Ultrasonic sealing of cellulose containers for household products

Abstract

The invention relates to a cylindrical container (10) comprising a cellulosic material, wherein the cylindrical container (10) comprises a main body portion (50) having a first end portion (30) and a second end portion (40), wherein the first end portion (30) comprises a first closure (34) and the second end portion (40) comprises a second closure (93), wherein the first closure (34) is sealed to the first end portion (30), wherein the second closure (93) and a lid wall (92) are part of a removable lid (90), wherein the second closure (93) is sealed to the lid wall (92) in the second end portion (40), wherein the removable lid (90) comprises a cellulosic material, characterized in that the first closure (34) is sealed to the first end portion (30) by an ultrasonic seal, wherein the ultrasonic seal seals a plurality of cellulosic material layers, preferably two or three cellulosic material layers, to form a first seal, or wherein the second closure (93) is sealed to the lid wall (92) by an ultrasonic seal, wherein the ultrasonic seal seals a plurality of cellulosic material layers, preferably two or three cellulosic material layers, to form a second seal, or a combination thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cylindrical container containing a cellulose material and sealed by ultrasonic sealing. Background Technology

[0002] Packaging for laundry products is made from different shapes and materials.

[0003] Cellulose fibers are currently used in the production of paper boxes or paper-based packaging to address environmental issues associated with the use of plastic materials. The adoption of paper box packaging brings new technological challenges related to the sealing of paper box packaging components. In cylindrical containers, the main challenge remains sealing the bottom disc and the top disc of the lid.

[0004] Common sealing methods for cylindrical cardboard boxes rely on the use of glue or external heating sources (such as hot air). This often results in structural weaknesses or poor sealing at the sealing points, making the container prone to breakage if handled improperly by the consumer.

[0005] Furthermore, due to the flammability of cardboard boxes, hot air sealing is associated with an increased fire risk. Both hot air sealing and glue sealing are slow methods, which can create bottlenecks during manufacturing.

[0006] Ultrasonic sealing is a sealing method that uses high-frequency ultrasonic waves to generate localized heat through friction, thereby fusing materials together.

[0007] The industry currently needs cardboard packaging that can be sealed in a way that addresses these challenges, thereby providing a durable seal on the packaging container. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cylindrical container (10) comprising a cellulose material, wherein the cylindrical container (10) includes a body portion (50) having a first end (30) and a second end (40), wherein the first end (30) includes a first closure (34), and the second end (40) includes a second closure (93), wherein the first closure (34) seals to the first end (30), wherein the second closure (93) and the top cover wall (92) are part of a removable top cover (90), wherein the second closure (93) is located at the second end (40). 0) is sealed to the top cover wall (92), wherein the removable top cover (90) comprises cellulose material, characterized in that the first closure (34) is sealed to the first end (30) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals a plurality of cellulose material layers, preferably two or three cellulose material layers, to form the first closure, or wherein the second closure (93) is sealed to the top cover wall (92) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals a plurality of cellulose material layers, preferably two or three cellulose material layers, to form the second closure, or a combination thereof.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for sealing a packaging component, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a cylindrical container (10) comprising a body portion (50) and one or two open ends (30, 40), and providing one or two closures (34, 93), wherein each closure (34, 93) includes a flange (94) at its peripheral edge; b) positioning the closures (34, 93) such that the flange (94) contacts the open ends (30, 40) peripherally; c) positioning an ultrasonic welding electrode (500) such that i) the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the closures (34, 93), the ends (30, 40), or a combination thereof, or ii) the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) is spaced apart from the closures (34, 93), the ends (30, 40), or a combination thereof, such that when the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the closures (34, 93), the ends (30, 40), and a combination thereof. 40) or a combination thereof; and d) oscillating the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) to ultrasonically seal the flange (94) with the corresponding ends (30, 40) to form a seal, optionally, wherein the method is used to prepare the product according to claims 1 to 6.

[0010] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a packaged product comprising a cylindrical container (10) according to claims 1 to 6 and a laundry detergent composition (270), the method comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a cylindrical container (10), wherein the cylindrical container (10) comprises a body portion (50) having a closed first end (30) and an open upper end, wherein the first end (30) comprises a first closure (34); b) filling the cylindrical container (10) with the laundry detergent composition (270) through the open upper end; and c) applying a removable top cap (90) to the open upper end of the cylindrical container (10). The removable top cover (90) includes a second closure (93) and a top cover wall (92), wherein the cylindrical container (10) and the removable top cover (90) contain cellulose material, wherein the first closure (34) is sealed to the first end (30) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals multiple layers of cellulose material, preferably two layers of cellulose material, to form the first seal, or wherein the second closure (93) is sealed to the top cover wall (92) in the second end (40) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals multiple layers of cellulose material, preferably two layers of cellulose material, to form the second seal, or a combination thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 An unopened container.

[0012] Figure 2 An open container in which predetermined removable parts, a lid, and other predetermined removable parts are separated from each other.

[0013] Figure 3 A resealed container, in which the lid fits onto the flap.

[0014] Figure 4 .like Figure 3 The partial view shown.

[0015] Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the top cover of the container.

[0016] Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of the bottom of the container.

[0017] Figure 6 An unopened container.

[0018] Figure 7 An open container.

[0019] Figure 8 A partial view of a pre-defined removable portion.

[0020] Figure 9A partial view of a pre-defined removable portion.

[0021] Figure 10 A blank used to construct a container.

[0022] Figure 11 A blank used to construct a container.

[0023] Figure 12 A top view of the open container.

[0024] Figure 13 A top view of the open container.

[0025] Figure 14 A blank used to construct a container.

[0026] Figure 15A Cross-sectional view of the container's top cover and ultrasonic welding electrode.

[0027] Figure 15B Cross-sectional view of the bottom of the container and the ultrasonic welding electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Surprisingly, it was found that cylindrical cardboard containers sealed with ultrasonic sealing have fewer structural weaknesses and are more resistant to leakage and tampering, thus ensuring the integrity of the packaged product.

[0029] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cylindrical container (10) comprising a cellulose material, wherein the cylindrical container (10) includes a body portion (50) having a first end (30) and a second end (40), wherein the first end (30) includes a first closure (34), and the second end (40) includes a second closure (93), wherein the first closure (34) seals to the first end (30), wherein the second closure (93) and the top cover wall (92) are part of a removable top cover (90), wherein the second closure (93) is located at the second end (40). 0) is sealed to the top cover wall (92), wherein the removable top cover (90) comprises cellulose material, characterized in that the first closure (34) is sealed to the first end (30) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals a plurality of cellulose material layers, preferably two or three cellulose material layers, to form the first closure, or wherein the second closure (93) is sealed to the top cover wall (92) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals a plurality of cellulose material layers, preferably two or three cellulose material layers, to form the second closure, or a combination thereof.

[0030] Not wanting to be bound by theory, ultrasonic sealing of multiple cellulose layers provides better seal integrity and reduces structural weaknesses that develop over time compared to seals formed by hot air or glue.

[0031] In one aspect, ultrasonic sealing can seal two layers of cellulose material to form each of a first seal and / or a second seal.

[0032] In a preferred aspect, the first seal, the second seal, or a combination thereof each have two layers of cellulose material sealed together by ultrasonic sealing, and an additional unsealed layer of cellulose material, wherein the additional unsealed layer of cellulose material is the outermost layer of cellulose material in the seal.

[0033] In this paper, the outermost layer refers to the layer furthest from the inner compartment of the cylindrical package or from the center point of the closure (34,93).

[0034] Unwilling to be bound by theory, sealing the two inner layers with ultrasonic waves is sufficient to form a robust seal, while the outer layer provides stability to the seal. Sealing the inner layers with ultrasonic waves offers surprising benefits compared to seals provided by hot air. Hot air is typically applied from the lateral side of the container, thus sealing only the two outer layers of the seal. The third inner layer remains unsealed or partially sealed, creating a structural weak point, often resulting in "lip bulging" when the container is used by consumers. The cylindrical container according to the invention solves the "lip bulging" problem.

[0035] On the other hand, ultrasonic sealing can seal three layers of cellulose material to form each of the first and / or second seals. It is believed that sealing three layers by ultrasonic sealing provides a particularly robust seal with fewer structural weaknesses.

[0036] On the other hand, ultrasonic sealing can seal three or more layers of cellulose material to form each of the first seal and / or the second seal.

[0037] For clarity, the bottom disc is represented by a first closure 34, which seals to the first end 30 of the cylindrical container 10. The top cover, on the other hand, is represented by a removable top cover 90, which is formed by ultrasonically sealing the top disc (i.e., the second closure 93) to the top cover wall 92 in the second end (40) of the main body portion (50). The resulting removable top cover 90 can be removably mounted on the upper end of the opening of the open cylindrical container 10. When the top cover is not removed from the cylindrical container 10, the upper limit of the top cover wall 92 corresponds to the second end (40) of the main body portion (50).

[0038] cylindrical container

[0039] Container 10 having those aspects as described herein Figure 1As shown in the diagram, container 10 may have a cardboard shell layer 20 surrounding a longitudinal axis L. Container 10 may have a height of 50 mm to 600 mm along the longitudinal axis, optionally 50 mm to 200 mm. The area of ​​container 10 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L may be 10 cm². 2 up to 300cm 2 30cm (optional) 2 up to 100cm 2 The internal volume of the container can be from 100 mL to 2 L, optionally from 300 mL to 1600 mL.

[0040] Container 10 may have a base 32, on which it is designed to rest. The container base 32 may have a maximum external dimension of 5 cm to 50 cm. Cylindrical container 10 may have a container base with an external diameter of 5 cm to 50 cm. Cylindrical container 10 with an external diameter of 5 cm to 20 cm, optionally 5 cm to 10 cm, can be practical. Container 10 with an external diameter of 5 cm to 20 cm, or even 5 cm to 18 cm, can be easily gripped by the user. Figure 1 The container 10 shown is a hollow straight cylinder with closed ends. A cylindrical container is defined as a cylinder with a circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

[0041] The cardboard shell layer 20 and the cardboard core layer 100 can each have a strength greater than 250 g / m². 2 Optional 250g / m 2 Up to 800g / m 2 The basis weight. The cardboard can be single-layered or multi-layered. The cardboard shell layer 20 and the cardboard core layer 100 can each have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 2 mm. The cardboard core layer 100 and the cardboard shell layer 20 can be coated with a material that is printable to protect the contents of the container 10, protect the cardboard material of the container 10 from the contents, or provide an ultrasonically sealable or heat-sealed layer. For example, a sealable layer or coating can be applied to the surface of the cardboard shell layer 20 oriented toward the longitudinal axis L and to the surface of the cardboard shell layer 20 oriented away from the longitudinal axis L. Such a coating or layer can help provide a seal for the cardboard shell layer 20 along the longitudinal joint 230. The coating or layer used to provide a seal or heat seal can be applied only near the longitudinal joint 230. Ink and / or varnish can be applied to one or both of the surfaces of the cardboard material facing away from the longitudinal axis L and the surfaces facing the longitudinal axis L.

[0042] The terms "paperboard" and "cardboard box" are used interchangeably in this application. Both materials are considered to be wholly or partially made of cellulosic materials and / or fibrous cellulosic materials. The fibrous cellulosic materials can be virgin, recycled, or a mixture thereof. Cellulosic materials can be obtained from hardwood, softwood, or other natural renewable resources used for fibers. Fibrous cellulosic materials can be obtained from bamboo, wheat straw, reeds, corn, rice husks, sugarcane, grass fibers, or from recycled paper and paperboard.

