Beverage containers

Abstract

To provide a beverage container whose upper part is inclined, allowing a user to drink up the contents of the beverage container without greatly tilting the neck and the beverage container. [Solution] The beverage container (1) comprises a container body (11), an opening (15) of the container body, and a container shoulder (12) that connects the opening to the container body at an angle relative to the longitudinal central axis of the container body, the axis of extension of the opening is inclined at an angle of 15° to 45° relative to the central axis, the container shoulder comprises a gently sloping portion and a steeply sloping portion, a spiral groove (16) is formed on the outer periphery of the opening, and a cap (4) that screws into the spiral groove is provided, and the beverage container is a polyethylene terephthalate resin container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage container, and more particularly to a beverage container having a body surface that is inclined toward the drinking spout. [Background technology]

[0002] Beverage containers are widely used to store, carry, and consume liquid beverages such as water, tea, and juice, and are available in a variety of shapes and materials depending on the situation and intended use. In particular, containers made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin are lightweight and highly moldable, making them popular as both disposable and reusable containers.

[0003] The packaging container is disclosed as a general PET bottle consisting of a synthetic resin container body and an opening at the top (see Patent Document 1). This container has a structure that is widely used for the purpose of storing and sealing the contents. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Design Registration No. 1298592 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When drinking directly from a conventional beverage container, the entire container must be tilted significantly and the user's neck must be tilted significantly backward, which can be a burden. Furthermore, with conventional beverage containers, in environments with limited space, such as the inside of a car or a place with a low ceiling, it can be difficult to tilt the container sufficiently, making it difficult to drink the entire contents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a beverage container may include a container body, an opening in the container body, and a container shoulder that connects the opening to the container body at an angle relative to the longitudinal central axis of the container body.

[0007] In the beverage container according to one embodiment of the present invention, the axis of the extension direction of the opening of the present invention may be inclined at an angle of 15° to 45° with respect to the central axis.

[0008] In one embodiment of the beverage container of the present invention, the shoulder of the container of the present invention may have a steep slope portion and a gentle slope portion that is less steep than the steep slope portion.

[0009] In one embodiment of the beverage container of the present invention, a spiral groove may be formed on the outer periphery of the opening of the beverage container of the present invention, and a cap may be provided that is screwed onto the spiral groove.

[0010] In one embodiment of the beverage container of the present invention, the beverage container of the present invention may be a container made of polyethylene terephthalate resin.

[0011] In one embodiment of the beverage container of the present invention, the beverage container of the present invention may be a baby bottle, and an artificial nipple may be attached to the opening.

[0012] In one embodiment of the beverage container of the present invention, the beverage container of the present invention may be a water bottle, and the opening may be formed with a drinking spout. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This device includes a container body, an opening on the container body, and a container shoulder that connects the opening to the container body at an angle relative to the longitudinal center axis of the container body. This allows the container to be used without tilting significantly, making it possible to drink the contents in a comfortable position even in space-constrained environments such as low-ceilinged spaces. It also minimizes neck movement, providing a comfortable feel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view of the beverage container of the embodiment with the cap portion screwed onto it. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a vertical end view of a beverage container according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing a conventional beverage container and a user of the container, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic diagram showing a beverage container of an embodiment and a user of the container. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view of a beverage container according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The beverage container 1 according to this embodiment has a container shoulder 12 at the upper end of the container body 19. The container shoulder 12 is the part that connects the sloping opening 15 to the container body 19 (see FIG. 1). The container has a smoothly continuous outer shape from the container body 11 to the opening 15, and is designed so that the opening 15 naturally faces the user's mouth.

[0016] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage container 1. The beverage container 1 includes a container body 11, a container shoulder 12, an opening 15, a spiral groove 16, a bottom 17, and a container barrel 19.

[0017] The beverage container 1 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, which is lightweight and has excellent moldability. The material of the beverage container 1 is not limited to this, and the beverage container 1 may be made of other synthetic resins such as polypropylene and polycarbonate.

[0018] The container body 11 includes a container shoulder 12, a container trunk 19, and a bottom 17. The bottom 17 is formed at the lower end of the container trunk 19, which forms the side of the container body 11, and the container shoulder 12 is formed at the upper end.

[0019] The container body 19 is a portion that constitutes the middle region of the container main body 11. The container body 19 is formed with a smooth curved surface as a whole. To improve gripping, the container body 19 can be provided with irregularities or ribs as necessary, and can be designed to fit naturally in the hand.

[0020] Bottom portion 17 is a member formed integrally with the lower end of container body 19, and constitutes the lower end surface of beverage container 1. Bottom portion 17 has a circular planar shape, and is configured to be continuous with the cylindrical shape of container body 11 as a whole. In addition, bottom portion 17 may have a convex bottom surface shape formed in the center thereof that protrudes toward the inside of container body 11.

