COMPRESSIBLE CONTAINER FOR METERING LIQUID CONTENTS

Abstract

The invention provides 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, which retains the liquid material in the container. An outlet can be created in the container for placing the container in an open condition, wherein the circumferential wall is deformable, at least in the 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 extends parallel to the axial direction and/or outward from the bottom to the upper side of the circumferential wall. Seen from the bottom, the upright circumferential wall of the container has at least a first endless wall part and, above said first wall part, a second endless wall part. The first wall part and the second wall part join one another at the location of an endless fold line, which defines a plane extending substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction. Seen in axial sectional view, the first wall part and the second wall part include an angle that faces the interior of the container. The first wall part and the second wall part can be folded about the fold line under the influence of the axial pressure force. The fold line undergoes a radial inward shift under the influence of the axial pressure force during folding and the second endless wall part remains above the fold line.

Description

[0001] 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 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.

[0002] 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 material, and it is also suitable for aseptic 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.

[0003] WO 2007/102730 A2 discloses a container in the form of a compressible tub. The known container comprises a wall provided with an 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.

[0004] It is a drawback of the container disclosed in WO 2007/102730 A2 that the harmonica structure comprising deep notches makes it necessary to use special moulds for producing said known container, in order that the container can be suitably released from the mould.

[0005] Another drawback of the known container is that said containers frequently have dimensions that deviate from those of non-compressible containers. The special harmonica structure makes it necessary to increase the dimensions of the container, such as the diameter and the height of the container, in order to obtain the desired standard volume of the portion back (for example 5 ml, 10 ml or 15 ml, or another desired volume). This means that special equipment is needed for the known container, for example for producing the container, filling the container and finally packaging the container. Because of this the known container is relatively expensive. It is an object of the present invention to provide a deformable container which can at least partially be produced by using existing production methods, and whose internal volume has dimensions corresponding to those of rigid, non-compressible containers.

[0006] In order to accomplish that object, the invention provides a container as defined in claim 1. Seen in the axial direction of the container, the upright circumferential wall of the container has at least a first endless wall part and, above said first wall part, a second endless wall part. The first wall part and the second wall part join one another at the location of an endless fold line, which defines a plane extending substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction. The fold line may be configured as a seam, as a slightly thicker or thinner part, or as a relatively small notch in the wall. Seen in axial sectional view, the first wall part and the second wall part include an angle that faces the interior of the container. That is, the angular point is directed toward the interior of the container. The fold line in combination with the inwardly facing angle causes the two wall parts to fold about the fold line relative to each other upon compression of the upright circumferential wall. The first wall part and the second wall part can thus be folded about the fold line under the influence of the axial pressure force. In this way the upright circumferential wall can deform and thus reduce the volume. The fold line thus undergoes a radial inward shift under the influence of the axial pressure force. The first wall part and the second wall part guide the axial pressure force on to the fold line. The second wall part is preferably disposed slightly out of alignment with the first wall part, so that the first wall part and the second wall part include a, preferably relatively large, angle. Because of said non-alignment, the first wall part and the second wall part can fold about the endless fold line relative to each other upon application of an axial pressure force on the circumferential wall, whilst also making it possible to maximise the volume of the container. The wall parts are disposed at an angle relative to each other, such that the wall parts will fold relative to each other under the influence of the axial pressure force, pressing the fold line radially inward. As a result, the fold line will undergo a radial inward shaft. The feature that the second endless wall part remains above the fold line during folding makes it possible for the first endless wall part and the second wall part to be pressed flat against each other, as a result of which the volume of the interior of the container can be reduced to a minimum and the liquid contents of the container can be maximally pressed out of the container. Because of this configuration of the container according to the present invention, a maximized volume of the container can be realised at a given diameter of the bottom. The container according to the present invention thus has a capacity comparable to that of a rigid, non-compressible container at a given diameter and height. This means that the container according to the present invention can (in any case partially) be produced by using existing production methods for corresponding rigid containers. The object of the present invention is thus accomplished. An additional advantage of the container according to the present invention is that the first wall part and the second wall part are disposed so that they can be pressed substantially flat against each other, in which position the wall parts extend substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction of the container or, in other words, parallel to the bottom and the upper side.

