JP2016508930A - Grip means for containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A container blank (2) for forming a container has a first plane and a second plane facing each other, and includes a row of main body forming panels (P1 to P4) arranged side by side. The boundary between the panels is defined by each weak boundary line (S1 to S4) extending substantially perpendicular to the row from the top to the bottom of the main body forming panel, and at least one of the main body forming panels. (P2) includes a dent line (12) in the first plane (14), the dent line is not visible in the opposing second plane (16), and the grip enhancing substance (18 ) Is arranged.

Description

  The present invention relates to packaging, and more particularly to a laminate packaging made of paperboard coated with a thermoplastic resin.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a paper container made of a laminate mainly composed of paper, and having a concavo-convex on the outer surface of the container in order to improve anti-slip properties and design properties. The laminate includes an inner layer having at least a heat-adhesive resin layer on one surface of paper and an outer layer having at least a heat-adhesive resin layer on the other surface. In order to improve the anti-slip property, a part of the paper container is uneven.

  Patent Document 2 relates to a commercial packaging material that includes at least one flat surface or curved surface and an antitheft label, and is provided with a groove on a surface where the antitheft label is located.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an integrated circuit such as a transponder, in which an integrated circuit is bonded to a substrate such as a cardboard packaging material, a patch antenna is attached to the substrate and the integrated circuit, and a sealing layer is formed on at least a part of the patch antenna and the integrated circuit. An integrated circuit is disclosed that is attached to a substrate by applying. A depression may be formed in the substrate and an integrated circuit may be disposed in the depression. The patch antenna can be screen printed onto the substrate and integrated circuit using conductive ink, or the patch antenna can be a metal foil that is affixed to the substrate and integrated circuit. If the integrated circuit is a transponder, it can be programmed with an identification code before or after attachment to the substrate.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a stackable box. The stackable box has an upstanding tab at the top of each end panel, a retention tab at the bottom of the side panel, and a recess near the center of the base of the box. Such a configuration allows the boxes to be stacked so that when the second box is placed on top of the first box, the upright tabs of the first box are the retaining tabs of the second box and / or the second box. Engage with the recess.

JP 2003-276725 A International Publication No. 00/75038 Pamphlet European Patent Application No. 0615285 British Patent Application No. 2471268

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container blank for forming a container is provided. The container blank has a first plane and a second plane facing each other and includes a row of main body forming panels arranged side by side, and a boundary between the main body forming panels is an upper portion of the main body forming panel. Defined by each of the boundary lines of weakness extending substantially perpendicular to the row from the bottom to the bottom, wherein at least one of the body forming panels is a line of indentation in the first plane. depression) is not visible in the opposing second plane, and a grip enhancing substance is disposed in the depression line.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, a container including a loop of a main body panel is provided. The boundary between the body part panels is defined by each fragile boundary line extending substantially perpendicular to the loop from the top to the bottom of the body part forming panel. At least one of the body panel includes a dent line on the outer plane, the dent line is not visible on the inner plane, and a grip enhancing material is disposed in the dent line.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a container blank of sheet material is provided. The method is a step of marking the sheet material with a pattern of weak lines defining the main body forming panel of the container blank, the container blank having a first plane and a second plane facing each other. Forming a dent line in at least one of the first planes of the main body forming panel, the dent line not being visible at a corresponding position in the second plane, and the dent line Disposing a grip enhancing substance therein.

  These aspects allow the application of a non-slip material to the outer surface of the packaging material without interfering with any part of the container manufacturing process.

  By forming the dent line on the first plane of the laminate material, the surface characteristics of the second surface on the opposite side are not changed, and the inner surface of the main body forming portion of the packaging material is smooth in appearance and the first surface of the packaging material There is an advantage that it is maintained in a state where there is no trace formed by embossing or the like formed on one surface. This is particularly advantageous in the case of aseptic packaging where it is desirable for the inner surface to be as smooth as possible so that there is no effect on the packaging material at risk of destroying the barrier function of the resulting container.

