U.S. patent application number 11/016364 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for folded-carton packages for holding a liquid beverage, and a method of manufacture for such folded-carton packages.
Invention is credited to Till, Volker.
Application Number | 20050156020 11/016364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34485567 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050156020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Till, Volker |
July 21, 2005 |
Folded-carton packages for holding a liquid beverage, and a method
of manufacture for such folded-carton packages
Abstract
The present application relates to folded-carton packages for
holding a liquid beverage, and a method of manufacture for such
folded-carton packages. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted
herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b). As stated in 37
C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure
in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably
following the claims, under the heading "Abstract of the
Disclosure." The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent
and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly
from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical
disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the
scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the
abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and
should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
Inventors: |
Till, Volker;
(Hofheim/Taunus, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NILS H. LJUNGMAN & ASSOCIATES
P. O. BOX 130
GREENSBURG
PA
15601-0130
US
|
Family ID: |
34485567 |
Appl. No.: |
11/016364 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/137 ;
229/198.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/064 20130101;
B31B 50/64 20170801; B31B 50/741 20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/137 ;
229/198.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 005/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2003 |
DE |
103 60 305.0 |
Claims
1. Folded-carton package for holding a liquid beverage with a
folded-carton package body (3) that is manufactured from a weldable
flat material, which folded-carton package body (3) has a polygonal
cross section and is provided on at least one end with a bottom
(2), which is produced in one piece with the folded-carton package
body (3) by the pressing and sealed closing of a cylindrical blank
(3.1) that forms the folded-carton package body (3) made of the
flat material along a line (4) that runs at a right angle to the
axis of the blank, and by forming the blank (3.1) into the
polygonal cross section of the folded-carton package body (3),
thereby forming the base, and from triangular material segments (5)
that project beyond the edge of the base, each of which comprises
two layers of the flat material and forming pocket-like cavities
that are closed toward the outside, characterized by the fact that
the pocket-like cavities are sealed off from the interior of the
folded-carton package body (3) by welding.
2. Folded-carton package as claimed in claim 1, characterized by
the fact that the pocket-like cavities are sealed tight and
isolated from the interior of the folded-carton package body (3) by
welding along at least one weld seam (6) that runs parallel to the
related peripheral side of the base (2).
3. Folded-carton package as claimed in claim 2, characterized by
the fact that the weldable flat material is a multiple-ply flat
material, in which at least one of the two external surface sides
is made of a plastic material that is thermoplastic or can be
welded under the application of heat.
4. Folded-carton package as claimed in claim 3, characterized by
the fact that the flat material is a multiple-ply material in which
at least one ply is made of cardboard.
5. Folded-carton package as claimed in claim 4, characterized by
the fact that the triangular or ear-shaped material segments (5)
are folded on the peripheral surfaces of the folded-carton package
body and are fixed there, for example by welding or gluing.
6. Folded-carton package as claimed in claim 5, characterized by
the fact that the triangular or ear-shaped material segments (5)
that are formed during the shaping of the bottom are folded onto
the base and are fixed there, for example by gluing or welding.
7. Folded-carton package as claimed in claim 6, characterized by
the fact that the folded-carton package body (3) and the bottom (2)
have a square or rectangular cross section.
8. Folded-carton package as claimed in claim 7, characterized by
the fact that the respective at least one weld seam (6) is located
on the related peripheral side of the bottom (2) or in the
immediate vicinity of said peripheral side.
9. Folded-carton package as claimed in claim 8, characterized by
the fact that the at least one weld seam (6) extends over the
entire length of the relative peripheral side or over the entire
width of the respective material segment (5) running parallel to
this peripheral side.
10. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package for
holding a liquid beverage, with a folded-carton package body (3)
made of a weldable flat material having a polygonal cross section
and with a bottom (2) on at least one side of the folded-carton
package body that is manufactured in one piece with the
folded-carton package body (3) by folding, whereby a cylindrical
blank (3.1) that forms the folded-carton package body (3) and the
at least one bottom (2) is closed on one end by being pressed flat
and welded along a weld seam that runs transversely or
perpendicularly to the axis of the blank (3.1), and from the blank
(301), the folded-carton package body and the bottom (2) that has
the weld seam are formed, specifically with the realization of
ear-like or triangular two-ply folds or material segments (5) that
are provided on peripheral sides of the bottom (2), and each form a
pocket-like cavity that is closed on the outside, characterized by
the fact that the pocket-like cavities are sealed off from the
interior of the folded-carton package body (3) by welding.
11. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 10, characterized by the fact that the pocket-like
cavities are closed off from the interior of the folded-carton
package body (3) by welding the ear-like or triangular material
segments (5) along at least one weld seam (6).
12. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 11, characterized by the fact that the respective
pocket-like cavity is closed or sealed before the triangular or
ear-like material segment is doubled over and fixed on the outer
surface of the folded-carton package, for example onto the outer
surface of the folded-carton package body and/or of the bottom
(2).
13. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 12, characterized by the fact that the pocket-like
cavity is closed or sealed after the crimping of the ear-like or
triangular material segments (5) onto the outside surface of the
folded-carton package, for example onto the outside surface of the
folded-carton package body or of the bottom.
14. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 13, characterized by the fact that the at least
one weld seam (6) that closes the respective pocket-like cavity
over its entire length is produced simultaneously or essentially
simultaneously.
15. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 14, characterized by the fact that the at least
one weld seam (6) that closes the respective pocket-like cavity is
produced in a progressive or subsequent or continuous welding
process.
16. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 15, characterized by the fact that the respective
weld seam that closes a pocket-like cavity is produced using a
welding electrode holder (7, 7a, 8b) that has at least two arms
(7.1, 8.2; 7a.1, 7a.2; 7b.1, 7b.2).
17. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 16, characterized by the fact that during the
closing of the respective pocket-like cavity of an ear-like
material segment (5), said segment is simultaneously fixed in place
by being welded to the outside surface of the folded-carton
package, for example to the outside surface of the base (2) or of
the folded-carton package body (3).
18. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 10, characterized by the fact that the respective
pocket-like cavity is closed or sealed before the triangular or
ear-like material segment is doubled over and fixed on the outer
surface of the folded-carton package, for example onto the outer
surface of the folded-carton package body and/or of the bottom
(2).
19. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 18, characterized by the fact that the pocket-like
cavity is closed or sealed after the crimping of the ear-like or
triangular material segments (5) onto the outside surface of the
folded-carton package, for example onto the outside surface of the
folded-carton package body or of the bottom.
20. Method for the manufacture of a folded-carton package as
claimed in claim 19, characterized by the fact that the at least
one weld seam (6) that closes the respective pocket-like cavity
over its entire length is produced simultaneously or essentially
simultaneously.
21-40. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present application relates to a folded-carton package
or folded-carton packaging made of flat material as described
herein below and to a method for the manufacture of such
folded-carton packages or folded-carton packaging as described
herein below.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Folded-carton packages or folded-carton packaging of this
type, in particular in the form of cardboard packages or cardboard
containers, are known in a variety of realizations, including in
the form of packages and containers for beverages. The prior art
also includes plants in which the packages or packaging (cardboard
packages or cardboard containers) are manufactured and then filled
continuously, whereby the capacity of these plants is determined
essentially by the relatively long cycle times required for the
manufacturing of the folded-carton packages and containers and is
between 6,000 and 12,000 filled and sealed folded-carton packages
per hour. It would be desirable, however, to have much higher
capacities, for example in the range of at least 40,000
folded-carton packages/hour or more, which is the output that can
be achieved with conventional filling machines.
[0005] To achieve such outputs during the filling of folded-carton
packages that are made of flat material (cardboard packages or
cardboard containers), it is necessary to first fabricate these
folded-carton packages separately, so that they can then be fed
continuously from a dispenser to the filling machine in question.
The separate manufacture of the packages, and their optional feed
via a dispenser naturally requires the optional dispenser, but
necessarily requires transport as well as possibly also a storage
of the packages between the machine that manufactures the packages
and the filling machine. This method of operation entails a high
risk that the package will become contaminated by microbes or
bacteria, with the resulting adverse effect on the quality and/or
shelf life of the product being packaged.
[0006] Packages made of flat material are basically manufactured by
first pressing together a cylindrical blank made of the flat
material on one end and then sealing it fluid-tight, e.g. by
welding. Then the blank is shaped by pressing it, for example,
thereby forming a square or rectangular base, into a square or
rectangular cross section shape, which results in the formation on
two facing peripheral sides of the bottom or base of ear-like or
triangular two-layer folds or material segments, which are then
doubled over, in particular to stabilize the package on its outer
surface, for example on the outer surface of the base or the
peripheral surface, and are fixed there in a suitable manner, e.g.
by means of adhesive. The ear-like material segments form
pocket-like cavities which, although they are sealed fluid-tight
with respect to the outside of the package, are separated from the
interior of the package only by a folded edge produced during the
doubling-over process.
