EP4617188A1

EP4617188A1 - Package for a pourable product and packaging blank for forming a package

Info

Publication number: EP4617188A1
Application number: EP25160615.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marcello Barbieri; Marco INSERO; Pietro Martini; Giovanni PALLAORO; Agnieszka KORCZYNSKA; Roberto De Pietri Tonelli; Marco Poppi
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: WO2025190682A1

Abstract

There is described a package (1, 1') for a pourable product 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') and a side wall (5) interposed between the top wall (3) and the bottom wall (4). The top wall (4) is inclined with respect to the bottom wall (3). The top wall (4) comprises two front corners (15) and the bottom wall (3) comprises two bottom front corners (24). A first extension (E1) between the two front corners (15) is smaller than a second extension (E2) between the two bottom front corners (24). The side wall (5) comprises two longitudinal front edges (29). Each longitudinal front edge (29) extends between the bottom wall (3) and the top wall (4) and is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (A).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a package for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.
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 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 area and an opening device associated with the designated pour opening area. 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 area.
Even though the known packages provide for excellent results, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the known packages.
Additionally, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the known packaging blanks used for forming packages.

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

Two 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 according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a lateral view of the package of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of the package of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a bottom view of the package of Figure 1;
Figures 5A and 5B are schematic lateral views of the package of Figure 1 and show two imaginary planes defined by portions of the package;
Figure 6 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a package according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a lateral view of the package of Figure 6;
Figures 9A and 9B are schematic lateral views of the package of Figure 7 and show two imaginary planes defined by portions of the package; and
Figure 10 is a plan view of a packaging blank used to form the package of Figure 7.

