EP1646565A1

EP1646565A1 - Squeeze receptacle

Info

Publication number: EP1646565A1
Application number: EP04763018A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gianfranco D'amato
Original assignee: Seda SpA
Current assignee: Seda SpA
Priority date: 2003-07-10
Filing date: 2004-06-22
Publication date: 2006-04-19
Also published as: KR20060073924A; NO20060387L; AU2004255573A1; DE20310623U1; CA2436297A1; NZ545140A; RU2337868C2; US7971743B2; AU2004255573B2; JP2005029256A; CA2436297C; MXPA03007782A; WO2005005268A1; RU2006101873A; CN1842470A; US20050006385A1; BRPI0412474A

Abstract

A squeeze receptacle, particularly for holding a foodstuff (2), has a wall (6) with at least one layer (3, 4, 5). The cup has a removal opening (7) with an opening edge (8) and is closed at its end (9) located opposite the removal opening (7). At least the receptacle wall (6) is made of a two-dimensional blank (10) that, for forming a continuous receptacle wall, is joined to itself. The aim of the invention is to provide a squeeze receptacle (1) of the aforementioned type that, while having a simple and cost-effective design and while preserving all the advantages of prior art receptacles, enables the inside of the receptacle to be inspected. To this end, the squeeze receptacle (1) is made, at least in part, from a transparent or translucent, in particular, liquid-tight and fluid-tight material (13) that, for forming the receptacle (1), can be shaped and, after shaping, is dimensionally stable.

Description

squeeze

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

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

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

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

In addition, in the case of the known squeeze container, in particular when using a paper material, it is necessary to subject it to an additional stiffening treatment.

Another container is known from Japanese utility model publication JP 56-156777, which is also used to hold food. This container is made of a laminate of stiff paper and polyethylene layers applied to both sides of it. A lid for closing the container consists of A laminate made of aluminum foil and polyethylene layers applied on both sides. The container is opaque, so that the inside of the container is not visually visible.

The invention has for its object to improve a squeeze container with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that an inspection of the interior of the container is possible in a simple design and inexpensive while maintaining all the advantages of the known container.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a corresponding blank for the production of such a squeeze container is also provided, which can be used, for example, in devices for producing known squeeze containers and can be filled analogously to the previously known squeeze containers.

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

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

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

In addition to advantages when filling the container, the transparency of the material also has a number of advantages for the consumer who wants to remove the corresponding food from the container or to consume it directly from it.

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

Another advantage of the transparency of the material is that, when consumed, it can be determined not only via the removal opening, where the food is, depending on the pressure exerted on the squeeze container, relative to the removal opening, but also through the wall of the squeeze container. This prevents, for example, that ice cream that has already been liquefied escapes unintentionally from the removal opening when ice cream is used as food when the squeeze container is tipped or squeezed too much.

According to the invention, the transparency and liquid or fluid tightness of the material is also not adversely changed by bending the opening edge of the removal opening, since the material can preferably be shaped in this context without a change in properties. With certain materials, even if they may initially be transparent, such a deformation often results in a so-called whitening which is known as in generally shows line-like whitish cloudiness of the otherwise transparent material. Such a white fracture can also occur in the areas of the wall where a consumer exerts appropriate pressure to remove the food, which can result in lines of folds or folds in this pressure area. Even if such property changes are partially acceptable, for example in the opening edge, they are avoided in a particularly advantageous manner.

The squeeze container according to the invention is further characterized in that the corresponding material is dimensionally stable after shaping. This dimensional stability is important, among other things, when transporting the squeeze containers between the place of manufacture and the place of filling. Furthermore, due to appropriate dimensional stability, the squeeze container remains open at least in the region of its removal opening even without additional measures during filling, so that the food can be easily filled. The dimensional stability is also helpful when consuming the food, since the squeeze container can be compressed by exerting pressure to remove the food, but on the other hand the squeeze container essentially returns to its original shape without external pressure, as a result of which the food gets more into the interior of the container withdraws until it is moved again towards the removal opening by exerting pressure on the squeeze container for further consumption. The dimensional stability is also a property that should not be changed, for example to maintain sufficient stability in the overlap area, as well as transparency and tightness.

