IT202100031184A1 - PRISMATIC CONTAINER EQUIPPED WITH AN OPENING FOR BREAKING - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

The present invention belongs to the packaging sector and in particular to the sector of liquid-tight containers made of cardboard or other similar material. Containers with a prismatic shape (known as brick) made of paper, cardboard or other similar material are known in the sector and are mainly suitable for containing liquid or semi-liquid foods for current consumption, such as for example milk, fruit juice or other drinks, or puréed of tomato or soups. These containers have a box-like body equipped at the top with a weld folded laterally to form a spout. For opening this type of container? It is necessary to lift the spout portion, detaching it from the wall to which it is attached. fixed, and cut a part of it to be able to do so? access the content. This opening methodology is not simple and easy to manipulate as it requires the use of cutting tools and both hands.

Purpose of the present invention? that of creating a container equipped with an opening system that is easy and can be operated even with one hand.

Furthermore, the purpose of the present invention is? that of creating a container equipped with an opening system that is also resealable in case it is necessary to remove only part of the product, thus avoiding that dust or any other source of pollution infiltrates inside the container. And again, the purpose of the present invention? that of creating a container equipped with an opening system that avoids involuntary opening of the container itself or product losses during transport or storage.

This purpose? reached by a container equipped with a breaking opening system, of the "one hand opening" type. that is, it can be opened by folding a part of the container with one hand only, in accordance with claim 1, and by a cardboard tape for containers in accordance with claims 12 and 13. The dependent claims identify further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The characteristics and advantages of the container according to the present invention will be evident from the description given below, given by way of example and not by way of limitation, in accordance with the figures in the attached tables, in which:

- figures from 1A to 1D show a prismatic container equipped with a breaking opening according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively in closed configuration (1A), in the lifting phase of a spout portion (1B) to expose the opening for broken (1C), and in open configuration (1D);

- figures from 2A to 2C show a prismatic container equipped with a break opening according to a further embodiment of the present invention respectively in closed configuration (1A), in the lifting phase of a flap to expose the break opening (1B ), and in open configuration (1C);

- figure 3 illustrates the breakage opening in the form of a dowel in a construction example;

- figures 4a to 4c represent further embodiments of the break opening according to the invention;

- figure 5 represents a diagram of the layered structure of the rupture opening, according to an embodiment of the invention;

- figures 6A and 6B represent a diagram of the layered structure of the rupture opening, according to a further embodiment of the invention; - figures 7A to 7e represent further embodiments of the break opening according to the invention;

- figures 8A and 8b represent a further embodiment of the prismatic container equipped with a break opening according to the present invention in closed configuration (8A) and in open configuration (8B) respectively.

With reference to the attached figures, with 1 yes ? overall indicated is a prismatic container equipped with a breaking opening. Preferably, the prismatic container 1? obtained from a 910 tape made of paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material. ? It is also possible to obtain the prismatic container starting from a ribbon made of plastic, aluminium, or another composition of materials. Can the container 1 shown in the figures? be made from a 910 cardboard strip previously covered with a suitable coating layer of liquid-impermeable material. On the cardboard tape 910 equipped with coating, longitudinal folding lines 911 are made which allow the cardboard tape to be folded into a rectangular or other prismatic tube. The cardboard tape is folded longitudinally along the fold lines and joined to form a rectangular tube, for example with a joint in the center of one of the wide sides using a longitudinal seal. Subsequently, the tube is closed and bent at the bottom 912 and filled while the end superior ? more? or less open. After filling with the desired product, the end also upper part 913 is closed by a fold and relative welding 914.

In the example of figure 1, the bending and welding 914? flat and leaves opposing triangular flap portions, protruding outwards, which are folded along the narrow sides of the container. In this example, container 1 has one?end? superior overall flat. To open the container 1, first the user lifts the flap 915 partially (figure 1B) or completely (figure 1C) to expose the breakable opening 110, described in detail below. Advantageously, in this example, the breaking opening 110? completely covered, and therefore protected, by flap 915 until use.