[0007] If such packages are immediately filled with a liquid
(beverage) under sterile conditions, these pocket-shaped cavities
do not cause any major problems. However, if the packages are
prefabricated and then must be stored for some period of time to
increase the capacity during bottling, it is possible that microbes
or bacteria will become established in the pocket-like cavities,
will not be removed or killed or not completely removed or killed
during a treatment such as by rinsing prior to filling, and will
then have an adverse effect on the quality and/or shelf-life of the
product being packaged.
OBJECT OR OBJECTS
[0008] The object is to eliminate this disadvantage and to describe
a package made of flat material (e.g. cardboard container or
cardboard package), in which the risk of microbial or bacterial
contamination that will damage the contents is essentially
eliminated, or substantially reduced or restricted to a level that
will not result in contamination of or damage to the contents. The
present application teaches a package and a method for the
manufacture of such a package, as described herein.
SUMMARY
[0009] On the package taught by the present application, the
pocket-like cavities formed by the triangular or ear-like material
segments that stabilize the package can each be sealed or closed
off from the interior of the packaging body by welding. The
establishment of any microbes or bacteria in these pocket-like
cavities that can no longer be removed, or can be only incompletely
removed and/or killed during filling under sterile conditions may
thereby become impossible. The package as claimed by the present
application can therefore also be prefabricated and stored when a
product that is susceptible to microbial or bacterial
contamination, such as a beverage for example, is being packaged
and namely, for example, for subsequent use on a high-speed filling
machine.
[0010] The package claimed by the present application can be
manufactured, for example, so that the triangular or ear-shaped
material segment on the bottom of the package, before being doubled
over, may be welded tight along the relative peripheral side of the
base or on the doubled-over or folded edge produced by the
subsequent doubling over, so that the pocket-like cavity can be
thereby sealed fluid-tight. Then the respective material segment
may be doubled over with the outside surface of the packaging, for
example on the peripheral surface of the package body or on the
bottom and can be fixed in place by gluing or welding. As a result
of the closing or sealing of the respective pocket-like cavity,
germs or microorganisms may be unable to penetrate into these
cavities during the transport and/or storage of the unfilled
package, so that the packages can be sterilized, for example, on
machines of the type that are conventionally used in the beverage
industry (rinser machines etc.) and can then be filled with a
liquid product under sterile conditions.
[0011] As an alternative to the method described above, it is also
possible to close the pocket-like cavities of the ear-shaped or
triangular material segments or folds only after they have been
doubled over. It may then be possible, after the closing of the
material segments, to fix it in a further process step by suitable
means, e.g. by gluing or welding, to the outer surface of the
package and/or to perform this fixing simultaneously with the
welding of the pocket-like cavities, e.g. by welding.
[0012] The term "bottom" or "base" is used by the present
application in the very broad sense to designate the segment of the
packaging that closes the interior of the package on one end of the
package body and may be made from the flat material in one piece
with the package body. This "bottom" or "base" may then be, for
example, the underside of the package body that forms the base
surface of the package. The "bottom" or "base", however, can also
be the material segment that is adjacent to the interior of the
package body on the top.
[0013] The above-discussed embodiments of the present invention
will be described further hereinbelow. When the word "invention" or
"embodiment of the invention" is used in this specification, the
word "invention" or "embodiment of the invention" includes
"inventions" or "embodiments of the invention", that is the plural
of "invention" or "embodiment of the invention". By stating
"invention" or "embodiment of the invention", the Applicant does
not in any way admit that the present application does not include
more than one patentably and non-obviously distinct invention, and
maintains that this application may include more than one
patentably and non-obviously distinct invention. The Applicant
hereby asserts that the disclosure of this application may include
more than one invention, and, in the event that there is more than
one invention, that these inventions may be patentable and
non-obvious one with respect to the other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention is explained in greater detail below with
reference to the exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view from overhead of the
bottom of a folded-carton package with a square or rectangular
cross section made of a weldable flat material;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows in various positions a-e the process steps in
the manufacture of the folded-carton package illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a simplified view of a welding electrode holder
for the sealing and/or closing of the pocket-like cavities of the
ear-shaped or triangular material segment formed during the shaping
of the bottom;
[0018] FIGS. 4 and 5 show possible realizations in an illustration
similar to FIG. 3; and
[0019] FIG. 6 shows the steps of a possible method of unfolding
folded-carton packages for holding a liquid beverage.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The folded-carton package, which is designated 1 overall in
the figures and which is intended, for example, to be used as a
package for a liquid product (e.g. beverage), is manufactured from
a weldable flat material by folding. The flat material is realized
in a plurality of layers, and particularly layers of cardboard and
plastic, whereby at least the outermost layers are formed by a
plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, that can be
welded under the action of heat or ultrasound.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows the individual process steps in the manufacture
of the folded-carton package 1 or of the base 2 of this
folded-carton package illustrated in FIG. 1. First a tubular blank
3.1 is formed from the flat material or from a corresponding blank,
and specifically by rolling and subsequent welding of the flat
material along an edge line or surface line that runs parallel to
the axis of the blank 3.1 (Position a).