[0021] The container shoulder 12 is formed at the upper end of the container body 19. The container shoulder 12 is a member that tilts the opening 15 at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis L1 in the longitudinal direction of the container body 11 shown in Fig. 3 (described later). The container shoulder 12 connects the container body 11 and the opening 15 and includes an inclined surface that enables the opening 15 to be arranged at an angle.

[0022] The opening 15 is a drinking spout provided at the upper end of the container shoulder 12, and functions as an outlet for pouring and drinking the beverage contained in the container body 11. The opening 15 is provided on the container shoulder 12 so that its axis in the extension direction is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal central axis L1 of the container body 11 (see Figure 3 below).

[0023] The spiral groove 16 is a threaded groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening 15, and is a component for screwing onto the cap 4. The spiral groove 16 is provided along the outer periphery of the opening 15, which is formed continuously with the upper end of the container shoulder 12. The spiral groove 16 is formed with a pitch and diameter corresponding to the cap spiral groove 41 formed on the inner peripheral surface 42 of the cap 4. Note that the manner of sealing the opening 15 is not limited to screwing onto the cap 4 as shown in the figure, and an appropriate plug or the like may also be used.

[0024] The spiral groove portion 16 may have a standard screw shape used in general resin beverage containers, and can be made compatible with existing caps.

[0025] The cap part 4 is a member that is detachably attached to the opening 15. The cap part 4 has a cap spiral groove part 41 on an inner peripheral surface 42 of the cap part 4 that screws into the spiral groove part 16 provided on the upper end of the beverage container 1. The cap part 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the cap spiral groove part 41 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 42.

[0026] The cap spiral groove portion 41 has a thread pitch and shape that correspond to the spiral groove portion 16. This allows the cap portion 4 to be screwed onto or detached from the beverage container 1. The top surface of the cap portion 4 is formed flat or circular, and is configured to close the opening 15.

[0027] 2 is a side view showing the cap portion 4 screwed onto the beverage container 1. The container shoulder portion 12 has a gently sloping portion 13 and a steeply sloping portion 14.

[0028] The gently sloping portion 13 is located at the top of the container body 19 and is a member that constitutes part of the container shoulder 12. The gently sloping portion 13 is part of the container shoulder 12 that constitutes the side surface opposite the inclination direction of the beverage container 1 with respect to the longitudinal central axis L1 of the container body 11 shown in Figure 3. The gently sloping portion 13 is formed in a shape that is continuous with the container body 19 of the container body 11 and is configured as an inclined surface that is less inclined than the steeply sloping portion 14.

[0029] The steeply inclined portion 14 is located at the top of the container body 19 and is a component that constitutes part of the container shoulder 12. The steeply inclined portion 14 constitutes a side surface that faces in the same direction as the inclination of the beverage container 1 with respect to the longitudinal central axis L1 of the container body 11, which will be described later in Figure 3. The steeply inclined portion 14 is formed continuously from the upper end of the container body 19 and has a shape that has a curved surface as a whole so that the opening 15 is positioned at an angle that faces forward and upward.

[0030] Figure 3 is a vertical end view of the main body of beverage container 1 cut from Figure 2. Central axis L1 is an imaginary line indicating the longitudinal center of container main body 11, and is defined as an axis extending vertically upward from the center of bottom 17 of beverage container 1. Inclined axis L2 is a line extending along the inside of opening 15 on the steeply inclined portion 14 side, and functions as a reference indicating the orientation of opening 15 within the entire container.

[0031] The central axis L1 and the inclined axis L2 are both set when viewed from the side from a direction in which both the gently inclined portion 13 and the steeply inclined portion 14 of the container shoulder 12 can be seen. The angle at which the central axis L1 and the inclined axis L2 intersect forms the inclination angle θ in this invention. The inclination angle θ is set in the range of 15° to 45°.

[0032] In the present invention, if the inclination angle θ is less than 15°, the inclination angle θ between the container body 11 and the opening 15 is small, and the liquid content will not easily reach the opening 15 unless the container is tilted significantly when drinking. As a result, the user will be forced to bend their wrist or arm significantly or tilt their neck, which can lead to an unstable posture when using the container. With such a small inclination, the effects of tilting the opening 15, such as improving posture and making drinking easier, are not fully realized, and the purpose of having a tilted drinking spout is diminished.

[0033] If the inclination angle θ exceeds 45°, the liquid contained in the beverage container 1 will flow out all at once at a steep angle, making it difficult to control at the mouth and potentially resulting in accidental ingestion or spillage. In addition, excessive inclination places significant restrictions on the design and manufacture of the container shape, making it difficult to maintain strength and ensuring capacity.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a container and a user 6. Fig. 4(a) shows a user 6 drinking a beverage from a conventional beverage container 5. Fig. 4(b) shows a user 6 drinking a beverage from a beverage container 1 of the embodiment. In Fig. 4, horizontal line L3 is a horizontal line based on the apex of the conventional beverage container 5 when the user tries to finish drinking the beverage. Horizontal line L4 is a horizontal line based on the apex of the beverage container 1 when the user tries to finish drinking the beverage. Double arrow L5 indicates the difference in height between L3 and L4.

