Deformable small packaging structure

Abstract

A deformable small packaging structure for free-flowing products, comprising a valve-like closure ( 10 ) produced by a two-component injection molding process and including a dimensionally stable carrier element ( 11 ) and an outer jacket ( 12 ) which envelopes the carrier element ( 11 ) at least in part and has a flexible squirt-nozzle ( 16 ) with slotted openings, should be constructed in such a manner that the squirt-nozzle ( 16 ) in withdrawn state occupies an extremely small space and that the change to the position clearing the openings is possible with little force application. According to the invention, the outer jacket ( 12 ), in relation to the withdrawn squirt-nozzle ( 16 ), has a meander-shaped configuration adjacent to the squirt-nozzle ( 16 ). The squirt-nozzle ( 16 ), in relation to the withdrawn state, is configured as a pot-shaped recess. According to a preferred embodiment, the outer jacket ( 12 ) has an inner annular flange ( 17 ) which engages in a recess of the carrier element ( 11 ) and is firmly connected therewith. Further, the outer jacket ( 12 ) has adjacent to the inner annular flange ( 17 ) a circumferential web ( 18 ) which engages in a groove of the carrier element ( 11 ) and is also firmly connected therewith. The deformable small packaging structure according to the invention is used in particular for condiments, like e.g. mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and the like.

1 . Deformable small packaging structure for free-flowing products, comprising a valve-like closure ( 10 ) produced by a two-component injection molding process and including a dimensionally stable carrier element ( 11 ) and an outer jacket ( 12 ) which envelopes the carrier element ( 11 ) at least in part and has a flexible squirt-nozzle ( 16 ) with slotted openings, characterized in that the outer jacket ( 12 ), in relation to the retracted squirt-nozzle ( 16 ), has a meander-shaped configuration adjacent to the squirt-nozzle ( 16 ). 
   
   
       2 . Deformable small packaging structure according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the squirt-nozzle ( 16 ), in relation to the withdrawn state, is configured as a pot-shaped recess. 
   
   
       3 . Deformable small packaging structure according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the outer jacket ( 12 ) has an inner annular flange ( 17 ) which engages in a recess of the carrier element ( 11 ) and is connected therewith. 
   
   
       4 . Deformable small packaging structure according to  claim 3 , characterized in that the outer jacket ( 12 ) has a circumferential web ( 18 ) disposed adjacent to the inner annular flange ( 17 ) and engages in a groove of the carrier element ( 11 ) and is firmly connected therewith. 
   
   
       5 . Deformable small packaging structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element ( 11 ) has outer thread turns ( 19 ) for receiving a screw cap. 
   
   
       6 . Deformable small packaging structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element ( 11 ) has a step-shaped cross section, wherein the area receiving the outer jacket ( 12 ) has a smaller diameter than the area facing the body of the small packaging structure. 
   
   
       7 . Deformable small packaging structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element ( 11 ) has a sleeve-shaped configuration and includes adjacent to the outer jacket ( 12 ) an annular groove ( 13 ) which is bounded by two groove walls ( 14 ,  15 ), and that the carrier element ( 11 ) is recessed inwardly above the annular groove. 
   
   
       8 . Deformable small packaging structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that several radial stabilizing ribs ( 20 ) are arranged between the squirt-nozzle ( 16 ) and the annular flange ( 18 ) and disposed at an angular distance relative to one another. 
   
   
       9 . Deformable small packaging structure according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the stabilizing ribs ( 20 ) are formed onto the squirt-nozzle ( 16 ) and end at a distance to the annular flange ( 17 ). 
   
   
       10 . Deformable small packaging structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer jacket ( 12 ) is recessed inwards adjacent to the upper groove wall ( 14 ). 
   
   
       11 . Deformable small packaging structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer jacket ( 12 ) ends adjacent to the upper groove wall ( 14 ). 
   
   
       12 . Deformable small packaging structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the squirt-nozzle ( 16 ) is made of oil-resistant plastic. 
   
   
       13 . Deformable small packaging structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the shoulder of the small packaging structure adjacent to the squirt-nozzle ( 16 ) is made of oil-resistant material, preferably of a thermoplastic vulcanized material (TPV).