ES3037884T3 - Collapsible cup - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding cardboard cup comprising a circumferential side wall with a circular upper edge surrounding an upper opening, a polygonal lower edge with straight sides between the corners surrounding a lower opening, first vertical fold lines extending from the corners to the upper edge over part of the height of the side wall, two diametrically opposite second vertical fold lines each extending vertically upward from a corner on the lower edge to the upper edge of the side wall, and a base with at least one base wall connected to a straight side of the lower edge via a first horizontal fold line and at least one base flap supporting the base wall in a horizontal orientation at the lower opening.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Collapsible cup

The invention relates to a collapsible cardboard cup for french fries, patatas bravas, chicken nuggets and other fast food products.

In the fast-food industry, disposable packaging is used for French fries, patatas bravas, chicken nuggets, and other fast-food items. Cardboard cones for French fries are a common example. These have two side walls that widen upwards, joining tabs with fold lines that connect them along the edges, and a bottom wall attached to the lower edge of the two side walls with a central fold line. The French fry cone can be folded flat around the fold lines, allowing it to be stacked to save space. Before filling, the cone is raised by pressing against the fold lines of the joining tabs. An example of this design is given in the ECMA Codebook of Folding Box Construction Patterns under designation F 70.54.00.00. The raised French fry cone is not shape-stable, has a small capacity due to its construction, and does not allow for easy access by hand.

For patatas bravas and chicken nuggets, open trays or clamshell boxes (hamburger boxes) are often used. These have two tray sections hinged together around a fold line and interlocking at the front edge. These trays can be stored in a space-saving manner by stacking them inside each other when upright. Removing an individual box from the stack to fill it with food items is difficult because the nested trays are attached to one another. Food items can easily fall out of open trays, and the filling capacity of clamshell boxes is limited due to their two-part design.

Document FR 2843 581 A1 shows an example of a known collapsible cardboard cup.

Based on this, the invention aims to provide a cardboard container that can be stored in a space-saving manner, that can be easily made available for filling with consumer goods, and that allows for a large filling volume, as well as convenient access by hand.

According to the invention, the objective is achieved by means of a collapsible cup with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the collapsible cup are indicated in the subordinate claims.

The collapsible cardboard cup according to the invention comprises a circumferential side wall with a circular upper edge surrounding an upper opening, a polygonal lower edge with straight sides between the corners surrounding a lower opening, first vertical fold lines extending from the corners to the upper edge along a portion of the height of the side wall, two second vertical fold lines, diametrically opposed to each other, extending respectively vertically upwards from a corner on the lower edge to the upper edge of the side wall, and a bottom with at least one bottom wall attached to a straight side of the lower edge via a first horizontal fold line and with at least one bottom tab keeping the bottom wall in a horizontal orientation at the lower opening.

The collapsible cup according to the invention can be folded flat and stored in stacks, saving space. When the collapsible cup is folded flat, two side wall sections, defined by the second vertical fold lines, fold flat around the second vertical fold lines, and the bottom wall is folded between the side wall sections or outwards from them. From the flat folded state, the collapsible cup can be easily lifted by pressing against the outer sides of the two second vertical fold lines and folding the bottom wall horizontally into the bottom opening. Consequently, the collapsible cup can be easily made available for filling with consumables simply by removing it from the stack and lifting it. The fact that the lifted collapsible cup has a circular upper rim and a polygonal lower rim allows it to have a particularly large capacity. Furthermore, the circular upper rim facilitates access through the top opening. The polygonal lower rim with straight sides and the hinge of the bottom wall along a fold line at the bottom edge stabilize the collapsible cup when raised. This also allows the cup to be stacked flat and easily lifted. After use, the collapsible cup can be folded flat again and disposed of, saving space.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the side wall has, on either side of each second vertical fold line, an arched fold line extending from a lower to an upper end of the second vertical fold line. The side wall can be stabilized in the raised position by pressing inwards, into a concave shape, the side wall sections delimited by the arched fold lines. By pressing the second vertical fold line inwards, the side wall sections delimited by the arched fold lines can be brought into a stable, concave position, prestressing the side wall and thus stabilizing the circular shape of the upper edge. If the side wall sections are not in the stable, concave position, the two side wall sections around the second vertical fold lines can be brought closer together, so that the upper edge adopts a lenticular contour, similar to that of a cone of potato chips. The arched fold lines make it easy to reach the top opening by hand.