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 to 3, package 1 may comprise a bottom wall 3 and a top wall 4 spaced apart from one another along longitudinal axis A.
Top wall 4 is inclined with respect to bottom wall 3, and in particular also to 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.
Package 1 may comprise flaps 31 attached to and/or extending from top wall 4.
Moreover, package 1 may comprise flaps 35 attached to bottom wall 3.
With reference to Figures 1, package 1 may comprise a designated pour opening area 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 area 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 as a whole or partially or to be at least partially ruptured.
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.
With reference to Figure 1, package 1 may also comprise an opening device 6 configured to open the designated pour opening area.
In the case that the designated pour opening area 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 area by a consumer so as to access content package 1.
With reference to Figure 1, the opening device may be a peel foil 6, or a pull-tab, covering the designated pour opening area and being removable from the designated pour opening area, 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 area one accesses the inside of package 1.
Once peel foil 6, or the pull-tab, is removed from the designated pour opening area, 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 area and covers the designated pour opening area.
The first portion remains connected to package 1 once the second portion is removed from the designated pour opening area. In particular, the second portion, once removed from the designated pour opening area, 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 area one accesses the inside of package 1.
Once the tear-off element is removed from the designated pour opening area, 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 area and covers the designated pour opening area.
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 area. In particular, the cover portion, i.e. the tear-off element, once removed from the designated pour opening area, 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 to 4, 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 to 4, 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 to 4, bottom wall 3 may comprise a bottom front edge 21, a bottom back edge 22 and two bottom lateral edges 23.
Advantageously, longitudinal seam portion 7 extends at least between back edge 18 and bottom back edge 22. In particular, longitudinal seam portion 7 extends on top wall 4, on bottom wall 3 and between back edge 18 and bottom back edge 22.
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 22 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 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 back panel 11 may extend from back edge 18 to bottom back edge 22.
As shown in Figure 1, at least a portion of the opening device and/or of the designated pour opening area 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 area 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 area 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 trapezoid shape.
With particular reference to Figure 3, a first extension E1 is defined between front corners 15.
Additionally, a further extension is defined between back corners 16.
Advantageously, first extension E1 is smaller than the further extension between back corners 16.
Moreover, a second extension E2 is defined between bottom front corners 24.
Advantageously, second extension E2 is larger than first extension E1.
With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, side wall 5 comprises two longitudinal front edges 29, in particular extending between bottom wall 3, more in particular bottom front edge 21, and top wall 4, more in particular front edge 17.
In the example shown, longitudinal front edges 29 extend from bottom wall 3, more specifically bottom front edge 21, to top wall 4, more specifically front edge 17.
In particular, each longitudinal front edge 29 and/or a respective imaginary extension intersects one respective bottom front corner 24 and one respective front corner 15.
More specifically, each longitudinal front edge 29 extends from one respective bottom front corner 24 to one respective front corner 15.
Moreover, longitudinal front edges 29 delimit front panel 10.
Additionally but not necessarily, side wall 5 may further comprise two longitudinal back edges 30, in particular extending between bottom wall 3, more in particular bottom back edge 22, and top wall 4, more in particular back edge 18.
In the example shown, each longitudinal back edges 30 extends from bottom wall 3, in particular bottom back edge 22, to top wall 4, in particular back edge 18. More specifically, each longitudinal back edge 30 extends from one respective bottom back corner 25 to one respective back corner 16.
Moreover, longitudinal back edges 30 delimit back panel 11.
Moreover, each lateral panel 12 is delimited by one respective pair of one respective longitudinal front edge 29 and one respective longitudinal back edge 30.
In one example not shown, side wall 5 does not comprise longitudinal back edges 30, i.e. side wall 5 is void of longitudinal back edges 30.
With particular reference to Figures 1 to 3, each longitudinal front edge 29 is inclined with respect to longitudinal axis A.
Preferentially but not necessarily, each longitudinal front edge 29 has a rectilinear shape.
Each front edge 29 comprises a first end 36 and a second end 37 opposite to the respective first end 36.
Each front edge 29, when considering its extension from second portion 37 to first position 36, projects away from front edge 17 towards back wall 11. Advantageously, each first end 36 is closer to back panel 11 than the respective second end 37.
Additionally, each second end 37 is closer to front edge 17 than the respective first end 36.
In particular but not necessarily, each first end 36 intersects the respective bottom front corner 24 and each second end 37 intersects the respective front corner 14.
Advantageously, a third extension E3 is defined between first ends 36.
Third extension E3 is larger than first extension E1.
Additionally but not necessarily, third extension E3 may equal second extension E2.
With reference to Figure 4, projections of each first end 36, each second end 37 and each bottom back corner 25 onto a projection plane P perpendicular to longitudinal axis A defines, respectively, respective projected first ends 36', projected second ends 37' and projected bottom back corners 25'.
In particular, projected first ends 36' are interposed between projected second ends 37' and projected bottom back corners 25'.
Additionally, a projection of front edge 17, back edge 18, bottom front edge 21 and bottom back edge 22 onto projection plane P define, respectively, a projected front edge 17', a projected back edge 18', a projected bottom front edge 21' and a projected bottom back edge 22'.
Additionally, a projection of each front corner 15, each back corner 16, each bottom front corner 24 and each bottom back corner 25 onto projection plane P define, respectively, a respective projected front corner 15', a respective projected back corner 16', a respective projected bottom front corner 24' and a respective projected bottom back corner 25'.
