EP4385911B1 - Packaging container with venting system - Google Patents

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a packaging container with venting channels, in particular for gas-generating food products, and to a method for packaging products, in particular gas-generating food products, in these packaging containers. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of these packaging containers.

State of the art

Packaging containers with venting systems are well-known in the art. They are used for storing various products, such as fresh food. The venting systems ensure pressure equalization within the container, allowing released gases to escape and preventing oxygen from entering. The packaging containers can be vented using pressure relief valves, holes, or membranes, for example.

The EP 2 150 118 (GENERAL MILLS MARKETING, INC.) In this context, it describes food packaging for dough. The gases produced by the dough are vented from the interior of the packaging container to the outside through holes, channels, valves, or osmotically permeable materials. The venting means can be located on the side of the packaging cup or at the top of the packaging closure.

The KR 2003 0000745 A deals with a packaging container for fermenting food. The gases produced by the food escape from the container through gas outlet channels in the form of grooves. The channels are ring-shaped, with the innermost channel connected to the interior of the container via an inlet opening. The outermost channel is in contact with the outside of the container via an outlet opening. Offset from the inlet and outlet openings are also connecting openings that connect the inner and outer gas outlet channels, so that the gas outlet channels are curved.

However, the venting solutions of packaging containers have proven unsatisfactory. In the case of vents on the side, dirt particles or germs get into them, which are then transferred through contact with the cup, e.g., when consumers pick up the containers while shopping. In addition, the The contents of the packaging can easily reach the openings when tilted, either covering them or even blocking them. However, the openings can also be closed if the packaging cup is stored correctly, for example, if fermentable contents such as dough ferment vigorously and expand in the container.

Venting solutions installed at the top of the packaging closure also prove to be inadequate. Stacking such packaging containers on top of each other poses a high risk of contamination, as the packaging containers can carry dirt particles and/or germs on the bottom, which can then enter the interior of a container below through the vent opening. Furthermore, stacking them on top of each other impedes the ventilation of lower-lying containers. This means that such containers should only be stored next to each other, which in turn requires more storage or retail space.

There is therefore still a need for improved solutions.

Description of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a solution that at least reduces the disadvantages present in the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a packaging container with a venting function that ensures constant venting and hygienic storage throughout the entire life cycle of a gas-generating product, in particular foodstuffs. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for packaging gas-generating products, in particular foodstuffs, in this packaging container and the use of this packaging container.

These objects are achieved by the features of independent claim 1, the method of independent claim 12 and the use of independent claim 13.

1. a) einen Becherboden,
2. b) einen am Becherboden angeformten Bechermantel,
3. c) eine dem Becherboden gegenüberliegende Becheröffnung und
4. d) einen öffnungsseitigen Siegelrand umfasst,

wobei in die vom Becherboden wegragende Oberseite des Siegelrandes mindestens ein Kanal, insbesondere mehrere Kanäle, eingebracht sind, welche auf ihrer dem Becherboden entgegengesetzten Längsseite offen sind und wobei der Verpackungsverschluss stoffschlüssig mit der dem Becherboden entgegengesetzten Oberseite des Siegelrands verbunden ist, sodass die Becheröffnung und die offenen Längsseiten der Kanäle durch den Verpackungsverschluss bedeckt und verschlossen sind, wobei die Kanäle an ihren stirnseitigen Enden offen sind, sodass der Innenbereich des Verpackungsbechers mit dessen Aussenbereich gasdurchlässig verbunden ist, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Kanäle (6) im Siegelrand (5) entlang einer geraden Linie verlaufen.The invention accordingly relates to a packaging container, in particular for a gas-generating food product, wherein the packaging container comprises a packaging cup and a packaging closure and wherein the packaging cup

1. a) a cup base,
2. b) a cup jacket formed on the cup base,
3. c) a cup opening opposite the cup bottom and
4. d) comprises a sealing edge on the opening side,

wherein at least one channel, in particular a plurality of channels, are introduced into the upper side of the sealing rim projecting away from the cup base, which channels are open on their longitudinal side opposite the cup base, and wherein the packaging closure is materially connected to the upper side of the sealing rim opposite the cup base, so that the cup opening and the open longitudinal sides of the channels are covered and closed by the packaging closure, wherein the channels are open at their front ends, so that the inner region of the packaging cup is connected to its outer region in a gas-permeable manner, characterized in that the channels (6) in the sealing rim (5) run along a straight line.

