EP1625079B1 - Packaging container comprising a lid - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a packaging unit, comprising a cup-shaped packaging container and a closure lid made of at least one plastic material, wherein the packaging container has a circumferential thin-walled jacket with spaced frontal end portions extending in a plane at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Mantell, wherein one of the end portions through the closure lid and the other end region is closable or closed by the closure lid or a bottom, and in the end region designed to receive the closure lid, a coupling device of sealable and positive coupling elements is arranged for cooperation with opposing coupling elements of the closure lid, wherein the sealable coupling element of the packaging container encloses the jacket in a direction facing away from the shell longitudinal axis superior, circumferential, flange-like retaining element au fweist, whose closure surface facing the cap is provided as a sealing surface and the positive coupling element, for cooperation with the closure lid, is formed by at least one in the direction of the longitudinal axis Mantellah latching element, wherein the closure lid comprises a central part and a coupling device arranged in a peripheral edge region sealable and positive coupling elements for connection to the cup-shaped packaging container, wherein the sealable coupling element of the closure lid is formed by a flange surrounding the central part retaining element, the packaging container facing surface is provided as a sealing surface and in the direction perpendicular to the central part effective positive coupling element, for cooperation with the packaging container, in the radial direction outwardly adjoins the sealable coupling element.

For packaging foodstuffs, for example milk products, yoghurts or other pasty contents, it is often desired that, in addition to the film closure, which has been used for a long time, for example with an aluminum foil which is heat-sealed on the packaging container in order to package the contents in a hygienic manner, the requirement additionally exists, after removing only parts of the contents, reseal the packaging container both in terms of hygiene and against unintentional emptying of the contents.

Such packaging containers are known from the prior art. In this case, usually deep-drawn lid are frontally on a peripheral flange of a e.g. sealed conical container. Inside the cup are holding elements or projections, which should hold the lid after opening the first time again on the cup. These games are geometrically not clearly defined, since they act on the one hand not form-fitting, but rather non-positively, on the other hand, the problem of varying shrinkage behavior of the plastic is given, whereby a reliable holding the lid on the container is not guaranteed. The occurring deformations during the opening of the packaging container, however, do not allow a subsequent tight resealing due to the following lack of flatness of the sealing edges.

From the packaging of canned food or cup-shaped containers, it is known to close the opening of the container by a closure device in the form of a lid extending over the edge of the container. By formed in the frame or edge of the lid locking edge, it is possible to connect the lid by snapping on an edge bead of the container with this and to close in such a way. In cases where the opening of the container is sealed by a film, the lid may also serve to reseal the container once the sealing film has been removed and a remainder of the contents left in the container protected or stored for later use. In the case of the use of beverage cans, moreover, there is a need on the part of consumers, if after opening still a portion of the drink is left in the can to be able to reseal the can and this, especially in situations where the can can not be turned off, for example to hold comfortably at events of the modern leisure society, such as open-air concerts. It is also common in beverage cans to drink directly from these after removal of the closure. Since the outside of a beverage can is exposed to the outside environmental influences unprotected, it may also be the case that the area around the opening or the closure of the can, which comes into direct contact with the mouth when drinking, is contaminated with the behavior Drinking directly from a can also involves a hygienic problem. Even if there is no visually detectable contamination in the opening area, it may in fact be the case that there is microbial contamination.

Packaging containers made of plastic are in particular in the field of packaging of foods, such as dairy products or ready meals, such as soups or pudding or free-flowing material, such as cereal, in use in a variety. Such cups made of plastic are usually deep drawn with a more or less downwardly tapering body made of a plastic film or produced by similar methods. However, in order to achieve sufficient strength for normal use, these packaging containers must have a disproportionately high use of material, which increases the production costs. Furthermore, a metal foil applied by means of adhesive is usually used for sealing this packaging container. When applying this seal, the packaging container is exposed to high mechanical stresses, also as a result of the resulting heat.

The document EP 0 381 329 A1 discloses a packaging container which is formed from a cup part and a lid. The cup part, like the lid, has circumferential sealing edges. Radially immediately thereafter locking elements or wall areas are formed with bulges on lateral wall areas. In this case, with the lid on the wall portions of the lid are inside of the corresponding wall portions of the cup. A disadvantage of this packaging unit is that the strength of the cup-lid composite or the stability of the latching connection, which is to ensure a secure closing of the packaging unit after initial opening, depends essentially on the strength of the cup in the region of the wall areas. Even a slight widening of the cup part leads to a deterioration of the locking action. An expansion of the cup part can occur either through the contents itself or by handling the cup in the region of the side walls. Another disadvantage of this packaging unit is that both the cup part and the lid, the locking elements formed by wall regions with bulges are arranged immediately adjacent to the Siegelrändem. If, during sealing, the sealing edges are heated, it can not be avoided that these deform and, as a consequence, the wall regions mentioned have a changed diameter and / or a changed angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the packaging unit. When heat-sealing, it is unavoidable that even the wall areas immediately adjacent to the sealing edge, which has the latching elements, heats up which, in addition, can also lead to undesired deformations there. Both, the deformation of the sealing edges as well as the deformation of the wall parts can cause the holding force of the locking connection is weakened or completely eliminated, whereby a safe and against leakage of liquid or slightly viscous media dense resealing can not be reliably achieved with this packaging unit ,

Other packaging containers with a closure lid are also still from the EP 0 454 339 A1 , of the EP 1 127 809 A2 , of the GB 2 236 099 A , of the US 6,196,404 B1 , of the US 6,460,716 B 1 and the CH 640 469 A5 known.

Based on this prior art, the object of the invention is to propose a sealable and resealable packaging unit, in which the sealable coupling elements are insensitive to deformation, so that the packaging unit can be safely and tightly resealed after the first opening.

The object of the invention is achieved by a packaging container mentioned above in that the at least one locking element of the positive coupling element of the packaging container projects beyond the flange-like holding element in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the jacket and radially spaced from this, that the positive coupling element of the closure lid with the sealable Coupling element is integrally formed and thereby projects beyond the sealable coupling element in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shell and at least one in the direction of the longitudinal axis Mantellängsachse locking element, and that with respect to the longitudinal axis Mantell a radius of the positive coupling element of the closure lid smaller or at most equal to a radius of the positive Clutch element of the packaging container, wherein the closure lid with its positive coupling element which at least a detent element of the positive coupling element of the packaging container engages outside with a sealed packaging unit.

The advantage here is that a first-time opening of the seal without deformation, such as the cap, is possible by the inventive design of the packaging container or the closure lid and after the partial removal of the contents a safe and dense reclosure by the positive coupling device is possible. This is achieved above all by the special arrangement of the two coupling elements, that is to say the form-fitting and the sealable coupling element. The arrangement of an externally arranged on the cup, rotating coupling element or latching element, both the closure lid as well as the packaging container itself is given a high mechanical stability, whereby a deformation during removal of the closure lid from the packaging container is effectively counteracted. At the same time, however, a bias against the packaging container opening is applied by this externally annular engaging coupling element, whereby high sealing or sealing forces act and thus the reseal of the packaging container is given the desired tightness. Another advantage is that a bulge of the jacket of the packaging container during filling or in the filled state does not lead to any deterioration of the tightness of the packaging container, as is the case, for example, with internally mounted coupling elements between the closure lid and packaging container. It is also advantageous that the formation of a distanced from the sail surface in the radial direction locking element no permanent deformation of the coupling elements due to excessive deformation during initial opening of the packaging container with simultaneous release of the seal occurs. In known from the prior art packaging containers with also acting on the outer circumference form-fitting coupling elements, this is not possible by the direct action of the force applied by the user opening force and a resulting bending stress or deformation. In the embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention, no deformation of the closure lid and thus the tightness is not impaired. As a further advantage arises due to the geometric arrangement of the coupling elements according to the invention, that when opened for the first time the sealing seam is opened in terms of time after the positive coupling element and thus effectively counteracts unintentional opening of the tamper-evident closure. The fact that the lid surrounds the outer packaging container by means of coupling elements, there is the additional advantage of a drip catch, whereby the remaining in the edge region after drinking drops remain after sealing in the interior of the packaging container and thus no contamination of the outside of the cup.