Advantageously, projected bottom front edge 21' is interposed between projected front edge 17' and projected bottom back edge 22'.
Advantageously, projected bottom front corners 24' are interposed between projected front corners 17' and projected bottom back corners 25'.
Advantageously, each projected back corner 16' coincides with one respective projected bottom back corner 25'.
With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a first distance between each front corner 15 and the respective back corner 16 is larger than a respective second distance between each bottom front corner 24 and the respective bottom back corner 25.
With particular reference to Figures 2, 4A and 4B, a first imaginary plane P1 comprises bottom front edge 21 and bottom back edge 22.
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 5B, first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2 intersect along an imaginary intersection line 30.
It should be noted that Figures 5A and 5B, schematically show the construction of first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2 and their intersection. While Figure 5A is focused to illustrate the construction of first imaginary plane P1 and second imaginary plane P2, Figure 5B 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 5A.
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 L1 of front edge 17 from first imaginary plane P1 is larger than a second distance L2 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.
Packaging blank 2 of Figure 6 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 6, each packaging blank 2 may comprise a top section having a top crease pattern 44 configured to define the shape, e.g. 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 34.
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 35 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, 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 6, 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 6, 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.
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 are inclined with respect to back portions 55 and/or front portions 54 and/or longitudinal axis E.
In particular, top crease pattern 44 comprises four lateral crease lines 56, i.e. each lateral edge 19 is defined by one respective pair of two respective lateral crease lines 56.
Additionally, each lateral crease line 56 and/or its imaginary extension intersects first transversal crease line 47.
At least two lateral crease lines 56 and/or their imaginary extensions intersect each with first transversal crease line 47 and/or its imaginary extension at one respective front intersection point 58.
Moreover at least two other lateral crease lines 56 and/or their imaginary extensions intersect each with first transversal crease line 47 and/or its imaginary extension at one respective back intersection point 59.
In particular, after formation of the respective package 1 from packaging blank 2 each front intersection point 58 corresponds to one respective front corner 15, and more specifically each back intersection point 59 corresponds to one respective back corner 16.
Additionally, each auxiliary crease portion 57 and/or its imaginary extension may intersect front portion 54 and/or its respective imaginary extension at one respective front intersection point 58. More specifically each auxiliary crease portion 57 and/or its imaginary extension may intersect one respective back portion 55 and/or its respective imaginary extension at one respective back intersection point 59.
A first distance d1 is defined between front intersection points 58.
In particular, first distance d1 may correspond to first extension E1.
According to the embodiment shown, an extension, i.e. a dimension, of front portion 54 corresponds to first distance d1.
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 first distance d1.
Each lateral crease line 56 and/or its respective imaginary extension may intersect first transversal crease line 47 and/or its respective imaginary extension at one respective back intersection point 59.
As shown in Figure 6, each lateral crease line 56 may be inclined with respect to third transversal crease line 49 and/or front portion 54 and/or back portion 55. In particular, lateral crease lines 56 are not perpendicular to front portion 54 and back portions 55.
According to the embodiment shown in Figure 6, each lateral crease line 56 may be inclined with respect to first longitudinal boundary edge 40 and second longitudinal boundary edge 41.
According to the embodiment of Figure 6, back portions 55 are closer to bottom crease pattern 45, in particular second transversal crease line 48, than front portion 54.
Additionally, front portion 54 is closer to third transversal crease line 49 than back portions 55.
Packaging blank 2 may comprise a designated pour opening area 51 (forming and/or defining the designated pour opening area of package 1).
The designated pour opening area 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 area 51.
More specifically, main panel 60 may be delimited by an imaginary line 61 extending through front intersection points 58, 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 being 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.
Preferentially but not necessarily, designated pour opening area 51 may be at least partially arranged on main panel 60.
Advantageously, main panel 60 may have a trapezoid shape.
A second distance d2 may be defined between intermediate intersection points 63.
Advantageously, first distance d1 may be smaller than second distance d2.
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, bottom back edge 22 and bottom lateral edges 23 and/or bottom front corners 24 and 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.
In more detail, second transversal crease line 48 comprises a bottom front portion 75, in particular facing front portion 54 and being, designed to define and/or determine bottom front edge 21.
Additionally, second transversal crease line 48 may comprise one or more bottom back portions 76 designed to define and/or determine bottom back edge 22.
In further detail, bottom front portion 75 may be interposed between two bottom back portions 76.
Additionally, bottom crease pattern 45 may also comprise a plurality of bottom lateral crease lines 77 designed to define and/or determine bottom lateral edges 23.
More specifically, bottom lateral crease lines 77 may extend between second transversal crease line 48 and fourth transversal crease line 50.
Moreover, bottom lateral crease lines 77 may be displaced from one another along first main direction M1.
Additionally, bottom crease pattern 45, in particular second transversal crease line 48, may comprise a plurality of bottom auxiliary crease lines 78, each bottom auxiliary crease line 78 being interposed between one respective bottom back portion 76 and bottom front portion 75. In particular, each bottom auxiliary crease line 78 may give rise to, i.e. define or determine, one respective bottom lateral edge 23 after formation of package 1 from packaging blank 2.
Bottom crease pattern 45 may also comprise a plurality of bottom flap crease lines 79 configured to define or determine flaps 35.
