ITBO20110306A1 - CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDS - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

"CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDS"

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a container for liquids and a package of containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of containers for liquids, in particular containers for detergents, a type of container is known which comprises a base wall; a side wall, which is connected to the base wall and is curved in such a way as to laterally delimit the container; and an opening, which is often equipped with a resealable cap and through which it is possible to let out what is inside the container. The side wall comprises two major lateral portions, which are mutually opposite and substantially facing each other and each have a respective surface area; and two minor side portions, which are mutually opposite and substantially facing each other and each have a respective surface area lower than the surface area of one of the major side portions;

Since both the minor and major side portions have an outward convexity, this type of container can be grouped and packaged in groups with difficulty. In particular, it was not possible to pack a group of containers in shrink plastic wrappers (for example polyethylene), as the containers so tightened tend to move relative to each other and out of position.

Currently, therefore, known containers are packaged in cardboard boxes which are relatively (at least with respect to the shrink-wrapped wrappers) very expensive, heavy and bulky.

The object of the present invention is to provide a container for liquids and a package of containers, which at least partially overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art and are, at the same time, simple and economical to produce.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a container for liquids and a package of containers are provided according to what is disclosed in the independent claims that follow and preferably in any of the subsequent claims directly or indirectly dependent on the independent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting examples of embodiment, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container made in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the container of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of the container of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view from below of the container of Figure 1;

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a section along the plane V-V of Figure 2;

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a section along the plane VI-VI of Figure 2;

Figures 7-9 illustrate sections similar to the section of Figure 5 relative to different embodiments of the container;

Figure 10 illustrates some geometric aspects of the section of Figure 5;

Figure 11 illustrates a detail of a section similar to the section of Figure 5 relative to a different embodiment of a container made in accordance with the present invention;

figure 12 illustrates on an enlarged scale a detail of a section similar to the section of figure 5 relative to a different embodiment of a container made in accordance with the present invention; And

Figure 13 illustrates a package of containers made in accordance with the present invention.

FORMS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

In Figure 1, 1 indicates a container for liquids as a whole. The container 1 comprises a base wall 2 (Figure 4); a lateral wall 3, which is connected to the base wall 2 and is curved so as to partially delimit the container 1; and an opening 4, which is arranged opposite the base wall 2.

Normally, the container 1 is arranged (as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3) so as to rest on the base wall 2. In this way, the base wall 2 and the side wall 3 delimit the container 1 at the bottom and laterally, respectively. The base wall 2 rests (lies) on a plane Pi (which, in practice, is substantially horizontal). The plane P1 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sheet of figure 2.

The side wall 3 has a shape such as to allow two containers 1 to be coupled together.

More precisely, the side wall 3 comprises two major lateral portions 5, the two being opposite and substantially facing each other and each having a respective surface area; and two minor lateral portions 6, the two being opposite each other and substantially facing each other and each having a respective surface area. Each minor side portion 6 is arranged between (connects to each other) the two major side portions 5 (and vice versa).

The surface area of each of the minor side portions 6 is less than the surface area of each of the major side portions 5.

The side wall 5 also comprises (in particular four) connecting portions 7, which connect the side portions 5 and 6 to each other. Each connecting portion 7 connects a major side portion 5 and a minor side portion 6 to each other.

Each major lateral portion 5 is externally curved and, in particular, has a convexity towards the outside with a radius of curvature of at least 4cm (in particular of at least 5cm). Advantageously, each side portion 5 has a convexity towards the outside with a radius of curvature of at least 6cm (in particular of at least 7cm). According to some embodiments, each lateral portion 5 has an outward convexity with a radius of curvature of less than 15cm (in particular, less than 11cm).

Each connecting portion 7 has a convexity towards the outside with a radius of curvature of less than 6cm (in particular, less than 5cm). Advantageously, each side portion 5 has an outward convexity with a radius of curvature of less than 4cm (in particular, less than 3cm). According to some embodiments, each lateral portion 5 has an outward convexity with a radius of curvature greater than lem (in particular, 2cm).

