EP4284723A1

EP4284723A1 - Extrusion blow-molded container

Info

Publication number: EP4284723A1
Application number: EP22701589.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Oliver UNTERLECHNER; Florian HEIDER; Klemens Bösch; Thomas BOHLE
Original assignee: Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2021-01-26
Filing date: 2022-01-21
Publication date: 2023-12-06
Also published as: US20240076092A1; CH718284A1; WO2022161877A1; MX2023008019A; CN116761759A

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (11) produced from a plastic material, in particular by extrusion blow molding, said container comprising a container body (13) having a first end (15) and a second end (17) substantially opposite the first end and having a jacket (14); a filling opening (25) having a first and second sealing surface formed on the inner wall (23) of the first end (15), wherein the first and second sealing surfaces can be connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner; and a container base (19) having a standing surface (21) formed at the second end (17) and a pouring opening (29) formed at the first end (15). The filling opening (25) has a first center axis (45), and the pouring opening (29) has a second center axis (47). The first and the second center axis (45, 47) are substantially parallel to one another.

Description

Extrusion Blow Molded Container

field of invention

The invention relates to a container made from a plastic material by extrusion blow molding according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a combination of a container and a screw cap according to the preamble of claim 20.

State of the art

Plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles, for example made of polyethylene or polypropylene, are produced by extrusion blow molding. In this case, plastic suitable for blow molding is plasticized by means of an extruder and introduced into a tube head. In the tube head, the plastic is formed into a tube that is placed in a blow molding tool. The tube is placed in the blow molding tool and, with the tool closed, inflated via a blow pin by means of overpressure of a gas, so that the tube expands and is pressed against an inner wall of a cavity of the blow molding tool and assumes the shape of the inner wall, which has the negative shape of a container . The container molded from the tube is cooled by means of the inner wall until the plastic has hardened. The container is then removed from the opened blow molding tool. In a separate step, the so-called slugs, which form due to the overhang of the hose when the blow mold closes and are usually connected to the removed container, are separated and can be fed into the recycling stream. The hose can be single-layer or multi-layer.

Typically, the exit openings are formed at one end of the container during blow molding. Accordingly, the containers are filled via the outlet opening during the filling process. The filling speed at the filling line is therefore dependent on the cross-section of the outlet opening and the consistency of the product to be filled.

In order to enable an increased filling speed, WO 2017/072185 A1 describes an extrusion blow-moulded container which has a first open end and a second end. The first end has first and second sealing surfaces. The sealing surfaces enclose a filling opening and can be connected in a fluid-tight manner after filling. The second end is designed as a container bottom with a standing surface. Since the Filling opening can extend over the entire cross section of the container, rapid filling of the container is made possible.

To pour out the contents, the container must be cut open or a closure element with a pouring opening must be welded between the sealing surfaces. If the container is cut open, the result is a pouring opening which is less user-friendly because an aid is required to open it and contents can easily be spilled when poured. If a closure element is present, the closure element must be inserted between the sealing surfaces before it can be welded to them. In addition, the closure element can be made of a different plastic than the container, which means that it is not possible to dispose of the container according to type.

In order to overcome this disadvantage, a filling opening and a separate pouring opening can be provided on an extrusion blow molded container. It is preferred if the filling opening is larger than the pouring opening. As a result, the container can be filled quickly and the contents poured out precisely or transferred to another container. In addition, the material requirement is reduced if a screw cap is provided for a small pouring opening. However, such containers are not trivial to manufacture since both openings require sufficient space.

object of the invention

The disadvantages of the prior art described result in the task of improving the manufacturability of an extrusion blow-moulded container which has a separate filling and pouring opening. In addition, such containers should be suitable or optimized for simple use in bottling plants.

description

The solution to the problem set is achieved with a container made from a plastic material, in particular by extrusion blow molding, by the features listed in the characterizing section of patent claim 1. Further developments and/or advantageous embodiment variants are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.

The invention is preferably characterized in that the filling opening has a first central axis and the pouring opening has a second central axis and that the first and second central axes are essentially parallel to one another. As a result, the openings can be formed particularly quickly and flexibly during extrusion blow molding.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second central axes are oriented parallel to the extrusion direction or to the longitudinal extension of the container. This orientation of the central axes or the openings saves space, allows for multiple cavities in the mold and thus makes it possible to produce a larger number of containers per cycle.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the plane defined by the first and the second central axis corresponds to the mold parting plane of the container. This arrangement of the central axes of the openings ensures that there is sufficient material for the formation of threads, in particular external threads.

