NL2012574B1

NL2012574B1 - Container for metering liquid material.

Info

Publication number: NL2012574B1
Application number: NL2012574A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Rinze Henricus Adrianus Willemsen Louis
Original assignee: Boracay Packaging Solutions B V
Priority date: 2014-04-07
Filing date: 2014-04-07
Publication date: 2016-03-08
Also published as: WO2015156665A1; NL2012574A

Abstract

The invention relates to a container for metering liquid material. The container comprises an interior containing liquid material, a bottom with an endless, upright circumferential wall extending at least substantially in an axial direction of the container from said bottom, and a sealing foil at the upper side of said upright circumferential wall. In the container an outlet can be created so as to place the container in an open condition. The circumferential wall is deformable, at least in said open condition of the container, under the influence of an axial pressure force applied to the circumferential wall so as to reduce the volume of the interior of the container for the purpose of emptying the container at least partially in a metered manner via the outlet thus created. The upright circumferential wall of the container consists of a total of four endless wall parts. A first, third and fourth endless wall part are conically shaped and taper outwards, as seen from the bottom to the upper side. A second endless wall part, provided in between the first and third wall part, extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the container.

Description

Title: Container for metering liquid material

Description

The invention relates to a container for metering liquid material, said container comprising an interior containing liquid material, a bottom with an endless, upright circumferential wall extending at least substantially in an axial direction of the container from said bottom, a sealing foil at the upper side of said upright circumferential wall, which retains the liquid material in the container, in which container an outlet can be created so as to place the container in an open condition, wherein the circumferential wall is deformable, at least in said open condition of the container, under the influence of an axial pressure force applied to the circumferential wall so as to reduce the volume of the interior of the container for the purpose of emptying the container at least partially in a metered manner via the outlet thus created.

Such a container is used as a portion pack, for example for containing a relatively small amount of a liquid material therein. The term "relatively small amount" as used herein is understood to mean preferably an amount of a few millilitres to a few centilitres. Larger amounts are conceivable, however. The term "liquid material" as used herein is understood to mean: viscous or non-viscous liquids or liquid-like materials, such as (condensed) milk, mayonnaise, ketchup, treacle, (chocolate) spread, glue and/or similar materials. The liquid material may be a food or a non-food product or application, and it is also suitable for aseptic products and uses. The metering of the contents takes place by axial compression of the container, the outlet being dimensioned so that on the one hand a certain counterpressure is provided, whilst on the other hand the liquid can be metered at an acceptable speed. WO 2007/102730 A2 discloses a container in the form of a compressible tub. The known container comprises a wall provided with a harmonica structure comprising deep notches that extend parallel to the upper edge. At the upper side of the tub, an opening sealed with a foil is provided. The foil is removed from the opening in its entirety so as to release the opening. Following that, the user can press an upper edge and the bottom together slightly, such that the contents of the tub exit the tub via the opening.

It was found that the metering ability and ease of emptying the known container may be improved. In particular, it was found that a relatively high amount of liquid product may remain in the interior of the container after use, leading to undesired and unintended waste of the liquid product.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved deformable container, which in particular has an improved ease of emptying, and which provides for less waste of product or liquid product.

To this end, a container is provided according to claim 1. The container according to the invention comprises an upright circumferential wall. The upright circumferential wall of the container consists of a total of four endless wall parts: A first endless wall part connected to the bottom, a second endless wall part above said first endless wall part and connected to that first endless wall part, a third endless wall part above said second endless wall part and connected to the second endless wall part, and a fourth endless wall part above said third endless wall part and connected to the third endless wall part. The first endless wall part, the third endless wall part, and also the fourth endless wall part, are conically shaped and taper outwards, as seen from the bottom to the upper side. The second endless wall part extends from the first endless wall part to the third endless wall part, and substantially parallel to the axial direction of the container.

The second endless wall part and the third endless wall part join one another at the location of an endless fold line. The third endless wall part and the fourth endless wall part join one another at the location of a further endless fold line. These endless fold lines each define a plane extending substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction. Due to this arrangement, the second endless wall part and the third endless wall part are folded about the fold line under the influence of the axial pressure force, and the third endless wall part and the fourth endless wall part are simultaneously folded about the fold line under the influence of the same axial pressure force.

