EP4617187A1

EP4617187A1 - Package for a pourable product

Info

Publication number: EP4617187A1
Application number: EP25160613.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marcello Barbieri; Pietro Martini; Marco Poppi; Roberto De Pietri Tonelli; Agnieszka KORCZYNSKA; Marco INSERO; Giovanni PALLAORO
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2024-03-11
Filing date: 2025-02-27
Publication date: 2025-09-17
Also published as: WO2025190680A1

Abstract

There is described a package (1, 1',1", 1‴, 1ʺʺ) comprising a bottom wall (3), a top wall (4) inclined with respect to the bottom wall (3) and a side wall (5). The package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) further comprises a designated pour opening and an opening device (6) covering the designated pour opening and being configured to be torn away from the designated pour opening. The top wall (4) comprises a front edge (17) delimited by two front corners (15) and a back edge (18) delimited by two back corners (16). The bottom wall (3) comprises a bottom front edge (21) delimited by two bottom front corners (24) and a bottom back edge delimited by two bottom back corners (25). A first imaginary plane (P1) comprises the bottom front edge (21) and the bottom back edge and/or the two bottom front corners (24) and the two bottom back corners (25). A second imaginary plane (P2) comprises the front edge (17) and the back edge (18) and/or the two front corners (15) and the two back corners (16). The first imaginary plane (P1) and the second imaginary plane (P2) intersect along an imaginary intersection line (30). The back edge (18) is interposed between the front edge (17) and the imaginary intersection line (30).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a package for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

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 designed such to allow the consumption on the go or in other words packages that are designed so that the consumer can consume the product directly from the package.
Some packages are provided with a designated pour opening and an opening device associated with the designated pour opening. In order to consume the product, it is necessary for a consumer to manipulate the opening device so as to free the designated pour opening.
Even though the known packages provide for excellent results, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the known packages.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a package filled with a pourable product according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a lateral view of the package of Figure 1;
Figures 3A and 3B are schematic lateral views of the package of Figure 2 and show two imaginary planes defined by portions of the package;
Figure 4 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a lateral view of a package filled with a pourable product according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a lateral view of a package filled with a pourable product according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a lateral view of a package filled with a pourable product according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a lateral view of a package filled with a pourable product according to a fifth 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

