Patent Application
20240116687
Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of Austrian Application No. A 50782/2022 filed Oct. 10, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
The invention relates to a pre-cut part, and to a cuff-shaped outer component formed from a pre-cut part to wrap a cup-shaped container, and to a combination packaging container consisting of a container and an outer component. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a combination packaging container and a method for opening a combination packaging container.
Due to increasingly stringent environmental requirements of products and product packaging, it is becoming increasingly important to enable recycling and moreover re-use of products. It has to be possible to separate the various materials in a sorted manner in order to improve recycling quality. In particular, the separation of the various materials in a sorted manner has to be as simple as possible so that potential human non-compliances and errors when recycling can be compensated for as best as possible. Moreover, it has to be ensured that used products and packaging can be processed into reusable products and packaging in a simple and sustainable manner.
WO 2020/245148 A1 from the same applicant describes a cuff-shaped outer component made from a pre-cut part, wherein the pre-cut part is wrapped to form a jacket, the end portions of which are joined with one another in an overlap section. Together, the cuff-shaped outer component and a cup-shaped inner container form a combination packaging container. A predetermined separation area comprises an actuation means with a detection portion for separating the separation portions to either side. Such a combination packaging container provides for the separation of the predetermined separation area after use of the container, hence why separation of the components and subsequent recycling or re-use are not guaranteed.
The problem to be solved by this invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a pre-cut part, an outer component, and a combination packaging container in which the cuff-shaped outer component can be easily removed from the container for recycling purposes, and whereby it can be ensured that users perform said separation.
This problem is solved by an apparatus and method according to the claims.
The invention relates to a pre-cut part for an outer component to wrap around a cup-shaped container having a container jacket with one open end and one closed end with a base, wherein the pre-cut part has a substantially circular ring segment basic shape, wherein the pre-cut part has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the pre-cut part can be wrapped to form a jacket where the first end portion and the second end portion can be joined with one another in an overlap section, wherein the pre-cut part further has a first end face and a second end face and the first end face and the second end face are spaced apart from one another, wherein the pre-cut part has a longitudinal extension extending from the first end face to the second end face.
The pre-cut part has a receiving area and an area which when viewed in longitudinal extension is arranged between the receiving area and the second end face.
The pre-cut part according to the invention provides the surprising advantage that, due to the receiving area and the area arranged between the receiving area and the second end face when viewed in longitudinal extension, it can be ensured that the pre-cut part and the cup-shaped container around which the pre-cut part is wrapped have to be separated from one another to enable access to a product contained within the container. Improved separation and improved recycling can thereby be ensured. Furthermore, the pre-cut part can form a high-quality and attractive outer packaging of a container, wherein the pre-cut part can also fulfil a function as proof of originality and thus serves as “tamper evident”.
The pre-cut part is suited in particular, but not exclusively, to wrapping around reusable containers, in particular reusable plastic containers. Following separation from the wrapped container as required to use the container, the pre-cut part can be put into recycling in a largely sorted manner, whilst a container can be subjected to a re-use process.
The pre-cut part can be cut out from a sheet or sheet-like element, made for example from paper or card, or a thin plastic sheet. In particular, the receiving area can be a cut-out, a hole, or an opening in the pre-cut part. For example, the receiving area can be cut or punched out of the pre-cut part. It is also conceivable that the receiving area comprises or is a longitudinal slit through which a sealing edge, collar or similar of a container can be fed.
The invention also relates to an outer component to wrap around a cup-shaped container having a container jacket with one open end and one closed end with a base, wherein the outer component is made from a pre-cut part, said pre-cut part having a substantially circular ring segment shape and a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the pre-cut part is wrapped to form a jacket where the first end portion and the second end portion are joined with one another in an overlap section, wherein the pre-cut part further has a first end face and a second end face and the first end face and the second end face are spaced apart from one another, wherein the outer component has a longitudinal extension extending from the first end face to the second end face.
The jacket of the outer component has a receiving area and a further area which when viewed in longitudinal extension is arranged between the receiving area and the second end face.
The outer component according to the invention provides the surprising advantage that, due to the receiving area and the area arranged between the receiving area and the second end face when viewed in longitudinal extension, it can be ensured that the outer component and the cup-shaped container around which the outer component is wrapped have to be separated from one another to enable access to a product contained within the container. Improved separation and improved recycling can thereby be ensured. Furthermore, the outer component can form a high-quality and attractive outer packaging of a container, wherein the outer component can also fulfil a function as proof of originality and thus serves as “tamper evident”.