According to one embodiment variant, it is provided that the latching element has the shape of a polygonal pull in a plane running through the longitudinal axis of the cup, whereby an additional mechanical stiffening can be achieved by the formed edges in the polygonal pull. The traverse preferably includes right angles.

Characterized in that the latching element in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the mantle of the cup has the shape of a concave with respect to the outer surface of the shell curvature is achieved in an advantageous manner that a pleasant for the user in the lip contact drinking rim is formed and through this Rounding the risk of cuts is reduced, since the simultaneous occurring mechanical reinforcing effect otherwise occurring during sealing uncontrolled deformation of the cup is avoided.

Due to the refinements, according to which the curvature of the locking element corresponds at least in partial areas to a circular shape or parts of an elliptical curvature, the advantage is achieved that the locking element itself receives the highest possible mechanical stability and the risk of deformation is minimized.

Characterized in that the sealing surface of the sealable coupling element of the packaging container in the radial direction has a width between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3.5 mm, the advantage is achieved that the width of the sealing surface and thus the so directly related adhesive force of the seal can be optimally adapted to the respective application.

It is further advantageous if the locking element in the radial direction has a width between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shell a height between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 4 mm, as a spatial distancing of the application of force of the user to the sealable coupling element takes place and thus on the one hand, a deformation of the areas around the sealing surface is prevented and on the other hand thereby the sealing surface between the packaging container and closure cap is increased.

The fact that the shape of the packaging container is substantially rotationally symmetrical, the advantage is achieved that this shape is adapted to the commercial drinking or yoghurt containers and thus good handling is ensured.

According to an embodiment variant, it is possible that the shape of the container is substantially rectangular and the advantage is achieved that a high stacking density is achieved, and thus transport costs and storage costs can be kept low.

In a further development, it is provided that the form-locking coupling element of the closure lid in a plane passing through the central part of the plane has the shape of a polygonal pull, whereby the advantage is achieved that lends the lid a high mechanical stability and the tightness is increased by the formed edges in the polygonal pull , Advantageously, the traverse includes approximately right angles.

Another advantage is when the positive coupling element of the closure lid in a plane passing through the central part of the plane of a, with respect to a packaging container surface facing concave curvature, which on the one hand sharp edges can be avoided and thus the risk of injury or risk of cutting User is reduced, on the other hand, the closure lid in addition, a higher stability is given by this constriction. The curvature advantageously corresponds at least in partial areas to a circular shape or has parts of an elliptical curvature, at least in partial areas.

It is further possible that the sealing surface of the sealable coupling element of the closure lid in the radial direction has a width between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3.5 mm, whereby the adhesiveness of the seal can be adjusted individually to the particular application can.

Characterized in that the positive coupling element of the closure lid in the radial direction has a width between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 4 mm, and in the direction normal to a plane passing through the central part level a height between 2 mm and 7 mm, preferably has between 2.5 mm and 6.5 mm, the advantage is achieved that by this spacing of the sealable coupling element, a deformation of the Closing lid can be avoided by the not directly acting opening force and further thereby the sealing surface between the packaging container and closure cap is increased.

In a further development of the invention it is provided that connects to the rearward locking element of the positive coupling element of the closure cover a radially outwardly extending, circumferential guide region, whereby a placement of the closure lid on the packaging container is substantially facilitated and tilting of the coupling elements is effectively avoided.

Characterized in that the guide region in the direction normal to a plane passing through the central part level has a height between 1.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm, the height of the guide portion can be individually adapted to the respective cup size.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least over partial regions of the circumference of the guide region, at least one radially outwardly extending tear tab adjoins, since a simple and easy opening of the closure lid is possible by the attack surface formed thereby.

The fact that the shape of the closure lid is substantially rotationally symmetrical or rectangular, the advantage of easy handling when used as a drinking cup and the advantage of a high stack density is achieved.

It is advantageous if the material for forming the packaging container and / or the closure lid from the group of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) or polyesters, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is selected, since on the one hand food authenticity is given, On the other hand, with good mechanical properties, the production or raw material costs can be kept low.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the packaging container and the closure lid are formed from the same material, since this makes it possible to achieve a sorted and therefore simple and cost-effective recycling.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsbehälters;

Fig. 2

eine erste Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlussdeckels;

Fig. 3

eine erfindungsgemäße Verpackungseinheit, umfassend einen becherförmigen Verpackungsbehälter und einen Verschlussdeckel;

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht des erfindungsgemäßen Verschlussdeckels in kreisrunder Ausgestaltung;

Fig. 5

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante der erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungseinheit;

Fig. 6

eine Draufsicht des erfindungsgemäßen Verschlussdeckels in elliptischer Ausgestaltung;

Fig. 7

eine weitere Ausführungsform des Verschlussdeckels in rechteckiger Ausgestaltung;

Fig. 8

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante der Kupplungsvorrichtungen des Verpackungsbehälters bzw. des Verschlussdeckels;

Fig. 9

schematisch in einer Verschlussstation gehalterten Verpackungsbehälter bzw. Verschlussdeckel gemäß eines Ausführungsbeispiels des Verfahrens;

Fig. 10

Radien- bzw. Höhenverhältnisse des erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsbehälters und des Verschlussdeckels;

Fig. 11

eine Ausführungsform einer Verschlussvorrichtung, die an einem Behälter befestigt ist, geschnitten dargestellt;

Fig. 12

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Verschlussvorrichtung, die an einem Behälter befestigt ist, geschnitten dargestellt;

Fig. 13

eine Draufsicht auf die Verschlussvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 12 in zusammengeklapptem Zustand;

Fig. 14

eine Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsbehälters;

Fig. 15

eine Anordnung zum Prüfen der von der Verpackungseinheit aufgenommenen Stauchkraft bzw. dem Stauchweg;

Fig. 16

ein schematisches Kraft-Weg-Diagramm, welches mit der Anordnung in Fig. 15 ermittelt wurde;

Fig. 17

eine Ansicht eines Schnittes XVII nach Fig. 14;

Fig. 18

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsbehälters;

Fig. 19

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsbehälters.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a packaging container according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a first embodiment of a closure lid according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a packaging unit according to the invention comprising a cup-shaped packaging container and a closure lid;

Fig. 4

a plan view of the closure cap according to the invention in a circular configuration;

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention;

Fig. 6

a plan view of the closure cap according to the invention in an elliptical configuration;

Fig. 7

a further embodiment of the closure lid in a rectangular configuration;

Fig. 8

a further embodiment of the coupling devices of the packaging container or the closure cap;

Fig. 9

schematically packaging container or closure lid held in a closure station according to an embodiment of the method;

Fig. 10

Radii or height relationships of the packaging container according to the invention and of the closure lid;

Fig. 11

an embodiment of a closure device which is attached to a container, shown in section;

Fig. 12

a further embodiment of a closure device which is attached to a container, shown in section;

Fig. 13

a plan view of the closure device according to Fig. 12 in the folded state;

Fig. 14

an embodiment of the packaging container according to the invention;

Fig. 15

an arrangement for checking the compression force received by the packaging unit or the compression path;

Fig. 16

a schematic force-displacement diagram, which with the arrangement in Fig. 15 was determined;

Fig. 17

a view of a section XVII after Fig. 14 ;

Fig. 18

a further embodiment of the packaging container according to the invention;

Fig. 19

a further embodiment of the packaging container according to the invention.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the location information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to the new situation mutatis mutandis when a change in position.

The Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a packaging container 1 according to the invention.

Shown is a packaging container 1 with a jacket 2 formed by a hollow truncated cone, which is closed by a bottom 4 in the region of a first end region 3. In the opposite second end region 5, the packaging container 1 has an opening 6. The packaging container 1 is formed rotationally symmetrical to its longitudinal axis 7.