  In a preferred embodiment, the grip enhancing material is a friction enhancing material that increases the amount of friction between the consumer's finger and the body panel of the container. Other materials can be used, for example, to convey information to the user, for example to indicate the temperature of the contents.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a container blank to be converted into a container. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container composed of the container blank of FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a packaging material suitably used to form the container of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a container blank 2 having a first plane constituting the outer surface of a container to be formed and a second plane constituting an inner surface of the container to be formed is a paperboard substrate layer and moisture-proof heat. A laminate including an outermost layer and an innermost layer of a plastic resin (an oxygen barrier layer such as an aluminum foil may be interposed between the substrate and the innermost thermoplastic resin layer). A gable-topped container 4 or a pack container composed thereof (shown in FIG. 2) is used for the packaging of liquids such as milk or fruit juice, in particular for the aseptic packaging of such liquids.

  In order to produce the container blank 2, a web of packing material is passed between a pair of rollers in a known manner. The pair of rollers cut the wrapping material around the edge of the container blank, and the first plane of the container blank that forms the outer surface of the final container and the second of the container blank that forms the inner surface of the final container. Forms the lines of weakness seen in both planes.

  The container blank 2 includes four panels P1 to P4 forming a main body part bounded by weak lines in the form of score lines S1, S2, S3 and S4 and has a fifth standard sealing panel. The main body panels P1 to P4 are separated from the end closing panels P6 to P9 arranged in a row, bounded by further weak lines in the form of score lines S5 to S8 at their lower ends. Similarly, the main body panels P1 to P4 arranged in a row are bounded by further weak lines in the form of score lines S9 to S11 at the upper ends thereof, and the top obturating panels P10, P11 arranged in a row and Separated from P13. The upper closed panel P12 and the main body panel P3 adjacent immediately inside thereof are not separated by a physical score line, but when the container 4 is formed from the container blank 2 at the boundary between the panels P3 and P12 There is an invisible weak line where the upper closed panel P12 is bent with respect to the main body panel P3. The panels P10 and P12 are quadrangular, and each constitutes a square roof panel of the gable roof type container 4, while the panels P11 and P13 are also square, but are substantially defined by the oblique score lines S12, S13, S14 and S15. Are divided into three triangular sub-panels P11a to P11c and P13a to P13c. The upper closing panels P10 to P13 arranged in a row are bounded by the upper sealing panels P14 to P17 arranged in a row at their upper ends to form the sealing fins 6 (see FIG. 2) of the container 4. A through hole 8 (or a loop of weakness in the case of aseptic packaging) is formed in the front upper closing panel P12, and a pour spout fitment 10 is applied thereto.

  When making the container 4 from the container blank 2 shown in FIG. 1, the container blank 2 is converted into a container sleeve. The container sleeve has a rectangular cross section, and the main body panels P1 to P4 form a loop around the sleeve, and the upper closing panels P10 to P13 form a loop around the sleeve. The end closure panels P6 to P9 are folded on the mandrel to form an end closure. After folding the end closure panels P6-P9, these panels are sealed on a mandrel to form a bottom closure. The sealing includes heating and pressing the panels P6-P9 together to form a sealed bottom closure to bring the thermoplastic resin layer into an adhesive state. Alternatively, other sealing methods such as gluing can be used, and heating can be unnecessary in the case of gluing. After filling the container 4, the upper closure is formed by forming the sealing fins 6 in a known manner. And the flange (refer FIG. 2) of the spout stopper 10 can be attached to the outer surface of the upper closing sub-panel P12 by performing ultrasonic welding on the weak ring-shaped part 8, for example. Alternatively, the flange of the spout stopper 10 may be applied to the inside of the sub-panel P12 before closing the spout protruding through the through hole 8. The container 4 may be suitable for liquid aseptic packaging or non-sterile packaging.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the laminate wrapping includes a paperboard substrate 100, an outer layer 102 of thermoplastic material, an inner layer 104 of thermoplastic material, and an oxygen barrier disposed between the paperboard substrate 100 and the inner layer 104 of thermoplastic material. A barrier layer such as layer 106 is included. When forming the container blank 2, by preparing a pair of rollers through which the packaging material passes, pressurize the outer layer 102 of the thermoplastic material and the surface of the paperboard layer 100 facing the outer layer 102 of the thermoplastic material. At least one line of depression 12 is formed on the surface of the wrapping material that forms the outer surface 14 of the final container, while the corresponding inner surface 16 remains smooth. This is obtained by providing a desired pattern composed of one or more depression devices on one of the rollers in contact with the outer surface 14 and smoothing the corresponding part of the other roller. Thus, the dent line 12 may be visible on the outer surface but not visible on the inner surface.

