Paper-based or paperboard-based container and related method

Abstract

A paper-based or paperboard-based container (100) for containing pourable food products is described, the container comprising: a substantially planar bottom portion; a top portion arranged opposite the bottom portion and comprising a top panel and a top sealing area (126) forming a top seal of the container; and a wall portion extending between the bottom portion and the top portion and comprising a plurality of wall segments (108b, 108c) interfacing the top panel and a longitudinal sealing band (14) extending on at least one of the wall segments between the bottom portion and the top portion, wherein the top sealing area is folded onto and attached to said at least one of the wall segments comprising the longitudinal sealing band (14). A blank and a liner for producing the container and a method for producing the container are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container for containing pourable food and comprising a laminated sheet material based on paper or cardboard. In particular, the invention relates to a container including an opening or closure for dispensing and / or taking out food. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a container and a container precursor for such a container. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of cardboard-based packaging, it is known to produce blanks and fold and assemble them to produce containers. The containers can then be used to hold, for example, pourable foods containing liquids, such as dairy products (like milk or yogurt) or juice.

[0003] The preform is typically made of laminated packaging material, which usually comprises multi-layered cardboard sheets with one or more barrier layers laminated on them to contain food and / or prevent air and odor transfer through the cardboard. The barrier layers may typically include polyethylene or aluminum layers.

[0004] Methods for producing blanks from laminated packaging materials typically include the step of cutting the laminated packaging materials into a predetermined shape, and methods for producing containers from blanks typically include the step of folding the blanks along predetermined fold lines to produce containers.

[0005] The blank can be provided with fold lines in the laminated packaging material to help the blank fold along the fold lines. A fold line or crease can be defined as an embossed or stamped indentation on one side of the laminated packaging material and a corresponding raised ridge or crease (also called a rib) on the other side, thus forming a line along which the laminated packaging material is structurally weakened, and when pressure is applied, the laminated packaging material will bend or fold along the line.

[0006] The blank can be produced during a conversion process, in which the blank is cut from a web of laminated material having substantially parallel and straight lateral boundary edges. The conversion process typically involves feeding the web of laminated material through one or more roll gaps formed between a pair of cutting and / or indenting rolls to produce a blank cut from the web and formed with folds and / or cuts and / or holes for subsequent folding, for example for fitting a closure onto the blank during the production of a container from the blank.

[0007] The layout of the blank pattern on the web is called the "matching pattern". The matching pattern is not a physical pattern visible on the web, but rather a pattern that illustrates how the blank is to be cut from the web and / or how the blank is to be imprinted. In other words, the matching pattern illustrates the layout of the blank on the web, and therefore illustrates how to utilize the available web material.

[0008] Containers may be provided with an opening device or closure that allows consumers to open the container to access the food. The opening device may be resealable, allowing consumers to reseal or leave the container open after it has been opened. Alternatively, the opening device may not need to be resealable once opened. Common opening devices include a patch defined by a small piece of heat-sealable plastic material, which is heat-sealed to the inner surface of the packaging material to cover a hole in the packaging material; and a pull tab attached to the opposite side of the packaging material and heat-sealed to the patch. The pull tab and patch adhere to each other such that when the pull tab is pulled down, the heat-sealed portion of the patch is also removed to expose the hole. This configuration is sometimes referred to as a pre-laminated hole (PLH). While this configuration can provide an acceptable opening device, improvements to known opening devices or closures are often required, especially for the purpose of providing a more pleasant drinking experience when drinking directly from the container.

[0009] DE69817486T2 discusses a method for forming a packaging container having sealing fins and protruding double-walled corner flaps, in which packaging material is sealed from the inside out. The corner flaps fold down and seal to the outside of the packaging container.

[0010] WO2013 / 010815A1 shows a packaging box for packaging leaf tea products. The packaging box is made of a single piece of composite material that is folded into a double-fin seal.

[0011] US3109574A discusses a method for manufacturing a container from a foldable sheet material. The method includes the steps of: forming a tubular member having a polygonal cross-section from the sheet material, the tubular member having a plurality of sides in addition to four sides; and folding the ends of the tubular member together in such a manner as to form end walls for a container and forming an annular closure strip integral with and extending from the end walls.

[0012] In cardboard-based container technology, it is known to provide an extended top panel area for a container by folding the top fins downward onto the top panel at an off-center location. The resulting extended top panel area can be used to provide an enlarged opening or closure for the container. Such containers are known, for example, from EP2392517A1 and US20190106239A1. Despite the off-center location, the downwardly folded top fins extending through the top panel still limit the usability of the top panel.

[0013] US6182887B1 and WO00 / 63081A2 disclose a container having an extended top panel formed by sealing the top panel and rear wall of the container together at a sealing area extending together with top fins. Thus, the top fins extend from the top panel in the plane of the rear wall, thereby making substantially the entire top panel usable, for example, for positioning an opening device or a closure. However, the extended top fins may still restrict access to the top panel. For example, top fins extending from the top panel in the plane of the rear wall may make it difficult for a consumer to drink directly from the container. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In view of the aforementioned challenges and known solutions, and according to a first example aspect, this disclosure provides a paper-based or cardboard-based container for containing pourable food, the container comprising:

[0015] - A flat or substantially flat bottom portion;

[0016] - A top portion, arranged opposite to the bottom portion and including a top panel and a top sealing area forming a top seal of the container; and

[0017] - A wall portion extending between a bottom portion and a top portion and including a plurality of wall segments engaging with a top panel, and a longitudinal sealing strip extending between the bottom portion and the top portion on at least one of the plurality of wall segments.

[0018] The top sealing area is folded onto and attached to at least one of the multiple wall segments, which includes a longitudinal sealing strip.

[0019] Therefore, unlike existing containers where the top sealing area or top fins are folded and attached to the top panel of the container, the top fins or top sealing area are folded to a wall portion including a longitudinal sealing strip (i.e., a longitudinal seam extending from the bottom to the top of the container). This results in the top panel having no or substantially no sealing structure, as the segment of the longitudinal sealing strip extending into the top sealing area is also folded to the wall portion and therefore does not extend to the top panel. Such a sealing structure can include permanent sealing structures, such as welded, glued, or otherwise permanently bonded seams, in which panels of laminated sheet material are permanently bonded to each other. This allows for efficient use of the top panel. For example, since a sealing structure is not required, the opening device or top closure can be positioned anywhere on the top panel. Furthermore, folding the top sealing area down onto the side wall portion including the longitudinal sealing strip and attaching the sealing area to it will allow consumers unrestricted access to the opening device or closure for easy access or dispensing of food.

[0020] The container may advantageously include gusseted panels that, when the container is formed, fold over each other below the top panel, thereby allowing the entire top sealing region to fold downward and attach to one or more wall segments including a longitudinal sealing strip. In other words, the entire top sealing region can advantageously fold onto and attach to at least one of the plurality of wall segments including the longitudinal sealing strip. The top sealing region can typically be formed by a top sealing strip, and the entire top sealing strip can fold downward and attach to one or more wall segments including the longitudinal sealing strip.

[0021] The container may include an opening device or closure arranged in a top panel for dispensing and / or allowing the use of food. The opening device may be resealable, allowing the container to be reclosed after the first opening.

[0022] The container may be made of a paper-based or cardboard-based laminated sheet material, which includes multiple layers of cardboard sheet on which one or more barrier layers are laminated for containing food and / or preventing the transfer of air and odors through the cardboard sheet.

[0023] The top sealing area may be flat or substantially flat and arranged parallel or substantially parallel to at least one of the plurality of wall segments, including the longitudinal sealing strip.

[0024] The top panel and the top sealing area may share the same edge, which forms the top edge of the container.

[0025] The top edge can be straight or substantially straight and arranged parallel to or substantially parallel to the bottom portion.

[0026] An opening device or closure may be arranged in the top panel for dispensing and / or taking food. Compared with the sealing structure described above (including the top sealing area and the longitudinal sealing strip), the opening device or closure is not arranged to permanently seal the container, but can be opened by the consumer to allow the consumer to dispense or take food.

[0027] The opening device or closure may include an opening arranged adjacent to the top edge.

[0028] The opening can be arranged at an orthogonal distance of 1mm to 10mm from the top edge.

[0029] The top panel may be flat or substantially flat. One or more wall segments including the longitudinal sealing strip may also be flat or substantially flat, and the top panel may form an angle with the one or more wall segments, the angle being any of the following: in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees; in the range of 30 degrees to 80 degrees; in the range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees; and 60 degrees.

[0030] The top sealing area may include multiple sealing strip panels, all of which may be arranged in the container in parallel or substantially parallel and / or coplanar or substantially coplanar.

[0031] The sealing strip panel may include a central sealing strip panel extending over one or more wall segments including a longitudinal sealing strip, and the longitudinal extent of the central sealing strip panel is any of the following: at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, and at least 30 mm.

[0032] According to a second example aspect, this disclosure provides a bushing for producing a paper-based or cardboard-based container according to a first example aspect.

[0033] According to the third example aspect, this disclosure provides a blank for producing a paper-based or paperboard-based bushing according to the second example aspect.

[0034] The billet can be mirror-symmetric about its longitudinal central axis.

[0035] The billet may include a first and a second boundary edge forming lateral or longitudinal boundary edges, which are straight or substantially straight and parallel or substantially parallel. The billet may also include a third boundary edge that is straight or substantially straight, extending orthogonally or substantially orthogonally between the lateral boundary edges and forming a bottom boundary edge of the billet. Furthermore, the billet may include a non-linear fourth boundary edge extending between the lateral boundary edges and forming a top boundary edge of the billet.

[0036] The blank may include a top region having a top zigzag pattern and configured to form the top portion of the container. The top region may include a top panel and gusseted panels configured to fold onto each other below the top panel when the container is formed from the blank.

[0037] The top boundary edge can be mirror-symmetric about the longitudinal central axis of the billet.

[0038] The top boundary edge can include multiple separate straight top boundary edge segments.