According to one embodiment, the collapsible cup has an automatic bottom comprising the bottom wall and a bottom tab attached to a straight side of the lower rim via a second horizontal fold line. This bottom can be lifted to a horizontal orientation, covering the lower opening. The automatic bottom facilitates lifting the collapsible cup. This can be achieved by pressing against the second vertical fold lines from the outside, whereby the bottom tab pivots the bottom wall to the horizontal orientation at the lower opening and holds it in this orientation. The bottom wall can then be further pressed slightly towards the horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the collapsible cup has a bottom that does not automatically close when the cup is lifted. For example, the bottom has a bottom wall that, on an edge far from the first horizontal fold line, has a protruding fold tab that can be inserted into an opening in the lower edge of the side wall to hold the bottom wall in the horizontal orientation. According to another example, the bottom tab is attached to the back wall via another horizontal fold line and can be locked behind a straight side of the bottom edge of the side wall.

According to another embodiment, the automatic bottom comprises a bottom flange that is attached via the second horizontal fold line to the straight side of the lower rim opposite the straight side of the lower rim to which the bottom wall is attached via the first horizontal fold line, wherein the bottom flange is divided into a distal and a proximal flange section by a central fold line running parallel to the second horizontal fold line, wherein the distal flange section is glued to the lower side of the bottom wall and the proximal flange section is not glued to the lower side of the bottom wall, so that, in the flat state of the foldable vessel, the bottom wall is folded around the first horizontal fold line against the inner side of one side wall section and the proximal flange section is folded around the second horizontal fold line against the inner side of the other side wall section, and, in the raised state, the bottom wall and the bottom flange are folded around the first and second fold lines. horizontally inwards from the lower opening. When the collapsible vessel is lifted, the bottom wall is pivoted to the horizontal orientation by the bottom flange. In the horizontal orientation, the proximal flange section is also in contact with the bottom wall, so the bottom is at least partially composed of multiple layers and can withstand greater loads.

According to another embodiment, the bottom wall has a polygonal outline with straight sides corresponding to the lower edge of the side wall. This allows the bottom wall to be in contact with the lower edge of the side wall along its outer edge, securely retaining consumables or abrasive items within the collapsible cup.

According to another embodiment, the bottom wall has a folding tab on at least one side, which is hinged via a lateral folding line. When the collapsible vessel is raised, this tab is folded upwards and is in contact with the inner side of the side wall. This further improves the bottom's watertightness.

According to another embodiment, the bottom wall has the folding tab on one side opposite the side hinged to the side wall via the first horizontal fold line. This further improves the bottom's watertightness, as gaps between the bottom wall and the side wall are more likely to occur on the side with the folding tab.

According to another embodiment, the collapsible vessel has folding tabs on both sides of the bottom wall, adjacent to the side opposite the side attached to the side wall via a first horizontal folding line. This further improves the watertight seal.

According to the invention, the collapsible cup has, on its lower edge along the straight sides adjacent to the second vertical fold lines, side bottom tabs joined by third horizontal fold lines. A side bottom tab of two adjacent side bottom tabs is joined, via a diagonal fold line inclined at a 45° angle to the third horizontal fold line, to a connecting tab that is glued to the adjacent side bottom tab. Thus, in the folded state of the collapsible cup, the side bottom tabs are folded around the diagonal fold lines, and in the raised state, they are folded inwards into the lower opening around the third horizontal fold lines. The side bottom tabs automatically fold inwards into the lower opening when the collapsible cup is raised. In one embodiment, the side bottom tabs are additional integral parts of an automatic bottom. In the raised position, the side bottom tabs can be in contact with and hold the bottom wall in place, making the bottom particularly strong. In another embodiment, the side bottom tabs are additional to a bottom wall that does not close automatically when raised, but must be closed manually. In this embodiment, the bottom wall can be held in the horizontal orientation only by the side bottom tabs.