In the example of figure 2, the extremity? upper 913 of container 1 ? closed by a fold and relative welding 914 pi? complex which leaves opposing triangular portions, protruding upwards and inwards, each partially covered by two fins 916 which are folded against each other and fixed together (for example with a yielding welding or gluing 161) a continuation of welding 914. In this example the container has an overall?extremity? sloping top. To open the container 1, first the user separates the flaps 916 (figure 2B) to completely expose the breakable opening 110, described in detail below. Advantageously, also in this example, the breaking opening of 110? at least partially covered, and therefore protected, by the fins 16 until use.

The container 1 comprises a rupture opening 110. Preferably, the rupture opening 110 is placed at the top, above the maximum level of product contained inside container 1.

Preferably, the break opening 110? placed at the end? upper 913 which is folded and closed by welding 914.

Preferably, the break opening 110? arranged underneath a flap 915, foldable, of the extremity? superior 913.

The 915 flap? defined as the part protruding from the upper transverse fold 917.

For flap 915? definable a face 915?, facing the outside of the container 1, and an opposite rear 915?? intended to be fixed in a releasable manner, for example by gluing, to one of the sides of the container 1 when the flap 915 is folded. Preferably, the break opening 110? arranged in correspondence with the rear 915? of flap 915.

In an embodiment, the breakage opening 110? arranged in correspondence with the rear 915? of the flap 915 and continues underneath it, behind 915?, up to one side of the container 1.

In an embodiment, the breakage opening 110? willing only more? lower than the rear 915? of the flap 915, i.e. below the transversal fold 917, corresponding to one side of the container 1. Preferably, the breakage opening 110 is always covered, until the moment of use, by flap 915, as in figure 1.

In an embodiment, shown in figure 3, the breakage opening 110? a plug 3 applied to the container 1. In this solution, a hole is made in the cardboard tape 910, a hole which is then closed using a plug 3. Preferably, the plug 3 is applied internally to the 910 cardboard tape that will come? folded to form the container itself. In a different embodiment, the piece 3? applied externally to the 910 cardboard tape that will come? folded to form the container itself. Preferably, piece 3? applied to the container 10 by welding or strong and permanent gluing, capable of resisting the internal pressure of the liquid and the pressure exerted by the user on the walls of the container.

The plug 3 comprises a semi-rigid sheet 2 equipped with a pre-weakened area, preferably created in a central area of the sheet 2 and arranged transversely thereto. The pre-weakened area? suitable for guiding a controlled breaking of the sheet 2 so as to determine the formation therethrough of an opening for the escape of the product housed in the container 1. In the embodiment example of figures 1C and 2B, and in a preferred embodiment, the piece 3? fixed to the container 1 so that the pre-weakened area is arranged substantially vertically. However, other arrangements are equally possible, for example horizontal or oblique.

In an embodiment, the piece 3? delimited by a perimeter edge and has a rear face 2a, facing the outside of the container 1, and an opposite front face 2b facing the internal compartment of the container 1.

For example, according to one embodiment, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has a rectangular shape and has long sides 3? opposites and short sides 3?? opposites; the semi-rigid sheet 2 develops along a longitudinal axis X parallel to the long sides 3?. In a further embodiment, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has a square or triangular shape. On the rear face 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2, ? there is an external incision 8 which develops along an incision direction Y, for example transverse, that is, in the aforementioned embodiment, along a direction incident to the longitudinal axis X, preferably orthogonal to this.

For example (figure 3), the external incision 8 joins two opposite points 3a, 3b of the perimeter edge; in the aforementioned embodiment, there? it means that it extends across the entire width of the semi-rigid rectangular sheet.

The semi-rigid sheet 2, which for example has a total thickness of between 300? 600 microns, ? a multilayer laminate (figures 5, 6a and 6b) comprising a load-bearing layer 10 having said rear face 2a. The carrier layer 10, monolayer or multilayer, is made of paper, cardboard or other predominantly cellulose-based material (i.e. at least 50% cellulose-based by weight). The carrier layer 10 has for example a thickness between 250? 550 microns.

