EP4532347A1

EP4532347A1 - Squeezable bottle for aseptic filling with viscous food, packaged viscous product, preform and method of filling a squeezable bottle

Info

Publication number: EP4532347A1
Application number: EP23729377.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Rigardo; Nicholas Francis DAVID
Original assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Current assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Priority date: 2022-05-31
Filing date: 2023-05-26
Publication date: 2025-04-09
Also published as: AU2023278340A1; CA3253676A1; WO2023232716A1; JP2025518587A; CN119173447A

Abstract

A semi-rigid bottle (10) for packaging viscous food, wherein the bottle (10) is made from a material that is suitable for aseptic processing, retorting and/or hot filling, is formstable, is squeezable and collapsible by a radially-inwardly directed crushing grip force, without the bottle (10) reassuming its initial shape after collapsing, and is blow molded. The bottle (10) comprises a wall (50) with at least one oxygen and light barrier and a neck portion (20) extending from the wall (50) and comprising a dispensing opening (40) at the top of the neck portion (20), threads (21), and a spout section (41) that extends from the top of the dispensing opening (40) to the threads (21) and that is free from any threads, wherein the dispensing opening (40) has an inner diameter in the range from 6 mm to 28 mm, and wherein the spout section (41) extends along a vertical distance in the range from 6 mm to 10 mm.

Description

TITLE

SQUEEZABLE BOTTLE FOR ASEPTIC FILLING WITH VISCOUS FOOD, PACKAGED VISCOUS PRODUCT, PREFORM AND METHOD OF FILLING A SQUEEZABLE BOTTLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to bottles, in particular the present invention relates to bottles that are aseptically processable, suitable for hot filling and/or retortable, and that are squeezable and collapsible to empty a content of the bottle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Aseptic packaging is usually used for the packaging of spoilable substances; such spoilable substances include foods and pharmaceuticals.

[0003] In aseptic packaging techniques the spoilable substance is sterilised by rapid exposure to heat, rapidly cooled to an ambient temperature and then filled into a sterilised package. The sterilised package is then sealed in a sterile environment. Aseptic packaging techniques retain more nutrients and properties of the spoilable substance and use less energy than retort sterilisation techniques.

[0004] Aseptic packaging techniques are often used in applications where the spoilable substance is flowable and in these situations the aseptic packaging techniques utilise squeezable pouches. The squeezable pouches contain the spoilable substance. The squeezable pouches, when squeezed, collapse to allow a content of the squeezable pouches to be readily emptied by the application of pressure. The squeezable pouches are often made up of flexible, multi-layer, multi-materials (e.g. plastics, metals, papers). The flexible, multi-layer, multimaterials (e.g. plastics, metals, papers) are often manufactured to have specific barriers properties to the outside environment.

[0005] Hot filling is when heated, sterile products are filled in non-sterile packaging. With this process, the product has already gone through a sterilization process based on a predetermined time and temperature (such as 85-100°C) prior to the filling step in the process. Retorting is a process where non-sterile products are filled in a hermetically sealed, non-sterile package. The retort process involves temperatures greater than 100°C (212°F). The retort process starts when the product is mixed and then filled into the package. Once the package has been filled with the product, the package is loaded into a retort pressure chamber. While in the chamber, the package’s contents are sterilized with pressurized steam.

[0006] The squeezable pouches pose numerous problems. Recycling of the squeezable pouches requires extensive resources to process, due to the use of the multi-layer, multi-materials (e.g. plastics, metals, papers) and therefore the squeezable pouches cannot be recycled together with conventional recyclable material. In addition, a shape of a squeezable pouch is obtained by welding different surfaces of the multi-layer, multi -materials (e.g. plastics, metals, papers) together. The welding makes the squeezable pouches undesirable to hold since the welding(s) generate sharp edges. The squeezable pouches are undesirable to handle and store since the flexible, multi-layer, multi-materials are not rigid. The squeezable pouches are difficult to manufacture because manufacturing of single layers of the flexible, multi-layer, multimaterials is required, which requires different processing conditions for each single layer of the flexible, multi-layer, multi-materials. Furthermore a spout and a cap need to be welded to the squeezable pouches. Due to the flexible nature of the squeezable pouches a filling of the squeezable pouches with the flowable substance is not efficient. Due to the flexible nature of the squeezable pouches, the squeezable pouches are prone to breakage during filling with the flowable substance and during transport. Due to the flexible nature of the squeezable pouches, the squeezable pouches need to be filled with an internal pressure greater than environmental pressure to maintain a shape of the squeezable pouches; however this variation of pressure can also lead to the squeezable pouches rupturing.

[0007] There is a need to overcome at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a squeezable container that when squeezed by the application of relatively low pressure (i.e. hand), collapses to allow a content of the squeezable container to be readily emptied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention according to a first aspect provides a semi-rigid bottle, wherein the bottle is made from a material suitable for aseptic processing, retorting, and/or hot filling and is formstable. The bottle is squeezable and collapsible by a radially-inwardly directed crushing grip force, without the bottle reassuming its initial shape after collapsing. The bottle is blow molded. The bottle comprises: a wall with at least one oxygen and light barrier, and a neck portion extending (preferably upwardly) from the wall. The neck portion comprises: a dispensing opening at the top of the neck portion, threads, and a spout section that extends from the top of the dispensing opening to the threads and that is free from any threads. The dispensing opening has an inner diameter in the range from 6 mm to 28 mm, preferably from 7 mm to 15 mm, more preferably from 8 mm to 10 mm, in particular from 8 mm to 9 mm. The spout section extends along a vertical distance in the range from 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 7 mm to 9 mm, more preferably from 7.5 mm (or 7 mm) to 8.5 mm. The spout section may extend along a vertical distance in the range from 7 mm to 7.5 mm, preferably from 7.1 mm to 7.3 mm.

[0009] In an embodiment the neck portion comprises a locking wall portion having an upper surface, wherein the threads extend between the spout section and the upper surface of the locking wall portion. The locking wall portion may be configured to engage with a closure that is screwed on the neck portion. The upper surface is preferably arranged to face the top of the dispensing opening.

[0010] In an embodiment a vertical distance from the top of the dispensing opening to the upper surface of the locking wall portion is in the range from 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 14 mm, more preferably from 11 mm to 13 mm.

[0011] In an embodiment the locking wall portion comprises a plurality of teeth. The teeth may be designed to engage with a corresponding and/or complementary structure comprised by a closure screwed on the neck portion. The teeth may be evenly distributed around an axis defined by the neck portion.

[0012] In an embodiment the locking wall portion is designed to secure a closure, such as a ring integrally formed with the closure, to the neck portion once the closure is unscrewed from the threads to open the bottle. In other words, the closure may be fastened to the locking wall portion to provide a tethered closure application. Thereby, it is ensured that the closure does not get lost once unscrewed from the neck portion. Rather, the closure can always remain secured to the neck portion so as to ensure a waste disposal, in particular recycling, of the bottle together with the closure.

[0013] In an embodiment the locking wall portion is configured as a tamper-evident formation. For example, the locking wall portion may engage with a closure screwed on the neck portion to provide a mechanism suitable for indicating tempering. In an embodiment, unscrewing the closure results in that part of the closure, such as a tamper-evident element, is withheld by the locking wall portion and detaches (e.g. by rupturing) from a part of the closure, thereby indicating tempering or that the bottle is in a state already opened for the first time.

