Resealable container

Abstract

A resealable container (1) comprising a container body (2) with a container opening (20) and a lid (3) closing the container opening (20) in a closed position, wherein the lid (3) has a plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20), wherein the container body (2) is provided over its entire circumference or at least over a majority of its circumference with a weakening structure (22), for example a perforation or a tear strip, wherein the weakening structure (22) enables complete separation of an assembly comprising a first part (2a) of the container body (2) located above the weakening structure (22) and the lid (3), for removal of this assembly from a second part (2b) of the container body (2) located below the weakening structure (22), or the weakening structure (22) enables partial separation of the assembly.comprising the first part (2a) of the container body (2) located above the weakening structure (22) and the lid (3), enabling this assembly to pivot relative to the second part (2b) of the container body (2) about a hinge (24) formed by a region of the container body (2) not having the weakening structure (22), characterized in that the lid (3) is manufactured as a preformed component from a fiber-based material and the lid (3) is inserted into the container opening (20) such that an upper end of the plug-in section (30) is flush with an edge (23) of the container opening (20),wherein a first area (301) of the plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20), arranged above the weakening structure (22), is materially connected to an inner surface of the container body (2), and a second area (302) of the plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20), arranged below the weakening structure (22), contacts the inner surface of the container body (2) without a material connection.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND PRIOR ARTThe invention relates to a resealable container comprising a container base body having a container opening and a lid which closes the container opening in a closed position. The invention further relates to a method for producing a resealable container.In connection with the application, resealable containers are referred to as containers which are resealable with a lid. Such containers comprise a container base body with a container opening and a lid which closes the container opening in a closed position. The lid is removable from the container base body for opening the container or pivotable relative thereto in order to allow access to a product located in the container base body via the container opening, wherein the container opening is resealable after opening by means of the lid.Resealable containers serve, for example, as packaging for foodstuffs present as bulk materials, such as flour, powdered milk, coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, salt, sweets, etc. The use of resealable containers is, however, not limited to the use for packaging foodstuffs, and the container can also be used as packaging for other bulk materials, such as washing agents, fertilisers or the like. A re-closing of the container makes it possible at least to prevent the bulk material received from exiting. It is also conceivable to use such containers for packaging pasty or liquid products.A resealable container is known, for example, from EP 0 611 703 A2 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 2,152,400. The containers each have a container base body with a container opening and a lid which can be inserted into the container opening. The lid known from EP 0 611 703 A2 is formed for example from a suitable cardboard material and has a bottom with an upwardly unfolded edge. During manufacture, the lid is pressed into the container opening in such a way that an edge of the container opening protrudes beyond the upwardly unfolded edge of the lid. The projecting edge of the container opening is folded over the edge of the lid and secured to the lid by welding and / or by adhesive bonding with a hot melt adhesive or similar adhesives. The container base body is provided over its entire circumference or at least a majority part of its circumference with a weakening structure, for example a perforation, which enables the part of the container base body located above the perforation to be separated together with the lid and this assembly to be removed or this assembly to be pivoted about a hinge which is formed by a non-perforated part of the container base body.OBJECT AND SOLUTIONIt is an object of the invention to provide a resealable container having a recyclable lid which is cost-effective and simple to manufacture. It is a further object to provide a method of making a resealable container having a recyclable lid.These objects are achieved by the subject matters having the features of claims 1 and 6.According to a first aspect, a resealable container is provided comprising a container base body having a container opening and a lid, wherein the lid has a plug section inserted into the container opening, wherein the container base body is provided over its entire circumference or at least over a majority of its circumference with a weakening structure, for example a perforation or a tear-open thread, wherein the weakening structure enables complete separation of an assembly comprising a first part of the container base body situated above the weakening structure and the lid, for removal of this assembly from a second part of the container base body situated below the weakening structure, or the weakening structure enables regional separation of the assembly comprising the first part of the container base body situated above the weakening structure and the lid, for pivoting this assembly relative to the second part of the container base body about a hinge, which is formed by a region of the container base body that does not have the weakening structure, wherein the lid is manufactured as a preformed component from a fiber-based material and the lid is inserted into the container opening in such a way that an upper end of the plug section terminates flush with an edge of the container opening, wherein a first region of the plug section inserted into the container opening is connected in a materially integral manner to an inner side of the container base body and a second region of the plug section inserted into the container opening, which second region is arranged below the weakening structure, contacts the inner side of the