U.S. patent application number 10/630377 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-13 for container.
Invention is credited to D'Amato, Gianfranco.
Application Number | 20050006449 10/630377 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29432855 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050006449 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
D'Amato, Gianfranco |
January 13, 2005 |
Container
Abstract
A container, in particular for receiving food, has a wall
comprising at least one layer. The container comprises a withdrawal
opening with a bent opening edge and is closed at its end opposite
the withdrawal opening. At least the container wall is formed from
a two-dimensional blank which is connected with itself for forming
a continuous container wall. To improve such a container that in a
simple constructive and inexpensive manner an inspection of the
interior is possible and all advantages of the known containers are
maintained, the container and in particular the container wall are
at least partially formed from a transparent or translucent, in
particular a liquid or fluid tight material which can be shaped for
forming the container and which is dimensionally stable after
having been shaped. Also, blank for the manufacturer of such a
container is provided.
Inventors: |
D'Amato, Gianfranco; (Arzano
Napoli, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLYNN THIEL BOUTELL & TANIS, P.C.
2026 RAMBLING ROAD
KALAMAZOO
MI
49008-1699
US
|
Family ID: |
29432855 |
Appl. No.: |
10/630377 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/400 ;
229/4.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 3/12 20130101; B65D
3/22 20130101; B65D 3/06 20130101; B65D 85/72 20130101; B65D
2577/205 20130101; B65D 2203/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/400 ;
229/004.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 10, 2003 |
DE |
20310622.9 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Container, in particular for receiving food, having a wall
comprising at least one layer, the container comprising a
withdrawal opening with a bent opening edge and being closed at its
end opposite the withdrawal opening, at least the container wall
being formed from a two-dimensional blank which is connected with
itself for forming a continuous container wall, wherein the
container and in particular the container wall are at least
partially formed from a transparent or translucent, in particular
liquid or fluid tight material which can be shaped for forming the
container and which is dimensionally stable after having been
shaped.
2. Container according to claim 1, wherein the layer is formed from
polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS),
polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.
3. Container according to claim 1, wherein the layer is provided
with a coat of lacquer on one or both sides.
4. Container according to claim 1, wherein the container wall is
flexible.
5. Container according to claim 1, wherein the connection of the
blank with itself is prepared by heat and/or pressure.
6. Container according to claim 1, wherein the connection of the
blank with itself is formed along an overlap region in particular
extending in the longitudinal direction of the container.
7. Container according to claim 1, wherein the opening edge is bent
or rolled round without the material changing its properties.
8. Container according to claim 1, wherein the container wall
comprises two or more layers, each of the layers being
transparent.
9. Container according to claim 1, wherein an outer layer is formed
from PP, oriented PP (coextruded or lacquered), polyethylene (PE),
PET, PET (lacquered), PA, oriented PA (lacquered), or the like.
10. Container according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is
formed from PP, PVC, PS, PA, PET, or the like.
11. Container according to claim 1, wherein the layers are
laminated.
12. Container according to claim 1, wherein two or more layers are
coextruded.
13. Container according to claim 1, wherein the unshaped blank is
strictly two-dimensional to be processed more easily.
14. Container according to claim 1, wherein the material is
mechanically resistant.
15. Container according to claim 1, wherein the two or more layers
are joined in a permanent perfect junction.
16. Container according to claim 1, wherein one of the layers, in
particular a central layer, is an elastic, yet permanently ductile
and after the shaping dimensionally stable layer.
17. Container according to claim 1, wherein at least one inner
layer is liquid tight and one of the further layers is
gastight.
18. Container according to claim 1, wherein outer and/or inner
layers are formed as connection layers at least in the overlap
region.
19. Container according to claim 1, wherein edges of the layers are
fluid tight.
20. Container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
layers is provided with a print.
21. Container according to claim 1, wherein the print is resistant
to rubbing.
22. Container according to claim 1, wherein the print is provided
on an inner side of the outer layer and/or an outer side or an
inner side of the central and/or an outer side of the inner
layer.
23. Container according to claim 1, wherein for the generation of
heat for the connection in the overlap region, at least one of the
layers is ultrasonic absorbent.
24. Container according to claim 1, wherein the print is printed
before the layers are laminated.
25. Container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
layers is a laminate.
26. Container according to claim 1, wherein the closed end is
formed by connecting lower end sections of the wall.
27. Container according to claim 1, wherein the closed end
comprises a bottom insert.
28. Container according to claim 1, wherein the bottom insert is
formed from a transparent material.
29. Container according to claim 1, wherein the material is
transparent and coloured.
