Sealing tray for cardboard container and packaging container including sealing tray

Abstract

A sealing disc (1) for sealing an inner compartment in a packaging container (100), the sealing disc (1) having a first surface (3) and a second surface (4) and being delimited by a sealing disc outer edge (2), the sealing disc (1) comprising a peripheral edge portion (5) surrounding at least two completely or partially removable tear-off portions (10, 30), each completely or partially removable tear-off portion (10, 30) being arranged to be completely or partially separated from the peripheral edge portion (5) along a contour line (8). A packaging container comprising the sealing disc is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sealing tray for sealing an inner compartment in a packaging container for bulk solids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a sealing tray that provides improved pouring characteristics. The present disclosure also relates to a packaging container including the sealing tray. Background Art

[0002] When packaging consumer goods, and particularly when packaging bulk solids such as dry flowable consumer goods, rigid paperboard packaging containers are often used that serve as protective shipping and storage containers at the retail end and as storage and dispensing containers at the consumer end. Such paperboard containers are typically provided with an openable and closable lid, and an inner removable or frangible shipping closure that keeps the contents fresh and prevents contamination until the container is opened by the consumer.

[0003] It is known to provide packaging with a device that facilitates consumer access to a product. A common type of shipping seal is a sealing disc including a tear-off portion that is opened by a push tab and / or a pull tab. The tear-off portion is defined by a contour cutout that forms an outer tear line that separates the tear-off portion from a peripheral edge portion of the sealing disc that is glued or welded to the inner wall of the container. By pulling the pull tab or pushing the push tab, the outer tear line breaks at the contour line, and the area of ​​the sealing disc that constitutes the tear-off portion can be removed from the container opening, making the contents of the container accessible.

[0004] However, it has been found that once the tear-off portion has been removed from the sealing disc and the contents of the package have been easily scooped out of the container, the pourability of the container is poor. In particular, when the container is newly opened and relatively full, it can be difficult to accurately pour the desired amount from the packaging container. Therefore, there remains a need for further improved opening arrangements for sealing discs for packaging containers, as disclosed herein.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing tray with a more versatile opening arrangement, wherein the user at the consumer end can choose to obtain the contents of the packaging container as desired.Another object is to provide a solution that improves the pouring characteristics of a container comprising a sealing tray. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The above and other objects are provided by a sealing tray according to some embodiments of the present invention and a cardboard packaging container according to other embodiments of the present invention. Further embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims, in the following description and in the accompanying drawings.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a sealing disc for sealing an inner compartment in a packaging container. The sealing disc has a first surface and a second surface and is defined by an outer edge of the sealing disc. The sealing disc includes a peripheral edge portion surrounding at least two fully or partially removable tear-open portions, each of the fully or partially removable tear-open portions being arranged to be fully or partially separated from the peripheral edge portion along a contour line. One or more hinged fold lines are arranged between pairs of interruption points on the contour line and partially separate the one or more fully or partially removable tear-open portions from the peripheral edge portion.

[0008] The first surface of the sealing disc is configured to face the opening and lid of the packaging container, and the second surface is configured to face the interior of the packaging container. The peripheral edge portion of the sealing disc is configured to be attached to the inner surface of the container wall by welding or gluing. Advantageously, a tight seal is formed between the peripheral edge portion and the inner wall so that when one or more fully or partially removable tear-off portions are removed from the sealing disc, the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disc remains firmly attached to the inner wall of the container body. The sealing disc can alternatively be attached to the top end of the container wall, for example, to a curled top end of the container wall, or to a reinforced rim surrounding the container opening.

[0009] The hinge fold line has a higher tear resistance than the tear line and will prevent the complete removal of the fully or partially removable tear portion from the sealing disk. However, it is conceivable to provide the sealing disk with a tear indicator that also extends along the hinge fold line. If the user wishes to completely remove the tear portion rather than simply fold it back along the hinge fold line, such a tear indicator can be configured to facilitate tearing along the hinge fold line. The tear indicator along the hinge fold line is preferably designed so that tearing along the hinge fold line requires a greater force than tearing along a regular tear line. This can be achieved, for example, by providing spaced-apart cuts or perforations arranged along the hinge fold line.

[0010] Furthermore, the hinged fold line enables the fully or partially removable tear portion to be folded outwardly, upwardly, and away from the sealing disk surface and provides an accessible opening in the sealing disk corresponding to the size of the fully or partially removable tear portion.

[0011] At least one or all of the fully or partially removable tear-away portions may be provided with opening arrangements well known in the art, such as, for example, one or more pull tabs, grab tabs, open loops, etc. In order to facilitate grasping and pulling the pull tab, the pull tab is advantageously exposed from the fully or partially removable tear-away portion.

[0012] The fully or partially removable tear-off portion of the sealing disc can also be opened by means of a push tab that is pressed downward and pushed into the packaging container. In this case, the push tab is advantageously folded downward along a fold line and folded upward toward the interior of the container body below the fully or partially removable tear-off portion. Furthermore, one or more fully or partially removable tear-off portions can be formed by a push-in portion, so that the fully or partially removable tear-off portion is torn along the contour by pushing the fully or partially removable tear-off portion into the container body.

[0013] The sealing disc may include one or more separating tear lines extending between one or more pairs of intersection points arranged on the contour lines and delimiting the fully or partially removable tear portions from one another. After the one or more fully or partially removable tear portions have been fully or partially removed, the separating tear lines may further delimit the fully or partially removable tear portions from the section intended to remain in the sealing disc.

[0014] The separating tear line extends from a first intersection of a pair of intersections disposed on the contour line and through the first surface of the sealing disk to a second intersection of the pair of intersections, the second intersection being disposed on the contour line of the sealing disk opposite the first intersection. The separating tear line may have any suitable shape. Thus, the separating tear line may be a straight tear line, or may have a curved profile or a profile composed of straight and / or curved segments. The separating tear line may be non-straight, for example, to accommodate a tear strip that forms an appropriately shaped opening for pouring or inserting a spoon, etc.

[0015] One or more tear lines may be arranged along the contour line. The tear lines completely or partially delimit one or more completely or partially removable tear portions from the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disc. The one or more tear lines may meet the separating tear line at an intersection, and during the tearing action of the completely or partially removable tear portion, the tearing action propagates along the tear line or the separating tear line until it reaches the intersection where the tearing stops.

[0016] The folded-back tear-open portion can serve as a slide when pouring the contents from the packaging container. When the tear-open portion has been completely removed from the sealing disk, the peripheral edge portion remaining on the inner wall of the container body may prevent the contents within the container from being poured out unimpeded through the accessible opening. This problem can be at least partially addressed by providing a folded-back tear-open portion that bridges the edge of the peripheral sealing disk and allows the contents to flow out of the folded-back tear-open portion.

[0017] Advantageously, the one or more fully or partially removable tear portions are provided with pour spout fold lines extending from the pairs of interruption points to a separating tear line on the second surface of the sealing disc to form the pour spout.

[0018] The pouring spout provided by folding over the tear-away portion which is fully or partially removable further facilitates passage of the flowable contents through the peripheral edge portion of the sealed disc.

[0019] Another advantage may be that the "hinge" feature of the fold line allows the fully or partially removable tear-away portion to be repeatedly closed and reopened, further maintaining the integrity of the contents and preventing unwanted contamination.