More precisely, the aforementioned radii of curvature relate to (in other words, possibly measurable on) sections of the container 1 substantially (horizontal) parallel to the base wall 2 (more precisely, to the plane P1).

Each minor lateral portion 6 has at least one respective resting area 8, which is substantially flat and has a surface area of at least 1 cm <2> (more precisely, at least 1.3cm <2>). In particular, (each) support zone 8 has a surface area up to 16cm <2> (more precisely, up to 10cm <2>). Advantageously, the (each) resting area 8 has a surface area up to 6cm <2> (in particular, up to 4cm <2>).

The sum of the surface areas of the support zones 8 is from 2cm <2> (in particular, from 4 cm <2>) to 80cm <2> (in particular, at 50cm <2>). Advantageously, the sum of the surface areas of the support areas 8 is at least 5cm <2> (in particular, at least 6cm <2>). Advantageously, the sum of the surface areas of the support zones 8 is up to 35cm <2> (in particular, up to 20cm <2>).

The presence of the resting areas 8 allows two containers 1 to be coupled in a stable manner when tightened against each other.

Advantageously, the resting areas 8 define no more than 25% (in particular, no more than 18%) of the surface area of the minor lateral portions.

The dimensions indicated above surprisingly allow to have resting areas 8, which are sufficiently large to ensure a good stability of groupings of containers 1 without, at the same time, significantly damaging the aesthetics of the containers 1 themselves.

As can be seen by observing figures 2 and 4, a resting area 8 of one of the minor side portions 6 is substantially facing a resting area 8 of the other minor lateral portion 6.

The particular structure of the resting areas 8 is evident by comparing Figure 5 (which illustrates a section of the container 1, in which the resting areas 8 are present) and Figure 6 (which illustrates a section of the container 1, in which there are no present the support areas

According to the embodiment illustrated (in particular, Figures 1 to 3), each minor lateral portion 6 comprises a plurality (more precisely two) resting areas 8.

Each resting area 8 of a smaller side portion 6 is substantially facing a corresponding resting area 8 of the opposite smaller side portion 6.

Each minor lateral portion 6 is structured in such a way that each resting area 8 is projected outwards with respect to the remaining parts of the respective minor lateral portion 6.

Each bearing area 8 lies on a relative bearing plane P2. The support plane P2 is transversal (substantially perpendicular) to the plane PI (see, in particular, figure 2). It should be noted that what has just been said does not necessarily imply that the entire support area 8 lies on the same plane. Therefore, by supporting plane P2 is meant, in this text, the plane on which the perimeter PR of the relative resting area 8 lies (as illustrated in Figure 12).

The P2 plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sheet of figure 2.

It should be noted that a resting area 8 is considered substantially flat even when it has a slight concavity (as illustrated in Figure 11) or a slight convexity (as illustrated in Figure 12). A support zone 8 is considered substantially flat when it has a convexity (and a concavity) of less than 2mm (in particular, less than 1mm).

In this case, the convexity (and concavity) is measured as the distance D (figure 12) between the furthest point of the support area 8 with respect to the relative support plane P2 and the support plane P2 itself.

Advantageously, the resting areas 8 are substantially flat in the sense that they actually do not have significant concavities and / or convexities (in particular they have concavities and / or convexities lower than

0.5mm).

The supporting surfaces P2 are substantially parallel to each other (see, in particular, Figure 2). Advantageously, the resting areas 8 of the same minor lateral portion 6 lie substantially on the same supporting plane P2. In this way, the side wall 3 has a relatively simple shape which allows easy coupling between containers 1, when two containers 1 are clamped together.

As can be seen from the different embodiments illustrated in the figures (in particular, see the sections illustrated in figures 5 and from 7 to 9), the container 1 has its own width (distance between facing support areas 8) greater than own depth (maximum distance between the larger lateral portions 5 measured in a direction substantially parallel to the support areas 8 - or in a direction substantially parallel to the support planes P2). In particular, the container 1 has a width of at least 1.2 (more precisely at least 1.5) times greater than the depth. It should be noted that shapes of this type are aesthetically pleasing and in great demand on the market, however, they increase the risk of relative movements between containers 1 of the same package 9 (figure 13) of containers 1.