container base body without a materially integral connection.According to a second aspect, a method for producing a resealable container is provided, comprising a container base body having a container opening and a lid, wherein the lid has a plug section which is inserted into the container opening, wherein the container base body is provided over its entire circumference or at least over a majority part of its circumference with a weakening structure, for example a perforation or a tear-open thread, wherein the weakening structure enables complete separation of an assembly comprising a first part of the container base body situated above the weakening structure and the lid, for removal of this assembly from a second part of the container base body situated below the weakening structure, or the weakening structure enables regional separation of the assembly comprising the first part of the container base body situated above the weakening structure and the lid, for pivoting this assembly relative to the second part of the container base body about a hinge, which is formed by a region of the container base body that does not have the weakening structure, wherein the lid is supplied as a preformed component made of a fiber-based material and the lid is inserted into the container opening in such a way that an upper end of the plug section terminates flush with an edge of the container base body, wherein a first region of the plug section arranged above the weakening structure after insertion is connected to an inner side of the container base body in a materially integral manner and a second region of the plug section arranged below the weakening structure after insertion contacts an inner side of the container base body without a materially integral connection.The terms "first", "second", etc. are used here merely to distinguish between components, parts or regions and do not indicate any sequence. Insofar as in the description and in the claims the terms "upper" and "lower", "above" and "below" or the like are used in connection with the container, these serve to describe a relative position or arrangement in space in a usual orientation of the container in which a container opening is oriented upwards, i.e. counter to the direction of gravity. However, applications are conceivable in which the container is oriented differently, i.e. the container opening points in another direction.A container base body is a body which holds the product and which in typical embodiments is tubular or sleeve-shaped, wherein the container base body has at one end a container opening serving for access to the product, which can be closed by means of the lid. In embodiments, a base opening is provided at an opposite end, which is closed by a base. Depending on the application, the base is connected to the container base body using a connecting technique that can be selected in a suitable manner by a person skilled in the art, for example by folding, sealing, flanging or the like. It is known to fill the container base body from an underside and to close the container by means of the base after filling. In other embodiments, filling takes place via the container opening. The container base body can be supplied to a filling process as a semi-finished product with a base already connected to the container base body. In typical applications, the base is connected to the container base body in such a way that no non-destructive separation by a user is possible.The lid is pivotable for opening the container or removable from the container base body and closable again with the container base body for closing, wherein closing prevents at least an escape of a received bulk material. In contrast to conventional containers, as are known, for example, from EP 0 611 703 A2, the lid provided for repeated product access and reclosure is not connected to the container base body by means of forming or folding a part of the container base body over an edge of the lid. Instead, an already prefabricated cover made of a fiber-based material is inserted into the container opening, which cover is connected, in particular welded or bonded, to the inside of the container base body by a material bond via a defined region. By supplying a prefabricated lid, folding or flanging during production of the container, in particular within the scope of a filling process, can be dispensed with.For a reclosure of the container after a first opening, the second region of the plug-in section is inserted into the second part of the container base body arranged below the severed weakening structure. Depending on the application, for example depending on a material pairing of the container base body and the lid and / or a received product, a clearance between the container base body and the lid can be suitably selected in order to ensure a closure with sufficient safety.The lid is made of a fiber-based material. A recyclable material made of fibers, in particular of vegetable fibers or fabric fibers, such as paper, cardboard, cardboard, is referred to as a fiber-based material. The prefabricated cover made of a fiber-based cover can be manufactured in a preceding process by means of forming and / or from a pulp, for example by means of compression molding. Depending on the application, a coating can be applied to the cover if necessary in order to impart further properties to the cover, for example a water-repellent function and / or for an oxygen barrier. The cover can be fed to a recycling process after use of the container.In embodiments, the container base body is formed, in particular folded, from a blank, wherein the weakening structure is preferably introduced before forming the blank. Depending on the application, the container base body is made of paper, cardboard, cardboard or plastic and / or a laminate comprising these materials. However, the invention is not limited to container bases made of these materials. In particular, it is also conceivable for the container base body to be manufactured completely or partially from metal.In one embodiment, the cover has a flange adjoining the upper end of the plug section and abutting the edge of the container base body. The flange allows a defined positioning of the lid on the container base body when the lid is inserted into the container base body, both during production and during reclosure of the container. The flange can be suitably designed depending on the application. In one embodiment, the flange has a grooving or a knurling on its circumferential