A channel is defined as a continuous, elongated recess in the form of a groove. The channel is not closed, but rather has an open upper longitudinal side along its entire length, as long as the packaging closure is not applied or if the packaging closure has been removed. The upper longitudinal side refers to the side of the channel facing away from the cup base.

A straight channel layout reduces the risk of dirt particles and/or germs accumulating within the channels, e.g., in corners and/or curves. This reduces the risk of contamination of the packaging contents.

The open long side of the channels is covered by the packaging closure when the packaging closure is attached.

The packaging closure seals the cup opening gas-tight upwards, i.e. in the direction opposite to the cup bottom. Inside the packaging cup When a packaging cup is sealed with a packaging closure, the resulting gas can only escape through the open front ends or the side openings of the channels. The material connection can be glued, soldered, and/or welded.

The inlet openings of the channels are in a plane with the preferably vertical inner edge of the sealing rim. The outlet openings of the channels are in a Level with the preferably vertical outer edge of the sealing rim. Inlet openings refer to the open front ends of the channels in the interior of the packaging cup, while outlet openings refer to the open front ends of the channels in the exterior of the packaging container.

In particular, the sealing rim completely surrounds the cup opening and forms its boundary.

By integrating the channels into the sealing edge, the risk of contamination of the packaging contents is significantly reduced. This positioning prevents the channel openings located on the outside of the packaging container from being touched when the packaging container is picked up. This prevents dirt particles and/or germs from entering the outer channel openings.

Furthermore, the inventive solution prevents the packaging contents from reaching the inner channel openings, i.e., the channel openings located inside the packaging container, when the packaging container is tilted. This prevents the inner channel openings from being covered or blocked by the packaging contents. This ensures continuous ventilation, even when the packaging container is moved or tilted, which often occurs during transport or by the buyer or consumer.

Continuous venting ensures hygienic storage of the packaging contents, especially food products. It also prevents the container from swelling and the packaging closure from warping. This allows for more space-efficient storage of the packaging containers, prevents the packaging closure from opening under excess pressure, and prevents consumers from being falsely misled into believing the packaging contents are inedible.

Packaging containers according to the invention are also inexpensive, quick and easy to manufacture, as they can be produced, for example, by injection molding. This solution eliminates the need for complicated manufacturing methods that require Ventilation systems such as valves and/or holes must be installed, for example drilled, in side walls and/or lids.

Furthermore, the channel(s) can be designed in such a way that, at least during the period in which a product in the container produces gases, a constant overpressure is maintained inside the packaging container and/or a clean room effect is achieved. Gases constantly flow from the interior of the packaging container through the channel(s) to the outside. This also helps prevent, for example, contaminants and/or germs from entering the interior of the packaging container from the outside against the gas flow.

In particular, the packaging container contains a gas-generating product, specifically a gas-generating food product. A gas-generating product refers in particular to a product that releases a gas, specifically _CO2 , under the product's usual storage conditions, e.g., at standard pressure (101,325 Pa) and/or a temperature of 1-30°C.

In a preferred embodiment, the packaging container contains a dough, in particular a pre-dough, sourdough, or mother dough, specifically a dough with yeast or lactic acid bacteria. However, it is also possible for the packaging container to contain other gas-generating food products, such as coffee, sauerkraut, kimchi, fresh ready meals, soy, fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, and/or bread. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the packaging container to contain gas-generating household products, such as cleaning agents and/or air fresheners. The solution according to the invention has proven particularly advantageous as a packaging container for food, and in particular for dough.

