WO2005012115A1

WO2005012115A1 - Container

Info

Publication number: WO2005012115A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/006747
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianfranco D'amato
Original assignee: Seda S.P.A.
Priority date: 2003-07-10
Filing date: 2004-06-22
Publication date: 2005-02-10
Also published as: CN1845852A; US20050006449A1; CA2436292A1; RU2006101874A; NZ545141A; JP2005029255A; BRPI0412480A; NO20060380L; MXPA03007775A; KR20060073923A; RU2337869C2; EP1495981A2; AU2004261356A1; KR20080085069A; EP1495981A3; DE20310622U1; AU2004261356B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a container, especially for receiving food, said container comprising a wall provided with at least one layer. The inventive container has an extraction opening with a rolled opening edge and is closed on the end thereof opposing the extraction opening. At least the container wall is formed from a two-dimensional blank that is joined to form a continuous container wall. The aim of the invention is to enable the interior of one such container to be inspected in a simple, constructive and cost-effective manner, maintaining previous advantageous of the known container. To this end, said container, and especially the container wall, is formed at least partially from a transparent or translucent, especially liquid-tight or fluid-tight material that can be deformed in order to form the container and is dimensionally stable following the shaping.

Description

container

The invention relates to a container, in particular for holding a food with the features of claim 1 and a corresponding blank for producing such a container.

In practice, such containers are known, for example in the form of cups or the like, into which a foodstuff for storage and subsequent removal or also for the direct consumption of the foodstuff from the container is filled.

An example of a squeeze container is known from EP 0 074 936 B1. This squeeze container has a tubular body with a wall of at least two layers. At the upper end, a removal opening serves both for filling with the food and for eating the filled food. The squeeze container is closed at the lower end. A two-dimensional blank is used to manufacture the container, which is first rolled and then connected to itself to form a continuous container wall.

The material of the container wall is a relatively flexible and relatively rigid material such as waterproof paper or plastic. However, it is not possible to recognize in this known container whether something and possibly what has been filled into the container.

Another container is known from Japanese utility model publication JP 56-156777, which is also used to hold food. This container is made of a laminate of stiff paper and polyethylene layers applied to both sides of it. A lid for closing the container consists of a laminate made of aluminum foil and polyethylene layers applied on both sides. The container is opaque, so that the inside of the container is not visually visible. The invention has for its object to improve a container with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that an inspection of the interior of the container is possible in a simple constructive and cost-effective manner while maintaining all the advantages of the known containers.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a corresponding blank for producing such a container is also provided.

The container according to the invention is characterized by the use of a material for at least part of the container wall, which apparently combines opposing properties in an advantageous manner.

In order to be able to safely store the food in the container, the material according to the invention is preferably liquid or fluid tight. This prevents the entry and exit of liquid fluids and / or the entry and exit of gaseous fluids. In this context, gas-tightness may be sufficient for dry, in particular hesitable, foods, and gas-tightness may also be dispensed with if the food does not negatively change its properties relevant for consumption through contact with a gas such as 0 ₂ or the like.

At the same time, this material is transparent. This results in a number of advantages, such as, for example, that after the container has been produced from the corresponding blank, it can be determined optically in a simple manner whether the inside of the container contains foreign bodies and in particular contaminants or is damaged. This optical transparency of the squeeze container is present at least in the visible region (translucent) of the spectrum, but can also extend into the neighboring spectral regions, ie at least in the direction of the infrared and / or ultraviolet. The transparency also makes it possible to monitor the filling level in a simple manner when filling the corresponding food. In particular, monitoring can take place from a direction perpendicular to the filling direction. In addition to advantages when filling the container, the transparency of the material also has a number of advantages for the consumer who wants to remove the corresponding food from the container or to consume it directly from it.

It is also important for the consumer to be able to determine the filling level of the food in a simple manner. In addition to the amount, the consistency of the filled food can also be seen. This applies analogously to any discoloration or coloring of the food. Such discolorations can, for example, allow conclusions to be drawn about the freshness of the food, and intended coloring of the food can give an additional visual incentive to buy.

Another advantage of the transparency of the material is that, when consumed, it is not only possible to determine via the removal opening where the food is located relative to the removal opening, but this can also be determined through the wall of the container. This prevents, for example, that food accidentally escapes from the removal opening when the container is tilted.

In principle, it is sufficient if only part of the container wall is formed from the transparent or translucent and preferably liquid and / or fluid-tight material. The remaining part of the container wall can usually be formed from stiffened paper or the like. However, it is of greater advantage according to the invention if the entire container wall is formed from this material, so that the container interior can be seen at any point through the container wall. This makes it unnecessary, if necessary, to first turn the container in order to find the transparent container wall section. If, however, the container wall is only transparent / translucent in one section, it advantageously extends over the entire height of the filled food in order to be able to observe both the maximum filling level and a decrease in the filling level when consumed. For this it may be sufficient if the container wall has a number of sections made of the corresponding material along the height of the filled-in food, which also can be spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the container and, if appropriate, additionally in the peripheral direction of the container.

Polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (styrene) (PS), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyethylene or the like can be used as the corresponding material.

