Liquid-tight container, preform, method for producing same, and uses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid-tight container comprising a container wall which surrounds the container interior at least in part, wherein: a shell element and a first end element are interconnected and each form a portion of the container wall; the shell element - delimits the container interior in a transverse direction extending from the inside to the outside in relation to the container interior, and - has a rim portion having a first edge; the first end element - delimits the container interior at a first end of the liquid-tight container in a longitudinal direction extending along the length of the container, and - has a further edge which points in the longitudinal direction; the rim portion a. is located at the first end of the container, and b. encloses the further edge counter to the transverse direction from the outside to the inside in such a way that i. the first edge of the shell element points counter to the longitudinal direction, and ii. the liquid-tight container comprises, at the first end in the transverse direction, a layer sequence containing A. a first layer of the shell element, B. a first layer of the first end element, and C. a further layer of the shell element; the rim portion comprises, at least on a side pointing inwards counter to the transverse direction, multiple portions of a first type and multiple portions of a further type, which portions differ from one another in their thickness in the transverse direction. The invention also relates to a preform for producing the liquid-tight container, to a method for producing a liquid-tight container, to the use of a liquid-tight container, and to the use of an ultrasonic generator and / or an ultrasonic horn.

Description

[0001] LIQUID-TIGHT CONTAINER, PRECURSOR AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION AND USES THEREOF

[0002] The present invention relates to a liquid-tight container, comprising a container wall at least partially surrounding a container interior; wherein a jacket element and a first end element are connected to one another and each form a region of the container wall; wherein the jacket element delimits the container interior in a transverse direction running from the inside to the outside with respect to the container interior, and includes an edge region with a first edge; wherein the first end element delimits the container interior at a first end of the liquid-tight container in a longitudinal direction running along a length of the liquid-tight container, and includes a further edge pointing in the longitudinal direction; wherein the edge region a. is arranged at the first end of the liquid-tight container, and b. encloses the further edge counter to the transverse direction from the outside to the inside in such a way that i.the first edge of the casing element points opposite to the longitudinal direction, and ii. the liquid-tight container at the first end in the transverse direction comprising a layer sequence.

[0003] A. a first layer of the sheath element,

[0004] B. a position of the first end element, and

[0005] C. a further layer of the casing element; wherein the edge region includes, at least on a side facing inwards opposite to the transverse direction, a plurality of regions of a first type and a plurality of regions of a further type which differ from one another in their thickness in the transverse direction.

[0006] The invention further relates to a precursor for producing the container, a method for producing a container, the use of a container, the use of an ultrasonic generator and / or an ultrasonic sonotrode.

[0007] For a long time, food has been preserved, whether for human consumption or pet food, by being stored either in a can or in a glass jar with a lid. Cans and jars have a number of disadvantages. For example, cans and jars have a considerable weight, which leads to increased energy consumption during transport. In addition, the production of glass, tinplate or aluminum, even when the raw materials used come from recycling, requires a considerable amount of energy. In the case of glass, the increased transport costs are an additional complicating factor. The jars are usually prefabricated in a glassworks and then have to be transported to the plant that fills the food, which requires considerable transport volumes.In addition, jars and cans can only be opened with considerable force or with the help of tools, which is rather cumbersome. With cans, there is a high risk of injury from sharp edges that arise when opening them. With jars, it often happens that glass splinters get into the food when filling or opening the filled jars, which in the worst case can lead to internal injuries when the food is consumed. In addition, both cans and jars must be labeled to identify and advertise the food contents. The jars and cans cannot simply be printed directly with information and advertising. In addition to the actual printing, a substrate - a paper or a suitable film - as well as a fastening agent, an adhesive, or a sealing agent are necessary.

[0008] Other packaging systems are known from the state of the art for storing food over long periods with as little damage as possible. These are containers made from sheet-like composites – often referred to as laminates. Such sheet-like composites are often composed of a thermoplastic layer, a carrier layer, usually made of cardboard or paper, which imparts dimensional stability to the container, an adhesive layer, a barrier layer, and another plastic layer. Since the carrier layer imparts dimensional stability to the container made from the laminate, these containers, in contrast to film bags, can be seen as a further development of the aforementioned jars and cans.

[0009] One-piece, dimensionally stable food containers made of laminate are often essentially cuboid-shaped (see Figure 20). These containers are manufactured by folding and sealing a continuous piece of laminate. Forming the container base and container head often requires particularly sharp and numerous folds, some of which also intersect. Such accumulations of folds always tend to impair the longevity of the food in the container. Firstly, the barrier layer can be damaged at sharp fold edges or fold intersections. This is particularly true when a metal foil is used as the barrier layer. If the barrier layer is damaged, the gas-tightness of the container suffers. The oxygen penetrating the container reduces its shelf life. Secondly, the carrier layer, although foldable, is also rigid enough to give the container dimensional stability.This often means that it is not possible to produce an unlimited number of sharp folds cleanly over a small area. In the case of the container base in particular, many folded layers of the laminate are often placed on top of each other. Since the accumulated folds cannot be formed perfectly sharp and clean, and in addition, a targeted local application of the required amount of sealing agent is often not possible, it often happens that the laminate layers are not completely sealed together. This can lead to the formation of cavities between the layers. Germs can settle in such cavities, which are difficult to eliminate even with increased disinfection measures during container production. In addition, such cavities can form channels through the layer sequence of the laminate, which enable the transport of gas and liquid through the layer sequence and can therefore significantly impair the tightness of the container.These durability problems of one-piece containers can be addressed by reducing the number of folds. To achieve this, the container can be constructed in multiple parts, i.e., with a separate lid and / or base. The lid or base is then manufactured from a separate piece of laminate, which is bonded to a piece of laminate forming the side wall of the container during container production. Such multi-piece containers have significantly fewer sharp folds than one-piece laminate containers. As a result, fewer leak-tightness problems occur in the unloaded container, and greater durability can be achieved more reliably.

[0010] However, the leak-tightness of these multi-part containers depends significantly on the connecting seam between the lid / base and the side wall of the container. As a result, such multi-part containers are more susceptible to leak-tightness losses due to mechanical influences, such as those that occur when a container is dropped or when filled containers are stacked.

[0011] In general, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome a disadvantage resulting from the prior art.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a preferably dimensionally stable, liquid-tight food container formed from a separate end element, which later forms the container base, and a separate shell part, in which both the end element and the shell element are made of a laminate, wherein the connecting seam between this end element and the shell laminate is characterized by particularly high liquid-tightness, in particular when the liquid-tight container stands with its container base in a water bath, for example on a watered conveyor belt, as is commonly used in the industrial production of food containers. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a preferably dimensionally stable, liquid-tight food container made of laminate, which has a denser container base, in particular after a mechanical influence such as a fall.A further object of the invention is to provide a preferably dimensionally stable, liquid-tight food container made of laminate, which is characterized by improved mechanical stability, in particular against falling. A further object of the invention is to provide a method that is particularly designed for producing and preferably also filling one of the aforementioned advantageous liquid-tight food containers. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing preferably dimensionally stable, liquid-tight food containers from separate end elements forming the container base and separate shell parts, wherein a production rate of the method is as high as possible and a reject rate is as low as possible.

[0013] A contribution to at least partially fulfilling at least one, preferably several, of the above objects is made by the independent claims. The dependent claims provide preferred embodiments that contribute to at least partially fulfilling at least one of the objects.

[0014] An embodiment 1 of a liquid-tight container contributes to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects of the invention, comprising a container wall at least partially surrounding a container interior; wherein a jacket element and a first end element are connected to one another and each form a region of the container wall; wherein the jacket element delimits the container interior in a transverse direction running from the inside to the outside with respect to the container interior, and includes an edge region with a first edge; wherein the first end element delimits the container interior at a first end of the liquid-tight container in a longitudinal direction running along a length of the liquid-tight container, and includes a further edge which points in the longitudinal direction; wherein the edge region a. is arranged at the first end of the liquid-tight container, and b.the further edge encloses opposite the transverse direction from outside to inside such that i. the first edge of the casing element points opposite to the longitudinal direction, and ii. the liquid-tight container at the first end in the transverse direction comprising a layer sequence.

[0015] A. a first layer of the sheath element,

[0016] B. a position of the first end element, and

[0017] C. a further layer of the casing element; wherein the edge region includes, at least on a side facing inwards opposite to the transverse direction, a plurality of regions of a first type and a plurality of regions of a further type; wherein the regions of the first type and the regions of the further type follow one another in a circumferential direction running along the further edge; wherein the first layer of the casing element has a thickness in the transverse direction; wherein the thickness of the first layer is a mathematical function of a position along the circumferential direction; wherein the mathematical function has a plurality of local maxima and a plurality of local minima; wherein each region of the first type includes exactly one of the local maxima and each region of the further type includes exactly one of the local minima;wherein the thickness of the first layer in each entire region of the first type is at least 0.7 times, preferably at least 0.8 times, more preferably at least 0.9 times, a value of the local maximum contained by the respective region of the first type; wherein the thickness of the first layer in each entire region of the further type is at most 1.3 times, preferably at most 1.2 times, more preferably at most 1.1 times, a value of the local minimum contained by the respective region of the further type; wherein each region of the first type has a first length in the circumferential direction; wherein each region of the further type has a second length in the circumferential direction;wherein each second length is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 100%, more preferably at least 110%, more preferably at least 120%, more preferably at least 130%, more preferably at least 140%, most preferably at least 150%, of each first length;

[0018] An embodiment 1 of a liquid-tight container contributes to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects of the invention, comprising a container wall at least partially surrounding a container interior; wherein a jacket element and a first end element are connected to one another and each form a region of the container wall; wherein the jacket element delimits the container interior in a transverse direction running from the inside to the outside with respect to the container interior, and includes an edge region with a first edge; wherein the first end element delimits the container interior at a first end of the liquid-tight container in a longitudinal direction running along a length of the liquid-tight container, and includes a further edge which points in the longitudinal direction; wherein the edge region a. is arranged at the first end of the liquid-tight container, and b.the further edge encloses opposite the transverse direction from outside to inside such that i. the first edge of the casing element points opposite to the longitudinal direction, and ii. the liquid-tight container at the first end in the transverse direction comprising a layer sequence.

[0019] A. a first layer of the sheath element,

[0020] B. a position of the first end element, and

[0021] C. a further layer of the casing element; wherein the edge region includes, at least on a side facing inwards opposite to the transverse direction, a plurality of regions of a first type and a plurality of regions of a further type; wherein the regions of the first type and the regions of the further type follow one another in a circumferential direction running along the further edge; wherein the first layer of the casing element has a thickness in the transverse direction; wherein the thickness of the first layer is a mathematical function of a position along the circumferential direction; wherein the mathematical function has a plurality of local maxima and a plurality of local minima; wherein each first region includes exactly one of the local maxima and each further region includes exactly one of the local minima;wherein the thickness of the first layer in each entire first region is at least 0.7 times, preferably at least 0.8 times, more preferably at least 0.9 times, a value of the local maximum contained by the respective first region; wherein the thickness of the first layer in each entire further region is at most 1.3 times, preferably at most 1.2 times, more preferably at most 1.1 times, a value of the local minimum contained by the respective further region; wherein each region of the first type has a first length in the circumferential direction; wherein each region of the further type has a second length in the circumferential direction;wherein each second length is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 100%, more preferably at least 110%, more preferably at least 120%, more preferably at least 130%, more preferably at least 140%, most preferably at least 150%, of each first length;

[0022] Preferably, the first end of the liquid-tight container is a container bottom or a container top. Preferably, each direction selected from the longitudinal direction, the transverse direction, and the circumferential direction is perpendicular to the other two directions thereof. Preferably, the value of each local maximum is greater than the value of each local minimum. Preferably, a smallest value of the thickness in each first region is greater than a largest value of the thickness in each further region. Preferably, the value of each local minimum is at most 90%, more preferably at most 80%, more preferably at most 70%, even more preferably at most 60%, most preferably at most 50%, of the value of each local maximum.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, every second length is greater than every first length, preferably by at least 10% of every first length, more preferably by at least 20% of every first length, more preferably by at least 30% of every first length, even more preferably by at least 40% of every first length, most preferably by at least 50% of every first length. This preferred embodiment is a second embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the regions of the first type and the regions of the further type alternate in the circumferential direction, preferably directly following one another. This preferred embodiment is a third embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the first or second embodiment of the invention.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the value of each local minimum is 10 to 80%, preferably 10 to 70%, more preferably 10 to 60%, more preferably 10 to 50%, more preferably 20 to 50%, most preferably 30 to 50%, of the value of each local maximum. This preferred embodiment is a fourth embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the preceding embodiments of the invention.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the further edge forms a closed curve with a third length along the circumferential direction. This preferred embodiment is a 5th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the preceding embodiments of the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the edge region encloses the further edge along at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably 100%, of the third length. This preferred embodiment is a 6th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 5th embodiment of the invention.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the regions of the first type and the regions of the further type extend in total over at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably 100%, of the third length. This preferred embodiment is a 7th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 5th or 6th embodiment of the invention.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first end element has a height extending in the longitudinal direction at every point of the closed curve; wherein the edge region protrudes beyond the further edge at every point of the closed curve such that the edge region extends from the further edge to the first edge by a projection length; wherein the projection length is measured on a side of the edge region facing away from the first end element; wherein the projection length along at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably 100%, of the third length is 30 to 100%, preferably 40 to 100%, more preferably 50 to 100%, even more preferably 60 to 100%, most preferably 70 to 100%, of the height. This preferred embodiment is an 8th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably applies to one of the 5thto 7. embodiments of the invention.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the casing element is formed at least partially, preferably entirely, from a first sheet-like material. This preferred embodiment is a ninth embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the preceding embodiments of the invention.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first sheet-like material comprises one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably over the entire surface. The first sheet-like material preferably consists of this material. This preferred embodiment is a 10th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 9th embodiment of the invention.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first sheet-like material is a first sheet-like composite comprising a first layer sequence; wherein the first layer sequence, preferably over its entire surface, comprises a first carrier layer. This preferred embodiment is an 11th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 9th or 10th embodiment of the invention.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first carrier layer comprises one material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof. The first carrier layer preferably consists of this material. This preferred embodiment is a 12th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 11th embodiment of the invention.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first carrier layer in the first layer sequence is overlaid with a first polymer inner layer on a side facing the container interior, preferably over its entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a 13th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 11th or 12th embodiment of the invention.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first carrier layer in the first layer sequence is overlaid with a first polymer outer layer on a side facing away from the container interior, preferably over its entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a 14th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 11th to 13th embodiments of the invention.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first layer sequence between the first carrier layer and the first polymer inner layer includes, preferably over the entire surface, a first barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a 15th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 13th or 14th embodiment of the invention.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first carrier layer has at least one through-hole, which is covered at least with the first polymer inner layer. Alternatively or in addition to the first polymer inner layer, the at least one through-hole in the first carrier layer is covered with the first barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a 16th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 13th to 15th embodiments of the invention.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first end element is formed at least partially, preferably entirely, from a second sheet-like material. This preferred embodiment is a 17th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the preceding embodiments of the invention.

