WO2015076672A1

WO2015076672A1 - Container for viscous liquids and method for manufacture thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2015076672A1
Application number: PCT/NL2014/050794
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louis Rinze Henricus Adrianus Willemsen; Corne Cornelius Johannes VAN BAAL
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-11-21
Filing date: 2014-11-20
Publication date: 2015-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2016-05-21
Also published as: NL2011828C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1) for a viscous liquid. The container comprises a container body (2) with a peripheral wall (4) which defines an internal volume of the container body. The container further comprises a cover body (8) which is connected to the container body and which at least partially closes the internal volume of the container body. The cover body comprises a dispensing opening (11) formed therein which is in liquid flow connection with the internal volume of the container body in order to carry liquid out of the internal volume of the container body. The cover body comprises support means (15) on which the container can be supported. The container comprises a closing element (13) which is connected to the cover body and which is movable between an opened position and a closed position. In the opened position the closing element leaves the dispensing opening clear, and in the closed position the closing element closes the dispensing opening.

Description

Title: Container for viscous liquids and method for manufacture thereof.

Description

The invention relates to a container for viscous liquids comprising a container body, a cover body and a closing element.

Such containers are generally known as containers for cosmetic liquids, such as for instance cream tubes. The generally known containers are usually formed in practice from a relatively soft material. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the internal volume of the container in order to urge the liquid out of the container through the dispensing opening, for instance by means of squeezing the bottle or tube.

The generally known containers are made in practice by first forming a tube and, separately thereof, a cap. After filling of the tube with a liquid through a relatively small opening therein, the cap is screwed onto a screw thread on the tube. The cap and the tube each comprise a correspondingly formed screw thread. The cap consists of two parts: a cover with the screw thread thereon which is arranged on the tube and a closing flap connected to the cover for closing the opening. Cover and closing flap are connected by a hinge. The hinge between cover and closing flap runs over the outer periphery of the cap. The generally known container can be easily placed by placing the container with the closing flap on a flat surface. A drawback of the generally known container is that it is relatively susceptible to damage. The closing flap can break off the container relatively easily, for instance when a user drops the container.

The present invention has for its object to provide a container for viscous liquids which reduces or prevents damage to the container, in particular the closing flap breaking off.

Provided for this purpose is a container according to claim 1 . The container body of the container comprises a peripheral wall which defines an internal volume of the container body. A cover body is connected to the container body, wherein the cover body at least partially closes the internal volume of the container body. Formed in the cover body is a dispensing opening which is in liquid flow connection with the internal volume of the container body in order to carry liquid out of the internal volume of the container body. A closing element is connected to the cover body and is movable between an opened position and a closed position. In the opened position thereof the closing element leaves the dispensing opening clear, while in the closed position thereof the closing element closes the dispensing opening. The cover body further comprises support means on which the container can be supported. Following manufacture the container according to claim 1 , when placed on a flat surface, supports on the support means and not - as in the prior art - on the closing element. The closing element is thus protected by the support means. The object of the present invention is hereby achieved.

This makes it possible to give the closing element a relatively small form without possible reinforcements for supporting the container. Because of the relatively small dimensions and simple embodiment of the closing element it is possible to embody the closing element such that it is enclosed by the support means. When the container rests on or drops onto a surface, it is substantially the support means (or the container body) which come into contact with this surface.

Further advantageous embodiments are the subject-matter of the dependent claims and will be briefly elucidated below.

In a preferred embodiment the closing element is connected pivotally to the cover body, for instance by means of a hinge, wherein the closing element and/or the hinge lies within a peripheral wall of the cover body. In this embodiment the hinge and/or the closing element lies within the outer periphery of the container, this further reducing the risk of damage to the closing element and/or the hinge. It is further possible to incorporate the closing element and/or the hinge at least partially in the cover body. The closing element is then as it were recessed into the cover body for an additional protection from damage. The closing element can further extend parallel to the cover body between the support means. In an embodiment the cover body is formed integrally with the closing element, although the closing element can further be formed separately of the cover body, after which the two are connected to each other.

In an embodiment the closing element extends in the longitudinal direction of the container between the support means and the dispensing opening. The closing element can then at least be located in a space defined between the support means and the cover body. The support means as it were define a surface which optionally coincides with the surface on which the container rests. The support means are then located, as seen in a longitudinal section of the container, between this surface and a sectional plane in which the dispensing opening is arranged. In the closed position, when the container rests on a surface with the support means, the closing element is free of contact with the surface. It is thus substantially not possible during placing of the container for forces from the surface to act on the closing element, so that the closing element is protected from damage.

In an embodiment in which relatively little material is necessary, the container consists of a container body, a cover body and closing element, so that an exceptionally compact embodiment of the container can be formed.

In an embodiment the cover body is connected integrally to the container body by means of a connecting element. Cover body and container body can thus be formed as an integral whole. The cover body is preferably provided movably on the container body, wherein the cover body can pivot about a pivot point defined by the connecting element.

