Container with supporting flange and container shoulder for use in kitting processes.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-14
Smart Images
Figure CN122580253A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a container for food, particularly for food containing vitamin B2, such as milk or beer, and to a method for manufacturing the container.
[0002] Dairy products contain components, especially vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which is very important for human health but degrades within minutes or hours when exposed to light. Crucially, degraded milk has a distinctly foul odor and unpleasant smell.
[0003] The chemical composition is similar to the smell of a skunk; therefore, the milk is said to have a skunk-like flavor, or a photochemical taste.
[0004] Some solutions are known that intentionally remove vitamins from milk to prevent taste problems. However, this means the end consumer can no longer absorb vitamins from the milk, and the problem is not solved by this variation.
[0005] Conversely, a light-blocking layer made of aluminum could be used, for example, to provide multi-layered cardboard packaging for milk with an aluminum layer. Here, cardboard, aluminum, and plastic are used in multiple layers stacked on top of each other. These different materials create significant problems when recycling cardboard packaging.
[0006] A light-blocking layer may, for example, be included in the black plastic inside a white multilayer plastic bottle. The black layer either forms an intermediate layer, in which it is disposed between the outer and inner layers (multilayer process), or it is used as the inner layer, where the outer layer is white (overmolding process). Such multilayer plastic bottles, with a mixture of white and black layers, are difficult to recycle and typically result in a gray, low-quality recycling stream.
[0007] In a variant that includes a sleeve (so-called sleeve variant), the bottle can be transparent or have a color suitable for the local recycling stream, making the bottle highly suitable for recycling. Light protection is then provided via the sleeve. The outer sleeve (“sleeve”) may contain a UV protection layer or a light-blocking layer. This solution provides favorable conditions for bottle recycling. High-quality recycling of plastic bottles is possible because the sleeve can be easily separated from the bottle by the consumer or by machine. Furthermore, there is no need to add additives, coloring layers, printing elements, or other impurities such as printing inks to the plastic to make the plastic bottle meet the aesthetic requirements of the packaging.
[0008] The sleeve can extend over both the bottle and the entire cap. Consumers then have to painstakingly remove the actual cap from the sleeve before they can open it. Furthermore, the detached portion of the sleeve often generates loose waste, which unfortunately is frequently discarded carelessly and often ends up in the environment.
[0009] Conversely, due to the maximum shrinkage rate, the sleeve typically only covers a portion of the bottle. This often leaves an uncovered area near the neck, because the neck is too small and the maximum shrinkage rate is insufficient to cause the sleeve to shrink to the small diameter of that area as well.
[0010] The problem also exists where the small diameter portion in the neck area widens again, as is often seen with the large support rings that are frequently found on PET bottles.
[0011] However, especially for protective purposes, it is desirable for the sleeve to cover the container with the smallest possible gap. This can be achieved by having the sleeve completely surround / cover the entire container (including the lid).
[0012] The object of this invention is to overcome one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above. In particular, one object of this invention is to provide a container of the type mentioned at the beginning, which is better suited for sleeves and preferably better suited for recycling, especially for higher quality recycling.
[0013] This objective is achieved as described in the independent claim. The dependent claims relate to advantageous improvements.
[0014] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a container for food, particularly for food containing vitamin B2 (e.g., milk, milk-containing foods (particularly milk-based mixed beverages) or beer), wherein the container has a hollow container body comprising:
[0015] The container comprises: a sidewall extending from the bottom; a shoulder extending from the sidewall to the edge of the shoulder; a neck region having a distribution opening and a support flange; and a recess. At least the edge of the shoulder and the support flange define the recess. The outer diameter DF of the support flange substantially corresponds to the outer diameter DR of the edge of the shoulder.
[0016] Because the container shoulder has a substantially the same outer diameter as the support flange in the region at the edge of the container shoulder, the sleeve can be easily attached to at least the container shoulder, and in particular, the sleeve can be made substantially wrinkle-free (within the shrinkage rate). This prevents or at least significantly reduces gaps below the support flange. Therefore, the desired sleeve arrangement (i.e., the fitting process) on at least the container body can be more easily achieved.
[0017] In this way, the sleeve can be specifically configured to cover certain areas of the container, such as the area between the cap and the tamper-evident element (especially the tamper-evident ring) (gap, etc.), so that, for example, no light can enter the container through such areas.
[0018] The container can be a bottle.
[0019] The neck region may have threads extending between the outlet opening and the support flange.
[0020] The neck region may have a protrusion (e.g., in the form of a flange) arranged to interact with a tamper-evident element disposed on the neck region and preferably in a ring shape. A thread preferably extends between the outlet opening and the protrusion. The protrusion may be at least partially circumferential. The outer diameter of the protrusion may be smaller than the outer diameter of the supporting flange or the edge of the container shoulder.
[0021] The outer diameter DF of the support flange may deviate from the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge by 14% or less, preferably 7% or less, and particularly preferably 3% or less. For example, the outer diameter DF of the support flange may be 14% or less smaller or larger than the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge, preferably 7% or less, and particularly preferably 3% or less.
[0022] In particular, the range of DF can be from 0.86 DR to 1.14 DR, preferably in the range of 0.93 DR to 1.07 DR.
