EP4556387A1

EP4556387A1 - Package filled with a pourable product and packaging blank for forming a package

Info

Publication number: EP4556387A1
Application number: EP24211334.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marcello Barbieri; Giovanni PALLAORO; Stefano Piccinini; Pietro Martini; Giorgia ZANOTTI
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2023-11-15
Filing date: 2024-11-07
Publication date: 2025-05-21
Also published as: WO2025103852A1; IT202300024159A1; AU2024380330A1

Abstract

There is described a package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) comprising a bottom wall (3) and a top wall (4) spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis (A) of the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) and a side wall (5) interposed between the top wall (3) and the bottom wall (4). A projection of the top wall (4) onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) gives rise to two respective projected front corners (27) and two projected back corners (28). An imaginary front line (30) extends through the two projected front corners (27) and an imaginary back line (31) extends through the two projected back corners (28). A first distance (d1) between the imaginary back line (31) and the imaginary front line (30) is larger than a second distance (d2) between the two projected front corners (27).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a package filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.
Additionally, the present invention also relates to a packaging blank for forming a package.

BACKGROUND ART

As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.
A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging blank. The packaging blank has a multilayer structure comprising a fibrous base layer, e.g. of paper or cardboard, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging blank also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material (an oxygen-barrier layer), e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.
Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging apparatuses, which form the packages from respective packaging blanks. These packaging blanks can be provided in the form of single packaging blanks or in the form of a web, which is formed from a plurality of successively arranged packaging blanks.
In the case of the packaging apparatus being designed to form the packages from a web, the packaging apparatus advances and sterilizes the web, which is then formed into a tube and filled with the pourable product before the tube is formed into individual sealed packages.
It is known to produce packages having a bottom wall and a top wall being spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the packages and a side wall interposed between the top wall and the bottom wall. One variant comes along with the top wall being inclined with respect to the bottom wall; such packages are known as packages provided with a slanted top wall. In another variant, the top wall and the bottom wall are parallel to one another.
It is also known that some packages are provided with an opening device having at least a portion being connected to the top wall. The opening device allows to control the outpouring of the pourable product from the package.
The space available for the opening device is determined by the size of the top wall.
Even though the known packages provide for excellent results, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the known packages, in particular so as to have the possibility of maximizing the space available for the opening device.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved package.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging blank for forming a package.
According to the present invention, there are provided a package and a packaging blank for forming a package according to the respective independent claims.
Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the package and the packaging blank are claimed in the respective dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Four non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a package filled with a pourable product according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 1B is a lateral view of the package of Figure 1A;
Figure 2 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 1A;
Figure 3 is a top view of the package of Figure 1A;
Figure 4 is a bottom view of the package of Figure 1A;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the package of Figure 1A;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a package filled with a pourable product according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a package filled with a pourable product according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a top view of the package of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 8;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a package filled with a pourable product according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 12 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 11.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 in Figure 1A indicates a package filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product, such as pasteurized milk, milk, milk-products, drinking yoghurt, yoghurt-drinks, beverages, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, etc.
In more detail, package 1 may be formed from a packaging blank 2 as e.g. shown in Figure 2.
More specifically, each package 1 may be formed from one respective packaging blank 2 by means of an automatic packaging machine.
The automatic packaging machine may be configured to form packages 1 from the respective packaging blanks 2 and to fill packages 1 with the pourable product.
Preferentially but not necessarily, packaging blanks 2 may have a multilayer structure.
In more detail, each packaging blank 2 may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another.
One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define an inner face of the respective package 1 formed from the respective packaging blank 2 and eventually contacting the pourable product.
Preferably but not necessarily, each packaging blank 2 may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially but not necessarily, packaging blank 2 may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, packaging blanks 2 may be provided in the form of a web.
In more detail, the web may be formed from a plurality of successively arranged packaging blanks 2.
In other words, the successively arranged packaging blanks 2 define a plurality of repeat units of the web. In particular, each repeat unit (i.e. the respective packaging blank 2) forms the precursor of one respective package 1.
Preferentially, the packaging machine may be configured to produce packages 1 from the web such that each package 1 results from one respective packaging blank 2.
In particular, each packaging blank 2 may comprise a desired pattern/decoration.
With particular reference to Figure 1A, package 1 may extend along a longitudinal axis A, preferentially also along a first transversal axis B perpendicular to longitudinal axis A and a second transversal axis C perpendicular to longitudinal axis A and first transversal axis B.
