Container and method for assembling the container

Abstract

A method is presented for assembling a container (1), the container (1) comprising a veneer-based tubular side wall (2) and a veneer-based bottom portion (3), and a connecting element (4) made of a fusible material, the method comprising: - placing the connecting element (4) and the bottom portion (3) at one end of the tubular side wall (2), - applying energy to the connecting element (4) thereby softening the connecting element (4), - compressing the connecting element (4) and the bottom portion (3) thereby expanding the softened connecting element (4) in a plane in which the bottom portion (3) extends, and - bonding the connecting element (4) to the side wall (2) and the bottom portion (3).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of containers for packaging, in particular for food and beverages.The present invention relates to a container, a method for its assembly and a corresponding assembly device. [Background technology]

[0002] Disposable containers, especially for food and beverages, are ubiquitous. Mountains of discarded containers in antiquity, e.g. Roman Monte Testaccio, provide historical insight, but modern one-way containers have an environmental impact that requires mitigation. Existing approaches focus on the entire life cycle of the product, considering both production and disposal. It is known to manufacture disposable containers, especially for food, from materials such as bamboo, wood, straw, etc. There is a need for containers that have a smaller environmental impact with respect to existing approaches.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 3,164,314 discloses a paper cup bottom that is attached to the side wall of a cup. A bottom disk is placed near the bottom edge of the side wall, a bonding adhesive is applied to the periphery of the bottom disk, and the bottom edge of the side wall is rolled or folded over the area containing the adhesive.

[0004] French Patent Application No. 2 819 495 discloses a method for making walls for cheese boxes from sheets of veneer combined with sheets of flexible material.

[0005] WO 2010 / 043817 shows a cup made from a veneer, the walls of which are coated with a flexible layer and the bottom part is made from plastic-coated cardboard. The walls and bottom part are welded together. It is questionable whether the weld is strong enough and / or liquid-tight. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore a possible object of the present invention to create a container of the initially mentioned type and a method for assembling the container, as well as an associated assembly device, which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0007] Another possible object of the present invention is to provide a container that has a small environmental footprint. Another possible object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method for manufacturing the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] These objects are achieved by a container and a method for assembling a container and an assembly device according to the corresponding independent claims.

[0009] The method is for assembling a container, the container comprising: a side wall comprising a cellulosic material, in particular a veneer, and curved to have a tubular shape; at least one bottom part comprising a cellulosic material, in particular a veneer; Connection elements made from soluble materials; Equipped with The method comprises: disposing a connection element and a bottom portion at one end of the tubular shape within the side wall; applying energy to the connecting element, thereby softening the connecting element; compressing the connection element, in particular also the base portion, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the base portion extends, thereby expanding the softened connection element in the plane in which the base portion extends; Thus, the connecting element is joined to the side wall and the bottom portion. Includes.

[0010] By joining the connecting elements to the sidewall and bottom portions, the two are joined and a seal is formed between them, allowing for a simple and reliable creation of a veneer-based container.

[0011] It is understood that a tubular shape can include a cylindrical shape, a generally cylindrical shape, i.e. a cylindrical shape that is not circular. Thus, in the most general sense, a container is not limited to a cylindrical or conical sidewall with a circular base, and is not limited to a circular bottom portion. For example, the base of the cylindrical top and / or bottom can have a shape such as a rounded triangle, a rounded square or rectangle, a rounded five-pointed star, or a generally rounded polygon, or an oval, or an ellipse. Furthermore, a shape being tubular can mean that the shape corresponds to the surface of a frustum or a prism, the latter typically having rounded edges. A tubular shape can include a combination of cylindrical and conical sections (each at a different position along the height of the tube).

[0012] Prior to assembly, the tubular shape of the sidewall includes top and bottom openings that are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the tubular shape. Typically, the shapes of the openings correspond to cylindrical and / or conical top and bottom bases of the tubular shape. The tubular shape may have rotational symmetry, in which case the corresponding axis of symmetry coincides with the longitudinal axis.

[0013] The direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the bottom portion extends is typically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular shape, which is also typically parallel to the direction of relative movement of the anvil and plunger when compressing the connecting element and the bottom portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, the thickness of the cellulosic material, particularly the veneer of the sidewalls, is from 0.2 mm to 1 mm, particularly from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, more particularly from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. In an embodiment, the thickness of the cellulosic material, particularly the veneer used in each of the one or more layers of the bottom portion, is from 0.2 mm to 1 mm, particularly from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, more particularly from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0015] In an embodiment, the veneer is made from maple or birch or poplar or beech.

