Packaging materials for forming packaging containers and packaging containers formed from the packaging materials

Abstract

The present invention provides a packaging material (1) for forming a packaging container (2), the packaging material (1) comprising at least one base layer (3), the base layer (3) having a hole (8) and at least one partition element (9) covering the hole (8). The hole (8) extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. An imaginary longitudinal line (A) parallel to the first longitudinal axis and an imaginary transverse line (B) parallel to the transverse axis intersect at a center point of the hole (8). A first maximum extension (E1) of the hole along the imaginary longitudinal line (A) is greater than a second maximum extension (E2) of the hole (8) along the imaginary transverse line (B). The hole (8) is asymmetric relative to the imaginary transverse line (B). A packaging container formed by the above packaging material is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging material for forming a packaging container, in particular a multi-layer packaging material.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging container, in particular a packaging container for a pourable product (even more particularly for a pourable food product), which is formed from a packaging material, in particular from a packaging material having a multi-layer structure. Background Art

[0003] It is well known that many liquid or pourable products, such as food products including fruit juices, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato ketchup, etc., are sold in packaging containers made of a packaging material having a multi-layer structure.

[0004] It is known to form a packaging container from a packaging material in an automatic packaging machine, which forms the packaging container from the packaging material and fills the packaging container with a pourable product during the forming process (before the final formation of the packaging container).

[0005] Furthermore, it is known that certain types of packaging containers are provided with corresponding pouring outlets, each of which is covered by a corresponding frangible separating element so as to allow the pourable product to be poured out after partial or complete removal of the separating element. Before its partial or complete removal, each separating element can protect the pourable product present in the packaging container from the (adverse) external environment.

[0006] Typically, these holes and the corresponding separating elements have originated from the packaging material.

[0007] Typical examples of such a packaging material include a base layer, such as a base layer of a fibrous material, which provides the required stiffness and strength to the packaging material and is provided with at least one hole defining a corresponding pouring outlet of the corresponding packaging container, and at least one covering layer covering the base layer.

[0008] Typically, such a hole, and thus the corresponding pouring outlet, has a circular shape.

[0009] It has been found that there are drawbacks in the behavior of the pourable product flowing out of the packaging container, since in some cases spillage of the pourable product occurs. This drawback is more pronounced in smaller-sized packaging containers compared to larger-sized packaging containers.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need in the art to improve the known packaging containers and / or the packaging materials for forming the packaging containers. Summary of the Invention

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging material, in particular a multilayer packaging material, for forming a packaging container for pourable products, in particular pourable foods, in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0012] A particular object of the present invention is to provide in a simple and cost-effective manner an improved packaging material, in particular a multilayer packaging material, for forming a packaging container having improved pouring properties for a pourable product packaged therein.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container, in particular, which is filled or can be filled with a pourable product, even more particularly, which is filled or can be filled with a pourable food product, in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0014] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container, in particular, which is filled or can be filled with a pourable product, even more particularly, with a pourable food product, in a simple and inexpensive manner, which packaging container has improved properties for pouring the pourable product out of the packaging container.

[0015] According to the present invention, a packaging material as described below is provided. The present invention provides a packaging material for forming a packaging container, the packaging material comprising at least one base layer, the base layer having a hole and at least one partition element covering the hole; wherein the hole extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; wherein an imaginary longitudinal line parallel to the first longitudinal axis and an imaginary transverse line parallel to the transverse axis intersect each other at respective center points of the hole; wherein a first maximum extension of the hole along the imaginary longitudinal line is greater than a second maximum extension of the hole along the imaginary transverse line; wherein the hole has an asymmetric shape relative to the imaginary transverse line.