The use of only four endless wall parts according to the invention ensures that upon application of an axial force, a better controlled deformation of the cup is possible, since there the use of only four endless wall parts with only two folding lines restrict the degrees of freedom. This ensures a more predictable way of deformation of the container, and allows for a more controlled metering of the liquid in the container. Furthermore, the use of four wall parts, with only two fold lines, ensures that only a minimal part of the circumferential wall is deformed towards the interior of the container. Thus, a minimal contact surface is created to which liquid may stick, after deformation, ensuring a relatively high degree of emptying in the container according to the invention. The object of the present invention is thus accomplished.

An additional advantage of the container according to the present invention is that the second wall part and the third wall part are disposed so that they can be pressed substantially flat against each other, in which position the wall parts extend substantially parallel to the axial direction of the container.

In an embodiment, the first wall part is rigidly connected to the bottom, such that upon deformation of the container, the relative position of the first wall part, with respect to the bottom, does not, or hardly change. The first wall part, together with the bottom, thus forms a substantially rigid first arch-shaped element, which provides strength and stability to the container upon deformation.

In an embodiment, the fourth wall part forms a substantially rigid arch-shaped element, which may be a second arch-shaped element in combination with the first arch-shaped element provided by the first wall part and the bottom. In between the first and second arch-shaped element, the second and third wall part are present, which in this sense form deformation means that are deformable by exerting axial forces, which are directed to each other, on the first and second archshaped elements.

Further embodiments are subject of the depending claims 2-18. Some of these, and their advantages, will be explained below.

In an embodiment, the second endless wall part and the third endless wall part join one another at the location of an endless fold line. The third endless wall part and the fourth endless wall part join one another at the location of a further endless fold line. The endless fold line and the further endless fold line each define a plane extending substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction. The second endless wall part and the third endless wall part can be folded about the fold line under the influence of the axial pressure force, in which folding means that a relative pivoting movement between the second endless wall part and the third endless wall part takes place. The third endless wall part and the fourth endless wall part can be folded about the fold line under the influence of the axial pressure force.

Once again, this means that relative pivoting movement can take place between these wall parts.

Due to the embodiment of the four endless wall parts, and the fold lines, it is possible to construct he endless fold line and the further endless fold line such that they substantially maintain their radial position during folding. In practice, during folding, some radial shift may occur, in particular some decreasing in the radial position may occur, but in the fully compressed state, the radial position of the fold line is substantially the same as the radial position of the fold line in the non-deformed state. This is advantageous, since it ensures that the liquid product in the container is not hindered by the fold lines and the wall parts during movement out of the container.

In an embodiment, the third endless wall part is in a deformed state positioned such that it, as seen from the bottom to the upper side, substantially tapers inwards, or extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the container.

In an embodiment, the second endless wall part is in a deformed state at least partially positioned above the first endless wall part, and is substantially positioned radially inwards from the third endless wall part.

In an embodiment, the first endless wall part is in a deformed state substantially positioned radially inwards from the fourth endless wall part.

With the term deformed state, herein, it is in particular meant a state wherein the container is deformed in a substantial maximal way. In this state, the endless wall parts of the container do not move, e.g. pivot, anymore upon further application of opposite axial forces on the container. With deformed state, it is thus meant a more or less fully compressed state of the container.

In an embodiment, the first endless wall part, the second endless wall part and the third endless wall part each have a substantially equal height, as measured in the axial direction. Herein, the height component in the axial direction is meant, in particular for the tapered wall parts, which also have a component in the radial direction. For these tapered wall parts, the total wall-length is thus larger than the height measured in the axial direction.

In an embodiment, a height, as measured in the axial direction, of the fourth endless wall part is larger than the height of the first endless wall part, the height of the second endless wall part, or the height of the third endless wall part. In other words, the fourth endless wall part, situated near the top of the container, has the largest height, as measured in the axial direction. This ensures that, in the deformed state, the interior space of the container near the top of the container remains substantially free of other endless wall parts, such that these wall parts do not form an obstruction for removal of liquid product from the container.

In an embodiment, the container comprises a flanged edge joining the upper side of the fourth endless wall part, on which flanged edge the container is provided with the sealing foil.

