Packaging for containing food products and mould for a packaging machine

Abstract

A package (1) for containing food products is provided. The package (1) comprises a base (6), a side wall (7), a shoulder (8), a neck (9) and a closure (11) for forming a sealed interior space (15) for the food products. The base (6) and the side wall (7) are formed from a multi-layer packaging material (3) comprising a layer of fibrous material (4). The shoulder (8) comprises a plurality of flap portions (12a-12h) formed from the multi-layer packaging material (3), extending from the side wall (7) and folded towards each other in a direction towards the neck (9), wherein each flap portion (12a-12h) has a side edge (14a, 14b) facing a side edge (14b, 14a) of an adjacent flap portion (12a-12h), and a plurality of molded seams (13a-13h) joining the side edges (14a-14b) of adjacent flap portions (12a-12h).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a package for containing food products, in particular pourable food products.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a mould for a packaging machine.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for packaging food products, in particular pourable food products, in a package. BACKGROUND

[0004] It is known that many food products, in particular pourable food products such as juice, milk, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, yoghurt, cheese, soup, salt, sugar, etc., are sold in packages made at least partly of a multilayer packaging material.

[0005] One of the outstanding examples of such packages is a bottle-shaped package for pourable food products, known as Tetra Top (registered trademark). This package is formed from a laminated multilayer packaging material and a top portion moulded to the multilayer packaging material.

[0006] The multilayer packaging material comprises a paperboard and / or paper-based layer, the two sides of which are covered with layers of heat-seal plastic material, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, the multilayer packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, such as aluminium foil, which is superimposed on the layer of heat-seal plastic material and in turn is covered by a further layer of heat-seal plastic material which forms the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food product.

[0007] Although the multilayer packaging material is formed as a body having an internal space, the top portion comprises a shoulder portion mounted to the body, a neck portion extending from the shoulder portion and having a pouring outlet, and a closure member detachably attached to the neck portion for selectively closing and opening the pouring outlet.

[0008] Although the known food package works satisfactorily, there is still a need in the art for even further improvements of the known package. In particular, there is a need to reduce the amount of plastic while maintaining an attractive aesthetic appearance. SUMMARY

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome one or more limitations of the prior art. In particular, it is an object to provide a package that reduces the amount of plastic while maintaining an attractive aesthetic appearance.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mould for a packaging machine.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for packaging food products in a package.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is provided a package according to independent claim 1.

[0013] The preferred embodiments of the package are claimed in the claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1.

[0014] According to the present application, there is also provided a mould according to claim 13.

[0015] According to the present application, there is also provided a method according to claim 14 or 15.

[0016] Further, according to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a package for containing a food product. The package comprises a base, a side wall, a shoulder, a neck and a closure for forming a sealed interior space for the food product. The base and the side wall are formed from a multi-layer packaging material comprising a layer of fibrous material. The shoulder comprises a plurality of flap portions formed from the multi-layer packaging material, the flap portions extending from the side wall and folded towards each other in a direction towards the neck, wherein each flap portion has a side edge facing a side edge of an adjacent flap portion. The shoulder further comprises a plurality of moulded seams joining the side edges of adjacent flap portions.

[0017] By having such a package, the attractive bottle shape of the package can be maintained, thereby reducing the amount of plastic used.

[0018] The neck can be a moulded neck joined with the moulded seams, which can extend from the moulded neck along the side edges of the flap portions and in a direction towards the side wall.

[0019] In this way, a compact package is obtained, which has a reduced risk of forming perforations, which would let the food product leak and / or contaminate. Furthermore, the neck and the moulded seams have durability.

[0020] Each flap portion can comprise a top edge, and the neck can be moulded to the top edge of the flap portions.

[0021] In this way, a good connection between the neck and the flap portions is obtained, thereby ensuring a sealing of the inner surface.

[0022] The moulded seams can be integrally moulded with the moulded neck. Thereby, a sealing effect is ensured and a connection with high durability is provided between the neck and the seams.

[0023] The flap portions can be integrally formed with the side wall. In this way, any possible risk of forming perforations or the like is avoided.

