container

Abstract

To provide a container which properly absorbs internal decompression occurring when the container is filled with a high temperature content.SOLUTION: A container 2 includes a flexible body part 10 and is made of a synthetic resin. In the body part 10, when a cross sectional shape, which is perpendicular to a main axis of the body part 10, is determined by setting a first virtual circle 71 and two second virtual circles 72 provided at left and right sides of the first virtual circle 71 and each having a diameter smaller than that of the first virtual circle 71, the cross sectional shape includes a portion having a shape forming: a center part 41 passing through part of upper and lower contour lines of the first virtual circle 71; side parts 43 passing through part of left and right outer contour lines of the second virtual circles 72; and flank parts 42, each of which passes through the outer side of the first virtual circle 71 and the second virtual circle 72, connects the center part 41 with the side part 43, and has a curve protruding inward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container made of synthetic resin. [Background technology]

[0002] Synthetic resin containers are known that allow the contents to be dispensed (squeezed) by deforming the container body. These containers are used for viscous foods such as various seasonings, cosmetics, and medicines, and have been devised to satisfy many technical requirements, such as ease of filling, long shelf life of the contents, ease of dispensing, and ease of disposal.

[0003] For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a flat container made of synthetic resin for use with contents having a relatively high viscosity. It is disclosed that this flat container is prevented from abnormal deformation when filled with high-temperature contents. It is also disclosed that this flat container is easy to crush, and that the amount of contents remaining inside can be reduced.

[0004] There are various possible configurations of the container based on various design concepts to prevent abnormal deformation when filling with high-temperature contents and to reduce the amount of residual contents inside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-081559 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-081560 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention provides a container that can adequately absorb the reduced pressure inside the container that occurs when high-temperature contents are filled, and that does not undergo abnormal deformation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the container is a synthetic resin container having a flexible body portion, and the body portion has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the main axis of the body portion, which includes, when imagining a first imaginary circle and two second imaginary circles located on both the left and right sides of the first imaginary circle and having a smaller diameter than the first imaginary circle, a central portion passing through part of the upper and lower contours of the first imaginary circle, side portions passing through part of the outer left and right contours of the second imaginary circle, and portions shaped to connect the central portion and the side portions through the outside of the first and second imaginary circles and form sides having an inward convex curve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a plastic container that does not undergo abnormal deformation due to decompression after being filled with high-temperature contents. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of an example of the configuration of a capped container according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a front view showing an outline of a configuration example of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a plan view showing an outline of a configuration example of a container according to one embodiment, taken from the opening portion toward the sealing portion. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a right side view showing an outline of an example of the configuration of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a plan view showing an outline of a configuration example of a container according to one embodiment, taken from the sealing portion toward the mouth portion. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a rear view showing an outline of an example configuration of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is an end view taken along line AA in FIG. 2A, illustrating a schematic configuration example of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an end view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 2A, illustrating a schematic configuration example of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is an end view taken along line CC shown in FIG. 2A, illustrating a schematic configuration example of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is an end view taken along line DD in FIG. 2A, illustrating a schematic configuration example of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is an end view taken along line EE shown in FIG. 2A, illustrating a schematic configuration example of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the general shape of a cross section of a container according to one embodiment taken along line CC shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an outline of a configuration example of a container according to another embodiment, taken from the opening portion toward the sealing portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the layer structure of the wall portion of the container according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining the state after the content of the container of one embodiment has been pushed out, and is an end view corresponding to the line CC shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining the state after the content of the container of one embodiment has been pushed out, and is an end view corresponding to the line EE shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a lateral end view for explaining the outline of the shape of a container according to a comparative example. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a vertical end view for explaining the outline of the shape of a container according to a comparative example. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a lateral end view for illustrating the outline of the shape of a container according to a comparative example after the content has been pushed out. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a vertical end view for explaining the outline of the shape of the container according to the comparative example after the content has been pushed out. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a front view illustrating an example of dimensions of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a plan view for explaining an example of dimensions of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a right side view illustrating an example of dimensions of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the mouth of a container according to one modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment relates to a container made of synthetic resin. The container of this embodiment can be used as a container for, but is not limited to, spreads, semi-solid seasonings, etc. The container of this embodiment may also be used for other purposes, such as cosmetics and medicines.

[0011] The container of this embodiment is configured to squeeze out a relatively viscous content without leaving much of the viscous content inside the container. While not intended to be limiting, this container is particularly effective for semi-solid contents, such as tartar sauce, in which solid substances, such as granules or flakes, are dispersed. Generally, the process of removing a viscous content from a container with high viscosity is time-consuming. Even when using a squeeze container, if the container is highly rigid, a high amount of pressure is required during squeezing. When the pressure is released, the container is prone to elastic recovery, i.e., prone to suck-back, which may cause the content to flow back into the container. The squeeze container of this embodiment achieves the effect of reducing the amount of content remaining in the container.

[0012] Furthermore, the container of this embodiment provides an appropriate reaction force when squeezed, making it a container that is easy to squeeze and comfortable to use.