It proves expedient if the filling opening is defined by a first neck surrounding the filling opening and a first and second shoulder adjoin the first neck. The first neck can be closed particularly easily by suitable connection techniques such as welding or gluing after the container has been filled through the filling opening. An additional closure or an additional separate inserted neck are therefore advantageously not required. A first cone is formed by the first and second shoulders. The shoulder angles can be designed flexibly and the shoulder geometries can thus be adapted to different container volumes.

The invention is also characterized in that the pouring opening is defined by a second neck surrounding the pouring opening and at least one third shoulder adjoins the second neck. As a result, the shoulder geometries of the at least third shoulder can also be adapted to the container shape and the container volume. It is possible that the second neck does not have a fourth shoulder and that the second neck merges directly into the first shoulder, if this is required by the container design.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the third and a fourth shoulder adjoin the second neck. As a result, the third and fourth shoulder also form a separate second cone and the shoulder angles of the third and fourth shoulder can be flexibly adapted to the container design. It should be noted that by closing the filling opening, the central axis of the small pouring opening is inclined and that this is influenced by the two shoulder geometries and their intersection. Thus, the design of the third and fourth shoulder can lead to an optimized lateral inclination of the pouring spout, which is a consequence of the substantially circular spout becoming a line half the length of the spout's circumference after sealing. An appropriately selected inclination can make the application more convenient for the consumer and improve the emptying of the packaging.

It proves to be advantageous if the pouring opening is provided below the filling opening. As a result, the pouring opening does not get in the way when the filling opening is welded. Nevertheless, it is possible for the second neck to have a certain height in order to implement design elements such as a retaining strap or a guarantee ring on the screw cap. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using the container according to the invention in bottling plants.

It has proven to be advantageous if an external thread is formed on the second neck, which external thread can interact with the internal thread of a screw cap. The external thread of the pouring opening was specially developed for use with lightweight packaging. It can be molded with very little material. The external thread only acquires its final rigidity when it is screwed to the screw cap, since it is compressed like an accordion when it is screwed on.

In another embodiment of the invention, the second and third shoulders are continuous with the skirt of the container. As a result, there is sufficient space between the first and the second neck, as a result of which the respective processing steps are not mutually hindered. For example, the pouring opening can be closed for the first time with a closing tool without the first neck getting in the way, or the filling opening can be welded without the second neck getting in the way. This is also an advantage in bottling plants.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the third shoulder merges into the first shoulder. This is advantageous if there is still sufficient space between the first and the second neck, although the third shoulder does not open directly into the jacket of the container or into the container body.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the second neck rises from a platform formed on the container, the platform having first and second flanks, these flanks merging into the skirt. The platform increases the torsional rigidity of the spout or the second neck. This is particularly advantageous when assembling and disassembling the screw cap.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the shoulder facing the pouring opening has a convex shape. Due to the first shoulder being pulled downwards, sufficient space can also be created for mechanically putting on the screw cap or for attaching the screw cap to a guarantee band or a retaining band.

It proves to be advantageous if the pouring opening is shaped in such a way that it lies within the outline of the container bottom when the container is viewed from above. This simplifies the requirements for the blow mold and the second neck can be shaped true to shape. This also enables simplified palletizing because the second neck does not protrude. This is also advantageous if the container is to be decorated, for example printed, stuck with labels or the like, or wrapped with shrink film.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second necks are bias molded together with the container. The provision of the pouring and filling openings therefore does not require an additional production step, but they are blown in the identical mold and at the same time as the container. The container is therefore manufactured quickly and with no additional production costs. There can be no leaks between the necks and the container body as both are blown from the identical extruded plastic tubing. Extrusion-blown containers are clearly recognizable by a seam on the underside of the base that is created when the mold is closed by squeezing the free end of the plastic tube. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the first and second sealing surfaces form a seam with a longitudinal side and a first and second seam end, if the sealing surfaces are connected in a fluid-tight manner and the first and second shoulders on the container adjoining the longitudinal side of the seam are trained. After the container has been quickly filled, made possible by a correspondingly dimensioned filling opening, the container can be reliably closed.