[0024] The moulded seams can be overmoulded on the side edges of the flap portions. This ensures a good durable connection between the seams and the flap portions.

[0025] The combined thickness of each molded seam and the respective flap portion joined by the molded seam is at least 20% greater than the thickness of the molded seam at a location between the side edges of the flap portion joined by the molded seam.

[0026] This guarantees the correct flow properties of the molten polymer during the formation of the molded seam.

[0027] Each side edge can comprise a curved shape. In this way, the desired shoulder shape can be easily formed and defined.

[0028] Each side edge can comprise a first curved portion and a second curved portion. The first curved portion can be different from the second curved portion.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the first curved portion can be convex and the second curved portion can be concave with respect to a central axis of the respective flap portion.

[0030] These two alternative or combined solutions facilitate the correct formation of the required shoulder.

[0031] Each flap portion can comprise a base portion integrally joined with the side wall and a top portion having a top edge opposite the base portion, and the side edges of each flap portion can be spaced apart from each other and can be joined with the base portion and the top portion of the respective flap portion.

[0032] The width of the base portion can be greater than the width of the top portion. In this way, a shoulder that tapers towards the neck is obtained.

[0033] The flap portions can comprise a first group of flap portions and a second group of flap portions. The flap portions of the first group can have different shapes and dimensions with respect to the flap portions of the second group. This allows to define a specific shape of the shoulder.

[0034] In addition, according to one aspect of the present application, a mold for molding a neck and a molded seam of a package is provided. The mold has an inner mold tool and an outer mold tool that cooperate to define a mold cavity configured to allow the formation of the neck. The inner mold tool comprises engagement portions configured to receive flap portions in cooperation with the outer mold tool and to fold the flap portions towards each other so that the side edges of the flap portions face the side edges of the adjacent flap portions, and a mold channel located between the engagement portions and configured to allow the formation of the molded seam.

[0035] By having such a mold, the shoulder and the neck of the package can be formed in an efficient and easy way. The mold guarantees the correct alignment of the flap portions so that the seam joins the adjacent side edges.

[0036] Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for packaging a food product into a package. The method comprises the steps of:

[0037] - providing a blank of a multilayer packaging material having a main portion and a plurality of flap portions extending from the main portion,

[0038] - folding and longitudinally sealing the blank to form a side wall,

[0039] - folding the flap portions towards each other such that side edges of adjacent flap portions face each other,

[0040] - injection moulding a neck portion and a moulded seam portion to join the side edges of adjacent flap portions, thereby forming a shoulder portion,

[0041] - providing a closure on the neck portion,

[0042] - filling the food product into the package at a bottom end of the package, and

[0043] - sealing the bottom end to form a base.

[0044] The method can further comprise the step of providing and / or applying the closure on the neck portion.

[0045] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, together with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a package having a main body and a top portion moulded to the main body;

[0048] Figure 2a is a top view of the package of Figure 1 ;

[0049] Figure 2b is a perspective enlarged side view of a part of the main body and a part of the top portion of the package of Figure 1 ;

[0050] Figure 3a is a top view of the multilayer packaging material of the main body of the package of Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 3b is an enlarged view of a flap portion of the multilayer packaging material of Figure 3a ;

[0052] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the multilayer packaging material;

[0053] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a mold for molding a top portion of a package of Figure 1 onto a body of a package of Figure 1 ;

[0054] Figures 6a to 6f is a variant of a mold channel of a mold of Figure 5 ;

[0055] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a seam portion of a package joining two adjacent flap portions to each other;

[0056] Figures 8a to 8d is a top view of a variant of a package;

[0057] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a variant of a package;

[0058] Figure 10 is a top view of a multi-layer packaging material for forming a package of Figure 9 ; and

[0059] Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method for packaging a food product into a package. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Embodiments of the present application will now be described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings, in which some but not all embodiments of the application are shown. The application can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0061] Reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b , which show an exemplary package 1 for containing a food product, in particular a pourable food product, such as milk, yogurt, ketchup, soup, salt, sugar or the like.

[0062] In more detail, the package 1 comprises a body 2 formed by a multi-layer packaging material 3 and a top portion 5 molded to the body 2. In particular, the package 1 can be bottle-shaped.

