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(11) | EP 2 284 092 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Dispensing container |
| (57) The present invention relates to a dispensing container (1,21). The dispensing container
(1,21) according to the invention comprises a flexible wall (2,22) which encloses
an internal space (3,23), a dispensing opening (5,25) in the flexible wall (2,22)
which is in communication with the internal space (3,23), and pulling means (6,26,34)
which can be operated from outside the internal space (3,23), wherein the pulling
means (6,26,34) extend between a part of the flexible wall (2,22) remote from the
dispensing opening (5,25) and the dispensing opening (5,25), and at least during use
are in engagement with a part of the flexible wall (2,22).
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[0002] Dispensing containers are for instance known for the purpose of holding and dispensing toothpaste, hand creams and so on.
[0003] The drawback of the known dispensing containers is that, when the dispensing container is almost empty, it is found difficult to remove from the dispensing container the substance still present in the dispensing container.
[0004] The invention relates to a dispensing container comprising a flexible wall which encloses an internal space, a dispensing opening in the flexible wall which is in communication with the internal space, and pulling means which can be operated from outside the internal space, wherein the pulling means extend between a part of the flexible wall remote from the dispensing opening and the dispensing opening, and at least during use are in engagement with a part of the flexible wall.
[0005] These measures for instance make it possible during use to pull the part of the flexible wall with which the pulling means are in engagement in the direction of the outflow opening, and to thus carry substance present in the internal space in the direction of the outflow opening. These measures also make it possible during use to draw together the part of the flexible wall with which the pulling means are in engagement in order to thus make the internal space smaller and carry substance present in the internal space in the direction of the outflow opening. This has the advantage that substance present in the internal space is more easily removed from the dispensing container.
[0006] In a further development of the dispensing container according to the invention the flexible wall and the internal space are enclosed by a second wall, and the dispensing opening extends through the second wall. This measure makes it possible for the flexible wall not to form the outer wall of the dispensing container. This has the advantage that the flexible wall need not meet the standards required for the outer wall of the dispensing container, such as standards in respect of the appearance of the dispensing container and the stiffness of the outer side of the dispensing container.
[0007] In a further development of the dispensing container according to the invention the pulling means comprise a pull cord. This measure enables a simple embodiment of the pulling means. This measure also enables a very flexible embodiment of the pulling means. This has the advantage for instance that the pulling means can be easily wound up during operation thereof.
[0008] In a further development of the dispensing container according to the invention the pulling means are in engagement with the part of the flexible wall on the inner side of the internal space and extend from the internal space through the dispensing opening. This measure makes it possible to pull the part of the flexible wall in engagement with the pulling means to a position close to the outflow opening. This has the advantage that the substance present in the internal space and adhered to this part of the flexible wall and the substance present in the internal space which has accumulated around the dispensing opening can be easily carried in the direction of the dispensing opening.
[0009] In a further development hereof, the dispensing container also comprises operating means which are arranged rotatably around the dispensing opening on the outer side of the flexible wall, wherein the pull cord is connected to the operating means so that when the operating means are rotated the pull cord can be wound round the dispensing opening. These measures make it possible, by means of a simple rotation of the operating means, to pull the part of the flexible wall in engagement with the pull cord in the direction of the outflow opening, and to thus carry the substance present in the internal space in the direction of the outflow opening. This has the advantage that the pulling means of the dispensing container according to the invention are simple to operate. In a further development hereof, the operating means are formed by a cap. This measure enables an embodiment of the dispensing container with a minimum number of separate components. This has the advantage that the cost of the dispensing container according to the invention can be limited.