Advantageously, an extension, i.e. a dimension, of package 1 along longitudinal axis A may be larger than respective extensions, i.e. respective dimensions, of package 1 along first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C.
In more detail and with reference to Figures 1A, 1B and 3 to 5, package 1 may comprise a bottom wall 3 and a top wall 4 spaced apart from one another along longitudinal axis A. In particular, longitudinal axis A is perpendicular to bottom wall 3.
Additionally, package 1 may comprise a side wall 5 extending between (and connected to) bottom wall 3 and top wall 4.
More specifically, bottom wall 3 may be defined as the wall of package 1 that has a substantially planar shape and that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A. According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, bottom wall 3 may be configured to be placed on a support surface, such as a support surface of a shelf, a fridge, a table, a working plane or the like.
With package 1 being placed on the support surface (and in its nominal position, i.e. when being used by a user in an intended manner), bottom wall 3 is in contact with the support surface and top wall 4 is distanced from the support surface.
Additionally, side wall 5 may be the portion of package 1 that is gripped by a user during an outpouring action of the pourable product from package 1.
According to some possible embodiments and as shown in Figure 1A, top wall 4 may be inclined with respect to bottom wall 3.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, package 1 may comprise an opening device (not shown) configured to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product from package 1.
More specifically, at least a portion of the opening device may be connected to top wall 4.
In further detail, top wall 4 may comprise a pouring outlet 6 and the opening device may comprise an outlet opening aligned with respect to pouring outlet 6.
Additionally, the opening device may comprise a collar having the outlet opening, the collar being arranged about pouring outlet 6.
Furthermore, the opening device may comprise a base frame being connected to top wall 4. The collar extends from the base frame.
According to some possible embodiments, the opening device may be connected to top wall 4 only.
According to some alternative embodiments, a first portion of the opening device may be connected to top wall 4 and a second portion of the opening device may be connected to side wall 5.
According to some possible embodiments, the opening device may be a so called post-applied opening device meaning that the opening device may be connected (e.g. glued, welded, bonded or the like) to top wall 4 after formation of package 1.
According to some alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the opening device may be molded to top wall 4 and/or packaging blank 2, in particular before packaging blank 2 is formed into package 1.
According to other alternative embodiments, the opening device may be reusable. According to such embodiments, package 1 is delivered to the consumer without the opening device and the consumer couples the opening device to top wall 4 prior to the first outpouring action. Moreover, the opening device may be removed from top wall 4 after exhaustion of the pourable product.
In further detail, package 1 may comprise a longitudinal seam portion, e.g. resulting from forming packages 1 from a tube filled with the pourable product, the tube presenting a longitudinal seal. Preferentially but not necessarily, the longitudinal seam portion may be substantially parallel to longitudinal axis A.
Additionally, each package 1 may comprise a first transversal seal and a second transversal seal 9, preferentially being transversal to longitudinal axis A. Preferentially, first transversal seal may be comprised by and/or associated to bottom wall 3 and second transversal seal 9 may be comprised by and/or associated to top wall 4.
In further detail, side wall 5 may comprise a front panel 10, a back panel opposite to front panel 10 and a plurality of, in the example shown two, lateral panels 12, each one interposed between the back panel and front panel 10.
During an outpouring action, a hand of a user (at least when considering the intended use of package 1) may contact at least partially the back panel and lateral panels 12.
Preferentially, the back panel may comprise the longitudinal seam portion.
With reference to Figures 1A, 1B and 3 to 5, top wall 4 comprises at least two, more specifically exactly two, front corners 15 and at least two, more specifically exactly two, back corners 16.
More specifically, back corners 16 may be spaced apart from front corners 15, more specifically along a direction having a component parallel to first transversal axis B.
In further detail, top wall 4 may comprise a front edge 17 extending between front corners 15, a back edge 18 extending between back corners 16 and two lateral edges 19, each lateral edge 19 extending between one respective pair 20 of one respective front corner 15 and one respective back corner 16.
More specifically, top wall 4 may be delimited by front edge 17, back edge 18 and lateral edges 19.
Even more specifically, front edge 17 may extend from one front corner 15 to the other front corner 15 and back edge 18 may extend from one back corner 16 to the other back corner 16. Additionally, each lateral edge 19 may extend from one respective back corner 16 to one respective front corner 15.
In further detail, each lateral edge 19 may contact front edge 17 at one respective front corner 15 of the respective pair 20 and back edge 18 at one respective back corner 16 of the respective pair 20.
It should be noted that the terms front and back refer to the nominal use of package 1. For example, if package 1 is correctly used during an outpouring action, back edge 18 is interposed between front edge 17 and the palm of the consumer executing the outpouring action.
Additionally, front panel 10 may comprise a decoration aimed to be exposed to the consumer in a sales point.
Additionally, in use, the consumer may arrange during a nominal outpouring action his or her palm in proximity of the back panel.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 3 to 5, back edge 18 is more distanced from bottom wall 3 than front edge 17.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 3 to 5, front edge 17 is rectilinear. Alternatively, front edge 17 may be curved.
Additionally, back edge 18 is rectilinear. Moreover, lateral edges 19 are rectilinear. Alternatively, one or more of back edge 18 and lateral edges 19 may be curved.
With reference to Figure 4, bottom wall 3 may comprise a bottom front edge 21, a bottom back edge 22 and two bottom lateral edges 23.
Each bottom lateral edge 23 may contact bottom front edge 21 at a respective bottom front corner 24 and each bottom back edge 22 at a respective bottom back corner 25.
