 and 26, if the thickness of the peripheral walls is different, the "thickness of the variable-volume section 21 and 26" shall be the maximum thickness of the peripheral wall of the variable-volume section.

[0025] In this embodiment, the body portion 11 has two linear horizontal ribs 31 spaced apart in the height direction Z on the upper volume variable portion 21, and two inclined curved ribs 32 spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the lower volume variable portion 26 (not shown). That is, the type of deformation-inducing ribs 3 and the direction of extension of the ribs 3 differ among the multiple volume variable portions 21 and 26. With this configuration, the deformation directions differ among the multiple volume variable portions 21 and 26. For example, when an external force is applied inward in the height direction Z to the upper volume variable portion 21 of this embodiment, buckling is induced starting from the horizontal ribs 31, and the body portion deforms to be compressed in the height direction Z. On the other hand, when an external force is applied inward in the height direction Z from the bottom portion 13 of the lower volume variable portion 26, the upper and lower portions sandwiching the inclined curved ribs 32 deform so that they fold along the ribs 32.

[0026] The multiple volume-variable sections 2 may be equipped with deformation guide lines instead of deformation guide ribs 3. By forming these deformation guide lines in the volume-variable sections 2, the deformation direction can be controlled. The deformation guide lines are linear notches extending from the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the volume variable section 2 toward the interior of the volume variable section 2, and do not penetrate the peripheral wall. In the peripheral walls of the volume variable sections 21 and 26, the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the volume variable section 2 is flat where the deformation guide lines are formed, and the thickness is smaller than that of the parts other than the deformation guide lines. It is preferable that the difference in unevenness between the deformation guide lines and the volume variable sections 21 and 26 is smaller than that between the deformation guide ribs 3 and the deformation guide lines. The volume-variable section 2, which has deformation guide lines, makes it easy to concentrate stress on and near the deformation guide lines when an external force is applied to the volume-variable section 2, thereby easily inducing deformation of the volume-variable section 2. Furthermore, forming deformation guide lines rather than deformation guide ribs 3 results in better moldability and is effective in maintaining the strength of the volume-variable section 2. This is because when forming grooves in a mold for blow molding of a bottle container to provide deformation guide ribs 3, it becomes difficult to pour resin into the grooves if the wall thickness of the bottle container is small.

[0027] When deformation guide lines are formed in multiple volume-variable sections 21, 26, the type of deformation guide line and the direction of extension of the deformation guide line differ among the multiple volume-variable sections 21, 26. This makes it possible to make the deformation direction different among the multiple volume-variable sections 21, 26.

[0028] (rigidity) Rigidity is the resistance to deformation against external forces from a specific direction. "Different rigidity in multiple volume-variable parts 2" means that there is a difference in the resistance to deformation against external forces from a specific direction among the multiple volume-variable parts 2. An example of this is when a specific external force directed inward in the height direction Z (for example, an external force directed from below upward) is applied to the body 11, in which case one volume-variable part 2 may be crushed by the specific external force, while the other volume-variable part 2 may not be crushed by the same specific external force applied in the same direction, but can be crushed by a larger external force. For example, one volume-variable part may be crushed by an external force of less than 10 N from a specific direction, while the other volume-variable part may be crushed by an external force of 10 N or more from the same direction. The rigidity can be adjusted by varying the thickness (wall thickness) of the peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical volume variable portion 2 and / or the material of the volume variable portion 2, or by varying the presence or degree of processing treatment.

[0029] The rigidity of the volume-variable section 2 is determined by applying pressure at a speed of 10 mm / min to the body 11 in a parallel direction (height direction Z in this embodiment) where multiple volume-variable sections 2 are lined up. The volume-variable section 2 that collapses first is determined to have "low rigidity," and the volume-variable section 2 that collapses later is determined to have "high rigidity." In this determination method, a Tensilon compression test apparatus (manufactured by Orientec Co., Ltd., model number RTA-100) is used to apply pressure to the body 11 in a parallel direction.

[0030] From the viewpoint of more reliably maintaining the strength of the body portion 11 while more easily deforming the volume variable portion 2, and from the viewpoint of reducing the environmental burden, the wall thickness of the volume variable portion 2 is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 300 μm or less, even more preferably 150 μm or less, preferably 100 μm or more, preferably 100 μm or more and 300 μm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or more and 150 μm or less. The wall thickness of the volume variable portion 2 is the minimum thickness of the volume variable portion 2 other than the areas where the deformation guidance ribs 3 are formed and the areas where the deformation guidance lines are formed.

[0031] Because the deformation direction or rigidity differs among the multiple volume-variable sections 2, the volume-variable sections 2 can be easily crushed individually. Therefore, when one volume-variable section 2 is crushed, the other volume-variable sections 2 are prevented from being crushed in conjunction with it, making it possible to crush the body 11 in multiple stages. There are no particular restrictions on the order in which the multiple volume-adjustable sections 2 are crushed; it is also possible to crush the upper volume-adjustable section 21 first and then the lower volume-adjustable section 26. From the viewpoint of more efficiently dispensing the contents, the bottle container 1A can be crushed sequentially from the volume variable section 2 distal to the neck portion 14. For example, the lower volume variable section 26 may be crushed first, and the upper volume variable section 21 may be crushed afterward. Furthermore, if there are three or more volume variable sections 2, the intermediate volume variable section 2 located between the volume variable section 2 closest to the neck section 14 and the volume variable section 2 furthest from the neck section 14 may be crushed first, followed by the volume variable section 2 closest to or furthest from the neck section 14. Hereinafter, the process of individually deforming multiple volume-variable sections 21 and 26 will also be simply referred to as "individual deformation."

