EP4357262A1 - Carton tray - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container 1 which is suitable for receiving one or more objects, wherein the container comprises a base with a front edge, a rear edge, a left longitudinal edge and a right longitudinal edge.

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging which is suitable for receiving and/or storing a plurality of objects and in particular foodstuffs such as baked goods.

Food packaging is, among other things, a consequence of a society based on the division of labour. The production and consumption of food are no longer closely linked in terms of place and time. The provision of storable food is a challenge for the food industry and in many cases depends on the provision of suitable packaging.

Food packaging typically serves various purposes, including but not limited to protecting the food from various factors such as mechanical, physical, chemical and/or biological stress or damage. Depending on the type and properties of the food to be packaged, one or more of these factors define the requirements to be met by the packaging.

Another aspect of the requirements to be placed on packaging concerns the consumer, more specifically the consumer's perception and handling of the packaging and the object packed in the packaging.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a container that is suitable for holding one or more objects. The present invention is also based on the object of providing a container in which the objects contained therein are protected and can be easily and individually removed from the container by a consumer. The object is preferably a foodstuff, more preferably a baked good and most preferably a biscuit or a plurality thereof.

The objects underlying the present invention are achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the appended independent claim. Preferred embodiments emerge from the appended dependent claims.

The objects underlying the present invention are also achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the embodiments listed below.

• die linke Seitenfläche 9 eine linke Basisseitenfläche 13 und eine linke Zusatzseitenfläche 14 umfasst,
• die Höhe der vorderen Stirnfläche 7 höher ist als die Höhe der hinteren Stirnfläche 8 und
• das Behältnis 1 ein oder mehrere Trennelemente 15 umfasst, die in einem durch die vordere Stirnfläche 7, die hintere Stirnfläche 8, die linke Seitenfläche 9, die rechte Seitenfläche 10 sowie die Grundfläche 2 definierten Raum angeordnet sind.

Embodiment 1. Container 1, suitable for receiving one or more objects, comprising a base surface 2 with a front end edge 3, a rear end edge 4, a left longitudinal edge 5 and a right longitudinal edge 6, wherein a front end surface 7 is arranged on the front end edge 3, a rear end surface 8 on the rear end edge 4, a left side surface 9 on the left longitudinal edge 5 and a right side surface 10 on the right longitudinal edge 6, wherein the left side surface 9 and the right side surface 10 define a longitudinal direction of the container, characterized in that the right side surface 10 comprises a right base side surface 11 and a right additional side surface 12,

• the left side surface 9 comprises a left base side surface 13 and a left additional side surface 14,
• the height of the front face 7 is higher than the height of the rear face 8 and
• the container 1 comprises one or more separating elements 15 which are arranged in a space defined by the front end face 7, the rear end face 8, the left side face 9, the right side face 10 and the base area 2.

Embodiment 2. Container according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the left base side surface 13 and the left additional side surface 14 are flexibly connected to one another and/or the right base side surface 11 and the right additional side surface 12 are flexibly connected to one another.

Embodiment 3. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 2, characterized in that an edge KSu of the front end face 7 is connected to the front end edge 3, wherein an edge KSo of the end face 7 opposite the edge KSu comprises a convex edge 19, preferably the apex of the convex edge 19 is arranged in the middle of the front end face 7 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container 1.

• eine Kante KBur der rechten Basisseitenfläche 11 mit der rechten Längskante 6 der Grundfläche 2 verbunden ist und eine gegenüberliegende Kante KBor der rechten Basisseitenfläche 11 mit einer Kante KZur der rechten Zusatzseitenfläche 12 verbunden ist, wobei eine der Kante KZur gegenüberliegende Kante KZor der rechten Zusatzseitenfläche 12 eine konvexe Kante 21 umfasst, und/oder
• eine Kante KBul der linken Basisseitenfläche 14 mit der linken Längskante 5 der Grundfläche 2 verbunden ist und eine gegenüberliegende Kante KBol der linken Basisseitenfläche 13 mit einer Kante ZKul der linken Zusatzseitenfläche 14 verbunden ist, wobei eine der Kante KZul gegenüberliegende Kante KZol der linken Zusatzseitenfläche 14 eine konvexe Kante 20 umfasst.

Embodiment 4. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 3, characterized in that

• an edge KBur of the right base side surface 11 is connected to the right longitudinal edge 6 of the base surface 2 and an opposite edge KBor of the right base side surface 11 is connected to an edge KZur of the right additional side surface 12, wherein an edge KZor of the right additional side surface 12 opposite the edge KZur comprises a convex edge 21, and/or
• an edge KBul of the left base side surface 14 is connected to the left longitudinal edge 5 of the base surface 2 and an opposite edge KBol of the left base side surface 13 is connected to an edge ZKul of the left additional side surface 14, wherein an edge KZol of the left additional side surface 14 opposite the edge KZul comprises a convex edge 20.

Embodiment 5. Container according to embodiment 4, characterized in that the vertex of the convex edge 20 of the left additional side surface 14 and/or the vertex of the convex edge 21 of the right additional side surface 12 is arranged in the longitudinal direction in the middle of the container 1.

Embodiment 6. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the height rHBs of the right base side surface 11 corresponds to the height hHS of the rear end surface 8 and/or the height lHBs of the left base side surface 13 corresponds to the height hHS of the rear end surface 8.

Embodiment 7. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 6, characterized in that the right additional side surface 12 is arranged at a first distance d1 from the end of the right base side surface 11 to the front end surface 7 and at a second distance d2 from the end of the right base side surface 11 to the rear end surface 8 and/or the left additional side surface 14 is arranged at a first distance d3 from the end of the left base side surface 13 to the front end surface 7 and at a second distance d4 from the end of the left base side surface 13 to the rear end surface 8.

