Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A blank for a container and a container made from said blank
Description
The present invention relates to a blank for a container, particularly a
container wall,
comprising an upper and lower peripheral edge and first and second connection
edges laterally connecting the peripheral edges, each of said connection edges
extending along overlap regions that are interconnectable for shaping the
container.
The present invention also relates to a container that can be made from said
blank,
said container being provided, apart from the container wall, with at least
one lower
bottom member which is surrounded by the container wall and connected to the
wall
in fluid-tight fashion. Opposite to the bottom member, a discharge opening,
which is
optionally closable by a cover member, is surrounded by the container wall.
So far it has already been known in practice that such a blank or a container
made
therefrom is equipped in the container wall with at least one inspection
opening that
may be used for looking from the outside of the container into the interior of
the
container. This helps, for instance, to check the filling or filling level of
the container
and, optionally, also to check the quality of the container contents.
Container
contents of this type may e.g. be food which can be consumed through an upper
discharge opening of the container, for instance beverage, yoghurt, ice cream,
pourable or loose foodstuff, or the like.
To make such an inspection opening in the blank, said opening has so far been
made by a separate tool in the corresponding blank. For instance, when it is
produced by way of punching, it is not only the correspondingly punched-out
part of
the blank that has to be removed, but normally an ejector means has to be
provided
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in addition, whereby a detachment of the blank from the corresponding tool is
made
possible after the punching operation. The punched-out part is normally
removed by
suction, or the like. The production method for the blank and the
corresponding
apparatus are thus relatively complicated and expensive.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the blank or the container wall made from
the
blank has in part only a low stability or dimensional stiffness in the area of
the
inspection opening, depending on the material used for the blank. This may
have the
effect that leakage arises in the area of the inspection opening, which is
e.g. caused
during handling of the container and by corresponding pressure applied to the
container in the area of the inspection opening.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve a blank or a
container
such that its manufacture is simplified and less expensive and that the
inspection
opening is made more stable and has a greater load bearing capacity at the
same
time.
More specifically, the above object is achieved by a blank for at least a
container
wall of a container, comprising an upper and a lower peripheral edge and first
and
second connection edges laterally connecting said peripheral edges, each of
said
connection edges extending along overlap regions which are interconnectable
for
shaping the container, characterized in that at least one peripheral opening
is
formed in at least each of the overlap regions, said peripheral openings
overlapping
one another at least in part upon connection of the overlap regions to form an
inspection opening.
The above object is also achieved by a container comprising a container wall
and a
lower bottom member which is surrounded by the container wall and connected to
said wall in fluid-tight fashion, a discharge opening being surrounded by the
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container wall at a location opposite to the bottom member, characterized in
that
the container wall is made from a blank according to any one of the preceding
claims.
Peripheral edges in at least each of the overlap regions along the first and
second
connection edges of the blank can be produced during a corresponding edge
trimming without the need for separate tools for making corresponding openings
in
the blank outside the overlap regions. Since edge trimming is carried out at
any rate
during manufacture of the blank, said manufacturing step can simultaneously be
used for making the corresponding peripheral openings. Due to the arrangement
of
the peripheral openings in the overlap region, the corresponding parts of the
blank
that have been removed for making the peripheral openings can be disposed off
together with the waste parts arising during edge trimming. A separate
disposal of
waste parts formed outside the overlap regions is no longer necessary.
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Accordingly, there is also no need for corresponding ejector means for
detaching the
blank e.g. from a punching tool for an otherwise standard inspection opening.
Since a peripheral opening is formed in at least each of the overlap regions,
the
inspection opening composed thereof after connection of the overlap regions is
also
arranged in the overlap region. Since at said place the wall thickness of the
container is essentially twice as large as the remaining container wall due to
the
connection of the two overlap regions, the inspection opening is arranged in a
reinforced area of the container and thus more stable and can be subjected to
higher
loads without loss in fluid tightness.