According to an embodiment, the container is formed as defined in claim 10. Herein, a recessed outflow channel is formed in the flange-like edge, which outflow channel is in communication with the interior of the container body at one end and which is closed at an opposite end. The dimensions of the outflow channel, such as width and depth can be chosen in consideration to the viscosity of the filled product inside the container. A weakened or broken zone may be provided in the flanged edge so as to make it possible to separate a separation part of the flanged edge located on the outer side of said weakened or broken zone from the container. The flanged edge may have a protruding part, extending from a side of the flanged edge facing towards the bottom, which protruding part supports the fingertip during opening of the container. This protruding part makes it possible to open the pack with one hand only. The sealing foil adheres to at least a part of the flanged edge, including the separation part thereof. The sealing foil covers the outflow channel, which outflow channel is entirely provided on the side of the weakened or broken zone remote from the separation part. The sealing foil has a release area that extends on the inner side of the weakened or broken zone, within which release area at least the closed end of the outflow channel is located. The release area is bounded by a boundary line located opposite the weakened or broken zone, which crosses the flow channel. The sealing foil adheres to the flanged edge at the location of the release area, said bond being of the releasable type. The releasable bond of the release area is at least partially adjacent to the weakened or broken zone. The sealing foil is further connected to the flanged edge by a permanent bond at least at the location of the boundary line.

To prevent accidental leakage of liquid product during opening of the container, the release area comprises a first strip of releasable bond surrounding the outflow channel and a second strip of releasable bond surrounding the first strip of releasable bond. The first strip and the second strip of releasable bond are positioned such that in between the first and the second strip of releasable bond, a depressurize channel is formed which is arranged for, upon at least partially releasing the bond of the second strip, depressurizing the interior of the container. Due to the fact that the first strip of releasable bond is reached first during opening of the sealing foil, the depressurize channel is opened first, whilst the outflow channel is still closed due to the surrounding thereof of the second strip. The depressurize channel is in gas-flowing contact with the interior of the container, such that the interior of the container can be depressurized, before opening the outflow channel. The depressurize channel has relatively small dimensions compared to the outflow channel, and such small dimensions that outflow of liquid is prevented, but outflow of gas is possible. This prevents undesired and accidental outflow of liquid, as a result of external pressure exerted by a user on the container during opening.

It is noted in this sense that due to the use of the two strips of releasable bond, forming the depressurize channel, the user does not notice any delay in opening of the container. The depressurize channel is reached only a fraction before the actual opening of the outflow channel.

In an embodiment, the bond between the sealing foil and the flanged edge outside the release area is of the permanent type over at least part of said area outside the release area.

In an embodiment, the outflow channel is oriented perpendicularly to the linear shape of the weakened or broken zone at least at the closed end thereof.

In an embodiment, the bottom of the container is thicker than the upright circumferential wall. This provides extra stability to the movement of the container during deformation.

The thickness of the upright wall may range between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm.

Stability and strength may be provided to the fourth endless wall part, when an obliquely oriented relief is provided in the fourth endless wall part. The relief may comprise a rib that extends outwards in a radial direction of the container. The rib has an axial and a circumferential component, as seen in the plane of the circumferential wall.

In an embodiment, a reduced pressure, compared to atmospheric pressure, is present in the interior of the container, at least in a sealed position of the sealing foil.

According to an aspect, the invention provides the use of the container as described above. The use comprises in particular the opening of the container by at least partly removing the sealing foil, and subsequently deforming the container by exerting an axial force on the container, for realising an outflow of liquid product contained in the container.

The invention will further be explained by means of several embodiments thereof, which are shown in the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1a-1b - are embodiments of the container according to the invention, without the sealing foil for clarification purposes;

Fig. 2a-2b - are embodiments of the container with the sealing foil;

Fig. 3 - is an axial cross-sectional view of the container in a non- deformed state;

Fig. 4 - is an axial cross-sectional view of the container of Fig. 3 in a deformed state; and

Fig. 5a-5b - is a top view, and top view in perspective, respectively, of the container body, indicating how the sealing foil is attached thereto.

Figure 1a shows a perspective top view, and Fig. 1b a perspective bottom view, of a container 1 according to the present invention, wherein the sealing foil is not shown to give a better view of the container 1. The container 1 comprises a bottom 3 and a circumferential wall 5. The 35 circumferential wall 5 extends substantially in an axial direction of the container 1. Said axial direction is a direction substantially parallel to the connecting line between the bottom and the upper side of the container; in practice said axial direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the bottom.