Preferably, internally, the semi-rigid sheet 2 includes a barrier layer 12 suitable for creating a barrier to the passage of gas, and in particular to the passage of oxygen; for example, the barrier layer 12 ? single-layer or multi-layer, in aluminum or EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl alcohol), or combinations of these. In the variants in which the barrier layer is multilayer, some films can be made of non-barrier materials. In a preferred example, shown in Figure 5, the barrier layer is equipped with a micro-hole 121, arranged aligned with the internal incision 20 and/or with the external incision 8. The micro-hole 121 is sized, for example a diameter less than 5 microns, so as not to significantly affect the barrier effect of the barrier layer 12 so as not to negatively influence the shelf life of the product. This solution certainly allows breakage to be achieved also of the barrier layer 12 which, due to the properties? typical of the material that constitutes it, it tends to stretch rather than break.

Alternatively, the carrier layer 10 has a painted film on the face opposite to the front face 2a, wherein said painted film has properties barrier. Or, does the carrier layer 10 undergo a chemical treatment such that it assumes properties barrier, at least on the face opposite to the rear face 2a.

On the side opposite the rear face 2a, and preferably between the carrier layer 10 and the barrier layer 12, the semi-rigid sheet 2 further comprises at least one intermediate layer 14, monolayer or multilayer, comprising an adhesive or polyethylene, preferably extruded, or polypropylene, preferably extruded, or other binding material with the carrier layer 10.

Furthermore, the semi-rigid sheet 2 includes a final layer 16 having said front face 2b. The final layer 16, monolayer or multilayer, comprises polyethylene or polypropylene or a sealing lacquer or other material suitable for welding with the cardboard tape 910.

In an alternative embodiment to the version with plug 3, the breakage opening 110? made directly on the cardboard tape 910 intended to be folded and sealed to form the container 1. In this example, the semi-rigid sheet 2 (including the relevant layers 10, 12, 14, 16 described above) constitutes the cardboard tape 910 and therefore the walls of the container themselves 1.

Note that the external incision 8 ? suitable to guide the breakage of at least the supporting layer 10 of the semi-rigid sheet 2 in the version with gusset 3 or of the cardboard tape 910 in the version with integrated opening. Preferably, the external incision 8 (represented in figures 5, 6a, 6b) extends only through the supporting layer 10 of the semi-rigid sheet 2. Said incision has a depth of H relative to the anterior face 2a, typically variable transversely along the external incision 8. For example, the depth? ? maximum in a central section of the incision. Advantageously, this variation in depth? along the incision it ensures breakage opening in a controlled manner.

For example, said external incision 8 extends from the rear face 2a to the surface of the intermediate layer 14, without cutting it (figure 6b).

According to a preferred embodiment, the final layer 16 has an internal incision 20 starting from the front face 2b. Note that the internal incision 20? suitable to guide the breakdown of the final state 16 and of the barrier layer 12.

According to one embodiment, the internal incision 20? misaligned, i.e. not overlapping or only partially overlapping, to the external incision 8 (figure 4a). Advantageously, this feature allows you to conveniently exploit the properties of crack propagation in the paper, of which ? the load-bearing layer 10 substantially constitutes; for paper, in fact, it is observed that the propagation of the fracture occurs preferentially in a transverse direction rather than in depth.

According to a further embodiment, the internal incision 20? aligned, i.e. completely overlapping, the external incision 8.

The internal incision 20 has a depth L with respect to the anterior face 2a, typically variable transversely along the internal incision 20. For example, the depth? ? maximum in a central section of the internal incision. Advantageously, this variation in depth is also along the incision it ensures breakage opening in a controlled manner, avoiding uncontrolled release of the product.

According to one embodiment, the internal incision 20 completely passes through the final layer 16, without affecting the barrier layer 12 (figure 6b).