[0016] Other advantageous embodiments of the packaging material are given in the following aspects. In one aspect, the holes are symmetric with respect to the imaginary longitudinal line. In one aspect, the ratio between the first maximum extension and the second maximum extension is in the range between 3 / 2 and 9 / 2. In one aspect, the first maximum extension is in the range between 30 mm and 45 mm, and / or the second maximum extension is in the range between 10 mm and 20 mm. In one aspect, the hole is delimited by a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge; wherein the respective extensions of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge are greater than the respective extensions of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge; wherein the respective extension of the first lateral edge is less than the respective extension of the second lateral edge. In one aspect, the respective extensions of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge are equal to each other. In one aspect, the first lateral edge includes a first connecting portion connected to the first longitudinal edge and a second connecting portion connected to the second longitudinal edge; wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are curved. In one aspect, the respective radius of curvature of the first connecting portion and / or the second connecting portion is in the range between 3.75 mm and 5 mm, particularly, it is equal to 4.25 mm. In one aspect, the first connecting portion and / or the second connecting portion are convex outward. In one aspect, the second lateral edge includes a third connecting portion connected to the first longitudinal edge and a fourth connecting portion connected to the second longitudinal edge; wherein the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion are curved. In one aspect, the respective radius of curvature of the third connecting portion and / or the fourth connecting portion is in the range between 3.5 mm and 5 mm, particularly, the respective radius of curvature is 4.0 mm. In one aspect, the third connecting portion and / or the fourth connecting portion are convex outward. In one aspect, each of the first longitudinal edge and / or the second longitudinal edge includes a respective first portion and a respective second portion; wherein each first portion and each second portion have a curved shape. In one aspect, each first portion has a respective radius of curvature in the range between 55 mm and 65 mm, and / or each second portion has a respective radius of curvature in the range between 235 mm and 245 mm.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging container formed of the above packaging material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 is a partially shown top schematic view of the packaging material according to the present invention, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity;

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective schematic view partially showing a packaging container formed of a packaging material according to the present invention, in which some parts have been removed for clarity; and

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of details of the packaging material according to the present invention, in which some parts have been removed for clarity. Detailed Description

[0022] Reference numeral 1 generally denotes a packaging material (partially shown in Figure 2 and Figure 1 and Figure 3 ) for forming a packaging container 2 (partially shown in

[0023] ) for a pourable product, particularly a pourable food product [such as fruit juice, milk (e.g., ultra-high temperature treated milk), wine, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and others].[[]]

[0024] Alternatively, and according to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging material 1 is provided in the form of a web of packaging material, wherein the web of packaging material is configured to allow the production of a plurality of packaging containers. In particular, the web of packaging material includes a series of (substantially identical and connected) blanks, each blank being intended to form a corresponding packaging container 2.[[]]

[0025] Preferably but not necessarily, the web of packaging material is formed into a tube within an automatic packaging machine, the tube being filled with the pourable product, and individual packaging containers being formed from the tube (in accordance with the corresponding blanks).[[]]

[0026] Alternatively, the web of packaging material is fed into an automatic packaging machine and cut into individual blanks therein, so that individual packaging containers 2 are formed from the blanks obtained by cutting the web of packaging material in the automatic packaging machine.[[]]

[0027] With particular reference to Figure 3 , the packaging material 1 has a multi-layer structure.[[]]

[0028] In particular, the packaging material 1 at least includes:

[0029] - a base layer 3, which provides the stiffness and strength required for the packaging material 1 (and the packaging container 2 ultimately formed therefrom);

[0030] - A first covering layer 4, which is made of a heat-sealable plastic material such as polyethylene, in particular; and

[0031] - A second covering layer 5, which is made of a heat-sealable plastic material such as polyethylene, in particular.

[0032] In particular, the first covering layer 4 and the second covering layer 5 are inserted between each other with the base layer 3 therebetween.

[0033] Preferably, the base layer 3 comprises a fibrous material such as paper, cardboard or similar material, and / or a mineral-filled polypropylene material.

[0034] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the first covering layer 4 defines the inner surface of the packaging container 2 that finally comes into contact with the pourable product.

[0035] Preferably but not necessarily, the packaging material 1 further comprises a gas and light barrier layer 6, which comprises a gas and light barrier material such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film. In particular, the gas and light barrier layer 6 is arranged between the first covering layer 4 and the base layer 3.

[0036] Preferably but not necessarily, the packaging material 1 further comprises another covering layer 7, which is made of a heat-sealable plastic material such as polyethylene, in particular, and is arranged between the gas and light barrier layer 6 and the base layer 3.

[0037] With particular reference to Figure 1 and 2 , the base layer 3 comprises at least one hole 8. In particular, the hole 8 defines the pouring outlet of the packaging container 2, through which the pourable product can flow out of the corresponding packaging container 2 during use.

[0038] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, and particularly in the case where the packaging material 1 is in the form of a roll of packaging material, the base layer 3 comprises a plurality of holes 8 spaced equidistantly from each other. In particular, each hole 8 is associated with a corresponding blank in a series (connected) of blanks forming the roll of packaging material, and / or each hole 8 is associated with a corresponding packaging container 2 (and defines the corresponding pouring outlet).

[0039] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 3 , the packaging material 1 further comprises a separating element 9 covering the hole 8. In particular, in the case where the packaging material 1 is in the form of a roll of packaging material, the packaging material 1 comprises a plurality of separating elements 9, each covering a corresponding hole 8.