According to the embodiment shown, bottom wall 3 may have a (substantially) rectangular shape, i.e. each bottom lateral edge 23 is orthogonal to bottom front edge 21 and bottom back edge 22, and bottom front edge 21 and bottom back edge 22 may be parallel to one another.
Advantageously, front panel 10 may extend from front edge 17 to bottom front edge 21 and the back panel may extend from back edge 18 to bottom back edge 22.
As shown in Figures 1A and 5, a respective interface between each lateral panel 12 and front panel 10 may define a respective auxiliary panel. The respective interfaces may have various shapes such as being curved, rectilinear and the like.
Moreover, the respective interfaces of the same package 1 may differ from one another.
Additionally and as shown in Figures 1B and 3, a projection of top wall 4 onto a plane P perpendicular to longitudinal axis A gives rise to respective projected front corners 27 and respective projected back corners 28, in particular corresponding to respective front corners 15 and respective back corners 16. In other words, projected front corners 27 are the projections on plane P of front corners 15 and projected back corners 28 are the projections on plane P of back corners 16.
In particular, in Figure 3 one notes a top view of package 1 and plane P in which each front corner 15 is superimposed on the respective projected front corner 27 and each back corner 16 is superimposed on the respective projected back corner 28.
With particular reference to Figure 3, an imaginary front line 30 extends through projected front corners 27 and an imaginary back line 31 extends through projected back corners 28.
Advantageously, one respective imaginary lateral line 32 extends through each pair of one respective projected front corner 27 and one respective projected back corner 28 corresponding to the projection on plane P of a respective front corner 15 and a respective back corner 16 of one (i.e. the same) respective lateral edge 19.
In particular, imaginary front line 30, imaginary back line 31, and advantageously each imaginary lateral line 32, have respective rectilinear shapes.
According to the example shown in Figures 3, a portion of imaginary front line 30 corresponds to a respective projection on plane P of front edge 17 and a portion of imaginary back line 31 corresponds to a respective projection on plane P of back edge 18. Moreover, a respective portion of each imaginary lateral line 32 corresponds to a projection on plane P of the respective lateral edge 19.
Furthermore, according to the embodiment of Figures 1A, 1B and 3 to 5, a respective first angle α is defined between imaginary back line 31 and each imaginary lateral line 32. Advantageously, at least one first angle α, in the specific case shown all first angles α, equal(s) 90°.
Advantageously, a respective second angle β is defined between imaginary front line 30 and each imaginary lateral line 32. Advantageously, at least one second angle β, in the specific case shown all second angles β, equal(s) 90°.
Moreover, since each imaginary lateral line 32 comprises a portion corresponding to a projection on plane P of the respective lateral edge 19, each first angle α and each second angle β defined with reference to the respective imaginary lateral line 32 corresponds to an angle defined with respect to the projection of the respective lateral edge 19.
It should be noted that each first angle α and/or each second angle β is measured in a portion of plane P determined by the projection on plane P of top wall 4.
Each first angle α is measured by leaving imaginary back line 31 fixed with respect to the portion of plane P and by rotating the respective imaginary lateral line 32 within the portion of plane P around the respective projected back corner 28 until the respective imaginary lateral line 32 is superimposed to imaginary back line 31.
Similarly, each second angle β is measured by leaving imaginary front line 30 fixed with respect to the portion of plane P and by rotating the respective imaginary lateral line 32 within the portion of plane P around the respective projected front corner 27 until the respective imaginary lateral line 32 is superimposed to imaginary front line 31.
This also means that when considering an orientation of package 1 (seen from the consumer) such that front edge 17 is interposed between the consumer and back edge 18, the imaginary lateral line 32 being arranged on the left side moves anticlockwise for the determination of the respective first angle α and the imaginary lateral line 32 being arranged on the right side moves clockwise for the determination of the respective first angle α. Additionally, the imaginary lateral line 32 being arranged on the left side moves clockwise for the determination of the respective second angle β and the imaginary lateral line 32 being arranged on the right side moves anticlockwise for the determination of the respective second angle β.
With particular reference to Figure 3, a first distance d1 is defined between imaginary back line 31 and imaginary front line 30 and a second distance d2 is defined between projected front corners 27.
In more detail, first distance d1 is defined with respect to a direction parallel to first transversal axis B.
Additionally, second distance d2 may be defined with respect to a direction parallel to second transversal axis C.
In general, in case of imaginary back line 31 and imaginary front line 30 not being parallel to one another, first distance d1 corresponds to the maximum distance between a portion of imaginary back line 31 delimited between projected back corners 28 and a portion of imaginary front line 30 delimited between projected front corners 27.
Advantageously, first distance d1 is larger than second distance d2.
In this way, one maximizes the space available for the opening device.
According to the example shown, second distance d2 corresponds to the distance between front corners 15.
Additionally, as first distance d1 is larger than second distance d2 also a distance between front edge 17 and back edge 18 is larger than second distance d2.
According to the example shown, the distance between front edge 17 and back edge 18 is larger than first distance d1.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 3 to 5, imaginary lateral lines 32 are parallel to one another.
Additionally, imaginary front line 30 and imaginary back line 31 are parallel to one another.
With particular reference to Figure 3, a third distance d3 is defined between projected back corners 16.
More specifically, third distance d3 may be determined along a direction parallel to second transversal axis C.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 3 to 5, third distance d3 equals second distance d2.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the opening device may be interposed between transversal seal 9 and front edge 17. More specifically, no portion of the opening device may be interposed between transversal seal 9 and back edge 18.
With particular reference to Figure 1A, package 1 may comprise flaps 33 attached to and/or extending from top wall 4.
Packaging blank 2 of Figure 2 is designed to allow formation of package 1.
In more detail, each packaging blank 2 may comprise:

two longitudinal boundary edges, preferentially a first longitudinal boundary edge 40 and a second longitudinal boundary edge 41, spaced apart from one another along a first main direction M1 transversal, preferentially perpendicular, to a longitudinal axis E of packaging blank 2; and
two transversal boundary edges, preferentially a first transversal boundary edge 42 and a second transversal boundary edge 43, spaced apart from one another along a second main direction M2 parallel to longitudinal axis E and/or transversal, preferentially perpendicular, to first main direction M1 and/or transversal, preferentially perpendicular, to a transversal axis F of the respective packaging blank 2.

Preferentially, transversal axis F may be perpendicular to longitudinal axis E.
Preferentially, longitudinal axis E may intersect transversal axis F at a centre point of packaging blank 2.
In further detail, each packaging blank 2 may extend within a plane spanned by longitudinal axis E and transversal axis F.
Moreover, each packaging blank 2 may have a (substantially) bi-dimensional shape, i.e. respective extensions (i.e. dimensions) of each packaging blank 2 along longitudinal axis E and transversal axis F may be (significantly) larger than a thickness of packaging blank 2. In other words, the thickness of packaging blank 2 may be negligible in comparison to the respective extensions (i.e. the respective dimensions) of packaging blank 2 along longitudinal axis E and transversal axis F.
Preferentially, each packaging blank 2 may have a rectangular or square shape.
Additionally, first main direction M1 may be parallel to transversal axis F.
Additionally, second main direction M2 may be parallel to longitudinal axis E.
Moreover, each first longitudinal boundary edge 40 and each second longitudinal boundary edge 41 may be connected to and interposed between the respective first transversal boundary edge 42 and the respective second transversal boundary edge 43.
Preferentially, each first longitudinal boundary edge 40 and each second longitudinal boundary edge 41 may be arranged at an angle of about 90° with respect to the respective first transversal boundary edge 42 and the respective second transversal boundary edge 43.
It should be noted that in the case of each packaging blank 2 being arranged singularly, i.e. separated from the other packaging blanks 2, the respective first longitudinal boundary edge 40, the respective second longitudinal boundary edge 41, the respective first transversal boundary edge 42 and the respective second transversal boundary edge 43 may be real edges.
In the case of packaging blanks 2 being arranged in the form of a web, the respective first longitudinal boundary edge 40 and the respective second longitudinal boundary edge 41 may be real edges and the respective first transversal boundary edge 42 and the respective second transversal boundary edge 43 may be imaginary edges. In particular, each first transversal boundary edge 42 of one packaging blank 2 may be adjacent to, or coincide with, the respective second transversal boundary edge 43 of another packaging blank 2.
Alternatively, the respective first transversal boundary edge 42 and the respective second transversal boundary edge 43 may be real edges and the respective first longitudinal boundary edge 40 and the respective second longitudinal boundary edge 41 may be imaginary edges. In particular, each first longitudinal boundary edge 40 of one packaging blank 2 may be adjacent to, or coincide with, the respective second longitudinal boundary edge 41 of another packaging blank 2.
With particular reference to Figure 2, each packaging blank 2 may comprise a top section having a top crease pattern 44 configured to define the shape of at least top wall 4.
In further detail, top crease pattern 44 may be configured to define top wall 4 and flaps 33.
Preferentially, packaging blank 2 may also comprise a bottom section having a bottom crease pattern 45 configured to define the shape of at least bottom wall 3.
In further detail, bottom crease pattern 45 may be configured to define bottom wall 3 and flaps (not shown) attached to bottom wall 3.
Moreover, the top section and the bottom section may be spaced apart from one another along longitudinal axis E.
Additionally, packaging blank 2 also comprises an intermediate section having an intermediate crease pattern 46 interposed between top crease pattern 44 and bottom crease pattern 45 and being configured to define side wall 5. In particular, the intermediate section may be interposed between the top section and the bottom section.
More specifically, intermediate crease pattern 46 may define front panel 10, the back panel and lateral panels 12.
It should be noted that top crease pattern 44, bottom crease pattern 45 and intermediate crease pattern 46 may define respective sections of top wall 4, bottom wall 3 and side wall 5. Thus, in the following, where considered appropriate, we use the same terms and the same numerals for features of packaging blank 2 and package 1.
With particular reference to Figure 2, each top crease pattern 44 may comprise at least a first transversal crease line 47 extending transversally to longitudinal axis E.
Additionally, bottom crease pattern 45 may comprise at least a second transversal crease line 48 extending transversally to longitudinal axis E.
Moreover, first transversal crease line 47 and second transversal crease line 48 may be displaced from one another along second main direction M2.
More specifically, first transversal crease line 47 and second transversal crease line 48 may delimit together the intermediate section.
In further detail, top crease pattern 44 may comprise a third transversal crease line 49 displaced from first transversal crease line 47 along second main direction M2 and interposed between first transversal boundary edge 42 and first transversal crease line 47 along second main direction M2.
Additionally, bottom crease pattern 45 may comprise a fourth transversal crease line 50 displaced from second transversal crease line 48 along second main direction M2 and interposed between second transversal boundary edge 43 and second transversal crease line 48 along second main direction M2.
According to the example shown in Figure 2, second transversal crease line 48 may have a rectilinear shape.
In further detail and with reference to Figure 2, top crease pattern 44 may comprise a plurality of top crease lines defining and/or determining the shape of top wall 4.
In particular, at least some top crease lines may be designed to define and/or determine front edge 17, back edge 18 and lateral edges 19 (after formation of package 1 from packaging blank 2). Additionally, at least some top crease lines may define and/or determine front corners 15 and back corners 16.
In even further detail, bottom crease pattern 45 may comprise a plurality of bottom crease lines defining and/or determining the shape of bottom wall 3.
In particular, at least some bottom crease lines may be designed to define and/or determine bottom front edge 21, bottom back edge 22 and bottom lateral edges 23 (after formation of package 1 from packaging blank 2) . Additionally, at least some bottom crease lines may define and/or determine bottom front corners 24 and bottom back corners 25.