[0013] Furthermore, the container of this embodiment is designed to be suitable for high-temperature filling, in which the container is filled with hot contents and sealed while still hot, and therefore the container of this embodiment can appropriately absorb the reduced pressure inside the container that occurs as the contents cool after filling, thereby preventing abnormal deformation.

[0014] [Container structure] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a capped container 1 according to this embodiment. The capped container 1 comprises a container 2 and a cap 3. The container 2 has a hollow, elongated, flat shape. The container 2 is flexible and has a generally conical shape resembling the mantle of a squid. The cap 3 is provided at the front end (mouth) of the longitudinal axis of the elongated container 2. It is preferable that the surface of the cap 3 opposite the container 2 is formed with a flat surface 39. Because the cap 3 has the flat surface 39, the capped container 1 can be placed upright with this flat surface 39 facing downwards, i.e., with the mouth side of the container 2 facing downwards.

[0015] The shape of the container 2 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2E and 3A to 3E. FIG. 2A shows a front view of the container 2. FIG. 2B shows a plan view of the container 2. FIG. 2C shows a right side view of the container 2. FIG. 2D shows a bottom view of the container 2. FIG. 2E shows a rear view of the container 2. FIGS. 3A to 3E show schematic end surface shapes taken along lines AA to EE shown in FIG. 2A, respectively. That is, FIGS. 3A to 3D show the end surface shape of the container 2 in a plane perpendicular to the major axis of the container 2, and FIG. 3E shows the end surface shape of the container 2 in a vertical plane passing through the major axis of the container 2. Note that in FIGS. 3A to 3E, the thickness of the container 2 is shown thicker than it actually is for ease of viewing.

[0016] The container 2 has a body 10 and a mouth 60. The container 2 is configured so that the contents contained in the body 10 are expelled from the mouth 60. The contents are pushed out from the side of the body 10 opposite the mouth 60 (rear side) toward the mouth 60 (front side).

[0017] The body 10 is molded from a synthetic resin and has a hollow shape. As shown in FIG. 2A, the shape of the body 10 seen from the front is elongated in the front-to-rear direction. That is, assuming a main shaft extending in the front-to-rear direction, a mouth 60 is provided at the front end of the main shaft of the body 10, and a sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 is formed at the rear end of the main shaft opposite the front end. When seen from the front, the body 10 has a shape in which the central region 12 is wider than the front side 11 (the mouth 60 side) and the rear side 13 (the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 side). Therefore, both sides of the body 10 seen from the front have an outwardly convex curved shape. In this embodiment, when seen from the front, both sides of the body 10 have an outwardly convex curved shape of the container 2. That is, the body portion 10 is sealed in an approximately arc shape at the end of the rear side 13, and gradually widens from the rear side 13 toward the central region 12, reaching its widest at the widest part of the central region 12, and then gradually narrowing from there toward the front side 11.

[0018] The mouth portion 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a circular opening 61. A screw 62 is formed on the side surface of the mouth portion 60 so that the cap 3 can be attached.

[0019] The outer surface of the front side of body 10 as seen in Fig. 2A is referred to as first surface 21, and the outer surface of the back side of body 10 as seen in Fig. 2E is referred to as second surface 22. If the length in the direction perpendicular to the main axis of the container as shown in Fig. 2A is taken as the width of container 2, and the maximum value of the distance formed by first surface 21 and second surface 22 as shown in Fig. 2C is taken as the thickness of container 2, then body 10 has a flat shape in which the width is wider than the thickness, as can be seen from Figs. 3B to 3D.

[0020] 2C and 3E, the body 10 gradually becomes thicker from the rear side 13 toward the central region 12, is thickest at the bulge in the central region 12, and then gradually becomes thinner from there toward the front side 11. In the cross section of the container 2 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 3E, the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 have a curved shape that is convex outward from the container 2.

[0021] 3B to 3D, the cross-sectional shape of the body 10 perpendicular to the major axis is roughly as follows: In each of the first surface 21 and the second surface 22, the central portion 41 has a shape that generally convex outward from the container 2. The side portions 42 on both sides of the central portion 41 have a shape that convex inward from the container 2, and the side portions 42 of the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 are connected by side portions 43. The central portion 41, the side portions 42, and the side portions 43 extend in a band-like shape around the body 10 along the major axis.