[0038] The second sheet-like material may differ in its structure from the first sheet-like material. Preferably, the second sheet-like material has the same structure as the first sheet-like material. In a further preferred embodiment, the second sheet-like material has a different structure than the first sheet-like material. In this case, the second sheet-like material preferably contains a material that the first sheet-like material does not contain, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the second sheet-like material preferably has a different, preferably lower, basis weight than the first sheet-like material.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the second sheet-like material comprises one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably over the entire surface. The second sheet-like material preferably consists of this material. This preferred embodiment is an 18th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 17th embodiment of the invention.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the second sheet-like material is a second sheet-like composite comprising a second layer sequence; wherein the second layer sequence comprises a second carrier layer, preferably over its entire surface. The structure of the second carrier layer can differ from the structure of the first carrier layer. Preferably, the second carrier layer has the same structure as the first carrier layer. In a further preferred embodiment, the second carrier layer has a different structure than the first carrier layer. In this case, the second carrier layer preferably has a different, preferably lower, basis weight than the first carrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a 19th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 17th or 18th embodiment of the invention.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the second carrier layer comprises one material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof. The second carrier layer preferably consists of this material. This preferred embodiment is a 20th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 19th embodiment of the invention.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the second carrier layer in the second layer sequence is overlaid with a second polymer inner layer on a side facing the container interior, preferably over its entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a 21st embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 19th or 20th embodiment of the invention.

[0043] The second polymer inner layer can differ from the first polymer inner layer, for example in its material or its basis weight. Preferably, the second polymer inner layer has the same structure as the first polymer inner layer, i.e. in particular made of the same material and with the same basis weight. In a further preferred embodiment, the second polymer inner layer has a different structure than the first polymer inner layer. In this case, the second polymer inner layer is preferably made of a different material than the first polymer inner layer, or the second polymer inner layer has a different basis weight than the first polymer inner layer, or both. Preferably, the second polymer inner layer has a lower basis weight than the first polymer inner layer.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the second carrier layer in the second layer sequence is overlaid with a second polymer outer layer on a side facing away from the container interior, preferably over its entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a 22nd embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 19th to 21st embodiments of the invention.

[0045] The second polymer outer layer can differ from the first polymer outer layer, for example in its material or its basis weight. The second polymer outer layer is preferably constructed identically to the first polymer outer layer, i.e. in particular from the same material and with the same basis weight. In a further preferred embodiment, the second polymer outer layer has a different structure than the first polymer outer layer. In this case, the second polymer outer layer is preferably made of a different material than the first polymer outer layer, or the second polymer outer layer has a different basis weight than the first polymer outer layer, or both. The second polymer outer layer preferably has a lower basis weight than the first polymer outer layer.In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the second layer sequence between the second carrier layer and the second polymer inner layer includes, preferably over the entire surface, a second barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a 23rd embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 21st or 22nd embodiment of the invention.

[0046] The second barrier layer may differ from the first barrier layer, for example, in its material or its basis weight. Preferably, the second barrier layer is constructed identically to the first barrier layer, i.e., in particular, it is made of the same material and has the same basis weight.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the second carrier layer has at least one through-hole, which is covered at least by the second polymer inner layer. This preferred embodiment is a 24th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 19th to 23rd embodiments of the invention.

[0048] Alternatively or in addition to the second polymer inner layer, the at least one through-hole in the second carrier layer is covered with the second barrier layer. Preferably, the first end element closes the liquid-tight container at a first end, wherein the first end is preferably a container head located opposite a container base along the length of the container.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first end element is convex with respect to the container interior, i.e., curved away from the container interior. This preferred embodiment is a 25th embodiment of the liquid-tight container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the preceding embodiments of the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the container, the first end element closes the liquid-tight container at the first end; wherein the jacket element delimits the container interior in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction, and closes the liquid-tight container at a further end opposite the first end, based on the length of the liquid-tight container. This preferred embodiment is a 26th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the preceding embodiments of the invention.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, a further end element forms a further region of the container wall; wherein the further end element delimits the container interior in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction, relative to the length of the liquid-tight container, is arranged at a further end of the liquid-tight container opposite the first end, and is connected to the casing element.

[0051] This preferred embodiment is a 27th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 25th embodiments of the invention.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first end element closes the liquid-tight container at the first end; the further end element closes the liquid-tight container at the further end. This preferred embodiment is a 28th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 27th embodiment of the invention.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the first end is a container bottom and the further end is a container head, or the first end is a container head and the further end is a container bottom.

[0054] This preferred embodiment is a 29th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 26th to 28th embodiments of the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the jacket element surrounds the further end element at least partially, preferably completely laterally. This preferred embodiment is a 30th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 27th to 29th embodiments of the invention.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the further end element is formed at least partially, preferably entirely, from a third sheet-like material. This preferred embodiment is a 31st embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 27th to 30th embodiments of the invention.

[0056] The third sheet-like material may differ in its structure from the first sheet-like material or the second sheet-like material, or from both. Preferably, the second sheet-like material has the same structure as the first sheet-like material or the second sheet-like material, or both.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the third sheet-like material comprises one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably over the entire surface. The third sheet-like material preferably consists of this material. This preferred embodiment is a 32nd embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 31st embodiment of the invention.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the third sheet-like material is a third sheet-like composite comprising a third layer sequence; wherein the third layer sequence comprises a third carrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a 33rd embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 31st or 32nd embodiment of the invention. A structure of the third carrier layer can differ from a structure of the first carrier layer or the second carrier layer, or from both. Preferably, the third carrier layer has the same structure as the first carrier layer or the second carrier layer, or both.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the third carrier layer comprises one material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof. The third carrier layer preferably consists of this material. This preferred embodiment is a 34th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 33rd embodiment of the invention.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the third carrier layer in the third layer sequence is overlaid with a third polymer inner layer on a side facing the container interior, preferably over its entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a 35th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 33rd or 34th embodiment of the invention.

[0061] The third polymer inner layer may differ, for example, in its material or its basis weight, from the first polymer inner layer or the second polymer inner layer, or from both. Preferably, the third polymer inner layer is constructed in the same way as the first polymer inner layer or the second polymer inner layer, or both, i.e., in particular, from the same material and with the same basis weight.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the third carrier layer in the third layer sequence is overlaid with a third polymer outer layer on a side facing away from the container interior, preferably over its entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a 36th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 33rd to 35th embodiments of the invention.

[0063] The third polymer outer layer may differ, for example, in its material or its basis weight, from the first polymer outer layer or the second polymer outer layer, or from both. Preferably, the third polymer outer layer has the same structure as the first polymer outer layer or the second polymer outer layer, or both, i.e., in particular, it is made of the same material and has the same basis weight.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the third layer sequence between the third carrier layer and the third polymer inner layer includes, preferably over the entire surface, a third barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a 37th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 35th or 36th embodiment of the invention.

[0065] The third barrier layer may differ from the first barrier layer or the second barrier layer, for example, in its material or its basis weight. Preferably, the third barrier layer has the same structure as the first barrier layer or the second barrier layer, or both, i.e., in particular, it is made of the same material and has the same basis weight.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the third carrier layer has at least one through-hole, which is covered at least with the third polymer inner layer. Alternatively or in addition to the third polymer inner layer, the at least one through-hole in the third carrier layer is covered with the third barrier layer. Preferably, the further end element closes the liquid-tight container at a further end, wherein the further end is preferably a container head that lies opposite a container base along the length of the liquid-tight container. This preferred embodiment is a 38th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 35th to 37th embodiments of the invention.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the further end element is concavely or convexly curved with respect to the container interior. This preferred embodiment is a 39th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 35th to 37th embodiments of the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the container, the liquid-tight container, preferably the container wall, completely surrounds the container interior. In other words, the liquid-tight container is preferably closed. This preferred embodiment is a 39th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 38th embodiments of the invention.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container, the container interior contains a liquid, preferably a food product. This preferred embodiment is a 40th embodiment of the container according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 39th embodiments of the invention.

[0069] A contribution to achieving at least one of the objects of the invention is also made by embodiment 1 of a precursor for producing the liquid-tight container according to the invention, preferably a liquid-tight container according to the invention according to one of the 1st to 40th embodiments, wherein the precursor includes a container wall that at least partially surrounds the container interior; wherein the jacket element and the first end element are connected to one another and each form a region of the container wall; wherein the jacket element delimits the container interior in the transverse direction and includes the edge region with the first edge; wherein the first end element delimits the container interior at a first end of the precursor in the longitudinal direction and includes the further edge; wherein the edge region is arranged at the first end of the precursor; wherein the first edge and the further edge point in the longitudinal direction;wherein the further edge forms a closed curve with a third length; wherein the first end element has a height extending in the longitudinal direction at each point of the closed curve; wherein the edge region protrudes beyond the further edge at each point of the closed curve such that the edge region extends from the further edge to the first edge by an overhang length; wherein the overhang length is measured on a side of the edge region facing away from the first end element; wherein the overhang length along at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably 100%, of the third length is 30 to 100%, preferably 40 to 100%, more preferably 50 to 100%, even more preferably 60 to 100%, most preferably 70 to 100%, of the height.

[0070] A contribution to achieving at least one of the objects of the invention is also made by embodiment 1 of a precursor for producing the liquid-tight container according to the invention, preferably a liquid-tight container according to the invention according to one of the 1st to 40th embodiments, wherein the precursor includes a container wall that at least partially surrounds the container interior; wherein the jacket element and the first end element are connected to one another and each form a region of the container wall; wherein the jacket element delimits the container interior in the transverse direction and includes the edge region with the first edge; wherein the first end element delimits the container interior at a first end of the precursor in the longitudinal direction and includes the further edge; wherein the edge region is arranged at the first end of the precursor; wherein the first edge and the further edge point opposite to the longitudinal direction;wherein the further edge forms a closed curve with a third length; wherein the first end element has a height extending in the longitudinal direction at each point of the closed curve; wherein the edge region protrudes beyond the further edge at each point of the closed curve such that the edge region extends from the further edge to the first edge by an overhang length; wherein the overhang length is measured on a side of the edge region facing away from the first end element; wherein the overhang length along at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably 100%, of the third length is 30 to 100%, preferably 40 to 100%, more preferably 50 to 100%, even more preferably 60 to 100%, most preferably 70 to 100%, of the height.

[0071] A contribution to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects according to the invention is also made by an embodiment 1 of a method for producing a liquid-tight container, the method comprising as method steps a.Providing a precursor of the liquid-tight container, the precursor comprising a container wall at least partially surrounding a container interior; wherein a jacket element and a first end element are connected to one another and each form a region of the container wall; wherein the jacket element delimits the container interior in a transverse direction running from the inside to the outside with respect to the container interior, and includes an edge region with a first edge; wherein the first end element delimits the container interior at a first end of the precursor in a longitudinal direction running along a length of the precursor, and includes a further edge; wherein the edge region is arranged at the first end of the precursor; wherein the first edge and the further edge point in the longitudinal direction; b.Forming the edge region by contacting it with a forming tool so that the edge region encloses the further edge opposite to the transverse direction from the outside to the inside such that i. the first edge of the casing element points opposite to the longitudinal direction, and ii. the precursor or the liquid-tight container obtained therefrom comprises a layer sequence at the first end in the transverse direction.

