EP4296190A1 - Holder for liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

A container for a liquid, having a container body formed from a packaging material, is provided. The container body includes an interior volume defined by the container body, three seam regions in which portions of the packaging material are joined together, and a channel formed within at least one of the three seam regions. The channel has a first end and a second end and extends between the two ends. The first end forms an opening of the channel towards the inner volume. Furthermore, a manufacturing method for a container according to the invention is provided.

Description

The present invention generally relates to a container for liquids. The container can be, for example, a beverage carton made of a packaging material. The container has a channel formed by seam areas at which portions of the packaging material are connected to one another. This channel can be used to easily remove the liquid from the interior of the container, for example by suction. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method for such a container.

Beverage packaging comes in different shapes and sizes. While many beverage containers are designed to hold a larger amount of liquid that is then portioned into other containers such as glasses or cups, some beverage containers are designed to hold smaller amounts of a liquid and allow a user to drink the liquid directly from the container drink. The latter group of containers forms the focus of the present invention, but the invention is not limited thereto.

Beverage packaging often consists of a packaging material from which cardboard or film packaging is formed (for example folded or rolled). These packages can, for example, be cuboid or tetrahedral, although other shapes or modifications of the shapes mentioned are also possible. To allow a user to drink directly from the beverage container, drinking straws are typically used. These drinking straws are usually glued to the outside of the beverage packaging and can easily get lost.

In addition, the drinking straws that are attached to the beverage packaging are usually items made of plastic Single-use plastic. As sustainability awareness increases, it is desirable to reduce or completely avoid single-use plastic. Alternatives to single-use plastic have therefore been established in numerous areas, usually using paper products. In the case of beverage packaging, however, disposable paper drinking straws are generally not suitable for completely replacing the usual plastic drinking straws, since a drinking straw for a beverage carton typically has to be able to pierce a puncture point covered with a film. A drinking straw made of paper usually does not have sufficient rigidity for this purpose, nor are the edges of the paper material sufficiently sharp to be able to cut through the film. Additionally, paper straws typically absorb the liquid into the paper material, further compromising the stability of the straw. The user's saliva can also soften the straw, which creates an unpleasant mouthfeel and further limits the function of the drinking straw.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a beverage container that allows the liquid to be drunk from the container, but does not require a lose drinking straw.

The task is solved by a container for a liquid according to the independent claim. The container has a container housing formed from a packaging material. The packaging material can, for example, be a layered packaging material and can consist, for example, of a cardboard box, a film material or a mixed material made of plastics and paper.

The container housing has an inner volume that is formed by the container housing and is adapted to hold a liquid.

The container also has three seam areas in which sections of the packaging material are connected to one another. The connection can be done, for example, by welding or gluing. These three seam areas seal the inner volume to the outside and prevent the liquid from escaping from the inner volume. If the container is, for example, cuboid, the sections connected to one another can, for example be formed on a top, a bottom and a side surface of the cuboid. The use of three seam areas is expedient for producing a container housing both from an endless layer of packaging material and from individually folded sheets, but other configurations with more or fewer seam areas are also conceivable, for example if seam areas border one another and merge into one another.

According to the present invention, the container housing has a channel formed within at least one of the three seam areas. The channel has a first end and a second and extends between the two ends. The first end forms an opening of the channel towards the inner volume. The second end serves to enable an opening to be made at the position of the second end when the container is opened. For this purpose, it is preferred that the second end borders an outer layer of the packaging material. The first end allows fluid to enter the channel from the internal volume. At the position of the second end, a tight seal to the outside of the channel is formed, and an opening of the channel at the second end can be created using suitable means. For this purpose, it is conceivable, for example, that a part of the container - for example an outer layer - can be penetrated (e.g. punctured) or that a section of the container is designed to be removable. Removable within the meaning of the present invention means that a means can be provided that makes it possible to remove the section of the container and that a section of the container is designed in such a way that it can be torn off in a controlled manner by a user. Likewise, further means can be provided which can protect the removable section against loss, for example a loop or a cord. This means that a section of the container can be torn away in such a way that there is an opening where the section was previously located (for example, that the second end of the channel can be exposed), but the section continues to be so remains connected to the container so that the section cannot be lost.

The channel integrated into the container body provides easy access to the liquid contained in the internal volume of the container. When the container is opened at the second end position of the channel, the channel can be used to remove the liquid from the container. This can for example by suction, pressure or gravity, in that the liquid can be removed from the channel by pressure or force. As a result, further liquid flows from the inner volume of the container into the channel. For example, liquid can be sucked out of the channel by suction and flow into the channel from the inner volume. In the case of pressure, the liquid can be pushed out of the channel at the second end or in the case of gravity, it can flow out of the channel if the container is held so that gravity pulls the liquid out of the channel at the second end. In other words, the channel can fulfill the function of a drinking straw, whereby the drinking straw is not - as in the prior art - attached to the container as a separate part and has to be inserted into the container, but instead is integrated into the container housing itself.

The beverage container can have a preferred orientation. The preferred orientation can be characterized by the first end of the channel being lower in this orientation than the second end. The channel can be aligned essentially vertically upwards. Having the first end lower than the second end allows liquid from the interior volume of the container housing to pass into the channel when the container is oriented in the preferred orientation.

