Container and cap

Abstract

To provide a container which can effectively inhibit leakage of a content from a discharge hole, and to provide a cap.SOLUTION: A container 1 of the invention includes: a container body 10 which has a mouth neck part 12 and a flexible body part 11 and houses a content; and a cap 2 attached to the mouth neck part 12. The cap 2 includes: a cap body 3 including a discharge hole 36 of the content; and a lid body 4. In a plan view of the cap body 3, the discharge hole 36 has a shape elongated in one direction. The cap body 3 has: a pedestal part 34 having a step formed between itself and an outer periphery part of a top surface part 33; and a nozzle part 35 which protrudes from the pedestal part 34 to the side opposite to the container body 10 and has a cross sectional shape elongated in the same direction as the one direction. The discharge hole 36 is formed at a tip of the nozzle part 35. The lid body 4 is provided with a seal cylinder part 44. In a lid closed state, a gap between the pedestal part 34 and the seal cylinder part 44 is sealed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container including a container body and a cap, and a cap attached to the neck portion of the container body.

Background Art

[0002] Liquid substances such as facial cleansers are stored and distributed in a container having a container body with a storage space and a discharge hole communicating with the storage space. As such a container, there is known one provided with a closing member for closing the opening of the neck portion of the container, and a discharge hole that is long in one direction provided in the closing member. Also, there is known one provided with a cap for sealing the neck portion of the container, and a discharge hole that is long in one direction provided in the cap. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tube container in which the tip of the mouth-neck portion made of synthetic resin is a square tubular body.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a hinge cap including a closure body having a spout with an elongated opening as a member for sealing the opening of the container, and a lid body having a spout cover for covering the spout.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Containers equipped with a long, unidirectional discharge hole tend to leak their contents from the discharge hole, and even during the first use, the contents may adhere to the inner surface of the lid. In particular, containers such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in which the nozzle portion protrudes from the neck portion or the top surface of the cap body, may leak their contents from the discharge hole even when the lid is closed.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to providing a container and cap that can effectively prevent the contents from leaking out of the discharge hole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a container comprising a container body having a neck portion and a flexible body portion and containing contents, and a cap attached to the neck portion. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the cap has a cap body having an attachment portion for the neck portion and a discharge hole for the contents, and a lid for opening and closing the discharge hole. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the discharge hole is elongated in one direction when viewed in plan of the cap body. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the cap body has a base portion having a step between it and the outer circumference of the top surface portion, and a nozzle portion that protrudes from the base portion toward the opposite side of the container body and has a cross-sectional shape that is long in the same direction as the aforementioned one direction. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the discharge hole is formed at the tip of the nozzle portion. In one embodiment, the lid is provided with a sealing cylinder portion, and it is preferable that the space between the base portion and the sealing cylinder portion is sealed when the lid is closed.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a cap that is attached to the neck portion of a container body. As one embodiment, A cap body having an attachment portion for the neck portion and a dispensing hole for the contents contained in the container body, It is preferable that the device has a lid that opens and closes the discharge hole. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the discharge hole is elongated in one direction when viewed in plan of the cap body. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the cap body has a base portion having a step between it and the outer circumference of the top surface portion, and a nozzle portion that protrudes from the base portion toward the opposite side of the container body and has a cross-sectional shape that is long in the same direction as the aforementioned one direction. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the discharge hole is formed at the tip of the nozzle portion. In one embodiment, the lid is provided with a sealing cylinder portion, and it is preferable that the space between the base portion and the sealing cylinder portion is sealed when the lid is closed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The container and cap of the present invention effectively prevent the contents from leaking out of the discharge hole. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view showing the container of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cap shown in Figure 1 in the open position, viewed from the horizontal. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top-down perspective view of the cap shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the cap shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the nozzle and base sections shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the second direction showing the part of the container shown in Figure 1 to which the cap is attached. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the first direction showing the part of the container shown in Figure 1 to which the cap is attached. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is an enlarged plan view of the lid protrusion shown in Figure 4, and Figure 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 8(a). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the usage state of the container shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the container and the line of sight of the user in the usage state of the container shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of the cap showing the state where the opened lid is locked. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the cap shown in FIG. 11 as viewed from below.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on its preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a container 1 which is an embodiment of the container of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the container 1 of the present embodiment is a tube container for storing contents (not shown), and includes a container body 10 formed of a cylindrical tube made of synthetic resin, and a cap 2 attached to the container body 10. The container body 10 has a flexible body portion 11 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "body portion 11") having a storage space 10S for the contents stored in the container 1. The body portion 11 is a cylindrical body that is long in one direction, and one end in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 11 is closed by an end seal portion 16. The end seal portion 16 is formed by joining the inner surfaces of one end in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 11. For the formation of the end seal portion 16, known joining means such as heat fusion or ultrasonic waves can be used.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the container body 10 has a neck portion forming member 14 fixed to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 11 which is a cylindrical body, that is, the end opposite to the end seal portion 16. The neck portion forming member 14 includes a neck portion 12 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the body portion 11, and a frustoconical shoulder portion 13 connected to the neck portion 12 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). In the container 1, the shoulder portion 13 is located between the body portion 11 and the neck portion 12. The neck portion 12 has a cylindrical shape having a flow path for discharging the contents of the container 1 inside, and has an opening for connecting the flow path to the outside. The neck portion 12 is located further outward in the longitudinal direction of the container 1 than the shoulder portion 13. A threaded portion 12a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the neck portion 12, onto which the cap body 3, described later, is screwed. The interiors of the neck portion 12 and the shoulder portion 13 are in communication with the storage space 10S within the body portion 11, and when the contents are dispensed from the container 1, the contents move from the storage space 10S through the shoulder portion 13 toward the opening of the neck portion 12.