[0032] In this embodiment, the bottle container 1A allows for individual deformation of the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26 by the aforementioned deformation guide ribs 3. Hereinafter, the initial (first) deformation of the volume variable section 2 in bottle container 1A will also be referred to as the "first deformation." Similarly, the second (second) deformation of the volume variable section 2 in bottle container 1A will also be referred to as the "second deformation." The individual deformations of bottle container 1A will be explained using the example of the case where the lower volume variable section 26 is deformed in the first deformation and the upper volume variable section 21 is deformed in the second deformation. When an external force is applied (pressed) from the bottom 13 toward the top 12 in the height direction Z, the lower volume variable section 26 is crushed so as to fold. On the other hand, in the first deformation, no deformation occurs in the upper volume variable section 21. Next, when an external force is applied (pressed) from the top 12 toward the bottom 13 in the height direction Z, the upper volume variable section 21 is crushed so as to be compressed.

[0033] The bottle container 1A is configured so that, as each volume variable section 21 and 26 is individually deformed, an amount of contents corresponding to the volume reduction is dispensed. In this embodiment, as the volume of the lower volume variable section 26 is reduced by the first deformation of the bottle container 1A, an amount of contents corresponding to the volume reduction is dispensed from the neck section 14, and as the volume of the upper volume variable section 21 is further reduced by the second deformation, an amount of contents corresponding to the volume reduction is dispensed from the neck section 14. In other words, in this embodiment, the bottle container 1A can dispense the contents corresponding to the volume reduction of the crushed volume variable sections 21 and 26 by reducing the volume of the body section 11 in multiple stages for each volume variable section 21 and 26. Such a bottle container 1A offers excellent operability during refilling because a specific amount of contents can be dispensed by crushing the volume variable section 2 without monitoring the dispensing state during refilling. For example, when refilling a refillable container with a total volume including the neck of 350 mL with 300 mL of contents, the bottle container 1A is equipped with a variable volume section 2 that reduces the volume by 300 mL through deformation, allowing for easy and accurate quantitative refilling (300 mL). In this way, the bottle container 1A can easily be refilled multiple times into the refillable container. As the number of refills increases, the volume of the variable volume section 2 of the bottle container 1A decreases, making the container body 10 more compact. This is desirable because, even if the bottle container has a large capacity to allow for multiple refills, the aforementioned volume reduction makes it easier to handle the bottle container, and the refilling operation can be simplified. Furthermore, the aforementioned volume reduction also allows for space saving when storing the bottle container. Furthermore, bottle containers have higher rigidity than pouch containers made from flexible sheets, resulting in superior grip.

[0034] On the other hand, the deformation modes of conventional deformable bottle containers are solely for the purpose of reducing the overall volume of the container, and do not take into account the quantitative accuracy when dispensing the contents in multiple portions. As a result, an excess amount of contents may be dispensed, exceeding the capacity of the container being refilled. In contrast, the present invention enables multiple quantitative dispensing by having multiple volume-variable parts deform independently without being linked.

[0035] From the viewpoint of ensuring more reliable individual deformation, it is preferable that the multiple volume variable sections 21 and 26 have different deformation directions and stiffnesses. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the multiple volume variable sections 21 and 26 have different deformation directions due to the deformation guide ribs 3 with different extension directions, and that their stiffnesses also differ from each other. For example, the stiffness of the lower volume variable section 26 is lower than the stiffness of the upper volume variable section 21 (upper > lower). This allows for greater suppression of the deformation of the upper volume variable section 21 without being linked to the first deformation.

[0036] From the viewpoint of enabling multiple refills, the body 11 has two or more variable volume sections 2. The number of variable volume sections 2 in the body 11 is not particularly limited, but is preferably two to six, and more preferably two to three.

[0037] The aforementioned advantages in operability and grip during refilling are particularly effective when the bottle container 1A has a large capacity that allows for multiple refills. The main capacity of the container body 10 is the capacity of the body section 11. The capacity of the container body 10 is preferably 200 mL or more, more preferably 350 mL or more, preferably 3000 mL or less, more preferably 2000 mL or less, preferably 200 mL or more and 3000 mL or less, and more preferably 350 mL or more and 2000 mL or less. From the same viewpoint as described above, the capacity of one variable volume section 2 is preferably 100 mL or more and 700 mL or less, and more preferably 200 mL or more and 500 mL or less.

[0038] The container body 10 can be molded, for example, by blow molding. The resin used to make up the container body 10 can be a synthetic resin such as a thermoplastic resin or a biomass-derived resin such as a plant. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Examples of biomass-derived resins include polylactic acid and biomass-derived polyethylene. The container body 10 can be made using one of the above-mentioned resins alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0039] From the viewpoint of further improving recyclability, it is preferable that the container body 10 contains 80% by mass or more of the same resin in at least the bottom 13 and the body 11, more preferably 90% by mass or more, and even more preferably 100% by mass of the same resin. An example of such a configuration is one in which at least the bottom 13 and the body 11 of the container body 10 contain 80% by mass or more of polyolefin resin.

[0040] The cap attached to the neck portion 14 of the container body 10, and the deformation retention means described later, can be molded, for example, by mold molding. The resin used to make up the cap and the deformation retention means may be the same as or different from the resin used to make up the container body 10.