[0023] The outer diameter DF of the support flange may deviate from the outer diameter DR of the shoulder edge of the container by 6 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, particularly preferably 2.5 mm or less, and especially greater than or less than DR.
[0024] The outer diameter DF of the support flange can be approximately 41 mm ± 2.5 mm.
[0025] The outer diameter DR of the shoulder edge of the container can be approximately 41mm ± 2.5mm.
[0026] The container may have a lid. The lid is preferably a screw cap.
[0027] Preferably, the outer diameter DF of the support flange and / or the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge correspond substantially to the outer diameter DV of the cap in each case.
[0028] The outer diameter DF of the support flange and / or the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge may each deviate from the outer diameter DV of the cap by 3% or less.
[0029] For example, the outer diameter DF of the support flange is 3% smaller or larger than the outer diameter DV of the cover.
[0030] For example, the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge is 3% smaller or larger than the outer diameter DV of the cap.
[0031] The outer diameter DF of the support flange and / or the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge may each deviate from the outer diameter DV of the cap by 3 mm or less, preferably 2.5 mm or less, and in particular may be greater than or less than DV.
[0032] In particular, the range of DF can be from 0.93 DV up to 1.07 DV, preferably from 0.94 DV up to 1.06 DV.
[0033] In particular, the range of DR can be from 0.93 DV up to 1.07 DV, preferably from 0.94 DV up to 1.06 DV.
[0034] The outer diameter DV of the cover can be approximately 41mm ± 2.5mm.
[0035] The cap may be attached to the container body via a preferably non-weakened, and in particular, inseparable connection area (e.g., a tie or arm), such that the cap remains attached to the container body after its dispensing opening has been released. This means that the cap may be a so-called "tethered cap".
[0036] This connection effectively prevents the lid from unintentionally detaching from the container body, thus preventing environmental pollution. The term "non-weakened" or "inseparable" connection area is specifically understood to mean a connection area that cannot be separated as easily as a weakened area, such as a weakened area existing between the tamper-evident element and the lid.
[0037] The cap may have a covering area and sidewalls extending (downward) from that covering area. If the cap is attached to a neck area (e.g., screwed onto the neck area), the covering area covers the dispensing opening. Therefore, the dispensing opening is not released.
[0038] The container may have a tamper-evident element, which is preferably in the shape of a ring. The tamper-evident element allows users to easily see whether they are opening the container for the first time, that is, whether the container has not been opened unintentionally. The tamper-evident element makes the container tamper-proof.
[0039] The tamper-evident element can be connected to the lid via a weakened region (i.e., a predetermined fracture region), particularly a (predetermined fracture) rib, wherein the weakened region is preferably designed to be breakable when the lid is actuated, particularly when it is twisted (and thus especially when the container is opened and the dispensing opening is released).
[0040] The tamper-evident element may have an outer diameter DE that substantially corresponds to the outer diameter DF of the support flange, the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge, and / or the outer diameter DV of the cap.
[0041] The outer diameter DE of the tamper-evident element may deviate from the outer diameter DF of the support flange and / or the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge and / or the outer diameter DV of the cap by 14% or less, preferably 7% or less, and particularly preferably 3% or less. For example, the outer diameter DE of the tamper-evident element may be 14% or less smaller than or larger than the outer diameter DF of the support flange and / or the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge and / or the outer diameter DV of the cap, preferably 7% or less, and particularly preferably 3% or less.
[0042] In particular, the range of DE can be from 0.86 DF (or DR or DV) to 1.14 DF (or DR or DV), preferably ranging from 0.93 DF (or DR or DV) up to 1.07 DF (or DR or DV).
[0043] The outer diameter DE of the tamper-evident element may deviate from the outer diameter DF of the support flange and / or the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge and / or the outer diameter DV of the cap by 6 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, particularly preferably 2.5 mm or less, especially greater than or less than DF and / or DR and / or DV.
[0044] The outer diameter DE of the tamper detection element can be approximately 41mm ± 2.5mm.
[0045] When the cover is assembled, the tamper-evident element can be arranged or positioned between the support flange and the cover.
[0046] The tamper-evident element can be arranged to remain on the container body after the container has been opened (e.g., after the container has been opened with the lid). For example, the tamper-evident element can be held on the container body by resting on a support flange and / or being at least partially positioned below the protrusion, thereby preventing the tamper-evident element from moving above the protrusion (where the dispensing opening is located). For example, the tamper-evident element has a radially inwardly extending protrusion that can interact (from below) with a protrusion on the neck region side.
[0047] Alternatively, the tamper-evident element can be removed from the container body along with the cover.
[0048] The container may have a sleeve that surrounds at least a portion of the container body, for example, at least the edge of the container shoulder and / or a portion of the container shoulder and / or the sidewall, and preferably has decoration.
[0049] The main advantage provided by the sleeve is that the enclosed and thus covered portion of the container prevents the contents of the container from being adversely affected (e.g., adversely affected by light), or at least only slightly affected.
[0050] The sleeve can cover at least a portion of the supporting flange.