[0020] Advantageously, the sealing disc comprises or consists of a first fully or partially removable tear-off portion and a second fully or partially removable tear-off portion. The first fully or partially removable tear-off portion and the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion may have the same size, but preferably, the first fully or partially removable tear-off portion is smaller than the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion.

[0021] One advantage of providing a packaging container with a sealing disc having at least two fully or partially removable tear-open portions is that it provides consumers with the option of opening only a limited portion of the seal at a time. By providing sealing discs with fully or partially removable tear-open portions of varying sizes, users can select a container and its contents that is appropriately sized for the intended purpose. Sometimes a small access opening is desirable because only small, precise amounts need to be metered at a time. In other cases, a spoon or scoop may be needed to access the contents, and a large access opening may be necessary to access the contents.

[0022] When tearing open a sealed disc having fully or partially removable tear-off portions of varying sizes, as disclosed herein, consumers can select the size of the opening that provides access to the contents within the packaging container as desired. Users can choose to fold up or completely remove a small tear-off portion to allow the contents of the container to be poured out of the container in a controlled manner, as described herein. Users can then choose to remove a larger tear-off portion to create a large opening for scooping out the contents. It may also be desirable to expose a maximum-sized access opening when the packaging container is emptying its final contents.

[0023] In the simplest embodiment of a sealed disc as disclosed herein, the sealing disc includes a first fully or partially removable tear portion and a second fully or partially removable tear portion. A first separating tear line extending between a pair of first and second intersection points arranged on a contour line separates the first fully or partially removable tear portion from the second fully or partially removable tear portion. The first tear line extending along the contour line from a first intersection point to a second intersection point of the first pair of intersection points separates the first fully or partially removable tear portion from the peripheral edge portion.

[0024] The first separation tear line extends perpendicularly to the contour line from a first intersection of the first pair of intersections on the contour line and through the first surface of the sealing disk to a second intersection of the first pair of intersections on the contour line opposite the first intersection.

[0025] A second tear line extending along the contour line from the second intersection of the first pair of intersections to the first intersection defines a second fully or partially removable tear portion from the peripheral edge portion. When no hinge fold line or interruption point is provided on the first tear line or the second tear line, the two fully or partially removable tear portions can be completely removed from the sealing disk and provide a first access opening or a second access opening in the sealing disk. If both the first fully or partially removable tear portion and the second fully or partially removable tear portion are removed, a large access opening is formed, thereby providing full access to the contents of the packaging container.

[0026] The first and second break points of the pair of break points are arranged on the first tear line or the second tear line, with the hinge fold line arranged between the first and second break points. The hinge fold line prevents the fully or partially removable tear portion from being completely removed from the sealing disk and enables the fully or partially removable tear portion to be folded upward and away from the first surface of the sealing disk and outward from the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disk, thereby forming an accessible opening to the contents of the packaging container. The fully or partially removable tear portion remains attached to the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disk by means of the hinge fold line.

[0027] The hinged, fully or partially removable tear-away portion is advantageously provided with a pour spout fold line extending from the first and second break points to the first separating tear line on the second surface of the sealing disc. The pour spout fold line enables a user to fold an outer portion of the hinged, fully or partially removable tear-away portion along the pour spout fold line to form a pour spout that can be used when pouring the contents from the packaging container unimpeded through the formed access opening.

[0028] One of the fully or partially removable tear-away portions may be provided with a tear strip as part of the fully or partially removable tear-away portion.

[0029] In this embodiment, the tear line extends from a first intersection point through a second intersection point to an endpoint. The first intersection point and the second intersection point are arranged on the contour line, and the endpoint is arranged within the fully or partially torn portion. A first portion of the tear line extending along the contour line between the first intersection point and the second intersection point constitutes a contour segment of the contour line, and a second portion of the tear line extending between the second intersection point and the endpoint constitutes a tear strip segment that defines the pull tab and the inner edge of the tear strip.

[0030] The tear strip as disclosed herein can be used to tear open a sealing disc with a smooth, controlled and continuous tearing motion while reducing the risk of wearing out the peripheral edge portion or damaging the fully or partially torn portion before it is completely removed from the sealing disc.

[0031] According to the present disclosure, both the first completely or partially removable tear-open portion and the second completely or partially removable tear-open portion can be provided with a hinged fold line. For example, a packaging container with a removable lid can advantageously be provided with a sealing disc having a completely or partially removable tear-open portion, both of which can be folded into a pouring spout. As disclosed herein, the completely or partially removable tear-open portion provided with a hinged fold line can be configured to fold back over the contents after being opened. This provides protection for the contents of the package in addition to the outer lid.

[0032] Thus, the third and fourth break points can be arranged along the second tear line, with the second hinged fold line arranged between the third and fourth break points. The second hinged fold line prevents the second fully or partially removable tear portion from being removed and enables the second fully or partially removable tear portion to be folded upward and away from the first surface of the sealing disk and outward from the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disk, thereby forming a second access opening to the contents of the packaging container. The second fully or partially removable tear portion remains attached to the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disk by means of the second hinged fold line.

[0033] The second fully or partially removable tear-open portion may be provided with a second pour spout fold line extending from the third break point and the fourth break point to the first separating tear line on the second surface of the sealing disc. The second pour spout fold line enables a user to fold an edge portion of the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion along the second pour spout fold line to form a second pour spout that can be used when pouring the contents from the packaging container unimpeded through the second access opening.

[0034] The sealing disc as disclosed herein may be provided with a section that remains in the sealing disc when both the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion and the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion have been partially or completely removed. The remaining section is advantageously arranged between the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion and the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion and will stabilize the shape of the container opening, thereby facilitating repeated opening and tight closing of the container with a removable lid or hinged lid.

[0035] The first separation tear line extends between the paired first and second intersection points and defines a first completely or partially removable tear portion from a non-removable section, and the second separation tear line extends between the paired third and fourth intersection points arranged on the contour line and defines a second completely or partially removable tear portion from the non-removable section. The second separation tear line extends from the third intersection point in a direction perpendicular to the contour line and passes through the first surface of the sealing disk to a fourth intersection point arranged on the contour line opposite the third intersection point.

[0036] A first tear line extending along the contour line from the first intersection point to the second intersection point defines a first fully or partially removable tear portion from the peripheral edge portion, and a second tear line extending along the contour line from the third intersection point to the fourth intersection point defines a second fully or partially removable tear portion from the peripheral edge portion. When no hinge fold line or interruption point is provided on the first tear line or the second tear line, the two fully or partially removable tear portions can be completely removed from the sealing disk and provide a first access opening and / or a second access opening in the sealing disk.

[0037] In a sealed tray as disclosed herein, one or both of the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion and the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion are provided with a hinged fold line to enable the fully or partially removable tear-open portion to be folded upward and away from the first surface of the sealing tray and outward over the peripheral edge to form a reclosable access opening. In this case, one or both of the fully or partially removable tear-open portions may also be provided with a pour spout fold line, which will enable a user to form a pour spout by means of which the contents can be poured out of the access opening.

[0038] The first and second break points of the first pair of break points can be arranged on the first tear line, with the first hinged fold line arranged between the first and second break points. The first hinged fold line prevents the first fully or partially removable tear portion from being completely removed from the sealing disk and enables the first fully or partially removable tear portion to be folded upward and away from the first surface of the sealing disk and outward and over the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disk. The first fully or partially removable tear portion remains attached to the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disk by means of the first hinged fold line.