In particular, the packaging cup is made of a different material than the packaging closure.

This has the advantage that the closure material can be quickly and easily adapted to the properties, such as the gas production rate, of the product contained in the packaging container. For example, for a product with high A more dimensionally stable material should be chosen for the packaging closure to reduce the gas generation rate. This allows the packaging container to be adapted quickly and cost-effectively as the product line changes.

However, it is also possible that the packaging cup and the packaging closure are made of the same material.

In particular, the packaging closure consists of a lid and/or a sealing film.

Lids are understood to refer, in particular, to rigid packaging closures. Compared to lids, films are more flexible. A lid can deform or even break under a certain force, whereas films can bend under the same force and then automatically return to their original shape. Films are more elastic than lids. In certain designs, lids have a circumferential skirt for additional attachment to the packaging cup. Sealing films can be manufactured as composite films or consist of a single material. Other terms for sealing films in this context are sealing plates, plates, lid films, plate films, or films.

Lids offer the advantage that they can be manufactured using a deep-drawing process and/or feature skirts. Deep-drawn lids allow for more space-saving storage of packaging containers. Lids with skirts can also be used as additional shielding of the external channel openings or outlets from dirt particles and/or germs without impairing gas exchange.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lid has an apron which projects beyond and/or shields the outlet opening(s) of the at least one channel, in particular all channels, in a direction from the cup opening to the cup bottom outside the cup jacket.

This is done in such a way that the gas-permeable connection between the inside of the packaging cup and the outside is ensured.

Specifically, the skirt is spaced apart from the cup shell. This allows the gas-permeable connection between the interior of the packaging cup and the exterior to be maintained.

Sealing films require very little material to produce, making them resource-efficient. Furthermore, the sealing process takes only a few seconds, resulting in greater efficiency and time savings.

In a further preferred embodiment, the packaging closure is additionally connected to the sealing edge in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner.

An additional force-fit connection can save material, such as adhesive, during the manufacturing process. However, it is also conceivable for the packaging closure to be connected to the sealing edge with a form-fit connection. Furthermore, it can be advantageous to combine the connection types, which can lead to a more stable connection. Furthermore, the manufacturer has the flexibility to use the most suitable connection technology depending on the product.

Preferably, the packaging closure, in particular the lid and/or the sealing film, is resealable.

A packaging closure, in particular a lid and/or a sealing film, is resealable if, after opening the packaging container, a material, force-fitting, and/or positive connection can be restored between it and the sealing edge without the use of aids such as adhesive and/or adhesive tape. The material, force-fitting, and/or positive connection restored after opening may differ from the material, force-fitting, and/or positive connection existing before opening in that the restored connection is not necessarily gas-tight.

The resealable packaging allows the product to remain in the container after it has been opened. This saves the consumer the trouble of transferring the product to another container, saving time and resources.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the packaging closure, in particular the lid and/or the sealing film, can be used once.

A packaging closure, in particular a lid and/or a sealing film, is single-use if, after opening the packaging container, a material, force and/or form-fitting connection between it and the sealing edge can only be restored by using aids such as adhesive or adhesive tape.

The single use of the packaging closure, especially the lid and/or sealing film, ensures that consumers do not mistakenly interpret a previously opened packaging container as unopened. Otherwise, there is a risk that consumers will store or consume a lower-quality or even inedible product.

In a further preferred embodiment, the packaging cup comprises or consists of plastic, in particular of one or more thermoplastics, specifically of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and/or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In particular, the packaging cup consists of at least 90 wt.%, specifically at least 95 wt.%, for example 100 wt.%, based on the total weight of the packaging cup, of one or more of the aforementioned plastics.