[0016] In an embodiment, the cellulosic material, particularly the veneer of the side wall and / or bottom portion, constitutes at least 70%, particularly at least 80%, more particularly 90% of the weight of the respective side wall or bottom portion, or the disc of which the bottom portion is part.

[0017] The cellulosic material gives the sidewall and / or bottom portion its structural stability. The cellulosic material is typically a veneer, but in other embodiments is paper or cardboard, etc. Other materials that are part of the sidewall and / or bottom portion can be present to provide liquid tightness, improve bonding to the connecting elements, provide a base for a label, etc. These other materials may be in the form of films or thin layers, as described below.

[0018] In an embodiment, the bottom portion is a single piece of material, in particular the bottom portion is thicker than the sidewalls and / or is thicker than 1 or 2 millimeters.

[0019] In an embodiment, the bottom part is made of at least two separate parts, in particular a first disc and a second disc, A connecting element is disposed therebetween; Optionally, an intermediate layer is also disposed therebetween; In particular, the intermediate layer bonds the two parts together.

[0020] In an embodiment, if there are two separate parts, they can have a congruent shape, meaning that if they are circular, they have the same diameter, or the inside of the two bottom parts can be smaller than the outside. Furthermore, each of the two separate parts can have the same thickness as the thickness of the side wall.

[0021] In an embodiment, the bottom part is shaped to prevent the flow of the connecting element radially inwards when compressed. This can be done by shaping the bottom part with a notch or channel extending around the circumference of the bottom part and locating the connecting element in this channel. The channel can be established by a bottom part having a first disc and a second disc and an intermediate layer arranged between these discs, having a smaller diameter than the discs. In an embodiment, the second disc is a ring. In this case, the second disc can be arranged outside the bottom part, i.e. outside the resulting container.

[0022] In an embodiment, the method includes joining elements of the bottom portion prior to placing the connecting element and the bottom portion within the sidewall, In particular, by joining the first disc and the second disc with a connecting element disposed therebetween, In particular, it involves creating a pre-assembled bottom portion by joining a first disc and a second disc, and optionally an intermediate layer, together in a central region of the bottom portion.

[0023] In an embodiment, when the connecting element and the bottom portion are compressed, a gap exists between the outer edge of the bottom portion and the expanding connecting element covers the outer edge of the bottom portion.

[0024] The connecting element running over the outer edge prevents liquid from entering the bottom portion through channels extending along the grain of the wood that would otherwise be exposed at the outer edge when the container is in use, which could compromise the stability of the bottom portion and / or allow chemicals from the wood to leak into the liquid.

[0025] Such a gap around the outer edge can be around the single bottom part if there is only a single bottom part. If there are two bottom parts, the gap can be around one or both of them. In an embodiment, the side wall is conical and the two bottom parts are congruent, so the gap is around the inner bottom part of the two bottom parts. In an embodiment, the side wall is straight and the inner bottom part of the two bottom parts is smaller than the outer bottom part. The inner bottom part is the bottom part facing the inside of the container. For the above reasons, it is preferred that at least the outer edge of the inner bottom part is covered by the expanded connection element.

[0026] In an embodiment, the at least one bottom portion is bent at its periphery, in particular by forcing the at least one bottom portion into an opening at one end of a side wall of the tubular shape.

[0027] In this way the outer edge can be oriented towards the connection element, facilitating covering of the outer edge.Alternatively or in addition, the bottom portion is pre-bent prior to insertion into the side wall of the tubular shape.

[0028] In an embodiment, there are two bottom portions, only one or both of which are curved at their periphery.

[0029] In an embodiment, the connecting element is a ring of solid material, or a segment of a ring of solid material.

[0030] The connection element is punched or cut from sheet material; or Cast, or made from a filament or strip of material bent to form a ring or a segment of a ring; or Cut from an extruded tube, or Pushed to the bottom It is possible.

[0031] The extrusion of the connecting element can mean that the ring is extruded in the form of a single strand deposited on the bottom part, the strand making up the full width of the connecting element, or the extrusion of the connecting element can mean that the ring is built up by the 3D printer in multiple passes from a single strand that is thinner than the connecting element.

[0032] In an embodiment, the connecting element has one of a rectangular, circular, triangular, and trapezoidal cross-section.