[0043] The cellulose layer described herein refers to a layer containing cellulose. The cellulose layer may contain additional components, such as a heat-sealing coating, or a polyethylene coating. Such coatings may be applied to the inner or outer side of the cellulose layer, or integrated / blended with the cellulose fibers. In seals using ultrasonic sealing, adhesive is not required as a sealant. However, adhesive may be present on the cellulose material. In one aspect, the heat-sealing coating may additionally contain adhesive, such as dry glue beads, which participate in sealing the cellulose layer via ultrasonic sealing.

[0044] In one aspect, the cellulose layer may include a heat-sealing coating.

[0045] In one aspect, at least two, preferably two or three layers of cellulose material may comprise a heat-sealing coating, wherein at least two adjacent heat-sealing coatings are sealed together by ultrasonic sealing. Preferably, the heat-sealing coating is a polymer heat-sealing coating, more preferably a plastic heat-sealing coating, and most preferably a polyethylene heat-sealing coating. It is believed that the polyethylene coating facilitates rapid melting and sealing by ultrasonic sealing, and forms a particularly strong seal.

[0046] The outer and / or inner surfaces of container 10 may be coated with a natural or polymeric coating, such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or polypropylene, as non-limiting examples, to provide a moisture barrier. Coatings of wax, clay, starch, kaolin, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polylactic acid, silicates, ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, and other natural and / or biodegradable coatings are useful, providing sufficient barriers to prevent the migration of moisture and / or oxygen and / or fragrances into or out of container 10. Core layer 100 may be a helically wound cardboard material cut to an appropriate length and having an outer diameter closely conforming to the inner surface of shell layer 20. Core layer 100 may be wrapped around a mandrel to form a cylindrical container of appropriate length.

[0047] The shell layer 20 may extend from a first end 30 to a second end 40. The first end 30 includes the bottom edge of the shell of the container 10. The second end 40 includes the top edge of the shell. The shell layer 20 may form a large portion of the container 10. The shell layer 20 may form the outer or external surface of the container 10.

[0048] The shell layer 20 may include a body portion 50. The body portion 50 forms at least a portion of the lower portion 8 of the container 10. The body portion 50 may extend from a first end 30 to a lower limiting line 60. The first end 30 may be part of the container 10, which is designed to sit on the portion when placed on a flat surface.

[0049] The lower limiting line 60 may define the upper boundary 62 of the main body portion 50. A predetermined removable portion 70 may extend from the lower limiting line 60 to the upper limiting line 80. The predetermined removable portion 70 may extend partially, substantially, or completely around the longitudinal axis L. The predetermined removable portion 70 may extend around the longitudinal axis except at the longitudinal seam 230. The lower limiting line 60 and the upper limiting line 80 may each be a brittle line 160 surrounding or partially surrounding the longitudinal axis L. The brittle line 160 may be a perforation, partial cut, or weakened portion of the shell layer 20. The brittle line 160 may be a structure that can be manually torn by a user in a controlled manner along a predetermined path surrounding or partially surrounding the longitudinal axis L of the container 10. For example, the brittle line 160 can be a series of discontinuous through cuts, a series of score cuts, a series of perforations from which material has been removed, score lines, partial mold cuts, partial mold cuts on opposite surfaces, offset partial mold cuts on opposite surfaces, zipper mold cuts, etc.

[0050] The brittle line 160 can be reinforced with a strip applied to the interior of the shell layer 20. The polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate strip applied to the shell layer 20 helps guide tearing and prevents unintentional breakage of the brittle line 160. The brittle line 160 can be defined by multiple structural fractures spaced apart from each other in the shell layer 20. The flap 120 can be defined by more than two structural fractures. The structural fractures can be selected from the group consisting of through cuts, notched cuts, continuous through die cuts, continuous partial die cuts, partial die cuts, zipper die cuts, continuous reverse partial die cuts, interrupted reverse partial die cuts, perforations from which material has been removed, laser cuts, and combinations thereof.

[0051] The upper limiting line 80 may be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. When the container 10 is opened, the user of the container 10 can easily tear off the straight upper limiting line 80. In addition, the straight upper limiting line 80 may be provided with a removable top cap 90 with a straight lip and convenient for use as a dispensing and / or metering cap.

[0052] When the container 10 is in the unopened state, a predetermined removable portion 70 connects the main body portion 50 to a removable top cover 90. The removable top cover 90 extends from the upper limiting line 80 to the second end 40. The removable top cover 90 may form at least a portion of the upper portion 9 of the container 10. By removing the predetermined removable portion 70 from the container 10, the container 10 is ready to be opened for the first time. A tear strip 110 may be provided that engages with the predetermined removable portion 70 and is positioned between the predetermined removable portion 70 and the core layer 100 to assist the user in tearing the predetermined removable portion 70 from the container 10. Once the predetermined removable portion 70 is removed from the container 10, the user can separate the removable top cover 90 from the main body portion 50 to access the contents of the container 10.

[0053] Container 10 may also include a second closure 93. The second closure 93 may form a closed end of the removable top cover 90. The second closure is intended to serve as a lid end of container 10. The second closure 93 may seal the top of container 10, which is the container end associated with the removable top cover 90. The second closure 93 may be a single piece of cardboard with the removable top cover 90 located near the second end 40. Optionally, the second closure 93 may be one or more flaps of cardboard that are integral extensions of the removable top cover 90, formed by folding.

[0054] To provide a container 10 that is easy to open and reseal, it is feasible to provide a core layer 100 that extends at least partially around the longitudinal axis L and is located inside the shell layer 20. The core layer 100 can be described as situated between the shell layer 20 and the longitudinal axis L. Once the container 10 is opened, the core layer 100 provides a structure...

[0055] The structure guides the removable top cover 90 to engage with one or more portions of the body portion 50 to reseal the container 10.

[0056] The core layer 100 may be joined to the body portion 50. The core layer 100 may be joined to the body portion 50 below the lower limit line, but not above it. The core layer 100 may be joined to the body portion 50 only below the lower limit line. The core layer 100 and the body portion 50 may be bonded together by adhesive, tape, or heat sealing, or otherwise. The adhesive may be a hot melt adhesive, a cold adhesive, or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The core layer 100 may extend from below the lower limit line 60 to above the upper limit line 80. A removable top cover 90 may not be attached to the core layer 100 above the lower limit line 60. The removable top cover 90 may not be attached to the core layer 100 above the optional tear strip 110. The removable top cover 90 may not be attached to the core layer 100 above a predetermined removable portion 70. This unfixed state allows the removable top cover 90 to be easily twisted and / or slid off from the core layer 100 to remove the removable top cover 90 from the body portion.

[0057] Optionally, container 10 may include a tear strip 110 between a predetermined removable portion 70 and core layer 100, extending around or at least partially around a longitudinal axis L. The tear strip 110 may be engaged with the predetermined removable portion 70. The tear strip 110 may be a piece of adhesive tape adhered to the housing layer 20. The backing layer of the adhesive tape may be polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, nylon or other polymers, yarns, and filaments. The adhesive layer of the adhesive tape may be pressure-sensitive adhesive, heat-sensitive adhesive, solvent-based or water-based adhesive, or the like. The tear strip 110 helps to controllably transfer the tearing force applied by the user to the predetermined removable portion 70, allowing the predetermined removable portion 70 to be controllably torn from the housing layer 20.

[0058] To open container 10, the user can pull the tear strip 110 or the free end of a predetermined removable portion 70 to initiate tearing of the predetermined removable portion 70 from the body portion 50 and the removable top cover 90. The tear may occur along or near each of the lower limit line 60 and the upper limit line 80 along the corresponding brittle line 160. Once the predetermined removable portion 70 is removed from container 10, the removable top cover 90 can be easily removed from the body portion 50 to access the contents of container 10. Once the removable top cover 90 is removed, the contents of container 10 can be dispensed and / or measured into the removable top cover 90 and used as specified. The removable top cover 90 can be used as a measuring cup for household products, a container for food products, a measuring cup for consumer dry goods, or for similar purposes.

[0059] There are some types of cardboard containers designed to provide easy openings. Unfortunately, easy-to-open cardboard containers are often difficult to close securely. For example, cardboard cereal and pasta containers are known to be difficult to close securely, and their contents often spill when they tip over, either when a user pulls them out of a drawer in the pantry or accidentally bumps them against a shelf or workbench.

[0060] Container 10 can hold 50g to 1500g of laundry detergent composition 270. After the container 10 is opened for the first time to use its contents, the user may expect to securely close the container 10. This way, if the container 10 is accidentally tipped over or inverted, the contents of the container 10 will not spill. The face-to-face frictional engagement between the surface facing the inside of the top cover wall and the core layer 100 extending upwards above the lower limiting line 60 may not be sufficient to keep the container 10 in a resealed state, especially when the contents of the container 10 are heavy. This may be because of the low coefficient of friction between typical cardboard materials, and because the removable top cover 90 may not be able to apply sufficiently high normal stress after it has been fitted onto the core layer 100. For this reason, a mechanism for more securely resealing the container 10 may be desirable. A mechanism based on one or more wedges may be practical.

[0061] To provide a sufficiently robust closure mechanism for the container 10 as described herein, the body portion 50 of the container 10 may include a flap 120 immediately below a lower limiting line 60. The shape of the flap 120 may be defined by the lower limiting line 60. That is, the lower limiting line 60 may form the upper boundary 62 of the body portion. The flap 120 is a flap or protrusion of the body portion 50 that extends upward over the core layer 100 higher than the portion of the body portion 50 adjacent to the flap 120, i.e., more extensive in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] Once the removable top cover 90 is removed from the body portion 50, the user may expect to reseal the container 10 by placing the removable top cover 90 back onto the body portion 50. The core layer 100 may serve as a guide for engaging the removable top cover 90 onto the body portion 50. When the container is resealed, the flap 120 may act as a wedge to mechanically engage the removable top cover 90 with the body portion 50. The top cover portion 90 has the same peripheral shape as the body portion 50 and may require deformation or stretching to fit onto the flap 120.

[0063] The main body 50 may have a peripheral outer length 130 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, immediately below one or more petals 120. If the container 10 has a straight cylindrical shape, the peripheral outer length 130 is the circumference of the outer surface of the container 10 immediately below one or more petals 120. If multiple petals 120 are provided, the peripheral outer length 130 is measured directly below the petal 120 closest to the first end 30 of the container 10. The peripheral outer length 130 is a scalar. The peripheral outer length 130 can be from 10 cm to 70 cm. The peripheral outer length 130 can be from 20 cm to 40 cm.

[0064] Each valve portion 120 may have an outer valve height 150 parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The outer valve height 150 is the maximum dimension of the valve portion 120 measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L, and the reference for measuring the outer valve height 150 is the line connecting the ends of the valve portion 120 being measured. For a semi-circular or semi-oval valve portion 120, the outer valve height 150 is the radius of the semicircle. Adjacent valve portions 120 may have different outer valve heights 150. Such valve portions 120 with staggered outer valve heights 150 can provide variable engagement between the removable top cover 90 and the body portion 50 depending on the degree to which the removable top cover 90 is pushed down toward the body portion 50. The outer valve height 150 is a scalar. The outer valve height can be from 1 mm to 30 mm.

[0065] Each flap 120 may have a curved upper profile 122. The curved upper profile 122 is easier to tear along the surface compared to an upper profile 122 that includes straight segments. Furthermore, the curved upper profile 122 engages more easily with the removable top cover 90 once the container 10 is opened and subsequently closed with the removable top cover 90. The curved upper profile 122 provides a gradual engagement or wedging of the removable top cover 90 into the body portion 50. When the user deforms the removable top cover 90 to fit over one or more flaps 120, the rounded or curved upper profile 122 provides a gradual engagement of the removable top cover 90 with one or more flaps 120, allowing one or more flaps 120 to gently wed between the removable top cover 90 and the core layer 100.

