GB2353266A

GB2353266A - Container for a flowable substance, in particular a liquid

Info

Publication number: GB2353266A
Application number: GB0020239A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Laurent Aime Stiz; Jean-Jacques Raymond
Original assignee: Societe des Eaux de Volvic SAS
Current assignee: Societe des Eaux de Volvic SAS
Priority date: 1999-08-18
Filing date: 2000-08-16
Publication date: 2001-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2020-08-16
Also published as: GB0020239D0; FR2797624A1; FR2797624B1; GB2353266B

Abstract

A container (1) for a flowing substance, in particular for a liquid, comprising a body (2) and a neck (4) made from a thermoplastic material, in particular PET, this neck optionally being provided with a manipulable closure device (8), is characterised in that the upper part of the body (2) close to the neck (4) has a region (5) which is substantially, or at least partially flat, and inclined. This region (5) defines a support plane of an extent and an inclination relative to the axis of the neck (4) such that when the container (1) is placed on an approximately horizontal base (7) by its support plane, the container (1) occupies a stable position and the neck (4) constitutes the lowest part of the container, as a result of which it is possible to make the flowing substance flow by simple force of gravity by a selective manipulation of the closure device (8).

Description

2353266 CONTAINER FOR A FLOWABLE SUBSTANCE, IN PARTICULAR A LIQUID The

present invention relates to containers, 5 particularly large capacity containers, designed to hold a flowing substance, in particular a liquid. Such containers typically comprise a body and a neck made from a thermoplastic material, in particular PET, this neck being provided with or optionally being provided with a manipulable closure device.

Containers of the type described above are commonly used for dispensing drinking water, and have a relatively large capacity (generally in the order of 5 litres) which is significantly more than a conventional bottle which would have a capacity varying between 0.30 and 2 litres. However, because of their high weight and their considerable bulk, these large-capacity containers are difficult to handle when pouring their contents, particularly for the elderly or children, and, more generally, pouring their contents directly into a container of smaller volume such as a glass can prove to be tricky.

The invention is essentially intended to overcome this disadvantage and to provide an improved container whose contents can be poured accurately and without difficulty, in particular directly into a container of smaller volume.

To this end, the invention provides a container for a flowable product of the type outlined above, characterised in that the top part of the body close to the neck has a region which is substantially flat, at least partially so, and inclined, defining a support 2 plane of an extent and an inclination relative to the axis of the neck such, that when the container is placed on an approximately horizontal base by means of its support plane, the container occupies a stable position and the neck may constitute the lowest part of the container, as a result of which the flowing substance can be made to flow under the force of gravity by selective manipulation of the closure device with which the neck is fitted.

Thus the invention may be defined, according to one aspect, as a container for storing and dispensing a flowable substance comprising:

(i) a body; and (ii) a neck, being provided with a closure device for controlling the flow of the flowable substance from the container, characterised in that a region of the body wall adjacent the neck is provided with a substantially planar area inclined to the neck axis, the planar area being arranged so that in use the container may be laid in a tilted configuration on a support surface so that the substance flows towards the neck and substantially all thereof may be dispensed via the closure device.

In this aspect it is preferable that the container further comprises a second substantially planar area being arranged so that the container may stand in an upright configuration, with the neck axis being substantially vertical. It is also desirable that, when in use and rested on a support surface in its tilted configuration, at least a portion of the closure device extends below the level of said support surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, there 3 is provided a container for a flowing substance, in particular a liquid, comprising a body and a neck made from a thermoplastic material, in particular PET, this neck being provided with or optionally being provided with a manipulable closure device characterised in that the top part of the body close to the neck has a region which is substantially, or at least partially, flat, and inclined, defining a support plane of an extent and an inclination relative to the axis of the neck such that, when the container is placed on an approximately horizontal base by means of its support plane, the container occupies a stable position and the neck then constitutes the lowest part of the container, as a result of which the flowing substance can be made to flow by simple force of gravity by a selective manipulation of the closure device with which the neck is then fitted.

In one possible embodiment of the two aspects defined above, the region defining the support plane is substantially flat, said region advantageously being provided with reliefs and recesses to impart rigidity.

In another possible embodiment, the support plane is defined by projecting reliefs provided in the substantially flat region.

In yet another possible embodiment, the region defining the support plane comprises at least one protruding bead located at the periphery of a central recessed area, this protruding bead running along a continuous closed or alternatively discontinuous contour. Advantageously, the central recessed area is shaped so as to impart rigidity. Preferably it is cambered and/or is provided with projecting reliefs and/or recesses. It is particularly preferred that the central recessed area is 4 cambered towards the exterior of the container.

The specific features of the invention outlined above enable the container to be placed on a base in a stable, inclined position in which, due to the position of the neck, the entire substance will be able to f low by force of gravity. once in use, the container may be left in this position; there is no longer any need for it to be manipulated when drawing off some of its contents.