In particular, the top crease lines may be arranged such to obtain a top wall 4 as described above and accordingly, to obtain a top wall 4 having the above-disclosed relationships between imaginary front line 30, imaginary back line 31 and imaginary lateral lines 32.
According to some non-limiting embodiments, first transversal crease line 47 may comprise a front portion 54 designed to form and/or determine front edge 17. Additionally, first transversal crease line 47 may comprise one or more back portions 55 designed to form and/or determine back edge 18.
In further detail, front portion 54 may be interposed between two back portions 55.
Additionally, top crease pattern 44 may also comprise a plurality of lateral crease lines 56 designed to form and/or determine lateral edges 19.
More specifically, lateral crease lines 56 may extend between first transversal crease line 47 and third transversal crease line 49.
Moreover, lateral crease lines 56 may be displaced from one another along first main direction M1.
Additionally, top crease pattern 44, in particular first transversal crease line 47, may comprise a plurality of auxiliary crease lines 57, each auxiliary crease line 57 being interposed between one respective back portion 55 and front portion 54. In particular, each auxiliary crease line 57 may give rise to, i.e. form, or determine, one respective lateral edge 19 after formation of package 1 from packaging blank 2.
According to the embodiment of Figure 2, auxiliary crease lines 57 may be inclined with respect to back portions 55 and front portions 54.
According to some advantageous embodiments, each auxiliary crease line 57 and/or its respective imaginary extension may comprise one respective front intersection point 58 and one respective back intersection point 59. In particular, each auxiliary crease line 57 may intersect with front portion 54 and/or its respective imaginary extension at the respective front intersection point 58 and with one respective back portion 55 and/or its respective imaginary extension at the respective back intersection point 59.
According to some advantageous embodiments, after formation of the respective package 1 from packaging blank 2 each front intersection point 58 corresponds to one respective front corner 15 and each back intersection point 59 corresponds to one respective back corner 16.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, a fourth distance d4 is defined between front intersection points 58.
Additionally, respective fifth distances d5 are defined between each front intersection point 58 and a respective projected back interaction point 70 corresponding to a projection (along longitudinal axis E) of the respective back intersection point 59 onto an imaginary line 61 extending through front intersection points 58. In other words, d5 is defined between each front intersection point 58 and the projection onto imaginary line 61 along longitudinal axis E of the respective back intersection point 59 being comprised by the same auxiliary crease line 57 and/or its respective imaginary extension.
Advantageously, fourth distance d4 is smaller than fifth distances d5.
According to the embodiment shown, an extension, i.e. a dimension, of front portion 54 corresponds to fourth distance d4.
Alternatively, front portion 54 is interposed between front intersection points 58 but does not extend up to front intersection points 58. According to such an alternative embodiment, the extension, i.e. the dimension, of front portion 54 is shorter than fourth distance d4.
According to the embodiment shown, a distance between each front intersection point 58 and the respective back intersection point 59 is larger than fifth distance d5. In particular, a respective extension, i.e. a respective dimension, of each auxiliary crease line 57 is larger than fifth distance d5.
According to the non-limiting example shown, each one of two lateral crease lines 56 and/or their respective imaginary extensions may intersect with first transversal crease line 47 and/or its respective imaginary extension at a respective front intersection point 58.
Moreover, each one of two further lateral crease lines 56 and/or their respective imaginary extensions may intersect with first transversal crease line 47 and/or its respective imaginary extension at one respective back intersection point 59.
According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each lateral crease line 56 is configured to cooperate together with a respective other lateral crease line 56 so as to define and/or determine one respective lateral edge 19.
According to some possible embodiments as shown in Figure 2, each lateral crease line 56 may be orthogonal to third transversal crease line 49 and/or front portion 54 and/or back portion 55.
According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, each lateral crease line 56 may be (substantially) parallel to first longitudinal boundary edge 40 and second longitudinal boundary edge 41.
According to some possible embodiments, packaging blank 2 may comprise a designated pour opening area 6 (forming and/or defining the designated pour opening area 6 of package 1) .
According to some examples, designated pour opening area 6 may be covered by a separation membrane.
Preferentially but not necessarily, top crease pattern 44 may comprise a main panel 60, preferentially having and/or carrying at least a portion of designated pour opening area 6.
In more detail, main panel 60 may be delimited by imaginary line 61, a delimiting portion 62 of third transversal crease line 49 and/or its respective imaginary extension facing and being parallel to imaginary line 61 and two respective lateral crease lines 56 and/or their respective imaginary extensions.
In more detail, delimiting portion 62 extends between two intermediate intersection points 63. Each intermediate intersection point 63 is defined by the intersection of one respective lateral crease line 56 and/or its respective imaginary extension with third transversal crease line 49 and/or its respective imaginary extension.
Advantageously, a shape of main panel 60 corresponds to a rectangle.
According to some possible embodiments, a third angle γ is defined between front portion 54 and/or its respective imaginary extension and each one of lateral crease line 56 and/or its respective imaginary extensions.
Angle γ is defined within main panel 60.
Additionally, a fourth angle δ is defined between each back portion 55 and/or its respective imaginary extensions and each one of lateral crease line 56 and/or its respective imaginary extensions.
Angle δ is defined on the opposite side of auxiliary crease line 57 with respect to lateral crease line 56.
According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, third angle γ and/or fourth angle δ equals 90°.
It should be noted that each third angle γ is determined in a plane of packaging blank 2, i.e. third angle γ is measured by leaving the respective lateral crease lines 56 fixed with respect to the plane and by angularly moving front portion 54 within the plane until front portion 54 is superimposed to the respective lateral crease lines 56.