In the preferred orientation, the second end is preferably substantially at the same height as the fill level of the opened but still completely filled container or higher. This has the advantage that the container does not leak when the container is opened when the container is held in the preferred orientation. It is known to those skilled in the art that the interior of a beverage carton can be completely filled with liquid, but that the liquid level drops slightly due to the carton sides bulging outwards as soon as the container is opened, or that the filled, still closed container contains a small amount of Contains air or protective gas. It is also conceivable that a curvature of the container is prevented during filling - for example by pressing the sides of the container against a stable obstacle during filling - and the container only bulges outwards when it is opened, when air can flow into the container . Therefore, the second end of the channel does not necessarily have to be at the top end of the Container can be arranged (based on the preferred orientation), but can also be arranged a few millimeters below and still prevent the container from leaking.

In some embodiments, the channel can be formed in more than one seam area, or more than one seam area can each have a channel section and these channel sections can be fluidly connected to one another. This may make it possible to transport the liquid from the internal volume of the container through a path formed by multiple channel sections in the various seam areas.

In a preferred embodiment, the seam area in which the channel is formed has two seams. These seams can dictate the shape or course of the canal. A first of the two seams limits the fluid mechanical connection between the channel and the inner volume to the first end. For this purpose, a section of the channel that extends between the first end and the second end can be delimited from the inner volume by the first seam. A second of the two seams limits the channel to the outside and seals it. This will be described in more detail in connection with the figures.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the sections of the packaging material that are connected to one another and form the channel can have at least one embossing that gives the channel a predetermined shape. Particularly preferably, for example, the section of the packaging material which is arranged within the container when connected to another section of the packaging material can have this embossing in order to give the channel a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape can be characterized, for example, by the fact that the embossing gives the channel a curvature into the interior of the container. This bulge can improve fluid extraction by preventing the sections of packaging material that form the channel from squeezing or contracting. In addition to a curvature, the embossing can also form a geometric cross section of the channel, for example a triangular or polygonal cross section. This will be in Connection explained in more detail with the illustrations. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embossing may include one or more embossing locations.

In a further preferred embodiment, an outer layer of the container housing is formed at the position of the second end by one or more films or by the packaging material. For example - for example before or during the production of the container - holes can be punched at predetermined intervals into an endless web of the layered material and these holes can be covered with a film. The respective holes in the endless web form the respective second ends of the channel in the containers produced. One film is preferably attached to each of the two sides of a hole in the endless web. Similar or different film combinations can be used. In a preferred example, a plastic film is attached to a side of the endless web that is internal when forming the container housing, and an aluminum foil is attached to a side of the continuous web that is external when forming the container housing, wherein the aluminum foil and the plastic film are bonded together be, for example by welding. If the container produced is opened by peeling off the outer layer, i.e. the aluminum foil in this preferred embodiment, the section of the plastic foil that covers the hole from the inside tears off together with the aluminum foil and provides access to the punched hole, i.e the second end of the canal, free. Alternatively, the films can also be penetrated to allow access to the second end of the channel. Alternatively, a weakened area of the packaging material can be formed, for example by embossing or punching. A weakened area can, for example, be characterized by a thickness of the packaging material being reduced in this area in order to reduce the stability of the packaging material locally in this area. This can be achieved, for example, by punching.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container housing has a predetermined separation point. The predetermined separation point is located at the position where the second end of the channel is formed. More preferably, the desired separation point can exist, for example, on the outer layer. If the outer layer is formed, for example, by one or more films, the predetermined separation point be designed as a tear-off tab of an outer film. In other embodiments, the desired separation point can be designed as a perforation or weakened area. A predetermined separation point can be designed in such a way that a section of the container housing can be at least partially separated at the respective position. However, in some embodiments it is also possible for a part of the container housing to be opened at the respective position.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container has a drinking straw device which is externally attached to the container housing at a position of the outer layer. The drinking straw device is adapted to create a fluid mechanical connection with the channel of the container housing when used. For this purpose, the drinking straw device can be adapted to penetrate a section of the container housing - for example the outer layer. Penetration can be achieved, for example, by pushing through or piercing. The drinking straw device can form a second channel which, when in use, establishes a fluid mechanical connection with the channel of the container housing (referred to in this context as the first channel). The first and second channels connected to one another can thus serve as a drinking straw and enable the liquid to be removed from the inner volume of the container - for example by means of suction. The drinking straw device can preferably penetrate the packaging material at a point prepared with a film or at a weakened area.

Preferably, the drinking straw device has at least two parts, the first part being attached to the container housing from the outside and the second part being movably connected to the first part and adapted by moving a portion of the container housing - for example an outer layer or a weakened area - to penetrate in order to thereby establish a fluid mechanical connection with the channel of the container housing. The movement can include various forms of relative movement. For example, the movement may include a rotational movement in which the second part is rotated relative to the first part. It is also possible that the movement includes a pushing movement in which the second part is pressed into the first part. The movement can also include a combination of different movements, for example a combination of a rotation and a Pushing movement. The second part can form a mouthpiece of the drinking straw device. The second part can preferably be covered with a cap which protects the second part from contamination. The cap can, for example, be attached to the second part and removed before use. In another example, the cap may be securely attached to a portion of the straw device or to the container and opened during use. For this purpose, there can be a predetermined separation point on the cap, which can be separated to open a section of the cap. This makes it possible, for example, to remove the second part of the drinking straw device from the cap, for example by rotating it.

