EP4298024B1 - Sleeve-shaped outer part, combination packaging container equipped therewith, and method for separating the combination packaging container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a sleeve-shaped outer part formed from a blank for encasing a cup-shaped inner container, as well as to a combination packaging container formed from an inner container and the outer part. However, the invention also relates to a method for separating the combination packaging container into its inner container and the outer part by separating the overlapping area of the outer part.

The WO 2020/245148 A1 by the same applicant describes a sleeve-shaped outer part formed from a blank, the blank being wound into a jacket and the end sections of which are connected to one another in an overlapping region. A predetermined separation region comprises an actuating means with a detection section for separating separation sections located on both sides. The detection section is arranged offset laterally from the separating sections, which are aligned convergingly and are spaced apart from an imaginary straight connecting line between them, as seen in the circumferential direction. A separate predetermined separation section is formed in the jacket of the outer part between each detection section end and a respective end of the separating sections. The lower end of the outer part facing the closed end of the inner container is supported on a support shoulder projecting radially outwards. This achieves, within certain limits, a positive-locking mutual retention between the outer part and the inner container. In the event of tolerance-related manufacturing inaccuracies, a change in temperature and/or moisture absorption of the blank, which is preferably made of a cellulose material, the outer part may become unintentionally detached from the inner container.

The WO 2009/130043 A1 describes, among other things, a sleeve-shaped outer part for forming a combination packaging container. The outer part is formed from a blank by erecting and mutually connecting ends in an overlapping area. Furthermore, an actuating means for separating a predetermined separation area is provided, which is arranged between the two end areas spaced apart in the axial direction. The actuating means is formed by an opening extending up to the overlapping area, wherein the longitudinal side of the overlapping The end forms the detection section. In a further embodiment, an actuating tab is provided that can be removed from the casing along a U-shaped circumferential line, with the weakening line surrounding the actuating tab ending on the long side of the overlapping end. This design has proven itself in principle, but it has not been possible to achieve a perfect separation of the intended separation area adjacent to the actuating means in all applications.

From the EP 2 338 804 B1 A packaging container has become known with a first container part having a container base and a container wall extending from the container base in the direction of a container edge, and with a second container part reinforcing the container wall in the form of a sleeve detachably connected to the first container part and at least partially lying against the outer surface of the container wall.

The second container part has a weakening line running from an upper edge of the second container part facing the container rim towards a lower edge of the second container part facing the container bottom. The second container part can be detached from the first container part by cutting through the second container part along the weakening line. The second container part further has a gripping area that can be manually grasped to cut through the second container part, from which the second container part can be detached from the first container part. The weakening line has an engagement section that delimits the gripping area and has a reinforced weakening and/or a cutting line, which forms the starting section for cutting through the second container part along the weakening line. Furthermore, an access area is provided that adjoins the gripping area and lies on the side of the weakening line opposite the gripping area. The access area has two predetermined cutting lines that run transversely to the weakening line and end on one side in the engagement section of the weakening line. This ensures that, after separation along the predetermined separation lines and the engaging section, the access area remains firmly connected to the edge area of the second container part that does not have the gripping area. Here, too, a perfect separation of the predetermined separation area adjacent to the gripping area could not be achieved in all applications.

Further packaging containers are available from the US 2012/205480 A1 , the US 2018/808880 A1 , the US 5 385 260 A , the US 2008/087877 A1 , the DE 20 2004 015374 U1 and the EP 2 128 041 A1 known.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a sleeve-shaped outer part and a combination packaging container comprising a cup-shaped inner container with a sleeve-shaped outer part surrounding the cup-shaped inner container. In this case, the sleeve-shaped outer part is securely positioned and held in the axial direction on the inner container without additional adhesive until the desired detachment from the inner container for recycling purposes. Furthermore, a method for separating the overlapping area and the subsequent separation of its outer part and inner container is also to be created.

This object is achieved by a sleeve-shaped outer part and a combination packaging container comprising the outer part and an inner container according to the claims.