[0022] The outline of the cross-sectional shape of the torso portion 10 will be further described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the outline of the outline of the torso portion 10 in the portion shown in FIG. 3C with a solid line. As shown in this figure, the cross-sectional shape of the torso portion 10 is determined by setting a first imaginary circle 71, shown by a dashed line, which defines the cross-sectional shape of the central portion 41, and two second imaginary circles 72, shown by dashed lines, which are located on both the left and right sides of the first imaginary circle 71 and have a smaller diameter than the first imaginary circle 71 and define the cross-sectional shape of the side portions 43. The outline of the central portion 41 is determined by portions of the top and bottom contour lines of the first imaginary circle 71. The outline of the side portions 43 is determined by portions of the outer left and right contour lines of the second imaginary circle 72. The outline of the side portions 42 is determined by a curve 73 that curves inwardly and passes outside the first imaginary circle 71 and second imaginary circle 72, connecting the central portion 41 and the side portions 43. The diameters of the first imaginary circle 71 and the second imaginary circle 72 and the distance between the centers of these imaginary circles vary depending on the axial position of the trunk portion 10, and as a result, the cross-sectional shape varies depending on the axial position of the trunk portion 10. By having such a cross-sectional shape, the effects described below can be obtained.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, two first ribs 33 extending in the front-to-rear direction of the body 10 are provided symmetrically with respect to the center line in the central portion 41 of the first surface 21. The first ribs 33 have a shape that convex inwardly of the container 2. Furthermore, two second ribs 34 extending in the front-to-rear direction of the body 10 are provided symmetrically with respect to the center line in the central portion 41 of the second surface 22. The second ribs 34 have a shape that convex outwardly of the container 2. The first ribs 33 and the second ribs 34 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the plane that passes between the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. The first ribs 33 and the second ribs 34 serve to reinforce the central portions 41 of the first surface 21 and the second surface 22.

[0024] 5, both the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 have a shape that convex outward from the container 2. In yet another embodiment, both the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 have a shape that convex inward from the container 2. Both rib shapes serve to reinforce the central portions 41 of the first surface 21 and the second surface 22.

[0025] The container 2 is produced, for example, by direct blow molding. Specifically, the container 2 is produced by extruding a heat-plasticized synthetic resin into a long, hollow, cylindrical parison, clamping the long, hollow, cylindrical parison between dies, and blowing air into the parison from the mouth 60 side to form a container in the shape of the die. Here, the sealed portion (pinch portion) 31 at the rear end of the body 10 is formed by clamping the parison between the dies. As shown in FIG. 3E, the sealed portion (pinch portion) 31 is sealed by bonding the first synthetic resin layer 23, which forms the first surface 21, and the second synthetic resin layer 24, which forms the second surface 22, together at their inner surfaces. In the case of direct blow molding, the sealed portion (pinch portion) 31 is bonded together while the synthetic resin is heat-softened, ensuring sufficient seal strength even when the container is relatively thick. From this sealing portion (pinch portion) 31, the first synthetic resin layer 23 and the second synthetic resin layer 24 gradually move away from each other toward the front side, and an internal space 19 is formed.

[0026] In the direct blow molding method, for example, the container is manufactured at a pressure of 0.1 kg / cm 2 The mold is closed while pressurizing the inside of the parison with low-pressure air of about 5 kg / cm 2 to seal the sealing part (pinch part) 31. 2 A container in the shape of a mold is manufactured by blowing air into the parison to expand it.

[0027] In this case, if the hollow cylindrical parison before blow molding is concentric, during the expansion process of the parison, the parison first comes into contact with the mold surface in the minor diameter direction corresponding to central portion 41 and is cooled. In contrast, side portions 43 (the connection between first surface 21 and second surface 22) and side portions 42 of first surface 21 and second surface 22 are stretched more and then come into contact with the corresponding mold surfaces and are cooled. For this reason, central portion 41 becomes relatively thick-walled, and side portions 42 and side portions 43 become relatively thin-walled.

[0028] 4, in the container 2 of this embodiment, the side portion 43 has a shape that follows the second imaginary circle 72. If blow molding were performed using a mold in which the cross-sectional shape of the side portion had a sharp, acute-angled shape, the synthetic resin might not extend to the thin corners, making it difficult to obtain a shape that corresponds to the mold. However, by making the cross-sectional shape of the side portion 43 circular, as in the container 2 of this embodiment, it is possible to accurately obtain the shape of the side portion 43 that corresponds to the mold, i.e., the designed shape, during blow molding.

[0029] The synthetic resin layer of the central portion 41 is thicker than that of the side portions 42, and furthermore, ribs are provided, so that the rigidity is higher than that of the side portions 42. In addition, although the synthetic resin layer of the side portions 43 is relatively thin, it has a curved shape with a small radius of curvature, which forms a pillar structure, so that the rigidity of the side portions 43 is higher than that of the side portions 42.

[0030] The central portion 41, the side portions 42, and the side portions 43, which extend in a strip shape along the main axis of the body portion 10, are smoothly connected to the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 at the rear end of the body portion 10. That is, the central portions 41 of the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 smoothly extend to the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 and are bonded together at the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31. The side portions 43 are connected to the edges on both sides of the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31. That is, the space surrounded by the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 and the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 is smoothly connected to the space surrounded by the side portions 43 and the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. More specifically, the inner edge of the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31, which has a width of several millimeters, is inclined at its front side toward the inner surface of the side portion 43. The connection between the inner edge of this inclined portion and the inner surface of side portion 43 forms an obtuse angle, and the inner edge of sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 smoothly connects to the inner surface of side portion 43. The smooth connection from the inner edge of sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 to the inner surface of side portion 43 prevents defects such as pinholes from opening in this portion, resulting in high moldability.