In a variant of the invention, instead of a channel formed by connecting overlapping portions of the packaging material, the container according to the invention may have a channel formed by a channel element inserted into the container. For example, the channel element can be attached to the packaging material at a predetermined location before the packaging material is formed into the container. Alternatively, the channel element can be inserted into the shaped but still open container. The channel element can be welded to the packaging material or glued to the packaging material. The channel element can preferably consist of the same material as the packaging material or can also be made of a different material.

The present object is further achieved by a method for producing a container filled with liquid. Methods for producing liquid-filled containers can include both the production of beverage containers from a continuous material and the production of individual beverage containers from prefabricated sheets of packaging material. The teaching according to the invention is applicable to all of these variants.

The method generally comprises providing a packaging material and forming the packaging material into at least one beverage container with an internal volume and filling the beverage container with a liquid. When forming the packaging material into a beverage container, seam areas are formed by cutting sections of the Packaging material can be arranged overlapping and connected to each other. According to the invention, when forming at least one of these seam regions, a channel is formed, the channel having a first end and a second end, the first end being fluidly connected to the inner volume.

Through its individual process steps, the method according to the invention enables the production of a container for liquids, the container having an integrated channel for easy removal of the liquid.

Depending on whether the production of the beverage container is made from a continuous material or from pre-assembled sheets, the process steps have slight differences in detail, so that the different variants are described in more detail below.

In the variant of producing beverage containers from an endless web, the features of providing a packaging material, forming the packaging material, filling the beverage container and forming the three seam areas are realized as follows. A flat sheet of sheet packaging material is fed and formed into a tubular configuration. The flat web of sheet packaging material may be a continuous web. When the flat web is formed into a tubular configuration, longitudinally overlapping sections are formed. Furthermore, a first seam area is formed by connecting the overlapping sections of the sheet-shaped packaging material (for example by welding). This forms a tube that is tight on its outer surface and allows a liquid to be filled.

The liquid is then filled into the hose. The liquid can be, for example, a drink that is to be filled into the container to be produced and packaged. For filling, a filling device is preferably used whose outlet opening is located below the intended liquid level in the tubular configuration. This reduces or prevents foaming of the liquid. which would be a problem especially with milk and similar liquids.

The second and third seam regions are formed by cross-crimping and connecting the tube at predetermined intervals. A closed container is formed by cross-squeezing and connecting. The distance between the seam areas is selected so that the volume within the hose formed between the second and third seam areas corresponds to the intended filling volume of the container. For example, if a filling quantity of a quarter liter is intended, the hose is crimped and connected at two points in such a way that a volume corresponding to a quarter liter is separated between these two points. The hose is crimped crosswise and connected below the liquid level, so that the separated volume is completely filled with the liquid. Connecting the hose at the transversely crimped points preferably involves sealing, for example by welding.

The method further comprises separating the closed container from the hose or from another previously formed container at the positions of the second and third seam regions. Since the manufacturing process involves forming a plurality of successive containers from a sheet of packaging material, the tube is continually formed during the manufacturing process into individual, closed containers which are separated from one another at the positions of the second and third seam regions. While the first seam area seals the outer surface of the hose or the later container, the second and third seam areas seal the base and the lid.

In the variant of producing beverage containers from a sheet of packaging material, the features of providing a packaging material, forming the packaging material, filling the beverage container and forming the three seam areas are realized as follows. First, a flat sheet of packaging material is fed. The flat sheet may include embossing to facilitate forming.

The flat sheet is formed by converting it into the shape of a beverage container. This can be done, for example, by folding or rolling. During forming, overlapping sections of the packaging material are preferably formed and connected on a side surface of the container and on a bottom surface of the container. This creates a beverage container that is open at the top, which is filled and then closed by forming overlapping sections of the packaging material at the top.

When forming the overlapping sections on the side surface, a first seam area is formed before the liquid is filled. When forming the overlapping sections on the bottom surface, a second seam area is formed before filling the liquid. This seals the formed container. After filling with the liquid, when forming the overlapping sections at the top, a third seam area is formed by folding and connecting the overlapping sections. This seals the top of the filled container.

The method according to the invention can have further steps both in the production from an endless web and in the production from a prefabricated web. This can include, for example, further forming. For example, the filled and sealed container can be pressed against an obstacle to obtain a predetermined shape. Tabs of the seam areas can be folded over and placed against the container in order to achieve a more stable and/or more compact shape. For this purpose, the flat web or the flat sheet of the packaging material can have kinks (eg in the form of embossings) at predetermined positions, which allow the container to be folded into the predetermined shape. The kinks can either be punched into the web/sheet when feeding the flat web or flat sheet or can be formed in a previous step when preparing the packaging material. The kinks can allow the filled container to be converted into a predetermined shape, for example into a tetrahedral shape or a cuboid shape. Particularly in the case of the cuboid shape, the forming can involve folding over tabs and placing them on the flat sides of the cuboid container and gluing or welding them there.