In particular, bottom crease pattern 45 comprises two pairs 80 of bottom flap crease lines 79 each pair 80 being designed to form one respective flap.
Additionally, bottom flap crease lines 79 of each pair 80 are inclined with respect to one another, in particular so as to define a V-shape.
Moreover, bottom flap crease lines 79 of each pair 80 and/or their imaginary extensions may intersect fourth transversal crease line 50 and/or its imaginary extension at one respective intersection 81.
Moreover, two bottom flap crease lines 79 and/or their imaginary extensions intersect second transversal crease line 48 and/or its imaginary extension at respective bottom intersection points 71 defining and/or determining bottom front corners 24.
In particular, one bottom flap crease line 79 of each pair 80 and/or its imaginary extension intersects second transversal crease line 48 and/or its imaginary extension at the respective bottom intersection point 71.
Moreover, the other bottom flap crease line 79 of each pair 80 and/or its imaginary extension intersects second transversal crease line 48 and/or its imaginary extension at a further bottom intersection point 82, in particular defining a respective bottom back corner 25.
More specifically, bottom intersection points 71 are interposed between further bottom intersection points 82.
Advantageously, a third distance d3 is defined between bottom intersection points 71.
Additionally, third distance d3 is smaller than a distance between further bottom intersection points 82.
Advantageously, third distance d3 is larger than first distance d1.
With particular reference to Figure 4, intermediate crease pattern 46 comprises two front crease lines 65 extending between bottom crease pattern 45 and top crease pattern 44. Each front crease line 65 is configured to define and/or determine one respective longitudinal front edge 29.
Each front crease line 65 is inclined with respect to longitudinal axis E and/or front portion 54 and/or back portions 55.
Advantageously, each front crease line 65 has a rectilinear shape.
More specifically, each front crease line 65 extends from bottom crease pattern 45 to top crease pattern 44.
Additionally but not necessarily, intermediate crease pattern 46 may comprise two back crease lines 66 extending between bottom crease pattern 45 and top crease pattern 44. Each back crease line 66 is configured to define and/or determine one respective longitudinal back edge 30.
Advantageously, front crease lines 65 are interposed between back crease lines 66.
In further detail, front crease lines 65 delimit a portion of packaging blank 2, which defines and/or determines front panel 10 of package 1.
Additionally, each front crease line 65 and one respective back crease line 66 delimits a portion of packaging blank 2, which defines and/or determines one respective lateral panel 19.
According to the example shown in Figure 6, each back crease line 66 has a linear shape.
Additionally, each back crease line 66 is parallel to longitudinal axis E and/or first longitudinal boundary edge 40 and/or second longitudinal boundary edge 41.
In Figure 6, each back crease line 66 extends from second transversal crease line 48 to first transversal crease line 47. i.e. each back crease line 66 intersects both first transversal crease line 47 and second transversal crease line 48. Alternatively, each back crease line 66 could extend between first transversal crease line 47 and second transversal crease line 48 without intersecting one or both of them.
In one example not shown, intermediate crease pattern 46 does not comprise back crease lines 66, i.e. intermediate crease pattern 46 is void of back crease lines 66.
In further detail, each front crease line 65 extends between bottom crease pattern 45, in particular second transversal crease line 48, and top crease pattern 44, in particular first transversal crease line 47.
In particular, each front crease line 65 and/or is imaginary extension intersects first transversal crease line 47 and/or is imaginary extension at one respective intersection point 58 and/or second transversal crease line 48 and/or is imaginary extension at one respective intersection point 71.
In more detail, each front crease line 65 comprises a first end 69 and a second end 70 opposite to the respective first end 69.
Moreover, each second end 70 is closer to first transversal crease line 47 than the respective first end 69.
According to the example shown, each first end 69 contacts bottom crease pattern 45, in particular second transversal crease line 48. Alternatively, each first end 69 could be distanced from bottom crease pattern 45, in particular second transversal crease line 48.
According to the example shown in Figure 6, each second end 70 coincides with one respective intersection point 58. Alternatively, each second end 70 could be distanced from first transversal crease line 47.
Advantageously, a fourth distance d4 between first ends 69 is larger than a fifth distance d5 between second ends 70.
According to the example of Figure 6, fifth distance d5 corresponds to first distance d1 and fourth distance corresponds to third distance d3.
In the case that front crease lines 65 do not intersect first transversal crease line 47, fifth distance d5 is different from, in particular larger than, first distance d1.
Additionally, front crease lines 65 taper with respect to one another towards first transversal crease line 47.
Advantageously, front crease lines 65 delimit together with front portion 54 and an imaginary line between first ends 69 a trapezoid. In particular, the trapezoid tapers towards front portion 54.
Some or all the imaginary extensions are linear imaginary extensions.
With reference to Figures 7 to 9B, 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 front edge 17 is interposed between back edge 18 and intersection plane S.
Additionally, bottom front corners 24 are interposed between bottom back corners 25 and imaginary intersection line 30.
Moreover, front panel 10 is interposed between back panel 11 and intersection plane S.
Additionally, first distance L1 is smaller than second distance L2.
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 front portion 54 is closer to bottom crease pattern 45, in particular second transversal crease line 48, than back portions 55.
Additional, back portions 55 are closer to third transversal crease line 49 than front portion 55.
The advantages of packages 1 and 1' and/or packaging blanks 2 and 2' according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, the Applicant has observed that by having, respectively, inclined longitudinal front edges 29 and inclined front crease lines 65 one obtains improved outpouring characteristics.
Additionally, the drinking experience of a consumer when drinking directly from package 1 or 1' is improved.
Clearly, changes may be made to packages 1 and 1' and/or packaging blanks 2 and 2' as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Package (1, 1') for a pourable product 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') and a side wall (5) interposed between the top wall (3) and the bottom wall (4);
wherein the top wall (4) is inclined with respect to the bottom wall (3);