[0014] In an embodiment the locking wall portion has an outer diameter in the range from 15 mm to 21 mm, preferably from 17 mm to 20 mm, more preferably from 18 mm to 19 mm.

[0015] In an embodiment the locking wall portion has a thickness in the range from 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 4 mm, more preferably from 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0016] In an embodiment the neck portion comprises a section that extends from a lower surface of the locking wall portion to the wall, wherein the section has a width that is greater than an outer diameter of the spout section and/or that is in the range from 10 mm to 22 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 20 mm, more preferably from 16 mm to 18 mm. Said section thus forms a connection section connecting the locking wall portion to the wall, e.g. comprised by the body or lower part of the bottle. The lower surface is arranged to face away from the upper surface of the locking wall portion.

[0017] In an embodiment the section comprises a groove that preferably extends not circumferentially around an axis defined by the neck portion and/or that preferably extends only on one side of the neck portion. The groove may give the section and thus the neck portion a defined rigidity, e.g. greater than the rigidity of the wall. In an embodiment the section comprises a further groove, preferably arranged on a side different from the side that comprises the (first) groove. For example, the groove may be arranged on a long side of the section, and the further groove may be arranged on a short side of the section.

[0018] In an embodiment the inner diameter of the dispensing opening is identical to an inner diameter of the spout section at a position distanced from the dispensing opening. Thereby, a sealing contact with the spout section at both the dispensing opening and the position distanced from the dispensing opening is simplified, for example by simply inserting a sealing element with a constant cross-section along its length (such as in the form of a cylinder) into the spout section. In other words, such a design of the spout section allows to establish a sealing of the dispensing opening exclusively by a closure screwed on the neck (i.e. a direct closure sealing). Thus, in particular an aluminium foil for sealing the dispensing opening can be omitted.

[0019] In an embodiment the neck portion has a calibrated neck finish, and/or the spout section does not comprise any radially inwardly protruding lip defining the dispensing opening. Accordingly, a neck portion and/or spout section is provided that can be easily sealed, in particular without the need of a sealing foil. The calibrated neck finish and/or the absence of the lip can be provided by refraining from trimming the neck portion after the bottle has been obtained by, e.g., blow moulding. For example, an extrusion blow moulding (EBM) shuttle machine is used for obtained such a neck portion and/or for avoiding such a lip.

[0020] In an embodiment the bottle comprises a closure screwed on the neck portion. Accordingly, the closure comprises threads that engage with the threads of the neck portion.

[0021] In an embodiment, when the closure is screwed on the neck portion and before the closure is unscrewed to open the bottle for the first time, the dispensing opening is not sealed by a metal foil on top of the dispensing opening. In other words, after sealing the bottle at the neck portion the bottle may be always free from any metal foil on top of the dispensing opening. By such an absence of the metal foil (such as an aluminium foil), the sustainability of the bottle is increased. This means that, in particular, the recyclability of the bottle is increased.

[0022] In an embodiment the closure comprises a sealing section arranged to seal the dispensing opening. Thus, sealing the dispensing opening may be provided by simply screwing the closure on the neck portion, without requiring the provision of any sealing foil on top of the dispensing opening. The sealing section may be designed for being pressed and/or plugged into the dispensing opening. The sealing section may be part of a plug seal.

[0023] In an embodiment the sealing section is designed to contact an inner side of the spout section. Thereby, a passage between the sealing section and the inner side of the spout section can be effectively sealed. Preferably, the sealing section is pressed against the inner side of the spout section.

[0024] In an embodiment the closure comprises a sleeve that is arranged such that, when the closure is screwed on the neck portion, a wall of the spout section is sandwiched between the sealing section and the sleeve. Thereby, a particularly good sealing of the dispensing opening is achieved.

[0025] In an embodiment the closure can comprise a ring fastened to the locking wall portion in order to secure the closure to the neck portion once the closure is unscrewed from the threads to open the bottle. Thereby, it is ensured that the closure does not get lost with respect to the bottle once unscrewed. The ring is not limited to a particular shape. For example, the ring may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or rectangular shape.

[0026] In an embodiment the closure comprises a spout and a lid for selectively closing or opening the spout, wherein the lid preferably comprises a hanger portion that preferably comprises one or more through holes.

[0027] In an embodiment the bottle has different zones of different wall thicknesses, respectively. Thereby, different stiffnesses of the bottle may be achieved in order to conveniently use the bottle. For example, a lower stiffness may be advantageous for squeezing the bottle, whereas a higher stiffness may be advantageous to guide the product discharged by squeezing the bottle.

[0028] In an embodiment the bottle comprises a first zone with a first wall thickness, and a second zone with a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness, wherein the first zone comprises at least part of the wall, and wherein the second zone comprises at least part of the neck portion.

[0029] In an embodiment the wall thicknesses (of the different zones, respectively) are in a range between 10pm and 150pm, preferably between 30pm and 120pm, more preferred between 50pm and 100pm.

[0030] In an embodiment the material of the bottle is recyclable. This means that the material of the bottle can be put in a recycling stream (such as a bottle recycling stream) where it undergoes a process (in particular chemical and/or mechanical recycling process steps) in order to obtain a material, namely the recyclate, that can be used for a purpose such as for making another item, such as the bottle of the present invention. A high recyclability of the material of the bottle may be achieved in different ways: the material may consist of only one material (i.e., the bottle is provided by a mono-material) or of only two materials; the material may comprise a material, such as a polyolefin (PE, PP, etc.), with a high mass fraction such as with at least 70 % by weight, preferably at least 75 or 80 % by weight; and/or the material may comprise a (another) material, such as EVOH and/or PVOH, with a relatively low mass fraction such as with not more than 10 or 5 % by weight. Preferably, the closure, if present, consists of the same material as the bottle so that the bottle and the closure can be put in the same recycling stream.

[0031] In an embodiment the bottle is designed to be fully washable, such as by a consumer. This means that in particular the neck portion provides an easy access to the inside of the bottle in order to remove any residuals from there. Thereby, the bottle’s recyclability is increased.

[0032] In an embodiment the material of the bottle comprises a plastic material such as: polyethylene, preferably low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), and/or high density polyethylene (HDPE); polypropylene (PP); and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). [0033] In an embodiment the material of the bottle comprises a bio-based plastic material such as: polylactic acid (PLA), and/or polyhydroxyalkanoat (PHA).

[0034] In an embodiment the material of the bottle comprises a recycled plastic material. A recycled plastic material may be recycled PET (rPET), recycled PE (rPE, rLDPE, rMDPE, rHDPE, etc.), and/or recycled polypropylene (rPP).

[0035] In an embodiment the material of the bottle comprises a barrier material for providing the oxygen and/or light barrier, such as EVOH.

[0036] In an embodiment the barrier material amounts to 5 wt.% or less of the total bottle weight. The total bottle weight does not include any product contained in the bottle.