[0022] Then the blank 3.1 is closed on an end that forms the later
bottom 2 of the folded-carton package by doubling over and welding
this end fluid-tight along a seam 4 that runs at a right angle to
the axis of the blank (Position b).
[0023] In a further process step, the blank 3.1 which up to this
point still has a round or oval cross section is shaped into the
rectangular or square cross section of the folded-carton package 1
(Position c), namely so that the seam 4 runs parallel to two
peripheral sides of the rectangular or square cross section and in
the center between these peripheral sides, and at this point
already forms the bottom 2 of the folded-carton package 1. The
shaping of the blank 3.1 that has a round cross section into the
square or rectangular cross section of the eventual folded-carton
package 1 or of the packaging body 3 and the formation of the base
2 requires the formation on two sides of the base 2 that run
perpendicular to the weld seam 2 or two double-layer, flat,
ear-shaped folds or [triangular] material segments 5 that project
laterally beyond the circumference of the blank 3.1.
[0024] In a next process step (Position d) in FIG. 2, the weld seam
4 is then doubled over on the outside of the base 2 and on the two
ear-shaped material segments 5. In the conventional manufacture of
a folded-carton package 1 of this type, the material segments 5 are
doubled over onto the neighboring peripheral side or the bottom of
the package body 3, and are fixed in position, for example by
gluing.
[0025] The method taught by the present application, as illustrated
in Position e in FIG. 2, and in contrast to the method of the prior
art, teaches that the two ear-shaped material segments 5 are closed
off from the interior of the folded-carton package 1, and
specifically by producing, after the weld seam 4 has been folded
over, a weld seam 6 along each side of the base 2 that has such a
material segment 5, which closes the pocket-like cavity tight along
the relative side of the base and isolates it from the interior of
the folded-carton package 1. Only then are the material segments 5
folded over and fixed in place.
[0026] The sealing of the pocket-shaped cavities of the material
segments 5 by the weld seam 6 is carried out, for example, by means
of a welding electrode holder 7 which comprises two arms 7.1 and
7.2, whereby each arm forms a strip-shaped contact surface which,
in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 extends
perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of this figure, and
specifically over a length that is longer than the length of the
weld seam 6 to be produced. Both contact surfaces are heated. In
the illustrated embodiment, the electrode holder element 7.2 forms
a stationary contact surface, while the electrode holder element
7.2 can pivot, so that the respective material segment can be
stretched between these electrode holder elements during the
welding process.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows one possible realization of the method taught
by the present application, in which (realization) the
pocket-shaped cavities formed by the material segments 5 are sealed
only after these material segments have been doubled over on the
outside surface of the package body 3, and specifically are sealed
once again with a welding electrode holder 7a which has two heated
electrode holder elements 7a.1 and 7a.2, one electrode holder
element of which is introduced into the package body 3 and whereby
at least one electrode holder element can be pivoted relative to
the other electrode holder element. In this embodiment, too, the
pocket-like cavities of the material segments 5 in the immediate
vicinity of the relative side of the base 2 on or in the immediate
vicinity of the folding line are sealed when they are doubled over,
whereby during this weld sealing, they are also fixed into position
on the relative peripheral side of the package body 3.
