Fiber-based object having a body and a thread and method for manufacturing such an object

Abstract

The object is integrally made of a fiber-based material and has a body wall (2) delimiting an interior of the object. The body wall (2) comprises a threaded portion having a thread (8). The thread (8) extends at least partially about a thread axis (Z8). In a plane including the thread axis (Z8), the thread has a cross-section of a convex shape (8.1) bulging away from the thread axis (Z8) so as to delimit an interior thread space (8.2). The interior thread space (8.2) having an axial height (H8.2) and a radial width (W8.2). The axial height (H8.2) is larger than the radial width (W8.2).

Description

[0001] ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0002] P62845 / WO

[0003] 1

[0004] FIBER-BASED OBJECT HAVING A BODY AND A THREAD AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH AN OBJECT

[0005] 1. Field of the invention

[0006] The present invention is directed to an object, for example a container, which is integrally made of a fiber-based material and which has a body and a thread. The invention is also directed to a method for manufacturing such an object out of fiber-based material.

[0007] 2. Technical background

[0008] There is a general trend to manufacture objects, in particular containers like paper bottles, out of fiber-based materials. A wet fiber-based material is compressed into the desired shape by means of an inflatable core stretching out inside and expanding the wet fiber-based material. As an example of such objects, paper bottles are currently designed after the existing polymer bottles which have been optimized for being manufactured by injection molding, and which usually have sharp V-shaped threads in cross-section and engagement angles less than 40 degrees from the horizontal plane.

[0009] While paper bottles having such threads can also be manufactured by the above- mentioned compression method, albeit with significant challenges in the compression of fibers, the finished bottles happen to have a relatively low mechanical strength. The resistance of the thread against deformation can be quite low, in particular when the thread is axially loaded by a closing torque. Further, the quality of the surface sometimes happens to be fuzzy, with uncompressed fibers loosely protruding, which can affect the visual appearance of the thread and its tightness to fluids.

[0010] 3. Summary

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an object that contributes to obviating or at least alleviating some or all of the afore-mentioned problems. An aspect of the present disclosure provides an object integrally made of a fiber-based material and having a body wall delimiting an interior of the object, wherein the body wall comprises a threaded portion having a thread, wherein the thread extends about a thread axis; i.e. at least partially or (at least once) fully about the thread axis, wherein, in a plane including the thread axis, at least a main portion of the thread has a cross-section of a convex shape bulging away from the thread axis so as to delimit an ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0012] P62845 / WO

[0013] 2 interior thread space, the interior thread space having an axial height and a radial width, and wherein the axial height is larger than the radial width.

[0014] As the axial height is larger than the radial width, the thread space can offer enough room for suitably accommodating an inflatable core. With this enhanced access, the inflatable core can penetrate into the entire thread space and stretch out to more uniformly compress the fibers, that is, to apply pressure uniformly on substantially every single area inside the thread. Due to this enhanced design of the threaded portion, the compression can be improved, and the wet fiber-based material can expand uniformly, which yields a higher overall mechanical resistance.

[0015] As the convex shape is bulging away from the thread axis, the thread may in particular be a male thread, which is configured to engage with a corresponding female thread. The female thread can be provided on a threaded element, for example a threaded cap, that can cooperate with the male threaded portion along a connection direction essentially matching the thread axis as the threaded element is screwed on the object, for example a container.

[0016] The main portion may represent the longest portion of the thread. The thread may comprise, in addition to the main portion, a starting portion and / or an end portion. The starting portion or the end portion maybe configured to be engaged respectively when a user starts or ends screwing on the thread a complementary thread, for example a female thread on a threaded cap.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the thread may further comprise a starting portion, which tapers, preferably uniformly, when extending about the thread axis away from the main portion, wherein, preferably, the starting portion may extend about the thread axis along an angular sector of 60 degrees to 120 degrees, more preferably of 80 degrees to too degrees, and / or wherein, preferably, an outer axial height of a beginning of the starting portion, the beginning being most distanced to the main portion along the extension of the starting portion, maybe in a range of between 10% and 60%, preferably of between 25% and 45%, with respect to an outer axial height of the main portion.

[0018] Thus, such a starting portion can guide a corresponding threaded element, which facilitates the initial engagement onto the threaded portion.