[0007] Further embodiments of the container according to the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. A few of said embodiments and their advantages will be discussed in more detail hereinafter.

[0008] A further maximisation of the interior volume, at a given height and diameter, is possible if the first wall part and the second wall part jointly have a relatively great height that takes up a substantial part of the height of the container. Said height may for example equal 40%, preferably at least 60%, of the height of the upright circumferential wall. The effect achieved by this embodiment is that spaces in which parts of the liquid material can remain behind do not occur, or at least to a lesser extent.

[0009] In order to ensure that the two wall parts are correctly pressed together, with a reduced risk of residue remaining behind in the container, it is preferable if the first wall part and/or the second wall part are at least substantially straight over the entire height of the wall part in question. The two straight wall parts can be pressed together without any space remaining therebetween.

[0010] Under the influence of the axial pressure force, the first wall part and the second wall part preferably undergo a pivoting movement relative to the bottom of the container. The fold line is located near the centre of the container in that situation. The wall parts can in that case each interact with additional parts disposed thereabove or therebelow, such as the upper side or the bottom, for example. The axial pressure force in that case ensures that the wall parts and the additional parts will be correctly pressed together, in such a manner that the liquid material is first forced to the centre and subsequently in the direction of the outlet. The configuration according to the present invention ensures that relatively less residual liquid material will remain behind in the container. Because of harmonica structure of the wall of the known container, with the wall parts extending parallel to the axial direction in the compressed condition, spaces in which parts of the liquid material can remain behind are formed upon compression. Since the axial pressure force is applied in a direction parallel to the walls, the wall parts are more difficult to press together, so that liquid material will remain behind in spaces formed between two neighbouring walls. Said spaces do not occur in the container according to the present invention, or at least to a lesser extent.

[0011] In order to further enlarge the interior or, in other words, the volume of the container, the container is preferably configured so that the first wall part extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the container, and/or that the second wall part extends outward. In this way a small angle between the two wall parts is realised, which causes the fold line to move inward (or, in other words, undergo a radial inward shift) under the influence of the axial pressure force.

[0012] A further enlargement of the internal volume, at a given height and diameter, is furthermore possible if the thickness of the upright wall ranges substantially between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm, more preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. The known containers and tubs, both rigid and deformable, often have a thickness which ranges between 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm. Said thickness is necessary in order to give the container the required strength. In the case of deformable containers, said thickness is often needed in order to prevent undesirable damage. By using the configuration of wall parts and fold lines according to the present invention, damage to the upright circumferential wall, and in that case in particular to the fold line, is prevented, as a result of which the wall parts may be thinner in their entirety. This leads to a considerable saving on material in comparison with existing containers. As a result, the containers will be cheaper and burden the environment less. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, of course, that the present invention can in principle be used with all possible wall thicknesses and that it is not limited to the above-indicated values.

[0013] Preferably, a circumferential dimension of the upright circumferential wall near the upper side of the container is essentially larger than a circumferential dimension of the upright circumferential wall near the bottom of the container.

[0014] In order to make it easier to deform the upright wall, more specifically in order to further ensure that the second endless wall part will remain above the fold line during folding, it is preferable if an obliquely oriented relief is provided in at least part of the circumferential wall. Said relief is preferably designed so that the first wall part can twist slightly relative to the second wall part upon application of the pressure force on the upright wall. This facilitates folding the wall parts about the fold line and further results in a rapid reduction of the internal volume.

[0015] The relief may comprise an elevated part that extends outward in a radial direction of the container. Said elevated part may extend in an axial and in a circumferential direction of the container, seen in the plane of the circumferential wall.

[0016] In one embodiment, the relief has a height ranging between 5% and 25% of the radius of the circumferential wall. This increases the deformability of the wall parts. Other values are also conceivable, however.

[0017] The circumferential wall, preferably the wall part, even more preferably the relief, may comprise a rib that extends outward in a radial direction of the container.

[0018] Said rib preferably extends in an axial and a circumferential direction of the container, seen in the plane of the circumferential wall.

[0019] The spacing between two neighbouring ribs, seen in the axial direction of the container, can change.

[0020] Two neighbouring ribs preferably define a triangular element. The base of said triangle is preferably disposed parallel to the fold line. The other side of the triangle (the ribs) provide an adequate transmission of forces, so that the second wall part will twist relative to the first wall part when the bottom and the upper side are moved together, making it easier to fold the wall parts about the fold line.