[0033] In an embodiment, the connecting element has a thickness of 0.1 to 1 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.6 mm. In an embodiment, energizing the connecting element comprises: Heating the connection element, and Applying mechanical energy to the connecting elements, in particular vibration energy, such as ultrasonic energy The present invention includes at least one of the following:

[0034] In an embodiment, vibrational energy, such as ultrasonic energy, is applied through the plunger, which thus acts as a sonotrode. The plunger can be shaped to focus the ultrasonic energy at specific locations on the bottom portion and / or the connecting element. In particular, the energy can be concentrated at the periphery of the bottom portion where the connecting element is softened for bonding to the bottom portion and sidewalls.

[0035] In an embodiment, compressing the connecting element comprises: moving the plunger toward the anvil while the side wall is stationary relative to the anvil, the position of the side wall being determined by the anvil; and Moving the anvil, or possibly a central portion of the anvil, with the side walls stationary relative to the plunger, where the position of the side walls is defined by the plunger and possibly by an outer portion of the anvil, and the central portion of the anvil moves; The term "contains" includes one of the following:

[0036] In an embodiment, the method includes, at least when compressing the connecting element, A restraining ring radially supports the side wall to counter the radial force of the expanding connecting element.

[0037] In an embodiment, the method further comprises, prior to the steps of compressing and bonding the connecting element, compressing the sidewall of the region to be bonded to the bottom portion by: especially, Heated air flow, - Infrared irradiation, Heat transfer from the heating element, in particular the heating element transferring heat to the side wall through the restraining ring; The method includes preheating the heating medium by one or more of the following steps:

[0038] Irradiation with infrared light can be accomplished using a heated plunger, which can be different from the plunger used to compress the bottom portion.

[0039] In an embodiment, the method includes pre-heating the bottom part in the area to be joined to the side wall prior to the steps of compressing and joining the connecting element. One or more of the heating principles listed above for heating the side wall can also be applied to the bottom part.

[0040] Pre-heating the sidewalls can improve bonding of the connecting elements to the material coating the sidewalls, and pre-heating the bottom can reduce the time it takes to heat the connecting elements, thereby reducing manufacturing time.

[0041] In an embodiment, the method comprises, during the steps of compressing and bonding the connecting element, in particular Heat transfer from the heating element through the anvil, Heat transfer from the heating element through the plunger, Heat transfer from the heating element through the restraining ring The method includes heating the elements being joined by one or more of the following:

[0042] In an embodiment, the side walls, at least in the area to be joined to the bottom part, are covered with a film of a material that improves bonding to the connecting element and the bottom part, in particular the material is a thermoplastic material and / or the same material as the material of the connecting element.

[0043] This improves the bond between the connection element and the sidewall covered or coated with the film of material. In some embodiments, the film of material is applied by laminating, spraying or painting or printing the material onto the sidewall. The film of material can include a single layer of material or multiple layers of the same or different materials. One of the layers can be an adhesive material or adhesive for adhering the film to the sidewall. Suitable materials for the film are, for example, polyethylene (PE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PVAC (polyvinyl acetate), PVAL (polyvinyl alcohol), PP (polypropylene), or biodegradable materials. Biodegradable materials are, for example, polylactic acid (PLA) or lignin-based. Specific examples are ecovio® or Mater-Bi®.

[0044] In an embodiment, the outer edge of the bottom portion is coated to prevent liquids from entering the channels in the material of the bottom portion, particularly the grain of the veneer.

[0045] In an embodiment, the material for coating the sidewall and / or covering the outer edge is a biodegradable polymeric material.

[0046] In an embodiment, the entire container or only a small section of the container around the bottom portion is coated or treated, typically after the bottom portion is bonded to the sidewall, to seal the pores of the material, particularly the veneer, and improve its resistance to liquids. This coating or treatment may include applying a layer of varnish or wax or paint.

[0047] In an embodiment, the anvil and plunger are shaped to leave a gap between them that is larger at the periphery than in the center when they are moved toward one another, compressing the base portion and connecting element.

[0048] This has the effect of compressing the centre of the bottom portion more than its periphery, forcing the softened or molten material of the connecting element radially outward against the sidewall.

[0049] In an embodiment, the anvil and plunger have corresponding respective convex and concave shapes and provide a corresponding bottom shape after joining to the sidewalls, such a shape, typically an arch shape, being more mechanically stable than a flat shape.