[0051] The sleeve may terminate on the tamper-evident element. For example, the sleeve may simply cover or overlap the tamper-evident element, such that only the (very narrow) ring of the tamper-evident element is visible from the outside of the container, for example. If a cap is provided, the sleeve preferably does not overlap with the cap, so that the consumer can open the cap without removing the sleeve.
[0052] The container may have a gap between the upper end of the sleeve and the lower end of the lid, the gap having a width of less than 1 mm. The lower end of the lid preferably corresponds to the free end or distal end of the lid's sidewall. The width of the gap is preferably measured axially, i.e., parallel to the vertical axis or central axis of the container.
[0053] The sleeve may terminate on the lid, particularly on the side wall of the lid, such that the side of the tamper-evident element is preferably completely covered by the sleeve. In particular, the sleeve may (slightly) overlap the lid, such that, for example, the ring of the lid is visible from the outside of the container, the ring preferably occupying at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, of the height of the side wall of the lid.
[0054] The sleeve may terminate before the tamper-evident element, for example, on the support flange, so that the tamper-evident element is preferably not covered by the sleeve.
[0055] The sleeve can at least partially cover the gap between the cover and the tamper-evident element.
[0056] In one embodiment, the sleeve is arranged such that any gap between the cap and the tamper-evident element (particularly the tamper-evident ring) is covered by the sleeve. This is particularly advantageous if the sleeve has a light-blocking function, as virtually no UV radiation and / or visible light can subsequently enter the container.
[0057] The sleeve can be opaque to electromagnetic radiation in the range of 100 nm to 800 nm, especially to UV radiation and / or visible light. Therefore, by means of a sleeve, degradation of the container contents due to such electromagnetic radiation can be avoided or at least significantly reduced. Opacity can be provided by designing areas of the sleeve to absorb light (e.g., be black) and / or reflect light.
[0058] The sleeve preferably has multiple layers, wherein these layers preferably have an opaque light-blocking layer that is opaque to electromagnetic radiation in the range of 100 nm to 800 nm, particularly to UV radiation and / or visible light. The light-blocking layer may include aluminum.
[0059] The sleeve may have a black layer, which is preferably the innermost layer facing the container body.
[0060] The sleeve can be supplied as a floating sleeve. This allows the sleeve to be easily removed, for example, for recycling purposes, especially when using a sinking-floating method.
[0061] The sleeve may be designed (opaque, etc.) to cover most of (e.g., at least 50%, preferably at least 70%) of the container body below, particularly the outer surface and / or longitudinal length of the container body.
[0062] The shoulder edge of the container can be curved or protruding. Therefore, the shoulder edge can be depicted as curved or arc-shaped in a section parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container body. In other words, in addition to its curvature in the circumferential direction, the shoulder edge can also be curved in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction.
[0063] The container body may have a circumferential wall portion that includes a shoulder edge of the container and defines a recess (from below). Preferably, the wall portion extends transversely to, and particularly inclined to, the bottom (e.g., annular) of the recess.
[0064] The bottom may have an outer diameter at least 10% smaller than the outer diameter DR of the shoulder edge of the container, and for example, an outer diameter of 36.5 mm.
[0065] The support flange may extend laterally, and preferably perpendicularly to the bottom. For example, the support flange extends radially outward, while the bottom extends axially.
[0066] The support flange can be designed to assist in attaching the cap in a system, particularly a capping machine. Preferably, the support flange has a cavity (such as a groove) in which the system can engage (e.g., by means of spikes) to apply a reaction force or reaction torque to attach the cap to the neck region, particularly to twist the cap onto the neck region.
[0067] The container body may be made of a preferably transparent material, which preferably includes plastic, wherein the plastic preferably includes one or more of the following materials: PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEF (polyethylene furanate), PC (polycarbonate), PS (polystyrene), and PP (polypropylene). The container body or plastic shall preferably consist of substantially 50% (by weight or by volume) or more of one or more of these materials.
[0068] The container body can be transparent to at least visible light and / or UV radiation. This makes the container body easy to recycle.
[0069] For example, the container body can be crystal clear, colored (especially blue and / or brown) and / or white.
[0070] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a product comprising a container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body is filled with food. The product preferably contains vitamin B2. The product may include milk or beer. In particular, the product may be a milk-based mixed beverage or a beer-based mixed beverage.
[0071] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container (e.g., a container as described above) for food, particularly for food containing vitamin B2 (e.g., milk or beer). The method includes the steps of: a) providing a blank, particularly a preform, wherein the blank has a neck region with a dispensing opening and a support flange; and b) forming a container body from the blank such that the container body has: a sidewall, a container shoulder extending from the sidewall to a shoulder edge, and a recess, wherein at least the shoulder edge and the support flange define the recess. The shoulder edge has an outer diameter DR that substantially corresponds to the outer diameter DF of the support flange.
[0072] The method may involve: providing a cover and / or providing a tamper-evident element.
[0073] The method may involve providing a sleeve such that the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the container body, for example, at least the shoulder edge of the container.