[0028] FIG. 5 relates to an embodiment of the method taught by the
present application in which the material segments 5 are not
doubled over on a peripheral side of the package body 3, but on the
bottom 2. In this realization, the pocket-like cavities of the
material segments 5 are sealed by an electrode holder 7b with the
two electrode holder elements 7b.a and 7b.2, and specifically in
the vicinity of the transition between the bottom 2 and the
respective, doubled-over material segment 5. The welding electrode
holder 7 has two heatable electrode holder elements, of which the
electrode holder element 7b.1 is inserted from above into the
package body 3 which is open at that point and is pressed against
the interior surface of the bottom 2. The packaging body 3 is
supported on the other electrode holder element 7b.2, with the
material segment 5 doubled-over on the bottom.
[0029] The embodiments have been described above on the basis of
exemplary embodiments, although it goes without saying that
modifications and variations can be made to the invention without
thereby going beyond the basic teaching of the invention.
[0030] For example, it is possible to manufacture, from the
weldable flat materials, in a continuous process, a tubular primary
material that corresponds to the blank 3.1 by rolling and
longitudinal welding. From this primary material, the length
required for a folded-carton package 1 can then be separated or cut
off, and can then be processed in the same manner into the
folded-carton package 1 or the package body 3 as described above in
connection with FIG. 2 which illustrates the use of the blank
3.1.
[0031] It was assumed above that the triangular material segments
or the sealed, pocket-like cavities formed by these material
segments and sealed by welding, are provided in the vicinity of the
bottom 2. It goes without saying that of course the top side of a
package can be manufactured in the same way as described above, and
specifically with the pocket-shaped cavities formed by the material
segments 5 and sealed off from the interior of the package by
welding.
[0032] An example of a known machine which prepares flattened
folded-carton packages for filling with a liquid, is manufactured
by SIG Combibloc International AG, of Industrieplatz CH-8212,
Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Germany. One of SIG Combibloc's machines,
for example, unfolds the flattened folded-carton packages according
to the following method described below, which steps are shown in
FIG. 6. The first step is the sleeve feed, where the machine
operator loads the magazine with longitudinally sealed sleeves of
the folded-carton packages straight out of the delivery box. The
sleeves are vibrated and laterally aligned to facilitate
separation. The second step is sleeve forming, where the sleeves
are extracted individually by suction, unfolded or opened into a
rectangle and slid onto a mandrel. This ensures that they are
properly positioned for formation of the base. The third step is
base activation, which happens in two stations, where hot air
activates the appropriate areas of the base for sealing. The fourth
step is base folding, where as the mandrel wheel transports the
sleeve to the base welding station, the base is folded by rotating
cross folders and one longitudinal folder. The final step is base
welding, where the base welding plate and the front face of the
mandrel press and seal the base of the carton completely. At the
end of this process, the folded-carton packages are ready to be
filled by a beverage filling machine.
[0033] Some examples of SIG Combibloc's folded-carton package
processing machines, some components of which may possibly be
utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment,
may possibly be found in the following models of SIG Combibloc's
machines: CFA 112-32; CFA 712-32; CFA 612-32; CFA 310-32; CFA
510-32; CFA 209-32; CFA 406-32; and CFA 909-32. An example of a
device for closing boxes using ultrasonic welding which may
possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible
embodiment may possibly be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,267,
entitled "Process and a device for closing filled folded-carton
packages," which patent is also owned by SIG Combibloc.
[0034] Some examples of methods and arrangements for manufacturing
containers or packages, some components of which may possibly be
utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment,
may possibly be found in the following U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,336,
issued on May 19, 1981, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,800, issued on Mar.
29, 1988, which patents are incorporated by reference as if set
forth in their entirety herein.
[0035] One feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the
time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside
broadly in a folded-carton package with a folded-carton package
body that is manufactured from a weldable flat material, which
folded-carton package body has a polygonal cross section and is
provided on at least one end with a bottom, which is produced in
one piece with the folded-carton package body by the pressing and
sealed closing of a cylindrical blank that forms the folded-carton
package body made of the flat material along a line that runs at a
right angle to the axis of the blank, and by forming the blank into
the polygonal cross section of the folded-carton package body,
thereby forming the base, and from triangular material segments
that project beyond the edge of the base, each of which comprises
two layers of the flat material and forming pocket-like cavities
that are closed toward the outside, characterized by the fact that
the pocket-like cavities are sealed off from the interior of the
folded-carton package body by welding.
[0036] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a folded-carton package, characterized by the
fact that the pocket-like cavities are sealed tight and isolated
from the interior of the folded-carton package body by welding
along at least one weld seam that runs parallel to the related
peripheral side of the base.