[0037] In an embodiment the material of the bottle has a multilayer structure, wherein the multilayer of the multilayer structure is preferably a PE/EVOH/PE multilayer. The multilayer of the multilayer structure may be a HDPE/EVOH/HDPE multilayer.

[0038] In an embodiment the bottle is free of metal or metal layers.

[0039] In an embodiment the material of the bottle comprises only one type of material. For example, except for an optional ink layer on an outer side of the bottle, the material of the bottle consists only of one of the following materials: the plastic material, the bio-based plastic material, the recycled plastic material. As such, the wall of the bottle may have a mono- layer structure made of one of these materials. In particular, the material may consist of a monoplastic material, such as LDPE or EVOH.

[0040] In an embodiment the bottle is obtainable by extrusion blow molding (EBM) and/or by stretch blow molding (SBM) and/or by Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS).

[0041] In an embodiment a volume of the bottle is between 5ml to 1000ml, preferably between 20ml and 1000ml. The volume of the bottle may be between 5ml and 500ml, preferably between 20ml and 400ml, more preferably between 20ml and 300ml, most preferably between 20ml and 200ml. The volume of the bottle may be between 500ml and 1000ml, preferably between 600ml and 1000ml, more preferably between 700ml and 1000ml, most preferably between 800ml and 1000ml.

[0042] In an embodiment the bottle can be collapsed by at least 30% of its volume, preferably at least 60% of its volume, even more preferred by 90 % of its volume, when applying a crushing grip force of 2.5 N to 10 N, preferably 4 N to 8 N.

[0043] In an embodiment the bottle has a shape and volume to fit in a human’s hand. [0044] In an embodiment the bottle has a self-standing shape.

[0045] In an embodiment the bottle comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall, wherein the dispensing opening and/or the neck portion is arranged closer to the first sidewall than to the second sidewall. By such an offset arrangement of the dispensing opening and/or neck portion with respect to a central axis of the bottle, two identical bottles can be efficiently arranged to one another without the neck portions interfering with one another.

[0046] In an embodiment the wall comprises a first wall section and a second wall section that extends transversely relative to the first wall section such that outer surfaces of the wall sections enclose an angle that is less than 180°.

[0047] In an embodiment the bottle further comprises a base that has a shape that can be mated with a top part provided on the top of the bottle. Thereby, bottles can be stacked on one another without requiring much space and additional attachment elements.

[0048] In an embodiment the neck portion is connected to the wall in such a way that the neck portion can be moved (e.g., vertically) between a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position the dispensing opening is further distanced from a top edge than in the first position. Accordingly, the second position is a position for convenient consumption of the product contained in the bottle, whereas the first position is a position for retracting the neck portion and thus reducing the space occupied by the bottle.

[0049] The bottle may have an overflow capacity in the range from 50ml to 300ml, preferably from 90ml to 210ml, more preferably from 110ml to 190ml.

[0050] The bottle may have an empty weight in the range from 6g to 14g, preferably from 7g to 13g, more preferably from 7.5g to 12.5g.

[0051] In an embodiment the bottle may have an overflow capacity in the range from 100ml to 250ml, more preferably from 150ml to 200ml, most preferably from 175ml to 185ml, for example 180ml, and an empty weight in the range from 10g to 14g, preferably from 11g to 13 g, more preferably 12g.

[0052] In an embodiment the bottle may have an overflow capacity in the range from 50ml to 250ml, preferably from 60ml to 200ml, more preferably from 70ml to 150ml, most preferably from 80ml to 120ml, in particular from 110ml to 115ml (for example, from 113ml to 114.5ml, or 113.8ml ±5.0ml), and an empty weight in the range from 5g to 10g, preferably from 6g to 9g, more preferably from 7g to 8g, such as 7.5g. In an embodiment, the bottle may have an empty weight from 7.5g to 8.5g.

[0053] The overflow capacity is measured using H2O with a temperature of 20°C. The empty weight of the bottle is to be understood as the weight of the bottle without any content.

[0054] The bottle may have a design to be easily grasped by a human hand, such as of a baby or a toddler. The bottle may have a substantially flat form. For example, the bottle may have a width and a depth, wherein the width may be at least a multiple of the depth (e.g., width > x* depth, wherein x=1.5, 2, 2.5, etc.). In particular, the width may be at least twice the depth.

[0055] The present invention according to a second aspect provides a packaged viscous product (such as food, beverage and/or a pharmaceutical product), being aseptically packaged, hot filled or retorted in the bottle. The aseptically packaging may include aseptic filling, such as by using vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), peracetic acid (PAA), electron beam technology, or combinations thereof.

[0056] In an embodiment a weight of the bottle is between 3% and 8%, preferably between 4% and 6% of the weight of the packaged viscous food, beverage or pharmaceutical without the bottle.

[0057] The present invention according to a second aspect provides a preform for making a blow molded bottle as described above.

[0058] The present invention according to a third aspect provides a method of filling a squeezable bottle as described herein, preferably via hot filling or via aseptic filling. The method comprises the steps: providing a squeezable bottle as defined herein; providing a liquid, semi-liquid or semi-solid composition; and filling the liquid, semi-liquid or semi-solid composition.

[0059] In an embodiment, filling comprises hot filling. In hot filling the liquid, semiliquid or semi-solid composition may being filled into the bottle may have a temperature in the range from 80°C to 100°C, preferably from 82°C to 91 °C (180°F to 195°F).

[0060] The liquid, semi-liquid or semi-solid composition may be heated, e.g. by flowing in a conduit and/or by a heater device, to reach said temperature and to reach this temperature of a defined period of time. Thereby, it is ensured that the product is properly sterilized so that harmful pathogens (bacteria, microorganisms, etc.) are removed. Directly after this heating and sterilization process, the liquid, semi-liquid or semi-solid composition (product) may be filled into the bottle so that, when being filled into the bottle, the product still has the temperature during the sterilization.

[0061] In an embodiment, filling comprises aseptic filling.

[0062] In an embodiment the method may comprise the further steps of: providing a closure (such as a closure as described herein); and closing the bottle with the closure. The step of closing the bottle with the closure may be after the filling comprising hot filling. After the step of closing, the bottle may be moved (such as turned from the vertical into the horizontal, or turned upside down) such that the semi-liquid or semi-solid composition being hot due to hot filling comes into contact with the closure (such as with the surfaces of the closure exposed to the inside of the bottle) so as to sterilize the closure. Thereby, the closure can be put (screwed, etc.) on the bottle in a non-sterilized state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0063] Figure 1-6 show different views of a bottle according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figures 7-11 show detailed views of the neck portion of the bottle shown in figures 1-6.

[0065] Figure 12 shows a detailed view of a neck portion with a radially inwardly protruding lip.

[0066] Figures 13-14 show detailed views of an embodiment of a closure for a bottle according to the present invention.

[0067] Figure 15 shows different side views of a bottle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 16 shows a top view of the bottle shown in figure 15.

[0069] Figure 17 shows a bottom view of the bottle shown in figure 15.

[0070] Figure 18 shows the neck detail in figure 15.

[0071] Figures 19-29 show different views of a bottle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] For a complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description.

[0073] It should be appreciated that the various aspects and embodiments of the detailed description as disclosed herein are illustrative of the specific ways to make and use the invention and do not limit the scope of invention when taken into consideration with the claims and the detailed description. It will also be appreciated that features from different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be combined with features from different aspects and embodiments of the invention.