[0039] According to a fourth example aspect, this disclosure provides a method for producing a paper-based or cardboard-based container for containing pourable food, the method comprising the following steps:

[0040] - Seal the paper-based or cardboard-based laminated sheet material along the longitudinal sealing strip to form a tubular initial container;

[0041] - Seal the initial container at the top sealing area; and

[0042] - Fold the top sealing area onto at least one wall segment of the initial container, including the longitudinal sealing strip, and attach the top sealing area to the at least one wall segment.

[0043] The method may include forming a top portion of a container by folding corner braces of the laminated sheet material onto each other below the top panel of the laminated sheet material. The method may also include arranging an opening or closure in the top portion for dispensing or retrieving food. The opening may be resealable, thus allowing the container to be reclosed after the first opening.

[0044] The method may include the following steps:

[0045] - Seal the bottom of the laminated sheet material to form an initial container that is bottom-sealed and top-open; and

[0046] - Fill the initial container, which has a sealed bottom and an open top, with pourable food.

[0047] The step of top-sealing the laminated sheet material is performed after the step of filling the bottom-sealed, top-open container with pourable food. In other words, the method may include filling the initial container from the top side.

[0048] Alternatively, the step of top-sealing the initial container at the top-sealing area can produce an initial container that is top-sealed but bottom-open, and the method may include the following steps:

[0049] - Fill the initial container, which is sealed at the top and open at the bottom, with pourable food; and

[0050] - Seal the bottom of the laminated sheet material.

[0051] Therefore, instead of filling the initial container from the top, the method may include filling the initial container from the bottom.

[0052] The method may include the step of providing a top panel of a container without a sealing structure. Such a sealing structure may include a permanent sealing structure, such as a welded, glued, or otherwise permanently bonded seam, wherein panels of laminated sheet material are permanently bonded to each other.

[0053] The method may include arranging the top sealing region as flat or substantially flat and parallel or substantially parallel to at least one of the plurality of wall segments, including a longitudinal sealing strip.

[0054] The method may include arranging a top panel and a top sealing area such that they share the same sideline forming the top edge of the container.

[0055] The method may include the steps of arranging the top edge in a straight or substantially straight line, and arranging the top edge parallel to or substantially parallel to the flat or substantially flat bottom portion of the container.

[0056] The method may include the step of arranging an opening device or closure on the top panel of the container for dispensing or taking out food.

[0057] The method may include the step of arranging the opening of the closure or opening device adjacent to the top edge, which forms the edge line between the top panel and the top sealing area.

[0058] The method may include the step of arranging the opening at an orthogonal distance of 1 mm to 10 mm from the top edge.

[0059] The method may include the step of arranging the top panel flat or substantially flat. The method may also include the steps of arranging one or more wall segments, including a longitudinal sealing strip, flat or substantially flat, and arranging the top panel at an angle to the one or more wall segments, the angle satisfying any of the following: in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees; in the range of 30 degrees to 80 degrees; in the range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees; and 60 degrees.

[0060] The step of top-sealing the initial container at the top sealing area may include a sub-step of sealing multiple sealing strip panels to each other. This sub-step may include arranging the sealed sealing strip panels within the container in a parallel or substantially parallel and / or coplanar or substantially coplanar manner. This sub-step may include arranging a central sealing strip panel such that the central sealing strip panel extends over one or more wall segments including a longitudinal sealing strip and the longitudinal extent is any of the following: at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, and at least 30 mm.

[0061] According to a fifth example aspect, this disclosure provides a container for containing pourable food, the container comprising a paper-based or cardboard-based laminated sheet material, the laminated sheet material being formed as follows:

[0062] - The bottom part is basically flat;

[0063] - A top portion, arranged opposite to the bottom portion and including a top panel and a top sealing area forming a top seal of the container; and

[0064] - A wall portion extending between a bottom portion and a top portion and including a plurality of wall segments engaging with a top panel and a longitudinal sealing strip extending between the bottom portion and the top portion on at least one of the plurality of wall segments.

[0065] The container may include a barrier arranged in a top panel for providing a seal in an opening in the top panel, and an opening device or closure arranged to break the seal and dispense and / or retrieve food during the first opening of the container. The top sealing area is folded to and attached to at least one of a plurality of wall segments.

[0066] The opening device or closing part may include:

[0067] - A first sheet extending over and attached to at least a portion of the top panel, the first sheet including a through opening aligned with the barrier; and;

[0068] - A second sheet releasably attached to at least a portion of the first sheet on the outer surface of the first sheet, the second sheet being attached to the barrier via a through opening prior to the first opening, and the second sheet being configured to tear the barrier upon the first opening.

[0069] The second sheet can be manually operated from a closed position where the second sheet covers the through opening to an open position where the second sheet exposes the through opening and allows food to be dispensed or taken through the through opening.

[0070] Therefore, unlike existing containers where the top sealing area is folded onto the top panel or extends from the top panel to form top fins, this top sealing area is entirely folded downwards onto one or more wall portions. This eliminates the need for a top sealing structure on the top panel and allows for free positioning of the dispenser sealing structure and opening device or closure. Furthermore, since the section of the longitudinal sealing strip extending into the top sealing area also folds onto one or more wall portions, the longitudinal sealing strip does not extend onto the top panel.

[0071] After the first opening, the second sheet can be manually operated to move from the open position to the closed position to re-close the through opening.

[0072] The first sheet may extend over and be attached to at least a portion of the top sealing area.

[0073] The first sheet may include a drinking surface extending from the through opening to a distance from the through opening, the distance being any one of the following: at least 20 mm; at least 25 mm; and at least 30 mm. The drinking surface may extend above the top sealing area.

[0074] The top panel and the top sealing area may share the same edge line, which forms the uppermost edge line of the top panel and the top edge of the container, and the first sheet may extend along said top edge.

[0075] The through opening can be positioned within a range of 2mm-10mm from the top edge of the top panel.

[0076] Both the first sheet and the second sheet may include a first lateral edge positioned at or adjacent to the bottom edge of the top panel.

[0077] The first sheet may include a second lateral edge, which is located at or adjacent to the bottom edge of the top sealing area.

[0078] The outer surface of the first sheet and / or the inner surface of the second sheet may include an adhesive. The inner surface of the second sheet may include areas of reduced adhesion in the region facing the through opening when the second sheet is in the closed position.

[0079] Barriers can include any of the following:

[0080] -Pre-laminated holes; and;

[0081] - A removable section of the laminated sheet material of the top panel is defined by a cut made partially through the top panel from the outer surface of the top panel, which leaves one or more inner layers of the laminated sheet material intact to provide for the initial opening.

[0082] According to the sixth example aspect, this disclosure provides a method for producing a paper-based or cardboard-based blank for producing a container for containing pourable food, each blank comprising:

[0083] -A first boundary edge and a second boundary edge that are essentially straight lines, each of the first boundary edge and the second boundary edge extending substantially parallel to a first longitudinal direction of the billet between the first endpoint and the second endpoint;

[0084] - The third boundary edge extends substantially parallel to the second transverse direction of the billet between the first endpoint of the first boundary edge and the first endpoint of the second boundary edge;

[0085] - A non-linear fourth boundary edge, extending between the second endpoint of the first boundary edge and the second endpoint of the second boundary edge.

[0086] The method includes the following steps:

[0087] - Laying out first and second rows of blank patterns on a web of laminated material, each row comprising multiple blank patterns arranged side-by-side, wherein a first boundary edge of one blank pattern is adjacent to a second boundary edge of an adjacent blank pattern, and a fourth boundary edge of the blank patterns in the first row is adjacent to a fourth boundary edge of the blank patterns in the second row; and

[0088] - Cut the web along the first boundary edge, second boundary edge, third boundary edge and fourth boundary edge to form the blank.

[0089] According to the seventh example aspect, this disclosure provides a matching pattern for producing preforms of paper-based or paperboard-based materials from webs of laminated materials, each preform comprising:

[0090] -A first boundary edge and a second boundary edge that are essentially straight lines, each of the first boundary edge and the second boundary edge extending substantially parallel to a first longitudinal direction of the billet between the first endpoint and the second endpoint;

[0091] - The third boundary edge extends substantially parallel to the second transverse direction of the billet between the first endpoint of the first boundary edge and the first endpoint of the second boundary edge;

[0092] - A non-linear fourth boundary edge, extending between the second endpoint of the first boundary edge and the second endpoint of the second boundary edge.

[0093] The matching pattern includes a first row and a second row of blank patterns arranged side by side, wherein the first boundary edge of one blank pattern is adjacent to the second boundary edge of the adjacent blank pattern, and the fourth boundary edge of the blank pattern in the first row is adjacent to the fourth boundary edge of the blank pattern in the second row.

[0094] The fourth boundary edge can form a non-linear line that exhibits double rotational symmetry about the center located on the line.

[0095] The preferred and / or optional features described above for each aspect of the invention may be used individually or in appropriate combinations for other aspects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0096] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the accompanying drawings are provided:

[0097] Figure 1 An example of the blank is shown.

[0098] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 The bushing is formed by folding and sealing the blank.

[0099] Figure 4 It is based on Figure 2 and Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the bushing after it has been erected into a tubular form.

[0100] Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 4 A bottom view of the bushing after it has been sealed at the bottom.

[0101] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the bushing after it is sealed at the bottom.

[0102] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It shows according to Figure 4 The top of the bushing is sealed.

[0103] Figure 9 is based on Figure 1 A front view of the container used for producing billets.

[0104] Figure 10 is based on Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a container produced from raw materials.

[0105] Figures 11 and 12 are based on Figure 1 A side view of the container produced from the billet.

[0106] Figure 13 It is based on Figure 1 A front view of the container used for producing billets, with the container in the open position.

[0107] Figure 14a and Figure 14b It shows the results based on Figure 1 The cross-section of the container produced from the blank.

[0108] Figure 15 This is an alternative embodiment of the billet.

[0109] Figure 16 and Figure 17 It shows according to Figure 15 The blank is folded and sealed to form a bushing.

[0110] Figures 18-21 are based on Figure 15 Front, side and rear views of the container produced from the blank.