• wobei der Innenbehälter einen Behältermantel aufweist, der von einem offenen Ende hin zu einem mit einem Boden verschlossenen Ende insbesondere konisch verjüngend ausgebildet ist,
• wobei das Außenteil aus einem Zuschnitt gebildet ist, welcher Zuschnitt in seinem aufgerichteten Zustand zu einem Mantel gewickelt ist und dabei ein erster Endabschnitt und ein diesem zugewendeter zweiter Endabschnitt des Mantels in einem Überlappungsbereich miteinander verbunden sind,
• wobei das Außenteil weiters eine erste Stirnseite und eine zweite Stirnseite aufweist und die beiden Stirnseiten voneinander beabstandet sind sowie im aufgerichteten Zustand eine Bauhöhe des Mantels mit einer sich in Richtung der Bauhöhe erstreckenden Längsachse definieren, wobei die erste Stirnseite zumindest abschnittsweise einen Abstützbereich definiert und weiters die erste Stirnseite dem Boden und die zweite Stirnseite dem offenen Ende des Innenbehälters zuwendbar ist, und
• wobei weiters noch eine zusätzliche Stützvorrichtung vorgesehen ist, welche zusätzliche Stützvorrichtung im Bereich der ersten Stirnseite des aus dem Zuschnitt gebildeten Außenteils angeordnet oder ausgebildet ist, und
• die zusätzliche Stützvorrichtung eine lichte innere Abmessung definiert welche kleiner ist als eine Innenabmessung des Außenteils in seiner unverformten Ausbildung im Bereich der ersten Stirnseite.

The sleeve-shaped outer part according to the invention serves to enclose a cup-shaped inner container to form a combination packaging container,

• wherein the inner container has a container shell which is designed to taper in particular conically from an open end to an end closed with a bottom,
• wherein the outer part is formed from a blank, which blank is wound in its erected state into a sheath, and a first end section and a second end section of the sheath facing the first end section are connected to one another in an overlapping region,
• wherein the outer part further comprises a first end face and a second end face, and the two end faces are spaced apart from one another and, in the erected state, define a construction height of the shell with a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of the construction height, wherein the first end face defines a support region at least in sections, and furthermore, the first end face can be turned towards the bottom and the second end face towards the open end of the inner container, and
• wherein an additional support device is further provided, which additional support device is arranged in the region of the first end face of the blank formed from the blank outer part is arranged or formed, and
• the additional support device defines a clear inner dimension which is smaller than an inner dimension of the outer part in its undeformed form in the region of the first end face.

The advantage achieved in this way is that the support area or support section on the shoulder of the inner container, already defined by the first end face, is further improved by the provision or formation of the additional support device. In the undeformed configuration of the bottom-side end region of the blank or of the outer part formed therefrom, the additional support device reduces the clear inner dimension compared to the undeformed configuration, thus achieving an even better locking effect on the inner container. In this way, tolerance-related manufacturing inaccuracies do not lead to any further disadvantages in the fixed positioning of the outer part on the inner container, and this is even possible without the adhesive point between the container shell and the outer part, which is otherwise usually applied for securing purposes. This creates an outer part that can also be more easily detached from the inner container for disposal.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the additional support device comprises at least one support element, and the at least one support element defines the clear inner dimension. The at least one support element forms the additional support device and protrudes from the undeformed bottom-side edge region or edge section of the outer part in the direction of the longitudinal axis and forms the reduction of the clear inner dimension.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the at least one support element is formed into the material of the blank, starting from an outer surface of the outer part toward an inner surface, and protrudes radially beyond the undeformed inner surface toward the longitudinal axis. This allows the material to be used directly to form the at least one support element, thus eliminating the need for additional components or parts. This also eliminates the need for additional material that would otherwise require separate treatment during separation and disposal.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the at least one support element has a longitudinal extension starting from the first end face in the direction of the second end face. This allows a defined projection of the at least one support element can be realized via the inner surface of the cut or outer part, which forms the enlargement or widening of the base-side support area.

Another possible embodiment has the features that multiple support elements are provided, and the support elements are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction along the first end face. This allows for an even better support effect across the circumference, even under changing environmental conditions and/or during handling.