[0031] The body portion 10 is flattened at the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31, and therefore the value W / D, which represents the flatness of the body portion 10 and is calculated by dividing the width W of the body portion 10 by the thickness D, is large at the rear side 13. On the other hand, at the front side 11, the value W / D, which represents the flatness, decreases toward the circular mouth portion 60. Accordingly, the value W / D, which represents the flatness, gradually decreases from the rear side 13 toward the front side 11.

[0032] For example, in the rear side 13, the value W / D representing the flatness is, for example, about 1.42 to 1.60, in the central region 12 including the widest part, the value W / D is, for example, about 1.29 to 1.35, and in the front side 11 close to the mouth 60, the value W / D is, for example, about 1.19 to 1.28.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2A and 3A, a recess 36 is provided in the central portion 41 of the first surface 21 adjacent to the mouth portion 60. The recess 36 is a portion used during capping. Specifically, during the process of capping the mouth portion 60 after filling the container 2 with high-temperature contents, torsional stress is generated in the container 2 due to rotation. For containers whose elastic modulus has decreased due to filling with high-temperature contents, the torsional stress caused by rotation can cause the container itself to twist or collapse, resulting in significant deformation. One solution to this problem is to form a recess 36 near the mouth portion 60 of the container 2 and use a jig that engages with and holds this portion during capping to prevent the container 2 from rotating. In other words, by forming an effective anti-rotation portion near the thick-walled mouth portion 60, the container 2 can be reliably capped after filling with high-temperature contents. In particular, when high-temperature filling is performed as described above, the container 2 becomes soft, so the recess 36 is used as an effective means of preventing the container 2 from rotating.

[0034] In this example, the cap 3 is attached to the container 2 using the screw 62. However, the method of sealing the container is not limited to this, and in the case of a push-on cap, the cap 3 may be configured to be screwed onto the container 2.

[0035] The synthetic resin constituting the container 2 is a multilayer structure containing at least an olefin resin constituting the inner and outer layers, a gas barrier resin layer, an adhesive resin layer, and a regrind resin layer. The regrind resin layer preferably contains at least an olefin resin. The polyolefin resin constituting the inner and outer layers has a melt flow rate (190°C, 2.16 kg load) in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 g / 10 min and a density of 0.900 g / cm3 in order to prevent drawdown during molding. 3 More than 0.990 g / cm 3 Preferably, the resin is an olefin resin having a molecular weight of less than 1000, and in particular, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high pressure low density polyethylene, and linear low density polyethylene can be suitably used.

[0036] In addition, in the multilayer container of the present invention, the polyethylene resin constituting the inner and outer layers is preferably a petroleum-derived polyethylene resin from the viewpoint of product cost, but of course a plant-derived polyethylene resin or a blend of a plant-derived polyethylene resin and a petroleum-derived polyethylene resin may also be used from the viewpoint of environmental compatibility, etc. When using this plant-derived polyethylene, its content can be adjusted based on the biomass ratio determined by C14 radiocarbon dating.

[0037] Furthermore, in the multilayer container of the present invention, a gas barrier resin layer is formed as an intermediate layer between the inner and outer olefin resin layers, thereby effectively suppressing oxidative degradation of the contents due to oxygen permeation. Examples of such gas barrier resins include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers) and aromatic polyamides. Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers are particularly preferred because of their high oxygen barrier properties. Preferred ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers are generally saponified copolymers obtained by saponifying an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having an ethylene content of 20 to 60 mol%, particularly 25 to 50 mol%, to a saponification degree of 96 mol% or higher, particularly 99 mol% or higher. The gas barrier resin layer preferably accounts for 1 to 10% by mass of the entire container, although this is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the thickness of the container body wall (thinnest wall portion) is generally preferably in the range of 1 to 20 μm. When multiple gas barrier resin layers are formed, the total thickness should be within the above range.

[0038] An example of the configuration of the synthetic resin forming the container 2 is shown in Figure 6. As shown in this figure, the container 2 has a multi-layer structure. For example, the container 2 includes, from the inside out, a first layer 81 made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a second layer 82 containing an adhesive material, a third layer 83 made of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), a fourth layer 84 containing an adhesive material, and a fifth layer 85 made of LDPE. In this way, the container 2 has a configuration in which the LDPE and EVOH are bonded together with the adhesive material.

[0039] The thickness of the container 2 is determined taking into consideration, for example, the strength of the container 2, the gas barrier properties, the amount of material used, the magnitude of the repulsive force generated when pushing the container 2 to push out the contents, etc. The thickness is, for example, 0.3 to 0.7 mm.