Particularly preferably, the packaging closure, in particular the sealing film, comprises or consists of plastic, in particular of one or more thermoplastics, especially polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and/or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In particular, the packaging closure consists of at least 90 wt.%, especially at least 95 wt.%, for example 100 wt.%, based on the total weight of the packaging closure, of one or more of the aforementioned plastics.

It is also conceivable that the packaging cup and/or the packaging closure could be made of other materials instead of plastics, or contain plastics in combination with other materials. Paper and/or cardboard can be used, for example, for dry products. They offer a readily biodegradable and thus Ecological alternative to plastics. Biodegradable materials such as corn starch, sugar cane, potatoes, cellulose and/or wood also serve as compostable alternatives for the packaging cup and/or the packaging closure. Plastics made from biomass can also be stable, transparent and/or heat-resistant, which is why they can also be used as packaging material, particularly for food products. Metal, such as aluminum and/or steel, can also be used as packaging cups and/or packaging closures. They can be intended for packaging containers whose packaging cups and/or packaging closures must withstand higher pressure. Glass can also be used for the same reasons. In addition, glass offers the option of a transparent packaging cup and/or packaging closure. This way, the product is visible without having to open the packaging container and thus risking contamination.

Plastics are extremely well-suited as materials for packaging cups and/or packaging closures because they have a low density, good weather and chemical resistance, good heat insulation, water resistance, and are easy to clean. Furthermore, depending on the type of plastic, plastics can be rigid, flexible, or elastic. This offers a wide range of packaging material options, allowing different storage needs for various products to be met.

Thermoplastics are particularly suitable for the production of packaging cups and/or packaging closures because they are thermoformable and weldable. This has the advantage that the packaging cup can be sealed gas-tight, for example, with a film. Furthermore, thermoplastics can be manufactured cost-effectively using injection molding. Due to their thermal properties, they are also ideal for use in 3D printing.

Polystyrene (PS) is lightweight, dimensionally stable, transparent, and has a relatively high gas and water vapor permeability, making it particularly suitable for food packaging. Polyethylene (PE) is lightweight, inexpensive, easily moldable, has a high density against water vapor and fat, is cold-resistant, and tasteless. and odorless and easy to weld. This makes it an extremely suitable material for food packaging. Polypropylene (PP) is very stable, has low water vapor permeability, is highly resistant to grease, and is heat-resistant, making it an ideal material for packaging cups and/or packaging closures that are exposed to a heat source, e.g., in a microwave. This is particularly advantageous for food packaging. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is resistant to oils, fats, and alcohols. It has very low permeability to flavors, odors, and gases, thus providing optimal protection for food in particular from external influences. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is also resistant to oils and alcohols, which is why it is also well-suited for use in the food sector.

Alternatively, the plastic types can also be combined with each other to adapt the material properties of the packaging cup and/or closure to the specific product.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the packaging cup has, from the cup base towards the cup opening, at least in sections, in particular in the region of the cup jacket, a cylindrical, truncated pyramid-shaped, cuboid-shaped or, preferably, a truncated cone-shaped cavity.

This allows for simple and quick production, e.g., using injection molding. It also makes it easy to remove food items such as dough from the packaging container.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the packaging cup has, from the cup base towards the cup opening, at least in sections, in particular in the region of the cup jacket, a cylindrical, truncated pyramid-shaped, cuboid-shaped or, preferably, a truncated cone-shaped outer shape.

This enables simple and quick production, e.g. using the injection molding process. In particular, the cavity of the packaging cup has the same shape as the outer shape of the packaging cup.

This allows the internal volume of the packaging cup to be maximized. Furthermore, fewer resources are required during production, as the precise alignment of the cavity and the outer shape ensures a high level of fit.

In a further preferred embodiment, the packaging closure, in particular the lid and/or the sealing film, has an opening tab.

The opening tab allows the consumer to open the packaging container more easily and quickly. Furthermore, the tab guide reduces the risk of damage to the lid and/or the sealing film due to uncontrolled tearing. Alternatively or in addition to an opening tab, a predetermined tear point can also be provided, which can be marked on the lid and/or the sealing film.

