Resealable container

Abstract

The invention relates to a resealable container (1) comprising: a container main body (2) having a container opening (20); and a lid (3) which seals the container opening (20) in a sealed position. The lid (3) has an insertion portion (30) inserted into the container opening (20). The container main body (2) is provided with a weakening structure (22) over its entire periphery or at least over a majority of its periphery. The lid (3) is manufactured as a preformed component from a fibre-based material, and the lid (3) is inserted into the container opening (20) in such a way that an upper end of the insertion portion (30) is flush with an edge (23) of the container opening (20). A first region (301) of the insertion portion (30) inserted into the container opening (20), said first region being arranged above the weakening structure (22), is integrally bonded to an inner side of the container main body (2), and a second region (302) of the insertion portion (30) inserted into the container opening (20), said second region being arranged below the weakening structure (22), contacts the inner side of the container base body (2) without being integrally bonded thereto. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a resealable container.

Description

[0001] Resealable container

[0002] FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The invention relates to a resealable container comprising a container body with a container opening and a lid that closes the container opening in a closed position. The invention further relates to a method for producing a resealable container.

[0004] In the context of this application, "resealable containers" refers to containers that can be reclosed with a lid. Such containers comprise a container body with a container opening and a lid that closes the container opening in a closed position. The lid can be removed from the container body or pivoted relative to the container body to allow access to a product located in the container body via the container opening. The container opening can be reclosed after opening by means of the lid.

[0005] Resealable containers are used, for example, to package bulk foodstuffs such as flour, powdered milk, coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, salt, sweets, etc. However, the use of resealable containers is not limited to food packaging; the container can also be used to package other bulk goods, such as detergents, fertilizers, or the like. Resealing the container at least prevents the bulk goods from leaking out. Furthermore, it is conceivable that such containers could also be used to package pasty or liquid products.

[0006] A resealable container is known, for example, from EP 0611 703 A2. The container comprises a container body with a container opening and a lid which can be inserted into the container opening. The lid known from EP 0611 703 A2 is formed, for example, from a suitable cardboard material and has a base with an upwardly unfolded edge. During production, the lid is pressed into the container opening such that an edge of the container opening projects beyond the upwardly unfolded edge of the lid. The protruding edge of the container opening is folded over the edge of the lid and fastened to the lid by welding and / or by gluing with a hot melt adhesive or similar adhesive.The container base body is provided over its entire circumference or at least a majority of its circumference with a weakening structure, for example a perforation, which enables the part of the container base body located above the perforation to be separated together with the lid and this assembly to be removed or this assembly to be pivoted about a hinge which is formed by a non-perforated part of the container base body.

[0007] TASK AND SOLUTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a resealable container with a recyclable lid that is cost-effective and easy to manufacture. A further object is to provide a method for producing a resealable container with a recyclable lid.

[0009] These objects are achieved by the subject matter having the features of claims 1 and 6. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a resealable container is provided comprising a container base body with a container opening and a lid, wherein the lid has a plug-in section inserted into the container opening, wherein the

[0011] The container base body is provided with a weakening structure, for example a perforation or a tear-off thread, over its entire circumference or at least over a majority of its circumference, wherein the weakening structure enables complete separation of an assembly, comprising a first part of the container base body located above the weakening structure and the lid, for removal of this assembly from a second part of the container base body located below the weakening structure, or the weakening structure enables regional separation of the assembly, comprising the first part of the container base body located above the weakening structure and the lid, for pivoting this assembly relative to the second part of the container base body about a hinge formed by a region of the container base body not having the weakening structure,wherein the lid is manufactured as a preformed component from a fiber-based material and the lid is inserted into the container opening such that an upper end of the plug-in section is flush with an edge of the container opening, wherein a first region of the plug-in section inserted into the container opening, arranged above the weakened structure, is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body, and a second region of the plug-in section inserted into the container opening, arranged below the weakened structure, contacts the inner side of the container base body without a materially bonded connection.

[0012] According to a second aspect, a method for producing a resealable container comprising a container base body with a container opening and a lid is provided, wherein the lid has a plug-in portion which is inserted into the container opening, wherein the container base body is provided with a weakening structure, for example a perforation or a tear-off thread, over its entire circumference or at least over a majority of its circumference, wherein the weakening structure enables a complete separation of an assembly, comprising a first part of the container base body located above the weakening structure and the lid, for removing this assembly from a second part of the container base body located below the weakening structure, or the weakening structure enables a partial separation of the assembly,comprising the first part of the container base body located above the weakened structure and the lid, enabling pivoting of this assembly relative to the second part of the container base body about a hinge formed by a region of the container base body not having the weakened structure, wherein the lid is supplied as a preformed component made of a fiber-based material and the lid is inserted into the container opening such that an upper end of the plug-in section is flush with an edge of the container base body, wherein a first region of the plug-in section arranged above the weakened structure after insertion is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body, and a second region of the plug-in section arranged below the weakened structure after insertion contacts an inner side of the container base body without a materially bonded connection.