The method may further comprise punching a hole in the packaging material and attaching one or more films to the packaging material in the area of the punched hole. For example, a plastic film can be attached to one side of the packaging material and an aluminum foil to the other side of the packaging material, with the plastic film being attached to the side that is internal to the container being manufactured and the aluminum foil being attached to the side that is being manufactured Container is on the outside. When attaching the foils, both foils can be connected to each other. This has the advantage that if the external aluminum foil is removed, the plastic foil in the area of the hole is also removed and the hole is thus exposed. These additional steps may serve to prepare the packaging material and may optionally occur prior to feeding the packaging material as a flat web or sheet or may occur during manufacture of the container before the flat web or sheet is formed.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method includes forming a predetermined separation point at the position of the second end. This makes it possible to easily open the container at the intended separation point to expose the second end of the channel.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the method includes attaching a sealing film at the position of the second end of the channel and arranging a drinking straw device at the position of the sealing film. Attaching the closure film can, for example, include the previously described attachment of an aluminum foil and a plastic film. This means that a closure film in the sense of the present invention can be formed from one or more layers of similar or different films. The drinking straw device is adapted to penetrate the sealing film in order to enable a fluid mechanical connection between the channel of the container housing and the drinking straw device. Penetration can take place, for example, by piercing or pushing through. The drinking straw device can then be used as a mouthpiece to remove the liquid from the inner volume of the container using suction. Alternatively to attaching one Closing film can also be a section of the packaging material designed as a weakened area, which allows the drinking straw device to penetrate this weakened area.

With regard to the preferred properties of the individual components of the container, the above-mentioned preferred embodiments of the container also apply. This applies in particular to the drinking straw device.

The previously described embodiments are not exclusive, but can be combined, allowing their technical effects to be combined and interact.

Figur 1

beispielhafte Behälter für Flüssigkeiten in Form von Kartonverpackungen wie sie aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt sind;

Figur 2

Schema eines beispielhaften Herstellungsverfahrens einer Kartonverpackung für Flüssigkeiten wie es aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt ist;

Figur 3

Behälter für Flüssigkeiten gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 4

Illustration eines Herstellungsverfahrens für einen Behälter im Sinne der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 5

Behälter für Flüssigkeiten gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 6

Detailzeichnung einer Trinkhalmvorrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 7

Behälter für Flüssigkeiten gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung mit der Trinkhalmvorrichtung aus Figur 6;

Figur 8

Prinzip der Verwendung der Trinkhalmvorrichtung aus den Figuren 6 und 7;

Figur 9

Behälter für Flüssigkeiten gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 10

Behälter für Flüssigkeiten gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the container according to the invention and the manufacturing method according to the invention using exemplary embodiments in comparison to the prior art. Show it:

Figure 1

exemplary containers for liquids in the form of cardboard packaging as known from the prior art;

Figure 2

Scheme of an exemplary manufacturing process of a cardboard packaging for liquids as is known from the prior art;

Figure 3

Container for liquids according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4

Illustration of a manufacturing process for a container in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5

Container for liquids according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6

Detailed drawing of a drinking straw device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7

Container for liquids according to an embodiment of the present invention with the drinking straw device Figure 6 ;

Figure 8

Principle of using the drinking straw device from the Figures 6 and 7 ;

Figure 9

Container for liquids according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10

Container for liquids according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows exemplary containers for liquids as they are known from the prior art. This shows Figure 1 (a) a cuboid-shaped cardboard packaging and (b) a tetrahedral-shaped cardboard packaging.

The cuboid cardboard packaging in Figure 1 (a) is generally shown at position 1a. The cardboard packaging 1a has a container 2a. The container defines an internal volume. During the production of the cuboid cardboard packaging 1a, a packaging material (typically a layered packaging material) is provided in the form of a flat endless web and a tube-like configuration is formed from this layered material. When forming the tube-like configuration, the packaging material is longitudinally welded to form a first seam area 3a which is in the Figure 1 (a) is indicated by dashed lines. Two other seam areas, which are located on the bottom and lid of the container 1a, are not highlighted. Alternatively, such a container can also be made from a pre-assembled sheet.

The tetrahedral cardboard packaging in Figure 1 (b) is generally shown at position 1b. The tetrahedral cardboard packaging 1b has a container 2b. During manufacture of the tetrahedral cardboard package, three seam areas are formed to seal the container 2b. In the Figure 1 (b) are the second and third seam areas 3b are shown, which separate a formed container from a previously formed container or the hose.

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary manufacturing process for a cardboard packaging for liquids as is known from the prior art. This shows Figure 2 (a) a forming of an endless web of packaging material into a tubular configuration, while Figure 2 (b) Processing means for cross-crushing and welding the cardboard packaging shows and Figure 2 (c) shows a detailed drawing of a seam area separating two internal volumes of successive containers.