[0074] Providing a sleeve may involve contracting and / or stretching the sleeve. Providing the sleeve is preferably done in the presence of heat flow and / or tension. For example, the sleeve can be contracted by heat transfer (such as heat release and / or absorption). For example, the sleeve can be stretched by expanding the sleeve. The sleeve preferably has a first state in which it is not contracted and is placed on a portion of a container (e.g., at least the container body). At least after this placement, the sleeve is heated and contracted, thereby bringing the sleeve into a second contracted state in which the sleeve surrounds the container (at least in the axial direction to secure the container in place). The sleeve can be stretched in its initial state (e.g., before assembling the sleeve).
[0075] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0076] In the attached image:
[0077] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of the container;
[0078] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the container in the diagram;
[0079] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The container in the middle along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of section line III-III in the diagram;
[0080] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of a container according to one implementation scheme;
[0081] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic plan view of the container in the diagram;
[0082] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The container in the middle along Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of section line VI-VI in the diagram;
[0083] Figure 7 It shows that according to Figure 6 A schematic sectional view, with each outer diameter added, where for clarity, the outer diameter is omitted. Figure 6 Some of the figure labels in the diagram.
[0084] Figures 1 to 3 A container 201 for food, particularly for food containing vitamin B2 (e.g., milk or beer), is shown. Container 201 has a hollow container body 202. Container body 202 includes a sidewall 203 extending from a bottom 204 and a container shoulder 205 extending upward from the sidewall 203 to a neck region 207 of the container body 202. The neck region 207 includes a dispensing opening 2071 and a support flange 2072. A lid 211 is disposed on the neck region 207 to cover the dispensing opening 2071.
[0085] As can be seen, due to the maximum shrinkage rate, the sleeve 212 can only cover a portion of the container 201. Therefore, an uncovered area 208 remains near the neck region 207 because the neck region 207 is too small and the maximum shrinkage rate is insufficient to cause the sleeve 212 to shrink to the small diameter of that region 208.
[0086] Figures 4 to 6 A container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Container 1 is configured to contain food. The food may be a food containing vitamin B2. For example, the food may contain milk or beer. Container 1 is, for example, a bottle.
[0087] Container 1 has a hollow container body 2. Container body 2 has sidewalls 3 and a bottom 4, with the sidewalls 3 extending (upward) from the bottom. Container 1 can be placed upright by means of the bottom 4. The sidewalls 3 preferably extend perpendicularly to the bottom 4. Container body 2 may have a height (extending in the axial direction) of at least 150 mm, preferably at least 170 mm, and particularly preferably 177.1 mm. Container body 2 may have a maximum outer diameter of at least 60 mm, preferably 70 mm or greater. The maximum outer diameter is preferably defined by the sidewalls 3.
[0088] The container body 2 has a container shoulder 5 extending upward from the sidewall 3, particularly away from the bottom 4. The container shoulder 5 tapers with increasing distance from the sidewall 3 and / or the bottom 4, i.e., the container shoulder tapers away from the sidewall 3 and / or the bottom 4. The container shoulder 5 may be convexly curved and / or concavely curved. For example, the container shoulder 5 has a preferred curved (e.g., convexly curved) portion 51 with a first outer diameter and a preferred curved (e.g., concavely curved) portion 52 with a second outer diameter, wherein the first outer diameter is larger than the second outer diameter.
[0089] The container body 2 has a container shoulder edge 6, and a container shoulder 5 extends to this container shoulder edge. Therefore, the container shoulder 5 (e.g., by means of its second portion 52) terminates in or at the container shoulder edge 6. Thus, the outer diameter of the container shoulder edge 6 may correspond to the second outer diameter of the container shoulder 5.
[0090] The shoulder edge 6 of the container may preferably be convex and curved, wherein the radius of curvature is preferably smaller than the radius of curvature of the first part 51 and / or the radius of curvature of the second part 52.
[0091] The container body 2 has a neck region 7 with a dispensing opening 71 and a support flange 72 through which the contents of the container body 2 can be dispensed. The support flange is preferably a support and stop flange. The support flange 72 extends radially outward and at least partially, preferably completely, in the circumferential direction. The support flange 72 may be provided in at least a ring shape. The support flange 72 may be a support ring. The support flange 72 may have a (upward-facing) front side 721 and / or a (downward-facing) back side 722. The support flange 72 may be designed to assist in attaching a cap in a system (e.g., a cap assembly). For this purpose, the support flange 72 may have a recess, such as a groove. A system such as a capping machine may engage in the recess to apply a reaction force to attach the cap to the neck region 7, particularly to screw the cap onto the neck region. For example, the recess may retract from the front side 721 and / or the back side 722. The support flange 72 may additionally be designed as a stop flange, meaning that the tamper-evident element can abut against the support flange 72 and preferably wedge with the support flange.
[0092] The neck region 7 preferably extends above the shoulder edge 6 of the container, i.e., for example, on the side of the shoulder edge 6 away from the shoulder 5 of the container. In the upright position of the container 1, the neck region 7 preferably represents the uppermost part of the container body 2. For example, the neck region 7 may have a circular or arcuate sidewall defining the distributing opening 71. The width or outer diameter of the sidewall, or the width or outer diameter of the cylindrical portion including the sidewall, may be 36 mm.
[0093] The neck region 7 may have a thread 73 extending between the outlet opening 71 and the support flange 72. The thread 73 preferably terminates in front of the support flange 72, i.e., for example, above the front face 722. For example, the thread 73 may be a 36 mm thread.