In order to improve the tightness of the corresponding layer material, if necessary, the layer can be provided on one or both sides with a lacquer layer.

In order to be able to exert pressure on the container by the consumer to consume the food, the container wall can be flexible. This also applies to the corresponding transparent or translucent, preferably liquid or fluid tight material.

In order to be able to connect the blank for producing the continuous container wall to itself, it can be rolled, for example, until lateral edges meet. The blank is then connected to itself along this edge joint, additional connecting means optionally also being able to be used. In this connection, the connection is usually carried out by heat and / or pressure.

There is also the possibility, after rolling or folding the container, not only to create a connection along the corresponding edge joint, but to form an overlap region of the blank by the mutually assigned edges, this overlap region extending in particular in the longitudinal direction of the container, and in this overlap region the The cut is connected to itself.

If the transparent and fluid-tight material extends to the upper end of the corresponding blank, on which the removal opening is formed in the finished container, or even with the container wall made entirely of this material, the opening edge of the removal opening can be changed without changing the properties of the appropriate material can be bent or rolled. This ensures that the opening edge also has properties such as transparency, fluid tightness and dimensional stability of the material.

Since the corresponding material is dimensionally stable after shaping, it is ensured at the opening edge that it maintains its corresponding shape even after bending or rolling.

Due to the corresponding dimensional stability of the container according to the invention, there is also the possibility that the opening edge is formed only by an upper edge of the corresponding blank. A corresponding bending, rolling or otherwise deforming the opening edge does not take place in this embodiment. A further advantage in connection with such a free upper edge of the blank as the opening edge could also be considered that the corresponding edge is fluid-tight. It is also possible to combine such free upper edges as an opening edge with bent, rolled or otherwise deformed opening edges.

Furthermore, the formability without changing the properties of the material serves, for example, to avoid a so-called whitening. This occurs, for example, in the case of materials which are initially transparent, but which, after being deformed or buckled, generally have a line-like, whitish clouding of the otherwise transparent material. Such a white fracture could otherwise also occur in areas of the wall in which a consumer holds the container or exerts a corresponding pressure to remove the food, which can result in lines of folds or folds. Even if such property changes are partially acceptable, for example at the opening edge, they are avoided particularly advantageously.

In particular if the entire container wall is formed from the material, not only is the entire container correspondingly transparent / translucent and liquid / fluid tight, but also dimensionally stable after the shaping. This dimensional stability is important, among other things, when storing or transporting the container between Place of manufacture and place of filling. Furthermore, the container remains open, at least in the region of its removal opening, without additional measures during filling, so that the food can be easily filled. The dimensional stability is also helpful when consuming the food, the container still maintaining its shape even after the food has been partially or completely removed. If the container is squeezed by the application of pressure for the consumption of the food, the dimensional stability is helpful in order to essentially return to the original shape of the container after the pressing has ended, as a result of which the food retracts more into the interior of the container.

The dimensional stability is also a property that should not be changed, for example to maintain sufficient stability in the overlap area, as well as transparency and tightness.

In order, if necessary, to be able to combine layers of different properties with regard to transparency and fluid tightness, the container wall can be formed from a corresponding two- or multilayer material, each of the layers being transparent. At this point it should be noted that "transparency" can only stand for translucent and "fluid tightness" only for liquid tightness or gas tightness and should always be understood in this way.

In this context, an outer layer can be formed from PP, oriented PP (coextruded or lacquered), PE, PET, PET (lacquered), PA, oriented PA (lacquered) or the like. The following materials are conceivable for the inner layer: PP, PVC, PS, PA, PET or the like.

With regard to the different layers, it is advantageous if they are laminated, for example. Such a laminate can be produced over a large area from the corresponding layers and a blank can then be punched out of the laminate or produced in some other way. The use of such a laminate ensures that the layers can be connected to one another while maintaining the corresponding properties. Another possibility of producing the layers and connecting them to one another can be seen in the fact that these are coextruded.

In order to be able to use a corresponding blank for the container in a simple manner also for devices which have already been used for similar containers both for production and for filling, the undeformed blank can be strictly two-dimensional. In this way, such a blank can be easily stacked for transport on the one hand and can be easily pulled into a corresponding device for folding or rolling the container out of the blank on the other hand.

In this context, it is also advantageous if at least the outer sides of the blank have a certain roughness or basic friction, which, for example, prevent corresponding pulling devices from slipping through relative to the blank.

Both when transporting the container in the unfilled, in the already filled state and when the filled squeeze container is ready or in use by a consumer, there is the possibility that the squeeze container comes into contact with pointed or sharp-edged objects. In this context, it is advantageous if the corresponding material of the container wall has a certain mechanical resistance to such objects, thereby preventing damage that could negatively influence either the transparency or the fluid tightness of the material.

In order to prevent a negative optical impression from being produced during the manufacture of the container or during its subsequent handling, particularly in the area of the wall, the corresponding layers can be permanently and permanently connected to one another in the case of a two-layer or multilayer structure of the material. Otherwise, the separation of the layers from one another in places could give the impression of blistering or the like, as a result of which, in addition to the optical impression, the transparency of the material could also be negatively influenced. Examples of such permanently insoluble connections are the lamination or coextrusion described above.