[0041] The bottle container 1A preferably has a deformation maintenance means 5 that prevents the deformed volume variable section 2 from returning to its original shape. The deformation maintenance means 5 prevents the deformed volume variable section 2 from returning to its original shape and thus preventing an increase in the reduced volume. This makes it easier to maintain a discharge amount corresponding to the volume reduction of the volume variable section 2 when crushing the second and subsequent volume variable sections 2. The deformation maintenance means 5 may include a check valve 50 (described later) or means for restraining the volume variable part 2 after it has been crushed to maintain its deformed state. For example, in the latter case, the deformation maintenance means prevents the volume of the volume variable part 2 from recovering in the opposite direction to the pressing direction when the volume variable part 2 is crushed (deformed) by fastening, engaging, or joining, and is provided as a separate component from the container body 10. In this case, the deformation maintenance means 5 may be provided on the cap, or on the outer surface of the volume variable part 2 or the outer surface of the peripheral portion of the volume variable part 2. Examples of deformation maintenance means 5 provided as a separate component from the container body 10 include locking parts that can engage (fit, etc.) with each other, a strip-shaped member arranged around the volume variable part 2, and a clamping member that holds the volume variable part 2.

[0042] The bottle container 1A of this embodiment is equipped with a check valve 50 in the neck portion 14 that causes the contents to flow out of the container body 10 in accordance with the internal pressure of the body portion 11, and the check valve 50 functions as a deformation maintenance means 5 (see Figure 3). The check valve 50 may be provided inside the neck portion 14, or it may be provided on the cap attached to the neck portion 14. The bottle container 1A of this embodiment can maintain the deformed state of the volume variable sections 21 and 26 by being equipped with a check valve 50. In other words, the volume of the bottle container 1A can be reduced more reliably. For example, when the lower volume variable section 26 is deformed by the first deformation described above, the lower volume variable section 26 is flattened, and the inflow of air into the body 11 is suppressed by the check valve 50, thereby suppressing pressure changes inside the body 11. As a result, the lower volume variable section 26 maintains its flattened state even when the pressure is released. Similarly, when the upper volume variable section 21 is deformed by the second deformation described above, even when the pressure is released, the pressure changes inside the body 11 are suppressed by the check valve 50, so the upper volume variable section 21 maintains its collapsed state.

[0043] The check valve 50 of this embodiment is provided within the neck portion 14 and comprises a plate-shaped valve seat portion 51, a film valve 55, and a valve regulating portion 53 that close the opening 14a on the body portion 11 side of the neck portion 14 (hereinafter also referred to as the body portion side opening 14a). The valve seat portion 51 is a plate-shaped body having a through hole 51a and has a larger area than the body portion side opening 14a in a plan view. The valve seat portion 51 is positioned so that the center of the through hole 51a coincides with the central axis of the neck portion 14, and the portion of the valve seat portion 51 that protrudes radially outward from the neck portion 14 is joined to the inner surface of the top surface portion 12. The film valve 55 has a larger area than the through hole 51a in a plan view and is in close contact with the surface of the valve seat portion 51 on the neck portion 14 side, closing the through hole 51a. A part of the film valve 55 is joined to the valve seat portion 51. The valve regulating section 53 is located on the discharge port side of the neck portion 14, closer to the film valve 55, and is a beam member arranged to span the space between the inner surfaces of the neck portion 14.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the variable volume section 2 of the bottle container 1A is crushed, the internal pressure of the body section 11 increases. When the internal pressure of the body section 11 reaches the opening pressure of the check valve 50, the film valve 55, which is cantilevered and fixed to the valve seat section 51, rotates away from the valve seat section 51, and the through hole 51a opens (see the dashed line in Figure 3). As a result, the contents flow out of the body section 11, where the internal pressure has increased, through the through hole 51a and are further discharged outside the bottle container 1A via the neck section 14. This discharge of contents causes the internal pressure of the body section 11 to decrease. As the contents are discharged, when the internal pressure of the body section 11 falls below the opening pressure of the check valve 50, the film valve 55 returns to its original position and seals tightly against the valve seat section 51. That is, the film valve 55 seats on the valve seat section 51, and the through hole 51a closes. As a result, the inside of the body 11 is sealed, and the intake of air from outside the container body 10 is prevented by the film valve 55, thereby suppressing the volume of the crushed variable volume section 2 from returning to its original state. In this way, the check valve 50 of this embodiment can suppress the deformation of the variable volume section 2 from returning to its pre-deformation state. As the check valve 50 of this embodiment, for example, the check valve described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-006654 can be used as appropriate.

[0045] The check valve 50 may have a configuration other than that described above, and may be provided in a location other than the neck portion 14. For example, the check valve 50 shown in Figure 4 is provided in a cap 6 attached to the neck portion 14. The cap 6 shown in Figure 4 comprises a cap body 60 and a lid 61 connected to the cap body 60 via a hinge portion 61a. Furthermore, the neck portion 14 shown in Figure 4 comprises a protruding portion 14c that extends radially inward from the opening end of the discharge port, and a threaded portion 14b formed on the outer circumferential surface of the neck portion 14.