Particularly preferably, the ratio between the maximum width and the maximum height of a channel is between 1:3 and 2.5:3, in particular between 1.5:3 and 2.25:3, most preferably 2:3.

The maximum width of a channel is defined as the distance at the widest point of the channel's cross-sectional area. The maximum height of a channel is defined as the distance at the highest point of the channel's cross-sectional area.

It has been shown that this ratio leads to optimal gas venting, so that the packaging container does not swell and the product remains preserved. At this ratio, the gases produced inside the packaging escape from the headspace to the outside at such a rate that an overpressure is maintained in the packaging container for as long as possible. This ensures the longest possible shelf life of the product. Furthermore, with these ratios, no dirt particles and/or germs enter the interior of the packaging container or accumulate in the anal ducts, as the escaping gas flow is fast enough to prevent the penetration of dirt particles and/or germs. Furthermore, this ratio of the channel width to the channel height ensures that the channel is deep enough so that the channels do not become blocked by the packaging closure when closed, i.e. after sealing with the packaging closure.

Optionally, the ratio can also be 1.5:3, since the positive effects have also been shown under this ratio.

In a preferred embodiment, the packaging container has a volume between 5 cm ³ - 1000 cm ³ , in particular between 70 cm ³ - 700 cm ³ and/or a total channel cross-sectional area of 7 × 10 ^-5 cm ² - 3 × 10 ^-2 cm ² , in particular of 1 × 10 ^-3 cm ² - 2 × 10 ^-2 cm ² .

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the packaging container has a volume between 150 cm ³ - 400 cm ³ , in particular between 200 cm ³ - 320 cm ³ , in particular 203 cm ³ or 315 cm ³ , and/or a total channel cross-sectional area of 2 × 10 ^-3 cm ² - 1 × 10 ^-2 cm ² , in particular 3 × 10 ^-3 cm ² - 8 × 10 ^-3 cm ² , in particular 3.1 × 10 ^-3 cm ² , 4.8 × 10 ^-3 cm ² or 7.5 × 10 ^-3 cm ² .

The total channel cross-sectional area is the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all channels present on the packaging container.

In particular, the ratio between the volume of the packaging container and the total cross-sectional area of the channels is between 2.5 × 10 ⁴ cm - 8.5 × 10 ⁴ cm, in particular between 3 × 10 ⁴ cm - 8 × 10 ⁴ cm, in particular between 3.5 × 10 ⁴ cm - 7.5 × 10 ⁴ cm, especially special between 4 × 10 ⁴ cm - 7 × 10 ⁴ cm, even more special at 4.2 × 10 ⁴ cm or 6.6 × 10 ⁴ cm.

In other words, the ratio of the value of the volume of the packaging container, expressed in cm ³ , to the value of the total channel cross-sectional area, expressed in cm ² , is between 2.5 × 10 ⁴ - 8.5 × 10 ⁴ , in particular between 3 × 10 ⁴ - 8 × 10 ⁴ , in particular between 3.5 × 10 ⁴ - 7.5 × 10 ⁴ , even more specifically between 4 × 10 ⁴ - 7 × 10 ⁴ , even more specifically at 4.2 × 10 ⁴ or 6.6 × 10 ⁴ .

The volume of the packaging container is ideally suited for storing gas-generating food products, especially dough, due to its consumer-friendly size. In particular, the volume and total channel cross-sectional area are coordinated to ensure optimal gas venting, preventing the packaging container from swelling while still preserving the product.

It is of course also possible to convert the ratio between the volume of the packaging container and the total cross-sectional area of the channels and express it in another unit, e.g. in mm.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of a channel remains constant along its entire length. However, it is also possible for the cross-sectional area to vary along the length of the channel.