[0063] The multi-layer packaging material 3 can comprise a layer of fibrous material 4, such as paper or paperboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material 35, such as polyethylene, which interpose the layer of fibrous material 4 between each other.

[0064] Furthermore, the multi-layer packaging material 3 can also comprise a layer 36 of gas and light barrier material, for example an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is arranged in particular between one of the heat-seal plastic material layers 35 and the fibrous material layer 4. Preferably, the multi-layer packaging material 3 can also comprise a further heat-seal plastic layer 35. The sealing plastic material 37 is interposed between the layer 36 of gas and light barrier material and the fibrous material layer 4.

[0065] Returning to Figure 1 、 2a and 2b, the body 2 comprises a base 6, a side wall 7 extending from the base 6, in particular along a central (longitudinal) axis B, and a plurality of flap portions 12a to 12h extending from the side wall 7, folded towards each other in a direction towards the neck 9 of the top portion 5, and each having a respective side edge 14a and 14b. Each side edge 14a faces a respective side edge 14b, and each side edge 14b faces a respective side edge 14a of a respective adjacent flap portion 12a to 12h.

[0066] The flap portions 12a to 12h can be equally spaced around the central axis B.

[0067] In addition to the neck 9, the top portion 5 comprises a plurality of molded seams 13a to 13h, each of which joins one side edge 14a of one of the respective flap portions 12a to 12h with a side edge 14b of a respective adjacent flap portion 12a to 12h. For example, the molded seam 13a joins the side edge 14a of the flap portion 12a with the side edge 14b of the flap portion 12b.

[0068] According to the example shown, each side edge 14a and the respective side edge 14b can also remain spaced apart from each other (i.e. they do not touch) after having been joined by the respective seam 13a to 13h. Alternatively, one or more or even all side edges 14a can be in contact with the respective side edge 14b after having been joined by the respective seam 13a to 13h.

[0069] The flap portions 12a to 12h and the seams 13a to 13h form a shoulder 8 of the package 1.

[0070] The neck 9 can be a molded neck that can be joined with the molded seams 13a to 13h. Each of the molded seams 13a to 13h can extend from the molded neck 9 and along the respective side edges 14a and 14b of the two respective flap portions 12a to 12h and in a direction towards the side wall 7. Each of the molded seams 13a to 13h can be connected, in particular molded, to the side wall 7.

[0071] The base 6 can be opposite the top portion 5.

[0072] The top portion 5 can be arranged vertically above the base 6.

[0073] The top portion 5 can be spaced apart from the base 6 along the central axis B.

[0074] The neck 9 can comprise a pouring outlet 10 allowing the pourable product to be poured out.

[0075] The neck 9 can further comprise a sealing film removably attached to the neck 9 for sealing the pouring outlet 10 at least before the pourable product is poured out for the first time.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the package 1, in particular the top portion 5, can comprise a closure 11 which can be removably attached to the neck 9 so as to allow at least selectively opening, preferably selectively opening and closing, the pouring outlet 10 of the neck 9.

[0077] More specifically, the base 6 can define a support surface of the package 1, in particular of the main body 2, which can be configured to be in contact with a support surface, for example a shelf, for example when exposed in a point of sale or similar, or when stored in a transport case, a refrigerator, a shelf or similar. In particular, it is readily appreciated that, when the base 6 is placed on a support surface, the base 6 will be arranged at a lower position than the other portions of the package 1. In particular, the base 6 defines the lowest portion of the package 1.

[0078] Moreover, the base 6 can define the lowest position of the main body 2 also during the manipulation of the closure 11 to open the pouring outlet 10.

[0079] Therefore, in the following, any reference to top, bottom, upper, lower, upper face, lower face, and the like, is made with reference to the package 1 placed on, for example, a support surface, or held by a consumer when the consumer wants to manipulate the closure 11 and / or the sealing film, the base 6 being in the lowest position, the pouring outlet 10 being vertically above the base 6.