[0094] The neck region 7 may have a protrusion 74 (e.g., in the form of a flange) wherein the protrusion 74 is arranged to interact with a tamper-evident element 10, which is disposed on the neck region 7 and preferably in the shape of a ring. In particular, the tamper-evident element 10 may wedge into the protrusion 74. The protrusion 72 is preferably designed as a stop flange or ring. The protrusion 74 prevents the tamper-evident element 10 from moving away from the supporting flange 72. Preferably, a thread 73 extends between the outlet opening 71 and the protrusion 74. The protrusion 74 may be a protrusion 74 that extends at least partially circumferentially. The protrusion 74 may include only one protrusion or multiple protrusions, which are preferably distributed in the circumferential direction.
[0095] The container body 2 has a recess 8. The recess 8 is formed in the radial direction and preferably extends at least partially in the circumferential direction. For example, the recess 8 is annular. The recess 8 is defined at least by a container shoulder edge 6 and a support flange 72 (e.g., its back surface 722). The container body 2 may have a circumferential wall portion 81 defining the recess 8 from below, wherein the wall portion 81 includes the container shoulder edge 6. Thus, the wall portion 81 preferably terminates in or at the container shoulder edge 6. The recess 8 preferably has a bottom 82. The wall portion 81 may extend laterally, and particularly obliquely, to the bottom 82 (e.g., at 30° or greater, preferably 40° or greater, particularly preferably 50° or greater, relative to the bottom 82, or relative to the radial direction, or relative to the back surface 722). The support flange 72 (particularly its back surface 722) may extend laterally, and particularly perpendicularly, to the bottom 82. The bottom 82 may be formed in different ways in the axial direction of the container body; for example, the bottom may be straight, corrugated and / or stepped.
[0096] The container body 2 is not limited to a specific material. For example, the container body 2 may be made of a preferably transparent material, including plastic. Plastics may include PET, PEF, PC, PS, and / or PP. Alternatively or additionally, the plastic may include thermoplastic polyester and / or plastic, such as a material supplied under the trade name Tritan©, or a plastic supplied under the trade name Akestra©. The container body 2 may be transparent to at least visible light and / or UV radiation. For example, the container body 2 may be crystal clear, colored (particularly blue and / or brown), and / or white.
[0097] Container 1 may have a lid 11, which is preferably a screw cap. Lid 11 may have sidewalls 111. For example, threads 112 may be arranged on the inside of the sidewalls 111, via which lid 11 can be screwed onto neck region 7. Thread 112 preferably engages with thread 73. Lid 11 may have a cover 113 that covers the dispensing opening 71 when attached to container body 2 (particularly screwed onto neck region 7), thus preventing the dispensing opening from being released. The height of container 1 including lid 11 may (extending in the axial direction) be at least 150 mm, preferably at least 170 mm, and particularly preferably 177.7 mm.
[0098] Container 1 may have a tamper-evident element 10 (preferably below the lid 11), which is preferably in the shape of a ring. In other embodiments, different tamper-evident elements may also be provided, for example, foil or film (aluminum foil, plastic film, etc.) glued to the neck region 7 and covering the dispensing opening 71. The tamper-evident element 10 may be connected to the lid 11 via weakened regions 101, particularly bridging portions, wherein the weakened regions 101 are preferably designed such that they can break when the lid 11 is actuated, particularly twisted. The tamper-evident element 10 is preferably arranged to remain on the container body 2 after the container 1 has been opened (e.g., after the container has been opened by means of the lid 11). This can be done in different ways. For example, a protrusion 74 is designed and arranged such that it prevents the tamper-evident element 10 from moving beyond the protrusion 74 and / or moving in the direction of the dispensing opening 71. Specifically, the protrusion 74 and the support flange 72 (especially the upper side 721 of the support flange) define an area in which at least a portion of the tamper detection element 10 is arranged.
[0099] When the cover 11 is actuated, the tamper-evident element 10 preferably engages with the protrusion 74—for example, the tamper-evident element is wedged into the protrusion 74—thereby preventing further movement of the tamper-evident element 10 in the direction of movement of the cover 11. Thus, the cover 11 can move away from the tamper-evident element 10, causing the weakened region 101 to break. The cover 11 then releases the dispensing opening 71, while the tamper-evident element 10 remains on the container body 2.
[0100] The cap 11 may be attached to the container body 2 via an unweakened connection region (e.g., one or more straps or arms) such that the cap 11 remains attached to the container body 2 after its dispensing opening 71 has been released. That is, the cap 11 is preferably “tethered” to the container body 2, i.e., preferably a so-called “tethered cap.” The unweakened connection region is preferably designed such that it breaks or tears under a force (especially a tensile force) higher than any of the weakened regions 101. The connection region may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is (directly) attached to the cap 11, and wherein the second end is (directly or indirectly, e.g., via the tamper-evident element 10) attached to the container body 2.
[0101] The gap 102 may be provided between the cover 11 (particularly the lower end or free end of the side wall 111) and the tamper detection element 10. The weakened region 101 and / or the connecting region may each extend at least partially within the gap 102.
