Patent Application
20240327054
The invention to a combination packaging container formed from an inner container and an outer part. However, the invention also further relates to a method for manufacturing the combination packaging container and a method for separating the combination packaging container into its inner container and the outer part by separating the overlapping region of the outer part.
WO 2020/245148 A1 shares the same applicant and describes a generic, sleeve-shaped outer part formed from a blank cut, wherein the blank cut is wound to form a jacket and its end portions are connected to each other in an overlapping region. A target separation region comprises an actuating means with a detection portion for separating portions located on both sides. As seen in the circumferential direction, the detection portion is arranged at distance laterally with an offset in relation to the separating portions, which are aligned so as to taper toward one another, and an imagined straight connecting line therebetween. An individual target separation portion is formed in the jacket of the outer part between each detection portion end and a respective end of the separating portions. The lower end face of the outer part facing the closed end of the inner container is supported on a supporting shoulder, which projects radially outwards, thereby achieving a form-fitting, mutual hold between the outer part and the inner container. The outer part may detach from the inner container in an undesirable manner because of manufacturing inaccuracies caused by tolerance, a temperature change and/or moisture absorption of the blank cut preferably formed from a cellulose material.
Further packaging containers are known from EP 1 634 811 A1, US 2009/214887 A1, US 2008/105582 A1, WO 2014/098888 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 8,185,578 A, JP H02 153974 A, U.S. Pat. No. 8,387,857 B2 and US 2012/205430 A1.
It was an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a combination packaging container, comprising a cup-shaped inner container with a sleeve-shaped outer part surrounding it, in which the sleeve-shaped outer part can easily be removed from the inner container for recycling purposes.
According to the invention, a blank cut for an outer part is provided to encase a cup-shaped inner container, wherein the inner container has a container jacket, which has an open end and a closed end with a bottom,
The adhesive layer is configured such that the first end portion and the second end portion can be detached from one another again from the coupled state in the overlapping region.
The blank cut according to the invention offers the surprising advantage of improved separation of a combination packaging container wrapped with the blank cut by means of a detachable adhesive layer.
In a first embodiment, it can be provided that the blank cut is formed as one piece. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the blank cut itself to be formed from several parts, these individual parts of the blank cut also being able to adhere to one another by means of an adhesive layer.
Furthermore, it can be expedient for the blank cut to have a multilayer, composite structure, wherein a support layer, in particular made of a cellulose material, is formed and wherein a printing layer is arranged on the support layer at least in sections and wherein a sealing layer is formed at least in sections, wherein the printing layer is arranged at least in sections between the support layer and the sealing layer, wherein the adhesive layer is arranged on the sealing layer. The offers the advantage that the printing layer can furnish the blank cut or subsequently a combination packaging container wrapped with the blank cut with a desired design. The sealing layer can protect the printing layer or the support layer from environmental influences. Furthermore, the multilayer composite structure offers the surprising advantage that the first end portion and the second end portion can be detached particularly well in the overlapping region when a blank cut is applied to the combination packaging container, resulting in improved separability of the combination packaging container.
A support layer tensile strength between 2 N/mm2 and 20 N/mm2, in particular between 5 N/mm2 and 15 N/mm2, preferably between 8 N/mm2 and 12 N/mm2 can further be provided.
Further layers may be present between the individual layers or in addition to the individual layers.
Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the sealing layer to be partially recessed or interrupted in the region of the adhesive layer, so that the adhesive layer can bond directly to one of the layers below the sealing layer.
In particular, it can be provided that the sealing layer forms the outer surface of the blank cut or of the outer part. This measure offers the advantage of protecting the outer part from environmental influences. In addition, this measure surprisingly offers particularly good separability of a combination packaging container wrapped with the blank cut.
Furthermore, it can be provided that the sealing layer is formed from a heat-resistant lacquer. The heat resistance can be present up to a maximum temperature between 160° C. and 300° C. It can be particularly provided that a lacquer is selected, which can be exposed to a temperature of 180° C. to 200° C. over a period of 15 min. to 20 min. without destroying the lacquer film. This measure offers the advantage of creating a sealing layer, onto which a hot-melt adhesive can be applied without the hot-melt adhesive melting the sealing layer, thereby improving the detachability of the adhesive layer.
In particular, it can be provided that the adhesive layer can be peeled off the sealing layer without leaving residue or causing damage.
The lacquer can be particularly provided in water-based form. Furthermore, the lacquer in a printing machine can be transferred to a lacquering plate via a chamber doctor system-a pressurised chamber-via an anilox roller. The lacquer can be applied with a specific grammage of 0.5 g/cm2 to 1.5 g/cm2, in particular 0.8 g/cm2 to 1.2 g/cm2, preferably 0.95 g/cm2 to 1.05 g/cm2.
It can further be provided that, the printing layer is recessed in the region of the adhesive layer in the region of the first end portion, in particular that the sealing layer is arranged directly on the support layer in this region. This measure offers the surprising advantage of the adhesive layer being more easily detached from the first end portion of the blank cut, resulting in improved separability of the combination packaging container.
In particular, it can be provided that the printing layer recess extension is smaller than the overstretching of the overlapping region. This results in the visible surface of the outer part of the combination packaging container being able to have optical representation in its entirety on its outer surface.
In particular, it can be provided that the pressure recess has a recess depth and the overlap has an overlap depth, wherein the recess depth is smaller than the overlap depth.