[0010] In a further development of the dispensing container according to the invention, wherein the flexible wall and the internal space are enclosed by a second wall and the pulling means comprise a pull cord, the dispensing container also comprises operating means arranged rotatably around the dispensing opening on the outer side of the flexible wall, wherein a first pull cord and a second pull cord extend on the outer side of the flexible wall such that the first pull cord is connected with a first end thereof to the end of the second wall remote from the dispensing opening and is connected with a second end thereof to the operating means, and the second pull cord is connected with a first end thereof to the end of the second wall remote from the dispensing opening and close to the first end of the first pull cord, and is connected with a second end thereof to the operating means at a distance from the second end of the first pull cord, so that the first pull cord and the second pull cord can intertwine when the operating means are rotated. These measures make it possible during use to intertwine the first pull cord and the second pull cord by rotating the operating means so that the part of the flexible wall located therebetween is drawn together from the end of the second wall remote from the dispensing opening in the direction of the dispensing opening, and the substance present in the internal space is carried in the direction of the outflow opening. Because the internal space is made considerably smaller, these measures have the advantage that an exceptionally large part of the substance present in the internal space can be easily removed from the dispensing container.
[0011] In a further development of the dispensing container according to the invention the flexible wall comprises polyethylene (PE) on the inner side thereof. This measure makes it possible to avoid substance present in the internal space adhering to the flexible wall. This has the advantage that the inconvenience caused during carrying of the substance present in the internal space in the direction of the outflow opening by the adhesion of substance present in the internal space to the flexible wall can be reduced.
[0012] The present invention will be further elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of an exemplary embodiment as shown in the accompanying figures. This is a non-limitative exemplary embodiment.
[0013] In the figures:
- figures 1 to 5 show sections in longitudinal direction of an embodiment of the dispensing container according to the invention at different stages of use;
- figure 6 shows a section in longitudinal direction of an alternative embodiment of the dispensing container according to the invention as depicted in figures 1-5;
- figure 7 is a perspective view of the end of the dispensing container of figure 7 close to the dispensing opening;
- figures 8a to 8c show the operating principle of the embodiment of the dispensing container as depicted in figures 6 and 7.
[0014] Figure 1 shows a dispensing container in the form of a tube 1. Such tubes are for instance known for holding therein and dispensing therefrom toothpaste, gel, hand cream and so on. Tube 1 is shown with a flexible wall 2 which encloses an internal space 3 in which is situated a substance 4 such as toothpaste, hair gel, hand cream and so on. Shown in the flexible wall is a dispensing opening 5 which is in communication with internal space 3. On the inner side of internal space 3 pulling means in the form of pull cord 6 are in engagement at the end 6a thereof with an edge portion 7 of flexible wall 2. Pull cord 6 extends from edge portion 7 of flexible wall 2 through internal space 3 and outflow opening 5, and is connected with the end 6b thereof to operating means in the form of cap 8. Cap 8 is shown with a housing 9 which is arranged rotatably around dispensing opening 5 on the outer side of flexible wall 2 and which has therein a passage 10 arranged in line with dispensing opening 5, and a closing flap 11 connected hingedly to housing 9. Closing flap 11 can be moved in the direction of arrow A so as to close passage 10, and thereby dispensing opening 5. Also shown is that flexible wall 2 and internal space 3 are enclosed by a second wall 12 forming the outer wall of dispensing container 1. Dispensing opening 5 extends through this second wall 12.
[0015] Figure 2 shows that substance 4 present in internal space 3 of tube 1 can be carried out of dispensing opening 5 by pressing against second wall 12 of the packaging in the direction of arrows B. By closing dispensing opening 5 by means of closing flap 11 after use of tube 1 and placing tube 1 on cap 8 at least a part of the substance 4 present in internal space 3 moves downward in the direction of dispensing opening 5 as a result of the gravitational force. This effect can be enhanced by embodying the inner side of flexible wall 2 in a material from which substance 4 easily releases, for instance in polyethylene (PE).
[0016] Figure 3 shows that when internal space 3 of tube 1 is almost empty the substance 4 still present in internal space 3 accumulates close to outflow opening 5. As a result of the shape of outer wall 12 close to dispensing opening 5 and as a result of the presence of cap 8 at that position, the second wall 12 is difficult to draw together to a position close to dispensing opening 5. It is hereby difficult to remove from outflow opening 5 the quantity of substance 4 which has accumulated close to dispensing opening 5.
[0017] Figure 4 shows that, by rotating cap 8 around dispensing opening 5 in the direction of arrow C, pull cord 6 remains hooked behind the projection 13 protruding from second wall 12, and the edge portion 7 of flexible wall 2 can thus be pulled in the direction of dispensing opening 5.