[0072] A. a first layer of the sheath element,

[0073] B. a position of the first end element, and

[0074] C. a further layer of the casing element; characterized in that the forming tool performs an oscillation during the forming process at a frequency in a range of 15 to 50 kHz, preferably 15 to 40 kHz, more preferably 20 to 35 kHz. Preferably, the oscillation of the forming tool in method step b) results in a materially bonded connection of the first end element to the casing element.

[0075] A contribution to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects according to the invention is also made by an embodiment 1 of a method for producing a liquid-tight container, the method comprising as method steps a.Providing a precursor of the liquid-tight container, the precursor comprising a container wall at least partially surrounding a container interior; wherein a jacket element and a first end element are connected to one another and each form a region of the container wall; wherein the jacket element delimits the container interior in a transverse direction running from the inside to the outside with respect to the container interior, and includes an edge region with a first edge; wherein the first end element delimits the container interior at a first end of the precursor in a longitudinal direction running along a length of the precursor, and includes a further edge; wherein the edge region is arranged at the first end of the precursor; wherein the first edge and the further edge point opposite to the longitudinal direction; b.Forming the edge region by contacting it with a forming tool so that the edge region encloses the further edge opposite to the transverse direction from the outside to the inside such that i. the first edge of the casing element points in the longitudinal direction, and ii. the precursor or the liquid-tight container obtained therefrom comprises a layer sequence at the first end in the transverse direction.

[0076] A. a first layer of the sheath element,

[0077] B. a position of the first end element, and

[0078] C. a further layer of the casing element; characterized in that the forming tool performs an oscillation during the forming process at a frequency in a range of 15 to 50 kHz, preferably 15 to 40 kHz, more preferably 20 to 35 kHz. Preferably, the oscillation of the forming tool in method step b) results in a materially bonded connection of the first end element to the casing element.

[0079] Preferred elements from which the liquid-tight container according to the invention is obtained according to the method are designed according to an embodiment of the method as described for an embodiment of the liquid-tight container according to the invention.

[0080] Preferably, the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction are perpendicular to each other. The oscillation preferably has an amplitude in a range from 3 to 60 pm, preferably from 5 to 50 pm, more preferably from 10 to 45 pm. The oscillation preferably occurs in a direction that forms an angle of less than 30°, preferably less than 20°, more preferably less than 10°, and even more preferably less than 5°, with the longitudinal direction and opposite to this direction. Most preferably, the oscillation occurs in the longitudinal direction and opposite to the longitudinal direction. A preferred forming tool is a sonotrode. The forming tool is preferably formed as a single piece.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the casing element is at least partially, preferably completely, formed from a first sheet-like material, preferably it consists thereof. This preferred embodiment is a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the first embodiment. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first sheet-like material, preferably over its entire surface, comprises one material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof. This preferred embodiment is a third embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the second embodiment.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first sheet-like material is a first sheet-like composite comprising a first layer sequence; wherein the first layer sequence, preferably over its entire surface, comprises a first carrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the second or third embodiment.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first carrier layer comprises one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably consisting of the latter. This preferred embodiment is a fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the fourth embodiment.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first carrier layer in the first layer sequence is overlaid with a first polymer inner layer on a side facing the container interior, preferably over its entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a 6th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 4th or 5th embodiment.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first carrier layer in the first layer sequence is overlaid with a first polymer outer layer on a side facing away from the container interior, preferably over the entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a 7th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 4th to 6th embodiments. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first layer sequence between the first carrier layer and the first polymer inner layer includes, preferably over the entire surface, a first barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is an 8th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 6th or 7th embodiments.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first carrier layer has at least one through-hole, which is covered at least with the first polymer inner layer. Alternatively or in addition to the first polymer inner layer, the at least one through-hole in the first carrier layer is covered with the first barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a ninth embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the fourth to eighth embodiments.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first end element is formed at least partially, preferably completely, from a second sheet-like material. The second sheet-like material can differ in its structure from the first sheet-like material. Preferably, the second sheet-like material has the same structure as the first sheet-like material. In a further preferred embodiment, the second sheet-like material has a different structure than the first sheet-like material. In this case, the second sheet-like material preferably contains a material that the first sheet-like material does not contain, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the second sheet-like material preferably has a different, preferably lower, basis weight than the first sheet-like material. This preferred embodiment is a 10th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably relates to one of the 1stto 9. embodiments.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the second sheet-like material comprises one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably over the entire surface; it is preferably made of these materials. This preferred embodiment is an 11th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 10th embodiment.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the second sheet-like material is a second sheet-like composite comprising a second layer sequence; wherein the second layer sequence comprises a second carrier layer, preferably over its entire surface. The structure of the second carrier layer can differ from the structure of the first carrier layer. Preferably, the second carrier layer has the same structure as the first carrier layer. In a further preferred embodiment, the second carrier layer has a different structure than the first carrier layer. In this case, the second carrier layer preferably has a different, preferably lower, basis weight than the first carrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a 12th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 10th or 11th embodiment.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the second carrier layer comprises one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably consisting of the same. This preferred embodiment is a 13th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 12th embodiment.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the second carrier layer in the second layer sequence is overlaid with a second inner polymer layer on a side facing the container interior, preferably over its entire surface. The second inner polymer layer can differ from the first inner polymer layer, for example in its material or its basis weight. Preferably, the second inner polymer layer has the same structure as the first inner polymer layer, i.e. in particular from the same material and with the same basis weight. In a further preferred embodiment, the second inner polymer layer has a different structure than the first inner polymer layer. In this case, the second inner polymer layer is preferably made of a different material than the first inner polymer layer, or the second inner polymer layer has a different basis weight than the first inner polymer layer, or both.Preferably, the second polymer inner layer has a lower basis weight than the first polymer inner layer. This preferred embodiment is a 14th embodiment of the process according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 12th or 13th embodiment.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the second carrier layer in the second layer sequence is overlaid with a second polymer outer layer on a side facing away from the container interior, preferably over its entire surface. The second polymer outer layer can differ from the first polymer outer layer, for example in its material or its basis weight. Preferably, the second polymer outer layer has the same structure as the first polymer outer layer, i.e. in particular from the same material and with the same basis weight. In a further preferred embodiment, the second polymer outer layer has a different structure than the first polymer outer layer. In this case, the second polymer outer layer preferably consists of a different material than the first polymer outer layer, or the second polymer outer layer has a different basis weight than the first polymer outer layer, or both.Preferably, the second polymer outer layer has a lower basis weight than the first polymer outer layer. This preferred embodiment is a 15th embodiment of the process according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 12th to 14th embodiments.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the second layer sequence between the second carrier layer and the second polymer inner layer contains, preferably over the entire surface, a second barrier layer. The second barrier layer can differ from the first barrier layer, for example in its material or its basis weight. The second barrier layer is preferably constructed identically to the first barrier layer, i.e. in particular from the same material and with the same basis weight. This preferred embodiment is a 16th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 14th or 15th embodiment. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the second carrier layer has at least one through-hole that is covered at least with the second polymer inner layer.Alternatively or in addition to the second polymer inner layer, the at least one through-hole in the second carrier layer is covered with the second barrier layer. Preferably, the first end element closes the liquid-tight container at a first end, wherein the first end is preferably a container head located opposite a container bottom along the length of the container. This preferred embodiment is a 17th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 12th to 16th embodiments.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the edge region is formed by contacting the edge region with a working surface of the forming tool; wherein the working surface has a groove designed to receive the first edge, and a plurality of recesses in the groove; wherein each of the recesses runs in the direction from a first longitudinal side of the groove to a further longitudinal side of the groove opposite the first longitudinal side. Preferably, each of the recesses extends from the first longitudinal side of the groove to the further longitudinal side of the groove. Alternatively or additionally, the groove preferably forms a closed curve. This preferred embodiment is an 18th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 11th to 17th embodiments.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the groove has a first depth in the recesses and a further depth outside the recesses, each further depth being 10 to 80%, preferably 10 to 70%, more preferably 10 to 60%, more preferably 10 to 50%, more preferably 20 to 50%, most preferably 30 to 50%, of each first depth. This preferred embodiment is a 19th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 18th embodiment.In a preferred embodiment of the method, each of the recesses has a width in a direction of a length of the groove; wherein any two adjacent recesses of the plurality of recesses are spaced apart in the direction of the length of the groove; wherein each of the spacings is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 100%, more preferably at least 110%, more preferably at least 120%, more preferably at least 130%, more preferably at least 140%, most preferably at least 150%, of each of the widths. This preferred embodiment is a 20th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 18th or 19th embodiment.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment of the method, each of the distances is greater than each of the widths, preferably by at least 10% of each of the widths, more preferably by at least 20% of each of the widths, more preferably by at least 30% of each of the widths, even more preferably by at least 40% of each of the widths, most preferably by at least 50% of each of the widths. This preferred embodiment is a 21st embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 20th embodiment.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment of the method, each of the recesses has a longitudinal curvature in a direction along the length of the groove. This preferred embodiment is a 22nd embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 18th to 21st embodiments.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the method, each of the longitudinal curvatures, preferably at every point along the respective longitudinal curvature, has a radius of curvature in a range from 1 to 5 mm, preferably from 1.2 to 3.0 mm, more preferably from 1.5 to 2.5 mm. This preferred embodiment is a 23rd embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 22nd embodiment. In a preferred embodiment of the method, each of the recesses has a transverse curvature in a direction transverse to a length of the groove. This preferred embodiment is a 24th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 18th to 23rd embodiments.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment of the method, each of the transverse curves has a radius of curvature in a range of 1 to 5 mm, preferably 1.2 to 3.0 mm, more preferably 1.5 to 2.5 mm, at any point along the respective transverse curve. This preferred embodiment is a 25th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 24th embodiment.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment of the method, a function that describes the dependence of a radius of curvature of each transverse curve on a position along the transverse curve has a local maximum at the deepest point of the respective recess. This preferred embodiment is a 26th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 24th or 25th embodiment.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the recesses of the plurality of recesses extend in total over at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, most preferably 70%, of a length of the groove. This preferred embodiment is a 27th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 18th to 26th embodiments.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the method, in method step b., the liquid-tight container according to the invention, preferably the liquid-tight container according to the invention according to one of the 1st to 39th embodiments, is obtained from the container precursor. This preferred embodiment is a 28th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 27th embodiments. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the further edge forms a closed curve with a third length; wherein the first end element in method step a.has a height extending in the longitudinal direction at every point of the closed curve; wherein the edge region protrudes beyond the further edge at every point of the closed curve such that the edge region extends from the further edge to the first edge by an overhang length; wherein the overhang length is measured on a side of the edge region facing away from the first end element; wherein the overhang length along at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably 100%, of the third length is 30 to 100%, preferably 40 to 100%, more preferably 50 to 100%, even more preferably 60 to 100%, most preferably 70 to 100%, of the height. This preferred embodiment is a 29th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 28th embodiments.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the precursor provided in process step a. is a precursor according to the invention. This preferred embodiment is a 30th embodiment of the process according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 29th embodiments.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the forming tool is set into vibration before contact with the edge region. This preferred embodiment is a 31st embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 30th embodiments.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the forming tool for forming in method step b. acts on the edge region with a contact pressure in a range from 30 to 500 N, preferably from 60 to 400 N, more preferably from 90 to 300 N. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the forming tool for forming in method step b. acts on the edge region with a contact pressure in a range from 0.1 to 3.0 N per mm of a length of the edge region along a circumferential direction, more preferably from 0.3 to 2.5 N per mm of the length of the edge region along the circumferential direction, even more preferably from 0.4 to 2.0 N per mm of the length of the edge region along the circumferential direction, most preferably from 0.5 to 1.8 N per mm of the length of the edge region along the circumferential direction. The circumferential direction runs along the further edge.Preferably, each direction selected from the longitudinal direction, the transverse direction, and the circumferential direction is perpendicular to the other two directions. This preferred embodiment is a 32nd embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 31st embodiments.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first end element is convex with respect to the container interior, i.e., curved away from the container interior. This preferred embodiment is a 33rd embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 32nd embodiments.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the container interior contains a liquid, preferably a foodstuff, in method step a., or the container interior is filled with a liquid, preferably a foodstuff, after method step b.

[0108] This preferred embodiment is a 34th embodiment of the method according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the 1st to 33rd embodiments.

[0109] A contribution to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects of the invention is also made by the use of the liquid-tight container according to the invention, preferably the liquid-tight container according to the invention according to one of the 1st to 39th embodiments, for storing or transporting a liquid, preferably a foodstuff.

[0110] A first embodiment of a use of a sheet-like composite for producing a liquid-tight container according to the invention, preferably the liquid-tight container according to the invention according to one of the 1st to 39th embodiments, also contributes to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects of the invention; wherein the jacket element or the first end element or both are formed at least partially, preferably completely, from the sheet-like composite.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment of the use, the sheet-like composite comprises a layer sequence; wherein the layer sequence, preferably over the entire surface, includes a carrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a second embodiment of the use according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the first embodiment.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment of the use, the carrier layer comprises one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two of these, preferably consisting of these. This preferred embodiment is a third embodiment of the use according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the second embodiment.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment of the use, the carrier layer is overlaid with a polymer inner layer on an outer side, preferably over its entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a fourth embodiment of the use according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the second or third embodiment.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment of the use, the carrier layer is overlaid with a polymer outer layer on an outer side, preferably over its entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a fifth embodiment of the use according to the invention, which preferably refers back to one of the second to fourth embodiments.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment of the use, the layer sequence between the carrier layer and the inner polymer layer includes a barrier layer, preferably over the entire surface. This preferred embodiment is a 6th embodiment of the use according to the invention, which preferably refers back to the 4th or 5th embodiment. A contribution to fulfilling at least one of the inventive objects is also made by using a) an ultrasonic generator to excite the vibration, or b) an ultrasonic sonotrode as the forming tool, c) or a) and b) in each case in the inventive method for producing a liquid-tight container, preferably in the inventive method according to one of the 1st to 34th embodiments.