In the region of the second end region 5, a coupling device 8 is arranged, which is formed by a form-fitting coupling element 9 and a sealable coupling element 10.

The form-fitting coupling element 9 is formed by a circumferential over the circumference of the packaging container 1 latching element 11 and the sealable coupling element 10 by a circumferential, flange-like holding element 12th

The holding element 12 can be provided on the side facing away from the casing 2 top of the packaging container 1 as a sealing surface or sealing flange. The width of the sealing surface in the radial direction may be between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.

Due to the design of the retaining element 12 as a sealing flange, it is possible to provide the packaging container 1 with a seal seal as originality mark. In addition, the contents of the packaging container are protected by this closure.

According to the invention, the plane of the holding element 12 does not have to run normal to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the jacket 7 and, if it is advantageous or desired in terms of production, both in a deviating from the planar shape form, in particular curved, as well as in a direction of the normal Mantellängsachse 7 at an angle deviating direction.

The holding element 12 is used according to the invention as a sealing surface for receiving an adhesive. Particularly advantageous is a heat-sealable adhesive layer of a plastic material, in particular a hot melt adhesive, or a thermoresist as this food safety is guaranteed.

Following the sealable coupling element 10, the form-fitting coupling element 9 is arranged radially outwardly, which forms a latching element 11.

This results, contrary to the known from the prior art solutions with arranged on the inside of the cup locking elements the advantage that effectively counteracted by these measures during the manufacture of the packaging unit, for example by deep drawing, small dimensional tolerances and despite these tolerances achieved a secure closing becomes.

This circumferential locking element 11 can, as in Fig. 1 represented, in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis 2 of the packaging container 1 level, have the shape of a concave with respect to the outer surface of the shell 2 curvature. According to the invention, the special shape of the curvature can be composed of regions that are slightly curved on the outer edge and regions of greater curvature or straight regions in the region of the retaining element 12. It is also possible, as in Fig. 4 shown that the locking element 11 is formed approximately semi-circular.

However, the latching element 11 may also have the shape of an elliptical curvature, in particular in the outwardly tapering region.

In order to obtain an optimal shape for the particular application, the locking element 11 may of course also composed of several partial curvatures such that curvatures of different radii of curvature or shapes connect to each other.

An additional advantage results from the fact that can be supported by the formation of the holding member 12 of the coupling device 8, an envelope of the packaging container 1, for example, a cardboard or plastic sleeve.

Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a closure cap 13 according to the invention.

At a central part 14, a coupling device 15 connects in the direction radially outward. The coupling device 15 is characterized by in a circumferential Edge-region arranged sealable coupling element 16 and a radially adjoining thereto form-locking coupling element 17 is formed.

The sealable coupling element 16 is formed by a flange-like holding element 18 enclosing the central part 14. The flange-like holding element 18 of the closure lid 13 acts as a counterpart to the flange-like holding element 12 of the packaging container 1 (see Fig. 1 ).

By gluing or sealing these two holding elements creates a tight seal between the packaging container 1 and the closure lid 13, on the one hand protects the contents from air access, and thus from spoiling and on the other hand serves as a tamper-evident closure.

In the radial outward direction, a positive coupling element 17 connects to the sealable coupling element 16.

The coupling element 17 may according to the invention have a width between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 4 mm. The positive coupling element 17 has one or more rearward locking elements 19 in the end region in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shell. These locking elements 19 make when pressing the closure lid 13 on the packaging container 1 a secure positive connection of the two parts.

When pressing the area of the positive coupling element 17 is elastically expanded and snaps over the positive coupling element 9 of the packaging container 1 a. The distance of the coupling device 15 of the closure cap 13 from the longitudinal axis 7, can be inventively slightly smaller than the distance of the coupling device 8 of the packaging container 1 to the longitudinal axis 7. This results in the advantage that when eingeschnapptem cap 13 has a certain bias between the cap 13th and the packaging container 1 acts, so that there is a secure and dense detachable connection between these two parts.

A seal against leakage of liquid or pasty contents takes place over the surfaces of the packaging container 1 facing side of the positive coupling element 17th

Fig. 3 shows a packaging unit according to the invention, comprising a cup-shaped packaging container 1 and a closure lid 13th

It should be noted at this point that parts with the same reference numerals can be adopted by other figures and will not be described separately here.

Shown is a packaging unit according to the invention, comprising the cup-shaped packaging container 1 and the closure lid 13.

The positive coupling element 9 of the packaging container 1 is formed in this embodiment approximately in the form of a semicircle. The equivalent positive coupling element 17 of the closure cover 13 is also formed semicircular.

In the end region of the coupling element 17, the projecting locking element 19 is formed by continuation of the circular course.

Following the latching element 19, a radially outwardly extending circumferential guide region 20 is formed. Of particular advantage is that the placement of the closure lid 13 on the packaging container 1 and the connection of the two coupling devices 8 and 15 with each other is substantially simplified because tilting is avoided.

According to the invention, it is also possible that the positive coupling elements 9 and 17, respectively, have the shape of a polygon, in particular at right angles. As a result, the packaging container 1 or the closure lid 13 can be given additional mechanical stability.

The plastic deformation resistance achieved by the special embodiments of the closure lid 13 and the packaging container 1 described in the individual figures is always greater than that for the separation of the positive coupling elements 9 and 17, or for the separation of the sealable coupling elements 10 and 16 necessary force and is therefore a permanent deformation of the packaging unit, even with repeated closing and opening prevented.

Of course, the shape of the positive coupling elements 9 and 17 can also be composed of a plurality of partial curvatures or polygons such that curvatures of different radii of curvature or shapes adjoin one another.

When you first open the packaging container 1 is achieved by the inventive design and arrangement of the coupling devices 8, 15 in an advantageous manner that when applying a corresponding force by the user, first the positive coupling elements 9, 17 of the packaging container 1 and the closure lid 13 in one Area are separated by the force introduced from each other, and only later in sequence, the two sealable coupling elements 10 and 16, for example in the form of a seal, are separated from each other.

This effectively prevents unintentional opening of the tamper-evident closure of the packaging unit.

The shape of the packaging container 1 according to the invention should not be limited to conically shaped contours, but is also a parallel to the longitudinal axis 7 extending jacket 2 or a konterkonischer or a different curvatures having coat 2 possible.

The packaging container 1 or the closure lid 13 can be produced according to the invention by primary molds, such as, for example, pressing, injection molding or injection molding or by thermoforming, for example thermoforming or stretch forming.

The packaging container 1 can also be designed in this way (in Fig. 3 not shown) that in addition to the opening 6 in the region of the second end portion 5, a second opening in the region of the first end portion 3 is arranged. By forming the coupling device 8 according to the invention at this second opening, it is possible to create a recloseable ventilation opening, whereby when falling, for example Pudding or jelly-like content easier emptying of the content is possible. Also can be supported on the holding elements 12 of the two coupling devices 8 by this training a wrapping of the packaging container 1, for example, formed by a cardboard or plastic sleeve. By a special shaping in the second end region 3, in particular a tapering of the diameter of the packaging container 1, whereby the coupling device 8 or the closure lid 13 coupled thereto does not project beyond the adjoining diameter of the jacket 2, the stackability of the packaging container 1 is maintained.

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the closure cap 13 according to the invention in a circular configuration.

This is followed by a central part 14 arranged rotationally symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the mantle. This is followed radially outwards by the region of the sealable coupling element 16, the form-fitting coupling element 17 and the guide region 20. The dotted line in the region of the form-locking coupling element 17 indicates the end region of the engagement element 19 engaging behind.

According to the invention, it is also possible to arrange at least one tear-open tab 21 extending radially outwards along the circumference. The tear tab 21 may also be in the form of a semicircle.

Furthermore, it is possible to form the closure lid 13 shown here or the packaging container 1, for example in approximately rectangular shape. It is particularly advantageous if the corners of the packaging container 1 and the closure lid 13 are formed rounded.