Regardless of the number of layers of the corresponding material, it is generally sufficient if only one of the layers or the only one of the layers used, in the case of several layers in particular the middle layer, is an elastic, but permanently deformable and dimensionally stable layer after deformation.

In order to achieve optimal fluid tightness, it can prove to be advantageous if the tightness against liquid and gas is achieved by separate layers. This can be achieved, for example, in that at least one inner layer is liquid-tight and / or one of the further layers is gas-tight.

It is possible to connect the corresponding layers to one another in the overlap region by means of additional connecting means, such as an adhesive or the like. In a simplified embodiment, the outer and / or inner layer can be formed as a connecting layer at least in the overlap region.

With regard to the material of the layers, it should also be pointed out that, for example, one of the layers can have a heat-insulating function for cool or warm food and / or there is also the possibility that all layers are microwave-permeable, for example to heat a food inside the container.

Of course, there is also the possibility of achieving fluid tightness against liquid and gas by means of only one layer.

Particularly in the overlap area, but also in the area of the removal opening and its opening edge and along all the other edges of the blank, there is sometimes a problem that these edges or free ends of the corresponding material are insufficiently sealed. As a result, in particular liquid constituents of the food or also liquids located on the outside of the squeeze container, such as, for example, condensed water, can penetrate into the material. Such one Penetration generally changes the thickness of the corresponding material or at least one layer of the material, so that the material can be raised which adversely affects the overall optical image. The penetration of such a liquid via the free ends or edges of the layers can also result in the container becoming leaky as a whole or losing properties such as, for example, its dimensional stability. Such penetration of, in particular, liquid can furthermore cause the squeeze container to soften on the surface and material to detach from the container. These disadvantages can be prevented by making the edges of the layers fluid-tight.

In order to make the container more visually appealing or to display information, at least one of the layers can be imprinted.

When processing a corresponding blank for the production of the container as well as when filling or using the container by the consumer later, it is advantageous if the print is scratch-resistant. This means that the print cannot be rubbed off by direct contact or by exposure to one of the layers.

In the case of a single-layer construction of the container wall material, the print is printed on an outside of the container. This applies accordingly to coextruded layers. With an otherwise multilayer structure, however, it is advantageous if the print is provided on an inside of the outer layer and / or an outside of the middle and / or an inside of the middle and / or an outside of the inner layer. As a result, several prints can be combined with one another, whereby these can differ in graphic or color design.

In order to be able to provide sufficient heat in a simple manner to connect the blank to itself, at least one of the layers can be ultrasound-absorbing. The absorption of the ultrasound results in a heating of the corresponding layer which is at least so strong that the layer softens sufficiently to be able to move with a layer that is in edge contact or in surface contact with it. speaking cooling to enter into an intimate and in particular fluid-tight connection. Of course, this can also apply to both layers which are in contact with one another in the overlap region, in particular if these are formed from the same material. In this context, however, it should also be pointed out that the heating of the corresponding material by ultrasound does not lead to the transparency of the material being adversely affected after connection and cooling.

If the layers are formed by a laminate, it can be considered advantageous if the print is printed before the layers are laminated. On the one hand, this prevents it from being exposed to harmful influences directly on the outside of the container and, on the other hand, there is no fear of any harmful effects on the food.

With the layer structure of the material there is also the possibility that at least one of the layers itself is a laminate.

There is also the possibility that only two or more layers of the corresponding material are co-extruded.

There are several ways of closing the container at its lower end.

In one embodiment, the closed end may be formed by connecting lower end portions of the wall. As a result, the closed end is essentially formed by the container wall and its material and is transparent and in particular fluid-tight.

In this case, the lower end sections of the wall are preferably pressed against one another before the connection, so that the wall sections can likewise be connected to themselves by the action of appropriate heat. There is also the possibility of using a separate part for closing the container, so that, for example, the closed end has a bottom insert. This can be made from a separate blank.

As a rule, it is not necessary for the floor to be transparent. However, it is possible to manufacture the bottom insert from the same material as the container wall and to apply heat and pressure accordingly when connecting the bottom insert to the container wall.

To close the container in the area of the removal opening, a lid can be sealed tightly on the opening edge in particular.

The material used for the container wall and possibly also the bottom insert is transparent, but can have a color. This means that the material is not clearly transparent, but is red, yellow, green or the like and possibly more colored transparent.

In order to prevent the food from being adversely affected by the print, this can be printed on the outside of the container in the case of a single-layer material. This can also be done analogously in the case of multi-layer material based on polyethylene. Such material may also be produced by coextrusion. Of course, there is also no negative influence on the food by the material of the container or by the ingress or loss of fluid due to the tightness of the container.

The material can be impact-resistant and / or puncture-resistant in order to prevent the container from falling more easily in the unfilled or filled state, so that it is easier to damage.

Various cross-sectional shapes are conceivable for the container, which can also change over the longitudinal direction of the container. This change not only records changes in the dimensions of an otherwise identical cross-section, but also changes to other cross-sectional shapes. Examples of such cross-sectional shapes are circular, roughly polygonal, roughly quadrangular and in particular square, oval, bean-shaped or the like.