The outer component is suited in particular, but not exclusively, to wrapping around reusable containers, in particular reusable plastic containers. Following separation from the wrapped container as required to use the container, the outer component can be put into recycling in a largely sorted manner, whilst a container can be subjected to a re-use process.
Moreover, it can be provided for the receiving area to have a first receiving area end and a second receiving area end, wherein the first receiving area end is facing the first end portion of the pre-cut part and wherein the second receiving area end is facing the second end portion of the pre-cut part, wherein the first receiving area end and the second receiving area end are spaced apart from one another.
This provides the advantage that a receiving area, for example an opening, a recess or a hole, is fashioned with a geometry that can be produced simply and which is well suited for receiving areas of a container and for repackaging a container.
It is clear to the skilled person that it is possible for the first receiving area end to be facing the first end portion of the outer component and wherein the second receiving area end is facing the second end portion of the outer component, wherein the first receiving area end and the second receiving area end are spaced apart from one another. This is mentioned simply as an example of the use of the terms pre-cut part and outer component in this document. Precisely because the outer component is made from a pre-cut part, the two terms can be used synonymously. This is particularly the case if the pre-cut part is wrapped to form a jacket, thus forming a cuff-like outer component.
Furthermore, it can be provided for the first receiving area end and the second receiving area end to be spaced apart from one another by a receiving area length, said length being 5% to 75%, preferably 5% to 50%, of a receiving area jacket circumference of the jacket. In case of several receiving areas, a sum of all receiving area lengths can be 5% to 75%, preferably 5% to 50%. Receiving area jacket circumference refers to the circumference of the circular cross section, said circular cross section being at 90° to the jacket axis when viewing the outer component wrapped to form a jacket through the receiving area. It is expedient for the receiving area jacket circumference to be the same size or slightly larger than the maximum circumference of a container to be wrapped, that is to say the maximum circumference thereof in the open end area.
This shaping of the receiving area provides the advantage that a container or parts of a container can be reliably received. The exact length, that is to say an absolute length value, thereby depends on the shape and size of the container to be wrapped in the outer component, and thereby above all on the maximum diameter or circumference of the open end. In particular if several receiving areas are provided for, a length of the individual receiving areas can be smaller.
It is also advantageous to have an embodiment according to which it can be provided for the receiving area to have a circular segment ring segment basic shape which is concentric to the circular ring segment basic shape of the pre-cut part and for the receiving area to have a first receiving area end face, said first receiving area end face facing the first end face, and wherein the receiving area has a second receiving area end face, said second receiving area end face facing the second end face, wherein the first receiving area end face and the second receiving area end face are spaced apart from one another, wherein the receiving area has a receiving area height extending in a direction from the first receiving area end face to the second receiving area end face.
This shaping of the receiving area provides the advantage that a container can be reliably received. Furthermore, such an embodiment can be produced in a comparatively simple and cost-effective way. The circular ring segment basic shape of the receiving area necessitates the first receiving area end face to be shorter than the second receiving area end face. It can thereby be ensured that when the outer component is in a jacket-shaped or cuff-shaped state, the receiving area is particularly well-suited to receiving a container or areas of a container. A distance of the two end faces to one another, i.e. a receiving area height, can advantageously be constant. Ideally, a receiving area height equates to the height of an area of the container intended for receipt in the receiving area, for example a closing element including a flange such as a sealing plate, lid, or similar. It is particularly expedient for the receiving area height to be slightly larger than the area of the container intended for receipt.
According to a further embodiment, it is possible for the second receiving area end face which faces the second end face to be spaced apart from the second end face by a first length when viewed in the longitudinal extension of the outer component. The first length thus virtually defines the height of an area which is situated above the receiving area. If the outer component is wrapped around a container and thus encases a container, the area can extend beyond the upper end of the container with its first length or with a part of its first length. It is also possible for the first length to vary. This is particularly the case if the second end face of the outer component does not follow an exact circular arc shape, but rather has a wavy shape.
Moreover, it can be expedient for the second receiving area end face which faces the second end face to be spaced apart from the first end face by a second length when viewed in the longitudinal extension of the outer component. It is also possible for the second length to vary. This is particularly the case if the first end face of the outer component does not follow an exact circular arc shape, but rather has a wavy shape. It has also proven expedient here for the second length to be greater than the first length.
Furthermore, it can be provided for the maximum first length and the maximum second length to define a maximum circular ring segment height, said circular ring segment height equating in particular to a maximum longitudinal extension of the outer component or a maximum construction height.