[0080] In other words, the “correct” orientation of the package 1 is such that, when viewed by a consumer, the base 6 is arranged at a lower position than the top portion 5, otherwise the manipulation of the closure 10 and / or the sealing film would result in an undesired spillage of the food product.

[0081] The neck 9 can comprise an annular cross-section with respect to a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis B.

[0082] Figure 3aA blank 30 is shown, which in use is folded and sealed to allow the formation of the main body 2. The blank 30 can comprise a main portion 31 which, after being folded and sealed, defines the base 6 and the side wall 7. The flap portions 12a-12h can extend from the main portion 31, in particular from the region of the main portion 31 which, once the main body 2 has been formed, defines the side wall 7. The flap portions 12a-12h can be integrally formed with the main portion 31, in particular with the region which defines the side wall 7.

[0083] Accordingly, the flap portions 12a-12h can be integrally formed with the side wall 7.

[0084] Furthermore, the blank 30, in particular the main portion 31, can comprise a plurality of crease lines 38. The crease lines 38 can partly define the shape of the main body 2.

[0085] Each blank 30 can be obtained by cutting a web of a multi-layer packaging material. The web can comprise a plurality of repeating units arranged in succession and connected in succession. The web can be cut in correspondence of the repeating units to form the blanks 30.

[0086] Alternatively, the blanks 30 can be provided as a single blank 30.

[0087] With reference to Figures 1 to 2b and Figure 3a and Figure 3b Each flap portion 12a-12h can comprise a respective top portion 17 and a base portion 20 integrally joined with the side wall 7 (or with the main portion 31 when considering the unfolded blank 30). In particular, the base portion 20 can be connected to the side wall 7 or to the main portion 31 along a fold line, so as to allow the flap portion 12a-12h to be folded towards the neck 9.

[0088] Each top portion 17 can have a respective top edge 21. The top edge 21 can be a free top edge 21 when considering the unfolded blank 30.

[0089] Each flap portion 12a-12h can comprise a respective central axis A, in particular the central axis A can define an axis of symmetry. The central axis A can be interposed between the respective side edge 14a and the respective side edge 14b.

[0090] Each top portion 17 and the respective base portion 20 can be spaced apart from each other along the respective central axis A.

[0091] Each top edge 21 and the base portion 20 and / or the respective fold line define a height h of the respective flap portion 12a-12h.

[0092] Back to Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2bThe neck 9 can be molded to the flap portions 12a to 12h. More specifically, the neck 9 can be molded to the top edges 21.

[0093] The neck 9 can comprise a (bottom) coupling portion 39 molded to the flap portions 12a to 12h. This coupling portion 39 can comprise a plurality of portions 40 angularly spaced from each other about the central axis A and each extending between two respective connection points 41. One respective seam 13a to 13h extends from each connection point 41 to the side wall 7. In particular, each seam 13a to 13h is integrally connected to the neck 9 at the respective connection point 41.

[0094] The neck 9 can be molded to each top edge 20. In particular, each portion 40 can be molded to one respective top edge 20.

[0095] With reference to Figure 7 Each seam 13a to 13h can comprise a central portion 42, a first lateral portion 43 and a second lateral portion 44 integrally formed with each other. Each central portion 42 can be interposed between the respective first lateral portion 43 and the respective second lateral portion 44.

[0096] Furthermore, each central portion 42 can be interposed between and connected to the respective side edge 14a and the respective side edge 14b. In addition, each of the respective first lateral portion 43 and the respective second lateral portion 44 can contact an opposite inner surface 45 of the respective flap portion 12a to 12h. In particular, each inner surface 45 can face the interior space 15.

[0097] More specifically, each seam 13a to 13h can be overmolded on the respective side edge 14a and the respective side edge 14b, in particular during a single molding step. The respective first lateral portion 43 and the respective second lateral portion 44 can be overmolded on the respective inner surface 45 of the respective flap portion 12a to 12h.

[0098] In this context, overmolding can mean that, in particular during a single molding step, a molten polymer is brought into contact with the respective flap portion 12a to 12h, resulting in the respective heat-seal plastic material layer 35 being fused with the molten polymer, which further solidifies. In particular, during the respective overmolding, the heat-seal plastic material layer 35 can be fused together with the respective first lateral portion 43 and the respective second lateral portion 44.