A ventilation opening is expediently provided on the container. This is expediently arranged opposite the pouring opening and can be a nipple that can be cut off. This allows the product to flow homogeneously and evenly out of the container. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, after the filling opening has been closed, the first and second central axes enclose an acute angle E with one another. As a result, the pouring opening is oriented in the direction of the tilting movement of the container when filling is poured out. The user-friendliness of the container is therefore markedly improved by the formation of the angle E.

It proves to be advantageous if at least one compensating groove is formed on the shoulders to compensate for thermal deformations, which is oriented in the circumferential direction of the shoulders. The compensating groove reduces the deformations or compensates for the thermal stresses caused by the welding of the filler opening.

The compensating groove is preferably formed at the transition from the second shoulder to the container body and at the transition from the second neck or the fourth shoulder to the first shoulder 39 . The compensating groove can be formed well at this point and can compensate for thermal deformations particularly efficiently.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one compensating groove runs out in the direction of the shoulders. As a result, the shoulders are not weakened by the groove. However, it is also conceivable that the groove is circumferential and does not end in front of the shoulders.

The depth of the at least one compensating groove is expediently variable. As a result, the compensating groove can compensate for more or less deformation at different points. The shape of the cross section can also have different shapes. Preferably, the cross section of the groove is V-shaped.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a combination of a container according to one of the above descriptions and a screw cap which can be fitted onto the second neck. The invention is characterized in that the sealing effect between the sealing element of the screw cap and the second neck is realized in that the second neck is widened when the sealing element protrudes into the second neck. This type of sealing function makes it possible for the second neck to be designed with particularly thin walls, since the necessary rigidity for producing the seal is taken over by the sealing element. This allows the second neck to be formed with little plastic material.

It proves to be advantageous if the external thread receives its final rigidity through the screw connection with the screw cap. This allows next to the second neck, the external thread can also be shaped to save material. The rigidity is provided by a kind of "accordion effect".

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw cap has an attachment on which a tool can be attached and a torque can be transmitted from the tool to the cap. As a result, the screw cap can also be screwed onto the second neck for the first time when there is not enough space for a standard tool (capper) to place the cap on the second neck on the broad side of the container and the capper can therefore not remove the screw cap outside can grab. The attachment is preferably a hexagon socket or another form-fitting connection by means of a multi-tooth system.

Conveniently, the lug is a depression which acts as the sealing element. As a result, the sealing element fulfills two functions and the screw cap requires less plastic material for its manufacture if designed accordingly.

It proves to be particularly advantageous if the container is designed in one piece. As a result, not only are further production steps obsolete, but the container together with the pouring element can be disposed of separately.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a container made from a plastic material, in particular by extrusion blow molding, according to the preamble of claim 24. The invention is also characterized in that the filling opening is defined by a first neck surrounding the filling opening and a first and second neck are attached to the first neck Connect the shoulder and that the pouring opening is defined by a second neck surrounding the pouring opening and at least one third shoulder adjoins the second neck. Due to the shaping of the first and second neck, two cones are formed, the opening angle or shoulder angle of which can be designed flexibly.

Shoulder angles of the first and second necks are preferably defined in that the filling opening has a first central axis and the pouring opening has a second central axis and that the first and second central axes define a plane, with an imaginary one running along the first shoulder and in this plane lying, first straight line relative to the first central axis includes an angle a, which is relative to an angle ß, which is an imaginary one, along the third shoulder third straight line that runs and lies in this plane compared to the first central axis. As a result, the two necks can be adapted to the basic shapes of the container (bag) of different widths.

It has proven to be expedient if the third and a fourth shoulder are connected to the second neck, with the fourth shoulder merging into the first shoulder. As a result, the shoulder geometries on the second neck can be made even more flexible.

Shoulder angles of the first and second necks are preferably also defined in that an imaginary second straight line running along the second shoulder and lying in the plane defined by the first and second central axis encloses an angle y with respect to the first central axis, which angle is 5 , which includes an imaginary fourth straight line, running along the fourth shoulder and lying in this plane, opposite the first central axis.

Since the first central axis and the second central axis are aligned essentially parallel to an imaginary main axis of the container, space can be saved and a number of cavities can be provided in the blow mold. This enables faster cycle times, which is ecologically and economically beneficial.