Furthermore, the detachment of the blank from the corresponding tool during
edge
trimming can be facilitated when the peripheral opening is designed as a
peripheral
recess that is open to the outside towards the connection edge. Said
peripheral
recesses will then overlap at least in part during shaping of the container
with
formation of the corresponding inspection opening.
To obtain a sufficiently large inspection opening with minimal efforts, it may
be
regarded as advantageous when the peripheral openings are entirely overlapping
for
forming the corresponding inspection opening and, optionally, have the same
shape
as well. To this end said peripheral openings may e.g. be arranged at the same
distance from the upper and/or lower peripheral edge.
The manufacture of the peripheral openings and the detachment of the blank
from
the corresponding tools can further be facilitated when the peripheral
openings have
no sharp edges, but are rounded off.
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It is possible that a corresponding peripheral opening extends beyond the
overlap
region into the blank. Due to the part of the peripheral opening arranged in
the
overlap region, the later stability of the inspection opening is improved at
least in
part. However, to improve stability as much as possible, the peripheral
opening may
be restricted to the respective overlap region and thus not extend into the
remaining
blank.
It is possible to provide a plurality of peripheral openings along an overiap
region,
wherein e.g. the distance of neighboring peripheral openings is changing from
the
lower peripheral edge to the upper peripheral edge. It is possible in this
connection
that the distances of the peripheral openings are decreasing towards the lower
peripheral edge. It can thereby be checked in a better way how much contents
is still
left in the container. It may be more advantageous in terms of manufacture
when the
peripheral openings along an overlap region are equally spaced apart from one
another. As a rule, such an equally spaced-apart arrangement is sufficient for
checking the contents in the container.
It is possible that both the peripheral openings along an overlap region and
the
peripheral openings in the two overlap regions have different cross-sections
when
compared with one another. For instance, a relatively small peripheral opening
might
be formed near the upper peripheral edge that is sufficient for checking a
level of the
contents inside the container. The corresponding peripheral opening may be
formed
in the area of the lower peripheral edge with a greater length in the
longitudinal
extension of the overlap region to be able to check here in a better way if
the
container is empty. In a simple embodiment, however, it is also possible that
all of
the peripheral openings have the same cross-sections.
The corresponding peripheral openings may terminate at a distance from an
inner
overlap line of the overlap region. This ensures that there is also an
adequate
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connection surface of the overlap regions around or at least partly around the
peripheral opening. To obtain, however, inspection openings that are as large
as
possible, it may turn out to be advantageous when the peripheral openings
extend
up to the inner overlap line of the overlap region. This is particularly
regarded as an
advantage in cases where the overlap regions have a small width only and
adequately large inspection openings are nevertheless to be formed.
The peripheral openings may he designed such that the corresponding overlap
line
substantially touches the peripheral openings. However, it is also possible
that the
peripheral openings extend with their inner edge facing the overlap line at
least in
part along the overlap line.
The inspection openings in the container made from the blank might be closed
in a
fluid-tight manner by a film or a coating. To facilitate the application of a
film or
coating, it is possible that the peripheral opening is surrounded at least in
part by a
coating area. Said coating area serves, in particular, to fasten the film or
to apply the
coating outside the peripheral openings or inspection openings, resulting in
improved fluid tightness. Said coating areas may extend both in the
corresponding
overlap regions and beyond said regions in the remaining blank.
Very different cross-sections are possible for the peripheral openings, thus
resulting
in very different cross-sections in the inspection openings. The cross-
sections may
e.g. be designed such that star-shaped, cross-like or also other cross-
sections of the
inspection openings are obtained that, apart from the inspection of the
interior of the
container, may have a positive effect on the optical appearance of the
container
under esthetic aspects. Simple cross-sections in this connection are circular
or oval
cross-sections. If the inspection opening is to extend over the larger length
in the
longitudinal direction of the overlap regions, slotted cross-sections are also
possible
for the inspection opening and corresponding cross-sections for the peripheral
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openings. A corresponding width of the cross-section may further vary in the
longitudinal direction of the overlap region.