[0074] As used herein the term “bottle” 10, as shown with reference to figures 1-6, means a bottle in the conventional sense, i.e. a container with a neck portion 20 that is narrower than a body 30 of the bottle 10. The bottle 10 also has a dispensing opening (or mouth) 40 that is comprised by the neck portion 20. The neck portion 20 further comprises threads 21 and a spout section 41. The spout section 41 extends from the top of the dispensing opening 40 to the threads 21 and is free from any threads. The body 30 and/or one or more walls 50, which define(s) at least part of the body 30, are devoid of threads, i.e. devoid of helical grooves and helical ridges. The body 30 and/or the walls 50 can be substantially linear; nevertheless the body 30 and/or the walls 50 can be formed into various shapes depending in the intended use of the bottle 10.

[0075] The bottle may be suitable for direct consumption (such as “ON the GO“, to consume products such as nutrition products). Thus, the spout section 41 may be suitable for direct discharge or conveyance of the product inside of the bottle 10 into the mouth of the consumer. Additionally or alternatively, the bottle may be suitable for tube feeding such as direct bolus feeding. Thus, the spout section 41 may be connectable to a feeding tube. The feeding tube is adapted to be guided through a body opening, such as the mouth or the nose, into the stomach. The connection between the feeding tube and the spout section 41 may be provided by any suitable connection means, such as by threads and/or a bayonet fitting.

[0076] The term “wall” 50 with respect to the bottle 10 means the wall 50 of the bottle 10 and includes sides/surfaces of the bottle 10 such as the body 30 sides/surfaces and/or a base 60 sides/surfaces. The “neck portion” 20 extends from the wall 50, such as upwardly (i.e. away from the base 60). Preferably, the wall 50 is a sidewall. The wall 50 may be connected to the neck portion in many different ways. As shown, the wall 50 may be connected to the neck portion 20 via one or more steps 51, 52, such as a first step 51 on a first lateral side and a second step 52 on a second lateral side.

[0077] The term “aseptically processable material” means at least one material that can be processed in aseptic conditions without causing any degradation to the material and/or degradation of any properties of the material. The term “material suitable for hot filling” means at least one material that can be processed in a hot filling process without causing any degradation to the material and/or degradation of any properties of the material. The term “material suitable for retorting” means at least one material that can be processed in a retorting process without causing any degradation to the material and/or degradation of any properties of the material.

[0078] The term “crushing grip force” refers to the fact that the bottle (shape and material) is designed such that any external force applied to bottle wall, having a direction as exerted typically by a human hand, will lead to a squeezing and collapsing of the bottle.

[0079] As shown in figures 1-6, in a first aspect the present invention relates to the bottle 10 which is semi-rigid. The bottle 10 is made from a material suitable for aseptic processing (i.e., an aseptically processable material), hot filling, and/or retorting. The bottle 10 is formstable. The bottle 10 is squeezable and collapsible upon application of a radially-inward crushing grip force without the bottle reassuming its initial shape after collapsing.

[0080] The wall 50 of the bottle 10 contains at least one oxygen barrier and light barrier, preferably provided by one or more layers, such as an oxygen barrier layer and a light barrier layer.

[0081] The bottle 10 includes all advantageous features of a pouch but overcomes the disadvantages of a pouch, in particular the inferior recyclability. Thus, the bottle 10 is in particular very advantageous with respect to recyclability. For example, the bottle 10 may be designed in such a way that it is not only recycle-ready but also fully recyclable.

[0082] According to the invention, the neck portion 20 has defined dimensions as follows:

[0083] The dispensing opening 40 has an inner diameter in the range from 6 mm to 28 mm, preferably from 7 mm to 15 mm, more preferably from 8 mm to 10 mm. Preferably, the dispensing opening 40 has an inner diameter of 10 mm. In an embodiment the inner diameter of the dispensing opening 40 is in a range from 9 mm to 11 mm, more preferably from 9.5 mm to 10.5 mm. In an embodiment the inner diameter of the dispensing opening 40 is in a range from 8 mm to 9 mm, preferably from 8.1 mm to 8.8 mm, more preferably from 8.3 mm to 8.6 mm. In an embodiment, the inner diameter may be in the range from 25 mm to 28 mm, preferably from 26 mm to 27.5 mm. The inner diameter is measured between inner sides of the spout section 41, wherein these inner sides define a passage that comprises the dispensing opening 40 for dispensing/ discharging the product out of the passage by squeezing the bottle 10.

[0084] The spout section 41 extends along a vertical distance in the range from 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 7 mm to 9 mm, more preferably from 7.5 mm to 8.5 mm. The spout section 41 may extend along a vertical distance in the range from 7 mm to 8 mm, more preferably from 7 mm to 7.5 mm. In particular, the neck portion 20 may have a total height starting from the wall 50 or the one or more steps 51, 52, wherein the spout section 41 extends along a vertical distance that is at least 25 %, preferably at least 35 %, and/or less than 50 %, preferably less than 40 % of the neck portion’s 20 total height.

[0085] A radially-inward crushing grip force can be appliable to the bottle 10 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Y as shown in figures 3 and 4. The axis Y is preferably an axis that runs from the centre of the dispensing opening 40 to the centre of the base 60 of the bottle 10.

[0086] However is not essential that radially-inward crushing grip force is appliable to the bottle 10 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Y and the radially-inward crushing grip force can be applied in all directions including a direction of the axis Y and any combination and angle variation thereof. The bottle 10 is made from a material that is aseptically processable, suitable for hot filling and/or suitable for retorting . In particular, the material defines the wall 50 of the bottle 10.

[0087] The material that defines, for example, the wall 50 of the bottle 10 can be a single material or a mixture thereof. The material that defines the wall 50 of the bottle 10 can be a in the form of layers of materials or a mixture thereof.

[0088] The plastics, which are aseptically processable and/or suitable for hot filling and/or retorting, can be for example, single materials of, mixtures of, multilayer’s of, or combinations thereof, of:

[0089] Thermoplastic polyolefin(s), such as: linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), high- density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP).

[0090] ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

[0091] A polyolefin base plastic.

[0092] A thermoplastic polyolefin (selected from of the above) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). [0093] A bio-based plastic material such as: polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polyhydroxyalkanoat (PHA).

[0094] A recycled plastic material, such as a recyclate obtained from one or more of the before-mentioned plastic or bio-based plastic materials.

[0095] The wall 50 of the bottle 10 preferably contains at least one oxygen barrier layer and light barrier layer, such as e.g. the mentioned EVOH layer.

[0096] It is preferable that the wall 50 is a multilayer of the materials (e.g., plastics) and is arranged as any one of the thermoplastic(s) polyolefin as noted above and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). Most preferably the wall 50 is a multilayer of the plastics and is arranged as medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/medium-density polyethylene (MDPE).

[0097] When the bottle 10 is squeezed and collapsed by application of the radially - inward crushing grip force the bottle 10 no longer reassumes its shape. In this regards the bottle 10 can be collapsed by at least 30% of its volume, preferably at least 60% of its volume, even more preferred by 90 % or even 95% of its initial volume, preferably when applying a crushing grip force of 2.5 N to 10 N, preferably 4 N to 8 N when measured perpendicular to a tangent of the bottle 10 wall 50.