[0066] Each lobe 120 may have an outer length 140 orthogonal to or around the longitudinal axis L. If the body portion 50 is cylindrical, the outer length 140 is measured on the outer surface of the body portion 50 and along the perimeter of the body portion 50 where the represented lobe 120 is located. A portion of the lobe 120 may reside on an adjacent surface of the body portion 50.

[0067] The outer length 140 of the valve portion can be greater than 5% of the outer perimeter length, optionally greater than 10% of the outer perimeter length, optionally 5% to 30% of the outer perimeter length, optionally 5% to 20% of the outer perimeter length, and optionally 10% to 25% of the outer perimeter length. The outer length 140 of the valve portion can be from 1 mm to 60 mm. Each valve portion 120 can have a ratio of outer length 140 to outer height 150 greater than 1. The valve portion 120 having such an aspect ratio can provide a predetermined removable portion 70 that can be easily separated from the body portion 50 of the container 10. When the predetermined removable portion 70 is removed by pulling on it and tearing it along the upper limit line 80 and the lower limit line 60, the limited directional change of the lower limit line 60 reduces the possibility of the tear line deviating from the lower limit line 60. When the predetermined removable portion 70 is removed, the higher lobe 120 or the lower limit line 60, which has a sudden change in apex or direction, may cause the tear line to not optimally follow the lower limit line 60.

[0068] The main body portion 50 may include a plurality of lobes 120. For example, the main body portion 50 may include two lobes 120. The two lobes 120 may be spaced apart from each other by a straight segment 170 of the lower limiting line 60. Optionally, the two lobes 120 may be located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L. Optionally, the main body portion 50 may include three or four lobes 120 spaced apart around the longitudinal axis L (optionally spaced evenly around the longitudinal axis L). The lobes 120 may be spaced apart from each other by 10% to 80% of the outer periphery length 130. This spacing may be practical, as it provides space for a removable top cap 90, allowing the removable top cap to wedge into the lobes 120 by deformation when re-engaged with the main body portion 50 after the container has been opened. The lobes 120 may be spaced apart from each other by 1 mm to 350 mm, optionally 10 mm to 100 mm, optionally 20 mm to 80 mm.

[0069] Open container 10 in Figure 2 As shown in [the image]. Figure 2 In this arrangement, a pre-defined removable portion 70 is separated from the removable top cover 90 and the main body portion 50. The user of container 10 can place the pre-defined removable portion 70 into a recycling collection bin or waste bin. A core layer 100 may extend above the upper limit line 80. The core layer 100 may extend above the upper limit line 80 beyond 5% of the outer perimeter length 130, optionally from 5% to 50% of the outer perimeter length, optionally from 5% to 30% of the outer perimeter length. This arrangement provides the core layer 100 to support the flap 120 when the removable top cover 90 is fitted onto the main body portion 90 to close the container after opening the container 10.

[0070] The core layer 100 may be discontinuous around the longitudinal axis L. This simplifies the assembly of the container 10 because the vertical edges of the core layer 100 do not need to be precisely fitted and joined together.

[0071] Before the container 10 is first opened, the removable top cover 90 is part of the shell layer 20. The shell layer 20 may have an inward-facing surface 240 oriented toward the longitudinal axis L and an opposite outward-facing surface 242. The inward-facing surface 240 above the lower limiting line 60 may include at least one metering mark 260.

[0072] The removable top cap interior 91 may have a removable top cap internal volume of 10 mL to 400 mL. The container 10 may have a main body portion interior 51, and the main body portion internal volume from the first closure 34 to the upper limiting line 80 may be 50 mL to 2000 mL. The first closure 34 is intended to serve as the bottom end of the container 10. The removable top cap internal volume may be 0.5% to 50% of the main body portion internal volume. This arrangement provides a container 10 for containing 1 to 80, optionally 18 to 20 doses of laundry detergent composition 270.

[0073] The laundry detergent composition 270 in the container can be filled to a fill level 99. The fill level 99 may be below the core edge 180. This arrangement is practical if the laundry detergent composition 270 has a tendency to fall from the lower part of the container 10 when it is opened in a vertical position. As particulate laundry detergent composition 270, there is a tendency for it to spill out of the container when it is opened. The fill level 99 may be below the upper limit line 80. This fill level reduces the possibility of accidental spillage of the laundry detergent composition 270 from the container 10 when it is opened.

[0074] In the formed container 10, the shell layer 20 may include a longitudinal seam 230 that extends at least partially between a first end 30 and a second end 40, optionally extending from the first end 30 to the second end 40, excluding a predetermined removable portion 70. The longitudinal seam 230 may be an adjacent seam or an overlapping seam and may include adhesive or tape, or be heat-sealed to help maintain the integrity of the longitudinal seam 230.

[0075] The longitudinal joint 230 can be glued, taped, or heat-sealed at intervals along the longitudinal joint 230. The longitudinal joint 230 can be a flange joint, wherein each of the two edges of the shell layer 20 along the longitudinal axis L has a flange, and these flanges engage with each other. The flange seal can be inserted toward the interior of the container 10 or oriented outward from the container 10, wherein the insertion toward the interior of the container 10 is more discrete. The flanges constituting the flange seal of the longitudinal joint 230 can be glued, taped, or heat-sealed with each other.

[0076] The removable top cover 90 may have a removable top cover height 280, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L, between the upper limiting line 80 and the second end 40. A predetermined removable portion 70 may have a predetermined maximum removable portion height 290, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The predetermined maximum removable portion height 290 is measured at a suitable location away from the flap 120. The removable top cover height 280 may be greater than the predetermined removable portion height 290. This arrangement provides a removable top cover 90 that fits perfectly onto the core layer 20 to close the container after the container 10 has been opened.

[0077] The user opens container 10 by removing a predetermined removable portion 70. The removable top cover 90 is then separated from the main body 90, allowing the user to access the contents of container 10. After a portion of the contents of container 10 has been dispensed, the user can reseal container 10, for example... Figure 3 As shown.

[0078] like Figure 3As shown, the surface 240 facing the interior of the top cover wall is oriented toward the longitudinal axis L. One or more lobes 120 can be wedged between the surface 240 facing the interior of the top cover wall and the core layer 100. As described herein, the removable top cover 90 and the body portion 50 are formed by the shell layer 20. The lobes 120 are integral extensions of the body portion 50. Therefore, the removable top cover 90 cannot fit onto the lobes 120 unless the lip 23 of the removable top cover 90 deforms to fit onto or slide on the lobes 120. For a cylindrical removable top cover 90, the user can gently press the top cover wall 92 on opposite sides, which results in circumferential stress being applied to the top cover wall 92. This deformation of the top cover wall 92 in this manner provides space for portions of the top cover wall 92 away from the location where the pressing force is applied, to deform away from the longitudinal axis L and slide on one or more lobes 120. Once the user stops pressing on the top cover wall 92 and releases the circumferential stress, the top cover wall 92 relaxes and allows one or more flaps 120 to wedge between the core layer 100 and the surface 240 facing the interior of the top cover wall. The frictional engagement and wedging of the removable top cover 90 with the body portion 50 helps to securely close the container 10. The frictional engagement and wedging provide resistance in the direction of the longitudinal axis L when the removable top cover 90 is pulled away from the body portion 50 or pushed away from the body portion 50 by the contents of the container 10 in the event of the closed container 10 being tilted to the side or inverted.

[0079] exist Figure 4 The image shows a partial cross-sectional view of a container 10, which has been opened by first removing a predetermined removable portion 70 and separating a removable top cover 90, and then resealed by placing the removable top cover 90 back onto the main body portion 50. Figure 4 As shown, the removable top cover 90 is deformable to fit onto the flap 120. The flap 120 is wedged between the surface 240 facing the interior of the top cover wall and the core layer 100.

[0080] The main body 50 may be provided with one or more flaps 120. When only a single flap 120 is provided, a resealable top cover 90 that can be re-closed can fit onto the flap 120, and the inward-facing surface 240 of the core layer 100 opposite to the flap 120 can contact the core layer 100. The wedging of the flap 120 between the resealable top cover 100 and the core layer 100, combined with the frictional engagement between the inward-facing surface 240 of the resealable top cover 90 and the core layer 100 opposite to the flap 120, is sufficient to reasonably and securely keep the container 10 in a closed state after it has been opened for the first time.

[0081] Multiple flaps 120 can provide additional wedging positions to more securely close the previously opened container 10. Two flaps 120 can be advantageously positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L. In this arrangement, the user can gently pinch the lip rim 23 between his or her thumb and forefinger, for example at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, to deform the lip rim 23 such that it deforms outward along the lip rim 23 at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions and can slide on the flaps 120.

[0082] The four petals 120 are advantageously spaced evenly at the 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30 positions on the main body 50. The user can gently clamp the lip edge 23 at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions to deform the lip edge 23, causing it to deform along the positions of the lip edge 23 corresponding to the petals 120 to fit on the four petals 120.

[0083] The second closure 93 can be an insert in the top of the container 10, such as... Figure 5A As shown. The second closure 93 can be cardboard or corrugated cardboard. The second closure 93 may include a flange 94 extending peripherally from the second closure 93. The flange 94 can be glued, taped, heat-sealed, or ultrasonically sealed to the inward-facing surface 240 of the removable top cover 90 (i.e., the inner side of the second end 40 of the main body portion 50), preferably ultrasonically sealed. The flange 94 can be inserted into a folded extension 96 integrally extending from the second end 40 of the main body portion 50. The folded extension 96 can be glued, taped, heat-sealed, or ultrasonically sealed to the flange 94, preferably ultrasonically sealed. And the flange 94 can optionally be glued, taped, heat-sealed, or ultrasonically sealed to the inward-facing surface 240 of the removable top cover 90, preferably ultrasonically sealed.

[0084] A similar construction can be provided to form the first closure 34, such as Figure 5B As shown. The first closure 34 may include a flange 94 extending peripherally from the first closure 34. The flange 94 may be glued, taped, heat-sealed, or ultrasonically sealed to the inward-facing surface 240 of the body portion 50 (i.e., the inner side of the first end 30 of the body portion 50), preferably ultrasonically sealed. The flange 94 may be inserted into a folded extension 96 integrally extending from the first end 30 of the body portion 50. The folded extension 96 may be glued, taped, heat-sealed, or ultrasonically sealed to the flange 94, preferably ultrasonically sealed.

[0085] The flange 94 may optionally be glued, taped, heat-sealed, or ultrasonically sealed to the inward-facing surface 240 of the body portion 50, preferably ultrasonically sealed. Using a folded extension 96 and positioning the flange 94 within it between opposing portions of the folded extension 96 and gluing, taping, heat-sealing, or ultrasonically sealing it to the folded extension 96 provides a robust container 10, especially when ultrasonically sealed. Cold glue, hot melt glue, pressure-sensitive adhesive, heat sealant, tape, or other bonding methods may be used to join the second closure 93 to the housing layer 20.

[0086] In a preferred aspect, the first closure (34), the second closure (93), or a combination thereof may each include a flange (94) at its peripheral edge, wherein the flange (94) may have a surface forming an angle (503) between 45° and 135°, preferably between 70° and 110°, and more preferably between 80° and 100° with the surface of the respective closure (34, 93), wherein the first closure, the second closure, or a combination thereof may each include a respective flange 94 that is inserted between the respective end (30, 40) of the body portion (50) and a folded extension 96 integrally extending from the respective end (30, 40) of the body portion 50, wherein the folded extension (96) may be substantially parallel to the flange (94).

[0087] The term "substantially parallel" or "substantially perpendicular" in this document means that the angular deviation from parallelism is within + / -20°, preferably within + / -10°, more preferably within + / -5°, and most preferably within + / -1°.