[0039] The first fully or partially removable tear-open portion is advantageously provided with a first pour spout fold line extending from the first break point and the second break point to the first separating tear line on the second surface of the sealing disc. The first pour spout fold line enables a user to fold an edge portion of the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion along the pour spout fold line to form a first pour spout that can be used when pouring the contents from the packaging container unimpeded through the first access opening.

[0040] The third and fourth break points may be arranged along the second tear line, with the second hinge fold line arranged between the third and fourth break points. The second hinge fold line prevents the second fully or partially removable tear portion from being removed and enables the second fully or partially removable tear portion to be folded upward and away from the first surface of the sealing disc and outward through the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disc. The second fully or partially removable tear portion remains attached to the peripheral edge portion of the sealing disc by the second hinge fold line.

[0041] The second fully or partially removable tear-open portion is advantageously provided with a second pour spout fold line extending from the third and fourth break points to a second separating tear line on the second surface of the sealing disc. The second pour spout fold line enables a user to fold an edge portion of the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion along the second pour spout fold line to form a second pour spout that can be used when pouring the contents from the packaging container unimpeded through the second access opening.

[0042] The sealing tray can be made of any suitable material or material combination known in the art, such as cardboard, aluminum foil, silicon-coated paper, plastic film, or any useful combination thereof. In some cases, a cardboard sealing tray may be preferred because it eliminates the need for a shape-stable plastic part (such as a plastic upper edge rim).

[0043] In a sealing tray, the tear line is usually formed by the surface of the sealing tray, which will face the user when opening the packaging container provided with the sealing tray. However, in a sealing tray in which the tear portion is completely or partially removed by pushing the tear portion into the container, a combination of tear lines made by the outer surface and tear lines made by the inner surface can be used. In all cases, it should generally be ensured that all incisions and tear lines are made without forming a through channel in the sealing tray in order to maintain the sealing ability of the sealing tray. The tear line in a cardboard sealing tray is usually formed by an incision that partially passes through the thickness of the cardboard material. Another common type of sealing tray is made of a stack of upper and lower layers, each layer including a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil and a plastic film layer. In this sealing tray, the tear line is usually only made in the upper layer, and the layers are connected so that when the tear line in the upper layer is torn, the lower layer also breaks along the tear line.

[0044] Also disclosed herein is a packaging container comprising a sealing tray as described herein. The packaging container comprises a container body comprising a container wall extending from a container bottom to a container opening, and a closure arrangement comprising a lid, wherein a peripheral edge portion of the sealing tray is attached to an inner surface of the container wall, the sealing tray forming a shipping seal across the container opening.

[0045] The packaging container is preferably a cardboard packaging container as defined herein.

[0046] The sealing disc can form the container lid without providing an additional outer lid. Advantageously, however, the packaging container also comprises a container lid in addition to the sealing disc, and the sealing disc is provided as a transport closure attached to the inner surface of the packaging container.

[0047] When opening a packaging container as disclosed herein for the first time, the user first opens the lid to expose the sealing disc attached to the container wall.After this, the user removes one or more of the removable tear-open portion completely or in part.

[0048] As used herein, a cardboard packaging container is a packaging container in which the container body is formed from a cardboard sheet. The cardboard container can be formed in any manner known in the art, for example, by bending the cardboard sheet into a tubular shape to form the container body and longitudinally closing the tube by joining the overlapping or abutting side edges of the cardboard material. The joints between the side edges may be covered by a sealing strip. The body tube may be formed into any desired tubular shape, including circular, oval, polygonal, and modified polygonal shapes, such as a modified rectangular shape with rounded corners as shown in the figure. One or more sidewalls of the container body with a modified polygonal shape may have a slight outward bend to increase the shape stability and grip of the cardboard container. Similarly, the sealing disc as disclosed herein may have any suitable shape, depending on the shape of the cardboard packaging container.

[0049] In the paperboard packaging container disclosed herein, the container bottom can be formed by a separate chassis that is attached to the bottom end of the container body tube. The chassis can be attached to the inside of the container body tube and can be inserted from the bottom edge of the container body to accommodate a bottom reinforcement rim attached to the inner surface of the container body and / or allow the end edge of the container body to be folded inward to form a curled bottom edge. Another alternative is to form the container bottom from a folded portion of the container body material.

[0050] As used herein, paperboard material is a sheet material made primarily of cellulose fibers or paper fibers. The sheet material can be provided in the form of a continuous roll or as a separate sheet of material. Paperboard material can be a single-layer or multi-layer material and can be a laminate comprising one or more layers of material, such as polymer films and coatings, metal foils, etc. Polymer films and coatings can include or consist of thermoplastic polymers. Paperboard material can be coated, printed, embossed, etc. and can include fillers, pigments, adhesives, and other additives known in the art. Paperboard material as disclosed herein can also be referred to as cardboard or carton material.

[0051] As used herein, the term "bulk solids" refers to solid bulk materials from which a desired amount of product can be poured, scooped, or removed by hand from a packaging container. The bulk material can be dry or moist. Bulk solids suitable for packaging in the paperboard packaging containers disclosed herein include any material in the form of particles, granules, grounds, plant fragments, short fibers, flakes, seeds, chips, and the like.

[0052] The paperboard packaging container as disclosed herein can be a container for nutritional foods such as infant formula, coffee, tea, rice, flour, sugar, cereals, soup mix, custard mix, pasta, snacks, etc. Alternatively, the bulk solids can be non-nutritional, such as tobacco, detergents, fertilizers, chemicals, etc.

[0053] The tearable sealing trays disclosed herein can be airtight or air permeable. The airtight sealing trays can include a structural layer made of any material or combination of materials suitable for providing an airtight seal of the compartment defined by the sealing tray, such as aluminum foil, silicon-coated paper, plastic film, etc. Airtight sealing trays are advantageous when the bulk solids stored in the packaging container are sensitive to air and / or moisture, and it is desirable to avoid contact of the packaged bulk solids with ambient air.

[0054] The barrier properties of the packaging containers disclosed herein can be designed to meet different sealing requirements depending on the items packaged in the packaging container. As an example, a lower barrier level may be sufficient in a packaging container for dry peas than in a packaging container for, for example, infant formula, which is highly sensitive to oxygen and moisture exposure.

[0055] Airtight packaging containers are particularly advantageous when the materials stored in the packaging container are sensitive to air and / or moisture. It may also be necessary to keep flavors and aromas within the packaging container and prevent the package contents from absorbing odors and aromas from the surrounding air. If the packaging container is already filled with a protective gas atmosphere, an airtight sealing disk keeps the protective gas and the package contents sealed in the inner compartment.

[0056] When opening a packaging container sealed by a sealing disc as disclosed herein, the fully or partially removable tear portion of the sealing disc is removed by pulling at the gripping end of the pull tab and tearing along the tear line or separating the tear line defining the fully or partially removable tear portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view of a sealing disc comprising two fully or partially removable tear-off portions is shown, wherein Figure 1B In the embodiment, only a completely or partially removable tear-away portion has been removed.

[0058] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Two different embodiments of sealing discs are shown in which the first fully or partially removable tear-away portion comprises a hinge fold line and a pour spout fold line.

[0059] Figures 3A to 3D Different embodiments of sealing discs are shown, which comprise a completely or partially removable tear-off portion provided with a tear strip.