[0019] According to an embodiment, a ratio of the radial width to the axial height may be in a range of 1.0 : 1.2 to 1.0 : 10.0, or in a range of 1.0 : 1.5 to 1.0 : 8.0. The range of 1.0 : 1.5 ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0020] 3 to 1.0 : 8.0 may be preferred to the range of 1.0 : 1.2 to 1.0 : 10.0. A still preferable range may be 1.0 : 4.0 to 1.0 : 6.0.

[0021] Thus, with such a ratio, the thread space can suitably accommodate an inflatable core, while conferring a relatively high mechanical resistance to the thread.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the axial height may be in a range of 0.2 to 10 mm, or in a range of 0.5 to 8.0 mm. The range of 0.5 to 8.0 mm maybe preferred to the range of 0.2 to 10 mm.

[0023] Thus, with such an axial height, the thread can be configured to cooperate with various female threaded elements, while ensuring the required tightness to fluids.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the body wall, at least in the threaded portion, may have a wall thickness in a range of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm, or in a range of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm or in a range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm. The range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm may be preferred to the range of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, which may in turn be preferred to the range of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm.

[0025] Thus, the wall thickness can give the required tightness to the thread, while limiting the quantity of fiber-tight material for manufacturing the object.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the thread space or the convex shape may widen radially towards the thread axis or from an outermost surface of the thread space towards the interior of the object. The thread space or the convex shape may taper from the interior of the object towards the exterior of the threaded portion.

[0027] Thus, such a geometry of the thread space can offer a larger entrance to the inflatable core, hence facilitate its expansion into the thread space.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the convex shape may comprise a first thread section and a second thread section which delimit axially opposite ends of the thread space, and an intermediate thread section j oining the first and second thread sections, the intermediate thread section delimiting a radially outward side of the thread space.

[0029] Thus, the convex shape can have a smooth outline, which allows the inflatable core to apply a more uniform pressure on the inner side of the thread.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the intermediate thread section may extend substantially parallel to the thread axis.

[0031] Thus, the thread can have a flat, cylindrical sidewall on which the inflatable core may uniformly exert radial pressure forces.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the first thread section may be directly connected to the intermediate thread section by a first transition section of the convex shape, wherein ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0033] P62845 / WO

[0034] 4 preferably the first transition section may have an inner radius comprised between o.i mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, and / or the second thread section may be directly connected to the intermediate thread section by a second transition section of the convex shape, wherein preferably the second transition section may have an inner radius comprised between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm.

[0035] Thus, the first transition section and / or the second transition section can form oblique walls for bearing obliquely-oriented stresses of a closing torque, while giving the convex shape a smooth outline and thus help limiting stress concentrations.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the threaded portion may comprise:

[0037] • a first wall section extending at a first axial end of the thread or at least of the main portion away from the thread space, and / or

[0038] • a second wall section extending at a second axial end of the thread or at least of the main portion being axially opposite to first axial end with respect to the thread space, and away from the thread space.

[0039] Thus, the first wall section and / or the second wall section can join the threaded portion to further components of the object, for example a top opening ring or a containing body.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the first thread section may be directly connected to the first wall section by a first connection transition section of the threaded portion, wherein preferably the first connection transition section may have an outer radius comprised between 0.1 mm and 8.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 6.0 mm, and / or the second thread section may be directly connected to the second wall section by a second connection transition section of the threaded portion, wherein preferably the second connection transition section may have an outer radius comprised between 0.1 mm and 8.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 6.0 mm.

[0041] Thus, the first connection transition section and / or the second connection transition section can give the convex shape a smooth outline, which can help limiting stress concentrations.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the first thread section may form a first inflection point between the first transition section and the first connection transition section, and / or the second thread section may form a second inflection point between the second transition section and the second connection transition section.

[0043] Thus, the first inflection point and / or the second inflection point provide smooth transitions in the first thread section and / or the second thread section, respectively. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0044] 5

[0045] According to an embodiment, the convex shape of the cross-section may have substantially a U-shape.