From what has been illustrated above regarding the method of making the package, it is also clear that with the term "engraving" does not indicate exclusively a cut that leads to the breaking of continuity? structural of the layers or films that make up a sheet; this ?engraving? can? also present itself as a deeper depression? or less sharp, without breaking the material, due to permanent compression of the material.

According to a variant embodiment, the internal incision and/or the external incision have a longitudinal section of substantially triangular shape, tapered towards the inside of the sheet (figure 5); according to further construction variants, the longitudinal section is substantially rectangular (figures 6a and 6b). ? It is clear that the shape of the section must be defined with reference to the possible return suffered by the material after the incision operations.

According to a further embodiment variant (figure 4b), the semi-rigid sheet 2 has at least one weakening, separate and preferably aligned with the internal incision 8, to facilitate folding. Preferably, the rear face 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2 has at least one weakening; for example, the rear face 2a has two weakenings 40?, 40?? placed next to the external incision 8 and aligned with it. Preferably, each weakening ? consisting of an engraving; according to a variant of embodiment, each weakening? constituted by a plurality? of holes.

These weaknesses have a depth smaller than that (for example, minimum) of the external incision 8; alternatively, said weakenings have a depth equal to that (for example, minimum) of the external incision 8.

Alternatively (figure 4c), each weakening ? consisting of a recess obtained along the perimeter edge 3 of the semi-rigid sheet 2; for example, two recesses 42?, 42?? are provided, symmetrical with respect to the external incision 8.

According to a further implementation variant, the external incision of the load-bearing layer does not join two points of the perimeter edge, but is interrupted before the edge, or starts from a point of the perimeter edge and is interrupted before reaching the other point of the perimeter edge .

According to one embodiment, the internal incision 20 has a depth constant (figure 6b).

According to one embodiment, more internal incisions 20, aligned in parallel (figure 6b).

According to one embodiment, the external incision 8 has a depth of constant (figure 6a).

According to a variant embodiment, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has a circular or oval or polygonal, regular or mixed shape, i.e. made up of straight sections and arcuate sections.

According to one embodiment (figures 7a to 7e), the external incision 8 develops along a broken line 85, i.e. a line made up of an ordered set of consecutive oriented segments (i.e. the second end of a segment coincides with the first end of the following segment) and not adjacent (i.e. a segment and the following segment do not belong to the same straight line).

In a variant embodiment, the broken line 85 includes two lateral segments 86 which are of identical size and aligned (i.e. one segment lies on the extension of the other). The broken line 85 further includes a main line 87 which is substantially staggered with respect to the two lateral segments 86 and by two joining segments 88 which are substantially parallel to each other and preferably, are substantially perpendicular to the two lateral segments 86. In other words, each joining segment 88 connects one end of the lateral segment 86 to one end of the main line 87.

In a first embodiment, (figure 8a) the main line 87? a straight segment substantially parallel to the two lateral segments 86 and substantially perpendicular to the joining segments 88.

In a second embodiment, (figures 8b, 8d) the main line 87 includes straight segments 87?, 87?? which form an acute or obtuse angle between them, i.e. they are not aligned. Furthermore, said straight segments 87?, 87?? form an acute or obtuse angle with the joining segments 88.

In a third embodiment, (Figure 8c) the main line 87? an arc of a circumference.

In a further variant of embodiment, (figure 8e) the broken line 85 includes two lateral segments 86 which are of identical size and aligned with each other (i.e. one lies on the extension of the other). The broken line 85 further includes an arc of circumference 89, preferably a semicircle, which connects an end of a first lateral segment 86 to an end of a second lateral segment 86.

According to different embodiments, the two lateral segments 86 and/or the joining segments 88 can be linear, angled or curved.

In the embodiment of figure 8A, the flap 915 is elongated, i.e. it has a (vertical) length greater than its width (corresponding to the upper transversal fold 917). In this example, the flap 915 acts as a spout to direct the release of the product, as seen in figure 8B. In an embodiment, the cardboard tape 910 intended to be folded to form the container 1? in Tetra Pak?, a material composed of a layer of paper covered externally with plastic material and internally with aluminium.