The circumferential wall 5 is a so-called endless, upright circumferential wall, that is, the wall follows the circumference of the bottom 3 without interruption. The bottom 3 and the circumferential wall 5 define an interior, e.g. an internal volume of the container. Said internal volume may be a few millilitres to a few centilitres, although the 5 invention is not limited thereto. A liquid can be contained in the internal volume of the container. The term "liquid" as used herein is understood to mean: viscous or non-viscous liquids, or gel-like or liquid-like materials, such as (condensed) milk, mayonnaise, ketchup, treacle, (chocolate) spread, glue and/or similar materials.

The circumference of the bottom 3 is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, but it is also conceivable to use other shapes, such as a rectangular, a square or an ellipsoid shape. In particular in the case of an ellipsoid or oval bottom, said bottom provides an adequate support for, for example, a user's thumb upon compression of the container. A flange-like edge 42 is provided at an upper side of the circumferential wall 5. The flange-like edge 42 has a lip-shaped part 48, which projects slightly radially outward relative to the other part of the flange-like edge 42. An outlet 45 is formed in the flange, near the lip-shaped part 48. The outlet 45 is in communication with the internal volume, or at least can be placed into communication therewith, such that the liquid present in said volume can exit the container via the outlet.

The circumferential wall 5 is deformable, at least in said open condition of the container, under the influence of an axial pressure force applied to the circumferential wall 5 so as to reduce the volume of the interior of the container 1 for the purpose of emptying the container 1 at least partially in a metered manner via the outlet 45 thus created. This is due to the fact that the upright circumferential wall 5 of the container 1 as shown in Fig. 1a consists of a first endless wall part 10 connected to the bottom 3, a second endless wall part 20 above said first endless wall part 10 and connected thereto, a third endless wall part 30 above said second endless wall part 20 and connected thereto, and a fourth endless wall part 40 above said third endless wall part 30 and connected thereto. Herein, the term above means a position further away from the bottom 3 of the container.

Furthermore, a relief 25 is provided on the fourth wall part 40. The relief 25 comprises a few elevated parts 25 and/or ribs 22, which extend slightly radially outward relative to the fourth wall part 40. The ribs are furthermore disposed slightly obliquely in their longitudinal direction, that is, the ribs 22 have a circumferential component. Preferably, the ribs have a circumferential component, in all cases in the same direction.

Fig. 2a and 2b show the container, being provided on the upper side with a sealing foil 7. The sealing foil 7 closes the upper side of the container 1, in order to contain the liquid product in the container. The sealing foil 7 may be an aluminium membrane, for example, or be made of another suitable material, such as paper or plastic. The sealing foil 7 may furthermore be a monolayer material or a multilayer material. Different configurations of the sealing foil are possible, of course.

In the embodiment as shown and described with respect to Fig. 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b, the bottom 3, the circumferential wall 5, and the sealing foil 7 enclose an internal volume of the container 1, in which internal volume a liquid, or a liquid material, can be contained. The sealing element 7 can be moved to an open condition for releasing the flow channel 45, so that liquid can only, or at least substantially only, flow out or at least be pressed out via the outlet formed by the channel 45.

The skilled person will appreciate that the outlet 45 and the sealing foil 7 near the upper side of the container 1 may be configured in many alternative ways, which alternative configurations may fall within the scope of the invention as claimed. All that is required is that a (preferably relatively small) passage for liquid material be present, which passage is sealed by a sealing foil 7, which sealing foil 7 can be moved to an open condition by a user for releasing the passage 45, or that the passage can be created otherwise.

The invention specifically relates to the manner in which the endless, upright circumferential wall 5 is configured. This can be best appreciated in Fig. 3 and 4.