[0050] In an embodiment, the plunger has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the bottom portion or the second disk and / or the first disk. This also causes the bottom portion or each disk to have an arched shape after joining to the side wall. This also helps to stabilize the shape of the bottom when the container is filled with hot liquid.

[0051] In an embodiment, the anvil is shaped to conform to the shape of the gap that is formed when the layers of the sidewall are laid down.

[0052] This prevents uneven distribution of the flow of the connecting element into the gap due to variations in the width of the gap where the layers of the sidewall overlap, and also maintains an internal pressure on the connecting element at this position, forcing it radially against the pores of the sidewall.

[0053] In an embodiment, the connecting element is shaped to conform to the shape of the gap formed when the layers of the sidewall are overlapped.

[0054] The container can be manufactured as described herein, the container comprising: a sidewall comprising a cellulosic material and curved to have a tubular shape; at least one bottom portion comprising a cellulosic material; Connection elements made from soluble materials; Equipped with The connecting element has a ring-like shape and is joined to the side wall and the bottom portion.

[0055] The assembly device for manufacturing the container includes: an anvil shaped according to the inner shape of the side wall of the container to be produced; a plunger configured to be moved toward the anvil to compress an object disposed between the plunger and the anvil and, in some cases, to apply ultrasonic energy to the object; Optionally, a heating element configured to heat a sidewall of the container to be produced. Equipped with.

[0056] In an embodiment, the anvil is configured to impart ultrasonic energy to the object being compressed in addition to or instead of the plunger.

[0057] Further embodiments are evident from the dependent claims. Features of the method claims may be combined with features of the device claims and vice versa.

[0058] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail in the following text with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings, which show, in schematic form, the following: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows an assembled container. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an assembly device on which the container is assembled. [Diagram 3] 1A-1D show an assembly process for a container having a bottom portion with two layers. [Figure 4] 1A-1D show an assembly process for a container having a bottom portion with two layers. [Diagram 5]1A-1C show an assembly process for a container having a bottom portion with two layers and an intermediate layer. [Figure 6] 1A-1C show an assembly process for a container having a bottom portion with two layers and an intermediate layer. [Figure 7] 13A-13D illustrate an assembly process for a container having a bottom portion shaped to form an accommodation space for a connecting element. [Figure 8] 13A-13D illustrate an assembly process for a container having a bottom portion shaped to form an accommodation space for a connecting element. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 shows an anvil and plunger having a curved front surface. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates various heating elements within the assembled device. [Figure 11] 1A-1D are cross-sectional views of containers having different types of wall seams. [Figure 12] 1A-1D are cross-sectional views of containers having different types of wall seams. [Figure 13] 1A-1D are cross-sectional views of containers having different types of wall seams. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 shows an anvil fitted to a side wall having overlapping edges at a seam. [Figure 15] 1A-1C show connecting elements with different cross sections. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 shows an anvil having a resiliently supported forward projection. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a container having a curved or arched bottom portion. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 shows the pre-assembled bottom part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with the same reference numbers. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an assembled container 1, comprising a side wall 2 and a bottom portion 3 joined together by a connecting element 4. The connecting element 4, shown in a side view and also in a separate view from above, has a ring-like shape that continues around the bottom portion 3 near the side wall 2. The connecting element 4 is made of a soluble material that has been softened and deformed in its soft state to join to this surrounding side wall 2 and bottom portion 3. The soluble material can be a thermoplastic material, such as a plastic material. It can be the same material as the material that coats the side wall or it can be a different material. In some embodiments, the material is one of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PVAC (polyvinyl acetate), PVAL (polyvinyl alcohol), PP (polypropylene), PEHD (high density polyethylene), PELD (low density polyethylene). In an embodiment, it is a wax, wax-based or similar material.

[0061] The sidewall 2 is shown to be covered with a film layer 5. For the sake of representation, the film layer 5 is shown as being separate from the sidewall 2, but in reality, of course, there is no gap between them and the film layer 5 is, for example, sprayed or painted on the sidewall 2 or bonded to the sidewall 2. The film layer 5 can help to bond the connection element 4 to the sidewall 2. In some embodiments, the film layer 5 is not present. It is understood that for the remaining figures, they relate to both embodiments with and without the film layer 5.

[0062] Although the container 1 is shown to have the shape of a frustum, in particular a truncated cone, in other embodiments the base of the container 1 can have a shape other than a circle, and all of the following examples are adapted to this shape. Also, the container 1 has a cylindrical shape, i.e. the side wall forms a hollow cylinder.