[0013] The terms "first", "second", etc. serve merely to differentiate between components, parts or areas and do not indicate a sequence. Insofar as the terms "top" and "bottom", "above" and "below" or the like are used in the description and in the claims in connection with the container, these serve to describe a relative position or arrangement in space in a normal usage orientation of the container in which a container opening is directed upwards, i.e. against the direction of gravity. However, applications are conceivable in which the container is oriented differently, i.e. the container opening points in a different direction.

[0014] A container base body is a body that holds the product and is typically tubular or sleeve-shaped. At one end, the container base body has a container opening that provides access to the product and can be closed by a lid. At an opposite end, a bottom opening is provided in some designs, which is closed by a bottom. Depending on the application, the bottom is connected to the container base body using a connection technique that can be selected by a specialist, for example by folding, sealing, crimping or the like. It is known to fill the container base body from the bottom and to close the container using the bottom after filling. In other designs, filling takes place via the container opening.The container body can be fed into a filling process as a semi-finished product with a base already connected to the container body. In typical applications, the base is connected to the container body in such a way that non-destructive separation by the user is not possible.

[0015] The lid can be pivoted to open the container or removed from the container body and can be closed again with the container body, wherein closing at least prevents any bulk material contained therein from escaping. In contrast to conventional containers, such as those known from EP 0 611 703 A2, the lid, which is intended for repeated product access and reclosure, is not connected to the container body by reshaping or folding a part of the container body over an edge of the lid. Instead, a prefabricated lid made of a fiber-based material is inserted into the container opening and is materially connected, in particular welded or glued, to the container body over a defined area on the inside.By supplying a prefabricated lid, folding or flanging during container production can be eliminated, particularly during a filling process.

[0016] To reclose the container after a first opening, the second area of ​​the plug-in section is inserted into the second part of the container body located below the severed weakened structure. Depending on the application, for example, depending on the material combination of the container body and the lid and / or the product being held, a suitable clearance between the container body and the lid can be selected to ensure closure with sufficient security.

[0017] The lid is made of a fiber-based material. A fiber-based material is a recyclable material made of fibers, particularly plant fibers or fabric fibers, such as paper, cardboard, or carton. The prefabricated fiber-based lid can be manufactured in an upstream process by forming and / or from a pulp, for example, by compression molding. Depending on the application, a coating can be applied to the lid if required to impart additional properties, such as a water-repellent function and / or to act as an oxygen barrier. The lid can be recycled after the container has been used.

[0018] In some embodiments, the container base body is formed from a blank, in particular folded, with the weakening structure preferably being introduced before forming the blank. Depending on the application, the container base body is made of paper, cardboard, carton, or plastic and / or a laminate comprising these materials. However, the invention is not limited to container base bodies made of these materials. In particular, it is also conceivable for the container base body to be made entirely or partially of metal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the lid has a flange which adjoins the upper end of the plug-in section and rests against the edge of the container base body. The flange allows a defined positioning of the lid on the container base body when inserting the lid into the container base body, both during production and when reclosing the container. The flange can be designed to suit the specific application. In one embodiment, the flange has a groove or knurling on its peripheral surface to improve the grip of the lid when opening the container. In other embodiments, the flange has a recessed grip and / or a tab for removing and / or pivoting the lid. In one embodiment, the edge of the container base body comprises a seal, with the flange resting against the seal.

[0020] In some designs, the flange is flush with the outer surface of the container body. This prevents a mushroom effect, in which the diameter of the lid is larger than the container body and protrudes laterally from it. The flush flange allows for easy and safe handling, for example, during transport.

[0021] The length of the second region of the plug-in section, which is inserted into the second part of the container base body for reclosing, can be suitably selected depending on the application. In one embodiment, the length of the second region of the plug-in section is at least half, preferably at least two-thirds, of the length of the first region of the plug-in section. In some embodiments, the container base body has a circular or oval outline. In other embodiments, the container base body has a polygonal outline with at least three sides. For the production of a container with a pivotably hinged lid, a weakening structure is provided in some embodiments, which extends over N-1 sides of an N-sided outline.In particular, in some embodiments, the container body has a rectangular or trapezoidal outline with four sides, with the weakened structure extending over three of the four sides. In some embodiments, a groove is provided on the fourth side to form the hinge.