[0099] Again with reference to Figure 7each molded joint 13a to 13h and the respective flap portion 12a to 12h joined by the molded joint 13a to 13h is at least 20% greater than a (minimum) thickness d2 of the molded joint 13a to 13h at a position between the respective side edges 14a and 14b of the respective flap portion 12a to 12h joined by the molded joint 13a to 13h.

[0100] In more detail, the combined thickness d1 can be determined as a maximum thickness defined by the respective first lateral portion 43 and the portion of the respective flap portion 12a to 12h connected with the respective first lateral portion 43 or by the respective second lateral portion 44 and the portion of the respective flap portion 12a to 12h connected with the respective second lateral portion 44. The minimum thickness d2 can be determined as a minimum thickness of the respective central portion 42.

[0101] Further, a respective (maximum) thickness d3 of each first lateral portion 43 and each second lateral portion 44 is greater than the respective thickness d2.

[0102] Preferably, each combined thickness d1 and / or each thickness d2 and / or each thickness d3 can be determined with respect to an axis perpendicular to the respective flap portion 12a to 12h and close to the respective side edge 14a or the respective side edge 14b.

[0103] Back to Figure 3a and Figure 3b Each side edge 14a and each side edge 14b can comprise and / or exhibit a curved shape.

[0104] Each side edge 14a and each side edge 14b of each flap portion 12a to 12h can comprise a respective first curved portion 18 and a respective second curved portion 19. Thereby, each first curved portion 18 can be different from the respective second curved portion 19. More specifically, each first curved portion 18 can be described by a respective first radius r1 and each second curved portion 19 can be described by a respective second radius r2 different from the respective first radius r1.

[0105] Alternatively or additionally, each first curved portion 18 can be convex and the respective second curved portion 19 can be concave with respect to the respective central axis A.

[0106] It should be noted that each side edge 14a and each side edge 14b can also comprise one or more further curved portions. Thereby, the curved portions can be different in shape from the respective first curved portion 18 and / or the respective second curved portion 19.

[0107] Moreover, the respective width wl of each base portion 20 can be greater than the respective width w2 of the respective top portion 17. Each width wl can be measured along the respective interface of the side wall 7 or of the main portion 31 with the respective flap portion 12a to 12h, each width w2 can be measured along the respective top edge 21.

[0108] The ratio wl / w2 between the width wl and the width w2 can be comprised between 3.0 and 1.5 or between 2.5 and 2.0.

[0109] One or more of the flap portions 12a to 12h, all in the particular example shown, can have a respective height h that is at least 5% to 30% or 5% to 20% greater than the respective width wl.

[0110] Each side edge 14a and each side edge 14b can be joined with the respective base portion 20 at a first location 46 and with the respective top portion 17 at a second location 47. Each first location 46 and the respective second location 47 are arranged so that a respective imaginary line L passing through the first location 46 and the respective second location 47 defines an angle a with the respective central axis A that is greater than 0° and less than 70°, in particular greater than 10° and less than 60°.

[0111] In Figure 3a and Figure 3b , it is noted that the side wall 7 or the main portion 31 before folding and sealing of the blank 30 comprises a plurality of curved connecting portions 22, each curved connecting portion 22 being interposed between and connecting two adjacent flap portions 12a to 12h. In particular, each curved connecting portion 22 extends between two respective first locations 46. Preferably, the distance between the respective first locations 46 is at least 0.6 mm, in particular at least 0.8 mm.

[0112] Figures 1 to 3b The flap portions 12a to 12h of the particular example of Figure 3a It is also noted that the flap portion 12a can comprise two portions 50a and 50b arranged at opposite sides of the blank 30. Moreover, at least one of the portions 50a and 50b can have a size that is greater than half the size of the flap portion 12a. This is because the portions 50a and 50b overlap each other during folding of the blank 30, and therefore the size and shape of the portions 50a and / or 50b must be chosen so as to compensate for the overlap.