[0088] It is believed that this type of three-layer system forms a stable joint on the top and / or bottom disc of a cylindrical package, which can be double or triple sealed by ultrasonic sealing.

[0089] In another preferred aspect, the inner side of the respective ends (30, 40) of the main body portion (50) and the outer side of the flange (94) may be sealed, or the inner side of the flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) may be sealed, or a combination thereof, preferably the inner side of the flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) may be sealed.

[0090] The term "inner side" in this context refers to the side facing inward (i.e., towards the center point of the closure (34,93)). The term "outer side" in this context refers to the side facing outward (i.e., away from the cylindrical package (34,93)).

[0091] It is believed that double seals, especially double seals on two inner layers, are particularly advantageous for forming a strong seal, while also solving the problem of "lip bulge".

[0092] In another preferred aspect, at least a portion of the inner side of the respective ends (30, 40) of the body portion (50) and the outer side of the flange (94) may include a heat-sealing coating associated with the cellulose layer, wherein the heat-sealing coating is sealed together by ultrasonic sealing, or at least a portion of the inner side of the flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) may include a heat-sealing coating associated with the cellulose layer, wherein the heat-sealing coating is sealed together by ultrasonic sealing, or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the heat-sealing coating is a polymer heat-sealing coating, more preferably a plastic heat-sealing coating, and most preferably a polyethylene heat-sealing coating.

[0093] It is believed that sealing between two adjacent heat sealant coatings is particularly advantageous, especially when the heat sealant coating is on the side of the cellulose layer.

[0094] In a preferred aspect, the cylindrical container (10) contains a laundry detergent composition (270), wherein the laundry detergent composition (270) is selected from granular laundry detergent compositions, liquid laundry detergent compositions, single-unit-dose laundry detergent compositions, or mixtures thereof, preferably granular laundry detergent compositions, more preferably wherein the laundry detergent composition (270) has a mass of less than 1500g, preferably between 100g and 600g, more preferably between 400g and 600g.

[0095] Not wanting to be bound by theory, the robust seal formed by ultrasonic sealing can withstand heavier product loads, i.e., producing a cylindrical container that can resist both external forces (e.g., consumer (mis) handling) and internal forces (e.g., pressure exerted by the laundry detergent composition (270)).

[0096] Container 10 may be an end-closed container. The second end 40 may be closed by a second closure member 93. The first end 30 may be closed by a first closure member 34. The second closure member 93 may be opposite to the first closure member 34. The second closure member 93 may be proximal to the second end 40 and form a closed end at the second end 40. The first closure member 34 may be proximal to the first end 30 and form a closed end at the first end 30.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, container 10 may be provided with a structure that allows for convenient dispensing of contents from container 10. Core layer 100 may extend to core edge 180 above upper limit line 80. In this arrangement, core layer 100 provides rear support for one or more flaps 120 when used to securely reclose container 10. Core edge 180 may be located below second end 40 such that removable top cap 90 may fit onto core layer 100.

[0098] A simplified construction of container 10 is one in which the longitudinal seam 230 is closer to the low point of the core edge 180 than the high point of the core edge 180, as this simplifies the layout of the blank used to assemble container 10. The core edge 180, when measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L, is located at a distance 190 from the edge of the first end 30. The edge distance 190 can be a function of the position relative to the longitudinal axis L.

[0099] Figure 2 The image shows container 10, where the edge distance of 190 is not a function of the position with respect to the longitudinal axis L. For Figure 2 The container 10 shown has a constant edge distance of 190. The core 180 includes a non-flat profile to facilitate the dispensing of the contents of the container 10.

[0100] The core edge 180 may have a global maximum edge distance 200 and a global minimum edge distance 210 relative to the first end 30. Figure 7 The global maximum edge distance of 200 and the global minimum edge distance of 210 are positions, not scalars. Variations in the edge distance of 190 can provide a structure that can be used as a pouring spout or weir to help control the distribution from container 10. One practical arrangement is an elliptical core edge 180. For a cylindrical core layer 100, although small discontinuities may exist along the height of container 10, the core edge 180 can be defined by a cylindrical cross-section.

[0101] The second end 40 may extend beyond a predetermined removable portion height 290 above the global maximum distance 200. This provides sufficient space for the removable top cover 90 to fit onto one or more lobes 120 to reclose the container 10.

[0102] To provide improved structural stability for container 10, at an edge distance of global minimum 210, core layer 100 may extend above upper limit line 80 beyond 5%, optionally 5% to 75%, optionally 5% to 50%, optionally 5% to 30% of the outer perimeter length 130. In this arrangement, core layer 100 may support the rear portion of one or more lobes 120 and the shell layer 20 of body portion 50.

[0103] The global maximum edge distance 200 and global minimum edge distance 210 can be positioned such that the longitudinal axis L lies between the global maximum edge distance 200 and the global minimum edge distance 210. This arrangement helps the user easily identify the position along the core edge 180, which is convenient for emptying the contents of the container 10.

[0104] In a practical configuration, the core layer 100 may be discontinuous around the longitudinal axis L, within 40 degrees, 20 degrees, 10 degrees, or even 5 degrees of the edge distance from the global minimum 210 when measured around the longitudinal axis L. This discontinuity provides convenient design for assembling the blank of the container 10 and provides the user with a visual cue regarding how the container 10 should be aligned in his or her hand when pouring from it. The core layer 100 may also be discontinuous in width around the longitudinal axis L. The width of the discontinuity 19 is the distance between the core layer side edges 21 at the core edge 180. As described herein, the core layer 20 extends between the core layer side edges 21, and for the assembled container 10, the core layer 20 extends at least partially around the longitudinal axis L, or even completely around the longitudinal axis L. The width can be measured between the core layer side edges 21. The width of the discontinuity 19 may be less than the minimum dimension of the laundry detergent composition 270. The width and dimensions of the discontinuity 19 can be designed to retain the laundry detergent composition 270 stored within the container 10. The width and dimensions of the discontinuity 19 can be designed such that the laundry detergent composition 270 stored within the container 10 cannot pass through the discontinuity 19. This reduces the likelihood of the laundry detergent composition 270 accidentally passing through the discontinuity 19 when the container 10 is opened or when it is dispensed from the container 10. The width can be less than or equal to the nominal sieve size at which 100% by weight of the laundry detergent composition 270 is retained in the container 10. The width of the discontinuity 19 can be less than the size of each individual laundry detergent composition 270 in the container 10.

[0105] The longitudinal joint 230, when measured around the longitudinal axis L, can be within 40 degrees of the global minimum distance 210 from the edge. Optionally, the longitudinal joint 230, when measured around the longitudinal axis L, can be within 20 degrees, 10 degrees, or 5 degrees of the global minimum distance 210 from the edge. This allows for easier design of the blank for such a container 10. Furthermore, this blank can actually be assembled.

[0106] Various structures were envisioned to help users remove predetermined removable portions 70 ( Figure 8 The predetermined removable portion 70 may include a free end 112 that initiates tearing of the predetermined removable portion 70 from the container 10.

[0107] The user can pull the free end 112 to initiate tearing of a predetermined removable portion 70 from the main body 50 and the removable top cover 90. The free end 112 may have a tab shape, such as a trapezoidal end, a semi-circular end, a triangular end, or a curved end. The free end 112 may extend further than the upper limit line 80 and the lower limit line 60 on its periphery. The free end 112 may extend 1 mm to 5 mm further than the upper limit line 80 and the lower limit line 60 on its periphery. The free end 112, or tear strip 110, may be located at the longitudinal seam 230. With this positioning, the lower limit line 60 and the upper limit line do not need to cross the longitudinal seam 230. This reduces the likelihood of tearing the longitudinal seam 230 when the predetermined removable portion 70 is torn from the container 10.

[0108] The free end 112 of the pre-determined removable portion can be located at a position where the core layer 100 is discontinuous around the longitudinal axis L. Such a position simplifies the design of the blank used to construct the container 10, since the end of the tear strip 110 can be located at the lateral edge of the blank.

[0109] If the container 10 is provided with a core edge 180 angled relative to the longitudinal axis L, or is provided with some other structure that improves the distribution from the container 10, then the free end 112, when measured about the longitudinal axis L, may be within 40 degrees, optionally within 20 degrees, optionally within 10 degrees, optionally within 5 degrees of the longitudinal joint 230. The longitudinal joint 230 may be unconnected or weakly connected below a predetermined removable portion 70, such that the predetermined removable portion 70 may be easily separated from the container 10 proximal to the longitudinal joint 230. The longitudinal joint 230 may extend from the first end 30 to the second end 40, excluding the predetermined removable portion 70, and may be glued, taped, or heat-sealed along the longitudinal joint 230.

[0110] As a non-restrictive example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the brittle line 160 can be defined by multiple structural fractures 16 of the shell layers 20 spaced apart from each other.

[0111] Additional details of the previously described optional tear strip 110 are in Figure 9The figure shown is a partial view of container 10. An optional tear strip 110 provides improved control over the removal of a predetermined removable portion 70 from container 10. Tear strip 110 may have a starting end 220 located outside container 10. If container 10 is provided with a core edge 180 angled relative to the longitudinal axis L, or is provided with some other structure to improve distribution from container 10, tear strip 110 may have a starting end 220 that, when measured about the longitudinal axis L, is within 40 degrees, optionally within 20 degrees, optionally within 10 degrees, or optionally within 5 degrees of a global minimum 210. Such an arrangement can be practical, such that tear strip 110 begins near or at the longitudinal seam 230.

[0112] The optional tear strip 110 can be located at a point where the core layer 100 is discontinuous around the longitudinal axis L. Such a location simplifies the design of the blank used to construct the container 10, as the end of the tear strip 110 can be located at the lateral edge of the blank. When the container 10 is assembled, the tear strip 110 is positioned near the longitudinal joint 230.

[0113] As a non-restrictive example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the brittle line 160 may be defined by a plurality of structural fractures 161 of the shell layers 20 spaced apart from each other. The lobe 120 may be defined by more than two structural fractures 161.

[0114] The container preform 12 may be a laminate of cardboard material. The preform 12 may include a cardboard shell layer 20. The shell layer 20 may include two transverse edges 22 on opposite sides of a central axis A. The cardboard shell layer 20 may include a first end 30 extending between the transverse edges 22 orthogonal to the central axis A. The cardboard shell layer 20 may include a second end 40 opposite the first end and extending between the transverse edges 22. Similar to container 10, the shell layer 20 of the preform 12 may include a body portion 50 extending from the first end 30 to a lower limiting line 60. The shell layer 20 may include a predetermined removable portion 70 extending from the lower limiting line to an upper limiting line 80. The upper limiting line 80 may be orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the central axis A. A removable top cover 90 may extend from the upper limiting line 80 to the second end 40.

[0115] The cardboard core layer 100 may be disposed facing the shell layer 20. The core layer 100 may be glued, taped, or heat-sealed to the shell layer 20 to provide rigidity to the assembled container 10 and to provide a blank for assembling the container 10 by manipulation. The core layer 100 may extend from below the lower limit line 60 to a core edge 180 above the upper limit line 80. The core layer 100 may be glued, taped, heat-sealed, or otherwise joined to the shell layer 20.

[0116] The core layer 100 may extend from and be integral with one of the transverse edges 22, and may be folded around the transverse edge 22. That is, a single sheet of cardboard may form both the shell layer 20 and the core layer 100. Constructing the blank 12 from a single sheet of cardboard can be attractive because the individual cardboard sheets do not need to be precisely positioned relative to each other during assembly. Furthermore, a single die-cut can be performed to construct the shell layer 20 and the core layer 100 from a single flat sheet. The single die-cut sheet can be folded along the intended position of the transverse edge 22 so that the core layer 100 faces the shell layer 20, thereby forming a double-layer blank 12. Optionally, the core layer 100 and the shell layer 20 may be non-integral. For example, the shell layer 20 and the core layer 100 may be separate cardboard pieces assembled to form the blank 12.