[0022] In one embodiment, a membrane is mounted below the weakened structure in the container body, which can be removed at least partially upon initial opening. The membrane serves, for example, as an oxygen barrier. The material of the membrane and its design can be selected depending on the application, in particular depending on the product to be contained. The membrane is removed in whole or in part upon initial opening.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the schematic figures. In the figures:

[0025] Fig. 1: in a side view a first embodiment of a resealable

[0026] container before first opening;

[0027] Fig. 2: in a perspective view, the resealable container according to Fig. 1 during a first opening;

[0028] Fig. 3: in a sectional side view the resealable container according to

[0029] Fig. 1 before first opening;

[0030] Fig. 4: a detail IV according to Fig. 3 in an enlarged view;

[0031] Fig. 5: in a sectional side view the resealable container according to

[0032] Fig. 1 during first opening; and Fig. 6: in a sectional side view, a second embodiment of a resealable container during a first opening.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Figures 1 to 5 schematically show a first embodiment of a resealable container 1 before a first opening (Figures 1, 3 and 4) and during a first opening (Figures 2 and 5).

[0035] The resealable container 1 shown comprises a container base body 2, a lid 3 and a membrane 4 (see Fig. 2 to 5).

[0036] The container base body 2 is made in embodiments from a blank, for example from a laminate, cardboard, and / or paperboard, wherein the blank is bent or folded to create a tubular or sleeve-shaped container base body 2, which has a container opening 20 for product access at a first end. A bottom opening 21 is provided at an opposite end, which can be closed by means of a base (not shown in the figures).

[0037] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the illustrated container base body 2 has a substantially square outline with four sides connected to each other via rounded corners. However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated shape of the container base body 2, and other designs are conceivable, for example, but not limited to, a circular, oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular outline.

[0038] A weakening structure 22, for example a linear perforation or a tear-off thread, is provided on the container base body 2. The weakening structure 22 is preferably introduced into the blank before folding or shaping the blank. The weakening structure 22 is introduced at a distance from an edge 23 of the container opening 20 that is suitably selected depending on the application and, in the illustrated embodiment (see Fig. 2), extends over three of the four sides of the container base body 2 as well as all four curves connecting the sides. In some embodiments, a groove for forming a hinge 24 is provided on a fourth side of the container base body 2. The weakening structure 22 divides the container base body 22 into a first part 2a located above the weakening structure 22 and a second part 2b located below the weakening structure 22 (cf. Fig. 4).The lid 3 is manufactured as a preformed component from a fiber-based material. The shape of the lid 3 can be designed to suit the specific application. The illustrated lid 3 has a plug-in section 30 inserted into the container opening 20 and a flange 31. The lid 3 is inserted into the container opening 20 such that an upper end of the plug-in section 30 is flush with the edge 23 of the container opening 20. A first region 301 of the plug-in section 30 inserted into the container opening 20, arranged above the weakened structure 22, is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body. In contrast, a second region 302 of the plug-in section 30 inserted into the container opening 20, arranged below the weakened structure 22, contacts an inner side of the container base body 2 without a materially bond.A material connection is achieved, for example, by welding, sealing, and / or gluing. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the first region 301 of the plug-in section 30 has a schematically illustrated groove 32 for receiving an adhesive. The representation of the groove 32 is merely schematic in both size and shape, and numerous modifications are conceivable. In other embodiments, such a groove is omitted.

[0039] Due to the material connection, the lid 3 and the first part 2a of the container base body 2 arranged above the weakening structure 22 form an assembly.

[0040] The weakening structure 22 extending over the majority of the circumference of the container base body 2, namely in the illustrated embodiment over three of the four sides of the container base body 2, allows a separation of the assembly comprising the part 2a of the container base body 2 located above the weakening structure 22 and the lid 3, for example by pulling on the flange 31 of the lid 3, and a pivoting of this assembly about the hinge 24, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5.

[0041] The second region 302 of the plug-in section 30 allows the container 1 to be reclosed by pivoting the lid 3 into the starting position shown in Fig. 3 and 4, wherein the second region 302 is inserted into the part 2b of the container base body 2 located below the now severed weakened structure 22. For secure reinsertion of the lid 3 into the container base body 2, a length L2 of the second region 302 of the plug-in section 30 in the illustrated embodiment is approximately two-thirds of a length L1 of the first region 301 of the plug-in section 30. A membrane 4 is provided below the lid 3 in the illustrated embodiment. The membrane 4 enables a barrier function before a first opening. The membrane 4 can be completely or partially removed after the lid 3 has been pivoted into the position shown in Fig. 2 to access the product.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the lid 3 is designed as a solid component, wherein the shape and size of the flange 31 are selected such that the flange 31 is flush with an outer surface of the container base body 2.

[0043] The lid 3 is made of a fiber-based material. Depending on the application, the lid 3 can have a coating. In one embodiment, a sealing ring is provided on an edge 23 of the container opening 20, which allows for oxygen-tight resealing. The sealing ring forms the edge 23 of the container opening 20, with which the upper end of the plug-in section 30 terminates and against which a flange 31, if present, rests.