Embodiment 8. Container according to embodiment 7, characterized in that the first distance of the right additional side surface 12 to the end of the right base side surface 11 to the front face 7 and the second distance of the right Additional side surface 12 to the end of the right base side surface 11 to the rear end surface 8 and/or the first distance of the left additional side surface 14 to the end of the left base side surface 13 to the front end surface 7 and the second distance of the left additional side surface 14 to the end of the left base side surface 13 to the rear end surface 8 are equal.

Embodiment 9. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 8, characterized in that the first distance of the right additional side surface 12 to the end of the right base side surface 11 to the front end surface 7 and the second distance of the right additional side surface 12 to the end of the right base side surface 11 to the rear end surface 8 corresponds to half the length of the one or more objects in the longitudinal direction of the container and/or the first distance of the left additional side surface 14 to the end of the left base side surface 13 to the front end surface 7 and the second distance of the left additional side surface 14 to the end of the left base side surface 13 to the rear end surface 8 corresponds to half the length of the one or more objects in the longitudinal direction of the container 1.

Embodiment 10. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 9, characterized in that the right base side surface 11 and the left base side surface 13 are arranged perpendicular to the base surface 2.

Embodiment 11. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 10, characterized in that the right additional side surface 12 is arranged at an angle α1 of less than 180° but more than 90° to the plane defined by the base surface 2 and/or the left additional side surface 14 is arranged at an angle α2 of less than 180° and more than 90° to the plane defined by the base surface 2.

Embodiment 12. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 11, characterized in that the one or more separating elements 15 are arranged on the base surface 2.

Embodiment 13. Container according to embodiment 12, characterized in that the one or more separating elements 15 is/are formed from or through a part of the base area 2.

Embodiment 14. Container according to one of embodiments 12 to 13, characterized in that the one or more separating elements 15 each separate one of the plurality of objects from another of the plurality of objects.

Embodiment 15. Container according to one of embodiments 12 to 14, characterized in that the one or more separating elements 15 are tabs, preferably tabs which are formed from a part of the base area 2 of the container.

Embodiment 16. Container according to one of embodiments 12 to 15, characterized in that the one or more separating elements 15 each consist of a first part 16 and a second part 17, wherein the first part 16 is suitable for receiving a lower boundary, preferably an edge of the one or more objects, and/or the second part 17 is suitable for separating a further one of the several objects from the one arranged subsequently in the container 1.

Embodiment 17. Container according to embodiment 16, characterized in that the first part 16 of a separating element 15 and the second part 17 of a separating element 15 are connected to one another, preferably flexibly connected to one another.

Embodiment 18. Container according to one of embodiments 16 to 17, characterized in that the first part 16 is arranged at an angle β1 of ≤ 90 ° relative to the plane defined by the base area 2 and the second part 17 is arranged at an angle β2 of ≤ 90 ° relative to the plane defined by the base area 2, wherein β2 ≤ β1, preferably β2 < β1.

Embodiment 19. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 18, characterized in that the height of the vertex of the convex edge 19 of the front end face 7 and the height of the vertex of the convex edge 21 of the right additional side face 12 and/or the height of the vertex of the convex edge 20 of the left additional side face 14 are identical.

Embodiment 20. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 19, characterized in that the container 1 contains a number of objects, preferably a maximum number of objects defined by the number of separating elements 15.

Embodiment 21. Container according to embodiment 20, characterized in that the objects in the container 1 are arranged at an angle γ relative to a plane defined by the base area 2, preferably the angle γ is < 90°.

Embodiment 22. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 21, characterized in that the one or more objects have an upper boundary, wherein the upper boundary is arranged below the height or at the height of the convex edge 20 of the left additional side surface 14 or the convex edge 21 of the right additional side surface 12.

Embodiment 23. Container according to one of embodiments 20 to 22, characterized in that two consecutive separating elements 15 define a receiving compartment, in each of which an object is contained.

Embodiment 24. Container according to embodiment 22, characterized in that in the case of the rearmost object contained in the container 1, the receiving compartment receiving this is defined only by a separating element 15 and the rear end face 18.

Embodiment 25. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 24, characterized in that the container 1 is made of cardboard.

Embodiment 26. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 25, characterized in that the container 1 is a tray.

Embodiment 27. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 26, characterized in that the container 1 further comprises a cover 22, the cover 22 closes the container 1 to the outside.

Embodiment 28. Container according to embodiment 27, characterized in that the cover 22 seals off the one or more objects and/or the space from the environment.

Embodiment 29. Container according to one of the embodiments 27 to 28, characterized in that the cover 22 covers the container 1 in its entirety encloses, preferably seals off the container 1 in its entirety from the environment.

Embodiment 30. Container according to one of embodiments 27 to 29, characterized in that the cover 22 comprises a film, preferably a plastic film or a paper film.

Embodiment 31. Container according to one of the embodiments 27 to 30, characterized in that the cover 22 exerts a pressure on the left additional side surface 14 and/or on the right additional side surface 12, so that the angle α1 and/or α2 to the plane defined by the base surface 2 are smaller than without the cover 22.

Embodiment 32. Container according to one of embodiments 27 to 31, characterized in that the upper boundary of the object or a part thereof is arranged at the level of the convex edge 20 of the left additional side surface 14 and/or at the level of the convex edge 21 of the right additional side surface 12.

Embodiment 33. Container according to embodiment 32, characterized in that the upper boundary of the object is aligned with the height of the convex edge 20 of the left additional side surface 14 and/or with the height of the convex edge 21 of the right additional side surface 12, preferably aligned at the point at which the upper boundary of the object or a part thereof is located.

Embodiment 34. Container according to one of embodiments 22 to 33, characterized in that the upper boundary is an edge of the object.

Embodiment 35. Container according to one of embodiments 22 to 33, characterized in that the upper boundary is a point of the object.