[0117] When the core layer 100 and the shell layer 20 are facing each other, the core edge 180, when measured parallel to the central axis A, can be located at an edge distance 190 from the first end 30. If the container 10 requires a core edge 180 defined by a circle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, the edge distance 190 can be constant.

[0118] The edge distance 190 can be a function of the distance from the central axis A. This arrangement can be used to form a core edge 180, the distance of which from the bottom edge 30 varies depending on its position around the longitudinal axis L of the container 10. When the core layer 100 faces the shell layer 20, the core edge 180 can have a global maximum value 200 and a global minimum value 210 of the edge distance 190 relative to the first end 30. When such a blank 12 is assembled into the container 10, the global maximum value 200 and the global minimum value 210 correspond to the same content discussed above regarding the container 10. The global maximum value 200 can be located at the central axis A. When the container 10 is assembled, the global maximum value 200 can be opposite the longitudinal seam 230.

[0119] The core edge 180 of the blank 12 can be sinusoidal. A blank 12 with a sinusoidal core edge 180 can be assembled to provide a container 10, wherein the core edge 180 has a cylindrical cross-section. The core edge 180 can be defined by two straight segments 170 having an interior angle of less than 170 degrees. The two straight segments 170 can be close to the central axis A. The interior angle is an interior angle on the core layer 100. When the blank 12 thus constructed is wound around the longitudinal axis L, the resulting core 180 is inclined relative to the first end 30. The lateral edge of the core layer 100 can be shorter than the core layer 100 along the central axis A.

[0120] The blank 12 can be designed such that the distance of the second end 40 from the first end 30 is greater than the global maximum edge distance 200 plus the maximum distance between the upper limit line 80 and the lower limit line 60 measured parallel to the central axis A. This allows the removable top cover 90 to fit onto the portion of the core layer 100 that sits above the lower limit line 60. Similarly, the removable top cover 90 can have a removable top cover height 280 measured parallel to the central axis A between the upper limit line 80 and the second end 40. The predetermined removable portion 70 can have a predetermined maximum removable portion height 290 measured parallel to the central axis A, and the removable top cover height 280 can be greater than the predetermined removable portion height 290.

[0121] To provide enhanced control over the tearing path of the predetermined removable portion 70, the predetermined removable portion 70 may extend between and intersect with the lateral edges 22 of the housing layer 20.

[0122] A brittle line 160 may be provided in the blank 12. If the layers of the cardboard are die-cut, the die may include creases and cutters, partial cutters, reverse partial cutters or perforations, knives or combinations thereof or other structures to form the brittle line 160. Optionally, the brittle line 160 may be formed in the shell layer 20 after the overall shape of the shell layer 20 and the core layer 100 has been die-cut, for example by another die or by applying serrations or discontinuous serrations or laser cuts to the shell layer 20.

[0123] To form container 10, wherein the core layer 100 extends sufficiently upward above the lower limit line 60 to act as a guide for placing the removable top cover 90 back onto the body portion 50 to re-close the container, the core layer 100 may extend above the upper limit line 80 beyond 5% of the body portion length 52, or 5% to 50%, optionally 5% to 30%. The body portion length 52 is measured between the lateral edges 22 orthogonal to the central axis A immediately below the lower limit line 60.

[0124] Optional tear strip 110 can be attached to a predetermined removable portion 70 before or after die-cutting of housing layer 20. Optional tear strip 110 can be located between core layer 100 and housing layer 20.

[0125] One or more petals 120 may be disposed in the blank 12. The body portion 50 may include petals 120 immediately below the lower limiting line 60. The body portion 50 may have a body portion length 52 measured between transverse edges 22 orthogonal to the central axis A immediately below the one or more petals 120. The one or more petals 120 may have a petal length 142 orthogonal to the central axis A, and this petal length may be greater than 5%, optionally greater than 10%, optionally 5% to 30%, and optionally 5% to 20% of the body portion length 52. Additionally, the one or more petals 120 may have a petal outer height 150 parallel to the central axis A, and the ratio of the petal length 142 to the petal outer height 150 may be greater than 1.

[0126] Similar to container 10, blank 12 may include multiple lobes 120. An upper limiting line 80 may be orthogonal to the central axis A. Container blank 12 may include two lobes 120 spaced apart from each other by a straight line segment 170 passing through a lower limiting line 60. Body portion 50 may include two lobes 120, and the lobes 120 may be located on opposite sides of the central axis A. The lobes 120 may be spaced apart from each other by 10% to 80% of the lobe length 142.

[0127] The size and dimensions of one or more lobes 120 provided as part of the blank can be designed to provide one or more lobes 120 in the assembled container 10. The lobes 120 may be spaced apart from each other by 10% to 80% of the lobe length 142. One or more lobes 120 may have a curved upper profile 122, and adjacent lobes 120 may have different outer lobe heights 150.

[0128] Figure 11 A similar blank 12 is shown in the figure. Figure 11 The blank 12 can be formed from a single sheet of cardboard. The die-cut blank 12 can be shaped as needed and can be provided with a brittle line 160. If desired, a tear strip 110 can be joined to the shell layer 20 at a desired location. The brittle line 160 can be provided before or after joining the tear strip 110 to a predetermined removable portion 70.

[0129] The core layer 100 can be folded around the lateral edge 22 to form a blank 12, such that the shell layer 20 of the core layer 100 faces the core layer 100 covering the predetermined removable portion 70. The core layer 100 can optionally be glued, taped, or heat-sealed to the shell layer 20 to provide rigidity for the assembled container 10.

[0130] A core layer 100 in which at least a portion of two core layer side edges 21 are adjacent to or overlap each other can be practical. Figure 12 and Figure 13The adjacent or overlapping portions of the core layer side edges 21 may be at least between the lower limiting line 60 and the upper limiting line 80. The adjacent or overlapping portions of the core layer side edges 21 may be between the first end 30 and the upper limiting line 80. The adjacent or overlapping portions of the core layer side edges 21 may extend only partially between the first end 30 and the upper limiting line 80. Providing only a portion of the two adjacent or overlapping core layer side edges 21 improves the ability to handle and assemble the blank 12 used to form the container 10.

[0131] The core layer 100 may have two core layer side edges 21, and the core layer 100 may extend between the side edges 21 about a longitudinal axis L. This arrangement may result in a locally thicker portion of the container 10 forming along the height of the container 10, starting from the base 32. After the container 10 is opened, the removable top cover 90 may be wedged or otherwise forced against the lower limiting line 60 at the body portion 50 to ensure a tight engagement between the removable top cover 90 and the body portion 50. The removable top cover 90 may be flexible or deformable enough to be stretched or fitted around the periphery of the body portion 50 about the longitudinal axis L on the lower limiting line 60, or the body portion 50 proximal to the lower limiting line 60 may be deformable to wed with the removable top cover 90 fitted thereto. The wedge engagement between the removable top cover 90 and the body portion 50 may be strong enough to help reduce the likelihood of spillage of the contents of the container 10 if the container 10, previously opened and closed with the removable top cover 90, is accidentally tipped over or inverted. Providing an abutment or overlap in the side edges 21 of the core layer 100 can also help reduce the likelihood of the laundry detergent composition 270 spilling out of the container 10 when the container 10 is opened, especially when the fill level 99 is above the lower limit line 60. Furthermore, if the body portion 50 is not carefully oriented such that discontinuities in the core layer 100 are above the dispensable or pourable position of the laundry detergent composition 270 on the core edge 180, the likelihood of the laundry detergent composition 270 spilling haphazardly from gaps in the core layer 100 when dispensed from the container 10 can be reduced. It can be noted that the removable top cover 90 may have the same seam and shape as the shell layer 20 near the lower limit line 60. Thus, one or both of the body portion near the lower limit line 60 and the removable top cover 90 near the lip 23 are deformable, allowing the removable top cover 90 to wedge into the body portion 50.

[0132] The side edges 21 of the core layer 100 can be joined to each other via adjacent joints 231, or can be part of a longitudinal core overlap joint 232. Adjacent joints 231 can be formed by adhesive tape or other means of joining the side edges 21 of the core layer 100. The core overlap joint 232 can be formed by adhesive or heat-sealing the side edges 21 in an overlapping relationship. The side edges 21 can be part of the longitudinal core overlap joint 232. Optionally, the core overlap joint 232 can be nested with an overlapping longitudinal joint 230. Figure 12 The diagram illustrates a non-limiting example of a nested relationship. Overlapping longitudinal seam 230 and core overlapping seam 232 are arranged around the longitudinal axis L in the same direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). Figure 12 The overlap is shown counterclockwise from the outside to the inside. The outside is used in this sense because it is further away from the longitudinal axis L than the inside. Both the overlapping longitudinal seam 230 and the core overlapping seam 232 provide additional local wall thickness to the container 10 from the base 32 along the height of the container 10. After the container 10 is opened, the removable top cover 90 can be wedged into the top of the body portion 50 to securely engage the removable top cover 90 with the body portion 50 via the same or similar mechanism of the previously discussed side edges 21 abutting each other.

[0133] For a container 10 that is essentially a straight cylinder, it may be practical to provide a longitudinal core overlap seam 232 or an adjacent seam 232, since the core layer 100 may not have a precisely circular cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. If the shell layer 20 has a longitudinal seam 230 that is an overlap seam, then the removable top cover 90 may not have a precisely circular cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. Since the shell layer 20 and the core layer 100 can be joined to each other and the cardboard material they constitute has a certain degree of flexibility, the core layer 100 may at least partially conform to the shape of the shell layer 20 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. After removing the removable top cover 90, the removable top cover 90 can be refitted to the core layer 100. When the removable top cover 90 is refitted to the core layer 100, the essentially circular cross-section of the removable top cover 90 formed by the shell layer 20 and the core layer 100 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L can be wedge-fitted to each other by positioning the longitudinal seam 230 of the shell layer so that it is not aligned with the core overlap seam 232. This can be achieved by positioning the longitudinal seam 230 not aligned with the core overlap seam 232 before fitting the removable top cover 90 onto the core layer 100. This can optionally be achieved by fitting the removable top cover 90 onto the core layer 100 such that the longitudinal seam 230 and the core overlap seam 232 position the longitudinal seam 230 in alignment or near alignment, and then slightly rotating the removable top cover 90 about the longitudinal axis L to create a cam-like engagement between the interior of the removable top cover 90 and the exterior of the shell layer 20. The engagement mechanism can be viewed as analogous to employing two concentric ovals and slightly rotating one of these ovals relative to the other about the longitudinal axis. The shape of the outer oval resists the relative rotation of the inner oval, or vice versa, and under some degree of rotation between the ovals, the combination of the normal force generated between the two ovals and the coefficient of friction of the material forming the ovals fixes the rotational relationship between the ovals within a certain range of rotational forces applied in either direction about the longitudinal axis L. The resulting frictional force also resists separation of the removable top cover 90 from the shell layer 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Since the core layer 100 and the shell layer 20 are made of cardboard, the portions of the removable top cover 90 and the core layer 100 above the lower limiting line 60 can be slightly deformed to reasonably securely engage the removable top cover 90 with the core layer 100. This engagement mechanism does not require as much deformation as the engagement mechanism in which the lip 23 of the removable top cover 90 mates with the shell layer 20 near the lower limiting line 60.

[0134] The two side edges 21 and the overlapping longitudinal seam 230 may be within 15 degrees of each other around the longitudinal axis L.