[0111] Figure 22 An example of the blank is shown.

[0112] Figure 23-Figure 2 5 shows the result based on Figure 22 A container formed from raw materials.

[0113] Figure 26 and Figure 27 It shows according to Figure 23-Figure 2 The container is 5, and it is in the open position.

[0114] Figure 28 and Figure 29 It shows according to Figures 23-27 The opening device or closing part of a container.

[0115] Figure 30It shows according to Figure 1 Examples of matching patterns for blanks.

[0116] Figure 31 It is based on Figure 30 Detailed view of the accompanying pattern.

[0117] Figure 32 It shows according to Figure 1 The second embodiment of the matching pattern of the blank.

[0118] Figure 33 It shows the result of Figure 30 and Figure 31 The blank is produced using any of the matching patterns.

[0119] Figure 34 An example of a matching pattern for a blank is shown.

[0120] Figure 35 It shows the result of Figure 34 The blanks are produced using matching patterns.

[0121] Figure 36 It shows the results based on Figure 35 Containers produced from raw materials.

[0122] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject matter depicted in the drawings.

[0123] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise expressly stated or implied from the text, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same part, element or feature. Detailed Implementation

[0124] Specific embodiments of the billet and the container produced therefrom will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, specifically, the invention as defined in the appended claims is not limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but includes modifications including portions of embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the claims.

[0125] Figure 1 A first embodiment of blank 10 is shown, which is used to produce a bushing and subsequently a container for holding pourable food.

[0126] The blank 10 may include several layers of different materials, such as paper, cardboard, plastic or metal, especially aluminum. Typically, the blank 10 may be made of a paper-based or cardboard-based laminated sheet material, which includes multiple layers of cardboard sheet on which one or more barrier layers are laminated for containing food and / or preventing air and odor transfer through the cardboard sheet.

[0127] The blank 10 has several fold lines or fold lines, which are designed to facilitate the folding of the blank 10 during production to form a container and to divide the blank 10 into several regions and sub-regions.

[0128] The billet 10 includes a first boundary edge 12 and a second boundary edge 14 that are parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the billet 10. The boundary edges 12 and 14 are parallel or substantially parallel, have equal or substantially equal lengths, and form the lateral boundary edges of the billet 10.

[0129] The central axis C of billet 10 a It extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L and is equidistant from the lateral boundary edges 12 and 14.

[0130] The billet 10 also includes a straight or substantially straight third boundary edge 16, which is parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse direction T extending from the billet 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The boundary edge 16 extends between the first bottom endpoints 18 and 20 of the lateral boundary edges 12 and 14 and forms the bottom boundary edge of the billet 10.

[0131] The blank 10 also includes a fourth boundary edge 22 that extends between the second top endpoints 24, 26 of the lateral boundary edges 12, 14 and forms the top boundary edge of the blank 10.

[0132] Bottom endpoints 18 and 20 form the bottom corners of the blank 10, while top endpoints 24 and 26 form the top corners. Corner points 18, 20, 24, and 26 define a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape because the lateral boundary edges 12 and 14 are parallel or substantially parallel, and because the bottom boundary edge 16 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lateral boundary edges 12 and 14. However, unlike the bottom boundary edge 16, the top boundary edge 22 is non-linear and extends beyond the rectangular shape defined by corner points 18, 20, 24, and 26.

[0133] The top boundary edge 22 comprises multiple individual straight or substantially straight segments 22a-22i.

[0134] Top boundary edge segments 22a and 22i are collinear or substantially collinear and extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the lateral direction T, i.e., parallel to or substantially parallel to the bottom boundary edge 16, respectively, starting from top corner points 24 and 26. Edge segments 22a and 22i have equal or substantially equal lengths. Edge segments 22b and 22h extend from edge segments 22a and 22i, respectively, and form an angle with the bottom boundary edge 16. Edge segments 22b and 22h form an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the lateral direction T. Edge segments 22c and 22g extend from edge segments 22b and 22i, respectively, and form an angle of approximately 20 degrees with the lateral direction T. Edge segments 22d and 22f extend from edge segments 22c and 22g, respectively, and form an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the lateral direction T. Edge segment 22e finally extends between edge segments 22d and 22f, parallel to or substantially parallel to the lateral direction T, i.e., parallel to or substantially parallel to the bottom boundary edge 16. However, due to the tilted orientation of edge segments 22b-22d and 22f-22h, edge segment 22e is arranged further away from the bottom boundary edge 16 than edge segments 22a and 22i.

[0135] Top boundary edge 22 about central axis C a Reflection symmetry. In other words, using the central axis C a As the axis of symmetry, the top boundary edge 22 is located on the central axis C. a A segment on one side is a mirror image of its corresponding segment on the other side. Therefore, edge segments 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d are mirror images of edge segments 22i, 22h, 22g, and 22f, respectively, and the central axis C... a It extends through the edge segment 22e in the center.

[0136] The billet 10 includes a first fold line 28 and a second fold line 30, each of which extends transversely across the billet 10, specifically between the lateral boundary edges 12 and 14. Fold lines 28 and 30 divide the billet 10 into:

[0137] - Bottom region 32, having a bottom zigzag pattern and configured to form the bottom portion of a container formed from blank 10;

[0138] - Top region 34, having a top zigzag pattern and constructed to form the top portion of the container; and

[0139] - The middle region 36, contained between the first fold line 28 and the second fold line 30, is inserted between the bottom region 32 and the top region 34 and is configured to form the middle wall portion of the container.

[0140] The broken line 28 is straight or substantially straight and extends across panel 10 parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse direction T.

[0141] The bottom region 32 is separated from the middle region 36 by a fold line 28 and includes multiple rectangular or substantially rectangular bottom panels 40a, 40f, and 40k, and multiple triangular or substantially triangular gusset panels 40b-40e and 40g-40j. The gusset panels 40b-40e and 40g-40j are arranged in two rectangular or substantially rectangular sub-regions arranged side-by-side with the bottom panels 40a, 40f, and 40k. When the container is produced from the blank 10, the bottom panels and gusset panels 40a-40k are configured to fold in a manner also known in the art to form a substantially flat bottom for the container.

[0142] The bottom region 32 also includes a plurality of rectangular or substantially rectangular bottom sealing strip panels 38a-38g extending between the lateral boundary edges 12, 14. The sealing strip panels 38a-38g are spaced apart in the transverse direction T by longitudinal or substantially longitudinal zigzag lines. The sealing strip panels 38a-38g form a bottom sealing strip 38 that extends along the bottom boundary edge 16 and is spaced apart from the bottom panel and gusset panels 40a-40k by zigzag lines 42 extending across the blank 10 parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. When a container is produced from the blank 10, the sealing strip panels 38a-38g are configured to seal against each other to form a bottom seal of the container in a manner as is known in the art.

[0143] Turning now to the top region 34 of the billet 10, the zigzag line 30 comprises multiple zigzag segments 30a-30e, wherein zigzag segments 30a, 30b, 30d, and 30e are straight or substantially straight, and zigzag segment 30c is curved. Zigzag segments 30a and 30e are collinear or substantially collinear and extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, i.e., parallel to or substantially parallel to edge segments 22a and 22i, respectively, originating from the lateral boundary edges 12 and 14. Zigzag segments 30a and 30e have equal or substantially equal lengths. Zigzag segments 30b and 30d extend from zigzag segments 30a and 30e, respectively, and form an angle toward the bottom boundary edge 16. Zigzag segments 30b and 30d form an angle of approximately 30 degrees with the transverse direction T. Zigzag segments 30b and 30d have equal or substantially equal lengths. Finally, the broken line segment 30c extends between broken line segments 30b and 30d and has a convex side facing the middle region 36.

[0144] Similar to the top boundary edge 22, the broken line 30 is about the central axis C. a It is reflectively symmetrical. In other words, using the central axis C... a As the axis of symmetry, the broken line 30 is located on the central axis C. aA segment on one side is a mirror image of its corresponding segment on the other side. Therefore, line segments 30a and 30b are mirror images of line segments 30e and 30d, respectively, and the central axis C... a Extend through the 30c line segment in the center.

[0145] The top region 34 is separated from the middle region 36 by a broken line 30 and includes a section arranged on the central axis C. a Triangular or substantially triangular gusseted panels 44a and 44b are arranged on one side, and corresponding triangular or substantially triangular gusseted panels 44c and 44d are arranged on the other side, separated by a straight or substantially straight zigzag line 48. Gabled panels 44a and 44b are separated by a straight or substantially straight zigzag line 46. Gabled panels 44c and 44d are separated by a straight or substantially straight zigzag line 48. Zigzag line 46 connects to zigzag line 30 at the intersection of zigzag segments 30b and 30c, and zigzag line 48 connects to zigzag line 30 at the intersection of zigzag segments 30d and 30e. Gabled panels 44a and 44b are equiplanar and are configured to fold onto each other when the blank 10 is folded to form a container. Therefore, gusseted panels 44a and 44b are reflectively symmetrical about zigzag line 46, i.e., symmetrically arranged using zigzag line 46 as an axis of symmetry. Similarly, the gusseted panels 44c and 44d are equiplanar and reflectively symmetrical about the fold line 48, thus allowing the gusseted panels 44c and 44d to fold onto each other when forming the container.

[0146] The corner bracing panels 44a and 44c are separated from the middle area 36 by broken line segments 30b and 30e, respectively.

[0147] The top region 34 also includes a top panel 50 disposed between the gusset panels 44b and gusset panels 44d. The top panel 50 is spaced from the gusset panel 44b by a straight or substantially straight broken line 52, and from the gusset panel 44d by a straight or substantially straight broken line 54. Broken line 52 connects to broken line 30 at the intersection of broken line segments 30b and 30c, and broken line 54 connects to broken line 30 at the intersection of broken line segments 30d and 30e. Broken lines 52 and 54 are not perfectly parallel to the central axis C. a Instead, they converge slightly as they move along the broken lines 52 and 54 towards the central region 36. Broken lines 52 and 54 intersect with the central axis C. a It forms an angle of approximately 3 degrees.