A further embodiment provides that the additional support device comprises at least one forming section, which is formed into the material of the blank from an inner surface of the outer part toward an outer surface, and which is arranged at a distance from the first end face. This subsequently allows the edge section to be aligned in the opposite direction.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the at least one forming section, viewed in axial section, has a preferably curved longitudinal profile, and an end section adjoining the forming section in the direction of the first end face is oriented so as to extend at an angle toward the longitudinal axis. This allows for additional stiffening of the bottom-side end section or the peripheral edge region.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one forming section has a parallel longitudinal extension with respect to the first end face. This allows for a uniform design of the additional support device projecting toward the inner container.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the forming section is arranged so as to extend continuously along the first end face in the circumferential direction. This allows a secure and uniform supporting effect to be achieved over the entire circumference, particularly in the case of inner containers with a round cross-sectional shape.

Another alternative embodiment is characterized in that multiple forming sections are provided, and the forming sections are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction along the first end face. This variant can be used in particular for inner containers that have rectilinear container walls when viewed in cross-section and each have a rounded corner region in the transition areas located therebetween. This prevents unwanted wrinkling in the transition areas.

A further embodiment provides for an adhesive to be provided in the overlapping area between the two end sections, which adhesive has a first adhesive force value when viewed in the circumferential direction and a second adhesive force value in the radial direction, wherein the first adhesive force value is greater than the second adhesive force value. Due to the mutually different adhesive force values of the adhesive holding the blank together at its mutually facing end sections, on the one hand the cohesion can be made greater when viewed in the circumferential direction and, on the other hand, if the force is applied differently, an easier separation effect with a correspondingly reduced adhesive force can be made possible. This facilitates the separation process of the overlapping area when separating the outer part from the inner container. If a compressive force is exerted in the direction of the inner container, this can easily lead to a mutual detachment of the two interconnected end sections. This also allows a simple separation process of the outer part from the inner container during disposal.

Another embodiment is characterized by the fact that at least one predetermined separation area is formed or provided in the outer shell of the outer part. By providing a separate predetermined separation area in the outer shell of the outer part, another option for detaching the outer part from the inner container can be created. This allows the user or consumer of the combination packaging container to perform a directed separation after consuming the contents, thus ensuring proper material separation in a known manner.

The invention also relates to a combination packaging container comprising a cup-shaped inner container with a container shell, a base, a flange, a rear section located in the base area of the container shell and a shoulder as well as a A sleeve-shaped outer part designed according to the invention surrounds the inner container at least in part on its container shell.

This creates a combination packaging container in which an even better and more secure hold of the outer part to the inner container is achieved in the axial direction, on the side facing away from the open end. This makes it even easier to accommodate production-related manufacturing tolerances.

A further design provides for the sleeve-shaped outer part to be axially supported on the shoulder of the inner container by means of its additional support device, eliminating the need for an additional adhesive. This makes it even easier and, above all, more secure to separate the combination packaging container into the inner container and outer part after use. Even after the outer part has been separated, the outer part forms a single, integral piece, which can be easily and, above all, disposed of properly and recycled in one piece. Furthermore, by eliminating the additional adhesive, savings can be achieved and potential contamination of the machine during the adhesive application process can be avoided.

However, the object of the invention is also achieved by a method for separating an outer part from an inner container, which together form the combination packaging container, in that a compressive force -F- directed towards the combination packaging container is applied during the separation process and the outer part and the container shell of the combination packaging container are spatially deformed and the applied compressive force -F- is at least partially converted into a separation force which at least partially separates the overlapping area by the spatial deformation.

The applied compressive force -F- leads to a spatial deformation of the outer part and also of the container shell, whereby the compressive force -F- is at least partially deflected and converted into a separation force. Thus, the overlapping area of the outer part, held together by the adhesive or bonding agent, is subjected to the separation force acting in the radial direction, depending on the orientation of the compressive force -F-. The separation force acting on the overlapping area causes the separation process, at least of the overlapping area. The person who is supposed to carry out the separation process can omit the search for and finding the actuating device for the desired separation area and the subsequent tearing process.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Fig. 1

einen Kombi-Verpackungsbehälter mit einem Innenbehälter und einem Außenteil mit einer zusätzlichen Stützvorrichtung, in Ansicht, teilweise geschnitten;

Fig. 2

ein Detail des Kombi-Verpackungsbehälters nach Fig. 1, in Ansicht geschnitten und vergrößerter Darstellung;