[0102] The cover 11 may have one or more (preferably annular) sealing elements 114 arranged to contact the neck region 7. The circumferential sidewalls of the defining opening 71 of the neck region 7 may be arranged, preferably clamped, between the sealing elements 114.
[0103] Especially in Figure 7 As can be clearly seen, container 1 (especially container body 2) has multiple (preferably concentric) outer diameters. Each outer diameter is understood as the diameter extending to a particular radial end face. In particular, the outer diameter is understood as the diameter describing the maximum distance between two points on the outer side of a particular cylindrical or at least partially arcuate object or part.
[0104] The support flange 72 has an outer diameter DF, which is defined by the radial (preferably straight or curved) end of the support flange 72.
[0105] The shoulder edge 6 of the container has an outer diameter DR that preferably corresponds to the minimum outer diameter of the shoulder 5 of the container.
[0106] The cover 11 has an outer diameter DV, which is defined, for example, by the sidewall 111.
[0107] The tamper detection element 10 has an outer diameter DE, which is defined, for example, by the cylindrical and / or annular shape of the tamper detection element 10.
[0108] The outer diameters DF and DR, and preferably also DV and / or DE, are all substantially the same or equal. The outer diameters DF and DR, and preferably also DV and / or DE, are preferably substantially equal to the outer diameter of an imaginary cylinder concentric with the outer diameters DF and DR (and preferably DV and / or DE). Therefore, these outer diameters differ from each other only to a minimal extent within defined tolerance limits.
[0109] For example, outer diameter DF and outer diameter DR, and preferably DV and / or DE, are related to each other as follows:
[0110] - The difference between DF and DR is 14% or less, preferably 7% or less, particularly preferably 3% or less, wherein DF is greater or less than DR, for example, greater or less than 14% or less, preferably 7% or less, particularly preferably 3% or less;
[0111] - DF and / or DR each differ from DV by 3% or less, where, for example, DF and / or DR are 3% or less larger or smaller than DV in each case;
[0112] - DE differs from DR by 14% or less, preferably by 7% or less, particularly preferably by 3% or less, wherein DE is, for example, 14% or less larger or smaller than DR, preferably by 7% or less, particularly preferably by 3% or less.
[0113] The outer diameter DF and outer diameter DR, and preferably DV and / or DE, particularly preferably related to each other as follows:
[0114] - The difference between DF and DR is 6 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, and particularly preferably 2.5 mm or less, wherein DF is, for example, 6 mm or less larger or smaller than DR, preferably 3 mm or less, and particularly preferably 2.5 mm or less;
[0115] - DF and / or DR each deviate from DV by 3 mm or less, preferably 2.5 mm or less, wherein, for example, DF and / or DR are 3 mm or less larger or smaller than DV in each case, preferably 2.5 mm or less.
[0116] - DE differs from DR by 6 mm or less, preferably by 3 mm or less, particularly preferably by 2.5 mm or less, wherein DE is, for example, larger or smaller than DR by 6 mm or less, preferably by 3 mm or less, particularly preferably by 2.5 mm or less.
[0117] In one embodiment, DF and DR, and preferably DV and / or DE, may each be less than 43 mm, particularly substantially 41 mm, for example, 41 mm ± 2.5 mm.
[0118] In one embodiment, DF and DR, and preferably DV and / or DE, may each be less than 33 mm and have a value of ±2.5 mm.
[0119] In one embodiment, the size of the cover 11 (particularly the outer diameter) can be 28 mm or 38 mm ± 2.5 mm.
[0120] The bottom 82 of the recess 8 may have an outer diameter DB that is at least 10% smaller than the outer diameter DR of the shoulder edge 6 of the container, for example, 36.5 mm.
[0121] The difference between container body 2 and container body 202 is particularly that: i.) its support flange 72 is smaller than that of support flange 2072, for example, 41 mm instead of 43 mm, and ii.) its container shoulder 50 is larger than that of container shoulder 205, for example, 41 mm instead of 36 mm. The resulting nearly identical dimensions (i.e., outer diameter) of the support flange 72 and container shoulder 5, and preferably the cap 11, significantly simplify the arrangement of the sleeve 12, particularly through a so-called "suiting process." The sleeve 12 can be configured such that area 208 is not exposed or at least significantly reduced.
[0122] Therefore, container 1 may have a sleeve 12 that surrounds and thus covers at least a portion of container body 2, for example, at least a portion of container shoulder 6 and / or container shoulder 5 and / or sidewall 4. The sleeve 12 may, for example, be configured in the shape of a tube. The sleeve 12 and container body 2 are concentric. The sleeve 12 preferably extends at least 50% of the height of container body 2 or container 1, preferably at least 75%. The sleeve 12 may be adapted to the shape of at least container body 2 (preferably conforming to that shape), and therefore may have different outer diameters.
[0123] The sleeve 12 may have a blocking function (e.g., against electromagnetic radiation (especially light) and / or other physical and / or chemical quantities such as oxygen and / or water vapor) and / or one or more decorations (e.g., in the form of symbols, letters, pictures, graphics, different colors, and / or patterns). Therefore, the sleeve 12 can protect sensitive products (especially those containing vitamin B2) in the container body 2, particularly preventing their degradation. The sleeve 12 may be configured (e.g., specifically configured) for decorative purposes—for example, to "hide" a large portion of the container 1 and / or to give the container 1 an attractive appearance through decoration.