[0021] Preferably, the relief and/or the ribs is/are provided on the second wall part. In one embodiment, the relief is only provided within one wall part, for example the second wall part.

[0022] The ease of use is enhanced if the relief comprises elevated parts, preferably outwardly oriented convex parts.

[0023] In one embodiment, the upright circumferential wall further comprises a third wall part disposed between the bottom and the first wall part. Said first wall part and said third wall part join one another at the location of an endless further fold line. Said further fold line defines a plane that extends substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction. The first wall part and the third wall part are disposed at a slight angle relative to each other. The third wall part preferably extends outward, seen in axial direction from the bottom.

[0024] The first wall part and the second wall part may include an angle, seen in axial sectional view, which ranges between 130° and 180°, more preferably between 150° and 170°. The first wall part and the third wall part also include an angle, which preferably ranges between 130° and 180°, more preferably between 150° and 170°. The angles need not be identical, however.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second wall part and the third wall part extend substantially parallel to each other. This provides an adequate transmission of forces, which makes it possible to fold the various wall parts about the (further) fold line.

[0026] The third wall part preferably also has a relatively large height. The third wall part may for example have a height which at most equals 25% of the total height of the upright circumferential wall. Smaller and larger dimensions are conceivable, of course.

[0027] The various wall parts preferably have a height of the same magnitude. This means that the wall parts do not necessarily need to have exactly the same height.

[0028] An additional wall part, or a number of additional wall parts, may be provided. It is preferable, however, to keep the number of wall parts as low as possible, in particular in order to prevent the formation of spaces in which liquid material can remain behind.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if at least part of the upright circumferential wall is essentially smooth so as to prevent liquid material remaining behind in the container. Preferably, at least one wall part, for example the first wall part, is smooth. The third wall part may also be smooth. It is preferable if in particular the inner wall is smooth. The term "smooth" is understood to mean that the wall part does not comprise any structures, such as an harmonica structure or ribs, which facilitate the deformation of the wall part. Such structures are not necessary, in particular not if a relatively thin wall as described in the foregoing is used. It is noted that also the second wall part may be smooth, for example in the absence of the aforesaid relief.

[0030] In one embodiment, the outlet can be created at the upper side of the container, as is usual with this type of containers. Of course an outlet may also be created at another location of the container.

[0031] It should also be mentioned that the container according to the present invention is excellently suited for precise metering of liquid material present in the container. To that end the outlet preferably has a dimension that lends itself to metering the contents of the container. The outlet may for example be relatively small in relation to the volume. The outlet is preferably one order of magnitude smaller than the diameter of the bottom. It is quite possible for the outlet to be channel-shaped. Said channel is preferably formed in a flange-like edge that joins the upper side of the upright circumferential wall. Such an outlet is for example described in WO 2009/011571 A1, which document is incorporated herein by reference. The patentee reserves the right to include a channel-shaped outlet as described in the aforesaid document in the scope of the container according to the present invention as claimed.

[0032] The present invention will be explained in more detail below by means of a description of figures, in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the container shown in FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective, sectional view in an axial direction of the container shown in FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a side view of the view shown in FIG. 3;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective, sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 1, showing a sectional view of the second wall part;

[0038] FIG. 6 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 4 in a deformed condition thereof.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container 1 according to the present invention. The container 1 comprises a bottom 3 and a circumferential wall 5. The 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 internal volume of the container. Said internal volume may be a few millilitres to a few centilitres, although the 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.

[0040] 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 41, which projects slightly radially outward relative to the other part of the flange-like edge 42. An outlet (not shown in detail) is formed in the lip-shaped part 41, which outlet is schematically indicated in FIG. 2 and described in, for example, WO 2009/011571 A1. The outlet 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.