[0046] The cap body 60 has an inner cylinder portion 63 with a threaded portion 63b formed on its inner circumference, an outer cylinder portion 62 surrounding the inner cylinder portion 63, and a main body top portion 60a connecting the inner cylinder portion 63 and the outer cylinder portion 62. The main body top portion 60a is a plate-like portion with an opening formed in the center, and the inner cylinder portion 63 and the outer cylinder portion 62 are cylindrical portions that protrude from the plate-like main body top portion 60a toward the body portion 11. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the cap body 60 can be attached to the neck portion 14 by arranging the inner cylinder portion 63 around the neck portion 14 and screwing the threaded portions 63b and 14b together.

[0047] The cap 6 of this embodiment comprises a nozzle portion 64 having a plate-shaped base portion 64a and a cylindrical portion 64b protruding upward from the base portion 64a. The cylindrical portion 64b is a cylindrical part in which the opening diameter gradually decreases toward the top. The base portion 64a has a fitting projection that protrudes toward the body portion 11 from its peripheral edge, and the inner diameter of the fitting projection corresponds to the outer diameter of the outer circumference 56a of the valve seat plate portion 56, which will be described later. The nozzle portion 64 is positioned so that the base portion 64a is clamped and fixed between the top surface portion 60a of the main body and the protruding portion 14c, and the cylindrical portion 64b is positioned in the center of the discharge port of the neck portion 14.

[0048] The cap 6 shown in Figure 4 is equipped with a check valve 50 located below the nozzle portion 64 (on the body portion 11 side). The check valve 50 in this embodiment comprises a valve seat plate portion 56 with a valve seat opening 56d formed thereon, and an elastic valve 59 that closes the valve seat opening 56d. The valve seat plate portion 56 has a plate-shaped outer peripheral portion 56a, an annular support portion 56c that protrudes from the outer peripheral portion 56a toward the body portion 11 and forms a recess on its upper surface, and a valve seat portion 56b that protrudes radially inward from the support portion 56c. The valve seat opening 56d is defined by the inner peripheral edge of the valve seat portion 56b. The support portion 56c is a convex portion that is hollow inside and protrudes toward the body portion 11, forming a groove portion (recess) with an open upper surface (opposite side from the body portion 11). In a plan view, the valve seat portion 56b surrounds the valve seat opening 56d, the support portion 56c surrounds the valve seat portion 56b, and the outer peripheral portion 56a surrounds the support portion 56c. The elastic valve 59 extends radially outward from the periphery of the valve seat opening 56d, and the extended portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "outer peripheral portion") is joined to the support portion 56c by adhesive or the like, with the extended portion fitting into the recess of the support portion 56c. The elastic valve 59 has a liquid opening 59a formed along a part of the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion.

[0049] The check valve 50, together with the nozzle portion 64, is clamped and fixed between the main body top surface portion 60a and the protruding portion 14c (see Figure 4). In this state, the through hole of the cylindrical portion 64b, the elastic valve 59, and the valve seat opening 56d overlap. In the bottle container equipped with the check valve 50 of this embodiment, before the variable volume section 2 is crushed, the elastic valve 59 is in close contact with the valve seat section 56b, closing the valve seat opening 56d. In such a bottle container, when the variable volume section 2 is crushed and the internal pressure of the body section 11 reaches the opening pressure of the check valve 50, the elastic valve 59 moves upward away from the valve seat section 56b (see the dashed line in Figure 4), and the valve seat opening 56d becomes open. As a result, the contents that flow out from the valve seat opening 56d pass between the elastic valve 59 and the valve seat section 56b, flow out from the liquid opening 59a, and are discharged to the outside of the container body 10 via the cylindrical section 64b.

[0050] In this embodiment, as the contents are discharged, the internal pressure of the body 11 of the bottle container decreases and falls below the opening pressure of the check valve 50. At this point, the elastic valve 59 seats on the valve seat 56b, and the valve seat opening 56d closes. This seals the inside of the body 11 and prevents air from being drawn in from outside the container body 10. As a result, similar to the check valve shown in Figure 3, it is possible to suppress the volume variable part 2 from returning to its pre-deformation state after deformation. As the check valve 50 in this embodiment, for example, the check valve described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-123384 can be used as appropriate. The elastic valve 59 shown in Figure 4 may have a cross-shaped notch located in the center of the elastic valve 59 instead of a liquid opening 59a. In this case, when the volume variable section 2 is compressed and the internal pressure of the body 11 reaches the opening pressure of the check valve 50, the cross-shaped notch expands and opens, and the contents are discharged from the notch. Furthermore, as the contents are discharged, the internal pressure of the body 11 decreases and falls below the opening pressure of the check valve 50, and the cross-shaped notch closes and the valve is closed. The notch does not move in the opposite direction to the discharge direction due to the valve seat 56b, and the closed state is maintained.

[0051] A bottle container equipped with a check valve 50 can prevent the contents from flowing out of the container body 10, even when the neck portion 14 is inverted with the neck portion 14 facing downwards, as long as the internal pressure of the body portion 11 does not reach the valve opening pressure. In other words, the check valve 50 also serves as a deformation maintenance means 5 and a leakage suppression means that prevents the contents from leaking out from the neck portion 14. Because the bottle container is equipped with a leakage suppression means, the leakage of contents is suppressed as long as the individual deformations described above do not occur. This is effective in that it makes the dispensing operation during refilling easier. In addition, by providing a check valve 50 (leakage suppression means), the contents of the volume reduced by the crushed volume variable portions 21 and 26 can be dispensed with precision.