The following 7 embodiments enable flexible geometries relating to the shoulders and shoulder angles, as a result of which the following points can be implemented in a preferred manner.

• Different sizes or volumes of the container or bag can be realized by adapting the shoulder geometries.

• Separating the height of the pouring opening from the height of the weld seam enables the second neck to be designed higher, which means that there is sufficient space for design elements such as a captive screw cap or a guarantee ring.

• Sufficient space can be created between the filling opening and the pouring opening to facilitate mechanical sealing of the pouring opening with a sealing tool (capper) and to enable the use of a sealing bar to close the filling opening.

It has proven to be expedient if the angle α is greater than the angle β or if the first and third shoulders together form an at least approximately concave shape. It has proven to be expedient if the angle α is smaller than the angle β or if the first and third shoulders together form an at least approximately convex shape

It has proven to be expedient if the third and a fourth shoulder are connected to the second neck, with the fourth shoulder merging into the first shoulder.

It has proven to be expedient if the angle β and the angle δ are approximately the same size and are in the range of 10-30 degrees, in particular 18-22 degrees.

It has proven to be expedient if at least one of the shoulders is curved and the corresponding first, second, third or fourth straight line is a tangent at the apex of the shoulder curvature.

It has proven to be expedient if the angle a is in the range of 30-60 degrees, in particular 40-50 degrees.

It has proven to be expedient if the angle β and/or the angle δ are 0 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment, the pouring opening is provided below the filling opening. As a result, the pouring opening does not get in the way when the filling opening is welded. Nevertheless, it is possible for the second neck to have a certain height in order to implement design elements such as a retaining strap or a guarantee ring on the screw cap. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using the container according to the invention in bottling plants.

With regard to the production of the plastic according to the invention, particular attention should be paid to the fact that it should be able to be welded or glued at least in the area to be sealed. In this context, reference is made to the disclosure of WO 2017/072185 A1.

Further advantages and features result from the following description of several exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic illustrations. It shows in a representation that is not true to scale: FIG. 1a, 1b, 1c: A side view, a top view and a perspective view of an extrusion blow molded container with a filling opening and a pouring opening;

FIG. 2: a first embodiment of the container with the screw cap in place, in a side view;

3a, 3b: a 2nd and 3rd embodiment of an extrusion blow-moulded container with an attached screw cap in a side view, which shows, among other things, that the pouring opening is arranged below the filling opening;

Figure 4a, 4b: the 2nd and 3rd embodiment, in which the space requirement between the two openings is emphasized;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment in which a platform is formed on the container;

FIG. 6: a sectional illustration through the pouring opening and a screw cap placed on the pouring opening;

FIG. 7: the screw cap in a perspective view;

FIG. 8a, 8b: a comparison of an embodiment with a straight and a convex shoulder geometry and the different position of the pouring opening compared to the filling opening;

FIG. 9a, 9b: a comparison of the embodiment with a straight and a convex shoulder geometry and the associated space requirement;

FIG. 10: a side view of the container after the filling opening has been welded;

FIG. 11: a side view showing the angles of inclination of the shoulders;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the container in an embodiment with two equalizing grooves visualized;

Figure 13 is another side view of the container of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is another side view of the container of Figure 12 and

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 12. Possible embodiments of a container are shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a front view, a side view and a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the container 11 .

The container 11 includes a container body 13 having a first end 15 and a second end 17 substantially opposite the first end 15 . The second end 17 is sealed in a fluid-tight manner and is designed as a container bottom 19 on which a standing surface 21 is formed. The extrusion-blow molded container 11 has an inner wall 23. The inner wall 23 delimits a filling opening 25 at the first end 15, through which a filling material is filled into the extrusion-blow molded container 11. The first end 15 has on its inner wall 23 a first sealing surface 27a and a second sealing surface 27b opposite the first sealing surface 27a, which can be connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner and are connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner after the filling material has been filled in. For this purpose, the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b can be welded. The container 11 is therefore preferably made of a weldable plastic. Alternatively, the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b can be coated with a hot-melt adhesive or an adhesion promoter, which can also be textured. The filling opening 25 has such a width that the contents can be filled into the container 11 quickly and without overflowing.