With particular reference to figure 10, the side wall 3 is structured in such a way that the straight lines L tangent to the side wall 3 itself, and that they cross at an intersection point IP disposed at a distance from 15mm to 170mm (more precisely, up to 75mm - in particular up to 40mm) from a determined support zone 8 ', define between them an angle A from 35 ° (more precisely, from 40 ° - in particular from 45 °) to 75 ° (in particular, at 70 °). As well illustrated in Figure 3, the IP intersection point is external to the container 1 (and the distance between the IP intersection point and the determined resting area 8 'substantially corresponds to the distance between the IP intersection point and the container 1 )

The straight lines L lie on a verification plane, which is substantially parallel to the base wall 2 (more precisely to the plane Pi) and cuts the container 1 in correspondence with the determined support zone 8 '. The point of intersection IP lies on a reference straight line RL which substantially cuts in half the determined (section of the) support zone 8 '. The reference line RL is substantially perpendicular to the determined bearing area 8 '(more precisely, to the plane P2 of the determined bearing area 8').

According to the embodiments illustrated, the inspection plane cuts the container in correspondence with the determined resting area 8 'and the resting area 8 facing it. The reference straight line RL substantially cuts in half the (sections of the) determined bearing areas 8 'and 8 (facing the bearing area 8').

Each major lateral portion 5 has at least one respective resting area 10 which is substantially flat and has a surface area of at least 0.5cm <2> (more precisely, at least lem <2> - in particular, 1.5cm <2 >). In particular, (each) support zone 10 has a surface area up to 16cm <2> (more precisely, up to 10cm <2>). Advantageously, the (each) resting area 10 has a surface area up to 6cm <2> (in particular, up to 4cm <2> - more precisely, up to 2cm <2>).

The sum of the surface areas of the support zones 10 is from lem <2> (more precisely, from 2cm <2> - in particular, from 4cm <2>) to 80cm <2> (in particular, to 50cm <2> ). Advantageously, the sum of the surface areas of the support areas 10 is at least 4cm <2> (in particular, at least 6cm <2>). Advantageously, the sum of the surface areas of the support zones 10 is up to 30cm <2> (in particular, up to 20cm <2> - more precisely, up to 10cm <2>).

According to the embodiment illustrated (in particular, Figures 1 to 3), each major lateral portion 5 comprises a plurality (more precisely two) resting areas 10.

Each resting area 10 of a larger side portion 5 is substantially facing a corresponding resting area 10 of the opposite larger side portion 5.

Each major lateral portion 5 is structured in such a way that each resting area 10 is projected outwards with respect to the remaining parts of the respective major lateral portion 5.

It should be noted that what has been said above regarding the bearing areas 8 applies mutatis mutandis to the bearing areas 10.

Advantageously, the container 1 mainly comprises (in particular, it is made up of) PET. Container 1 has a ratio between capacity in milliliters and weight in grams from 10ml / g (in particular, from 15ml / g - more precisely, 20ml / g) to 40ml / g (in particular, at 35ml / g).

According to specific embodiments, the container 1 has the following characteristics: capacity 500 ml and at least 25g of weight; capacity 750 ml and at least 30g of weight; capacity 1250 ml and at least 40g of weight; capacity 2500 ml and at least 70 g of weight.

According to what is illustrated in Figure 13 and in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a package 9 of containers 1 is provided, each of which is defined in accordance with what is described above (and / or claimed below). The package 9 comprises a group of containers 1 and an external envelope 11 which encloses the group of containers 1. The group of containers 1 comprises at least two containers 1 arranged side by side so that at least one resting area 8 of the first container 1 is placed in contact with a resting area 8 of the second container 1.

According to the embodiment illustrated, the group of containers 1 comprises a plurality of rows (in this case five) arranged aligned and in succession one in contact with the other. The adjacent containers 1 of successive rows are in contact by means of respective larger lateral portions 5. The external envelope 11 is made of plastic material at least partially heat-shrinkable, in particular polyethylene.