[0148] The top panel 50 is separated from the middle region 36 by a fold line 30c. Therefore, the bottom boundary of the top panel 50, that is, the boundary of the top panel 50 facing the middle region 36, is convex.

[0149] The gusseted panels 44a-44d and the top panel 50 are arranged about the central axis C. aIt is reflection-symmetric or essentially reflection-symmetric. In other words, using the central axis C... a As axes of symmetry, gusseted panels 44a and 44b are mirror images of gusseted panels 44c and 44d, respectively, and the central axis C a Extend 50 centered through the top panel.

[0150] The top region 34 also includes top sealing strip panels 56a-56g, which form a top sealing strip 56 extending along the top boundary edge 22 of the blank 10. When the container is formed from the blank 10, the top sealing strip panels 56a-56g are configured to seal onto each other to form a top seal of the container, which will be discussed in more detail later in this disclosure.

[0151] The sealing strip panel 56a extends from the lateral boundary edge 12 and between the zigzag segment 30a and the boundary edge segment 22a. Correspondingly, the sealing strip panel 56g extends from the lateral boundary edge 14 and between the zigzag segment 30e and the boundary edge segment 22i.

[0152] A sealing strip panel 56b extends from sealing strip panel 56a and between gusset panel 44a and boundary edge segment 22b. Correspondingly, a sealing strip panel 56f extends from sealing strip panel 56g and between gusset panel 44c and boundary edge segment 22h. Sealing strip panel 56b is spaced from gusset panel 44a by a straight or substantially straight zigzag segment 58a, and from adjacent sealing strip panel 56a by a straight or substantially straight zigzag line 60. Zigzag line 60 extends between the intersection of boundary edge segments 22a and 22b and the intersection of zigzag segments 30a and 30b. Zigzag line 60 forms an angle of approximately 15 degrees with the longitudinal direction L. Zigzag segment 58a forms an angle of approximately 30 degrees with the longitudinal direction L. Sealing strip panel 56f is spaced from gusset panel 44c by a straight or substantially straight zigzag segment 58e, and from adjacent sealing strip panel 56g by a straight or substantially straight zigzag line 70. Broken line 70 extends between the intersection of boundary edge segments 22i and 22h and the intersection of broken line segments 30e and 30d. Like broken line 60, broken line 70 forms an angle of approximately 15 degrees with the longitudinal direction L, but an angle in the opposite direction relative to broken line 60. Broken line segment 58e forms an angle of approximately 30 degrees with the longitudinal direction L, but an angle in the opposite direction relative to broken line segment 58a.

[0153] Sealing strip panel 56c extends from sealing strip panel 56b and extends between the combined range of gusset panel 44b and boundary edge segments 22c and 22d. Correspondingly, sealing strip panel 56e extends from sealing strip panel 56f and extends between the combined range of gusset panel 44d and boundary edge segments 22g and 22f. Sealing strip panel 56c is spaced from gusset panel 44b by a straight or substantially straight zigzag segment 58b, and spaced from adjacent sealing strip panel 56b by a straight or substantially straight zigzag line 62. Zigzag line 62 extends between the intersection of boundary edge segments 22b and 22c and the intersection of zigzag segments 58a and 30b. Zigzag lines 62 and 46 are collinear or substantially collinear and form an angle of approximately 25 degrees with the longitudinal direction L. Zigzag segment 58b forms an angle of approximately 85 degrees with the longitudinal direction L. Sealing strip panel 56e is spaced from corner brace panel 44d by a straight or substantially straight zigzag segment 58d and from adjacent sealing strip panel 56f by a straight or substantially straight zigzag line 68. Zigzag line 68 extends between the intersection of boundary edge segments 22h and 22g and the intersection of zigzag segments 58e and 58d. Zigzag lines 68 and 48 are collinear or substantially collinear and form an angle of approximately 25 degrees with the longitudinal direction L, but are angled in the opposite direction relative to zigzag lines 62 and 46. Zigzag segment 58d forms an angle of approximately 85 degrees with the longitudinal direction L, but is angled in the opposite direction relative to zigzag segment 58b.

[0154] Finally, sealing strip panel 56d extends between sealing strip panels 56c and 56e and between top panel 50 and boundary edge segment 22e. Sealing strip panel 56d is spaced from top panel 50 by a straight or substantially straight zigzag segment 58c, and spaced from adjacent sealing strip panels 56c and 56e by straight or substantially straight zigzag lines 64 and 66, respectively. Zigzag line 64 is parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L and extends between the intersection of boundary edge segments 22d and 22e and the intersection of zigzag segments 58b and 58c. Zigzag line 66 is also parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L, but extends between the intersection of boundary edge segments 22f and 22e and the intersection of zigzag segments 58d and 58c. Zigzag segment 58c and boundary edge segment 22e are parallel or substantially parallel.

[0155] Sealing strip 56 about the central axis C a Reflection symmetry. In other words, using the central axis C a As axes of symmetry, sealing strip panels 56a, 56b, and 56c are mirror images of sealing strip panels 56g, 56f, and 56e, respectively, and the central axis C a Centered through the sealing strip panel 56d extension.

[0156] The top panel 50 includes a removable segment 72 defined by a weakening ring 74, which allows the segment 72 to be removed from the container formed from the preform 10 when the container is initially opened. This opening action will be discussed in more detail later in this disclosure. The weakening ring 74 may be, for example, a so-called "half-cut," i.e., a cut that partially penetrates the laminate substrate from the outer surface of the preform 10, leaving one or more inner layers of the laminate substrate intact, to provide an uninterrupted barrier to the food contained in the container before the container produced from the preform 10 is first opened.

[0157] Turning now to the middle region 36 of the blank 10, which includes panels 76a-76e spaced apart by fold lines 82a-82d.

[0158] Panel 76c is configured to form the front wall panel of a container produced from blank 10. The intermediate region 36 includes panels 76b and 76d adjacent to panel 76c, which are configured to form the side wall panels of the produced container. Panel 76c is spaced apart from panel 76d by a straight or substantially straight zigzag line 82c, and from panel 76b by a straight or substantially straight zigzag line 82b.

[0159] The intermediate region 36 also includes a panel 76a adjacent to panel 76b and a fifth panel 76e adjacent to panel 76d. Panels 76a and 76e are configured to form the rear wall panel segment of the produced container. Panel 76a is spaced from panel 76b by a straight or substantially straight broken line 82a, and panel 76e is spaced from panel 76d by a straight or substantially straight broken line 82d.

[0160] Line 82c extends between the intersection of line 28 and line segments 30c and 30d. Line 82b extends between the intersection of line 28 and line segments 30b and 30c. Lines 82b and 83c converge from the top region 34 toward the bottom region 32. Therefore, the width of panel 76c, i.e., the distance between lines 76c and 76d in the lateral direction T, continuously decreases from the top region 34 to the bottom region 32. (Using the central axis C) a As an axis of symmetry, broken line 82b is a mirror image of broken line 82c, and broken lines 82b and 82c are perpendicular to the central axis C. a Forming an angle of approximately 2 degrees but in the opposite direction from the central axis C a Divergent.

[0161] Line 82a extends between the intersection of line 28 and line segments 30a and 30b. Starting from the top region 34 and moving towards the bottom region 32, lines 82a and 82b diverge. Therefore, the width of panel 76b continuously increases from the top region 34 to the bottom region 32. Line 82d extends between the intersection of line 28 and line segments 30d and 30e. Starting from the top region 34 and moving towards the bottom region 32, lines 82d and 82c diverge. Therefore, similar to panel 76b, the width of panel 76d continuously increases from the top region 34 to the bottom region 32. Both lines 82a and 82d are perpendicular to the central axis C. a Forming an angle of approximately 3 degrees but in the opposite direction from the central axis C a Divergence. Therefore, the central axis C is used. a As the axis of symmetry, panel 76b is a mirror image of panel 76d.

[0162] The billet 10 also includes, along its entire length, i.e., between the bottom boundary edge 16 and the top boundary edge 22, a section parallel to or substantially parallel to the central axis C. a Two straight or substantially straight broken lines 92 and 94 extend from the center. Broken lines 92 and 94 extend centered or substantially centered in panels 76b and 76d, respectively, thus dividing panels 76b and 76d into two panel segments 76b-I, 76b-II and 76d-I, 76d-II, respectively. Furthermore, in the bottom region 32, broken lines 92 and 94 extend centered or substantially centered in the gusseted panel sub-regions formed by gusseted panels 40b-40e and 40g-40j, respectively.

[0163] Figure 2 The following view shows the result of Figure 1 The bushing 96 is made from blank 10, and Figure 3 The previous view showed bushing 96. (Already referenced) Figure 1 The characteristics of the bushing described are in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The corresponding figure labels are provided in the figure.

[0164] By folding the blank 10 along two fold lines 92 and 94, panel 76e overlaps with panel 76a, thereby forming a bushing 63 from the blank 10. In the overlapping area, panels 76a and 76e are then sealed to each other, for example, by welding, to form a longitudinal sealing band 14, thereby forming a flat or substantially flat rear wall section. The bushing 96 thus obtains a circumferentially closed structure in the circumferential direction, with an opening in the area of ​​the bottom boundary edge 16 and an opening in the area of ​​the top boundary edge 22. The lateral boundary edges terminating inside the bushing, i.e., boundary edge 12 in this case, are covered before the blank 10 is folded along fold lines 92 and 94 or after the overlapping area of ​​panels 76a and 76e has been joined to each other. The covering of the cut edge of the composite material serves to prevent any contact between the contents of the container and the layer, particularly the paper or cardboard layer contained therein. As is known in the art, the covering of the cut edge can be achieved by peeling the composite layer from the edge and folding the remaining impermeable layer over the edge. Alternatively, as is known in the art, a strip of sealing material (not shown) may be applied to the lateral boundary edge terminating inside the bushing.