[0040] [Decompression absorption during high-temperature filling] As an example, the container 2 of this embodiment is filled with high-temperature contents. That is, the container 2 is filled with heated contents through the opening 61 of the mouth portion 60, and then the opening 61 is sealed. At this time, the contents are heated to, for example, about 75 to 80°C. After sealing, the container 2 filled with the contents is cooled, and as the temperature of the contents drops, the volumes of the contents and headspace gas contract, causing the pressure inside the container 2 to decrease. As a result, the container 2 absorbs the reduced pressure and deforms.

[0041] In the container 2, the central portion 41 has an outwardly convex shape and is reinforced by the first rib 33 and the second rib 34, while the side portions 42 have an inwardly convex shape, are thin, and are easily deformed inward. Although the side portions 43 are also thin, they are the joints between the side portions 42 of the first surface 21 and the side portions 42 of the second surface 22, and have a curved shape with a small radius of curvature that is outwardly convex, as shown by the second imaginary circle 72 in FIG. 4, forming a strong columnar structure. This suppresses decompression deformation that would cause the side portions 43 to collapse. Furthermore, as the side portions 42 deform inward due to reduced pressure inside the container 2, the columnar structure of the side portions 43 becomes stronger, further increasing the tendency for the side portions 42 to be selectively deformed.

[0042] As a result of the above, only the side portions 42 are selectively more likely to absorb and deform due to reduced pressure during cooling after high-temperature filling, and as a result, large deformation of the container that would destroy its commercial value is avoided. In other words, in the container 2 of this embodiment, the side portions 42, which are curved inward at the locations that have been stretched and thinned during blow molding, are identified as areas that are more likely to deform during reduced pressure, and this effectively and neatly absorbs the reduced pressure deformation that occurs during cooling after high-temperature filling.

[0043] The thickness of the four side portions 42 sandwiched between the two upper and lower central portions 41 regions and the two left and right side portion 43 regions may vary slightly during the manufacturing process, and the thicknesses of the four side portions 42 may not be completely consistent. However, compared to the central portion 41 with ribs and the side portions 43 that form a pillar structure and tend to become stronger with decompression deformation, the four side portions 42 are relatively and selectively susceptible to deformation. As a result, in the body 10, only the four side portions 42 absorb and deform under decompression, and the shape deformation of the container 2 is stable.

[0044] In this way, the container 2 of this embodiment combines differences in the thickness of the synthetic resin layer depending on the location and differences in rigidity (hardness) depending on the shape, thereby achieving stable pressure reduction absorption deformation and stable discharge of viscous contents.

[0045] [Container deformation when squeezed] The dischargeability of the contents will now be described. A consumer presses the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 of the container 2 to discharge the contents from the opening 61. In this case, the container 2 of this embodiment is characterized by a flat cross section, and the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 provide the central portions 41 of the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 with appropriate rigidity (hardness), while the side portions 42 are thin-walled, making them easy to deform selectively. Therefore, when pressing to squeeze out the contents of the container 2, the side portions 42 deform selectively, which generates an appropriate repulsive force when crushing.

[0046] The rear side 13, which has a relatively small blow ratio, is thick and has high rigidity (hard), and is formed without ribs, whereas the central region 12, which has a relatively large blow ratio, is relatively thin and has low rigidity (soft), and ribs are provided, thereby obtaining a uniform reaction force throughout the entire front-to-back direction of the container 2, and providing a uniform pushing feeling. From the above, the container 2 is a container that is comfortable to use and easy to squeeze out.

[0047] Focusing on the container shape shown in FIG. 2A, the rear end is semicircular, gradually widening from the rear side 13 toward the central region 12. This allows the consumer to push the contents radially forward from the rear end. This shape of the rear end also contributes to preventing the contents from remaining in the container. In particular, when the contents contain a solid substance dispersed in a semisolid substance, the solid contents are likely to get caught depending on their shape. However, with a smoothly curved shape like that of this embodiment, there are fewer areas where the solid contents can get caught, resulting in the effect of preventing the solid contents from remaining behind.

[0048] Furthermore, looking from the rear side 13 to the central region 12 of the container 2, the width formed by the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 increases monotonically from the rear end toward the front, all the way to the widest part of the body 10 where the width is the widest. This shape in which the width increases monotonically is effective in achieving the effect of smooth squeezing from the rear side 13 toward the central region 12. Furthermore, by monotonically narrowing the width at the front side 11 toward the narrowed mouth 60, the curved surface up to the mouth 60 is smoothed, resulting in the effect of smooth squeezing of the contents.

[0049] The area around the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 at the rear end is an area that is not stretched much during blow molding, and is a portion where the synthetic resin layer is relatively thick and hard. Considering the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the parting surface, as shown in Fig. 3E, the container 2 of this embodiment has a thin, flat structure around the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 that is easily crushed, making it easy to squeeze out the contents.

[0050] As described above, the container 2 has a shape in which the value W / D, which represents the degree of flatness obtained by dividing the width W of the body 10 by the thickness D, gradually decreases from the flat rear side 13 to the front side 11 where the mouth 60 having a circular cross-sectional shape is located. By having such a shape, the degree of flattening is reduced in the relatively easily crushed region from the central region 12, which has a high blow ratio and is easily deformed, to the front side 11, thereby ensuring the capacity of the container 2. Furthermore, by making the cross-sectional shape closer to a circle at the front side 11, the curved surface up to the mouth 60 is smoothed, which has the effect of allowing the contents to be squeezed out smoothly.