[0063] The thickness of the veneer used for the side walls 2 and the bottom part 3 can be between 0.2 millimeters and 1 millimeter. The thickness of the bottom part 3, which can comprise a single disk of relatively thick veneer or can comprise two disks of veneer, can be the same as that of the side walls 2. Alternatively, it can be higher, for example more than 1 millimeter or more than 2 millimeters. In this case, each of the two disks of veneer can have the same thickness as that of the side walls.

[0064] In other embodiments, the side walls 2 and / or bottom portion 3 are made from another cellulosic material other than veneer, such as paper or cardboard.

[0065] 2 shows an assembly device 10 on which the container 1 is assembled. The assembly device 10 comprises an anvil 11, the outer shape of which corresponds to the inner shape of the container 1. A plunger 12 is configured to move towards the anvil 11 and vice versa. The plunger 12 comprises or is attached to a generator of ultrasonic vibrations and is thus able to transmit these vibrations to the object compressed by the plunger 12.

[0066] To assemble the container 1, the assembly device 10 is typically used in an inverted position opposite to that of FIG. 1, i.e., with the anvil 11 at the bottom and the plunger 12 pressed down against the anvil 11, as shown in the following figures.

[0067] In the set-up stage, the side wall 2 is placed on the part of the anvil 11 corresponding to the inner shape of 2, and the bottom part 3 is placed in front of the anvil front face 11. The bottom part 3 comprises at least one monolithic or first disc 31 and a connecting element 4. Typically, the first disc 31 faces the anvil 11 and the connecting element 4 faces the plunger 12. In some cases, a second disc 32 can be present between the connecting element 4 and the plunger 12. For the sake of representation, here and in the other figures, the various elements are shown with gaps between them, although in reality they are in contact with each other.

[0068] In the compression stage, the plunger 12 moves towards the anvil 11 or vice versa to compress the bottom portion 3 and force the material of the connecting element 4 against the side wall 2. The plunger 12 can apply vibrational energy, such as ultrasonic vibrational energy, to the bottom portion 3 and the connecting element 4 to heat and thus soften the connecting element 4. The movement of the plunger 12 is in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane in which the bottom portion 3 extends. The movement of the material of the connecting element 4 is in a radially outward direction essentially parallel to this plane.

[0069] The plane in which the bottom portion 3 extends is typically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container 1, which may also be the axis of symmetry of the container 1 and the axis along which the height of the container 1 is measured.

[0070] In an embodiment, the material of the connecting element 4 is also forced to cover the outer edge 35 of one or both of the discs of the bottom portion 3 .

[0071] Figures 3-4 show the assembly process of a container 1 with a bottom part 3 having two layers 31, 32. Figure 3 shows the start of the compression stage. Between the first disk 31 and the second disk 32 of the bottom part 3, a ring-shaped connecting element 4 is placed. The side wall 2 is located on the anvil 11 and is held by it. The second disk 32 can be in contact with the side wall 2, but there can be a gap between the first disk 31 and the side wall 2. Figure 4 shows the end of the compression stage, where the material of the connecting element 4 is pressed against the side wall 2 and further into the gap between the first disk 31 and the side wall 2, covering the outer edge 35 of the first disk 31.

[0072] 5-6 show the assembly process of the container 1 with the bottom part 3 having two layers or discs 31, 32 and an intermediate layer 33, respectively at the beginning and end of the compression phase. The intermediate layer 33 is vertically compressible, in particular more compressible than the two discs, and is arranged in an otherwise hollow space within the ring-shaped connecting element 4. It forms an inner boundary to the receiving space 34 that receives the connecting element 4, preventing the material of the connecting element 4 from flowing radially inwards, in which case less material of the connecting element 4 is used than at the periphery. In a not shown embodiment, the intermediate layer 33 and the two discs 31, 32 are all compressed to a certain extent, causing the material of the connecting element 4 to flow outwards.

[0073] 7-8 show the assembly process of the container 1 with the bottom part 3 shaped to form the accommodation space 34 for the connecting element 4, respectively at the beginning and end of the compression phase. As shown in FIG. 7, the second disc 32 is not a whole disc but only a ring, and the intermediate layer 33 is a smaller disc that fits inside the second disc 32 or is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the ring. The plunger 12 is provided with a central forward protrusion 122 that corresponds to the shape of the second disc 32, so that the plunger 12 presses both the second disc 32 and the intermediate layer 33. As shown in FIG. 8, during the compression phase, the intermediate layer 33 is essentially pressed against the first disc 31 and forms the inner boundary to the accommodation space 34 for the connecting element 4.