First referring to Fig. 3, a container 1 according to the invention can be seen, in a non-deformed state. The endless, upright circumferential wall 5 of the container consists of a total of four endless wall parts 10, 20, 30, 40 in the illustrated embodiment. The first endless wall part 10 is connected to the bottom 3; the second endless wall part 20 is above the first endless wall part, and is connected thereto; the third endless wall part 30 is above said second endless wall part 20 and is connected thereto; and the fourth endless wall part 40 is above said third endless wall part 30 and is connected thereto. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the first endless wall part 10, the third endless wall part 30, and also the fourth endless wall part 40, are cone-shaped and, as seen from the bottom 3 to the upper side of the container, taper outwards. The second endless wall 20 extends substantially parallel to the axial Ax direction of the container 1. The second endless wall part 20 and the third endless wall part 30 join one another at the location of an endless fold line 23. The third endless wall part 30 and the fourth endless wall part 40 join one another at the location of a further endless fold line 34. These endless fold line 23 and further endless fold line 34 each define a plane extending substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction Ax, so that the fold lines 23, 34 lie in an axial plane of the container 1, as it were. The fold lines 23, 34 make it possible to change the position of the third endless wall part 30, relative to the position of the fourth 40 and second 20 endless wall parts. The relative positions of the wall parts change under the influence of a pressure force applied to the container, in particular an axial pressure force applied to the endless, upright circumferential wall 5, as a result of which the circumferential wall 5 will deform so that the volume of the container 1 will decrease and a pressure build-up will thus take place in the liquid present in the container 1. As a result, the liquid can flow out or at least be pressed out of the container 1, at least in the open condition of the sealing element, that is, a condition in which the outlet 45, for example, is released.

Figure 3 furthermore shows the relative dimensions of container, in a non-deformed state. The bottom 3 is substantially circular in shape. The bottom has a diameter dO. The flange-like edge 42 has an internal diameter (where the flange-like edge 42 passes into the fourth wall 40; not indicated by a reference sign) which is larger than the diameter dO of the bottom 3. The figure further shows that the second wall part 20 has an internal diameter d1 which remains the same over the entire second wall part 20. The internal diameter of the third wall part 30 increases in upward direction, from a diameter d1 to a diameter d3 at the location of the lower end of the fourth wall part 40.

As is also shown in Fig. 3, the angle a1 between the first wall part 10 and the axial direction, meanly corresponds to the angle a2 between the third wall part 30 and the axial direction. The second wall part 20 is parallel to the axial direction. The fourth wall part exhibits an angle a3 with the axial direction. The angle a3 is smaller, compared to the angles a1 and a2. In an embodiment, angle a3 is one sixth to one half of angle a2, more preferably. Angle a2 is substantially equal to angle a1.

Figure 3 further shows that the heights hi, h2, h3, as measured in the axial direction, of the first to third wall parts 10, 20, 30, are practically identical to each other. The fourth wall part 40 has a slightly increased height h4, compared to the other heights. The total height is preferably equal to the usual heights for this type of containers 1. The skilled person will be familiar with these usual height values. The same holds in any case for the external diameter of the flange-like edge 42. Said external diameter is preferably adapted to existing, already usual dimensions. In this way it is possible to use existing machines, for example in the packaging process of the containers.

The main advantage of the configuration of the wall parts 10, 20, 30, 40 according to the present invention is directly apparent from figure 3. Because of the manner in which the four wall parts 10, 20, 30, 40 are disposed, a relatively large capacity is obtained at a given height and a given diameter dO of the container 1. The container can nevertheless be deformed in such a manner that the volume of the container 1 can be decreased by a user, such that liquid present in the container can flow out, or at least be efficiently pressed out, via the opening in the container 1. Because of the manner in which the wall parts are disposed, a deformable container having a maximum volume capacity is obtained.

Figure 3 also shows that the bottom 3 exhibits a certain curvature. The outside of the bottom 3, that is the underside of the container, is concave. The centre of the bottom 3 is higher than the outer edges of the bottom 3. Said curvature provides a so-called membrane effect: the curvature absorbs underpressure and thus prevents splashing when the container is opened. In addition to that, said curvature additionally strengthens the edge of the bottom 3. Upon movement 30 relative to each other of the flange-like edge 42 and the bottom 3, the curvature will provide a certain stiffness, enabling the upright circumferential wall 5 to deform practically instantaneously, and at the desired positions. This increases the ease at which the user can press the liquid from the container.