During production of the container, the corresponding blank is deformed such
that
the overlap regions contact each other and are then interconnected to shape at
least
the container wall. Said connection can be established in the standard way by
means of an adhesive or also by fusing a usually existing plastic coating of
the blank
material. Such blank materials are e.g. a corresponding plastic material,
which is
particularly food-compatible, or also paper or cardboard. The coating of said
material
is also a food-compatible plastic material which is particularly liquid-tight
and
optionally also gas-tight. It is possible that the material of the blank or
the
corresponding coating is also a sandwich material consisting of several layers
of
different materials.
The corresponding bottom member of the container may be made from the same
material. The container may also be closed optionally by a cover member
opposite
to the bottom member, the corresponding discharge opening being positioned at
said place.
There are various possibilities of connecting container wall and bottom
member, for
instance by bending the lower peripheral edge of the blank of the container
wall
towards the container interior and by forming a receiving channel for a
peripheral
flange of the bottom member. Said peripheral flange projects in the direction
of the
receiving channel and is inserted into said channel and then connected there
in
fluid-tight fashion to the container wall.
The corresponding upper peripheral edge of the blank may e.g. be flanged
and/or
flat-pressed to form a mouth roll or another opening edge. Mouth roll or a
differently
formed opening edge may here also serve to fasten the cover member.
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As has already been explained further above, the inspection opening is sealed
in a
fluid-tight manner by a particularly transparent film or coating.
To avoid the fluid-tight sealing of each inspection opening individually, the
corresponding film or coating may extend along the overlap region and thus
seal all
inspection openings at the same time, the openings being mounted on the inside
and/or outside on the containef.
As for the overlap regions, it should also be noted that these have a
connection
edge located in the container interior after the container wall has been
shaped. It
may here be regarded as an advantage when the film or coating for the fluid-
tight
sealing of the inspection openings covers at least also the connection edge
arranged in the container interior. The connection edge may also be sealed
separately, e.g. during punching or in a step subsequent to such a process.
Furthermore, it is possible that the film or coating serves not only the fluid-
tight
sealing of the inspection openings, but is also simultaneously used for
connecting
the overlap regions. This can e.g. be realized in that the film or coating
extends from
the container interior around the connection edge arranged in the container
interior
to at least the exterior connection edge. It is also possible that the
externally located
connection edge is additionally sealed by the film or coating. The film or
coating may
also be arranged between the interconnected overlap regions alone.
To make sure that an inspection of the container interior is possible through
the
inspection opening, it is self-evident that the film or coating is formed from
a
transparent or at least translucent material. It is also possible to provide
the film or
coating at least at places with an imprint and/or coloration. Such an imprint
is e.g. a
mark that marks the desired filling level of the container. In this way, it
can easily be
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checked whether the container has been filled properly. Further imprints are
possible that serve advertising purposes. Due to the imprint and/or
coloration,
positive esthetic design features are also provided. It is also possible that
the film or
coating will change its color when the contents of the container is heated or
cooled
or is no longer in contact with the film or coating in the area of the
corresponding
inspection opening. The coloration may also change in response to the
temperature
of the container contents, so that it can e.g. be detected that or whether the
container contents is or has been heated adequately.
To protect the inspectiori openings at least until use of the container, they
can be
covered on the outside on the container by a particularly flap-like cover.
This
protects the inspection openings during filling and corresponding handling of
the
container, during later transportation or classification of the containers. It
is only
when the container is used in accordance with its destination that the cover
can
optionally be opened or removed.
In case the cover is given a flap-like design, it may also be of advantage
when it can
be re-closed after having been opened. This can e.g. be accomplished in that
the
cover is self-adhesive and/or peelable. A corresponding self-adhesion is
sufficient in
the flap-like cover, for instance at the fold-away end of the cover. When the
cover is
removed, it may stay removed on the one hand or may optionally be applied
again in
case of self-adhesion.
