DE102023200841A1 - Resealable container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a reclosable container (1) comprising a container base body (2) with a container opening (20) and a lid (3) which closes the container opening (20) in a closed position, wherein the lid (3) has a plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20), wherein the container base body (2) is provided with a weakening structure (22) over its entire circumference or at least over a majority of its circumference, wherein the lid (3) is manufactured as a preformed component from a fiber-based material and the lid (3) is inserted into the container opening (20) in such a way that an upper end of the plug-in section (30) ends flush with an edge (23) of the container opening (20), wherein a first region (301) of the plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20) arranged above the weakening structure (22) is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body (2) and a The second region (302) of the plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20) arranged in a weakened structure (22) contacts the inside of the container base body (2) without a material connection. The invention further relates to a method for producing a resealable container.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

The invention relates to a resealable container comprising a container base body with a container opening and a lid that closes the container opening in a closed position. The invention further relates to a method for producing a resealable container.

In the context of the application, containers that can be reclosed with a lid are referred to as resealable containers. Such containers comprise a container base with a container opening and a lid that closes the container opening in a closed position. The lid can be removed from the container base or pivoted relative to the container to open the container in order to allow access to a product located in the container base via the container opening, wherein the container opening can be reclosed after opening using the lid.

Resealable containers are used, for example, as packaging for bulk foodstuffs such as flour, milk powder, coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, salt, sweets, etc. However, the use of resealable containers is not limited to packaging foodstuffs and the container can also be used to package other bulk goods such as detergent, fertilizer or the like. Resealing the container at least prevents the bulk goods from leaking out. It is also conceivable to use such containers for packaging pasty or liquid products.

A resealable container, for example, is made of EP 0 611 703 A2 The container has a container body with a container opening and a lid which can be inserted into the container opening. The EP 0 611 703 A2 The known lid is formed, for example, from a suitable cardboard material and has a base with an upwardly unfolded edge. During production, the lid is pressed into the container opening in such a way that an edge of the container opening projects beyond the upwardly unfolded edge of the lid. The protruding edge of the container opening is folded over the edge of the lid and fastened to the lid by welding and/or by gluing with a hot melt adhesive or similar adhesives. The container base body is provided over its entire circumference or at least a majority of its circumference with a weakening structure, for example a perforation, which enables the part of the container base body located above the perforation to be separated together with the lid and this assembly to be removed or this assembly to be pivoted about a hinge which is formed by a non-perforated part of the container base body.

TASK AND SOLUTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a resealable container with a recyclable lid which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. It is a further object to provide a method for producing a resealable container with a recyclable lid.

These objects are achieved by the subject matter having the features of claims 1 and 6. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

According to a first aspect, a resealable container is created comprising a container base body with a container opening and a lid, wherein the lid has a plug-in section inserted into the container opening, wherein the container base body is provided with a weakening structure, for example a perforation or a tear-off thread, over its entire circumference or at least over a majority of its circumference, wherein the weakening structure enables a complete separation of an assembly, comprising a first part of the container base body located above the weakening structure and the lid, for removing this assembly from a second part of the container base body located below the weakening structure, or the weakening structure enables a region-by-region separation of the assembly, comprising the first part of the container base body located above the weakening structure and the lid, for pivoting this assembly relative to the second part of the container base body about a hinge which is formed by a region of the container base body not having the weakening structure, wherein the lid is manufactured as a preformed component from a fiber-based material and the lid in the container opening is inserted in such a way that an upper end of the plug-in section is flush with an edge of the container opening, wherein a first region of the plug-in section inserted into the container opening, arranged above the weakening structure, is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body and a second region arranged below the weakening structure The area of the plug-in section inserted into the container opening contacts the inside of the container base body without a material-locking connection.

According to a second aspect, a method is provided for producing a resealable container comprising a container base body with a container opening and a lid, wherein the lid has a plug-in section which is inserted into the container opening, wherein the container base body is provided with a weakening structure, for example a perforation or a tear-off thread, over its entire circumference or at least over a majority of its circumference, wherein the weakening structure enables a complete separation of an assembly, comprising a first part of the container base body located above the weakening structure and the lid, for removing this assembly from a second part of the container base body located below the weakening structure, or the weakening structure enables a region-by-region separation of the assembly, comprising the first part of the container base body located above the weakening structure and the lid, for pivoting this assembly relative to the second part of the container base body about a hinge which is formed by a region of the container base body not having the weakening structure, wherein the lid is a preformed component made of a fiber-based Material is supplied and the lid is inserted into the container opening in such a way that an upper end of the plug-in section is flush with an edge of the container base body, wherein a first region of the plug-in section arranged above the weakened structure after insertion is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body and a second region of the plug-in section arranged below the weakened structure after insertion contacts an inner side of the container base body without a materially bonded connection.