As already described with respect to fig. 1a, the fourth wall part 40 is provided with a relief 25 configured as convex elevations in relation to the fourth wall part 40. The relief 25 comprises ribs 22. Said ribs extend obliquely, that is, they are partly oriented in the circumferential direction of the wall part 40. Said circumferential direction is, in the embodiment shown, the same for all ribs 22, in this case, seen from the top down, being an anti-clockwise circumferential component. A clockwise circumferential component is also conceivable, of course. In the illustrated embodiment, two adjacent ribs 22 are arranged in the form of a triangle. When the flange-like edge and the bottom 3 are pressed together, the ribs 22 will cause the two wall parts 40, 30 to twist slightly relative to each other. Said twisting facilitates the deformation of the upright wall 5 and makes it easier to fold the third wall part 30 about the fold lines 23, 34. In addition, the relief 25 with ribs 22 increases the stiffness of the fourth wall part 40. Furthermore, the relief 25 decreases the tendency of the container 1 to spring back after compression thereof.

The application of the axial pressure force on the circumferential wall 5 can take place in a simple manner, for example by moving the flange-like edge 42 and the bottom 3 by pressing them together between the thumb and the index finger of one hand. When the bottom 3 and the flange-like edge 42 are moved together, the second wall part 20 and the fourth wall part 40 will push against the third wall part 30. Thus a compressive stress in the wall parts is provided.

Fig. 4 schematically shows the container in the deformed state. As is clearly shown here, the third endless wall part 30 is folded about the fold lines 23, 34 under the influence of the axial Ax pressure force. In this, the fold line 34 between the third and fourth endless wall part substantially retains its radial position. Also, during folding, the fold line 23 between the second and third endless wall part substantially retains its radial position. In fact, the third wall part is in this deformed state more or less flipped upside down, with the bottom 3 and the first wall part 10, as a first element, and the upper side with the fourth wall part 40 as a second element, substantially retaining their original, non-deformed shape. The third endless wall part 30 is positioned such that it, as seen from the bottom 3 to the upper side, substantially tapers inwards. It is noted that the second wall part 20, in the deformed state, is moved a bit relative to the first wall part 10. The second wall part 20 is at least partially positioned above the first endless wall part 10, and is substantially positioned radially inwards from the third endless wall part 30. In the deformed state, the second wall part 20 lies adjacent to the third wall part 30.

It is furthermore noted that the deformed state shown in Fig. 4 is schematically, and is to be considered illustrative for the invention. The exact deformation of the container may slightly differ. Due to some elastic deformation, for example, as a result of deformation in the material of the fold lines 23, 34, the second and third wall parts 20, 30 may attain a different position. It is possible for example that the wall parts lie mainly parallel to each other in the deformed state. Furthermore it is noted that the deformation may differ over the circumferential direction of the container.

According to the invention, however, the upward movement of the third wall part 30 will occur, such that the first fold line 23 will lie above the second fold line 34, in the deformed state. This ensures that decrease of the volume of the container is possible, and that the third 30 and second wall part 20 are mainly directed in the axial direction Ax in the deformed state, which decreases the risk of liquid product remaining in the container 1. Furthermore, the relatively larger height of the fourth wall part 40, compared to the smaller height of especially the third wall part 30, ensures that the outlet 45 is not blocked by deformed wall parts in the deformed state.

Fig. 5a and 5b show details of the upper side of the container 1, in particular of the sealing of the container 1. For clarification purposes, the sealing foil 7 is not shown here. The container 1 has a flange-like edge 42. In the flange-like edge a recessed outflow channel 45 is formed. The outflow channel 45 is in communication with the interior of the container 1 body at one end and is closed at an opposite end, at least when the sealing foil 7 is attached to the flange. Furthermore, a weakened or broken zone 51 is provided in the flanged edge 42 so as to make it possible to separate a separation part 48 of the flanged edge 42 located on the outer side of said weakened or broken zone 51 from the container 1. The sealing foil 7 adheres to at least a part of the flanged edge 42, in particular around the inner edge of the flange 42, and including the separation part 48 thereof. The sealing foil 7 also covers the outflow channel 45. The sealing foil 7 has a release area 43 that extends on the inner side of the weakened or broken zone 51, within which release area 43 at least the closed end (right side of Fig. 5a) of the outflow channel 45 is located.

The release area 43 is bounded by a boundary line 44 located opposite the weakened or broken zone 51, which (virtually) crosses the flow channel. The sealing foil 7 adheres to the flanged edge 42 at the location of the release area 43, and said bond is of the releasable type. The releasable bond of the release area 43 is at least partially adjacent to the weakened or broken zone 51. The sealing foil 7 is connected to the flanged edge 42 by a permanent bond at least at the location of the boundary line 44.