When a corresponding blank or container is made, attention must be paid
according
to the method that the blank is normally punched out, cut out or produced in
another
way from a corresponding master piece to form upper and lower peripheral edges
and the first and second connection edges laterally connecting the same. The
blank
produced in this way is then subjected to edge trimming, particularly in the
area of
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the connection edges. A corresponding edge trimming may optionally be carried
out
in the area of the upper and lower peripheral edges as well.
During edge trimming the corresponding peripheral openings are then produced
at
least in the overlap region or the overlap regions. Said blank which is
provided with
peripheral openings and trimmed along the edges is then bent for shaping the
container wall and connected in fluid-tight fashion in the area of the overlap
regions.
At the same time with the connection, the inspection openings are produced
from the
peripheral openings of both overlap regions that are overlapping at least in
part.
It should also be noted that edge trimming and production of the peripheral
openings
may either be carried out at the same time or one after the other. A further
process
step for making the corresponding container is the application of a film or
coating in
and/or between the interconnected overlap regions for the fluid-tight sealing
of the
inspection openings produced.
The corresponding film or coating may e.g. already be applied prior to
connection of
the overlap regions to seal e.g. also one or both peripheral edges in a fluid-
tight
manner or optionally also to serve as an adhesive during connection of the
overlap
regions.
Advantageous embodiments of the invention will now be explained in more detail
with reference to the figures attached to the drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 is a top view on a first embodiment of a blank according to the
invention;
Fig. 2 is a top view on a second embodiment of a blank according to the
invention;
Fig. 3 is a top view on a third embodiment of a blank according to the
invention;
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Fig. 4 is a top view on.a fourth embodiment of a blank according to the
invention;
Fig. 5 is a top view on a fifth embodiment of a blank according to the
invention;
Fig. 6 is a top view on a sixth embodiment of a blank according to the
invention;
Fig. 7 is a top view on a seventh embodiment of a blank according to the
invention;
Fig. 8 is a side view of a container made from a blank according to Fig. 5, in
a cut
state; and
Fig. 9 is a top view on a peelable cover for inspection openings.
Figs. 1 to 7 show seven different embodiments of a blank 1 according to the
invention, like parts of the blank being marked with like reference numerals
and only
explained in part with reference to one figure.
The blank 1 according to Fig. 1 serves to shape a container wall 3 of a
container 2;
see also Fig. 8. The blank is surrounded by an upper curved peripheral edge 4
and
a lower curved peripheral edge 5 and first and second connection edges 6, 7
laterally connecting the same. The connection edges 6, 7 extend in straight
fashion
and conclude overlap regions 8, 9. These are in contact with one another for
shaping the container (see Fig. 8) and are interconnected in fluid-tight
fashion.
The overlap regions 8, 9 have arranged therein peripheral openings 10 which
are
formed as peripheral recesses 16 that are open in the direction of a first and
second
connection edge 6, 7; see also the subsequent figures.
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The overlap regions 8, 9 are defined by overlap lines 19, 20 at a distance
from the
respective connection edge 6, 7. The peripheral openings 10 extend with their
inner
edge 21 up to said overlap lines 19, 20. Said inner edge 21 may partly extend
along
the corresponding overlap line 19, 20; see also Fig. 6 or 7.
The peripheral openings 10 in the respective overlap region 8, 9 are arranged
with
the same cross-section and at the same distance from the lower peripheral edge
5.
When the overlap regions 8, 9 are connected, the peripheral openings 10 will
overlap to form a corresponding inspection opening; see reference numerals 13,
14
and 15 in Fig. 8.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, only one peripheral opening 10 is
arranged in
each of the overlap regions 8, 9, so that only one inspection opening is
formed when
the container wall 3 is being formed.