The embodiments described in the further figures can of course also be transferred to the rectangular shape of the packaging container 1 or of the closure lid 13.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention, comprising a cup-shaped packaging container 1 and a closure lid 13th

The positive coupling element 9 of the packaging container 1 is in this embodiment in the form of a polygon, whose individual sections include approximately right angles formed. In the end region of the coupling element 17, the rearward locking element 19 is connected. Through this embodiment, the advantage is achieved that the positive coupling element 17 receives a high mechanical stability by the occurring peripheral edges of the polygon and thus counteracts a deformation when opening the packaging container 1.

The attached to the rear locking element 19, circumferential guide portion 20, the placement of the closure cap 13 is simplified to the packaging container 1, since thereby tilting of the coupling device 15 of the closure lid 13 with the coupling device 8 of the packaging container 1 is prevented.

To the positive coupling element 17, the sealable coupling element 16 is connected radially inwardly. The sealable coupling element 16 is formed by a flange-like holding element 18 enclosing the central part 14. It is particularly advantageous if the flange-like retaining element 18 is formed as a sealing surface, which in combination with a sealing surface of the packaging container 1, a tamper-evident closure can be created, which also protects the contents of the packaging container 1 from air access and thus from spoiling.

The formed on the packaging container 1, circumferential, positive coupling element 9 of the coupling device 8 is formed in an analogous manner to the positive coupling element 17 of the coupling device 15 of the closure lid 13. Again, proves achieved by the edges of the polygon draw mechanical reinforcement and thus stiffening of the packaging container 1 as advantageous.

Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the closure cap 13 according to the invention in elliptical design.

Shown is an elliptical around the shell longitudinal axis 7 trained central part 14, wherein radially outwardly first of the region of the sealable coupling element 16, the connect positively locking coupling element 17 and the guide portion 20. The end region of the engaging latching element 19 is indicated by the dashed, in the region of the positive coupling element 17.

The shape of the outline of the packaging container 1 corresponds to that of the closure cap 13 shown.
By the in Fig. 6 shown embodiment, the particular advantage that by an elliptical configuration of the closure lid 13 and the packaging container 1, an opening or removal of the closure lid 13 is easier, since arranged by the arranged on the longer main axis of the ellipse tear tab 21 better leverage ratios or a force is applied to a smaller area of the rotating coupling device 8 of the packaging container 1 or the coupling device 15 of the closure cap 13 and thus a small force for releasing the two coupling devices must be applied to each other.

Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of the closure lid 13 in a rectangular configuration.

Shown is a sealing cover 13 which is rectangular around the jacket longitudinal axis 7. The corner regions can be rounded according to the invention. This form has the advantage that the packaging container 1 or the closure lid 13 allow a higher stack density, whereby the costs can be reduced during transport or storage both in the filled and in the stacked-unfilled state.

To facilitate opening a tear tab 21 is arranged on at least one of the four sides of the closure lid 13.

According to the invention, the shape of the packaging container 1 or the closure lid 13 may also be square, resulting in the same advantages during storage or transport.

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the coupling devices of the packaging container 1 and der Verschlussdeckels 13th

It should be noted at this point again that the description of parts with the same reference numerals can be taken from other figures and will not be discussed here.

Shown are the coupling devices 8 and 15 of the cylindrical packaging container 1 and the closure lid 13. The shape of the positive coupling elements corresponds to that of a polygon with angles deviating from the right angle. Due to this special embodiment, the particular advantage is achieved that the circumferential positive coupling element 17 of the closure lid 13 and the circumferential, positive coupling element 9 of the packaging container 1 are reinforced in their mechanical strength by the plurality of edges which are formed by the polygon. As a result, plastic deformation or tearing or tearing when removing the closure lid 13 from the packaging container 1 are avoided.

Following the positive coupling element 17 of the closure cap 13, the sealable coupling element 16 with the holding element 18 and a circumferential groove 22 formed in the direction of the side facing the packaging container 1 and an adjoining central part 14 adjoin radially inwardly first.

Through this groove 22 is an additional stabilization of the closure lid 13 against mechanical stresses that occur, for example, when removing the closure lid 13. A further advantage results from the fact that the circumferential groove 22 rests in the closed state on the jacket 2 of the packaging container 1 an additional sealing surface, which prevents unwanted leakage of the contents of the packaging container 1.

According to the invention, the central part 14 can also be arranged above or below the holding element 18 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the jacket, which makes it possible to customize the shape of the closure lid 13 to accommodate additional articles, in particular cutlery or the like, on the surface of the packaging container 1 facing away from the packaging container 1 Closing cover 13 to create.

Fig. 9 1 schematically shows the packaging container 1 or closure lid 13 held in support rings of a sealing device 25 according to an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

Shown is a support ring 23 which serves to receive the packaging container 1 according to the invention. The support ring 23 is located on the side facing away from the closure lid end of the packaging container 1 on the holding element 12, between the outer circumferential positive coupling element 17 of the coupling device 15 and the jacket 2 of the packaging container 1 at.

The support ring 23 also serves as a signing ring and, according to the invention, can also be heated to produce a heat seal, for example electrically.

On the closure cover 13, a further support ring 24 or signet ring is applied to the holding element 18, between the positive coupling element 17 and the central part 14. This can also be designed according to the invention, in the case of a heat seal, for example, electrically heated.

According to the invention, the closure lid 13 can be held in place by a tension between the support ring 24 and the form-fitting coupling element 17, generated by a slightly larger dimension of the support ring 24. This provides the advantage of a simpler construction of the sealing device 25th

For better retention of, for example, larger or less mechanically stable closure lids 13, it proves to be advantageous if a holding device is arranged in the region of the longitudinal axis 7 of the support ring 24 (in FIG Fig. 9 not shown). With this holding device, the closure lid 13, for example, by negative pressure acting on the support ring 24 are held.

By moving the two support rings 23 and 24 along the longitudinal axis of the shell 7, the two holding elements 18 and 12 of the sealable coupling elements 16 and 10 of the closure lid 13 or of the packaging container 1 are brought into abutment.

By the force applied in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mantle also the positive coupling element 17 of the closure lid 13, and the positive coupling element 9 of the packaging container 1 are coupled together. By introducing heat through the support ring 23 and / or the support ring 24, a previously applied to the holding elements 18 and / or 12 adhesive, in particular a thermal resist, cured and the packaging container 1 with the closure lid 13 tightly sealed.

According to a variant embodiment of the method, it is possible that first the closure lid 13 is brought into contact with the packaging container 1 held in the support ring 23 and by means of a suitable, for example, a circumferential ring, closure element in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7 on the positive coupling elements 17 of the closure cap 13th a force is applied in such a way that the two coupling elements 9 and 17 lock together. Thereafter, the sealing takes place by applying the support ring 24 to the retaining element 18 of the sealable coupling element 16, for example by the action of heat.

Fig. 10 shows radii or height relationships of the packaging container 1 according to the invention and of the closure lid 13.

Shown are the coupling devices 8 and 15 of the packaging container 1 and the closure lid 13. The shape of the positive coupling elements 9, 17 corresponds approximately to that of a semicircle.

On the closure cover 13, a radius 26 is shown, which indicates the largest distance of the inner surface of the wall of the rotating positive-locking coupling element 17 to the longitudinal axis 7.

Analogously, a radius 27 of the packaging container 1 indicates the greatest radial extent of the rotating form-fitting coupling element 9.

It proves to be particularly advantageous if the closure lid 13 or the packaging container 1 is designed such that the radius 26 is smaller or at most the same size as the radius 27 of the packaging container 1.

In this way, when the packaging unit is closed, it is achieved that the packaging container 1 or the closure lid 13 are under a radial counteracting stress which presses the respectively adjacent wall regions of the coupling elements 9, 17 against each other, thus ensuring a high degree of impermeability to undesirable leakage of the contents. On the other hand ensures a secure holding the closure lid 13 on the packaging container 1.