[0098] The bottle 10 according to present invention is intended for squeezing by the human hand, including adults and children. Therefore it is preferable that the bottle 10 has a shape and volume to fit in a human hand. The shape and volume of the bottle 10 is designed according to the user.

[0099] It is preferable that the bottle 10 has a volume of between 5ml to 250ml. The bottle 10 can have a volume of 10ml, 25ml, 50ml, 75ml, 100ml, 125ml, 150ml, 175ml, 200ml, 225ml.

[00100] The dimensions such as radius and height of the body 30 determine the volume of the bottle 10. Thus by having a bottle 10 with a relatively low radius and height of the body 30 a relatively small bottle 10 is useful for handling by smaller hands. Conversely by having a bottle 10 with a relatively high radius and height of the body 30 a relatively large bottle 10 is useful for handling by larger hands.

[00101] When the bottle 10 has a relatively small volume, i.e. with a volume 5ml to 50ml, the bottle 10 is useful for providing “shots” of its contents. This is useful for example where the bottle 10 contains nutritional foods or pharmaceuticals that need to be administered as “shots”. When the bottle 10 has a relatively higher volume, i.e. with a volume 50ml to 250ml, the bottle 10 is useful for providing on-the-go consumption of its contents. This is useful for example where the bottle 10 contains for example a drink. Of course it is to be appreciated that the volume of the bottle is not limited to these scenarios.

[00102] It can be desirable to manipulate the properties of the material that defines the wall 50 of the bottle 10. The material that defines the wall 50 of the bottle 10 can be transparent. This ensures that a content of the bottle 10 can be visualised so that a user knows how much content of the bottle 10 remains. This also has the further advantage, that for example when the bottle 10 is filled during aseptic filling, hot filling, or retorting it is easy to visualise the filling of the bottle 10 in quality control.

[00103] The material that defines the wall 50 of the bottle 10, preferably comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) provides an oxygen barrier to the bottle 10. Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) also maintains flavours of any contents within the bottle 10.

[00104] The material that defines the wall 50 of the bottle 10, preferably comprises at least one linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), mediumdensity polyethylene (MDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These polyethylenes provide a particularly good water/moisture barrier to the bottle 10 and thus prevent any water/moisture entering or leaving the bottle 10. These polyethylenes therefore maintain an integrity (e.g. freshness) of the contents of the bottle 10 and prevent any degradation of the bottle 10 that could be caused by water/moisture.

[00105] The material that defines the wall 50 of the bottle 10 may be selected to absorb UV light and/or be coloured. This ensures that the contents of the bottle 10 can be protected from light, which may degrade the contents of the bottle 10.

[00106] The material that defines the wall 50 of the bottle 10 may be selected to withstand high temperatures such as of 85°C or more and/or of 120°C or less, preferably in the range from 85°C to 90°C and/or in the range from 110°C to 120°C. Preferably, the wall 50 is selected in such a way that the bottle 10 is suitable for being hot filled (85-90 °C) or retorted (110-120 °C).

[00107] The bottle 10 according to the present invention is manufactured by blow moulding such as extrusion blow moulding, stretch blow moulding, or blow fill and seal (BFS). Blow moulding has the advantage that the material and the bottle 10 can be manufactured with a defined thickness, such as with a uniform thickness in the region of the wall 50. By configuring the blow moulding device (in particular by adjusting the mould or parison and/or a die gap), it is also possible to easily provide different thicknesses in dedicated zones of the bottle 10, respectively, such as a first zone having a first uniform wall thickness (the first zone comprising, e.g., at least part of the wall 50) and a second zone having a second uniform wall thickness (the second zone comprising, e.g., at least part of the neck portion 20). During extrusion blow moulding pin and bushing tools of the extrusion blow moulding apparatus can be adjusted to adjust the thickness of the bottle 10. In particular, extrusion blow moulding (EBM) allows to produce the bottle 10 wall to wall, providing the advantage of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[00108] Blow moulding has the advantage that the bottle 10 can be manufactured easily into desired shapes. Blow moulding has the advantage that the dispensing opening 40, neck portion 20 and body 30 are singly integrated into the bottle 10. Therefore blow moulding avoids a need for separate welding of constituents of the bottle 10, which could provide weak points in the bottle 10 structure. Since the dispensing opening 40, neck portion 20 and body 30 are singly integrated into the bottle 10, the entire bottle 10 can be squeezed so that the bottle 10 collapses to allow a content of the bottle 10 to be readily emptied from the entire bottle 10 (including the neck 20, the mouth 40 and the body 30). Blow moulding the bottle 10 has also the advantage that all parts of the bottle 10, in particular the wall 50 and neck portion 20, can be easily formed from the same material.

[00109] The bottle 10 according to the present invention is suitable for, amongst others, filling in aseptic conditions, and for packaging and dispensing a flowable substance.

[00110] When the bottle 10 according to the present invention is filled, e.g. in aseptic conditions, the bottle 10 is sealed. Preferably, the bottle 10 is sealed by not using a metal foil, such an aluminium foil, on top of the dispensing opening 40. In particular, to seal the bottle 10, a metal foil or layer is not welded to the dispensing opening 40. Instead, the bottle 10 is sealed (e.g. by welding) at the dispensing opening 40 with a foil not comprising any metal (such as a foil that can be recycled with the bottle 10 in the same recycling stream and/or a foil that is biodegradable or compostable) and/or without any foil. [00111] The bottle 10 can be sealed by a closure, such as the closure 70 shown in figures 13 and 14. The closure 70 is screwed on the neck portion 20 and thus engages the threads 21. The closure 70 may comprise a sealing section 71 that is arranged to seal the dispensing opening 40. For example, the sealing section 71 is designed to contact an inner side 41a of the spout section 41 in a sealing manner. Preferably, the closure 70 comprises a sleeve 72 that may be at least in part in the form of a cylinder. When the closure 70 is screwed on the neck portion 20, the wall of the spout section 41 is sandwiched between the sealing section 71 and the sleeve 72. Optionally, the sleeve 72 may be arranged to contact an outer side 41b of the wall of the spout section 41. Thereby, the sealing effect provided by the closure 70 may be further increased. The sleeve 72 may comprise, on its inner side (i.e. the side facing the spout section 41), threads for screwing the closure 70 on the neck portion 20. The sealing section 71 may extend into the dispensing opening 40 and may have a bulged form, such as a form bulging in a direction through the dispensing opening 40 and/or out of the bottle 10. The closure 70 may comprise an outer sleeve 73 that surrounds at least part of the (inner) sleeve 72.

[00112] As shown in figures 13 and 14, the inner diameter of the dispensing opening 40, which is defined by the upper or distal end of the inner side 41a, is identical to an inner diameter of the spout section 41 at a position distanced from the dispensing opening 40. Thereby, the sealing section 71 can easily contact the inner side 41a at the dispensing opening 40 and at the position distanced from the dispending opening 40. For example, the outer side of the sealing section 71 may be simply formed as a cylinder that has a diameter equal to, or greater than, the inner diameter of the inner side 41a in order to establish a sealing contact with the different positions of the inner side 41a. Preferably, the spout section 41 has at its dispensing opening and along the whole of its length, which is in contact with the sealing section 71, a constant inner diameter. The shown neck portion 20 has a calibrated neck finish, meaning in particular that the spout section 41 does not comprise any radially inwardly protruding lip (see figure 12) defining the dispensing opening 40.

