None.
The present invention relates to a container, particularly a cup, with a base and a first sidewall, whereas the first sidewall comprises at least a first, at least partially circumferential shaping directed inwardly and/or outwardly.
Cardboard containers are known from the state of the art, for example from EP 1 227 043 B1, EP 1 227 042 B1 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,926. However, the cardboard described in the state of art are often difficult to produce, have an insufficient stability and/or are not well insulated.
It was therefore the objective of the present invention to provide a container that does not have the deficiencies of containers according to the state of the art.
In order to attain the above-described objective, a container, particularly a cup, with a base and a first sidewall is provided, whereas the first sidewall comprises at least a first, at least partially circumferential shaping directed inwardly and/or outwardly, which is, at least partially, compressed in its height extension.
The disclosure made to this embodiment of the present invention also applies to other embodiments of the present invention and vice versa.
The present invention relates to a container. Particularly, the container is a cup, in which beverages, especially hot beverages such as coffee or tea or food, especially soup can be served. This container is preferably made of paper, thick paper, cardboard, fiber-material, plastic-material, materials made from renewable and/or biodegradable raw materials or a combination thereof. However, paper and cardboard are preferred. Preferably, the material is plastically deformable, preferably embossable and more preferably also elastically deformable. All parts of the inventive container are made from this material, whereas the individual parts of the container can be made from different materials.
Especially the surfaces of parts of the container which are subjected to a liquid and/or vapour are provided with means, especially a coating, an impregnation, a film or the like, which makes the parts at least temporarily resistant against for example humidity, water, aqueous solutions, oil and/or fat or a combination thereof. Preferably the above mentioned means are also heat sealable.
The container according to the present invention comprises a first sidewall, which is, preferably, conically shaped and which, more preferably, has, at its upper end, a rolled rim. The first sidewall is preferably made from a flat segment, preferably a cardboard-segment, which is subsequently formed, preferably rolled into its final, preferably conical shape. Preferably at its lower end, the sidewall is connected to a base, in order to close the container at the bottom. The base is preferably a separate part, which is attached, more preferably glued or heat sealed, to the lower end of the sidewall of the container.
According to the present invention, the first sidewall comprises at least a first shaping, which extends at least partially, preferably entirely, around the circumference of the first sidewall. This shaping can be directed inwardly and/or outwardly, i.e. towards the content of the container and/or away from the content of the container. The shaping can alternate between an inward direction and an outward direction. This alternation is preferably harmonic. This shaping can be produced by any technique known by a person skilled in the art, e.g. by folding or any other method of plastic deformation. Preferably, the shaping is inserted into the segment before it is formed, e.g. rolled, into the final shape of the sidewall. More preferably the shaping is an embossment, which is produced for example by applying locally pressure to the sidewall and deforming the material of the sidewall plastically. The shaping can have any form known by a person skilled in the art. However, it should be compressible, at least partially, especially in case an axial-force, preferably axial pressure, is applied to the sidewall. Preferably, the shaping is U-shaped or has, at least partially, the shape of a segment of a circle. This shaping is now, according to present invention, compressed in its height extension, i.e. after the compression of the shaping, the sidewall is reduced in its height. Due to the compression of the shaping in its height, preferably the radial extension of the shaping increases at least partially. More preferably, the compression of the shaping is elastic, i.e. as soon as the deformation force is removed, the shaping resumes, at least partially, its original shape. Thus, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deformed shaping functions as a spring.
Preferably, the inventive container comprises means to maintain the shaping in its compressed shape. This means is preferably a second sidewall, which is connected to the first sidewall and which maintains the shaping in its compressed state. The second sidewall can be inside or outside the first sidewall. The two sidewalls are preferably connected in two or more different areas, especially at two or more different heights of the container. The shaping itself or other parts of the first sidewall can be connected with the second sidewall.
According to another or a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second sidewall is subjected to a tension, especially an axial tension. This tension increases the stiffness of the first and/or second sidewall. This tension is preferably introduced into the second sidewall due to the connection of the first sidewall to the second sidewall and the spring-like behaviour of the shaping in the first sidewall.
The disclosure made to this embodiment of the present invention also applies to other embodiments of the present invention and vice versa.
Preferably, the tension in the second sidewall is provided between two connections between the first and the second sidewall which are located at different heights
Preferably, the first and the second sidewall have, at least partially, a different angle of inclination. Preferably, the angle of the first sidewall relative to the middle axis of the container is smaller than the angle of the second sidewall relative to the middle axis. This preferred feature of the present invention improves denesting of stacked containers.
Preferably, connection between the first and the second sidewall is formed by gluing, sealing, welding or mechanical locking.
Preferably, there is an air gap between the first and second sidewall, especially for the purpose of heat-insulation.
Preferably the first and/or the second sidewall comprise at least one additional second shaping which is arranged at a different height of the container. Preferably, the second shaping is also compressed in its height. The disclosure made regarding the first shaping also applies to the second shaping. More preferably, the first and the second shaping differ, especially after their compression, in their radial extension, whereas, preferably, the radial extension increases with the height of the container. This feature allows, for example, to provide the second sidewall at a different angle of inclination than the first sidewall.