Furthermore, a height 28 is shown on the closure lid, which indicates the distance from the beginning of the projecting locking element 19, to the largest extent of the concave inner wall of the positive coupling element 17 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7.

Similarly, a height 29 is indicated on the packaging container 1, which indicates the largest extent of the locking element 11 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7 mantle.

Of particular advantage is when the closure lid 13 or the packaging container 1 is formed so that the height 28 is smaller or at most equal to the height 29.

As a result, in addition to the above-described radial stress, between the form-fitting coupling elements 9, 17, an axial tension acting in the longitudinal axis 7 of the shell is built up and thus a still more secure and denser sealing of the packaging unit is made possible.

These biases also effectively prevent premature detachment of the sealed seam which may be formed by the sealable coupling elements 10 and 16.

It should be noted that these radii or height ratios are not on the in Fig. 10 illustrated, approximately semicircular coupling elements are limited, but mutatis mutandis, can be transferred to the forms described in the other figures.

The Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a closure device 51, which is attached to a container 52, shown in section.

The container 52 is a substantially rotationally symmetrical can 53 for receiving a beverage. The container 52 or the can 53 is connected to a production-related edge bead 54, which arises in the connection of the shell 55 with the upper cover 56 of the can 53. The can 53 is shown in a state in which a closure 57 of the container 52 or the can 53 has not yet been removed and thus an opening 58 of the container 52 is still closed. The closure device 51 initially comprises a cover 59, the edge of which is designed as a frame 60 with a latching edge 61. The closure device 51 is fastened to the container 52 such that the frame 60 surrounds the edge bead 54 of the can 53 or the latching edge 61 is latched to the edge bead 54. The latching edge 61 of the frame 60 of the can 53 is formed with an inner diameter 62 which is slightly smaller than an outer diameter 63 of the edge bead 54 of the can 53, so that the cover 59 of the closure device 51 when placed on the container 52 and on Can 53 must be deformed resiliently. The cover 59 is preferably dimensioned such that in this state placed on the can 53 an internal stress state remains and thus between the edge bead 54 of the can 53 and the frame 60 of the cover 59 a contact pressure is given by which the sealing effect of the closure device 51 is increased. That the frame 60 of the lid 59, together with the latching edge 61, the edge bead 54 of the box 53 such that along the entire circumference of the edge bead 54 such a far-reaching seal is that at least no liquid can pass between edge bead 54 and frame 60 of the lid 59. Insofar as the cover 59 does not have a separate opening, it is thus possible to seal the container 52 or the can 53 tightly by means of the closure device 51.

In an alternative embodiment of the closure device 51, it is also possible that the lid 59 in turn has an opening with a separate closure. In such an embodiment of the closure device 51, it would be possible to open the container 52 only by opening this closure arranged on the lid 59 and to empty the contents through the opening in the lid 59 and the opening 58 of the container 52 or the can 53.

The closure device 51 further includes also a retaining wing 64, which by a on Frame 60 of the lid 59 arranged, first joint 65 is connected to the lid 59. Due to the articulated connection between the cover 59 and the retaining wing 64, which is produced by the joint 65, it is possible to pivot the retaining wing 64 out of its position resting on the cover 59. The can 53 connected to the closure device 51 can accordingly be held on the holding wing 64. For this purpose, it is preferably also provided that the holding wing 64 has an opening 66 and thus essentially has an annular shape, which facilitates the holding of the can fastened to the closure device 51 or makes it possible to hang on the holding wing 64.

However, the holding wing 64 can also serve to lift the closure device 51 or the cover 59 from the can 53 by holding the can 53 on the one hand and the holding wing 64 on the other hand and applying an increased tensile force. As a result, the closure 57 of the opening 58 of the can 53 is accessible and the can 53 can then be opened by removing the closure 57. Remains after removal of a portion of the contents of the can 53, a residue in the can 53, it is possible to securely close the can 53 by placing the lid 59 of the closure device 51. If the can is now transported in hanging position on the holding wing 64, the can thereby remains substantially in an upright position or in a little inclined from the upright position, which additionally prevents a residual content of the can 53 unintentionally the opening 58 of the can 53 exits. But it is also possible that between the cover 59 and the retaining wing 64, a further connection is provided, by which the retaining wing 64 is held in a substantially parallel position to the cover 59 and the retaining wing 64 is held adjacent to the lid 59 , In this case, a reversibly openable or closable connection is preferably provided. But it can also be provided between the holding wing 64 and the cover 59 serving only as a transport securing joint, which is not resealable after a first lifting the holding wing 64 of the lid 59.

Based on the following Fig. 12 and 13 a further embodiment of a closure device 51 according to the invention will be described in more detail.

The Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a closure device 51 which is attached to a container 52, shown in section.

The closure device 51, according to this embodiment, comprises a cover 59 which is fixed to the edge bead 54 of the container 52 and the can 53 and a hinged by a hinge 65 with the lid 59 retaining wing 64. The retaining wing 64 is in turn with a retaining tab 67 formed, which in turn is articulated by a second hinge 68 with the retaining wing 64. The retaining tab 67 is formed by an inner portion of the retaining wing 64 and can be unfolded in a substantially parallel position with respect to the retaining wing 64 and a retracted position in the retaining wing 64, thereby the breakthrough 66 is released. The retaining tab 67 is designed such that the second joint 68, with which it is in communication with the retaining wing 64, is arranged in a region of the retaining wing 64 facing away from the first joint 65.

The hinge 68 as a connection between the retaining wing 64 and the retaining tab 67 is formed as a resiliently deformable hinge region, i. the hinge 68 is formed by a portion of the integrally associated retaining tab 67 and the retaining wing 64. A folding out of the retaining tab 67 from its starting position parallel to the retaining wing 64 thus results by the resilient deformation of the material of the holding wing 64 and the retaining tab 67 to a corresponding restoring force, through which a corresponding clamping effect can be achieved. That between the folded-out retaining tab 67 and the retaining wing 64, an object can be held by a frictional connection as a result of this restoring force.

Alternatively, that the retaining tab 67 is formed by an inner portion of the retaining wing 64, but it is also possible that the second hinge 68 is formed analogous to the first joint 65 to an outer edge region of the retaining wing 64 and thus the retaining tab 67, connected by the hinge 68 is in communication with the outer portion of the support wing 64.

The holding wing 64, according to this embodiment of the closure device 51 further includes a sash 69 with a locking edge 70. By forming this sash 69 of the holding wing 64 can be formed between the retaining wing 64 and the lid 59 a snap connection by the retaining wing 64 with its sash 69 is slipped over the frame 60 of the lid 59 and engages on this. To an inner diameter 71 of the locking edge 70 of the retaining wing 64 is formed with a slightly smaller value than an outer diameter 72 of the frame 60 of the cover 59. For locking the retaining wing 64 on the cover 59, it is thus necessary that the retaining wing 64 and the Cover 59 are slightly resiliently deformed. To release the retaining wing 64 from the cover 59 or folding the retaining wing 64 thus a certain amount of force is required. This folding up of the holding wing 64 can be facilitated by first the retaining tab 67 is folded up and then solved by applying a corresponding tensile force on the retaining tab 67 of the retaining wing 64 of the lid 59 and then folded up.

Alternatively to the formation of the holding wing 64 with a sash 69, as described above, but it is also possible that between the holding wing 64 and the cover 59, a different type of reversibly openable or closable connection is formed. It is advantageous if the retaining wing 64 can be secured in a closed position on the cover 59 by snapping.

In an inner region of the lid 59 groove-like recesses 73 are formed. Similarly, in an inner region of the holding wing 64 as well as in the retaining tab 67 corresponding return dislocations 74 and 75 are formed. By this return dislocations 73, 74, 75 it is achieved that the cover 59, the retaining wing 64 and the retaining tab 57 have an increased rigidity.