In order to be able to use a corresponding blank for the squeeze container in devices that have already been used for similar containers, both for production and for filling, the undeformed blank can be flat. In this way, such a blank can be easily stacked on the one hand for transport and on the other hand can easily be pulled out of the blank into a corresponding device for rolling the container. In this context, it is also advantageous if at least the outer sides of the blank have a certain roughness or basic friction, which, for example, prevent the corresponding pulling device from slipping through relative to the blank. Both when transporting the squeeze container in the unfilled or already filled state as well as when the filled squeeze container is ready or when it is used by a consumer, there is the possibility that the squeeze container comes into contact with pointed objects. In this context, it is advantageous if the corresponding material of the wall has a certain mechanical resistance to such pointed objects, which prevents damage which either negatively affects its transparency or fluid tightness.

In order to prevent a negative optical impression being created during the manufacture of the squeeze container or during its subsequent handling, particularly in the area of the wall, two or more layers can be permanently connected to one another. Otherwise, the separation of the layers from one another in places could give the impression of blistering or the like, as a result of which, in addition to the optical impression, the transparency of the material could possibly also be negatively influenced.

In an advantageous embodiment of the squeeze container according to the invention, three transparent layers can be provided for the material. By selecting the materials for each of the individual layers, different requirements for the squeeze container can be met, depending on the food filled. For example, one of the layers can have a heat-insulating function for cool or warm foods. In this context, in order to be able to heat a foodstuff within the squeeze container, the layer materials can also be selected such that they can be heated by microwaves.

It is conceivable that all layers together and through their connection to one another ensure the dimensional stability of the material. However, the dimensional stability is always to be understood in such a way that the wall is still sufficiently flexible to move the food in the direction of the removal opening by external pressure on the squeeze container.

In a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention, there is the possibility that at least one of the layers, in particular the middle layer, has an elastic, but dimensionally stable layer. In this context, the remaining layers no longer need to contribute to the dimensional stability.

It is also possible to achieve the fluid tightness of the material both through one layer or through the interaction of several layers. The latter can be made possible, for example, by at least one inner layer of the material being liquid-tight and / or one of the further layers being gas-tight.

It is conceivable that the connection in the overlap area is made possible by heat and / or pressure by means of a connecting means additionally applied to the material of the wall or contained in the material. Such an additional material can be an adhesive, for example. However, such an additional material is advantageously dispensed with, which can be done, for example, by the outer and / or inner layer being designed as a connecting layer, at least in the overlap region. This means that the corresponding layer itself serves for the connection without the need to use additional means.

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

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

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

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

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

There is also the possibility, after rolling or folding the container, not only to establish a connection along the corresponding edge joint, but also to form an overlap region of the blank by the edges which are assigned to one another. the, wherein this overlap area extends in particular in the longitudinal direction of the container and the connection of the blank takes place in this overlap area with itself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Examples of permanently insoluble connections are the lamination described above or coextrusion.

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

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

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

In order to make the container more visually appealing or to display information, at least one of the layers can be imprinted. When processing a corresponding blank for the production of the container as well as when filling or using the container by the consumer later, it is advantageous if the print is scratch-resistant. This means that the print cannot be rubbed off by direct contact or by exposure to one of the layers.

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

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

It has already been pointed out above that different materials for the layers are conceivable depending on the requirements. One possibility for corresponding materials of the layers can be seen in the fact that in particular the middle layer is at least polyester (polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) and the outer and inner layers are lacquer layers applied to the middle layer. The middle layer made of polyester also fulfills the requirement of a flexible, but relatively dimensionally stable layer, in which a bending of the opening edge is possible without the opening edge unrolling again after the corresponding shaping. A corresponding polyester layer is usually sufficiently liquid-tight, while the applied lacquer layers can ensure gas-tightness.