In a manufactured state of the container the connecting element connecting the cover body to the container body is preferably placed at least partially in the internal volume of the container, for instance by means of recesses for the purpose of receiving the connecting element. The recesses can be provided in the cover body and/or the container body. The connecting element can be folded such that it substantially does not protrude beyond the outer periphery of the container, which, apart from having an aesthetic advantage, prevents the connecting element being taken hold of in undesired manner.

In an advantageous embodiment the cover body is connected non- releasably to the container body, preferably over the whole periphery of the peripheral wall. The cover body fits here onto the container body, in particular onto the peripheral edge. The non-releasable connection is preferably brought about by means of for instance fusing, sealing, (ultrasonic) welding, spot welding, glueing or a combination thereof. A liquid-tight connection of the cover body to the container body is hereby realized in simple manner.

The non-releasable connection between the cover body and the peripheral wall of the container body according to the present invention, which in an embodiment is preferably realized over substantially the whole peripheral edge, forms a firm connection but requires only a very limited contact surface between cover body and peripheral wall. Hard parts such as engaging elements for a closure are not necessary. In addition, substantially no closing forces (for instance pressing down to form a close fit) are necessary to bring about the connection, whereby there is no necessity for hard parts or additional material for strengthening purposes.

It is noted here that according to the prior art additional hard parts are indeed necessary for the purpose of closing the container. The known container is itself formed substantially from a relatively soft material. The hard parts are formed by for instance a screw thread of the container body or a thickened portion or reinforcement of the cover body or closing element. In addition, hard parts for engaging elements for a closure (for instance close fits, ribs and grooves) are further provided in the known containers. These hard parts impose limitations on the form of the container body, the cover body or the closing element, which thereby become relatively complex and require a relatively large amount of material.

In a preferred embodiment the support means comprise a support edge provided on the cover body. The support edge preferably runs over the cover body in the peripheral direction thereof and at least partially surrounds the closing element. The edge can extend here in continuous or discontinuous manner over the cover body. It is also possible to envisage support points being applied instead of a support edge. In the case of a cover body provided convexly relative to the internal volume of the container body, the support edge can be provided as an edge protruding substantially transversely on the cover body. In the case of a cover body provided concavely relative to the internal volume of the container body, the support edge can be formed by the curvature of the cover body.

In an embodiment the cover body extends at least partially into the internal volume of the container body. The cover body can thus be placed easily relative to the container body, whereby the non-releasable connection can be arranged in simple manner. A cover edge of the cover body preferably extends partially into the internal volume of the container body. In an embodiment the filling opening has substantially the same dimensions as the outer periphery of the cover body. The cover body is preferably provided tapering in the direction of the container body so that the cover body can be received more easily inside the container body during arranging of the cover body on the container body.

It is further possible to give the container body a form widening in the direction of the dispensing opening. The container body can then be provided in substantially V-shaped form in a longitudinal section, wherein the wide side of the V- shape is located close to the dispensing opening. In an embodiment the container body runs continuously in peripheral direction with a radially outward component. The container body can thus be provided for instance in a cup form.

The closing element is preferably located, at least in the closed position, wholly within a contour defined by the cover body. The cover body comprises here a cover plane remote from the internal volume of the container body. In the closed position the closing element is flush with the cover plane.

In an embodiment the cover body is provided with a recess which is adjacent to the closing element and with which a user can take hold of the closing element. The recess is preferably of a size such that it is easily accessible to a nail or finger of the user. The recess particularly extends here partially adjacently of and partially under the closing element.

In an embodiment a sectional area of an outer end of the container body located close to the cover body amounts to at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, still more preferably at least substantially 100% of the maximum sectional area of the container body. The container body is in practice usually filled through this sectional area, wherein a larger sectional area enables a higher filling speed.

In an embodiment the container body is formed from a substantially smooth peripheral wall, preferably of a relatively thin wall thickness which in particular preference is substantially constant over the transverse axis of the container. Relatively little material is thus necessary to form the container body. The container body and/or the cover body and/or the closing element is manufactured in an embodiment from polypropylene (PP). In particular the cover edge of the cover body is also embodied as a smooth wall. This is possible because the non- releasable connection between cover body and container body obviates the necessity for engaging means such as screw threads or ribs. The container wall is preferably formed from a relatively thin-walled material. The quantity of material required for a container is in this way reduced.

According to an aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container, in particular a container according to the present invention, with a viscous liquid as according to claim 16. The method firstly comprises the step of forming: a container body with a peripheral wall which defines an internal volume of the container body and a filling opening; a cover body connected integrally to the container body and having a dispensing opening formed therein, and having supporting means on which the container can be supported, at least in a fully manufactured state; forming a closing element connected to the cover body and movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position the cover member leaves the dispensing opening clear, and wherein in the closed position the closing element closes the dispensing opening and extends between the support means and the dispensing opening. In the forming step preferably all components of the container are formed integrally with each other. No additional forming steps are then required and, owing to the optional integral embodiment, it is possible to keep all components in the vicinity of each other at all times. It is possible in an embodiment to form the closing element separately of the cover body with an optionally differing forming technique. Closing element and cover body are then connected to each other in a further step which can take place before or after filling of the container body.

