EP3774558B1 - Thin-walled bottle for containing a liquid foodstuff - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to the field of containers for food liquids, and in particular relates to a product which comprises a bottle and a food liquid such as non-carbonated mineral water. The invention also relates to an object which comprises the aforementioned product, and which can be easily handled by a consumer. The invention finally relates to a method for delivering an aforementioned product to a consumer.

Containers for food liquids are known in the prior art, and in particular thin-walled plastic bottles for transporting and delivering mineral water to a consumer who wishes to consume quality water, with preserved flavor and quality. Such containers or plastic bottles are disclosed in the documents WO201012956A1 , WO201093602A2 , EP1873067A1 , Or WO2014101957A1 . The document FR2830844A1 discloses a container for a flowable product, with a flexible plastic body. The document WO2014101956A1 discloses a bottle with a deformable bottom as well as a product according to the preamble of claim 1.

On the other hand, the production of these plastic bottles can have an environmental impact, and recycling channels must also be provided to minimize this impact.

In addition, it may be interesting (economically or ecologically) to minimize the thickness of these bottles, but it is necessary to ensure that the bottle remains easy to handle, and does not deform or does not deform too much when a user holds it (typically with an effort of 20 newtons). This aspect is particularly important for small capacity bottles (less than 2 L, preferably less than 1.5 L or even 1 L), because the latter are intended to accompany the consumer in his travels, and a risk of deformation (which leads to a overflow if the consumer squeezes the bottle strongly) must be minimal.

An aim of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art documents mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a bottle which forms a product by containing a food liquid which minimizes the ecological impact, which is cheap to produce, without however degrading the ergonomics or the use by the consumer, who must be able to handle the bottle without taking any particular precaution, and without risking the liquid contained overflowing.

• une bouteille fermée en plastique à paroi mince comprenant un corps au moins en partie cylindrique et définissant un volume interne, la partie cylindrique de la bouteille présentant une surface latérale dont les génératrices sont des droites parallèles qui suivent une courbe de base fermée définie par l'intersection de la surface latérale avec un plan perpendiculaire à une direction axiale de la bouteille,
• un liquide à boire remplissant au moins 80% du volume interne de la bouteille, la bouteille comprenant au moins une portion activable avec une concavité orientée selon une première direction dans un état relaxé, la portion activable étant agencée pour se déformer sous un effort exercé par un consommateur pour passer dans un état activé et présenter une convexité orientée dans une direction opposée à la première direction,

une pression exercée par le liquide sur la bouteille fermée avec la portion activable dans l'état relaxé étant inférieure à une pression exercée par le liquide sur la bouteille fermée avec la portion activable dans l'état activé, le corps de la bouteille présentant une épaisseur comprise dans une plage allant de 30 µm à 150 µm, dans lequel la portion activable forme un fond de la bouteille, dans lequel la portion activable est arrondie vers l'extérieur dans l'état relaxé, et dans lequel la portion activable est agencée pour rester dans l'état activé ou dans l'état relaxé tant qu'une pression n'est pas exercée par l'utilisateur pour la faire changer d'état, caractérisé en ce que le fond présente au moins une rainure radiale qui s'étend sur une longueur d'au moins 10% du diamètre de la partie cylindrique du corps.For this, the invention is defined by claim 1 and a first aspect of the invention relates to a product comprising:

• a closed thin-walled plastic bottle comprising an at least partly cylindrical body and defining an internal volume, the cylindrical part of the bottle having a lateral surface whose generatrices are parallel straight lines which follow a closed base curve defined by the intersection of the lateral surface with a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the bottle,
• a drinking liquid filling at least 80% of the internal volume of the bottle, the bottle comprising at least one activatable portion with a concavity oriented in a first direction in a relaxed state, the activatable portion being arranged to deform under a force exerted by a consumer to pass into an activated state and present a convexity oriented in a direction opposite to the first direction,

a pressure exerted by the liquid on the closed bottle with the activatable portion in the relaxed state being less than a pressure exerted by the liquid on the closed bottle with the activatable portion in the activated state, the body of the bottle having a thickness in a range from 30 µm to 150 µm, wherein the activatable portion forms a bottom of the bottle, wherein the activatable portion is rounded outwards in the relaxed state, and wherein the activatable portion is arranged to remain in the activated state or in the relaxed state as long as pressure is not exerted by the user to cause it to change state, characterized in that the bottom has at least one radial groove which extends over a length of at least 10% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body.

The bottle in the product according to the above implementation has a low thickness (and consequently a low rigidity), as well as an activatable portion to be activated by the consumer himself. The latter pushes the activatable portion to make it present a convex shape, which makes it possible, for example, to define a circular base on which the bottle can be placed in a stable manner. Putting the activatable portion in the activated state also makes it possible to increase the pressure internal of the bottle, which stretches its surfaces and improves its hold. Finally, by moving from a concave shape to a convex shape, the consumer creates a fold in the bottle, which increases its rigidity. It can also be noted that moving from a concave shape to a convex shape causes a noise or "activation noise" which informs the consumer about the change in state.

In particular, the activatable portion of the bottle is arranged to be activated directly by the user (for example by a push exerted by the user's hand or fingers directly on the activatable portion).

Of course, this change of state is reversible. However, once activated, the activatable portion is arranged to remain in this state, even if the activatable portion is not in contact with a support or a work surface. In other words, the activatable portion is arranged to remain in the activated or relaxed (non-activated) state as long as pressure is not exerted by the user to make it change state.

Advantageously, the activation of the activatable portion is carried out by the consumer, i.e. the person who will consume the food liquid. However, the invention can be implemented by a user who is not the consumer.

Furthermore, the cylindrical part of the bottle has a lateral surface whose generatrices are parallel lines, and which follow a base curve (defined by the intersection of the lateral surface with a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the bottle) which is a closed curve. This closed base curve can be circular in shape (a circle), oval in shape (an ellipse or any oval shape), square or rectangular in shape, where appropriate with rounded corners.