Similarly, each fourth angle δ is determined in a plane of packaging blank 2, i.e. each fourth angle δ is measured by leaving the respective lateral crease lines 56 fixed with respect to the plane and by angularly moving back portion 55 within the plane until back portion 55 is superimposed to the respective lateral crease lines 56.
According to some not-shown examples, packaging blank 2 may comprise at least a portion of the opening device connected, e.g. molded, or glued, to packaging blank 2 about designated pour opening area 6.
With particular reference to Figure 2, bottom crease pattern 45 may comprise a plurality of crease lines configured to determine and/or define bottom front edge 21, bottom back edge 22 and bottom lateral edges 23 and/or bottom front corner 24, bottom back corner 25.
In particular, the above-mentioned crease lines are designed such that after formation of package 1, bottom wall 3 has a rectangular shape.
According to some possible non limiting embodiments, some or all the imaginary extensions are linear imaginary extensions.
In particular, the linear extension of front portion 54 is a linear imaginary extension, and/or the linear extensions of back portions 55 are linear imaginary extensions, and/or the linear extensions of lateral crease lines 56 are linear imaginary extensions, and/or the linear extensions of auxiliary crease lines 57 are linear imaginary extensions.
With reference to Figure 6, number 1' indicates an alternative embodiment of a package according to the present invention; as package 1' is similar to package 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
Package 1' differs from package 1 in that top wall 4 is (substantially) parallel to bottom wall 3.
Hence, first distance d1 corresponds to the distance between the respective front corner 15 and the respective back corner 16 of each pair 20. First distance d1 also corresponds to the distance between front edge 17 and back edge 18.
In particular, each projected front corner 27 is coincident with the respective front corner 15 and each projected back corner 28 is coincident with the respective back corner 16.
With reference to Figure 7, number 2' indicates an alternative embodiment of a packaging blank according to the present invention; as packaging blank 2' is similar to packaging blank 2, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
Packaging blank 2' differs from packaging blank 2 in that top crease pattern 44 is formed such that after formation of package 1', the respective top wall 4 is (substantially) parallel to bottom wall 3.
More specifically, packaging blank 2' is designed to allow for the formation of package 1'.
In particular, auxiliary crease lines 57 are parallel to back portions 55.
Preferentially, first transversal crease line 47 may be rectilinear.
According to the example shown, imaginary line 61 is superimposed to, i.e. coincides with, first transversal crease line 47.
In particular, each projected back interaction point 70 is coincident with the respective back intersection point 59.
With reference to Figures 8 and 9, number 1'' indicates an alternative embodiment of a package according to the present invention; as package 1'' is similar to package 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
Package 1'' differs from package 1 in that top wall 4 has a trapezoid shape.
Additionally, lateral edges 19 and/or imaginary lateral lines 32 are not parallel to one another.
In more detail, the respective first angles α may be larger than 90° and/or the respective second angles β may be smaller than 90°.
Moreover, second distance d2 may be larger than third distance d3.
With reference to Figure 10, number 2'' indicates an alternative embodiment of a packaging blank according to the present invention; as packaging blank 2'' is similar to packaging blank 2, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
More specifically, packaging blank 2" is designed to allow for the formation of package 1".
Packaging blank 2" differs from packaging blank 2 such that top crease pattern 44 defines and/or determines a respective top wall 4 having a trapezoid shape.
In particular, the shape of main panel 60 corresponds to a trapezoid.
In the embodiment shown, lateral crease lines 56 and/or their respective imaginary extensions may be inclined with respect to back portions 55 and/or their respective imaginary extensions and/or with respect to front portion 54 and/or its respective imaginary extensions, more specifically such that after formation of package 1'' top wall 4 may have a trapezoid shape.
Moreover, the respective third angles γ may be larger than 90° and/or the respective fourth angles δ may be greater than 90°.
Additionally, front portion 54 and back portions 55 may be designed such that after formation of the respective package 1'', second distance d2 is larger than third distance d3.
With reference to Figure 11, number 1‴ indicates an alternative embodiment of a package according to the present invention; as package 1‴ is similar to package 1", the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
Package 1‴ differs from package 1'' in that top wall 4 is (substantially) parallel to bottom wall 3.
Hence, first distance d1 corresponds to the distance between the respective front corner 15 and the respective back corner 16 of each pair 20. First distance d1 also corresponds to the distance between front edge 17 and back edge 18.
In particular, each projected front corner 27 is coincident with the respective front corner 15 and each projected back corner 28 is coincident with the respective back corner 16.
With reference to Figure 12, number 2" ' indicates an alternative embodiment of a packaging blank according to the present invention; as packaging blank 2‴ is similar to packaging blank 2", the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
Packaging blank 2‴ differs from packaging blank 2" in that top crease pattern 44 is formed such that after formation of package 1‴, the respective top wall 4 is (substantially) parallel to bottom wall 3.
More specifically, packaging blank 2‴ is designed to allow for the formation of package 1‴.
In particular, auxiliary crease lines 57 are parallel to back portions 55.
Preferentially, first transversal crease line 47 may be rectilinear.
According to the example shown, imaginary line 61 is superimposed to, i.e. coincides with, first transversal crease line 47.
In particular, each projected back interaction point 70 is coincident with the respective back intersection point 59.
The advantages of packages 1, 1', 1'' and 1‴ and/or packaging blanks 2, 2', 2'' and 2‴ according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, it is possible to couple opening devices to the respective top walls 4, which are sufficiently large as the space available on top wall 4 is maximized.
Clearly, changes may be made to packages 1, 1', 1'' and 1‴ and/or packaging blanks 2, 2', 2" and 2‴ as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) filled with a pourable product;
the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) comprises a bottom wall (3) and a top wall (4) spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis (A) of the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) and a side wall (5) interposed between the top wall (3) and the bottom wall (4);