Moreover, it can be provided for the first end face and/or the second end face to have a circular arc shape, or for the first end face and/or the second end face to have a wave or sine wave shape.
This provides the advantage that an outer component configured in that way can be particularly well suited to wrapping around a container. Furthermore, the optical appearance can be designed in an attractive and individual way. This of course applies to the outer component in its state as a pre-cut part or in its state prior to being wrapped into a jacket or cuff. If the outer component is wrapped into a jacket or cuff, the first and the second end faces are preferably arranged parallel or at least substantially parallel to one another. It has also proven to be advantageous for wave or sine curve shaped end faces to substantially follow a circular arc, that is to say the circular ring segment basic shape of the outer component. A certain concentricity has proven to be expedient.
It is also possible for the first receiving area end face and/or the second receiving area end face to have a circular arc shape, or for the first receiving area end face and/or the second receiving area end face to have a wave or sine wave shape.
According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the jacket of the outer component to have a second receiving area and a second area, said second area being arranged between the second receiving area and the second end face when viewed in the longitudinal extension of the outer component.
This provides the advantage that two receiving areas have proven to be particularly suited to reliably wrapping containers of certain geometries, that is to say to receive them area by area. Advantageously, when viewing the cuff-shaped outer component in the circumferential direction, the two receiving areas are at least substantially located on the same circumference or same height. The two receiving areas can thereby have the same basic shape, or a different basic shape. The area and the second area can have the same height in the circumferential direction, i.e. between the second end face and the respective receiving area end face. However, different heights are also conceivable.
According to an advantageous further embodiment, it can be provided for the receiving area and the second receiving area to have at least substantially the same dimensions, and for the receiving area and the second receiving area to be arranged opposite one another in the jacket of the outer component.
This provides the advantage that a substantially symmetrical arrangement of the receiving areas and the areas can thereby be obtained. This can be advantageous both with respect to optical appearance and functionality. It is also conceivable for further similarly dimensioned or also variously shaped receiving areas to be provided.
In particular, it can be advantageous for a predetermined separation area to be provided for in the jacket of the outer component, said predetermined separation area extending from the first end face towards the receiving area, in particular to the first receiving area end face, or said predetermined separation area extending from the first end face towards the second end face.
The provision of a predetermined separation area provides the advantage of simplifying the separation of the outer component from the container. In particular, a predetermined separation area which is arranged along the aforementioned second length can be advantageous. It can be sufficient if the predetermined separation area does not extend along the entire longitudinal extension or construction height of the jacket of the outer component, but only extends from the lower first end face to the first receiving area end face. It is also possible for the predetermined separation area to be configured in such a way that the entire outer component is not separated when the predetermined separation area is separated, and rather that it partially remains on the container, but that a user is nevertheless granted access to the contents of the container, that is to say that a sealing element is removable after the partial separation.
Predetermined separation areas are fundamentally known in the art in many configurations. The term tear portion is also common. For example, a predetermined separation area as disclosed in WO 2020/245148 A1 from the same applicant is conceivable. It is also possible for the overlap section of the end portions of the outer component to also form the predetermined separation area. For example, the overlap section can be configured as a detachable adhesive bond between the overlapping end portions.
Furthermore, it can be provided for the area to be configured with a fold line, said fold line being configured concentrically to the jacket of the outer component in relation to a longitudinal axis of the jacket of the outer component, and for the area between the fold line and the second end face to have a fold line, said fold line being foldable in a radial direction, i.e. inwardly, to the longitudinal axis of the jacket of the outer component, and said fold line optionally having a tab, said tab being joinable with the second receiving area.
The provision of a folding area provides the advantage of being able to enable complete or partial coverage of the open end of a container. For instance, with the aid of the folding area, the area or a part of the area can be folded in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the container, i.e. more or less inwardly. This can be useful for decorative purposes, but also to improve lateral pressure stability. This is particularly the case if a wrapped container is sealed at its open end by a sealing element with comparatively low lateral pressure stability, such as a thin plate or foil. In the outer component's non-wrapped state, the fold line has a substantially circular arc shape and is parallel to the first or second end face, or concentric with relation to the center of the circle of the circular ring segment shaped outer component.
According to an advantageous further embodiment, it can also be provided for the pre-cut part or the outer component to be made from cellulose or to comprise cellulose. On the one hand, this can improve the printing and optical design of a container wrapped with the cuff-like outer component, and on the other hand can reduce the amount of plastic material to be disposed of. A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cellulose is made from recycling material or comprises recycling material. That can save raw material resources. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the pre-cut part or the outer component to comprise a polymer material or composite material.