The container according to the present invention is provided with a relatively simple closing element, whereby the container can take a relatively simple form. In an embodiment the container preferably consists of the container body, the cover body and the closing element, so that no additional components are required for the purpose of providing a container.

The method secondly comprises the step of filling the internal volume of the container body with a viscous liquid following the step of forming the container body and the cover body. In an embodiment the filling step further takes place following the step of forming the closing element. Filling preferably takes place through a filling opening in the container which is accessible because the cover body has been pivoted away from the peripheral edge of the peripheral wall.

The method finally comprises the step of closing the internal volume of the container body by connecting the cover body non-releasably to the container body following the filling step. The non-releasable connection is preferably arranged over the whole periphery of the peripheral wall. The non-releasable connection is particularly a liquid-tight attachment between cover body and container body. Once the non-releasable connection has been provided the container is preferably ready to use: the liquid in the container can then be dispensed through the dispensing opening which is closable by means of the closing element. It is possible in an embodiment to form and connect the closing element to the cover body following the filling step. The filling opening of the container body preferably amounts to at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, still more preferably at least substantially 100% of the maximum sectional area of the container body. A container according to the present invention can hereby be filled more quickly. There is no need for a narrowing for strengthening purposes, such as for instance a neck, as is usual according to the prior art. During filling of the container the liquid can thus be supplied through a filling opening with an area substantially equal to, or at least largely equal to that of the largest sectional area of the container running substantially parallel to the filling opening. A maximized filling opening has the advantage that the liquid can be supplied at high speed, this shortening the production time for a container according to the present invention compared to the known containers. An optional additional filling opening is further unnecessary in a container according to the present invention, this simplifying and speeding up the production of such a container.

It is noted here that it is known from the prior art to fill the generally known container through an opening at an outer end of the container body opposite an outer end with the dispensing opening, after which this opening is closed with an additional closing step. This additional step is a drawback compared to the container according to the present invention, which does not require any additional closing step.

In an embodiment of the method the steps of forming the container body, the cover body and the closing element take place in a single integral step, in particular by means of injection moulding. Integral forming results in a rapid manufacturing process, whereby the production time for a container is shortened. It is further possible to envisage different containers being formed simultaneously in parallel manufacturing steps.

The step of non-releasable connection of the cover body to the container body preferably comprises the step of sealing, spot welding or ultrasonic spot welding.

In an embodiment the step of non-releasable connection of the cover body to the container body comprises the step of pivoting the cover body. The cover body pivots substantially about the attaching element into contact with the container body. The cover body is preferably provided with a cover edge which guides the cover body in a simple manner at least partially into the interior volume of the container body. The forming step preferably comprises of printing at least the container body, preferably by means of inmould labelling. The container body can hereby be provided with a logo or relief, such as for instance a brand name or indication of the contents. No additional printing step is thus required for the purpose of providing such a logo. If desired, the container can still be printed in a manner which is conventional for the skilled person. In addition, it is also possible to envisage printing the whole container or parts thereof in one of the above described ways.

The dispensing opening is preferably closed by the closing element before the filling step. The closing element is pivoted here in the direction of the dispensing opening until it closes the dispensing opening. After the non-releasable connection has been arranged between container body and cover body the liquid is then wholly confined inside the container. It is also possible to envisage the dispensing opening being closed in other manner in a step of the method by a closing means such as a foil or plug.

According to an aspect, the invention relates to a method of forming a tube-like container for viscous liquids comprising a container body, a cover body and a closing element. According to this aspect, a method is provided for forming a tube-like container for viscous liquids which alleviates the drawbacks of the prior art tube-like containers, in particular with respect to speed and ease of manufacturing and/or filling.

To this end, the invention according to this aspect provides a method for manufacturing a tube-like container, with a viscous liquid, the method comprising the steps of:

forming, by means of injection moulding:

o A container body with a peripheral wall which defines an internal volume of the container body and a filling opening;

o A cover body connected integrally to the container body near the filling opening and having a dispensing opening formed therein;

o A closing element connected to the cover body and movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position the closing element leaves the dispensing opening clear, and wherein in the closed position the closing element closes the dispensing opening; Filling the internal volume of the container body with a viscous liquid via the filling opening, following the step of forming the container body and the cover body, and

Closing the internal volume of the container body by connecting the cover body non-releasably to the peripheral wall of the container body following the filling step, for closing the filling opening.

By filling the tube-like container via the filling opening, and using the cover body connected to the container body for closing off said filling opening, at least one step in the forming of conventional tube-like containers may be omitted, since the method according to the invention allows for only one opening, the filling opening, to be closed, whereas the tube-like containers known from the art, always require two openings to be closed: the filling opening at the back end of the tube, and the cover opening near the outlet opening of the tube. Thus, the method according to the invention allows for a more cost-effective production of a tube-like container, with which object of the invention is achieved.

According to this aspect, the steps of forming the container body, the cover body and the closing element may take place in a single integral step, in particular by means of injection moulding. With this, it is possible to integrally form the tube-like container in a first step, to fill the tube-like container in a second step, and to seal the internal volume of the tube-like container in a third step. With this, only three, relatively easy and cost-effective steps are necessary for producing a tube-like container with a filled interior, which is not possible with methods known from the prior art.