Another possibility for materials of the corresponding layers can be seen in that the layers comprise at least one outer and one inner layer made of polypropylene and a middle layer made of polyester arranged between them. The polyester layer has the properties mentioned above, with the propylene layers ensuring gas tightness.

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the closed end may be formed by connecting lower end portions of the wall. As a result, the closed end is essentially formed by the container wall and its material and is transparent and in particular fluid-tight. In this case, the lower end sections of the wall are preferably pressed against one another before the connection, so that the wall sections can likewise be connected to themselves by the action of appropriate heat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some materials for the different layers have already been mentioned above. Overall, it should be noted that the outer layer of the material made of polypropylene (PP), oriented PP (co-extruded or painted), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) coated PET, polyamide (PA), painted and oriented PA or the like and / or or the inner layer is formed from PP, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (styrene) (PS), PA, PET or the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For ecological reasons, it can also be advantageous if the different layers made of different materials can be detached from one another for separate recycling. As already mentioned at the beginning, the invention also relates to a blank for producing a container as described above, the blank serving at least to produce the container wall and, if appropriate, the closed end and the opening edge.

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

Show it:

Figure 1 is a side view of a squeeze container according to the invention with two embodiments;

2 shows a plan view of a blank for producing a squeeze container according to FIG. 1, and

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

4-12 side views of another eight exemplary embodiments of a container according to the invention with at least one viewing window,

13 shows a section along the line XV-XV from FIG. 12, and

14 shows a plan view of a two-dimensional blank for producing an essentially conical container according to the invention from FIGS. 4 to 13.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a squeeze container 1 according to the invention once for an embodiment tapering towards the lower end 9 and once for an essentially tubular embodiment, see the solid and double-dashed line in FIG. 1. The following explanations apply to both exemplary embodiments, with only differences with respect to the lower closed end 9.

The squeeze container 1 contains a food product 2. This can be removed by a consumer via an upper removal opening 7. To remove the food, at least one wall 6 of the squeeze container 1 must be pressed and, if necessary, additional heat applied. Appropriate heat is required when a frozen food 2 is contained in the squeeze container 1, which is melted along the contact surface between the food and the wall 6 by heat transferred from a hand of the user.

The wall 6 is flexible and constructed from at least two layers, see also FIG. 3. The removal opening 7 at the upper end of the squeeze container 1 is circular. It is surrounded by an opening edge 8, which is bent or rolled in cross section. The opening edge 8 is formed from the same material as the wall 6.

A lid 21 can be arranged on the opening edge 8 to close the removal opening 7. This has at least one cover handle 22 projecting radially outwards. By gripping the lid handle 22, the lid 21 can be removed from the opening edge 8.

The squeeze container 1 is made from a two-dimensional blank 10, see FIG. 2. The blank 10 is flat in the undeformed state and is rolled up in a corresponding device for forming the squeeze container 1. In the rolled-up state, the outer edges 14 of the blank in FIG. 2 overlap to form an overlap area 12. This overlap area extends essentially in the longitudinal direction 11 of the finished squeeze container 1 according to FIG. 1. The connection of the blank in the overflow area 12 to itself is done by heat and / or pressure.

In Figure 1, the food 2 can be seen through the wall 6. According to the invention, the wall is formed from a transparent and fluid-tight material. This is constructed from at least two layers, see FIG. 3, which corresponds to a section along the line III-III from FIG. 1.

The edges 14 both on the long sides of the blank 10 and on the corresponding transverse sides connecting the long sides at the top and bottom are fluid-tight in order to prevent fluid from penetrating through the edges into the material 13, see FIG. 3, of the blank 10 and thus into the wall 6 or to prevent the squeeze container 1.