[0013] The body portion 11 in this embodiment is a tubular body that can be deformed by pressure (squeezed). That is, the body portion 11 has flexibility that allows it to be compressed by pressure. As a result of this pressure, the internal pressure of the body portion 11 (pressure in the storage space 10S) increases, allowing the contents stored in the container body 10 (body portion 11) to be discharged to the outside of the container 1. From the viewpoint of more reliably obtaining compressive deformability, it is preferable that the body portion 11 comprises a resin layer made of a flexible resin. Examples of flexible resins include polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The body portion 11 may also be composed of a laminate or composite including a resin layer and a barrier layer. As the barrier layer, a layer made of aluminum foil or a barrier resin can be used.

[0014] In this embodiment, the container 1 has a longitudinal direction in which the container body 10 (body portion 11) coincides with the discharge direction V in which the contents contained in the container 1 are discharged to the outside. In the container body 10, the discharge direction V is the direction from the body portion 11 toward the neck portion 12.

[0015] In container 1, the cap 2 is attached to the neck portion 12 of the container body 10 (see Figures 6 and 7). The cap 2 comprises a cap body 3 and a lid 4 connected to the cap body 3 via a hinge portion 5 (not shown in Figures 6 and 7). Both the cap body 3 and the lid 4 have a substantially circular shape in plan view (see Figure 4). The cap body 3 comprises a top surface portion 33, a mounting portion 38 that screws into the neck portion 12, and an outer cylinder 30 that has a gap between it and the mounting portion 38 and surrounds the mounting portion 38. The mounting portion 38 and the outer cylinder 30 are cylindrical portions that protrude from the top surface portion 33 toward the container body 10 in the longitudinal direction of the container 1. A cap-side threaded portion 38a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting portion 38, which screws into the threaded portion 12a of the neck portion 12. The cap body 3 is attached to the neck portion 12 via the mounting portion 38. The outer cylinder 30 forms the outer circumferential surface of the cap body 3 and protrudes toward the container body 10 from the periphery of the top surface portion 33 when the lid 4 of the cap 2 is closed. In this embodiment, the outer cylinder 30 has a recessed portion 30a in which a part of the circumferential direction of the cap body 3 is recessed radially inward (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0016] The cap body 3 of this embodiment includes an inner cylinder 37 that is spaced apart from the mounting portion 38 and surrounded by the mounting portion 38. The inner cylinder 37 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the top surface portion 33 toward the container body 10 when the lid is closed, and its protruding length is shorter than that of the mounting portion 38. The inner cylinder 37 of this embodiment has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the neck portion 12, and when the cap body 3 is attached to the neck portion 12, the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 37 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the neck portion 12 (see Figures 6 and 7). Such a configuration is preferable in that it can seal the neck portion 12 in a liquid-tight manner.

[0017] In this embodiment, the top surface 33 of the cap body 3 has an annular recess 31 formed along the periphery of the top surface 33 (see Figure 3). The annular recess 31 is formed on the surface of the top surface 33 that faces the lid 4. When the lid is closed, the end edge of the outer lid cylinder 40, which will be described later, that faces the container body 10 comes into contact with the annular recess 31 (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0018] The cap body 3 of this embodiment has a nozzle portion 35 that protrudes from the top surface portion 33 on the side opposite to the container body 10. The nozzle portion 35 has a shape that is elongated in one direction when viewed from above, and its cross-sectional shape (horizontal cross-sectional shape) is also elongated in that direction (see Figures 2 and 3). The nozzle portion 35 is a cylindrical part, and a discharge hole 36 is formed at its tip for discharging the contents to the outside of the container 1. When the nozzle portion 35 is viewed from the second direction D2, which will be described later, the protruding height of the nozzle portion 35 is constant (see Figure 2). That is, the tip of the nozzle portion 35 is parallel to the horizontal direction and extends along that horizontal direction. This makes it possible to stabilize the discharge of the contents C when the contents that have moved to the neck portion 12 are discharged to the outside of the container 1 from the discharge hole 36 of the nozzle portion 35.