30. Container according to claim 1, wherein the print is printed on
an outer side of the container in case of a one-layer material.
31. Container according to claim 1, wherein the print is printed
onto an outer side of the container in case of a multilayer,
PE-based material, which is possibly prepared by coextrusion.
32. Container according to claim 1, wherein the material is impact
resistant and/or resistant to puncturing.
33. Container according to claim 1, wherein the container has a
circular, approximately quadrangular, in particular square, oval,
bean-shaped or approximately polygonal cross-section.
34. Container according to claim 1, wherein the print has a
three-dimensional effect.
35. Container according to claim 1, wherein the print is or has a
hologram.
36. Container according to claim 1, wherein the print leaves open a
control window on the wall.
37. Container according to claim 1, wherein the print is only
visible after the food has been taken out at least partially.
38. Container according to claim 1, wherein the opening edge is
bent to the outside at an angle of 90.degree. or more relative to
the rest of the container wall.
39. Container according to claim 1, wherein the opening edge is
partially and/or in places continuously formed.
40. Container according to claim 1, wherein the container and in
particular the material are stable at least in the temperature
range of -50.degree. C. to +120.degree. C.
41. Container according to claim 1, wherein the container can be
stacked and unstacked.
42. Container according to claim 1, wherein at least one layer is
formed as a heat insulating layer.
43. Blank for the manufacture of a container according to claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a container, in particular for
receiving food, as well as a corresponding blank for manufacturing
such a container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] From practice, such containers are known, for example, in
the form of cups or the like which are filled with food to be
stored and subsequently taken out or alternatively to be directly
consumed from the container.
[0003] One example for a collapsible container is known from EP 0
074 936 B1. This collapsible container comprises a tubular body
with a wall made of at least two layers. At the upper end, a
withdrawal opening serves for filling in the food as well as for
consuming the food filled in. At the lower end, the collapsible
container is closed. For the manufacture of the container, a
two-dimensional blank is used which is first rolled and then
connected with itself for forming a continuous container wall.
[0004] The material of the container wall is a relatively flexible
and relatively stiff material, such as waterproof paper or
plastics. However, with this known container, one cannot identify
whether the container is filled with anything, and if so with
what.
[0005] From the Japanese Utility Model Publication JP 56-156 777,
another container is known which also serves for receiving food.
This container is formed from a laminate of stiff paper and
polyethylene layers applied on both sides thereof. A lid for
closing the container consists of a laminate of aluminium foil and
polyethylene layers applied on both sides thereof. The container is
opaque, such that the interior of the container is optically not
visible.
[0006] The object underlying the invention is to improve a
container by facilitating in a simple constructive and inexpensive
manner an inspection of the interior of the container and all
advantages of the known containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to the invention, in addition a corresponding
blank for the manufacture of such a container is provided.
[0008] The container according to the invention is characterized by
the use of a material for at least a part of the container wall
which combines apparently conflicting properties in an advantageous
manner.
[0009] In order to securely store the food in the container, the
material according to the invention is preferably liquid tight or
fluid tight. This prevents a penetration or leak of liquid fluids
and/or a penetration or leak of gaseous fluids. In case of dry, in
particular pourable food, gastightness can be sufficient in this
connection. One can also do without gastightness if the food does
not negatively change its properties relevant for the consumption
due to being contacted with a gas, such as O.sub.2 or the like.
[0010] Simultaneously, this material is transparent. This results
in a number of advantages, such as, for example, that after the
manufacture of the container from the corresponding blank one can
simply identify optically whether the interior of the container
contains foreign substances and in particular impurities or whether
it is damaged. This optical transparency of the collapsible
container exists at least in the visible region (translucent) of
the spectrum, however, it can also extend to the adjacent spectral
regions, i.e. at least towards the infrared and/or ultraviolet
region. The transparency makes it furthermore possible to monitor
the filling degree of the corresponding food when it is filled in.
In particular, the filling degree can be monitored from a direction
perpendicular to the filling direction.
[0011] The transparency of the material furthermore comprises,
apart from the advantages for the filling of the container, a
number of advantages for the consumer who wants to take the
corresponding food out of the container or consume it directly from
the container.
[0012] For the consumer, too, it is important to be able to
identify the filling degree of the food in a simple manner.
Furthermore, apart from the amount, for example, the consistence of
the food filled in can be identified. This is analogously true for
possible discolorations or colorations of the food. Such
discolorations can, for example, permit conclusions as to the
freshness of the food, and intended colorations of the food can
give an additional optical buying incentive.