[0116] Features described as preferred in one category of the invention, for example, according to the liquid-tight container according to the invention, are also preferred in an embodiment of the further categories of the invention, for example, an embodiment of the method according to the invention for producing a liquid-tight container or the use of a sheet-like composite or an ultrasonic sensor and / or an ultrasonic sonotrode. Furthermore, the features described below are preferred in connection with each category.

[0117] container

[0118] The container according to the invention is preferably a food container. The interior of a container according to the invention preferably contains a food product. The container wall is preferably watertight. Furthermore, the container is preferably dimensionally stable. This means that the container wall essentially retains its shape when filled. A variety of different container wall shapes are conceivable here. The container wall preferably has, at least in sections, preferably at least in the region of the container head or the container base or both, and more preferably essentially entirely, the shape of a prism or a cylinder. A preferred prism here is a straight prism or an oblique prism. Alternatively or additionally, the prism is preferably regular or irregular.The phrase "essentially a shape" here means that the container wall or the corresponding section thereof does not have to have the shape of a geometrically exact prism or a geometrically exact cylinder. For example, the polygon forming a base of the prism can have rounded corners, so that the prism has rounded edges. Here, a container wall having such a shape also essentially has the shape of a prism. Another preferred container has a container wall which, at least in sections, preferably at least in the region of the container head or the container base or both, and more preferably essentially entirely, has the shape of a geometric body obtainable by parallel displacement of a flat base with a rounded shape. A preferred flat base with a rounded shape is kidney-shaped.

[0119] The container wall can be made of various materials. It is conceivable that, in addition to sheet-like materials, in particular sheet-like composites, other materials could also be used, for example, one or more molded plastic parts. Such molded parts can be used, in particular, in the container head or container base. However, it is preferred that the container wall consists of at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, particularly preferably at least 80%, and furthermore preferably at least 90%, of its surface facing away from the container interior (outer surface) from one or more sheet-like materials, in particular sheet-like composites.Alternatively or additionally, at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, particularly preferably at least 80%, and further preferably at least 90% of the outer surface of the container wall is formed by the jacket element and the first and / or further end element.

[0120] The container according to the invention is preferably a closed container. The container can have a device for emptying the contents (opening aid). This can, for example, be formed from a polymer or a mixture of polymers and attached to the outside of the container. It is also conceivable for this device to be integrated into the container by "direct injection molding."

[0121] The casing element forms a region of the container wall of the container according to the invention. This region is preferably a lateral region of the container wall, i.e. a region of the container wall which, relative to the length of the container, is lateral. Accordingly, the casing element delimits the container interior laterally. The region of the container wall formed by the casing element preferably has the shape of a casing surface of a prism or a cylinder. A preferred prism is a straight prism or an oblique prism. Alternatively or additionally, the prism is preferably regular or irregular. The casing element contains a first sheet-like material; more preferably, the casing element consists thereof. The first sheet-like material preferably has a first edge and an opposite further edge, wherein the first edge and the further edge are connected to one another, preferably sealed.A preferred jacket element is formed in one piece.

[0122] End element

[0123] The first end element is preferably a lid element or a base element, particularly preferably a base element. If the first end element is a lid element and the container contains a further end element, the further end element is preferably a base element. If the first end element is a base element and the container contains a further end element, the further end element is preferably a lid element. If the container wall has the shape of a prism or cylinder, the first end element and, if present, preferably also the further end element each form an end face of the prism or cylinder. The first end element delimits the container interior in a first direction along the length of the container. If present, the further end element delimits the container interior in a direction opposite to the first direction. In other words, the first end element and the further end element delimit the container interior axially.The region of the container wall formed by the first end element preferably has the shape of a polygonal surface or a circular surface. Alternatively or additionally, the region of the container wall formed by the further end element preferably has the shape of a polygonal surface or a circular surface. A preferred polygonal surface is a surface of a regular polygon or a non-regular polygon.

[0124] A preferred first end element is formed in one piece or has no connection point, in particular no seam, or both. Alternatively or additionally, the further end element is preferably formed in one piece or has no connection point, in particular no seam, or both.

[0125] Sheet-like material / sheet-like composite

[0126] In the following, “the sheet-like material” refers to each of the first to third sheet-like materials. Likewise, the “sheet-like composite” refers to each of the first to third sheet-like composites. All sheet-like, in particular sheet-like, materials, in particular laminates, that are conceivable within the scope of the invention and that appear suitable to a person skilled in the art for use according to the invention for producing dimensionally stable food containers can be considered as sheet-like materials. The sheet-like material preferably includes a carrier layer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier layer is overlaid on one side with a layer of color, preferably printed. In a further preferred embodiment, the sheet-like material is in the form of a sheet-like composite. Sheet-like composites for producing food containers are also referred to as laminates.Such sheet-like composites comprise a sequence of superimposed layers. The sheet-like composites are frequently constructed from a thermoplastic polymer layer, referred to herein as the outer polymer layer, a carrier layer, usually made of cardboard or paper, which imparts dimensional stability to the container, an optional thermoplastic polymer layer, referred to herein as the intermediate polymer layer and / or an optional adhesion promoter layer, a barrier layer, and a further thermoplastic polymer layer, referred to herein as the inner polymer layer. The layers of the sheet-like composite forming the sequence of layers are preferably bonded to one another over their entire surface. Two layers are bonded to one another when their adhesion to one another exceeds van der Waals forces of attraction.Interconnected layers are preferably one selected from the group consisting of sealed to one another, glued to one another, and pressed to one another, or a combination of at least two thereof. Unless otherwise stated, the layers in a layer sequence can follow one another indirectly, i.e. with one or at least two intermediate layers, or directly, i.e. without an intermediate layer. This is particularly the case with formulations in which one layer overlays another layer. A formulation in which a layer sequence includes listed layers means that at least the specified layers are present in the specified order. This formulation does not necessarily mean that these layers follow one another directly. A formulation in which two layers are adjacent to one another means that these two layers follow one another directly and therefore without an intermediate layer.However, this wording says nothing about whether the two layers are connected to one another or not. Rather, these two layers can be in contact with one another. Preferably, however, these two layers are connected to one another, preferably in a planar manner. The first to third planar materials mentioned in the invention, in particular the first to third planar composites, can have the same structure or different structures. In a preferred embodiment, the second and third planar materials have the same structure. In a further preferred embodiment, the first and second planar materials have the same structure. In a further preferred embodiment, the first and third planar materials have the same structure. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first to third planar materials have the same structure.

[0127] Polymer layers

[0128] In the following, the term “polymer layer” refers in particular to the inner polymer layer, the intermediate polymer layer, and the outer polymer layer. The polymer layers are each based on a polymer or a polymer mixture. A preferred polymer is a thermoplastic polymer, more preferably a polyolefin. The polymer layers are preferably incorporated or applied into the sheet-like composite material using an extrusion process, preferably by layer extrusion. In addition to the polymer or polymer mixture, each polymer layer can comprise further components. The further components of the polymer layers are preferably components that do not adversely affect the behavior of the polymer melt when applied as a layer. The further components can be, for example, inorganic compounds, such as metal salts, or other plastics, such as other thermoplastics.Suitable polymers for the polymer layers are particularly those that are easy to process due to their good extrusion properties. Suitable polymers include polymers obtained by chain polymerization, in particular polyolefins, with cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), polycyclic olefin copolymers (POCs), in particular polyethylene and polypropylene, being particularly preferred, and polyethylene being very particularly preferred. Among the polyethylenes, HOPE (high density polyethylene), MDPE (medium density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), and VLDPE (very low density polyethylene), as well as mixtures of at least two thereof, are preferred. Suitable polymer layers have a melt flow rate (MFR) in a range from 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferably in a range from 2 to 20 g / 10 min, and particularly preferably in a range from 2.5 to 15 g / 10 min, and a density in a range of 0.890 g / cm3.3 up to 0.980 g / cm 3 , preferably in a range of 0.895 g / cm 3 up to 0.975 g / cm 3 , and more preferably in a range of 0.900 g / cm 3 up to 0.970 g / cm 3 . The polymer layers preferably have at least one melting temperature in a range of 80 to 155°C, preferably in a range of 90 to 145°C and particularly preferably in a range of 95 to 135°C.

[0129] Polymer inner layer

[0130] The polymer inner layer is based on at least one thermoplastic polymer, whereby the polymer inner layer may contain a particulate inorganic solid. However, it is preferred that the polymer inner layer contains at least 70 wt.%, preferably at least 80 wt.%, and particularly preferably at least 95 wt.%, based in each case on the total weight of the polymer inner layer, one or more thermoplastic polymers. Preferably, the polymer or polymer mixture of the polymer inner layer has a density (according to ISO 1183-1:2004) in a range from 0.900 to 0.980 g / cm 3 , particularly preferably in a range of 0.900 to 0.960 g / cm 3 and most preferably in a range of 0.900 to 0.940 g / cm 3 The polymer is preferably a polyolefin. The inner polymer layer preferably comprises a polyethylene or a polypropylene, or both. A particularly preferred polyethylene is LDPE.

[0131] Polymer outer layer

[0132] The polymer outer layer preferably comprises a polyethylene or a polypropylene, or both. LDPE and HDPE, as well as mixtures thereof, are preferred as polyethylene. A preferred polymer outer layer comprises at least 50 wt.%, preferably at least 60 wt.%, more preferably at least 70 wt.%, even more preferably at least 80 wt.%, most preferably at least 90 wt.%, of LDPE, in each case based on the weight of the polymer outer layer.

[0133] Polymer interlayer

[0134] The polymer intermediate layer preferably comprises a polyethylene or a polypropylene, or both. A particularly preferred polyethylene is LDPE. The polymer intermediate layer preferably comprises the polyethylene or the polypropylene, or both together, in a proportion of at least 20 wt.%, more preferably at least 30 wt.%, more preferably at least 40 wt.%, more preferably at least 50 wt.%, more preferably at least 60 wt.%, more preferably at least 70 wt.%, more preferably at least 80 wt.%, most preferably at least 90 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the polymer intermediate layer.

[0135] Barrier layer

[0136] Any material suitable for this purpose by a person skilled in the art can be used as a barrier layer, which has a sufficient barrier effect, particularly against oxygen. For this purpose, the barrier layer preferably has an oxygen permeation rate of less than 50 cm 3 / (m 2day atm), preferably less than 40 cm 3 / (m 2 day atm), preferably less than 30 cm 3 / (m 2 day atm), preferably less than 20 cm 3 / (m 2 day atm), preferably less than 10 cm 3 / (m 2 day atm), more preferably less than 3 cm 3 / (m 2 day atm), preferably not more than 1 cm 3 / (m 2 day atm). The barrier layer preferably also has a barrier effect against water vapor. Accordingly, the barrier layer is preferably an oxygen barrier layer and furthermore preferably additionally a water vapor barrier layer. In addition, the barrier layer preferably has a barrier effect against visible light, thus it is also a light barrier layer.

[0137] The barrier layer is preferably selected from a. a plastic barrier layer; b. a metal layer; c. an oxide layer; or d. a combination of at least two from a. to c.

[0138] If the barrier layer according to alternative a. is a plastic barrier layer, it preferably contains at least 70% by weight, particularly preferably at least 80% by weight, and most preferably at least 95% by weight of at least one plastic which is known to the person skilled in the art for this purpose, in particular because of its aroma or gas barrier properties suitable for packaging containers. Suitable plastics, in particular thermoplastics, are N- or O-bearing plastics, both alone and in mixtures of two or more. According to the invention, it can prove advantageous if the plastic barrier layer has a melting point in a range of more than 155 to 300°C, preferably in a range of 160 to 280°C, and particularly preferably in a range of 170 to 270°C.

[0139] More preferably, the plastic barrier layer has a basis weight in a range of 2 to 120 g / m 2, preferably in a range of 3 to 60 g / m 2 , particularly preferably in a range of 4 to 40 g / m 2 and in addition preferably from 6 to 30 g / m 2 Furthermore, the plastic barrier layer is preferably obtainable from melts, for example by extrusion, in particular layer extrusion. Furthermore, the plastic barrier layer can preferably also be introduced into the sheet-like composite via lamination. In this case, it is preferred that a film is incorporated into the sheet-like composite. According to another embodiment, plastic barrier layers can also be selected which are obtainable by deposition from a solution or dispersion of plastics. Suitable polymers are preferably those which have a molecular weight with a weight average, determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using light scattering, in a range of 3 • 10 3 up to 1 • 10 7g / mol, preferably in a range of 5 • 10 3 up to 1 • 10 6 g / mol and particularly preferably in a range of 6 • 10 3 up to 1 • 10 5 g / mol. Suitable polymers include, in particular, polyamide (PA) or polyethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), or a mixture thereof. Among the polyamides, all PAs considered suitable for the use according to the invention by a person skilled in the art are suitable.