[0041] As is schematically shown in FIG. 2, the outlet may be a flow channel 43, for example, formed in the lip-shaped part 41. Said flow channel may extend substantially radially outward. The channel 43 extends to near the edge of the lip-shaped part 41 in that case. The end of the lip-shaped part may in that case be configured as a detachable part, for example, being provided with a tear-off edge 44. Said tear-off edge may cross the flow channel partially, for example in that the tear-off edge is provided substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the flow channel. Upon removal of the end of the lip-shaped part 41 by tearing off said edge along the tear-off edge, a free end is formed in the flow channel at the location where the tear-off edge 44 crosses the flow channel, thereby creating a free passage between the interior of the container 1 and the exterior of the container 1. As a result, liquid present in the container 1 can flow out or at least be pressed out via the flow channel. The outlet may also be configured differently, however.

[0042] At an upper side of the container 1, a sealing membrane is provided on the flange-like edge 42. The sealing membrane preferably has dimensions comparable to those of the flange-like edge 42, so that the sealing membrane covers at least the entire area associated with the internal diameter of the flange-like edge 42. The sealing membrane bounds the internal volume at the upper side of the container, as a result of which liquid present in the container can exit the container essentially only via the outlet in an open condition of the outlet. The sealing membrane may be an aluminium membrane, for example, or be made of another suitable material, such as paper or plastic. The sealing skin may furthermore be a monolayer material or a multilayer material. For the sake of clarity of the present invention, the sealing membrane is not shown in the figures. Different configurations of the sealing membrane are possible, of course.

[0043] In the embodiment as shown and described, the bottom, the circumferential wall, the sealing membrane and the lip-shaped part 41 with the flow channel 43 enclose an internal volume of the container, in which internal volume a liquid, or a liquid material, can be contained, and wherein a sealing element formed by the lip-shaped part 41 seals the outlet formed by the flow channel. The sealing element can be moved to an open condition for releasing the flow channel, 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.

[0044] The skilled person will appreciate that the outlet and the sealing element 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 preferably sealed by a sealing element, which sealing element can be moved to an open condition by a user for releasing the passage, or that the passage can be created otherwise.

[0045] The invention specifically relates to the manner in which the endless, upright circumferential wall 5 is configured. The endless, upright circumferential wall 5 consists of a number of wall parts 10, 20, 30 in the illustrated embodiment. The circumferential wall has a first wall part 10 and a second wall part 20 disposed thereabove, which connects to the first wall part 10. A fold line 7 is provided at the location of the connection between the first wall part 10 and the second wall part 20. Said fold line 7 extends substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction of the container 1, so that the fold line 7 lies in an axial plane of the container 1, as it were. The fold line 7 makes it possible to change the position of the first wall part 10 relative to the position of the second wall part 20. The relative positions of the wall parts change under the influence of a pressure force applied to the container, for example 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 43 in the lip-shaped part 41, for example, is released.

[0046] 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 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 first wall part 10 and the second wall part 20 will push against each other. Thus a compressive stress in the wall parts is provided. As is clearly shown in FIG. 6, and as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the wall parts are configured so that the fold line will move slightly in radial direction toward the centre of the container 1. As a result, the first wall part 10 and the second wall part 20 will pivot and fold about the fold line 7, so that the wall parts will be moved together. In this way the wall parts 10, 20 will be positioned more and more parallel to each other, with the angular point formed by the fold line 7 of the wall parts 10, 20 connected along said fold line 7 being directed toward the centre of the container and moving in that direction, and the parts of the two wall parts 10, 20 remote from the fold line 7 being directed radially outward. The two wall parts 10, 20 will thereby be moved toward a position in which the planes formed by the wall parts 10, 20 lie substantially in an axial plane of the container, being oriented substantially parallel to the bottom of the container. This deformation of the two wall parts 10, 20 about the fold line 7 makes it possible for the bottom to be positioned closer to the upper flange-like edge 42. This results in a reduction of the volume of the container 1, so that the pressure build-up on the liquid present in the container can take place. If sufficient pressure is built up, and the outlet is released, the liquid present in the container can be pressed out via the outlet.