Such a section of the cylindrical part can improve grip, limit flexibility and/or limit the risk of leakage when opening the bottle.

In addition, the activatable portion is advantageously adjacent to the cylindrical portion, which allows on the one hand to properly tension said cylindrical portion when the activatable portion is activated, and on the other hand to guarantee that the activatable portion will remain activated, because a fold along the perimeter of the cylindrical portion will be more resistant. In particular, the weight of the liquid in the bottle is not sufficient to cause the activatable portion to change from the activated state to the non-activated state.

Advantageously, the activatable portion forms a base of the bottle, and the activatable portion is rounded outward in the relaxed state. In other words, in the relaxed state, the bottle does not stand upright on its own. The consumer must activate it, so as to form a circular or practically circular fold which then forms a stable base of the bottle. This implementation is advantageous in the case where the bottle is so thin that it has no proper support: it is possible to fill it, to transport it in the relaxed state, and the consumer only has to pass it in the activated state to place it on a table.

• inférieur ou égal à 50% du diamètre de la partie cylindrique du corps,
• préférentiellement inférieur ou égal à 35% du diamètre de la partie cylindrique du corps,
• plus préférentiellement inférieur ou égal à 20% du diamètre de la partie cylindrique du corps. En d'autres termes, la bouteille présente une épaisseur uniforme, au moins entre sa paroi cylindrique et la majeure partie externe du fond. Pour prendre l'épaisseur, on peut par exemple faire au moins trois mesurer le long de la partie cylindrique du corps (à au moins 10 mm d'un col ou du fond) et en faire la moyenne.

Advantageously, the bottom has a thickness equal to ±20% of the thickness of the body of the bottle, with the exception of a central portion of the bottom included in a diameter:

• less than or equal to 50% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body,
• preferably less than or equal to 35% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body,
• more preferably less than or equal to 20% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body. In other words, the bottle has a uniform thickness, at least between its cylindrical wall and the major external part of the bottom. To take the thickness, we can for example make at least three measure along the cylindrical part of the body (at least 10 mm from a neck or bottom) and take the average.

According to the invention, the bottom has at least one radial groove which extends over a length of at least 10% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body. Very advantageously, the bottom has four radial grooves which extend over a length of at least 10% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body. Such radial grooves formed on the bottom form an advantageous implementation to help the bottom to form a marked convexity in the activated state, and to remain in this activated state.

• inférieur ou égal à 50% du diamètre de la partie cylindrique du corps,
• préférentiellement inférieur ou égal à 35% du diamètre de la partie cylindrique du corps,
• plus préférentiellement inférieur ou égal à 20% du diamètre de la partie cylindrique du corps.

Une telle coupelle centrale indique de manière intuitive où appuyer au consommateur.Advantageously, the base has a central cup forming an area to be pushed by the consumer and included in a diameter:

• less than or equal to 50% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body,
• preferably less than or equal to 35% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body,
• more preferably less than or equal to 20% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body.

Such a central cup intuitively indicates to the consumer where to press.

• -par exemple dans une plage allant de 30 µm à 50 µm ou de 50 µm à 70 µm ou de 70 µm à 100 µm, ou de 100 µm à 125 µm ou de 125 µm à 150 µm,
• et de préférence dans une plage allant de 100 µm à 125 µm.

De telles épaisseurs ne permettent pas à la bouteille d'offrir une tenue à elle seule, notamment sous un effort de préhension ou de pincement de 20 newtons. La portion activable, réalisées dans la même épaisseur à ±20% près, passe facilement dans l'état activé ou dans l'état relaxé, sous un effort modéré à l'utilisateur. Une bouteille classique de l'art antérieur peut présente typiquement une épaisseur de 220 µm, ce qui fait que la bouteille selon la présente mise en œuvre requiert deux fois moins de matière pour être fabriquée. Une telle bouteille, au moins deux fois plus légère, requiert moins d'énergie pour être fabriquée, et/ou recyclée.Advantageously, the body of the bottle has a thickness of:

• -for example in a range from 30 µm to 50 µm or from 50 µm to 70 µm or from 70 µm to 100 µm, or from 100 µm to 125 µm or from 125 µm to 150 µm,
• and preferably in a range from 100 µm to 125 µm.

Such thicknesses do not allow the bottle to provide a hold on its own, especially under a gripping or pinching force of 20 newtons. The activatable portion, made in the same thickness to within ±20%, easily passes into the activated state or into the relaxed state, under a force moderate to the user. A conventional bottle of the prior art may typically have a thickness of 220 µm, which means that the bottle according to the present implementation requires half as much material to be manufactured. Such a bottle, at least half as light, requires less energy to be manufactured, and/or recycled.

Advantageously, the bottle comprises a body, preferably partly cylindrical, arranged between a neck (and/or a spout) and a base.

Advantageously, the bottle comprises a plurality of ribs oriented in an axial direction of the bottle and distributed along the body. Such axial ribs are an advantageous implementation, because when passing from the relaxed state to the activated state, they will stretch so that the external parts of the body between the ribs move radially: the external diameter increases rapidly, without increasing the internal pressure too much. In other words, these grooves oriented in the axial direction of the bottle are not stiffening grooves, and they allow the bottle to expand.

Advantageously, the bottle comprises a neck and at least one circular rib oriented in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the bottle and arranged on the body of the bottle near the neck. One or more of these transverse or peripheral ribs are an advantageous implementation, because during the transition from the relaxed state to the activated state, they will concentrate the deformation of the rest of the bottle, until changing orientation: the peripheral ribs initially directed inwards can be directed outwards to form protuberances. In other words, this or these grooves oriented in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the bottle is (are) not a (some) stiffening groove(s).