In an embodiment, the cover body comprises a substantially smooth connection edge, arranged to be in fittingly contact with an edge of the container body defining the filling opening. This not only allows for an easy production of the container, for instance by means of injection moulding, but also improves the ease and speed with which the internal volume of the container may be sealed afterwards.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of forming the container by means of injection moulding, wherein the container body is formed, at least partly, from a first component, and wherein the cover body and the closing element are formed from a component differing from the first component. This multiple-component injection moulding allows for a larger degree of freedom in designing the characteristics of the tube-like container, but it also improves, in certain embodiments, the ease and speed of manufacturing and/or filling of the container, as will be described next.

In an embodiment, the first component comprises a material which is softer compared to the material of the second component. With this, it is possible to produce a relatively soft container body, which allows for easy compression of the internal volume of the container for dispensing the viscous liquid inside the container body, as well as a relatively harder cover body with improved strength characteristics. It should be noted that the method according to the invention allows this design to be achieved without the use of a screw thread.

In an embodiment, the edge of the container body, which defines the filling opening, is formed from the second component which is relatively hard, and wherein the connection edge of the cover body is also made of the second component. This improves the strength of the tube-like container, but it also improves the ease with which the interior volume of the tube-like container may be closed off. In other words, it enables the cover body and the container body to be connected to each other in a relatively quick and reliable manner.

In an embodiment, the filling opening has a substantially circular cross-sectional form. The substantially circular cross-sectional form of the filling opening preferably is the largest cross-sectional part of the tube-like container. This maximises the ease with which the container may be filled, but also improves the ease with which the container may be produced.

In an embodiment, the step of non-releasable connection of the cover body to the container body comprises the step of sealing, spot welding or ultrasonic spot welding. This allows for an easy and reliable means of connecting the cover body to the container body.

According to an aspect, the invention also provides a tube-like container for a viscous liquid, comprising:

A tube-like container body with a peripheral wall which defines an internal volume of the container body and a filling opening, wherein the internal volume only is accessible by means of the filling opening;

A cover body connected integrally to the container body near the filling opening and having a dispensing opening therein; and

A closing element connected to the cover body and which is movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position the closing element leaves the dispensing opening clear, and wherein in the closed position the closing element closes the dispensing opening.

The advantages of such a tube-like container body have been described already by means of the method according to the invention. In particular, the tube-like container according to the invention may be filled via the filling opening, and may be closed thereafter by closing the filling opening by means of the cover body. The ease and speed of production and filling of tube-like containers with viscous liquids is improved this way, compared to prior art tubes.

In an embodiment, the cover body is connected integrally to the container body by means of a connecting element. The connecting element may be placed at least partially in the internal volume of the container. The connecting element allows the cover body to be moved, such that the cover body is able to seal of the filling opening, after filling of the tube-like container with a viscous liquid. In particular, the cover body is arranged to be non-releasably connectable to the peripheral wall, for instance by means of sealing, welding, spot welding, gluing or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the container body, the cover body and the closing element are integrally formed, in particular by means of injection moulding. The tube-like container may thus be easily produced in a single step, which allows for producing and filling the container in just three steps: production, filling, and sealing off.

In an embodiment, the cover body comprises a substantially smooth connection edge, arranged to be in fittingly contact with an edge of the container body defining the filling opening. Preferably, this edge of the container is smooth as well. This allows for a tight and secure sealing between the cover body and the container body.

In an embodiment, the container body is formed, at least partly, from a first component, and wherein the cover body and the closing element are formed from a second component, which differs from the first component. In particular, the first component may comprise a material which is softer compared to the material of the second component. With this, it is possible to produce a relatively soft container body, which allows for easy compression of the internal volume of the container for dispensing the viscous liquid inside the container body, as well as a relatively harder cover body with improved strength characteristics. It is noted in general that the different features and method steps, described above with reference to several aspects of the invention, are, in principle, interchangeable and may thus be combined with other aspects of the invention disclosed herein.

It is noted that the above described embodiments relating to different aspects may be readily combined with each other, in a non-limiting manner, meaning that embodiments relating to one aspect may be combined within this one aspect, as well as with any other embodiments relating to a different one aspect. Any combination of features described in the present disclosure is conceivable.

The invention will be further elucidated using the accompanying figures, in which several advantageous embodiments of a container according to the present invention are shown.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an outer end of an embodiment of the container according to the present invention during manufacture thereof.

Figure 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the container according to the present invention during manufacture thereof.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the container according to the present invention with an opened closing element.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the container according to the present invention with a closed closing element.

Figure 5 shows a further perspective view of an embodiment of the container according to the present invention with an opened closing element.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the container according to the present invention at different stages of the manufacture thereof.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the container according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an outer end of an embodiment of the container 1 according to the present invention during manufacture thereof. The container 1 comprises a container body 2 with an internal volume in which a viscous liquid can be held. The internal volume is enclosed by a peripheral wall 4 of the container body 2 and is accessible through a filling opening V defined by the peripheral edge 5 of the peripheral wall 4. It can be seen that in this embodiment the internal volume is only accessible through the filling opening V.