[0052] As a means of suppressing leakage, the rigidity of the body portion 11 may be increased. In this case, pulsation of the body portion 11 in the inverted state can be suppressed, thereby suppressing continuous discharge from the neck portion 14. The rigidity of the body portion 11 can be adjusted by the thickness of the body portion 11, etc., but it should be such that deformation of the volume variable portion 2 for the purpose of discharging the contents can be achieved. Furthermore, as a means of suppressing leakage, a pressure loss may be created in the discharge port side portion of the neck portion 14.

[0053] The aforementioned deformation-inducing rib 3 can also function as a deformation-maintaining means. The areas where the deformation-inducing rib 3 is formed on the peripheral walls of the volume-variable sections 21 and 26 can have improved rigidity compared to other parts. Since this deformation-inducing rib 3 is easily plastically deformed, by deforming the rib 3 together with the peripheral walls of the volume-variable sections 21 and 26, the volume-variable sections 21 and 26 become less likely to return to their original shape, and the deformed state can be maintained well.

[0054] The bottle container 1A may have a linked deformation suppression means that prevents other volume variable parts 2 from deforming in conjunction with the deforming volume variable part 2. The linked deformation means is a separate component from the container body 10 and is provided inside the container body 10 or on the outer surface of the volume variable part 2. Means for suppressing interlocking deformation include a check valve or flow control valve provided between the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26 inside the container body 10, or a strip-shaped member (shrink wrap) covering the outer surface of the volume variable section 2. As a means of suppressing interlocking deformation, if a check valve is provided between the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26, this check valve prevents the contents from flowing from the upper volume variable section 21 to the lower volume variable section 26. In a bottle container equipped with this check valve, even if pressing force is unintentionally applied to the lower volume variable section 26 when the upper volume variable section 21 is pressed during the first deformation, the check valve between the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26 maintains a constant internal pressure in the lower volume variable section 26. As a result, the volume reduction of the lower volume variable section 26 is further suppressed, and the individual deformation of the upper volume variable section 21 becomes easier. This effect is particularly effective when the deformation directions of the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26 are different. The check valve provided between the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26 can be the same as the check valve 50 provided in the neck section 14 described above.

[0055] The flow path opening / closing valve can use a component that can switch between opening and closing the flow path, and is installed between the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26. As a means of suppressing interlocking deformation, if a flow path opening valve is provided between the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26, the flow path between the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26 is closed unless the flow path in the flow path opening valve is opened. In such a bottle container, even if the pressing force is unintentionally applied to the lower volume variable section 26 when the upper volume variable section 21 is pressed during the first deformation, the contents will not flow out of the lower volume variable section 26, thus further suppressing the reduction in volume of the lower volume variable section 26. In this case, the volume of the lower volume variable section 26 can be reduced by performing the second deformation (deformation of the lower volume variable section 26) with the flow path of the flow path opening valve open.

[0056] As an example of a flow control valve, an embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16 will be described. The flow control valve 7 shown in Figures 15 and 16 comprises an outer cylinder 71 having a top surface with a nozzle opening 74 and an inner cylinder 75 having a top surface with an opening 78. The outer cylinder 71 has a cylindrical portion 72 that hangs down from the center of the inner surface of the top surface, and the outer cylinder 71 can be attached to the inner cylinder 75 by inserting the cylindrical portion 72 into a cylindrical insertion hole 76 formed in the center of the top surface of the inner cylinder 75. In this state (hereinafter also referred to as the "attached state"), the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 75 is surrounded by the peripheral wall of the outer cylinder 71, and the outer cylinder 71 can be rotated along the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 75. The inner cylinder 75 has rotation-restricting ribs 77 formed on its circumferential wall portion that protrude radially outward. The outer cylinder 71 has a window portion 73 in which a part of the circumferential wall portion is missing, and in the above-mentioned mounting state, the rotation-restricting ribs 77 are exposed through the window portion 73 [see Figures 16(a) and (b)].

[0057] As shown in Figures 16(a) and (b), the flow path valve 7 of this embodiment can switch between opening and closing the flow path of the flow path valve 7 by restricting the rotation of the outer cylinder 71 relative to the inner cylinder 75 through interference of both side edges of the window portion 73 with the rotation restricting rib 77. For example, as shown in Figure 16(a), when the outer cylinder is rotated until one side edge of the window portion 73 interferes with the rotation restricting rib 77, the nozzle-equipped opening 74 of the outer cylinder 71 and the opening 78 of the top surface of the inner cylinder 75 overlap in a plan view, and the flow path becomes open. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16(b), when the outer cylinder 71 is rotated (reverse rotation) until the other side edge of the window portion 73 interferes with the rotation restricting rib 77, the nozzle-equipped opening 74 of the outer cylinder 71 and the opening 78 of the top surface of the inner cylinder 75 do not overlap in a plan view, and the flow path becomes closed.

[0058] The "area between the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26" where a check valve or flow control valve is provided is the vicinity of the boundary between the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26, or the portion connecting the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, a check valve or flow control valve may be provided at the upper end of the connection portion 27 of the lower volume variable section 26. Alternatively, it may be provided in the constricted portion 15, which will be described later.