Fig. 3

einen Teilbereich des Kombi-Verpackungsbehälters nach den Fig. 1 und 2, im Querschnitt gemäß den Linien III-III in Fig. 1 und vergrößerter Darstellung;

Fig. 4

den Zuschnitt zur Bildung des Außenteils nach den Fig. 1 bis 3, in unverformter, ebenflächiger Lage;

Fig. 5

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Zuschnitts zur Bildung des Außenteils mit einer anderen Ausbildung der zusätzlichen Stützvorrichtung, in unverformter, ebenflächiger Lage;

Fig. 6

ein weiteres Detail des Kombi-Verpackungsbehälters mit dem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel des Zuschnitts nach Fig. 5, in Ansicht geschnitten und vergrößerter Darstellung.

They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1

a combination packaging container with an inner container and an outer part with an additional support device, in elevation, partly in section;

Fig. 2

a detail of the combi packaging container after Fig. 1 , in sectioned view and enlarged representation;

Fig. 3

a part of the combination packaging container according to the Fig. 1 and 2 , in cross section along lines III-III in Fig. 1 and enlarged view;

Fig. 4

the cutting to form the outer part according to the Fig. 1 to 3 , in an undeformed, flat position;

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of a blank for forming the outer part with a different design of the additional support device, in an undeformed, flat position;

Fig. 6

another detail of the combination packaging container with the further embodiment of the blank according to Fig. 5 , in sectioned view and enlarged representation.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations, whereby the disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied mutatis mutandis to the new position in the event of a change in position.

The term "in particular" is understood below to mean that it may refer to a possible more specific embodiment or more detailed specification of an object or a method step, but does not necessarily have to represent a mandatory, preferred embodiment of the same or a mandatory procedure.

As used herein, the terms "comprising," "comprises," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

Another term that can also be used is "optional." This means that this process step or system component is generally present but can be used depending on the operating conditions, although this is not mandatory.

The present application represents a further development of the prior art already mentioned in the introduction to the description WO 2020/245148 A1 of the same applicant and is based on it. In these combination packaging containers, the blank and the outer part formed therefrom, as well as the inner container, are manufactured separately. After the blank has been wound into the sleeve-shaped outer part, either the outer part is pushed onto the inner container in the axial direction, or the inner container is pushed into the outer part, which is held in position for the joining process, in the axial direction. The pushing of the outer part onto the inner container is described in the EP 0 929 455 B1 The joining of the inner container into the outer part is described in detail in the EP 1 463 670 B1 described in detail. The following description concerns such an embodiment of the outer lining of a cup or bowl.

In the Fig. 1 to 4 A combination packaging container 1 is shown as an example of a multitude of possible different shapes, wherein the combination packaging containers 1 are cup- or bowl-shaped. The combination packaging container 1 comprises a cup- or bowl-shaped inner container 2 with a base 3 and a container shell 4. The inner container 2 further has an open end 5 on its side facing away from the base 3, wherein a flange 6 projecting outwardly beyond the container shell 4 can be provided in the region of its open end 5. The base 3 forms a closed end 7 for the container shell 4.

The inner container 2 is preferably formed by a component produced in a deep-drawing process, which can be manufactured quickly and, above all, in a short cycle time. The deep-drawing process is well known and will therefore not be discussed in detail. The deep-drawing process is particularly suitable for producing the inner container 2 with a sufficient wall thickness to ensure tightness during storage, use, and disposal. This manufacturing process allows relatively thin walls of the inner container 2 to be produced. However, the inner container 2 can also be formed using other manufacturing processes, such as injection molding.

Due to the cup- or bowl-shaped design of the inner container 2, a longitudinal axis 8 extends axially between the open end 5 and the end 7 closed by the base 3. This longitudinal axis 8 can also represent a central axis if the design is symmetrical. A sealing plate (not shown in detail) can be arranged in the area of the flange 6 or connected to it. In this case, the flange 6 forms a sealing flange.

In the axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8, the inner container 2 has a container height 9 between its open end 5, in particular the flange 6, and the base 3, whereby the receiving volume of the inner container 2 is determined depending on the cross-sectional dimensions. The container height 9 in conjunction with the cross-sectional dimensions thus defines a receiving space of the inner container 2.