[0013] Another advantage of the transparency of the material is
that during the consumption, one cannot only see through the
withdrawal opening where the food is relative to the withdrawal
opening, but that one can also find it out through the wall of the
container. This for example prevents in case of a tipping of the
container, the food from unintentionally exiting from the
withdrawal opening.
[0014] In principle, it is sufficient for only a part of the
container wall to be formed from the transparent or translucent and
preferably liquid tight and/or fluid tight material. The remaining
part of the container wall can be formed in the usual manner from
stiffened paper or the like. However, according to the invention it
is a greater advantage to form the complete container wall from
this material, so that at every location the interior of the
container can be identified through the container wall. This makes
it superfluous to first rotate the container, if necessary, in
order to find the transparent section of the container wall. If the
container wall, however, is only in one section
transparent/translucent, the same favourably extends across the
complete height of the food filled in to permit an observation of
the maximum filling degree as well as a reduction of the filling
degree during consumption. For doing so, it can be sufficient for
the container wall to comprise a series of sections of the
corresponding material along the height of the food filled in,
which can also be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the
container and, if necessary, also in the circumferential direction
of the container.
[0015] As a corresponding material, polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polyester or the like can be used.
[0016] In order to improve the tightness of the corresponding layer
material, if necessary, the layer can be provided with a coat of
lacquer on one or both sides.
[0017] For the consumer to be able to exert pressure on the
container for consuming the food, the container wall can be
flexible. This also goes for the corresponding transparent or
translucent, preferably liquid or fluid tight material.
[0018] In order to be able to connect the blank with itself for
preparing the continuous container wall, the same can be rolled,
for example, until lateral edges abut. Along this edge abutment,
the blank is connected with itself. Additional connection means can
also be employed, if necessary. Normally, this kind of connection
is effected via heat and/or pressure.
[0019] It is also possible to not only form a connection along the
corresponding edge abutment after the container has been rolled or
folded, but to also form an overlap region of the blank by the
edges assigned to one another, this overlap region extending in
particular in the longitudinal direction of the container and the
blank being connected with itself in this overlap region.
[0020] If the transparent and fluid tight material extends to the
upper end of the corresponding blank where the withdrawal opening
of the finished container is formed, or if a container wall is
completely made of this material, the opening edge of the
withdrawal opening can be bendable or rollable without the
corresponding material changing its properties. Thus, it is ensured
that even the opening edge comprises the properties of the
material, such as transparency, fluid tightness and dimensional
stability.
[0021] As the corresponding material is dimensionally stable after
it has been shaped, it is ensured that the opening edge maintains
its corresponding shape even after having been bent or rolled
round.
[0022] Furthermore, the shapability without the material changing
its properties serves for avoiding, for example, a so-called
crazing. It occurs, for example, in materials which are transparent
in the beginning, which, however, comprise a normally linear
whitening of the material otherwise remaining transparent after it
has been shaped or folded. Such a crazing could otherwise also
occur in areas of the wall where a consumer holds the container or
exerts a corresponding pressure for taking out the food, which
could result in buckling or folding lines. Even if such changes of
the properties are partly acceptable, for example at the opening
edge, they are particularly advantageously avoided.
[0023] In particular, if the complete container wall is formed from
the material, the complete container is not only correspondingly
transparent/translucent and liquid/fluid tight, but it is also
dimensionally stable after having been shaped. This dimensional
stability is, among others, important when the container is stored
or transported between the place of manufacture and the place of
filling. Furthermore, the container remains open at least in the
area of its withdrawal opening when it is filled due to a
corresponding dimensional stability even without additional
measures, so that the food can be easily filled in. The dimensional
stability is also of assistance when the food is consumed, the
container itself maintaining its shape even after the food has been
taken out partially or completely. If the container is squeezed by
exerting pressure for consuming the food, the dimensional stability
is of assistance for the container to essentially take on its
original shape after the pressing has stopped which results in the
food being retracted back into the interior of the container.
[0024] The dimensional stability is also a property which is not to
be changed, for example, for maintaining a sufficient stability as
well as transparency and tightness also in the overlap region.
[0025] In order to be able to combine, if necessary, layers having
different properties with respect to transparency and fluid
tightness, the container wall can be formed from a corresponding
two- or multilayer material, each of the layers being transparent.
It should be noted here, that "transparency" can also mean only
translucent and that fluid tightness can also mean only liquid
tightness or gastightness and should be always understood in this
respect.
[0026] An outer layer can be made in this connection from PP,
oriented PP (coextruded or lacquered), PE, PET, PET (lacquered),
PA, oriented PA (lacquered), or the like. For the inner layer, the
following materials are possible: PP, PVC, PS, PA, PET, or the
like.