Embodiment 36. Container according to one of embodiments 22 to 35, characterized in that the upper boundary is opposite the lower boundary of the object accommodated in the first part of the separating element 15.

Embodiment 37. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 36, characterized in that the article is a confectionery, preferably the confectionery is selected from the group comprising biscuits.

Embodiment 38. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 37, characterized in that the article has a shape selected from the group consisting of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, a polygonal shape, a non-angular shape and a round shape.

Embodiment 39. Container according to one of embodiments 1 to 38, characterized in that the container 1 is a packaging, preferably a packaging for the one or more objects.

• die rechte Seitenfläche 10 eine rechte Basisseitenfläche 11 und eine rechte Zusatzseitenfläche 12 aufweist,
• die linke Seitenfläche 9 eine linke Basisseitenfläche 13 und eine linke Zusatzseitenfläche 14 aufweist, wobei
• die Höhe der vorderen Stirnfläche 7 höher ist als die Höhe der hinteren Stirnfläche 8 und
• das Behältnis ein oder mehrere Trennelemente 15 umfasst, die in einem durch die vordere Stirnfläche 7, die hintere Stirnfläche 8, die linke Seitenfläche 9, die rechte Seitenfläche 10 sowie die Grundfläche 2 definierten Raum angeordnet sind.

According to the present invention, the object underlying the present invention is achieved by a container which is suitable for receiving one or more objects, wherein the container comprises a base surface 2 with a front end edge 3, a rear end edge 4, a left longitudinal edge 5 and a right longitudinal edge 6, wherein a front end surface 7 is arranged on the front end edge 3, a rear end surface 8 on the rear end edge 4, a left side surface 9 on the left longitudinal edge 5 and a right side surface 10 on the right longitudinal edge 6, wherein the left side surface 9 and the right side surface 10 define a longitudinal direction of the container, characterized in that

• the right side surface 10 has a right base side surface 11 and a right additional side surface 12,
• the left side surface 9 has a left base side surface 13 and a left additional side surface 14, wherein
• the height of the front face 7 is higher than the height of the rear face 8 and
• the container comprises one or more separating elements 15 which are arranged in a space defined by the front end face 7, the rear end face 8, the left side face 9, the right side face 10 and the base area 2.

In one embodiment of the container according to the invention, a first end of the front end face 7 is connected to a first end of the left side face 9, the second end of the left side face 9 opposite the first end of the left side face 9 is connected to a first end of the rear end face 8, the second end of the rear end face 8 opposite the first end of the rear end face 8 is connected to a first end of the right side face 10 and the second end of the right side face 10 opposite second end of the right side surface 10 is connected to the second end of the front end surface 8 opposite the first end of the front end surface 7. In one embodiment, it is provided that the connections are adhesive connections or plug connections.

The container thus defined is also referred to below as container according to the invention, container according to the invention or invention.

The one or more separating elements of the container according to the invention ensure that two or more of the objects contained in the container according to the invention are at least partially separated from one another. In one embodiment of the invention, at least partial separation means that there is no complete direct physical contact between two objects arranged directly adjacent to one another. Such physical contact can occur, for example, through an edge or a surface of a first object with an edge or a surface of a second object arranged directly adjacent to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the objects contained in the container according to the invention are arranged in the same direction. For example, all objects are arranged on one edge of the objects, with the edge of all objects being identical overall with regard to the shape of the objects.

The partial separation of the objects in the container according to the invention provides, in particular, mechanical protection of the respective object from one or more objects arranged adjacently in the container. Such mechanical protection prevents the objects contained in the container according to the invention and arranged immediately adjacently from rubbing against one another, thereby adversely changing their shape or appearance. If the objects are baked goods and in particular biscuits, a separating element according to the invention can be used to prevent the corners and/or edges of the baked goods from being broken off or ground off. In the case of a raised area such as an embossing on a first baked good such as a biscuit, this can also be protected by the separating element according to the invention and grinding off of the same by a second baked good arranged immediately adjacent, such as a biscuit, can be prevented.

A similar protective effect is ensured by the separating element according to the invention in the case when at least a first surface of a first baked good is chocolate-coated and a second surface of a second baked good arranged immediately adjacent to it, which without the separating element according to the invention would be in direct physical contact with the first surface of the first baked good, is in non-chocolate-coated form, wherein the second surface of the second baked good which is in non-chocolate-coated form typically comprises a rough surface. In this case, the rough second surface of the second baked good would damage the chocolate-coated first surface of the first baked good. Such damage could consist of the formation of depressions up to the partial complete removal of the chocolate coating. Without the separating element according to the invention, the rough second surface of the second baked good could also be impaired, in particular in the sense that chocolate is transferred from the chocolate coating on the first surface of the first baked good to the rough second surface of the second baked good, which would impair its aesthetic appearance and make handling by a consumer more difficult in the sense that the consumer would come into direct contact with chocolate with his fingers when removing the second baked good.

Finally, the separating element according to the invention also has a protective effect in the case where a first surface of a first baked good is covered in chocolate and a second surface of a second baked good arranged immediately adjacent to it, which without the separating element according to the invention would be in direct physical contact with the first surface of the first baked good, is also covered in chocolate. In this case, the chocolate-coated second surface of the second baked good would be in direct contact with the chocolate-coated first surface of the first baked good, which would lead to mutual damage to the two chocolate-coated surfaces or to sticking of the two chocolate-coated surfaces and thus the first baked good and the second baked good. Such damage could in turn consist of the formation of depressions up to the partial complete removal of the respective chocolate coatings. Sticking of the first and second baked goods by means of their respective chocolate-coated surfaces is also undesirable, since this would impair the removal of an individual baked good by a consumer.