Further regions, which are marked by broken lines extending in parallel with
the
corresponding peripheral edges, extend along the upper and lower peripheral
edges
4, 5. The corresponding region along the lower peripheral edge 5 serves to
form a
receiving channel 26 (see Fig. 8), and the region along the upper peripheral
edge 4
serves to form a mouth roll 27 (see Fig. 8 once again).
The material of the corresponding blank 1 is, normally, paper or cardboard
coated
with a plastic film, the material of the plastic film being chosen such that
the film is at
least liquid-tight or optionally also gas-tight. Furthermore, the film may
also serve to
connect the overlap regions during shaping of the container wall 3 in that the
film is
fused by the action of heat and will connect the overlap regions in a fluid-
tight
manner after solidification.
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The embodiment according to Fig. 2 differs from the embodiment according to
Fig. 1
by a further peripheral opening 11 in each of the overlap regions 8, 9.
This applies by analogy to the third embodiment according to Fig. 3; in this
embodiment the corresponding peripheral openings 12 in each of the overlap
regions 8, 9 are arranged closer to the upper peripheral edge 4 in comparison
with
the embodiment according to Fig. 2.
Finally, Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment in which three peripheral openings
10, 11,
12 are arranged in each of the overlap regions 8, 9, the corresponding
peripheral
openings being spaced apart from one another at the same distance and provided
with the same cross-section.
In the embodiments of Figs. 2 and 3, two inspection openings each are obtained
in
the container wall 3, and three inspection openings in the embodiment
according to
Fig. 4.
Figs. 5 and 6 show further embodiments which show by way of example that the
peripheral openings 10 and 12 are each spaced apart at the same distance 17,
18
from the upper or lower peripheral edge 4, 5. The corresponding peripheral
openings have a semicircular cross-section, which is extended in the direction
of the
respective connection edges 6, 7. In this instance, the respective overlap
line 19, 20
is substantially tangential to the respective peripheral opening 10, 11, 12.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, the corresponding peripheral openings
10,
11, 12 extend each with their inner edge 21 along part of the associated
overlap line
19, 20, resulting in an elongate oval cross-section in the inspection openings
formed.
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The inspection openings 13, 14, 15 according to Fig. 8 are substantially
formed by
the peripheral openings 10, 11, 12 according to Fig. 5, said inspection
openings
having a circular cross-section.
Of course, it is also possible that in each of the embodiments a larger number
of
peripheral openings are formed or that they are not distributed in the
longitudinal
direction of the overlap regions in a uniform manner, but in different ways.
For
example, the peripheral openings may be arranged in the neighborhood of the
lower
peripheral edge 5 at a smaller distance or also with a distance decreasing
from the
upper to the lower peripheral edge. Further variations in both the cross
sections of
the corresponding peripheral openings and in their distribution and
arrangement of
the overlap regions are evident.
It is also possible that the peripheral openings extend over the respective
overlap
region or overlap line 19, 20 into the remaining blank 1.
Another possibility regarding the peripheral openings is that these are
provided in
the respective overlap region or also along an overlap region with different
cross-
sections that optionally only overlap in part upon connection of the overlap
regions
for forming corresponding inspection openings.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 7, only one peripheral opening 10 is
arranged in
each of the overlap regions 8, 9. Said opening 10 extends over a large part of
the
length of each overlap region 8, 9 between upper and lower peripheral edge 4,
5.
This yields a substantially slotted inspection opening in the finished
container.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 7, there is additionally shown a coating
region
22, 23 next to each peripheral opening 10, said region surrounding the opening
in
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the area of the corresponding blank 1. Corresponding coating regions 22, 23
can
also be formed for the peripheral openings 10, 11, 12 of the preceding
embodiments.
In the finished container 2, see Fig. 8, and in the finished container wall 3,
the
coating regions 22, 23 serve to provide or apply a corresponding film or
coating 28;
see Fig. 8 once again.