[0051] Furthermore, the area near the mouth 60 on the front side 11 of the body 10 is relatively hard and difficult to crush due to the cylindrical shape of the mouth 60. However, the first surface 21 is prone to bending starting from the valley fold shape of the depression 36 provided in this area, making it easier to crush compared to a case where the depression 36 is not present. During capping, a jig is inserted into the depression 36, and the force applied is a torsional stress, not a force that pinches and crushes the first surface 21 and the second surface 22, so the presence of the depression 36 does not make this area more susceptible to deformation.

[0052] The cross-sectional shape of the container after the contents have been expelled is shown in Figures 7A and 7B. Figure 7A shows the state of the cross section shown in Figure 3C after the contents have been expelled, and Figure 7B shows the state of the cross section shown in Figure 3E after the contents have been expelled. As shown in these figures, the first synthetic resin layer 23 forming the first surface 21 of the container 2 is turned over so that the first surface 21 matches the shape of the second surface 22, and the container is folded without leaving any space inside. Therefore, after the consumer pushes out the contents, almost no contents remain inside the container 2.

[0053] Here, the pillar structure of the side portion 43 is difficult to bend in the central axis direction and has a stable shape, and the surface that makes up the soft side portion 42 rotates, for example, from the first surface 21 side to the second surface 22 side, around the pillar structure of the side portion 43 that is arranged elongated in the front-to-back direction, reducing the internal volume of the container 2, and eventually the first surface 21 is completely crushed toward the second surface 22 side.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3C, even when the contents are filled, the shape of side portion 43 in cross section generally has an acute interior angle, and since it is thin-walled, after the contents are discharged, side portion 43 is collapsed without creating a space inside, as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0055] In the front view shown in Fig. 2A, the central region 12 has a curved shape with a wide width, and in the side view shown in Fig. 2C, the central region 12 also has a curved shape with a thicker width, and due to these curved shapes, the shape of the crushed container 2 becomes boat-like, as shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B. This shape is stable, with almost no gaps, and almost no contents remain inside the container 2.

[0056] The first rib 33 and the second rib 34 are reinforcing structures for the first surface 21 and the second surface 22, and these ribs also have the effect of stabilizing the folded shape.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first rib 33 has an inwardly convex shape, and the second rib 34 has an outwardly convex shape. Therefore, the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 overlap when folded, and almost no contents remain in that area.

[0058] Consider the process from when container 2 is full to when the contents are gradually expelled until container 2 is finally empty. At first, the consumer may press any position on container 2 to push out the contents. However, once the amount of contents has decreased to a certain extent, it is assumed that the consumer will squash container 2 from rear side 13 to front side 11 so as not to leave any contents inside container 2.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3E, when the contents are filled, the content storage space near the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 of the rear side 13 is a space formed by the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 being close to each other and spaced apart narrowly, and as shown in FIG. 7B, after the contents are discharged, the rear side 13 is crushed without creating any extra space inside, and then gradually crushed from the rear end toward the front.

[0060] The rear side 13, where the synthetic resin layer is relatively hard, originally has a flat shape and is therefore easy to maintain its crushed shape. The ribs also improve the strength of the central region 12, where the synthetic resin layer is relatively soft, making it easier to maintain its crushed shape. In other words, when the body 10 is crushed starting from the rear side 13, the crushed shape is easily maintained. For these reasons, there is no need to re-crush the container 2 when it is used repeatedly, and crushability is improved not only in the cross-sectional direction of the container but also in the axial direction of the container.

[0061] At this time, the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 are provided linearly in the front-to-rear direction, so that they also function to guide the contents from the back to the front. In particular, when the contents are a semi-solid substance in which a solid substance is dispersed, they also function to guide the solid from the back to the front.

[0062] The presence of the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 gives the body 10 an appropriate hardness, and the presence of the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 also has the effect of maintaining the shape of the body 10 after the contents are pushed out (the container 2 is crushed). In other words, when the rear side 13 of the container 2 is crushed and the contents of the rear side 13 are pushed out to the front side 11, this crushed shape tends to propagate in the direction of the front side 11 along which the contents move, and the squeezing effect tends to be promoted.

[0063] Since the shape of the crushed container 2 is deformed into a boat shape, a fixed flow direction for the contents is ensured in the process of pushing the contents from the rear end of the rear side 13 towards the mouth 60 of the front side 11, and the contents move along this flow line while also shortening the distance they move, which has the advantage of ensuring a stable amount of squeezed out with an appropriate pressing force.