[0059] The strip-shaped member (shrink film) is provided so as to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the volume-variable sections 21 and 26. In a bottle container where a strip-shaped member (shrink film) is provided on the outer surface of the upper volume variable section 21 as a means of suppressing interlocking deformation, even if pressing force is unintentionally applied to the upper volume variable section 21 when the lower volume variable section 26 is pressed during the first deformation, the rigidity of the upper volume variable section 21 is increased by the strip-shaped member, thus further suppressing the deformation of the upper volume variable section 21. In this case, the volume of the upper volume variable section 21 can be reduced by removing the strip-shaped member (shrink film) from the upper volume variable section 21 and then pressing the upper volume variable section 21. From the viewpoint of ensuring more reliable individual deformation, the material used to form the strip-shaped member is preferably PET or PP. From the same viewpoint as above, the thickness of the strip-shaped member is preferably 0.01 mm or more and 3 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0060] Figures 5 to 13 show other embodiments of the bottle container according to the present invention. These embodiments will primarily describe components that differ from those shown in Figures 1 to 4, while similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. For components not specifically described, the descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 will apply as appropriate.

[0061] The bottle container 1B shown in Figures 5 and 6 is similar to the embodiment described above, in which the body portion 11 is divided into an upper volume variable portion 21 and a lower volume variable portion 26. In this embodiment, the upper volume variable section 21 is a cylindrical body that hangs down from the periphery of the top surface section 12, and has an upper main body section 23 connected to the periphery of the top surface section 12 and a connecting section 22 connected to the lower end edge of the upper main body section 23 (see Figure 6). In this embodiment, the connecting section 22 has an inverted frustoconical shape in which the outer diameter gradually decreases toward the bottom section 13. The outer diameter of the upper main body section 23 is constant in the height direction Z and is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the top surface section 12.

[0062] In this embodiment, the lower volume variable section 26 is a cylindrical body that hangs down from the lower end edge of the upper volume variable section 21, and has a frustoconical connecting section 27 whose outer diameter gradually increases toward the bottom 13 (downward), and a lower main body section 28 connected to the lower end edge of the connecting section 27 (see Figure 6). The lower main body section 28 is erected from the periphery of the bottom 13 toward the neck section 14. The outer diameter of the lower main body section 28 is constant in the height direction Z and is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the upper main body section 23. In this embodiment, the body section 11 has a constricted section 15 interposed between the upper volume variable section 21 and the lower volume variable section 26 in the height direction Z, with a smaller outer diameter than these volume variable sections 21 and 26 (see Figure 1). The inside of the constricted section 15 communicates the insides of the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26. In this embodiment, the constricted portion 15 is the cylindrical part of the body portion 11 with the smallest outer diameter, and the upper and lower volume variable portions 21 and 26 protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the constricted portion 15. In other words, the container body 10 of this embodiment has a dumbbell shape with a constricted portion 15 sandwiched between two large volume variable portions 21 and 26, and the constricted portion 15 forms the boundary between the upper and lower volume variable portions 21 and 26.

[0063] Similar to the embodiment described above, deformation-guiding ribs 3 are formed on the upper and lower volume-variable sections 21 and 26 of this embodiment, respectively. More specifically, inverted inclined curve ribs 33a and 33b are formed on the upper and lower main body sections 23 and 28, respectively, and the inclination direction of these ribs 33a and 33b is symmetrical with respect to the center line CL that bisects the height of the constricted section 15 and extends horizontally (see Figure 6). Multiple inclined curve ribs 33a with the same inclination direction are formed on the upper main body section 23, spaced apart in the circumferential direction (not shown). Similarly, multiple inclined curve ribs 33b with the same inclination direction are formed on the lower main body section 28, spaced apart in the circumferential direction (not shown). With this configuration, when the body section 11 is twisted clockwise and pressed inward in the height direction Z, the lower volume-variable section 26 is crushed, and when the body section 11 is twisted counterclockwise and pressed inward in the height direction Z, the upper volume-variable section 21 is crushed. In other words, by reversing the inclination direction of the deformation guide ribs 3 in the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26, the deformation direction of the volume variable sections 21 and 26 can be made different, enabling individual deformation. As a result of these different deformation directions, the shapes (torsion directions) of the volume variable sections 21 and 26 after twisting are different in this embodiment.

[0064] The bottle containers 1A and 1B shown in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6 are provided with deformation-guiding ribs 3 having different extension directions (inclination directions) to cause the deformation directions between the multiple volume-variable sections 2 to differ, but the deformation-guiding ribs 3 are not limited to this embodiment. Figures 7(a) to 7(c) show variations of the deformation-guiding rib 3 that differ from the embodiment described above. Note that each container body 10 shown in Figure 7 has the same configuration as the container body shown in Figures 5 and 6, except for the deformation-guiding rib 3. In Figure 7(a), each of the variable-volume sections 21 and 26 has inclined linear ribs 34a and 34b formed as deformation-guiding ribs 3, which are inclined with respect to the height Z and the horizontal direction. The inclined linear ribs 34a and 34b of these upper and lower variable-volume sections 21 and 26 have opposite inclination directions, bisect the height of the constricted section 15, and are symmetrical with respect to the center line CL extending in the horizontal direction. In the variable volume sections 21 and 26 shown in Figure 7(b), intermittently extending inclined straight ribs 34c and 34d are formed as deformation-guiding ribs 3. These inclined straight ribs 34c and 34d are formed by small ribs intermittently arranged along the direction of extension. Except for being intermittent, these inclined straight ribs 34c and 34d have the same configuration as the inclined straight ribs 34a and 34b shown in Figure 7(a).