The invention also relates to a combination packaging container comprising
The jacket of the outer component has a receiving area and an area which when viewed in longitudinal extension is arranged between the receiving area and the second end face. A section of the open end and/or a section of the sealing element of the container is received in the receiving area of the jacket of the outer component.
The combination packaging container according to the invention provides the surprising advantage that, due to the receiving area and the area arranged between the receiving area and the second end face when viewed in longitudinal extension, it can be ensured that the outer component and the cup-shaped container around which the outer component is wrapped have to be separated from one another to enable access to a product contained within the container. Improved separation and improved recycling can thereby be ensured. Furthermore, the outer component can form a high-quality and attractive outer packaging of a container, wherein the outer component can also fulfil a function as proof of originality and thus serves as “tamper evident”.
The outer component is suited in particular, but not exclusively, to wrapping around reusable containers, in particular reusable plastic containers. Following separation from the wrapped container as required to use the container, the outer component can be put into recycling in a largely sorted manner, whilst a container can be subjected to a re-use process.
The fact that a section of the open end and/or a section of the sealing element of the container is received in the receiving area of the jacket ensures that a user only then gains access to the contents of the container once they have removed the outer component and then, as is known per se, have removed the sealing element. Precisely because this separation is essential due to construction, it is simultaneously guarantees that the outer component can be put into special recycling, and also assures the user that they are the first person to open the container.
This configuration can cause the outer component to be substantially locked in the direction of its longitudinal extension or in the axial direction of the container's longitudinal axis due to the connection with the open end of the cup-shaped container, such that an axial movement or an axial displacement of the outer component in relation to the container can be prevented or at least largely restricted or limited. Moreover, it can also be expedient if a radial movement of the outer component in relation to the container is prevented or limited following receipt of the container in the receiving area of the container. To ensure this, corresponding protrusions projecting in a radial direction to the longitudinal axis can be configured in the open end of the container which can interact with the end portions of the receiving area, practically as a stopping means.
The sealing element can be a foil, such as a sealing plate or sealing foil. The sealing element can, however, alternatively or additionally be configured as a lid, such as a screw-top lid or a hinged lid. A sealing element configured as a press-on or snap-on lid is also conceivable. Depending on the configuration of the sealing element, the open end can be configured with a sealing edge, a flange, a collar, a press lip, a thread etc. It can in any case be expedient for a section of the open end to protrude beyond the container jacket and beyond the jacket of the outer component in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis or conical axis, such that the receipt of precisely said protruding section in the receiving area can be ensured.
An advantageous embodiment provides for the section of the outer component to extend beyond the open end of the container when viewed in longitudinal extension.
In accordance with a further embodiment, it is possible for the sealing element to be configured such that it can only be removed once the outer component has been removed from the container.
That provides the advantage that it can enable proof of first opening.
Moreover, it can be expedient for the sealing element to be connected to the jacket of the outer component, and for the sealing element to be configured in such a way that removal is enabled simultaneously with the removal of the outer component from the container.
That provides the advantage of simplifying usage in that both the outer component and the sealing element can be removed in one step. In particular if the outer component is configured with a folding area, the folding area or a tab on the folding area can be connected or glued to the sealing element, in particular with a sealing foil, such that the sealing foil can be removed together with the folding area. That can also simplify recycling. That is particularly the case if the sealing element and the outer component also remain connected to one another after removal, and if the sealing element and the outer component are at least substantially made from material which can be recycled together.
Furthermore, it can be provided for the jacket of the outer component to extend beyond a section of the container jacket, preferably between one quarter and two thirds of the container jacket. A section of the container height can thus be covered by the outer component, wherein the section of the container jacket facing the container base remains uncovered by the outer component and thus visible to a user. In particular, it is possible that the jacket of the outer component extends longitudinally across a section of the container jacket. A section of the container height is thus covered by the jacket of the outer component.
This provides the advantage of improving sustainability by saving on material.
Furthermore, it can be provided for the area to be configured with a fold line, said fold line being configured concentrically to the jacket of the outer component in relation to a longitudinal axis of the jacket of the outer component, and for the area between the fold line and the second end face to have a folding area, said folding area being folded in a radial direction to the longitudinal axis of the jacket of the outer component, such that the folding area partially or fully covers the open end, in particular the sealing element.