[0140] Suitable EVOHs include all EVOHs deemed suitable for the inventive use by a person skilled in the art. Examples include those commercially available under the trade name EVAL™ from EVAL Europe NV, Belgium, in a variety of different versions, for example the types EVAL™ F104B or EVAL™ LR171B. Preferred EVOHs possess at least one, two, several, or all of the following properties: an ethylene content in a range from 20 to 60 mol%, preferably from 25 to 45 mol%; a density in a range from 1.0 to 1.4 g / cm 3 , preferably from 1.1 to 1.3 g / cm 3 ; a melting point in a range of more than 155 to 235 °C, preferably from 165 to 225 °C;

[0141] - an MFR value (210 °C / 2.16 kg, if T S( EVOH)<210 °C; 230°C / 2.16kg when 210°C <T S (EVOH) <230 °C) in a range of 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferably 2 to 20 g / 10 min; an oxygen permeation rate in a range of 0.05 to 3.2 cm 3 -20pm / (m 2 day atm), preferably in a range of 0.1 to 1 cm 3 -20pm / (m 2 day atm).

[0142] Preferably, at least one polymer layer, more preferably the inner polymer layer, or preferably all polymer layers, has a melting temperature below the melting temperature of the barrier layer. This applies in particular if the barrier layer is formed from polymer. The melting temperatures of the at least one layer, in particular the inner polymer layer, and the melting temperature of the barrier layer preferably differ by at least 1 K, particularly preferably by at least 10 K, even more preferably by at least 50 K, furthermore preferably at least 100 K. The temperature difference should preferably be selected to be only high enough to prevent melting of the barrier layer, in particular not the plastic barrier layer, during folding.

[0143] According to alternative b, the barrier layer is a metal layer. In principle, all layers containing metals that are known to those skilled in the art and that can provide high light and oxygen impermeability are suitable as the metal layer. According to a preferred embodiment, the metal layer can be present as a film or as a deposited layer, e.g., after physical vapor deposition. The metal layer is preferably a continuous layer. According to a further preferred embodiment, the metal layer has a thickness in a range from 3 to 20 pm, preferably in a range from 3.5 to 12 pm, and particularly preferably in a range from 4 to 10 pm.

[0144] Preferred metals are aluminum, iron, or copper. A steel layer, e.g., in the form of a foil, may be preferred as the iron layer. Furthermore, the metal layer is preferably a layer containing aluminum. The aluminum layer can expediently consist of an aluminum alloy, for example, AlFeMn, AlFe1.5Mn, AlFeSi, or AlFeSiMn. The purity is typically 97.5% and higher, preferably 98.5% and higher, based on the entire aluminum layer. In a particular embodiment, the metal layer consists of an aluminum foil. Suitable aluminum foils have an extensibility of more than 1%, preferably more than 1.3%, and particularly preferably more than 1.5%, and a tensile strength of more than 30 N / mm 2 , preferably more than 40 N / mm 2 and particularly preferably more than 50 N / mm 2. Suitable aluminum foils exhibit a droplet size of more than 3 mm in the pipette test, preferably more than 4 mm, and particularly preferably more than 5 mm. Suitable alloys for creating aluminum layers or foils are commercially available under the designations EN AW 1200, EN AW 8079, or EN AW 8111 from Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH or Amcor Flexibles Singen GmbH. In the case of a metal foil as a barrier layer, an adhesion promoter layer can be provided on one and / or both sides of the metal foil between the metal foil and a nearby polymer layer.

[0145] Furthermore, an oxide layer can preferably be selected as the barrier layer according to alternative c. All oxide layers that are familiar to the person skilled in the art and appear suitable for achieving a barrier effect against light, vapor and / or gas are suitable as oxide layers. A preferred oxide layer is a semimetal oxide layer or a metal oxide layer or both. A preferred semimetal oxide layer is a layer based on one or more silicon oxide compounds (SiOx layer). Preferred metal oxide layers are layers based on the aforementioned metals aluminum, iron or copper, as well as metal oxide layers based on titanium oxide compounds, with an aluminum oxide layer (AlOx layer) being particularly preferred. According to a preferred embodiment, the oxide layer can be present as a deposited layer.A deposited oxide layer is created, for example, by vapor-depositing the oxide layer onto a barrier substrate. A preferred method for this is physical vapor deposition (PVD) or, preferably plasma-enhanced, chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The oxide layer is preferably a continuous layer.

[0146] The barrier substrate can consist of any material that appears suitable to the person skilled in the art for use as a barrier substrate according to the invention. In this case, the barrier substrate is preferably suitable for being coated with an oxide layer. Preferably, a layer surface is sufficiently smooth for this purpose. Furthermore, the barrier substrate preferably has a thickness in a range from 3 to 30 μm, preferably from 2 to 28 μm, more preferably from 2 to 26 μm, more preferably from 3 to 24 μm, more preferably from 4 to 22 μm, most preferably from 5 to 20 μm. Furthermore, the barrier substrate preferably has a barrier effect against oxygen or water vapor, or both. Preferably, a barrier effect of the barrier substrate against oxygen permeation is greater than a barrier effect of the oxide layer against oxygen permeation. Preferably, the barrier substrate has an oxygen permeation rate in a range from 0.1 to 50 cm 3 / (m2 d bar), preferably from 0.2 to 40 cm 3 / (m 2 d bar), preferably from 0.3 to 30 cm 3 / (m 2d bar). A preferred barrier substrate contains, more preferably consists of, cellulose or a polymer or both. A preferred polymer is an oriented polymer. Preferably, the oriented polymer is mono-axially oriented or bi-axially oriented. Another preferred polymer is a thermoplastic polymer. Preferably, the barrier substrate consists of the polymer. Preferably, the barrier substrate contains a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polycondensate, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination of at least two thereof in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the barrier substrate. More preferably, the barrier substrate consists of the aforementioned polymer.A preferred polypropylene is oriented, in particular longitudinally stretched (oPP) or biaxially stretched (BoPP). A preferred polycondensate is a polyester or polyamide (PA), or both. A preferred polyester is one selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polylactide (PLA), and, or a combination of at least two thereof. A preferred vinyl polymer is a vinyl alcohol copolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol, or both. A preferred polyvinyl alcohol is a vinyl alcohol copolymer. A preferred vinyl alcohol copolymer is an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0147] Carrier layer

[0148] Any material suitable for this purpose by a person skilled in the art can be used as the carrier layer, which has sufficient strength and rigidity to provide the container with sufficient stability so that the container essentially retains its shape when filled. This is a particularly necessary feature of the carrier layer, since the invention relates to the technical field of dimensionally stable containers. Such dimensionally stable containers are fundamentally different from pouches and bags, which are usually made of thin films. In addition to a range of plastics, plant-based fibers, in particular cellulose, preferably glued, bleached and / or unbleached cellulose, are preferred, with paper and cardboard being particularly preferred. Accordingly, a preferred carrier layer contains a plurality of fibers. The basis weight of the carrier layer is preferably in a range of 120 to 450 g / m 2, particularly preferably in a range of 130 to 400 g / m 2 and most preferably in a range of 150 to 380 g / m 2 A preferred cardboard generally has a single- or multi-layer structure and can be coated on one or both sides with one or more cover layers. Furthermore, a preferred cardboard has a residual moisture content of less than 20 wt. %, preferably from 2 to 15 wt. %, and particularly preferably from 4 to 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the cardboard. A particularly preferred cardboard has a multi-layer structure. Further preferably, the cardboard has at least one, but particularly preferably at least two, layers of a cover layer on the surface facing the environment, which is known to those skilled in the art as a "coat". Furthermore, a preferred cardboard has a Scott Bond value (according to Tappi 569) in a range from 100 to 360 J / m 2 , preferably from 120 to 350 J / m 2and particularly preferably from 135 to 310 J / m 2 . The above-mentioned areas make it possible to provide a composite from which a container with high tightness can be folded easily and with close tolerances.

[0149] The carrier layer is characterized by a flexural rigidity. The carrier layer preferably has a flexural rigidity in a first direction in a range from 80 to 550 mN. In the case of a carrier layer which contains a plurality of fibers, the first direction is preferably a direction of orientation of the fibers. A carrier layer which contains a plurality of fibers further preferably has a flexural rigidity in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a range from 20 to 300 mN. A preferred sheet-like composite with the carrier layer has a flexural rigidity in the first direction in a range from 100 to 700 mN. Furthermore, the aforementioned sheet-like composite preferably has a flexural rigidity in the second direction in a range from 50 to 500 mN.

[0150] Polyolefin

[0151] A preferred polyolefin is a polyethylene (PE) or a polypropylene (PP), or both. A preferred polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an LDPE, an LLDPE, and an HDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. Another preferred polyolefin is an mPolyolefin (polyolefin produced using a metallocene catalyst). Suitable polyethylenes have a melt flow rate (MFI - melt flow index = MFR) in a range of 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferably in a range of 2 to 20 g / 10 min, and particularly preferably in a range of 2.5 to 15 g / 10 min, and a density in a range of 0.910 g / cm 3 up to 0.935 g / cm 3 , preferably in a range of 0.912 g / cm 3 up to 0.932 g / cm 3 , and more preferably in a range of 0.915 g / cm 3 up to 0.930 g / cm 3 . mPolymer

[0152] An mPolymer is a polymer produced using a metallocene catalyst. A metallocene is an organometallic compound in which a central metal atom is arranged between two organic ligands, such as cyclopentadienyl ligands. A preferred mPolymer is an mPolyolefin, preferably an mPolyethylene or an mPolypropylene, or both. A preferred mPolyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an mLDPE, an mLLDPE, and an mHDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. A preferred mPolyolefin is characterized by at least a first melting temperature and a second melting temperature. Preferably, the mPolyolefin is characterized by a third melting temperature in addition to the first and second melting temperatures. A preferred first melting temperature is in a range from 84 to 108°C, preferably from 89 to 103°C, more preferably from 94 to 98°C.A preferred further melting temperature is in a range from 100 to 124 °C, preferably from 105 to 119 °C, more preferably from 110 to 114 °C.

[0153] Adhesion / adhesion promoter layer

[0154] An adhesion promoter layer is a layer of the sheet-like composite that contains at least one adhesion promoter in a sufficient amount so that the adhesion promoter layer improves adhesion between layers adjacent to the adhesion promoter layer. For this purpose, the adhesion promoter layer preferably contains an adhesion promoter polymer. Accordingly, the adhesion promoter layers are preferably polymeric layers. An adhesion promoter layer can be located between layers of the sheet-like composite that are not directly adjacent to one another, preferably between the barrier layer and the inner polymer layer. Suitable adhesion promoters in an adhesion promoter layer include all plastics that, through functionalization using suitable functional groups, are suitable for creating a strong bond by forming ionic bonds or covalent bonds to a surface of an adjacent layer.These are preferably functionalized polyolefins, in particular acrylic acid copolymers, obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with acrylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, acrylates, acrylate derivatives, or carboxylic acid anhydrides bearing double bonds, for example maleic anhydride, or at least two thereof. Among these, polyethylene-maleic anhydride graft polymers (EMAH), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA), or ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers (EMAA) are preferred, which are marketed, for example, under the trade names Bynel® and Nucrel®0609HSA by DuPont or Escor®6000ExCo by ExxonMobile Chemicals.

[0155] Ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers are also preferred as adhesion promoters. A methyl, ethyl, propyl, i-propyl, butyl, i-butyl, or pentyl group is preferably selected as the alkyl group. The adhesion promoter layer can further preferably comprise mixtures of two or more different ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers. Likewise preferably, the ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer can comprise two or more different alkyl groups in the acrylate function, e.g., an ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer in which both methyl acrylate units and ethyl acrylate units occur in the same copolymer.

[0156] According to the invention, it is preferred that the adhesion between the carrier layer, a polymer layer or the barrier layer to the next layer is at least 0.5 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 0.7 N / 15 mm and particularly preferably at least 0.8 N / 15 mm. In one embodiment according to the invention, it is preferred that the adhesion between a polymer layer and a carrier layer is at least 0.3 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 0.5 N / 15 mm and particularly preferably at least 0.7 N / 15 mm. Furthermore, it is preferred that the adhesion between the barrier layer and a polymer layer is at least 0.8 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 1.0 N / 15 mm and particularly preferably at least 1.4 N / 15 mm.In the event that the barrier layer indirectly follows a polymer layer via an adhesion promoter layer, it is preferred that the adhesion between the barrier layer and the adhesion promoter layer be at least 1.8 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 2.2 N / 15 mm, and particularly preferably at least 2.8 N / 15 mm. In a particular embodiment, the adhesion between the individual layers is so strong that the adhesion test results in tearing of the carrier layer, which, in the case of cardboard as the carrier layer, results in a so-called cardboard fiber tear.