According to the invention, the side bottom tabs, which are arranged adjacent to the first horizontal fold line, have lugs on their opposite sides next to the third horizontal fold lines. In the raised state of the collapsible cup, these lugs are positioned below the bottom wall. This ensures that, when the automatic bottom is raised, the bottom wall is positioned above the second bottom tabs, as the lugs pivot downwards towards the bottom wall.

According to another embodiment, the collapsible cup has six corners and six straight sides on the lower edge of its side wall. The lower edge can also be configured with a different number of corners and sides. It has at least four corners and four sides. Preferably, it has an even number of corners and an even number of sides.

According to another embodiment, the side wall has diametrically opposed openings near the upper edge. These openings can be used to lock a lid in place.

According to another embodiment, the collapsible cup has a circular lid with insertable tabs that project radially outwards from the circumference and are inserted into openings in the side wall. The circular lid closes the top opening. Simultaneously, the lid stabilizes the collapsible cup in the upright position by supporting the side wall from the inside at its upper edge.

According to another embodiment, the lid has two gear holes spaced apart. This facilitates insertion and removal of the lid.

According to another embodiment, the gear holes are formed by a circular arc-shaped die-cut section and an upper fold line extending from one end of the die-cut section to the other, connected to a gear tab located within the die-cut section. The gear tabs can close the access holes to provide optimal coverage of the collapsible cup. This better protects the contents from impurities and premature cooling.

In this application, the terms "upper" and "lower", as well as "vertical" and "horizontal", refer to the fully raised collapsible cup, in which the bottom wall is oriented horizontally and the upper edge is above the lower edge.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings of an exemplary embodiment. The drawings show:

Figure 1 shows a cutout of the collapsible cup laid flat in an oblique perspective view from above; Figure 2 shows a collapsible cup formed from the cutout in its flat state, viewed diagonally from above; Figure 3 shows the collapsible cup partially raised in a rear view;

Figure 4 shows the partially raised collapsible cup in an oblique perspective view from above;

Figure 5 shows the partially raised collapsible cup in a lower view;

Figure 6 shows the folding cup raised higher in a bottom view;

Figure 7 shows the fully collapsible cup in side elevation;

Figure 8 shows the fully raised collapsible cup in a plan view from above;

Figure 9 shows the fully raised collapsible cup in an oblique perspective view from above; Figure 10 shows the fully raised collapsible cup in a perspective view from the side;

Figure 11 shows the fully collapsible cup in a bottom view;

Figure 12 shows the collapsible cup with the lid inserted in a perspective view obliquely from above.

According to Figure 1, a one-piece cardboard cutout 1 has a side wall 2 with a circular arc-shaped top edge 3 and a bottom edge 5 formed by six successive sides 4.1 to 4.6. Sides 4.1 to 4.6 are numbered consecutively from left to right in Figure 1. The adjacent straight sides 4.1 and 4.2, 4.2 and 4.3, 4.3 and 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6 of the bottom edge 5 form an obtuse angle with each other.

Starting from corner 6.1 between the straight side 4.1 located at the far left of Figure 1 and the straight side 4.2 located to its right, a first vertical fold line 7.1 extends towards the top edge 3 along part of the height of the side wall 2. Additional first vertical fold lines 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 extend from the additional corners 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 between the adjacent straight sides 4.3 and 4.4, 4.4 and 4.5 and on the right edge from 4.6 along part of the height of the side wall 2 towards the top edge 3.

In the example, the first vertical fold lines 7.1 to 7.4 extend along approximately 40% and 50% of the height of side wall 2.

Starting from corners 6.2 and 6.5 between straight sides 4.2 and 4.3 and straight sides 4.5 and 4.6, second vertical fold lines 8.1, 8.2 extend to the top edge 3 of side wall 2.