[0037] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a folded-carton package, characterized by the
fact that the weldable flat material is a multiple-ply flat
material, in which at least one of the two external surface sides
is made of a plastic material that is thermoplastic or can be
welded under the application of heat.
[0038] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a folded-carton package, characterized by the
fact that the flat material is a multiple-ply material in which at
least one ply is made of cardboard.
[0039] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a folded-carton package, characterized by the
fact that the triangular or ear-shaped material segments are folded
on the peripheral surfaces of the folded-carton package body and
are fixed there, for example by welding or gluing.
[0040] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a folded-carton package, characterized by the
fact that the triangular or ear-shaped material segments that are
formed during the shaping of the bottom are folded onto the base
and are fixed there, for example by gluing or welding.
[0041] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a folded-carton package, characterized by the
fact that the folded-carton package body and the bottom have a
square or rectangular cross section.
[0042] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a folded-carton package, characterized by the
fact that the respective at least one weld seam is located on the
related peripheral side of the bottom or in the immediate vicinity
of said peripheral side.
[0043] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a folded-carton package, characterized by the
fact that the at least one weld seam extends over the entire length
of the relative peripheral side or over the entire width of the
respective material segment running parallel to this peripheral
side.
[0044] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a folded-carton
package with a folded-carton package body made of a weldable flat
material having a polygonal cross section and with a bottom on at
least one side of the folded-carton package body that is
manufactured in one piece with the folded-carton package body by
folding, whereby a cylindrical blank that forms the folded-carton
package body and the at least one bottom is closed on one end by
being pressed flat and welded along a weld seam that runs
transversely o perpendicularly to the axis of the blank, and from
the blank, the folded-carton package body and the bottom that has
the weld seam are formed, specifically with the realization of
ear-like or triangular two-ply folds or material segments that are
provided on peripheral sides of the bottom, and each form a
pocket-like cavity that is closed on the outside, characterized by
the fact that the pocket-like cavities are sealed off from the
interior of the folded-carton package body by welding.
[0045] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a folded-carton
package, characterized by the fact that the pocket-like cavities
are closed off from the interior of the folded-carton package body
by welding the ear-like or triangular material segments along at
least one weld seam.
[0046] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a folded-carton
package, characterized by the fact that the respective pocket-like
cavity is closed or sealed before the triangular or ear-like
material segment is doubled over and fixed on the outer surface of
the folded-carton package, for example onto the outer surface of
the folded-carton package body and/or of the bottom.
[0047] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a folded-carton
package, characterized by the fact that the pocket-like cavity is
closed or sealed after the crimping of the ear-like or triangular
material segments onto the outside surface of the folded-carton
package, for example onto the outside surface of the folded-carton
package body or of the bottom.
[0048] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a folded-carton
package, characterized by the fact that the at least one weld seam
that closes the respective pocket-like cavity over its entire
length is produced simultaneously or essentially
simultaneously.
[0049] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a folded-carton
package, characterized by the fact that the at least one weld seam
that closes the respective pocket-like cavity is produced in a
progressive or subsequent or continuous welding process.
[0050] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a folded-carton
package, characterized by the fact that the respective weld seam
that closes a pocket-like cavity is produced using a welding
electrode holder that has at least two arms.
[0051] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a folded-carton
package, characterized by the fact that during the closing of the
respective pocket-like cavity of an ear-like material segment, said
segment is simultaneously fixed in place by being welded to the
outside surface of the folded-carton package, for example to the
outside surface of the base or of the folded-carton package
body.
[0052] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a package with a package body that is
manufactured from a weldable flat material, which package body has
a polygonal cross section and is provided on at least one end with
a bottom, which is produced in one piece with the package body by
the pressing and sealed closing of a cylindrical blank that forms
the package body made of the flat material along a line that runs
at a right angle to the axis of the blank, and by forming the blank
into the polygonal cross section of the package body, thereby
forming the base, and from triangular material segments that
project beyond the edge of the base, each of which comprises two
layers of the flat material and forming pocket-like cavities that
are closed toward the outside, characterized by the fact that the
pocket-like cavities are sealed off from the interior of the
package body by welding.
[0053] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a package, characterized by the fact that the
pocket-like cavities are sealed tight and isolated from the
interior of the package body by welding along at least one weld
seam that runs parallel to the related peripheral side of the
base.