The terms "first", "second", etc. are used only to distinguish between components, parts or areas and do not indicate a sequence. Insofar as the terms "top" and "bottom", "above" and "below" or the like are used in the description and in the claims in connection with the container, these serve to describe a relative position or arrangement in space in a normal orientation of the container in which a container opening is oriented upwards, i.e. against the direction of gravity. However, applications are conceivable in which the container is oriented differently, i.e. the container opening points in a different direction.

A container base body is a body that holds the product, which in typical designs is tubular or sleeve-shaped, with the container base body having a container opening at one end for access to the product, which can be closed by means of the lid. At an opposite end, in designs, a bottom opening is provided, which is closed with a bottom. Depending on the application, the bottom is connected to the container base body using a connection technique that can be selected by a specialist, for example by means of folding, sealing, flanging or the like. It is known to fill the container base body from the underside and to close the container using the bottom after filling. In other designs, filling takes place via the container opening. The container base body can be fed into a filling process as a semi-finished product with a bottom already connected to the container base body. In typical applications, the bottom is connected to the container base body in such a way that a user cannot separate it non-destructively.

The lid can be swivelled to open the container or removed from the container body and can be closed again with the container body, whereby closing at least prevents any bulk material from escaping. In contrast to conventional containers, such as those made from EP 0 611 703 A2 As is known, the lid intended for repeated product access and reclosure is not connected to the container base body by forming or folding a part of the container base body over an edge of the lid. Instead, a prefabricated lid made of a fiber-based material is inserted into the container opening, which is materially connected, in particular welded or glued, to the container base body over a defined area on the inside. By supplying a prefabricated lid, folding or flanging can be dispensed with during production of the container, in particular as part of a filling process.

To re-close the container after it has been opened for the first time, the second area of the plug-in section is inserted into the second part of the container base body arranged below the severed weakening structure. Depending on the application, for example depending on a material pairing of the container base body and the lid and/or a product held in it, a clearance between the container base body and the lid can be suitably selected. to ensure closure with sufficient security.

The lid is made of a fiber-based material. A fiber-based material is a recyclable material made of fibers, in particular plant fibers or fabric fibers, such as paper, cardboard, or carton. The prefabricated lid made of a fiber-based material can be manufactured in an upstream process by forming and/or from a pulp, for example by compression molding. Depending on the application, a coating can be applied to the lid if required to give the lid additional properties, such as a water-repellent function and/or an oxygen barrier. The lid can be recycled after the container has been used.

In embodiments, the container base body is formed from a blank, in particular folded, wherein the weakening structure is preferably introduced before the blank is formed. Depending on the application, the container base body is made of paper, cardboard, carton or plastic and/or a laminate comprising these materials. However, the invention is not limited to container base bodies made of these materials. In particular, it is also conceivable that the container base body is made entirely or partially from metal.

In one embodiment, the lid has a flange which adjoins the upper end of the plug-in section and rests against the edge of the container base body. The flange allows a defined positioning of the lid on the container base body when the lid is inserted into the container base body, both during production and when the container is reclosed. The flange can be designed to suit the application. In one embodiment, the flange has a groove or knurling on its peripheral surface to improve the grip of the lid for opening the container. In other embodiments, the flange has a recessed grip and/or a tab for removing and/or pivoting the lid. In one embodiment, the edge of the container base body comprises a seal, with the flange resting against the seal.

In some designs, the flange is flush with an outer surface of the container body. This avoids a design known as the mushroom effect, in which the diameter of the lid is larger than the container body and protrudes from it at the side. The flush flange allows for easy and safe handling, for example during transport.

The length of the second region of the plug-in section, which is inserted into the second part of the container base body for reclosure, can be selected as appropriate depending on the application. In one embodiment, the length of the second region of the plug-in section is at least half, preferably at least two thirds, of the length of the first region of the plug-in section.

In some embodiments, the container base body has a circular or oval outline. In other embodiments, the container base body has a polygonal outline with at least three sides. In order to produce a container with a pivotably hinged lid, a weakening structure is provided in some embodiments, which extends over N-1 sides of an N-sided outline. In particular, in some embodiments, the container base body has a rectangular or trapezoidal outline with four sides, with the weakening structure extending over three of the four sides. In some embodiments, a groove is provided on the fourth side to form the hinge.