On both sides of each second vertical fold line 8.1, 8.2, the side wall 2 has an arched fold line 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3, 9.4, which extend respectively from the lower end to the upper end of a second vertical fold line 8.1, 8.2. Two arched fold lines 9.1 and 9.2, as well as 9.3, 9.4, respectively delimit lenticular side wall zones 10.1, 10.2.

In addition to the first vertical fold line 7.4 on the right in Figure 1, the side wall 2 features an adhesive tab 11 that protrudes laterally.

The straight side 4.4 is joined via a first horizontal fold line 12 to a back wall 13 having six corners and six straight sides. The back wall 13 is joined on the sides opposite the first horizontal fold line 12 and on the two adjacent sides, via side fold lines 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, to trapezoidal fold tabs 15.1, 15.2, 15.3.

The straight side 4.1, arranged on the left in Figure 1, of the side wall 2 is attached to a bottom flange 17 via a second horizontal fold line 16. This is divided by a center fold line 18 into a proximal flange section 17.1 and a distal flange section 17.2.

The straight sides 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6 on the lower edge 5 of the side wall 2 are joined via horizontal third fold lines 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4 to side bottom tabs 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4, which are respectively approximately triangular in shape. The side bottom tabs 20.1, 20.3, joined to the straight sides 4.2 and 4.5 are respectively joined to a wedge-shaped joining tab 22.1, 22.2 on the side of the respective adjacent lower side tab 20.2, 20.4, via a diagonal fold line 21.1, 21.2. Diagonal fold lines 21.1, 21.2 are oriented respectively at an angle of 45° with respect to the second rectilinear side 4.2, 4.5.

The side bottom tabs 20.2, 20.3 arranged next to the bottom wall 15 have side projections 23.1, 23.2 on the side next to the bottom wall 13, adjacent to the first horizontal fold line 19.2, 19.3.

Near the top edge 3, the side wall 2 has rectangular openings 24.1, 24.2 above the first horizontal fold line 12 and the second horizontal fold line 16.

For pre-gluing, cutout 1, the bottom wall 13 is folded around the first horizontal fold line 12, the bottom tab 17 is folded around the second horizontal fold line 16, and the side bottom tabs 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4 are folded around the third horizontal fold lines 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4 against the inside of the side wall 2. In addition, the distal section 17.2 is folded around the center fold line 18 against the proximal section 17.1 of the bottom tab 17, and the joining tabs 22.1, 22.2 are folded around the diagonal fold lines 21.1, 21.2 against the outside sides of the side bottom tabs 20.1, 20.3 attached to them.

Next, the portion of cutout 1 located to the right of the vertical fold line 8.2 is then folded around the second vertical fold line 8.2 against the adjacent portion of cutout 1, and the side bottom tab 20.4 is glued to the joining section 22.2 of the side bottom tab 20.3.

Next, the portion of cutout 2 arranged to the left of the second vertical fold line 8.1 of Figure 1 is folded around the second vertical fold line 8.1 against the adjacent portion of cutout 2 and the joining tab 22.1 is glued to the adjacent side bottom tab 20.2, the distal tab section 17.2 of the bottom tab 17 is glued to the lower side of the bottom wall 13 and the adhesive tab 11 is glued to the inner side of the left edge of the side wall 2 of Figure 1.

The previously glued folding box 25 is shown in Figure 2. It is in a flat state and can be stacked to save space.

The manufacture of the cutout 1 and the pre-made folding box 25 in the state shown in figure 2 are preferably carried out by the manufacturer of the folding box.