[0054] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a package, characterized by the fact that the
weldable flat material is a multiple-ply flat material, in which at
least one of the two external surface sides is made of a plastic
material that is thermoplastic or can be welded under the
application of heat.
[0055] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a package, characterized by the fact that the
flat material is a multiple-ply material in which at least one ply
is made of cardboard.
[0056] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a package, characterized by the fact that the
triangular or ear-shaped material segments are folded on the
peripheral surfaces of the package body and are fixed there, for
example by welding or gluing.
[0057] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a package, characterized by the fact that the
triangular or ear-shaped material segments that are formed during
the shaping of the bottom are folded onto the base and are fixed
there, for example by gluing or welding.
[0058] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a package, characterized by the fact that the
package body and the bottom have a square or rectangular cross
section.
[0059] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a package, characterized by the fact that the
respective at least one weld seam is located on the related
peripheral side of the bottom or in the immediate vicinity of said
peripheral side.
[0060] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a package, characterized by the fact that the at
least one weld seam extends over the entire length of the relative
peripheral side or over the entire width of the respective material
segment running parallel to this peripheral side.
[0061] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a package with a
package body made of a weldable flat material having a polygonal
cross section and with a bottom on at least one side of the package
body that is manufactured in one piece with the package body by
folding, whereby a cylindrical blank that forms the package body
and the at least one bottom is closed on one end by being pressed
flat and welded along a weld seam that runs transversely o
perpendicularly to the axis of the blank, and from the blank, the
package body and the bottom that has the weld seam are formed,
specifically with the realization of ear-like or triangular two-ply
folds or material segments that are provided on peripheral sides of
the bottom, and each form a pocket-like cavity that is closed on
the outside, characterized by the fact that the pocket-like
cavities are sealed off from the interior of the package body by
welding.
[0062] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a package with a
package body, characterized by the fact that the pocket-like
cavities are closed off from the interior of the package body by
welding the ear-like or triangular material segments along at least
one weld seam.
[0063] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a package with a
package body, characterized by the fact that the respective
pocket-like cavity is closed or sealed before the triangular or
ear-like material segment is doubled over and fixed on the outer
surface of the package, for example onto the outer surface of the
package body and/or of the bottom.
[0064] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a package with a
package body, characterized by the fact that the pocket-like cavity
is closed or sealed after the crimping of the ear-like or
triangular material segments onto the outside surface of the
package, for example onto the outside surface of the package body
or of the bottom.
[0065] Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a package with a
package body, characterized by the fact that the at least one weld
seam that closes the respective pocket-like cavity over its entire
length is produced simultaneously or essentially
simultaneously.
[0066] Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a package with a
package body, characterized by the fact that the at least one weld
seam that closes the respective pocket-like cavity is produced in a
progressive or subsequent or continuous welding process.
[0067] Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a package with a
package body, characterized by the fact that the respective weld
seam that closes a pocket-like cavity is produced using a welding
electrode holder that has at least two arms.
[0068] A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for the manufacture of a package with a
package body, characterized by the fact that during the closing of
the respective pocket-like cavity of an ear-like material segment,
said segment is simultaneously fixed in place by being welded to
the outside surface of the package, for example to the outside
surface of the base or of the package body.
[0069] The present application relates to a package with a package
body that is manufactured from a weldable flat material in one
piece with a base is fabricated by pressing and welding tight a
cylindrical blank and by shaping the blank into a polygonal cross
section of the package body, thereby forming the bottom, and
triangular material segments that project beyond the edge of the
bottom, each of which comprises two layers of the flat material and
forming pocket-like cavities that are closed toward the outside.
The pocket-like cavities are sealed off from the interior of the
package body by welding.
[0070] The components disclosed in the various publications,
disclosed or incorporated by reference herein, may possibly be used
in possible embodiments of the present invention, as well as
equivalents thereof.
[0071] An example of a packing container sold under the trademark
name "Brik-Pak" can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,247, entitled
"Packing laminate provided with crease lines." Machines for
assembling and filling the Brik-Pak containers are made by Tetra
Pak, Inc. of 101 Corporate Hills Parkway, Vernon Hills, Ill.
60061.
[0072] The purpose of the statements about the technical field is
generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public
to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this
patent application. The description of the technical field is
believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to
adequately describe the technical field of this patent application.
However, the description of the technical field may not be
completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this
patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent
application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from
this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to
the technical field are not intended to limit the claims in any
manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any
manner.