[0019] In a plan view, the discharge hole 36 has a shape that is elongated in one direction. In a plan view of the cap 2, the longitudinal direction of the discharge hole 36 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the nozzle portion 35 (see Figure 4). With this configuration, the container 1 can discharge the contents C from the discharge hole 36 in a wide area, so that the contents C can be applied uniformly and over a wide area. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the discharge hole 36 will also be referred to as the hole longitudinal direction LD.

[0020] From the viewpoint of maintaining ease of operation when dispensing the contents C while applying the contents C over a wider area, the dimensions of the dispensing hole 36 are preferably within the following range. In a plan view, the length L1 (see Figure 5) of the discharge hole 36 in the longitudinal direction LD is preferably 8 times or more, more preferably 12 times or more, preferably 38 times or less, more preferably 34 times or less, preferably 8 times or more and 38 times or less, more preferably 12 times or more and 34 times or less. In this embodiment, the length L2 in the short direction of the discharge hole 36 is the length of the discharge hole 36 in the second direction D2, which will be described later. In a plan view, the discharge hole 36 has a length L2 in the short direction (see Figure 5) which is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 0.7 mm or more, preferably 3 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and more preferably 0.7 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0021] The discharge hole 36 in this embodiment is a slit that is long in one direction (see Figures 2 and 3). The discharge hole 36 is not limited to this form and can be any planar shape that is long in one direction. For example, provided that it is long in one direction, it may be a polygon such as a quadrilateral or an ellipse, or a shape having straight and curved parts such as a semicircle, a shape consisting of curved parts such as a crescent, a wavy shape, a rectangle with multiple constrictions, etc.

[0022] The cap body 3 of this embodiment has a base portion 34 that has a step between it and the outer circumference of the top surface portion 33 (see Figures 2 and 3). This base portion 34 is a cylindrical part formed approximately in the center of the cap body 3. The base portion 34 of this embodiment protrudes from the top surface portion 33 on the side opposite to the container body 10. A nozzle portion 35 further protrudes from this base portion 34 on the side opposite to the container body 10. The nozzle portion 35 is formed approximately in the center of the base portion 34. The base portion 34 may have ribs formed on its outer surface that extend circumferentially and protrude radially outward.

[0023] From the viewpoint of making the coating operation on the coating target S easier, the protruding height H2 of the nozzle portion 35 (see Figure 11) is preferably 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or more and 8 mm or less. The protruding height H2 of the nozzle portion 35 is the length between the top surface of the base portion 34 and the tip of the nozzle portion 35 in the discharge direction V (see Figure 11).

[0024] The lid 4 opens and closes the discharge hole 36 and comprises a top surface 46 of the lid 4 (hereinafter also referred to as the "lid top surface portion 46") and a lid outer cylinder 40 and a sealing cylinder portion 44 that protrude from the lid top surface portion 46 toward the cap body 3 when the lid is closed (see Figures 6 and 7). The lid outer cylinder 40 forms the outer circumferential surface of the lid 4 and is a cylindrical portion that protrudes toward the cap body 3 from the periphery of the lid top surface portion 46. The outer diameter of the lid outer cylinder 40 corresponds to the outer diameter of the cap body 3 and covers the top surface portion 33 including the discharge hole 36 when the lid is closed. When the lid is closed, the lid top surface portion 46 closes the opening of the cylindrical lid outer cylinder 40 on the side opposite to the cap body 3. When the lid is closed, the annular tip of the outer lid cylinder 40 is positioned in the annular recess 31 of the cap body 3 (see Figures 6 and 7). In other words, the outer lid cylinder 40 and the annular recess 31 overlap. The sealing cylinder portion 44 is a cylindrical part located radially inward from the outer lid cylinder 40. When the lid is closed, the sealing cylinder portion 44 is arranged to surround the base portion 34, which includes the nozzle portion 35.

[0025] In this embodiment, the top surface portion 46 of the lid has an extension portion 41 that extends radially outward from a portion of its circumference (see Figures 1 and 2). As a result, the lid 4 has a hat shape with the extension portion 41 forming the brim. When the lid is closed, the extension portion 41 and the recessed portion 30a are aligned in the circumference. This makes it easy to open the lid 4 by placing the fingers holding the extension portion 41 against the recessed portion 30a.

[0026] In this embodiment, the lid 4 is rotatably connected to the cap body 3 via a hinge portion 5 (see Figures 2 and 3). The hinge portion 5 consists of a foldable plate-like member, with one end of the plate-like member connected to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 30 of the cap body 3, and the other end of the plate-like member connected to the outer surface of the lid outer cylinder 40 of the lid 4. The hinge portion 5 is designed so that by unfolding or folding the hinge portion 5 at a linear bend formed in the center of the hinge portion 5 in a plan view, the lid 4 connected to the hinge portion 5 rotates relative to the cap body 3. That is, the bend becomes the axis of rotation HL of the hinge portion 5 (see Figure 4). The lid 4 is opened and closed by the rotation of this hinge portion 5.