[0165] In the front view ( Figure 3 In the front view, panel 76c is visible, as are panel segments 76b-II and 76d-I. The weakening ring 74 surrounding the removable segment 72 of the top panel 50 is also visible. However, the weakening ring is not visible in the rear view. Figure 2 It is not visible in the rear view because the inner layer of the laminate material of the top panel 50 is intact, providing the uninterrupted barrier. Figure 2 In the diagram, panels 76a and 76e are visible, as are panel segments 76b-I and 76d-II.

[0166] Figure 4 Showing from Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bushing 96 is in an upright position. This upright position is achieved by retracting the folds along the leading edge folds 92 and 94 and folding the bushing 96 back approximately 180 degrees along folds 92 and 94. Folding back along fold 92 results in the two panel segments 76b-I and 76b-II no longer overlapping, but instead being arranged in the same or substantially the same plane. Correspondingly, folding back along fold 94 results in the two panel segments 76d-I and 76d-II no longer overlapping, but instead being arranged in the same or substantially the same plane. The folding action also includes folding the bushing 96 along folds 82a, 82b, 82c, and 82d approximately 90 degrees, thereby forming the side edges of the container to be formed.

[0167] Next, the bottom region of the upright bushing is folded and sealed. This includes sealing the bottom sealing strip panels 38f and 38b to the sealing strip panels 38e and 38c, respectively, and sealing the bottom sealing strip panels 38g and 38s to the sealing strip panel 38d. The sealing joint can be achieved by welding in a manner known in the art. Folding and sealing the bottom region also includes folding the gusset panels 40j and 40g inward onto the gusset panels 40i and 40h, respectively, and folding the corresponding gusset panels 40b and 40e inward onto the gusset panels 40d and 40c, respectively. It also includes folding the now-sealed sealing strip downward onto the bottom panel 40f and the gusset panels 40e and 40g, and attaching the sealing strip to the bottom panel 40f and the gusset panels 40e and 40g, for example by welding, and finally folding it into the lug formed by the previously folded gusset panels, thereby achieving Figure 5 The diagram shows a sealed and substantially flat construction. However, it should be understood that other constructions of a sealed and flat bottom region are known in the art and can be used in place of the construction described above.

[0168] An upright, bottom-sealed bushing can be produced in a packaging machine (not shown), wherein bushing 96 is supplied from a cassette and stands upright on a mandrel. The bottom area can be formed and sealed on the mandrel, thereby forming the initial container, i.e., as shown... Figure 6 The partially formed containers shown can then be discharged from the mandrel onto a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt transports the partially formed containers to a sterilization station, and then to a filling station. In the filling station, food is dispensed into the partially formed containers through a top opening.

[0169] The filled and partially formed container can then be conveyed to the top folding and sealing station to fold and seal the top area.

[0170] When the top area is folded, the sloping top panels 44c and 44d are pushed inward at fold line 48 to fold panel 44d over panel 44c and panel 56e over panel 56f (see [link]). Figure 6 Perform similar operations on panels 44a, 44b and 56c, 56b (see also...) Figure 1 At the end of the folding operation, the top panel 50 will be tilted, as shown. Figure 7 As shown. In this position, the gusseted panels 44a-44d fold over each other below the top panel 50, and the panels of the sealing strip 56 can seal each other, for example, during a welding operation, thereby sealing the top area. Figure 8 As shown, the folded and sealed sealing strip 56 is then folded down onto and attached to the rear wall panels 76a and 76e.

[0171] Because the top sealing strip panels 56b, 56c, 56e, and 56f are pushed inward during the formation of the top seal, they will be contained between the top sealing strip panel 56d and the coupled top sealing strip panels 56g and 56a. Therefore, the folded and sealed sealing strip 56 will have a lateral extent corresponding to the lateral extent of the top sealing strip panel 56d, thereby allowing the entire sealing strip 56 to fold downward and attach to the rear wall panels 76a and 76e.

[0172] Therefore, the folded and sealed sealing strip 56 forms a top sealing area, which is folded and attached to the rear wall section formed by the rear wall panels 76a and 76e of the container, i.e., the wall section containing the longitudinal sealing strip 14. As will be discussed in more detail later, this arrangement results in the panel 50 (see...) Figure 3 ) formed container 124 (see Figure 13 The top panel will not have sealing structures such as welded, glued, or otherwise permanently bonded seams, where panels of laminated sheet material are permanently bonded together. This allows the top panel to be used efficiently.

[0173] In the removable segment 72 of the top panel 50 (see...) Figure 3 A tear flap may be arranged on the removable segment and the tear flap is attached to the removable segment to allow easy removal of the removable segment 72.

[0174] Figures 9-12 illustrate a container 100 produced from the aforementioned blank 10. The container 100 includes a substantially flat bottom portion 102, a top portion 104, and a wall portion 106. The wall portion 106 includes a front wall segment 108a formed by panel 76c and a rear wall segment 108c formed by panels 76a and 76e. Furthermore, the wall portion 106 includes side wall segments 108b and 108d formed by panels 76d and 76b, respectively. An edge 116 formed by a fold line 82b defines the intersection line of the front wall segment 108a and the side wall segment 108d, and an edge 118 formed by a fold line 82c defines the intersection line of the front wall segment 108a and the side wall segment 108b. Furthermore, the edge 120 formed by the broken line 82a defines the intersection line of the rear wall segment 108c and the side wall segment 108d, and the edge 122 formed by the broken line 82d defines the intersection line of the rear wall segment 108c and the side wall segment 108b.

[0175] The top portion 104 includes a top panel 124 formed by panel 50 and a sealing region 126 formed by a sealing strip 56 (i.e., folded and sealed top sealing strip panels 56a-56g), thereby forming a top seal of container 100. An inclined side edge 128 formed by fold line 52 defines the intersection of the top panel 124 and the side wall segment 108d, and an inclined side edge 130 formed by fold line 54 defines the intersection of the top panel 124 and the side wall segment 108b. A front edge 132 formed by fold line segment 30c defines the intersection of the top panel 124 and the front wall segment 108a. Container 100 also includes a rear edge 134 formed by fold line segment 58c, which corresponds to the intersection of the top panel 124 and the sealing region 126. Therefore, the top panel 124 extends between the top edges 128, 130, 132, and 134.

[0176] As previously described, the sealing area 126 is folded down and attached to the rear wall section 108c, which is the wall section formed by the panels 76a and 76e and includes the longitudinal sealing strip 14.

[0177] Panel 76c has a central axis C a Length L F (see Figure 1 Panels 76a and 76e are on the central axis C. a Length L in the direction B Less than L F Therefore, the length of the front wall segment 108a is less than the length of the rear wall segment 108c (when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the carton 100). This length difference, L... F <L B This creates an extended structure for the top panel 124. Therefore, when the container 100 is in the upright position as shown, the front edge 132 is lower than the rear edge 134. The top panel 124 forms a predetermined angle α with the rear wall segment 108c (see Figures 11 and 12). The angle α can be from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees, and preferably from about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees. Most preferably, the angle α is from about 45 degrees to about 75 degrees. In this embodiment, the angle is about 60 degrees, which is determined by the angles between the line segments 30b and 30d and the lines 82a and 82d (see Figures 11 and 12). Figure 1 ).

[0178] Now for reference Figure 14a and Figure 14b The flat bottom portion 102 is substantially square, meaning it has a width and span of substantially equal length, such as... Figure 14a As shown (see also) Figure 5However, at the top portion 104, the cross-section of the container 100 is rectangular when viewed in a plane parallel to the plane of the bottom portion 102. In other words, above the bottom portion 102, the width of the container 100 is greater than the width of the container 100, as... Figure 14b As shown, this asymmetry increases when the position changes from the bottom portion 102 to the top portion 104.

[0179] Now refer to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 13 The container 100 includes an opening device or closure 136 having a tear flap 138 that covers and is attached to a removable segment 72 of the top panel 50 (see also...). Figure 1 As previously described, the removable segment 72 is defined by a weakening line 74, which allows segment 72, along with the tear flap 138, to be removed from container 100 when the container is initially opened. However, prior to this initial opening, segment 72, together with the remainder of top panel 124, forms an uninterrupted barrier for the food contained in the package. The weakening line 74 may, for example, be a so-called “half-cut,” i.e., a cut that partially penetrates the laminate substrate of the preform from the outer surface of the preform, leaving one or more inner layers of the laminate substrate intact to provide an uninterrupted barrier to the contained food. When the tear flap and attachment segment 72 are removed from container 100, an opening 140 will be exposed in top panel 124 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 13 Food in container 100 can be dispensed or taken through opening 140. Tear flap 138 can extend downwards onto the rear wall section 108c beyond sealing region 126. Tear flap 138 can be attached to container 100 after container 100 has been filled and top-sealed. Alternatively, tear flap 138 can be attached to the initial container upstream of the filling station.

[0180] However, it should be understood that containers can, in principle, be fitted with any type of opening device or closure known in the art, such as an opening device or closure including a pouring spout and a resealable cap arranged on the pouring spout. Alternatively, the opening device or closure can be implemented using a so-called pre-laminated hole (PLH) technique to provide an uninterrupted barrier. As known in the art, this technique involves creating a through-hole in the preform, i.e., in a laminated sheet material of the container's paper or cardboard base, and covering the hole, preferably from the inner surface of the container, the hole having a suitable barrier layer, such as a polymer film, attached to a tear flap to be removed from the hole along with the tear flap upon first opening.

