Container body and recyclable frustoconical container

Abstract

A frustoconical container body (2), preferably made of kraft fiber, for a frustoconical packaging container (1), wherein the container body (2) develops along and around a development axis (Z) with a side wall (200) defining an internal volume between an upper inlet opening (20), which is limited by an upper rim (30), and a lower opening, characterized in that the upper rim (30) has a first folded-over section (300) which projects outwards from the side wall (200), i.e. on the side opposite the development axis (Z), wherein the first folded-over section (300) is formed integrally with the side wall (200) and can serve as a support for a lid (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved, recyclable and stackable frustoconical container, in particular its container body.

[0002] In the field of packaging, particularly in the field of cardboard containers, containers are known with a frustoconical container body made of cardboard, a disc-shaped lid and base made of wood and a metal collar that connects the lid to the body.

[0003] In general, the conical container body of known conical containers has a sheet metal strip or rim near the level of the top opening, which is located on the larger base of the body. This strip or rim is attached to the cardboard container by external fasteners. It serves as an engagement element for the metal collar that holds the lid. Document EP0409799A2 describes an example of such a container.

[0004] This sheet metal edge is shaped so that it can be tightened to serve as a fastening element for the clamping ring of a conventional disc-shaped closure lid.

[0005] Various embodiments of such containers provide that this sheet metal strip is attached to the container body by deforming the container body in such a way that the connection between the sheet metal strip and the container body is achieved also or exclusively through the interlocking of the two parts by means of form and / or force fit.

[0006] Unfortunately, this type of container is not compatible with the increasing demands for recyclability, as the separation between the container body and the sheet metal edge is difficult.

[0007] Furthermore, the application of the sheet metal rim significantly increases the production time of the container, resulting in rather low productivity for this type of product. Solution of the invention

[0008] There is therefore a strong need for an improved frustoconical container and, in particular, for a container body for this container that overcomes the typical disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a container body that makes the frustoconical container easily recyclable and environmentally friendly.

[0010] Another goal is to provide a container body that is easy and quick to manufacture, enabling a general reduction in production times for the container itself.

[0011] Another goal is to provide a truncated cone-shaped container that is lighter and easier to handle overall.

[0012] Another goal is to provide a container body that is stackable and facilitates and optimizes the storage of the containers for transport and storage.

[0013] This requirement is met by a container body and a container according to the attached independent claims. The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention, which include further advantageous aspects. Description of the characters

[0014] However, the features and advantages of the container body and the frustoconical container will become clear from the following description of some preferred embodiments, which are to be understood as guidelines and not as limitations, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: - Fig. 1 shows a frustoconical container in an embodiment of the invention in an expanded view; - Fig. 2 shows a container body in an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view; - Fig. Figure 3 shows a frustoconical container in an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view; - Fig. Figure 4 shows a partial cross-section of a frustoconical container in an embodiment of the invention; - Fig. Figure 5 shows a stack of container bodies according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description

[0015] With reference to the figures mentioned above, the reference numeral 1 denotes a frustoconical container 1 for packaging purposes.

[0016] The frustoconical container 1 comprises a frustoconical container body 2, preferably made of a biodegradable material such as paper, cardboard, preferably of kraft fiber, more preferably of several superimposed and bonded layers of kraft fiber.

[0017] The container body 2 extends along and around a development axis Z with a side wall 200 that defines an internal volume between an upper inlet opening 20 and a lower opening.

[0018] The upper inlet opening 20 forms the larger base of the truncated cone, which is bounded by the side wall 200, and the lower opening forms the smaller base.

[0019] The frustoconical container 1 also comprises a base 6, which is attached to the lower opening of the container body 2. Preferably, the base is a disc-shaped, flat or shaped element, preferably made of wood or cardboard.

[0020] The frustoconical container 1 also includes a lid 4, preferably in the form of a disc-shaped element made of wood or cardboard, which is attached to the upper inlet opening 20 of the container body.

[0021] The frustoconical container 1 also includes a clamping ring 5, which serves to attach the lid 4 to the upper inlet opening 20.

[0022] According to the present invention, the container body 2 comprises an upper rim 30 that defines the upper inlet opening 20. This upper rim 30 is folded outwards, i.e., it comprises a first folded section 300, i.e., a first bead that projects outwards from the side wall 200, i.e., on the opposite side of the development axis Z.

[0023] The first folded-over section 300 serves as a support surface for a preferably disc-shaped cover 4.

[0024] The first folded section 300 is formed in one piece with the side wall 200.

[0025] The first folded section 300 consists of the same material as the side wall 200, preferably of power fiber.

[0026] In one embodiment, the side wall 200 is uniform and has no interruptions.

[0027] In one embodiment, the container body 2 comprises a lower rim 31 that defines the lower opening. This lower rim 31 is folded inwards, i.e., it comprises a second folded section 310, i.e., a second bead that projects inwards towards the side wall 200, i.e., towards the development axis Z.

[0028] The second folded section 310 serves as a support for a disc-shaped bottom 6 and, together with the side wall 200, ensures its locking in order to firmly connect it to the lower opening in the container body 1.

[0029] The second folded section 310 is formed in one piece with the side wall 200.

[0030] The second folded section 310 consists of the same material as the side wall 200, preferably of power fiber.

[0031] In this description, "folded-over section" refers to a section that is folded over and extends beyond the side wall with a small thickness. For example, the first and / or second folded-over section extends radially between 3 mm and 2 cm from the side wall 200.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the figures, the lower edge 31 is bent inwards by a press and has an annular lip in the form of a circular crown, to which the base could be attached, for example, by gluing. This lip extends inwards over a radial thickness of between 2 and 6 cm, preferably over a radial thickness of 3 cm.