According to the invention, an outer part is configured to encase a cup-shaped inner container, wherein the inner container has a container jacket that has an open end and a closed end with a bottom, wherein the outer part is formed from a blank cut, said blank cut having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the blank cut is wound into a jacket, thereby coupling the first end portion and the second end portion to one another in an overlapping region by means of an adhesive layer made of an adhesive, wherein the outer part further has a first end face and a second end face and the two end faces are spaced apart from one another. The adhesive layer is configured such that the first end portion and the second end portion can be detached from one another in the overlapping region.
The outer part according to the invention offers the surprising advantage in that it improves the separability of a combination packaging container wrapped with the outer part by using a releasable adhesive layer.
In a first embodiment, it can be provided that the outer part is formed as one piece. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the outer part to be formed from several parts, these individual parts of the outer part also being able to adhere to one another by means of an adhesive layer.
A combination packaging container is provided in accordance with the invention. The combination packaging container comprises:
The combination packaging container according to the invention offers the surprising advantage that a detachable adhesive layer improves the separation of the inner container wrapped with the outer part from one another for disposal. In particular, the measures according to the invention enable automated separation of the outer part from the inner container if the combination packaging container is excessively deformed in the empty state, as is the case with waste transport, for example. This results in complete separation of the outer part from the inner container. Thus, the combination packaging container can still be recycled even if the end user does not deliberately separate the outer part from the inner container to dispose of these separately from one another. The structure of the combination packaging container according to the invention prevents undesired detachment of the outer part from the inner container when the combination packaging container is full and improves separability for disposal.
According to an advancement, it is possible for the adhesive to be a hot-melt adhesive. This offers the advantage that a hot-melt adhesive can be applied simply to the blank cut or to the outer part during the manufacturing process and, moreover, offers surprisingly good detachability.
In an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable for the adhesive to be a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Furthermore, it may be expedient for the adhesive layer in the first end portion to abut against an outer surface and for the adhesive layer in the second end portion to abut against an inner surface, wherein the first end portion has a first tensile strength in the region of the outer surface against which the adhesive layer abuts, and the second end portion has a second tensile strength in the region of the inner surface against which the adhesive layer abuts, for the adhesive to have a peel strength,
Furthermore, it can be provided that the first end portion has a first tensile strength in the region of a first surface against which the adhesive layer abuts, and that the second end portion has a second tensile strength in the region of a second surface against which the adhesive layer abuts, and for the adhesive to have a peel strength,
In addition, it can be provided that the adhesive has a peel strength and a shear strength, wherein the adhesive is selected such that the shear strength is greater than the peel strength. This measure offers the surprising advantage that it prevents undesired separation of the two end portions and, at the same time, it can achieve desired separation of the two end portions during disposal.
Furthermore, it can be provided that the adhesive has a shear strength between 0.04 N/mm2 and 2 N/mm2, in particular between 0.09 N/mm2 and 1 N/mm2, preferably between 0.12 N/mm2 and 0.5 N/mm2 in adhesion to the sealing layer. This measure offers the surprising advantage that it prevents undesired separation of the two end portions and, at the same time, it can achieve desired separation of the two end portions during disposal.
According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the adhesive to have a peel strength between 0.0005 N/mm2 and 1 N/mm2, in particular between 0.001 N/mm2 and 0.01 N/mm2, preferably between 0.003 N/mm2 and 0.007 N/mm2 in adhesion to the sealing layer. This measure offers the surprising advantage that it prevents undesired separation of the two end portions and, at the same time, it can achieve desired separation of the two end portions during disposal.
According to an advantageous advancement, it can be provided that the adhesive has a tensile strength between 0.1 N/mm2 and 60 N/mm2, in particular between 1 N/mm2 and 30 N/mm2, preferably between 10 N/mm2 and 20 N/mm2. This measure offers the surprising advantage that it prevents undesired separation of the two end portions and, at the same time, it can achieve desired separation of the two end portions during disposal.
The strength values can be determined on the basis of the “DIN EN 1465 Adhesives-Determination of tensile lap-shear strength of rigid-to-rigid bonded assemblies” standard, for which the material pairing present on the product is referenced as the material pairing for determining the strength values.
In particular, it can be advantageous for the adhesive to have a peel strength, a shear strength and a tensile strength, wherein the adhesive is selected such that the tensile strength is greater than the shear strength and the tensile strength is greater than the peel strength. This measure offers the surprising advantage that it prevents undesired separation of the two end portions when the combination packaging container is full and, at the same time, it can achieve desired separation of the two end portions during disposal.
Furthermore, it can be provided that a first longitudinal edge is formed on the first end portion, the former having a first longitudinal edge length, wherein the adhesive layer has an elongated extension and is arranged to run parallel to the longitudinal edge. This offers the advantage that the outer part can be evenly glued over its entire height extension, thus having a homogeneous shape. This surprisingly leads to an improved hold of the outer part on the inner container in the state in which it is used and, moreover, to improved separability of the outer part from the inner container during disposal.
In addition, it can be provided that a length of the adhesive layer is between 100% and 80%, in particular between 99% and 85%, preferably between 97% and 93% of the first longitudinal edge length. This offers the advantage that the outer part can be evenly closed over its entire height extension, thus having a homogeneous shape. This surprisingly leads to an improved hold of the outer part on the inner container in the state in which it is used and, moreover, to improved separability of the outer part from the inner container during disposal. In particular, it can be provided that the adhesive layer is formed in the shape of a strip. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the adhesive layer is applied at intervals running parallel to the longitudinal edge, for example in the form of adhesive layer points, between the first end portion and the second end portion.