[0047] Furthermore, a relief is provided on the second wall part 20. The relief comprises a few elevated parts 25 and/or ribs 22, which extend slightly radially outward relative to the second wall part 20. 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. As will be explained in more detail yet, such a relief and/or such ribs contribute to the ease of folding the two wall parts 10, 20 relative to each other, and thus to the ease of deformation of the circumferential wall 5.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the container 1 shown in FIG. 1. As the figure shows, the bottom 3 is substantially circular in shape. The bottom has a diameter d0. As already described before, the upright wall 5 is provided with a flange-like edge 42. Said flange-like edge 42 has an internal diameter d2 which is larger than the diameter d0 of the bottom 3. The figure further shows that the second wall part 20 has an internal diameter d1 at the location of the fold line 7, and that the internal diameter of the second wall part 20 increases in upward direction to a diameter d2 of the second wall part 20 at the location of the edge 42. The first wall part 10 extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the container 1, which is why the first wall part 10 is not readily discernible in FIG. 2. The first wall part 10, for that matter, has practically the same diameter d1 as the diameter d1 of the fold line 7. The diameter d1 of the first wall part 10 is therefore larger than the diameter d0 of the bottom 3. The diameter d1 is also smaller than the diameter d1 of the flange-like edge 42.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a cutaway perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. A side view thereof is shown in FIG. 4. The two figures clearly show that the first wall part 10 extends upward, substantially in an axial direction of the container 1. The first wall part thus has the same diameter d1 in practically all axial positions. Disposed at an upper side of the first wall 10 is the second wall part 20. Said wall part flares out slightly in upward direction, that is, the diameter d2 of the second wall part 20 increases in the direction of the upper side of the container 1. As is also shown in the figures, in particular in FIG. 4, the angle a between the first wall part 10 and the second wall parts 20 is slightly smaller than an extended angle)(180°. The angle a between the wall parts 10, 20 ranges between 130° and the 180°, preferably between 150° and 170°. Because of this arrangement, the first wall part 10 and the second wall part 20 can simply fold about the fold line 7 when the flange-like edge 42 and the bottom 3 of the container 1 are moved together. This results in the desired volume-reducing deformation of the circumferential wall 5 of the container 1, with the fold line 7 moving slightly inward, toward the centre of the container, and the parts of the wall parts 10, 20 disposed spaced from the fold line 7 moving outward in radial direction, substantially toward each other.

[0050] In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 an additional wall part 30 can be clearly distinguished, which wall part is also present in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Said third wall part is disposed below the first wall part 10. Said wall part 30 is adjacent to the first wall part 10, joining said first wall part at the location of a further endless fold line 8 that extends perpendicularly to the axial direction of the container 1. The first wall part 10 is pivotally connected to the third wall part 30 via said further fold line 8. The wall parts 10, 30 are disposed at an angle β relative to each other. Seen in an axial direction, upward from the bottom, the third wall part 30 extends radially outward. The third wall part 30 thus extends in a diverging manner with a component in a radially outward direction. The angle β formed between the wall parts 10, 30 ranges between 130° and 180°, preferably between 150° and 170°. Because of this configuration of the three wall parts 10, 20, 30, the angular point formed by the further fold line 8 will move outward upon compression of the container, that is, when the bottom 3 and the flange-like edge 42 are moved together, whilst the angular point a formed by the fold line 7 will move inward. As a result, the assembly of the three wall parts 10, 20, 30 will deform in such a manner that a z-shaped contour is obtained in the circumferential wall 5, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 6.

[0051] In the foregoing, a container having three wall parts is described. Although this embodiment is preferred, an embodiment comprising only two wall parts is also conceivable. It is of course possible to provide further wall parts with further fold lines in the container. Preferably, however, the number of fold lines is limited. It has been found that the use of two fold lines, with a total of three wall parts, is very advantageous, in particular because the height of the wall parts can be relatively large in that case, so that no liquid material can remain behind in the container upon emptying of the container. Furthermore, an embodiment comprising two fold lines, and three wall parts, is relatively easy to compress. Liquid material is also prevented from remaining behind if a smooth inner wall is used.

[0052] FIG. 4 further shows that the heights h1, h2, h3 of the wall parts 10, 20, 30, respectively, are practically identical to each other. It is noted in that regard that in the illustrated embodiment the height h1 of the first wall part 10 is smallest, that the third wall part 30 has a slightly greater height h3, and that the second wall part 20 has the greatest height h2. Said heights are practically identical to each other, however. The combination of the three wall parts 10, 20, 30 leads to a total height h of the container 1. The height h is preferably equal to the usual heights for this type of containers. The skilled person will be familiar with 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.