[0046] Thus, the threaded portion can be relatively easy to manufacture, while helping to generate a relatively large closing torque.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the thread or at least the main portion may extend at least once about the thread axis, and / or the thread, at least the main portion and / or the starting portion, may extend continuously or discontinuously about the thread axis.

[0048] Thus, the thread can help generate a relatively large closing torque.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the object may be integrally made of a molded pulp material as the fiber-based material, and / or the fiber-based material may comprise cellulose fibers, such as cellulose fibers obtained from wood, and / or fibers of an alternative type, such as non-wood fibers, in particular hemp, straw, bagasse, bamboo and / or other agricultural fibers, and / or the fiber-based material may comprise a fiber content of at least 6o% or at least 70% or at least 80% or at least 90% or at least 95% or at least 98% or at least 99%.

[0050] Thus, such fiber-based materials can be suitably handled, wetted, deformed, and dried, while having an increased biodegradability and possibly recyclability.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the body wall may define an opening to enter the interior of the object, wherein at least part of the interior of the object may be surrounded by the threaded portion.

[0052] Thus, such an opening allows introducing and accessing some desired content, for example a fluid, into and out of the interior of the object.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the object may further comprise a receiving portion defining a space as a part of the interior of the object for receiving and / or storing a material, and preferably, the receiving portion may be fluidly connected with the opening via the threaded portion or the neck portion if present.

[0054] Thus, such a receiving portion can receive and contain some desired content, for example a fluid.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the object may be a container, for example a bottle or a tube or a jar or a tin, and / or the threaded portion may define at least part of a neck portion of the object. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0056] 6

[0057] Thus, such a container can contain some desired content, for example a fluid.

[0058] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an object according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: producing the object by use of a moulded fiber technology, preferably by wet moulded fiber technology or by diy moulded fiber technology.

[0059] Thus, such a method enables to manufacture easily an object according to the abovedetailed aspect and embodiments.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the method may further comprise, during and / or after production of the object, compressing the fiber-based material at least at the threaded portion by applying pressure from the interior of the object towards an exterior of the object, wherein the compression is preferably applied by an inflatable core, which lies, more preferably uniformly, against an inner side of the thread facing the thread space.

[0061] The inner side of the thread maybe defining or delimiting the thread space.

[0062] Thus, such compressing step(s) enable to apply a suitable pressure inside the threaded portion, which can yield a relatively high mechanical resistance.

[0063] According to an independent aspect, which may form the subject matter of a claim to patent protection independently from the aspects and any one of the other embodiments described in this summary, an object integrally made of a fiber-based material and having a body wall delimiting an interior of the object, wherein the body wall comprises a threaded portion having a thread, wherein the thread extends at least partially about a thread axis, wherein, in a plane including the thread axis, the thread has a cross-section of a convex shape bulging away from the thread axis so as to delimit an interior thread space, the interior thread space having an axial height, and wherein the thread comprises a starting portion and a main portion, the axial height tapering, preferably uniformly, along the starting portion towards a beginning of the starting portion.

[0064] Thus, such a starting portion can guide a corresponding threaded element, which facilitates the initial engagement onto the threaded portion.

[0065] Optionally or preferably, the starting portion may extend about the thread axis along an angular sector of 6o degrees to 120 degrees, more preferably of 80 degrees to too degrees. Optionally or preferably, the axial height may decrease of between 10% and ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0066] 7

[0067] 6o%, preferably of between 25% and 45%, from the main portion up to the beginning of the starting portion.

[0068] In the present disclosure, the terms “top”, “bottom” and equivalents may be read as referring to a position where the object is in use, that is, when containing some desired content. The terms “axial”, “axially” and equivalents may be read as referring to the thread axis or any direction parallel to it.

[0069] The words “comprise”, “include”, “have” and their derivatives are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. The term “and / or” used in the context of “X and / or Y” should be interpreted as “X,” or “Y,” or “X and Y.”