An embodiment according to which a width of the adhesive layer can be provided to be between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 1.5 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, is also advantageous. This offers the advantage that the outer part can be evenly closed over its entire height extension, thus having a homogeneous shape. This surprisingly leads to an improved hold of the outer part on the inner container in the state in which it is used and, moreover, to improved separability of the outer part from the inner container during disposal. In particular, it can be provided that the adhesive layer is formed in the shape of a strip. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the adhesive layer is applied at intervals running parallel to the longitudinal edge, for example in the form of adhesive layer points, between the first end portion and the second end portion.
According to an advancement, it is possible for the adhesive layer to be arranged at a distance from the second longitudinal edge between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 1.5 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm. This offers the advantage that the outer part can be evenly closed over its entire height extension and has no loose projecting regions, which would lead to an undesired separation of the outer part when handled with the combination packaging container. This surprisingly leads to an improved hold of the outer part on the inner container in the state in which it is used and, moreover, to improved separability of the outer part from the inner container during disposal.
In particular, it can be provided that the adhesive layer is formed in the shape of a strip. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the adhesive layer is applied at intervals running parallel to the longitudinal edge, for example in the form of adhesive layer points, between the first end portion and the second end portion.
Furthermore, it may be expedient for at least one target separation region to formed in the blank cut of the outer part, wherein the target separation region is configured in the form of a perforation in the blank cut of the outer part, wherein the target separation region is arranged at a distance from the adhesive layer. This offers the advantage that the outer part can also be optionally separated from the inner container by separation in the target separation region. According to conducted studies, the presence of the perforation encourages the end user to actively separate the outer part of the combination packaging container from the inner container and to dispose of these separately.
In addition, it can be provided that the inner container has a shoulder projecting radially outward in the region of the closed end, wherein the shoulder serves as an axial stop for the first end face of the outer part. This measure offers the advantage that the outer part can be prevented from slipping off the inner container in the axial direction, thereby preventing undesired separation of the outer part from the inner container prior to disposal.
Furthermore, it can be provided that the shoulder is configured to taper conically at least in sections from the open end to the closed end. This measure results in an improvement to the axial slidability of the outer part onto the inner container during the production of the combination packaging container.
According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the container jacket of the inner container to be configured to taper conically at least in sections from the open end to the closed end. These measures offer the advantage of improved stackability of a plurality of the combination packaging containers.
Method for producing a combination packaging container comprising the method steps:
In a first embodiment, it can be provided that forming the outer part and gluing the first end portion and the second end portion in an overlapping region takes place by means of an adhesive layer in a separate method step, and the outer part thus formed is slid onto the inner container only in a further method step by axial displacement.
In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable for the outer part to be wound or formed directly onto the inner container. In this case, it can be provided that the inner container is attached to a winding mandrel.
The method according to the invention offers the surprising advantage that a detachable adhesive layer improves the separation of the inner container wrapped with the outer part from one another for disposal. In particular, the measures according to the invention enable automated separation of the outer part from the inner container if the combination packaging container is excessively deformed in the empty state, as is the case with waste transport, for example. This results in complete separation of the outer part from the inner container. Thus, the combination packaging container can still be recycled even if the end user does not deliberately separate the outer part from the inner container to dispose of these separately from one another. The structure of the combination packaging container according to the invention prevents undesired detachment of the outer part from the inner container when the combination packaging container is full and improves separability for disposal.
In particular, it can be advantageous for a hot-melt adhesive to be used for applying the adhesive layer to the blank cut, said hot-melt adhesive being applied to an outer surface of the blank cut in the region of the first end portion before forming the outer part. Such a hot-melt adhesive can be applied simply to the blank cut and, in addition, offer improved separability.
In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the adhesive layer is applied to the blank cut before the outer part is formed in the region of the second end portion onto an inner surface of the blank cut.
It can further be provided that the hot-melt adhesive is originally present in granular form and is melted by heating, in particular to a temperature between 130° C. and 160° C., and is pressed through a nozzle for application to the outer surface of the blank cut. This measure offers the advantage of achieving a sufficient bond between the hot-melt adhesive and the blank cut.
According to the invention, a method for separating a combination packaging container with a cup-shaped inner container is provided, wherein the inner container has a container jacket having an open end and an closed end with a bottom, and an outer part encases the inner container, wherein the outer part is formed from a blank cut, said blank cut having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the blank cut is wound into a jacket and the first end portion and the second end portion are coupled to one another in an overlapping region by means of an adhesive layer made of an adhesive, wherein the outer part further has a first end face and a second end face and the two end faces are spaced apart from one another, wherein the first end face faces the bottom and the second end face the open end of the inner container. To separate the outer part from the inner container, the first end portion of the outer part and the second end portion of the outer part are detached from one another in the overlapping region on the adhesive layer.
This offers the advantage that the combination packaging container can still be recycled even if the end user does not deliberately separate the outer part from the inner container to dispose of these separately from one another.
In particular, it can be provided that the method for separating the combination packaging container is carried out when the combination packaging container is empty.
Another advantageous embodiment according to which it can be provided that, when the first end portion of the outer part and the second end portion of the outer part are detached from one another,
According to an advancement, in order to separate the outer part from the inner container, it is possible to detach the first end portion of the outer part and the second end portion of the outer part from one another in the overlapping region on the adhesive layer in that a compressive force (—F—) is applied in the direction of the combination packaging container and, in doing so, the outer part and the container jacket of the combination packaging container are spatially deformed, wherein the spatial deformation of the outer part and the container jacket in the region of the adhesive layer introduces a separating force, which results in the detachment of the adhesive layer from the first end portion or to the detachment of the adhesive layer from the second end portion. In this way, separation of the combination packaging container is achieved by the ambient conditions during waste transport, for example. Particularly during transport in a garbage truck, large forces and thus large deformations act on the combination packaging container, thus leading to separation of the outer part from the inner container.