It is within the scope of the present invention that the container according to the invention contains or can contain at least two objects. According to the invention, the at least two objects are separated from each other by a separating element. It is also within the scope of the invention that the container according to the invention can contain a plurality of contains or can contain objects. In this embodiment, a separating element is arranged or inserted between two objects that are arranged directly adjacent to one another or between two objects that are arranged directly one after the other, such as baked goods, preferably biscuits. It is also within the scope of the present invention that a separating element is provided before the first object and/or after the first object. In this embodiment, the separating element provided before the first object or after the first object is therefore not arranged or inserted between two objects that are arranged directly adjacent to one another or between two objects that are arranged directly one after the other, such as baked goods, preferably biscuits. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the objects contained in the container according to the invention are themselves individually packaged, for example shrink-wrapped in a film.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a first plurality of objects arranged in direct succession are separated from a second plurality of objects arranged in direct succession by a separating element according to the invention, wherein the objects of the first plurality of objects are arranged in direct succession without the objects of the first plurality of objects being separated by one or more separating elements, and wherein the objects of the second plurality of objects are arranged in direct succession without the objects of the second plurality of objects being separated by one or more separating elements. In this embodiment, it is thus provided that the last object of the first plurality of objects arranged in direct succession is separated from the first object of the second plurality of objects arranged in direct succession by a separating element, wherein without the presence of the separating element, the last object of the first plurality of objects arranged in direct succession would be in direct and immediate contact with the first object of the second plurality of objects arranged in direct succession. In this embodiment, it can be provided that the objects of the first plurality of objects and/or the objects of the second plurality of objects represent a unit, wherein this unit is produced, for example, by the plurality of objects being placed in an independent packaging, for example in a film or a paper sleeve.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the one or more separating elements are arranged on the base surface of the container. In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that the one or more separating elements are arranged on the right side surface, in particular the right base side surface. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the one or more separating elements are arranged on the left side surface, in particular the left base side surface. In a further embodiment, it is provided that at least one of the several separating elements is arranged on the right side surface, in particular the right base side surface, and one or more of the remaining separating elements is arranged on the left side surface, in particular the left base side surface. It is within the scope of the present invention that a separating element is formed from two partial separating elements, wherein a first of the two partial separating elements is arranged on the left side surface, in particular the left base side surface, and a second of the two partial separating elements is arranged on the right side surface, in particular the right base side surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the one or more separating elements are arranged on the base of the container, wherein the one or more separating elements is/are formed from a part or by a part of the base of the container according to the invention, it is particularly preferred if the individual separating element is formed as a tab. The design of the one or more separating elements from a part of the base is particularly advantageous when producing the packaging according to the invention. Furthermore, this design is also advantageous in view of the fact that the base is a particularly stable part of the container, so that the weakening of the base by forming the one or more separating elements is of secondary importance for the overall stability of the container, or at least does not have a lasting impact on it.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the separating elements are introduced into the container by means of a shelf and are preferably formed on or by this shelf as described above.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the one or more separating elements are arranged at an angle β0 of ≤ 90°, preferably of < 90°. The angle β0 is the angle between the plane spanned by the base of the container and the plane spanned by the separating element. Although the angle β0 can be different for each separating element of the container according to the invention, it is nevertheless preferred if the angle β0 is essentially the same for all separating elements, preferably the same.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more objects in the container according to the invention are leaning against the one or more separating elements. As a result of the leaning, a longitudinal axis of the one or more objects runs parallel to that through the one or more separating elements. If the one object or the several objects is flat in the broadest sense, this surface is preferably arranged parallel to the surface formed by the separating element, with the two surfaces preferably contacting each other. Due to the leaning of the one or more objects against the one or more objects, the angle β0 defines the inclination at which the one or more objects in the container according to the invention are inclined relative to the base surface. An angle β0 of 90° corresponds to a vertical arrangement of the objects relative to the base surface of the container, an angle β0 of 0° corresponds to a horizontal arrangement of the objects on the base surface of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the angle β0 is different from 90° and different from 0°. In preferred embodiments it is provided that 20° ≤ β0 ≤ 80° or 20° ≤ β0 ≤ 70°, or 30° ≤ β0 ≤ 60°, or 45° ≤ β0 ≤ 60° or 20° ≤ β0 ≤ 30°. In one embodiment, the angle γ at which the one or more objects in the container according to the invention are arranged relative to the base area corresponds to the angle β0.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the one or more separating elements each consist of a first part and a two-part, wherein the first part is suitable for receiving a lower boundary, preferably an edge of the one or more objects, and/or the second part is suitable for separating another of the several objects from the one arranged next in the container. This embodiment is also referred to herein as a two-part embodiment of a separating element. In this embodiment, the relative fixation of the one or more objects relative to the base area of the container preferably takes place by means of the first part of the separating element, whereas the second part of the separating element defines the inclination of the one or more objects in the container. Preferably the first part of a separating element and the second part of a separating element are connected to one another, wherein it is further preferred that the two parts of a separating element are flexibly connected to one another and the two parts are separated from one another by a bent edge.

The relative proportion of the first part to the total length of the separating element consisting of the first part and the second part is typically determined essentially by the thickness or depth of the one or more objects, the first part being dimensioned such that it is suitable for holding or receiving the thickness or depth of the said object or objects. The second part of the separating element essentially takes over the function of the separating element in the embodiment in which it is made in one piece or consists of only one part.

In one embodiment, it is provided that in the two-piece embodiment of a separating element, the first part is arranged at an angle β1 of ≤ 90 ° relative to the base surface or a plane defined by the base surface and the second part is arranged at an angle β2 of ≤ 90 ° relative to the plane defined by the base surface, where β2 ≤ β1, preferably β2 < β1. The design of the angle β2 preferably corresponds to that of the angle β0.