[0053] The main advantage of the configuration of the wall parts 10, 20 according to the present invention is directly apparent from FIG. 4. Because of the manner in which the wall parts 10, 20 are disposed, a relatively large capacity is obtained at a given height h and a given diameter d2. 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 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. Using standard dimensions, a standard volume of the deformable container can thus be obtained, which so far has been impossible.

[0054] FIG. 4 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 slightly higher than the outer edges of the bottom 3. The difference in height is indicated as the height h0 in FIG. 4. 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 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. This increases the ease at which the user can press the liquid from the container.

[0055] As is readily discernible in FIG. 5 and also shown in the preceding figures, the second wall part 20 is provided with a relief 25 configured as convex elevations in relation to the second wall part. The second wall part also comprises ribs 22. Said ribs extend obliquely, that is, they are partly oriented in the circumferential direction of the wall part 20. Said circumferential direction is the same for all ribs, 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 10, 20 to twist slightly relative to each other. Said twisting facilitates the deformation of the upright wall 5 and makes it easier to fold the two wall parts 10, 20 about the fold line 7. In addition, the relief increases the stiffness of the second wall part, so that a smaller wall thickness will suffice. Furthermore, the relief decreases the tendency of the container to spring back after compression thereof.

[0056] 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

1. 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 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, wherein the upright circumferential wall extends parallel to the axial direction and/or outward from the bottom to the upper side of the circumferential wall, wherein, seen from the bottom, the upright circumferential wall of the container has at least a first endless wall part and, above said first wall part, a second endless wall part, wherein the first wall part and the second wall part join one another at the location of an endless fold line, which defines a plane extending substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction, and wherein, seen in axial sectional view, the first wall part and the second wall part include an angle that faces the interior of the container at the location of the fold line, wherein the first wall part and the second wall part can be folded about the fold line under the influence of the axial pressure force, wherein the fold line undergoes a radial inward shift under the influence of the axial pressure force during folding and the second endless wall part remains above the fold line.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first wall part and the second wall part jointly have a height which equals at least 60% of the height of the upright circumferential wall.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first wall part and/or the second wall part are at least substantially straight over the entire height of the wall part in question.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein a flange-like edge joins the upper side of the second endless wall part, on which flange-like edge the container is provided with the sealing foil.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first wall part and the second wall part undergo a pivoting movement relative to the bottom of the container under the influence of the axial pressure force.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first wall part and the second wall part include an angle, seen in axial sectional view, which ranges between 120.degree. and 180.degree., more preferably between 140.degree. and 170.degree..

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first wall part extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the container.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the upright wall ranges between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein an obliquely oriented relief is provided in at least part of the circumferential wall.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein said relief has a height ranging between 5% and 25% of the radius of the circumferential wall.

11. The container according to claim 9, wherein said relief comprises a rib that extends outward in a radial direction of the container.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein said rib extends in an axial and in a circumferential direction of the container, seen in the plane of the circumferential wall.

13. The container according to claim 11, wherein a spacing between two neighbouring ribs, seen in the axial direction of the container, changes.

14. The container according to claim 9, wherein the two adjacent ribs define a triangular element.

15. The container according to claim 9, wherein the relief is only provided within one wall part, preferably the second wall part.

16. The container according to claim 9, wherein the relief comprises elevated parts, preferably outwardly oriented convex parts.

17. The container according to claim 1, wherein the upright circumferential wall further comprises a third wall part disposed between the bottom and the first wall part, wherein said first wall part and said third wall part join one another at the location of an endless further fold line, wherein said further fold line defines a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

18. The container according to claim 17, wherein said further fold line undergoes a radially outward shift under the influence of the axial pressure force.

19. The container according to claim 17, wherein the second wall part and the third wall part extend substantially parallel to each other.

20. The container according to claim 16, wherein the third wall part has a height which at most equals 35% of the total height of the upright circumferential wall.

21. The container according to claim 16, wherein the upright circumferential wall has a height which substantially equals the joint height of the first, the second and the third wall part.

22. The container according to claim 1, wherein at least the first wall part is substantially smooth.

23. The container according to claim 1, wherein the outlet can be resealed after being created.

24. The container according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is channel-shaped.

25. The container according to claim 24, wherein the channel-shaped outlet is formed in a flange-like edge that joins the upper side of the upright circumferential wall.

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