[0027] Hereinafter, the direction along the rotation axis HL of the hinge portion 5 will also be referred to as the rotation axis direction HD. The direction along the longitudinal direction LD of the hole will also be referred to as the first direction D1, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 will be referred to as the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the second direction D2 coincides with the rotation axis direction HD.

[0028] The cap 2 of this embodiment has a discharge hole 36 that is elongated in one direction, a base portion 34 on the cap body 3, and a sealing cylinder portion 44 on the lid 4 (see Figures 2 and 3). When the lid is closed, the sealing cylinder portion 44 protrudes toward the top surface portion 33 of the cap body 3 and is positioned around the base portion 34. In this state, the space between the base portion 34 and the sealing cylinder portion 44 is sealed (see Figures 6 and 7). The seal may be a linear seal between the top surface portion of the base portion 34 and the tip of the sealing cylinder portion 44. Alternatively, the seal may be a surface seal between the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34 and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing cylinder portion 44, and may be a linear seal between a circumferentially extending rib on the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34 and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing cylinder portion 44, or a linear seal between the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34 and a circumferentially extending rib on the inner circumferential surface of the sealing cylinder portion 44, or both. This seal closes the space 44S (hereinafter also referred to as the "seal cylinder space 44S") defined by the top surface of the base portion 34 and the inner circumferential surface of the seal cylinder portion 44, thereby achieving airtightness in the space 44S. Furthermore, the air (air pressure) in the space 44S pushes the contents C in the discharge hole 36 back into the container body 10. As a result, even if the discharge hole 36 has a long shape in one direction, leakage of the contents C from the discharge hole 36 can be effectively suppressed. This effect (hereinafter also referred to as the "leakage suppression effect") is also effective when the container 1 is stored in a high-temperature environment of 40°C to 50°C. More specifically, at high temperatures, the air in the headspace inside the container body 10 expands, increasing the internal pressure of the container body 10 and making it easier for the contents C to leak out of the discharge hole 36. However, the airtightness of the seal cylinder space 44S provides a leak prevention effect. Furthermore, the leak-proof effect is also effective in preventing the contents C from adhering to the lid 4 of the container 1 during storage. For example, when the lid 4 is opened for the first use of the container 1, it is advantageous in that the inner surface of the lid 4 (the inner surface of the top of the lid 46) can be kept clean. On the other hand, the containers disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not maintain airtightness in the space around the nozzle portion that protrudes from the neck portion or the top surface of the cap body. Therefore, no air pressure is generated in the space around the nozzle portion that pushes the contents C back into the container body. As a result, the contents are more likely to leak out from the discharge hole, and leakage of contents C may become particularly noticeable when stored in a high-temperature environment.

[0029] From the viewpoint of further improving the airtightness of the sealing cylinder space 44S, it is preferable that the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34 and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing cylinder portion 44 are in close contact when the lid is closed. That is, when the lid is closed, it is preferable that the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34 and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing cylinder portion 44 of the cap 2 are in a surface seal (see Figures 6 and 7). From the viewpoint of further improving the airtightness of the sealing cylinder space 44S and making the lid opening operation easier, it is preferable that the dimensions of the base portion 34 and the sealing cylinder portion 44 are within the following range. The overlap height H1 (see Figure 6) between the sealed cylinder portion 44 and the base portion 34 in the closed lid state is preferably 75% to 95%, more preferably 80% to 90%, of the protruding height H3 (see Figure 6) of the base portion 34. This overlap height H1 is the length over which the sealed cylinder portion 44 and the base portion 34 overlap in the discharge direction V when the lid is closed. The protruding height H3 of the base portion 34 is the length between the top surface portion 33 and the top surface of the base portion 34 in the discharge direction V (see Figure 6). The overlap height H1 (see Figure 6) between the sealed cylinder portion 44 and the base portion 34 in the closed lid state is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 4.5 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or more and 4 mm or less. The protruding height H3 of the base portion 34 (see Figure 6) is preferably 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or more and 4.5 mm or less. The protruding height H4 of the sealing cylinder portion 44 is preferably 4 mm to 15 mm, more preferably 7 mm to 12 mm. The protruding height H4 of the sealing cylinder portion 44 is the length between the surface facing the cap body 3 on the top surface portion 46 of the lid in the closed state and the tip of the sealing cylinder portion 44 in the direction normal to the surface facing the cap body 3 (see Figure 6).