[0135] Providing a core layer 100 in which at least a portion of two core layer side edges 21 are adjacent to or overlap each other can be practical for providing a continuous core edge 180. A continuous core edge 180 may be desirable because it allows the laundry detergent composition 270 in the container 10 to be dispensed or poured out of the container 10 at any location around the longitudinal axis L. A continuous core edge 180 also allows the laundry detergent composition 270 to be filled to a fill level 99, which is above the lower limit line 60 and below the lowest position on the core edge 180.

[0136] The blank 12 used to form the container 10 having the core layer 100 is in Figure 14 As shown, the core layer has an adjacent seam 231 or a core overlap seam 232. To form such an adjacent seam 231 or core overlap seam 232, the cardboard core layer 100 may include two core layer side edges 21. When the core layer 100 is facing the shell layer 20, the core layer 100 extends from below the lower limiting line 60 to a core edge 180 above the upper limiting line, and one of the side edges 21 is further away from the central axis A than one of the transverse edges 22. Optionally, the core layer 100 may extend from and be integral with one of the transverse edges 21, and may be folded around one of the side edges 21. The central axis A may be located between the free end 112 and the side edge 21, which is further away from the central axis A than one of the transverse edges 22. The properties of the other blanks 12 described herein are similar to those described herein. Figure 14 The blank 12 shown is common, and to a certain extent, such properties are similar to those shown in the example. Figure 14 The core layer 100 shown is aligned with the blank 12 of the shell layer 20 relative to the central axis A. Figure 14 The blank 12 shown can be folded or rolled around a mandrel such that one side edge 21 is adjacent to another side edge 21, thereby forming an adjacent joint 231 in the core layer 100. Optionally, one side edge 21 can be positioned further away from the central axis A, such that when the blank 12 is folded or rolled around the mandrel, there is sufficient overlap in the core layer 100 to form a core overlap joint 232.

[0137] Laundry detergent composition

[0138] Container 10 may be practically used to contain laundry detergent composition 270, including but not limited to laundry detergent fragrance additive granules, granular laundry detergent, soluble unit dose sachets of laundry detergent, laundry detergent tablets, granular dishwashing liquid, soluble unit dose sachets of dishwashing liquid, dishwashing liquid tablets, laundry detergent beneficial additives, chlorine tablets, hard surface cleaner tablets, and microbead-based laundry detergent products. The container may contain laundry detergent composition 270 including fragrance. The container may contain laundry detergent composition 270 including unencapsulated fragrance. The laundry detergent composition 270 may be granules. A laundry detergent composition 270 that may be granules may include a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier and fragrance. A laundry detergent composition 270 that may be granules may include 1% to 99% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier and 0.1% to 80% by weight of laundry detergent beneficial additives. The laundry detergent beneficial agents may be selected from the group consisting of fragrances, fabric softeners, wrinkle removers, color protectants, color restorers, detergent polymers, antistatic agents, deodorants, antibacterial agents, anti-redeposition compounds, optical brighteners, graying inhibitors, color bleeding inhibitors, antioxidants, and combinations thereof. The laundry detergent composition 270 may be granular and may be a single laundry detergent composition 270 by mass from 1 mg to 2 g. The water-soluble carrier may be a water-soluble salt, a water-dispersible solid, a water-soluble carbohydrate, a water-dispersible polymer, or, as a non-limiting example, sodium chloride, sugar, starch, polysaccharides, polyethylene glycol, block copolymers, etc.

[0139] Container 10 can be used to hold items such as food products, including but not limited to pasta, rice, tea, flour, baking powder, baking soda, potato chips, crackers, cereals, oats, barley, beans, seasonings, biscuits, nutritional supplements, granulated food products, and thin crackers. Container 10 can also be used to hold pills, vitamins, nutritional supplements, dry pet food, and dry pet treats.

[0140] The container 10 can be designed to hold less than 1500g of laundry detergent composition 270, such as granules. The laundry detergent composition 270 can be a beneficial product for laundry washing.

[0141] The laundry detergent composition 270 may be particles comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier and a laundry detergent beneficial agent selected from the group consisting of unencapsulated fragrances, encapsulated fragrances, surfactants, enzymes, bleaching agents, brighteners, color-correcting dyes, deposition aids, anti-redeposition aids, foam inhibitors, fabric softeners, color bleeding inhibitors, detergent polymers, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

[0142] Container 10 can hold products ranging from 30g to 1200g, optionally from 100g to 800g, optionally from 100g to 600g.

[0143] A particulate laundry detergent composition can be understood as a solid, free-flowing particulate laundry detergent composition, or a particulate laundry detergent composition that can be incorporated into a water-soluble unit dosage product. Those skilled in the art understand the characteristics of a solid, free-flowing particulate laundry detergent composition.

[0144] Typically, water-soluble unit-dosage articles comprise water-soluble nonwoven sheets, wherein: the nonwoven sheet is shaped to create internal compartments in which the particulate laundry detergent composition is contained; or the nonwoven sheet is oriented into layers stacked on top of each other, and the particulate laundry detergent composition is positioned between the layers.

[0145] The water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet comprises multiple fibers. Preferably, the fibers are entangled fibers in a fibrous structure. The water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet can be homogeneous or layered. If layered, the water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet may comprise at least two and / or at least three and / or at least four and / or at least five layers.

[0146] Preferably, the water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet has a basis weight between 20 gsm and 60 gsm, more preferably between 20 gsm and 55 gsm, more preferably between 25 gsm and 50 gsm, and most preferably between 25 gsm and 45 gsm. Those skilled in the art will know methods for measuring basis weight.

[0147] The term "fiber" herein refers to an elongated element whose length exceeds its average diameter, preferably with a length-to-average diameter ratio of at least 10. Preferably, each fiber may have a length greater than or equal to 5.08 cm, greater than or equal to 7.62 cm, greater than or equal to 10.16 cm, greater than or equal to 15.24 cm, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, each fiber may have a length less than 5.08 cm, less than 3.81 cm, less than 2.54 cm, or a combination thereof. Each fiber may have a width less than 100 µm, less than 75 µm, less than 50 µm, less than 25 µm, less than 10 µm, less than 5 µm, less than 1 µm, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will know standard methods and techniques for measuring width. Preferred methods include scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or optical microscopy and image analysis software.

[0148] The water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet may comprise multiple fibers that are identical or substantially identical in composition. Alternatively, the water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet may comprise two or more different fibers. Non-limiting examples of fiber differences may include physical differences, such as differences in diameter, length, texture, shape, hardness, elasticity, etc.; and chemical differences, such as crosslinking level, solubility, melting point, Tg, and surfactants. Preferably, the water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet contains fibers comprising between 80% and 95% by weight, more preferably between 85% and 93%, and more preferably between 87% and 90%.

[0149] Water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheets can exhibit different regions, such as regions with different basis weights, densities, and / or thicknesses. Water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheets may contain textures on one or more of their surfaces. The surfaces of water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheets may contain patterns, such as non-random repeating patterns. Water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheets may have a thickness between 0.01 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, and most preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Those skilled in the art will know standard methods for measuring thickness.

[0150] The fiber may contain a polyvinyl alcohol polymer. Preferably, the fiber contains between 50% and 98% polyvinyl alcohol by weight of the fiber, more preferably between 65% and 97%, more preferably between 80% and 96%, and even more preferably between 88% and 96%.

[0151] Polyvinyl alcohol polymers may have a weight-average molecular weight between 50 kDa and 150 kDa, preferably between 75 kDa and 140 kDa, and more preferably between 100 kDa and 130 kDa. As used herein, “weight-average molecular weight” refers to the weight-average molecular weight as determined using gel permeation chromatography. Other known techniques for determining weight-average molecular weight (MW) will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0152] Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol polymer is a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average degree of hydrolysis percentage of 75% to 100%, more preferably 80% to 95%, and most preferably 85% to 90%. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity of 1 mPas to 30 mPas, more preferably 5 mPas to 25 mPas, and most preferably 10 mPas to 20 mPas, wherein this viscosity is measured at 20°C in a 4% aqueous solution of demineralized water.

[0153] The fiber preferably contains between 0.1% and 15% by weight of the fiber of a breaker, wherein the breaker is selected from polyols, sugar alcohols, amines, amides, carbohydrates, polyvalent cations, or mixtures thereof, preferably from polyols, sugar alcohols, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fiber contains between 1% and 12% by weight of the fiber, more preferably between 2% and 10%.

[0154] Typically, granular laundry detergent compositions are the full formulation of a laundry detergent composition, rather than a part of it (such as spray-dried, extruded, or agglomerated granules that form only a part of the laundry detergent composition). Typically, granular laundry detergent compositions contain a variety of chemically distinct particles, such as spray-dried base detergent particles and / or agglomerated base detergent particles and / or extruded base detergent particles; combinations of one or more, usually two or more, or five or more, or even ten or more types of particles, selected from: surfactant particles, including surfactant agglomerates, surfactant extruders, surfactant needles, surfactant flakes; phosphate particles; zeolite particles; silicate particles, especially sodium silicate particles; carbonate particles, especially sodium carbonate particles; polymer particles, such as carboxylate polymer particles, cellulose polymer particles, starch particles, polyester particles, polyamine particles, terephthalic acid polymer particles, polyethylene glycol particles; aesthetic particles, such as colored stripes, needles, layered particles, and ring particles; enzyme particles, such as protease particles, amylase particles, lipase particles, cellulase particles, mannanase particles, pectinase lyase particles, xyloglucanase particles, bleaching enzyme particles, and other enzymes. Any of the following co-particles, preferably these enzyme particles contain sodium sulfate; bleaching agent particles, such as percarbonate particles, especially coated percarbonate particles, such as percarbonate coated with carbonate, sulfate, silicate, borosilicate, or any combination thereof, perborate particles, bleaching activator particles such as tetraacetylethylenediamine particles and / or alkyloxybenzene sulfonate particles, bleaching catalyst particles such as transition metal catalyst particles, and / or isoquinoline onion bleaching catalyst particles, pre-formed peracid particles, especially coated pre-formed Overacid particles; filler particles, such as sulfate particles and chloride particles; clay particles, such as montmorillonite particles and clay with siloxane particles; flocculant particles, such as polyethylene oxide particles; wax particles, such as wax agglomerates; siloxane particles, whitening agent particles; dye transfer inhibitor particles; dye fixative particles; fragrance particles, such as fragrance microcapsules and starch-encapsulated fragrance blends, and pre-fragrance particles, such as Schiff base reaction product particles; tinting dye particles; chelating agent particles, such as chelating agent agglomerates; and any combination thereof.

[0155] Suitable laundry detergent compositions contain detergent ingredients selected from the following: detergency surfactants, such as anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, and ampholytic surfactants; polymers, such as carboxylate polymers, detergency polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, cellulose polymers, and conditioning polymers; bleaches, such as hydrogen peroxide sources, bleaching activators, bleaching catalysts, and pre-formed peracids; photobleaching agents, such as zinc phthalocyanine sulfonate and / or aluminum phthalocyanine sulfonate; enzymes, such as proteases, amylases, cellulases, and lipases; zeolite builders; phosphate builders; auxiliary builders, such as citric acid and citrate; carbonates, such as sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; sulfates, such as sodium sulfate; silicates, such as sodium silicate; chloride salts, such as sodium chloride; brighteners; chelating agents; toning agents; dye transfer inhibitors; dye fixatives; fragrances; siloxanes; fabric softeners, such as clay; flocculants, such as polyethylene oxide; defoamers; and any combination thereof.

[0156] Methods of sealing packaged components

[0157] This invention relates to a method for sealing packaging components containing cellulose materials.