surface in order to improve grip of the lid for opening the container. In other embodiments, the flange has a recessed grip and / or a tab for removing and / or pivoting the cover. In one embodiment, the edge of the container base body comprises a seal, wherein the flange abuts the seal.In embodiments, the flange terminates flush with an outer lateral surface of the container base body. This avoids a design (mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom-type mushroom. The flush-terminating flange permits simple and reliable handling, for example during transport.The length of the second region of the plug-in section, which is inserted into the second part of the container base body for reclosure, can be selected in a suitable manner depending on the application. In one embodiment, a length of the second region of the plug section is at least half, preferably at least two thirds, of a length of the first region of the plug section.In embodiments, the container base body has a circular or oval plan view. In other embodiments, the container base body has a polygonal outline with at least three sides. For the production of a container with a pivotably articulated lid, in embodiments a weakening structure is provided which extends over N-1 sides of an N-cornered plan view. In particular, in embodiments, the container base body has a rectangular or trapezoidal outline with four sides, wherein the weakening structure extends over three of the four sides. On the fourth side, in embodiments, a grooving is provided for forming the hinge.In one embodiment, it is provided that below the weakening structure in the container base body a membrane to be removed at least in sections during a first opening is attached. The membrane serves, for example, as an oxygen barrier. A material of the membrane and its design can be suitably selected depending on the application, in particular depending on a product to be accommodated. The membrane is completely or partially removed upon a first opening.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFurther advantages and aspects of the invention are evident from the claims and from the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the schematic figures. The following are shown: FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a resealable container prior to a first opening; FIG. 2 : shows a perspective view of the resealable container according to FIG. 1 at a first opening; FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the resealable container according to FIG. 1 before the first opening; FIG. 4 : shows a detail IV according to FIG. 3 in an enlarged illustration; FIG. 5 shows a sectional side view of the resealable container according to FIG. 1 during the first opening; and FIG. 6 : shows a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a resealable container at a first opening.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTSFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 to 5 schematically show a first embodiment of a resealable container 1 before a first opening (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 ) and during a first opening (FIGS. 2 and 5 ).The reclosable container 1 shown comprises a container base body 2, a lid 3 and a membrane 4 (cf. FIGS. 2, 3, 4 to 5 ).In embodiments, the container base body 2 is made from a blank, for example from a laminate, from cardboard and / or from cardboard, wherein the blank is bent or folded, so that a tube- or sleeve-shaped container base body 2 is created, which has a container opening 20 at a first end for product access. At an opposite end, a base opening 21 is provided, which can be closed by means of a base not shown in the figures.As can be seen in FIG. 2, the container base body 2 illustrated has a substantially square outline with four sides which are connected to one another via rounded corners. However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated shape of the container base body 2 and other configurations are conceivable, for example but not finally with a circular, an oval, a rectangular, a trapezoidal or a triangular plan.On the container base body 2 a weakening structure 22, for example a straight perforation or a tear-open thread, is provided. The weakening structure 22 is preferably introduced into the blank before folding or forming the blank. The weakening structure 22 is introduced at a suitably selected distance from an edge 23 of the container opening 20 depending on the application and extends over three of the four sides of the container base body 2 and all four curvatures connecting the sides in the exemplary embodiment shown (see FIG. 2 ). On a fourth side of the container base body 2, in embodiments, a grooving is provided for forming a hinge 24. The weakening structure 22 divides the container base body 22 into a first part 2 alocated above the weakening structure 22 and a second part 2 blocated below the weakening structure 22 (cf. FIG. 4 ).The cover 3 is manufactured as a preformed component from a fiber-based material. The shape of the cover 3 can be suitably designed depending on the application. The cover 3 shown has a plug-in section 30 inserted into the container opening 20 and a flange 31. The lid 3 is inserted into the container opening 20 in such a way that an upper end of the plug-in section 30 terminates flush with the edge 23 of the container opening 20. A first region 301 of the plug-in section 30 inserted into the container opening 20 arranged above the weakening structure 22 is connected to an inner side of the container base body in a materially bonded manner. A second region 302 of the plug-in section 30 inserted into the container opening 20, which is arranged below the weakening structure 22, contacts, on the other hand, an inner side of the container base body 2 without a cohesive connection. A cohesive connection is effected, for example, by means of welding, sealing and / or by means of adhesive bonding. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the first region 301 of the plug section 30 has a schematically shown groove 32 for receiving an adhesive. The illustration of the groove 32 is merely schematic both in terms of size and shape, and numerous modifications are conceivable. In other embodiments, such a groove is omitted.Due to the material-bonded connection, the cover 3 and the first part 2 aof the container base body 2 arranged above the weakening structure 22 form an assembly.The weakening structure 22 extending over the majority of the circumference of the container base body 2, namely over three of the four sides of the container base body 2 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, allows the assembly comprising the part 2 aof the container base body 2 situated above the weakening structure 22 and the lid 3, for example by pulling on the flange 31 of the lid 3, and a pivoting of this assembly about the hinge 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5.The second region 302 of the plug-in section 30 allows the container 1 to be re-closed by pivoting the cover 3 into the starting position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the second region 302 is inserted into the part 2 bof the container base body 2 situated below the weakening structure 22 which is now severed. For secure reinsertion of the lid 3 into the container base body 2, a length L 2 of the second region 302 of the plug-in section 30 in the exemplary embodiment shown is approximately two thirds of a length L 1 of the first region 301 of the plug-in section 30.Below the cover 3 in the illustrated embodiment a membrane 4 is provided. The membrane 4 enables a barrier function before a first opening. The membrane 4 is to be removed completely or partially for access to the product after pivoting of the cover 3 into the position shown in FIG. 2.In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 to 5, the cover 3 is designed as a solid component, wherein the shape and size of the flange 31 are selected such that the flange 31 terminates flush with an outer lateral surface of the container base body 2.The cover 3 is made of a fiber-based material. Depending on the application, the cover 3 can have a coating. In one embodiment, a sealing ring is provided on an edge 23 of the container opening 20, which ring allows oxygen-tight reclosure. The sealing ring forms the edge 23 of the container opening 20, with which the upper end of the plug-in section 30 closes and against which a flange 31 that may be present abuts.As mentioned, the cover 3 can be suitably designed depending on the application. For example, in a modified exemplary embodiment, the cover 3 has a dome-shaped upper side instead of a flat upper side pointing upward.FIG. 6 shows a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a resealable container 1 at a first opening. The container 1 according to the second embodiment is similar to the container 1 of the first embodiment, and common reference numerals are used for the same or similar components. For a detailed description, reference is made above. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 to 5, the cover 3 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 has a recess 32 on its upper side 32. The recess 33 allows a reduction in material for manufacturing the cover 3 without thereby impairing a function of the cover 3 for re-closing.Furthermore, the recess 33 can be used as a receptacle for auxiliary means, such as additives to be mixed with the product located in the container base body, a measuring spoon and / or a cutlery.The covers 3 for a resealable container according to the invention can be produced from a pulp, for example, by means of compression molding. Alternatively, it is conceivable to produce the covers 3 from paper, cardboard and / or cardboard and / or laminates thereof by forming and / or folding. Thanks to the use of a fiber-based material, and thus a renewable raw material, instead of a plastic for producing the lid 3, a particularly sustainable solution is achieved.In order to produce the container 1, in embodiments, the container base body 2 is first formed from a blank. In this case, the weakening structure 22 is preferably introduced before the blank is formed. The weakening structure 22 can be introduced immediately before the forming or offset with respect to time and / or space relative to a forming.In one embodiment, the bottom opening 21 is closed by means of a bottom after the forming of the container base body 2. The semi-finished product thus created can be supplied to a filling process.The membrane 4 is then inserted into the container base body 2 and connected to an inner side of the container base body 2. Depending on the application and / or material of the container base body 2, the membrane 4 is connected to the container base body 2 by means of a suitable method, for example sealed with the latter.The cover 3 is preferably supplied as a prefabricated component during the production of the container 1. The plug-in section 30 of the lid 3 is inserted into the container opening 20 of the container base body 2, the flange 31 coming to rest on the edge 23 of the container opening 20. The first region 301 of the plug-in section 30 arranged above the weakening structure 22 after insertion is connected to an inner side of the container base body 2 in a materially bonded manner. The second region 302 of the plug-in portion 30 arranged below the weakening structure 22 after the insertion, on the other hand, is not connected to the inner side of the container base body 2 and contacts the latter without a cohesive connection.For product access, the weakening structure 22 is broken open during a first opening, for example by applying a tensile force to the lid 3. After the weakening structure 22 has broken open, the lid 3 and the first part 2 aof the container base body 2 situated above the weakening structure 22, which is connected to the first region 301 of the lid 3, are pivotable about the hinge 24, which is formed by a region of the container base body 2 not having the weakening structure 22. The membrane 4 must then be at least partially removed.For a reclosure, the lid 3 is pivoted back into the starting position, wherein the second region 302 of the lid 3 dips into the part 2 bof the container base body 2 lying below the broken-open weakening structure 22.In an alternative embodiment, a weakening structure extending over the entire circumference is introduced into the container base body 2. After this weakening structure has broken open during a first opening, the lid 3 and the first part 2 aof the container base body 2, which is situated above the weakening structure and is connected to the first region 301 of the lid 3, can be separated from the second part 2 bof the container base body 2. For a reclosure, the lid 3 is brought back into the starting position, wherein the second region 302 of the lid 3 dips into the part 2 bof the container base body 2 lying below the broken-open weakening structure.