In one embodiment, a membrane is attached below the weakening structure in the container base body, which is to be removed at least in sections when it is first opened. The membrane serves, for example, as an oxygen barrier. The material of the membrane and its design can be selected depending on the application, in particular depending on the product to be contained. The membrane is completely or partially removed when it is first opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• 1: in einer Seitenansicht eine erste Ausführungsform eines wiederverschließbaren Behälters vor einem ersten Öffnen;
• 2: in einer perspektivischen Ansicht den wiederverschließbaren Behälter gemäß 1 bei einem ersten Öffnen;
• 3: in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht den wiederverschließbaren Behälter gemäß 1 vor dem ersten Öffnen;
• 4: ein Detail IV gemäß 3 in einer vergrößerten Darstellung;
• 5: in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht den wiederverschließbaren Behälter gemäß 1 beim ersten Öffnen; und
• 6: in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht eine zweite Ausführungsform eines wiederverschließbaren Behälters bei einem ersten Öffnen.

Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the description of embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the schematic figures. In the figures:

• 1 : in a side view a first embodiment of a resealable container before a first opening;
• 2 : in a perspective view the resealable container according to 1 when first opened;
• 3 : in a cut side view the resealable container according to 1 before first opening;
• 4 : a detail IV according to 3 in an enlarged view;
• 5 : in a cut side view the resealable container according to 1 when first opened; and
• 6 : in a sectional side view a second embodiment of a resealable container during a first opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES

The 1 to 5 show schematically a first embodiment of a resealable container 1 before a first opening ( 1 , 3 and 4 ) and when opened for the first time ( 2 and 5 ).

The resealable container 1 shown comprises a container base body 2, a lid 3 and a membrane 4 (cf. 2 to 5 ).

The container base body 2 is made in embodiments from a blank, for example from a laminate, from cardboard and/or from carton, wherein the blank is bent or folded so that a tubular or sleeve-shaped container base body 2 is created, which has a container opening 20 for product access at a first end. At an opposite end, a bottom opening 21 is provided, which can be closed by means of a bottom not shown in the figures.

As in 2 As can be seen, the container base body 2 shown has a substantially square outline with four sides which are connected to one another via rounded corners. However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated shape of the container base body 2 and other designs are conceivable, for example, but not limited to, a circular, oval, rectangular, trapezoidal or triangular outline.

A weakening structure 22, for example a straight perforation or a tear thread, is provided on the container base body 2. The weakening structure 22 is preferably introduced into the blank before folding or shaping the blank. The weakening structure 22 is introduced at a distance from an edge 23 of the container opening 20 that is suitably selected depending on the application and extends in the embodiment shown (see 2 ) over three of the four sides of the container base body 2 as well as all four curves connecting the sides. On a fourth side of the container base body 2, in some embodiments, a groove is provided to form a hinge 24. The weakening structure 22 divides the container base body 22 into a first part 2a located above the weakening structure 22 and a second part 2b located below the weakening structure 22 (cf. 4 ).

The lid 3 is manufactured as a preformed component from a fiber-based material. The shape of the lid 3 can be designed to suit the application. The lid 3 shown has a plug-in section 30 inserted into the container opening 20 and a flange 31. The lid 3 is inserted into the container opening 20 in such a way that an upper end of the plug-in section 30 is flush with the edge 23 of the container opening 20. A first region 301 of the plug-in section 30 inserted into the container opening 20, which is arranged above the weakening structure 22, is connected in a material-locking manner to an inner side of the container base body. A second region 302 of the plug-in section 30 inserted into the container opening 20, which is arranged below the weakening structure 22, in contrast, contacts an inner side of the container base body 2 without a material-locking connection. A material-locking connection is made, for example, by welding, sealing and/or by gluing. In the 4 In the embodiment shown, the first region 301 of the plug-in section 30 has a schematically shown groove 32 for receiving an adhesive. The representation of the groove 32 is only schematic in both size and shape and numerous modifications are conceivable. In other embodiments, such a groove is dispensed with.

Due to the material-locking connection, the lid 3 and the first part 2a of the container base body 2 arranged above the weakening structure 22 form an assembly.

The weakening structure 22 extending over the majority of the circumference of the container base body 2, namely in the illustrated embodiment over three of the four sides of the container base body 2, allows a separation of the assembly comprising the part 2a of the container base body 2 located above the weakening structure 22 and the lid 3, for example by pulling on the flange 31 of the lid 3, and a pivoting of this assembly about the hinge 24, as shown in the 2 and 5 shown.