The elements and features illustrated in the various preferred embodiments, including drawings, may be combined with each other without going beyond the scope of protection of this application as described below.
Number 1 in Figure 1 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 4.
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.
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.
Alternatively, each packaging blank 2 may be provided as a single packaging blank.
With particular reference to Figure 1, 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.
Package 1 may be configured for consumption on the go, i.e. package 1 may be designed for a direct consumption of the pourable product from package 1.
In more detail and with reference to Figures 1 and 2, 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.
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 and/or the consumption of the pourable product from package 1.
Bottom wall 3, top wall 4 and side wall 5 may define a main body of package 1. In particular, the main body being formed from the multilayer packaging material, in particular the respective blank 2.
As shown in Figure 1, top wall 4 is inclined with respect to bottom wall 3.
Package 1 may comprise a designated pour opening at least partially arranged on top wall 4 and being configured to allow for an outpouring of the pourable product from package 1.
The designated pour opening may be covered by a separation membrane of package 1. In particular, prior to a first-time outpouring action the separation membrane needs to be removed.
The separation membrane may be defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material.
Package 1 may also comprise an opening device 6 configured to open the designated pour opening.
In the case that the designated pour opening is covered by the separation membrane, the opening device 6 may be connected to, e.g. fused or bonded, to the separation membrane.
Moreover, opening device 6 is configured to be torn away or detached or strapped from the designated pour opening by a consumer so as to access content package 1.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the opening device may be a peel foil, or a pull-tab, covering the designated pour opening and being removable from the designated pour opening, in particular by strapping.
Moreover, peel foil 6, or the pull-tab, may be fused to the separation membrane or may define the separation membrane.
Additionally, by removing peel foil 6, or the pull-tab, from the designated pour opening one accesses the inside of package 1.
Once peel foil 6, or the pull-tab, is removed from the designated pour opening, the consumer can directly drink from package 1.
The peel foil 6, or pull-tab, may comprise a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion. The first portion is attached to package 1 and the second portion is initially connected to the designated pour opening and covers the designated pour opening.
The first portion remains connected to package 1 once the second portion is removed from the designated pour opening. In particular, the second portion, once removed from the designated pour opening, remains connected to package 1 through the first portion.
Alternatively, the opening device may comprise a tear-off element, which, in particular, is moulded to package 1, even more particular is moulded onto packaging blank 2 prior to the formation of package 1. By removing the tear-off element from the designated pour opening one accesses the inside of package 1.
Once the tear-off element is removed from the designated pour opening, the consumer can directly drink from package 1.
The opening device may comprise a base portion and a cover portion defining the tear-off element and connected to the base portion. The base portion is attached to package 1 and the cover portion is initially connected to the designated pour opening and covers the designated pour opening.
The base portion remains connected to package 1 once the cover portion, i.e. the tear-off element, is removed from the designated pour opening. In particular, the cover portion, i.e. the tear-off element, once removed from the designated pour opening, remains connected to package 1 through the base portion.
In further detail, package 1 may comprise a longitudinal seam portion 7, e.g. resulting from forming packages 1 from a tube filled with the pourable product, the tube having a longitudinal seal. Preferentially but not necessarily, longitudinal seam portion 7 may be substantially parallel to longitudinal axis A.
Additionally, each package 1 may comprise a bottom transversal sealing band and a top transversal sealing band 9, preferentially being transversal to longitudinal axis A. Preferentially, bottom transversal sealing band may be comprised by and/or associated to bottom wall 3 and top transversal sealing band 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 11 opposite to front panel 10 and a plurality of, in the example shown two, lateral panels 12, each one interposed between and connected to back panel 11 and front panel 10.
Preferentially but not necessarily, back panel 11 may comprise longitudinal seam portion 7.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, 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 second transversal axis C.
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 fingers (excluding the thumb) of the consumer executing the outpouring action, which are in contact with package 1.
Additionally, front panel 10 may comprise a decoration aimed to be exposed to the consumer in a sales point.
Additionally, in use, the palm of the consumer may face during a nominal outpouring action back panel 11 or one of lateral panels 12.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, 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 Figures 1, 2 and 3, bottom wall 3 may comprise a bottom front edge 21, a bottom back edge and two bottom lateral edges 23.
Advantageously, longitudinal seam portion 7 extends at least between back edge 18 and the bottom back edge. In particular, longitudinal seam portion 7 extends on top wall 4, on bottom wall 3 and between back edge 18 and the bottom back edge.
Advantageously, front edge 17 is void of longitudinal seam portion 7. In other words, longitudinal seam portion 7 does not contact (and does not intersect) front edge 17. More advantageously, bottom front edge 21 is also void of longitudinal seam portion 7. In other words, longitudinal seam portion 7 does not contact (and does not intersect) bottom front edge 21.
Each bottom front edge 21 may extend between two bottom front corners 24, each bottom back edge may extend between two bottom back corners 25 and each bottom lateral edge 23 may contact bottom front edge 21 at a respective bottom front corner 24 and the bottom back edge 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 the bottom back edge, and bottom front edge 21 and the bottom back edge may be parallel to one another.
Advantageously, front panel 10 may extend from front edge 17 to bottom front edge 21 and back panel 11 may extend from back edge 18 to the bottom back edge.
As shown in Figure 1, at least a portion of the opening device and/or of the designated pour opening may be interposed between top transversal sealing band 9 and front edge 17. More specifically, no portion of the opening device and/or no portion of the designated pour opening may be interposed between top transversal sealing band 9 and back edge 18.
Advantageously, top transversal sealing band 9 is folded on top wall 4 towards back edge 18.
Advantageously, top transversal sealing band 9 is folded on top wall 4 towards back corners 16.
Furthermore, the opening device 6 and/or the designated pour opening is closer to front edge 17 than to back edge 18.
Additionally, the opening device 6 and/or the designated pour opening is closer to front panel 10 than to back panel 11.
With particular reference to Figure 1, top wall 4 has a rectangular shape.
With particular reference to Figures 1 to 3B, a first imaginary plane P1 comprises bottom front edge 21 and the bottom back edge.