[0040] In particular, each separating element 9 is configured to separate the internal environment of the corresponding packaging container 2 finally formed from the (adverse) external environment.

[0041] Preferably, each separating element 9 is breakable and / or pierceable and / or cuttable and / or openable and / or removable so as to allow the pourable product to flow out through the respective hole 8 (pouring outlet) in use.

[0042] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, each separating element 9 is formed by a respective portion of the first covering layer 4 and / or a respective portion of the second covering layer 5 and / or a respective portion of the gas and light barrier layer 6 and / or a respective portion of another covering layer 7.

[0043] According to Figure 3 In the specific example shown, each hole 8 is covered by a respective separating element 9 which comprises a respective portion of the first covering layer 4, the gas and light barrier layer 6, another covering layer 7 and the second covering layer 5.

[0044] According to an alternative non - limiting embodiment, each separating element 9 can be different and separated from the first covering layer 4 and the second covering layer 5 and the gas and light barrier layer 6 and another covering layer 7.

[0045] Advantageously, each hole 8 extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0046] Advantageously, a respective imaginary longitudinal line A parallel to the first longitudinal axis and a respective imaginary transverse line B parallel to the respective transverse line B intersect at the respective center point of the respective hole 8. In particular, each imaginary longitudinal line A and the respective imaginary transverse line B are perpendicular to each other.

[0047] More specifically, each hole 8 is delimited by a respective edge (provided within the base layer 3).

[0048] In particular, each center point is determined such that the respective distances along the respective imaginary longitudinal line A between a first point of the edge and the center point and between a second point of the edge opposite (along the respective imaginary longitudinal line A) the first point and the center point are equal to each other; the respective distances along the respective imaginary transverse line B between a third point of the edge and the center point and between a fourth point of the edge opposite (along the respective imaginary transverse line B) the third point and the center point are equal to each other.

[0049] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, each hole 8 is defined by a respective first lateral edge 15, a second lateral edge 16 (spaced from the respective first lateral edge 15 along a respective longitudinal axis), a first longitudinal edge 17, and a second longitudinal edge 18 (spaced from the first longitudinal edge 17 along a respective transverse axis). In other words, the respective edges enclose each hole 8. In particular, each first lateral edge 15 and the respective second lateral edge 16 extend in a direction substantially parallel to the respective transverse axis, and the respective first longitudinal edge 17 and the respective second longitudinal edge 18 extend in a direction substantially parallel to the respective longitudinal axis.

[0050] In particular, each first lateral edge 15 and the respective second lateral edge 16 are transverse to the respective first longitudinal edge 17 and the respective second longitudinal edge 18.

[0051] Advantageously, each hole 8 has a respective first maximum extension E1 along the respective longitudinal axis and a respective second maximum extension E2 along the respective transverse axis. In particular, the respective first maximum extension E1 is greater than the second maximum extension E2. In other words, each hole 8 is an elongated hole. That is, the length of each hole 8 is greater than the width.

[0052] In particular, each first maximum extension E1 and each second maximum extension E2 are determined by respectively measuring the maximum distance between the respective first lateral edge 15 and the respective second lateral edge 16 along the respective longitudinal axis and / or a respective imaginary longitudinal line A, and between the respective first longitudinal edge 17 and the respective second longitudinal edge 18 along the respective transverse axis and / or a respective imaginary transverse line B.

[0053] Advantageously, each hole 8 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to a respective imaginary transverse line B (i.e., the respective imaginary transverse line B does not divide the respective hole 8 such that the two resulting parts are mirror images of each other; in other words, each hole 8 is not mirror - symmetric with respect to the respective imaginary transverse line B).

[0054] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, each hole 8 is symmetric with respect to a respective imaginary longitudinal line A (i.e., the respective imaginary longitudinal line A acts as a mirror axis; that is, each imaginary longitudinal line A divides the respective hole 8 into two parts that are mirror images of each other).

[0055] Preferably but not necessarily, the ratio between the respective first maximum extension E1 and the second maximum extension E2 is between 3 / 2 and 9 / 2.

[0056] Preferably but not necessarily, each first maximum extension E1 is in the range between 30 mm and 45 mm and / or the respective second maximum extension E2 is in the range between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0057] According to some non - limiting embodiments, each first longitudinal edge 17 and the corresponding second longitudinal edge 18 have an extension greater than the extensions of the corresponding first lateral edge 15 and the corresponding second lateral edge 16, respectively.

[0058] Preferably but not necessarily, the extension of each first lateral edge 15 is less than the extension of the corresponding second lateral edge 16.