Preferably, one sidewall comprises a shaping, which is in contact with a shaping worked into the other sidewall, especially to maintain at least the shaping of one sidewall in its compressed state.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, part of the first or second sidewall can be detached. Hereby, for example, a coupon can be formed, which shows information after it is removed. The coupon can be arranged at an edge of the sidewall or within the sidewall and can be removed partly or completely. The coupon does not influence the stability of the sidewall.
In order to also attain the above described objective, a container with a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a bottom is provided, whereas the angle of inclination of the first sidewall is larger than the angle of inclination of the second sidewall.
The disclosure made to this embodiment of the present invention also applies to other embodiments of the present invention and vice versa.
The container according to this present invention comprises a first sidewall, which is preferably conically shaped and which more preferably has at its upper end a rolled rim. The first sidewall is preferably made from a flat segment, preferably a cardboard segment, which is subsequently formed, preferably rolled into its conical shape. Preferably at its lower end, the sidewall is connected to a base in order to close the container at the bottom. The base is preferably a separate part which is attached, more preferably glued or heat sealed to the lower end of the first sidewall of the container.
Furthermore, the inventive container comprises a second sidewall, which is preferably arranged around the first sidewall. This second sidewall is preferably conically shaped and is more preferably made from a flat segment, preferably a cardboard segment, which is subsequently formed, especially rolled around the circumference of the first sidewall.
According to the present invention, the angle of inclination of the first sidewall is larger than the angle of inclination of the second sidewall. Due to this difference in angles of inclination, an air gap between the first and the second sidewall is formed, which provides good insulation. Furthermore, the stackability of the inventive container is improved.
Preferably, the second sidewall is connected to the first sidewall and/or the base at one, preferable two or more connection points or connection areas. This connection can be purely mechanical, based on adhesion or a combination thereof. Preferably, the two sidewalls are glued or sealed together.
Preferably, a spacer is arranged between the first and the second sidewall, especially to maintain the air gap between the first and the second sidewall, even if the second sidewall is subjected to pressure, for example by the hand of a user.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this spacer is a plastic shaping, preferably an embossment in the first and/or second sidewall. Preferably, this shaping extends at least partially, preferably entirely, around the outer circumference of the first sidewall or the inner circumference of the second sidewall. In case, the shaping is provided in the first sidewall, it is preferably directed outwardly, i.e. towards the second sidewall. In case the shaping is provided in the second sidewall, it is preferably directed inwardly, i.e. towards the first sidewall.
This shaping can be produced by any technique known by a person skilled in the art, e. g. by folding or any other method of plastic deformation. Preferably, the shaping is inserted into the segment, preferably the cardboard segment before it is formed, e. g. rolled into the final shape of the sidewall. More preferably, the shaping is an embossment, which is produced for example by applying locally pressure on the sidewall and deforming the material of the sidewall plastically. The shaping can have any form known by a person skilled in the art. However, preferably, it is compressible, at least partially, especially in case an axial-force is applied to the sidewall. Preferably the shaping is U-shaped or has partially the shape of a segment of a circle. In a preferred embodiment, the shaping is compressed in its height extension, i.e. after the compression of the shaping, the sidewall is reduced in its height. Due to the compression of the shaping in its height, preferably the radial extension of the shaping increases at least partially. More preferably, the compression of the shaping is elastic, i.e. as soon as the deformation force is removed, the shaping resumes, at least partially, its original shape. Thus, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deformed shaping functions as a spring.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flanges and/or edges of the shaping are bonded, preferably glued or sealed, together after they have been compressed.
According to another preferred embodiment, the second sidewall is utilized to maintain the shapings in their compressed state. Thereto, the two sidewalls are preferably connected in two or more different areas, especially at two or more different heights of the container. The shaping itself or other parts of the first sidewall can be connected to the second sidewall. Preferably, the second sidewall is subjected to a tension, especially an axial tension. This tension increases the stiffness of the first and/or second sidewall. This tension is preferably introduced into the second sidewall due to the connection of the first sidewall to the second sidewall and the spring-like behavior of the compressed shaping in the first sidewall.
In another preferred embodiment, the spacer is a rim which is preferably located at the lower end of the first or second sidewall.
In order to also attain the above described objective, a container with a first sidewall and a base which is connected to the first sidewall is provided, whereas the first sidewall and the base comprise an outwardly directed bevel at their lower end.
The disclosure made to this embodiment of the present invention also applies to other embodiments of the present invention and vice versa.
According to the present invention, the first sidewall and the base now comprises an outwardly directed bevel at their lower end. This bevel increases the stand-up stability. Preferably, the bevel is plastically formed into the first sidewall and the base after they have in connected preferably glued or sealed together. Preferably, the bevel is arranged at an angle between 30 and 60° preferably 40-50° and most preferably 45° relative to a vertical axis.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a second sidewall, which is arranged around the first sidewall under the formation of a gap between the first and the second sidewall. In a more preferred embodiment, the bevel now provides a finish for the second sidewall. This preferred embodiment of the present invention reduces the risk, that the user of the container injures himself at the lower edge of the second sidewall.