[0181] Opening 140 is positioned near the rear edge 134 and is substantially equidistant from the beveled edges 128 and 130. Opening 140 can be arranged at an orthogonal distance D from the fourth top edge 134 between 1 mm and 10 mm. In other words, refer to... Figure 1The removable segment 72 can be positioned at an orthogonal distance D from the zigzag segment 58c between 1 mm and 10 mm. Since the sealing area 126 folds down onto and attaches to the rear wall containing the longitudinal sealing strip 14, the top panel 124 will have no sealing structure and no obstructions extending over its surface. Specifically, the longitudinal sealing strip 14 and the top sealing area 126 will be confined to the rear wall segment 108c of the container. Therefore, when the tear flap 138 and segment 72 are removed, the subsequently exposed opening 140 will become easily accessible, particularly from the side where the rear wall segment 108c of the container 100 is located, allowing the consumer to position his or her lower lip on the sealing area 126 and his or her upper lip above the opening 140. The longitudinal extent of the sealing strip panel 56d, i.e., the distance A between the zigzag segment 58c and the top boundary segment 22e (see...) Figure 1 The sealing region 126 is defined in the longitudinal direction of the container 100, and its length can be at least 15 mm, or more preferably at least 20 mm, or even more preferably at least 30 mm, to comfortably accommodate the consumer's lower lip, thereby providing a pleasant drinking experience. By extending the tear flap 138 downwards over the rear wall segment 108c beyond the sealing region 126, the outer surface of the sealing region 126 intended to contact the consumer's mouth is protected until the container 100 is opened. The sloping top panel 124 and the position of the opening 140 near the rear edge 134 allow for an ergonomically advantageous drinking position, making it easy for the consumer to drink directly from the container 100. Therefore, the disclosed container 100 is suitable for use as so-called dispensing packaging, i.e., a type of container constructed to contain liquid intended for consumption on the go, without having to be resealed after opening.

[0182] Because the gusseted panels 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d fold inward during the sealing of the top of the container (see...). Figure 6 The gusseted panels 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d will terminate below the top panel 50 in a filled and sealed container (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 3 Therefore, when designing the opening, the gusseted panels 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d must be properly considered. In this embodiment, the opening 140 is positioned such that the gusseted panels 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d do not interfere with drinking or dispensing from the container.

[0183] Figure 15 Another embodiment of the blank 10' according to the present invention is shown. Figure 16 and Figure 17 A bushing 96' made from blank 10' is shown, and a container 100' made from bushing 96' is shown in Figures 18-21.

[0184] The difference between billet 10' and the previously disclosed billet 10 is that billet 10' includes two straight or substantially straight broken line segments 30c'-I and 30c'-II, instead of the broken line 30c of the curve of billet 10.

[0185] Furthermore, instead of a weakening ring 74, the blank 10' includes a semi-circular weakening line 74', which defines a panel segment 72' arranged to fold outward from the plane of the panel 50' during the first opening. Moreover, the weakening line 74' is positioned further away from the fold segment 58c' than the weakening ring 74. Similar to the weakening ring 74 of the blank 10, the semi-circular weakening line 74' can be so-called "half-cut," i.e., a cut that partially penetrates the laminate substrate of the blank from its outer surface, leaving one or more inner layers of the laminate intact to provide an uninterrupted barrier to the contained food.

[0186] The difference between blank 10' and blank 10 is that the middle region of blank 10' includes inclined fold lines 82a'-82g', instead of the substantially longitudinally extending fold lines 82a-82d of blank 10. The inclined fold lines 82a'-82h' separate the inclined panels 76a'-76i'.

[0187] The blank 10' is otherwise identical to the blank 10, and the bushing 96' (see Figure 16 and Figure 17 The container 100' is manufactured in substantially the same manner as the bushing 96. The container 100' is manufactured from the bushing 96' in substantially the same manner as the container 100 is made from the bushing 96. However, when the bushing 96' is upright and folded, the inclined panels 76a'-76i' will form a pattern of inclined and slightly twisted wall segments 108a'-108h' in the wall portion 106' of the container 100'. Wall segments 108a', 108g', 108e', and 108c' extend diagonally across the front wall, first side wall, rear wall, and second side wall of the container 100', respectively. When the carton 100' is manufactured, the sealing area 126' is folded down onto and attached to wall segments 108d' and 108e' (i.e., the wall segment containing the longitudinal sealing strip 14'). Thus, as previously discussed, the container 100' includes a top panel 124' without a sealing structure.

[0188] Furthermore, instead of a tear-off flap, the carton 100' has an opening device or closure 136' comprising a lid 142' and a pouring spout with a flange 144' attached to the top panel 124' at a weakening line 74'. The opening device or closure 136' is configured to break the weakening line 74' in a manner known in the art during the first opening of the container 100'. For example, the opening device or closure 136' may include a sealing-breaking member (not shown) disposed within the pouring spout, which is activated during the first opening to push downward onto the panel segment 72' and force the panel segment 72' into the container to form an opening in the top panel substrate. However, the segment 72' does not separate from the rest of the top panel substrate but remains attached to the rest via an uncut substrate area located between the endpoints of the weakening line 74'.

[0189] Figure 22 The blank 10" is shown, except that the top boundary edge segments 22a", 22e", and 22i" are curved and the top panel 50" has a circular, pre-cut opening 140" in the paper-based or cardboard-based laminated sheet material of the blank 10", which is substantially the same as the blank 10". Figure 1 The blank 10 shown is the same. The opening 140" is positioned adjacent to the broken line segment 58c" and can be arranged at an orthogonal distance D from the broken line segment 58c" between 1 mm and 10 mm, similar to... Figure 1 The removable segment 72. Furthermore, with... Figure 1 Compared to the blank 10 shown, panel 76a" is slightly wider than panel 76e", thus allowing the boundary edge 14" to be positioned substantially equidistant from the edges 120" and 122" in the container 100" produced from the blank 10" (see [link]). Figures 23-27 ).

[0190] In the region of the opening 140", the inner surface of the blank 10' is provided with a sheet-like film (not shown) covering the opening 140", thus providing a pre-laminated hole (PLH) structure that forms a barrier separating the opening 140" from the food before the container is first opened. However, it should be understood that the barrier is not formed by a pre-laminated hole (PLH) structure, but may include, for example, Figures 1-13 The removable segment defined by the half-cut in the disclosed embodiments, i.e., the cut that partially passes through the top panel from the outer surface of the top panel to leave one or more inner layers of the laminate substrate or sheet intact, provides the barrier.

[0191] Figures 23-27 The diagram shows a container 100 produced from blank 10". The production method of container 100" is the same as described above. Figures 2-8The described method is essentially the same. Due to the curved characteristics of the top boundary edge segments 22a", 22e", and 22i", the sealing region 126" in this embodiment of the container exhibits a curved edge 127".

[0192] The container 100" includes an opening device or closure 136" arranged on the opening 140", thereby allowing the consumer to break the PLH barrier, open the container and dispense or take food.

[0193] The opening device or closure 136" includes a first sheet 150 and a second sheet 160. The first sheet 150 is attached to the outer surface of a paper-based or cardboard-based laminated sheet material of the container 100". The second sheet 160 is releasably attached to the outer surface of the first sheet 150, thereby allowing the second sheet 160 to be closed from a first position of the opening device or closure 136" (see [link]). Figure 23-Figure 2 5) Bring to the second position where the opening device or closure is 136" open (see...) Figure 26 and Figure 27 ).

[0194] The first sheet 150 is typically rectangular and extends between longitudinal edges 151, 152 and transverse edges 153, 154 (see [reference]). Figure 28 It shows a first sheet 150 before being mounted onto the laminated sheet material. The first sheet 150 shows a sheet with an opening 140" (see [reference]). Figure 22 The through opening 155 is substantially the same size and shape as the container 100". In other words, the opening 140" and the through opening 152 are aligned. The first sheet 150 is attached to the outer surface of the laminated sheet material of the container 100" such that the through opening 155 is aligned with the opening 140". Therefore, in this embodiment where the opening 140" and the through opening 155 are circular, the opening 140" and the through opening 155 are coaxially arranged.

[0195] The first sheet 150 includes a first sheet segment 150a that extends on the top panel 124” between the top edge 134” and the area near the edge 132” of the container 100” (see [link]). Figure 26 In the disclosed embodiments, the first sheet 150 further includes a second sheet segment 150b that extends downward from the top edge 134" to a region on the sealing region 126" near the edge 127" (see [link]). Figure 27 Therefore, since the lateral edge 153 of the first sheet 150 is arranged adjacent to edge 132" and the lateral edge 154 is arranged adjacent to edge 127", the first sheet 150 extends over the uppermost edge 134" of the container 100" and extends substantially over substantially the entire length of the top panel 124" and the sealing area 126" respectively.

[0196] In this embodiment, the width of the first sheet 150 is slightly smaller than the width of the top panel 124". In other words, the sheet 150 does not extend all the way to the edges 128" and 130" (see [link]). Figure 26 In an alternative embodiment, the width of the first sheet 150 may be substantially equal to the width of the top panel 124". However, the extent of the first sheet 150 should be sufficient to surround the opening 140".

[0197] The second sheet 160 is also generally rectangular and extends between the longitudinal edges 161, 162 and the transverse edges 163, 164 (see [link]). Figure 29 The diagram shows a second sheet 160 before it is installed onto the opening device or closure 136". The second sheet 160 has substantially the same width as the first sheet 150. However, the length of the second sheet 160 is substantially twice the length of the first sheet 150.

[0198] The second sheet 160 includes a first sheet segment 160a, which extends on the first sheet 150 between the top edge 134" and the area near the edge 132" of the container 100" before the container 100" is first opened (see Figure 24 and 2015). Figure 29 The lateral edge 163 of the second sheet 160 is substantially aligned with the lateral edge 153 of the first sheet 150. The second sheet 160 also includes a second sheet segment 160b that extends down from the top edge 134" onto the second sheet segment 150b of the first sheet 150, onto the edge 127" of the sealing area 126", and down onto the wall segment 108c" of the container 100" (see Figure 25).

[0199] The outer surface of the first sheet 150 may include an adhesive (made of...) Figure 28 (Dot pattern indication). The inner surface of the second sheet 160, i.e., the surface of the first sheet 150 and the laminated sheet material configured to contact the container 100 at the sidewall segment 108c" before the first opening, may also include an adhesive. However, in one embodiment, the inner surface of the sheet 160 may include a region 165 arranged to cover the through opening 155 of the first sheet 150, which has reduced adhesion compared to the surrounding segments 166 and 167 (see...). Figure 29 ).