[0035] 4(a) shows a state in which a user 6 is holding a conventional beverage container 5 in a hand 62 and drinking from it. In this case, the user 6 needs to significantly tilt the conventional beverage container 5 up to the height of a horizontal line L3 in order to drink the entire beverage from the container. The user 6 also needs to significantly tilt his / her neck backward in order to drink the entire beverage from the container.

[0036] 4(b) shows a state in which a user 6 is holding a beverage container 1 according to this embodiment in a hand 62 of the user 6 and drinking from it. The beverage container 1 has a shape in which the upper end is inclined forward and upward, and this inclined structure allows the drinking spout to naturally face the mouth 61 of the user 6. This allows the user 6 to finish drinking the beverage in the container by tilting the beverage container 1 up to the height of a horizontal line L4.

[0037] Compared to a conventional beverage container 5 as shown in FIG. 4(a), the beverage container 1 does not require a significant tilt of the body when drinking, as indicated by the double-headed arrow L5. The beverage container 1 allows the user 6 to finish drinking the beverage without tilting the beverage container by the amount of L5. The beverage container 1 minimizes the tilt of the neck of the user 6 to finish drinking the beverage, reducing the overall strain on the body. For users 6 with limited range of motion in the neck and arms, such as small children and the elderly, the beverage container 1 of the embodiment is more comfortable and safe to use. Furthermore, because the user 6 does not need to lift their head much when finishing drinking the beverage and the beverage container 1 does not need to be tilted significantly, it can be used without any problems even in places with low ceilings or limited space.

[0038] 5 is a side view of another embodiment of a baby bottle 2. The baby bottle 2 comprises a container body 11, a container shoulder 12, a gently sloping portion 13, a steeply sloping portion 14, a bottom 17, an upper opening 18, an artificial nipple 21, a connecting portion 22, and a suction port 23.

[0039] The baby bottle 2 according to this embodiment has a glass container body 11. The material of the container body 11 is not limited to this, and stainless steel, polypropylene, or other materials may be used as needed.

[0040] The artificial nipple 21 has a suction port 23 at its upper end, a shape that is suitable for an infant's mouth, and is configured so that the user can suck out the liquid content inside the container body 11. The artificial nipple 21 is made of a flexible and harmless material such as silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, and deforms when sucked to allow liquid to pass through, but maintains its original shape when not in use to prevent foreign matter from entering.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the artificial nipple 21 is configured to be attachable to the top end of the baby bottle 2 by being fitted into the upper opening (not shown) of the connecting part 22. This allows the artificial nipple 21 to be stably attached to the connecting part 22 by means of press-fitting, screwing, snap-fitting or the like. The artificial nipple 21 is positioned so that it is aligned with the axial direction of the connecting part 22.

[0042] The connecting part 22 is a cylindrical structure that can be connected to the upper end opening 18 of the baby bottle 2. The inner circumferential surface of the connecting part 22 is provided with a spiral groove structure (not shown) for fitting into the upper end opening 18 of the baby bottle 2.

[0043] The upper opening 18 of the baby bottle 2 is a portion having a spiral groove structure. The upper opening 18 is a member that fits with the connecting part 22 to be detachably attached to the baby bottle 2.

[0044] The baby bottle 2 according to this embodiment is configured to include a container shoulder 12, giving it an overall shape that extends diagonally toward the artificial nipple 21 at the tip. Because the entire baby bottle 2 is configured in this slanted shape, babies do not need to tilt their neck or head unnaturally when placing the baby bottle 2 in their mouth, and can breastfeed in a natural position. The slant also makes it easier for the liquid inside the baby bottle 2 to collect toward the nipple, making it less likely for the liquid to run out during feeding.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment, applied to a water bottle 3. FIG. 6 is a side view of the water bottle 3. The water bottle 3 comprises a container body 11 and a water bottle cap 36. The water bottle cap 36 comprises a container shoulder 12, a gently sloping portion 13, a steeply sloping portion 14, a spout 31, a spout cap 32, an engaging portion 33, a locking portion 34, and a hinge portion 35. The container body 11 comprises a container trunk 19 and a bottom 17. In the configuration of the water bottle 3 in FIG. 6, the water bottle cap 36 and the container body 11 are formed as separate parts and are joined together by screwing, adhesive, or the like. A boundary line 37 indicates the joining position of the water bottle cap 36 and the container body 11.