In FIG. 2, an area corresponding to the opening edge 8 is also marked along an upper transverse side of the blank 10 and forms the opening edge 8 by rolling or bending the corresponding section outwards, see FIG. 1. In the area of the lower transverse side of the blank 1 according to FIG. 2, lower end sections 20 are identified, which can be connected to each other to close the lower end 9, see FIG. 1, of the squeeze container 1. This connection, like the connection in the overlap region 14, can be carried out by generating heat by means of ultrasound and applying a corresponding pressure.

In FIG. 2, a print 15 is also arranged approximately in the middle of the blank 10, which is not shown in the squeeze container 1 according to FIG. 1 for simplification. The imprint 15 can also be produced in different colors in the usual way by printing or the like. The imprint 15 is scratch-resistant, so that when the squeeze container 1 is used it does not become removed or becomes more difficult to read due to contact with the user's fingers, for example.

With regard to the lower end 9 according to FIG. 1, it should also be noted that a handle may also be provided there, which is obtained, for example, by pressing the corresponding lower end sections 20 of the wall 6 together and connecting them to one another.

Regarding the cover 21, it should also be noted that this can also be made from a correspondingly transparent and fluid-tight material. FIG. 3 shows a section along the line III-III through the wall 6 or analogously through the blank 10.

The corresponding material is formed by three layers 3, 4 and 5. One of these layers can be a laminate or be produced by coextrusion or all three layers can form a laminate or be produced by coextrusion. The layers 3, 4 and 5 are permanently and permanently connected to each other. All three layers are transparent, with at least one of the layers, in particular the middle layer 4, not only being elastic but also being relatively dimensionally stable. At least the inner layer 5 is liquid-tight and one of the further layers 3, 4 is gas-tight. Furthermore, outer and / or inner layers 3, 5 are formed at least in the overlap region 14 as a connection layer, so that the blank 10 is connected to itself in the overlap region by means of heat and / or pressure. As a rule, each of the layers 3, 4, 5 each has the same material composition. Examples of materials for layer 4 are polyester (PET) and for layers 3, 5 polypropylene. Another example is the use of polyester for the middle layer 4 and the use of lacquer layers for the outer layer 3 and the inner layer 5. The lacquer layers can be produced by applying a corresponding lacquer to the corresponding sides of the middle layer 4.

The imprint 15 according to FIG. 2 is provided on at least one of the layers. In particular, the print is provided on an inside 16 of the outer layer 3, on an outside 17 of the middle layer 4, on an inside 18 of the middle layer 4 and / or on an outside 19 of the inner layer 5. With such an arrangement of the print, it is printed on at least one of the layers before the layers 3, 4 and 5 are laminated. As already indicated, there is also the possibility of assembling the printout 15 from different individual printouts applied on different layers 3, 4, 5 or to provide different printouts 15 at different locations on the blank 10.

The blank 10 according to the invention according to FIG. 2 can correspondingly have other shapes in order to produce squeeze containers 1 with other shapes, see for example the tubular embodiment of the squeeze container 1 in FIG. 2, the flat, two-dimensional blank 10 is rolled and connected to itself in the overlap region 14 by the action of appropriate heat. The corresponding heat can be generated, for example, by ultrasound, which is absorbed by at least one of the layers 3, 4, 5. The corresponding heat softens at least one of the layers to such an extent that after cooling it has entered into an intimate connection with the layer in contact with it in the overlap region 14. This connection is also fluid-tight and transparent. To produce the bent or rolled-in opening edge 8, the corresponding section at the upper end of the blank according to FIG. 2 is then bent or rolled outwards in FIG. 1. After the opening edge 8 and the remaining squeeze container 1 have been produced from the appropriate material, they are dimensionally stable. Due to the transparency of the corresponding material, not only the filled food 2, see FIG. 1, is visible, but also its fill level 23, coloring or discoloration, as well as an imprint 15 that is not attached to an outside of the squeeze container 1. The corresponding material for the blank 10 or the wall 6 is transparent at least in the visible spectral range, the transparency also being able to extend into adjacent spectral ranges, such as the infrared or ultraviolet.