Furthermore, it may be expedient for the spatial deformation of the outer part to include an axial deformation that is greater than 1.5 cm from an undeformed state of use and/or a radial deformation that is greater than 2 cm from an undeformed state of use. In this way, separation of the combination packaging container is achieved by the ambient conditions during waste transport, for example. Particularly during transport in a garbage truck, large forces and thus large deformations act on the combination packaging container, thus leading to separation of the outer part from the inner container.
A sleeve-shaped outer part can further be provided for encasing a cup-shaped inner container to form a combination packaging container,
The resulting advantage is that the support region or support portion already defined by the first end face on the shoulder of the inner container is further improved by the provision or formation of the additional support device. In the undeformed configuration of the bottom-end region of the blank cut or of the outer part formed therefrom, the additional support device reduces the clear inner dimension with respect to the undeformed configuration, thereby achieving an even better latching effect on the inner container. Manufacturing inaccuracies caused by tolerance therefore result in no further disadvantages in the stationary positioning of the outer part on the inner container, even without the adhesive point usually applied for securing purposes between the container jacket and the outer part. This creates an outer part that can also be detached more easily from the inner container for disposal.
An advantageous configuration provides that the additional support device comprises at least one support element and the at least one support element defines the clear inner dimension. The at least one support element forms the additional support device and, starting from the undeformed bottom-side edge region or edge portion of the outer part, projects in the direction of the longitudinal axis and forms the reduction of the clear internal dimension.
Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the at least one support element to be moulded into the material of the blank cut starting from an outer surface of the outer part in the direction of an inner surface and projecting in the radial direction beyond the undeformed inner surface in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The material can thus be used directly to form the at least one support element, meaning additional components can thus be dispensed with. No additional material is therefore used, which would otherwise have to be treated separately during separation and disposal.
Another embodiment is characterized in that the at least one support element has a longitudinal extension starting from the first end face in the direction of the second end face. Thus, a defined projection of the at least one support element beyond the inner surface of the blank cut or outer part can be realised, which forms the enlargement or widening of the bottom-side support region.
A further possible embodiment has the features that a plurality of support elements are provided and the support elements are arranged spaced apart from one another along the first end face in the circumferential direction. As a result, it is possible to achieve an even better supporting effect viewed over the circumference even under changing environmental conditions and/or during handling.
A further configuration provides that the additional support device comprises at least one forming portion, said at least one forming portion being moulded into the material of the blank cut starting from an inner surface of the outer part in the direction of an outer surface, the at least one forming portion being arranged at a distance from the first end face. An alignment of the edge portion in the opposite direction can consequently be formed.
Another embodiment is characterized in that the at least one forming portion, viewed in axial section, has a preferably curved longitudinal extension and an end portion adjoining the forming portion in the direction of the first end face oriented so as to be inclined in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This achieves additional stiffening of the bottom-side end portion or peripheral edge region.
A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one forming portion has a parallel longitudinal extension in relation to the first end face. This achieves uniform formation of the additional support device projecting in the direction of the inner container.
Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the forming portion to be arranged so as to extend continuously along the first end face in the circumferential direction. This achieves a secure and uniform supporting effect over the entire circumference, in particular for inner containers with a round cross-sectional shape.
Another alternative embodiment is characterized in that a plurality of forming portions are provided, the forming portions being arranged spaced apart from one another along the first end face in the circumferential direction. This alternative can be used in particular for inner containers with container walls running rectilinearly as seen in cross section, which each have a rounded corner region in transition regions located therebetween. This avoids the undesired formation of folds in the transition regions.
A further configuration intends for an adhesive to be provided in the overlapping region between the two end portions, said adhesive having a first adhesive force value viewed in the circumferential direction and having a second adhesive force value in the radial direction, wherein the first adhesive force value is greater than the second adhesive force value. Adhesion can be formed at a higher level when viewed in the circumferential direction as a result of the differing adhesive force values of the adhesive holding the blank cut together at its end portions facing one another one the one hand, and on the other hand, when a force deviating therefrom is applied, this enables a lighter separating effect with reduced adhesive force. This facilitates the separation process of the overlapping region during separation of the outer part from the inner container. If a compressive force is exerted in the direction of the inner container, this can lead simply to mutual detachment of the two end portions connected to one another. A simple separation process of the outer part from the inner container can also be carried out during disposal in this way.
Another embodiment is characterized in that at least one target separation region is formed or provided in the jacket of the outer part. A further method of detachment of the outer part from the inner container is intended by providing the outer part jacket with an individual target separating region. This enables the user or consumer of the combination packaging container to carry out targeted separation thus properly separating the materials in a known manner after consuming the contents.
A further configuration provides that the sleeve-shaped outer part is supported in the axial direction on the shoulder of the inner container by means of its additional supporting device without using an additional adhesive. Thus, after the combination packaging container has been used, separating it into the inner container and the outer part is even easier and above all safer. After the separation process of the outer part, the outer part still forms a piece that belongs together, which can be fed simply and above all in one piece to the proper disposal and recyclable materials collection. Dispensing with the additional adhesive means a saving and also avoiding possible contamination of the machine when applying the adhesive.
In a further alternative variant, it can be provided that a segment of the outer part is bonded to the inner container and that this segment remains on the inner container after the outer part has been separated from the inner container, this segment being coupled to the remaining parts of the outer part by means of an adhesive layer. In particular, it can be provided that this segment has only a small extension so that there is only a slight contamination of the plastic waste. This measure offers an improved hold of the complete outer part to the inner container in order to avoid undesired detachment. In particular, it can be provided that the segment remaining on the inner container is dimensioned such that the mass of the segment remaining on the inner container is less than 5% of the mass of the inner container.