wherein the top wall (4) comprises two front corners (15) and the bottom wall (3) comprises two bottom front corners (24);

wherein a first extension (E1) is defined between the two front corners (15) and a second extension (E2) is defined between the two bottom front corners (24), the second extension (E2) being larger than the first extension (E1);

wherein the side wall (5) comprises two longitudinal front edges (29);

wherein each longitudinal front edge (29) extends between the bottom wall (3) and the top wall (4) and is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (A).
Package according to claim 1, wherein each longitudinal front edge (29) and/or its imaginary extension intersects one respective front corner (15) and/or one respective bottom front corner (24).
Package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each longitudinal front edge (29) comprises a first end (36) and a second end (37) opposite to the first end (36);
wherein each second end (37) is closer to the front edge (17) than the first end (36);

wherein the bottom wall (3) comprises two bottom back corners (25) opposite to the two bottom front corners (24);

wherein projections of each first end (36), each second end (37) and each bottom back corner (25) onto a projection plane (P) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) defines, respectively, respective projected first ends (36'), projected second ends (37') and projected bottom back corners (25');

wherein the projected first ends (36') are interposed between the projected second ends (37') and the projected bottom back corners (25').
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a third extension (E3) is defined between the first ends (36), the third extension (E3) being larger than the first extension (E1).
ackage according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each longitudinal front edge (29) has a linear shape.
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top wall (4) comprises two back corners (16), a front edge (17) extending between the front corners (15) and a back edge (18) extending between the back corners (16) ;
wherein the bottom wall (3) comprises two bottom back corners (25), a bottom front edge (21) extending between the bottom front corners (24) and a bottom back edge (22) extending between the bottom back corners (25);

wherein a projection of the front edge (17), a projection of the bottom front edge (21) and a projection of the bottom back edge (22) onto a projection plane (P) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) define, respectively, a projected front edge (17'), a projected bottom front edge (21') and a projected bottom back edge (22');