It is advantageous in this embodiment that the release area 43 comprises a first strip 61 of releasable bond surrounding the outflow channel 45 and a second strip 62 of releasable bond surrounding the first strip 61 of releasable bond. In the embodiment shown, there is a distance between the first strip 61 and the second strip 62, such that in between the first 61 and the second strip 62 of releasable bond, a depressurize channel 65 is formed. This depressurize channel is arranged for, upon at least partially releasing the bond of the second strip 62, depressurizing the interior of the container 1.

The first strip 61 encloses the perimeter of the outflow channel 45. The depressurizing channel 65 encloses the outer perimeter of the first strip 61 of releasable bond. The second strip 62 of releasable bond encloses the outer perimeter of the depressurizing channel 65. The depressurizing channel 65 is mainly formed by a part of the surface of the flanged edge 42 located in between the first 61 and second strip 62, and which is free from releasable (or permanent) bond. Due to the application of the releasable bond, and the presence of material on the flangelike edge due to this releasable bond, there will be a height difference between the first and second strip 61, 62 on the one hand, and the depressurizing channel 65 on the other hand. This ensures that a small gap will be formed between the flange-like edge and the sealing foil 7, at the location of the depressurizing channel.

When opening the container 1, the separation part 48 is broken of, by means of an upward motion thereof. The user then pulls the separation part 48 backwards, towards the centre of the container 1. In doing so, the sealing foil 7 will be pulled from the flange-like edge 42. Upon reaching the second strip 61, and pulling a bit further, the depressurizing channel is reached, such that this channel comes into contact with atmospheric conditions. Since the depressurizing channel is in contact with the interior of the container 1, it ensures that the inside of the container comes into contact with the atmospheric conditions, even before the first strip 61 of releasable bond is reached and is pulled of. Since the height of the channel is very small, it allows any excess pressure in the container to be released, with liquid being prevented from leaking from the depressurizing channel 65. Even due the time difference between reaching the second and first strip can be very small, i.e. in the order of milliseconds, this delay between reaching the second 62 and first strip 61 is sufficient to prevent undesired leakage of fluid through the outflow opening 45.

It can furthermore be seen that a permanent bond 44 is provided, which surrounds the inner part of the flange-like edge, and extends between the left-hand side of the outflow opening 45, towards the right-hand side of the outflow opening 45. An outer line of permanent bond 44 crosses the outflow opening. This permanent bond prevents a full tear off of the sealing foil 7, and limits the dimension of the outflow opening 45. To aid in the outflow of liquid material, the container may then be compressed, as has been described in the foregoing.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in the foregoing the present invention has been described by way of illustration with reference to a few embodiments thereof. The invention is not limited to said embodiments, however. Many equivalent adaptations and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as claimed, which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

A container (1) for dispensing liquid material, the container (1) comprising an interior containing liquid material, the interior being defined by a bottom (3), an endless, upright peripheral wall (5) which is at least extends substantially in an axial direction (Ax) of the container from the bottom (3), and a sealing foil (7) on the top of the upright circumferential wall (5), which holds the liquid material in the container, in which container ( 1) an outlet can be created in order to bring the container (1) into an open state, the circumferential wall (5) being deformable, at least in the open state of the container, under the influence of an axial (Ax) compressive force which the circumferential wall (5) is arranged so as to reduce the volume of the interior of the container (1) to at least partially empty the container (1) in a dosed manner via the outlet created in this way, the upright circumferential wall (5) from the holder has at least a first endless wall part (10) which is connected to the bottom (3), has a second endless wall part (20) which is situated above the first endless wall part (10) and is connected thereto, a third endless wall part (30) has that is located above and connected to the second endless wall part (20), and has a fourth endless wall part (40) which is located above and connected to the third endless wall part (30), the first endless wall part (10) , the third endless wall part (30), as well as the fourth endless wall part (40), are cone-shaped and, viewed from the bottom (3) towards the top of the holder, widen outwards, and wherein the second endless wall part (20) extends substantially parallel to the axial (Ax) direction of the holder (1).

Holder (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second endless wall part (20) and the third endless wall part (30) are connected to each other at the position of an endless fold line (23), and wherein the third endless wall part (30) and the fourth endless wall portion (40) are connected to each other at the position of a further endless fold line (34), said endless fold line (23) and further endless fold line (34) each defining a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction (Ax), wherein the second endless wall part (20) and the third endless wall part (30) can be folded around the folding line (23) under the influence of the axial (Αχ) compressive force, and wherein the third endless wall part (30) and the fourth endless wall portion (40) can be folded about the further fold line (34) under the influence of the axial compressive force.