The figures below elaborate on the invention to offer better understanding thereof.
The figures show in greatly simplified, schematic depiction:
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 in the following to be a possible, more specific configuration or further specification of subject matter or a method step but not necessarily to mean a mandatory, preferred embodiment of the same or a mandatory procedure.
In their present use, the terms “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes”, “including”, “contains”, “containing” and any variations thereof are intended to be non-exclusive in nature.
A further term, “optional(ly)” can also be used. This is understood to mean that this method step or plant component is basically present, but is only used depending on the operating conditions, though this does not necessarily need to be the case.
The inner container 2 is preferably formed by a component produced in a deep-drawing process, which can be produced quickly and above all in a short cycle time. The process of deep-drawing is well known and therefore requires no further explanation. The deep-drawing process is particularly suitable for producing the inner container 2 with a sufficient wall thickness from a layer of a formable material to be formed by means of a deep-drawing tool, said wall thickness ensuring sealing during storage, use and up to disposal. This manufacturing process enables the production of relatively thin inner container 2 wall thicknesses. However, the inner container 2 can also be shaped by means of other manufacturing methods, e.g.: by an injection moulding process.
As a result of the cup-shaped or dish-shaped configuration of the inner container 2, a longitudinal axis 5, which can also represent a central axis in a symmetrical configuration, extends in the axial direction between the open end 3 and the closed end 7 with the bottom 8. It is possible to arrange or connect a sealing lid (not shown in detail) in the region of the flange 6. In this case, the flange 6 forms a sealing flange.
In the axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8, the inner container 2 has a container height 5 between its open end 6, in particular the flange 3, and the bottom 9, as a result of which the receiving volume of the inner container 2 is determined as a function of the cross-sectional dimensions. A receiving space of the inner container 9 is thus defined by the container height 2 in conjunction with the cross-sectional dimensions.
The container jacket 4 is understood to be that portion of the inner container 2, which extends in the predominantly axial direction between the open end 5, in particular the flange 6, and the bottom 3. The inner container 2 with its container jacket 4 is preferably configured such that it preferably tapers conically starting from the open end 5 towards the bottom 3.
Furthermore, the container jacket 4 of the inner container 2 can have an undercut 3 in its circumferential portion adjacent to the bottom 10. The undercut 10 is also part of the container jacket 4, but viewed in axial section, is arranged offset inwardly with respect to an imagined, rectilinear connecting line between the flange 6 and the bottom 3. The undercut 10 itself has at least two undercut wall portions not described in further detail, the two undercut wall portions viewed in axial section having a different inclination or direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 8 than the rest of the container jacket 4. For this purpose, the undercut 10 is arranged between the flange 4 and the bottom 6 inwardly and thus offset in the direction of the receiving space in relation to the arrangement of the container jacket 3, which extends in a rectilinear manner as seen in axial section.
Viewed in axial section, the first undercut wall portion directly adjoining the bottom 3 is arranged or configured to extend predominantly in the direction of the container height 9 towards the open end 5. The further undercut wall portion extends in a predominantly perpendicular direction in relation to the container height 9, starting from the end of the first undercut wall portion facing away from the bottom 3, towards the container jacket 4. In the present embodiment, the further undercut wall portion forms a stacking shoulder. This stacking shoulder serves to support a similar combination packaging container 1 with its bottom 3, in particular the edge-side transition portion between the bottom 3 and the container jacket 4.
Furthermore, the inner container 2 can be provided with a shoulder 3 or a bead projecting on the side facing away from the longitudinal axis 4 in the immediate transition region between the bottom 3 and the container jacket 10, in particular between the bottom 8 and the undercut 11. The shoulder 11 or the bead can be configured circumferentially. It is further conceivable for the shoulder 11 or the bead to be configured in sections.
The combination packaging container 1 further comprises an outer part 12, which is formed to be cuff shaped or jacket shaped and surrounds the inner container 2 in the region of its container jacket 4 at least in portions or regions.
The above-described shoulder 11 can serve to axially fix the cuff-shaped outer part 12 to the inner container 2, for example. In this case, the sleeve-shaped outer part 12, with its first end face 3 facing the bottom 2 of the inner container 19, is supported on this shoulder 11 formed in the transition region. The shoulder 11 can therefore also be referred to as a latching means for holding the outer part 12 on the inner container 2. In its longitudinal extension, the end face 19 forms an end edge, which defines a support region and is supported so as to adjoin the shoulder at least in sections in the joined position. To simply axially join the outer part 12 to the inner container 2, it can be provided that the shoulder 11 is configured to taper conically at least in sections from the open end 5 towards the closed end 7.
Furthermore, the sleeve-shaped outer part 12 comprises a second end face 20, which in turn faces the open end 5 or the flange 6.
The sleeve-shaped outer part 12 is preferably formed from a cellulose material, such as a cardboard material, with sufficient strength with respect to the absorption and transmission of, in particular, axially acting compressive forces, and is wound from a planar blank cut 13 into a jacket, as is already sufficiently known. The blank cut 13 is usually printed upon in its undeformed planar position and, as required, also provided with an additional coating. It is of course also conceivable that the blank cut 13 is configured in multi-part form. A cellulose material is usually used as the material for the blank cut 13; this can also be a cardboard or strong paper produced by recycling. If a layer of the outer part 12 is formed from a recycled material, an additional layer of a higher quality paper can be arranged on or connected to at least one of the surfaces. This additional layer enables perfect printing for the production of decorations, inscriptions and product information.