[0018] Figure 5 shows that edge portion 7 of flexible wall 2 has been pulled so far in the direction of outflow opening 5 by means of pull cord 6 that the substance 4 which has accumulated in figure 4 close to outflow opening 5 is pressed out of outflow opening 5.
[0019] Figure 6 shows a dispensing container in the form of a tube 21. Tube 21 is shown with a flexible wall 22 enclosing an internal space 23. Shown in flexible wall 22 is a dispensing opening 25 which is in communication with internal space 23. Flexible wall 22 and internal space 23 are enclosed by a second wall 32 and dispensing opening 25 extends through second wall 32. Second wall 32 is shown with a compressible part 32a which can be pressed for instance in the direction of arrows B in order to carry substance present in internal space 23 out of dispensing opening 25. In addition, second wall 32 is shown with a more rigid part 32b on which a closing flap 31 is formed with which dispensing opening 25 can be closed. Flexible wall 22 is fixedly connected at the end thereof close to dispensing opening 25 to the more rigid part 32b of second wall 32. Operating means in the form of operating ring 33 are arranged rotatably around dispensing opening 25 on the outer side of flexible wall 22. Operating ring 33 is mounted rotatably in the more rigid part 32b of the second wall and can be operated from outside the second wall, as shown in figure 8, in that the flexible part 32a and the more rigid part 32b are mutually connected by means of coupling bridges 35, and the space between coupling bridges 35 allows operation of operating ring 33. Further shown in figure 6 is that a first pull cord 26 and a second pull cord 34 extend as pulling means on the outer side of flexible wall 22 between an end 27 of flexible wall 22 remote from dispensing opening 25 and the dispensing opening 25. First pull cord 26 is connected with a first end 26a thereof to the end 32c of second wall 32 remote from the dispensing opening, and is connected with a second end 26b thereof to operating ring 33. Second pull cord 34 is connected with a first end 34a thereof to the end 32c of second wall 32 remote from dispensing opening 25 close to the first end 26a of first pull cord 26, and is connected with a second end 34b thereof to operating ring 33 at a distance from the second end 26b of first pull cord 26, in the shown exemplary embodiment opposite the second end 26b of first pull cord 26 on the other side of dispensing opening 25. Each of the pull cords 26 and 34 is trained through a hole in the end 27 of flexible wall 22 remote from the dispensing opening. By rotating operating ring 33 around dispensing opening 25 in the direction of for instance arrow C during use, first pull cord 26 and second pull cord 34 are tensioned, brought into engagement with flexible wall 22 and, from the end 32c of the second wall remote from the dispensing opening, intertwined in the direction of the outflow opening. Flexible wall 22 is here drawn together and internal space 23 made smaller so that substance present in the internal space is carried in the direction of outflow opening 25. Figures 8a to 8c show schematically the operating principle of the intertwining of first pull cord 26 and second pull cord 34 during rotation of operating ring 33. For the sake of clarity only first pull cord 26, second pull cord 34 and second wall 32 are shown. Figure 8a shows that first pull cord 26 and second pull cord 34 are about to be intertwined. In figure 8b first pull cord 26 and second pull cord 34 are partially intertwined. In figure 8c first pull cord 26 and second pull cord 34 are substantially fully intertwined. During intertwining of first pull cord 26 and second pull cord 34 the flexible wall (not shown) situated between first pull cord 26 and second pull cord 34 is drawn together at the position where first pull cord 26 and second pull cord 34 are intertwined.
[0021] The pull cords as shown in figure 6 can be pretensioned so that they are already taut before the operating means are operated.
[0022] Figures 1 to 5 show that the pull cord is in engagement with an end portion of the flexible wall. The pull cord can alternatively be in engagement with another part of the flexible wall, for instance a part between the end portion and the dispensing opening.
[0023] Figures 1 to 5 show that the dispensing container comprises one pull cord. The dispensing container can alternatively comprise more than one pull cord, which are for instance connected to different parts of the flexible wall.
[0024] Figures 1 to 5 show that the dispensing container comprises a second wall serving as outer wall. The second wall can alternatively be absent and the flexible wall forms the outer wall.