The second area 302 of the plug-in section 30 allows the container 1 to be reclosed by pivoting the lid 3 into the 3 and 4 shown starting position, with the second region 302 in the area below the now severed weakening structure 22 Part 2b of the container base body 2 is inserted. For a safe reinsertion of the lid 3 into the container base body 2, a length L2 of the second region 302 of the plug-in section 30 in the illustrated embodiment is approximately two thirds of a length L1 of the first region 301 of the plug-in section 30.

In the embodiment shown, a membrane 4 is provided below the lid 3. The membrane 4 enables a barrier function before the first opening. The membrane 4 is in the position shown in 2 shown position in whole or in part to access the product.

In the 1 to 5 In the embodiment shown, the lid 3 is designed as a solid component, wherein the shape and size of the flange 31 are selected such that the flange 31 is flush with an outer surface of the container base body 2.

The lid 3 is made of a fiber-based material. Depending on the application, the lid 3 can have a coating. In one embodiment, a sealing ring is provided on an edge 23 of the container opening 20, which allows oxygen-tight resealing. The sealing ring forms the edge 23 of the container opening 20, with which the upper end of the plug-in section 30 closes and against which a flange 31, if present, rests.

As mentioned, the lid 3 can be designed to suit the application. For example, in a modified embodiment, the lid 3 has a dome-shaped top instead of a flat, upward-facing top.

6 shows a second embodiment of a reclosable container 1 in a sectional side view during a first opening. The container 1 according to the second embodiment is similar to the container 1 of the first embodiment and identical reference numerals are used for identical or similar components. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment according to the 1 to 5 the cover 3 in the embodiment according to 6 has a recess 32 on its upper side 32. The recess 33 allows a reduction in material for the manufacture of the lid 3 without impairing the function of the lid 3 for reclosing.

Furthermore, the recess 33 can be used as a receptacle for aids, such as additives to be mixed with the product in the container base body, a measuring spoon and/or cutlery.

The lids 3 for a resealable container according to the invention can be produced from a pulp, for example, by means of compression molding. Alternatively, it is conceivable to produce the lids 3 from paper, cardboard and/or carton and/or laminates thereof by forming and/or folding. Thanks to the use of a fiber-based material, and thus a renewable raw material, instead of a plastic to produce the lid 3, a particularly sustainable solution is achieved.

To produce the container 1, in embodiments the container base body 2 is first formed from a blank. The weakening structure 22 is preferably introduced before the blank is formed. The weakening structure 22 can be introduced immediately before the forming or at a different time and/or location from the forming.

In one embodiment, the bottom opening 21 is closed by means of a bottom after the container base body 2 has been formed. The semi-finished product created in this way can be fed into a filling process.

The membrane 4 is then inserted into the container base body 2 and connected to an inner side of the container base body 2. Depending on the application and/or material of the container base body 2, the membrane 4 is connected to the container base body 2 by means of a suitable method, for example sealed to it.

The lid 3 is preferably supplied as a prefabricated component during the manufacture of the container 1. The plug-in section 30 of the lid 3 is inserted into the container opening 20 of the container base body 2, with the flange 31 coming to rest on the edge 23 of the container opening 20. The first region 301 of the plug-in section 30, which is arranged above the weakening structure 22 after insertion, is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body 2. The second region 302 of the plug-in section 30, which is arranged below the weakening structure 22 after insertion, is not connected to the inner side of the container base body 2 and contacts it without a materially bonded connection.

For product access, the weakening structure 22 is broken during a first opening, for example by applying a tensile force on the lid 3. After breaking open the weakening structure 22, the lid 3 and the first part 2a of the container base body 2 located above the weakening structure 22, which is connected to the first region 301 of the lid 3, can be pivoted about the hinge 24, which is formed by a region of the container base body 2 that does not have the weakening structure 22. The membrane 4 can then be at least partially removed.

For reclosure, the lid 3 is pivoted back into the starting position, wherein the second region 302 of the lid 3 dips into the part 2b of the container base body 2 located below the broken weakening structure 22.