[0070] 4. Brief description of drawings

[0071] Further features, details and advantages of the present invention are described hereinafter, in particular in relation to the appended figures, which illustrate, schematically and not on scale, some of the afore-described aspects, embodiments and implementations thereof, and in which:

[0072] Fig.i shows a side view of an object, herein a bottle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] Fig.2 shows an enlarged cutaway perspective view of a thread of the object of Fig.i;

[0074] Fig.3 shows a cross-section of the thread of Fig.2 in section plane III of Fig.2;

[0075] Fig.4 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for manufacturing an object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example the bottle of Fig.i;

[0076] Fig.5 illustrates a step of the method of Fig.4;

[0077] Fig.6 shows a threaded portion of an object according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] Fig.7 shows a top perspective view of an object, herein also a bottle, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] Fig.8 shows a side view of the object of Fig.7;

[0080] Fig.9 shows an enlarged view of detail IX in Fig.8. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0081] 8

[0082] 5. Detailed description

[0083] Fig.i to 3 illustrate a bottle 1, which is an object integrally made of a fiber-based material. The bottle i has a body wall 2, which delimits an interior 4 (Fig.2) of the bottle 1 and which may be cylindrical. The body wall 2 comprises a threaded portion 6, which has a thread 8. The threaded portion 6 may define a part of a neck portion 10 of the bottle 1.

[0084] The thread 8 extends about a thread axis Z8, which may also be an axis of revolution for the threaded portion 6 and for the body wall 2. As visible on Fig.i, the thread 8 may extend more than once about the thread axis Z8. Further, the thread 8 may extend continuously about the thread axis Z8. The thread 8 can help generate a relatively large closing torque. The thread 8 may thus be formed entirely by a main portion 8.6.

[0085] The body wall 2 may define an opening 12 for some not shown content material, for example a liquid, to enter the interior 4 (Fig.2) of the bottle 1. The top portion of the interior 4 of the bottle 1 may be surrounded by the threaded portion 6. The opening 12 allows introducing and accessing the liquid into and out of the interior 4 of the bottle 1.

[0086] The bottle 1 may further comprise a receiving portion 14, which defines a space as a part of the interior 4 of the bottle 1 for receiving and / or storing the liquid. In the example of Fig.i, the receiving portion 14 may represent the bottom and the largest part of the interior 4 of the bottle 1. The receiving portion 14 may be fluidly connected with the opening 12 via the threaded portion 6 and / or the neck portion 10.

[0087] In a plane P8 including the thread axis Z8, herein in the plane of the Fig.3, the thread 8 has a cross-section of a convex shape 8.1, which bulges away from the thread axis Z8 so as to delimit an interior thread space 8.2. As the convex shape is bulging away from the thread axis Z8, the thread 8 may be a male thread, which is configured to engage with a not shown corresponding female thread.

[0088] As visible on Fig.3, the convex shape 8.1 of the cross-section may have substantially a U-shape. Besides, the interior thread space 8.2, or the convex shape, may widen radially towards the thread axis Z8 or from an outermost surface of the interior thread space 8.2 towards the interior 4 of the bottle 1. The interior thread space 8.2 or the convex shape may taper from the interior 4 of the bottle 1 towards the exterior of the threaded portion 6.

[0089] As shown in Fig.3, the interior thread space 8.2 has an axial height H8.2 and a radial width W8.2. The axial height H8.2 is larger than the radial width W8.2. The axial height H8.2 may be measured parallel to the thread axis Z8, while the radial width W8.2 may be measured perpendicular to the thread axis Z8. The axial height H8.2 and the radial width W8.2 maybe defined as hereafter-detailed. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0090] 9

[0091] The convex shape 8.1 may comprise a first thread section 16 and a second thread section 18, which together delimit axially opposite ends of the interior thread space 8.2. The first thread section 16 and the second thread section 18 may extend obliquely in respect of the thread axis Z8 and a radial direction X8.

[0092] Further, the convex shape 8.1 may comprise an intermediate thread section 20, which may be connected to the first and second thread sections 16 and 18. The intermediate thread section 20 may delimit a radially outward side of the interior thread space 8.2. The intermediate thread section 20 may extend substantially parallel to the thread axis Z8. The intermediate thread section 20 may form a flat, cylindrical sidewall for the thread 8.

[0093] The first thread section 16 may be directly connected to the intermediate thread section 20 by a first transition section 21 of the convex shape 8.1. The second thread section 18 may be directly connected to the intermediate thread section 20 by a second transition section 22 of the convex shape 8.1.