[0113] Figures 8b to 8d A top view of a variant of the package 1 with respect to one of Figures 1 to 2b is shown. In order to facilitate comparison between variants of the package 1,Figures 1 to 2b The top view of package 1 has been reproduced. Figure 8a middle.

[0114] according to Figures 8a to 8d In the comparison, it should be noted that the specific shape of the corresponding shoulder 8 can be varied depending on the specific selection of the shape, size, and / or number of the wing portions. Furthermore, the wing portions of package 1 may not have the same size and shape (see, for example...). Figure 8b or Figure 8d ).

[0115] For example Figure 8b Package 1 with wing portions 12a to 12h is shown, and Figure 8d Package 1 with wing portions 12a to 12j is shown.

[0116] It should be recognized that package 1 may have a first set of wing portions 12a, 12c, 12e, 12g (, 12i) and a second set of wing portions 12b, 12d, 12f, 12h (, 12j). Thus, the first set of wing portions 12a, 12c, 12e, 12g (, 12i) and the second set of wing portions 12b, 12d, 12f, 12h (, 12j) can be arranged alternately. This means that each wing portion 12a, 12c, 12e, 12g (, 12i) of the first set has two adjacent wing portions 12b, 12d, 12f, 12h (, 12j) of the second set, and vice versa.

[0117] For example in Figure 8b In the example, the first group includes wing portions 12a, 12c, 12e, and 12g, and the second group includes wing portions 12b, 12d, 12f, and 12h. Figure 8d In the example, the first group also includes wing portion 12i, and the second group also includes wing portion 12j.

[0118] When comparing Figure 8a and 8c It should be noted that the number of wing sections may differ, but the corresponding wing sections have the same size and shape.

[0119] Figure 9 Another example of package 1 is shown in perspective. Figure 10 This shows the corresponding blank 30, which forms the basis for the corresponding sidewall 7, the corresponding base 6, and the wing portions 12a to 12h.

[0120] It should be noted that, similar to Figure 8b and 8dIn the example of Fig. 1, there are two groups of flap portions. While the flap portions 12a, 12c, 12e and 12g of the first group have the same shape and size when compared to each other, and the flap portions 12b, 12d, 12f, 12h of the second group also have the same shape and size when compared to each other. However, the shape and size of the flap portions 12a, 12c, 12e and 12g of the first group and of the flap portions 12b, 12d, 12f and 12h of the second group are different from each other.

[0121] As mentioned above, the neck 9 and the seams 13a to 13h are obtained during the molding process, in particular during a single molding step. Figure 5 A portion of the mold 24 is shown, which is configured to allow the molding of the neck 9 and of the seams 13a to 13h to the flap portions 12a to 12h. Figure 5 A particular example of the mold 24 of the neck 9 and of the seams 13a to 13h of the package 1 of Fig. 1 is shown. Figures 1 to 2b However, from the following description, it will become clear how to modify the mold 24 in order to also mold the respective neck 9 and the respective seams 13a to 13h of the variants of the package 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 9. Figures 8b to 8d

[0122] The mold 24 has an inner mold tool 25 and an outer mold tool 28 (the outer mold tool 28 is only partially shown in Fig. 3), which together define a mold cavity 29 configured to allow the formation of the neck 9. Figure 5

[0123] The inner mold tool 25 comprises:

[0124] - a plurality of engagement portions 26a to 26h configured to cooperate with the outer mold tool 28 to receive and fold the flap portions 12a to 12h towards each other so that the side edges 14a and 14b of the flap portions 12a to 12h face the side edges 14b and 14a of the adjacent flap portions 12a to 12h, and

[0125] - a mold channel 27a to 27h, each between two respective engagement portions 26a to 26h and configured to allow the formation of a molded seam 13a to 13h.

[0126] The mold 24 can also comprise one or more distribution channels 51 configured to distribute molten polymer into the mold cavity 29 and into the mold channels 27a to 27h. The outer mold tool 28 can comprise at least some of the distribution channels 51.

[0127] The engagement portions 26a to 26h can have a size and shape complementary to the size and shape of the flap portions 12a to 12h. For example, the engagement portions 26a to 26h can be adapted to form Figures 8b to 8d and Figure 9 ​​The size and shape of the respective internal mould tool 25 of the respective neck 9 and of the respective seams 13a-13h of the package 1 must be adapted to the specific shape and size and number of the flap portions.