In a further preferred variant, the ratio of the maximum width to the length of a channel is between 1:5 and 1:25, in particular between 1:7 and 1:22. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is, for example, 1:22, 1:11, or 1:7. In the case of a plurality of channels, these can also have different ratios from one another.

The length of a channel is the distance between the two end channel openings.

It has been shown that these conditions lead to optimal gas venting, so that the packaging container does not swell and the product remains preserved.

In addition, these conditions can prevent contamination of the packaging contents.

In particular, the sealing edge has at least 2, in particular 2 - 50, especially 2 - 25, most preferably 8, channels.

This ratio has been shown to result in optimal gas venting, preventing the packaging container from swelling and yet preserving the product for a longer period of time. The number of channels also has the effect of controlling excess pressure in the packaging cup.

Furthermore, the channels are preferably evenly distributed across the entire seal edge. If the outer channel openings are accidentally covered, e.g., if an object is placed next to the packaging container and directly in front of the outer channel openings, gas can still escape through the other channels.

Particularly preferably, an overpressure is maintained in the packaging container for at least 30-65 days, especially for at least 35-60 days, preferably for at least 40-55 days, particularly preferably for at least 45-50 days, from the time the packaging container is closed. This can be achieved as described below.

Overpressure has the effect of constantly venting the gas generated inside the packaging to the outside due to pressure equalization. Similar to a clean room, which is usually maintained at overpressure to prevent the inflow of contaminated air, the overpressure inside the packaging container also prevents the inflow of contaminated outside air and the penetration of dirt particles and/or germs. This increases the shelf life of the product, especially food products. The ratio between the maximum width and the maximum height of a channel, the ratio between the maximum width and the length of a channel, and/or the number of channels also have the effect of allowing the overpressure in the packaging container to be controlled.

Preferably, the number, dimensions, and/or cross-sectional areas of the channels are adapted to the amount of gas generated by the product in the packaging container, in particular a food product, so that an overpressure is maintained in the packaging container. This is particularly true as long as the product in the packaging container produces gas.

Because the quantities of released gases are product-specific, the manufacturer can quickly respond to changes in the product line and adapt the manufacturing process. This saves time and increases efficiency.

• genügend Gas, insbesondere CO₂, entweichen kann, so dass sich der Verpackungsbehälter nicht bläht und
• genügend Gas, insbesondere CO₂, im Verpackungsbehälter verbleibt, so dass der Druck im Innern des Verpackungsbehälters grösser ist als der den Verpackungsbecher umgebenden Umgebungsdruck und/oder eine natürliche Konservierung gewährleistet ist.

In particular, the channels are dimensioned in such a way that

• enough gas, especially CO ₂ , can escape so that the packaging container does not swell and
• sufficient gas, in particular _CO2 , remains in the packaging container so that the pressure inside the packaging container is greater than the ambient pressure surrounding the packaging cup and/or natural preservation is ensured.

Swollen packaging generally signals to consumers that the products it contains are no longer edible or should no longer be used. This is particularly problematic for yeast-based products, which generate gases due to fermentation processes, as swollen packaging would suggest to consumers that the product is inedible. The inventive dimensioning of the channels ensures that, due to the prevailing overpressure inside the packaging container and the natural pressure equalization, sufficient gas is vented from the interior of the packaging container to the outside, preventing the packaging container from swelling. This counteracts potential assumptions by buyers or consumers that the product is inedible. At the same time, sufficient gas remains in the packaging container to ensure a sustained overpressure and thus ventilation for a period of at least 30 - 65 days, in particular for at least 35 - 60 days, preferably for at least 40 - 55 days, particularly preferably for at least 45 - 50 days, thus ensuring preservation The product's hygienic preservation is ensured, as no contaminated outside air can penetrate the packaging container. In addition to hygienically preserving the product, the venting also prevents the product, especially a dough product, from drying out on the surface and forming an unsightly skin, which could deter buyers from making a purchase.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the sealing rim is larger than the outer diameter of the cup base.