The provision of a folding area provides the advantage of being able to enable complete or partial coverage of the open end of a container. For instance, with the aid of the folding area, the area or a part of the area can be folded in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the container, i.e. more or less inwardly. This can be useful for decorative purposes, but also to improve lateral pressure stability. This is particularly the case if a wrapped container is sealed at its open end by a sealing element with comparatively low lateral pressure stability, such as a plate or foil.
According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the folding area to have a tab, said tab being connected to the second receiving area.
This provides the advantage of enabling a stable additional covering of the sealing element. The second receiving area thereby advantageously fulfils an additional function, namely a connection function with the tab in addition to the receipt of a section of the container.
According to an advantageous further embodiment, it can be provided for the container jacket and the jacket of the outer component to have a substantially truncated cone shape and to be arranged around a shared conical axis, and for a first angle between the container jacket and the conical axis to be the same size or larger than a second angle between the jacket of the outer component and the conical axis.
This provides the advantage of enabling a good connection or coupling between the outer component and the container.
Depending on the exact shape of the container or the outer component, it is possible for the longitudinal axis and the conical axis to be identical or congruent.
In particular, it can be advantageous for the open end and/or the sealing element to have a collar that protrudes beyond the container jacket in a radial direction to the conical axis, i.e. when viewing the container at 90° to the conical axis, wherein a third angle between the conical axis and an imaginary intersecting line is formed, said intersecting line extending from an outermost point of the collar to the conical axis and intersecting the first end face, wherein the third angle is greater than the second angle. An outermost point of the collar is thereby a point furthest away from the longitudinal axis or conical axis in radial direction. Naturally, it is possible for there to be several such outermost points on the collar if it is configured symmetrically, in particular a circumferential outermost circle upon which the outermost points are located.
This provides the advantage of enabling a good connection or coupling between the outer component and the container.
Depending on the type and configuration of the container and the sealing element, it can be expedient for the collar to be configured with a flange, a thread, or a press lip.
The collar can be circular and when viewing the container in axial direction can extend constantly outwards over the jacket. It is, however, also possible for the open end to have a collar which partially protrudes beyond the container jacket. That can mean, for instance, that the open end is configured with protrusions or lips that extend across the container jacket in a radial direction to the conical axis, i.e. at 90° to the conical axis when viewing the container. These protrusions or lips can be received as a section of the open end and/or a section of the sealing element of the container in the receiving area of the jacket of the outer component. Such a collar that partially protrudes over the container jacket can, for example, also be configured as an elliptical collar which extends in a radial direction to the conical axis, i.e. 90° to the conical axis when viewing the container, for instance at two opposing positions across the container jacket. Such an elliptical collar can be received as a section of the open end and/or a section of the sealing element of the container in the receiving area of the jacket of the outer component.
Furthermore, it can be provided for the container to be a reusable container, in particular a reusable container comprising plastic.
This provides the advantage of further improving the sustainability of the combination packaging container. Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the plastic material to be a recycled material, or to be made at least partially from a recycled material.
According to an advantageous further embodiment, it can be provided for the container to have an orientation means in the base area, in particular a groove or an elevation which is configured to fix and/or position the container.
The orientation means configured in the base, in particular on the bottom of the base, can be configured as a protrusion or recess. The container base can be fixed and aligned by engaging a coupling means of an apparatus to attach the outer component on the container with this orientation means in the container base. This can simplify the attachment of the outer component both in the case of wrapping and in the case of axial sliding. The orientation means can be configured as a dovetail in the container base, for example. A tool or coupling means of an apparatus can engage with the orientation means, for instance by interlocking, expansion, or vacuum.
The invention also relates to a method for producing a combination packaging container. The method comprises the following method steps:
The method according to the invention for producing a combination packaging container provides the surprising advantage that, in particular when the method is carried out in the described order, a combination packaging container as described above and with the aforementioned advantages can be produced in an efficient manner.
An alternative order of the described method steps would be fundamentally conceivable. For instance, it is also possible for the container to first be wrapped with the outer component or for the outer component to be placed on the container, and for the container to only then be filled and sealed. In this case, the open end of the container has to be configured in such a way that it is still possible to apply the sealing element once the outer component has been mounted.
The formation of the outer component from the pre-cut part can be carried out by directly wrapping onto the container. It can be provided for the container to be placed on a wrapping mandrel.
Instead of directly wrapping the container with the outer component, it is also possible to form the outer component by axially sliding the outer component onto the container, wherein the first end face is facing the base and the second end face is facing the open end of the inner container. Specifically, the formation of the outer component and the joining of the first end portion and the second end portion in the overlap area can be performed in a separate method step, with the thus formed outer component only being axially slid onto the inner container from below in a further method step.