[0046] The container body 11 of the water bottle 3 is mainly made of stainless steel, which has excellent durability, heat retention, and corrosion resistance. The material of the container body 11 of the water bottle 3 is not limited to stainless steel, and metal materials such as aluminum and copper alloys can also be used depending on the application and manufacturing conditions.

[0047] The water bottle cap 36 is a member that constitutes the entire upper part of the water bottle 3, and is either integrally formed with or attached separately to the upper end of the container body 11. The water bottle cap 36 is made of a resin material.

[0048] The drinking spout 31 is located at the top of the water bottle 3 and has an opening that allows the user to directly put the liquid in their mouth. The drinking spout 31 is cylindrical and inclined at an angle that matches the inclination of the container shoulder 12 so that it can be easily held between the user's lips.

[0049] The spout cap 32 is a lid for opening and closing the spout 31, and is a component for preventing leakage of the contents and maintaining hygiene. The spout cap 32 is rotatably connected via a hinge 35, making it easy to open and close.

[0050] The spout cap 32 is provided with an engagement part 33, which engages with a locking part 34 when the lid is closed, thereby keeping the spout cap 32 closed. The locking part 34 is equipped with a switch mechanism, and when the user presses the switch on the locking part 34, the engagement state is released and the spout cap 32 is opened automatically or manually with the hinge part 35 as a fulcrum.

[0051] The water bottle cap 36 has a sloped structure similar to the container shoulder 12 of the beverage container 1. This allows the user to drink the contents with a natural wrist angle and head tilt when holding the water bottle 3 and placing their mouth on the spout 31. The sloped structure of the water bottle cap 36 makes it easier for the contents to collect at the spout 31, allowing for smooth drinking even when the amount remaining is low.

[0052] Next, one aspect of this embodiment and the effects of each aspect will be described. Note that this embodiment is not limited to the aspects described below, and may be realized by appropriately combining the above-mentioned parts. Furthermore, the effects described below are examples, and the effects of each aspect are not limited to those described below.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, a beverage container may include a container body, an opening in the container body, and a container shoulder that connects the opening to the container body at an angle relative to the longitudinal center axis of the container body, thereby allowing the container to be used without tilting significantly and allowing the user to drink the contents in a natural posture.

[0054] In one embodiment of the beverage container of the present invention, the axis of the extension direction of the opening of the beverage container may be inclined at an angle of 15° to 45° relative to the central axis, so that the opening is oriented at a natural angle toward the user's mouth, allowing the user to drink in a comfortable position.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder of the beverage container may have a steeply inclined portion and a gently inclined portion, which creates a natural continuity in the appearance of the entire container and allows the liquid to flow smoothly, reducing residual liquid.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the beverage container may have a spiral groove formed around the outer periphery of the opening, and a cap that screws onto the spiral groove, which allows the opening to be securely sealed and is suitable for repeated opening and closing and for transporting the contents.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the beverage container may be made of polyethylene terephthalate resin, which makes it possible to realize a beverage container that is lightweight, durable, moldable, and easily recyclable.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the beverage container may be a baby bottle, and an artificial nipple may be attached to the opening, allowing the baby to feed in a natural position, reducing the burden on the baby when feeding and making it easier for the baby to drink.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the beverage container may be a water bottle with a drinking spout at the opening, allowing the user to drink smoothly in a natural posture without tilting the water bottle too much or bending their neck unnaturally. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Beverage container 2 baby bottles 3 water bottles 4 Cap part 5. Conventional beverage containers 6 User 11 Container body 12 Container shoulder 13 Gentle slope section 14 Steep Slope 15 Opening 16 Spiral groove 17 Bottom 18 Top opening 19 Container body 21 Artificial nipples 22 Connection 23 Suction port 31 drinking spout 32 Drinking spout cap 33 Engagement part 34 Locking part 35 Hinge part 36 Water bottle cap 37 Borderline 41 Cap spiral groove 42 Inner surface 61 User's mouth 62 User's Hand L1 center axis L2 tilt axis L3 horizontal line L4 horizontal line L5 double arrow θ Tilt angle

Claims

1. A container main body; an opening of the container body; a container shoulder portion that connects the opening to the container body portion at an angle with respect to a longitudinal central axis of the container body portion; A beverage container characterized by:

2. 2. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the axis of the extension direction of the opening is inclined at an angle of 15° to 45° with respect to the central axis.

3. 2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the container shoulder comprises a steeply sloping portion and a gently sloping portion that is less steep than the steeply sloping portion.

4. 2. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein a spiral groove is formed on the outer periphery of the opening, and a cap portion is provided that screws onto the spiral groove.

5. 2. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the beverage container is made of polyethylene terephthalate resin.

6. 2. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the beverage container is a baby bottle and an artificial nipple is attached to the opening.

7. 2. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the beverage container is a water bottle, and the opening is formed with a drinking spout.

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