The Fig. 13 shows a plan view of the closure device 51 according to Fig. 12 in folded state. The retaining wing 64 of the closure device 51 is slipped over the lid 59 or snapped thereto. The retaining tab 67 in turn is sunk in the retaining wing 64 and the opening 66. The retaining tab 67 is formed by an inner portion of the retaining wing 64 by a circular arc-shaped slot 76 is formed in the retaining wing 64. A bending edge 77 running between the two end points of the slot 76 or a bending region extending between these end points thus forms the second joint 68, by which the retaining tab 67 and the retaining wing 64 are connected to one another in an articulated manner. As has already been stated, a spring-elastic deformation of the bending region or the bending edge 77 is required for unfolding the retaining tab 67 from its starting position parallel to the retaining wing 64, wherein can be achieved by the resulting restoring force in an advantageous manner, a clamping action or a clamping effect. In the hinge 68 and the bending edge 77 facing away from the end portion of the retaining tab 67, an exemption 78 is provided through which the access or the gripping of the retaining tab 67 is facilitated. In the presentation of the Fig. 13 are also the increase in the stiffness serving dislocations 74 and 75 in the retaining wing 64 and the retaining tab 67 can be seen.

By forming the closure device 51 according to this embodiment with the retaining wing 64 and the retaining tab 67, the following advantageous way of holding or attaching a connected to the closure device 51 can 53. After detachment of the holding wing 64 of the lid 59 of the closure device 51 can the retaining wings 64 are brought into an approximately vertical position, so that the retaining wing 64 points upward while the retaining tab 67 with its free end or the second hinge 68 facing away from the end region substantially vertically downwards. By only slightly pivoting or unfolding the retaining tab 67 from the recessed position in the retaining wing 64, the retaining tab 67 can finally be pushed into a corresponding slot-shaped opening, so that the container 52 and the can 53 can be fastened in a hanging position. In particular, this makes it possible to attach a can 53 to the body of a person by pushing the downward-pointing retaining tab 67, for example, between the belt and the waistband. In situations or in places where it is not possible to stop the container 52 or the can 53, a secure or convenient attachment of the can 53 to the body or to the clothing of a person is thus possible. As a result, too rapid rewarming of a cooled beverage, which optionally is in the can 53 and how it would be done by holding the can 53 in the hand, can be avoided. If after removal of the closure device 51 from the can 53 and after removal of the closure 57 of the opening only a portion of the beverage contained in the can is consumed, it is then possible to put the closure device 51 back on the can 53 and by folding up the holding wing 64 or Finally, unfolding the retaining tab 67 to securely attach the can 53 to the body of a person without spilling the remainder of the contents of the can 53 remaining there. Since the connection between the box 52 and the frame 60 of the lid 59 and the connection between the sash 69 of the holding wing 64 and the frame 60 of the lid 59 can be reversibly loosened or latched, so anyway multiple use of the closure device 51, as described above, possible.

Regarding the nature of the application of the closure device 51, it is both possible that this is subsequently placed by the consumer on a delivered without closure device 51 or sold box 53, and that this already during packaging or after filling the contents of the Can 53 is placed on the can 53 and thus forms part of the delivered product. The design of the closure device 51 or of the holding wing 64 with the sash 69 offers the advantage that, due to the fact that the sash 69 is engaged or snapped on the frame 60 of the lid 59, when transporting the provided with the closure device 51 Container 52 or cans 53 a random or unwanted lifting of the holding wing 64 can be avoided by the lid 59. The snapping the sash 69 on the lid 59 thus also represents a measure of transport safety.

In the case of placing the closure device 51 on the can 53 or the container 52 immediately after filling the contents of the closure device 51 has the function of a sanitary closure. Thus, the entire area of the edge bead 54 or the cover 56 of the can 53 is thus securely closed and adequately protected against contamination during the entire phase of the transport from the manufacturer of the product to the consumer. This protective function is particularly advantageous for beverage cans, since these are often drunk directly without prior pouring into a corresponding drinking glass. By using the closure device 51 thus the risk of infection can be significantly reduced. This protective effect is substantially increased by the fact that, when the frame 60 or latching edge 61 of the lid 59 engages on the edge bead 54 of the can 53 or the container 52 between the bead 54 and the closure device 51, a contact pressure arises which a good sealing effect is achieved.

It is preferably provided that the closure device 51 is made of a plastic film, so that the cover 59, the retaining wing 64 and the retaining tab 67 have substantially the same wall thickness 79. The closure device 51 may be made, for example, from a plastic film by combining known forming methods, such as bending and deep drawing. But it is also possible to produce the closure device 51 by injection molding a plastic. In particular, it is also possible to mold at least one further part by injection molding in a multi-stage process on a part initially produced by deep-drawing. As materials for producing the closure device 51, thermoplastic materials from the group polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA) and polystyrene (PS) are preferably selected.

The closure device 51 is preferably formed in one piece. For this purpose, it is provided that the first joint 65 and the second joint 68 through which the cover 59 and the retaining wing 64 on the one hand and the retaining wing 64 and the retaining tab 67 are connected to each other, are formed by a film hinge 80 and a film hinge 81 , The film hinges 80 and 81 may be formed by a reduced wall thickness with respect to the wall thickness 79. Due to the one-piece design, in particular when using a plastic film for the production of the closure device 51, the closure device 51 can be manufactured with a very low cost of materials and consequently relatively cheap, so that the closure device 51 is suitable for a single use only as a disposable product.

For the production of the closure device 51, a transparent material is preferably used, so that any existing inscriptions on the cover 56 of the container 52 or the can 53 are visible through the closure device 51.

The closure device 51 according to the invention is not limited to use in cans for drinks, but is also suitable for other cup-like or container-like packaging or container 52. According to different shapes of the Randwulstes 54 of the container 52 are also differently shaped closure devices 51st conceivable. Accordingly, closure devices 51 can be designed both for cans, in particular beverage cans, but also for yogurt cups and other food packaging, which are formed with an edge bead 54. That is, closure devices 51 can of course also be produced for containers 52 having a non-circular cross-section or with a non-circular edge bead 54.

Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a packaging container 101 according to the invention.

Shown is a front view of the packaging container 101 with a bottom 108 formed in the first end region 104. An opening 106 and a sealing edge 107 bounding this opening 106 are formed in the second end region 105. The jacket 103 of the packaging container 101 is formed from a wall region 131 and a wall region 132 arranged in the direction of the jacket 103 underneath.

The two wall regions 131, 132 are offset relative to each other in the radial direction by an offset 133. The two wall regions 131, 132 also touch each other along a region or a contact line 134.

The jacket 103 or its wall regions 131, 132 forms ribs 135 which are arranged around the circumference of the packaging container 101 and extend in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 102 of the packaging container 101 at least over partial regions of the height of the jacket 103 in its plane.

The ribs 135 are approximately circular arc-shaped in a plane normal to the central longitudinal axis 102. Two ribs 135 adjoining one another in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 102 form a recessed bead 136 in the radial direction.

It should be noted at this point that the outer shape or the contour of the packaging container 101 is not limited to a as in Fig. 14 should be limited container shown, but it is possible according to the invention that the floor plan, for example, in addition to the circular shape has an approximately quadrangular shape or an oval shape and the corresponding features of the invention can be applied to such embodiments.

The packaging container 101 according to the invention can have a compression travel 120 resulting therefrom of at most 10% of the height of the unloaded packaging container 101 in the case of an upsetting force 119 acting in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 102 in the range between 230 N and 400 N. This is advantageous since, after elimination of the compressive force 119 acting from the outside, an elastic recovery of the deformations takes place without damage due to cracking or kinked areas.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the compression path 120 has a maximum of 8%, in particular a maximum of 6% of the height of the unloaded packaging container 101, which, for example, even when using brittle plastics elastic recovery to the original height of the packaging container 101, allows.

The measuring method for determining the values is from Fig. 15 and 16 refer to.

These ratios between compression force 119 and compression travel 120 are substantially independent of the absolute height and diameter of the packaging container 101, but it can be seen that in a height range of the packaging container of 3.5 cm to 15 cm, especially 4 cm to 14 cm and in a mean diameter range of the sealing edge 107, which is between 8cm and 15cm, preferably between 8.5 and 14.5 cm, the relationships given with only minor deviations, which are within the scope of the scattering or the achievable accuracy, have validity.