This facilitates removal of the product from the packaging container, as the consumer can easily reach the bottom of the container. This is particularly helpful for dough products, as dough can sometimes stick to the bottom and/or sides of the container. It also facilitates the production of the packaging container using the injection molding process, as the molded part can be easily removed from the injection mold, i.e., without clamping.

Particularly preferably, the surface of the sealing edge is smooth and/or flat.

A smooth sealing edge minimizes the risk of air entrapment during the bonding process by keeping the surface roughness as low as possible. This improves the adhesive strength between the sealing edge and the packaging closure. A flat sealing edge also facilitates easier production. Furthermore, less material is required than with uneven sealing edges.

1. 1) Herstellen oder Bereitstellen eines Verpackungsbechers wie er in einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche definiert ist.
2. 2) Befüllen des Verpackungsbechers mit einem gaserzeugenden Produkt, insbesondere einem gaserzeugenden Lebensmittelprodukt.
3. 3) Verschliessen des Verpackungsbechers durch stoffschlüssiges Verbinden des Verpackungsbechers mit einem Verpackungsverschluss wie er in einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche definiert ist.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for packaging a gas-generating food product comprising the steps

1. 1) Producing or providing a packaging cup as defined in any one of the preceding claims.
2. 2) Filling the packaging cup with a gas-generating product, in particular a gas-generating food product.
3. 3) Closing the packaging cup by firmly bonding the packaging cup to a packaging closure as defined in one of the preceding claims.

Particularly preferably, the packaging cup is produced in process step 1) by injection molding.

Injection molding offers the advantage that any shape and wall thickness can be produced, allowing the packaging cup to be adapted to the product. This is particularly advantageous with regard to food packaging, as the requirements for the packaging can vary with regard to various product parameters such as shelf life, fermentation processes, and/or flavorings.

Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a packaging container according to the invention for packaging a gas-generating product, preferably a gas-generating food product, in particular a dough.

Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention result from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.

Short description of the drawings

Fig. 1

A schematic perspective view of a packaging cup according to the invention.

Fig. 2

A section of the seal edge of the Fig. 1 shown packaging cup.

Fig. 3

A section of the seal edge of the Fig. 1 shown packaging cup including packaging closure.

Fig. 4

A schematic perspective view of a packaging container according to the invention.

In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols.

Ways to implement the invention

• Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a packaging cup 1 according to the invention with a cup base 2, a cup shell 3, a sealing rim 5 formed on the cup shell, and a cup opening 4 opposite the cup base. Channels 6 are provided on the opening-side upper side of the sealing rim 5. The channels run straight.
• Fig. 2 shows a section of the seal edge 5 of the Fig. 1 The channels 6 formed on the opening-side upper side of the sealing edge 5 are open along their entire length. The inner channel openings 7 lie in a plane with the vertically extending inner edge of the sealing edge 5. The outer channel openings 11 lie in a plane with the vertically extending outer edge of the sealing edge 5.
• Fig. 3 shows a section of the seal edge 5 of the Fig. 1 shown packaging cup 1 including a packaging closure 8. The packaging closure 8 is materially connected to the upper side of the sealing rim 5 opposite the cup base 2 and covers or closes the cup opening 4 and the open longitudinal sides of the channels 6. The inner 7 and the outer 11 channel openings are not closed.
• Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a packaging container 9 according to the invention consisting of a packaging cup 1, as shown in Fig. 1 described, as well as a packaging closure 8 having an opening flap 10. The opening flap 10 is attached such that it extends over the outer diameter of the sealing edge 5, so that it is easily gripped. The packaging container 9 is firmly bonded to a packaging closure 8, here a sealing film.

The Figures 1 - 4 show only possible and not exhaustive embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, whereby its features can be modified, combined with one another and/or omitted as required according to the respective requirements.

For example, the number of channels 6 can vary and there can be fewer or more channels 6 than in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 shown.