[0027] With respect to the various layers, it is advantageous for
these to be, for example, laminated. A large surface of such a
laminate can be made of the corresponding layers and a blank can
then be punched out of the laminate or prepared in another manner.
The use of such a laminate ensures the interconnection of the
layers, at the same time maintaining the corresponding
properties.
[0028] Another possibility of preparing and interconnecting the
layers can be their coextrusion.
[0029] In order to be able to employ in a simple manner a
corresponding blank for the container also for devices for the
manufacture as well as for the filling hitherto employed for
similar containers, the unshaped blank can be strictly
two-dimensional. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to easily
stack such a blank for the transport thereof and, on the other
hand, to simply draw it into a corresponding device for folding or
rolling the container from the blank.
[0030] In this connection, it is furthermore advantageous for at
least the exterior sides of the blank comprising a certain
roughness or basic friction which, for example, prevent a slipping
of corresponding draw-in means relatively to the blank.
[0031] During the transport of the container both in an unfilled
and an already filled state and the provision of the filled
collapsible container or its use by a consumer, it is possible that
the collapsible container comes into contact with spiky or
sharp-edged objects. In this connection, it is an advantage for the
corresponding material of the container wall to comprise a certain
mechanical resistance towards such objects, preventing a damage
which could have a negative influence on either the transparency or
the fluid tightness of the material.
[0032] In order to avoid that during the manufacture of the
container or its later handling in particular in the area of the
wall a negative optical impression occurs, with a two- or
multilayer construction of the material, the corresponding layers
can be joined in a permanent perfect junction. Otherwise, a
detachment of the layers in some places, could result in the
impression of a formation of bubbles or the like, which could,
apart from the optical impression, possibly also have a negative
influence on the transparency of the material.
[0033] Examples of such permanent perfect junctions are the
above-described lamination or coextrusion.
[0034] Independently of the number of layers of the corresponding
material, it is usually sufficient for one of the layers or the
single layer used, in case of several layers in particular the
central layer, to be an elastic one, which, however, can be
permanently shaped and is a dimensionally stable layer after it has
been shaped.
[0035] In order to achieve an optimum fluid tightness, it can prove
to be an advantage if the tightness towards liquid and towards 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 gastight.
[0036] It is possible to combine the corresponding layers in the
overlap region by additional connection means, such as an adhesive
or the like. In a simplified embodiment, outer and/or inner layers
can be formed as a connection layer at least in the overlap
region.
[0037] With respect to the material of the layers, it should be
noted that, for example, one of the layers can comprise a heat
insulating function for cool or warm food and/or that it is also
possible for all layers to be permeable to microwaves, for example,
for heating food within the container.
[0038] Of course, there also is the possibility of achieving the
fluid tightness towards liquids and gas by only a single layer.
[0039] In particular in the overlap region, but also in the region
of the withdrawal opening and its opening edge as well as along all
other edges of the blank, there sometimes occurs a problem in that
these edges or free ends of the corresponding material are not
sufficiently sealed. Therefore, in particular liquid ingredients of
the food or liquids located at the outside of the collapsible
container, such as condensation water, can penetrate the material.
Such a penetration normally changes the thickness of the
corresponding material or at least of one layer of the material,
such that bubbles can occur in the material and negatively
influence the overall optical appearance. The penetration of such a
liquid via the free ends or edges of the layers can also result in
the container becoming altogether leaky or loosing some of its
properties, such as the dimensional stability. Such a penetration
in particular of liquid can furthermore result in a soaking of the
surface of the collapsible container and a detachment of the
material from the container. These disadvantages can be prevented
by designing the edges of the layers to be fluid tight.
[0040] In order to give the container an optically more attractive
design or for the representation of information, at least one of
the layers can be provided with a print.
[0041] In both the processing of a corresponding blank for the
manufacture of the container and the later filling or use of the
container by the consumer, it is an advantage for the print to be
resistant to rubbing. That means that the print can neither be
rubbed off by direct contact nor by an action via one of the
layers.
[0042] With a one-layer construction of the material of the
container wall, the print is printed on one outer side of the
container. This correspondingly goes for coextruded layers. With an
otherwise multilayer construction, however, it is an advantage for
the print to be provided on one inner side of the outer layer
and/or one outer side of the central and/or one inner side of the
central and/or one outer side of the inner layer. This makes it
possible to combine several prints which can differ in their
graphical design or in their design in terms of colour.