[0060] Figures 4A to 4C Different embodiments of sealing discs are shown, in which two completely or partially removable tear-away portions are provided with a hinged fold line.

[0061] Figure 5A 5H illustrate steps for opening a paperboard container having a sealing tray as disclosed herein and steps for folding a pourable pouring spout from a tear-away portion that may be fully or partially removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] It will be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components are not necessarily drawn to scale. The packaging containers and sealing trays shown in the drawings are provided as examples only and should not be considered as limiting the invention as disclosed herein. In particular, it will be understood that the sealing trays as disclosed herein can be applied to any packaging container that requires a fragile transport seal in addition to providing a reclosable lid. In addition, the size and shape of the packaging container and the corresponding sealing tray may be different from those shown in the drawings. The tear-open portion may have different sizes and shapes and may have a pull-tab portion of different shapes or may be provided with other opening devices other than a pull-tab or no specific opening device at all, as described herein.

[0063] Figure 1AA sealing disc 1 for sealing an inner compartment in a packaging container 100 is disclosed. The sealing disc 1 has a first surface 3 and a second surface 4 and is bounded by a sealing disc outer edge 2. When installed in the packaging container 100, the first surface 3 of the sealing disc 1 faces the opening of the packaging container 100 and the container lid 114, and the second surface 4 faces the interior of the packaging container 100 and the bulk solids inside the packaging container, such as Figure 5A As shown in Figure 5H.

[0064] The sealing disc 1 comprises at least two completely or partially removable tear-off portions 10, 30, which are delimited by an outline 8 surrounded by a peripheral edge portion 5. The sealing disc generally has the same shape as the outline of the inner wall of the container it is to seal, and when inserted into the packaging container 100, the peripheral edge portion 5 of the sealing disc is attached to the inner surface of the container wall, for example by welding. The sealing disc can alternatively be attached to a reinforced rim (not shown) of the packaging container or to a top edge, such as a rolled top edge of the packaging container, as is known in the art.

[0065] After removing one or more of the fully or partially removable tear-open portions 10, 30, the peripheral edge portion 5 of the sealing disc 1 remains attached to the inside of the container wall. The remaining peripheral edge portion 5 can help stabilize the container opening 104. Any such remaining portion of the sealing disc 1 is preferably as small as possible so as not to intrude into the opening area. It may be preferred that the remaining sealing disc edge portion has a width of at most 7 mm, such as 1 to 6 mm, 2 to 5 mm, or 3 to 4 mm. It may be preferred that the inward extension of the remaining sealing disc portion is 4 mm or less.

[0066] The sealing disc 1 may comprise more than two completely or partially removable tear-off portions, but ideally, it comprises only two completely or partially removable tear-off portions 10, 30, as seen in the figures herein. Each of the completely or partially removable tear-off portions 10, 30 is configured to be completely or partially separated from the peripheral edge portion 5 along the contour line 8.

[0067] In order to facilitate the complete or partial removal of the completely or partially removable tear portions 10, 30 arranged in the sealing disc 1, at least one of the completely or partially removable tear portions 10, 30 is provided with an opening arrangement, such as a pull tab, a grab tab, an open ring, etc. Advantageously, the end edges 19', 19" of the pull tab are exposed from the completely or partially removable tear portion to facilitate gripping and lifting of the pull tab. Both the completely or partially removable tear portions 10, 30 may be provided with an opening arrangement 9', 9".

[0068] The sealing disc 1 is provided with one or more separating tear lines 12, 34 which delimit the completely or partially removable tear portions 10, 30 from one another or from a section 40 of the sealing disc 1 which is not intended to be removed (see for example Figure 4C ) is defined. The separation tear line 12, 34 extends vertically from a first intersection point 13' arranged on the contour line 8 among the pair of intersection points and passes through the first surface 3 of the sealing disk 1 to a second intersection point 13' arranged on the contour line 8 and opposite to the first intersection point 13' among the pair of intersection points. The separation tear lines 12, 34 in the figures herein extend in a straight line through the sealing disk. However, the separation tear lines 12, 34 may also extend through the sealing disk as a separation tear line 60, or may have any other suitable shape, as described herein (see, for example Figure 3D ).

[0069] One or more tear lines 11, 31 are arranged along the contour line 8. As can be seen, the tear lines 11, 31 can completely or partially delimit the completely or partially removable tear portion 10, 30 from the peripheral edge portion 5. The tear lines 11, 31 intersect with one or more separating tear lines 12, 34 extending between one or more pairs of intersection points 13', 13", 39', 39" arranged on the contour line 8.

[0070] At the intersection points 13', 13", 39', 39", one or more tear lines 11, 11', 11", 31, 31', 31" arranged along the contour line 8 intersect with the separation tear lines 12, 34 extending through the sealing disk between the paired intersection points 13', 13", 39', 39", and during the tearing of the tear parts 10, 30 that can be completely or partially removed, the tearing action along the tear lines 11, 11', 11", 31, 31', 31" and the separation tear lines 12, 34 stops when reaching the intersection points 13', 13", 39', 39".

[0071] The tear lines 11, 31 may also be interrupted by one or more hinged fold lines 14, 33 extending between pairs of interruption points 20', 20", 32', 32" arranged on the contour line 8. The hinged fold lines 14, 33 delimit one or more of the completely or partially removable tear portions 10, 30 from the peripheral edge portion 5 and prevent the completely or partially removable tear portions 10, 30 from being completely removed from the sealing disc 1. When the completely or partially removable tear portion 10, 30 is torn along the tear lines 11', 11", 31', 31", the tearing action will be interrupted when one of the interruption points 20', 20", 32', 32" arranged on either side of the hinged fold lines 14, 33 is reached.

[0072] Hinge fold lines 14, 33 (see e.g. Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) will enable the fully or partially removable tear portion 10, 30 to be folded upwardly and outwardly from the first surface 3 of the sealing disk over the peripheral edge portion 5 of the sealing disk 1 to serve as a pouring spout 15, as described below. Due to the "hinged" nature of the fold lines 14, 33, the fully or partially removable tear portion 10, 30 can be repeatedly closed and reopened. However, it is contemplated that the hinged fold lines 14, 33 may be provided with a partially cut tear line that is stronger than the separating tear line and the tear line that separates the fully or partially removable tear portion 10, 30 from the peripheral edge portion, but can be torn if sufficient tearing force is applied.

[0073] As explained herein, the tear lines 11, 31 and the separating tear lines 12, 34 may be formed as continuous cuts, or may be formed as intermittent cuts with one or more uncut tabs 17 between the cut sections, e.g. Figure 1A As shown. Such uncut tabs 17 in the first tear line 11 and the second tear line 31 may have a length of at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1 mm. The uncut tabs 17 serve to stabilize the sealing disc 1 and make it easier to handle during the production process when the sealing disc 1 is applied to the packaging container 100. The number and position of the uncut tabs 17 shown in the figures are intended only as examples, and it should be understood that fewer or more uncut tabs 17 may be provided, and that the uncut tabs 17 may be arranged at any desired position along the tear lines 11, 31.

[0074] The tear lines 11, 31 and the separating tear lines 12, 34 cut into the sealing disc 1 from the first surface 3. The tear lines 11, 31 and the separating tear lines 12, 34 extend into the sealing disc 1 with a cutting depth of 15% to 80% of the thickness of the sealing disc 1.