Figure 2 (a) shows a forming of an endless web of packaging material. The packaging material 9 is provided as a flat endless web at the top of the figure. As we move toward the bottom of the figure, the side edges of the flat sheet are curved and moved toward each other to form a tubular configuration. Overlapping sections of the curved sheet are connected to one another and welded to form a longitudinal seam area 3a.

In the further course of the manufacturing process (not shown), a filling device is introduced into the tubular configuration from above in order to be able to fill liquid into the interior of the tubular configuration. A filled portion of the tubular configuration is processed with machining means to form a closed container. For this purpose, processing means enclose the hose at two points that are a predetermined distance from each other. The predetermined distance correlates with the capacity of the container. The processing means crushes and welds the tubular configuration to thereby form seam areas at which the container is sealed. In Figure 2 (b) exemplary processing means 10 are shown, which encompass, cross-crush and weld a section of the tubular configuration from the outside. Typically, a device for producing such cardboard packaging provides two pairs of processing means, which are located one after the other at two locations spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance attack tubular configuration and form second and third seam areas 3b by cross-squeezing and welding. Depending on how the two pairs of processing means are arranged, tetrahedral or cuboid containers can be formed. If the two pairs of processing means grip the tubular configuration in the same orientation and thereby create equally oriented second and third seam regions 3b, the resulting container can then be converted into a cuboid configuration (cf. Figure 1 (a) ) are shaped (for example by pressing the container against an obstacle and thereby folding into a predetermined cuboid configuration). If the pairs of processing means engage the tubular configuration offset by 90° and thereby form seam areas, with the third seam area being rotated by 90° relative to the second seam area, a tetrahedral container can be formed. In this context, we would like to point out again Figures 1 (b) and 2 B) referred to in which the seam areas 3b are arranged rotated by 90 ° relative to one another.

Figure 2 (c) shows a detailed drawing of the seam areas of successive containers, which are formed by the processing means. In this detailed drawing, two inner volumes 6, 8 of successive containers 5, 7 are shown in detail, these inner volumes 6, 8 being separated by a wide seam area (shown hatched). This wide seam area represents the point where the processing means cross-squeezed and welded the packaging material. The seam area has a sufficient thickness so that the seam area can be severed at a separation point 11 in order to form the seam areas 3b of two containers 5, 7.

Figure 3 1 shows generally 100 a container for liquids according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The container 100 has a tetrahedral container housing 110. The container housing 110 has a channel 130 formed at a transverse seam region. This transverse seam area can be either a second or a third seam area. The corresponding other transverse seam area is on 120 shown. The first seam area, which runs longitudinally in the tubular configuration, is in Figure 3 Not shown.

The channel 130 has a first end 150, which forms a fluid mechanical connection between the channel 130 and the container 110. The channel 130 is limited by the container 110 through a seam 140. The channel 130 is delimited to the outside by a seam 125. The seams 125,140 together form the transverse seam area in which the channel is formed.

Figure 4 shows a manufacturing process for a container according to the invention as shown in Figure 3 is shown. The process is based on a manufacturing process for producing cardboard packaging from a continuous layer as described in Figure 2 is shown. The differences according to the invention from the method known from the prior art are described below.

Figure 4 (a) shows processing means 200 for embossing the tubular configuration at predetermined locations. The processing means 200 can engage around and/or reach into the tubular configuration at predetermined positions in order to emboss portions of the tubular configuration and thereby give them a preferred shape. As a result, for example, the positions at which the channel is to be formed can be processed by embossing in order to give the material of the tubular configuration at these positions a shape that enables a stable channel. In the condition that is in Figure 4 (a) As shown, the tubular configuration is already sealed at its lower end by a seam area 120. This seam area 120 corresponds to the seam areas 3b as shown in the Figures 1 and 2 are shown. In addition, a longitudinal seam 115 is indicated by dashed lines, which seals the tubular configuration on its long side. The person skilled in the art will understand that the processing means 200 are only of an exemplary nature and the embossing can also be carried out differently or at a different time. For example, the embossing can take place before the seam areas 115, 120 are formed in the endless web.

The Figure 4 (b) shows another set of processing means 210. The processing means 210 are used to cross-squeeze and weld the tubular configuration at predetermined locations, thereby sealing the container and forming the channel. The processing means 210 include a plurality of webs 215, on which the processing means 210 are adapted to cross-squeeze and weld the tubular configuration of the packaging material and thus form seams which are in Figure 4 (c) are shown in detail. Even if the embossing and the cross-squeezing and welding in the Figures 4 (a) and (b) are shown as different steps, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that the embossing and the cross-squeezing and welding can also be done in one step.

Figure 4 (c) shows the state after the processing means 210 have cross-crimped and welded the tubular configuration at a predetermined location. The processing means 210 (in particular the webs 215) form a seam area in which seams 125, 140 seal the container and additionally delimit a channel 130 which is fluidly connected to the interior of the container. The seam area is constructed in a mirror image, so that mirror image channels 130 are formed in two successive containers. In this way, the manufacturing process can be periodic and produce two containers in one cycle. This has the advantage that of the typically two pairs of processing means, a pair of processing means 210, which is designed with the webs 215 according to the invention for creating the seams 125, 140, and a conventional pair of processing means known in the prior art can be used. However, it is also possible for similar pairs of processing means to be used which, when used in one container, create a seam 120 and in a subsequent container form two seams 125, 140 which delimit a channel 130.