[0124] The sleeve 12 may be opaque to electromagnetic radiation in the range of 100 nm to 800 nm, preferably in the range of 100 nm to 780 nm. Preferably, the sleeve 12 (e.g., specifically) is opaque to UV radiation and / or visible light. The sleeve 12 may have one or more layers, preferably including a light-blocking layer that is opaque to electromagnetic radiation in the range of 100 nm to 800 nm, particularly to electromagnetic radiation including UV radiation and / or visible light. The light-blocking layer may include aluminum. The sleeve 12 may be coated black and / or have a black layer. The black coating or layer is preferably set as a portion to be surrounded facing the container body 2, particularly the container 1.
[0125] The sleeve 12 may cover at least a portion of the support flange 72. This in particular prevents a gap below the support flange 72. Preferably, the support flange 72 is completely covered by the sleeve 12 at least on its sides. For example, the sleeve 12 may extend beyond the support flange 72, starting below it and then terminating above it. The sleeve 12 may terminate at a horizontal level on the container 1 that is higher than the horizontal level at which the support flange 72 is located. The (upper) end of the sleeve 12 is preferably arranged closer to the dispensing opening 71 than the support flange 72. The sleeve 12 preferably contacts at least a portion of the wall portion 81.
[0126] Preferably, the sleeve 12 terminates on the tamper-evident element 10 such that, for example, the (upper) end of the sleeve 12 is not arranged closer to the dispensing opening 71 than the tamper-evident element 10. Providing the sleeve 12 in this way is particularly advantageous for opening the container 1, for example, by means of the cap 11, because there is no force that must be overcome to open the cap 11, which would be applied to the cap by means of the sleeve 12. Since the sleeve 12 terminates below the cap 11, the cap can be opened easily, and no waste is generated from the residue removed from the sleeve 12.
[0127] The gap 13 may be provided between the upper end of the sleeve 12 and the lower end of the cover 11 (e.g., the free end of the sidewall 111). The gap 13 preferably has a width of less than 1 mm when measured in the axial direction.
[0128] Alternatively, the sleeve 12 may terminate above the tamper-evident element 10, such that, for example, the (upper) end of the sleeve 12 is arranged closer to the dispensing opening 71 than the tamper-evident element 10. For example, the sleeve 12 may terminate on the cap 11, particularly on the side wall 111, thereby preferably completely covering the side of the tamper-evident element 10. Thus, the sleeve 12 may (slightly) overlap with the cap 11, such that the annular region of the cap 11 (particularly the side wall 111) is visible from the outside of the container 1. In particular, the sleeve 12 may extend to such an extent that the gap 102 between the cap 11 and the tamper-evident element 10 is at least partially covered by the sleeve 12.
[0129] According to another embodiment, the sleeve 12 may terminate in front of the tamper-evident element 10, for example, on the support flange 72, thus not covering the side of the tamper-evident element 10. Therefore, the tamper-evident element 10 may be arranged closer to the dispensing opening 71 than the (upper) end of the sleeve 12. Thus, the sleeve 12 may (slightly) overlap the support flange 72, such that only the annular region of the support flange 72 is visible from the outside of the container 1.
[0130] The sleeve 12 may be designed as a floating sleeve, allowing it to be easily removed—for example, for recycling purposes. This means that the sleeve 12 preferably has one or more inner diameters that, when surrounding the container, are larger than the corresponding outer diameter of the container 1 or the container body 2.
[0131] The cover 11 and / or the tamper-evident element 10 may each be made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), and / or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The coating 12 may be made of, for example, polyolefin. The sleeve 12 may be foamed and / or porous, i.e., hollow, for example.
[0132] An example of a method for manufacturing container 1, as described above, will be explained below. The method includes at least the following steps: a) providing a blank, particularly a preform, wherein the blank has a neck region 7 with a distribution opening 71 and a support flange 72; and b) forming a container body 2 from the blank such that the container body 2 has: a sidewall 3 extending from a bottom 4, a container shoulder 5 extending from the sidewall 3 to a container shoulder edge 6, and a recess 8, wherein the container shoulder edge 6 and the support flange 72 define the recess 8, and wherein the container shoulder edge 6 has an outer diameter DR that substantially corresponds to the outer diameter DF of the support flange 72.
[0133] Step b) may involve expanding, in particular inflating, the blank in a mold, wherein the mold provides the shape of the container body 2—for example, by having a complementary or negative shape relative to the container body 2.
[0134] The method may include, for example, step c) after step b), in which a cover 11 and / or a tamper-evident element 10 are provided.
[0135] The method may include, for example, step d) after step c), in which a sleeve 12 is provided such that the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the container body 2, for example, at least the shoulder edge 6 of the container. Step d) may be at least partially a fitting process.
[0136] Providing sleeve 12 according to step d) may involve shrinking and / or stretching sleeve 12.