[0030] When the inner circumferential surface of the sealing cylinder portion 44 and the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34 are sealed, it is preferable that a press-fit rib 44a consisting of a protrusion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sealing cylinder portion 44 (see Figure 7). The press-fit rib 44a is formed at a height position where the sealing cylinder portion 44 and the base portion 34 overlap in the discharge direction V when the lid is closed, and is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34. This further improves the airtightness of the sealing cylinder portion space 44S. In addition, the pressing of the press-fit rib 44a creates a click sensation when closing the lid, thus improving the user experience. The press-fit rib 44a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the seal cylinder portion 44 and may be formed continuously around the entire circumference of the seal cylinder portion 44, or it may be formed on a part of the circumferential direction of the seal cylinder portion 44. In the latter case, the press-fit rib 44a may be formed partially discontinuously in the circumferential direction of the seal cylinder portion 44, as long as a substantially secure seal can be ensured.

[0031] The base portion 34 has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion with a smaller outer diameter than the large diameter portion that overlap in the discharge direction V, and it is preferable that the large diameter portion is located closer to the nozzle portion 35 than the small diameter portion. With this configuration, the large diameter portion becomes a stepped portion on the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34 relative to the small diameter portion, and when the lid is closed, the press-fit rib 44a engages with this stepped portion, thereby further improving the airtightness of the seal cylinder portion space 44S. Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the large diameter portion gradually decreases toward the nozzle portion 35 side in the discharge direction V, that is, that the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion is tapered, in order to make the lid closing operation smoother. The large diameter portion near the stepped portion can function as the aforementioned rib formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34 by contacting the inner circumferential surface of the seal cylinder portion 44. From the viewpoint of further improving the airtightness of the seal cylinder space 44S, the base portion 34 may have the aforementioned ribs formed on its outer circumferential surface that engage with the press-fit ribs 44a of the seal cylinder portion 44. In this case, the ribs formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 34 may be formed continuously around the entire circumference of the base portion 34, or they may be formed on a part of the circumferential direction of the base portion 34.

[0032] In the lid 4 of this embodiment, the top surface 46 of the lid has a lid projection 47 on the surface facing the cap body 3 when the lid is closed, projecting toward the cap body 3 side (container body 10 side) (see Figures 6, 7, and 8). The lid projection 47 of this embodiment has a central projection 47a and a pair of side projections 47b, 47b located on both sides of the central projection 47a, and is provided radially inward from the seal cylinder portion 44. In a plan view when the lid is closed, the central projection 47a and the pair of side projections 47b, 47b each extend in one direction, more specifically along the first direction D1 (hole longitudinal direction LD) (see Figure 4). That is, the direction of extension of the lid projection 47 coincides with the hole longitudinal direction LD. In this embodiment, the side protrusions 47b, 47b are joined at their ends in the direction of extension (the longitudinal direction of the hole LD), forming an annular protrusion in plan view [see Figure 8(a)]. Alternatively, the ends of the side protrusions 47b, 47b may not be joined in the direction of extension (the longitudinal direction of the hole LD), and the ends may be spaced apart. In this case, the cover protrusion 47 consists of three protrusions 47a, 47b, 47b that are long in the longitudinal direction of the hole LD.

[0033] In this embodiment, the cap 2, when viewed from above in the closed state, has a central protrusion 47a that overlaps with the discharge hole 36. When the cap 2 is closed, the central protrusion 47a is inserted into the discharge hole 36. That is, when the cap is closed, the discharge hole 36 is blocked by the central protrusion 47a, so leakage of the contents C from the discharge hole 36 can be further suppressed.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the cap 2 is closed, the side protrusions 47b, 47b are close to the peripheral edge of the nozzle portion 35 along the longitudinal direction LD of the hole. That is, when the cap is closed, the side protrusions 47b, 47b abut against or are close to the peripheral edge of the nozzle portion 35 along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction LD of the hole) (see Figures 6 and 7). As a result, when the cap is closed, the tip of the nozzle portion 35 along the longitudinal direction LD of the hole is sandwiched between the pair of side protrusions 47b, 47b, which suppresses deformation of the nozzle portion 35 when the lid 4 is closed by the rotation of the hinge portion 5, and further suppresses leakage of the contents C that travels through the nozzle portion 35. When the lid is closed, if the side protrusions 47b, 47b are close to the peripheral edge of the nozzle portion 35 along the longitudinal direction LD of the hole, the length between the side protrusions 47b, 47b in the second direction D2 and the peripheral edge of the nozzle portion 35 along the longitudinal direction LD of the hole is preferably 0.1 mm or less, more preferably 0.05 mm or less.