FIGS. 4 to 12 show a further eight exemplary embodiments of a container according to the invention. Although an essentially conical container is shown in the exemplary embodiments, the arrangement of the viewing window or windows is also possible for any other container according to the invention. The following containers differ in particular in terms of shape, arrangement and / or number of viewing windows, so that in particular these are described below. The remaining details of the container 1 correspond to those of the preceding figures and descriptions.

In FIG. 4, a substantially rectangular viewing window 27 is formed in the outer layer 3 of the container wall 6. This extends in the longitudinal direction of the container 1 between the lower end 9 and the opening edge 8. To the side of the viewing window 27, some fill level markings 28 are shown in dashed lines. FIG. 5 shows an oval viewing window with a longer axis in the longitudinal direction of the container 1. The viewing window 27 is correspondingly bordered by the outer layer 3 and is formed by one or more layers of transparent or translucent material.

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

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the opening edge 8 formed by an upper edge of the corresponding blank, see FIG. 5, is folded inwards, the lid edge 32 being arranged between this folded area 33 and the container wall and being held there.

In Figure 7, two oval viewing windows 27 according to Figure 6 are arranged one above the other.

In FIG. 8, square viewing windows 27 extend at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the container 1.

In FIG. 9, in a further exemplary embodiment, three rectangular viewing windows 27 are aligned with their longer axes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container 1.

In the preceding exemplary embodiments as well as in the following exemplary embodiments, it is possible in each case that further such viewing windows are also arranged in the circumferential direction of the container with other geometric shapes and with a different number. As an example, the oblique square viewing windows 27 according to FIG. 8 can be combined with the other square viewing windows 27 according to FIG. be kidneyed. Other combinations of different geometric shapes and numbers of viewing windows are obvious.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment in two different side views. It can be seen in particular that the corresponding viewing window 27 does not extend into the overlap region 12 or up to the opening edge 8. This ensures that, on the one hand, the connection between the container wall and itself in the overlap area 12 is not obstructed, for example, by an opening edge of the viewing window and, on the other hand, a bent or rolled-in opening edge 8 can easily be produced in the corresponding machines. The viewing windows in the other exemplary embodiments therefore do not extend into these areas.

FIG. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a viewing window 27 in which the longitudinal side thereof runs parallel to the inclination of the container wall 6. In this context, too, it is possible to combine both this viewing window with viewing windows of a different geometric shape and with several such viewing windows. There is also the possibility of arranging a further viewing window 27 similar to that according to FIG. 12 below the viewing window already shown. This can be arranged both in the extension of the viewing window 27 shown and also offset to this. FIG. 13 shows a section along the line XV-XV from FIG. 12. It can be seen in particular that the layer 4 made of transparent or translucent material is arranged on an inside of the layer 3 made of opaque material. The arrangement can take place both on the entire inside of layer 3 and only in the area of the corresponding viewing window 27. For example, the layers 3 and 4 can be fastened along edges 30 of the viewing window 27 surrounded by edges 29.

FIG. 14 shows a further example of a two-dimensional blank 10, in particular for the containers according to FIGS. 4 to 13. The corresponding shape of the viewing window 27 corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11. In this exemplary embodiment too, the layer 4 made of transparent or translucent material is formed only in the region of the viewing window 27, both having essentially similar geometric shapes and the layer 4 each having somewhat larger dimensions than the corresponding viewing window 27. This enables the layer 4 to be fastened along edges 30 of the viewing window 27, this viewing window 27 being delimited by edges 29 of the layer 3.

A production method for the squeeze container according to the invention is briefly described below by means of the corresponding cut.