Furthermore, the Fig. 3 - 4 The packaging closure 8 shown can also be a lid, e.g., a deep-drawn lid. Furthermore, it is possible for the packaging closure to have an opening means other than an opening tab 10. Alternatively, a predetermined tear point can be provided, for example.

Claims (13)

1. Packaging container (9), in particular for a gas-producing food product, wherein the packaging container (9) has a packaging cup (1) and a packaging closure (8), and wherein the packaging cup (1) has

   a) a cup base (2),

   b) a cup jacket (3) integrally formed on the cup base (2),

   c) a cup opening (4) opposite the cup base (2), and

   d) an opening-side sealing edge (5),

   wherein at least one channel (6), in particular a plurality of channels (6), are introduced into the upper side of the sealing edge (5) projecting away from the cup base (2), which channels are open on their long side opposite the cup base (2), and wherein the packaging closure (8) is connected in a materially bonded manner to the upper side of the sealing edge (5) opposite the cup base (2), such that the cup opening (4) and the open long sides of the channels (6) are covered and closed by the packaging closure (8), wherein the channels (6) are open at their facing ends (7, 11), such that the inner region of the packaging cup (1) is connected to the outer region thereof in a gas-permeable manner, characterized in that the channels (6) in the sealing edge (5) run along a straight line.
2. Packaging container (9) according to claim 1, wherein the packaging container (9) contains a gas-producing product, in particular a gas-producing food product.
3. Packaging container (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging container (9) contains a dough, in particular a pre-dough, sour dough or mother dough, in particular a dough with yeast or lactic acid bacteria.
4. Packaging container (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging closure (8) consists of a lid and/or a sealing film.
5. Packaging container (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the maximum width and the maximum height of a channel (6) is between 1:3 and 2.5:3, in particular between 1.5:3 and 2.25:3, very particularly preferably 2:3.
6. Packaging container (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the volume of the packaging container and the total channel cross-sectional area of the channels (6) is between 2.5 × 10⁴ cm - 8.5 × 10⁴ cm, in particular between 3 × 10⁴ cm - 8 × 10⁴ cm, in particular between 3.5 × 10⁴ cm - 7.5 × 10⁴ cm, particularly particularly between 4 × 10⁴ cm - 7 × 10⁴ cm, even more particularly at 4.2 × 10⁴ cm or 6.6 × 10⁴ cm.
7. Packaging container (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the maximum width to the length of a channel (6) is between 1:5 and 1:25, in particular between 1:7 and 1:22.
8. Packaging container (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing edge (5) has at least 2, in particular 2 - 50, in particular 2 - 25, very particularly preferably 8, channels (6).
9. Packaging container (9) according to claim 2, wherein an overpressure is present in the packaging container (9).
10. Packaging container (9) according to claim 2, wherein the number, the dimensions and/or the cross-sectional areas of the channels (6) are adapted to the amount of gas produced by the product present in the packaging cup (1), in particular by a food product, such that an overpressure is present in the packaging cup (1).
11. Packaging container (9) according to claim 2, wherein the channels (6) are dimensioned such that

    a) sufficient gas, in particular CO₂, can escape, such that the packaging container (9) does not expand, and

    b) sufficient gas, in particular CO₂, remains in the packaging container (9), such that the pressure inside the packaging container (9) is greater than the ambient pressure surrounding the packaging cup (1) and/or natural preservation is ensured.
12. Method for packaging a gas-producing product, in particular a gas-producing food product, according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of

    a) producing or providing a packaging cup (1) as defined in one of the preceding claims.

    b) filling the packaging cup (1) with a gas-producing product, in particular a gas-producing food product.

    c) closing the packaging cup (1) by integrally connecting the packaging cup (1) to a packaging closure (8) as defined in one of the preceding claims.
13. Use of a packaging container (9) as defined in one of the preceding claims for packaging a gas-producing product, in particular a food product, especially preferably a dough.

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