The invention also relates to a method for opening a combination packaging container, in particular the first opening of a filled and originally sealed combination packaging container. The combination packaging container comprises a cup-shaped container, wherein the container has a container jacket having an open end, said open end being sealed with a sealing element, and which has a closed end with a base. The combination packaging container further comprises an outer component, said outer component covering the container, wherein the outer component is made from a pre-cut part, said pre-cut part having a fundamentally circular ring segment basic shape, said pre-cut part having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the pre-cut part is wrapped into a jacket where the first end portion and the second end portion are joined with one another in an overlap area, wherein the outer component further has a first end face and a second end face and the first end face and the second end face are spaced apart from one another, wherein the outer component has a longitudinal extension extending from the first end face to the second end face, wherein a predetermined separation area is provided for in the jacket, and wherein the jacket of the outer component has a receiving area and an area, said area being arranged between the receiving area and the second end face when viewed longitudinally, wherein one section of the open end and/or one section of the sealing element is received in the receiving means.
The method comprises the following method steps:
The separation of the outer component from the container by opening the predetermined separation area can be total or partial. In case of partial separation, the outer component or a part of the outer component is separated in such a way that removal of the sealing element is possible thereafter.
The method according to the invention for opening a combination packaging container provides the surprising advantage that the user is shown, or is assured, that they are carrying out the first opening of the originally sealed container. Furthermore, the user is more or less forced to separate the outer component from the container, and is thus encouraged to recycle it because they would otherwise not gain access to the product in the container. This contributes significantly to sustainability. This is particularly the case if the method for opening or first opening is performed in the described order.
Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.
In the drawings,
It is worth noting here that the same parts have been given the same reference numerals or same component configurations in the embodiments described differently, yet the disclosures contained throughout the entire description can be applied analogously to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component configurations. The indications of position selected in the description, such as above, below, on the side etc. refer to the figure directly described and shown, and these indications of position can be applied in the same way to the new position should the position change.
The term “in particular” is understood hereinafter as denoting a possible special embodiment or more exact specification of an object or method step, but not necessarily an essential, preferred embodiment of the same or an essential procedure.
In their use herein, the terms “comprising”, “refers to”, “having”, “includes”, “including”, “contains”, “containing” and any variations thereof cover a non-exclusive inclusion.
The term “selectively” may also be used. This is understood such that the method step or system component is fundamentally present, but that it can be used depending on the conditions of use, but use thereof is not essential.
The figures are largely described jointly hereinafter to avoid unnecessary repetitions. Special features and differences between the figures and example embodiments are described in more detail.
In particular, it is provided for the flat pre-cut part 13 to have a substantially circular ring segment basic shape, wherein the pre-cut part 13 has a first end portion 14 and a second end portion 15. The two end portions 14, 15 are preferably each aligned along an imaginary line leading to the center of the circular ring segment basic shape. The pre-cut part 13 can be wrapped into a jacket. The first end portion 14 and the second end portion 15 can be joined together in an overlap area 16. By wrapping the pre-cut part, the end portions 14, 15 can be joined with one another in an overlap area 16 shown here in a simplified representation. This can be performed using what is known as an overlap seam, whereby the first end portion 14 and the second end portion 15 are bonded together, e.g. using a layer of adhesive 49. The first end portion 14 of the pre-cut part 13 ends with a first longitudinal edge 17 and the second end portion 15 ends with a second longitudinal edge. The two longitudinal edges 17, 18 can, when viewing the pre-cut part 13 in its flat state or non-wrapped state, preferably each be aligned along an imaginary line leading to the center of the circular ring segment basic shape. Furthermore, the pre-cut part 13 can have a longitudinal edge length 50 in the area of the first end portion 14, in particular on the first longitudinal edge 17. For the purposes of viewing the longitudinal edge length 50, a potential shortening of the actual longitudinal edge length due to rounding off or chamfering is disregarded here.
In the overlap area 16 and in a folded state, the two longitudinal edges 17, 18 run roughly parallel to one another, wherein the overlap area 16 is formed in between with an overlap width when viewed in the circumferential direction of the jacket. In particular it can be provided for the second end portion 15 to be externally overlapping the first end portion 14 when the outer component 12 is wrapped. It is self-evident that an arrangement is possible whereby the first end portion 14 is externally overlapping the second end portion 15.