[0059] Preferably but not necessarily, the extensions of each first longitudinal edge 17 and the corresponding second longitudinal edge 18 are equal to each other. In other words, each hole 8 tapers towards the corresponding first lateral edge 15.

[0060] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, each first lateral edge 15 includes a first connecting portion 19 and a second connecting portion 20 that are respectively connected to the corresponding first longitudinal edge 17 and the corresponding second longitudinal edge 18.

[0061] Preferably but not necessarily, each first connecting portion 19 and each second connecting portion 20 are curved, particularly convex outwardly.

[0062] Preferably but not necessarily, each first connecting portion 19 and / or each second connecting portion 20 has a corresponding first radius of curvature, which is particularly in the range between 3.5 mm and 5 mm, and even more particularly equal to 4.25 mm.

[0063] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, each second lateral edge 16 includes a third connecting portion 21 and a fourth connecting portion 22 that are respectively connected to the corresponding first longitudinal edge 17 and the corresponding second longitudinal edge 18.

[0064] Preferably but not necessarily, each third connecting portion 21 and each fourth connecting portion 22 are curved, particularly convex outwardly.

[0065] Preferably but not necessarily, each third connecting portion 21 and / or each fourth connecting portion 22 has a corresponding second radius of curvature, particularly, the second radius of curvature is in the range between 3.5 mm and 5 mm, and even more particularly, the corresponding second radius of curvature is 4.0 mm.

[0066] Preferably but not necessarily, each first radius of curvature is different from the corresponding second radius of curvature, particularly, each first radius of curvature is greater than the corresponding second radius of curvature.

[0067] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, each first longitudinal edge 17 and / or each second longitudinal edge 18 includes a respective first portion 23 and a respective second portion 24, and in particular, the first portion 23 and the second portion 24 are connected to each other.

[0068] Preferably but not necessarily, each first portion 13 and each second portion 24 have a curved shape, and in particular, each first portion 13 and each second portion 24 are convex outward.

[0069] Preferably but not necessarily, each first portion 23 has a respective third radius of curvature in the range between 55 mm and 65 mm, in particular 60 mm, and / or each second portion 24 has a respective fourth radius of curvature in the range between 235 mm and 245 mm, in particular 241 mm.

[0070] Preferably but not necessarily, each third radius of curvature is different from the respective fourth radius of curvature, and in particular, each third radius of curvature is less than the respective fourth radius of curvature.

[0071] Preferably but not necessarily, each third radius of curvature and each fourth radius of curvature are different from, and in particular greater than, the respective first radius of curvature and the respective second radius of curvature.

[0072] Preferably but not necessarily, each first portion 23 is connected to a respective first lateral edge 15, and each second portion 24 is connected to a respective second lateral edge 16.

[0073] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the packaging material 1, and in particular each blank, includes a plurality of crease lines 30, and in use, the packaging material 1, and in particular each blank, is folded along the crease lines 30 (so as to define the shape of the respective packaging container 2).

[0074] Preferably but not necessarily, each hole 8 is arranged in a region defined by two crease lines 30 parallel to the respective longitudinal axis and two crease lines 30 parallel to the respective transverse axis. In particular, no more crease lines are arranged within the respective region of each hole 8.

[0075] From the foregoing description, the advantages of the packaging material 1 according to the present invention will be apparent.

[0076] In particular, by providing the elongated holes 8 having an elongated structure and an asymmetrical shape with respect to the respective imaginary transverse line B, one obtains improved flow characteristics of the pourable product in use. In particular, in use, the holes 8 allow a space to be formed above the flow of the pourable product, thereby allowing air to enter, thus avoiding gulping and spillage.

[0077] Obviously, the packaging material 1 and / or the packaging container 2 described herein may be modified without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

[0078] According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment not shown, each packaging container 2 may be provided with an opening device that allows the corresponding separating element 9 to be ruptured and / or removed and / or opened and / or cut.