A pouring opening 29 is formed below the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b. The pouring opening 29 is blow molded together with the rest of the container 11 and is therefore formed at the same time as the container 11 in the blow mold by blowing up the container material.

After the container 11 has been filled, the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b are connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner, in that they are brought into contact by adhering to one another and the filling opening 25 is thereby closed. In the closed state, the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b form a seam 31, which is shown in FIGS. The seam 31 has a longitudinal side 33 and a first and second seam end 35,37. As a result of this deformation, a first and second shoulder 39 , 41 is formed on the container 11 below the longitudinal side 31 . The bottom 19 can have the shape of an ellipse 43 .

The filling opening 25 has a first central axis 45 and the pouring opening 29 has a second central axis 47 . It is particularly preferred if the first and second central axes 45, 47 are parallel to one another and parallel to the extrusion direction or are oriented to the longitudinal extension of the container 11. In the case of production using the EBM (Extrusion Blow Moulding) method, it is particularly favorable if both openings 25, 29 are in a line parallel to the tube. This saves space, allows a higher number of cavities in a mold, therefore enables a higher output and is therefore economically and ecologically advantageous.

The filling opening 25 is defined by a first neck 49 which surrounds the filling opening 25 and is adjoined by the first and second shoulders 39,41. The pouring opening 29 is defined by a second neck 51 surrounding the pouring opening 29. At least one third shoulder 53 adjoins the second neck 51. FIG.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, both openings 25,29 are within the mold parting. This ensures that there is sufficient material to form an external thread 55 on the second neck 51 .

In a further embodiment of the container 11 (FIG. 2), the first neck 49 runs into the first and the second shoulder 39, 41, the second shoulder 41 merging into the container body 13 or into the jacket 14 of the container 11. The second neck 51 extends into the third shoulder 53 and into a fourth shoulder 57 (Figure 2). The third shoulder 53 can either run directly into the container body 13 (Figure 2, 3b, 4b) or is offset and runs into the first shoulder 39 (Figure 1, 3a, 4a, 8, 9).

The second neck 51 can also merge directly into the first shoulder 39 if this is permitted by the basic shape of the container 11 (FIGS. 3, 4, 8a, 9a), as a result of which a fourth shoulder 57 is omitted. The first and the second neck 49.51 are therefore placed on two separate cones (Fig. 2). The division into four shoulders allows flexible adjustment of the pouring and filling opening 29.25. As a result, there is sufficient space for the pouring and filling openings on the broad side of the container 11 in the case of basic shapes of the container 11 of different widths. The up to four shoulders and their different shoulder angles have even more advantages:

By adapting the shoulder geometries, the pouring and filling opening 29, 25 can be provided on the broad side of the container on containers of different sizes or volumes, without space problems occurring. The pouring opening 29 is lower than the filling opening 25. As a result, the filling opening 25 can be welded or glued without the pouring opening 29 being in the way during this processing step. Due to the adaptation of the shoulders, there is also sufficient space for the closure of the pouring opening 29 and elements such as a guarantee ring 59 or a retaining strap. The at different shoulder geometries different Positions of the pouring opening compared to the filling opening are shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 and are illustrated by the double arrows.

There is also sufficient space between the pouring opening and the filling opening so that a closing tool can be used in order to be able to place a screw cap 61 on the second neck 51 . The sufficient distance is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9 by the shaded area 63. A comparison of the shoulder geometries shown in FIGS. 4a and 9a with the shoulder geometries shown in FIGS. 4b and 9b shows that the shoulder geometries shown in FIGS. 4b and 9b allow significant space gains with the same dimensioning of the filling opening and the pouring opening.

The container 11 with a platform 65 is shown in FIG. The platform 65 has first and second flanks 67a, 67b, which flanks terminate in the container body 13 and the shell 14, respectively. The platform 65 increases the torsional rigidity of the spout opening 29 or the second neck 51. This is particularly important when assembling and disassembling the screw cap 61.

The external thread 55 was specially developed for use with lightweight packaging. It can be shaped with very little material and only obtains its final rigidity when it is screwed to the screw cap 61 , since it is compressed by the screw cap 61 placed on it.