[0128] Moreover, the engagement portions 26a-26h and the mould channels 27a-27h can be formed so as to guarantee the formation of the first lateral portion 43 and of the second lateral portion 44 and so as to make them join and / or fuse and / or mould to the respective flap portions 12a-12h.

[0129] The external mould tool 28 can comprise a first portion 52 and a second portion (symmetrical to the first portion 52 and not shown). The first portion 52 and the second portion of the external mould tool 28 can be different and, in use, are approached to each other so as to cooperate with the internal mould tool 27 to delimit the mould cavity 29.

[0130] The internal mould tool 27 and the external mould tool 28 can be configured so that the flap portions 12a-12h, in use and during the execution of the moulding process, are clamped between an outer surface 53 of the internal mould tool 27 and an inner surface 54 of the external mould tool 28.

[0131] Moreover, the outer surface 53 and the inner surface 54 can be complementary to each other and can cooperate to define the shape of the shoulder 8.

[0132] Each of the mould channels 27a-27h and of the flap portions 12a-12h can comprise a portion of the outer surface 53.

[0133] Moreover, the mould channels 27 can be formed so that the thickness dl is greater than the thickness d2. Moreover, the mould channels 27 can also be formed so that the thickness d3 can also be greater than the thickness d2.

[0134] Figures 6a to 6f A plurality of different types of mould channels 27a-27h, which can be provided on the internal mould tool 27, are shown in an enlarged view. The specific choice of the type of the mould channels 27a-27h can depend on the size and / or shape of the flap portions 12a-12h, the number of flap portions 12a-12h, the type of polymer used, etc.

[0135] It should be noted that the number of the engagement portions 26a-26h and the respective size and shape depend on the specific number, size and shape of the flap portions 12a-12h or 12a-12j.

[0136] Figure 11 A flow chart of a method for packaging a food product into a package 1 is shown, in particular when it is operated within an automatic packaging machine. The method comprises the following steps:

[0137] a) providing a blank 30 having respective main portions 31 and flap portions 12a to 12h extending from the main portions 31,

[0138] b) folding and longitudinally sealing the blank 30 to form side walls (7),

[0139] c) folding the flap portions 12a to 12h towards each other such that the side edges 14a and 14b of adjacent flap portions 12a to 12h face each other,

[0140] d) injection molding a neck portion (9) and molding seam portions 13a to 13h to join the side edges 14a and 14b of adjacent flap portions 12a to 12h, thereby forming a shoulder portion (8),

[0141] e) filling the food product into the partially shaped package 1 at the open bottom end of the package 1, in particular of the main body 2, and

[0142] f) sealing the bottom end to form a base 6.

[0143] The method can further comprise a step g) providing and / or applying a closure 11 on the neck portion 9. This step can be performed before filling the food product into the package 1. Alternatively, this step can be performed after filling the food product into the package 1, typically when the neck portion 9 comprises a film sealing the neck portion 9.

[0144] In particular, the steps a) to f) can be performed in the order they appear.

[0145] The method can further comprise a plurality of further steps h) during which steps a) to f) or a) to g) are repeated.

[0146] More in detail, during step a) the sub-steps are:

[0147] a1) providing a web of a multi-layer packaging material, and

[0148] a2) cutting the web of the multi-layer packaging material, in particular corresponding to respective repeating units, to form the blank 30.

[0149] During step b) the blank 30 can be formed so as to form a tubular package having a bottom open end and a top open end opposite the bottom open end. In particular, the flap portions 12a to 12h can define the top open end.

[0150] During step c) the inner mold tool 27 and the outer mold tool 28 can be brought into proximity to each other such that the flap portions 12a to 12h are engaged onto the engagement portions 27a to 27h. Further, during step c) the flap portions 12a to 12h are clamped between the outer surface 53 and the inner surface 54.

[0151] During step d), the molten polymer can be injected (in particular through the distribution channels 51) into the mould cavity 29 to form the neck 9 and into the mould channels 27a to 27h to form the seams 13a to 13h.