To make it even easier to use, it is highly desirable to provide a container of this type with a manipulable closure device which can be operated with one hand, in which case it will comprise a closure valve on the one hand which can be displaced coaxially with the axis of the neck and operated by the thumb of one hand, and an external flange on the other, underneath which the index and middle fingers of the same hand are supported. Accordingly, the operable closure device is preferably provided with a flow duct for the flowing substance which extends more or less perpendicular to said support plane.

It is also desirable for the closure device to be fitted with an air inlet which will allow air to be admitted to the interior of the container as the flowing substance flows out. This makes it easy to fill a container of a smaller volume, such as a glass, which is held in one hand, whilst using the other hand to operate the closure device.

Although the features proposed by the invention may suit all types of container, they are particularly well suited to containers that are difficult to handle due to their weight and/or their bulk. This is especially true of large-capacity, bulbous containers, and it is therefore preferred that the containers are in the shape of carboys, on which a centrally disposed neck can be provided at the top end of the body.

According to the invention, it is possible to make large-capacity containers, for example with a capacity of 5 litres or more made from a thermoplastic material, particularly PET, preferably in the shape of carboys, for dispensing drinking water or similar (fruit juices, fizzy drinks, etc) which, once the container has been placed in the stable inclined position on a table or on a shelf in a refrigerator, can be tapped without difficulty, even by a child, in order to f ill a glass.

The invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of certain embodiments below, given by way of illustration only and not restrictive in any respect. Throughout this description, reference will be made to the drawings, in which:

- figure 1 is a side view of a container according to the invention, shown in a vertical position; - figure 2 is a side view of the container illustrated in figure 1, set down in the position of use, i.e. lying in the position intended for dispensing the contents; - f igures 3 and 4 are partial views of a container proposed by the invention, illustrating two different embodiments of a part thereof; - figure 5 is a partial cross section of a part of the container illustrated in figure 3; - figure 6 is a partial cross section of another embodiment of a container proposed by the invention; - figure 7 is a front view of yet another embodiment of a container proposed by the invention; and - figure 8 is a partial view in section of another 6 embodiment of a part of the container illustrated in f igure 7.

Turning firstly to figure 1, container 1 essentially comprises a body 2 terminating at the bottom in a base 3 and at the top by a neck 4. It is preferred that this container is made from a thermoplastic material, in particular PET. The Container may have any general shape and dimensions although, as mentioned above, the features proposed by the invention seem to be particularly suitable for applications requiring large-capacity (at least 5 litres, for example), heavy and bulky containers which are consequently difficult to handle.

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the body 2 is of a generally bulbous shape, the neck 4 being disposed more or less centrally at the top of the body.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the upper part of the body 2 close to the neck has an inclined region 5 which is substantially flat, or at least partially so, and which defines a support plane of an extent and inclination relative to the axis X of the neck 4 (which in this case is also the axis of the body 2) such that, when the container is placed on an approximately horizontal base 7 by its support plane (fig. 2), the container 1 occupies a stable position in which the neck 4 constitutes the lowest part of said container.

When container 1 illustrated in fig. 2 is placed in the inclined position, a flowable substance (e.g. a liquid such as water) contained in the container will flow out under the force of gravity. By fitting the neck 4 with an operable closure device 8, it will be possible to make the flowable substance (for example a liquid) 7 flow on demand simply under the force of gravity, by selectively operating this closure device. A preferred example of the closure device is described below.

The substantially flat region 5 defining the support plane may be of various designs, all of which fall within the general design of the container. Thus, containers according to the invention may have a range of mechanical strengths and aesthetic appearances.

As illustrated firstly in. figure 3, the support plane may be provided by the substantially flat, inclined plane 5 itself. Because the flat plane 5 has a relatively large surface area and has a lower mechanical strength, it may be advantageous to provide reinforcing reliefs and recesses 9 (illustrated in section in figure 5), which may preferably be provided in the form of elongate channels of variable lengths, extending horizontally (fig. 3) or vertically (fig. 4).

The substantially flat, inclined region 5 may also be provided with projecting reliefs 10 such as those illustrated in section in fig. 6. These projecting reliefs may be elongate channels which, in one embodiment, correspond to the reliefs and recesses 9 illustrated in figs. 3 and 4. Alternatively, the projecting reliefs may be cone or pellet shaped. If this is the case, the support plane is discontinuous and is defined by all the ends 11 of the reliefs 10.

In another embodiment, illustrated by way of example in figure 7, the region 5 defining the support plane consists of at least one projecting bead 12 (shown by shading in fig. 7) located at the periphery of a central recessed area 13. This bead 12 may extend along a substantially closed and continuous contour as 8 illustrated in fig. 7, or may alternatively be discontinuous.