[0025] In figures 1 to 5 the pulling means are in the form of a pull cord. The pulling means can alternatively take the form of for instance a pull rod, pull strip and so.
[0026] The dispensing container is shown in the figures in the form of a tube. The dispensing container can alternatively take the form of for instance a bottle, rectangular package and so on.
[0027] Figures 1 to 5 show that the pull cord can be operated by means of rotating the cap around the dispensing opening. The pull cord can alternatively be operated by for instance forming an end of the pull cord protruding from the dispensing container such that it can be grasped by hand and the pull cord can thus be pulled by hand.
[0028] Figures 1 to 5 show that the operating means arranged rotatably around the dispensing opening are formed as cap. The operating means can alternatively be in the form of for instance a rotatable ring formed separately of the cap.
[0029] Figures 1 to 5 show that the pull cord is in engagement with a part of the flexible wall on the inner side of this flexible wall. One, or more than one pull cord on the outer side of the flexible wall can also be in engagement with a part of this flexible wall, wherein the pull cord then extends for instance through the dispensing opening. It is then for instance possible, by means of one, or more than one pull cord, for a part of the flexible wall that is in engagement therewith to be pulled in the direction of the dispensing opening, whereby the internal space is made smaller and the substance present therein is carried to the dispensing opening.
1. Dispensing container, comprising
- a flexible wall which encloses an internal space;
- a dispensing opening in the flexible wall which is in communication with the internal space; and
- pulling means which can be operated from outside the internal space;
wherein the pulling means- extend between a part of the flexible wall remote from the dispensing opening and the dispensing opening; and
- at least during use are in engagement with a part of the flexible wall.
2. Dispensing container as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the flexible wall and the internal space are enclosed by a second wall; and
the dispensing opening extends through the second wall.
the flexible wall and the internal space are enclosed by a second wall; and
the dispensing opening extends through the second wall.
3. Dispensing container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pulling means comprise
a pull cord.
4. Dispensing container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein
the pulling means are in engagement with the part of the flexible wall on the inner side of the internal space and extend from the internal space through the dispensing opening.
the pulling means are in engagement with the part of the flexible wall on the inner side of the internal space and extend from the internal space through the dispensing opening.
5. Dispensing container as claimed in claims 3 and 4, also comprising
operating means which are arranged rotatably around the dispensing opening on the outer side of the flexible wall, wherein the pull cord is connected to the operating means so that when the operating means are rotated the pull cord can be wound round the dispensing opening.
operating means which are arranged rotatably around the dispensing opening on the outer side of the flexible wall, wherein the pull cord is connected to the operating means so that when the operating means are rotated the pull cord can be wound round the dispensing opening.
6. Dispensing container as claimed in claim 5, wherein the operating means are formed
by a cap.
7. Dispensing container as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 3, also comprising
operating means arranged rotatably around the dispensing opening on the outer side of the flexible wall, wherein
a first pull cord and a second pull cord extend on the outer side of the flexible wall such that
the first pull cord is connected with a first end thereof to an end of the second wall remote from the dispensing opening and is connected with a second end thereof to the operating means; and
the second pull cord is connected with a first end thereof to the end of the second wall remote from the dispensing opening and close to the first end of the first pull cord, and is connected with a second end thereof to the operating means at a distance from the second end of the first pull cord, so that
the first pull cord and the second pull cord can intertwine when the operating means are rotated.
operating means arranged rotatably around the dispensing opening on the outer side of the flexible wall, wherein
a first pull cord and a second pull cord extend on the outer side of the flexible wall such that
the first pull cord is connected with a first end thereof to an end of the second wall remote from the dispensing opening and is connected with a second end thereof to the operating means; and
the second pull cord is connected with a first end thereof to the end of the second wall remote from the dispensing opening and close to the first end of the first pull cord, and is connected with a second end thereof to the operating means at a distance from the second end of the first pull cord, so that
the first pull cord and the second pull cord can intertwine when the operating means are rotated.
8. Dispensing container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein
the flexible wall comprises polyethylene (PE) on the inner side thereof.
the flexible wall comprises polyethylene (PE) on the inner side thereof.