[0065] In the body section 11 shown in Figure 7(c), the widths of the inclined straight ribs 34e and 34f formed on the upper and lower volume variable sections 21 and 26 are different. More specifically, the width of the inclined straight rib 34f in the lower volume variable section 26 is greater than the width of the inclined straight rib 34e in the upper volume variable section 21. Thus, when each of the multiple volume variable sections 21 and 26 has a deformation-guiding rib 3, at least one of the extension direction, length, width, and type of the deformation-guiding rib 3 may be different. Furthermore, if each of the multiple volume-variable sections 21, 26 has a deformation guide wire instead of a deformation guide rib 3, at least one of the extension direction, length, width, and type of the deformation guide wire may be different. Furthermore, the bottle container may have a volume-variable section in which deformation-inducing ribs are formed, and a volume-variable section in which deformation-inducing lines are formed.

[0066] The number of deformation guide ribs 3 or deformation guide wires in a single volume variable section 2 is not particularly limited and may be two or more, or it may be just one. Furthermore, if a single volume variable section 2 has multiple deformation guide ribs 3 or deformation guide lines, the same deformation guide rib 3 or deformation guide line may be formed in the volume variable section 2, or deformation guide ribs 3 or deformation guide lines may be formed that differ in at least one of their extending direction, length, width, and line type.

[0067] The bottle container 1C shown in Figures 8 to 10 has a body 11 divided into multiple volume-variable sections 21 and 26 with different maximum horizontal cross-sectional areas. More specifically, the upper volume-variable section 21 is a cylindrical body hanging down from the periphery of the top surface 12, and has a frustoconical connecting section 22 connected to the periphery of the top surface 12, and an elliptical frustoconical upper body section 24 whose horizontal cross-sectional shape changes from circular to elliptical towards the bottom 13 (see Figures 9 and 10). The lower volume-variable section 26 in this embodiment has a cylindrical lower body section 28 erected from the periphery of the bottom 13, a connecting section 27 connected to the upper end edge of the lower body section 28, and a lower top surface section 27a that closes the opening on the neck side of the connecting section 27 (see Figures 9 and 10). In a plan view, the lower top surface portion 27a protrudes radially outward from the lower edge of the upper main body portion 24, and the frustoconical upper volume variable portion 21 is provided to protrude from the lower top surface portion 27a. In this embodiment, the lower top surface portion 27a forms the boundary between the upper and lower volume variable portions 21 and 26 (see Figures 8 and 10).

[0068] From the viewpoint of differentiating the deformation direction or ease of deformation among the multiple volume variable parts 21, 26, it is preferable that the horizontal cross-sectional shapes (shape of the horizontal cross-section as a whole) differ among the multiple volume variable parts 21, 26. In this embodiment, the lower volume variable part 26 (lower main body part 28) has a circular horizontal cross-sectional shape and a deformation guidance rib 3 (horizontal rib 31 in this embodiment) is formed thereon, whereas the upper volume variable part 21 (upper main body part 24) has an elliptical horizontal cross-sectional shape and no deformation guidance rib 3 is formed thereon (see Figure 10). This upper volume variable part 21 has a short axis direction X of the upper main body part 24 which has an elliptical shape in plan view, and a long axis direction Y that is perpendicular thereto.

[0069] The upper volume variable section 21 has an elliptical horizontal cross-sectional shape, which gives it greater deformability against external forces directed inward along the short axis X than the lower volume variable section 26. In other words, when an external force is applied inward along the short axis X to the upper volume variable section 21 of this embodiment, it deforms to be compressed in that direction, while when an external force is applied inward along the height direction Z to the lower volume variable section 26, buckling is induced starting from the horizontal rib 31, causing it to deform to be compressed in the height direction Z. In this way, by making the horizontal cross-sectional shapes different among the multiple volume variable sections 21 and 26, the deformation directionality or ease of deformation can be made different among the multiple volume variable sections 21 and 26, allowing for more reliable individual deformation.

[0070] In this embodiment, the upper volume variable section 21 has an elliptical horizontal cross-sectional shape, but the horizontal cross-sectional shape is not limited to this form, and any shape such as a circle, square, hexagon, or other polygon can be adopted.

[0071] The bottle container 1D shown in Figures 11 to 13 has a body portion 11 that is a triangular prism-shaped cylindrical body. The top portion 12 and bottom portion 13 of this embodiment are triangular in shape with rounded corners (see Figures 12(a) and (b)). The bottom portion 13 of this embodiment has a bottom recess 13a that is recessed inward in the height direction Z, and the bottom view shape of the bottom recess 13a is substantially similar to the bottom view shape of the bottom portion 13. The body portion 11 has three sides 11a, 11b, and 11c extending in the height direction Z. These sides 11a, 11b, and 11c intersect each other at 120° in a plan view. The body portion 11 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of pressing portions 29 that project radially outward from each side, as volume variable portions 2. These pressing portions 29 have a truncated pyramidal shape and have a pressing surface 29a parallel to the sides 11a, 11b, and 11c, and a pair of pressing sides 29b, 29b, a pressing upper surface 29c, and a pressing lower surface 29d interposed between the pressing surface 29a and the sides 11a, 11b, and 11c (see Figure 11). In the circumferential direction of the container body 10 (the width direction of the side surfaces 11a, 11b, 11c), the pressing surface 29a is located between the pair of pressing side surfaces 29b, 29b. The upper pressing surface 29c connects the upper edges of the pressing surface 29a and the pair of pressing side surfaces 29b, 29b to the side surfaces 11a, 11b, 11c [see Figure 12(a)]. The lower pressing surface 29d connects the lower edges of the pressing surface 29a and the pair of pressing side surfaces 29b, 29b to the side surfaces 11a, 11b, 11c [see Figure 12(b)].