The screw cap 61 has a sealing element 69 formed which protrudes into the pouring opening 29 when the screw cap is placed on the second neck 51 . In addition, the screw cap 61 has an internal thread 71 which interacts with the external thread 55 . The sealing element is designed to be so stiff that it can widen the thin-walled second neck 51 . This creates the sealing effect between the second neck 51 and the screw cap 61.

The screw cap 61 preferably has a depression 73 which acts as the sealing element 69 . The depression can have an attachment for a tool in order to be able to transmit torque to the screw cap 61 in a form-fitting manner. The approach can be a hexagon socket 75 or another multi-tooth.

A further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8b and 9b, in which the first shoulder 39 has a convex shape. The first shoulder 39 is bent away from the pouring opening 29 . The convex first shoulder allows sufficient space in addition to the provision of two cones below the first and second necks 49,51 for mechanically screwing on the screw cap 61, for closing the filling opening 25 and creating a required height for the provision of a guarantee ring and/or a retaining strap.

A ventilation opening 77 can be provided on the container body 13 (FIG. 2) in order to form a homogeneous flow of filling material when pouring out. This can be realized by a nipple that can be cut open.

FIG. 1b shows that the pouring opening 29 and the filling opening 25 are shaped in such a way that they lie within the base 19 or the largest body contour when the container 11 is viewed from above. The pouring and filling openings are therefore within the "footprint" of the container 11.

The shoulder design can lead to an optimized lateral inclination of the pouring opening 29 by changing the shape in the welding process. This change in the inclination of the second central axis 47 by closing the filling opening 25 with a weld seam 79 is shown in Figure 10 and defined by the angle E, which indicates the angle between the first and the second central axis 45,47 after the filling opening 25 has been closed and is an acute angle. This inclination of the second central axis 47 relative to the first central axis 45 is influenced by the two shoulder geometries and their intersection. The design of the third and fourth shoulders 53, 57 can thus lead to an optimized lateral inclination of the pouring opening 29, which is a consequence of the fact that the essentially circular filling opening 25 after closing becomes a line with half the length of the circular circumference of the filling opening 25 becomes. A correspondingly selected inclination can make the application more convenient for the consumer and also improve the emptying of residues from the packaging, since the second central axis 47 is oriented in the tilting direction of the container 11 when pouring out.

The angles between the four shoulders 39,41,53,57 and the first central axis 45 are shown in FIG. The first and the second central axis 45,47 span a plane. In this plane there are a first, second, third and fourth straight line which extend along the first, second, third and fourth shoulder. If one of the shoulders should be curved, the corresponding straight line runs as a tangent at the apex of the shoulder curvature. The container 11 has a main axis 81 which is preferably parallel to the first and the second central axis 45 , 47 and is oriented parallel to the extrusion direction or to the longitudinal extension or to the jacket 14 of the container 11 . The first straight line encloses an angle α with the first central axis 45 . The third straight line encloses an angle β with the first central axis 45 . The second straight line encloses an angle γ with the first central axis 45 . The fourth straight line encloses an angle δ with the first central axis 45 . Since the first and the second central axis 45, 47 are preferably parallel, the four angles also occur between the four straight lines and the second central axis 47.

It is preferred if the angles α and β are different and the angles γ and δ are different. It is preferred if the angle a is in the range of 30-60 degrees, in particular 40-50 degrees. It is also preferred if the angle β and the angle δ are approximately the same size and are in the range of 10-30 degrees, in particular 18-22 degrees. Angle β or angle δ can be 0 degrees. If angle β and angle δ are 0 degrees, then the second cone becomes a cylinder.

By choosing the size of the angles a, ß, y and ö, shoulder geometries can be flexibly designed, which means that the following points can be realized:

• Different sizes or volumes of the container 11 can be realized by adapting the shoulder geometries.

• Separating the height of the pouring opening 29 from the height of the weld seam 79 enables the second neck 51 to have a higher neck design, as a result of which there is sufficient space for design elements such as a captive screw cap 61 or a guarantee ring 59 . The welding area 80, realized by welding bars, is shown in FIG.

Sufficient space can be created between the filling and the pouring opening 25, 29 to facilitate the mechanical closing of the pouring opening with a closing tool (capper) and to enable the use of a welding bar to close the filling opening.

• The design of the shoulder geometries can lead to an optimized lateral inclination of the pouring opening 29 by closing the filling opening 25. This can make the application more convenient for the consumer and improve the emptying of the container 11 .