In a further embodiment, two consecutive separating elements form a receiving compartment for an object. In this embodiment, the distance between the two consecutive separating elements corresponds to a thickness of an object contained in the receiving compartment formed in this way. Preferably, a first side of the object contacts a rear side of a first separating element and a second side of the object that is essentially parallel to the first side of the object contacts a front side of a second separating element. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the distance between two consecutive separating elements is greater, so that the double contact of an object with two consecutive separating elements described above does not occur.

The container according to the invention comprises a base area defined by a front edge, a left longitudinal edge, a rear edge and a right longitudinal edge. In one embodiment, the base area has a rectangular shape, whereby the relative length ratio of the length of the right/left longitudinal edge to the length of the front/rear edge can be defined over a very large range. The specific The value is defined by the length of the edge of the one or more objects that contacts the base surface and the number of objects arranged consecutively in the container. It is within the scope of the present invention that one, two or more objects are arranged next to one another, i.e. in a row, and one or more such rows are arranged consecutively in the container, with one row preferably being supported by a separating element or separated from a subsequent row. It is within the scope of the present invention that the base surface also has a trapezoidal shape or a polygonal shape, with the polygonal shape being able to be determined by a polygonal shape of each of the front end edge, the left longitudinal edge, the rear end edge and the right longitudinal edge. It is preferred that the polygonal shape is formed symmetrically by the front and rear end edges and/or by the left and right longitudinal edges.

In the container according to the invention, it is provided that the height of the front face is higher than the height of the rear face. The height of the face is defined by the maximum height of the face perpendicular to the base of the container according to the invention. In one embodiment, it is provided that the height of the front face, which serves as a support point or support surface for the foremost object of the objects contained in the container, the angle γ at which the objects are arranged in the container according to the invention. This is particularly the case if the separating elements are not designed in such a way that their angle of inclination β0 remains unchanged by the weight of the objects.

In one embodiment, it is provided that an edge KSu of the front end face 7 is connected to the front edge 3, wherein an edge KSo of the front end face 7 opposite the edge KSu comprises a convex edge 19. This convex edge 19 is also referred to herein as the convex shape of the front end face or of a part of the front end face.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the front end face, more precisely the edge of the front end face opposite the front end edge, has a convex shape, preferably the vertex of the convex shape is arranged in the middle of the front end face in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container. The part of the front end face that has a convex shape is in particular the part that is opposite the front end edge. Alternatively, the vertex of the convex Shape can also be arranged outside the middle of the front end face. Within the scope of the present invention, it is preferred that the convex shape extends over the entire width of the front end face. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the convex shape only extends over a part of the edge of the front end face that is opposite the front edge of the front end face. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the convex shape does not merge continuously into the edge of the front end face that is opposite the front edge; rather, the convex shape can be broken off, so that a step is formed at the end of the convex shape, by means of which step the convex shape merges into the edge opposite the front edge. The step can in turn be straight or in a different shape.

The container according to the invention is provided with a rear end face. In one embodiment, the edge of the rear end face opposite the rear end edge is straight, preferably parallel to the base of the container according to the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the edge of the rear end face opposite the rear end edge is convex. In the case of a convex design, it is provided that this is designed analogously to the convex shape of the front end face, more precisely the edge of the front end face opposite the front end edge. In one embodiment, it is provided that none of the edges forming the rear end face is provided with a recess.

In a preferred embodiment, the height of the front face is greater than the height of the rear face. This is advantageous in that when a film is used as a cover for the container according to the invention, a film tension occurs which gives the container according to the invention additional stability and additional protection for the objects contained therein.

According to the present invention, it is provided that In a further embodiment, it is provided that the right side surface has a right base side surface and a right additional side surface and the left side surface has a left base side surface and a left additional side surface. In one embodiment, it is provided that the left base side surface and the left additional side surface are flexibly connected to one another and/or the right base side surface and the right additional side surface are flexibly connected to one another. Such a flexible connection can be made by making the right or left side surface from one piece and dividing it into the right or left base side surface and the right or left additional side surface by weakening the material, such as by grooving, scoring or perforating.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the right base side surface and the left base side surface are arranged perpendicular to the base surface. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the right additional side surface is arranged at an angle α1 of less than 180 ° but more than 90 ° to the plane defined by the base surface and/or the left additional side surface is arranged at an angle α2 of less than 180 ° and more than 90 ° to the plane defined by the base surface. The left and right additional side surfaces can be arranged rigidly or flexibly relative to the left and right base side surfaces. This arrangement ensures that the objects contained in the container according to the invention are fixed and thus protected. In addition, the angular arrangement of the right additional side surface and the left additional side surface relative to the right base side surface and left base side surface allows the build-up of a film tension when using a film as a cover for the container according to the invention, which gives the container according to the invention mechanical stability and protects the objects contained in the container according to the invention.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the right side surface 10 comprises a right base side surface 11 and a right additional side surface 12, wherein an edge KBur of the right base side surface 11 is connected to the right longitudinal edge 6 of the base surface 2 and an opposite edge KBor of the right base side surface 11 is connected to an edge KZur of the right additional side surface 12, wherein an edge KZor of the right additional side surface 12 opposite the edge KZur comprises a convex edge 21. This convex edge 21 is also referred to herein as the convex shape of the right additional side surface.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the left side surface 9 comprises a left base side surface 13 and a left additional side surface 14, wherein an edge KBul of the left base side surface 14 is connected to the left longitudinal edge 5 of the base surface 2 and an opposite edge KBol of the left base side surface 13 is connected to an edge ZKul of the left additional side surface 14, wherein an edge KZol of the left additional side surface 14 opposite the edge KZul comprises a convex edge 20. This convex Edge 20 of the left additional side surface is also referred to herein as the convex shape of the left additional side surface.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the left additional side surface has a convex shape and/or the right additional side surface has a convex shape, preferably the left and right additional side surfaces have a convex shape. More precisely, the convex shape of the left or right additional side surface is a convex shape of the edge of the left or right additional side surface that is opposite the left or right longitudinal edge.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the vertex of the convex shape of the left and/or right additional side surface is arranged in the longitudinal direction in the middle of the container. In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that the vertex of the convex shape is also arranged outside the middle. It is preferred within the scope of the present invention that the convex shape extends over the entire length of the left and/or right base side surface. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the convex shape only extends over part of the length of the left and/or right base side surface. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the convex shape does not merge continuously into the edge of the base side surface opposite the left or right side edge; rather, the convex shape can be broken off, so that a step is formed at the end of the convex shape, by means of which the convex shape merges into the edge of the left or right base side surface opposite the left or right side edge. The step can in turn be straight or in any other shape.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the right additional side surface is arranged at a first distance d1 from the end of the right base side surface to the front end surface and at a second distance d2 from the end of the right base side surface to the rear end surface and/or the left additional side surface is arranged at a first distance d3 from the end of the left base side surface to the front end surface and at a second distance d4 from the end of the left base side surface to the rear end surface.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first distance to the end of the right base side surface to the front face and the second distance to the end of the right base side surface to the rear face are the same and/or the first Distance to the end of the left base side surface to the front face and the second distance to the end of the left base side surface to the rear face is equal.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first distance from the end of the right base side surface to the front end surface and the second distance from the end of the right base side surface to the rear end surface corresponds to half the length of the one or more objects in the longitudinal direction of the container and/or the first distance from the end of the left base side surface to the front end surface and the second distance from the end of the left base side surface to the rear end surface corresponds to half the length of the one or more objects in the longitudinal direction of the container.

