Abstract
A plastic container with a base region, a main body which adjoins this base region and is suitable to receive a volume of liquid, and with a mouth region, wherein a carrying element for carrying the container is disposed on the mouth region is provided. The carrying element is designed to be at least in sections flexible and has a fastening portion by which it can be fastened at least intermittently to the mouth of the container and at least one first gripping portion which is connected to this fastening portion and has an opening through which a region of a human hand can be passed, wherein this opening is delimited by several edge regions, wherein a holding element which is flexible relative to this edge region and extends in the direction of the opening, is disposed on at least one edge region.
Claims
1. A plastic container with a base region, a main body which adjoins this base region and is suitable to receive a volume of liquid, and with a mouth region, wherein a carrying element for carrying the container is disposed on the mouth region, wherein: the carrying element is designed to be at least in sections flexible and has a fastening portion by which the carrying element can be fastened at least intermittently to the mouth of the container and at least one first gripping portion which is connected to this fastening portion and has an opening through which a region of a human hand can be passed, wherein this opening is delimited by several edge regions, wherein a holding element which is flexible relative to this edge region and extends in the direction of the opening, is disposed on at least one edge region, wherein there is provided a second gripping portion and the mouth region is located between the two gripping portions, wherein the container has a locking element which can be removed from the container in order to fasten the carrying element to the mouth region of the container, wherein said locking element has a top with an interior hollow space adapted for inserting a tap line.
2. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the carrying element is constructed in one piece.
3. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein between the first gripping portion and the fastening portion a flexible transition portion is formed which connects the gripping portion and the fastening portion to one another.
4. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the holding element can be bent by an angle which is greater than 60.
5. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the second gripping portion which is connected to the fastening portion has an opening through which a region of a human hand can be passed.
6. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the fastening portion has an opening through which the mouth region of the container can be passed.
7. The plastic container according to claim 1, wherein a receiving device to receive further elements is disposed on the container, wherein this receiving device forms a hollow space to receive these further elements.
8. The plastic container according to claim 7, wherein the receiving device in an assembled state of the container is disposed at least partially and preferably completely above the carrying element.
9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the fastening portion has pretensioning means in order to dispose the fastening portion on the mouth region of the container.
10. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is a foldable container.
11. The container according to claim 10, wherein the container can be folded in with respect to a circumferential fold edge.
12. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a seal in an interior hollow space adapted for piercing to insert the tap line.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
(1) Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
(2) FIG. 1 shows a representation of a container with a carrying element disposed thereon;
(3) FIG. 2 shows a representation of the container according to FIG. 1 in an exploded view;
(4) FIG. 3 shows a further representation of a container;
(5) FIG. 4 shows a representation of a carrying element which is known;
(6) FIGS. 5a-5c show three representations of the arrangement of a carrying element on a container;
(7) FIGS. 6a-6b show two further representations of the arrangement of a carrying element on a container;
(8) FIGS. 7a-7e show five representations of a carrying element;
(9) FIG. 8a shows a representation of a holding element;
(10) FIG. 8b shows a representation of a carrying element with grip recesses;
(11) FIG. 9 shows a side view of the carrying element shown in FIG. 8b;
(12) FIG. 10 shows a representation for carrying two containers;
(13) FIG. 11 shows a representation of a container with a carrying element disposed thereon;
(14) FIGS. 12a-12e show five representations of a further arrangement for carrying a container;
(15) FIG. 13 shows a further advantageous embodiment of the arrangement of a carrying element on a container;
(16) FIGS. 14a, 14b show two representations of a further advantageous arrangement of a carrying element on a container; and
(17) FIG. 15 shows a further representation of a receiving arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(18) FIG. 1 shows a representation of a container with a carrying element 8 disposed thereon. This container 1 has a base portion 6 which preferably also serves as a stand surface. This base region 6 adjoins a main body 4 and in turn a mouth region 5 adjoins this main body 4. On the one hand the carrying element 8 is disposed on this mouth region 5 and a locking element 12 is disposed above this. The reference numeral 14 relates to a seal.
(19) By means of the carrying element 8 the container can be carried by hand. The locking element 12 fastens the carrying element 8 on the mouth of the container 1.
(20) FIG. 2 shows a representation in an exploded view of the container shown in FIG. 1. This also shows the container mouth 5 on which a closure 16 is disposed. This closure 16 is constructed in such a way that it can be pierced in a central region by a tap element in order thus to take liquid from the container. The reference numeral 14 here designates the sealing foil. In this case this sealing foil 14 may be adhesively coated (preferably on one side).
(21) The carrying element 8 is placed over the mouth 5 and then the locking element 12 can be screwed on. During the emptying the region with the mouth 5 can be pushed down and turned over. In this way it is possible that the upper region of the container is pushed into the lower region of the container and so the container is compressed along a circumferential fold edge. It will be seen that the main body 4 has regions with different cross-sections, in particular a central cross-section, which is greater than the lower and the upper cross-section, so that it is possible to push the region comprising the mouth into the base region.