Advantageously, the bottle is formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Advantageously, the liquid is a food liquid, preferably water, preferably non-carbonated, and preferably filled at a temperature below 50°C. In other words, the food liquid is still mineral water, and such a thin bottle remains well suited for transporting it from the bottling site to the consumer's home.

Advantageously, the product comprises means for closing the bottle, such as a screw-on or push-on cap, a seal or a valve. The closing means may further comprise means for proving tamper-evidence such as a tamper-evident ring attached to the cap by bridges to be broken upon first use. It may also be a seal sealed on the neck, to be permanently removed upon first use. The closing means may, where appropriate, comprise reversible means for closing the bottle after first use. This is the case, for example, with screw-on and unscrewable caps. It is mentioned that the filled bottle is preferably closed using a screw-on or push-on cap provided with a tamper-evident ring whose bridges are not broken.

• inférieur ou égal à 2 L,
• préférentiellement inférieur ou égal à 1.5 L,
• plus préférentiellement inférieur ou égal à 1 L,
• encore plus préférentiellement inférieur ou égal à 0.8 L.

Advantageously, the bottle has an internal volume:

• less than or equal to 2 L,
• preferably less than or equal to 1.5 L,
• more preferably less than or equal to 1 L,
• even more preferably less than or equal to 0.8 L.

Advantageously, the activatable portion, in the relaxed state, defines at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, preferably at least 15%, preferably from 5% to 10% of the internal volume. Thus, with such a relative volume for the activatable portion, moving from the relaxed state to the activated state significantly changes the internal pressure in the bottle.

• un manchon externe agencé pour être tenu par le consommateur,
• un produit selon le premier aspect de l'invention,

• dans lequel le manchon comprend une ouverture agencée pour recevoir la bouteille avec la portion activable dans l'état relaxé,
• et dans lequel, la portion activable, en passant dans l'état activé sous un effort exercé par le consommateur, forme des moyens de verrouillage de la bouteille dans le manchon externe.

A second aspect of the invention relates to an object to be held by a consumer, comprising:

• an external sleeve arranged to be held by the consumer,
• a product according to the first aspect of the invention,

• wherein the sleeve comprises an opening arranged to receive the bottle with the activatable portion in the relaxed state,
• and in which, the activatable portion, by passing into the activated state under a force exerted by the consumer, forms means for locking the bottle in the external sleeve.

According to the above implementation, the outer sleeve forms a rigid handle that can accommodate the bottle, and once the bottle is locked in the sleeve, the consumer finds it easy to handle, and can firmly hold the sleeve without causing untimely deformation that would cause it to overflow, which he could not do with the bottle being too thin and not rigid enough. In addition, the transition of the activatable portion into the activated state is simple, which does not require a complex operation from the consumer. As a result, the object is simple to use, provides satisfactory support, and yet the bottle is much thinner and more flexible than a bottle of the prior art, which makes it possible to offer an economical and ecological solution for the consumer, because the sleeve is reusable.

Advantageously, the sleeve has a constriction opposite the opening, and arranged to form an axial stop for the bottle received in the opening. Such a stop allows intuitive use: it is sufficient to push the bottle into the sleeve up to the constriction, to then activate the activatable portion.

Advantageously, the sleeve has an opening at the neck, arranged to allow a neck of the bottle received in the opening to pass through.

Advantageously, the sleeve has an opening, preferably lateral, to allow the consumer to exert a deactivation force directly on the closed bottle having the activatable portion. in an activated state, so as to move the activatable portion into the deactivated state to unlock the bottle from the sleeve. Such an opening provides direct access to the bottle, which allows it to be pressed so that the internal pressure pushes back the activatable portion which then moves from the activated state to the relaxed state: the bottle can be easily removed from the sleeve.

Preferably, the opening is arranged on an upper part of the sleeve, or on a part intended to be opposite a neck of the bottle. This makes it possible to press on the bottle at a location far from the bottom / the activatable portion, so as not to create unwanted deformations.

Alternatively, if no opening is provided, the sleeve is provided to be sufficiently flexible (with a thickness of less than 500 µm, and preferably less than 300 µm), to allow the consumer, with a pronounced pinching force (at least 20 newtons, and preferably at least 30 newtons) to deform the sleeve and the bottle sufficiently to sufficiently increase the internal pressure and push the activatable portion from the activated state to the relaxed state.

As a result, the activatable portion has no tab or protrusion to pull on.

• au moins 50% de la bouteille,
• préférentiellement au moins 75% de la bouteille,
• encore plus préférentiellement la totalité du corps de la bouteille,
• et encore plus préférentiellement la totalité du corps de la bouteille dont la portion activable forme le fond, ainsi que 80% au plus, et préférentiellement de 20% 50% au plus, de la hauteur de la portion activable dans l'état relaxé.

En d'autres termes, et selon une mise en œuvre avantageuse, le manchon laisse 20% au moins de la portion activable (le fond) de la bouteille apparente, ce qui permet d'enfoncer ou d'activer la portion activable en poussant le manchon (qui reçoit la bouteille en butée sur son rétreint) verticalement vers le bas sur une table.Advantageously, the sleeve has a sufficient length to cover

• at least 50% of the bottle,
• preferably at least 75% of the bottle,
• even more preferably the entire body of the bottle,
• and even more preferably the entire body of the bottle of which the activatable portion forms the bottom, as well as 80% at most, and preferably 20% 50% at most, of the height of the activatable portion in the relaxed state.

In other words, and according to an advantageous implementation, the sleeve leaves at least 20% of the activatable portion (the bottom) of the bottle visible, which makes it possible to push in or activate the activatable portion by pushing the sleeve (which receives the bottle against its constriction) vertically downwards onto a table.

• inférieur ou égal à 1.5 mm, de préférence à 1.0 mm,
• plus préférentiellement inférieur ou égal 0.8 mm,
• encore plus préférentiellement inférieur ou égal à 0.5 mm.