Claims

Resealable container (1) comprising a container base body (2) having a container opening (20) and a lid (3) closing the container opening (20) in a closed position, wherein the lid (3) has a plug-in section (30) inserted into the container opening (20), wherein the container base body (2) is provided over its entire circumference or at least over a majority part of its circumference with a weakening structure (22), for example a perforation or a tear-open thread, wherein the weakening structure (22) enables a complete separation of an assembly comprising a first part (2a) of the container base body (2) situated above the weakening structure (22) and the lid (3) for a removal of this assembly from a second part (2b) of the container base body (2) situated below the weakening structure (22), or the weakening structure (22) allows a regional separation of the assembly, comprising the first part (2a) of the container base body (2) situated above the weakening structure (22) and the lid (3), for pivoting this assembly relative to the second part (2b) of the container base body (2) about a hinge (24) formed by a region of the container base body (2) not having the weakening structure (22), characterized in that the lid (3) is manufactured as a preformed component from a fibre-based material and the lid (3) is inserted into the container opening (20) in such a way that an upper end of the plug section (30) terminates flush with an edge (23) of the container opening (20), wherein a first region (301), arranged above the weakening structure (22), of the plug-in portion (30) inserted into the container opening (20) is connected to an inner side of the container base body (2) in a materially bonded manner, and a second region (302), arranged below the weakening structure (22), of the plug-in portion (30) inserted into the container opening (20) contacts the inner side of the container base body (2) without a materially bonded connection.Resealable container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lid (3) has a flange (31) which adjoins the upper end of the plug section (30) and bears against the edge (23) of the container base body (2), wherein the flange (31) preferably terminates flush with an outer lateral surface of the container base body (2).Resealable container according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a length (L2) of the second region (302) of the plug section (30) is at least half, preferably at least two thirds, of a length (L1) of the first region (301) of the plug section (30).Resealable container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the container base body (2) has a rectangular or trapezoidal plan view with four sides, wherein the weakening structure (22) extends over three of the four sides, wherein a grooving for forming the hinge (24) is preferably provided on the fourth side.Resealable container according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that below the weakening structure (22) in the container base body (2) a membrane (4) is attached which is to be removed at least in sections during a first opening.Method for producing a resealable container (1) comprising a container base body (2) having a container opening (20) and a lid (3), wherein the lid (3) has a plug section (30) which is inserted into the container opening (20), wherein the container base body (2) is provided over its entire circumference or at least over a majority part of its circumference with a weakening structure (22), for example a perforation or a tear-open thread, wherein the weakening structure (22) enables complete separation of an assembly comprising a first part (2a) of the container base body (2) situated above the weakening structure (22) and the lid (3) for removing this assembly from a second part (2b) of the container base body (2) situated below the weakening structure (22), or the weakening structure (22) enables regional separation of the assembly, comprising the first part (2a) of the container base body (2) situated above the weakening structure (22) and the lid (3) for pivoting this assembly relative to the second part (2b) of the container base body (2) about a hinge (24) formed by a region of the container base body (2) not having the weakening structure (22), characterized in that the lid (3) is supplied as a preformed component made of a fibre-based material and the lid (3) is inserted into the container opening (20) such that an upper end of the plug-in portion (30) ends flush with an edge (23) of the container base body (2), wherein a first region (301) of the plug-in portion (30) arranged above the weakening structure (22) is connected to an inner side of the container base body (2) in a materially bonded manner and a second region (302) of the plug-in portion (30) inserted into the container opening (20) arranged below the weakening structure (22) after the insertion contacts an inner side of the container base body (2) without a materially bonded connection.Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the container base body (2) is formed, in particular folded, from a blank, wherein preferably the weakening structure (22) is introduced before forming the blank.Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the cover (3) has a flange (31) which adjoins the upper end of the plug section (30) and which is brought into contact with the edge (23) of the container base body (2) when the cover (3) is inserted, wherein the flange (31) preferably terminates flush with an outer lateral surface of the container base body (2).Method according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterised in that the container base body (2) has a rectangular or trapezoidal plan view with four sides, wherein the weakening structure (22) is introduced in such a way that the weakening structure (22) extends over three of the four sides and a grooving is preferably provided on the fourth side for forming the hinge (24).Method according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that below the weakening structure (22) in the container base body (2) a membrane (4) is fitted which is to be removed at least in sections during a first opening.

Images