[0200] Before the container 100" is first opened, the second sheet 160 is attached to the outer surface of the first sheet 150. Furthermore, to ensure that the second sheet 160 remains flush with the container 100" before the first opening, it can be attached to the sidewall section 108c". As described above, the inner surface of the blank 10' is provided with a sheet-like membrane (not shown) that covers the opening 140" and forms a barrier before the first opening. The outer surface of the sheet-like membrane exposed via the opening 140" and the through opening 155 is attached to the inner surface of the second sheet 160. However, if the barrier comprises a removable section defined by a slit rather than being formed by a PLH structure, the inner surface of the second sheet 160 is instead attached to the outer surface of the removable section, which is exposed via the through opening 155 in a manner similar to that of the PLH membrane.

[0201] To open the first time, the consumer manually grasps the lateral edge 164 of the second sheet 160 and pulls it upward past the top edge 134", then downward toward the edge 132", thereby bringing the second sheet 160 to the desired position. Figure 26 The position is shown. A downward pulling motion will expose the through-opening 155 and break the sheet film covering the opening 140". If the barrier includes a removable segment defined by a slit, as described above, a downward pulling motion will break the slit, lift the removable segment, and expose an opening similar to opening 140". When the second sheet 160 has been brought to... Figure 26 When positioned as shown, consumers will be able to dispense or take food through the opening 140" and the through opening 155.

[0202] As the first sheet 150 extends from the through opening 155, past the top edge 134" and down to the area near the edge 127" on the sealing region 126" (see...), Figure 27 The drinking surface is covered by a second sheet 160 before the first opening, and this drinking surface becomes available to the consumer if the consumer chooses to drink from the side of the container 100 "from the wall segment 108c". To prevent the consumer's mouth from contacting the outer surface of the container laminated sheet material during this drinking operation, thereby providing a pleasant drinking experience, the first sheet 150 should preferably extend from the through opening 155 to a distance A at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 25 mm, and even more preferably at least 30 mm from the through opening 155 (see [reference]). Figure 28 ).

[0203] According to one embodiment, the second sheet 160 may be configured to allow a consumer to reclose the opening device or closure 136" after the first opening. This can be achieved by the consumer bringing the second sheet 160 back to its original first position and allowing the second sheet 160 to adhere to the first sheet region 150a of the first sheet 150 in the sealing region 126". While this may not necessarily be sufficient to provide a liquid-tight seal, it is sufficient to prevent foreign objects from entering the through opening 155.

[0204] In the areas at edges 153 and 163, the first sheet and the second sheets 150, 160 can be permanently bonded together, for example, by heat-sealing each other, thereby ensuring that the second sheet 160 remains attached to the first sheet 150 after the first opening.

[0205] The first sheet 150 can be heat-sealed to the outer surface of the container 100". Alternatively, the first sheet 150 can be permanently attached to the outer surface of the container 100" by other means, such as using a suitable adhesive.

[0206] The first and second sheets 150 and 160 may comprise polymer sheets, such as sheets comprising a polyethylene layer or a polypropylene layer, or both. At least the second sheet 160 may be a laminated sheet material, such as comprising multiple polymer layers and / or layers comprising cellulose fibers, such as a paper layer. In one embodiment, the second sheet 160 may comprise an aluminum layer.

[0207] During the production of container 100", first and second sheets 150, 160 can be attached to each other to form a sheet aggregate. The sheet aggregate can then be attached to the outer surface of the container laminated sheet material. Alternatively, first sheet 150 can be attached to the outer surface of the container laminated sheet material in a first step, and second sheet 160 can be attached to first sheet 150 in a subsequent second step. After the container has been folded, filled, and top-sealed, the sheet aggregate, or first sheet 150 and subsequently second sheet 160, can be attached to the container laminated sheet material. In an alternative embodiment of the production of container 100", first sheet 150 can be attached to blank 10" before blank 10" is folded to form a bushing.

[0208] As previously mentioned, the blank is produced during a conversion process, in which it is cut from a web of laminated material having substantially parallel and straight lateral boundary edges. The conversion process typically involves feeding the web of laminated material through one or more gaps formed between a pair of cutting and / or creasing rollers to produce a blank cut from the web and formed with fold lines and / or slits and / or holes for subsequent folding, for example, for attaching closures to the blank during the production of cartons from the blank.

[0209] Figure 30 An embodiment of a mating pattern for a blank laid on a web 204 of a laminated material is shown. This pattern is sometimes referred to as a mating pattern. The blank is consistent with previous references. Figure 1 The same billet is being discussed. Figure 31 yes Figure 30 Detailed views of the accompanying patterns, which illustrate previous references. Figure 1 Some broken lines and weakening cycles are discussed.

[0210] As is known in the art, a matching pattern is not a physical pattern visible on the web, but rather a pattern illustrating how the blank is intended to be cut from the web and / or how the blank is imprinted. In other words, the matching pattern illustrates the layout of the blank on the web, and thus how the available web material is utilized.

[0211] Figure 30 The matching pattern 200 shown includes two rows 202a, 202b of identical blanks 10a, 10b, each row comprising blanks arranged side-by-side, wherein a first lateral boundary edge 12 is adjacent to a second lateral boundary edge 14 of an adjacent blank, and vice versa. Therefore, in the gap between the cutting rolls (not shown) adjacent to the lateral boundary edges 12 and 14, the same cutting tool can be used simultaneously in each row with a single cutting edge.

[0212] The blanks 10a of the first row 202a are arranged facing the blanks 10b of the second row 202b, such that the top boundary edge 22 of the blanks of the first row 202a is adjacent to the top boundary edge 22 of the blanks of the second row 202b. In the longitudinal direction Lw of the web 204 of the laminate, rows 202a and 202b are offset such that the top boundary edge segment 22e of the blanks of the first row 202a is adjacent to the top boundary edge segments 22a and 22i of the blanks of the second row 202b, and vice versa (see [reference]). Figure 31 Therefore, in the gap of the cutting roll (not shown), adjacent top boundary edges 22 of the oppositely arranged blanks can also be produced simultaneously using the same cutting tool with a single cutting edge.

[0213] In each row 202a, 202b, the bottom boundary edge 16 is arranged substantially parallel to, or substantially collinear with, the lateral boundary edges 204a, 204b of the web 204, or within a small distance from the lateral boundary edges of the web 204, for example, within 1 mm to 5 mm from the lateral boundary edges 204a, 204b. This provides a matching pattern, allowing substantially the entire area of ​​the web 204 to be covered with little or no waste of web material. Therefore, the disclosed matching pattern is highly effective because substantially all available web material is used to form the blank.

[0214] In the matching pattern 200, the fourth boundary edge 22 forms a non-linear line 222 extending substantially centrally in the longitudinal direction Lw of the web 204. The line 222 exhibits double rotational symmetry relative to the multiple centers 220 located on the line 222. In other words, when the line 222 is rotated 180 degrees about any one of the centers 220, it will exhibit the same orientation as before the rotation. This symmetry allows rows 202a and 202b to be arranged adjacent to each other without any intermediate gaps, thus providing an effective matching arrangement.

[0215] Effective matching can also be achieved by arranging multiple such rows adjacent to each other, for example, as in Figure 32 As disclosed in the document, the diagram illustrates two pairs in this construction.

[0216] Figure 33 The geometry of the blank that allows for the aforementioned effective matching pattern is shown. Blank 10 and the preceding... Figure 1 The blank shown is the same. The top boundary edge 22 is about the central axis C. a Reflection symmetry. In other words, using the central axis C a As the axis of symmetry, located on axis C a The top boundary edge 22 on one side is located on axis C a The top boundary edge 22 on the other side is mirrored.

[0217] The top boundary edge 22 is inscribed within the rectangle 206. In other words, the top boundary edge 22 is surrounded by and "closely fitted" within the rectangle 206. The rectangle 206 has a first pair of sides 208, 210 parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the blank and a second pair of sides 212, 214 parallel to the transverse direction T. The central axis C... a Rectangle 206 is divided into two congruent sub-rectangles 216 and 218. In other words, sub-rectangles 216 and 218 are the same size and shape.

[0218] Sub-rectangle 216 has a center 220, which is the location where the diagonals of sub-rectangle 216 intersect. Within sub-rectangle 216, the top boundary edge 22 exhibits double rotational symmetry with respect to an axis passing through the center 220 and orthogonal to the plane of blank 10. In other words, the portion of the top boundary edge 22 inscribed in sub-rectangle 216 exhibits the same orientation after rotating 180 degrees (360 / 2 degrees) about the center 220.

[0219] The same applies to the portion of the top boundary edge 22 inscribed within sub-rectangle 218, which exhibits double rotational symmetry with respect to an orthogonal axis extending through the center 222 of sub-rectangle 218. This stems directly from the top boundary edge 22's relationship to the central axis C. aThe fact of reflection symmetry implies that there is the same rotational symmetry about the corresponding centers in subrectangles 216 and 218. In other words, if the top boundary edge 22 is relative to the central axis C... a It is reflectively symmetric, and if the portion of the top boundary edge 22 inscribed in one of the sub-rectangles exhibits double rotational symmetry about the center of that sub-rectangle, then the portion of the top boundary edge 22 inscribed in the other sub-rectangle will also exhibit double rotational symmetry relative to the center of that other sub-rectangle.

[0220] Arrange the blank 10 about the central axis C a The top boundary edge 22 is reflectively symmetrical, and for the portion of the top boundary edge 22 inscribed in the corresponding sub-rectangle, the double rotational symmetry with respect to the center of the sub-rectangle, as described above, will allow... Figure 30 The disclosed effective matching pattern. In particular, it will allow the pattern of blanks to be arranged on the web 204 such that the top boundary edge 22 of the blank in row 202a coincides with the top boundary edge 22 of the blank in row 202b, so that there is no unused web between rows 202a and 202b.