[00113] The closure 70 may comprise a spout and a lid for selectively closing or opening the spout. The spout thus has a dispensing opening that can be in fluid communication with the dispensing opening 40. In the closed state of the closure 70, the lid may sealingly close the spout. The lid may be connected to the spout via a hinge that preferably comprises a tamper- evident element, such as a frangible connection (in particular one or more frangible bridges connecting the lid to a ring) that ruptures as the lid is moved (for the first time) into the open state. The closure, such as the lid, may comprise a hanger portion whereby the lid and, thus, the bottle 10 can be hung up, e.g. on a hook. The hanger portion may comprise one or more through holes.

[00114] In an embodiment, the bottle 10 can be sealed, e.g. in combination with the closure 70, by a material (such as aluminium) that is welded to an opening of the dispensing opening 40. The sealing of the bottle 10 is often dependent on the nature of the contents to be filled in the bottle 10. Optionally, the bottle is sealed with a metal foil such as aluminium.

[00115] The neck portion 20 preferably comprises a locking wall portion 23. The locking wall portion 22 may be arranged to engage with the closure 70. For example, the locking wall portion 22 may be configured as a tamper-evident formation. This means that the locking wall portion 22 and the closure 70, when engaged with one another, may be suitable for indicating tempering. The closure 70 may comprise a tamper-evident element, such as a ring, that is, on the one hand, connected via a frangible connection to another part of the closure 70, such as the sleeve 72 and/or the sleeve 73. On the other hand, the tamper-evident element is engaged with the locking wall portion 22 so that unscrewing the closure 70 to open the bottle 10 ruptures the frangible connection, leaving the tamper-evident element, ruptured from the other part of the closure 70, engaged with the locking wall portion 22, thereby indicating tempering or that the bottle 10 has been already opened or unsealed for the first time.

[00116] The locking wall portion 22 may be designed to secure the closure 70, such as via a ring (not shown) integrally formed with the closure 70, to the neck portion 20. Thereby, once the closure 70 is unscrewed from the threads 21 to open the bottle 10, the closure 70 is still connected to the bottle 10, namely by its attachment (e.g. via said ring) to the locking wall portion 22. The closure 70 is thus a tethered closure application. The ring may be integrally formed with the closure 70 (such as with one or more of the sleeves 72, 73). The ring may be integrally formed with the closure 70 via a hinge. Preferably, the ring is the tamper-evident element of the closure 70.

[00117] The locking wall portion 22 has an upper surface 23 and a lower surface 24. The threads 21 preferably extend on a side of the upper surface 23, i.e. between the spout section 41 and the upper surface 23 of the locking wall portion 22. The lower surface 24 preferably faces away from the top of the dispensing opening 40, such as towards the base 60. The locking wall portion 22 may comprise a plurality of teeth (see figure 11) which can engage in corresponding or complementary structures (such as recesses) provided in the closure 70 such as the tamper- evident element. The teeth are preferably evenly distributed around a central axis going through the locking wall portion 22 and/or the dispensing opening 40.

[00118] The arrangement and dimensions of the locking wall portion 22 are preferably as follows:

[00119] Arrangement of the locking wall portion 22 such that a vertical distance from the top of the dispensing opening 40 to the upper surface 23 of the locking wall portion 22 is in the range from 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 14 mm, more preferably from 11 mm to 13 mm.

[00120] An outer diameter (i.e. the diameter of the smallest circle encircling the locking wall portion 22) is in the range from 15 mm to 21 mm, preferably from 17 mm to 20 mm, more preferably from 18 mm to 19 mm.

[00121] A thickness (measured between the surfaces 23, 24) is in the range from 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 4 mm, more preferably from 2 mm to 3 mm.

[00122] The neck portion 20 may comprise a section (“connection section”) 25 that extends from the lower surface 24 of the locking wall portion 22 to the wall 50. As shown in figure 7, the connection section 25 may be connected to, or integral with, the one or more steps 51, 52. In other words, the transition from the wall 50 to the connection section 25 may be at least in part via the one or more steps 51, 52. Preferably, the section 25 has a width that is greater than an outer diameter of the spout section 41 and/or that is in the range from 10 mm to 22 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 20 mm, more preferably from 16 mm to 18 mm. The section 25 may have a polygonal (rectangular, etc.) cross-section. Such a cross-section may be advantageous for an easy handling of the bottle 10, for example in a packaging process involving the bottle 10 and/or in a process of filling a product into the bottle 10.

[00123] As shown in figures 6 and 9, the section 25 may comprise a groove 26 that preferably extends on one side of the neck portion 20 only. For example, the groove 26 may extend parallel to only one of the sides of the polygonal cross-section of the section 25, e.g. to the long or short side of said cross-section. Preferably, the groove 26 does not extend circumferentially around an axis defined by the neck portion 20. The section 25 may comprise a further groove (not shown) that extends parallel to a side of the cross-section to which the groove 26 extends not parallel but transversely. Preferably, the further groove extends parallel to a short side of the cross-section of the section 25. The one or more grooves may provide several advantages. The one or more grooves may impart a rigidity to the neck portion 20 so that the rigidity of the neck portion 20 is increased with respect to the wall 50. The one or more grooves may facilitate a handling of the bottle 10. For example, an engagement between the one or more grooves and a handling tool (used in a packaging process involving the bottle 10 and/or in a process of filling a product into the bottle 10, etc.) may effect that the neck portion 20 moves into a defined orientation relative to the handling tool.

[00124] Preferably, the bottle 10 has different zones of different wall thicknesses, respectively. For example, a first zone has a first wall thickness and comprises at least part of the wall 50 (which thus comprises the first wall thickness), whereas a second zone has a second wall thickness and comprises at least part of the neck portion 20 (which thus comprises the second wall thickness), wherein the second wall thickness is greater than the first wall thickness. Accordingly, a bottle 10 can be provided that on the one hand provides enough rigidity to conveniently consume the product via the dispensing opening 40 provided by the less flexible neck portion, and that on the other hand can be conveniently squeezed, namely via the more flexible first zone with at least part of the wall 50, in order to drive the product contained in the bottle 10 towards and out of the dispensing opening 40.

[00125] Such different zones of wall thicknesses can be easily provided by blow moulding, such as by accordingly configuring the blow moulding device and/or designing die gaps and/or moulds. Additionally or alternatively, a preform may be provided that includes one or more wall thicknesses in such a way that by processing the preform in a blow moulding process, the wall thicknesses are achieved. As such, the different wall thickness can be provided by accordingly designing the preform only, i.e. without configuring the blow moulding device.

[00126] The wall thickness of the first zone or of the wall 50 may be between 10pm and 150pm, preferably between 30pm and 120pm, more preferably between 50pm and 100pm. The wall thickness of the second zone or of one or more parts of the neck portion 20 may be between 10pm and 150pm, preferably between 30pm and 120pm, more preferably between 50pm and 100pm.