The sleeve-like or jacket-like outer part 12 offers an additional reinforcement or stiffening effect of the inner container 2 and thus of the entire combination packaging container 1.
This offers high strength and good thermal insulation on the one hand and optimal light protection for the packaging container contents on the other hand.
It can also be particularly provided that the cardboard be additionally coated or sealed with a water-repellent material in the region of the cut edges. This is particularly advantageous if the combination packaging containers 1 are exposed to high levels of moisture. The coating of the cardboard used for the outer part 12 with a water-repellent layer prevents swelling of the cardboard in a moist environment and ultimately detachment from the container jacket 4 of the combination packaging container 1.
The sleeve-shaped outer part 12 is wound from the mostly planar blank cut 13 to a jacket. It can further be provided that the adhesive layer 48 is applied to an outer surface 14 of the blank cut 42 in the region of the first end portion 13. The adhesive can be present in granulate form and melted in this case. In its molten state, the adhesive can subsequently be sprayed onto the outer surface 42 of the end portion 14 by means of a nozzle. By winding the blank cut, end portions 14, 15 facing one another are connected to one another in an overlapping region 16 shown in a simplified manner. This is achieved by what is known as an overlap seam, with which the first end portion 14 and the second end portion 15 adhere to one another by means of an adhesive layer 48, for example. The first end portion 14 of the blank cut 13 ends with a first longitudinal edge 17 and the second end portion 15 in turn ends with a second longitudinal edge 18. In the overlapping region 16, the two longitudinal edges 17, 18 extend approximately parallel to one another, the overlapping region 16 configured with an overlap width formed therebetween viewed in the circumferential direction. In particular, it can be provided that, in the wound state of the outer part 12, the second end portion 15 protruding over the first end portion 14 on the outside.
The cuff-shaped outer part 12 can be wound with the help of a winding mandrel.
The outer part 12 further has the first end face 19 and the second end face 20, the two end faces 19, 20 being spaced apart from one another and defining a structural height 21 of the jacket in the raised state. The above-described longitudinal axis 8 can also define the common longitudinal axis for the outer part 12, in particular when the outer part 12 is in its mounted position on the inner container 2. The structural height 21 of the jacket is mostly slightly less than the container height 9 of the inner container 2 in the same spatial direction; namely in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8.
A possible, but not mandatory arrangement and/or configuration for the separating the outer part 12 from the inner container 2 is described in the following. This is what is known as a target separation region 22, which is arranged and configured in the material of the outer part 12. The following detailed description of the target separation region 22 corresponds to the configuration as already described in WO 2020/245148 A1. However, the target separation region 22 could also be configured in a different and deviating manner.
In order to enable a defined separation and a resulting subsequent separate disposal of the inner container 2 and outer part 12 for a consumer, at least one target separation region 12 formed in the jacket of the outer part 22 is provided. For this purpose, the target separation region 22 comprises a first separating portion 23, a second separating portion 24 and an actuating means 25 for starting and beginning the separation process of the target separation region 22 along the two separating portions 23, 24. The actuating means 25 is arranged between the two end faces 21, 19 viewed in the direction of the structural height 20 of the jacket. In this case, it is advantageous for the actuating means 25 to be arranged approximately centrally between the two end faces 21, 19 spaced apart from one another in the direction of the structural height 20, this corresponding essentially to half the structural height 21. In regard to the actuating means 25, the indication “central” refers to half of its size in the direction of the structural height 21 or the longitudinal axis 8. The two separating portions 23, 24 are provided on both sides of the actuating means 25 and each extend in the direction of the respective end face 19, 20.
Viewed in the direction of the structural height 21 of the jacket, the two separating portions 23, 24 of the target separation region 22 are each aligned so as to converge from the two end faces 19, 20 and thus define between them an imagined, rectilinear connecting line 26 shown in dashed lines. The converging alignment of the two separating portions 23, 24 is in relation to the direction towards the actuating means 25 in each case. The two separating portions 23, 24 can either be aligned with one another as viewed in the direction of the structural height 21 of the jacket, or they can also extend with at a slight incline with respect to the first longitudinal edge 17 in the direction of the actuating means 25 located between them. This slight inclination leads to additional improvements in the separation process after the two separating portions 23, 24 have been separated up to the two end faces 19, 20. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the two separating portions 23, 24 of the target separation region 22 to be configured in an arcuate shape. The two separating portions 23, 24 of the target separation region 22 can extend in a spiral shape, for example.
Depending on the configuration of the target separation regions described in more detail below, the imagined connecting line 26 is assumed to extend in a means of the target separation regions. The actuating means 25 in turn defines a detection portion 27 with a first detection portion end 21 and a second detection portion end 28 located at a distance from one another in the direction of the structural height 29. Thus, the two detection portion ends 28, 29, viewed in the direction of the structural height 21 of the jacket, are arranged at a distance 30 from one another or end there. Furthermore, it can also be seen that the detection portion 27 of the actuating means 25 is arranged or formed outside the overlapping region 16.
In this case, an arrangement of the actuating means 25 is provided, in which the detection portion 27, viewed in the circumferential direction, is arranged or formed at a distance laterally by an offset 23 with respect to the separating portions 24, 22 of the target separation region 26 and the straight connecting line 31 imagined therebetween. The offset 31 can have a value selected from a range of values with a lower limit of 1.0 mm and an upper limit of 10.0 mm. The value range can preferably have a lower limit of 2.0 mm and an upper limit of 6.0 mm.