Alternatively or in addition, first imaginary plane P1 comprises bottom front corners 24 and bottom back corners 25.
Moreover, a second imaginary plane P2 comprises front edge 17 and back edge 18.
Alternatively or in addition, second imaginary plane P2 comprises front corners 15 and back corners 16.
With particular reference to Figure 3B, first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2 intersect along an imaginary intersection line 30.
It should be noted that Figures 3A and 3B, schematically show the construction of first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2 and their intersection. While Figure 3A is focused to illustrate the construction of first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2, Figure 3B is focused to illustrate the intersection of first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2. Portions of first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2 are omitted for the sake of conciseness in Figure 3A.
Additionally, first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2 define an acute angle α, in particular being larger than 0° and smaller than 90°.
Furthermore, an intersection plane S comprises imaginary intersection line 30 and is perpendicular to first imaginary plane P1.
Back edge 18 is interposed between front edge 17 and intersection plane S.
Additionally, bottom back corners 25 are interposed between bottom front corners 24 and imaginary intersection line 30.
Moreover, back panel 11 is interposed between front panel 10 and intersection plane S.
In further detail, a first distance d1 of front edge 17 from first imaginary plane P1 is larger than a second distance d2 of back edge 18 from first imaginary plane P1, in particular when measured along a reference axis being perpendicular to first imaginary plane P1, more in particular when measured along longitudinal axis A.
Additionally, bottom wall 3 (substantially) lies within first imaginary plane and top wall 4 (substantially) lies within second imaginary plane P2.
With particular reference to Figure 1, package 1 may comprise flaps 31 attached to and/or extending from top wall 4.
Packaging blank 2 of Figure 4 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 4, each packaging blank 2 may comprise a top section having a top crease pattern 44 configured to define the shape, e.g. a rectangular shape or a trapezoid shape, of at least top wall 4.
In further detail, top crease pattern 44 may be configured to define top wall 4 and flaps 31.
Preferentially, packaging blank 2 may also comprise a bottom section having a bottom crease pattern 45 configured to define the shape, e.g. a rectangular 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.
According to the example shown in Figure 4, the intermediate crease pattern 46 is void of any crease lines.
More specifically, intermediate crease pattern 46 may define front panel 10, back panel 11 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 4, 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, in particular along second main direction M2 and in particular interposed between first transversal boundary edge 42 and first transversal crease line 47 along second main direction M2.
In particular, first transversal crease line 47 is interposed between third transversal crease line 49 and second transversal crease line 48.
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 4, second transversal crease line 48 and/or fourth transversal crease line 50 may have a rectilinear shape.
In further detail and with reference to Figure 4, 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, the bottom back edge 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.
According to some non-limiting embodiments, first transversal crease line 47 may comprise a front portion 54 designed to define and/or determine front edge 17. Additionally, first transversal crease line 47 may comprise one or more back portions 55 designed to define 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 define and/or determine lateral edges 19.
Accordingly, front portion 54, back portions 55 and lateral crease lines 56 may define at least some of the top crease lines.
More specifically, each lateral crease line 56 may be configured to cooperate with another lateral crease line 56 so as to define and/or determine one respective lateral edge 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 portions 57, each auxiliary crease portion 57 being interposed between one respective back portion 55 and front portion 54. In particular, each auxiliary crease portion 57 may give rise to, i.e. define or determine, one respective lateral edge 19 after formation of package 1 from packaging blank 2.
Auxiliary crease portions 57 may be inclined with respect to back portions 55 and front portions 54, in particular giving rise to the inclination of top wall 4.
Moreover, front portion 54 is closer to third transversal crease line 49 and/or first transversal boundary edge 42 than back portions 55. In this way, one obtains the desired orientation of the inclination of top wall 4.
According to some advantageous embodiments, each auxiliary crease portion 57 and/or its respective imaginary extension may comprise one respective front intersection point 58, and more specifically one respective back intersection point 59. In particular, each auxiliary crease portion 57 and/or its respective imaginary extension may intersect front portion 54 and/or its respective imaginary extension at the respective front intersection point 58, and more specifically 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.
In further detail, each one of two lateral crease lines 56 and/or their respective imaginary extensions may intersect first transversal crease line 47 and/or its respective imaginary extension at a respective front intersection point 58.
Each one of two further lateral crease lines 56 and/or their respective imaginary extensions may intersect first transversal crease line 47 and/or its respective imaginary extension at one respective back intersection point 59.
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.
Packaging blank 2 may comprise a designated pour opening 51 (forming and/or defining the designated pour opening of package 1).
The designated pour opening 51 may be covered by the separation membrane and/or by the opening device or may be without any material.
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 51.
Preferentially but not necessarily, designated pour opening 51 may be at least partially arranged on main panel 60.
With particular reference to Figure 4, bottom crease pattern 45 may comprise a plurality of crease lines configured to define and/or determine bottom front edge 21, the bottom back edge and bottom lateral edges 23 and/or bottom front corners 24and bottom back corners 25.
In particular, the above-mentioned crease lines are designed such that after formation of package 1, bottom wall 3 has a rectangular shape.
Some or all the above-mentioned imaginary extensions are linear imaginary extensions.
With reference to Figure 5, 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.
In particular, package 1' differs from package 1 in that side wall 5 comprises two longitudinal front edges 32 extending from bottom wall 3, in particular bottom front edge 21, to top wall 4, in particular front edge 17.
More specifically, each longitudinal front edge 32 extends from one respective bottom front corner 24 to one respective front corner 15.
Moreover, longitudinal front edges 32 delimit front panel 10.
Additionally, side wall 5 further comprises two longitudinal back edges 33 extending from bottom wall 3, in particular the bottom back edge to top wall 4, in particular back edge 18.
More specifically, each longitudinal back edge 33 extends from one respective bottom back corner 25 to one respective back corner 16.
Additionally, longitudinal back edges 33 delimit back panel 11.
Moreover, each lateral panel 12 is delimited by one respective pair of one respective longitudinal front edge 32 and one respective longitudinal back edge 33.
Each longitudinal front edge 32 comprises:

a main portion 34 extending from bottom wall 3, in particular bottom front edge 21, even more particular from the respective bottom front corner 24, and towards top wall 4; and
an auxiliary portion 35 extending from main portion 34 to top wall 4, in particular front edge 17, even more particular to front corner 15.

Each auxiliary portion 35 is inclined with respect to the respective main portion 34.
Additionally, each auxiliary portion 35 extends from main portion 34 and away from back panel 11.
Additionally, top wall 4 is trapezoid-shaped.
With reference to Figure 6, 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' is designed to allow for the formation of package 1'.
Packaging blank 2' differs from packaging blank 2 in that intermediate crease pattern 46 comprises crease lines for forming longitudinal front edges 32 and longitudinal back edge 33.
Additionally, lateral crease lines 56 are inclined with respect to front portion 54 and back portions 55. In particular, lateral crease lines 56 are not perpendicular to front portion 54 and back portions 55.
Moreover, main panel 60 is trapezoid-shaped.
In more detail, intermediate crease pattern 46 of packaging blank 2' comprises two front crease lines 61 extending between bottom crease pattern 45 and top crease pattern 44. Each front crease line 61 is configured to define and/or determine one respective longitudinal front edge 32.
Additionally, intermediate crease pattern 46 comprises two back crease lines 62 extending between bottom crease pattern 45 and top crease pattern 44. Each back crease line 62 is configured to define and/or determine one respective longitudinal back edge 33.
Advantageously, front crease lines 61 are interposed between back crease lines 62.
In further detail, each front crease line 61 comprises a base portion 63 extending between bottom crease pattern 45, in particular second transversal crease line 48, and towards top crease pattern 44, in particular first transversal crease line 47, and an auxiliary portion 64 extending between the respective base portion 63 and top crease pattern 44, in particular first transversal crease line 47.
Each auxiliary portion 64 is inclined with respect to the respective base portion 63.
Each auxiliary portion 64 and/or its imaginary extension passes through one respective intersection point 58.
With reference to Figure 7, 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 the shape of side wall 5.
In particular, side wall 5 comprises curved longitudinal edges 36.
With reference to Figure 8, 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'' is designed to allow for the formation of package 1".
Packaging blank 2'' differs from packaging blank 2 in that intermediate crease pattern 46 comprises crease lines configured to define curved longitudinal edges 36.
With reference to Figure 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 the shape of side wall 5.
In particular, side wall 5 comprises a defined crease pattern.
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.
Packaging blank 2‴ is designed to allow for the formation of package 1‴.
Packaging blank 2‴ differs from packaging blank 2 in that intermediate crease pattern 46 comprises crease lines configured to define the crease pattern of side wall 5.
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 the shape of longitudinal front edges 32.
In particular, each longitudinal front edge 32 is defined by a straight rectilinear shape. More in particular, each longitudinal front edge 32 extends from one respective bottom front corner 24 to one respective front corner 15.
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"" is designed to allow for the formation of package 1"".
Packaging blank 2"" differs from packaging blank 2' in that each front crease line 61 has a straight rectilinear shape.
The advantages of packages 1, 1', 1'', 1‴ and 1"" according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, the Applicant has observed that the risk of a splashing of the pourable product from the packages 1, 1', 1", 1‴ and 1"" during the removal of opening device 6 is limited.
Additionally, the Applicant has observed that packages 1, 1', 1", 1‴ and 1"" provide for improved outpouring characteristics.
Additionally, the drinking experience of a consumer when drinking directly from package 1, 1', 1'', 1‴ and 1"" is improved.
Clearly, changes may be made to packages 1, 1', 1'', 1‴ and 1"" as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Package (1, 1' ,1", 1‴, 1"" for a pourable product;
the package (1, 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',17", 1‴, 1"") and a side wall (5) interposed between the top wall (4) and the bottom wall (3);