(22) FIG. 3 shows a further representation of a container with a carrying element. It will be seen here that the locking element 12 has in its interior a hollow space 24 in which further elements, such as for example a tap line, are disposed. This hollow space extends here around the region of the mouth of the container and is therefore of toroidal construction.
(23) FIG. 4 shows a carrying element from the internal prior art of the applicant. A plurality of projections 182 are provided which bear against the mouth region. In addition a gripping element 184 is provided which serves for carrying the container. Due to the configuration shown here it can be relatively painful to carry a particularly heavy container, since the gripping element can cut into the user's hand.
(24) FIGS. 5a-5c show three representations of a container. In this case the reference numeral 102 relates to fastening portions, such as for example adhesive strips which are disposed on the container. A pallet 108 is disposed on the container. By means of this pallet several containers of the type shown can be stacked one above the other. However, it will be seen that because of this arrangement very strong forces can act on the adhesive region when the container is being carried.
(25) FIG. 6a shows a further representation of a container with a holding element disposed thereon. FIG. 6b shows a container in a folded-together state, wherein a mouth region 5 is very close to a base region 6.
(26) FIGS. 7a-7e show a carrying element according to the embodiment. of the invention, in particular for a heavy container. It can be seen on FIG. 7a that the carrying element itself is of relatively flat construction. In this case the reference numeral 82 relates to a fastening portion and the reference numeral 84 relates to the gripping portion mentioned above. If the container is to be carried, the user reaches into the opening 85 and into an opposing opening 95 shown in FIG. 7b, and in this way these gripping portions bend upwards, so that the container is below the user's hand.
(27) The reference numeral 83 designates an opening via which a mouth of the container can be introduced. The reference numerals 89 relate to projections which, when the carrier element is disposed on the container, are delivered towards the mouth of the container. The fastening portion can also be held reliably on the mouth of the container by these projections 89.
(28) FIGS. 7c and 7d show a further representation of the carrying element. It will be seen here that the respective gripping portions 84 and 94 in each case have four edge regions 84a-84d or 94a-94d respectively. In this case a holding element 86 or 96 respectively is disposed here on the external edge region 84b or 94b respectively in each case. If the user grasps the gripping portions 84, 94, the respective holding element 86, 96 bends, so that carrying is more comfortable. In other words the holding element or the tab 86, 96 respectively when gripped is folded over automatically and instinctively so that the thin web thereof lying below it or the edge region 84a, 94b respectively are underlaid in a similar manner as if a further element were folded over. Thus the holding element for example assumes the function of an additionally inserted element, such as for instance a tab or the like.
(29) The holding element 86 advantageously protrudes into the opening 85 or 95 respectively at least as far as the centre of the opening. With regard to the width, the holding element has a width relative to the edge region 84b or 94b respectively which is between 60% and 95%, preferably between 70% und 95% and particularly preferably between 80% und 90%.
(30) In FIG. 7d transition portions or connecting portions 87, 97 respectively are illustrated which connect the fastening portion 82 to the gripping portion 84.
(31) FIG. 7e shows a representation in which the holding element 86 is folded upwards as a result of gripping by the user. In this case the user's finger regions bear on the outer region of the holding element 86a and because of the significantly higher radius of curvature the holding element causes less pain than the edge region 84b or 94b respectively.
(32) FIG. 8a shows a further representation of the holding element 86. This again shows the region 86a which is gripped by the user's hands when carrying the container.
(33) FIG. 8b shows a representation in which grip recesses 72 are disposed in the holding element 86 and also in the edge region 84b. The reference numeral 74 identifies a cut-out or a recess respectively which enables the bending of the holding element 86 with respect to the edge region 84b. The reference numeral 76 identifies an edge region of the holding element 86 which is rounded here. In this case these finger grooves 72 are at likewise in turn adapted to the carrying comfort of the holding element 86.
(34) In order to increase the carrying comfort, the protective tabs or the holding element respectively are as thick as the rest of the handle, in order to achieve a corresponding depth for the configuration of the finger grooves.
(35) For the required flexibility, notches 73 can be provided, as shown in FIG. 9. These notches are advantageously configured in such a way that a predetermined radius is produced.
(36) Furthermore, in FIG. 9 a double-sided introduction into the opening or a double-sided folding over of the holding element respectively is also possible. In this case introduction can take place regardless of direction.
(37) FIG. 10 shows a representation in which two containers 1 can be carried comfortably by a user. The user's hand is symbolised by the reference numeral 15. As mentioned above, two such gripping elements are provided, so that the container could also be carried with two hands or also by two persons each using one hand. In this case the gripping elements or the carrying loops respectively are advantageously co-ordinated with regard to their length so that it is also possible to carry two containers with one hand. In addition the double implementation of the gripping portions 84, 94 indicates the character of a beverage container known from the prior art.