[0035] From the viewpoint of further improving the above effects, it is preferable that the lid projection 47 has the following dimensions. The protrusion height H5 of the central protrusion 47a from the top surface 46 of the lid (see Figure 8(b)) is preferably 5% to 40%, more preferably 10% to 30%, of the protrusion height H2 of the nozzle portion 35 (see Figure 11). The protrusion height H5 of the central protrusion 47a from the top surface 46 of the lid [see Figure 8(b)] is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The protruding height H6 of the side protrusion 47b (see Figure 8(b)) is preferably 5% to 50%, more preferably 10% to 40%, of the protruding height H2 of the nozzle portion 35 (see Figure 11). The protruding height H6 of the side protrusion 47b [see Figure 8(b)] is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 3.5 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2 mm or less. The protrusion heights H5 and H6 of the central protrusion 47a and the side protrusions 47b are the distance between the tops of the central protrusion 47a and the side protrusions 47b and the top surface 46 of the lid, along the direction normal to the top surface 46 of the lid. The protrusion heights H5 and H6 of the central protrusion 47a and the side protrusions 47b may be the same or different.

[0036] From the viewpoint of further suppressing leakage of the contents C, the ratio of the protrusion height from the lid (lid top surface 46) to the width of the central protrusion 47a and the pair of side protrusions 47b, 47b (protrusion height / width) is preferably 3 or less, more preferably 1.5 or less, preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, preferably 0.1 to 3 or less, and more preferably 0.3 to 1.5 or less. Such ratios are the ratio of the protrusion height H5 [see Figure 8(a)] to the width W5 [see Figure 8(a)] of the central protrusion 47a (H5 / W5) and the ratio of the protrusion height H6 [see Figure 8(a)] to the width W6 [see Figure 8(a)] of the side protrusions 47b (H6 / W6). The widths W5 and W6 are the lengths in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the central protrusion 47a and the side protrusions 47b, 47b.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, the container 1 of this embodiment allows the contents C to be applied along a single direction by moving the container 1 in one direction while discharging the contents C in a wide area from the discharge hole 36. In such an application operation, the user's line of sight may be from the end seal portion 16 side toward the discharge hole 36. In this state, from the viewpoint of further improving the visibility of the application area on the application target S and the contents C discharged from the discharge hole 36, it is preferable that the longitudinal direction LD of the hole in the cap 2 intersects with the rotation axis direction HD. This makes it less likely for the lid 4, which rotates relative to the cap body 3, to obstruct the line of sight when the user looks from the end seal portion 16 side toward the discharge hole 36 side, that is, when the user's line of sight is generally aligned with the discharge direction V. As a result, operability can be further improved, and the contents C can be applied more reliably to the desired area when discharging and applying the contents C. From the viewpoint of further improving the operability when dispensing the contents C, in a plan view, the angle θ1 of the longitudinal direction of the hole LD with respect to the rotation axis direction HD (see Figure 4) is preferably 30° to 150°, more preferably 60° to 120°, and even more preferably 80° to 100°. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the cap has the longitudinal direction of the hole LD and the rotation axis direction HD perpendicular to each other.

[0038] Preferably, the container body 10 has an angle between the longitudinal direction LD of the discharge hole 36 and the compression direction (pressing direction) of the body portion 11. This makes it easier to visually inspect the entire contents C being discharged from the discharge hole 36 in a long, one-way manner, and improves operability when applying to the object to be coated while compressing the body portion 11. From the viewpoint of further improving such operability, the angle between the longitudinal direction LD of the discharge hole 36 and the compression direction of the body portion 11 is preferably 30° to 150°, more preferably 60° to 120°, and even more preferably 80° to 100°. The compression direction of the body portion 11 is the direction in which the body portion 11 is compressed when discharging the contents C, and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the end seal portion 16.

[0039] Preferably, the container body 10 has an end seal portion 16 formed at one end of the body portion 11 in the longitudinal direction, opposite to the neck portion 12, which extends along the longitudinal direction LD of the discharge hole 36 (see Figure 10). With this configuration, the compression direction of the body portion 11 and the longitudinal direction LD of the hole are perpendicular, making it easier to visually inspect the contents C discharged from the discharge hole 36 and making it easier to press the body portion 11 by hand. In particular, when the direction of movement of the hand gripping the container 1 is outward to the left or right of the user, the visibility of the discharge hole 36 during the application operation can be further improved.

[0040] The cap 2 preferably includes a locking mechanism 51 that maintains the hinge portion 5 rotated 180° or more from the closed state (see Figure 11). The locking mechanism 51 in this embodiment detachably locks the open state of the lid 4 and consists of a locking projection 52 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 30 and a locking groove 53 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lid outer cylinder 40 (see Figures 11 and 12). In such a locking mechanism 51, the locking projection 52 and locking groove 53 are formed in the portion where the outer cylinder 30 and the lid outer cylinder 40 come into contact when the lid 4 is rotated 180° or more relative to the top surface portion 33 of the cap body 3 from the closed state (when the hinge portion 5 is rotated 180° or more). With this configuration, when the hinge portion 5 is rotated by 180° or more, the lock groove 53 of the outer cylinder 30 and the lock groove 53 of the lid outer cylinder 40 engage, allowing the hinge portion 5 to be maintained in a state rotated by 180° or more. As a result, the open state can be maintained more effectively, and the visibility of the coating area on the coating target S and the contents C discharged from the discharge hole 36 can be improved, thereby improving the operability (see Figure 9) when discharging and coating the contents C from the discharge hole 36. In contrast to this embodiment, the locking mechanism 51 may also have a locking projection 52 formed on the outer lid cylinder 40 and a locking groove 53 formed on the outer cylinder 30.