[0137] The method may involve introducing, in particular pouring, food into the container body 2, for example, between step a) or step b) on one side and step c) on the other. For example, the food may be introduced in step b), such that a blank is formed, in particular expanded, by introducing the food into, for example, a mold. The food preferably contains vitamin B2 and / or includes milk or beer.
Claims
1. A container (1) for food, particularly for food containing vitamin B2, such as milk or beer, wherein the container (1) has a hollow container body (2), wherein the container body (2) has: - Sidewall (3), which extends from the bottom (4), - Container shoulder (5), which extends from the sidewall (3) to the edge of the container shoulder (6). - Neck region (7), the neck region having a distribution opening (71) and a support flange (72), and - Recess (8), wherein at least the container shoulder edge (6) and the support flange (72) define the recess (8). The outer diameter DF of the support flange (72) corresponds substantially to the outer diameter DR of the shoulder edge (6) of the container.
2. The container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer diameter DF of the supporting flange (72) differs from the outer diameter DR of the shoulder edge (6) of the container by 14% or less, preferably by 7% or less.
3. The container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer diameter DF of the supporting flange (72) differs from the outer diameter DR of the shoulder edge (6) of the container by 6 mm or less, preferably by 3 mm or less.
4. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the container comprising a lid (11), wherein the lid (11) is preferably a screw cap.
5. The container (1) according to claim 4, wherein the outer diameter DF of the supporting flange (72) and / or the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge (6) each substantially corresponds to the outer diameter DV of the cap (11).
6. The container (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the outer diameter DF of the supporting flange (72) and / or the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge (6) are each offset from the outer diameter DV of the cap (11) by 3% or less.
7. The container (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the outer diameter DF of the supporting flange (72) and / or the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge (6) are each 3 mm or less different from the outer diameter DV of the cap (11), preferably 2.5 mm or less.
8. The container (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the lid (11) is connected to the container body (2) via a connection area, such as a strap or arm, such that the lid (11) remains connected to the container body (2) after it has released the dispensing opening (71).
9. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the container comprising a tamper-evident element (10), wherein the tamper-evident element (10) is preferably in the form of a ring, and / or wherein the tamper-evident element (10) is preferably connected to the lid via a weakened region (101), in particular a bridging portion, wherein the weakened region (101) is preferably designed to be breakable when the lid (11) is actuated, in particular twisted.
10. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the container comprising a sleeve (12) surrounding at least a portion of the container body (2), for example, at least a portion of the container shoulder edge (6) and / or the container shoulder (5) and / or the sidewall (4), and preferably comprising decoration.
11. The container (1) of claim 10, wherein the sleeve (12) covers at least a portion of the support flange (72).
12. The container (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the sleeve (12) terminates on the tamper detection element (10).
13. The container (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, the container comprising a gap (13) between the upper end of the sleeve (12) and the lower end of the cap (11), wherein the gap (13) has a width of less than 1 mm.
14. The container (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the sleeve (12) terminates on the cover (11) such that the tamper-evident element (10) is preferably completely covered.
15. The container (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the sleeve (12) is opaque to electromagnetic radiation in the range of 100 nm to 800 nm, particularly to UV radiation and / or visible light.
16. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shoulder edge (6) of the container is convexly curved.
17. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body (2) has a circumferential wall portion (81) including the container shoulder edge (6) and defining the recess (8), wherein the wall portion (81) preferably extends laterally, and particularly obliquely, to the bottom (82) of the recess (8), wherein the bottom (82) preferably has an outer diameter at least 10% smaller than the outer diameter DR of the container shoulder edge (6) and, for example, 36.5 mm.
18. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support flange (72) is designed to assist in attaching the cap (11) in a system, particularly a capping machine, wherein the support flange (72) preferably has a recess such as a groove, the system being able to engage in the groove to apply a reaction force to attach the cap (11) to the neck region (7), particularly to screw the cap onto the neck region.
19. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body (2) is made of a preferably transparent material, the material preferably including plastic, wherein the plastic or the container body preferably includes one or more of the following materials: PET, PEF, PC, PS, PP; wherein 50% by weight or more of the plastic or the container body preferably consists of one or more of these materials.
20. A product comprising a container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body (2) is filled with food, wherein the product preferably contains vitamin B2 and / or includes milk or beer.
21. A method for manufacturing a container (1) for food, particularly for food containing vitamin B2, such as milk or beer, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Provide blanks, particularly preforms, wherein the blanks have a neck region (7) with a distribution opening (71) and a support flange (72). as well as b) The container body (2) is formed from the blank, such that the container body (2) comprises: - Sidewall (3), which extends from the bottom (4), - Container shoulder (5), the container shoulder extending from the sidewall (3) to the edge of the container shoulder (6), and - Recess (8), wherein the container shoulder edge (6) and the support flange (72) define the recess (8). The container shoulder edge (6) has an outer diameter DR that substantially corresponds to the outer diameter DF of the support flange (72).
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the method includes providing a cover (11) and / or providing a tamper-evident element (10).
23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, the method comprising providing a sleeve (12) such that the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the container body (2), for example, at least a portion of the container shoulder edge (6) and / or the container shoulder (5) and / or the sidewall (4).
24. The method of claim 23, wherein providing the sleeve (12) involves contracting and / or stretching the sleeve (12).