Figure 5 shows a container for liquids according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The container 300, which is in Figure 5 (a) is shown is cuboid and can either consist of an endless track or prefabricated sheets can be produced. The cuboid container 300 forms a volume 310 and is sealed on its upper side surface with a seam area 325. The container 300 also has a first seam area 315 in the form of a longitudinal seam. A channel 330 is formed within the seam area 315 and is indicated by dashed lines. Figure 5 (b) shows how layers of the packaging material from which the container 300 is formed overlap on the longitudinal side over a width s. A portion of the sheet located at the overlapping portion within the container is curved into the interior of the container and gives shape to the channel 330. In the example shown, the channel 330 has a shape that can be achieved, for example, by providing two embossing points in the packaging material, at which the packaging material is bent in order to give the channel 330 a trapezoidal cross-section. Numerous cross-sectional shapes are conceivable and the present disclosure is not limited to trapezoidal cross-sections. The advantage that all of these predetermined cross-sectional shapes offer is that the channel receives stability that prevents the channel from contracting when drinking from the container.

The channel 330 has a first end 350, which forms a fluid mechanical connection to the internal volume 310 of the container 300, and a second end at which an opening 360 is located. The opening 360 can be closed with a film and, after opening the film, allow drinking directly from the container 300 or form a point of attack for a drinking straw device, which is associated with the Figures 6 to 8 is explained in more detail.

Figure 6 shows a detailed drawing of a drinking straw device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The drinking straw device is generally shown at position 500 and can be used with a container in accordance with the present invention, for which purpose the drinking straw device is preferably firmly connected to the container. For example, the drinking straw device 500 can be equipped with a container 300 Figure 5 can be used, in which case the drinking straw device is attached to the container 300 in such a way that there is a fluid mechanical connection with it the second end of the channel 330 at the opening 360 is possible, as in connection with Figures 7 and 8th is described in more detail.

The drinking straw device 500 has a first part 510 and a second part 520. The first part 510 is connected to the container. This can be done, for example, by welding the first part 510 to one of the outsides of the container or gluing it to it.

The second part 520 is movably connected to the first part 510. In the embodiment shown, the second part 520 can be rotated relative to the first part 510. Figure 6 (a) shows the assembly of a drinking straw device according to the invention. A first part 510 of the drinking straw device 500 is provided and a second part 520 of the drinking straw device is connected to the first part 510. In the in the Figure 6 (a) In the embodiment shown, the second part 520 is rotatably inserted into the first part 510. In order to protect the second part 520 from contamination, a cap 530 is placed on the second part 520. Like in the Figure 6 (a) shown, the cap 530 is preferably placed before assembling the first and second parts 510, 520 of the drinking straw device. The cap 530 may include a bracket 535 that can engage a bracket 515 attached to the first part 510 so as to secure the second part 520 with the cap 530 in place when the straw device is in a first position. This first position typically represents the delivery state of the beverage container and is in Figure 6 (b) shown. In addition, the clip 515 and the holder 535 can also interlock to prevent the cap 530 from being lost. Then, for example, the cap 530 can be opened at the intended separation point 540 to allow the second part 520 to be screwed out of the cap 530. An opening of the cap 530 at the intended separation point 540 is in the Figure 6 (c) shown with the second part 520 unscrewed.

When the second part 520 is rotated out of the first position, it can allow penetration of the packaging material at the second end of the channel of the container, as described in detail with reference to FIG Figures 7 and 8th is described. The second part 520 thus rotated out of the home position can then form a mouthpiece for a user of the container to enable the user to drink the liquid from the container. Since the second part 520 can be used as a mouthpiece, it is advantageous to protect the second part from contamination. For this purpose, the second part 520 can have a cap 530. This cap 530 may be sealingly attached to the second part 520 and may have a predetermined separation point 540 that allows the seal to be severed so that the cap 530 can be opened, as shown in FIG Figure 6 (c) based on a state in which the desired separation point 540 has been separated to open the cap 530 and allow the second part 520 to be twisted out of the cap. How next in the Figure 6 (c) is shown, the intended separation point 540 can be further connected to the cap 530 after separation in order to avoid loose plastic parts. In this context, one can speak of a tearing of the desired separation point 540. This can be achieved in that the predetermined separation point 540 has two ends, with a first end forming a permanent connection to the cap 530, while a second, so-called free end, is detachably connected to the cap 530 and can be separated from the cap 530.

Figure 7 shows a container for liquids according to an embodiment of the present invention with the drinking straw device Figure 6 . A container 600 has volume 610 and a channel 630 formed in a seam region 615, 640 of the container 600. The container 600 may be similar or identical to the container 300 in Figure 5 be.

A drinking straw device 500, as previously described in connection with Figure 6 has been described is attached to the container 600. Figure 7 (a) shows a starting position in which the second part 520 of the drinking straw device 500 is secured in the cap 530. Figure 7 (b) shows the container 600 with the cap 530 open, which can be seen from the fact that the predetermined separation point 540, which is designed in the form of a tab, has been pulled off and is hanging down from the cap. In this position, the second part 520 of the drinking straw device is twisted out of the cap 530 to form a mouthpiece for a user of the container.