[0075] The sealing disc 1 may comprise two or more completely or partially removable tear-open portions 10, 30, but advantageously it consists only of a first completely or partially removable tear-open portion 10 and a second completely or partially removable tear-open portion 30. The first completely or partially removable tear-open portion 10 and the second completely or partially removable tear-open portion 30 may have the same size, but advantageously they have different sizes and the first completely or partially removable tear-open portion 10 is smaller than the second completely or partially removable tear-open portion 30, as can be seen in the figures herein.

[0076] The ratio of the surface area of ​​the first completely or partially removable tear-away portion 10 to the surface area of ​​the second completely or partially removable tear-away portion 30 is less than 1:1, such as 1:2 to 1:9, 1:2 to 1:8, or 1:3 to 1:7, or 1:4 to 1:6.

[0077] Figure 1A An embodiment of a sealing disc 1 having a first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 and a second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30 is disclosed, wherein the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 is smaller than the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30 .

[0078] The first separation tear line 12 extends between a pair of first and second intersection points 13', 13" arranged on the contour line 8, delimiting the first completely or partially removable tear portion 10 from the second completely or partially removable tear portion 30. The first separation tear line 12 extends in a direction perpendicular to the contour line 8 from the first intersection point 13' through the first surface 3 of the sealing disk 1 to a second intersection point 13" arranged on the contour line 8 opposite the first intersection point 13'. Figure 1A The first separation tear line 12 in the embodiment.

[0079] The first tear line 11 extending from the first intersection point 13' to the second intersection point 13" along the contour line 8 completely separates the first completely or partially removable tear portion 10 from the peripheral edge portion 8, and the second tear line 31 extends along the contour line 8 between the second intersection point 13" and the first intersection point 13', separating the second completely or partially removable tear portion 30 from the peripheral edge portion 5. In this embodiment, no hinged folding line is arranged on any of the tear lines, so when the user pulls the pull tab provided on the completely or partially removable tear portion 10, 30, the first completely or partially removable tear portion 10 or the second completely or partially removable tear portion 30 will be completely removed from the sealing disc 1.

[0080] The consumer can here choose whether to remove only the first or both of the first completely or partially removable tear-off portion 10 and the second completely or partially removable tear-off portion 30 . Figure 1B A sealing disc 1 is disclosed in which a first completely or partially removable tear portion 10 has been removed and a second completely or partially removable tear portion 30 remains. If full access to the interior of the packaging container 100 is required, the remaining second completely or partially removable tear portion 30 can be easily removed from the sealing disc 1 by grasping the tear edge 18 of the first separating tear line 12 and tearing the remaining second completely or partially removable tear portion 30 away from the peripheral edge portion 5 along the remaining tear line 31. Alternatively, if the second completely or partially removable tear portion 30 is provided with an opening arrangement, the user can also use, for example, a pull tab to remove the remaining second completely or partially removable tear portion 30 from the sealing disc 1.

[0081] Figure 2A A sealing disc 1 is disclosed, wherein a first tear line 11 defining a first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 is provided with a first pair of first interruption points 20′ and a second interruption point 20″ and a first hinged folding line 14 arranged therebetween. The first hinged folding line 14 prevents the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 from being completely removed and, instead, the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 remains attached to the peripheral edge portion 5 between the first pair of interruption points 20, 20″.

[0082] In order to open the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10, the user grasps the opening arrangement 9' arranged on the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10 and pulls the opening arrangement 9' upwards and away from the first surface 3 of the sealing disc 1. The tearing is propagated along the first separation tear line 12 between the first intersection point and the second intersection point 13', 13", thereby forming a separation between the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30. When the tearing reaches the first intersection point and the second intersection point 13', 13", the tearing is interrupted and thereafter, the tearing action continues along the first part 11' and the second part 11" of the first tear line, thereby separating the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10 from the peripheral edge portion 5 until the tearing reaches the first interruption point 20' and the second interruption point 20".

[0083] The first portion 11' of the first tear line extends along the contour line 8 between the first intersection point 13' and the first break point 20', and the second portion 11" of the first tear line extends along the contour line 8 between the second intersection point 13" and the second break point 20" (see Figure 2A ). Thus, the entire first completely or partially removable tear-open portion 10, except for the portion forming the first hinged fold line 14 extending between the first break point 20′ and the second break point 20″, has been separated from the sealing disc 1 and can be folded outwardly to enable access to the contents inside the packaging container 100 through the first access opening 23.

[0084] Advantageously, the first completely or partially removable tear portion 10 is provided with first pouring spout fold lines 21 ', 21" extending from a first break point 20' and a second break point 20" to the first separating tear line 12 (see Figure 2AThe first pouring spout folding lines 21', 21" are arranged on the second surface 4 of the sealing disk 1 (i.e., the side facing the interior of the packaging container 100), and when the first completely or partially removable tear-off portion 10 is folded outward, the outer edge portions 22', 22" of the first completely or partially removable tear-off portion 10 can be folded along the first pouring spout folding lines 21', 21" to form the first pouring spout 15 (see FIG. Figure 5D and Figure 5E ).

[0085] When the consumer desires to retain the main portion of the sealing disc 1 in order to prevent the contents stored in the packaging container from being contaminated, Figure 2A The sealing tray 1 disclosed in is advantageous. A smaller access opening provided with the pouring spout 15 will facilitate and improve the precision of the pouring action of the user while at the same time protecting the contents stored in the packaging container from exposure to the environment.

[0086] In case a larger access opening is required, the second fully or partially removable tear-away portion 30 may also be used in conjunction with the above Figure 1B A similar approach as described in the embodiment of is completely removed.

[0087] An advantageous embodiment of the sealing disc 1 is shown in Figure 2B , wherein the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30 is provided with a tear strip 51 as part of the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30 .

[0088] In this embodiment, the second tear line 31 extends from the first intersection point 13' through the second intersection point 13" to the end point 52. The first intersection point 13' and the second intersection point 13" are arranged on the contour line 8, and the end point 52 is arranged in the second completely or partially torn portion 30. The first part 31' of the second tear line extends along the contour line 8 between the first intersection point 13' and the second intersection point 13" and constitutes a contour segment 53 of the contour line 8. The second part 31" of the second tear line extending between the second intersection point 13" and the end point 52 constitutes a tear strip segment 54. The tear strip segment 54 defines the pull tab 9'" and the inner edge 55 of the tear strip 51.

[0089] When tearing a sealing disc as disclosed herein provided with a tear strip 51 as part of a second fully or partially removable tear portion 30 , pulling may be performed in a smooth and controlled continuous tearing movement.

[0090] Figures 3A to 3D Public Figure 2B An alternative advantageous embodiment of the sealing disk 1 is shown. Figure 3AA sealing tray 1 is disclosed wherein the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 lacks a hinge fold line. Thus, the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 can be completely removed from the sealing tray 1, and optionally, the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30 can be removed by pulling the tear strip 51.

[0091] Figure 3B and Figure 3C A sealing tray 1 is disclosed in which the first completely or partially removable tear-open portion 10 is very small. Here, the first completely or partially removable tear-open portion 10 serves as a push tab and is preferably opened by pressing the first completely or partially removable tear-open portion 10 downward and into the packaging container. This embodiment is advantageous when the user wants to open a very small access opening in the sealing tray 1. Figure 3C The illustrated first completely or partially removable tear-off portion 10 of the sealing disc 1 is provided with a first hinge fold line 14 and thus also offers the possibility of closing the access opening in the sealing disc 1 after use, in order to further increase the protection against contamination.