First, printing is carried out on an outside, for example the middle layer, or on an inside, for example the outer layer. A laminate is then produced from the layers, the laminate preferably having two, three or more layers, and one of the layers can also be laminated. The finished laminate is optionally provided with slots and the blanks are punched out of the laminate. To form the corresponding container, the blanks are distributed, rolled, optionally sealed along the edges, laterally as well as above and below, and after the blank has been connected to itself in the overlap area, the opening edge is bent or rolled. To transport the squeeze containers produced in this way, they are then plugged into one another.

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

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

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

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

Further advantages of the container according to the invention are its flexibility, by means of which the corresponding food can be pressed out of the container. At the same time, however, the container is sufficiently resistant to external influences that it is impact-resistant and impact-resistant. This means that if the container falls down, it will not be damaged and even more pointed objects cannot easily pierce it.

At the same time, the container is elastic, so that it returns to its original shape even after being pressed. The tightness of the container is also advantageous, since both fluid cannot penetrate or escape. The resistance of the container also extends to the connection of the individual layers, so that even a partial detachment of a layer is prevented. Overall, the container is excellently suitable for storing a food without the properties of the container being adversely affected in terms of its properties by external influences or by materials of the container with regard to consumption. The shape stability of the container is chosen such that it is flexible, but automatically returns to its original shape and also maintains the specified shape and its other properties, particularly in the deformed areas of the container, such as the edge or layers bonded to one another.

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

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

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

The flatness of the cut makes it easy to process and transport.

Despite the flexibility of the container material, it is deformable and also retains its shape in the desired deformed areas, such as, for example, in the edge region of the removal opening, even if it only comprises an opening edge formed by an upper, free edge of its blank. This dimensional stability continues Wear for the connected or glued areas of the container, which also stay in shape according to the container cross-section. This facilitates further processing or when filling the container, since the shape stability means that the container always retains its originally intended shape and not, for example, an originally intended circular shape changes over time to an oval or even flatter shape.

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

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

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

Finally, a processing-relevant advantage is that the container can be easily sealed by a lid, this lid being in particular attachable to the removal opening and tightly connectable to the corresponding opening wheel.

The viewing windows allow an insight into the interior of the container and can be arranged in an optically advantageous manner in different shapes and with different numbers.

Claims

Squeeze container claims

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

2. squeeze container according to claim 1, characterized in that the material (13) is mechanically resistant.

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

4. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that three transparent layers (3, 4, 5) are provided.

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

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

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

8. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that edges (14) of the layers (3, 4, 5) are fluid-tight.

9. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a layer of polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) or the like is formed.

10. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a layer (4) is provided on one or both sides with a lacquer layer (3, 5).

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

12. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the blank (10) to itself is formed along an overlap area (12), which extends in particular in the longitudinal direction of the container (11).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the imprint (15) is scratch-resistant.

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

24. Squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for generating heat for connection in the overlap region (14) at least one of the layers (3, 4, 5) is ultrasound-absorbing.

25. Squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in particular the middle layer (4) made of polyester and the outer and inner layer (3, 5) are applied lacquer layers on the middle layer.

26. Squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layers (3, 4, 5) an outer and an inner layer (3, 5) made of polypropylene and an intermediate layer (4) made of polyester (PET) include.

27. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the print (15) is printed before laminating the layers (3, 4, 5).

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

29. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower end portions (20) of the wall (6) are pressed together before connecting.

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

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

32. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the imprint (15) is printed on a outer layer (26) of the container (1) for single-layer material (13).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

43. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer layer (3) of the material (13) made of polypropylene (PP), oriented PP (coextruded or painted), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), painted PET , Polyamide (PA) lacquered and oriented PA or the like and / or the inner layer (5) made of PP, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (styrene) (PS), PA, PET or the like.

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

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

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

47. Squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer or layers made of transparent or translucent material are connected to the opaque layer or layers on their entire inside in particular.

48. squeeze container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one side of the opaque layer is metallized.

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

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

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

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