[00127] The bottle 10 is suitable for a variety of products. Preferably, the bottle 10 can contain a flowable substance. The flowable substance may include foods and/or pharmaceuticals and may be in the form of a powder, liquid, gel or paste-like materials which do not flow under their own weight. When the flowable substance is in the form of a powder, the powder is typically intended to be reconstituted with liquid before consumption. In such case, liquid such as water is added by the consumer directly into the bottle 10 such as to form a liquid, gel or paste-like material to be consumed. The flowable substance is usually a substance that is spoilable and thus requires aseptic packaging, hot filling, and/or retorting to maintain its usability. The product may have any pH value, such as an acid pH (pH>7) or a low acid pH (7<pH>6).

[00128] Flowable substances include for example foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals. Preferred types of flowable substances include milk-based products, yogurt, fruit and/or vegetable preparations and cereal-based products. Such products are most preferably intended for children or elderly people. When the flowable substance is a food, it can be intended to be consumed as a snack or as a complete nutrition.

[00129] The bottle 10 of the present invention is surprisingly light weight and when used with viscous food, beverage or pharmaceutical a weight of the bottle is between 3% and 8%, preferably between 4% and 6% of the weight of the bottled viscous food, beverage or pharmaceutical without the bottle 10.

[00130] The bottle 10 according to the present invention is (as noted) manufactured from materials such as plastics, which materials are aseptically processable, and/or suitable for hot filling and/or retorting. For example, the bottle 10 can be used in all aseptic environments and filled aseptically. Therefore flowable substances can be filled into the bottle at ambient temperatures and then refrigerated. This process is much less energy intense than retort sterilisation processes.

[00131] The materials, such as plastics, of the bottle 10, according to the present invention ensure that the bottle 10 can be readily recycled by conventional techniques.

[00132] The shape of the bottle 10 of the present invention is conventional, therefore the bottle 10 of the present invention is easy to hold, fill, package and store.

[00133] Since the entire bottle 10 is manufactured from materials with a relatively thin wall and specific deformation constraints a user can easily squeeze the bottle 10 by the application of relatively low pressure (i.e. hand) so that the bottle 10 collapses to allow a content of the bottle 10 to be readily emptied from the entire bottle 10 (including the neck 20, the dispensing opening 40 and the body 30). This is important, for example when the bottle 10 is used by children and the elderly. Furthermore since the entire bottle 10 can be squeezed in all directions, this ensures the contents of the bottle 10 are efficiently emptied. Since the entire bottle 10 can be squeezed in all directions this is beneficial for environmental waste disposal, as the bottle 10 when empty takes up little space.

[00134] Since the entire bottle 10 is manufactured from a material with a relatively thin wall and specific deformation constraints the bottle 10 provides a relatively rigid structure that can maintain the shape of a conventional bottle. This allows the bottle 10 according to the present invention to be easily filled via its dispensing opening 40 as the bottle 10 is not liable to fall over. A rigid structure of bottle 10 allows the bottles 10 to be transported when full avoiding a likelihood of the bottles breaking. Since the bottle 10 is in the form of a rigid structure there is no need to add gas to the inside of the bottle 10 to maintain its shape.

[00135] The bottle 10 according to the present invention is devoid of any sharp edges as apparent from pouches, since it is in the shape of a conventional bottle and is made from blow moulding, such as extrusion blow moulding.

[00136] The bottle 10 according to the present invention can be squeezed such that there are no noises during the squeezing of the bottlelO.

[00137] Since the entire bottle 10 is manufactured from materials with a relatively thin wall and specific deformation constraints, the bottle 10 has a slightly elastic nature. The slightly elastic nature of the bottle 10 facilitates effective squeezing and collapsing of the bottle 10.

[00138] The bottle 10 may have an inclined or bent shape. The wall 50 of the bottle 10 may comprise a first wall section and a second wall section that extends transversely (or inclined) relative to the first wall section in such a way that the second wall section protrudes from the first wall section. Thereby, the outer surfaces of the wall sections enclose an angle that is less than 180°. The second wall section may extend obliquely or perpendicular to a support (such as a horizontal surface or plane, e.g. comprised by a table or the same) when the bottle 10 stands with its base 60 on the support. Preferably, the inclined extension of the second wall section effects that the dispensing opening 40 and/or the neck portion 20 and, thus, the closure 70, if present, is/are inclined, too.

[00139] The bottle 10 may comprise a further wall that is arranged opposite to the (first) wall 50. The further wall may have a first wall section and a second wall section that 1 preferably extends transversely (or inclined) relative to the first wall section. Thereby, the outer surfaces of the wall sections preferably enclose an angle that is greater than 180° and/or form a shape that is complementarily formed to the shape formed by the wall sections of the (first) wall. In particular, the first wall section may extend at least in part parallel to the first wall section of the (first) wall, and the second wall section may extend at least in part parallel to the second wall section of the (first) wall . The (further) wall is not limited to a shape with wall sections that extend transversely relative to one another. For example, the wall also may extend only along an upright (straight or vertical) direction.

[00140] The dispensing opening 40 may be arranged in a position that is eccentric relative to a central axis defined by the body 30. For example, the body 30 may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall, wherein the dispensing opening 40 is arranged closer to the first sidewall than to the second sidewall. The central axis defined by the body 30 is preferably equidistant from the sidewalls and/or is preferably a symmetry axis of the body 30.

[00141] The bottle may be designed such that it can be arranged with respect to an identically shaped bottle 10 without requiring much space. In particular, two identical bottles 10 may have such a design that they can be mated with one another in such a way that the first sidewall of the one bottle 10 lies flush with the second sidewall of the other bottle 10 (and/or the second sidewall of the one bottle 10 lies flush with the first sidewall of the other bottle 10), that the (first) walls of the bottles 10 contact each other, and that the closures 70 do not contact each other and/or do not interfere with one another. In such a mated state, a wrapper may be wrapped around the bodies 30 of the bottles 10, e.g. in order to provide the bottles 10 as a unit.

[00142] The bottle 10 may comprise a base that has a shape that can be mated with a top part provided on the top of the bottle 10. Thereby, identically shaped bottles can be easily stacked on one another. Preferably, the base and the top part can be connected to one another to form a form and/or frictional fit. The top part may be a recess in which the base 60 can be arranged. The base may comprise a recess, e.g. by bulging towards the inside of the bottle 10 or by being dented, wherein the recess can accommodate or house the closure 70, when the base is connected to the top part.

[00143] The neck portion 20 may be connected (e.g. via the top part) to the body 30 or wall 50 in such a way that the neck portion 20 may be displaced (or moved) between a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position the dispensing opening 40 is further distanced from a top edge than in the first position. The first position may be a retracted position, in which the closure 70 is preferably at least in part arranged in the recess provided by the top part. The second position is preferably an extended position that is particularly suitable for consuming the product contained in the bottle. In the second position, the closure 70 is preferably arranged completely outside the recess provided by the top part. When the base 60 (of a first bottle) is connected to the top part (of a second bottle), the neck portion 20 (of the second bottle) is preferably in the first position. The movability of the neck portion 20 between the first position and the second position may be provided by integrally connecting the neck portion 20 to the wall 50 via a connection part (e.g. comprised by the top part), wherein the connection part is more flexible than the wall 50 and/or the neck portion 20. Hence, by bending the connection part the neck portion 20 can be moved relative to the wall 50 and thus between the two positions. The neck portion 20 may be moveable in such a way that during its movement between the first position and the second position, the neck portion moves along a straight line and/or a vertical axis.