In use, once the break opening 110 is completely exposed (figure 1c, 2b, 8B), the user must grasp the container 1, even with just one hand, and press on its walls, preferably on the folding lines 911 , until it is deformed allowing at least partial folding of the rigid sheet 2 (be it part of the piece 3 or part of the cardboard tape 910). This folding involves pressure on the pre-weakened area (i.e. on the internal incision 20 and/or external 8) which gives way, leading to a controlled break of the sheet 2, thus creating a passage opening P for the exit of the product housed in the container. Innovatively, the container according to the present invention overcomes the drawbacks mentioned? said with reference to the known art, as it allows you to have a package that is easy to open, even with just one hand.

? It is clear that a person skilled in the art, in order to satisfy contingent needs, could make changes to the packaging and the manufacturing method described above, all contained within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims (13)

1. Prismatic container (1) obtained from a folded ribbon (910) equipped with a break opening (110) comprising a semi-rigid multilayer sheet (2) having a rear face (2a) facing outwards and an opposite one front face (2b) facing an internal volume in which ? containing a product, said semi-rigid sheet (2) being equipped with a pre-weakened area capable of guiding, following at least partial folding of the prismatic container (1), a controlled breakage of said semi-rigid sheet in correspondence with the pre-weakened area so as to determine the formation, through said semi-rigid sheet (2) itself, of an opening for the product to escape. 2. Prismatic container (1) according to claim 1, obtained from a ribbon (910) made of paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material. 3. Prismatic container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the semi-rigid sheet (2) includes a load-bearing layer (10) made of paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material defining said rear face (2a), and in which on said rear face (2a) ? There is an external incision (8) that extends along an incision direction (Y). 4. Prismatic container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the semi-rigid sheet (2) comprises a final layer (16) having said front face (2b), wherein on the front face (2b)? There is an internal incision (20). 5. Prismatic container (1) according to any of the previous claims, in which the semi-rigid sheet (2) includes a barrier layer (12) suitable for creating a barrier to the passage of gas, arranged between a load-bearing layer (10) made of paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material defining said rear face (2a), and a final layer (16) having said front face (2b). 6. Prismatic container (1) according to claim 5, wherein said barrier layer (12) is equipped with a micro-hole (121), arranged aligned with an internal incision (20) and/or with an external incision (8). 7. Prismatic container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said breakage opening (110) is? placed above the maximum level of product contained inside the container (1). 8. Prismatic container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said breakage opening (110) is? arranged underneath a flap (915), foldable, of one end? top (913) of the container (1). 9. Prismatic container (1) according to claim 8, wherein for the flap (915) ? definable a face (915?) facing outwards, and an opposite back (915??) intended to be folded against one side of the container, and in which the breakage opening (110) is arranged at the back (915?) of the flap (915). 10. Prismatic container (1) according to any of the previous claims, in which the rupture opening (110) is a plug (3) applied to the container (1). 11. Prismatic container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rupture opening (110) is made directly on the cardboard tape (910) which therefore at least partially constitutes the semi-rigid sheet (2). 12. Tape (910) made of paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material foldable to form a prismatic container (1), comprising a piece (3) formed by a semi-rigid sheet (2) equipped with a pre-weakened area suitable for guiding, in following at least partial folding, a controlled breaking of said semi-rigid sheet in correspondence with the pre-weakened area so as to determine the formation, through said semi-rigid sheet (2) itself, of an opening for the product to escape. 13. Tape (910) made of paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material foldable to form a prismatic container (1), consisting of a semi-rigid sheet (2) equipped with a pre-weakened area suitable for guiding, following folding at least partial, a controlled breaking of said semi-rigid sheet in correspondence with the pre-weakened area so as to determine the formation, through said semi-rigid sheet (2) itself, of an opening for the product to escape.