[0158] In this method, an ultrasonic generator (not shown) can generate high-frequency oscillating motion, which can be transmitted through an ultrasonic welding electrode (500) to generate localized heat at the interface of the material to be sealed (i.e., on the cellulose layer).

[0159] Ultrasonic welding electrodes (500) are typically made of high-strength materials such as titanium or aluminum, which can withstand the mechanical stresses associated with ultrasonic vibrations while maintaining performance. The ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can be integrated with an ultrasonic generator and intensifier, which amplify the ultrasonic vibrations before they are transmitted to the ultrasonic welding electrode (500). Technicians are familiar with the function and structure of the ultrasonic welding electrode (500). Ultrasonic welding electrodes from Telsonic AG are suitable.

[0160] A suitable ultrasonic welding electrode (500) may include a peripheral annular surface.

[0161] A suitable ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can be adapted to establish a continuous annular (peripheral) contact with the target surface in order to perform sealing operations, especially when sealing the top or bottom discs of cylindrical packages.

[0162] The ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can apply a sealing force that can act perpendicularly or parallel to the surface of the cellulose material to be sealed, preferably perpendicularly.

[0163] The ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can oscillate parallel to or perpendicular to the surface of the cellulose material to be sealed, preferably oscillating parallel to it.

[0164] Before or during the oscillation of the ultrasonic welding electrode (500), the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) directly contacts one of the two surfaces to be sealed. The ultrasonic welding electrode (500) holds the surface in place, optionally by means of an external clamp, and generates relative movement between the two surfaces, thereby generating frictional heat at the interface between the two surfaces. A clamp (not shown) may be used on the opposite side of the two surfaces to be sealed relative to the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) to keep the surface pressed between the clamp and the ultrasonic welding electrode (500).

[0165] Figure 15A and Figure 15B The top and bottom joints of a cylindrical container (10) before or during the ultrasonic sealing method are shown respectively. These joints are formed by the respective ends (30, 40) of the main body (50), by folded extensions (96) integrally extending from the respective ends (30, 40) of the main body (50), by the respective closures (34, 93), and by flanges (94) integrally extending from the respective closures (34, 93). The flanges (94) are curved and have surfaces forming an angle (503) of approximately 90° with the surfaces of the respective closures (34, 93). The flanges (94) are inserted between the respective ends (30, 40) of the main body (50) and the folded extensions (96), thereby forming a three-layer joint.

[0166] In this context, a joint refers to a composite of two, three, or more cellulose layers that is ready to be sealed using ultrasonic sealing. The joint can be sealed as a two-layer, three-layer, or more seal. Additional unsealed layers of cellulose layers may be present within the joint.

[0167] exist Figure 5A In the middle, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) is positioned at a first distance (501) above the second closure (93) and in direct contact with the folded extension (96) (the distance is shown only for clarity).

[0168] exist Figure 5B In the middle, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) is positioned at a first distance (501) below the first closure (34) and in direct contact with the folded extension 96 (the distance is shown only for clarity).

[0169] When the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates in the longitudinal direction (504), the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) moves up and down sequentially by a second distance (502). The second distance (502) is smaller than the first distance (501), such that during oscillation, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) does not contact the corresponding closure (34, 93). The first oscillation of the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) seals the outer side of the flange (94) and the inner side of the folded extension 96, thereby forming a double seal.

[0170] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for sealing a packaging component, the method comprising the following steps:

[0171] a) Provides a cylindrical container (10) including a main body (50) and one or two open ends (30, 40), and provides one or two closures (34, 93), wherein each closure (34, 93) includes a flange (94) at its peripheral edge.

[0172] b) Position the closure (34, 93) such that the flange (94) contacts the opening end (30, 40) along the periphery;

[0173] c) Position the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) so that

[0174] i) The ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the closure (34, 93), the end (30, 40), or a combination thereof.

[0175] or

[0176] ii) The ultrasonic welding electrode (500) is positioned at a distance from the closure (34, 93), the end (30, 40), or a combination thereof, such that when the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the closure (34, 93), the end (30, 40), or a combination thereof; and

[0177] d) Vibrate the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) to ultrasonically seal the flange (94) with the corresponding ends (30, 40) to form a seal.

[0178] Optionally, the method is used to prepare the product according to claims 1 to 6.

[0179] The top disc (93) can be sealed to the second end (40), i.e., to the cover wall (92), or the bottom disc (34) can be sealed to the first end (30), or a combination thereof, by this method.

[0180] Without being bound by theory, this method forms a cylindrical cellulose container by sealing the bottom and top discs without requiring an external heat source, such as hot air. This prevents the paper-based packaging from being exposed to temperatures equal to or above its ignition point, thus preventing fires in the manufacturing plant. Furthermore, the sealing speed observed for this method is remarkably faster than that of hot air or glue sealing.

[0181] In one aspect, during step d, the flange (94) and the corresponding ends (30, 40) reach a temperature of less than 200°C, preferably between 80°C and 150°C, and more preferably between 100°C and 130°C.

[0182] It is believed that by keeping the temperature below the paper ignition temperature of the cellulose layer (218°C to 260°C), the ultrasonic sealing described in this invention reduces the fire hazard in the manufacturing plant.

[0183] In one aspect, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) may be positioned at a distance (501) between 0 mm and 10 mm from the closure (34, 93), preferably between 0.05 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, or even between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, or even between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0184] In one aspect, when the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can preferably move in the longitudinal direction (504) by a distance (502) between 0.05 mm and 9.95 mm, more preferably between 0.05 mm and 4.95 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 2.95 mm, and most preferably between 0.05 mm and 1.95 mm. The preferred distance (502) is about 0.1 mm.

[0185] In one aspect, the frequency of the ultrasonic welding electrode can be between 5,000 Hz and 50,000 Hz, preferably between 10,000 Hz and 30,000 Hz, more preferably between 15,000 Hz and 30,000 Hz, and most preferably between 15,000 Hz and 25,000 Hz.

[0186] Preferably, when the ultrasonic welding electrode oscillates, the ultrasonic welding electrode moves a distance of about 0.1 mm at a frequency of about 20,000 Hz.

[0187] The duration of the first oscillation of the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can be between 50 milliseconds and 1,000 milliseconds, preferably between 50 milliseconds and 500 milliseconds, more preferably between 100 milliseconds and 300 milliseconds, and most preferably between 100 milliseconds and 200 milliseconds.

[0188] The duration of any subsequent oscillation may be between 50 milliseconds and 1,000 milliseconds, preferably between 50 milliseconds and 500 milliseconds, more preferably between 100 milliseconds and 300 milliseconds, and most preferably between 100 milliseconds and 200 milliseconds.

[0189] During the first oscillation, the ultrasonic welding electrode contacts one of the surfaces to be sealed (e.g., the ends (30, 40)). In the second or any subsequent oscillation, the ultrasonic welding electrode may contact other surfaces to be sealed (e.g., the closure (34, 93)). The ultrasonic welding electrode may shift between the first oscillation and any subsequent oscillations. During this shift, the oscillation may be interrupted or may not be interrupted. During the first oscillation, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) may have already contacted or be about to contact all the surfaces to be sealed.

[0190] In a preferred aspect, the flange (94) may have a surface forming an angle (503) between 45° and 135°, preferably between 70° and 110°, and more preferably between 80° and 100° with the surface of the corresponding closure (34, 93), wherein the corresponding flange 94 may be inserted between the corresponding end (30, 40) of the body portion (50) and a folded extension 96 extending integrally from the corresponding end (30, 40) of the body portion 50, wherein the folded extension (96) may be substantially parallel to the flange (94).

[0191] Not wanting to be bound by theory, this type of three-layer system forms a stable joint on the top and / or bottom discs of a cylindrical package, which can be double or triple sealed by ultrasonic sealing.

[0192] In one respect, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can be positioned at a distance between 0 mm and 10 mm from the folded extension (96), or even between 0.05 mm and 5 mm, or even between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, or even between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, or even between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, especially when the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) vibrates perpendicularly to the surface of the folded extension (96).

[0193] Preferably, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the folded extension (96) and vibrates parallel to the surface of the folded extension (96).

[0194] In a preferred aspect, in step c, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) may be positioned to contact or be at a distance from the folded extension (96) such that when the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates in step d, the ultrasonic welding electrode contacts the folded extension (96), preferably wherein when the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates in step d, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) does not contact the closure (34, 93).

[0195] Without being bound by theory, the contact between the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) and the folded extension (96) provides an internal seal between the flange (94) and the folded extension (96), thereby forming a strong seal in a rapid manner and solving the "lip bulge" problem. If the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) also contacts the closure (34, 93), a triple seal will be formed.

[0196] In a preferred aspect, the inner side of the corresponding end (30, 40) of the main body portion (50) and the outer side of the corresponding flange (94) may be sealed, or the inner side of the corresponding flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) may be sealed, or a combination thereof, preferably the inner side of the corresponding flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) may be sealed.

[0197] To avoid being bound by theory, it is preferable to form a double seal between the two inner cellulose layers, as this provides a strong seal quickly, while a triple seal is particularly advantageous for forming an even stronger seal.

[0198] In a preferred aspect, at least a portion of the inner side of the respective ends (30, 40) of the body portion (50) and the outer side of the respective flange (94) may include a heat sealant coating associated with the cellulose layer, or at least a portion of the inner side of the respective flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) may include a heat sealant coating associated with the cellulose layer, or a combination thereof, wherein the oscillation of step d may seal two adjacent heat sealant coatings together, preferably wherein the heat sealant coating is a polymer heat sealant coating, more preferably a plastic heat sealant coating, and most preferably a polyethylene heat sealant coating.

[0199] Not wanting to be bound by theory, the presence of a heat-sealing coating in cellulose materials helps to form a seal through ultrasonic sealing.

[0200] In a preferred aspect, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can oscillate in a direction (504) substantially perpendicular to the surface of the closure (34, 93) and can generate a sealing force substantially perpendicular to the surface of the flange (94).

[0201] Without being bound by theory, the vertical oscillation of the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) results in a better and faster seal compared to the closure (34, 93), due to the continuous contact between the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) and the cellulose layer throughout the entire duration of the oscillation.

[0202] In a preferred aspect, in step c, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) may be positioned at a first distance (501) between 0.2 mm and 20 mm from the surface of the closure (34, 93), preferably between 0.2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and most preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm, and wherein, in step d, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) may contact the ends (30, 40), optionally, wherein the method may include a further step e, wherein, in step e, i) the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) is positioned to contact or at a distance from the closure (34, 93) such that, during oscillation, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the closure (34, 93), and ii) a second oscillation is performed.

[0203] It is believed that subsequent oscillations of the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) after the first oscillation in step d can help form a seal comprising three or more cellulose layers.

[0204] The ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can be positioned inside a tube or outside a cylindrical package, preferably outside the tube. The ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can be positioned inside or outside the seal, preferably inside the seal. For example, as... Figure 5A As shown, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can be positioned above the second closure (93) and internally relative to the seal, i.e., not extending beyond the vertical projection of the seal. For example, as Figure 5B As shown, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) can be positioned below the first closure (34) and positioned inside the seal relative to the seal, i.e., it does not extend beyond the vertical projection of the seal.

[0205] In a preferred aspect, during oscillation, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) moves sequentially up and down a second distance (502) in the longitudinal direction (504), wherein the second distance is less than the first distance (501), preferably wherein the difference between the first distance (501) and the second distance (502) is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0206] It is believed that by positioning the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) at a certain distance from the closure (34, 93), a seal can be created at a predefined sealing point, thereby producing a customized seal to address issues such as “lip bulge”.

[0207] A sealing point is designed as a point on the surface to be sealed, where a sealing force acts to seal the surface together with a second surface.