[0041] From the viewpoint of maintaining the open state more effectively, the rotation angle θ2 (see Figure 11) of the hinge portion 5, whose rotational state is maintained by the locking mechanism 51, is preferably greater than 180° and less than or equal to 190°. This rotation angle θ2 is the angle of the lid 4 (lid outer cylinder 40) with respect to the top surface portion 33 of the cap body 3 (see Figure 11). When the lid is closed, the rotation angle is 0°.

[0042] As described above, in a plan view, the cap 2 of this embodiment has the longitudinal direction of the hole LD intersecting with the rotation axis direction HD of the hinge portion. When closing the cap 2, the lid 4 is rotated around the rotation axis HL to bring it closer to the cap body 3. During this operation, the central protrusion 47a is gradually inserted into the discharge hole 36 from the hinge portion 5 side along the longitudinal direction of the hole LD, making it easy to close the cap.

[0043] In this embodiment, the container 1 can dispense and apply the contents C while the tip of the nozzle portion 35 protruding from the top surface portion 33 is in contact with the object to be applied S. When the object to be applied S is skin, it is preferable that the corner of the tip of the nozzle portion 35 has an R shape in a cross-sectional view along the short direction (second direction D2) of the dispensing hole 36 (see Figure 7) in order to soften the contact with the skin.

[0044] In this embodiment, the cap 2, in plan view, has a recessed portion 30a of the outer cylinder 30 and an extended portion 41 of the lid outer cylinder 40, positioned opposite the hinge portion 5 in the circumferential direction of the cap, and formed on the extension line of the extending direction of the discharge hole 36. This configuration makes it easier to grasp the open and closed positions of the cap 2 in the circumferential direction, thus making it easier to open and close the lid 4 and discharge the contents C.

[0045] Examples of contents C contained inside container 1 include cosmetics such as lotions, emulsions, serums, sunscreens, hand creams, and makeup removers; hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, hair styling products, and hair growth products; skin cleansers such as facial cleansers, body soaps, and hand soaps; detergents such as food detergents and laundry detergents; oral cleansers such as toothpaste; fabric softeners, bleaches, fragrances such as essential oils; liquid medicines such as bath additives and eye drops; supplements; cleaning agents for baths, toilets, and floors; and powdered foods such as soups, sauces, and dressings.

[0046] From the viewpoint of further improving the discharge performance from the discharge hole 36, the viscosity of the contents C is preferably 15,000 mPa·s to 180,000 mPa·s, and more preferably 25,000 mPa·s to 140,000 mPa·s. With this configuration, the contents C can be discharged more stably from the discharge hole 36 which is long in one direction, and the contents C can be applied over a wide area. The viscosity of component C is measured at a temperature of 30°C using a helical viscometer (TVB-10, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) under the following conditions: spindle: TC, rotation speed: 5 rpm, and measurement time: 1 min. The measurement is repeated three times, and the average value is adopted as the viscosity.

[0047] Examples of materials used to form the cap 2 include, but are not limited to, polyolefins such as PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene), polyesters such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polylactic acid. In this embodiment, the cap 2 is formed by integrally molding the cap body 3, the hinge portion 5, and the lid 4. This configuration is advantageous in terms of manufacturing efficiency, manufacturing cost, and ease of operation when opening and closing the lid 4, as it does not require the hinge portion 5 and other parts to be separate components. Cap 2 can be manufactured by injection molding using a mold.

[0048] In this embodiment, the container body 10 has a tubular body, such as the main body 11, formed by extrusion molding of synthetic resin. Alternatively, the container body 10 may be formed by rolling sheet-like molded bodies into a cylindrical shape, overlapping them, and fusing their side edges together. In this embodiment, the container body 10 is formed by joining a neck-forming member 14, which is molded separately from the body 11, to one end of the body 11. Alternatively, the container body 10 may be formed by integrally molding the neck-forming member 14 and the body 11.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the embodiment described above, the cap 2 was made by integrally molding the cap body 3, the lid 4, and the hinge portion 5, but these parts do not necessarily have to be integrally molded. Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment involved the lid 4 being connected to the cap body 3 via a hinge portion 5, the lid 4 may also be designed to be screwed onto the cap body 3. In this case, threaded portions that can be screwed onto each other are formed on the inner surface of the lid outer cylinder 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the cap body 3. Furthermore, although the lid projection 47 in the above-described embodiment consisted of a central projection 47a and a pair of side projections 47b, 47b located on both sides of the central projection 47a, the lid projection 47 may not have the pair of side projections 47b, 47b and may consist only of the central projection 47a. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the lid top surface 46 had a lid projection 47 on the surface facing the cap body 3 when the lid is closed, projecting toward the cap body 3 side (container body 10 side), but instead of the lid projection 47, there may be a sealing portion that liquid-tightly closes the discharge hole 36. In this case, the sealing portion may be made of, for example, an elastomer resin.