Claims

1. A packaging material (1) for forming a packaging container (2), in, The packaging material (1) comprises: a base layer (3) configured to provide rigidity and strength and having holes (8); A first covering layer (4); A second covering layer (5); a gas and light barrier layer (6) comprising a gas and light barrier material; another covering layer (7) interposed between the gas and light blocking layer (6) and the base layer (3); and at least one partition element (9) covering the hole (8), wherein the partition element (9) is formed by a corresponding portion of the first covering layer (4) and / or a corresponding portion of the second covering layer (5) and / or a corresponding portion of the gas and light barrier layer (6) and / or a corresponding portion of the further covering layer (7); wherein the hole (8) extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; wherein an imaginary longitudinal line (A) parallel to the longitudinal axis and an imaginary transverse line (B) parallel to the transverse axis intersect each other at a corresponding center point of the hole (8), the center point being determined so that the corresponding distances along the corresponding imaginary longitudinal line (A) between a first point of the edge and the center point and between a second point of the edge opposite to the first point and the center point are equal to each other, and the corresponding distances along the corresponding imaginary transverse line (B) between a third point of the edge and the center point and between a fourth point of the edge opposite to the third point and the center point are equal to each other; wherein a first maximum extension (E1) of said hole along said imaginary longitudinal line (A) is greater than a second maximum extension (E2) of said hole (8) along said imaginary transverse line (B); wherein said hole (8) has an asymmetrical shape relative to said imaginary transverse line (B), The packaging material (1) comprises a plurality of crease lines (30), and in use, the packaging material (1) is folded along the crease lines (30) to form a packaging container (2) with a substantially flat top. wherein the first maximum extension (E1) is in the range between 30 mm and 45 mm and the second maximum extension (E2) is in the range between 10 mm and 20 mm, the hole (8) is arranged in a region bounded by two crease lines (30) parallel to the longitudinal axis and two crease lines (30) parallel to the transverse axis, and no further crease lines are arranged in the corresponding region of the hole (8); wherein the hole (8) is delimited by a first lateral edge (15), a second lateral edge (16), a first longitudinal edge (17) and a second longitudinal edge (18), the first maximum extension (E1) being determined by measuring the maximum distance between the respective first lateral edge (15) and the respective second lateral edge (16) along the respective longitudinal axis and / or the respective imaginary longitudinal line (A), and the second maximum extension (E2) being determined by measuring the maximum distance between the respective first longitudinal edge (17) and the respective second longitudinal edge (18) along the respective transverse axis and / or the respective imaginary transverse line (B); wherein the respective extensions of the first longitudinal edge (17) and the second longitudinal edge (18) are greater than the respective extensions of the first lateral edge (15) and the second lateral edge (16); wherein the respective extension of the first lateral edge (15) is less than the respective extension of the second lateral edge (16); wherein the first longitudinal edge (17) and the second longitudinal edge (18) extend in a direction substantially parallel to the respective longitudinal axes.

2. The packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the hole (8) is symmetric with respect to the imaginary longitudinal line (A).

3. The packaging material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio between the first maximum extension (E1) and the second maximum extension (E2) is in the range between 3 / 2 and 9 / 2.

4. The packaging material according to claim 1, wherein, the respective extensions of the first longitudinal edge (17) and the second longitudinal edge (18) are equal to each other.

5. The packaging material according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the first lateral edge (15) includes a first connecting portion (19) connected to the first longitudinal edge (17) and a second connecting portion (20) connected to the second longitudinal edge (18); wherein the first connecting portion (19) and the second connecting portion (20) are curved.

6. The packaging material according to claim 5, wherein, the respective radii of curvature of the first connecting portion (19) and / or the second connecting portion (20) are in the range between 3.75 mm and 5 mm.

7. The packaging material according to claim 6, wherein, the respective radii of curvature of the first connecting portion (19) and / or the second connecting portion (20) are equal to 4.25 mm.

8. The packaging material according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein, the first connecting portion (19) and / or the second connecting portion (20) are convex outward.

9. The packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the second lateral edge (16) includes a third connecting portion (21) connected to the first longitudinal edge (17) and a fourth connecting portion (22) connected to the second longitudinal edge (18); wherein the third connecting portion (21) and the fourth connecting portion (22) are curved.

10. The packaging material according to claim 9, wherein the respective radii of curvature of the third connecting portion (21) and / or the fourth connecting portion (22) are in the range between 3.5 mm and 5 mm.

11. The packaging material according to claim 10, wherein, the respective radii of curvature of the third connecting portion (21) and / or the fourth connecting portion (22) are 4.0 mm.

12. The packaging material according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the third connecting portion (21) and / or the fourth connecting portion (22) are convex outward.

13. The packaging material according to claim 1, wherein, Each of said first longitudinal edge (17) and / or said second longitudinal edge (18) comprises a respective first portion (23) and a respective second portion (24); wherein each first portion (23) and each second portion (24) has a curved shape.

14. The packaging material according to claim 13, wherein each first portion (23) has a respective radius of curvature in the range between 55 mm and 65 mm, and / or each second portion (24) has a respective radius of curvature in the range between 235 mm and 245 mm.

15. A packaging container (2) formed from a packaging material (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-14.

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