Each row comprises at least two containers 1 arranged side by side so that at least one resting area 8 of the first container is placed in contact with a resting area 8 of the second container 1.

Claims (1)

CLAIMS 1.- Container for liquids comprising a base wall (2); a lateral wall (3), which is connected to the base wall (2) and is curved in such a way as to laterally delimit the container (1); and an opening (4); the lateral wall (3) has two larger lateral portions (5), which are opposite and substantially facing each other and each have a respective surface area; and two minor lateral portions (6), which are mutually opposite and substantially facing each other and each have a respective surface area lower than the surface area of each of the major lateral portions (5); each minor lateral portion (6) is arranged between the two major lateral portions (5); the container (1) being characterized in that each minor lateral portion (6) has at least one respective first support area (8), which is substantially flat, and has an area from 1cm2 to 16cm2; each minor lateral portion (6) is structured in such a way that the support area (8) is projected towards the outside with respect to the remaining parts of the respective minor lateral portion (6); the sum of the areas of the first support areas (8) being from 2cm2 to 80cm2. 2.- Container according to Claim 2, in which the first resting areas (8) are substantially facing each other. 3.- Container according to Claim 1 or 2, in which each minor lateral portion (6) has at least two first resting areas (8); each first resting area (8) of a minor lateral portion (6) substantially facing the corresponding first resting area (8) of the further minor lateral portion (6); the sum of the areas of the first support areas (8) being from 4cm2 to 80cm2; each lateral portion (5) greater presenting a convexity towards the outside. 4.- Container according to Claim 3, in which the first resting areas (8) of the same minor lateral portion (6) lie substantially on the same supporting surface (P2); the support planes (P2) being substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to a plane (P1) on which the base wall (2) lies. 5.- Container according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the maximum distance between two first facing support areas (8) is at least 1.2 times the maximum distance between the largest lateral portions (5) measured substantially in the direction parallel to the first support areas (8). 6.- Container according to one of claims 2 to 5, in which the side wall (3) is structured in such a way that the straight lines (L) tangent to the side wall (3), which lie on a test plane and which they cross at an intersection point (IP) placed at a distance from 15mm to 170mm from one of the first resting areas (8) and define an angle between 35 ° and 75 °; the inspection plane being substantially parallel to the base wall (2) and cutting the container (1) in correspondence with two first facing bearing areas (8); the point of intersection (IP) lying on a reference line (RL) which substantially cuts in half the sections of the first two support areas (8). 7.- Container according to one of the preceding claims, in which the larger side portions (5) have a convexity towards the outside with a radius of curvature greater than 5cm and are connected to the smaller side portions (6) by means of connecting portions, which have convexity towards eternity with a radius of curvature of less than 5cm. 8.- Container according to one of the preceding claims, each larger lateral portion (5) has at least a respective second resting area (10), which is substantially flat, and has an area from 0.5cm2 to 16cm2; each larger lateral portion (5) is shaped in such a way that each second resting area (10) is projected outwards with respect to the remaining parts of the respective larger lateral portion (5); the sum of the areas of the second support areas (10) being from 1cm2 to 80cm2. 9.- Container according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first resting areas (8) define up to 25% of the surface area of the minor side portions (6). 10.- Container according to one of the preceding claims, consisting of PET and having a ratio between capacity in milliliters and weight in grams from 15ml / g to 40ml / g. 11.- Packaging of containers comprising a first and at least a second container (1) and an external envelope (11) which encloses and clamps the containers (1) together; each container (1) being defined according to one of the preceding claims; the first and second container (1) being arranged side by side so that at least a first resting area (8) of the first container (1) is placed in contact with a first resting area (8) of the second container (1). 12. A package according to Claim 11, and comprising a plurality of containers (1) arranged in successive rows of at least two containers (1) arranged side by side and in contact by means of respective first resting areas (8); the adjacent containers (1) of successive rows are in contact by means of respective larger lateral portions (5); the external casing (11) is made of plastic material at least partially heat-shrinkable, in particular polyethylene.