The imprint can be produced both usually by imprinting an appropriate agent, such as paint or the like. There is also the possibility that the print is produced not only by printing such a color, but also by pressing it into the corresponding layer or also scratching or the like. The imprint can also have a three-dimensional effect or be a hologram or at least have one, the imprint also having a gloss effect.

There is also the possibility that the print covers the entire container wall except for a viewing window and that the interior of the container can only be seen through this viewing window. In this context, it is also conceivable that several such viewing windows are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the container and / or in the circumferential direction of the container. This means that different areas inside the container can be seen.

Depending on, for example, the color of the print, there is still the possibility that the print itself will only become visible after the food has been at least partially removed. This can be done, for example, by the printing having the same color as the filled-in food. It is also possible for certain parts of the print to be visible only after the food has been removed sufficiently and these parts have been exposed, thereby resulting in a changing print. Such an appearing or changing imprint can serve, for example, to enable certain competitions or the like, where it is only recognizable after sufficient removal of the food whether one has possibly won something.

The opening edge can be rolled up, as already mentioned above. This curl can be a single or multiple rolls. In the case of a bent opening edge, it is also conceivable that it is bent by an angle of 90 ° or more relative to the rest of the wall. This means, for example, at an angle from 90 ° the opening edge essentially radially outwards from the removal opening.

In order to be able to drink liquid food from the container at any point of the removal opening, for example, the opening edge advantageously extends along the entire circumference of the removal opening. However, it is also possible that at least the bent or rolled opening edge is only partially and / or partially circumferential.

So that the properties of the container and, in particular, its material described above result not only for, for example, room temperature, but also exist in a larger temperature range, it is to be considered favorable if the container and in particular its material at least in the temperature range from -50 ° C. to + 120 ° C, for example to the sterilizing device, is stable. This resistance concerns, for example, dimensional stability, transparency, fluid tightness and the like. In connection with the imprint, it should also be noted that there are also temperature-sensitive imprints that can also be used according to the invention. Such a print would, for example, change its color at a certain temperature and thereby possibly also its information content. In this way, it is possible for a consumer to determine, for example, whether a cooled food is at a sufficiently low temperature or whether a heated food is warm enough.

In order to be able to store a large number of containers in a simple manner and to be able to remove them from the container supply, the container can be stackable and unstackable.

With regard to the dimensional stability of the container, it should also be noted that this can also be particularly important for the connection in the overlap area and the opening edge, for example to continue the shape of the container in the overlap area, i.e. a round or oval container, also in the overlap area the corresponding one To give shape. The dimensional stability is also intended to prevent leaks from occurring in these areas. In the case of chilled or heated food, the corresponding temperature should be kept as unchanged as possible for at least a certain period of time. For this purpose, at least one of the layers can be designed as a heat insulation layer. Such a thermal barrier coating can, on the one hand, be based on the specific. Material to be heat-insulating. On the other hand, there is also the possibility that the layer contains heat-insulating material, such as air or the like, or that an air gap is formed between two adjacent layers.

It is also possible with the container according to the invention that at least one of the layers, in particular the outer layer, is formed from an opaque material and the remaining or remaining layers, in particular the middle and / or the inner layer, are formed from a transparent or translucent material. The layer or layers of opaque material are only applied in places on the other layer or on the other layers, so that where the layer of opaque material is not attached, the interior of the container is accordingly visible. The layer of opaque material can be formed from various sections, also not connected, which result in a pattern on the container. It is also possible for the layer or layers of opaque material to be applied at least in places on the or the other layers in the interior of the container.

In the case of a layer made of opaque material and at least one further layer made of the transparent or translucent material, it can be considered advantageous if the corresponding layers are connected to one another such that, for example, the inner layer is connected to the outer layer, in particular the entire inside thereof is. This can be done both by means of a separate adhesive and by melting one of the layers during the connection process.

To provide an advantageous optical appearance, it can be advantageous if one of the layers has a metallized or at least partially metallized side. In one embodiment, an outside of the outer layer can be metallized. Then there is a thin layer of metal, such as wise aluminum, on the outside of the container. This can be applied to the entire outside of the outer layer except for a viewing window area, for example.

In order to be able to produce the container from a corresponding blank simply and safely and / or to produce a corresponding opening edge of the container for rolling up or bending over in otherwise customary machines, the container wall can have at least one viewing window made in particular from only the transparent or translucent layers outside the overlap area or the butt edge connection and / or spaced from the opening edge. The arrangement of such viewing windows outside of these areas ensures that neither the gluing or connecting of the blank nor the production of a bent or rolled edge has any adverse effects, in particular due to the edge of the corresponding viewing window, since such a window, albeit one only formed with a small height step in the container wall.

In a simple exemplary embodiment, it is also possible to use only one layer for the container, in particular the container wall, which may also have a corresponding imprint, partially metallized areas, a varnish application or the like, see also the preceding explanations. In the case of a single-layer structure, polypropylene or polyethylene is preferably used as the material, although other materials are also conceivable.