[0072] The pressing portions 29 that protrude radially outward from the sides 11a, 11b, and 11c have a hollow structure, and the inside of the pressing portions 29 communicates with the inside of the body portion 11 (see Figure 13). By pressing these pressing portions 29 radially inward, the pressing portions 29 are crushed and the volume of the body portion 11 is reduced. In this embodiment, the bottle container 1D has a variable volume portion 2 composed of pressing portions 29 formed on different surfaces (sides 11a, 11b, and 11c) of the body portion 11, so that the deformation direction (pressing direction) of each variable volume portion 2 (pressing portion 29) is different. This makes individual deformation possible. In this embodiment, the sides 11a, 11b, and 11c of the body portion 11 form the boundaries of each volume variable portion 2 (pressing portion 29).

[0073] In this embodiment, when the pressing portion 29 of the bottle container 1D is pressed radially inward, the pressing surface 29a is either recessed radially inward beyond the sides 11a, 11b, 11c on which the pressing portion 29 is formed, or crushed so as to be substantially flush with the sides 11a, 11b, 11c. Depending on the reduction in volume of this pressing portion 29, the contents can be discharged outside the container body 10.

[0074] From the viewpoint of making pressing the pressing portion 29 easier, it is preferable that the thickness of the pressing portion 29 is smaller than the thickness of the body portion 11. From the same viewpoint as above, the thickness of the pressing portion 29 is preferably 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or more and 300 μm or less.

[0075] Although the present invention has been described above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the configurations of the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, the bottle containers shown in Figures 1 to 10 above had at least one variable-volume section 2 with a deformation-guiding rib 3, but it is also possible for not all variable-volume sections 2 to have deformation-guiding ribs 3. In this case, individual deformation can be made more reliable by, for example, varying the wall thickness between multiple variable-volume sections 2, or by providing constrictions 15 between the variable-volume sections 2. Furthermore, the cap 6 may be detachably attached to the mouthpiece portion 14 by fitting. Alternatively, the entire outer surface of the body portion 11, which includes multiple volume-variable sections 2, may be printed with a pattern, and the appearance of the pattern may change each time one of the volume-variable sections 2 is compressed. Furthermore, the bottle container may indicate the direction of deformation by displaying symbols such as arrows. For example, an arrow labeled "direction of first pressure" and an arrow labeled "direction of second pressure" can be printed or otherwise added to the respective volume-adjustable parts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Bottle container 10 Container body 11 Torso 12 Top section 13 Bottom 14 Oral area 15. Constricted area 2 Volume Variable Section 21 Upper volume variable section 22 Connection part 23 Upper main body 26 Lower volume variable section 27 Connection part 28 Lower main body 29 Pressing part 29a Pressing surface 3. Deformation Induction Ribs 31 Horizontal Ribs 32 Inclined curved ribs 33a, 33b Inclined curved ribs 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f Inclined straight ribs 50 Check valve 51 Valve seat 51a Through hole 55 Film valve 56 Valve seat plate 56a outer periphery 56b Valve seat part 56c Support part 56d Valve seat opening 58 Ball 59 Elastic valve 59a Liquid opening 6 caps 60 Cap body 60a Top surface of the main unit 61 Lid 61a Hinge section 62 Outer cylinder 63 Inner cylinder 63b Thread 64 Nozzle section 64a Substrate section 64b Cylindrical part Z (height direction)

Claims

1. A bottle container comprising a container body in which contents are contained, The container body has a cylindrical body with a bottom and a spout for dispensing the contents. The aforementioned body is divided into a plurality of volume-variable sections that deform independently without being linked, The aforementioned multiple volume-variable parts have different deformation directions or rigidities from each other. A bottle container configured such that, as each of the variable-volume sections deforms, an amount of the contents corresponding to the reduction in volume of the variable-volume section is dispensed.

2. The bottle container according to claim 1, further comprising deformation maintenance means for preventing the volume variable portion from returning to its pre-deformation state after deformation.

3. The bottle container according to claim 2, wherein the deformation maintenance means is provided with a check valve in the neck portion that causes the contents to flow out of the container body in accordance with the internal pressure of the body portion.

4. The bottle container according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a means for suppressing interlocking deformation in which other volume variable parts deform in conjunction with the deforming volume variable part.

5. The variable volume portion is provided with deformation-guiding ribs or deformation-guiding wires that induce deformation so that it becomes concave inward. The bottle container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the direction of extension of the deformation guide rib or the deformation guide line differs between the multiple volume variable sections.

6. The bottle container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the horizontal cross-sectional shape differs between the multiple volume-variable sections.

7. The bottle container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the variable volume portion is formed on different surfaces of the body portion.

8. The bottle container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall thickness of the variable volume portion is 500 μm or less.

9. The bottle container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the bottom and the body of the container contain 80% by mass or more of the same resin.

10. The bottle container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capacity of the container body is 200 mL or more and 3000 mL or less.

11. A method of using a bottle container, which has a container body in which contents are contained, The container body has a cylindrical body with a bottom and a spout for dispensing the contents. The aforementioned body is divided into a plurality of volume-variable sections that deform independently without being linked, The aforementioned multiple volume-variable parts have different deformation directions or rigidities from each other. A method for using a bottle container, comprising deforming each of the variable volume sections to dispense an amount of the contents corresponding to the reduction in volume of the variable volume section.

12. The method of using a bottle container according to claim 11, wherein the bottle container is used to refill a container to be refilled multiple times.

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