The pre-cut part 13, or rather an outer component 12 formed from the pre-cut part, further has a first end face 19 and a second end face 20, wherein the first end face 19 and the second end face 20 are spaced apart from one another, wherein the pre-cut part 13 or the outer component 12 has a longitudinal extension 22 extending from the first end face 19 to the second end face 20. The end faces are hereby preferably substantially concentric in relation to the center of the circle of the circular ring segment basic shape. The two end faces 19, 20, which are spaced apart from one another, define the construction height 21 of the jacket when the outer component 12 is upright. In particular if the jacket of the outer component 12 is conical, the construction height 21 equates geometrically to the height of a cone when viewed in axial cross section. In particular if the jacket of the outer component 12 is conical, the longitudinal extension 22 equates geometrically to the length of the jacket line when viewed in axial cross section. When wrapped to form a jacket, the substantially circular ring segment shaped pre-cut part 13 necessarily forms a conical jacket. Accordingly, the maximum longitudinal extension 22 with a conical jacket of the outer component 12 is generally greater than the construction height 21 of the jacket. The longitudinal axis 8 described above can also define the shared longitudinal axis for the outer component 12, in particular if the outer component 12 is mounted on the container 2. The construction height 21 of the jacket is usually slightly smaller than the container height 9 of the container 2 in the same spatial direction, namely in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8.
The pre-cut part 13 or rather the outer component 12 made from it has a receiving area 23 and an area 24, said area 24 being arranged between the receiving area 23 and the second end face 20 when viewed in the longitudinal extension 22. The receiving area 23 is hereby configured as a recess, cut-out, hole or opening in the pre-cut part 13 or outer component 12.
The receiving area 23 shown in
The receiving area 23 can have a circular ring segment basic shape which is concentric to the circular ring segment basic shape of the pre-cut part 13. Furthermore, the receiving area 23 can have a first receiving area end face 28, said first receiving area end face 28 facing the first end face 19 and wherein the receiving area 23 has a second receiving area end face 29, said second receiving area end face 29 facing the second end face 20. The first receiving area end face 28 and the second receiving area end face 29 can be spaced apart from one another, wherein the receiving area 23 has a receiving area height 30 extending from the first receiving area end face 28 to the second receiving area end face 29. The receiving area height 30 can be oriented towards the type and configuration of the container 2 to be wrapped, or rather the section to be received 40, 41.
The second receiving area end face 29 which faces the second end face 20 can be spaced apart from the second end face 20 by a first length 31 when viewed in the longitudinal extension 22 of the outer component 12. The second receiving area end face 29 which faces the second end face 20 can be spaced apart from the first end face 19 by a second length 32 when viewed in the longitudinal extension 22 of the outer component 12. The maximum first length 31 and the maximum second length 32, or the sum of both lengths 31, 32, can define a maximum circular ring segment height 33, where said maximum circular ring segment height 33 equates in particular to a maximum longitudinal extension 22 or a maximum jacket line of the conical outer component 12 or a maximum construction height 21.
As shown in
The pre-cut part 13 or rather an outer component 12 made from it as shown in
Furthermore, a predetermined separation area 36 is provided for in the pre-cut part 13 or rather in the jacket of the outer component 12.
The container 2 is preferably formed by a component produced in a thermoforming process which can be manufactured in a swift and above all short cycle. The thermoforming process is well known in the art and is therefore not explained in more detail. Thermoforming is particularly suited to taking a layer of mouldable material and using a thermoforming tool to manufacture the container 2 with a sufficient wall thickness which ensures impermeability during storage and use until disposal. This manufacturing process can achieve relatively thin wall thicknesses for the inner container 2. The container 2 can, however, also be manufactured using other production processes, such as injection moulding.
Due to the cup or bowl shape of the container 2, a longitudinal axis 8 extends in an axial direction between the open end 5 and the closed end 7 with the base 3, where the longitudinal axis can also form a center axis if the container is symmetrical. It is possible for a sealing element 39, such as a sealing plate, to be arranged or connected in the area of the flange 6. In this case, the flange 6 forms a sealing flange.
In an axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8, the container 2 has a container height 9 between its open end 5, in particular the flange 6, and the base 3 according to which the capacity of the container 2 is determined depending on the cross-sectional dimensions. The container height 9 in conjunction with the cross-sectional dimensions thereby defines the receiving area of the container 2.
The container jacket 4 is understood as the portion of the container 2 which extends between the open end 5, in particular the flange 6, and the base 3 in a predominantly axial direction. The container 2 with its container jacket 4 is preferably configured in such a way that it tapers in a preferably conical way from the open end 5 to the base 3, and thus has a predominantly truncated cone shape. In this configuration, the longitudinal axis 8 corresponds to the conical axis 42.