[0157] Connect

[0158] Any connection that appears suitable to a person skilled in the art for the use according to the invention and through which a sufficiently strong connection can be achieved can be considered as a connection. A preferred connection is a material connection. A material connection is understood here as a connection between joining partners that is created by attractive forces between materials or within a material. A distinction must be made, in particular, between positive and non-positive connections that are created by geometric shapes or frictional forces. A preferred material connection can be one selected from the group consisting of sealing, welding, gluing, and pressing, or as a combination of at least two thereof.The material-to-material joining process using a joining element is preferably sealing, welding, or gluing, with the joining element serving as the sealing agent, welding consumable, or adhesive. In the cases of sealing and welding, the connection is created by means of a liquid and its solidification. In the case of gluing, chemical bonds form between the interfaces or surfaces of the two objects to be joined, creating the connection. When sealing, welding, or gluing, it is often advantageous to press the surfaces to be sealed or bonded together.A preferred pressing of two layers is a pressing of a first surface of a first of the two layers onto a second surface of the second of the two layers facing the first surface over at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% of the first surface. A particularly preferred joining is sealing or welding. A preferred sealing or welding includes the steps of contacting, heating and pressing, with the steps preferably taking place in this sequence. Another sequence is also conceivable, in particular the sequence heating, contacting and pressing.Preferred heating is heating a polymer layer, preferably a thermoplastic layer, more preferably a polyethylene layer or a polypropylene layer, or both. Another preferred heating is heating a polyethylene layer to a temperature in a range from 80 to 140°C, more preferably from 90 to 130°C, most preferably from 100 to 120°C. Another preferred heating is heating a polypropylene layer to a temperature in a range from 120 to 200°C, more preferably from 130 to 180°C, most preferably from 140 to 170°C. Another preferred heating is to a sealing temperature of the polymer layer. Preferred heating can be achieved by friction, radiation, by hot gas, by solid-state thermal contact, by mechanical vibrations, preferably by ultrasound, by convection, or by a combination of at least two of these measures.A particularly preferred heating method is friction between the joining partners or by exciting an ultrasonic vibration, or both. In the latter case, the friction can be generated in particular by exciting an ultrasonic vibration of one or both joining partners. A preferred welding method is friction welding. In this process, the joining partners are moved relative to each other under pressure, with the joining partners touching each other. The resulting friction causes heating. The relative movement can be generated, for example, by an ultrasonic vibration. This procedure is also referred to as friction welding in the case of joining multilayer composites (laminates).

[0159] food

[0160] All foods known to the expert for human consumption and animal feed are considered foodstuffs. Preferred foods are liquids above 5°C, such as dairy products, soups, sauces, and, preferably, non-carbonated beverages.

[0161] The at least one through-hole provided in a carrier layer according to preferred embodiments can have any shape known to those skilled in the art and suitable for various purposes and for emptying the container. Furthermore, the through-hole is preferably suitable for opening the container with a drinking straw or an opening aid. Conceivable exemplary opening aids are a pull tab and a twist lock. The through-hole is preferably covered with the corresponding layer in such a way that the through-hole is closed, preferably watertight. Within the scope of the invention, a through-hole for passing through a drinking straw is preferred. A preferred through-hole has a flat, rather than linear, opening surface. The through-hole is preferably substantially circular, oval, elliptical, or teardrop-shaped.The shape of the at least one through-hole in the carrier layer usually also predetermines the shape of the opening, which is created either by an openable closure connected to the container, through which the container contents are dispensed from the container after opening, or by a drinking straw in the container. Thus, the openings of the opened container often have shapes that are comparable to or even identical to the at least one through-hole in the carrier layer. Container designs with a single through-hole in a carrier layer primarily serve to release the food contained in the container. A further through-hole in a carrier layer can be provided, in particular, for ventilating the container when the food is released.In connection with covering the at least one through-hole in a carrier layer, the regions of the layers covering the same through-hole that cover the through-hole are also referred to as hole-covering layers of the through-hole. These hole-covering layers are preferably at least partially connected to one another, preferably to at least 30%, preferably to at least 70%, and particularly preferably to at least 90% of the area formed by the at least one through-hole. It is further preferred that the hole-covering layers are connected to one another at the edges of the at least one through-hole and preferably bear against the edges in a connected manner, in order to achieve improved sealing via a connection extending over the entire hole area. The hole-covering layers are often connected to one another across the region formed by the at least one through-hole in the carrier layer.This results in a good seal of the container formed from the composite and thus in the desired long shelf life of the food stored in the container. Preferably, the at least one through-hole has a diameter in a range from 3 to 30 mm, more preferably from 3 to 25 mm, more preferably from 3 to 20 mm, more preferably from 3 to 15 mm, most preferably from 3 to 10 mm. The diameter of the through-hole is the length of the longest straight line that begins and ends at the edge of the through-hole and runs through the geometric center of gravity of the through-hole.

[0162] Opening / Opening aid

[0163] In most cases, the container is opened by at least partially destroying the perforated cover layers covering the at least one through-hole. This destruction can be achieved by cutting, pressing into the container, or pulling out of the container. The destruction can be achieved by an opening aid connected to the container and arranged in the region of the at least one through-hole, usually above the at least one through-hole, for example by a drinking straw that is pushed through the perforated cover layers. Furthermore, in an embodiment according to the invention, it is preferred that an opening aid be provided in the region of the at least one through-hole. In this case, it is preferred that the opening aid be provided on the surface constituting the outer side of the container. Furthermore, the container preferably includes a closure, for example a lid, on the outer side of the container.It is preferred that the closure at least partially, preferably completely, cover the through-hole. Thus, the closure protects the container wall, which is less robust than the areas outside the at least one through-hole, from damaging mechanical impact. To open the perforated cover layers covering the at least one through-hole, the closure often includes an opening aid. Suitable opening aids include, for example, hooks for tearing out at least part of the perforated cover layers, edges or blades for cutting into the perforated cover layers, or mandrels for pushing through the perforated cover layers, or a combination of at least two of these.These opening aids are often mechanically coupled to a screw cap or closure cap, for example, via a hinge, so that the opening aid acts upon actuation of the screw cap or cap on the perforated cover layers to open the closed container. Such closure systems, comprising composite layers covering a through hole and openable closures with opening aids covering this hole, are occasionally referred to in the technical literature as "overcoaled holes" with applied fitments.

[0164] MEASUREMENT METHODS

[0165] The following measurement methods were used in the context of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, the measurements were conducted at an ambient temperature of 23°C, an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm), and a relative humidity of 50%.

[0166] Separating individual layers

[0167] If individual layers of a laminate—such as the barrier layer—are to be tested, the layer to be tested is first separated from the laminate as described below. Three samples of the sheet-like composite are cut to size. Unless otherwise stated, unfolded and uncreased areas of the sheet-like composite are used for this purpose. Unless otherwise stated, the samples have the dimensions 4 cm. z4 cm. If other dimensions of the layer to be examined are necessary for the test to be carried out, sufficiently large sample pieces are cut from the laminate. The sample pieces are placed in an acetic acid bath heated to 60 °C (30% acetic acid solution: 30 wt.% CH3COOH, remainder 100 wt.% H2O) for 30 minutes. This separates the layers. If necessary, the layers can also be carefully peeled off manually. If the desired layer cannot be removed sufficiently, new sample pieces are used as an alternative and treated in an ethanol bath (99% ethanol) as described above. If there are any residues of the carrier layer on the layer to be examined (e.g. the outer polymer layer or the intermediate polymer layer) (particularly in the case of a cardboard layer as the carrier layer), these are carefully removed with a brush.From each of the three films prepared in this way, a sample is taken with a size sufficient for the test to be carried out (unless otherwise stated with an area of ​​4 cm). 2 ) are cut out. These samples are then stored at 23 °C for 4 hours to dry. The three samples can then be analyzed. Unless otherwise stated, the test result is the arithmetic mean of the results for the three samples.

[0168] M FR value

[0169] The MFR value is measured according to ISO 1133-1:2012, method A (mass determination method), unless otherwise stated at 190°C and 2.16 kg.

[0170] density

[0171] The density is measured according to ISO 1183-1:2013.

[0172] Scott Bond value

[0173] The Scott-B ond value is determined according to Tappi 569.

[0174] Melting point

[0175] The melting temperature is determined using the DSC method ISO 11357-1, -5. Instrument calibration is performed according to the manufacturer's instructions using the following measurements:

[0176] Temperature Indium - Onset Temperature, Heat of Fusion Indium,

[0177] T emperature Zinc Onset T emperature.

[0178] The recorded measurement curve can exhibit multiple local maxima (melting peaks), i.e., multiple melting temperatures. If a melting temperature above a certain value is required, this condition is met if one of the measured melting temperatures is above this value. If reference is made to a melting temperature of a polymer layer, a polymer composition, or a polymer, the highest melting temperature is always meant in the case of multiple measured melting temperatures (melting peaks), unless otherwise stated.

[0179] Viscosity number of PA

[0180] The viscosity number of PA is measured according to DEM EN ISO 307 (2013) in 95% sulfuric acid.

[0181] Molecular weight distribution

[0182] The molecular weight distribution is measured after gel permeation chromatography using light scattering: ISO 16014-3 / -5 (2009-09).

[0183] Moisture content of the cardboard

[0184] The moisture content of the cardboard is measured according to ISO 287:2009.

[0185] Liability

[0186] To determine the adhesion of two adjacent layers, they are fixed on a 90° peel test device, for example the Instron “German rotating wheel fixture”, on a rotating roller that rotates at 40 mm / min during the measurement. The samples were previously cut into 15 mm wide strips. The layers are separated from one side of the sample and the detached end is clamped in a vertically upward pulling device. A measuring device for determining the tensile force is attached to the pulling device. As the roller rotates, the force required to separate the layers is measured. This force corresponds to the adhesion of the layers to one another and is given in N / 15 mm. The separation of the individual layers can be achieved, for example, mechanically or by targeted pretreatment, for example by soaking the sample for 3 minutes in 30% acetic acid at 60 °C.

[0187] Bending stiffness

[0188] To determine the flexural rigidity of a sheet-like material, especially a sheet-like composite or cardboard, the following devices are used: Bending rigidity measuring device L&W Bending Tester Code 160, type 977682 from Lorentzen

[0189] & Wettre, Sweden,

[0190] Punch for flexural stiffness samples.

[0191] The material to be tested is conditioned for 24 hours under standard conditions (23 °C, 50% relative humidity). The measurement is also carried out under standard conditions. Samples with a width of 38.1 mm and a length of 69.85 mm are punched out of the material to be tested. For rolls, the samples are taken at five positions distributed across the web width. For each position, two samples are punched with their length in the machine direction (MD) and two samples with their length across the machine direction (CD), resulting in a total of 10 samples in MD and 10 samples in CD. In any case, at least four samples should be taken, half of which should be in MD and the other half in CD. Samples may only be taken from uncreased and unfolded areas of the material to be tested.

[0192] The flexural stiffness (in mN) of the outer side and the opposite inner side is determined, both in MD and CD. To do this, the specimen is placed in the testing device with the side to be measured facing forward, and the measurement is started by pressing the green button. The same number of specimens are measured for each of the combinations outer side / MD, outer side / CD, inner side / MD, and inner side / CD. The flexural stiffness measuring device performs a 2-point bending test. The specimen is clamped at one end and deflected at the other end by a measuring edge through a bending angle of 15°. The direction in which the material has flexural stiffness is the direction of a straight line connecting the two points of application of the 2-point bending test. In the case of the flexural stiffness measuring device, this direction is the direction of the shortest straight line from the clamp to the measuring edge. The specimen forms a curve in this direction when bent.A straight fold line would form perpendicular to this direction if the specimen were bent far enough. The free clamping length of the specimen is 50 mm. Each specimen may only be used for one measurement. Measurements of the outside and inside of the same specimen are not permitted. The individual measured values ​​are read from the display.

[0193] If multiple specimens were measured for each of the combinations (outer side / MD, outer side / CD, inner side / MD, and inner side / CD), the arithmetic mean of the specimens is calculated individually for each combination. The arithmetic mean values ​​are subsequently used as values ​​for each of the four combinations. The flexural stiffness in MD or CD is the geometric mean of the values ​​for the combinations (outer side / MD and inner side / MD, or outer side / CD and inner side / CD). The direction-independent flexural stiffness (hereafter "flexural stiffness") is the geometric mean of the values ​​for all four combinations (outer side / MD, outer side / CD, inner side / MD, and inner side / CD).

[0194] Case simulation

[0195] For this purpose, the filled and sealed container is inserted from above into a vertically suspended guide tube with a diameter adapted to the container size and then dropped. The tube is approximately 1.5 m long and suspended 1 m above the ground. By guiding the container for the first 1.5 m of its fall in the tube, it is possible to reproducibly drop it onto the container bottom or top, allowing the effects on the container's integrity to be investigated.

[0196] Crystal Oil 60 from Shell Chemicals with methylene blue is used as the test agent for leak testing of the containers. Depending on the test criteria, the container to be tested is subjected to the corresponding drop simulation if necessary. The container is cut open along its circumference by a cut through the shell element to create an open, cup-like container section containing the sealed container base, and an open, cup-like container section containing the sealed container head. The first container section with the container base and the second container section with the container head are each first emptied and then filled with a quantity of the test agent sufficient to completely cover the base of the respective cup-like container section. In particular, any sealing seam between the shell element and an end element should be completely covered with the test agent.The container parts are then stored for 24 hours. After the storage period, each container part is visually inspected on its outside to determine whether the test agent has caused any blue discoloration in the event of a leak. If neither the first nor the second container part shows such discoloration, the container is considered liquid-tight.