To lift the folding box 25, the second vertical fold lines 8.1, 8.2 are pressed towards each other according to figures 3 to 5. During this, two side wall sections 2.1, 2.2 of the side wall 2 are unfolded between the second vertical fold lines 8.1, 8.2, so that the upper edge 3 between the second vertical fold lines 8.1, 8.2 adopts a lenticular course curved around an upper opening 26 and the lower edge 5 forms a flat hexagon. During lifting, the respective adjacent side bottom tabs 20.1, 20.2 and 20.3, 20.4 fold into a lower opening 27 within the lower edge 5, and the bottom tab 17 pivots the bottom wall 13 into the lower opening 27. The lugs 23.1, 23.2 ensure that the bottom wall 13 is positioned above the side bottom lugs 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4. During the pivoting of the bottom wall 13 into the lower opening 27, the folding tabs 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 rest against the inner side of the side wall 2. For this purpose, the side folding lines 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 can be pre-broken by pre-gluing the folding box 25.

By pressing against the top side of the back wall 13, it can be rotated further downwards to a horizontal orientation at the lower opening 27, whereby the lower edge 5 of the side wall 2 takes the shape of a regular hexagon. This is shown in Figure 6. The upper edge 3 then has a circular shape, but can be deformed relatively easily.

To fully raise the collapsible cup 25, pressure is applied from the outside against the second vertical fold lines 8.1, 8.2, so that the side wall areas 10.1, 10.2 located between the arched fold lines 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 are pressed inwards to a stable position in which they assume a concave shape. In this state, shown in Figures 7 to 12, the upper edge 3 of the side wall 2 assumes a stable circular shape.

The collapsible container 25, raised in this manner, has maximum volume and allows easy access through the top opening 26. Furthermore, the bottom wall 13 with folding tabs 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, and 20.4 provides a good seal, which is entirely sufficient for consuming chunky or solid food items. Raising the collapsible container 25 from a flat position to a fully raised state can be done extremely easily and quickly.

According to Figure 12, the collapsible cup is covered by an inserted lid 28. The lid 28 is circular and has insertable tabs 29.1, 29.2 around its circumference that project radially outwards and are inserted into openings 24.1, 24.2 in the side wall 2. In addition, the lid 28 has two gear holes 30.1, 30.2 spaced apart from each other. These are formed respectively by a die-cut section 31.1, 31.2 in the shape of a circular arc and an upper fold line 33.1, 33.2 that extends from one end to the other of the die-cut section 31.1, 31.2 and is attached to a gear tab 32.1, 32.2 disposed within the die-cut section. The upper fold lines 33.1, 33.2 are arranged on opposite sides of the gear holes 30.1, 30.2 and aligned parallel to each other. The gear tabs 31.1, 31.2 prevent the entry of impurities and further reduce cooling of the contents. To easily remove the lid 28, the gear tabs 31.1, 31.2 can be pressed inwards, and the lid 28 can be pulled out of the upper opening 26.

Claims (13)