wherein the top wall (4) comprises a front edge (17) extending between two front corners (15), a back edge (18) extending between two back corners (16) and two lateral edges (19), each lateral edge (19) extending between one respective pair (20) of one respective front corner (15) and one respective back corner (16);

wherein a projection of the top wall (4) onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) gives rise to two respective projected front corners (27) and two projected back corners (28) originating from the respective front corners (15) and the respective back corners (16);

wherein an imaginary front line (30) extends through the two projected front corners (27) and an imaginary back line (31) extends through the two projected back corners (28) ;

wherein a first distance (d1) between the imaginary back line (31) and the imaginary front line (30) is larger than a second distance (d2) between the two projected front corners (27).
Package according to claim 1, wherein a first angle (α) between the imaginary back line (31) and at least one imaginary lateral line (32) equals or is larger than 90°; and/or
wherein a second angle (β) defined between the imaginary front line (30) and at least one imaginary lateral line (32) equals or is smaller than 90°;

wherein each imaginary lateral line (32) extends through a respective projected front corner (27) and a respective projected back corner (28) corresponding to the projections on plane (P) of a front corner (15) and a back corner (16) of one respective lateral edge (19).
Package according to claim 1 or 2, and further comprising:
- an opening device at least partially arranged on the top wall (4) and being closer to the front edge (17) than to the back edge (18); and/or