In an alternative embodiment, a weakening structure extending over the entire circumference is introduced into the container base body 2. After this weakening structure is broken open during a first opening, the lid 3 and the first part 2a of the container base body 2 located above the weakening structure, which is connected to the first region 301 of the lid 3, can be separated from the second part 2b of the container base body 2. To reclose it, the lid 3 is returned to the starting position, with the second region 302 of the lid 3 dipping into the part 2b of the container base body 2 located below the broken weakening structure.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0611703 A2 [0004, 0011]

Claims (10)

Resealable container (1) comprising a container base body (2) with a container opening (20) and a lid (3) which closes the container opening (20) in a closed position, wherein the lid (3) has a plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20), wherein the container base body (2) is provided with a weakening structure (22), for example a perforation or a tear-off thread, over its entire circumference or at least over a majority of its circumference, wherein the weakening structure (22) enables a complete separation of an assembly comprising a first part (2a) of the container base body (2) located above the weakening structure (22) and the lid (3), for removing this assembly from a second part (2b) of the container base body (2) located below the weakening structure (22), or the weakening structure (22) enables a partial separation of the assembly comprising the first part located above the weakening structure (22). (2a) of the container base body (2) and the lid (3), for pivoting this assembly relative to the second part (2b) of the container base body (2) about a hinge (24) which is formed by a region of the container base body (2) which does not have the weakening structure (22), characterized in that the lid (3) is manufactured as a preformed component from a fiber-based material and the lid (3) is inserted into the container opening (20) in such a way that an upper end of the plug-in section (30) ends flush with an edge (23) of the container opening (20), wherein a first region (301) of the plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20) arranged above the weakening structure (22) is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body (2) and a second region (302) of the plug-in section inserted into the container opening (20) arranged below the weakening structure (22) (30) contacts the inside of the container base body (2) without a material connection. Resealable container according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the lid (3) has a flange (31) adjoining the upper end of the plug-in section (30) and resting on the edge (23) of the container base body (2), wherein the flange (31) preferably ends flush with an outer circumferential surface of the container base body (2). Resealable container according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a length (L2) of the second region (302) of the plug-in section (30) is at least half, preferably at least two thirds of a length (L1) of the first region (301) of the plug-in section (30). Resealable container according to Claim 1 , 2 or 3 , characterized in that the container base body (2) has a rectangular or trapezoidal plan with four sides, wherein the weakening structure (22) extends over three of the four sides, wherein preferably on the fourth side a groove is provided to form the hinge (24). Resealable container according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that a membrane (4) is arranged below the weakening structure (22) in the container base body (2), which membrane is to be removed at least in sections during a first opening. Method for producing a resealable container (1) comprising a container base body (2) with a container opening (20) and a lid (3), wherein the lid (3) has a plug-in section (30) which is inserted into the container opening (20), wherein the container base body (2) is provided with a weakening structure (22), for example a perforation or a tear-off thread, over its entire circumference or at least over a majority of its circumference, wherein the weakening structure (22) enables a complete separation of an assembly, comprising a first part (2a) of the container base body (2) located above the weakening structure (22) and the lid (3), for removing this assembly from a second part (2b) of the container base body (2) located below the weakening structure (22), or the weakening structure (22) enables a partial separation of the assembly, comprising the first part (2a) of the container base body located above the weakening structure (22). (2) and the lid (3), for pivoting this assembly relative to the second part (2b) of the container base body (2) about a hinge (24) which is formed by a region of the container base body (2) which does not have the weakening structure (22), characterized in that the lid (3) is supplied as a preformed component made of a fiber-based material and the lid (3) is inserted into the container opening (20) in such a way that an upper end of the plug-in section (30) is flush with an edge (23) of the container base body (2), wherein a first region (301) of the plug-in section (30) arranged above the weakening structure (22) after insertion is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body (2) and a second region (302) of the plug-in section (30) arranged below the weakening structure (22) after insertion The plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20) contacts an inner side of the container base body (2) without a material connection. Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the container base body (2) is formed from a blank, in particular folded, wherein the weakening structure (22) is preferably introduced before forming the blank. Procedure according to Claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that the lid (3) has a flange (31) adjoining the upper end of the plug-in section (30), which is brought into contact with the edge (23) of the container base body (2) when the lid (3) is inserted, wherein the flange (31) preferably ends flush with an outer circumferential surface of the container base body (2). Procedure according to Claim 6 , 7 or 8th , characterized in that the container base body (2) has a rectangular or trapezoidal plan with four sides, wherein the weakening structure (22) is introduced such that the weakening structure (22) extends over three of the four sides and preferably on the fourth side a groove is provided to form the hinge (24). Procedure according to one of the Claims 6 until 9 , characterized in that a membrane (4) is arranged below the weakening structure (22) in the container base body (2), said membrane being to be removed at least in sections during a first opening.

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