Like in the Figure 7 As shown, the drinking straw device 500 is preferably attached to the container 600 not in the middle, but offset, which allows several containers to be stored in a space-saving manner.

Figure 8 shows the principle of using the drinking straw device from the Figures 6 and 7 . In the Figures 8 (a) and (b) is shown how the second part 520 is twisted out of the cap 530 after opening the cap 530. In Figure 8 (c) 1, the container is shown in a configuration in which the second portion 520 of the drinking straw device has been rotated upward to form a mouthpiece. In this view, the top of the container is shown open to better show the interior of the container. The channel 630 of the container has a first end with a hole 650 at the lower end of the channel that establishes the connection between the channel and the interior of the container. The channel 630 of the container has a second end with a hole 660. The hole 660 can be covered with a film or alternatively designed as a weakened area as previously described. When the second part 520 of the drinking straw device 500 is rotated for the first time relative to the first part 510, cutting means 550 of the drinking straw device penetrate the hole 660 or the weakened area covered with a film, thereby establishing a fluid mechanical connection between the second part 520 of the drinking straw device and the To provide channel 630 and thereby allow a user to drink liquid - for example by suction - from the container 600 via the second part 520 of the drinking straw device 500.

The cutting means 550 can be arranged on the second part 520 or can also be mounted between the second part 520 and the packaging material in order to be activated when the second part 520 moves relative to the first part 510. During this relative movement, the cutting means 550 can cut into the packaging material by rotation or can also be pressed into the packaging material in the direction of the interior of the container. The cutting means are preferably designed so that no loose parts are created during penetration, but only an opening is released. In Figure 8 (c) The penetrated area is shown as a hole for illustrative purposes.

Figure 9 shows a container for liquids according to a further embodiment of the present invention. This container 700 is preferably used for film packaging. The container 700, which is in Figure 9 (a) shown in a view and in section (b), is cuboid in base and can be made either from an endless web or pre-fabricated sheets. The container 700, which has a cuboid bottom surface, forms a volume 710 and is sealed on its upper side surface with a seam area 725. The volume is sealed with a seam area 720 on a lower side surface. The container 700 also has a first seam area 715,740 in the form of a longitudinal seam. A channel 730 is formed within the seam area 715, 740 and is indicated by dashed lines in Figure 9 (a) is indicated. In the example of the Figure 9 A beverage container is shown, which has preferably been folded from a pre-assembled sheet of packaging material. The seam area 715, 740 can therefore be opposed by a longitudinal kink, which limits the volume on a side opposite the seam area 715, 740. Next shows the Figure 9 (c) how layers of the packaging material from which the container 700 is formed overlap longitudinally over a width s.

The channel 730 has a first end 750, which forms a fluid mechanical connection to the inner volume 710 of the container 700, and a second end at which there is an opening when the channel is at the predetermined, intended separation point shown in dashed lines after removing the corner 780 A-A was opened. The intended separation point is provided in a preferred embodiment and allows access to the second end of the channel 730 to be exposed. After uncovering it is possible to drink directly from the container 700 by suction.

Furthermore shows Figure 9 (d) a pre-assembled sheet 700a from which a container such as the container 700 of Figures 9 (a) to (c) can be produced. The portions of the sheet 700a shown hatched are the areas where overlapping portions are formed as the sheet 700a is formed to form the first, second and third seam regions 715, 720, 725. With Solid lines show embossings that form folds at which the sheet 700a can be folded. Figure 9(e) shows a cross section through a correspondingly formed and folded container, for example a container like the one in the Figures 9 (a) and (b) is shown. The triangular, hatched areas represent sections in which tabs were folded and placed on top of each other, as is the case, for example Figure 9 (b) is shown at 770. The channel 730 is formed on a longitudinally overlapping section of the packaging material. It is curved into the interior of the container to provide sufficient stability of the channel.

Figure 10 shows containers for liquids according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The containers 800a and 800b are essentially cylindrical and have a seam area in their lateral surface, in which a channel 830 according to the invention is formed. This is particularly in the Figure 10 (a) shown as dashed lines. The container 800a has a second end of the channel 830 at which an opening 860 is located. The opening can be covered and sealed with foil. The containers 800a, 800b may be substantially identical.

The container 800b has a drinking straw device 500 in the sense of the present invention. The drinking straw device 500 is attached to the container 800b in such a way that a fluid mechanical connection to the internal channel is achieved by a relative movement of the components of the drinking straw device. This can be achieved, for example, by attaching the drinking straw device 500 to a location on the container 800b at which there is an opening 860 to the second end of the channel 830 as shown in Figure 10 (a) is shown. Alternatively, there may be a weakened area at this point.

Figure 10 (c) shows a cross section through the container 800a or 800b at the position of the channel 830 and shows a curvature of the channel 830 into the interior of the container 800a or 800b to give the channel 830 greater stability, as is the case in connection with Figures 5 (b) and 9 (c) was described.