[0092] Figure 3D An alternative sealing disc 1 is disclosed wherein the section of the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 comprising the pull-tab projects into a second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30. The second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30 is provided with a Figure 2B 、 Figures 3A to 3C A similar tear strip 51 is disclosed. In this embodiment, a separating tear line 60 extending between the first intersection point and the second intersection point is bent around a protruding section of the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10.

[0093] Advantageously, the first completely or partially removable tear-away portion 10 is provided with a first pouring spout fold line 21', 21", which extends from the first break point 20' and the second break point 20" to the portion located at the bottom with the pull tab (see Figure 3D ) on either side of the protruding section of the sealing disk 100. The first pouring spout folding lines 21', 21" are arranged on the second surface 4 of the sealing disk 1 (i.e., the side facing the interior of the packaging container 100), and when the first completely or partially removable tear-open portion 10 is folded outward, the outer edge portions 22', 22" of the first completely or partially removable tear-open portion 10 can be folded along the first pouring spout folding lines 21', 21" to form the pouring spout 15.

[0094] The second fully or partially removable tear-away portion 30 may be removed by Figure 2B Remove by pulling the tear strip 51 as described for the sealing disk 1 in FIG.

[0095] for Figures 3A to 3D All sealing discs 1 in the present invention are opened or removed by tearing the tear strip 51 to open or remove the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30. The tear strip 51 is optional and is opened or removed after the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10 has been opened or removed. Figures 3A to 3D The second fully or partially removable tear portion 30 in the sealing disc 1 can alternatively be opened or removed by grasping the edge formed along the separating tear line 12, 60 between the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30.

[0096] exist Figure 3B and Figure 3C In the illustrated sealing disc 1, the first push-in tear-off portion 10 can be used as a gripping member for pulling open the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30. In such an embodiment, no gripping member is provided as shown. Figure 3C The first hinge fold line 14 is not shown, but the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10 is substantially aligned with the first separation tear line 12 as shown. Figure 3C A hinge fold line is provided opposite the first hinge fold line 14 and between the first intersection point 13 ′ and the second intersection point 13 ″ arranged on the first separation tear line 12 .

[0097] When using the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 as an opening or removal member for the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30, the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 is pushed into the interior of the container body and folded under the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30 while remaining attached to the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30 along the hinged fold line connecting the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30. In this way, after the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 has been opened, the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 forms a grippable reinforcement of the edge formed along the first separating tear line 12 between the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30.

[0098] Figures 4A to 4C Disclosed is a sealing tray 1 particularly suitable for packaging containers provided with a removable lid. In these embodiments, both the first fully or partially removable tear-off portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30 are provided with hinged fold lines 14, 33 arranged on the tear lines 11, 31.

[0099] exist Figure 4AIn the illustrated first embodiment, the second pair of third and fourth break points 32 ′ and 32 ″ are arranged along the second tear line 31 , wherein the second hinge fold line 33 is arranged between the third and fourth break points 32 ′ and 32 ″.

[0100] Here, the user can choose to open the first fully or partially removable tear-off portion 10 or the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30 first, depending on the intended use. In this embodiment, both the first fully or partially removable tear-off portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30 are provided with opening arrangements 9', 9", and if it is decided to open the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30 first, the user will grab the opening arrangement 9" (as in Figure 4A and starts tearing the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30 away from the sealing disc 1.

[0101] The tearing action starts along the first separation tear line 12 in the direction of the first intersection point 13' and the second intersection point 13" arranged on the contour line 8. When the tearing reaches the first and second intersection points 13', 13", the tearing is interrupted, and thereafter, the tearing action continues along the first part 31' and the second part 31" of the second tear line, thereby separating the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30 from the peripheral edge portion 5 until the tearing reaches the third interruption point 32' and the fourth interruption point 32".

[0102] The first portion 31' of the second tear line extends along the contour line 8 between the first intersection point 13' and the third break point 32', and the second portion 31" of the second tear line extends along the contour line 8 between the second intersection point 13" and the fourth break point 32". Therefore, the entire first completely or partially removable tear portion 30, except for the portion constituting the second hinged folding line 33 extending between the third break point 32' and the fourth break point 32", can be separated from the sealing disk 1 and can be folded outwardly so that the contents inside the packaging container 100 can be obtained through the second accessible opening.

[0103] Advantageously, in addition, the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30 is provided with second pour spout fold lines 35', 35" extending from the third break point 32' and the fourth break point 32" to the first separation tear line 12 (see Figure 4B). The second pouring spout folding lines 35', 35" are arranged on the second surface 4 of the sealing disc 1, and when the second completely or partially removable tear-off portion 30 is folded outward, the outer portions 36', 36" of the second completely or partially removable tear-off portion 30 can be folded along the second pouring spout folding lines 35', 35" to form a second pouring spout (not shown).

[0104] exist Figure 4C In another disclosed embodiment, the sealing disc 1 may include two fully or partially removable tear-off portions 10, 30, wherein a section 40 not intended for removal from the sealing disc 1 is disposed between the first fully or partially removable tear-off portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30. The section 40 intended for retention does not provide any tear lines along the sealing disc outline 8 and, therefore, will remain attached to the peripheral edge portion 5 after both the first fully or partially removable tear-off portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear-off portion 30 have been fully or partially removed from the sealing disc 1. The remaining section 40 may provide increased stability to the container opening.

[0105] The retention section 40 is delimited by the first separation tear line 12 and the first completely or partially removable tear portion 10, and by the second separation tear line 34 extending between the second pair of third intersection points 39' and the fourth intersection point 39" arranged on the contour line 8 and the second completely or partially removable tear portion 30. The second separation tear line 34 extends in a direction perpendicular to the contour line 8 from the third intersection point 39' and passes through the first surface 3 of the sealing disk 1 to the fourth intersection point 39" arranged on the contour line 8 opposite the third intersection point 39'. Figure 4C ).

[0106] In this embodiment, one or both of the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30 may be provided with hinged fold lines 14, 33 as described above, which will enable a user to fold the fully or partially removable tear-open portion outwardly to enable access to the container through the accessible opening. Advantageously, the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 and / or the second fully or partially removable tear-open portion 30 are further provided with pouring spout fold lines 21', 21", 35', 35" to enable a user to form a pouring spout 15, which will facilitate pouring the contents from the container through the accessible opening 23.

[0107] Both tear-away portions 10 , 30 are advantageously provided with an opening arrangement 9 ′, 9 ″ and the user can thereby select which of the first fully or partially removable tear-away portion 10 and the second fully or partially removable tear-away portion 30 to remove first.

[0108] The first completely or partially removable tear-off portion 10 can be completely or partially removed from the sealing disk 1 as follows:

[0109] The tearing action is initiated by grasping and pulling the opening arrangement 9' provided on the first completely or partially removable tear portion 10, thereby separating the first completely or partially removable tear portion 10 from the segment 40 to be retained along a first separation tear line 12 between a third intersection point 39' and a fourth intersection point 39" arranged on the contour line 8. When the tearing reaches the first intersection point 13' and the second intersection point 13", the tearing is interrupted and then continues along the first tear line 11 until the entire first completely or partially removable tear portion 10 is separated from the peripheral edge portion 5 and can be removed from the sealing disc 1.