(38) FIG. 11 shows a further representation of a container with a carrying element 8. The gripping element or the carrying element 8 respectively advantageously enable sufficient flexibility in order to deform the handle for carrying purposes. Advantageously a recyclable material is also used for the carrying element 8, so that the container 1 can be disposed of together with the carrying element.
(39) FIGS. 12a-12e show a further advantageous embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, in addition to a receiving device 22 for receiving the further elements the carrying element is also provided again. This receiving device 22 preferably has no additional locking function, but is likewise disposed at the mouth of the container.
(40) Fixing elements 32 are provided here on the carrying element 8, in order to fixing the receiving device 22 on the carrying element. For this purpose an outer edge 22a of the receiving device can be inserted into the fixing elements 32 inserted and thus fastened to the carrying element. For fastening of the receiving device to the carrying element 8 the receiving device 22 can first of all be pushed onto the mouth. An intervention of the fixing elements 32 can be achieved in that the two gripping portions 84, 94 are pressed downwards and in the event of resetting the edge 22a engages in the gap between the carrying element and the fixing elements.
(41) FIG. 12c shows a detailed representation of the fixing elements 32 and FIG. 12d shows a side view. In this way a secure grip of the receiving device on the carrying element 8 is enabled.
(42) FIG. 13 shows a further advantageous embodiment of a carrying element 8. A supporting collar 34 is provided here which by means of two radially inwardly protruding projections 34a, 34b surrounds a carrying ring 1a of the container and so enables a secure grip on the container mouth. During carrying of the container and the associated folding up of the two gripping portions the delivery of the projections onto the mouth of the container is also promoted.
(43) FIG. 14a shows a further advantageous embodiment of a carrying element 8. This likewise has the projections 89 already shown above, which rest against the mouth of the container. In addition, however, a support ring 36 is also provided which is likewise disposed on the carrying element and which in the fitted state completely surrounds the container mouth. In this case in a state in which it is disposed on the mouth, the support ring 36 extends substantially in a longitudinal direction of the container or substantially perpendicular to a plane of the carrying element 8 respectively. Substantially perpendicular is understood to mean an angle relative to the plane of the carrying element 8 which is between 70 und 110, preferably between 80 and 100 und particularly preferably between 85 und 95.
(44) In this support ring 36 recesses 37 are disposed, within which the projections 89 extend obliquely inwards. The advancing force onto the mouth is increased by this support ring 36, in particular if the container is carried.
(45) In this case the recesses 37 are advantageously disposed at least partially so that they can be penetrated by a straight line which extends between the two gripping portions 84, 94. In this way, while the container is being carried the projections 89 are advanced to the mouth of the container automatically due to bending upwards of the gripping portions 84, 94.
(46) Four recesses 37 are advantageously provided here. These recesses are preferably disposed symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry E (FIG. 14b), with respect to which the two gripping portions 84, 94 also lie symmetrically without intersect them. This plane of symmetry E extends perpendicular to the drawing plane. In addition, however, the recesses 37 are also disposed symmetrically with respect to a plane which in FIG. 14 coincides with the drawing plane.
(47) The reference numeral 36a identifies a radially inwardly protruding projection, which likewise surrounds the mouth of the container over the entire periphery and is delivered towards the container. This projection is disposed on the carrying ring 36.
(48) FIG. 15 shows a further representation of the receiving device 22. It can be seen here that a hose element 52, a piercing device 54 as well as a further tap element 56 are disposed herein, the piercing device 54 and the further tap element 56 being connected to one another by means of the hose element 52. The reference numeral 64 designates projections which, when the carrier element is fastened to the container, are delivered towards the mouth of the container. The reference numeral 62 designates the opening which is placed over the mouth of the container.
(49) Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of preferred embodiments and variations thereon, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.
(50) For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of a or an throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and comprising does not exclude other steps or elements. The mention of a unit or a module does not preclude the use of more than one unit or module.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
(51) 1 container 1a outer edge 4 main body 5 container mouth, mouth region 6 base portion 8 carrying element 12 locking element 14 sealing 15 hand of the user 16 closure 22 receiving device 22a outer edge 24 hollow space 32, 32a, 32b fixing element 34 supporting collar 34a, 34b radially inwardly protruding projection 36 support ring 36a projection 37 recess 52 hose element 54 piercing device 56 tap element 62 opening 66 projections 72 grip recesses 73 notches 74 cutout 76 rounded edge region 82 fastening portion 83 opening 84 gripping portion 84a-84d edge regions 85 opening 86 holding element 86a outer region of the holding element 87 projections/connecting portion 89 projections 94 gripping portion 94a-94d edge regions 95 opposing opening 96 holding element 97 connecting portion 102 fastening portions 108 gripping element 182 projections 184 gripping element E plane of symmetry