The combination packaging container 1 further comprises an outer component 12 which is cuff-shaped or jacket-shaped and encases at least sections or areas of the container 2 in its container jacket 4 area.
The cuff-shaped outer component 12 is preferably made from a cellulose material such as card, with sufficient rigidity with respect to the absorption and transfer of axial pressures in particular, and is wrapped to form a jacket from a flat pre-cut part 13. The pre-cut part 13 is usually printed in its non-shaped, flat state and, where necessary, an additional coating is applied. In particular, it is of course possible for the pre-cut part 13 to be composed of several components. A cellulose material is usually used for the pre-cut part 13, wherein this can also be recycled card or kraft paper. Where a layer or ply of the outer component 12 is made from recycled material, an additional layer of high-quality paper can be arranged or bonded to at least one of the surfaces. This additional layer enables flawless printing of decorative elements, text, or product information.
The cuff-like or jacket-like outer component 12 provides an additional reinforcement or stiffening effect for the container 2 and thus for the entire combination packaging container 1. On the one hand, this provides high rigidity and good thermal insulation, and on the other hand optimum light protection for the contents of the packaging container.
In particular, it can be provided for the card in the area of the cut edges to be additionally coated or sealed with a water-repellent material. This is particularly advantageous if the combination packaging container 1 is exposed to increased moisture influx. Coating the card used for the outer component 12 with a water-repellent layer prevents swelling of the card in moist environments, which would ultimately cause the container jacket 4 to detach from the combination packaging container 1.
The container 2 can preferably be a reusable container which in particular is or comprises plastic or recycled plastic.
It is also possible for the container 2 to have an orientation means 52 in the base 3 area, in particular a groove or an elevation which is configured to fix and/or position the container 2 as shown schematically in
The jacket of the outer component 12 has a receiving area 23 and an area 24 which when viewed in longitudinal extension 22 is arranged between the receiving area 23 and the second end face 20. The outer component 12 is wrapped around the container 2 such that a section 40 of the open end 5 and a section 41 of the sealing element 39 of the container 2 is received in the receiving area 23 of the jacket of the outer component 12. The sections 40, 41 and part of the flange 6 or part of a collar 45 protrude beyond the jacket of the outer component 12 when the combination packaging container 1 is viewed in axial cross section in relation to an imaginary, shortest straight connecting line between the longitudinal axis 8 or conical axis 42 and the sections 40, 41.
The axial cross section in
The sealing element 39 is thereby configured or arranged in such a way that it can only be removed once the outer component 12 has been removed from the container 2. This is achieved in the example embodiment shown in
It would also be conceivable, but is not shown, for the sealing element 39 to be connected to the jacket of the outer component 12, and for the sealing element 39 to be configured in such a way that removal is enabled simultaneously with the removal of the outer component 12 from the container 2. For example, the sealing element 39 can be configured as a sealing plate, where said sealing plate can be adhered or otherwise connected to the jacket of the outer component 12 such that the sealing plate is removed together with the outer component 12.
The jacket of the outer component 12 can extend across a portion of the container jacket 4. The jacket of the outer component 12 preferably extends across a portion of the container jacket 4 amounting to a quarter to two thirds of the container jacket 4.
As shown in
Furthermore, the partial axial cross section represented in
The combination packaging container 1 shown in
The combination packaging container 1 shown in
The combination packaging containers 1 shown in
The container 2 can be fixed and/or positioned prior to wrapping with the outer component 12 or prior to the axial positioning of the outer component 12 by coupling a coupling element with an orientation means 52, in particular with a groove or elevation, in the base 3 area of the container 2.
The combination packaging containers 1 shown in
The example embodiments show possible embodiment variations, whereby it is noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiment variations represented herein, rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variations with one another are possible and this variation possibility is within the abilities of the skilled person in this technical field given the technical teachings provided by this invention.
The scope of protection is defined by the claims. The description and the drawings should, however, be consulted when interpreting the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various example embodiments shown and described herein can each represent individual solutions according to the invention. The respective underlying problem to be solved by the individual solutions according to the invention can be derived from the description.
All value ranges specified in the current description are to be understood such that they include any and all sub-ranges, e.g., the specification 1 to 10 is to be understood such that all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 are included, i.e., all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or more and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.
As a matter of form and by way of conclusion, it is noted that, to improve understanding of the structure, elements have partially not been shown to scale and/or enlarged and/or shrunk.
Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 50782/2022 | Oct 2022 | AT | national |