According to the present invention, in one embodiment it is provided that the height of the right base side surface rHBs corresponds to the height of the rear end surface hHS and/or the height of the left base side surface lHBs corresponds to the height of the rear end surface hHS. This brings about mechanical stability of the container according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the heights of the right base side surface, the left base side surface and the rear end surface are identical. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the height of the rear end surface is greater or smaller than the height of the right base side surface and the left base side surface.

In one embodiment of the container according to the invention, it is provided that the container according to the invention comprises a closure element, also referred to herein as a cover, wherein the closure means serves to delimit and/or close off the space defined by the front face, the left side face, the right side face, the rear face and the base area, in particular to delimit and/or close it off from the outside world or the environment. In one embodiment, it is provided that the closure means in turn comprises a space, wherein the space of the closure means completely encloses the container according to the invention, preferably the space of the closure means completely accommodates the container according to the invention. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the one or more separating elements are made from part of the base area of the container, since this ensures the integrity of the container and completely separates the objects contained in the container from the surroundings or environment. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the closure means is on the outside of the front face, left side face, right side face and rear face, but not or only partially attached to the side of the base of the container which faces away from the space defined by the front face, left side face, right side face, rear face and base.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure means is designed as a tube, the tube being closed on the outside of the front face and the outside of the rear face. In one embodiment, the closure means consists of or is made of a material selected from the group comprising plastic and paper. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that in an embodiment in which the objects contained or to be contained in the container according to the invention are foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, preferably biscuits, the plastic is a plastic suitable for packaging foodstuffs. The type of closure of the closure means or cover depends on the material used for the closure means or cover and includes, among other things, gluing and welding.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure means is a film, preferably a plastic film or a paper film.

In one embodiment of the container according to the invention, it is provided that the cover exerts pressure on the left additional side surface and/or on the right additional side surface, so that the angle α1 and/or α2 to a plane defined by the base surface is smaller than without the cover. This ensures that the product is fixed and thus that the objects contained in the container according to the invention are protected.

In one embodiment, it is provided that an upper limit of an object contained in the container or a part thereof is arranged at the height of the convex shape of the left additional side surface and/or the right additional side surface, preferably the upper limit of the object is aligned with the height of the convex shape of the left additional side surface and/or the right additional side surface, preferably this is aligned at the point at which the upper limit of the object or a part thereof is located, wherein preferably the upper limit is an edge or a single point of the object. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the upper limit is opposite the lower limit of the object arranged on the base. The product is thereby further fixed.

The objects that can be accommodated in the container according to the invention or contained therein are not limited in principle. In one embodiment, the objects are baked goods, preferably sweets and more preferably biscuits. The preferred geometry of the objects is a flat shape, which is particularly preferred with regard to the functionality of the separating elements. In a further embodiment, the objects have a shape that is selected from the group consisting of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, a polygonal shape, a non-angular shape and a round shape. The objects to be accommodated in a container according to the invention or contained therein preferably have the same shape in a container.

In one embodiment of the container according to the invention, it is provided that the container is a packaging, preferably a packaging for the one or more objects. In one embodiment, the container according to the invention is a tray. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tray is an open packaging means, which within the scope of the present invention can be separated or closed off from the outside world or the environment by means of a closure means or cover. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is made of cardboard. In a particularly preferred further embodiment, the container according to the invention is a tray and the closure means is a film, wherein the film is preferably pulled or stretched over the tray.

It is within the scope of the present invention that the tray is made in one piece. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the tray is made in two or more pieces. An example of a two-piece tray is the embodiment in which the tray includes an additional shelf.

When reference is made herein to paper and its use, it is preferred that the paper is selected from the group comprising cardboard and paperboard. In a preferred embodiment and as preferably used herein, paperboard has a weight of more than 225 g/m ² (according to DIN 6730) and paperboard has a weight of 150 to 600 g/m ² .

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the statements relating to the container according to the invention, in particular insofar as they relate to baked goods in the case of the objects contained or to be contained in the container according to the invention, also apply to biscuits and similar baked goods.