[0044] As mentioned, the lid 3 can be designed to suit the specific application. For example, in a modified embodiment, the lid 3 has a dome-shaped top instead of a flat, upward-facing top.

[0045] Fig. 6 shows a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a resealable container 1 during a first opening. The container 1 according to the second embodiment is similar to the container 1 of the first embodiment, and identical reference numerals are used for identical or similar components. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 5, the lid 3 in the embodiment according to Fig. 6 has a recess 33 on its upper side 32. The recess 33 allows a reduction in material for production of the lid 3 without this impairing the function of the lid 3 for reclosing.

[0046] Furthermore, the recess 33 can be used as a receptacle for aids, such as additives to be mixed with the product contained in the container body, a measuring spoon and / or cutlery.

[0047] The lids 3 for a resealable container according to the invention can be produced from a pulp, for example, by compression molding. Alternatively, it is conceivable to manufacture the lids 3 by forming and / or folding paper, cardboard, and / or carton and / or laminates thereof. Thanks to the use of a fiber-based material, and thus a renewable raw material, instead of a plastic for the production of the lid 3, a particularly sustainable solution is achieved.

[0048] To produce the container 1, in some embodiments, the container base body 2 is first formed from a blank. The weakening structure 22 is preferably introduced before the blank is formed. The weakening structure 22 can be introduced immediately before the forming process or at a time and / or spatial interval from the forming process.

[0049] In one embodiment, the bottom opening 21 is closed by a bottom after the forming of the container base body 2. The semi-finished product thus created can be fed into a filling process.

[0050] The membrane 4 is then inserted into the container base body 2 and connected to an inner side of the container base body 2. Depending on the application and / or the material of the container base body 2, the membrane 4 is connected to the container base body 2 by a suitable method, for example, sealed to it.

[0051] The lid 3 is preferably supplied as a prefabricated component during the manufacture of the container 1. The plug-in section 30 of the lid 3 is inserted into the container opening 20 of the container base body 2, with the flange 31 coming to rest on the edge 23 of the container opening 20. The first region 301 of the plug-in section 30, which is arranged above the weakened structure 22 after insertion, is materially connected to an inner side of the container base body 2. The second region 302 of the plug-in section 30, which is arranged below the weakened structure 22 after insertion, is not connected to the inner side of the container base body 2 and contacts it without a materially bonded connection.

[0052] For product access, the weakened structure 22 is broken open during a first opening, for example by applying a tensile force to the lid 3. After the weakened structure 22 has been broken open, the lid 3 and the first part 2a of the container base body 2 located above the weakened structure 22, which is connected to the first region 301 of the lid 3, can be pivoted about the hinge 24, which is formed by a region of the container base body 2 not having the weakened structure 22. The membrane 4 can then be at least partially removed. For reclosing, the lid 3 is pivoted back into its starting position, with the second region 302 of the lid 3 dipping into the part 2b of the container base body 2 located below the broken weakened structure 22.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, a weakened structure extending over the entire circumference is introduced into the container base body 2. After this weakened structure is broken open during a first opening, the lid 3 and the first part 2a of the container base body 2 located above the weakened structure, which is connected to the first region 301 of the lid 3, can be separated from the second part 2b of the container base body 2. For reclosure, the lid 3 is returned to its original position, with the second region 302 of the lid 3 dipping into the part 2b of the container base body 2 located below the broken weakened structure.

Claims

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

2. Resealable container according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid (3) has a flange (31) adjoining the upper end of the plug-in section (30) and resting against the edge (23) of the container base body (2), wherein the flange (31) preferably ends flush with an outer circumferential surface of the container base body (2).

3. Resealable container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a length (L2) of the second region (302) of the plug-in section (30) is at least half, preferably at least two-thirds of a length (L1) of the first region (301) of the plug-in section (30).

4. Resealable container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the container base body (2) has a rectangular or trapezoidal plan with four sides, wherein the weakening structure (22) extends over three of the four sides, wherein preferably on the fourth side a groove is provided to form the hinge (24).

5. Resealable container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a membrane (4) is attached below the weakening structure (22) in the container base body (2), which membrane is to be removed at least in sections during a first opening.

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

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the container base body (2) is formed, in particular folded, from a blank, wherein the weakening structure (22) is preferably introduced before forming the blank.

8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the lid (3) has a flange (31) adjoining the upper end of the plug-in section (30), which is brought into contact with the edge (23) of the container base body (2) when the lid (3) is inserted, wherein the flange (31) preferably ends flush with an outer circumferential surface of the container base body (2).

9. The method according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the container base body (2) has a rectangular or trapezoidal outline with four sides, wherein the weakened structure (22) is introduced such that the weakened structure (22) extends over three of the four sides and preferably a groove is provided on the fourth side to form the hinge (24).

0. The method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a membrane (4) is attached below the weakened structure (22) in the container base body (2), said membrane being to be removed at least in sections during a first opening.

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