According to the invention, it is advantageous if the average wall thickness 125 of the packaging container 101 in the region of the bottom 108 is at most 80%, in particular not more than 75%, of the thickness of the film used for thermoforming. As a result, a sufficiently high stability of the packaging container 101 is achieved while optimally utilizing the amount of raw material used. If the mean wall thickness 125 of the packaging container 101 in the region of the bottom 108 is at most 70%, in particular not more than 60%, of the thickness of the film used for thermoforming, further raw material can be saved and a strength sufficient for the application can be achieved.

The influencing of the wall thicknesses of the packaging container 101 can be effected by the hold-down forces and conventional drawing parameters.

Fig. 15 shows an arrangement for checking the recorded from the packaging container 101 compression force 119 and the compression path 120th

The packaging container 101 is for this purpose between two contact elements 117, 118, each with a flat boundary surfaces with an upsetting force 119, which in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 102 of the packaging container 101 acts, acted upon.

In addition to the applied compressive force 119, a compression path 120 which describes the reduction of the original distance of the two contact elements 117, 118 is measured.

The test is carried out at a constant ambient temperature of 24 ° C. The abutment element 118 is lowered at a constant test speed of 10 mm per minute, thereby determining the necessary compression force 119.

The data of an evaluation unit are made available via corresponding transducers or converters.

Fig. 16 shows a schematic force-displacement diagram, which with the arrangement in Fig. 15 was determined.

In this case, the compressive force 119 is plotted on the Y axis, which represents a function of the compression path 120 plotted on the X axis.

The in Fig. 16 shown curve can be essentially divided into three sections.

Section 121, after curvature near zero, exhibits a substantially linear increase in compressive force 119 via crush path 120. Up to a compression force maximum 122, the packaging container 101 deforms uniformly under the applied compression force 119. Thereafter, a slight decrease in force at almost constant compression travel 120 in section 123, which is due to first partial Einknickungen shows. In the adjoining section 124, a type of flow behavior is initially evident with an upsetting path 120 which increases at a constant compressive force 119, which is followed by a drop in the compression force 119 due to cracking and buckling of the packaging container 101.

This force-distance curve is only intended to serve as an example and can also deviate from this example within the scope of a certain dispersion. Essentially however, the three described sections 121, 123, 124 are retained.

The following is a table with measured values which, in addition to the packaging container 101 according to the invention, also identifies comparable packaging containers according to the prior art. number Compression force [N] Upsetting path [%] 1 370 6.9 2 365 6.2 3 360 7.1 4 305 5.9 5 380 6.6 6 270 3.2 7 400 9.5 8th 260 5.4 9 380 8.8 10 435 7.5 11 208 10.2 12 200 11.6 13 205 12.3

The measurements number 1 to 10 represent a variety of packaging containers 101 according to the invention.

For comparison, prior art packaging containers were measured in an identical manner, corresponding to measurements 11 to 13.

The values of the compression force 119 correspond to the force which in Fig. 16 is referred to as the compression force maximum 122. The upsetting path 120 is the resulting reduction in the height of the packaging container 101.

The packaging container 101 according to the invention have at one in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 102 acting compressive force 119 in the range between 230 N and 400 N a resulting compression travel 120 of a maximum of 10% of the height of the unloaded packaging container 101. This is advantageous since, after elimination of the compressive force 119 acting from the outside, an elastic recovery of the deformations takes place without damage due to cracking or kinked areas.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the compression path 120 has a maximum of 8%, in particular a maximum of 6% of the height of the unloaded packaging container 101, which, for example, even when using brittle plastics for the packaging container 101, such as polystyrene, an elastic return to the original height of Packaging container 101 allows.

These ratios between compression force 119 and compression travel 120 are substantially independent of the absolute height and diameter of the packaging container 101, but it can be seen that in a height range of the packaging container 101 from 3.5 cm to 15 cm, especially 4 cm to 14 cm and in a diameter range which is on average between 6 cm and 13 cm, preferably between 6.5 and 12.5 cm, the relationships given with only minor deviations, which are within the scope of the scattering or the achievable accuracy, have validity.

Fig. 17 shows a view of a section XVII after Fig. 14 ,

Shown is a detail or a region of the jacket 103 of the packaging container 101. The represented ribs 135 touch one another in the beads 136.

The two wall regions 131 and 132 are connected to one another along the contact line 134. The wall region 132 forms the rib 135 in the direction of the bottom 108 of the packaging container 101.

In contrast, the wall portion 131 forms the rib 135 of the packaging container 101 or the jacket 103 in the direction of the second end region 105.

The shape of the ribs 135 may be approximately circular arc-shaped, but may According to the invention also form of different radii and curvatures wall portions 131, 132 form the ribs 135.

An offset 137 formed at the vertex of the rib 135 between the two wall regions 131, 132 has, according to the invention, a maximum with respect to the offset 133 of the two wall regions 131, 132.

An offset 138 in a bead 136 of two ribs 135, however, has a minimum value.

The course of the offset 133 between the two extreme values 137, 138 can be monotonically increasing or decreasing.

In one embodiment of the invention, the offset 137 at the apex of the rib 135 may be in the range between 0.4 mm and 1.6 mm, preferably in the range between 0.7 mm and 1.3 mm.

The offset 138 in a bead 136 may according to one embodiment amount to a maximum of 0.35 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.2 mm. This results in the advantage that stresses in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 102 or in the plane of the shell 103 no longer occur as pure shear stresses in the transition region of the wall regions 131, 132, but partial pressure forces arise and a more direct initiation or absorption of the force through the entire Sheath 103 can be done.

However, it is also possible that the offset 138 in the bead 136 is substantially zero mm, whereby on the one hand an easier removal of the contents can take place and on the other in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 102 acting pressure forces are absorbed directly from the entire shell 103 of the packaging container 101 can and in addition no stress peaks occur in the areas of a bead 136, which increases the overall strength and stability.

Fig. 18 shows a further embodiment of the packaging container 101 according to the invention.

Shown is a substantially conical jacket 103 formed along its central longitudinal axis 102 and formed from the wall regions 131 and 132 and a further wall region 139.

The individual wall portions 131, 132, 139 are connected to each other along lines of contact 134, wherein each of these contact lines 134 a radial offset 133, as he, for example, in Fig. 17 has been described.

An angle which encloses the shell 103 of the packaging container 101 with the central longitudinal axis 102, according to the invention in the range between 3.5 ° and 9 °, preferably between 4.5 ° and 7 °, amount.

Due to the design of the packaging container 101 with a plurality of lines of contact 134, the stability can be increased overall since the free length of the ribs 135 is reduced, thereby preventing buckling of the jacket 103 or wall regions 131, 132, 139.

According to the invention, it is possible that the contact line 134 has a convex curvature with respect to the outer surface of the bottom 108. This curvature can be composed of several partial curvatures, wherein in particular from the bead 136 to a reversal point of the curvature at the apex of the rib 135, the radius of curvature can increase monotonously.

It is also possible that the ribs 135 extend to the bottom 108 and form at least part of the footprint of the packaging container 101.

A radius of a rib 135 contacting the bottom 108 may be in the range between 7.5 mm and 13 mm, in particular in the range between 8.5 mm and 12 mm.

The number of ribs 135 arranged around the circumference of the packaging container 101 may be between 8 and 20, preferably between 10 and 18.

It may be formed in the region of the second end portion 105, between the sealing edge 107 and the ribs 135, a substantially conical wall portion.

Fig. 19 shows a further embodiment of the packaging container 101 according to the invention.

A packaging container 101 is shown, the ribs 135 of which extend between a wall region 140 formed in the second end region 104, between the ribs 135 of the jacket 103 and the sealing edge 107, and a wall region 141 adjoining the bottom 108 in the region of the first end region 104.