It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that the statements relating to the container according to the invention, in particular insofar as they relate to objects in the form of baked goods contained or to be contained in the container according to the invention, also apply to or apply to objects other than baked goods. These objects other than baked goods are preferably those which can be damaged or impaired in their appearance and possibly also in their function imparted by their surface through direct contact with one another, i.e. without the presence of a separating element according to the invention.

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Behältnisses zeigt,
• Fig. 2 eine weitere schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Behältnisses zeigt,
• Fig. 3 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Trennelementes zeigt,
• Fig. 4 eine schematische Draufsicht auf das in Fig. 3 dargestellte Trennelement zeigt,
• Figs. 5, 6 und 7 eine Teilansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Behältnis zeigt,
• Fig. 8 eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Behältnis zeigt, und
• Fig. 9 einevollständige Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Behältnisses zeigt.

The present invention is further explained below with reference to the figures, from which further features, embodiments and advantages of the present invention emerge, wherein

• Fig.1 shows a schematic representation of the container according to the invention,
• Fig.2 shows a further schematic representation of the container according to the invention,
• Fig.3 shows a schematic side view of a separating element,
• Fig.4 a schematic plan view of the Fig.3 The separating element shown shows
• Figs. 5, 6 and 7 shows a partial view of a container according to the invention,
• Fig.8 shows a side view of a container according to the invention, and
• Fig.9 shows a complete representation of a container according to the invention.

Fig.1 is a schematic representation of the container 1 according to the invention, wherein for the sake of illustration no separating element(s) 15 as provided according to the invention is shown. The base area 2 of the container 1 is formed by the front end edge 3, the adjoining left longitudinal edge 5, which is adjoining rear front edge 4 and the adjoining right longitudinal edge 6 are circumferentially defined.

Starting from the front end edge 3, the front end surface 7 extends with a convex shape, wherein the convex shape refers to the convex shape of that edge of the end surface 7 which is arranged opposite the front end edge 3, and is also referred to herein as the convex edge 19 of the front end surface 7. Starting from the rear end edge 4, the rear end surface 8 extends. From the left longitudinal edge 5, the left side surface 9 extends, which consists of a left base side surface 13 and a left additional side surface 14 with a convex shape, wherein the convex shape refers to the convex shape of that edge of the left additional side surface 14 which is arranged opposite the left longitudinal edge 5, and is also referred to herein as the convex edge 20 of the left additional side surface 14. The right side surface 10 extends from the right longitudinal edge 6 and consists of a right base side surface 11 and a right additional side surface 12 with a convex shape, wherein the convex shape refers to the convex shape of that edge of the right additional side surface 12 which is arranged opposite the right longitudinal edge 6 and is also referred to herein as the convex edge 21 of the right additional side surface 12.

Fig.2 is a schematic representation of the container 1 according to the invention, wherein the individual sizes of the various elements of the container 1 according to the invention and their distances are shown. Analogous to Fig.1 for reasons of illustration, no separating element(s) 15, as provided according to the invention, is/are shown. The front end face 7 has a height vHs, the rear end face 8 has a height hHs. The right base side face 11 has a height rHBs and the right additional side face 12 has a height rZHS, whereby the height of the right additional side face 12 is the maximum height resulting from the convex edge 21. The sum of the height of the right base side face rHBs and the height of the right additional side face rZHs gives the total height of the right side face 10. The left base side face 13 has a height lHBs and the left additional side face 14 has a height lZHS, whereby the height of the left additional side face 14 is the maximum height resulting from the convex edge 20. The sum of the height of the left base side surface lHBs and the height of the left additional side surface lZHs gives the total height of the left side surface 9.

The front end of the convex edge 21 of the right additional side surface 12 has a distance d1 relative to the front end surface 7 and the rear end of the convex edge 21 of the right additional side surface 12 has a distance d2 relative to the rear end surface 4.

The front end of the convex edge 20 of the left additional side surface 14 has a distance d3 relative to the front end surface 7 and the rear end of the convex edge 20 of the left additional side surface 14 has a distance d4 relative to the rear end surface 4.

Fig.3 is a schematic side view of a separating element 15 which is arranged on the base surface 2 of the container according to the invention, wherein the separating element 15 is formed in two pieces comprising a first part 16 and a second part 17. The first part 16 encloses an angle β1 with the base surface 2, the second part 17 encloses an angle β2 with the base surface.

Fig.4 is a schematic plan view of the Fig.3 shown separating element 15.

Fig.5 is a partial view of an embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention, in which, in the section shown, a total of five separating elements 15 are shown, which are formed from the base surface 2 of the container 1. The right base side surface 10 and the right additional side surface offset from it are also shown.

Fig.6 is a partial view of a container 1 according to the invention, showing the rear end face 8, the right base side face 11 and the right additional side face 12. The right additional side face 12 has a convex edge 21 and is arranged at a distance d2 relative to the end of the base side face 11 from the rear end face 8.

Fig.7 is a partial view of a container 1 according to the invention, showing the front end face 7 with the convex edge 19, the right base side face 11 and the right additional side face 12. The right additional side face 12 has a convex edge 21 and is arranged at a distance d1 relative to the end of the base side face 11 from the rear end face 7.

Fig.8 is a side view of a container 1 according to the invention, wherein the right base side surface 11 and the adjoining right additional side surface 12 are shown with their convex edge 21. The flexible connection 23 between the right base side surface 11 and the right additional side surface 12 is due to the fact that the right base side surface 11 and the right additional side surface 12 are formed in one piece and the material at the boundary between the right base side surface 11 and the right additional side surface is weakened by slitting.