[0033] In one embodiment, the clamping ring 5 comprises an annular element 52 that serves to surround the upper edge 30 of the container body 2, and an opening and closing means 50, for example a handle or a lever 50, that is suitable for bringing the clamping ring 5 into an open configuration in which the annular element 52 is expanded and allows the lid 4 to be separated from the container body 2, and a closed configuration in which the annular element 52 is tightened around the lid 4, which rests on the folded-over section 300, and closes the upper inlet opening 20.

[0034] In other words, the clamping ring 5 can be opened and closed to allow the lid 4 to be attached and removed.

[0035] In one embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the annular element 52 has an essentially C-shaped cross-section and is designed to circumferentially enclose the first folded-over section 300 and the lid 4 resting on it, holding both within its thickness to clamp the container 1.

[0036] In one embodiment, for example with reference to Fig. 5. The clamping ring 5 is attached to the side wall 200 of the container body 2 when it is to be stacked, preferably at about three-quarters (¾) of its height H, and is designed to serve as a locking element that prevents the stacked container bodies 2 from jamming during transport or storage. In this case, the annular element 52 actually serves as a stop for the upper edge 30 of a container body 2 below it.

[0037] That is, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the stacked containers have their side walls exposed over a height H2 of about a quarter (¼) of the height H of the container body.

[0038] In a stack of container bodies 2, as in Fig. As shown in 5, the uppermost container can, however, encompass the clamping ring 5 attached to the upper edge 30.

[0039] The present invention innovatively solves the disadvantages of the frustoconical containers typical of the known technology.

[0040] Advantageously, the frustoconical container according to the present invention is easy to manufacture.

[0041] Another advantage is that the truncated cone-shaped container is easily recyclable and environmentally friendly. In fact, this truncated cone-shaped container comprises easily separable elements that can be conveniently recycled.

[0042] Another advantage is that the container body is lighter than the frustoconical container bodies typical of the known technology. This characteristic makes the container easier to handle and reduces the load on transport vehicles.

[0043] Another advantage is that the frustoconical container can be stacked with other frustoconical containers, and a container can easily be removed from a stack of containers below.

[0044] Stackability clearly facilitates storage and optimizes space utilization, leading to cost savings and a reduction in the number of transport vehicles required to move the same number of containers.

[0045] It is also advantageous that the container body of the invention, although it does not contain any metal elements directly attached to the container, has the required mechanical strength properties, also thanks to the fold at the top edge.

[0046] It is clear that a person skilled in the art in this field could make changes to the embodiments of the above-mentioned frustoconical container or replace elements with other, functionally equivalent elements in order to meet specific requirements.

[0047] These variants also fall within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims. Furthermore, each variant described as a possible embodiment is feasible independently of the other described variants. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0409799A2

[0003]

Claims

[1] A frustoconical container body (2), preferably made of power fiber, for a frustoconical packaging container (1), wherein the container body (2) develops along and around a development axis (Z) with a side wall (200) that defines an internal volume between an upper inlet opening (20) limited by an upper rim (30) and a lower opening, characterized by , that the upper edge (30) has a first folded-over section (300) which projects outwards from the side wall (200), i.e. on the side opposite the development axis (Z), wherein the first folded-over section (300) is formed integrally with the side wall (200) and can serve as a support for a lid (4). [2] Container body (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first folded section (300) is made of the same material as the side wall (200). [3] Container body (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (200) is uniform and has no interruptions. [4] Container body (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper inlet opening (20) forms the larger base area of ​​the truncated cone bounded by the side wall (200) and the lower opening forms the smaller base area. [5] Container body (2) according to one of the preceding claims, with a lower rim (31) that limits the lower opening, wherein the lower rim (31) has a second folded-over section (310) that projects inwards towards the side wall (200), i.e., is oriented towards the development axis (Z). [6] Container body (2) according to claim 5, wherein the second folded section (310) is suitable to serve as a support for a disc-shaped bottom (6) and to form a locking mechanism together with the side wall (200) to firmly connect the same to the lower opening. [7] Container body (2) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second folded section (310) is formed integrally with the side wall (200). [8] Container body (2) according to claim 5 or 6 or 7, wherein the second folded section (310) is made of the same material as the side wall (200). [9] A frustoconical container (1) for packaging, which has the following features: - a container body (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims; - a base (6) attached to the lower opening of the container body (2); - a lid (4) which is attached to the upper inlet opening (20) of the container body and rests on the folded-over section (300); - a clamping ring (5) suitable for attaching the lid (4) to the container body (2). [10] Truncated cone-shaped container (1) according to claim 9, wherein the bottom (6) is a disc-shaped element. [11] Truncated cone-shaped container (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the bottom (6) is made of wood or cardboard. [12] Truncated cone-shaped container (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the lid (6) is a disc-shaped element. [13] Truncated cone-shaped container (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the lid (4) is made of wood or cardboard. [14] Fructed cone container (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the clamping ring (5) comprises an annular element (52) surrounding the upper edge (30) of the container body (2), and an opening and closing device (50) serving to bring the clamping ring (5) into an open configuration in which the annular element (52) is expanded and enables the lid (4) to be separated from the container body (2), and into a closed configuration in which the annular element (52) is tightened around the lid (4) which rests on the folded-over section (300) and forms the upper filling opening (20). [15] Fructed cone container (1) according to claim 14, wherein the annular element (52) has a substantially C-shaped cross-section and is designed to circumferentially enclose the first folded section (300) and the lid (4) resting thereon and to hold both within its thickness in order to close the upper inlet opening (20).

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