[0197] If the leak tightness of container tops or bottoms of different containers is to be compared, 500 identical containers of each container type to be compared are tested as described above. The test result is the number of 500 identical containers that show a leak after a storage period of 24 hours. These numbers are then compared for the different containers.

[0198] The invention is illustrated in more detail below by examples and drawings, which do not limit the invention. Furthermore, the drawings are not to scale unless otherwise stated.

[0199] Laminate structure

[0200] In the examples (according to the invention) and comparative examples (not according to the invention), laminates with the layer structure specified in Table 1 below were used to produce the containers.

[0201]

[0202] Table 1 : Structure of the laminates of the examples and the comparative examples

[0203] Laminate production

[0204] The laminates for the examples and comparative examples are produced using an extrusion coating system from Davis Standard. The extrusion temperature ranges from approximately 280 to 330°C. In the first step, the polymer outer layer is fully coated onto the carrier layer by layer extrusion. In the second step, the barrier layer, together with the adhesion promoter layer and the polymer intermediate layer as a laminating agent, is fully applied to the carrier layer previously coated with the polymer outer layer. Subsequently, the polymer inner layer is fully extruded onto the barrier layer. To apply the individual layers by extrusion, the polymers are melted in an extruder. When applying a polymer in a layer, the resulting melt is transferred via a feedblock into a nozzle and extruded onto the carrier layer. Container production

[0205] From the laminates obtained as described above, elements of the container wall are separated by punching. For each container, a rectangular shell element 101 and a circular end element 103 (for the container base) are punched out. For each container with a three-part container wall, a molded plastic part is also provided as an end element 108 for the container head (see Figure 1). This end element has a pouring hole 109 in the center. Such a circular end element 108 can be produced by injection molding. In the case of a container with a two-part container wall, the shell element 101 of the container is provided with grooves 401 on the outside (side of the polymer outer layer) before punching, which predefine fold lines for forming and closing the container head (see Figure 4).

[0206] By overlapping contact and sealing of opposite longitudinal edges of each jacket element 101, the latter is formed into a hollow cylindrical structure of the type shown in Figure 5. Sealing is performed here as a heat seal by blowing hot air and using the polymer inner layer as a sealing agent, forming a longitudinal seam 110.

[0207] The resulting hollow cylindrical structure is placed into a precisely fitting cylindrical opening of a steel mold acting as an anvil 601 (see Fig. 6), with the lower edge of the structure flush with the edge of the opening. The end element 103 for the base is then pressed into the opening with the polymer inner layer first by engaging a fitting tool in the opening, thereby obtaining a precursor 1200 (see Fig. 12).

[0208] In this container precursor 1200, the lower edge is then flanged, as shown in Fig. 6, with the end element 103 being joined to the casing element 101 by ultrasonic friction welding. The precise geometry of the resulting sealed seam is determined by the design of the sonotrode 600 and the anvil 601 used for welding, in particular by the angles at which the surfaces of the tools engaging the container parts are positioned relative to one another during sealing. To flange the lower edge of the casing element 102, a sonotrode 600 is used (see Fig. 6), which is moved toward the lower edge of the casing element 102 in the direction of its longitudinal axis, ie, vertically in Fig. 6. The sonotrode 600 has a groove 606 with a first wall 603, a second wall 605 and a groove base 604 which is concavely curved, ie here provided with a radius of curvature.During the relative movement of the sonotrode 600 toward the edge of the sheath element 102, i.e., in the vertical direction, the first edge 202 of the sheath element 102 initially comes into contact with the first wall 603 of the sonotrode 600, which is inclined relative to the vertical direction, i.e., relative to the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode, at an angle of inclination greater than 0 and less than 90°. As soon as the first edge 202 of the sheath element 102 comes into contact with the inclined wall 603, the first edge 202 of the sheath element 102 is bent inward, i.e., to the right in the figure. As soon as the first edge 202 then comes into contact with the groove bottom 604, the bending of the first edge 202 of the casing element 102 is further increased until the first edge 202 of the casing element 102 reaches the second wall 605 and then assumes approximately the position shown in Figure 6.The anvil 601 has a conical sealing surface 602, so that the distance between the wall 605 and the conical sealing surface 602 is reduced when the sonotrode 600 moves towards the anvil 601, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the tool not only flanges the lower edge of the container 100, but also welds the flanged edge portion to the base element 103 and the shell element 102, so that the flange provides additional support for the base. The position shown in Figure 6 is the welding position. Between the described starting position and the welding position shown lies the flanged position, during which the shell element 102 comes into contact with the groove walls 603 and 604 and the groove base 605 one after the other and is bent over.As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the sonotrode 600 has a plurality of recesses 701 in the groove 606, which, during the production of a container 100 according to the invention, result in a plurality of regions 301 of a first type and a plurality of regions 302 of a further type being formed in the edge region, at least on a side facing inwards opposite to the transverse direction, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. In the circumferential direction of the container, the regions 301 of the first type each have a first length of 3 mm. The regions 302 of the further type have a further length of 4 mm in the same direction. In a comparative test, a conventional sonotrode is used which has no recesses 701 in the groove. As a result, the base element 103 forms distortions distributed irregularly along the container circumference during flanging.These faults include folds running perpendicular to the direction of the vessel's circumference, forming lower-lying regions. These lower-lying regions are no more than 0.2 mm wide along the vessel's circumference. The higher-lying regions located between the folds have widths ranging from 3 to 11 mm along the vessel's circumference.

[0209] Table 2: Shape of the bottom seam

[0210] Evaluation

[0211] 500 containers of the example and the comparative example were subjected to the liquid content determination test described above. The results of this test are summarized in Table 3. For the respective criterion, +++ indicates a better result than ++, which indicates a better result than +, which in turn indicates a better result than 0, which in turn indicates a better result than -, which in turn indicates a better result than —.

[0212] Table 3: Overview of advantages and disadvantages of the containers of the comparison examples and examples

[0213] Further Examples In further comparative tests, 100 containers are produced for each additional example A to F as described above for the example according to the invention. The overhang length 806 explained in Figure 6 is varied. Table 4 shows the overhang length 806 for each of the 100 containers of the further examples as a percentage of the height 805 of the base element 103. It should be noted that the overhang length 806 also includes the part of the edge region 107 that does not run vertically but is bent around the further edge 203. The overhang length 806 is therefore the entire length of the dashed line in Figure 6.

[0214] The containers of the further examples A to F are subjected to the drop simulation onto the container bottom described above. For each further example, the number of containers in which the seal of the flanged edge region 107 has come loose at least at one point along the container circumference is then counted. The larger the proportion of containers with such an open flange, the worse the corresponding further example is rated.

[0215] Table 4: Overview of advantages and disadvantages of the containers in the other examples A to F

[0216] In Table 4, for each criterion, ++ means a better result than +, which means a better result than 0, which in turn means a better result than -.

[0217] In further comparative tests, 100 containers are produced for each additional example G to J as described above for the example according to the invention. The method used for flanging the container base is varied here. In examples I and J, flanging is carried out using ultrasound as described above. In example I, the ultrasonic oscillation of the sonotrode is activated in the starting position, i.e. before the tools engage, and remains activated until welding (pre-oscillation). In example J, the ultrasonic oscillation is only activated in the welding position. In examples G and H, flanging is not carried out using ultrasound, but rather with heated flanging tools. In example G, the containers are flanged one after the other as quickly as possible without the tools cooling down between successive flanging processes. In example H, after each flanging process, the system waits until the flanging tools have cooled down to a temperature of 80 °C.This reduces the risk of the polymer outer layer of the subsequent container softening and sticking to the tools during the flanging process. This extends the maintenance interval of the flanging tools because they require less frequent cleaning of polymer deposits, preventing the exteriors of subsequent containers from becoming contaminated or even causing the flanging tools to stick to the finished, welded container and thus damaging its exterior.

[0218] The containers of the further examples G to J are also subjected to the drop simulation onto the container bottom described above. For each further example, the number of containers in which the seal of the flanged edge region 107 has come loose at least at one point along the container circumference is then counted. The larger the proportion of containers with such an open flange, the worse the corresponding further example is rated.

[0219] In Table 5, for each criterion, ++ indicates a better result than +, which indicates a better result than 0, which in turn indicates a better result than -. These relative figures refer only to the results given in Table 5.

[0220] March 20, 2023

[0221] IG16296WO HZ / MF Table 5: Overview of advantages and disadvantages of the containers in the other examples G to J

[0222] Unless otherwise stated in the description or the respective figure, they show schematically and not to scale:

[0223] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a liquid-tight

[0224] container;

[0225] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the container bottom of the liquid-tight container of Figure 1;

[0226] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the bottom of the liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention in a view from below;

[0227] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a liquid-tight

[0228] container 100 which is not yet closed at its upper end.;

[0229] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the liquid-tight container 100 of Figure 1;

[0230] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the conditions of the flanging process when connecting the first end element to the edge region 107 of the jacket element 102;

[0231] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the sonotrode 600 as used in the process shown in Figure 6;

[0232] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention in the edge region 107 of the jacket element 101;

[0233] Figure 9 is a black and white photographic representation of the bottom of a liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention, viewed from below;

[0234] Figure 10 is another black and white photographic representation of the bottom of a liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention, viewed from below;

[0235] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sheet-like composite 1100;

[0236] Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view at the lower end 105 of a precursor 1200 according to the invention for producing a liquid-tight container 100; Figure 13 shows a flow diagram of a method 1300 according to the invention for producing a liquid-tight container 100.

[0237] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention, the container wall 101 of which is formed in three parts. Each region of the container wall 101 surrounding a container interior 201 (see Figure 2) is formed by a jacket element 102, a first end element 103, and a further end element 108. Both the jacket element 102 and the first end element 103 consist of the sheet-like composite 1100 shown in Figure 11. While the first end element 103 is formed from a circular piece of the sheet-like composite 1100, the jacket element 102 consists of a rectangular blank of the sheet-like composite 1100. Opposite longitudinal edges of this blank are contacted with one another in an overlapping manner and sealed to one another. The seam thus obtained is referred to as the longitudinal seam 110 of the container 100.The casing element 102 laterally delimits the container interior 201, relative to a length of the liquid-tight container 100. The first end element 103 delimits the container interior 201 in a first direction along a length of the container 100. Furthermore, the first end element 103, relative to the length of the liquid-tight container 100, closes the liquid-tight container 100 at a first end 105, which is formed by a container base 103. The further end element 108 is a molded plastic part with a circular shape in plan view and a central pouring hole. The further end element 108 delimits the container interior 201 in a further direction opposite the first direction. Furthermore, the 100 includes a closure lid 109. The pouring hole of the further end element 108 is located under this closure lid 109. A pull tab is sealed over this pouring hole, which consists of an aluminum foil coated on both sides with LDPE.The further end element 108 closes the liquid-tight container 100 together with the pull tab at a second end 111 opposite the first end 105 of the container 100, based on the length of the liquid-tight container 100, which is formed by a container head 108. After the liquid-tight container has been opened by tearing off the pull tab, the closure lid 109 offers a way to reseal the liquid-tight container 100, albeit significantly less tightly. Details of the container base 103 designed according to the invention can be seen in Figure 2.

[0238] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the container bottom of the liquid-tight container of Figure 1. The jacket element 102 delimits the container interior 201 in a transverse direction 104 running from the inside to the outside with respect to the container interior 201 and includes an edge region 107 with a first edge 202. The first end element 103 delimits the container interior 201 at a first end 105 of the container 100 in a longitudinal direction 106 running along a length of the container and includes a further edge 203 which points in the longitudinal direction 106.The edge region 107 is arranged at the first end 105 of the liquid-tight container 100 and encloses the further edge 203 opposite the transverse direction 104 from the outside to the inside in such a way that the first edge 202 of the casing element 101 points opposite to the longitudinal direction 106, and the liquid-tight container 100 has a layer sequence at the first end 105 in the transverse direction 104, which includes a first layer 801 of the casing element 102, a layer 802 of the first end element 103, and a further layer 803 of the casing element 102, as shown in Figure 8. The edge region 107 includes, at least on a side 204 facing inwards opposite to the transverse direction 104, a plurality of regions 301 of a first type and a plurality of regions 302 of a further type, as shown in Figure 3.

[0239] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the bottom of the liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention, viewed from below, in which these regions 301 and 302 are shown. The regions 301 of the first type and the regions 302 of the further type follow one another in a circumferential direction running along the further edge 203, wherein the first layer 801 of the casing element 102 (shown in Figure 8) has a thickness 804 in the transverse direction 104. The thickness 804 of the first layer 801 is a mathematical function of a position along the circumferential direction, wherein the mathematical function has a plurality of local maxima and a plurality of local minima. Each region 301 contains exactly one of the local maxima, and each further region 302 contains exactly one of the local minima.The thickness 804 of the first layer 801 in each entire first region 301 is at least 0.7 times the value of the local maximum contained by the respective first region 301. The thickness 804 of the first layer 801 in each entire further region 302 is at most 1.3 times the value of the local minimum contained by the respective further region 302. As can also be seen from Figure 3, each region 301 of the first type has a first length 303 in the circumferential direction, and each region 302 of the further type has a second length 304 in the circumferential direction. The liquid-tight container according to the invention is characterized in that each second length 304 is at least 10% of each first length 303.