wherein the top wall (4) is inclined with respect to the bottom wall (3);

wherein the top wall (4) comprises a front edge (17) delimited by two front corners (15) and a back edge (18) opposite to the front edge (18) and delimited by two back corners (16);

wherein the bottom wall (3) comprises a bottom front edge (21) delimited by two bottom front corners (24) and a bottom back edge opposite to the bottom front edge (21) and delimited by two bottom back corners (25);

wherein the package (1, 1', 1" , 1‴) further comprises a designated pour opening at least partially arranged on the top wall (4) and being closer to the front edge (17) than to the back edge (18) and an opening device (6) covering the designated pour opening and being configured to be torn away from the designated pour opening;

wherein a first imaginary plane (P1) comprises the bottom front edge (21) and the bottom back edge and/or the two bottom front corners (24) and the two bottom back corners (25);

wherein a second imaginary plane (P2) comprises the front edge (17) and the back edge (18) and/or the two front corners (15) and the two back corners (16);

wherein the first imaginary plane (P1) and the second imaginary plane (P2) intersect along an imaginary intersection line (30) and define an acute angle (α);

wherein the back edge (18) is interposed between the front edge (17) and the imaginary intersection line (30).
Package according to claim 1, wherein an intersection plane (S) comprises the imaginary intersection line (30) and is perpendicular to the first imaginary plane (P1) ;
wherein the back edge (18) is interposed between the front edge (17) and the intersection plane (S).
Package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first distance (d1) of the front edge (17) from the first imaginary plane (P1) is larger than a second distance (d2) of the back edge (18) from the first imaginary plane (P1).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom wall (3) lies within the first imaginary plane (P1) and the top wall (4) lies within the second imaginary plane (P2).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening device is chosen from the group comprising a tear-off element, a peel foil (6) and a tear-off element moulded onto the top wall (4).
Package according to claim 5, wherein the opening device (6) is fused to a separation membrane covering the designated pour opening.
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a top transversal sealing band (9) associated to the top wall (4) and folded on the top wall (4) towards the back edge (18).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a longitudinal seam portion (7) extending at least between the back edge (18) and the bottom back edge.
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 top wall (4) has a rectangular shape or a trapezoid shape.
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package (1) extends along a longitudinal axis (A), a first transversal axis (B) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and a second transversal axis (C) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) and the first transversal axis (B);
wherein an extension of the package (1, 1', 1'', 1‴) along the longitudinal axis (A) is larger than an extension along the first transversal axis (B) and an extension along the second transversal axis (C).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (5) comprises a front panel (10) and a back panel (11) opposite to the front panel (10), the front panel (10) extending between the bottom wall (3) and the top wall (4) and the back panel (11) extending between the bottom wall (3) and the top wall (4);
wherein the front panel (10) comprises the front edge (17) and the back panel (11) comprises the back edge (18).
Package according to claim 12, wherein the designated pour opening is closer to the front panel (10) than to the back panel (11).
Package according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the back panel (11) is interposed between the front panel (10) and the imaginary intersection line (30).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package (1, 1', 1'', 1‴) is designed for the consumption directly from the package.