A cover body 8 is connected non-releasably to the container body 2 by means of a connecting element 7. This connecting element 7 is connected integrally to the container body 2. The connecting element 7 is configured such that the cover body 8 is movable relative to the container body 2. The cover body 8 is configured to at least partially close off the internal volume of the container body 2, wherein the cover body 8 is placed substantially over the filling opening. The form of the cover body 8, in particular the form of the cover edge 14 of the cover body 8, hereby corresponds to the form of the container body 2. These take a round form in figure 1 , which improves the ease with which the internal opening of the container may be closed off by the cover body, although other forms such as ovals or polygons can of course be envisaged.

In addition, the cover body 8 is provided with a dispensing opening

1 1 which is in liquid flow connection with the internal volume of the container body in order to carry liquid out of the internal volume of the container body 2. A closing element 13 is provided in order to enable closing of the dispensing opening 1 1 . This closing element 13 is connected non-releasably to the cover body 8 and is movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position the closing element 13 leaves the dispensing opening 1 1 clear so that it is possible to dispense liquid from the internal volume of the container body 2, and wherein in the closed position the closing element 13 closes the dispensing opening 1 1 so that the liquid can be wholly confined inside the container 1 . The closing element 13 in figure 1 is provided with a pin which in the closed position fits into the dispensing opening 1 1 .

Further provided in the cover body 8 is a recess 17 with which a user can take hold of the closing element 13. The recess is placed adjacently of the closing element 13. The recess is preferably easily accessible to for instance a finger or nail of a user for the purpose of opening the closing element 13.

Further provided on the cover body 8 are support means 15 on which the container 1 can be supported. In figure 1 the support means 15 are embodied as a support edge 15 provided on the cover body 8. In figure 1 the support means 15 extend substantially in the peripheral direction of the cover body 8, wherein the support means 15 partially surround the closing element 13. I n Figure 1 the support edge 15 is interrupted close to the recess 17. A surface of the support edge 15 remote from the internal volume of the container body 2 takes a flat form in figure 1 so that stable placing of the container is possible. In the closed position the closing element 13 extends in the longitudinal direction of the container 1 between the support means 15 and the dispensing opening 1 1 . The support means 15 define on the one hand a support surface which optionally coincides with the surface on which the container 1 rests. The dispensing opening 1 1 on the other hand defines in the transverse direction of the container 1 a dispensing opening plane in which the dispensing opening 1 1 is arranged. In the closed position the closing element 13 lies substantially between this support surface and this dispensing opening plane. The closing element 13 in any case lies at a distance from the support surface in a direction toward the container body 2.

The container 1 as shown in figure 1 can be filled through the filling opening 1 1 . After filling of the internal volume of the container body 2 the cover body 8 can be pivoted in the direction of the container body 2. The connecting element 7 serves here as it were as a pivot point around which the cover body 8 can pivot. The cover body 8 can be placed on the peripheral edge 5 such that it substantially covers the filling opening. During manufacture thereof the cover body 8 is connected non- releasably in this position to the container body 2 over the whole periphery 5 of the peripheral wall 4. This is possible for instance by fusing the container body 2 and the cover body 8. This non-releasable connection is preferably realized by means of sealing, (ultrasonic) welding, spot welding, glueing or a combination thereof. Exit of liquid from the internal volume of the container body 2 is now only possible via the dispensing opening 1 1 in the cover body 8.

Thus, it can be seen that, according to an aspect of the invention, a tube-like container 1 is produced, and filled with a viscous liquid, by using the steps of forming a container body 2, a cover body 8 with a dispensing opening 1 1 and a closing element 13 for opening and/or closing said dispensing opening 1 1 ; subsequently filling the internal volume of the container body with a viscous liquid via the filling opening (as indicated by arrow V), following the step of forming the container body 2 and the cover body 8; and subsequently closing the internal volume of the container body by connecting the cover body 8 non-releasably to the peripheral wall 4 of the container body 2. It is noted in this respect that the form and arrangement of the cover body 8 and the closing element 13 are not essential for obtaining the benefits associated with this method according to an aspect of the invention.

The closing element 13 is connected pivotally to the cover body 8 on the one hand for closing of and on the other for dispensing liquid through the dispensing opening 1 1. The liquid can thus be stored in the container 1 for a long period without the risk of undesirable leakages.

In figure 1 the dimensions of the closing element 13 are substantially smaller than those of the cover body 8. It is hereby possible to provide the support means 15 on the cover body 8 such that they partially surround the closing element 13. In the closed position the closing element 13 does not extend beyond the support means 50. The container 1 can hereby be placed in stable manner with the support means 15 on the underside of the container 1 . The support means 15 here as it were protect the closing element in that forces, for instance during placing or due to the self-weight of the container 1 , are absorbed by the support means 15. I n the closed position the closing element 13 does not come into contact with a possible placing surface on which the container 1 is placed. There are thus hardly any forces acting on the closing element 13, whereby the closure of the container 1 is guaranteed and undesirable damage resulting in faulty closing is prevented.