[0110] However, if the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10 is provided with a hinged fold line 14, the tearing action starts by separating the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10 from the segment to be retained 40 along the first separation tear line 12, and then, it will continue along the first part 11' and the second part 11" of the first tear line, thereby separating the first fully or partially removable tear portion 10 from the peripheral edge portion 5 until reaching the first break point 20' and the second break point 20".

[0111] The first portion 11' of the first tear line extends along the contour line 8 between the first intersection point 13' and the first break point 20', and the second portion 11" of the first tear line extends along the contour line 8 between the second intersection point 13" and the second break point 20". Therefore, the entire first completely or partially removable tear portion 10, except for the portion constituting the first hinged folding line 14 extending between the first break point 20' and the second break point 20", has been separated from the sealing disc 1 and can be folded outwards so that the contents inside the packaging container 100 can be obtained through the first access opening 23.

[0112] The second completely or partially removable tear-off portion 30 can be completely or partially removed from the sealing disk 1 as follows:

[0113] The tearing action is initiated by grasping and pulling the opening arrangement 9" provided on the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30, thereby separating the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30 from the segment 40 to be retained along the second separation tear line 34. The tearing action propagates toward the third intersection point 39' and the fourth intersection point 39" arranged on the contour line 8, and when the tearing reaches the third intersection point 39' and the fourth intersection point 39", the tearing is interrupted and then continues along the second tear line 31 until the entire second fully or partially removable tear portion 30 is separated from the peripheral edge portion 5 and can be removed from the sealing disc 1.

[0114] However, if the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30 is provided with a hinged fold line 33, the tearing action starts by separating the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30 from the segment to be retained 40 along the second separation tear line 34, and then, the tearing will continue along the first part 31' and the second part 31" of the second tear line, thereby separating the second fully or partially removable tear portion 30 from the peripheral edge portion 5 until the third interruption point 32' and the fourth interruption point 32" are reached.

[0115] The first portion 31 ′ of the second tear line extends along the contour line 8 between the third intersection point 39 ′ and the third interruption point 32 ′, and the second portion 31 ″ of the second tear line extends along the contour line 8 between the fourth intersection point 39 ″ and the fourth interruption point 32 ″. Thus, the entire second completely or partially removable tear portion 30 , with the exception of the portion constituting the second hinged folding line 33 extending between the third interruption point 32 ′ and the fourth interruption point 32 ″, has been separated from the sealing disc 1 and can be folded outwards so that the contents inside the packaging container 100 can be obtained through the second access opening. The section 40 to be retained preferably has at least one straight edge, thereby allowing it to be used as a scraper.

[0116] In the illustrations disclosed herein, the tear-away portions that can be completely or partially removed are arranged on the shorter edges of a generally rectangular packaging container. However, it is conceivable that the tear-away portions that can be completely or partially removed can also be arranged on the long edges of a rectangular container, or in the corner portions of the container.

[0117] The sealing tray 1 as described herein is advantageously made of cardboard, aluminum foil, silicon-coated paper, plastic film or any combination thereof.

[0118] Figure 5AThe packaging container 100 shown in Fig. 5H is a packaging container 100 for bulk solids that can be poured or scooped as defined herein, and comprises a container body 102, which comprises a container wall, which comprises a front wall portion 103a, a rear wall portion 103b and two side wall portions. The container wall extends from a container bottom 105 to a container opening 104. The container wall has an inner surface facing the inner compartment in the packaging container 100 and an outer surface that deviates from the inner compartment and is exposed to the outside of the packaging container 100. The chassis is positioned at the container bottom 105 of the container body 102.

[0119] The container body 102 is made of a paperboard material as defined herein. The container body 102 can be formed by bringing together the side edges of a paperboard web so that the material assumes a tubular shape and then sealing the side edges together. The sealing of the side edges can be performed by any suitable method as known in the art, such as by welding or gluing, preferably welding. As known in the art, the sealing of the side edges of the container body web can involve the use of sealing tape. The chassis can be made of paperboard, metal, plastic or any suitable combination of such materials as known in the art. The body can be formed into any desired tubular shape, including circular, oval, rectangular and modified rectangular shapes, such as modified rectangular shapes with rounded corners, such as Figure 5A As shown in Figure 5H.

[0120] As is known in the art, the container bottom 105 may alternatively be formed without a bottom tray by folding the container wall material.

[0121] The paperboard packaging container 100 is provided with a closure arrangement at the container opening 104 , such as a container lid 114 provided with a grab tab.

[0122] The paperboard packaging container 100 may also be provided with a locking arrangement for retaining the container lid 114 in a closed position after the container lid 114 has been closed.

[0123] Furthermore, the lid may be of a removable type without forming any permanent connection with the container body. Figure 5A The closure arrangement shown in Figure 5H is non-restrictive, and the sealing disk 1 as disclosed herein can be used as a transport seal in a packaging container with other types of closure arrangements (such as a closure arrangement in which the lid cooperates with a reinforced edge or with the frame structure of the container body to close and open the packaging container). The lid can be set as a part of a lid component. The lid component includes an edge, and the lid is hinged to the edge. The edge is attached to the container body and stabilizes the container opening. The lid component can be provided with features as known in the art, such as a locking device for keeping the lid in a closed position, a private removal and leaving trace device, a stacking device, etc. The lid component is usually formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic material.

[0124] The inner compartment is sealed with a sealing disk 1 as disclosed herein (e.g. Figure 2B The sealing disc 1 is shown as sealing. The sealing disc 1 forms a transport seal on the packaged items contained in the inner compartment. The peripheral edge portion 5 of the sealing disc 1 is attached to the container wall, for example by welding. The seal between the peripheral edge portion 5 and the container wall is preferably an airtight seal or at least a leak-proof seal. The sealing disc 1 can be attached to the container wall from the top end of the container body 102 or from the bottom end of the container body 102, in which case the sealing disc 1 is attached before the bottom disc 109 is attached. Figure 5A In the example shown in FIG. 5H , the sealing disc 1 has been applied from the top end of the container body 102 , with the peripheral edge portion 5 of the sealing disc 1 attached to the container wall pointing upwards.

[0125] We will now describe how to enter Figure 2B A process for sealing tray-sealed packaging containers is disclosed.

[0126] To obtain the packaged items for the first time, the user needs to open the container lid 114 (see Figure 5B ), and then, by grasping the tab of the first fully or partially removable tear-open portion 10 to fully or partially remove one or more of the fully or partially removable tear-open portions 10, 30 of the sealing disc 1 to expose the packaged goods (see Figure 5C ).exist Figure 5C As can be seen in FIG, the first fully or partially removable tear-away portion 10 has been partially opened in that it is provided with a first hinged fold line (not shown) and is folded upwards and away from the first surface 3 of the sealing disc 1. The fully or partially removable tear-away portion 10 is provided with a first pour spout fold line 21', 21" on the second surface 4 of the sealing disc 1 and outer edge portions 22', 22" of the first fully or partially removable tear-away portion 10 have been folded to form the pour spout 15 (see FIG. Figure 5D The contents can now be poured out of the container 100 via the first access opening 23 by means of the pouring spout 15 .