It is also true for the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 that the peripheral
openings 10
arranged in the respective overlap regions 8, 9 need not be similar, but they
may
e.g. also extend over the overlap line 19, 20 in the remaining blank or they
may also
be arranged in offset fashion relative to one another in the longitudinal
direction of
the overlap regions 8, 9.
However, the installation or application of the film or coating 28 is normally
facilitated
when the corresponding peripheral openings 10, 11, 12 are made similar or
overlap
each other entirely.
Fig. 8 shows a side view of a container 2 which is cut through in the middle
and has
a container wall 3 made from a blank according to Fig. 5. The corresponding
overlap
regions 8, 9 are arranged in overlapping fashion and interconnected in a fluid-
tight
manner. With a superimposed arrangement of the overlap regions 8, 9, the
corresponding peripheral openings 10, 11, 12 are also overlapping, thereby
forming
the inspection openings 13, 14, 15.
At the lower end, the container 2 comprises a bottom member 24. Said bottom
member has a downwardly projecting peripheral flange 32 surrounding the same,
which is inserted into a receiving channel 25 of the container wall 3. The
receiving
channel 25 is formed by bending the lower peripheral edge 5 upwards, and upon
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insertion of the corresponding peripheral flange 32 of the bottom member 24
said
member is connected to the receiving channel 26 in a fluid-tight manner.
At its upper end, the container 2 has a discharge opening 25 which is
surrounded by
a mouth roll 27 or a similar edge. The mouth roll 27 is formed by flanging the
upper
peripheral edge 4.
In the container interior 29 and/or on its outside, a film or coating 28 is
applied along
the overlap regions 8, 9 for a fluid-tight sealing of the inspection openings
13, 14,
15. It is possible to use a film or coating 28 for sealing all inspection
openings 13,
14, 15. In the area of the inspection opening 13, the film/coating 28
comprises a
level mark as an imprint 30 and may optionally be colored.
The film or coating 28 may also extend from the container interior 29 around
the
interior first connection edge 6 up to the outside of the container 2 and
especially up
to the exterior second connection edge 7 and also seal the same optionally in
a
fluid-tight manner.
As can particularly seen in Fig. 8, the inspection openings 13, 14, 15 only
extend in
the interconnected overlap regions 8, 9, so that they are surrounded by a
double-
layer material of the blank 1, whereby stability is improved in the area of
the
inspection openings.
On the outside on the container 2, an optionally flap-like cover 31 may
additionally
be arranged for covering the inspection openings 13, 14, 15. This cover is
shown in
a rectangular configuration in Fig. 9. The cover 31 can be fastened along one
of its
longitudinal edges to the container 2, while the other longitudinal edge can
be folded
away from the container for exposing the inspection openings 13, 14, 15 and
for
inspecting the container interior 29. In the area of the fold-away
longitudinal edge, it
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is possible to fasten said edge in a detachable manner to the container
exterior. As a
result, the cover can be closed again. It is also possible to fasten the fold-
away
longitudinal edge of the cover 31 by means of a one-time connection to the
container
exterior at the beginning, so that it can be detected whether the flap has
already
been opened before.
The cover 31 may also be designed as a substantially strip-like, self-adhesive
and/or
peelable strip cover, see Fig. 9.
Containers according to the invention and the corresponding blank,
respectively, are
characterized by an easy production of the corresponding inspection openings
and
arrangement of the inspection openings in the overlap regions. This special
arrangement yields an enhanced stability in the area of the inspection
openings.
Furthermore, there is no separate waste during production of the inspection
openings because these can be produced together with the trimming of the
corresponding edges and can be removed with the resulting waste. Especially
thanks to the configuration of the peripheral openings as open peripheral
recesses,
no measures are needed, for instance ejector means or the like, that require a
separation of the blank from the respective tool after manufacture of the
openings.