Advantageously, the sleeve has, with the bottle whose activatable portion is in the relaxed state, a clearance:

• less than or equal to 1.5 mm, preferably 1.0 mm,
• more preferably less than or equal to 0.8 mm,
• even more preferably less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

Advantageously, the sleeve is a part open at both ends and has a wall that is at least partly cylindrical to be grasped by the consumer.

• la sangle présente :
  • une première extrémité attachée à une première extrémité du manchon du côté de l'ouverture d'introduction de la bouteille,
  • une portion montée en coulissement au travers d'un passant agencé sur la première extrémité du manchon et un côté latéral opposé de la première extrémité de la sangle attachée au manchon,
  • une deuxième extrémité attachée à une deuxième extrémité du manchon, de sorte à ce que la sangle :
    • détendue entre sa première extrémité et le passant, dégage l'ouverture et permet une insertion de la bouteille dans l'ouverture,
    • tendue entre sa première extrémité et le passant, bloque l'ouverture et empêche un retrait de la bouteille du manchon.
• La sangle selon la mise en œuvre ci-dessus permet de former une barrière à la bouteille (sangle tendue), et peut laisser passer la bouteille, juste en faisant coulisser la sangle dans le passant pour la détendre.

Advantageously, the object comprises a strap linked to the sleeve, and:

• the strap presents:
  • a first end attached to a first end of the sleeve on the side of the bottle insertion opening,
  • a portion slidably mounted through a loop arranged on the first end of the sleeve and an opposite lateral side of the first end of the strap attached to the sleeve,
  • a second end attached to a second end of the sleeve, so that the strap:
    • relaxed between its first end and the loop, clears the opening and allows the bottle to be inserted into the opening,
    • stretched between its first end and the loop, blocks the opening and prevents the bottle from being removed from the sleeve.
• The strap according to the implementation above makes it possible to form a barrier to the bottle (stretched strap), and can let the bottle pass, simply by sliding the strap in the loop to relax it.

Advantageously, the object comprises a base embedded on the strap between its first end and the loop, the base comprising a protrusion arranged to push the activatable portion when the bottle is received, upon a pulling movement on the strap, exerted by the consumer. The base (or a removable base) comprises a bump or protrusion which automatically presses and conforms the activatable portion in the activated state.

Advantageously, the base forms a support for information intended for the consumer.

Advantageously, the object comprises another loop for the strap, arranged on the sleeve on the side of the second end of the strap.

• au moins supérieure à deux fois une épaisseur du corps de la bouteille, ou
• au moins supérieure à 200 µm.

Advantageously, the sleeve has a thickness:

• at least greater than twice the thickness of the body of the bottle, or
• at least greater than 200 µm.

Advantageously, the sleeve has an internal wall arranged to contact the body of the bottle, at least 30% of the surface of the internal wall is airtight and/or has an arithmetic roughness (Ra) less than or equal to 1.6 µm, preferably less than or equal to 0.8 µm.

Advantageously, the internal wall is varnished or has a smooth and/or airtight surface coating.

In other words, the sleeve is arranged to maintain an air vacuum between its inner wall and the bottle with the activatable portion in the activated state, which provides an effective lock.

Advantageously, the sleeve has an internal wall with thermal insulation, such as at least one air pocket or an insulating material (polystyrene, preferably expanded, polyurethane foam, etc.).

Advantageously, the sleeve includes an overmolded insert made of non-slip material, such as EPDM, rubber, etc. This implementation allows to improve the anti-rotation of the bottle activated in the sleeve.

Advantageously, the object comprises the bottle with axial ribs, in which the activatable portion, by passing into the activated state under a force exerted by the consumer, causes, by reducing a depth of the ribs, an increase in the diameter of the part of the body comprising the ribs, so as to cause direct contact between the body of the bottle and an internal wall of the sleeve.

Advantageously, the object comprises the bottle with at least one peripheral rib, in which the sleeve has at least one internal groove or opening arranged to face the rib of the bottle received in the opening, so as to allow radial outward movement of the rib of the bottle when activatable portion is activated.

Advantageously, the sleeve has at least one protrusion arranged to cooperate with the bottle, preferably with a portion of a neck or neck of the bottle, so as to provide a torque resisting rotation of the bottle in the sleeve. Such a protrusion may be an index or grooves, which are preferably arranged opposite the neck of the bottle, which is thicker and stronger than the rest of the bottle.

Advantageously, the activatable portion, by passing into the activated state under a force exerted by the consumer, causes direct contact between the body of the bottle and an internal wall of the sleeve, by expulsion of an interstitial air layer.

• en matériau polymère tel que du polyéthylène téréphtalate (PET), ou du polyamide (PA), ou du polycarbonate (PC), et comprend optionnellement un matériau de charge tel que des fibres, ou
• en un métal tel que de l'aluminium.

Advantageously, the sleeve is formed:

• of polymeric material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyamide (PA), or polycarbonate (PC), and optionally comprises a filler material such as fibers, or
• made of a metal such as aluminum.

Advantageously, the sleeve comprises means for recognizing the bottle, and/or means of communication for sending information to the consumer, and/or a human-machine interface arranged to receive an order from the consumer.

• les moyens de reconnaissance comprennent des moyens de communication sans fil, et/ou une étiquette électronique, et/ou des moyens de reconnaissance optiques, et/ou des moyens de détection magnétiques,
• la bouteille comprend un marqueur agencé pour être reconnu par les moyens de reconnaissance du manchon. Cette mise en œuvre permet au manchon de reconnaître la bouteille et/ou le liquide, et d'afficher en retour des informations au consommateur (nature du liquide, date de consommation optimale...).

Advantageously:

• the recognition means comprise wireless communication means, and/or an electronic tag, and/or optical recognition means, and/or magnetic detection means,
• the bottle includes a marker arranged to be recognized by the recognition means of the sleeve. This implementation allows the sleeve to recognize the bottle and/or the liquid, and to display information in return to the consumer (nature of the liquid, best before date, etc.).