With regard to the layer made of transparent or translucent material, it is conceivable that it is essentially geometrically similar to the viewing window and is attached to the opaque layer along edges of the viewing window. Geometrically similar in this context means that the layer and the viewing window have essentially the same geometric shape but different dimensions, the layer of transparent or translucent material generally having larger dimensions in comparison to the viewing window in order to run along the edges on the or to be attached to the remaining layers. It goes without saying that such an attachment is not along all edges, but for example, only along two opposite edges or partially along the edges.

For ecological reasons, it can also be advantageous if the different layers made of different materials can be detached from one another for separate recycling.

As already mentioned at the beginning, the invention also relates to a blank for producing a container as described above, the blank serving at least to produce the container wall and, if appropriate, the closed end and the opening edge.

In the following, advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the figures enclosed in the drawing.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a section along the line II-II from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a section along the line III-III from FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention,

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a blank for producing a container according to the invention according to FIG. 1,

6-14 side views of a further eight exemplary embodiments of a container according to the invention with at least one viewing window, 15 shows a section along the line XV-XV from FIG. 14, and

16 shows a plan view of a two-dimensional blank for producing an essentially conical container according to the invention from FIGS. 6 to 15.

Figure 1 shows a container 1 in side view, which is cup-shaped. At its upper end in FIG. 1, the container 1 has a removal opening 7 which is surrounded by a rolled opening edge 8, see also FIG. 2.

On the opening edge 8, a lid 21 is tightly attached. At least at one point, a cover handle 22 protrudes from the latter, in particular radially outwards, which serves to pull the cover 21 off the opening edge 8.

A food 2 is filled in the interior of the container, which can be liquid, pasty, pourable or pourable. The food 2 is filled in the container up to the filling level 23.

The container 1 has a container wall 6, which is formed by a blank according to FIG. 5. The container wall 6 is made of a transparent and fluid-tight material.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the container 1 has a bottom insert 25 at its end 9 opposite the removal opening 7. This is at least partially pushed onto the wall 6 from the outside or pushed into it and connected to it in a fluid-tight manner.

The bottom insert 25 can be made of the same material as the container wall 6.

The container 1 has an imprint 15 in the region of the container wall 6. The corresponding printing can be carried out in particular in the case of a single-layer material for the container wall on an outside 26 of the container 1 or on the outside of the loading Holder wall 6 take place. In the case of a two-layer or multilayer structure, see in particular FIG. 3, the print is on an inside 16 of an outer layer 3 and / or on an outside 17 of a middle layer 4 and / or on an inside 18 of the middle layer 4 and / or printed on an outer side 19 of the inner layer 5. Depending on the layer material used, the different arrangements of the imprint on one of the sides of one of the layers result in a different optical appearance, and imprints can also be combined with one another on different layers or sides of the layers due to the transparency of the container wall 6. Such a combination can result in an optical effect, such as an apparent three-dimensional nature of the print. In addition, by combining different prints, color combinations of different-colored prints are possible for a consumer when viewing the combined print from the outside.

FIG. 2 shows a section along the line II-II from FIG. 1. In this figure it can be seen in particular how the container wall 6 is bent or rolled outwards at the upper end to form the opening edge 8. The selection of the appropriate layer materials of the container wall results in the deformability with formation of the opening edge and the shape stability after the deformation.

FIG. 3 shows a section along the line III-III through the container wall 6 or the blank 10 according to FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the container wall is made up of three layers of material.

If only one material layer is used, this can be formed, for example, from polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (styrene) (PS), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like. Such a single-layer material is optionally provided with one or two layers of lacquer on the opposite sides in order to achieve a better seal against fluid.

In the case of two or more layers, see reference numerals 3, 4 and 5 in FIG. 3, the inner layer can, for example, be made of PP, PVC, PS, PA, PET or the like, while the outer layer, for example, of PP, oriented PP, polyethylene (PE), PET, PA, oriented PA or the like is formed, in particular oriented PP, PET and OPA can still be painted. There is also the possibility that the oriented EP is co-extruded.

The various layers 3, 4 and 5 according to FIG. 3 can be connected to one another as individual layers to form the container wall 6. There is also the possibility that the layers form a laminate, which is at least one of the layers a laminate, or that the layers are coextruded.

It has already been pointed out that, in the case of a single-layer material for the container wall 6, the corresponding imprint 5 is printed on the outside 26 of the container 1, while in the case of a multilayer structure, the inside and outside of the different layers are used in each case without having to do so A print is applied to the outside of the outer and an inner side of the inner layer.

FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment for a container 1 according to the invention. In this case as well as in the case of the container 1 according to FIG. 1, the container wall 6 is flexible, so that pressure can be exerted on the container 1 from the outside in order to move the food 2 in the direction of the removal opening 8 for removal or consumption. Where appropriate, in particular in the case of frozen products, such as ice cream, heat is transferred from a hand of a consumer in addition to the pressure, so that a layer of liquefied food 2 forms at least between the latter and an inside of the container wall 6. In the case of the preceding materials for the different layers 3, 4, 5 according to FIG. 3, there is flexibility of the container wall 6. At the same time, in particular through the use of PET (polyester), a layer material is used which stabilizes container 1 according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 4 in the appropriate form. Such a layer material is flexible, but also relatively stiff.