  Prior to converting the container blank 2 into a container sleeve, a material 18 that improves grip is placed in the recessed line 12 so that the material 18 is contained within the recessed line 12 and does not spill over the outermost surface of the outer surface 14. Can be made. The material may be in the form of a friction-increasing substance. In this way, the friction enhancing material 18 is maintained where it is most needed.

  In a filling device, various adjustments of the filling device are often required when the container blank has different surface friction characteristics, such as when a grip element or the like is adhered to the outer surface of the container and protrudes outward from the outer surface. When removing a container blank from a magazine, placing a container blank on a mandrel, transferring a container from a mandrel to a chain pocket, orienting a container in a chain pocket throughout the filling device, and finally When sealing, the performance of the filling device can be different. The combination of the dent line 12 and the friction-enhancing material 18 contained within the dent line 12 does not adversely affect the performance of the filling device.

  The friction enhancing material 18 is advantageously a fluid material, such as a high friction ink or varnish, prior to application. The high friction ink or varnish is composed of a modified acrylic resin, has a behavior like a rubber substance (relatively large elasticity and relatively high flexibility), and provides anti-slip properties. Furthermore, high friction inks or varnishes do not contain silicones or waxes known as slip agents.

  The friction enhancing material 18 may be placed in the recessed line 12 during the same process of applying other inks used for container decoration, for example in an ultraviolet (UV) printing process performed at another ink station. . UV printing is a relatively fast process because it does not have to wait for the ink to dry. As such, the friction enhancing material 18 can be selected to cure when exposed to UV radiation, similar to the ink used in this process. However, other methods of printing container decorations can be used with a suitable friction enhancing material 18 that can be selected accordingly.

  In this manner, the friction enhancing material 18 can be applied at various levels to have varying degrees of friction and / or friction areas and other tactile features without interfering with the manufacturing process. The friction enhancing material 18 is generally contained within the recessed line 12 and does not interfere with contact or processing with other adjacent container blanks or sleeves, thereby facilitating the stacking and withdrawal of flat container blanks or sleeves. To do.

  By having such a container 4 in hand, the consumer can experience an improved grip of the container. This is particularly advantageous for consumers who may have vision impairment and / or physical disability. Using container 4 reduces the risk of spilling liquid food contents and dropping container 4 when pouring liquid food contents.

  Similar to vehicle tire treads designed to provide a gripping surface on the ground on which the vehicle travels, the recessed lines 12 can be arranged in a particular desired pattern for optimum grip. Thus, the recessed line 12 clearly indicates how the consumer should hold the container 4.

  The inner surface 16 of the wrapping material has no dent lines 12 and therefore remains smooth so that the inner surface 16 can be sterilized efficiently. Such a smooth inner surface is ideal for the sterilization process. This is because there are no bumps or folds in the packaging that can continue to survive bacteria and other microorganisms after sterilization.

  The depth of the dent line 12 should be less than half the thickness of the paperboard layer so that the amount of material 18 used is minimized and sufficient contact is obtained between the skin of the consumer's finger and the material 18. It is preferred that it is less than ¼ of the thickness of the paperboard layer.

  The area of the outer surface 14 that is not pressurized to form the dent line 12 remains relatively smooth, as with known containers of this type. The indentation line 12 thus visually and / or tactilely delineates for the consumer one or more grip areas 20 for holding the container 4 in an advantageous manner.

  The container 4 in FIG. 2 has a main body side panel P2 having a plurality of grip regions 20 defined by a plurality of recessed lines 12. One grip region 20 is formed from a pattern of substantially circular dent lines 12, and another grip region is formed from a pattern of multiple corrugated dent lines 12. The same or different pattern may be provided on the opposite side panel of the main body in consideration of the arrangement of the consumer's fingers when holding the container 4. The position and pattern of the recessed line 12 of the main body panel P <b> 2 may be different depending on the size of the container 4. The different grip areas 20 shown need not be provided together, they can be independent of each other and of any desired shape and pattern. The pattern of the substantially circular dent line 12 shown in the figure is from the junction between the main body side panel P2 and the main body rear panel P1 to the junction between the main body side panel P2 and the main body front panel P3. It is slightly inclined with respect to the horizon. This allows the consumer to naturally hold the container 4. Each of the opposed main body panels P2 and P4 and each of the opposed upper closed panels P11b and P13b further includes a linear weakened portion 22 so that all of the liquid food contents are discharged and the container 4 is emptied. Left from folded container 4 to indicate to the consumer where to fold the container for disposal / recycling in some cases, or to leave a relatively viscous liquid such as yogurt completely out of container 4 and empty The liquid content may be squeezed out to promote the liquid content. The straight fragile portion 22 does not pass through the grip region 20, but shows a general fold line for crushing the container 4 to the consumer.