The above description contains exemplary embodiments of one or more embodiments of the invention. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of the components and methods according to the invention in the previously mentioned exemplary embodiments. Rather, a person skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous other combinations of further embodiments. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to include all such further combinations, modifications, variations and embodiments as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (14)

A container for a liquid, having a container body formed from a packaging material, the container body comprising: an inner volume formed by the container housing (110, 310, 610, 710), three seam areas (115, 120, 125, 315, 325, 615, 715, 720, 725) in which sections of the packaging material are connected to one another, and a channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) within at least one the three seam areas (115, 120, 125, 315, 325, 615, 715, 720, 725) is formed, wherein the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) has a first end and a second end and is between extends to the ends, wherein the first end forms an opening (150, 350, 650, 750) of the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) to the inner volume. The container according to claim 1, wherein the seam region (125, 315, 615, 715) in which the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) is formed has two seams, a first seam (140, 640, 740) the fluid mechanical connection between the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) and the inner volume is limited to the first end, and a second seam limits the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) to the outside and seals. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the portions of packaging material bonded together and forming the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) has at least one embossment corresponding to the channel (130, 330, 630 , 730, 830) gives a predetermined shape. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein an outer layer of the container housing (110, 310, 610, 710) is in position the second end of the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) is formed by one or more films or by the packaging material. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container housing (110, 310, 610, 710) has a desired separation point formed at the position of the second end of the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830). The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
a drinking straw device (500) which is attached to the container housing (110, 310, 610, 710) from the outside at a position of the second end of the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) and is adapted to use a fluid mechanical connection with the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) of the container housing (110, 310, 610, 710). The container of claim 6, wherein the drinking straw device (500) is adapted to a portion (360, 660, 860) of the container housing (110, 310, 610, 710) at the second end position of the channel (130, 330, 630, 730 , 830) to establish the fluid mechanical connection of the drinking straw device (500) to the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830). The container according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the drinking straw device (500) has at least two parts, the first part (510) being externally attached to the container housing (110, 310, 610, 710) and the second part ( 520) is movably connected to the first part (510) and is adapted to penetrate the section (360, 660, 860) of the container housing (110, 310, 610, 710) by movement. The container of claim 8, wherein the movement includes a rotational movement, a pushing movement, or a combination of both. A method of making a liquid-filled container comprising: Providing packaging material; Forming the packaging material into at least one beverage container with an internal volume; forming three seam areas (115, 120, 125, 315, 325, 615, 715, 720, 725) in which portions of the packaging material are joined together; and Filling the beverage container with a liquid, characterized by that forming at least one of the three seam areas (115, 120, 125, 315, 325, 615, 715, 720, 725) and forming a channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830), wherein the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) has a first end and a second end, the first end being fluidly connected to the inner volume. The method of claim 10, wherein providing a packaging material comprises:
feeding a flat sheet of packaging material; wherein the forming of the packaging material comprises:
Forming the packaging material into a tubular configuration, the packaging material forming longitudinally overlapping sections in the tubular configuration; wherein filling the beverage container comprises:
Filling a liquid into the hose; wherein forming the three seam areas (115, 120, 125, 315, 325, 615, 715, 720, 725) comprises: forming a first seam portion (115, 120, 125, 315, 325, 615, 715, 720, 725) by joining the overlapping portions of the packaging material in the tubular configuration prior to filling the fluid into the tubing; and Forming second and third seam regions (115, 120, 125, 315, 325, 615, 715, 720, 725) by cross-crimping and connecting the tube at predetermined intervals while the tube is filled with liquid, thereby forming a closed container with an internal volume , where the internal volume is filled with the liquid; wherein the method further comprises:
separating the closed container from the tube or from another previously formed container at the positions of the second and third seam regions (120, 125, 325). The method of claim 10, wherein providing a packaging material comprises:
feeding a flat sheet of packaging material; wherein forming the packaging material comprises: folding the flat sheet in a beverage container, forming overlapping portions on a side surface of the container and forming overlapping portions on a bottom surface of the container; wherein filling the beverage container comprises: filling a liquid into the beverage container; wherein forming the three seam areas (115, 120, 125, 315, 325, 615, 715, 720, 725) comprises: forming a first seam portion by joining the overlapping portions on the side surface of the container when folding the flat sheet before filling the liquid into the container; forming a second seam area by joining the overlapping portions at the bottom of the container when folding the flat sheet prior to filling the liquid into the container; and Forming a third night area by folding and connecting overlapping sections at a top of the container after filling the liquid. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: forming a desired separation point on the container housing (110, 310, 610, 710) at a predetermined position, the predetermined position being the position at which the second end in forming the channel ( 130, 330, 630, 730, 830) is formed. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: attaching a sealing film at a predetermined position, the predetermined position being the position at which the second end is formed in forming the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830), or creating a weakened area at the predetermined position; and arranging a drinking straw device (500) at the predetermined position, the drinking straw device (500) being adapted to penetrate the sealing film or the weakened area in order to establish a fluid mechanical connection between the channel (130, 330, 630, 730, 830) of the container housing ( 110, 310, 610, 710) and the drinking straw device (500).

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