• les moyens de communication comprennent un écran, de préférence tactile, et/ou des moyens de communication sans fil agencés pour établir une connexion avec un appareil électronique portable, tel qu'un téléphone ou une tablette numérique, et/ou
• les moyens de communication sont agencés pour envoyer au consommateur au moins une information relative au liquide alimentaire contenu dans la bouteille, et/ou au moins une information relative à une consommation de liquide, et/ou un historique des bouteilles utilisées, et/ou
• les moyens de communication sont agencés pour établir une connexion, de préférence sans fil, avec un serveur distant, pour :
  • envoyer/recevoir une information relative au consommateur, à une consommation du consommateur, à un avis du consommateur, recueilli par une interface homme machine liée aux moyens de communication,
  • envoyer une commande de bouteilles.

Advantageously:

• the communication means comprise a screen, preferably a touch screen, and/or wireless communication means arranged to establish a connection with a portable electronic device, such as a telephone or a digital tablet, and/or
• the means of communication are arranged to send to the consumer at least one piece of information relating to the food liquid contained in the bottle, and/or at least one piece of information relating to liquid consumption, and/or a history of the bottles used, and/or
• the means of communication are arranged to establish a connection, preferably wireless, with a remote server, for:
  • send/receive information relating to the consumer, to the consumer's consumption, to a consumer's opinion, collected by a human-machine interface linked to the means of communication,
  • send an order for bottles.

• fabriquer la bouteille du produit selon le premier aspect de l'invention, par exemple par injection soufflage,
• remplir au moins 80% du volume interne de la bouteille avec un liquide alimentaire, de préférence à une température inférieure à 50°C,
• fermer la bouteille,
• transporter la bouteille fermée avec la portion activable dans l'état relaxé jusqu'à un point de mise à disposition pour un consommateur, par exemple le domicile, un lieu de travail, un restaurant, un magasin ou un distributeur mécanisé.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a method of delivering to a consumer a product according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of:

• manufacturing the bottle of the product according to the first aspect of the invention, for example by injection blow molding,
• fill at least 80% of the internal volume of the bottle with a food liquid, preferably at a temperature below 50°C,
• close the bottle,
• transporting the closed bottle with the activatable portion in the relaxed state to a point of provision for a consumer, for example, a home, a workplace, a restaurant, a store or a mechanized dispenser.

As a result, the bottle is manufactured, filled, and transported with the activatable portion in the relaxed state. It is only the consumer who activates the activatable portion, for example, to place the bottle upright on a table or to lock it in the sleeve.

It should also be noted that the filling is preferably carried out cold (at less than 50°C), so that the activatable portion is not intended to compensate for a variation in pressure/volume caused by a variation in temperature during cooling.

Advantageously, the delivery method comprises a step of delivering a plurality of bottles of the product according to the first aspect of the invention forming a batch, and a single sleeve, or a number of sleeves less than the plurality of bottles forming a batch, of the object according to the second aspect of the invention. This makes it possible to save material on each bottle, while providing the possibility of coupling with a reusable sleeve that is sufficiently rigid to ensure good ergonomics.

• recevoir le produit selon le premier aspect de l'invention avec la portion activable de la bouteille dans l'état relaxé,
• insérer la bouteille fermée dans le manchon de l'objet selon le deuxième aspect de l'invention,
• exercer un effort sur la portion activable de la bouteille fermée pour verrouiller la bouteille dans le manchon.

A fourth aspect which is not part of the invention relates to a method of use by a consumer of an object according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of:

• receiving the product according to the first aspect of the invention with the activatable portion of the bottle in the relaxed state,
• inserting the closed bottle into the sleeve of the object according to the second aspect of the invention,
• exert force on the activatable portion of the closed bottle to lock the bottle in the sleeve.

Advantageously, the method of use comprises a step of exerting a force on the closed bottle to unlock the bottle from the sleeve, causing the activatable portion to move from the activated state to the relaxed state, after consumption of the food liquid for example.

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement quatre vues de l'utilisation d'un objet selon l'invention, comprenant un produit avec une bouteille fermée et un manchon ;
• les figures 2a et 2b représentent un premier schéma d'usage de l'objet de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente un deuxième schéma d'usage de l'objet de la figure 1, avec un détail des parois de la bouteille fermée et du manchon ;
• la figure 4 représente une vue de profil et une vue de dessous de la bouteille fermée de l'objet de la figure 1
• la figure 5 représente deux vues d'une première variante de l'objet de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 6a représente deux vues d'une deuxième variante de l'objet de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 6b représente deux vues d'une troisième variante de l'objet de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 7 représente trois vues du manchon de la figure 1 ;
• les figures 8a à 8d représentent une quatrième variante de l'objet de la figure 1.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of several embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

• there Figure 1 schematically represents four views of the use of an object according to the invention, comprising a product with a closed bottle and a sleeve;
• THE Figures 2a and 2b represent a first usage diagram of the object of the Figure 1 ;
• there Figure 3 represents a second usage pattern of the object of the Figure 1 , with a detail of the walls of the closed bottle and the sleeve;
• there Figure 4 represents a side view and a bottom view of the closed bottle of the object of the Figure 1
• there Figure 5 represents two views of a first variant of the object of the Figure 1 ;
• there Figure 6a represents two views of a second variant of the object of the Figure 1 ;
• there Figure 6b represents two views of a third variant of the object of the Figure 1 ;
• there Figure 7 represents three views of the sleeve of the Figure 1 ;
• THE Figures 8a to 8d represent a fourth variant of the object of the Figure 1 .

There Figure 1 schematically represents four views of an object comprising a sleeve 20 which receives a product 10 composed essentially of a bottle 11.