[0221] exist Figure 31 In this case, the top boundary edge segments 22a and 22i are of equal length, and the top boundary edge segment 22e is twice the length of either edge segment 22a or 22i. However, it is understood that other geometries can also be used to achieve effective matching patterns. Figure 34 Other embodiments of blank matching patterns laid on webs of laminated material are shown, and Figure 35 It shows according to Figure 34 The blank 10" is cut and embossed with the matching pattern shown. In this embodiment, the top boundary edge 22" includes curved edge segments 22a", 22e", and 22i" with extensions and curvature, such that the matching pattern is laid out so that the top boundary edges of the blank are adjacent to each other without intermediate gaps, as shown. Figure 34 As shown. After being cut from the laminate web, the blank 10" can be cut in a manner similar to... Figure 1 The blank 10 disclosed in the paper is folded, filled and sealed in a manner that allows for folding, filling and sealing. Figure 36 It shows the results based on Figure 35 A container 100" is made from a blank 10".

[0222] It should be understood that, for clarity, certain features of the invention have been described in the text of individual embodiments, and these features may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the invention already described in the text of individual embodiments may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0223] In the foregoing description, various aspects of the billet and container according to the invention have been described with reference to illustrative embodiments. Specific figures, systems, and constructions have been set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the device and its operation. However, this description is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations to the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the device that will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject matter pertains, may fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A paper-based or cardboard-based container (100, 100') for containing pourable food, comprising: - Flat bottom section (102); - Top portion (104), arranged opposite to the bottom portion (102) and including a top panel (124, 124') and a top sealing region (126, 126'), the top sealing region forming a top seal of the container (100, 100'); - An opening device or closing part (136, 136') is arranged in the top panel (124, 124') for dispensing and / or taking food; and - A wall portion (106) extending between the bottom portion (102) and the top portion (104) and including a plurality of wall segments (108a-108d, 108a'-108h') in contact with the top panel (124, 124') and a longitudinal sealing strip (14, 14') extending between the bottom portion (102) and the top portion (104) on at least one of the plurality of wall segments (108c, 108d', 108e'). The top sealing region (126, 126') is folded entirely onto and attached to at least one of the plurality of wall segments, including the longitudinal sealing strip (14, 14'), and the top panel (124, 124') has no sealing structure.

2. The container (100, 100') according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container (100, 100') includes gusseted panels (44a-44d, 44a'-44d') folded onto each other below the top panel (124, 124').

3. The container (100, 100') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The top sealing area (126, 126') is flat and arranged parallel to at least one of the plurality of wall segments including the longitudinal sealing strip (14) (108c, 108d', 108e').

4. The container (100, 100') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The top panel (124, 124') and the top sealing area (126, 126') share the same edge line (58c), which forms the top edge (134) of the container (100, 100').

5. The container (100, 100') according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top edge (134) is straight and arranged parallel to the bottom portion (102).

6. The container (100, 100') according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening device or closure (136) includes an opening (140) arranged adjacent to the top edge (134).

7. The container (100, 100') according to claim 6, characterized in that, The opening (140) is arranged at an orthogonal distance of 1 mm to 10 mm from the top edge (134).

8. The container (100, 100') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The top panel (124, 124') and at least one of the plurality of wall segments including the longitudinal sealing strip (14) (108c, 108e') are flat, and the top panel (124, 124') and at least one of the plurality of wall segments including the longitudinal sealing strip (14) (108c, 108e') form an angle (α) in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees.

9. The container (100, 100') according to claim 8, characterized in that, The angle (α) is in the range of 30 to 80 degrees.

10. The container (100, 100') according to claim 8, characterized in that, The angle (α) is in the range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees.

11. The container (100, 100') according to claim 8, characterized in that, The angle (α) is 60 degrees.

12. The container (100, 100') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The top sealing region (126, 126') includes a plurality of sealing strip panels (56a-56g), all of which are arranged to be parallel and / or coplanar.

13. The container (100, 100') according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sealing strip panel (56a-56g) includes a central sealing strip panel (56d), the longitudinal extent (A) of which is at least 15 mm.

14. The container (100, 100') according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sealing strip panels (56a-56g) include a central sealing strip panel (56d) with a longitudinal range (A) of at least 20 mm.

15. The container (100, 100') according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sealing strip panels (56a-56g) include a central sealing strip panel (56d) with a longitudinal range (A) of at least 30 mm.

16. A bushing (96, 96') for producing a paper-based or paperboard-based container (100, 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A blank (10, 10') for producing a paper-based or paperboard-based bushing (96, 96') according to claim 16.

18. The billet (10, 10') according to claim 17, characterized in that, The top region (34) includes a top panel (50, 50') and gusseted panels (44a-44d, 44a'-44d') which are configured to fold over each other below the top panel (50).

19. The billet (10, 10') according to any one of claims 17 and 18, characterized in that, The billet (10, 10') is about the longitudinal center axis (C) of the billet (10, 10'). a It is mirror-symmetric.

20. A method for producing a paper-based or cardboard-based container (100, 100') for containing pourable food, comprising the following steps: -The longitudinal sealing strip (14) seals the paper-based or cardboard-based laminated sheet material to form a tubular initial container (96, 96'). - Seal the initial container at the top sealing area (126, 126'); and - Fold the entire top sealing region (126, 126') onto at least one wall segment (108c, 108d', 108e') of the initial container, including the longitudinal sealing strip (14), and attach the top sealing region (126, 126') to the at least one wall segment (108c, 108d', 108e').

21. The method of claim 20, comprising the following steps: The top portion (104) of the container is formed by folding the corner bracing panels (44a-44d, 44a'-44d') of the laminated sheet material onto each other below the top panel (50, 50') of the laminated sheet material.

22. The method of claim 21, comprising the following steps: An opening device or a closing part (136, 136') for dispensing or taking food is arranged in the top part (104).

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, comprising the following steps: - The laminated sheet material is bottom-sealed to form an initial container that is bottom-sealed and top-open; as well as - Fill the initial container, which has a sealed bottom and an open top, with pourable food. The step of sealing the top of the laminated sheet material is performed after the step of filling the initial container, which is sealed at the bottom and open at the top, with pourable food.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The step of sealing the initial container at the top produces an initial container that is sealed at the top and open at the bottom. The method further includes the following steps: - Fill the initial container, which is sealed at the top and open at the bottom, with pourable food; and - Seal the bottom of the laminated sheet material.

25. A container (100") for containing pourable food, comprising a paper-based or cardboard-based laminated sheet material, said laminated sheet material being formed as follows: - Flat bottom section (102); - A top portion (104), arranged opposite to the bottom portion (102) and including a top panel (124") and a top sealing region (126"), the top sealing region forming a top seal of the container (100"); and - A wall portion (106) extending between the bottom portion (102) and the top portion (104) and including a plurality of wall segments (108a"-108d") that engage with the top panel (124") and a longitudinal sealing strip (14") extending between the bottom portion (102) and the top portion (104) on at least one of the plurality of wall segments (108c"). The container (100") includes a barrier disposed in the top panel (124") to provide a seal in an opening (140") in the top panel (124"), and the container further includes an opening device or closure (136") arranged to break the seal and dispense and / or take out food during the first opening of the container (100"), characterized in that, The top panel (124') has no sealing structure, and the top sealing area (126") is entirely folded onto and attached to at least one of the plurality of wall segments (108c"), and wherein the opening device or closure (136") comprises: - A first sheet (150) extends over and is attached to at least a portion of the top panel (124"), the first sheet (150) including a through opening (155) aligned with the barrier; and - A second sheet (160) is releasably attached to at least a portion of the first sheet (150) at the outer surface of the first sheet (150), the second sheet (160) is attached to the barrier via the through opening (155) before the first opening, and the second sheet (160) is configured to tear the barrier during the first opening; The second sheet (160) can be manually operated from a closed position to an open position, in which the second sheet (160) covers the through opening (155), and in the open position, the second sheet (160) exposes the through opening (155) and allows for the dispensing or retrieval of pourable food through the through opening (155).

26. The container (100") according to claim 25, characterized in that, After the first opening, the second sheet (160) can be manually operated to move from the open position to the closed position, thereby re-closing the through opening (155).

27. The container (100") according to any one of claims 25 and 26, characterized in that, The first sheet (150) extends over and is attached to at least a portion of the top sealing region (126").

28. The container (100") according to any one of claims 25 and 26, characterized in that, The first sheet (150) includes a drinking surface that extends from the through opening (155) to a distance below the through opening (155) by at least 20 mm.

29. The container (100") according to any one of claims 25 and 26, characterized in that, The first sheet (150) includes a drinking surface that extends from the through opening (155) to a distance below the through opening (155) by at least 25 mm.

30. The container (100") according to any one of claims 25 and 26, characterized in that, The first sheet (150) includes a drinking surface that extends from the through opening (155) to a distance below the through opening (155) by at least 30 mm.

31. The container (100") according to claim 28, characterized in that, The drinking surface extends into the top sealing area (126").

32. The container (100") according to any one of claims 25 and 26, characterized in that, The top panel (124") and the top sealing area (126") share the same edge line (58c"), which forms the uppermost edge of the top panel (124") and the top edge (134") of the container (100"), and the first sheet (150) extends on the top edge (134").

33. The container (100") according to claim 32, characterized in that, The position of the through opening (155) is 2 mm-10 mm away from the uppermost edge of the top panel (124").

34. The container (100") according to any one of claims 25 and 26, characterized in that, Both the first sheet (150) and the second sheet (160) include a first lateral edge (153, 163) located at or adjacent to the bottom edge (132") of the top panel (124").

35. The container (100") according to claim 34, characterized in that, The first sheet (150) includes a second lateral edge (154) located at or near the bottom edge (127") of the top sealing region (126").

36. The container (100") according to any one of claims 25 and 26, characterized in that, The outer surface of the first sheet (150) and / or the inner surface of the second sheet (160) include an adhesive.

37. The container (100") according to claim 36, characterized in that, The inner surface of the second sheet (160) includes a region (165) with reduced adhesion in the area facing the through opening (155) when the second sheet (160) is in the closed position.

38. The container (100") according to any one of claims 25 and 26, characterized in that, The barrier includes any of the following: - Pre-laminated holes (140"); and - A removable segment (72) of the laminated sheet material of the top panel (124"), the removable segment being defined by a cut (74) extending through the top panel from the outer surface portion of the top panel.

Images