[0043] For being able to provide sufficient heat in a simple manner
for the connection of the blank with itself, at least one of the
layers can be ultrasonic absorbent. The absorption of ultrasonics
results in the heating of the corresponding layer which is at least
strong enough for the layer to be sufficiently softened for forming
an intimate and in particular fluid tight connection with a layer
in edge or surface contact therewith after a corresponding cooling.
This can naturally also be true for both layers in contact in the
overlap region, in particular if these are made of the same
material. However, in this connection it should be noted that the
heating of the corresponding material by ultrasonics does not
result in the transparency of the material to be negatively
influenced after the connection and the cooling down.
[0044] If the layers are formed by a laminate it can be considered
to be advantageous for the print to be printed before the layers
are laminated. This on the one hand prevents it from being exposed
to harmful influences directly at the exterior of the container
and, on the other hand, there is no risk of harmful effects on the
food.
[0045] In the layer construction of the material, it is also
possible that one of the layers itself is a laminate.
[0046] There also is the possibility of only two or even more
layers of the corresponding material being coextruded.
[0047] There are several possibilities of closing the container at
its lower end.
[0048] In one embodiment, the closed end can be formed by
connecting lower end sections of the wall. Thereby, essentially
also the closed end is formed by the container wall and its
material and is transparent and in particular fluid tight.
[0049] In this case, preferably the lower end sections of the wall
are pressed together before they are connected, so that the wall
section can also be connected with itself by a corresponding
thermal effect.
[0050] It is also possible to use a separate part for closing the
container, so that for example the closed end comprises a bottom
insert. This can be made of a separate blank.
[0051] Normally, the bottom insert does not have to be transparent.
However, it is possible to prepare the bottom insert from the same
material as the container wall and to also correspondingly employ
heat and pressure for connecting the bottom insert and the
container wall.
[0052] For closing the container in the region of the withdrawal
opening, a lid can be tightly sealed in particular onto its opening
edge.
[0053] The material used for the container wall and possibly also
for the bottom insert is transparent, however, it can also be
coloured. That means that the material is not clearly transparent,
but red, yellow, green or the like, and that it is possibly rather
of a coloured transparency.
[0054] In order to possibly avoid a negative influence of the food
by the print, it can be printed onto one outer side of the
container in case of a one-layer material. This can be analogously
also done in case of a multiplayer, polyethylene-based material.
Such a material is possibly also prepared by coextrusion.
Naturally, there neither is any negative influence on the food by
the material of the container or by a penetration or loss of fluid
due to the container tightness.
[0055] In order to also prevent the container from being more
easily damaged even in case it falls down in a filled or unfilled
condition, the material can be impact resistant and/or resistant to
puncturing.
[0056] For the container, various cross-sectional shapes are
possible which can also vary in the longitudinal direction of the
container. This change does not only include dimensional changes of
an otherwise identical cross-section, but also changes concerning
other cross-sectional shapes. Examples of such cross-sectional
shapes are circular, approximately polygonal, approximately
quadrangular and in particular square, oval, bean-shaped or the
like.
[0057] The print can be made in a usual manner by imprinting a
corresponding means, such as colour or the like. There also is the
possibility of preparing the print not only by printing such a
colour, but also by impressing it into the corresponding layer or
even by carving it or the like. The print can also have a
three-dimensional effect or be a hologram or at least comprise the
same, and the print can also have a glossy effect.
[0058] It is also possible that the print covers the complete
container wall except for a control window and that the interior of
the container can only be seen through this control window. In this
connection, it is also possible for several of such control windows
to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the container
and/or in the circumferential direction of the container. Thereby,
various areas of the interior of the container can be seen.
[0059] For example depending on the colour of the print, there also
is the possibility that the print itself becomes only visible after
at least a part of the food has been taken out. This can, for
example, be effected by the print having the same colour as the
food filled in. In this case, it is also possible for certain parts
of the print to be only visible after a sufficient amount of the
food has been taken out and these parts have been exposed and thus
to result in a changing print. Such an appearing or changing print
can, for example, serve for making possible certain raffles or the
like, where one can identify whether one has possibly won anything
only after a sufficient amount of the food has been taken out.
[0060] The opening edge can be rolled round, as already mentioned
above. This rolling round can be a simple or multiple rolling
round. With a bent opening edge, it is furthermore possible that
the same is bent at an angle of 90.degree. or more relative to the
rest of the wall. Thereby, for example at an angle of 90.degree.,
the opening edge projects essentially radially to the outside from
the withdrawal opening.
[0061] In order to be able to drink, for example, liquid food from
the container at any location of the withdrawal opening, the
opening edge advantageously extends along the complete periphery of
the withdrawal opening. However, it is also possible for the
opening edge to be only continuous partially and/or in places.