[0074] In an embodiment not shown, the second disc 32 and the intermediate layer 33 face the inside of the container 1 and the anvil 11 instead of the plunger 12. In this case, the anvil 11 (instead of the plunger 12) is provided with a forward protrusion 112 corresponding to the shape of the second disc 32.

[0075] Figure 16 shows an anvil 11 having such a forward projection 112. The forward projection may be molded as part of the anvil 11 or, as shown, may be resiliently supported within the anvil 11 so that it can flex as the bottom portion 3 is compressed. In an embodiment, the forward projection 122 of the plunger 12 shown in Figures 7-8 is resiliently supported so as to be able to flex as the bottom portion 3 is compressed.

[0076] In an embodiment not shown, the intermediate layer 33 is not present and the forward protrusion protrudes until it at least partially abuts the first disc 31 in a compressed state, forming an inner boundary to the receiving space 34 for the connecting element 4.

[0077] The forward protrusion may be tapered or rounded rather than flat as in Figures 7-8, so as to push the material radially outwards from the connecting element 4. A plunger 12 having such a protrusion, referred to here as the plunger front face 121, is shown at the top of Figure 9. In combination with an anvil 11 having a flat front face, the described effect occurs.

[0078] 9 also shows the anvil 11 with a curved anvil front face 111. In combination with a correspondingly shaped plunger front face 121, the curved bottom portion 3 can be compressed or formed by compressing the flat bottom portion 3. In an embodiment, the plunger front face 121 has the shape shown in dashed lines, leaving a gap between the plunger 12 and the anvil 11 that is smaller in the center than at the periphery. This has the effect of forcing the material of the connecting element 4 outwards during the compression phase.

[0079] Such a curved anvil 11 and plunger 12 can be used to create or with a bottom portion 3 that is curved at least at its periphery. This can be combined with the bottom portion 3 being pressed into an opening in the end of the side wall 2 to which it is to be joined, creating a radial pretension between the bottom portion 3 and the side wall 2. Typically the curved bottom portion 3 has a convex side facing the inside of the container 1.

[0080] FIG. 17 shows a cross section of a container with a curved or arched bottom part 3. The curve or arch can be created by a correspondingly shaped anvil 11 and / or plunger 12, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. Alternatively, it can be created when creating a preassembled bottom part 3 by joining a first disc 31 and a second disc 32 in the central area of ​​the discs, the connecting element 4 being placed between them and still in an undeformed state. As shown, the compression of the first disc 31 and the second disc 32 can bring them into contact or close together in the center and spaced apart from each other at the periphery. In the embodiments not shown, only the first disc 31 or only the second disc 32 is present.

[0081] FIG. 18 shows such a pre-assembled bottom part 3 . FIG. 9 also shows a suction duct 113, which can be connected to a pump to generate a suction force when the bottom part 3 is placed against the anvil front face 111, holding the bottom part 3 in place before and during assembly. Alternatively, such a suction duct can be arranged in the plunger 12 to hold the bottom part 3 against the plunger 12, allowing the plunger 12 to pick up the bottom part 3, for example, from a feeder, hold it and place it on the anvil 11. Such a suction duct can be combined with the anvil 11 or plunger 12 of any of the other embodiments.

[0082] Figure 10 shows the restraining ring 14 and the various heating elements 13, 13' in the assembly apparatus. The restraining ring 14 is located on the outer periphery of the side wall 2 in the section that is joined to the bottom part 3. It holds and stabilizes the side wall 2 against the radial forces from the connecting elements 4 that are pressed against the side wall 2 during the compression phase.

[0083] There can be zero, one or more of the heating elements 13, 13'. The first heating element 13 can be arranged as part of the restraining ring 14 and heats the side wall 2 from the outside. The second heating element 13' can be arranged to heat the side wall 2 from the inside. This can be done by heated air and / or infrared radiation. The infrared radiation can be generated by a heated object. The purpose and effect of the heating in each case is to heat the inner surface of the side wall 2 prior to the compression stage. The inner surface can be treated to include the film layer 5 as explained above, or in other embodiments can be untreated. The heating of the inner surface facilitates bonding of the material of the connection element 4 to the inner surface.