A further advantage is that the container 1 can be easily stored, wherein the liquid in the container 1 moves by means of the gravitational force in the direction of the dispensing opening 1 1 . The liquid is then easier to dispense because there is substantially no air present between the dispensing opening 1 1 and the liquid.

Figure 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the container 1 according to the present invention during manufacture thereof. The container body 2 in figure 2 is embodied as a V-shaped tube. Other forms such as tubes or bottles with optionally round or polygonal sectional areas can also be envisaged.

Figure 2 clearly illustrates that the filling opening in a container 1 according to the present invention is maximized. The filling opening V, which is defined by the peripheral edge 5 of the peripheral wall 4, comprises in figure 2 a maximum sectional area of the container body 2, whereby highly filling speeds can be achieved. In figure 2 a sectional area of an outer end of the container body 2 located close to the cover body 8 amounts to substantially 100% of the maximum sectional area of the container body 2. It is also possible to envisage providing the filling opening such that this sectional area amounts to at least 80%, preferably at least 90% of the maximum sectional area. The form of the container body 2 can thus be configured for instance in accordance with aesthetic requirements for the container 1 .

The container body 2 is preferably formed from a substantially smooth peripheral wall 4. In figure 2 this peripheral wall 4 is smooth on the outside, but also on the inside. Owing to the non-releasable connection between cover body 8 and container body 2 there is no necessity to provide screw thread, ribs or grooves for attachment of the cover body 8 to the container body 2. This has the advantage that such a container 1 requires less material.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the container 1 according to the present invention in a manufactured state with an opened closing element 13. The cover body 8 extends at least partially into the internal volume of the container body 2. The cover edge 14 of the cover body 8 is preferably at least partially received here inside the container body 2. Container body 2 and cover body 8 are in contact with each other at the peripheral edge 5, where the non-releasable connection is preferably also arranged. As already stated, this connection can be realized by sealing.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the container 1 according to the present invention in a manufactured state with a closed closing element 13. The closing element 13 is, at least in the closed position, located wholly within a contour defined by the cover body 8. The cover body 8 defines as it were a plane remote from the internal volume with which the closing element 13 lies flush. The closing element 13 at least does not extend here beyond the support means 15 in the longitudinal direction. Nor in the shown embodiment does the closing element extend beyond the dispensing opening 1 1 . The surface of the cover body 8 in which the closing element 13 lies in the closed position takes a curved form in figure 4. It is however possible to envisage the surface being a flat surface. In addition, other curvatures such as convex and concave can also be envisaged.

Figure 5 shows a further perspective view of an embodiment of the container 1 according to the present invention with an opened closing element 13. Figure 5 shows clearly that the connecting element 7 is placed at least partially in the internal volume of the container 1 . It can clearly be seen in figure 5 that a recess for the connecting element 7 is provided in the cover body 8. It is also possible to envisage this recess being provided in the container body 2. The connecting element 7 is tucked away inside the periphery of the container 1 such that undesired taking hold of the connecting element 7 is hereby prevented.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the container 1 according to the present invention at different stages in the manufacture thereof. Figure 6a shows the container 1 following the forming step. A container 1 is formed with a container body 2 with a peripheral wall 4 which defines an internal volume of the container body 2 as well as a filling opening V, with further a cover body 8 connected integrally to the container body 2 and having a dispensing opening 1 1 formed therein, and with support means 15 on which the container 1 , at least in wholly manufactured state, can be supported. Further formed is a closing element 13 which is connected to the cover body and which is movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position the closing element 13 leaves the dispensing opening 1 1 clear, and wherein in the closed position the closing element 13 closes the dispensing opening 1 1 and extends between the support means 15 and the dispensing opening 1 1 .

In an embodiment the forming of the container body 2, the cover body 8 and the closing element 13 take place in a single integral step, in particular by means of injection moulding.

It is in addition possible in an embodiment to form the closing element 13 separately of the cover body 8, wherein it is possible to form the closing element 13 with a forming technique other than that applied for the cover body 8 and/or container body 2. After forming thereof the closing element must then be connected to the cover body 8. This connection can take place before filling of the container body 2, but also after the filling step. Although injection moulding is recommended, it is possible to envisage manufacturing the container 1 by means of other forming techniques such as die-drawing, deep-drawing, thermoforming, a form/fill/seal process or other techniques per se known to the skilled person.

It is further possible to print the container body, or optionally the container 1 , in order to arrange for instance a logo or relief thereon. The technique of inmould labelling is particularly suitable for this purpose. The container 1 then no longer requires a separate step for providing a label. It is however possible to envisage the container 1 nevertheless being labelled in an additional step.

Following the forming the container 1 is brought into a filling orientation. In figure 6a this is an upward orientation. The container 1 is subsequently filled through the filling opening defined by the peripheral edge 5 of the peripheral wall 4.

The filled container 1 is shown in figure 6b, wherein the liquid level is indicated schematically and illustratively with a broken line (as also in figures 6b- e). The indicated liquid level is shown at random, and such a container 1 can be filled as desired.