1. A collapsible cardboard cup comprising a circumferential side wall (2) with a circular upper edge (3) enclosing an upper opening (26), a polygonal lower edge (5) with rectilinear sides (4.1 to 4.6) between the corners (6.1 to 6.6), enclosing a lower opening (27), first vertical fold lines (7.1 to 7.4) extending from the corners (6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6) towards the upper edge (3) along a portion of the height of the side wall (2), two second vertical fold lines (8.1, 8.2), diametrically opposite each other, extending respectively vertically upwards from a corner (6.2, 6.5) on the lower edge (5) to the upper edge (3) of the side wall (2), and a bottom with at least one bottom wall (13) attached to a rectilinear side. (4.4) of the lower edge (5) through a first horizontal fold line (12) and with at least one bottom tab (17) that keeps the bottom wall (13) in a horizontal orientation at the lower opening (27), wherein the collapsible cup has on the lower edge (5) on the rectilinear sides (4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6), adjacent to the second vertical fold lines (8.1, 8.2), lateral bottom tabs (20.1 to 20.4) joined through third horizontal fold lines (19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4), wherein a lateral bottom tab (20.1, 20.3) of two contiguous lateral bottom tabs (20.1 to 20.4) is joined, through a diagonal fold line (21.1, 21.2) inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to the third horizontal fold line, to a joining tab (22.1, 22.2) that is glued to the adjacent side bottom tab (20.2, 20.4), so that, in the folded state, the side bottom tabs (20.1, to 20.4) are folded around the diagonal fold lines (21.1, 21.2) and, in the raised state, are folded inwards into the lower opening (27) around the third horizontal fold lines (19.1 to 19.4), characterized in that the side bottom tabs (20.2, 20.3) that are arranged contiguously to the first horizontal fold line (12), have on the sides facing each other lugs (23.1, 23.2) next to the third horizontal fold lines (19.2, 19.3) which, in the raised state of the collapsible cup, are arranged under the bottom wall (13). 2. Collapsible cup according to claim 1, wherein the side wall (2) has on both sides of each second vertical fold line (8.1, 8.2) an arched fold line (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) extending respectively from a lower end to an upper end of a second vertical fold line (8.1, 8.2), whereby the side wall (2) can be stabilized in the raised position by pressing inwards, towards a concave shape, the side wall areas (10.1, 10.2) delimited by the arched fold lines. 3. A collapsible cup according to claim 1 or 2, having an automatic bottom comprising the bottom wall (13) and a bottom tab (17) attached to a straight side (4.1) of the lower edge (5) via a second horizontal fold line (16), which can be lifted when the collapsible cup is lifted to a horizontal orientation covering the lower opening (27). 4. A folding box according to claim 3, wherein the automatic bottom comprises the bottom flange (17) which, via the second horizontal fold line (16), is attached to the straight side (4.1) of the lower edge (5) opposite the straight side (4.4) of the lower edge (5) to which the bottom wall (12) is attached via the first horizontal fold line (12), wherein the bottom flange (17) is divided into a distal flange section and a proximal flange section (17.2, 17.1) by a central fold line (18) running parallel to the second horizontal fold line (16), wherein the distal flange section (17.2) is glued to the lower side of the bottom wall (13) and the proximal flange section (17.1) is not glued to the lower side of the bottom wall (13), so that, in the flat state of the folding box, the bottom wall (13) is folded around the first horizontal fold line (12) against the inside side of a side wall section (2.2) and the proximal flange section (17.1) is folded around the second horizontal fold line (16) against the inside side of the other side wall section (2.1) and, in the raised state, the bottom wall (13) and bottom flange (17) are folded around the first and second horizontal fold lines (12, 16) into the lower opening (27). 5. Collapsible cup according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bottom wall (13) has a polygonal contour with straight sides corresponding to the lower edge (5) of the side wall (2). 6. A collapsible cup according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bottom wall (13) has on at least one side a folding tab (15.1) that is hinged via a side folding line (14.1) and which in the raised state of the collapsible cup is folded upwards and is in contact with the inner side of the side wall (2). 7. Collapsible cup according to claim 6, wherein the bottom wall (13) has the folding tab (15.1) on a side opposite the side hinged to the side wall (2) through the first horizontal folding line (12). 8. Collapsible cup according to claim 6 or 7, having folding tabs (15.2, 15.3) on both sides of the bottom wall (13), which are adjacent to the side opposite the side attached to the side wall (2) via a first horizontal folding line (12). 9. Collapsible cup according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower edge (5) has six corners (6.1 to 6.6) and six straight sides (4.1 to 4.6). 10. Collapsible cup according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the side wall (2) has diametrically opposed openings next to the upper edge (3) (24.1,24.2). 11. Collapsible cup according to any one of claims 1 to 10, having a circular lid (28) having insertable tabs (29.1, 29.2) that protrude radially outwards from the circumference and are inserted into openings (24.1, 24.2) in the side wall (2). 12. Collapsible cup according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lid (28) comprises two gear holes (30.1, 30.2) spaced apart from each other. 13. Folding cup according to claim 12, wherein the gear holes (30.1, 30.2) are formed respectively by a stamped section (31.1, 31.2) in the shape of a circular arc and an upper fold line (33.1, 33.2) extending from one end to the other end of the stamped section and attached to a gear tab (32.1, 32.2) disposed within the stamped section.