[0094] The first transition section 21 may have an inner radius R2i-in comprised between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, e.g. of about 0.75 mm. The first transition section 21 may have an outer radius R2i-out of between 0.2 mm to 8.0 mm, preferably of between 0.3 mm to 6.0 mm.

[0095] The radii in the present description may be termed “inner” and “outer” in respect of the curved section they define; for a given curved section, the inner radius is usually smaller than the outer radius.

[0096] The second transition section 22 may have an inner radius R22-in comprised between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, e.g. of about 0.75 mm. The second transition section 22 may have an outer radius R22-out of between 0.2 mm to 8.0 mm, preferably of between 0.3 mm to 6.0 mm.

[0097] The first transition section 21 and the second transition section 22 may have substantially curved shapes, partly frustoconical or partly toroidal.

[0098] Further, the threaded portion 6 may comprise:

[0099] • a first wall section 24 extending at a not shown first axial end (herein upper end) of the thread 8 (or at least of the main portion 8.6) away from the interior thread space 8.2, and

[0100] • a second wall section 26 extending at a not shown second axial end (herein lower end) of the thread 8 (or at least of the main portion 8.6) away from the interior thread space 8.2 and axially opposite to first axial end with respect to the interior thread space 8.2. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0101] 10

[0102] The first wall section 24 can join the threaded portion 6 to the opening 12, while the second wall section 26 can join the threaded portion 6 to the body, hence to the interior 4 of the bottle 1.

[0103] The first thread section 16 may be directly connected to the first wall section 24 by a first connection transition section 31 of the threaded portion 6. The second thread section 18 may be directly connected to the second wall section 26 by a second connection transition section 32 of the threaded portion 6.

[0104] The first connection transition section 31 may have an outer radius R3i-out comprised between 0.1 mm and 8.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 6.0 mm. The first connection transition section 31 may have an inner radius R3i-in of between 0.0 mm to 4.0 mm, preferably of between 0.0 mm to 2.0 mm, e.g. of about 0.25 mm.

[0105] The second connection transition section 32 may have an outer radius R32-out comprised between 0.1 mm and 8.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 6.0 mm. The second connection transition section 32 may have an inner radius R32-in of between 0.0 mm to 4.0 mm, preferably of between 0.0 mm to 2.0 mm, e.g. of about 0.25 mm.

[0106] The first thread section 16 may form a first inflection point 16.1 between the first transition section 21 and the first connection transition section 31. The second thread section 18 may form a second inflection point 18.1 between the second transition section 22 and the second connection transition section 32.

[0107] The axial height H8.2 maybe defined as the distance between i) the first inflection point 16.1 and ii) the second inflection point 18.1 iii) as measured parallel to the thread axis Z8. As the interior thread space 8.2 may widen radially towards the thread axis Z8, an axial height of the interior thread space 8.2 may be minimal at the inner sidewall of the intermediate thread section 20. In the example of Fig.3, this minimal axial height may also be larger than the radial width W8.2.

[0108] The radial width W8.2 may be defined as the “depth” of the interior thread space 8.2, that is, the radial distance, i) as measured along the radial direction X8, hence perpendicular to the thread axis Z8, and between i) the inner side of the intermediate thread section 20 and ii) a linear segment that joins ii-i) a first inner intersection point 21.31 of the first wall section 24 and the first connection transition section 31, and ii- ii) a second intersection point 22.32 of the second wall section 26 and the second connection transition section 32.

[0109] Herein the axial height H8.2 maybe about 8.0 mm; the radial width W8.2 maybe about 1.6 mm. A ratio (W8.2 : H8.2) of the radial width W8.2 to the axial height H8.2 may herein be about 1.0 : 5.0. The body wall 2, at least in the threaded portion 6, may herein have a wall thickness T2 of about 0.5 mm. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0110] 11

[0111] In the example of Fig.1-3, the wall thickness T2 may be constant in the threaded portion 6, apart from the first and second connection transition sections 31 and 32. The wall thickness of the body wall may be constant all along the threaded portion and / or along the object. Alternatively, the wall thickness of the body wall may vary, i.e., become thinner or thicker, along the threaded portion and / or along the object.