The first separating portion 23 itself can have a first end 25 facing the actuating means 32, whereas the second separating portion 24 can have a second end 25 facing the actuating means 33. In the region of the imagined connecting line 26 between the two ends 32, 33, the jacket can be configured without interruption due to the provided lateral offset 31 of the actuating means 25. The arrangement of the two ends 21, 32 of the separating portions 33, 23 spaced apart from one another in the direction of the structural height 24 with respect to the detection portion 25 that forms the actuating means 27 is selected such that the first detection portion end 28 of the detection portion 27 overlaps the adjacent first end 32 of the first separating portion 23 on the side facing away from the second separating portion 24. As a result of the lateral offset 31 of the detection portion 27 on the side facing away from the overlapping region 16, a first target separation portion 34 is formed, viewed in the circumferential direction, in the jacket of the outer part 12 between the first detection portion end 28 and the first end 32 of the first separating portion 23.
It can further be provided that the second detection portion end 29 of the detection portion 27 overlaps the adjacent second end 33 of the second separating portion 24 on the side facing away from the first separating portion 23. Thus analogously to the first target separation region 34, a second target separation portion 29 is also formed in the jacket of the outer part 33 between the second detection portion end 24 and the second end 35 of the second separating portion 12. The two target separation portions 34, 35 are formed by the reduced dimension of the jacket material between the respective detection portion end 28 or 29 and the respective end 32 or 33. The two ends 32 and 33 of the separating portions 23, 24 are arranged closer to one another than the two detection portion ends 30 and 28 spaced apart from one another by the distance 29.
This makes it possible for a user of the combination packaging container 1 to grasp the actuating means 25 with its detection portion 27, subsequently to separate the two target separating portions 3435 starting from the detection portion 27 up to the respective ends 32, 33 of the two separating portions 23, 24 and subsequently to separate the two separating portions 23, 24 until the jacket has been completely separated. By doing so, the outer part 12 can be easily separated from the inner container 2 and a disposal can take place in a sorted manner. The two target separating portions 34, 35 each form starting portions for the separation of the two separating portions 23, 24.
Each of the two separating portions 23, 24 can comprise a plurality of target separation points arranged in series in a row, which are typically configured as perforations, in particular also as short cuts, in the material of the outer part 12.
This embodiment shows that the shape and position of the target separation points can be selected differently from one another. For this reason, target separation points arranged directly adjacent to the respective detection portion ends 28, 29 are designated first target separation points 36. The further target separation points provided respectively in the subsequent direction toward one of the two end faces 19, 20 are designated second target separation points 37 and third target separation points 38.
The target separation points 36, 37, 38 are configured and arranged in a mirror-image manner with respect to one another and to a plane 8—see
Furthermore, it is also shown in the lower left corner region of the combination packaging container 1 shown in section in
In this first embodiment shown here, the additional support device 40 comprises at least one support element 41, but preferably a plurality of support elements 19 arranged at a distance from one another along the first end face 41, which are arranged in a distributed manner over the circumference of the sleeve-shaped outer part 12. The individual support elements 41 can be moulded into the material of the blank cut 131313. The support elements 41 are moulded starting from an outer surface 42 of the outer part 12 in the direction of an inner surface 43 and are thus formed. Thus, these project in the radial direction over the undeformed inner surface 43 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8. The projection can have a value from a value range with a lower limit of 0.05 mm, in particular 0.1 mm, and an upper limit of 0.5 mm, in particular 0.2 mm.
A clear inner dimension 44 of the additional support device 41 formed by the supporting elements 40 is thus smaller than an internal dimension 45 of the outer part 12 in its undeformed configuration without the supporting elements 41. By moulding the at least one support element 41, the first end face 19 is also formed along its longitudinal extension and thus also forms a support surface for the outer part 12 on the shoulder 11. The longitudinal extension can also be formed in the form of a longitudinal corrugation.
The support element 41 or the support elements 41 have a longitudinal extension starting from the first end face 19 in the direction of the second end face 20. Thus, the support element 41 or the support elements 41 reach as far as the first end face 19. The length of the at least one support element 41 can be, for example, a few millimetres and depends on the size and configuration of the undercut 10. Possible examples are 2 mm to 15 mm, preferably 5 mm to 10 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the support element 41 or of the support elements 41 is only shown by way of example. Instead of the rather angular cross-sectional shape here, a rounded or arcuate cross-sectional shape would also be conceivable.
In
The previously described target separation region 22 is not shown in detail here, but can also be provided as has already been described above as a possible and optional alternative. Furthermore, the orientation of the individual support elements 41, starting from the first end face 19 facing the floor in the direction of the second end face 20, can be better seen here. Due to the arcuately curved longitudinal extension of the two end faces 19, 20 and their joint centre (centre of the radius), the individual support elements 41 also have a longitudinal extension oriented towards the centre.
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It is worth noting here that it is once again optionally possible to provide or to configure the target separation region 22 already described in detail above. For the sake of clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the depiction and description of the latter have been dispensed with.
For their part, the blank cut 13 and the outer part 12 formed therefrom comprise the additional support device 40, which, however, has a different configuration to the embodiment described above. By doing so, the additional support device 40 for forming the same comprises at least one forming section 46, which is also moulded into the material of the blank cut 13. In contrast to the embodiment described above, the at least one forming portion 46 is moulded starting from the inner surface 43 of the outer part 12 in the direction of its outer surface 42. Furthermore, the at least one forming portion 46 is arranged at a distance from the first end face 19 in the direction of the opposite second end face 20.
Viewed in axial section, the at least one forming portion 46 can have a longitudinal extension that is mostly curved outward. An end portion 46 adjoining the at least one forming portion 19 is provided in the direction of the first end face 47 and located thereupon, thereby forming or arranging a corresponding end portion 46 adjacent to each forming portion 47. The end portion 47 itself can be oriented so as to be inclined in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8.