Following filling the cover body 8 is pivoted onto the peripheral wall 4. The cover body 8 pivots here about the connecting element 7 which is then received inside the internal volume of the container 1 . This connecting element 7 is therefore not visible in figure 6c. When the cover body 8 and the container body 2 are in contact, the non-releasable connection is arranged. As discussed above, this preferably takes place by fusing the cover body 8 and the container body 2, for instance by spot welding or ultrasonic welding.

Figure 6d shows the container 1 , wherein the closing element 13 is in the closed position. In order to confine the liquid in the container 1 it is necessary to close the closing element 13. The pin of the closing element 13 preferably fits here into the dispensing opening 1 1 . Closing of the closing element 13 can take place before or after filling of the container body 2. In addition, it is further possible to envisage closing the dispensing opening 1 1 with a preferably once-only breakable closing foil.

Figure 6e shows a container 1 in a situation where it can be placed on a surface B. The support means 15 form for this purpose a substantially flat surface. The container 1 rests here wholly on the support means 15, whereby there is no contact between the surface on which the container 1 rests and the closing element 13.

As follows from Figures 6a to 6e, in effect a method for manufacturing a tube-like container 1 is described, and filling it with a viscous liquid. The method according to this aspect contains the steps of: forming a container body 2 with a peripheral wall 4 which defines an internal volume of the container body 2 and a filling opening V; and a cover body 8 connected integrally to the container body 2 near the filling opening V and having a dispensing opening 1 1 formed therein. The method further comprises the step of forming a closing element 13 connected to the cover body 8 and movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position the closing element 13 leaves the dispensing opening clear, and wherein in the closed position the closing element 13 closes the dispensing opening 1 1 . Following the step of forming the container body 2 and the cover body 8, the method comprises the step of filling the internal volume of the container body 2 with a viscous liquid via the filling opening V. Then, in a subsequent step, the internal volume of the container body 2 is closed by connecting the cover body 8 non-releasably to the peripheral wall 4 of the container body 2, for closing the filling opening. It should be noted that according to this aspect, the exact design and features of the cover body are not essential for the benefits obtained by this method, for as long as the cover body 8 comprises a closing element 13, and is integrally connected to the container body 2. Furthermore, it is advantageous when the internal volume of the container 1 is only accessible via the filling opening, after having produced the container 1 , and before the step of filling the container. According to this aspect, an integral tube-like container 1 is formed, having only a single opening (i.e. , the filling opening V) for accessing the internal volume of the container body 2. This allows for quick and easy filling, and subsequent closing of the internal volume of the container 1 . Preferably, the steps of forming the container body 2, the cover body 8 and the closing element 13 take place in a single integral step, in particular by means of injection moulding.

As can be seen in Figures 6b and 6c, the cover body 8 comprises a substantially smooth connection edge 14, arranged to be in fittingly contact with an edge 5 of the container body 2 defining the filling opening V.

It is in this sense preferred when the container 1 is formed by means of injection moulding, wherein the container body 2 is formed, at least partly, from a first component, and wherein the cover body 8 is formed, at least partly, from a second component differing from the first component. The first component may comprise, for instance, a material which is softer than the second component. This way, it is relatively easy to deform the container body 2 in order to dispense the viscous liquid from the container body, whilst the cover body 8, and additionally the closing element 13, may be formed from a relatively harder material, for providing strength to the tube-like container. In particular, it is conceivable that the edge 5 of the container body 2, which defines the filling opening V, is formed from the second component which is relatively hard, and wherein the connection edge 14 of the cover body 8 is also made of the second component. This allows for an easy and tight connection between the cover body 8 and the container body 2. I n particular, this may be achieved by means of sealing, spot welding or ultrasonic spot welding.

Figure 7 discloses a further improvement of the container 1 according to the present invention, which merely differs from the embodiments already described, in that a functional element 16 is provided on an end of the container body 2 remote from the cover body 8. In particular, this embodiment may be produced integrally, by means of a multicomponent injection moulding process. In particular, the functional element 16 may be produced from a component which differs from the component from which the container body 2 is made. For instance, this functional feature 16 may be produced from a relatively harder component, compared to the material from which the container body 2 is made. The production of the container 1 disclosed in Fig. 7 may be identical as described above. In particular, it is envisaged that the container 1 of Fig. 7 having the container body 2, the cover body 8 and closing element 13, and additionally also the functional feature 16, is integrally formed, preferably by means of multicomponent injection moulding.

The functional feature 16 may be a manipulating member 16, which is arranged for manipulating the viscous liquid released from the container 1 . For instance, the viscous liquid may be a glue, or a filling material such as a resin, and the manipulating member may be used to form, move or smear the viscous liquid. Alternatively, or additionally, the functional feature 16 may be provided with a serrated edge for manipulating the viscous liquid, or any other material, during or after use of the viscous liquid. It is noted that the functional feature may also be present on other tube-like containers, and that the presence of the functional feature 16 is in principle not limited to the kind of cover body 8 used.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that the present invention has been described above by way of elucidation on the basis of several embodiments thereof. The invention is not however limited to these embodiments.