[0112] The bottle 1 is integrally made a fiber-based material. The fiber-based material may be selected as a molded pulp material. The fiber-based material may comprise cellulose fibers, for example obtained from wood. The fiber-based material may comprise a fiber content of at least 60%, preferably of at least 70%, more preferably of at least 80%, still more preferably of at least 90%, yet more preferably of at least 95%, farther more preferably of at least 98%, and most preferably of at least 99%.

[0113] Thus, such fiber-based materials can be suitably handled, wetted, deformed, and dried, while having an increased biodegradability and possibly recyclability.

[0114] - Fig.4 shows a method 101 for manufacturing e.g. the bottle 1 comprises 102) producing the bottle 1 by use of a moulded fiber technology, preferably by wet moulded fiber technology or by dry moulded fiber technology.

[0115] The method may further comprise, during and / or after production of the bottle 1, 104) compressing the fiber-based material at least at the threaded portion 6 by applying pressure from the interior 4 of the bottle 1 towards an exterior of the bottle 1.

[0116] As shown in Fig.5, the compression may be applied by an inflatable core 51 (see Fig.5), which lies, under pressure, uniformly against an inner side of the thread 8 facing the interior thread space 8.2. The inner side of the thread 8 may be defining or delimiting the interior thread space 8.2.

[0117] The method may further comprise 106) drying the object to obtain the finished bottle 1.

[0118] - As visible on Fig.5, since the axial height H8.2 is larger than the radial width W8.2, the interior thread space 8.2 can offer enough room for suitably accommodating an inflatable core 51. With this enhanced access, the inflatable core 51 can penetrate into the entire thread space 8.2 and stretch out to more uniformly compress the fibers, that is, to apply pressure uniformly on substantially every single area inside the thread 8.

[0119] - Fig.6 partially shows an object according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. The object of Fig.6 may be similar to the bottle 1 depicted in relation to Fig.i to 3, apart from the following notable differences.

[0120] Like in the embodiment of Fig.i to 3, on the threaded portion 6 of the object, the convex shape 8.1 is bulging away from the thread axis Z8, and the thread 8 maybe a male thread.

[0121] In addition to the embodiment of Fig.i to 3, the thread 8 may be configured to engage ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0122] 12 with a corresponding female thread 61. The female thread 61 may be provided on a threaded cap 62, which can cooperate with the (male) threaded portion 6 along a connection direction essentially matching the thread axis Z8 as the threaded cap 62 is screwed on the object. When a closing torque is exerted on the female thread 61 and male thread 8, the threaded cap 62 may be closing the object.

[0123] As notable differences with the embodiment of Fig.i to 3, the ratio (W8.2 : H8.2) of the radial width W8.2 to the axial height H8.2 may be varying, i.e., be not constant, over the whole of thread 8. In particular, the radial width W8.2 may decrease while the axial height remains constant, his ratio (W8.2 : H8.2) may for example take various values within the range of 1.0 : 1.2 to 1.0 : 10.0, or within the range of 1.0 : 1.5 to 1.0 : 8.0. The variation of this ratio (W8.2 : H8.2) may preferably be continuous or regular. Besides, the thread pitch (distance spanning two successive threads) maybe varied along an axial direction in this embodiment and possibly in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0124] - Fig.7 to 9 show an object, herein a bottle 1, according to a further embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure. The bottle 1 of Fig.7 to 9 may be similar to the bottle 1 depicted in relation to Fig.i to 3 to a point where the entire description of Fig.i to 3 may apply to the bottle 1 of Fig.7 to 9, apart from the following notable differences.

[0125] The subject matter of Fig.7 to 9 may form an independent aspect, which may form the subject matter of a claim to patent protection independently from the aspects and any one of the other embodiments described in this detailed description.

[0126] Like in the embodiment of Fig.i to 3, the bottle 1 of Fig.7 to 9 is an object integrally made of a fiber-based material. The bottle 1 of Fig.7 to 9 has a body wall 2, which delimits an interior 4 of the bottle 1 and which may be cylindrical. The body wall 2 comprises a threaded portion 6, which has a (male) thread 8. The threaded portion 6 may define a part of a neck portion 10 of the bottle 1 of Fig.7 to 9.