wherein the projected bottom front edge (21') is interposed between the projected front edge (17') and the projected bottom back edge (22').
Package according to claim 6, wherein projections of each front corner (15), each back corner (16), each bottom front corner (24) and each bottom back corner (25) onto the projection plane (P) define, respectively, respective projected front corners (15'), respective projected back corners (16'), respective projected bottom front corners (24') and respective projected bottom back corners (25');
wherein each projected back corner (16') coincides with one respective projected bottom back corner (25').
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top wall (4) comprises two back corners (16), a front edge (17) extending between the two front corners (15) and a back edge (18) extending between the two back corners (16);
wherein the bottom wall (3) comprises two bottom back corners (25), a bottom front edge (21) extending between the two bottom front corners (24) and a bottom back edge (22) extending between the two bottom back corners (25);

wherein a first imaginary plane (P1) comprises the bottom front edge (21) and the bottom back edge (22) 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) or the front edge (17) is interposed between the back edge (18) and the imaginary intersection line (30).
Package according to claim 8, 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) or the front edge (17) is interposed between the back edge (18) and the intersection plane (S).
Package according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a first distance (L1) of the front edge (17) from the first imaginary plane (P1) is larger than a second distance (L2) of the back edge (18) from the first imaginary plane (P1) or a first distance (L1) of the front edge (17) from the first imaginary plane (P1) is smaller than a second distance (L2) of the back edge (18) from the first imaginary plane (P1).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top wall (4) comprises two back corners (16), a front edge (17) extending between the front corners (15), a back edge (18) extending between the back corners (16) and two lateral edges (19), each lateral edge (19) extending between one respective front corner (15) and one respective back corner (16);
wherein the top wall (4) has a trapezoid shape.
Packaging blank (2, 2') designed to allow for forming a package (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims.
Packaging blank (2, 2') for forming a package (1, 1') filled with a pourable product, the packaging blank (2, 2') comprises:
- 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');

- 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'); and

- an intermediate section having an intermediate crease pattern (46) interposed between the top crease pattern (44) and the bottom crease pattern (45) and being configured to define and/or determine a side wall (5) of the package (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');

wherein the first transversal crease line (47) comprises a front portion (54) designed to define and/or determine a front edge (17) of the package (1, 1'), a plurality of back portions (55) designed to define and/or determine a back edge (18) of the package (1, 1') and a plurality of auxiliary crease portions (57), each auxiliary crease portion (57) being interposed between one respective back portion (55) and the front portion (54);

wherein each auxiliary crease portion (57) is inclined with respect to the front portion (54) and/or the back portion (55) and/or the longitudinal axis (E);

wherein each auxiliary crease portion (57) and/or its imaginary extension intersect the front portion (54) and/or its respective imaginary extension at one respective front intersection point (58) configured to define and/or determine a front corner (15) of the package (1, 1');

wherein a first distance (d1) is defined between the front intersection points (58);

wherein the bottom crease pattern (45) comprises a second transversal crease line (48) extending transversally to the longitudinal axis (E);

wherein the intermediate crease pattern (46) comprises two front crease lines (65) configured to define and/or determine respective longitudinal front edges (29) of the package (1, 1');

wherein each front crease line (65) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (E) and extends between the second transversal crease line (48) and the first transversal crease line (47);

wherein the bottom crease pattern (45) comprises bottom flap crease lines (79) configured to define and/or determine flaps (35) of the package (1, 1');

wherein two bottom flap crease lines (79) and/or their imaginary extensions intersect the second transversal crease line (48) at respective bottom intersection points (71) defining and/or determining bottom front corners (24) of the package (1, 1');

wherein a further distance (d3) is defined between the bottom intersection points (71);

wherein the further distance (d3) is larger than the first distance (d1).
Packaging blank according to claim 13, wherein each front crease line (65) and/or its imaginary extension intersects the front portion (54) at one respective front intersection point (58) and/or the second transversal crease line (48) at one respective bottom intersection point (71).
Packaging blank according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each front crease line (68) comprises a first end (69) and a second end (70) opposite to the first end (69);
wherein the second end (70) is closer to the first transversal crease line (47) than the first end (69);

wherein a distance (d4) between the two first ends (69) is larger than a distance (d5) between the two second ends (70).
Packaging blank according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the front portion (54) is closer to the second transversal crease line (48) than the back portions (55) or the back portions (55) are closer to the second transversal crease line (48) than the front portion (54).