The container is thus not limited to the type of viscous liquid held therein. The container according to the present invention is for instance further suitable for holding cosmetic liquids, such as shampoo, as well as food products. In addition, the container according to the present invention is particularly suitable for viscous liquids, although it is also possible to envisage it being applied for other liquids, or optionally solid products such as fine-grained materials such as salt. Many equivalent adjustments and modifications are possible within the requested scope of protection, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A container (1 ) for a viscous liquid, comprising:

- A container body (2) with a peripheral wall (4) which defines an internal volume of the container body (2);

- A cover body (8) which is connected to the container body (2) and which at least partially closes the internal volume of the container body, wherein the cover body (8) comprises a dispensing opening (1 1 ) formed therein which is in liquid flow connection with the internal volume of the container body in order to carry liquid out of the internal volume of the container body (2), wherein the cover body (8) comprises support means (15) on which the container (1 ) can be supported, and

- A closing element (13) which is connected to the cover body (8) and which is movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position the closing element (13) leaves the dispensing opening (1 1 ) clear, and wherein in the closed position the closing element (13) closes the dispensing opening (1 1).

2. A container (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the closing element (13) is connected pivotally to the cover body (8), wherein the closing element (13) lies within a peripheral wall of the cover body (8).

3. A container (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing element (13) extends in the longitudinal direction of the container (1 ) between the support means (15) and the dispensing opening (1 1 ).

4. A container (1 ) according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the cover body (8) is connected integrally to the container body (2) by means of a connecting element (7).

5. A container (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting element (7) is placed at least partially in the internal volume of the container (1 ).

6. A container (1 ) according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the cover body (8) is connected non-releasably to the container body (2) over substantially the whole periphery of the peripheral wall (4).

7. A container (1 ) according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support means comprise a support edge provided on the cover body (8).

8. The container according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support means (15) extend substantially in the peripheral direction.

9. The container according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support means (15) at least partially surround the closing element (13).

10. A container (1 ) according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the cover body (8) is connected non-releasably to the peripheral wall (4) by means of sealing, (ultrasonic) welding, spot welding, glueing or a combination thereof.

1 1 . A container (1 ) according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the cover body (8) extends at least partially in the internal volume of the container body (2).

12. A container (1 ) according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the closing element (13) is located, at least in the closed position, wholly within a contour defined by the cover body (8).

13. A container (1 ) according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the cover body (8) is provided with a recess (17) which is adjacent to the closing element

(13) and with which a user can take hold of the closing element (13).

14. A container (1 ) according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein a sectional area of an outer end of the container body (2) located close to the cover body (8) amounts to at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, still more preferably at least substantially 100% of the maximum sectional area of the container body (2).

15. The container according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the container body (2) is formed from a substantially smooth peripheral wall (4), preferably of a relatively thin wall thickness which in particular preference is substantially constant over the transverse axis of the container.

16. A method for manufacturing a container (1 ), in particular a container

(1 ) according to claims 1 to 12, with a viscous liquid, the method comprising the steps of:

forming:

o A container body (2) with a peripheral wall (4) which defines an internal volume of the container body (2) and a filling opening;

o A cover body (8) connected integrally to the container body (2) and having a dispensing opening (1 1 ) formed therein, and having supporting means (15) on which the container (1 ) can be supported, at least in a fully manufactured state; Forming a closing element (13) connected to the cover body (8) and movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position the cover member (8) leaves the dispensing opening (1 1 ) clear, and wherein in the closed position the closing element (13) closes the dispensing opening (1 1 ) and extends between the support means (15) and the dispensing opening (1 1);

Filling the internal volume of the container body (2) with a viscous liquid following the step of forming the container body (2) and the cover body (8), and

- Closing the internal volume of the container body (2) by connecting the cover body (8) non-releasably to the container body (2) following the filling step.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the filling opening of the container body (2) amounts to at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, still more preferably at least substantially 100% of the maximum sectional area of the container body (2).

18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the steps of forming the container body (2), the cover body (8) and the closing element (13) take place in a single integral step, in particular by means of injection moulding.

19. A method according to claims 16-18, wherein the step of non- releasable connection of the cover body (8) to the container body (2) comprises the step of sealing, spot welding or ultrasonic spot welding.

20. A method according to claims 16-19, wherein the step of non- releasable connection of the cover body (8) to the container body (2) comprises the step of pivoting the cover body (8).

21 . A method according to claims 16-20, wherein the forming step comprises of printing at least the container body (2), preferably by means of inmould labelling.

22. A method according to claims 16-21 , wherein the dispensing opening (1 1 ) is closed by the closing element (13) before the filling step.

23. A method according to any of the claims 16, 17, 19 to 22, wherein the step of forming a closing element (13) connected to the cover body (8) comprises the steps of forming a closing element (13) and subsequently connecting the closing element (13) to the cover body (8).

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the connecting of the closing element (13) to the cover body (8) takes place before the filling step.

25. A method according to claim 23, wherein the connecting of the closing element (13) to the cover body (8) takes place after the filling step.