[0064] A comparative example will be further described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8A shows an end view of container 100 filled with the contents according to the comparative example, corresponding to Fig. 3C, and Fig. 8B shows an end view of container 100 filled with the contents according to the comparative example, corresponding to Fig. 3E. Fig. 9A shows an end view of container 100 from which the contents according to the comparative example have been expelled, corresponding to Fig. 7A, and Fig. 9B shows an end view of container 100 from which the contents according to the comparative example have been expelled, corresponding to Fig. 7B.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 3C, the container 2 according to this embodiment has side portions 42 that convex inward, and the thicknesses of the side portions 42 and side portions 43 are relatively thin, so that the side portions 43 become the starting point of the hinge portion and are easily crushed, as shown in Fig. 7A. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 8A, the side portions 143 of the container 100 according to the comparative example are round and thick, so that the side portions 143 of the container 100 according to the comparative example are less likely to be crushed, and when crushed, a space remains inside, leaving behind residue, as shown in Fig. 9A.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3E, in the container 2 of this embodiment, a sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 forms a plate-like seal portion formed by bonding a synthetic resin layer, and the synthetic resin layer extends directly toward the mouth portion 60. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the rear side 13 of the container 2 of this embodiment is easily crushed. In contrast, the container 100 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8B has a bottom 113, and the sealing portion (pinch portion) 131 formed by bonding the parison is formed in the center of the bottom with the wall surface facing the bottom. Therefore, the bottom 113 of the container 100 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 9B is less likely to be crushed. Even if crushed, it leaves internal space at the bottom corners and is crushed into a shape that is likely to leave residue. Thus, the container 2 of this embodiment is characterized in that both the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 face outward relative to the main axis of the container 2.

[0067] In the above description, the first surface 21 is depressed toward the second surface 22 when the contents are discharged, but the depression pattern is not limited to this. In other words, the second surface 22 may be depressed toward the first surface 21.

[0068] The container 2 of this embodiment is filled with high-temperature contents. Generally, containers that are filled at high temperatures use a relatively thick synthetic resin layer in consideration of high-temperature resistance, etc. This tends to make the container relatively hard, making it difficult to squeeze out the contents without leaving any residue. In contrast, the container 2 of this embodiment is configured so that, by devising its shape, it is possible to squeeze out the contents without leaving any residue, even from a container made of a relatively hard synthetic resin layer.

[0069] [Container dimensions] Next, an example of the dimensions of the container 2 will be described with reference to Figures 10A to 10C. The dimensions shown here are just an example, and this embodiment is not limited to these dimensions.

[0070] The overall length L1 of the container 2 in the longitudinal direction is, for example, 178 mm, and may be 150 mm to 200 mm. The length L2 of the mouth portion 60 in the longitudinal direction is, for example, 17 mm, and may be 12 mm to 20 mm. The length L3 of the body 10 in the longitudinal direction is, for example, 161 mm, and may be 110 mm to 180 mm. The width L4 of the widest part of the body 10 is, for example, 56 mm, and may be between 40 mm and 65 mm. The thickness L5 of the thickest part of the body 10 is, for example, 42 mm, and may be 30 mm to 50 mm. Therefore, the width L4 is, for example, 1.3 times the thickness L5, and may be 1.2 to 1.4 times.

[0071] The maximum width L9 of the central portion 41 is, for example, 34 mm, and may be 24 mm to 38 mm. The maximum width L10 of the side portion 42 is, for example, 8 mm, and may be 6 mm to 12 mm. The radius of curvature R1 of the outwardly convex central portion 41 of the body 10 varies depending on the location, but is, for example, 21 mm at the widest portion, and may be, for example, 14 mm to 24 mm. The radius of curvature R2 of the inwardly convex sides 42 of the body 10 varies depending on the location, but is, for example, 23 mm at the widest part, and may be, for example, 18 mm to 25 mm. The radius of curvature R3 of the outwardly convex side portion 43 of the body 10 varies depending on the location, but is, for example, 5 mm at the widest portion, and may be, for example, 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0072] The distance L6 from the end of the container 2 on the mouth 60 side to the front ends of the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 is, for example, 38 mm, and may be 35 mm to 40 mm. The length L7 of the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 in the longitudinal direction is, for example, 127 mm, and may be, for example, 87 mm to 142 mm. The radius of curvature R4 of the inwardly convex first rib 33 is, for example, 3 mm, and may be 2 mm to 4 mm. The radius of curvature R5 of the outwardly convex second rib 34 is, for example, 3 mm, and may be 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0073] The width L8 of the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 is, for example, 3 mm, and may be 2 mm to 5 mm. In the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31, the angle θ1 formed between the main axis of the container 2 and the first surface 21 is, for example, 26°, and may be in the range of 15° to 30°.

[0074] The volume of the container 2 is, for example, 150 ml, and may be between 50 ml and 200 ml.

[0075] [Variations] A modification of the above-described embodiment will be described below. Only the differences will be described here, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] A schematic front view of the mouth 60 of a container 2 according to one modified example is shown in Fig. 11. As shown in this figure, the threads 66 of the mouth 60 according to this embodiment end at a central portion 69 that is an extension of the central portion 41 of the first surface 21 or the second surface 22, and no threads 66 are formed in this portion. According to this modified example, the mouth 60 is easily crushed and deformed at the central portion 69 where no threads 66 are formed, due to the thrust when the contents are dispensed. As a result, it becomes easier for the consumer to crush the entire mouth 60, which reduces the amount of contents remaining in the mouth 60 after extrusion.