The container shell 4 is understood to be that portion of the inner container 2 which extends predominantly axially between the open end 5, in particular the flange 6, and the base 3. The inner container 2 and its container shell 4 are preferably designed such that they taper conically from the open end toward the base.

Furthermore, the container shell 4 of the inner container 2 can have a rear ledge 10 in its peripheral section adjacent to the base 3. The rear ledge 10 is also part of the container shell 4, but, viewed in axial section, is offset inwards with respect to an imaginary, straight connecting line between the flange 6 and the base 3. The rear ledge 10, in turn, has at least two rear ledge wall sections (not designated in more detail), wherein the two rear ledge wall sections, viewed in axial section, have a different inclination or direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 8 than the rest of the container shell 4. In this case, the rear ledge 10 is offset inwards and thus in the direction of the receiving space compared to the straight arrangement of the container shell 4 between the flange 6 and the base 3, viewed in axial section.

Viewed in axial section, the first rear-drawn wall section, which directly adjoins the base 3, is arranged or configured to extend predominantly in the direction of the container height 9 toward the open end 5. The further rear-drawn wall section extends in a predominantly perpendicular direction with respect to the container height 9, starting from the end of the first rear-drawn wall section facing away from the base 3 toward the container shell 4. In the present exemplary embodiment, the further rear-drawn wall section forms a stacking shoulder. This stacking shoulder serves to support a similar combination packaging container 1 with its base 3, in particular the edge-side transition section between the base 3 and the container shell 4.

Furthermore, the inner container 2 can have a shoulder 11 or a bead projecting towards the side facing away from the longitudinal axis 8 in the immediate transition area between the bottom 3 and the container shell 4, in particular between the bottom 3 and the rear section.

The combination packaging container 1 further comprises an outer part 12 which is sleeve-shaped or jacket-shaped and surrounds the inner container 2 in the region of its container jacket 4 at least in sections or regions.

The previously described shoulder 11 can, for example, serve to hold the sleeve-shaped outer part 12 on the inner container 2. In this case, the sleeve-shaped outer part 12 rests with its first end face 19 facing the bottom 3 of the inner container 2 on this shoulder 11 formed in the transition region. The shoulder 11 can thus also be referred to as a locking means for holding the outer part 12 on the inner container 2. The end face 19 forms a front edge in its longitudinal extent, which, in the joined position, defines a support area at least in sections and is supported against the shoulder. Depending on the radial projection of the shoulder 11 and the tolerance-dependent dimensions of the outer part 12, an unintentional detachment of the outer part 12 from the inner container 2 may occur.

A further locking means in the region of the open end 5 can be, for example, the flange 6. Furthermore, the sleeve-shaped outer part 12 comprises a second end face 20, which in turn faces the open end 5 or the flange 6.

The sleeve-shaped outer part 12 is preferably formed from a cellulose material, such as cardboard, with sufficient strength with regard to the absorption and transmission of, in particular, axially acting compressive forces, and is wound from a flat blank 13 into a sleeve, as is already well known. The blank 13 is usually printed in its undeformed, flat position and, if necessary, provided with an additional coating. A cellulose material is usually used as the material, although this can also be cardboard or strong paper produced using a recycling process. If a layer or ply of the outer part 12 is formed from a recycled material, an additional layer of a higher-quality paper can be arranged on or bonded to at least one of the surfaces. This additional layer ensures flawless printing for the production of decorations, labels, and product information.

The sleeve-like or jacket-like outer part 12 leads to an additional reinforcement or stiffening effect of the inner container 2 and thus of the entire combination packaging container 1.

This provides high strength and good thermal insulation on the one hand, and optimal light protection for the contents of the packaging container on the other.

In particular, it can also be provided that the cardboard is additionally coated or sealed with a water-repellent material in the area of the cut edges. This is particularly advantageous when the combination packaging container 1 is exposed to increased moisture ingress. Coating the cardboard used for the outer part 12 with a water-repellent layer prevents the cardboard from swelling in a humid environment and ultimately detaching from the container shell 4 of the combination packaging container 1.