[00144] Having thus described the present invention and the advantages thereof, it should be appreciated that the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention.

[00145] The various aspects and embodiments of the present invention do not limit the scope of the invention when taken into consideration with the appended claims and the forgoing detailed description.

[00146] What is desired to be protected by letters patent is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A semi-rigid bottle (10) for packaging viscous food, wherein the bottle (10): is made from a material that is suitable for aseptic processing, retorting, and/or hot filling, is formstable, is squeezable and collapsible by a radially-inwardly directed crushing grip force, without the bottle (10) reassuming its initial shape after collapsing, is blow molded, wherein the bottle (10) comprises: a wall (50) with at least one oxygen and light barrier, and a neck portion (20) extending from the wall (50) and comprising: a dispensing opening (40) at the top of the neck portion (20), threads (21), and a spout section (41) that extends from the top of the dispensing opening (40) to the threads (21) and that is free from any threads, wherein the dispensing opening (40) has an inner diameter in the range from 6 mm to 28 mm, preferably from 7 mm to 15 mm, more preferably from 8 mm to 10 mm, and wherein the spout section (41) extends along a vertical distance in the range from 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 7 mm to 9 mm, more preferably from 7.5 mm to 8.5 mm.

2. The bottle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the neck portion (20) comprises a locking wall portion (22) having an upper surface (23), wherein the threads (21) extend between the spout section (41) and the upper surface (23) of the locking wall portion (22).

3. The bottle (10) according to claim 2, wherein a vertical distance from the top of the dispensing opening (40) to the upper surface (23) of the locking wall portion (22) is in the range from 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 14 mm, more preferably from 11 mm to 13 mm.

4. The bottle (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the locking wall portion (22) comprises a plurality of teeth.

5. The bottle (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the locking wall portion (22) is designed to secure a closure (70), such as a ring integrally formed with the closure (70), to the neck portion (20) once the closure (70) is unscrewed from the threads (21) to open the bottle (10).

6. The bottle (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the locking wall portion (22) is configured as a tamper-evident formation.

7. The bottle (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the locking wall portion (22) has an outer diameter in the range from 15 mm to 21 mm, preferably from 17 mm to 20 mm, more preferably from 18 mm to 19 mm.

8. The bottle (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the locking wall portion (22) has a thickness in the range from 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 4 mm, more preferably from 2 mm to 3 mm.

9. The bottle (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the neck portion (20) comprises a section (25) that extends from a lower surface (24) of the locking wall portion (22) to the wall (50), wherein the section (25) has a width that is greater than an outer diameter of the spout section (41) and/or that is in the range from 10 mm to 22 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 20 mm, more preferably from 16 mm to 18 mm.

10. The bottle (10) according to claim 9, wherein the section (25) comprises a groove (26) that preferably extends not circumferentially around an axis defined by the neck portion (20) and/or that preferably extends only on one side of the neck portion (20).

11. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner diameter of the dispensing opening (40) is identical to an inner diameter of the spout section (41) at a position distanced from the dispensing opening (40).

12. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the neck portion (20) has a calibrated neck finish, and/or wherein the spout section (41) does not comprise any radially inwardly protruding lip defining the dispensing opening (40).

13. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a closure (70) screwed on the neck portion (20).

14. The bottle (10) according to claim 13, wherein, when the closure (70) is screwed on the neck portion (20) and before the closure (70) is unscrewed to open the bottle (10) for the first time, the dispensing opening (40) is not sealed by a metal foil on top of the dispensing opening (40).

15. The bottle (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the closure (70) comprises a sealing section (71) arranged to seal the dispensing opening (40).

16. The bottle (10) according to claim 15, wherein the sealing section (71) is designed to contact an inner side (41a) of the spout section (41), wherein the sealing section (71) preferably contacts the inner side (41a) at least at two different positions with identical inner diameters.

17. The bottle (10) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the closure (70) comprises a sleeve (72) that is arranged such that, when the closure (70) is screwed on the neck portion (20), a wall of the spout section (41) is sandwiched between the sealing section (71) and the sleeve (72).

18. The bottle (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the closure (70) comprises a ring fastened to the locking wall portion (22) in order to secure the closure (70) to the neck portion (20) once the closure (70) is unscrewed from the threads (21) to open the bottle (10).

19. The bottle (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the closure (70) comprises a spout (74) and a lid (75) for selectively closing or opening the spout (74), wherein the lid (75) preferably comprises a hanger portion that preferably comprises one or more through holes (77).

20. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle has different zones of different wall thicknesses, respectively.

21. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first zone with a first wall thickness, and a second zone with a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness, wherein the first zone comprises at least part of the wall (50), and wherein the second zone comprises at least part of the neck portion (20).

22. The bottle (10) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the wall thicknesses are in a range between 10pm and 150pm, preferably between 30pm and 120pm, more preferred between 50pm and 100pm.

23. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the bottle (10) is recyclable.

24. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the bottle (10) comprises a plastic material such as: polyethylene, preferably low density polyethylene (LDPE), density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), and/or high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

25. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the bottle (10) comprises a bio-based plastic material such as: poly lactic acid (PLA), and/or polyhydroxyalkanoat (PHA).

26. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the bottle (10) comprises a recycled plastic material.

27. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the bottle (10) comprises a barrier material for providing the oxygen and/or light barrier, such as EVOH.

28. The bottle (10) according to claim 27, wherein the barrier material amounts to 5 wt.% or less of the total bottle weight.

29. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the bottle (10) has a multilayer structure, wherein the multilayer of the multilayer structure is preferably a PE/EVOH/PE multilayer, more preferably an HDPE/EVOH/HDPE multilayer.

30. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle (10) is free of metal or metal layers.

31. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the bottle (10) comprises only one type of material.

32. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is obtainable by extrusion blow molding and/or by stretch blow molding and/or by Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS).

33. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of the bottle is between 5ml to 250ml.

34. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which can be collapsed by at least 30% of its volume, preferably at least 60% of its volume, even more preferred by 90 % of its volume, when applying a crushing grip force of 2.5 N to 10 N, preferably 4 N to 8 N.

35. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle (10) has a shape and volume to fit in a human’s hand.

36. The bottle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which has a selfstanding shape.

37. A packaged viscous product, being aseptically packaged, hot filled or retorted in a bottle (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

38. A preform for making a blow molded bottle according to any one of the preceding claims.

39. A method of filling a squeezable bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, preferably via hot filling or via aseptic filling, comprising the steps:

Providing a squeezable bottle according to any one of the preceding claims;

Providing a liquid, semi-liquid or semi-solid composition; and

Filling the liquid, semi-liquid or semi-solid composition.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein filling comprises hot filling.

41. The method according to claim 39 or 40, wherein filling comprises aseptic filling.