[0077] The thread 66 may be interrupted at a portion on both the first surface 21 side and the second surface 22 side. In consideration of the stability of the attachment of the cap 3, it is preferable that the thread 66 be interrupted at one location. In this case, the thread 66 may be interrupted on the center line of either the first surface 21 side or the second surface 22 side.

[0078] In another variation, the recess 36 provided near the mouth 60 of the body 10 may not be provided if it is not used to prevent rotation of the container 2 during capping. Also, the recess 36 may be provided on both the first surface 21 and the second surface 22.

[0079] In another variation, a through-hole may be provided in the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 at the rear end of the body 10. Also, a hook-shaped exterior may be added to the rear end of the body 10. These holes or hooks can be used, for example, when hanging a product on a rod for display at the time of sale. The rear end of the container 2 of this embodiment is not shaped to be self-supporting, so it is suitable for having a hole or hook formed therein.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 is arc-shaped, but this is not limiting. The sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 may also be linear. If the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 3E gradually widens from the rear end, it may be possible to achieve ease of pushing out the rear end. However, as described above, by providing the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 in an arc shape, the contents can be pushed out radially, further improving ease of pushing out the contents for consumers.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the container 2 is formed by direct blow molding, but the method of molding the container is not limited to this. Various methods such as extrusion tube molding can also be used. Therefore, for example, the rear end of the container 2 is not limited to molding the sealing portion (pinch portion) 31 sandwiched between molds.

[0082] Regardless of the shape of the rear side 13 of the container 2, as long as the body 10 has a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIGS. 3B to 3D , the side portions 42 provide a vacuum absorption effect and reduce residue when the contents are extruded. While the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 are preferably provided, the first rib 33 and the second rib 34 are not necessary. The cross-sectional shape of the body 10 is wider than its thickness, with the widthwise central portion 41 convex outward and the side portions 42 convex inward, providing a vacuum absorption effect by the side portions 42 and reducing residue when the contents are extruded. Regardless of the shape or thickness of the side portions 43, the widthwise central portion 41 convex outward and the side portions 42 convex inward provides a vacuum absorption effect. In the cross-section of the container 2 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 3E , the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 have a curved shape that convex outward from the container 2, but the curved shape is not limited to this.

[0083] Furthermore, regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the body 10, if the shape of the rear side 13 of the container 2 is as described above, the effect of reducing residue on the rear side 13 when the contents are extruded can be obtained.

[0084] The above-described modifications may be applied in combination with each other.

[0085] The present invention has been described above by showing preferred embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 container with cap 2 containers 3 Cap 10. Torso 11 Front 12 Central area 13 Rear side 19 Interior Space 21 First Side 22 Second Side 23 First synthetic resin layer 24 Second synthetic resin layer 31 Sealing part (pinch part) 33 First Rib 34 Second Rib 36 Depression 39 plane 41 Central part 42 Side 43 Side 60 Mouth 61 Aperture 62 screws 71 First imaginary circle defining the outline of the central part 72 Second imaginary circle defining the outline of the side 73 Curve that defines the outline of the armpit

Claims

1. A synthetic resin container having a flexible body, The body portion has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the main axis of the body portion, When a first imaginary circle and two second imaginary circles, each having a diameter smaller than that of the first imaginary circle and provided on both the left and right sides of the first imaginary circle, are assumed, a central portion passing through a part of the upper and lower contour lines of the first imaginary circle; a side portion passing through a part of the left and right outer contour lines of the second imaginary circle; a side portion that passes outside the first imaginary circle and the second imaginary circle, connects the central portion and the side portion, and has an inwardly convex curve; and a portion shaped to form the central portion, the side portions, and the lateral portions extend along the main axis of the body; the central portion is thicker than the side portions and the lateral portions, At the widest part of the body, The radius of curvature R1 of the outwardly convex central portion is 14 mm to 24 mm, The radius of curvature R2 of the inwardly convex side portion is 18 mm to 25 mm, The radius of curvature R3 of the outwardly convex side portion is 3 mm to 6 mm. container.

2. The container according to claim 1 , wherein the central portion has an area having a higher rigidity than the side portions.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central portion is provided with a rib for reinforcing the central portion.

4. 4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the width of the body in the left-right direction increases monotonically from a sealing portion provided at one end of the main shaft of the body to a wide portion of the body that is the widest portion, and then decreases monotonically from the wide portion to a mouth portion provided at the other end of the main shaft of the body.

5. 5. A container according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the body in the vertical direction increases monotonically from a sealing portion provided at one end of the main axis of the body to a bulging portion where the body is thickest, and decreases monotonically from the bulging portion to a mouth portion provided at the other end of the main axis of the body.

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