The container 1 according to FIG. 4 can have a handle 24 at its closed end 9, which is also formed by a blank 10 for the container wall 6. To form this handle 24, lower end sections 20 of the blank 10, see FIG. 5, after the blank has been rolled into the corresponding shape of the container, and is intimately and fluid-tightly connected to one another by the application of heat. Even without forming such a handle, the closed end 9 can be formed by connecting these lower end sections 20.

For simplification, a corresponding imprint 15 according to FIG. 1 is not shown in the container 1 according to FIG. 1.

With the blank 10 according to FIG. 5, it should also be noted that it has a peripheral edge 14. This is optionally sealed to prevent the ingress of fluid. After the blank 10 has been rolled, the rolled state can be fixed, for example, in that mutually facing longitudinal edges 14 are arranged in abutment and are thus connected to one another themselves or by an additional connecting means. There is also the possibility that the edges 14 overlap to form an overlap region 12 that extends essentially in the longitudinal direction 11 of the container and that the blank is fastened to itself directly by a connection of the outer layer 3 and the inner layer 5. If necessary, an adhesive can also be arranged in the overlap area 12.

To form the corresponding handle 24 according to FIG. 4, the lower end sections 20 of the blank 10 can be pressed against one another and connected to one another, this connection being able to take place simultaneously for connection in the overlap region 12. An upper end section of the blank 10, which is identified by “8”, serves as the opening edge 8 after bending or rolling outwards, see FIGS. 1 and 2.

The illustrated exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 4 are only examples and other container shapes are conceivable, such as, for example, containers which are conically shaped in reverse, tubular elongated containers or the like in comparison to FIG. There is also the possibility that the corresponding transparent and fluid-tight material for the container wall 6 is arranged only in one peripheral section of the container wall in the longitudinal direction 11 of the container, while the remaining sections of the container wall 6 are opaque. This correspondingly transparent section can also be arranged at a distance from several in the longitudinal direction 11 of the container Assemble subsections, which are possibly also offset from one another in the circumferential direction of the container 1. For the simplified production of a corresponding container 1, however, it is generally advantageous if the container wall 6 is constructed entirely of the corresponding transparent and fluid-tight and optionally multilayer material. In particular, this facilitates the arrangement of the imprint 15 inside the material of the container wall 6.

FIGS. 6 to 14 show a further eight exemplary embodiments of a container according to the invention. Although an essentially conical container is shown in the exemplary embodiments, the arrangement of the viewing window or windows is also possible for any other container according to the invention. The following containers differ in particular in terms of shape, arrangement and / or number of viewing windows, so that in particular these are described below. The remaining details of the container 1 correspond to those of the preceding figures and descriptions.

In FIG. 6, a substantially rectangular viewing window 27 is formed in the outer layer 3 of the container wall 6. This extends in the longitudinal direction of the container 1 between the lower end 9 and the opening edge 8. To the side of the viewing window 27, some fill level markings 28 are shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 7 shows an oval viewing window with a longer axis in the longitudinal direction of the container 1. The viewing window 27 is correspondingly surrounded by the outer layer 3 and is formed by one or more layers of transparent or translucent material.

In Figure 8, an oval viewing window 27 is arranged with its longer axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the container 1. A cover 21 is provided in both this container and the container according to FIG. The cover 21 is inserted in the corresponding removal opening 7 in both cases and has a cover edge 32 running around the opening edge 8. This lid edge 32 can be detachably attached to the remaining container 1 with the container wall 6 or at least close to the opening edge 8. A handle, see for example Figure 1, can protrude from the cover 21 accordingly. In the embodiment according to FIG. 8, the opening edge 8 formed by an upper edge of the corresponding blank, see FIG. 7, is folded inwards, the lid edge 32 being arranged between this folded area 33 and the container wall and being held there.

In Figure 9, two oval viewing windows 27 according to Figure 8 are arranged one above the other.

In FIG. 10, square viewing windows 27 extend at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the container 1.

In a further exemplary embodiment in FIG. 11, three rectangular viewing windows 27 are aligned with their longer axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container 1.

In the preceding exemplary embodiments as well as in the following exemplary embodiments, it is possible in each case that further such viewing windows are also arranged in the circumferential direction of the container with other geometric shapes and with a different number. As an example, the oblique square viewing windows 27 according to FIG. 10 can be combined with the other square viewing windows 27 according to FIG. 11. Other combinations of different geometric shapes and numbers of viewing windows are obvious.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show another embodiment in two different side views. It can be seen in particular that the corresponding viewing window 27 does not extend into the overlap region 12 or up to the opening edge 8. This ensures that, on the one hand, the connection of the container wall itself is not obstructed in the overlap area 12 by, for example, an opening edge of the viewing window and, on the other hand, a bent or rolled-in opening edge 8 can easily be produced in the corresponding machines. The viewing windows in the other exemplary embodiments therefore do not extend into these areas. FIG. 14 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a viewing window 27 in which the longitudinal side thereof runs parallel to the inclination of the container wall 6. In this context, too, it is possible to combine both this viewing window with viewing windows of a different geometric shape and with several such viewing windows. In addition, there is the possibility of arranging a further viewing window 27 similar to that according to FIG. 14 below the viewing window already shown. This can be arranged both in the extension of the viewing window 27 shown and also offset to this. FIG. 15 shows a section along the line XV-XV from FIG. 14. It can be seen in particular that the layer 4 made of transparent or translucent material is arranged on an inside of the layer 3 made of opaque material. The arrangement can take place both on the entire inside of layer 3 and only in the area of the corresponding viewing window 27. For example, the layers 3 and 4 can be fastened along edges 30 of the viewing window 27 surrounded by edges 29.