- a designated pour opening area (6) at least partially arranged on the top wall (4) and being closer to the front edge (17) than to the back edge (18).
Package according to claim 3, wherein the top wall (4) comprises a transversal seal (9);
wherein at least a portion of the opening device is interposed between the transversal seal and the front edge (17) and/or at least a portion of the designated pour opening area (6) is interposed between the transversal seal (9) and the front edge (17).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the imaginary lateral lines (32) are parallel to one another or intersect with one another; and/or
the imaginary front line (30) and the imaginary back line (31) are parallel to one another;

wherein each imaginary lateral line (32) extends through a respective projected front corner (27) and a respective projected back corner (28) corresponding to the projections on plane (P) of a front corner (15) and a back corner (16) of one respective lateral edge (19).
Package according to the preceding claims, wherein the first distance (d1) between the two projected front corners (27) is larger or equals a third distance (d3) between the two projected back corners (16).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom wall (3) has a rectangular shape.
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (5) comprises a front panel (10) extending from the front edge (17) to the bottom wall (3) and a back panel spaced apart from the front panel (10) and extending from the back edge to the bottom wall (3).
Packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2‴) designed to allow for the formation of a package (1, 1', 1'', 1‴) according to any one of the preceding claims.
Packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2‴) for the formation of a package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) filled with a pourable product, the packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2‴) comprising:
- a top section having a top crease pattern (44) configured to define and/or determine the shape of at least a top wall (4) of the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴);

- a bottom section having a bottom crease pattern (45) configured to define and/or determine the shape of at least a bottom wall (3) of the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴);
wherein the top crease pattern (44) comprises a first transversal crease line (47) extending transversally to a longitudinal axis (E) of the packaging blank (2, 2', 2'', 2‴);

wherein the first transversal crease line (47) comprises:
- a front portion (54) designed to form and/or determine a front edge (17) of the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴);

- one or more back portions (55) designed to form and/or determine a back edge (18) of the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴); and

- a plurality of auxiliary crease lines (57), each auxiliary crease line (57) being interposed between one respective back portion (55) and the front portion (54);

wherein each auxiliary crease line (57) and/or its respective imaginary extension comprises one respective front intersection point (58) and one respective back intersection point (59);

wherein each auxiliary crease line (57) and/or its respective imaginary extension intersects with the front portion (54) and/or its respective imaginary extension at the respective front intersection point (58) and with one respective back portion (55) and/or its respective imaginary extension at the respective back intersection point (59);

wherein a fourth distance (d4) is defined between the front intersection points (58);

wherein respective fifth distances (d5) are defined between each front intersection point (58) and a respective projected back interaction point (70) corresponding to a projection of the respective back intersection point (59) onto an imaginary line (61) extending through the front intersection points (58);

wherein the fourth distance (d4) is smaller than each one of the fifth distances (d5).
Packaging blank according to claim 10, and further comprising a designated pour opening area (6) at least partially arranged on a main panel (60) of the top crease pattern (44);
wherein the main panel (60) comprises and/or is delimited by the front portion (54).
Packaging blank according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the top crease pattern (44) further comprises a plurality of lateral crease lines (56) designed to form and/or determine lateral edges (19) of the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴);
wherein the top crease pattern (44) also comprises a second transversal crease line (49) spaced apart from the first transversal crease line (47);

wherein the top crease pattern (44) comprises a main panel (60) delimited by an imaginary line (61) extending through the two front intersection points (58), a delimiting portion (62) of the second transversal crease line (49) and/or its respective imaginary extension facing and being parallel to the imaginary line (61) and two respective lateral crease lines (56) and/or their respective imaginary extensions;

wherein the delimiting portion (62) extends between two intermediate intersection points (63);

wherein each lateral crease line (56) and/or its respective imaginary extension intersects with the second transversal crease line (49) and/or its respective imaginary extension at one respective intermediate intersection point (63) ;

wherein the shape of the main panel (60) corresponds to a trapezoid.
Packaging blank according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the top crease pattern (44) further comprises a plurality of lateral crease lines (56) designed to form and/or determine lateral edges (19) of the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴);
wherein a third angle (γ) between the front portion (54) and/or its respective imaginary extension and one corresponding lateral crease lines (56) and/or its respective imaginary extension equals or is smaller than 90°; and/or

wherein a fourth angle (δ) between each back portion (55) and/or its respective imaginary extension and one corresponding lateral crease lines (56) and/or its respective imaginary extension equals or is larger than 90°.
Packaging blank according to anyone of claims 10 to 13, wherein the packaging blank is a multilayer packaging material.
Packaging blank according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the bottom crease pattern (45) comprises a plurality of crease lines designed to define and/or determine a rectangular shape of the bottom wall (3).