[0062] For the above described properties of the container and in
particular of its material not to be provided, for example, only at
room temperature, but also within a larger temperature range, it is
to be considered to be favourable for the container and in
particular its material to be stable at least in the temperature
range of -50.degree. C. to +120.degree. C., for example for the
sterilizing device. This stability, for example, concerns the
dimensional stability, transparency, fluid tightness and the like.
In connection with the print, it should also be noted that there
are also temperature sensitive prints which can also be used
according to the invention. Such a print would, for example, change
its colour and thus possibly also its information content at a
predetermined temperature. A consumer can thus identify, for
example, whether a cooled food has a sufficiently low temperature
or whether a heated food is warm enough.
[0063] In order to be able to store a plurality of containers in a
simple manner and to take them out of the container stock, the
container can be stackable and unstackable.
[0064] With respect to the dimensional stability of the container,
it should also be noted that this can also be important in
particular for the connection in the overlap region and the opening
edge, for example to also continue the container shape in the
overlap region, that means to impart the corresponding shape to a
round or, for example, oval container even in the overlap region.
Moreover, the dimensional stability is to prevent leakages from
occurring in these regions.
[0065] With cooled or heated food, the corresponding temperature
should be kept unchanged, if possible, at least over a certain
period. For doing so, at least one of the layers can be formed as
heat insulating layer. Such a heat insulating layer can, on the one
hand, be heat insulating due to the specific material. On the other
hand, there also is the possibility for the layer to contain a heat
insulating material, such as air or the like, or for an air gap to
be formed between two adjacent layers.
[0066] As already mentioned in the beginning, the invention also
relates to a blank for the manufacture of a container described
above, the blank serving at least for the manufacture of the
container wall and possibly for the closed end and the opening
edge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0067] In the following, advantageous embodiments of the invention
are illustrated more in detail with reference to the figures
enclosed in the drawing.
[0068] In the drawings:
[0069] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a
container according to the invention;
[0070] FIG. 2 shows a section along line II-II of FIG. 1;
[0071] FIG. 3 shows a section along line III-III of FIG. 1;
[0072] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a
container according to the invention; and
[0073] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a blank for the manufacture of a
container according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] FIG. 1 shows a container 1 in a side view which has a
cupulate design. Container 1 comprises a withdrawal opening 7 at
its upper end in FIG. 1 which is surrounded by a rolled opening
edge 8, also see FIG. 2.
[0075] A lid 21 is tightly attached to the opening edge 8. At least
at one location, a lid handle 22 serving for drawing off the lid 21
from the opening edge 8 radially projects to the outside from the
lid.
[0076] Food 2, which can be liquid, pasty, throwable or pourable,
is filled in the interior of the container. The food 2 is filled in
the container up to the filling level 23.
[0077] The container 1 comprises 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.
[0078] In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the container 1
comprises a bottom insert 25 at its end 9 opposite the withdrawal
opening 7. The same is at least partially placed over or in the
wall 6 from the outside and connected thereto in a fluid tight
fashion.
[0079] The bottom insert 25 can be made of the same material as the
container wall 6.
[0080] The container 1 comprises a print 15 in the region of the
container wall 6. The corresponding printing can, in particular
with a one-layer material for the container wall, be provided on an
outer side 26 of the container 1 or on the outer side of the
container wall 6. With a two- or multilayer construction, see in
particular FIG. 3, the print is printed onto an inner side 16 of an
outer layer 3 and/or onto an outer side 17 of a central layer 4
and/or onto an inner side 18 of the central layer 4 and/or onto an
outer side 19 of the inner layer 5.
[0081] Depending on the layer material used, the different
arrangements of the print on one of the sides of one of the layers
result in another optical appearance, prints also being combinable
on different layers or sides of the layers, respectively, due to
the transparency of the container wall 6. Such a combination can
result in an optical effect, such as an apparent
three-dimensionality of the print. Moreover, the combination of
various prints makes possible colour combinations of varicoloured
prints when a consumer looks at the combined print from the
outside.
[0082] In FIG. 2, a section along line II-II of FIG. 1 is
represented. In this figure, one can see in particular how the
container wall 6 is bent or rolled round to the outside at its
upper end for forming the opening edge 8. The choice of the
corresponding layer materials of the container wall results in the
ductility when forming the opening edge as well as the dimensional
stability after the shaping.
[0083] In FIG. 3, a section along line III-III through the
container wall 6 or the blank 10 in accordance with FIG. 5 is
shown. In the shown embodiment, the container wall is made of three
material layers.