[0084] 11-13 show cross sections of containers with different types of wall seams 9 in the side walls 2. By way of example, the cross sections are not circular, and it is understood that the types of wall seams 9 can be present for any shaped cross sections. The wall seams 9 are where the rolled veneer is joined to itself to have a tubular shape. FIG. 11 shows a wall seam 9 made by overlapping one end of the rolled veneer over the other. Seam adhesive 92 is present between the layers of veneer in the overlapping area. FIG. 12 shows a wall seam 9 made by placing edges of rolled veneer facing each other without overlapping and joining them by seam adhesive 92. FIG. 11 also shows the edges of the rolled veneer facing each other and seam elements 91 that cover the seam, overlapping the ends of the veneer and holding the seam together, with seam adhesive 92 between the seam elements 91 and the respective ends.

[0085] FIG. 14 shows a cross section of the anvil 11 fitted to a side wall with edges that overlap at the seam, similar to FIG. 11. The cross section of the side wall 2 is assumed to be circular. The anvil 11 is similar, but with a small step of diameter corresponding to the inner shape of the side wall 2 where the edges overlap. When assembling the container 1, the side wall 2 is placed on the anvil 11 oriented such that the step in the anvil 11 is below the step in the side wall 2. This has the effect of closing the gap between the anvil 11 and the side wall 2, which would otherwise be present and cause irregularities in the flow of the material of the connecting element 4 flowing outwardly, weakening the bond or tightness of the seal formed by the connecting element 4 at this location.

[0086] Figure 15 shows a connecting element 4 with different cross sections. In one embodiment, the cross section of the ring is rectangular. In another embodiment, it is triangular or trapezoidal. As a result, the surface of the first side 41 of the ring is larger than the surface of the opposite second side 42.

[0087] The effect of this is that the first (larger) side 41 may be arranged to face the first disc 31 and the second (smaller) side 42 to face the second disc 32 or, if the second disc 32 is not used, to face the plunger 12. By the plunger 12 acting as an ultrasonic sonotrode and imparting vibrational energy mainly at the smaller second side 42, the material of the connecting element 4 in the inner region of the ring near the first side 41 softens less than other outer regions and the material of the connecting element 4 flows mainly in an outward direction.

[0088] In another embodiment, the surfaces of both sides 41, 42 are the same, but between them the material extends more towards the center of the ring than near the two surfaces. Again, the material in the area extending towards the center softens less and resists flow in the inward direction.

[0089] Regardless of the exact shape, the connecting element 4 can be manufactured by stamping or cutting from a flat sheet of material, by casting a ring, or by extruding a strip of material and then cutting a section of the strip and forming a ring from this section. Alternatively, the connecting element 4 can be manufactured by extruding or otherwise manufacturing a tube and cutting the rings that constitute the connecting element 4 from the tube. Alternatively, the connecting element 4 can be manufactured by extruding the material of the connecting element 4 onto the bottom portion 3 or a part of the bottom portion 3, such as the first disc 31 or the second disc 32, or into the gap between the first disc 31 and the second disc 32 that have been preassembled. In either case, each ring can be closed to form a complete ring or opened to form a section of a ring.

[0090] For all embodiments, the elements of the bottom part 3 may be pre-assembled before being joined to the side wall 2. Such a pre-assembly may thus comprise at least the first disc 31 and the connecting element 4. The connecting element 4 may be manufactured by any of the methods described in the previous paragraph. In other embodiments, it may additionally comprise a second disc 32 and also an intermediate layer 33.

[0091] Generally, as shown in the previous embodiments, during assembly, the first disc 31 may face the anvil 11 and the connecting element 4 may be disposed on the side of the first disc 31 facing away from the anvil 11. The plunger 12 directly compresses the connecting element 4 either directly without the presence of the second disc 32 or through the second disc 32.

[0092] In an embodiment not shown, the first disc 31 faces the anvil 11 and the connecting element 4 is arranged on the side of the first disc 31 facing the anvil 11. That is to say, the connecting element 4 is located between the first disc 31 and the anvil 11. The anvil 11 can directly compress the connecting element 4 in the absence of the second disc 32 or via the second disc 32 arranged between the connecting element 4 and the anvil 11.