  The corrugated dent 12 may be continuous as shown or not continuous.

  The grip area 20 may also form an area for specific printing related to container handling. Such printing can take the form of text and / or images.

Claims (22)

  A container blank for forming a container, comprising a row of main body forming panels arranged side by side, having a first plane and a second plane facing each other, wherein the boundary between the main body forming panels is , Defined by each fragile boundary line extending substantially perpendicular to the row from the top to the bottom of the body forming panel, wherein at least one of the body forming panels has a dent line in the first plane. A container blank, wherein the dent line is not visible in the opposing second plane, and a grip enhancing material is disposed within the dent line.   The container blank of claim 1, wherein the grip enhancing material is a friction enhancing material.   A container blank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grip enhancing substance is a high friction ink or varnish.   The container blank according to claim 3, wherein the high friction ink or varnish contains a modified acrylic resin.   The container blank includes a paperboard substrate, a first thermoplastic material layer on the first plane, a second thermoplastic material layer on the second plane, and the paperboard substrate. And a barrier layer disposed between the second thermoplastic material layer, wherein the dent line is the surface of the paperboard substrate facing the first thermoplastic material layer The container blank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container blank is formed on the first thermoplastic material layer.   The container blank according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the grip enhancing substance is entirely contained within the dent line.   The container blank according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the depth of the dent line is less than half of the thickness of the paperboard substrate.   The container blank according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a plurality of the recessed lines form one or more grip regions in at least one of the main body forming panels.   The said recessed line exists in the 2nd and 4th main-body-part formation panel among the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th main-body-part formation panels of a row, It is any one of Claims 1-8. Container blank as described.   A container comprising body panel loops, wherein the boundary between the body panels is defined by each fragile boundary line extending substantially perpendicular to the loop from the top to the bottom of the body panel; Each body panel has an outer plane and an inner plane, and at least one of the body panels includes a dent line in the outer plane, the dent line not visible on the inner plane and within the dent line. Is a container in which a grip enhancing substance is placed.   The container blank of claim 10, wherein the grip enhancing material is a friction enhancing material.   12. A container according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the grip enhancing substance is a high friction ink or varnish.   The container of claim 12, wherein the high friction ink or varnish comprises a modified acrylic resin.   The container comprises a paperboard substrate, a first layer of thermoplastic material on the first plane, a second layer of thermoplastic material on the second plane, and the paperboard substrate A laminate wrap including a barrier layer disposed between the second thermoplastic material layer, wherein the recessed line is a surface of the paperboard substrate facing the first thermoplastic material layer; The container according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the container is formed on the first thermoplastic material layer.   15. A container according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the grip enhancing substance is entirely contained within the dent line.   16. A container according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the depth of the dent line is less than half the thickness of the paperboard substrate.   The container according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein a plurality of the recessed lines form one or more grip regions in at least one of the main body panels.   The container as described in any one of Claims 10-17 in which the said dent line exists in the said main-body part panel which opposes in the said loop. A method of forming a sheet material container blank,
Marking the sheet material with a pattern of weak lines defining the body blank forming panel of the container blank, the container blank having a first plane and a second plane facing each other; and
Forming a dent line in at least one of the first planes of the body portion forming panel, wherein the dent line is not visible at a corresponding position in the second plane; and
Placing a grip enhancing substance within the dent line;
Including methods.   The container blank comprises a paperboard substrate, a first layer of thermoplastic material on the first plane, a second layer of thermoplastic material on the second plane, and the paperboard substrate; A laminate wrap including a barrier layer disposed between the second thermoplastic material layer, wherein the step of forming the recessed line comprises the board base facing the first thermoplastic material layer. The method of claim 19, wherein the method is by pressurizing a face of material and the first thermoplastic material.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the pressurizing comprises pressurizing the dent line to a depth of less than half of the thickness of the paperboard substrate.   The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the step of disposing the grip enhancing substance is by an ultraviolet printing process.

Images