Holder (1) according to claim 2, wherein the endless folding line (23) and the further endless folding line (34) substantially retain their radial position during folding.

Holder (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein in a deformed state, the third endless wall part (30) is positioned such that, seen from the bottom (3) towards the top, it narrows substantially inwards or extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the container.

The container (1) according to claim 4, wherein in the deformed state, the second endless wall part (20) is positioned at least partly above the first endless wall part (10) and is substantially radially inward relative to the third endless wall part (30) ) is positioned.

A container (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in the deformed state, the first endless wall part (10) is positioned substantially radially inwards with respect to the fourth endless wall part (40).

Holder (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, in the non-deformed state, the first endless wall part (10), the second endless wall part (20), and the third endless wall part (30) each have a have substantially the same height (h1, h2, h3), measured in the axial direction.

Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a height (h4), measured in the axial direction (Ax), of the fourth endless wall part (40) is greater than the height (h1) of the first endless wall portion (10), the height (h2) of the second endless wall portion (20), or the height (h3) of the third endless wall portion (30).

9. Holder (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a flange edge (42) which is connected to the top of the fourth endless wall part (40), on which flange edge (42) the holder (1) is provided with the sealing foil (7).

A container (1) according to claim 9, wherein a recessed outlet channel (45) is formed in the flange edge (42), which outlet channel (45) is connected at one end to the interior of the container (1) and that at a opposite end is closed, a weakened or broken zone (51) being provided in the flange edge (42) to enable a partition (48) of the flanged edge (42) to be formed on the outside of the weakened or broken zone (51) of the container (1), the sealing foil (7) adhering to at least a part of the flange edge (42), including the separating part (48) thereof, which sealing foil (7 ) the outflow channel (45), wherein the outflow channel (45) is provided entirely on the side of the weakened or broken zone (51) remote from the separation part (48), the sealing foil (7) having a release area (43) extending on the inside of the weakened or broken zone (51) stretches, within which release region (43) at least the closed end of the outflow channel (45) is located, the release region (43) being delimited by a boundary line (44) opposite the weakened or broken zone that traverses the flow channel (45) wherein the sealing foil (7) adheres to the flange edge (42) at the position of the release region (43), which adhesion is of the peelable type, and wherein the peelable adhesion of the release region (43) is at least partially abutting the is a weakened or broken zone (51), wherein the sealing foil (7) is connected to the flange edge (42) by means of a permanent bond at least at the position of the boundary line (44), the release region (43) being a first strip (61) of a peelable suture that surrounds the outflow channel (45), and a second strip (62) of a peelable suture that surrounds the first strip (61) of the peelable suture, with between the first (61) and the second strip (62) of d In the releasable adhesion, a pressure reducing channel (65) is formed which is adapted to, upon at least partially releasing the connection from the second strip (62), reduce the pressure in the interior of the container (1).

A container (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second strip (62) of the peelable suture is positioned at a distance from the first strip (61) of the peelable suture, about the pressure in the interior of the container (1) before the first strip (61) is released from the peelable suture.

The container (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the pressure reducing channel (65) is adapted to allow a gas flow therethrough, and to prevent a liquid flow therethrough.

Container (1) according to one or more of claims 10-12, wherein the connection between the sealing foil (7) and the flange edge (42) outside the release area (43) is of the permanent type over at least a part (64) ) of the area outside the release area.

Container (1) according to one of claims 10-13, wherein the outflow channel (45) is oriented at least at the closed end thereof perpendicular to the linear shape of the weakened or broken zone (51).

Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (3) of the container is thicker than the upright peripheral wall (5).

Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the upright circumferential wall (5) is between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm .

17. Holder (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein an obliquely oriented relief (25) is provided in the fourth endless wall part, the relief (25) comprising a rib (22) extending in a radial direction of extending the holder, the rib (22) having an axial (Ax) and a circumferential component, viewed in the plane of the circumferential wall (5).

Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a reduced pressure, compared to the atmospheric pressure, is present in the interior of the container (1), at least in a closed position of the sealing foil (7) ).

Use of a holder according to one of the preceding claims.