[0093] In some embodiments, the veneer is made from hardwood. In some embodiments, the veneer is made from softwood, especially pine, especially spruce. For thin veneers, hardwood is preferred over softwood. For food contact applications, non-softwood may be preferred, since the resins present in softwood may disperse into substances such as beverages and food. In embodiments, locally grown or natural species are preferred, to reduce the environmental impact of production. In Switzerland, such species are, for example, birch or beech or maple.

[0094] Regarding the distinction between hardwood and softwood, there are two general types of trees. Gymnosperms (seed plants that do not flower), conifers (female bodies with female flowers that release unwrapped seeds at maturity), usually known as evergreens (green leaves that gradually shed their leaves throughout the year), softwoods (non-porous, wood is typically lighter and softer) with needle-like or scale-like leaves. Examples: fir, spruce, pine.

[0095] · Angiosperms (flowering seed plants), fruiting (containing seeds), usually known as deciduous trees (all leaves are shed seasonally and some are leafless), hardwoods (wood structure is porous and more complex, wood is generally harder), with broad leaves. Examples: hickory, maple, oak.

[0096] While the present invention has been described in the present embodiment, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto and may be variously embodied and practiced in other ways within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a container (1), wherein the container (1) comprises: - a side wall (2) containing a cellulosic material and bent to have a tubular shape, - at least one bottom part (3) containing a cellulosic material, and - a connecting element (4) made of a soluble material and the method comprises: - arranging the connecting element (4) and the bottom part (3) at one end of the tubular shape within the side wall (2); - applying energy to the connecting element (4) to soften the connecting element (4); - compressing the connecting element (4) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the bottom part (3) extends, thereby expanding the softened connecting element (4) within the plane in which the bottom part (3) extends; - thereby joining the connecting element (4) to the side wall (2) and the bottom part (3). A method as claimed in claim 1.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bottom part (3) is made from at least two separate parts with the connecting element (4) disposed therebetween.

3. The method according to claim 2, including creating a pre-assembled bottom part (3) by joining the elements of the bottom part (3) before arranging the connecting element (4) and the bottom part (3) within the side wall (2).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when compressing the connecting element (4) and the bottom part (3), there is a gap between the outer edge (35) of the bottom part (3) and the side wall (2), and the expanding connecting element (4) covers the outer edge (35) of the bottom part (3).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting element (4) is a ring of solid material, and the ring is - punched or cut out from a sheet material, or - cast, or - made from filaments or strips of material bent to form the ring, or - cut out from an extruded tube, or - extruded onto the bottom part (3).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the connecting element (4) has a cross-section in the shape of one of a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, and a trapezoid.

7. Applying energy to the connecting element (4) comprises - heating the connecting element (4), and - applying mechanical energy to the connecting element (4). ​ ​ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one of them.

8. When compressing at least said connecting element (4), The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: a restraint ring (14) radially supporting the side wall (2) to counter the radial force of the expanding connecting element (4).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising preheating the side wall (2) in the region joined to the bottom part (3) before compressing and joining the connecting element (4).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising heating the joined elements during the compression and joining of the connecting element (4).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the side wall (2) is coated with a film of a material that improves the joining to the connecting element (4) and the bottom part (3), at least in the region joined to the bottom part (3).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer edge (35) of the bottom part (3) is coated to prevent liquid from entering the material of the bottom part (3).

13. Compressing the connecting element (4) is - Moving the plunger (12) towards the anvil (11) with the side wall (2) stationary relative to the anvil (11), the position of the side wall (2) being defined by the anvil (11), and - Moving the anvil (11) with the side wall (2) stationary relative to the plunger (12), the position of the side wall (2) being defined by the plunger (12), including one of them, The anvil (11) and the plunger (12) are shaped such that when they are moved towards each other to compress the bottom part (3) and the connecting element (4), a gap with a larger periphery than the center is left between them. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. A container (1) manufactured according to any one of claims 1 to 3, - A side wall (2) containing a cellulosic material and bent to have a tubular shape, - At least one bottom part (3) containing a cellulosic material, - A connecting element (4) made of a soluble material and comprising The container (1) wherein the connecting element (4) has an annular shape and is joined to the side wall (2) and the bottom portion (3).

15. An assembly device (10) configured to manufacture a container (1) according to the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, - an anvil (11) shaped according to the inner shape of the side wall (2) of the container (1) to be manufactured; - a plunger (12) configured to be moved towards the anvil (11) and compress an object disposed between the plunger (12) and the anvil (11); - means for applying energy to a connecting element (4) made of a soluble material to soften the connecting element (4), The assembly device (10) comprising.

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