FIG. 16 shows a further example of a two-dimensional blank 10, in particular for the containers according to FIGS. 6 to 15. The corresponding shape of the viewing window 27 corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 12 and 13.

In this exemplary embodiment too, the layer 4 made of transparent or translucent material is formed only in the region of the viewing window 27, both having essentially similar geometric shapes and the layer 4 each having somewhat larger dimensions than the corresponding viewing window 27. This enables the layer 4 to be fastened along edges 30 of the viewing window 27, this viewing window 27 being delimited by edges 29 of the layer 3.

The advantages according to the invention are briefly summarized below with regard to consumer and processing-related advantages.

One of the advantages relevant to the consumer according to the invention is that the corresponding container is distinguished by a few visual peculiarities. For example, the container can be made with different shapes, such as oval, circular, approximately square or polygonal, bean-shaped and the like. By the transparency, particularly in the visible spectral range, the content of the container is also visible without opening it. Both the fill level and the condition of the food can be checked in a simple manner. The different possibilities of printing result in further visual advantages. The print can also be carried out in such a way that there is a glossy effect and a glossy effect which particularly emphasizes the print. The print can also have a 3D effect. It is possible to print the entire container except for at least one window. The print can be formed by a hologram, which offers further optical advantages. In addition, the imprint can at least partially become visible only when the food is removed, as a result of which, for example, a message can be given to the consumer with regard to a profit or the like.

For the consumer there are a number of further functional advantages with the container according to the invention.

One of these advantages is the tightness of the container against gaseous and / or liquid fluids. The tightness affects both a penetration and an escape of the corresponding fluid. A corresponding fluid-tightness can also be dispensed with if an in particular dry foodstuff is filled into the container, the properties of which, for example, are not adversely affected by the exchange of a gaseous fluid through the container wall. This means that this food is not attacked, for example, by oxygen, carbon dioxide or the like and is still suitable for consumption without restriction.

Further advantages of the container according to the invention are its flexibility, by means of which the corresponding food can be pressed out of the container. At the same time, however, the container is sufficiently resistant to external influences that it is impact-resistant and impact-resistant. This means that if the container falls down, it will not be damaged and even more pointed objects cannot easily pierce it. At the same time, the container is elastic, so that it returns to its original shape even after being pressed. The tightness of the container is also advantageous, since both fluid cannot penetrate or escape.

The resistance of the container also extends to the connection of the individual layers, so that even a partial detachment of a layer is prevented. Overall, the container is excellently suitable for storing a food without the properties of the container being adversely affected in terms of its properties by external influences or by materials of the container with regard to consumption. The shape stability of the container is chosen such that it is flexible, but automatically returns to its original shape and also maintains the specified shape and its other properties, particularly in the deformed areas of the container, such as the edge or layers bonded to one another.

The print is also designed and arranged in such a way that it does not adversely affect the properties of the food or in any way can be easily removed from the container by rubbing or the like. At the same time, the container is made of a material that offers a pleasant holding feeling even with chilled or heated food.

In addition to this multitude of consumer-related advantages, there is a similar multitude of processing-related advantages.

The simple sealability of the container according to the invention during its manufacture is an advantage that is particularly important for the parts of the blank that are glued together. However, the container is not only leakproof in these areas that are glued together, but also due to the materials of the container. In addition, the container is conveniently suitable for printing or applying a print, and there are a number of ways of applying the print to one or more layers of the material.

The flatness of the cut makes it easy to process and transport. Despite the flexibility of the container material, it is deformable and also retains its shape in the desired deformed areas, such as, for example, in the edge region of the removal opening, even if it only comprises an opening edge formed by an upper, free edge of its blank. This dimensional stability also comes into play for the interconnected or glued areas of the container. also stay in shape according to the container cross-section. This facilitates further development or when filling the container, since the shape stability means that the container always retains its originally intended shape and not, for example, an originally intended circular shape changes over time to an oval or even flatter shape.

Because of this dimensional stability and by correspondingly deforming the container, there is also good stackability and unstackability, which is also advantageous in terms of production technology and transport technology.

The tightness of the container is important when filling the appropriate foodstuff, since there is no fear of the penetration or penetration of a corresponding fluid both during filling and during later transport.

It is also advantageous that the container is resistant to both its lower and higher temperatures with regard to its properties and shape. This means that, for example, a food can be filled in and then cooled without changing properties such as tightness, flexibility, dimensional stability, transparency or the like. This applies analogously to elevated temperatures, which are advantageous, for example, for sterilizing the container. Correspondingly high temperatures can also occur if the container is used to consume a heated food.