According to the invention, it is possible for the contact line 134 to have a concave curvature with respect to the outer surface of the base 108.

Furthermore, the contact line 134 may be formed at approximately half the height of a rib 135 or, as in FIG Fig. 18 shown, at a plurality of wall portions 131, 132, 139 form a corresponding equidistant subdivision of the shell 103.

It is also possible that the ribs 135 extend to the bottom 108 and form at least part of the footprint of the packaging container 101.

Characterized in that in the region of the second end portion 105, between the ribs 135 of the shell 103 and the sealing edge 107, a konterkonischer and in diameter at least partially larger wall portion 140 than the adjoining ribs 135 forming wall portion 131 is disposed, push too far into one another prevents empty packaging containers 101, whereby unacceptably large radial forces are avoided, and there is a support of this wall portion 140 to the sealing edge 107 of the underlying container.

However, it is also possible that in the region of the second end region 105, between the wall region 140 and the ribs 135, a substantially conical wall region is formed.

The material for forming the packaging container 101 may be selected from the group of polypropylene or polystyrene. In particular for polypropylene, there are advantages in hot filling.

The use of polypropylene HC205TF or HC905TF the company Borealis (Dk), can be achieved especially in the hot filling advantages, since the polypropylene films have a higher modulus than standard polypropylene, which in particular with temperature increases deformation of the packaging container 101 and a flow away shifted from material to higher temperatures. In this case, the product to be packaged is poured hot into the packaging container 101 and only then cooled accordingly. As a result, loads on the packaging container 101 have an even stronger effect, since softening of the material takes place. Due to the inventive design of the packaging container 101 of the stacking of several layers one above the other, for example, during transport or storage, resulting compression pressure from the packaging container 101 can be taken even at elevated temperature, whereby a plastic deformation and thus destruction of the packaging container 101 is avoided.

It is also possible for a ventilation opening 142 or a weakened area to be opened, if necessary, from the outside in the base 108. The weakening region can be arranged offset in the direction of the second end region 105 overall by a depression. The weakened area may be formed by a slightly protruding nipple or a puncture point or the like.

An arranged ventilation opening 142 can for example be sealed by a heat seal, such as a metal or plastic seal, and can be removed if necessary.

The ventilation opening 142 may also be introduced during the manufacturing process of the packaging container.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the packaging container 1, the closure lid 13, the closure device 51 and the container 52, the packaging container 101 or the packaging unit 111 wherein it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments are possible with each other and this variation possibility due to the teaching of technical action by subject invention in Can the expert working in this technical field.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the packaging container 1, the closure lid 13, the closure device 51 or the container 52, the packaging container 101 or the packaging unit 111, these or their components are partly incomplete and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

The task underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

Claims (26)

1. Packaging unit, comprising a beaker-shaped packaging container (1) and a lid (13) made from at least a plastic material, which packaging container (1) has a circumferentially extending thin-walled casing (2) with mutually spaced apart terminal end regions (3, 5) extending in a plane at least approximately perpendicular to the casing longitudinal axis (7), and one of the end regions (5) can be closed or is closed by the lid (13) and the other end region (3) can be closed or is closed by the lid (13) or a base (4), and a coupling device (8) comprising sealable and positively fitting coupling elements (9, 10) for co-operating with complementary coupling elements (16, 17) of the lid (13) is disposed in the end region (5) designed to receive the lid (13), and the sealable coupling element (10) of the packaging container (1) has a circumferentially extending, flange-type retaining element (12) projecting beyond the casing (2) in a direction facing away from the casing longitudinal axis (7), the surface of which facing the lid (13) is provided as a seal surface, and the positively fitting coupling element (9) for co-operating with the lid (13) is provided in the form of at least one catch element (11) acting in the direction of the casing longitudinal axis (7), and the lid (13) comprises a central part (14) and a coupling device (15) having sealable and positively fitting coupling elements (16, 17) disposed in a circumferentially extending peripheral region to provide a connection to the beaker-shaped packaging container (1), and the sealable coupling element (16) of the lid (13) is provided in the form of a flange-type retaining element (18) surrounding the central part (14), the surface of which facing the packing container (1) is provided as a seal surface, and the positively fitting coupling element (17) acting in the direction perpendicular to the central part (14) for co-operating with the packaging container (1) adjoins the sealable coupling element (16) towards the outside in the radial direction, characterised in that the at least one catch element (11) of the positively fitting coupling element (9) of the packaging container (1) protrudes beyond the flange-type retaining element (12) in the radial direction relative to the casing longitudinal axis (7) and is disposed radially at a distance from the latter, and the positively fitting coupling element (17) of the lid (13) is of an integral design with the sealable coupling element and thus protrudes beyond the sealable coupling element (16) in the radial direction relative to the casing longitudinal axis (7) and has at least one catch element (19) extending backwards in the direction towards the casing longitudinal axis (7), and a radius (26) of the positively fitting coupling element (17) of the lid (13) relative to the casing longitudinal axis (7) is smaller than or at most the same size as a radius (27) of the positively fitting coupling element (9) of the packaging container (1), and the lid (13) extends around the outside of the at least one catch element (11) of the positively fitting coupling element (9) of the packaging container (1) by means of its positively fitting coupling element (17) when the packaging unit is closed.
2. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the catch element (11) of the packaging container (1) has the shape of a polygonal contour in a plane extending through the casing longitudinal axis (7) of the beaker.
3. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the polygonal contour subtends approximate right-angles.
4. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the catch element (11) of the packaging container (1) has the shape of a concave curvature relative to the external surface of the casing (2) in a plane extending through the casing longitudinal axis (7) of the beaker.
5. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the curvature of the catch element corresponds to a circular shape in at least some regions.
6. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the curvature of the catch element has parts of an elliptical curvature in at least some regions.
7. Packaging unit as claimed one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seal surface of the sealable coupling element (10) of the packaging container (1) has a width in the radial direction of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.
8. Packaging unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the catch element (11) of the packaging container (1) has a width in the radial direction of between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm.
9. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the catch element (11) has a height of between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 4 mm, in the direction of the casing longitudinal axis (7).
10. Packaging unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shape of the packaging container (1) is essentially rotationally symmetrical.
11. Packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the shape of the packaging container (1) is essentially rectangular.
12. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the positively fitting coupling element (17) of the lid (13) has the shape of a polygonal contour in a plane extending through the central part (14).
13. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that the polygonal contour subtends approximate right-angles.
14. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the positively fitting coupling element (17) of the lid (13) has the shape of a concave curvature relative to the surface facing a packaging container (1) in a plane extending through the central part.
15. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that the curvature corresponds to a circular shape in at least some regions.
16. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the curvature has parts of an elliptical curvature at least in some regions.
17. Packaging unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seal surface of the sealable coupling element (16) of the lid (13) has a width in the radial direction of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.
18. Packaging unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the positively fitting coupling element (17) of the lid (13) has a width in the radial direction of between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 4 mm.
19. Packaging unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the positively fitting coupling element (17) of the lid (13) has a height of between 2 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 6.5 mm, in the direction perpendicular to a plane extending through the central part.
20. Packaging unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a circumferentially extending guide region (20) running radially on the outside adjoins the backwardly projecting catch element (19) of the positively fitting coupling element (17) of the lid (13).
21. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 20, characterised in that the guide region (20) has a height of between 1.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm, in the direction perpendicular to a plane extending through the central part (14).
22. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 20 or 21, characterised in that at least one tear-off tab (21) extending radially outwards adjoins the guide region (20) in at least some regions of the circumference.
23. Packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10 and 12 to 22, characterised in that the shape of the lid (13) is essentially rotationally symmetrical.
24. Packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 and 11 to 22, characterised in that the shape of the lid (13) is essentially rectangular.
25. Packaging unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the material used to make the packaging container (1) and/or the lid (13) is selected from the group comprising polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) or polyesters, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
26. Packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the packaging container (1) and the lid (13) are made from the same material.

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