The sleeve-shaped outer part 12 is wound from the mostly flat blank 13 into a sheath. By winding the blank, end sections 14, 15 facing each other are then connected to one another in a simplified representation of the overlapping area 16. This is achieved by a so-called overlap seam, by means of which the first end section 14 and the second end section 15 adhere to one another, for example by means of an adhesive. The winding and subsequent connection of the two end sections 14, 15 can be carried out, as is already sufficiently known from the prior art, for example by gluing. As an example, reference is made here to the EP 0 408 515 B1 The first end section 14 of the blank 13 ends with a first Longitudinal edge 17 and the second end section 15 in turn ends with a second longitudinal edge 18. In the overlapping area 16, the two longitudinal edges 17, 18 run approximately parallel to one another, wherein, viewed in the circumferential direction, the overlapping area 16 is formed therebetween with an overlap width.

The outer part 12 further comprises the first end face 19 and the second end face 20, wherein the two end faces 19, 20 are spaced apart from one another and, in the erected state, define an overall height 21 of the shell. The previously described longitudinal axis 8 can also define the common longitudinal axis for the outer part 12, particularly when the outer part 12 is in its mounted position on the inner container 2. The overall height 21 of the shell is usually slightly less than the container height 9 of the inner container 2 in the same spatial direction—namely, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8.

A possible, but not mandatory, arrangement and/or design for separating the outer part 12 from the inner container 2 is described below. This is a so-called predetermined separation area 22, which is arranged and formed in the material of the outer part 12. The following detailed description of the predetermined separation area 22 corresponds to the design already described in the WO 2020/245148 A1 described. However, the predetermined separation area 22 could also be designed differently and deviating from this.

In order to enable a defined severing and, associated with this, subsequent separate disposal of the inner container 2 and outer part 12 for a consumer, at least one predetermined separation region 22 is provided in the casing of the outer part 12. The predetermined separation region 22 here comprises a first separation section 23, a second separation section 24, and an actuating means 25 for starting and initiating the severing process of the predetermined separation region 22 along the two separation sections 23, 24. The actuating means 25 is arranged between the two end faces 19, 20, viewed in the direction of the overall height 21 of the casing. It is advantageous if the actuating means 25 is arranged approximately centrally between the two end faces 19, 20, which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the overall height 21, whereby this essentially corresponds to half the overall height 21. The term "central" refers to half the dimension of the actuating means 25 in the direction of the overall height 21 or the longitudinal axis 8. The two separating sections 23, 24 are provided on both sides of the actuating means 25 and each extend in the direction of the respective end face 19, 20.

Viewed in the direction of the overall height 21 of the casing, the two separating sections 23, 24 of the predetermined separating area 22 are each aligned so as to converge from the two end faces 19, 20 and thus define an imaginary, straight connecting line 26 between them, which is shown in dashed lines. The converging alignment of the two separating sections 23, 24 is in each case related to the direction of the actuating means 25. The two separating sections 23, 24 can either be aligned so as to be flush with one another, viewed in the direction of the overall height 21 of the casing, or they can run at a slight inclination with respect to the first longitudinal edge 17 in the direction of the actuating means 25 located between them. This slight inclination can further improve the separating process after the two separating sections 23, 24 have been separated towards the two end faces 19, 20.

Depending on the design of the predetermined separation points, which will be described in more detail later, the imaginary connecting line 26 is assumed to run at the center of the predetermined separation points. The actuating means 25, in turn, defines a detection section 27 with a first detection section end 28 and a second detection section end 29 spaced apart from one another in the direction of the overall height 21. Thus, the two detection section ends 28, 29 are arranged or end at a distance 30 from one another in the direction of the overall height 21 of the casing. Furthermore, it can also be seen that the detection section 27 of the actuating means 25 is arranged or formed outside the overlap region 16.

An arrangement of the actuating means 25 is provided here in which the detection section 27, viewed in the circumferential direction, is arranged or formed laterally spaced by an offset 31 relative to the converging separating sections 23, 24 of the desired separating region 22 and the imaginary straight connecting line 26 between them. The offset 31 can have a value selected from a range of values with a lower limit of 1.0 mm and an upper limit of 10.0 mm. Preferably, the range of values can have a lower limit of 2.0 mm and an upper limit of 6.0 mm.