Fig.9 is a representation of a container 1 according to the invention, which contains altogether new objects 18 in the form of chocolate-covered biscuits. The biscuits are inclined at an angle of inclination γ. The left side surface 9 consists of the left base side surface 13 and the left additional side surface 14. The two ends of the left additional side surface 14 are at a distance in the longitudinal direction of the container from the two ends of the left base side surface 13 in the longitudinal direction. The container 1 comprises a cover 22 made of a film tube 24, which completely encloses the container 1 and is closed at the end defined by the front end surface 7 and at the end defined by the rear end surface 8.

List of reference symbols

1

container

2

Floor space

3

front edge

4

rear front edge

5

left longitudinal edge

6

right longitudinal edge

7

front face

8th

rear frontal surface

9

left side surface

10

right side surface

11

right base side surface

12

right additional side area

13

left base side surface

14

left additional side area

15

Separating element

16

first part of a separating element

17

second part of a separating element

18, 18', 18"

Item that is or may be contained in packaging

19

convex edge of the front surface

20

convex edge of the left additional side surface

21

convex edge of the right additional side surface

22

cover

23

flexible connection between the right base side panel and the right additional side panel

24

Film tube

KSu

lower edge of the front face

KSo

upper edge of the front face

KBur

lower edge of the right base side surface

KBor

upper edge of the right base side surface

KTo

lower edge of the right additional side surface

KZor

upper edge of the right additional side surface

KBul

lower edge of the left base side surface

KBol

upper edge of the left base side surface

KZul

lower edge of the left additional side surface

KZol

upper edge of the left additional side surface

VHS

Height of front face

hHS

Height of the rear frontal surface

rHBs

Height of the right base side surface

lHBs

Height of the left base side surface

rZHs

Height of the right additional side surface

lZHs

Height of the left additional side surface

Claims (15)

Container 1, suitable for receiving one or more objects, comprising a base surface 2 with a front edge 3, a rear edge 4, a left longitudinal edge 5 and a right longitudinal edge 6, wherein a front face 7 is arranged on the front edge 3, a rear face 8 on the rear edge 4, a left side face 9 on the left longitudinal edge 5 and a right side face 10 on the right longitudinal edge 6, wherein the left side face 9 and the right side face 10 define a longitudinal direction of the container, characterized in that an edge KSu of the front end face 7 is connected to the front end edge 3, wherein an edge KSo of the end face 7 opposite the edge KSu comprises a convex edge 19, the right side surface 10 comprises a right base side surface 11 and a right additional side surface 12, wherein an edge KBur of the right base side surface 11 is connected to the right longitudinal edge 6 of the base surface 2 and an opposite edge KBor of the right base side surface 11 is connected to an edge KZur of the right additional side surface 12, wherein an edge KZor of the right additional side surface 12 opposite the edge KZur comprises a convex edge 21, the left side surface 9 comprises a left base side surface 13 and a left additional side surface 14, wherein an edge KBul of the left base side surface 14 is connected to the left longitudinal edge 5 of the base surface 2 and an opposite edge KBol of the left base side surface 13 is connected to an edge ZKul of the left additional side surface 14, wherein an edge KZol of the left additional side surface 14 opposite the edge KZul comprises a convex edge 20, the height of the front face 7 is higher than the height of the rear face 8, the container 1 comprises one or more separating elements 15 which are arranged in a space defined by the front face 7, the rear face 8, the left side face 9, the right side face 10 and the base area 2 and the container is a tray. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the left base side surface 13 and the left additional side surface 14 are flexibly connected to one another and/or the right base side surface 11 and the right additional side surface 12 are flexibly connected to one another. Container according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the vertex of the convex edge 19 is arranged in the middle of the front end face 7 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container 1. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vertex of the convex edge 20 of the left additional side surface 14 and/or the vertex of the convex edge 21 of the right additional side surface 12 is arranged in the longitudinal direction in the middle of the container 1. Container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the right additional side surface 12 is arranged with a first distance d1 from the end of the right base side surface 11 to the front end surface 7 and with a second distance d2 from the end of the right base side surface 11 to the rear end surface 8 and/or the left additional side surface 14 is arranged with a first distance d3 from the end of the left base side surface 13 to the front end surface 7 and with a second distance d4 from the end of the left base side surface 13 to the rear end surface 8. Container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the right base side surface 11 and the left base side surface 13 are arranged perpendicular to the base surface 2. Container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the right additional side surface 12 is formed at an angle α1 of less than 180 ° but more than 90 ° to the is arranged in the plane defined by the base surface 2 and/or the left additional side surface 14 is arranged at an angle α2 of less than 180° and more than 90° to the plane defined by the base surface 2. Container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the one or more separating elements 15 is/are arranged on the base surface 2, preferably the one or more separating elements 15 is/are formed from or through a part of the base surface 2. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the one or more separating elements 15 each separate one of the plurality of objects from another of the plurality of objects. Container according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the container 1 contains a number of objects, preferably a maximum number of objects defined by the number of separating elements. Container according to claim 10, characterized in that the objects in the container 1 are arranged at an angle γ relative to a plane defined by the base surface 2, preferably the angle γ is < 90°, wherein the angle γ substantially corresponds to an inclination angle β0 of the separating elements 15. Container according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the container 1 is made of cardboard. Container according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the container 1 further comprises a cover 22, the cover 22 closes the container 1 to the outside, preferably the cover 22 comprises a film, more preferably a plastic film or a paper film, wherein preferably the cover 22 exerts a pressure on the left additional side surface 14 and/or on the right additional side surface 12, so that the angle α1 and/or α2 to the plane defined by the base surface 2 are smaller than without the cover 22. Container according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the article is a confectionery, preferably the confectionery is selected from the group comprising biscuits, wherein preferably the article or articles have/have a shape which is selected from the group consisting of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, a polygonal shape, a non-angular shape and a round shape. Container according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the container 1 is a packaging, preferably a packaging for the one or more objects.

Images