[0084] If only one material layer is used, the same can be, for
example, made of polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
or the like. Such a one-layer material is possibly provided with
one or two coats of lacquer on its opposite sides for achieving a
better seal with respect to fluids.
[0085] In case of two or more layers, see reference numerals 3, 4
and 5 in FIG. 3, for example, the inner layer can be made of PP,
PVC, PS, PA, PET, or the like, while the outer layer can be, for
example, made of PP, oriented PP, polyethylene (PE), PET, PA,
oriented PA, or the like. In particular, oriented PP, PET and OPA
can be moreover lacquered. Moreover, it is possible for the
oriented EP to be coextruded.
[0086] The different layers 3, 4 and 5 in accordance with FIG. 3
can be joined as individual layers for forming the container wall
6. It is also possible for the layers to form a laminate, for at
least one of the layers to be a laminate, or for the layers to be
coextruded.
[0087] It has already been pointed out that in case of a one-layer
material for the container wall 6, the corresponding print 15 is
printed onto the outer side 26 of the container 1, while in a
multilayer construction correspondingly inner and outer sides of
the various layers each are used, without a print being applied to
an outer side of the outer and an inner side of the inner
layer.
[0088] In FIG. 4, a second embodiment for a container 1 according
to the invention is shown. In this container, and possibly also in
the container 1 according to FIG. 1, the container wall 6 is
flexible, so that a pressure can be exerted on the container 1 from
the outside in order to move the food 2 towards the withdrawal
opening 8 for taking it out or consuming it. If necessary, in
particular in case of frozen products, such as ice-cream, in
addition to the pressure, the heat of a consumer's hand is
transmitted, such that a layer of liquefied food 2 is formed at
least between the same and an inner side of the container wall 6.
The above materials for the different layers 3, 4, 5 according to
FIG. 3 provide a flexibility of the container wall 6. At the same
time, in particular by the use of PET (polyester), a layer material
is used which stabilizes the corresponding shape of the container 1
according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 4. Such a layer material is flexible,
but it is also relatively stiff.
[0089] The container 1 according to FIG. 4 can comprise a handle 24
at its closed end 9 which is also formed by a blank 10 for the
container wall 6.
[0090] For forming this handle 24, lower end sections 20 of the
blank 10, see FIG. 5, are pressed to one another after the blank
has been rolled into the corresponding shape of the container, and
by applying heat, they are intimately connected in a fluid tight
manner. Even without the formation of such a handle, the closed end
9 can be formed by the connection of these lower end sections
20.
[0091] For simplification, in container 1 according to FIG. 1, a
corresponding print 15 according to FIG. 1 is not shown.
[0092] In the blank 10 according to FIG. 5, it has to be noted that
the same comprises a surrounding edge 14. The same can be sealed
for preventing a penetration of fluid. After the blank 10 has been
rolled, the rolled condition can be fixed, for example, by
arranging facing longitudinal edges 14 in abutting relationship and
joining them directly or by means of an additional connection
means. It is also possible for the edges 14 to overlap for forming
an overlap region 12 essentially extending in the longitudinal
direction 11 of the container and for the blank to be attached to
itself directly via a connection of the outer layer 3 and the inner
layer 5. Additionally, an adhesive can be possibly arranged in the
overlap region 12.
[0093] For forming the corresponding handle 24 according to FIG. 4,
the lower end sections 20 of the blank 10 can be pressed one to
another and joined. This connection can be made simultaneously with
the connection in the overlap region 12. An upper end section of
the blank 10, designated by "8", serves as opening edge 8, after it
has been bent or rolled to the outside, see FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0094] The represented embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 4 are
only exemplary and other container shapes are possible, such as
containers with an inverted cone design compared to FIG. 4, long
stretched-out tubular containers, or the like. It is also possible
for the corresponding transparent and fluid tight material for the
container wall 6 only to be arranged at a circumferential section
of the container wall in the longitudinal direction of the
container 11, while the other sections of the container wall 6 are
opaque. This corresponding transparent section can also be composed
of several subsections spaced apart in the longitudinal direction
11 of the container, which are possibly out-of-line in the
circumferential direction of the container 1. For a simplified
manufacture of a corresponding container 1, it is, however,
normally advantageous for the complete container wall 6 to be made
of the corresponding transparent and fluid tight and possibly
multilayer material. This in particular facilitates the arrangement
of the print 15 in the interior of the material of the container
wall 6.
[0095] In the following, the advantages according to the invention
are again shortly summarized with respect to consumer-relevant and
processing-relevant advantages.