At least one compensating groove 80 can be formed between the first and second shoulders 39, 41, as is shown in FIGS. Are the sealing surfaces Chen 27a, 27b are welded in the welding area 80, severe thermal deformations can result from the welding of the filling opening 25. The compensating groove 83 can compensate for these deformations, as a result of which the rest of the container is only marginally deformed, if at all. The depth of the groove 83 can be variable and, for example, become smaller and smaller in the direction of the two shoulders 39,41. This allows the groove 83 to taper off to one or both shoulders. The groove can also run around the shoulders 39,41 or end in front of one of the shoulders 39,41 or in front of both shoulders 39,41. The cross section of the groove 83 may be V-shaped, for example. The compensating groove 83 is preferably formed at the transition from the second shoulder 41 to the container body 13 and at the transition from the second neck 51 or the fourth shoulder 57 to the first shoulder 39 .

These configurations of the groove 83 make it possible for the compensation groove 83 to compensate for deformations of different degrees at different points, caused by the welding of the filling opening 25 .

The extrusion blown container 11 is integrally formed, and the first and second necks 49, 51 are blown together with the container body 13 in one mold. The first and second necks are therefore an integral part of the container 11 and do not have to be subsequently fitted and connected thereto. The container 11 is characterized in that the filling and pouring openings 25, 29 are in a line parallel to the extruded hose during production using the EBM (Extrusion Blow Moulding) process.

Legend:

11 containers

13 container body

14 coat

15 First End

17 Second ending

19 container bottom

21 booth space

23 inner wall

25 filling opening

27a, 27b First and second sealing surfaces

29 pouring opening

31 suture

33 long side of the seam

35 First seam end

37 Second seam end

39 First shoulder

41 Second shoulder

43 ellipse

45 First central axis

47 Second central axis

49 First neck

51 Second neck

53 Third shoulder

55 external thread

57 Fourth shoulder

59 guarantee ring

61 screw cap

63 Shaded area

65 platform

67a, 67b First and second flank

69 sealing element

71 internal thread

73 deepening

75 Allen key

77 vent hole

79 weld seam

80 welding area

81 main axis of the container

83 compensation groove

£ Angle between the first and second central axis a Angle between the first central axis and the first straight line ß Angle between the first central axis and the third straight line

Y angle between the first central axis and the second straight line ö angle between the first central axis and the fourth straight line

Claims

patent claims

1. A container (11) made from a plastic material, in particular by extrusion blow molding

- a container body (13) having a first end (15), a second end (17) substantially opposite the first end and a skirt (14),

- a filling opening (25) with a first and second sealing surface (27a, 27b) formed on the inner wall (23) of the first end (15), wherein the first and second sealing surface (27a, 27b) can be connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner,

- a container base (19) with a standing surface (21) formed at the second end (17) and a pouring opening (29) formed at the first end (15), characterized in that the filling opening (25) has a first central axis (45) and the pouring opening (29) has a second central axis (47) and that the first and the second central axis (45,47) are essentially parallel to one another.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second center axis (47,49) are oriented parallel to the extrusion direction or to the longitudinal extent of the container (11).

3. Container according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the plane defined by the first and the second central axis (47, 49) corresponds to the mold parting plane of the container (11).

4. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling opening (25) is defined by a first neck (49) surrounding the filling opening (25) and on the first neck (49) a first and second shoulder (39, 41 ) connect.

5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring opening (29) is defined by a second neck (51) surrounding the pouring opening (29) and at least one third shoulder (53) adjoins the second neck (51).

6. Container according to claim 5, characterized in that the third and a fourth shoulder (53, 57) adjoins the second neck (51).

7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring opening (29) is provided below the filling opening (25).

8. Container according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that an external thread (55) is formed on the second neck (51), which can interact with the internal thread (71) of a screw cap (61).

9. Container according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the second and the third shoulder (41, 53) merge into the jacket (14) of the container (11).

10. Container according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the third shoulder (53) merges into the first shoulder (39).

11 . Container according to any one of Claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the second neck (51) rises from a platform (65) formed on the container (11), the platform (65) having first and second flanks (67a, 67b ) which flanks (67a, 67b) run out into the casing (14).