The bottle 11 includes an activatable portion that forms a bottom 111 of the bottle in the implementation shown. In the first view (left) of the Figure 1 , the activatable portion is in a relaxed state, that is to say that the bottom 111 has a concavity or a rounded shape towards the bottom. As seen in this first view, there is a clearance between the cylindrical body of the bottle 11 and the sleeve 20, which allows the bottle 11 to be freely inserted into the lower opening of the sleeve 20.

The second sectional view (starting from the left of the Figure 1 ), the bottle 11 is completely inserted into the sleeve 20, because it comes to a stop on a constriction of the sleeve 20, with the neck of the bottle 11 passing through an upper opening of the sleeve 20. This view also shows a cap 13 which keeps the bottle closed, itself containing a drinking liquid 12. In this second view, the bottom 111 is still in the relaxed state, that is to say concave downwards. A clearance still exists between the cylindrical parts of the sleeve 20 and the bottle 11.

The third view from the left of the Figure 1 represents the bottle 11 with the bottom 111 which has been pushed by a consumer, that is to say that the activatable portion (the bottom 111) of the bottle 11 has been passed into an activated state, so that the dead volume inside the bottle 11 has decreased on the one hand (we see that the upper level of the drinking liquid 12 is higher than in the second view), but above all, on the second hand, the passage of the bottom to the activated state has caused an increase in the diameter of the cylindrical part of the bottle 11, so that the clearance between the bottle 11 and the sleeve 20 has disappeared.

As shown in the fourth view from the left of the Figure 1 , the bottle 11 is locked in the sleeve 20, it can no longer move axially or in rotation relative to the sleeve 20.

In other words, the passage of the bottom 111 from the relaxed state to the activated state caused an increase in the internal pressure in the bottle 11, which then "pushed" or "stretched" the outer diameter of the cylindrical body of the bottle 11, so as to expel the air gap between the bottle 11 and the sleeve 20, so that the bottle 11 can no longer move relative to the sleeve 20.

This makes it possible to provide a flexible bottle 11, which is therefore light and requires little material to manufacture it and in practice is not easy to use on its own due to its great flexibility, but with easy and satisfactory handling when it is locked in the sleeve 20. The sleeve 20 therefore forms a reusable part which can simply receive bottles 11 which require little material and which would not be easy to use on their own.

In particular, such a bottle 11 has such a small thickness that once opened, it would deform so much under a gripping force of approximately 20 newtons that the liquid to be drunk would overflow. However, coupled and locked in the sleeve 20, the user can handle the bottle 11 by firmly holding the sleeve 20 (with a gripping force greater than or equal to 20 newtons).

There Figure 2a represents a first usage diagram of the object of the Figure 1 , with a consumer (i.e. a user, preferably end user) who introduces the product 10 (the bottle 11 + the liquid 12 + the cap 13) in a substantially horizontal direction into the sleeve 20.

There Figure 2b represents the consumer activating the bottom 111 by pushing it, which produces an activation noise as shown in the pictogram, to lock the bottle 11 in the sleeve 20.

There Figure 3 represents two views of a second usage scenario of the object of the Figure 1 . Indeed, in the left view, the sleeve 20 is threaded vertically onto the product 10 which rests on a work surface S. The base 111 is in the relaxed state, and as shown in the detail of the left view, an air gap 40 is present between the body 112 of the bottle 11 and the sleeve 20. This air gap 40 facilitates the sliding and introduction of the bottle 11 into the sleeve 20. A clearance (in the relaxed state of the base 111), less than 1.5 mm, is approximately 0.8 mm or 0.5 mm between the two components.

The right-hand view represents the end of the second usage scenario: once the bottle 11 has reached the stop in the sleeve 20, the consumer simply needs to continue to push the sleeve 20 downwards until it stops on the support S to activate the base 111 which then takes on a convex shape, emits a locking noise and locks the bottle 11 in the sleeve 20.

As shown in the detail of the right view of the Figure 3 , the wall 112 of the body of the bottle 11 directly touches the sleeve 20, there is no more air, which provides effective locking of the bottle 11 in the sleeve 20.

There Figure 4 represents a side view and a bottom view of the bottle 11 according to the invention. Indeed, the base 111 comprises four radial grooves or ribs 113 and a central cup 114. The radial ribs or grooves 113 improve the hold of the base 111 in its activated state, and the cup 114 improves the ergonomics of use by intuitively indicating to the consumer where to press to activate the activatable portion. It is possible to provide more or less four radial ribs 113, and their presence is independent of the presence of the cup 114.

The bottle 11 is formed from a thin-walled thermoplastic material. The material is preferably a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene furanoate (PEF) or polytrimethylene furanoate (PTF). It is preferably shaped by an injection blow molding process, for example an injection stretch blow molding process. In these processes, a solid preform is manufactured by injecting the material into a mold and then cooling it, the preform is then heated to soften it, optionally stretched longitudinally using a rod, and then stretched axially and longitudinally by blowing into a mold to the shape of the bottle.

These polyester materials and processes are known to those skilled in the art. Their combination makes it possible to obtain thin, lightweight walls with good mechanical strength and good sealing or other barrier properties. These properties are due to the orientation of the macromolecular chains inducing at least partial crystallization. In addition to saving material, these polyesters have the advantage of being easily recyclable. Recovery, sorting, and regeneration channels are organized. Regeneration can be mechanical recycling involving melting and shaping, for example into granules before new plastics processing operations such as injection blow molding or chemical recycling involving depolymerization, recovery of monomers or precursors, then new polymerization.

The implementation and use of the thin-walled bottles of the invention therefore presents a very advantageous environmental balance, in addition to good practicality, in particular with regard to the implementation using conventional, thicker, non-activatable PET bottles.