[0152] After moulding the neck 9 and the seams 13a to 13h, the inner mould tool 27 and the outer mould tool 28 can be separated from each other.

[0153] Furthermore, after moulding, the package 1 is partially formed, wherein the bottom open end is still open, so that food products can be introduced into the partially formed package 1 through the bottom open end.

[0154] Step g) can be performed before step e) and step f). Alternatively, step g) can also be performed after step e) and / or step f), in case the neck 9 can comprise a breakable film covering the pouring outlet 10.

[0155] It can be seen from the above description that, although various embodiments of the application have been described and shown, the application is not limited thereto but can also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A package (1) for containing food, the package (1) comprising a base (6), sidewalls (7), shoulders (8), neck (9), and a closure (11) for forming a sealed internal space (15) for the food, the base (6) and the sidewalls (7) being formed of a multilayer packaging material (3) comprising a layer of fibrous material (4), wherein: The shoulder (8) includes a plurality of flap portions formed of a multilayer packaging material (3), extending from the sidewall (7) and folded toward each other in a direction toward the neck (9), wherein each flap portion has a side edge facing the side edge of the adjacent flap portion, and Multiple molded seams join the side edges of adjacent wing sections. Each of the flap portions includes a top edge (21), and the neck (9) is molded to each of the top edges (21) of the flap portions. The neck (9) therein is a molded neck that engages with the molded seam, the molded seam being integrally molded with the molded neck.

2. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein the molding seam extends from the molding neck along the side edge of the flap portion and in a direction toward the sidewall (7).

3. The packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flap portion is integrally formed with the sidewall (7).

4. The packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the molded seam is molded over the side edge of the flap portion.

5. The packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the combined thickness (d1) of each molded seam and the corresponding flap portion joined by the molded seam is at least 20% greater than the thickness (d2) of the molded seam located between the side edges of the flap portions joined by the molded seam.

6. The packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each side edge includes a curved shape.

7. The packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each side edge includes a first curved portion (18) and a second curved portion (19), wherein The first curved portion (18) is different from the second curved portion (19), and / or The first curved portion (18) is convex relative to the central axis (A) of the corresponding wing portion, and the second curved portion (19) is concave.

8. The packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each flap portion includes a base portion (20) integrally joined with the sidewall (7) and a top portion (17) having a top edge (21) opposite to the base portion (20), and the side edges of each flap portion are spaced apart from each other and joined with the base portion (20) and the top portion (17) of the respective flap portion.

9. The packaging according to claim 8, wherein the width (w1) of the base portion (20) is greater than the width (w2) of the top portion (17).

10. The packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wing portion comprises a first group of wing portions (12a, 12c, 12e, 12g, 12i) and a second group of wing portions (12b, 12d, 12f, 12h, 12j); wherein the wing portions of the first group of wing portions (12a, 12c, 12e, 12g, 12i) have a different shape and size than the wing portions of the second group of wing portions (12b, 12d, 12f, 12h, 12j).

11. A mold (24) for molding the neck (9) and molding the seam of the package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The mold (24) has an internal mold tool (25) and an external mold tool (28) that cooperate to define a mold cavity (29) configured to allow the formation of the neck (9). The internal mold tool (25) includes an engagement portion (26) configured to cooperate with the external mold tool (28) to receive and fold the wing portions toward each other such that the side edges of the wing portions face the side edges of adjacent wing portions. A mold channel (27) is located between the engagement portions (26) and configured to allow the formation of the molding seam.

12. A method for packaging food into a package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: A blank (30) is provided for a multi-layer packaging material (3), having a main portion (31) and a plurality of flap portions extending from said main portion (31). The blank (30) is folded and longitudinally sealed to form the sidewall (7). Fold the wing sections toward each other so that the side edges of adjacent wing sections face each other. The neck (9) and the molded seam portion are injection molded to join the side edges of the adjacent flap portion in order to form the shoulder (8). The food is filled into the bottom of the packaging (1), and The bottom end is sealed to form the base (6).

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