The first separating section 23 in turn has a first end 32 facing the actuating means 25, wherein the second separating section 24 has a second end 33 facing the actuating means 25. In the area of the imaginary connecting line 26 between the two ends 32, 33, the casing is formed without interruption due to the intended lateral offset 31 of the actuating means 25. The arrangement of the two in the direction The position of the ends 32, 33 of the separating sections 23, 24, which are spaced apart from one another by the overall height 21, with respect to the detection section 27 forming the actuating means 25 is selected such that the first detection section end 28 of the detection section 27 overlaps the adjacent first end 32 of the first separating section 23 on the side facing away from the second separating section 24. Due to the lateral offset 31 of the detection section 27 on the side facing away from the overlap region 16, a first predetermined separating section 34 is formed in the casing of the outer part 12 between the first detection section end 28 and the first end 32 of the first separating section 23, as seen in the circumferential direction.

It is also provided that the second detection section end 29 of the detection section 27 overlaps the adjacent second end 33 of the second separating section 24 on the side facing away from the first separating section 23. Thus, analogous to the first intended separating section 34, a second intended separating section 35 is also formed in the casing of the outer part 12 between the second detection section end 29 and the second end 33 of the second separating section 24, viewed in the circumferential direction. The two intended separating sections 34, 35 are formed by the reduced dimension of the casing material between the respective detection section end 28 or 29 and the respective end 32 or 33. The two ends 32 and 33 of the separating sections 23, 24 are arranged closer to one another than the two detection section ends 28 and 29, which are spaced apart by the distance 30.

This makes it possible for a user of the combination packaging container 1 to grasp the actuating means 25 with its grasping section 27, then to separate the two predetermined separation sections 34, 35 starting from the grasping section 27 up to the respective ends 32, 33 of the two separation sections 23, 24, and subsequently to separate the two separation sections 23, 24 until the jacket is completely severed. This allows the outer part 12 to be easily separated from the inner container 2 and to be disposed of separately. The two predetermined separation sections 34, 35 each form starting sections for the separation of the two separation sections 23, 24.

Each of the two separating sections 23, 24 comprises a plurality of predetermined separation points arranged one behind the other in a row, which are usually formed as perforations, in particular also as short cuts, in the material of the outer part 12.

In this embodiment, it is shown that the shape and position of the predetermined separation points can be selected differently from one another. Therefore, those predetermined separation points that are located directly adjacent to the respective detection section ends 28, 29 are referred to as first predetermined separation points 36. The further predetermined separation points provided subsequently towards one of the two end faces 19, 20 are referred to as second predetermined separation points 37 and third predetermined separation points 38.

The predetermined separation points 36, 37, 38 are aligned with respect to a plane 39 centrally and in normal alignment to the longitudinal axis 8 - see Fig. 1 - are designed and arranged in a mirror image of each other. Therefore, only those predetermined separation points 36, 37, 38 located in the area of the first separation section 23 will be described in more detail and are to be transferred analogously to the second separation section 24.

Furthermore, in the lower left corner area of the combi packaging container 1 shown in the section in the Fig. 1 and in the enlarged representation in the Fig. 2 shown that in the area or in the section of the first end face 19 of the blank 13 or of the outer part 12 formed therefrom, an additional support device 40 is provided or formed by solely deforming the material of the blank 13. The additional support device 40 serves or is designed to ensure that the outer part 12 is or will be supported even more securely in the axial direction on the shoulder 11 of the inner container 2 until it is detached. The additional support device 40 is further designed such that a clear internal dimension of the finished formed outer part 12 is smaller than the undeformed design. The bottom end face 19 of the outer part 12 already forms or defines the support area interacting with the shoulder 11, which support area is further improved, in particular enlarged, and made more secure by the provision or formation of the additional support device 40.

In this first exemplary embodiment shown here, the additional support device 40 comprises at least one support element 41, but preferably a plurality of support elements 41 arranged at a distance from one another along the first end face 19, which support elements 41 are distributed over the circumference of the sleeve-shaped outer part 12. The individual support elements 41 are formed into the material of the blank 13 by forming or embossing and are thus each an integral part of the blank 13. The support elements 41 are formed and thus formed starting from an outer surface 42 of the outer part 12 in the direction of an inner surface 43. They thus protrude in the radial direction beyond the undeformed inner surface 43 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8. The projection can have a value that originates from a value range whose lower limit is 0.05 mm, in particular 0.1 mm, and whose upper limit is 0.5 mm, in particular 0.2 mm.