[0096] One of the consumer-relevant advantages in accordance with
the invention is that the corresponding container is characterized
by some visual particularities. For example, the container can be
prepared in various shapes, such as oval, circular, approximately
square or even polygonal as well as bean-shaped and the like. Due
to the transparency in particular in the visible spectral region,
the contents of the container is moreover also visible without
having to open it. Both the filling level and the condition of the
food can be checked in a simple manner. The various possibilities
of the printing result in further visual advantages. The print can
also have such a design that there is a glossy effect which
particularly emphasizes the print optically. Moreover, the print
can have a three-dimensional effect. It is possible to provide the
complete container with a print except for at least one window. The
print can be formed by a hologram which offers further optical
advantages. Moreover, the print can at least partially become
visible only after the food has been taken out, which makes it
possible, for example, to inform the consumer about a prize he won,
or the like.
[0097] The consumer has a number of further functional advantages
with the container according to the invention. One of these
advantages is the tightness of the container with respect to
gaseous and/or liquid fluids. The tightness relates to both a
penetration and a leak of the corresponding fluid. One can also do
without a corresponding fluid tightness, if the container is filled
with an in particular dry food, of which the properties relevant
for the consumption are not negatively influenced, for example, by
an exchange of a gaseous fluid through the container wall. That
means that this food is not attacked, for example, by oxygen,
carbon dioxide or the like and that it is still suitable to be
consumed without restrictions.
[0098] Further advantages of the container according to the
invention are its flexibility due to which the corresponding food
can be pressed out of the container. Simultaneously, the container
is nevertheless resistant enough to external actions to be impact
resistant and shock-proof. That means, if the container falls down,
it is not damaged and even sharper objects cannot easily push
through it.
[0099] At the same time, the container is elastic, so that it takes
on its original shape even after having been pressed. The tightness
of the container is furthermore advantageous as fluid can neither
penetrate nor leak.
[0100] The resistance of the container also applies to the
connection of the individual layers, so that even an only partial
detachment of one layer is prevented. Altogether, the container is
excellent for storing food, without the properties thereof being
negatively influenced by external actions or by materials of the
container with respect to the consumption of the food.
[0101] The dimensional stability of the container is selected such
that it is flexible yet automatically takes on its original shape
and also maintains its predetermined shape and its other properties
in particular in the deformed areas of the container, such as the
edge or conglutinated layers.
[0102] The print, too, is designed and arranged not to negatively
influence the properties of the food or not to be removed from the
container easily in any way by rubbing it off or the like. At the
same time, the container is made of a material which offers a
pleasant feeling to the hand even with cooled or heated food.
[0103] Apart from this plurality of consumer-relevant advantages,
there is a similar number of processing-relevant advantages.
[0104] The ease of sealing the container according to the invention
during its manufacture is an advantage which is in particular
important for the conglutinated parts of the blank. However, the
container is not only tight in these conglutinated areas, but also
due to the materials of the container. Moreover, the container is
appropriate for being printed or provided with a print in a simple
manner, a number of possibilities for attaching the print onto one
or more layers of the material being available.
[0105] Due to the even surface of the blank, the same can be easily
processed and transported. In spite of the flexibility of the
container material, it can be shaped and maintains its shape in the
areas shaped as desired, such as for example in the edge region of
the withdrawal opening. This dimensional stability furthermore
comes in useful for the joint or conglutinated areas of the
container, which also maintain their shape corresponding to the
cross-section of the container. This results in a facilitation of
the further processing or filling of the container, as the same
always maintains its originally intended shape due to its
dimensional stability and as, for example, an originally intended
circular shape does not change into an oval or even flatter shape
in the course of time.
[0106] This dimensional stability and a corresponding shaping of
the container moreover result in a good stackability and
unstackability which is also advantageous in terms of production
and transport.
[0107] The tightness of the container is important for filling in
the corresponding food as both during the filling and the later
transport there is no risk of a penetration or leak of a
corresponding fluid.
[0108] It is furthermore advantageous that the container is
resistant both with respect to lower and higher temperatures with
respect to its properties and its shape. That means that, for
example, a food can be filled in and subsequently cooled without
the properties being changed, such as tightness, flexibility,
dimensional stability, transparency, or the like. This is
analogously true for elevated temperatures, which are, for example,
advantageous for sterilizing the container. Moreover,
correspondingly high temperatures can also occur if the container
is used for consuming a heated food.
[0109] Finally, another processing-relevant advantage is that the
container can be easily tightly closed by a lid which can be in
particular placed upon the withdrawal opening and tightly connected
with the corresponding opening edge.
* * * * *