According to another inventive or a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a container, particularly a cup, is provided with a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall arranged around the first sidewall, whereas the second sidewall is seal and/or glued to the first sidewall and/or the base in two different sealing regions which extends around the entire circumference of the first sidewall.
The disclosure made to this embodiment of the present invention also applies to other embodiments of the present invention and vice versa.
The inventive container has the advantage that due to the extension of the sealing regions around the entire circumference, the second sidewall provides additional leak resistance.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a process for making the sidewall of a container by:
The disclosure made to this embodiment of the present invention also applies to other embodiments of the present invention and vice versa.
According to the inventive process, a preferably flat sidewall-segment is provided and formed, for example, into a conical shape. After or while it is formed, two, preferably opposite, ends are connected, for example by gluing or sealing. Before, during or after this forming, a shaping is introduced into the sidewall, whereas an introduction of the shaping prior to forming is preferred. Subsequently, the shaping is at least partially compressed in its height, so that the overall height of the sidewall decreases and the compressed state of the shaping is fixed.
The shaping is preferably introduced into the sidewall-segment by embossing.
The fixation of the shaping in its compressed state is preferably executed by providing a second sidewall which is connected to the first sidewall. More preferably, the second side wall is connected to the first sidewall at two different heights, whereas the shaping is located between these connection-areas.
Preferably, a second shaping is arranged in the first sidewall which is more preferably parallel to the first shaping.
Preferably, the shaping is done by embossing.
Another subject matter of the present invention is a process for the production of the inventive container, whereas the bevel is plastically formed into the container after the base has been attached to the first sidewall.
The disclosure made to this embodiment of the present invention also applies to other embodiments of the present invention and vice versa.
Another subject matter of the present invention is a tool for the insertion of a bevel into a container which comprises an axially displaceable ambos with a circumferential wall with a slope at its base.
The disclosure made to this embodiment of the present invention also applies to other embodiments of the present invention and vice versa.
By displacing the tool axially, the ambos is pressed against the lower end of the container and plastically forms the bevel into the lower end of the container, i.e. in the first sidewall and in the base. The circumferential sidewall here serves as guidance, while the slope takes care of the plastic deformation.
The inventions are now described in further detail according to the figures. The description applies to all inventions, respectively. The description does not limit the scope of the present inventions.
Due to the airspace 5, even in case the cup is filled with a hot fluid, the temperature on the outer surface of the second sidewall 23 is relatively low, because of the good isolation.
The person skilled in the art understands, that it can be sufficient to provide only the first shaping 21. In this case, the second sidewall 23 is connected to the shaping 21 or above shaping 21 and in an area below shaping 21.
The second sidewall 23 can extend to the bottom end of the first wall 2 as depicted in
The inventive container is preferably produced by providing a flat segment for the first sidewall and embossing the embossments 21, 22 into this segment, while it is still flat. Subsequently, the segment is formed into a conus and the opposite ends of the segment are glued or sealed together. Afterwards, the embossments 21, 22 are compressed in their height, respectively, by applying a compression force. While the embossments are maintained in this compressed state, the second sidewall 23 is attached to the first sidewall, for example by gluing. Preferably, the second sidewall is provided as a flat segment and then wrapped around and attached to the first sidewall 2. After the connection between the first and the second sidewall is sufficiently rigid, the compression force can be removed and the inventive container is finalized.
It is, however, also preferable to provide the second wall 23 as an entire cup or as a formed conus and to insert sidewall 2 and bottom 3 into this second cup or conus and fix them.
The shapings 21, 22, 26, 27 and 28 can be introduced into the respective sidewall 2, 23 after the sidewall has been formed, for example, in the shape of a conus.
In order to compress the shaping an inner arbour and an outside tools can be used.
As can be seen from
Another embodiment of the container according to
Another embodiment of the container according to
In
Reference is now made to
Referring now to
In general, the circumferential ring/sharpening strengthens the sidewall 2, 23 of the cup 1. An undesired compression by the user of the cup 1 cannot take place anymore. Alternatively or additionally, the material strength of the sidewalls 2, 23 can be reduced and/or a less rigid material can be used.
In case an outwardly directed shaping is introduced into the outer sidewall, it prevents that the cup 1 slips out of a user's hand unintentionally.
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cup 1 which shows a double-walled and very stable structure with a low weight. Packaging with different shapes, can also be produced, for example angular, oval or containers with other cross sections.
Due to this difference in angle of inclination a gap 5 is formed between the two sidewalls. The inventive container is in the present case made from cardboard and comprises at least at its surfaces, which are in direct contact with the food or beverage filled into the container, with a coating, to increase the time period in which the inventive container is not softened.
An alternative is depicted in
In
As can be seen form
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10 2009 026 108 | Jul 2009 | DE | national |
10 2009 044 772 | Dec 2009 | DE | national |
10 2010 016 390 | Apr 2010 | DE | national |
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PCT/EP2010/004072 | 7/6/2010 | WO | 00 | 1/6/2012 |
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WO2011/003569 | 1/13/2011 | WO | A |
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