The thin wall is preferably such that the body of the bottle has a thickness in a range from 30 µm to 150 µm, for example in a range from 30 µm to 50 µm or from 50 µm to 70 µm or from 70 µm to 100 µm, or from 100 µm to 125 µm or from 125 µm to 150 µm, preferably in a range from 100 µm to 125 µm. The thickness mentioned is the thickness at at least one point of the body, preferably the average thickness over a portion representing at least 50% in length or area of the body, preferably at least 80%, preferably the average thickness over the entire body. The bottom of the bottle may have a slightly greater thickness than the body, for example up to 50% more than the body, for example up to 20% more. The bottom may also have a cup, typically corresponding to the bottom of the preform and its injection point.

The thickness can be adjusted by adapting, for a target bottle volume, the characteristics of the preform, in particular its shape and the thickness of its walls, as well as the stretching characteristics. It is mentioned that the thickness of the preform walls, the geometry of the preform such as its length, diameter and base shape, determine, with the neck that can form a bottle neck, the weight. The bottle, unfilled, unclosed, and/or the preform generally have an identical weight. Subsequently, the weights given refer indifferently to the bottle weight or the preform weight. For a 75 cl bottle, it is advantageous to use preforms of 8 to 13 g. The overall stretching ratio can for example be between 12.0 and 27.0, preferably between 15.0 and 20.0. The axial stretch ratio (typically the ratio between the height of the bottle and the length of the stretchable part of the preform, typically the under-neck distance) can for example be understood between 3.0 and 4.5. The radial stretch ratio (typically the ratio between the diameter of the bottle and the diameter of the stretchable part of the preform) can for example be between 4.0 and 6.0. It is mentioned that the overall stretch ratio is generally equal to the product of the axial stretch ratio and the radial stretch ratio.

Good results are obtained for example with the following characteristics: Preform type Preform having an unstretched neck with screw thread and flange Preform weight 12.8g Neck weight 3.68g Bottle type Cylindrical bottle with circular section and concave bottom that can be activated Bottle diameter 71.5 mm Bottle height 238.5 mm Bottle Volume 75 cl Overall stretch rate 17.96 Radial stretch ratio 4.35 Axial stretch rate 4.13 Thickness at body level 110 µm Preform temperature during blowing 100°C Blowing pressure 30 Bars

There Figure 5 represents a first variant of the object of the Figure 1 , in which a bottle 11A comprises a plurality of axial (or vertical here) ribs 115 distributed around the body of the bottle 11. Consequently, it is these ribs 115 which will mainly deform during activation of the bottom 111, so that the diameter of the body of the bottle 11A goes from a value (a) to a diameter greater than (a), at the level of the ribs 115 which therefore concentrate the deformation of the body of the bottle 11 (in detail, the portions of the body between the ribs 115 will move radially, simultaneously with a reduction in the depth of the ribs 115, which "extend" in a tangential direction).

There Figure 6a represents a second variant of the object of the Figure 1 , in which a bottle 11B comprises at least one (here three) ribs 116 perpendicular to the axis of the bottle 11B. In the relaxed state of the bottom 111, the ribs 116 are directed towards the inside of the bottle 11B, as shown in the left view of the Figure 6a . In the activated state of the background 111 (right view of the Figure 6a ), the ribs 116 protrude from the body of the bottle 11B and contact the inner wall of the sleeve 20, so that the bottle 11B is locked in the sleeve 20.

There Figure 6b represents a third variant of the object of the Figure 1 . In particular, compared to the second variant shown Figure 6a , a sleeve 20A comprises, according to this third variant, lateral openings 201 which are opposite the ribs 116 of the bottle 11B. When passing from the relaxed state to the activated state, the bottom 111 always causes an outward movement of the ribs 116, but these can then engage in the openings 201 of the sleeve 20, so that the locking is further improved.

Instead of the ribs 116, a succession of hemispherical portions distributed around the periphery of the body can be provided, which will have the same behavior as the ribs 116.

There Figure 7 represents three views of an example of the sleeve 20 of the Figure 1 , which has a hollow tube shape to accommodate the bottle 11, with a lower opening and an upper constriction.

According to an advantageous implementation, the sleeve 20 has an opening 214 on its cylindrical part. This opening allows the consumer to press on the side of the closed bottle 11, to move the bottom 111 from the activated state to the relaxed state. Thus the bottle 11 is easily unlocked from the sleeve 20 and the consumer can remove it and install another bottle 11. In this case, a very rigid sleeve 20 can be provided, and which has a thickness of up to several millimeters, or made of metal.

Alternatively, it is possible not to provide the lateral opening 214, but to limit the thickness of the sleeve 20 (then made of plastic) to a thickness less than, for example, 500 µm, or even 350 µm, so that it is flexible under a particular force (for example at least 20 newtons) and to deform the closed bottle 11 so as to cause the bottom 111 to pass from the activated state to the relaxed state.

According to the Figure 7 , the sleeve 20 here comprises, according to a particular implementation, four lugs or loops 210, 211, 212 and 213, arranged to attach a strap 30, visible from the Figures 8a to 8d .

• présente une première extrémité attachée au passant 211 (qui est du côté inférieur du manchon 20 et du même côté latéral que l'ouverture 214),
• coulisse dans le passant 210 (qui est du côté inférieur du manchon 20 mais opposé au côté latéral de l'ouverture 214),
• coulisse dans le passant 212,
• présente une deuxième extrémité attachée au passant 213.

In particular, strap 30:

• has a first end attached to the loop 211 (which is on the lower side of the sleeve 20 and on the same lateral side as the opening 214),
• slides into the loop 210 (which is on the lower side of the sleeve 20 but opposite the lateral side of the opening 214),
• slides into the loop 212,
• has a second end attached to the loop 213.

Thus, as shown in the Figure 8a , by releasing the strap 30 slack between the loop 211 and the loop 210, it is possible to remove-insert a bottle 11 into the lower opening of the sleeve 20.

Once the bottle 11 is inserted into the sleeve 20, the consumer can pull on the strap 30 to tighten it between the loop 211 and 210, so as to block the lower opening, as shown in the bottom view of the figure 8d . It is then possible for the consumer to easily transport the object, as shown by the Figures 8b and 8c , with additional securing of the bottle 11 in the sleeve 20.