[0050] Although the container 1 in the above-described embodiment was a tube container, it may also be a squeeze container such as a squeezeable blow bottle. In this case, the squeeze container has a flexible body 11, and the contents C can be discharged from the discharge hole 36 by pressing the body 11. Examples of such container forms other than tube containers include flexible containers such as blow bottle containers, blow tube containers, and pouch containers. The material forming the flexible body 11 of these containers may be a sheet made of a general-purpose synthetic resin such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or nylon, or a multilayer or composite obtained by laminating or combining a sheet made of the synthetic resin with other sheets such as barrier resin, aluminum foil, or paper material. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1 container 2 caps 3. Cap body 4. Lid 5. Hinge section 10 Container body 10S storage space 11 Flexible torso 12 Oral area 12a Thread 13 Shoulder 14 Mouth forming member 16 End seal section 30 Outer cylinder 30a Recess 31 Annular recess 33 Top section 34 Base 35 Nozzle section 36 Discharge hole 37 Inner cylinder 38 Mounting part 38a Threaded portion on the cap side 40 Lid outer cylinder 41 Extension part 44 Seal cylinder section 44S Seal cylinder space 46 Lid top section 47 Lid protrusion 47a Central protrusion 47b Side protrusion 51 Locking mechanism 52 Lock protrusion 53 Lock groove

Claims

1. A container comprising a container body having a neck portion and a flexible body portion and containing contents, and a cap attached to the neck portion, The cap comprises a cap body having a mounting portion for the neck portion and a discharge hole for the contents, and a lid for opening and closing the discharge hole. In a plan view of the cap body, the discharge hole is elongated in one direction. The cap body has a base portion having a step between it and the outer circumference of the top surface, and a nozzle portion that protrudes from the base portion on the side opposite to the container body and has a cross-sectional shape that is long in the same direction as the aforementioned one direction. The discharge hole is formed at the tip of the nozzle portion, The lid is provided with a sealing cylinder portion. The lid is connected to the cap body via a hinge, The lid is provided with a central protrusion and a pair of side protrusions located on both sides of the central protrusion, and each of the central protrusion and the pair of side protrusions extends along the aforementioned one direction. In the closed state, The central protrusion is inserted into the discharge hole, and the side protrusions abut or are close to the peripheral edge along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle portion. A container in which the space defined by the top surface of the base portion and the inner surface of the sealing cylinder portion is airtightly sealed by surface sealing between the outer surface of the base portion and the inner surface of the sealing cylinder portion.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the height of the central protrusion and the pair of side protrusions to the width (protrusion height / width) of the protrusion from the lid is 3 or less.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the overlap height H1 between the sealing cylinder portion and the base portion in the closed lid state is 75% or more and 95% or less of the protruding height H3 of the base portion.

4. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cap is integrally molded with the cap body, the hinge portion, and the lid.

5. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a plan view, the length of the discharge hole in the longitudinal direction is eight times or more than the length in the short direction.

6. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a plan view, the discharge hole has a length of 3 mm or less in the shorter direction.

7. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a cross-sectional view along the short direction of the discharge hole, the corner of the tip of the nozzle portion is rounded in shape.

8. A cap that is attached to the neck of the container body, A cap body having an attachment portion for the neck portion and a dispensing hole for the contents contained in the container body, It has a cover that opens and closes the discharge hole, In a plan view of the cap body, the discharge hole is elongated in one direction. The cap body has a base portion having a step between it and the outer circumference of the top surface, and a nozzle portion that protrudes from the base portion on the side opposite to the container body and has a cross-sectional shape that is long in the same direction as the aforementioned one direction. The discharge hole is formed at the tip of the nozzle portion, The lid is provided with a sealing cylinder portion. The lid is connected to the cap body via a hinge, The lid is provided with a central protrusion and a pair of side protrusions located on both sides of the central protrusion, and each of the central protrusion and the pair of side protrusions extends along the aforementioned one direction. In the closed state, The central protrusion is inserted into the discharge hole, and the side protrusions abut or are close to the peripheral edge along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle portion. A cap in which the space defined by the top surface of the base portion and the inner surface of the sealing cylinder portion is airtightly sealed by surface sealing between the outer surface of the base portion and the inner surface of the sealing cylinder portion.

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