12. Container according to one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the first shoulder (39) facing the pouring opening (29) has a convex shape.

13. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring opening (29) is formed in such a way that it lies within the outline of the container bottom (19) in a plan view of the container (11).

14. A container according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the first and second necks (49, 51) are bias molded together with the container (11).

15. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ventilation opening (77) is provided on the container (11).

16. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the filling opening (25) has been closed, the first and second central axes (45, 47) enclose an acute angle E with one another.

17. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one compensating groove (83) is formed on the shoulders (39,41) to compensate for thermal deformations, which is oriented in the circumferential direction of the shoulders (39,41).

18. Container according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one compensating groove (83) runs out in the direction of the shoulders (39,41).

19. Container according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the depth of the at least one compensating groove (83) is variable.

20. Combination of a container (11) according to one of the preceding claims and a screw cap (61) with an internal thread (71), which screw cap (61) can be placed on the second neck (51) having an external thread (55), can be unscrewed from it and has a sealing element (69) formed on its inside, which projects into the pouring opening (29) when it is in place, characterized in that the sealing effect between the sealing element (69) and the second neck (51) is thereby realized that the second neck (51) is widened when the sealing element (69) protrudes into the second neck (51).

21 . Combination according to Claim 20, characterized in that the external thread (55) obtains its final rigidity from being screwed to the screw cap (61).

22. Combination according to any one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that the screw cap (61) has a shoulder on which a tool can be attached and a torque can be transmitted from the tool to the cap.

23. Combination according to claim 22, characterized in that the projection is a recess (73) which acts as the sealing element (69).

24. Container (11) made from a plastic material, in particular by extrusion blow molding

- A container body (13), a first end (15), a first end in We- 21 having a substantially opposite second end (17) and a jacket (14),

- a container base (19) with a standing surface (21) formed at the second end (17) and a pouring opening (29) formed at the first end (15), characterized in that the filling opening (25) of a filling opening (25 ) surrounding the first neck (49) and adjoining the first neck (49) a first and second shoulder (39,41) and that the pouring opening (29) is defined by a second neck (51) surrounding the pouring opening (29). and at least one third shoulder (53) adjoins the second neck (51).

25. Container according to claim 24, characterized in that the filling opening (25) has a first central axis (45) and the pouring opening (29) has a second central axis (47) and that the first and the second central axis (47, 49) have a define a plane, with an imaginary first straight line running along the first shoulder (39) and lying in this plane enclosing an angle a with respect to the first central axis (45) which is opposite an angle ß, which is an imaginary one, along the third shoulder third straight line that runs and lies in this plane in relation to the first central axis (45).

26. Container according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the first central axis (45) and the second central axis (47) are aligned essentially parallel to an imaginary main axis of the container.

27. Container according to one of claims 24, 25 or 26, characterized in that the angle α is greater than the angle β or that the first and third shoulders (39, 53) together form an at least approximately concave shape.

28. Container according to one of claims 24, 25 or 26, characterized in that the angle α is smaller than the angle β or that the first and third shoulders (39, 53) together form an at least approximately convex shape. 22

29. Container according to one of Claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the third and a fourth shoulder (53, 57) adjoin the second neck (51), the fourth shoulder (57) merging into the first shoulder (39). .

30. Container according to claim 29, characterized in that an imaginary second straight line running along the second shoulder (41) and lying in the plane defined by the first and second central axis encloses an angle y with respect to the first central axis (45) which differs from an angle 5, which encloses an imaginary fourth straight line running along the fourth shoulder (57) and lying in this plane with respect to the first central axis (45).

31 . Container according to one of Claims 24 to 30, characterized in that the angle β and the angle δ are approximately the same size and are in the range of 10-30 degrees, in particular 18-22 degrees.

32. Container according to one of claims 24 to 31, characterized in that at least one of the shoulders (39,41, 53,75) is curved and the corresponding first, second, third or fourth straight line is a tangent at the apex of the shoulder curvature.

33. A container according to any one of claims 24 to 32, characterized in that the angle a is in the range of 30-60 degrees, in particular 40-50 degrees.

34. Container according to one of the preceding claims 24-30, characterized in that the angle β and/or the angle δ is 0 degrees.

35. Container according to one of claims 24 to 34, characterized in that the pouring opening (29) is provided below the filling opening (25).