Finally, a processing-relevant advantage is that the container can be easily sealed by a lid, this lid being in particular placed on the removal opening and tightly connected to the corresponding opening wheel. The viewing windows allow an insight into the interior of the container and can be arranged in an optically advantageous manner in different shapes and with different numbers.

Claims

Container claims

1. Container (1), in particular for holding a food (2), with a wall (6) having at least one layer (3, 4, 5), which container has a removal opening (7) with an opening edge (8) and on its end (9) opposite the removal opening (7) is closed, at least the container wall (6) being formed from a two-dimensional blank (10) which is connected to itself to form a continuous container wall, characterized in that the container and In particular, the container wall (6) is at least partially formed from a transparent, or translucent, in particular liquid- or fluid-tight material (13) which can be shaped to form the container (1) and is dimensionally stable after shaping.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer of polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like is formed.

3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the layer (4) is provided on one or both sides with a lacquer layer (3, 5).

4. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container wall (6) is flexible.

5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the blank (10) with itself is made by heat and / or pressure.

6. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the blank (10) with itself along an overlap region (12) extending in particular in the longitudinal direction of the container (11) is formed.

7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the blank (10) with itself takes place at least along edges (14) arranged in abutment.

8. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening edge (8) is bent or rolled without changing the properties of the material (13).

9. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening edge (8) is formed by an upper edge (14) of the blank (10).

10. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container wall (6) has two or more layers (3, 4, 5), each of the layers being transparent.

11. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer layer made of PP, oriented PP (co-extruded or painted), polyethylene (PE), PET, PET (painted), PA, oriented PA (painted) or the like is formed.

12. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner layer is formed from PP, PVC, PS, PA, PET or the like.

13. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layers (3, 4, 5) are laminated.

14. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more layers (3, 4, 5) are coextruded.

15. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the undeformed blank (10) for easier processing is strictly two-dimensional.

16. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material (13) is mechanically resistant.

17. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two or more layers (3, 4, 5) are permanently and permanently connected to each other.

18. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the layers (3, 4, 5), in particular a middle layer (4), is an elastic, but permanently deformable and dimensionally stable layer after deformation.

19. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that at least one inner layer (5) is liquid-tight and one of the further layers (3, 4) is gas-tight.

20. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer and / or inner layer (3, 5) are formed at least in the overlap region (12) as connecting layers.

21. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edges (14) of the layer (3, 4, 5) are fluid-tight.

22. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one layer (3, 4, 5) is provided with an imprint (15).

23. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the print (15) is scratch-resistant.

24. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the print (15) on an inside (16) of the outer layer (3) and / or an outside (17) or an inside (18) of the middle (4) and / or an outer side (19) of the inner layer (5) is provided.

25. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the layers (3, 4, 5) is ultrasound absorbing to generate heat for connection in the Uberiappbereich (14).

26. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the print (15) is printed before the layers (3, 4, 5) are laminated.

27. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the layers (3, 4, 5) is a laminate.

28. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closed end (9) is formed by connecting lower end portions (20) of the wall (6).

29. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closed end (9) has a bottom insert (25).

30. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom insert (25) is formed from a transparent material.

31. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material (13) is color-transparent.

32. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the imprint (15) in the case of single-layer material (13) is printed on an outside (26) of the container (1).

33. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the print (15) is printed on an outer side of the container (1) in the case of a multilayer, PE-based material (13), which is optionally produced by coextrusion.

34. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material (13) is impact resistant and / or puncture resistant.

35. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (1) is circular in cross-section, approximately square, in particular square, oval, bean-shaped or also approximately polygonal.

36. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the imprint (15) has a three-dimensional effect.

37. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the imprint (15) is or has a hologram.

38. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the imprint (15) leaves a viewing window (27) on the wall (6).

39. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the imprint (15) is visible only after at least partial removal of the food (2).

40. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening edge (8) is bent outwards by an angle of 90 ° or more relative to the remaining container wall (6).

41. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bent or rolled opening edge (8) is partially and / or partially circumferential.

42. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (1) and in particular the material (13) is stable at least in the temperature range from -50 ° C to + 120 ° C.

43. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container is stackable and unstackable.

44. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one layer (3, 4, 5) is designed as a heat insulation layer.

45. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the layers (3, 4, 5), in particular the outer layer (3), is opaque, and at least one other layer (4, 5) made of a transparent or translucent Material is formed.

46. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer or layers of transparent or translucent material are connected to the or the opaque layers on the entire inside thereof in particular.

47. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one side of the opaque layer is metallized.

48. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container wall (6) has at least one viewing window (27) made of, in particular, only the transparent or translucent layers outside the overlap area (12) and / or the opening edge (8), which is surrounded by the opaque layer or layers.

49. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layers (3, 4, 5) are connected to one another by means of an adhesive.

50. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer (4) made of transparent or translucent material is essentially geometrically similar to the viewing window (27) and is attached to the opaque layer (3) along edges (30) of the viewing window is.

51. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container wall (6) is essentially formed from a layer of in particular polypropylene or polyethylene.

52. Cutting the manufacture of a container (1) according to one of the preceding claims.