[0240] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention, which is not yet closed at its further (upper) end 111. To facilitate the folding of the jacket element 102 to close the further end 111, the jacket element 101 has grooves 401 that define the fold lines to be introduced. By folding along the grooves 401 and sealing the folding surfaces together, a liquid-tight container 100 can be obtained whose head region has a gable-shaped configuration (not shown). Figure 4 also shows a section of the container base at the first end 105. This shows that the jacket element 102 completely surrounds the first end element 103 laterally.

[0241] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the liquid-tight container 100 of Figure 1.

[0242] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the conditions of the flanging process when connecting the first end element to the edge region 107 of the jacket element 102, as described in detail above in the experimental section in the "Container Production" section. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the sonotrode 600 as used in this flanging process.

[0243] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention in the edge region 107 of the casing element 101. According to this embodiment, the further edge 203 forms a closed curve with a third length along the circumferential direction, wherein the first end element 103 has a height 805 extending in the longitudinal direction 106 at each point of the closed curve. The edge region 107 protrudes beyond the further edge 203 at each point of the closed curve such that the edge region 107 extends from the further edge 203 to the first edge 202 by an overhang length 806, wherein the overhang length 806 is measured on a side of the edge region 107 facing away from the first end element 103 (it therefore corresponds to the length of the dashed line in Figure 8). Preferably, the overhang length 806 along at least 50% of the third length is 30 to 100% of the height 805.

[0244] Figure 9 shows a black-and-white photographic representation of the bottom of a liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention, viewed from below, in which the regions 301 and 302 are shown. The liquid-tight container 100 shown in Figure 9 is a container in which the casing element (and accordingly also the first end element forming the bottom region) has a substantially triangular cross-section. To produce such a container, a sonotrode 600 is used in the flanging process described in Figure 6, which, unlike the circular shape shown in Figure 7, has a corresponding triangular shape.

[0245] Figure 10 shows a black-and-white photographic representation of a section of the bottom of another liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention, viewed from below, again showing regions 301 and 302. The liquid-tight container 100 shown in Figure 9 is a container in which the jacket element (and accordingly also the first end element forming the bottom region) has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0246] Figure 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sheet-like composite 1100. This consists, from its outer surface 1101 towards its inner surface 1102, of the following layers superimposed over each other over their entire surface: polymer outer layer 1103, carrier layer 1104, polymer intermediate layer 1105, adhesive layer 1106 and polymer inner layer 1108. Suitable materials and basis weights of the layers are given in Table 1 above.

[0247] Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the lower end 105 of a precursor 1200 according to the invention for producing the liquid-tight container 100 according to the invention. The precursor 1200 includes a container wall 101 that at least partially surrounds the container interior 201, wherein the jacket element 102 and the first end element 103 are connected to one another and each form a region of the container wall 101. The jacket element 102 delimits the container interior 102 in the transverse direction 104 and includes an edge region 107 with the first edge 202. The first end element 103 delimits the container interior 201 at a first end 105 of the precursor in the longitudinal direction 106 and includes the further edge 203, wherein the edge region 107 is arranged at the first end 105 of the precursor 1200. The first edge 202 and the further edge 203 point in the longitudinal direction 106.The further edge 203 forms a closed curve with a third length, wherein the first end element 103 has a height 805 (shown in Figure 8) extending in the longitudinal direction 106 at each point of the closed curve. The edge region 107 protrudes beyond the further edge 203 at each point of the closed curve such that the edge region 107 extends from the further edge 203 to the first edge 202 by an overhang length 806, wherein the overhang length 806 is measured on a side of the edge region 107 facing away from the first end element 103. The overhang length 806 amounts to 30 to 100% of the height 805 along at least 50% of the third length.

[0248] Figure 13 shows a flow diagram of a method 1300 according to the invention for producing a liquid-tight container 100. In method step 1301, a precursor 1200 according to the invention, as shown in Figure 12, is provided. The precursor 1200 includes a container wall 101 that at least partially surrounds a container interior 201, wherein a jacket element 102 and a first end element 103 are connected to one another and each form a region of the container wall 101. The jacket element 102 delimits the container interior 201 in a transverse direction 104 running from the inside to the outside with respect to the container interior 201 and includes an edge region 107 with a first edge 202.The first end element 103 delimits the container interior 201 at a first end of the precursor 1200 in a longitudinal direction 106 extending along a length of the precursor 1200 and includes a further edge 203, wherein the edge region 107 is arranged at the first end 105 of the precursor 1200 and wherein the first edge 202 and the further edge 203 point in the longitudinal direction 106. In method step 1302, the edge region 107 is formed by contact with a forming tool, as shown in Figure 6.The edge region 107 encloses the further edge 203 from the outside inward, opposite the transverse direction 104, such that the first edge 202 of the casing element 102 points opposite the longitudinal direction 106, and the precursor 1200 or the liquid-tight container 100 obtained therefrom has a layer sequence at the first end 105 in the transverse direction 104, which includes a first layer 801 of the casing element 102, a layer 802 of the first end element 103, and a further layer 802 of the casing element 102 (as shown in Figure 8). During the forming process, the forming tool performs an oscillation with a frequency in a range of 15 to 50 kHz.

[0249] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS liquid-tight container according to the invention Container wall Shell element First end element, preferably container bottom Transverse direction First end of the liquid-tight container 100 Longitudinal direction

[0250] Edge area of ​​the jacket element 102 further end element, preferably container head closure lid

[0251] Longitudinal seam second end of the liquid-tight container 100 Container interior first edge of the edge region 207 further edge of the first end element 103 inwardly facing side of the edge region a plurality of regions of a first type a plurality of regions of a further type first length of the region 301 of the first type first length of the region 302 of the further type

[0252] Upper edge area of ​​the jacket element grooving sonotrode

[0253] Counter tool (anvil) conical sealing surface first wall of the groove

[0254] Groove bottom second wall of the groove 606 groove or slot

[0255] 607 Frontal section

[0256] 701 recesses in the groove 606

[0257] 801 first layer of the jacket element 101

[0258] 802 Position of the first end element 103

[0259] 803 further layer of the shell element 101

[0260] 804 Thickness of the first layer 801 of the sheath element 101

[0261] 805 Height of the first end element 103 in the longitudinal direction 106

[0262] 806 Overhang length

[0263] 1100 sheet-like composite

[0264] 1101 Exterior surface

[0265] 1102 interior surface

[0266] 1103 Polymer outer layer

[0267] 1104 Carrier layer

[0268] 1105 Polymer interlayer

[0269] 1106 Adhesive layer

[0270] 1107 Barrier layer

[0271] 1108 Polymer inner layer

[0272] 1200 forerunners

[0273] 1300 Inventive method for producing a liquid-tight container

[0274] 1301 Process step a)

[0275] 1302 Process step b)

Claims

CLAIMS A liquid-tight container (100) comprising a container wall (101) at least partially surrounding a container interior (201); wherein a shell element (102) and a first end element (103) are connected to each other and each form a region of the container wall (101); wherein the shell element (102) bounds the container interior (201) in a transverse direction (104) extending from the inside to the outside with respect to the container interior (201), and includes an edge region (107) with a first edge (202); wherein the first end element (103) bounds the container interior (201) at a first end (105) of the liquid-tight container (100) in a longitudinal direction (106) extending along a length of the liquid-tight container, and includes a further edge (203) pointing in the longitudinal direction (106); wherein the edge region (107) a. is arranged at the first end (105) of the liquid-tight container (100), and b.the further edge (203) opposite the transverse direction (104) from outside to inside such that i. the first edge (202) of the shell element (101) points opposite to the longitudinal direction (106), and ii. the liquid-tight container (100) at the first end (105) in the transverse direction (104) includes a sequence of layers. A. a first layer (801) of the mantle element (102), B. a position (802) of the first end element (103), and C. has a further layer (803) of the mantle element (102); wherein the boundary region (107) includes, at least on a side (204) facing inwards opposite to the transverse direction (104), a plurality of regions (301) of a first kind and a plurality of regions (302) of a further kind; wherein the regions (301) of the first kind and the regions (302) of the further kind follow one another in a circumferential direction running along the further edge (203); wherein the first layer (801) of the lateral element (102) has a thickness (804) in the transverse direction (104); wherein the thickness (804) of the first layer (801) is a mathematical function of a position along the circumferential direction; wherein the mathematical function has a plurality of local maxima and a plurality of local minima; wherein each region (301) of the first kind includes exactly one of the local maxima and each region (302) of the further kind includes exactly one of the local minima;wherein the thickness (804) of the first layer (801) in each entire area (301) of the first type is at least 0.7 times a value of that of the respective area; (301) of the first type includes a local maximum; wherein the thickness (804) of the first layer (801) in each entire region (302) of the further type is at most 1.3 times a value of the value of the respective region (302) of the further type includes a local minimum; wherein each region (301) of the first type has a first length (303) in the circumferential direction; wherein each region (302) of the further type has a second length (304) in the circumferential direction; characterized in that each second length (304) is at least 10% of each first length (303). The liquid-tight container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the value of each local minimum is 10% to 80% of the value of each local maximum. The liquid-tight container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the further edge (203) forms a closed curve with a third length along the circumferential direction; wherein the first end element (103) has a height (805) extending in the longitudinal direction (106) at each point of the closed curve; wherein the edge region (107) projects beyond the further edge (203) at each point of the closed curve such that the edge region (107) extends from the further edge (203) to the first edge (202) by a projection length (806); wherein the projection length (806) is measured on a side of the edge region (107) that faces away from the first end element (103); wherein the projection length (806) is 30 to 100% of the height (805) along at least 50% of the third length. The liquid-tight container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell element (102) is formed at least partially from a first planar material.The liquid-tight container (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first planar material is a first planar composite (1100) comprising a first layer sequence; wherein the first layer sequence comprises a first support layer (1104). The liquid-tight container (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first support layer (1104) in the first layer sequence is superimposed on a side facing the interior of the container (201) with a first polymer inner layer (1108). The liquid-tight container (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first support layer (1104) in the first layer sequence is superimposed on a side facing away from the interior of the container (201) with a first polymer outer layer (1103).

8. The liquid-tight container (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first layer sequence between the first support layer (1104) and the first polymer inner layer (1108) includes a first barrier layer (1107).

9. A precursor (1200) for manufacturing the liquid-tight container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, the precursor (1200) comprising a container wall (101) at least partially surrounding the container interior (201); wherein the shell element (102) and the first end element (103) are connected to each other and each form a region of the container wall (101); wherein the shell element (102) bounds the container interior (102) in the transverse direction (104) and includes the edge region (107) with the first edge (202); wherein the first end element (103) bounds the container interior (201) at a first end (105) of the precursor in the longitudinal direction (106) and includes the further edge (203); wherein the edge region (107) is arranged at the first end (105) of the precursor (1200); wherein the first edge (202) and the next edge (203) point in the longitudinal direction (106);wherein the further edge (203) forms a closed curve with a third length; wherein the first end element (103) has a height (805) extending in the longitudinal direction (106) at every point of the closed curve; wherein the edge region (107) projects beyond the further edge (203) at every point of the closed curve such that the edge region (107) extends from the further edge (203) to the first edge (202) by an overhang length (806); wherein the overhang length (806) is measured on a side of the edge region (107) that is facing away from the first end element (103); wherein the overhang length (806) along at least 50% of the third length is 30 to 100% of the height (805). A method (1300) for manufacturing a liquid-tight container (100), comprising as process steps a. providing (1301) a precursor (1200) of the liquid-tight container (100), the precursor (1200) comprising a container wall (101) at least partially surrounding a container interior (201); wherein a shell element (102) and a first end element (103) are connected to each other and each form a region of the container wall (101); wherein the shell element (102) delimits the container interior (101) in a transverse direction (104) extending from the inside to the outside with respect to the container interior (201), and includes an edge region (107) with a first edge (202);wherein the first end element (103) delimits the interior of the container (201) at a first end of the (105) precursor (1200) in a longitudinal direction (106) extending along a length of the precursor (1200), and includes a further edge (203); wherein the edge region (107) is arranged at the first end (105) of the precursor (1200); wherein the first edge (202) and the further edge (203) point in the longitudinal direction (106); b. forming (1302) the edge region (107) by contacting it with a forming tool, such that the edge region (107) encloses the further edge (203) from the outside inwards opposite to the transverse direction (104) such that i. the first edge (202) of the shell element (102) points opposite to the longitudinal direction (106), and; ii. the precursor (1200) or the liquid-tight container (100) obtained therefrom comprising a sequence of layers at the first end (105) in the transverse direction (104). A. a first layer (801) of the mantle element (102), B. a position (802) of the first end element (103), and C. comprising a further layer (802) of the outer shell element (102); characterized in that the forming tool performs a vibration at a frequency in the range of 15 to 50 kHz during forming. The method (1300) according to claim 10, wherein the vibration occurs in a direction that forms an angle of less than 30° with the longitudinal direction (106) and opposite to this direction. The method (1300) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the forming tool is set into vibration before contacting the edge region (107). A use of the liquid-tight container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for storing or transporting a liquid.A use of a planar composite (1100) for manufacturing the liquid-tight container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; wherein the shell element (102) or the first end element (103) or both are formed at least partially from the planar composite (1100). A use of a) an ultrasonic generator for exciting the vibration, or b) an ultrasonic sonotrode as the forming tool, c) or a) and b) each in the method (1300) according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

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