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Deliberate, additional shaping of the blank cut 13 in the region of its first end face 19 results in the previously described end portion 47 with the first end face 19 located thereon forming or defining the at least one support element 41. In the raised position of the blank cut 41 with respect to the outer part 13, the at least one supporting element 12 in turn defines the clear inner dimension 44, which is smaller than an internal dimension 45 of the outer part 12 in its undeformed configuration without the forming portion 46. The bottom end of the outer part 12 is indicated in the undeformed position in dashed lines in
As a result of configuring and moulding the forming portion 46, it may be necessary to configure the undeformed height between the first and second end faces 19, 20 to be somewhat longer in order to subsequently achieve, on the one hand, support on the shoulder 11 and on the other hand, to be able to cover the container jacket 6 up to immediately adjacent to up to the flange 4.
However, it would also be possible to mould the forming portion 46 from the outer surface 42 in the direction of the inner surface 43 and thus forming a type of kink.
To mutually connect the end portions 14, 15 of the previously planar blank cut 13 facing one another during formation of the jacket, an adhesive layer 16 is preferably used in the overlapping region 48 to be formed. Said adhesive can be applied to one of the end portions 14 or 15 or to both as is well known.
Separation, disposal and subsequent recycling of the different materials is a significant challenge. The inner container 2 is mostly formed from a plastic or degradable material, which can be shaped in a thermoforming process. The outer part 12 is preferably formed from a cellulose material. The blank cut 13 can further be provided with a printed image on at least one of its planar sides, namely the outer surface 42 and/or the inner surface 43.
Since the separating process of the outer part 12 from the inner container 2 is mostly not carried out or only partially carried out by the consumer, it can be further provided here that the adhesive layer 16 arranged in the overlapping region 48 is configured such that the first end portion 14 and the second end portion 15 can be detached from the coupled state to one another again in the overlapping region 16.
In particular, it can be provided that, viewed in the circumferential direction and thus against tension or shear, the adhesive has a sufficiently high adhesive force value in order to ensure a sufficient mutual hold of the two end portions 1, 14 to one another under the usual loads on a filled combination packaging container 15.
However, if a compressive force —F— is applied to an empty combination packaging container 1 thus to be separated, and the outer part 12 and the container jacket 4 of the combination packaging container 1 are spatially deformed, the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 48 can be exceeded and the end portions 14, 15 held together detach from one another, at least in sections. The compressive force —F— can be applied to the combination packaging container 1 in a wide variety of directions and is at least partially converted into a separating force at least partially separating the overlapping region 16.
Compression can be carried out in the radial direction and/or also in the axial direction in this way, for example. In doing so, the entire combination packaging container 1 is spatially deformed. When a compressive force —F— is applied in the axial direction, both the outer part 12 and the container jacket 4 buckle in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8 and the separation of the overlapping region 16 can thus take place or be carried out.
By providing or forming the additional support device 40 in the edge portion immediately adjacent to the first end face 19, the sleeve-shaped outer part 12 can be even better and more securely supported in the axial direction on the shoulder 11 of the inner container 2 without the need or use of an additional adhesive. The adhesive point between the inner surface 43 of the outer part 12 and the container jacket 4, which was previously additionally attached for safety reasons, can thus be dispensed with and no longer need be provided. Thus, when the overlapping region 16 is separated with the adhesive used in the process and/or when the target separation region 22 is separated, an adhesive bond still undesired between the outer part 12 and the inner container 2 can be avoided.
Thus, the user of the combination packaging container 1 can need not carry out the separation process and can feed the complete combination packaging container 1 to the disposal. The separation process of the target separation region 22 is then carried out mechanically by a press or a squeezing device or under the weight of a large amount of waste during collection and/or during waste disposal.
Furthermore, in order for a person to carry out the separation process, it would also be possible to place the combination packaging container on a supporting surface either with its closed end or with its inner container open end, and subsequently for the compressive force —F— to be applied to the end facing away from the supporting surface in the direction of the supporting surface. Depending on the arrangement and positioning of the combination packaging container, the compressive force can thus easily be applied to the combination packaging container and introduced into it with human force, for example. That arrangement in which the compressive force is applied to the bottom can minimise the risk of injury.
It would also be possible to exert the compressive force —F— onto the combination packaging container in a parallel alignment with respect to a longitudinal axis extending between the open end and the closed end or in an alignment at an angle thereto with respect to the longitudinal axis. Thus, when force is introduced in parallel, the compressive force can simply be deflected into a tearing force acting predominantly in the radial direction for the most part, which causes to the outer part to burst in its overlapping region. Should a deviating force be introduced, the separation of the overlapping region can also be brought about by the spatial deformation.
If the above-described target separation area is also provided, the separation process of the combination packaging container 1 into its different components can be carried out optionally. This is done either by a person or in the course of the collection and disposal process.
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Furthermore, the individual support elements 41 can be cut on their underside, which faces the first end face 19. This is shown in dashed lines in
The support elements 41 shown in
The embodiments show possible design variants, however it is noted at this point that the invention is not restricted to the design variants of the same specifically shown, rather various combinations between the individual design variants are possible and these possible variants can be developed using the knowledge of the person skilled in the art working in this field based on the teachings of technical practice offered by the current invention.
The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be referenced for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions in themselves. The problem to be solved, upon which the independent, inventive solutions are based, 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 to 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.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 50131/2021 | Feb 2021 | AT | national |
| A 50737/2021 | Sep 2021 | AT | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/054494 | 2/23/2022 | WO |