The central region 13 may have a relatively large surface area, and may be made more rigid by providing projecting reliefs 14 (which will not project beyond the support plane defined by the bead 12) and/or recesses (fig. 7) and /or by giving the central region 13 a cambered shape, the convex aspect being directed towards the exterior (fig. 8) without- the camber projecting beyond the plane defined by the bead 12.

In order to make it easier to use, the container proposed by the invention is preferably fitted with a closure device 8 which can be operated with one hand. A device 8 currently available for sale may be used, in particular one comprising (see fig. 1) a closure valve (not visible) operated by a sliding push button 15 using the thumb of one hand, and an external f lange 16 underneath which the index and main f ingers of the same hand are supported.

Furthermore, regardless of its structure, it is advantageous for the operable closure member 8 to be provided with a duct 17 from which the flowable substance will flow and which, once the device has been fitted on the neck of the container 1, will extend more or less perpendicular to the support plane defined by the inclined region 5 of the body 2. As a result, when the container is laid in an inclined position on the approximately horizontal base 7 (fig. 2), the duct 17 opens towards the bottom in a more or less vertical layout, which makes it easy to position a container, such as a glass, underneath to receive outflowing substance.

Also, in order to make the container easier to use 9 and so that the flowable substance is able to flow perfectly continuously, especially if it is a liquid, it is highly desirable for the closure device to have an air inlet that will enable air to be admitted to the interior 5 of the container as the substance is flowing out.

Clearly, all other aspects of the closure device 8 may be of any appropriate design and in particular may be shaped so that it can be placed on the neck either by a screw-fit or a clip-fit.

The container 1 may be made from any thermoplastic material compatible with the product it is designed to contain, such as PVC, PE, etc., and in particular PET or PEN. It may be made by any known method such as moulding, blow moulding, extrusion-blow moulding, etc..

Claims

1. A container (1) for a flowing substance, in particular a liquid, comprising a body (2) and a neck (4) made from a thermoplastic material, in particular PET, this neck being provided with or optionally being provided with a manipulable closure device (8) characterised in that the top part of the body (2) close to the neck (4) has a region (5) which is substantially flat, at least partially so, and inclined, defining a support plane of an extent and an inclination relative to the axis (X) of the neck (4) such, that when the container (1) is placed on an approximately horizontal base (7) by means of its support plane, this container (1) occupies a stable position and the neck (4) then constitutes the lowest part of the container, as a result of which the flowing substance can be made to flow by simple force of gravity by a selective manipulation of the closure device (8) with which the neck (4) is then fitted.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the region (5) defining the support plane is substantially flat.

3. A container as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the substantially flat plane (5) is provided with reliefs and recesses (9) to impart rigidity.

4. A container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the support plane is defined by projecting reliefs (10) provided in the substantially flat region (5).

11

5. A container as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the region (5) defining the support plane comprises at least one projecting bead (12) located at the periphery of a central recessed area (13).

6. A container as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the projecting bead (12) extends along a continuous closed contour.

7. A container as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the projecting bead (12) is discontinuous.

8. A container as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the central recessed area (13) is 15 shaped so as to impart rigidity.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the central recessed area (13) is cambered towards the exterior.

10. A container as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the central recessed area (13) is provided with projecting reliefs (14) and/or recesses to impart rigidity.

11. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the neck (4) is substantially centrally disposed at the top end of the body (2)

12. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body (2) has the shape 12 of a carboy.

13. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the manipulable closure device (8) is of the type which can be operated with one hand and comprises a closure valve (15) on the one hand, which can be displaced coaxially with the axis of the neck (4) and operated by the thumb of one hand, and an external flange (16) on the other, underneath which the index and main fingers of the same hand are supported.

14. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the manipulable closure device (8) is provided with a flow duct (17) for the flowing substance, which extends more or less perpendicular to said support plane.

15. A container as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the closure device is provided with an air inlet enabling air to be admitted to the interior as the flowing substance flows out.

16. Use of the container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims as a large-capacity container, of at least 5 litres, containing drinking water or a liquid beverage.

17. A container for storing and dispensing a flowable substance comprising:

(i) a body (2); and (ii) a neck (4); being provided with a closure device (8) for controlling the flow of the 13 f lowable substance f rom the container; characterised in that a region of the body wall adjacent the neck is provided with a substantially planar area (5) inclined to the neck axis (X), the planar area being arranged so that in use the container may be laid in a tilted configuration on a support surface (7) so that the substance flows towards the neck and substantially all thereof may be dispensed via the closure device.

18. A container according to Claim 17, further comprising a second substantially planar area (3) being arranged so that the container may stand in an upright configuration, with the neck axis (X) being substantially vertical. 15

19. A container according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 wherein, when in use the container is rested on a support surface (7) in its tilted configuration, at least a portion of the closure device (8) extends 20 below the level of said support surface.

20. A container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 8.