[0127] The thread 8 (or at least the main portion 8.6) of Fig.7 to 9 extends continuously and more than once about the thread axis Z8 like in Fig.i to 3. The body wall 2 of Fig.7 to 9 may define an opening 12 and a receiving portion 14 like in Fig.i to 3.

[0128] In a plane including the thread axis Z8, the thread 8 has a cross-section of a convex shape (not referenced in Fig.7-9), which bulges away from the thread axis Z8 so as to delimit a not shown interior thread space, like in Fig.1-3.

[0129] As visible on Fig.7 to 9, the convex shape of the cross-section may have substantially a U-shape. Besides, the thread space, or the convex shape, may widen radially towards the thread axis Z8. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO

[0130] 13

[0131] As shown in Fig.9, the interior thread space 8.2 has an axial height. The axial height H8.2 maybe measured parallel to the thread axis Z8. The axial height maybe defined as afore- detailed in relation to Fig.i to 3.

[0132] As a notable difference, the thread 8 may comprise a starting portion 8.4 further to the main portion 8.6, while the thread 8 of Fig.i to 3 may be formed entirely by the main portion 8.6. The main portion 8.6 may extend on a longer distance about the thread axis Z8 than the starting portion 8.4. The starting portion 8.4 may be located closer to the opening 12 than the main portion 8.6. Thus, the starting portion 8.4 maybe the first portion of the thread 8 that can be engaged when a user starts screwing on the thread 8 a female threaded element, for example a not shown threaded cap similar to the threaded cap 62 of Fig.6.

[0133] The starting portion 8.4 may be tapering, preferably uniformly, when extending about the thread axis (Z8) away from the away from the main portion 8.6. In the example of Fig.7 to 9, the starting portion 8.4 may be tapering towards a beginning 8.40 of the starting portion 8.4. The beginning 8.40 may be most distanced to the main portion 8.6 along the extension of the starting portion 8.4. The starting portion 8.4 may herein extend about the thread axis Z8 along an angular sector of about 90 degrees. An outer axial height H8.4 at the beginning 8.40 of the starting portion 8.4 may represent about 40% of an outer axial height H8.6 of the main portion 8.6.

[0134] Thus, such a starting portion 8.4 can guide a corresponding threaded element, which facilitates the initial engagement onto the threaded portion 6.

[0135] The invention defined in the appended claims is not limited to the afore-described objects, aspects, embodiments and implementations, most of which maybe combined.

Claims

ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO14Claims1. An object (i) integrally made of a fiber-based material and having a body wall (2) delimiting an interior (4) of the object (1), wherein the body wall (2) comprises a threaded portion (6) having a thread (8), wherein the thread (8) extends about a thread axis (Z8), wherein, in a plane including the thread axis (Z8), at least a main portion (8.6) of the thread (8) has a cross-section of a convex shape (8.1) bulging away from the thread axis (Z8) so as to delimit an interior thread space (8.2), the interior thread space (8.2) having an axial height (H8.2) and a radial width (W8.2), and wherein the axial height (H8.2) is larger than the radial width (W8.2).

2. The object (1) according to claim 1, wherein the thread (8) further comprises a starting portion (8.4) which tapers, preferably uniformly, when extending about the thread axis (Z8) away from the main portion (8.6), wherein, preferably, the starting portion (8.4) extends about the thread axis (Z8) along an angular sector of 60 degrees to 120 degrees, more preferably of 80 degrees to too degrees, and / or wherein, preferably, an outer axial height (H8.4) of a beginning (8.40) of the starting portion (8.4), the beginning (8.40) being most distanced to the main portion (8.6) along the extension of the starting portion (8.4), is in a range of between 10% and 60%, preferably of between 25% and 45%, with respect to an outer axial height (H8.6) of the main portion (8.6).

3. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of the radial width (W8.2) to the axial height (H8.2) is in a range of 1.0 : 1.2 to 1.0 : 10.0, or in a range of 1.0 : 1.5 to 1.0 : 8.0.

4. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial height (H8.2) is in a range of 0.2 to 10 mm, or in a range of 0.5 to 8.0 mm.

5. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body wall (2), at least in the threaded portion (6), has a wall thickness (T2) in a range ofALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO15 o.i mm to 4.0 mm, or in a range of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm or in a range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

6. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thread space (8.2) or the convex shape (8.1) widens radially towards the thread axis (Z8) or from an outermost surface of the thread space (8.2) towards the interior (4) of the object (1).

7. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the convex shape (8.1) comprises a first thread section (16) and a second thread section (18) which delimit axially opposite ends of the thread space (8.2), and an intermediate thread section (20) joining the first (16) and second (18) thread sections, the intermediate thread section (20) delimiting a radially outward side of the thread space (8.2).

8. The object (1) according to claim 7, wherein the intermediate thread section (20) extends substantially parallel to the thread axis (Z8).

9. The object (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the first thread section (16) is directly connected to the intermediate thread section (20) by a first transition section (21) of the convex shape (8.1), wherein preferably the first transition section has an inner radius (R2i-in) comprised between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, and / or wherein the second thread section (18) is directly connected to the intermediate thread section (20) by a second transition section (22) of the convex shape (8.1), wherein preferably the second transition section (22) has an inner radius (R22-in) comprised between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm.

10. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded portion (6) comprises:• a first wall section (24) extending at a first axial end of the thread (8) or at least of the main portion (8.6) away from the thread space (8.2), and / orALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO16• a second wall section (26) extending at a second axial end of the thread (8) or at least of the main portion (8.6) being axially opposite to first axial end with respect to the thread space (8.2), and away from the thread space (8.2).

11. The object (1) according to claims 7 and 10, wherein the first thread section (16) is directly connected to the first wall section (22) by a first connection transition section (31) of the threaded portion (6), wherein preferably the first connection transition section (31) has an outer radius (R3i-out) comprised between 0.1 mm and 8.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 6.0 mm, and / or wherein the second thread section (18) is directly connected to the second wall section (26) by a second connection transition section (32) of the threaded portion (6), wherein preferably the second connection transition section (32) has an outer radius (R32-out) comprised between 0.1 mm and 8.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 6.0 mm.

12. The object (1) according to claims 9 and 11, wherein the first thread section (16) forms a first inflection point (21.31) between the first transition section (21) and the first connection transition section (31), and / or wherein the second thread section (18) forms a second inflection point (22) between the second transition section (22) and the second connection transition section (32).

13. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the convex shape (8.1) of the cross-section has substantially a U-shape.

14. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thread (8) or at least the main portion (8.6) extends at least once about the thread axis (Z8), and / or wherein the thread (8), at least the main portion (8.6) and / or the starting portion (8.4), extends continuously or discontinuously about the thread axis (Z8).ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO1715. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the object (1) is integrally made of a molded pulp material as the fiber-based material, and / or wherein the fiber-based material comprises cellulose fibers, such as cellulose fibers obtained from wood, and / or fibers of an alternative type, such as non-wood fibers, in particular hemp, straw, bagasse, bamboo and / or other agricultural fibers, and / or wherein the fiber-based material comprises a fiber content of at least 60% or at least 70% or at least 80% or at least 90% or at least 95% or at least 98% or at least 99%.

16. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body wall (2) defines an opening (12) to enter the interior (4) of the object (1), wherein at least part of the interior (4) of the object (1) is surrounded by the threaded portion (6).

17. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a receiving portion (14) defining a space as a part of the interior (4) of the object (1) for receiving and / or storing a material, and wherein, preferably, the receiving portion (14) is fluidly connected with the opening (12) via the threaded portion (6) or the neck portion (10) if present.

18. The object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the object (1) is a container, for example a bottle or a tube or ajar or a tin, and / or wherein the threaded portion (6) defines at least part of a neck portion of the obj ect (1).

19. A method (101) for manufacturing an object (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:(102) producing the object (1) by use of a moulded fiber technology, preferably by wet moulded fiber technology or by dry moulded fiber technology.ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62845 / WO1820. The method (101) according to claim 19, further comprising, during and / or after production of the object (1),(104) compressing the fiber-based material at least at the threaded portion (6) by applying pressure from the interior (4) of the object (1) towards an exterior of the object (1), wherein the compression is preferably applied by an inflatable core (51), which lies, more preferably uniformly, against an inner side of the thread (8) facing the thread space (8.2).

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