[0127] If a larger access opening is required, the user can use the tear strip 51 to also open the second fully or partially removable tear-away portion 30 (see Figure 5F ) and completely remove it from the sealing disc 1 (see FIG5G ). The second completely or partially removable tear-away portion 30 does not contain a hinge fold line and can therefore be completely removed.

[0128] Once one or more of the fully or partially removable tear-away portions 10 , 30 have been removed, it is sufficient to open the container lid 114 in order to gain access to the packaged goods in the inner compartment through the container opening 104 .

Claims

1. A sealing disc (1) for sealing an inner compartment in a packaging container (100), the sealing disc (1) having a first surface (3) and a second surface (4) and being delimited by a sealing disc outer edge (2), the sealing disc (1) comprising a peripheral edge portion (5) surrounding at least two completely or partially removable tear-off portions (10, 30), each of the completely or partially removable tear-off portions (10, 30) being arranged to be completely or partially separated from the peripheral edge portion (5) along a contour line (8), characterized in that one or more hinged fold lines (14, 33) arranged between pairs of interruption points (20', 20", 32', 32") on the contour line (8) partially delimiting one or more of the fully or partially removable tear-away portions (10, 30) from the peripheral edge portion (5), The sealing disc (1) comprises a first tear-off portion (10) which can be completely or partially removed and a second tear-off portion (30) which can be completely or partially removed, The sealing disc (1) further comprises a section (40) which is not removed from the sealing disc (1), wherein A first separating tear line (12) extending between a pair of first intersection points (13') and second intersection points (13") arranged on the contour line (8) delimits the first completely or partially removable tear portion (10) from the non-removable section (40); and a second separating tear line (34) extending between a pair of third intersection points (39') and fourth intersection points (39") arranged on the contour line (8) to delimit the second fully or partially removable tear portion (30) from the non-removable section (40); a first tear line (11) extending along the contour line (8) from a first intersection (13') to a second intersection (13") of the first pair of intersections, delimiting the first fully or partially removable tear portion (10) from the peripheral edge portion (5); and a second tear line (31) extending along said contour line (8) between a third intersection (39') and a fourth intersection (39") of the second pair of intersections, delimiting said second fully or partially removable tear portion (30) from said peripheral edge portion (5), The sealing disk (1) is made of cardboard, aluminum foil, silicon-coated paper, plastic film, or a combination of at least two of cardboard, aluminum foil, silicon-coated paper and plastic film, wherein one or more separating tear lines (12, 34) extending between one or more pairs of intersection points (13', 13", 39', 39") arranged on the contour line (8) delimit the completely or partially removable tear portions (10, 30) from one another, wherein one or more of the fully or partially removable tear portions (10, 30) are provided with pouring spout fold lines (21', 21", 35', 35") extending from the paired interruption points (20', 20", 32', 32") to the separating tear line (12, 34) of the second surface (4) on the sealing disc (1) to form a pouring spout (15).

2. Sealing disc (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the completely or partially removable tear-away portions (10, 30) is provided with an opening arrangement, the opening arrangement being a pull tab or a push tab.

3. The sealing disc (1) according to claim 1, wherein one or more tear lines (11', 11", 31', 31") arranged along the contour line (8) completely or partially delimit the completely or partially removable tear portion (10, 30) from the peripheral edge portion (5).

4. The sealing disc (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first completely or partially removable tear-away portion (10) is smaller than the second completely or partially removable tear-away portion (30).

5. A sealing disc (1) according to claim 1 or 4, wherein a first separation tear line (12) extending between a pair of first intersection points (13') and a second intersection point (13") arranged on the contour line (8) defines the first completely or partially removable tear portion (10) from the second completely or partially removable tear portion (30), and a first tear line (11) extending along the contour line (8) from the first intersection point (13') of the first pair of intersection points to the second intersection point (13") defines the first completely or partially removable tear portion (10) from the peripheral edge portion (5).

6. A sealing disc (1) according to claim 5, wherein a second tear line (31) extending along the contour line (8) from the second intersection point (13") to the first intersection point (13') delimits the second fully or partially removable tear portion (30) from the peripheral edge portion (5).

7. The sealing disc (1) according to claim 6, wherein a first interruption point (20') and a second interruption point (20") are arranged on the first tear line (11), wherein a first hinge folding line (14) is arranged between the first interruption point (20') and the second interruption point (20").

8. A sealing disc (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first completely or partially removable tear portion (10) is provided with a first pouring spout folding line (21', 21") extending from the first interruption point (20') and the second interruption point (20") to the first separation tear line (12) on the second surface (4) of the sealing disc (1) to form a pouring spout (15).

9. The sealing disc (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, wherein the second completely or partially removable tear-off portion (30) is provided with a tear strip (51) as part of the second completely or partially removable tear-off portion (30).

10. A sealing disc (1) according to claim 9, wherein the second tear line (31', 31") extends from a first intersection point (13') through a second intersection point (13") and to an end point (52), the first intersection point (13') and the second intersection point (13") being arranged on the contour line (8), and the end point (52) being arranged within the second completely or partially removable tear portion (30), and wherein a first portion (31') of the second tear line extending along the contour line (8) between the first intersection point (13') and the second intersection point (13") constitutes a contour segment (53) of the contour line (8), and a second portion (31") of the second tear line extending between the second intersection point (13") and the end point (52) constitutes a tear strip segment (54), and the tear strip segment (54) defines the pull tab (9'") and the inner edge (55) of the tear strip (51).

11. A sealing disc (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, wherein a third interruption point (32') and a fourth interruption point (32") are arranged along the second tear line (31), wherein a second hinged folding line (33) is arranged between the third interruption point (32') and the fourth interruption point (32").

12. A sealing disc (1) according to claim 11, wherein the second completely or partially removable tear portion (30) is provided with a second pouring spout folding line (35', 35") extending from the third interruption point (32') and the fourth interruption point (32") to the first separation tear line (12) on the second surface (4) of the sealing disc (1) to form a second pouring spout.

13. A sealing disc (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first completely or partially removable tear portion (10) is provided with a first pour spout fold line (21', 21") extending from a first interruption point (20') and a second interruption point (20") to the first separation tear line (12) on the second surface (4) of the sealing disc (1).

14. The sealing disc (1) according to claim 1 or 13, wherein a third interruption point (32') and a fourth interruption point (32") are arranged along the second tear line (31), wherein a second hinge folding line (33) is arranged between the third interruption point (32') and the fourth interruption point (32").

15. A sealing disc (1) according to claim 14, wherein the second completely or partially removable tear portion (30) is provided with a second pour spout fold line (35', 35") extending from the third interruption point (32') and the fourth interruption point (32") to the second separation tear line (34) on the second surface (4).

16. A packaging container (100), comprising a sealing disk (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the packaging container (100) comprises a container body (102) and a closure arrangement, the container body comprising a container wall extending from a container bottom (105) to a container opening (104), the closure arrangement comprising a lid, a peripheral edge portion (5) of the sealing disk (1) being attached to an inner surface of the container wall, the sealing disk (1) forming a seal across the container opening (104).

17. The packaging container (100) according to claim 16, wherein the packaging container (100) is a cardboard packaging container.

18. The packaging container (100) according to claim 16, wherein the sealing disc (1) is a container lid.

19. The packaging container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, wherein the container comprises a container lid (114), and wherein the sealing disc (1) is a transport closure.

20. The packaging container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, wherein the sealing disc (1) is attached to the inner surface of the packaging container (100).

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