[0208] Methods for preparing packaged products

[0209] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a packaged product comprising a cylindrical container (10) according to claims 1 to 6 and a laundry detergent composition (270), the method comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a cylindrical container (10), wherein the cylindrical container (10) comprises a body portion (50) having a closed first end (30) and an open upper end, wherein the first end (30) comprises a first closure (34); b) filling the cylindrical container (10) with the laundry detergent composition (270) through the open upper end; and c) applying a removable top cap (90) to the open upper end of the cylindrical container (10). The removable top cover (90) includes a second closure (93) and a top cover wall (92), wherein the cylindrical container (10) and the removable top cover (90) contain cellulose material, wherein the first closure (34) is sealed to the first end (30) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals multiple layers of cellulose material, preferably two layers of cellulose material, to form the first seal, or wherein the second closure (93) is sealed to the top cover wall (92) in the second end (40) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals multiple layers of cellulose material, preferably two layers of cellulose material, to form the second seal, or a combination thereof.

[0210] The features described for the cylindrical container (10) in the first aspect are also applicable to the cylindrical container (10) used to prepare packaged products according to the method of the third aspect.

[0211] combination

[0212] Clause 1. A cylindrical container 10 comprising a cellulose material, wherein the cylindrical container 10 includes a first end 30 and a second end 40, wherein the first end 30 includes a first closure 34 and the second end 40 includes a second closure 93, wherein the first closure 34 is sealed to the first end 30, wherein the second closure 93 and a top cover wall 92 are part of a removable top cover 90, wherein the second closure 93 is sealed to the top cover wall 92, wherein the first closure 34 and the removable top cover 90 comprise a cellulose material, characterized in that: i) the first closure 34 is sealed to the first end 30 by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals a plurality of cellulose material layers, preferably three cellulose material layers, or ii) the second closure 93 is sealed to the top cover wall 92 by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals a plurality of cellulose material layers, preferably three cellulose material layers, or iii) a combination thereof.

[0213] Clause 2. The cylindrical container 10 according to Clause 1, wherein the cylindrical container 10 contains a laundry detergent composition 270, wherein the laundry detergent composition 270 is selected from granular laundry detergent compositions, liquid laundry detergent compositions, unit-dose laundry detergent compositions, or mixtures thereof, preferably granular laundry detergent compositions.

[0214] Clause 3. The cylindrical container 10 according to Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the laundry washing composition 270 has a mass of less than 1500g, preferably between 100g and 600g, more preferably between 400g and 600g.

[0215] Clause 4. A method for preparing a packaged product comprising a cylindrical container 10 and a laundry detergent composition 270, the method comprising the steps of: a) obtaining the cylindrical container 10, wherein the cylindrical container 10 includes a closed first end 30 and an open second end 40, wherein the first end 30 includes a first closure 34; b) filling the cylindrical container 10 with the laundry detergent composition 270 through the second end 40; and c) applying a removable top cover 90 to the second end 40 of the cylindrical container 10, wherein the removable top cover 90 includes a second closure 93 and a top cover wall 92, wherein the cylindrical container 10, the first closure 34 and the removable top cover 90 comprise a cellulose material, characterized in that: i) the first end 30 is sealed to the first closure 34 by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals a plurality of cellulose material layers, preferably three cellulose material layers, or ii) the second closure 93 is ultrasonically sealed to the top cover wall 92, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals a plurality of cellulose layers, preferably three cellulose material layers, or iii) a combination thereof.

[0216] Clause 5. The method according to Clause 4, wherein the laundry detergent composition 270 is selected from granular laundry detergent compositions, liquid laundry detergent compositions, unit-dose laundry detergent compositions, or mixtures thereof, preferably granular laundry detergent compositions.

[0217] Clause 6. The method according to Clauses 4 to 5, wherein each of the first closure 34, the first end 30, the second closure 93 and the top cover wall 92 includes a sealing point, wherein the ultrasonic seal has a sealing force acting perpendicularly to the surfaces of the first closure 34, the first end 30, the second closure 93 and the top cover wall 92 at the sealing point.

[0218] Clause 7. The method according to Clauses 4 to 6, wherein the sealing point comprises a natural or polymer coating, preferably a polymer coating, more preferably a polyethylene polymer coating, wherein the ultrasonic sealing melts the natural or polymer coating in the sealing point, wherein a plurality of the natural or polymer coatings are sealed together by the ultrasonic sealing.

[0219] Clause 8. The method according to Clauses 4 to 7, wherein the ultrasonic sealing is performed by an ultrasonic welding electrode, wherein the ultrasonic welding electrode oscillates horizontally relative to the surfaces of the first closure 34, the first end 30, the second closure 93, and the top cover wall 92.

Claims

1. A cylindrical container (10) containing cellulose material. The cylindrical container (10) therein includes a main body portion (50) having a first end (30) and a second end (40). The first end (30) includes a first closure (34), and the second end (40) includes a second closure (93), wherein the first closure (34) is sealed to the first end (30). The second closure (93) and the top cover wall (92) are part of a removable top cover (90), wherein the second closure (93) is sealed to the top cover wall (92) in the second end (40). The removable top cover (90) described therein comprises a cellulose material. Its features The first closure (34) is sealed to the first end (30) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals multiple layers of cellulose material, preferably two or three layers of cellulose material, to form the first seal. or The second closure (93) is sealed to the top cover wall (92) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals multiple layers of cellulose material, preferably two or three layers of cellulose material, to form the second closure. Or a combination thereof.

2. The cylindrical container of claim 1, wherein the first seal, the second seal, or a combination thereof each comprises two layers of cellulose material sealed together by ultrasonic sealing, and an additional unsealed layer of cellulose material. The additional unsealed cellulose material layer is the outermost cellulose material layer of the seal.

3. The cylindrical container according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the first closure (34), the second closure (93), or a combination thereof each includes a flange (94) at its peripheral edge, wherein the flange (94) has a surface forming an angle (503) between 45° and 135°, preferably between 70° and 110°, and more preferably between 80° and 100° with the surface of the respective closure (34, 93). And wherein the first seal, the second seal, or a combination thereof each includes the respective flange (94) which is inserted between the respective end (30, 40) of the body portion (50) and a folded extension (96) integrally extending from the respective end (30, 40) of the body portion (50), wherein the folded extension (96) is substantially parallel to the flange (94).

4. The cylindrical container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner side of the respective ends (30, 40) of the main body portion (50) and the outer side of the flange (94) are sealed. or The inner side of the flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) are sealed. Or a combination of them, Preferably, the inner side of the flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) are sealed.

5. The cylindrical container (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the inner side of the respective ends (30, 40) of the body portion (50) and the outer side of the flange (94) comprises a heat-sealing agent coating associated with the cellulose layer, wherein the heat-sealing agent coating is sealed together by the ultrasonic sealing. or At least a portion of the inner side of the flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) includes a heat-sealing agent coating associated with the cellulose layer, wherein the heat-sealing agent coating is sealed together by the ultrasonic sealing. Or a combination of them, Preferably, the heat sealant coating is a polymer heat sealant coating, more preferably a plastic heat sealant coating, and most preferably a polyethylene heat sealant coating.

6. The cylindrical container (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical container (10) contains a laundry detergent composition (270), wherein the laundry detergent composition (270) is selected from granular laundry detergent compositions, liquid laundry detergent compositions, single-unit-dose laundry detergent compositions, or mixtures thereof, preferably granular laundry detergent compositions. More preferably, the laundry washing composition (270) has a mass of less than 1500g, preferably between 100g and 600g, and more preferably between 400g and 600g.

7. A method for sealing and packaging components, the method comprising the following steps: a) Provides a cylindrical container (10) comprising a main body portion (50) and one or two open ends (30, 40), and provides one or two closures (34, 93), wherein each of the closures (34, 93) includes a flange (94) at its peripheral edge. b) Position the closure (34, 93) such that the flange (94) contacts the opening end (30, 40) along the periphery; c) Position the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) such that i) the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the closure (34, 93), the end (30, 40), or a combination thereof. or ii) The ultrasonic welding electrode (500) is positioned at a distance from the closure (34, 93), the end (30, 40), or a combination thereof, such that when the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the closure (34, 93), the end (30, 40), or a combination thereof; and d) Vibrate the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) to ultrasonically seal the flange (94) with the corresponding ends (30, 40) to form a seal. Optionally, the method is used to prepare the product according to claims 1 to 6.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the flange (94) has a surface forming an angle (503) between 45° and 135°, preferably between 70° and 110°, and more preferably between 80° and 100° with the surfaces of the corresponding closures (34, 93). The respective flange (94) is inserted between the respective end (30, 40) of the main body portion (50) and a folded extension (96) that extends integrally from the respective end (30, 40) of the main body portion (50), wherein the folded extension (96) is substantially parallel to the flange (94).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, In step c, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) is positioned to contact the folded extension (96) or at a certain distance from the folded extension (96), such that when the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates in step d, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the folded extension (96). Preferably, when the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates in step d, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) does not contact the closure (34, 93).

10. The method according to claims 8 to 9, wherein the inner side of the respective ends (30, 40) of the main body portion (50) and the outer side of the respective flange (94) are sealed. or The inner side of the corresponding flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) are sealed. Or a combination of them, Preferably, the inner side of the corresponding flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) are sealed.

11. The method according to claims 8 to 10, wherein at least a portion of the inner side of the respective ends (30, 40) of the body portion (50) and the outer side of the respective flange (94) comprises a heat-sealing coating associated with the cellulose layer. or At least a portion of the inner side of the corresponding flange (94) and the outer side of the folded extension (96) includes a heat-sealing coating associated with the cellulose layer. Or a combination of them, The oscillation described in step d seals the two adjacent heat sealant coatings together. Preferably, the heat sealant coating is a polymer heat sealant coating, more preferably a plastic heat sealant coating, and most preferably a polyethylene heat sealant coating.

12. The method according to claims 7 to 11, wherein the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) oscillates in a direction (504) substantially perpendicular to the surface of the closure (34, 93) and generates a sealing force substantially perpendicular to the surface of the flange (94).

13. The method according to claims 7 to 12, wherein, In step c, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) is positioned at a first distance (501) between 0.2 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and most preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm from the surface of the closure (34, 93), and wherein, in step d, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the end (30, 40). Optionally, the method includes a further step e, wherein in step e, i) the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) is positioned in contact with or at a distance from the closure (34, 93) such that the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) contacts the closure (34, 93) during oscillation, and ii) a second oscillation is performed.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, During oscillation, the ultrasonic welding electrode (500) moves up and down sequentially by a second distance (502) in the longitudinal direction (504), wherein the second distance is less than the first distance (501), and preferably the difference between the first distance (501) and the second distance (502) is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

15. A method for preparing a packaged product comprising a cylindrical container (10) according to claims 1 to 6 and a laundry detergent composition (270), the method comprising the following steps: a. Obtain the cylindrical container (10), wherein the cylindrical container (10) includes a main body portion (50) having a closed first end (30) and an open upper end, wherein the first end (30) includes a first closure (34). b. Filling the cylindrical container (10) with the laundry detergent composition (270) through the upper end of the opening; and c. Apply a removable top cover (90) to the upper end of the opening of the cylindrical container (10), wherein the removable top cover (90) includes a second closure (93) and a top cover wall (92). The cylindrical container (10) and the removable top cover (90) comprise a cellulose material. The first sealing element (34) is sealed to the first end (30) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals multiple layers of cellulose material, preferably two layers of cellulose material, to form the first sealing element. or The second closure (93) is sealed to the top cover wall (92) at the second end (40) by ultrasonic sealing, wherein the ultrasonic sealing seals multiple layers of cellulose material, preferably two layers of cellulose material, to form the second seal. Or a combination thereof.

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