It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A product comprising:

   - a closed thin-walled plastic bottle (11; 11A; 11B) comprising an at least partly cylindrical body and defining an internal volume, the cylindrical part of the bottle having a lateral surface whose generatrices are parallel straight lines that follow a closed base curve defined by the intersection of the lateral surface with a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the bottle,

   - a liquid (12) to be drunk filling at least 80% of the internal volume of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B),

   the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) comprising at least one activatable portion with a concavity oriented along a first direction in a relaxed state, the activatable portion being arranged to deform under a force exerted by a consumer to pass into an activated state and to have a convexity oriented in a direction opposite to the first direction,

   a pressure exerted by the liquid (12) on the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) closed with the activatable portion in the relaxed state being lower than a pressure exerted by the liquid (12) on the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) closed with the activatable portion in the activated state,

   the body of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) having a thickness within a range from 30 µm to 150 µm,

   wherein the activatable portion forms a bottom (111) of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B), wherein the activatable portion is rounded outwards in the relaxed state, and wherein the activatable portion is arranged to remain in the activated state or in the relaxed state as long as a pressure is not exerted by the user to change state, characterized in that the bottom (111) has at least one radial groove (113) which extends over a length of at least 10% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body.
2. The product according to the preceding claim, wherein the bottom (111) has a thickness equal to ±20% of the thickness of the body of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B), with the exception of a central portion of the bottom (111) comprised in a diameter:

   - less than or equal to 50% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body,

   - preferably less than or equal to 35% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body,

   - more preferably less than or equal to 20% of the diameter of the cylindrical part of the body.
3. The product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) has a thickness comprised:

   - in a range from 30 µm to 50 µm or from 50 µm to 70 µm or from 70 µm to 100 µm, or from 100 µm to 125 µm or from 125 µm to 150 µm,

   - and preferably in a range from 100 µm to 125 µm.
4. The product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) comprises a plurality of ribs (115) oriented along an axial direction of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) and distributed along the body.
5. The product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) comprises a neck and at least one circular rib (116) oriented along a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) and arranged on the body of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) in the vicinity of the neck.
6. The product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the activatable portion, in the relaxed state, defines at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, preferably at least 15%, preferably from 5% to 10% of the internal volume.
7. An object to be held by a consumer, comprising:

   - an outer sleeve (20; 20A) arranged to be held by the consumer,

   - a product according to any of the preceding claims,

   wherein the sleeve (20; 20A) comprises an opening arranged to receive the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) with the activatable portion in the relaxed state,

   and wherein the activatable portion, by passing into the activated state under a force exerted by the consumer, forms means for locking the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) in the outer sleeve (20; 20A).
8. The object according to the preceding claim, wherein the sleeve (20; 20A) has a constriction opposite to the opening, and arranged to form an axial abutment for the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) received in the opening.
9. The object according to any of claims 7 or 8, wherein the sleeve (20; 20A) has an opening, preferably lateral opening, to allow the consumer to exert a deactivation force directly on the closed bottle (11; 11A; 11B) having the activatable portion in an activated state, so as to pass the activatable portion into the deactivated state to unlock the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) from the sleeve (20; 20A).
10. The object according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the sleeve (20; 20A) has a sufficient length to cover:

    - at least 50% of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B),

    - preferably at least 75% of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B),

    - even more preferably the entire body of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B),

    - and even more preferably the entire body of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) whose activatable portion forms the bottom (111), as well as 80% at most, and preferably from 20% to 50% at most, of the height of the activatable portion in the relaxed state.
11. The object according to any of claims 7 to 10, comprising a strap (30) connected to the sleeve (20; 20A), and wherein:

    the strap (30) has:

    - a first end attached to a first end of the sleeve (20; 20A) on the side of the opening for introducing the bottle (11; 11A; 11B),

    - a portion slidably mounted through a loop arranged on the first end of the sleeve (20; 20A) and on an opposite lateral side of the first end of the strap (30) attached to the sleeve (20; 20A),

    - a second end attached to a second end of the sleeve (20; 20A),

    so that the strap (30):

    • relaxed between its first end and the loop, releases the opening and allows insertion of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) into the opening,

    • taut between its first end and the loop, blocks the opening and prevents removal of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) from the sleeve (20; 20A).
12. The object according to any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the sleeve (20; 20A) has a thickness:

    - at least greater than twice a thickness of the body of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B), or

    - at least greater than 200 µm.
13. The object according to any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the sleeve (20; 20A) has an inner wall arranged to contact the body of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B), wherein at least 30% on the surface of the inner wall is airtight and/or has an arithmetic roughness (Ra) less than or equal to 1.6 µm.
14. The object according to any of claims 7 to 13, comprising the product according to claim 4, wherein the activatable portion, by passing into the activated state under a force exerted by the consumer, causes, by reduction of a depth of the ribs, an increase in the diameter of the part of the body comprising the ribs, so as to cause direct contact between the body of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) and an inner wall of the sleeve (20; 20A).
15. The object according to any of claims 7 to 13, comprising the product according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve (20; 20A) has at least one inner groove or an opening arranged to be facing the rib of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) received in the opening, so as to allow a radial displacement towards the outside of the rib of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) during the activation of the activatable portion.
16. A method for delivering to a consumer a product according to any of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps consisting in:

    - manufacturing the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) of the product of any of claims 1 to 6, for example by injection blow molding,

    - filling at least 80% of the internal volume of the bottle (11; 11A; 11B) with a food liquid (12), preferably at a temperature below 50°C,

    - closing the bottle (11; 11A; 11B),

    - transporting the closed bottle (11; 11A; 11B) with the activatable portion in the relaxed state to a provisioning point for a consumer, for example the home, a workplace, a restaurant, a store or a mechanized distributor.

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