[0073] The appended drawings in their entirety, including all
dimensions, proportions and/or shapes in at least one embodiment of
the invention, are accurate and are hereby included by reference
into this specification.
[0074] The background information is believed, at the time of the
filing of this patent application, to adequately provide background
information for this patent application. However, the background
information may not be completely applicable to the claims as
originally filed in this patent application, as amended during
prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed
in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the background information are not
intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be
interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
[0075] All, or substantially all, of the components and methods of
the various embodiments may be used with at least one embodiment or
all of the embodiments, if more than one embodiment is described
herein.
[0076] The purpose of the statements about the object or objects is
generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public
to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this
patent application. The description of the object or objects is
believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to
adequately describe the object or objects of this patent
application. However, the description of the object or objects may
not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in
this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this
patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing
from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made
relating to the object or objects are not intended to limit the
claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the
claims in any manner.
[0077] All of the patents, patent applications and publications
recited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, are hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety
herein.
[0078] The summary is believed, at the time of the filing of this
patent application, to adequately summarize this patent
application. However, portions or all of the information contained
in the summary may not be completely applicable to the claims as
originally filed in this patent application, as amended during
prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed
in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the summary are not intended to limit
the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting
the claims in any manner.
[0079] It will be understood that the examples of patents,
published patent applications, and other documents which are
included in this application and which are referred to in
paragraphs which state "Some examples of . . . which may possibly
be used in at least one possible embodiment of the present
application . . . " may possibly not be used or useable in any one
or more embodiments of the application.
[0080] The sentence immediately above relates to patents, published
patent applications and other documents either incorporated by
reference or not incorporated by reference The corresponding
foreign and international patent publication applications, namely,
Federal Republic of Germany Patent Application No. 103 603 05.0,
filed on Dec. 20, 2003, having inventor Volker Till, and DE-OS 103
603 05.0 and DE-PS 103 603 05.0, are hereby incorporated by
reference as if set forth in their entirety herein for the purpose
of correcting and explaining any possible misinterpretations of the
English translation thereof. In addition, the published equivalents
of the above corresponding foreign and international patent
publication applications, and other equivalents or corresponding
applications, if any, in corresponding cases in the Federal
Republic of Germany and elsewhere, and the references and documents
cited in any of the documents cited herein, such as the patents,
patent applications and publications, are hereby incorporated by
reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.
[0081] All of the references and documents, cited in any of the
documents cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if
set forth in their entirety herein. All of the documents cited
herein, referred to in the immediately preceding sentence, include
all of the patents, patent applications and publications cited
anywhere in the present application.
[0082] The description of the embodiment or embodiments is
believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to
adequately describe the embodiment or embodiments of this patent
application. However, portions of the description of the embodiment
or embodiments may not be completely applicable to the claims as
originally filed in this patent application, as amended during
prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed
in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the embodiment or embodiments are not
intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be
interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
[0083] The details in the patents, patent applications and
publications may be considered to be incorporable, at applicant's
option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations
in the claims to patentably distinguish any amended claims from any
applied prior art.
[0084] The purpose of the title of this patent application is
generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public
to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this
patent application. The title is believed, at the time of the
filing of this patent application, to adequately reflect the
general nature of this patent application. However, the title may
not be completely applicable to the technical field, the object or
objects, the summary, the description of the embodiment or
embodiments, and the claims as originally filed in this patent
application, as amended during prosecution of this patent
application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from
this patent application. Therefore, the title is not intended to
limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as
limiting the claims in any manner.
[0085] The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as
required by 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b):
[0086] A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the
specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably
following the claims, under the heading "Abstract of the
Disclosure." The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent
and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly
from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical
disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the
scope of the claims.
[0087] Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are
not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be
interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
[0088] The embodiments of the invention described herein above in
the context of the preferred embodiments are not to be taken as
limiting the embodiments of the invention to all of the provided
details thereof, since modifications and variations thereof may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments
of the invention.
At Least Partial Nomenclature
[0089] 1 Package
[0090] 2 Base of the package 1
[0091] 3 Package body
[0092] 3.4 Blank
[0093] 4 Weld seam
[0094] 5. Triangular material segment
[0095] 6 Weld seam
[0096] 7, 7a, 7b Welding electrode holder
[0097] 7.1, 7a.1, 7a.2 Arm of the welding electrode holder
[0098] 7.2, 7a.2, 7b.2 Arm of the welding electrode holder
* * * * *