A clear inner dimension 44 of the additional support device 40 formed by the support elements 41 is thus smaller than an inner dimension 45 of the outer part 12 in its undeformed configuration without the support elements 41. By molding the at least one support element 41, the first end face 19 is also deformed along its longitudinal profile and thus also forms a support surface for the outer part 12 on the shoulder 11. The longitudinal profile can also be designed in the form of a longitudinal corrugation.

The support element 41 has or the support elements 41 have a longitudinal extension starting from the first end face 19 in the direction of the second end face 20. Thus, the support element 41 or the support elements 41 extend as far as the first end face 19. The length of the at least one support element 41 can be, for example, a few millimeters and depends on the size and design of the rear part 10. Possible examples include 2 mm to 15 mm, preferably 5 mm to 10 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the support element 41 or the support elements 41 is shown only as an example. Instead of the rather angular cross-sectional shape shown here, a rounded or arcuate cross-sectional shape would also be conceivable.

In the Fig. 4 is the cut 13 to form the previously in the Fig. 1 to 3 described outer part 12 in its undeformed, flat position, whereby the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 to 3 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 to 3 pointed out or referred to.

The previously described predetermined separation area 22 is not shown in detail here, but can also be provided as previously described as a possible and optional variant. Furthermore, the orientation of the individual support elements 41, starting from the first end face 19 facing the ground and moving toward the second end face 20, is more clearly visible here. Due to the arcuately curved longitudinal profile of the two end faces 19, 20 and their common center (center of the radius), the individual support elements 41 also have a longitudinal profile aligned toward the center.

In the Fig. 5 and 6 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the outer part 12 formed from the blank 13 to the jacket is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 to 4 To avoid unnecessary repetition, to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 to 4 pointed out or referred to.

It should be noted that here, too, it is optionally possible to provide or form the predetermined separation area 22, which has already been described in detail. For the sake of clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the illustration and description of this area have been omitted.

The blank 13 and the outer part 12 formed therefrom in turn comprise the additional support device 40, which, however, has a different design than the previously described embodiment. To form the additional support device 40, the additional support device 40 comprises at least one forming section 46, which is also molded into the material of the blank 13. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the at least one forming section 46 is formed starting from the inner surface 43 of the outer part 12 in the direction of its outer surface 42. Furthermore, the at least one forming section 46 is arranged at a distance from the first end face 19 in the direction of the opposite second end face 20.

Viewed in axial section, the at least one forming section 46 can have a longitudinal profile that is mostly curved outward. Adjacent to the at least one forming section 46, an end section 47 is provided in the direction of the first end face 19. Thus, a corresponding end section 47 is also formed or arranged adjacent to each forming section 46. The end section 47 can, in turn, be oriented so as to extend at an angle toward the longitudinal axis 8.

How better now from the Fig. 5 As can be seen, the at least one forming section 46 can have a parallel longitudinal extension with respect to the first end face 19. It is also possible for the forming section 46 to be arranged or formed to run continuously along the first end face 19 in the circumferential direction. Irrespective of this, it would also be conceivable for a plurality of forming sections 46 to be provided and for the forming sections 46 to be arranged spaced apart from one another along the first end face 19 in the circumferential direction.

By deliberately additionally forming the blank 13 in the region of its first end face 19, it is achieved that the previously described end section 47 with the first end face 19 located thereon forms or defines the at least one support element 41. The at least a support element 41 defines in the upright position of the blank 13 to the outer part 12, in turn, the clear inner dimension 44, which is smaller than an inner dimension 45 of the outer part 12 in its undeformed configuration without the forming section 46. The bottom end of the outer part 12 is shown in the undeformed position in dashed lines in the Fig. 6 still hinted at.

Due to the formation and shaping of the forming section 46, it may be necessary to make the undeformed height between the first and second end faces 19, 20 somewhat longer in order to subsequently achieve support on the shoulder 11 on the one hand and to be able to cover the container shell 4 up to the flange 6 immediately adjacent thereto on the other hand.

However, it would also be possible to form the forming section 46 from the outer surface 42 towards the inner surface 43 and thus form a kind of kink.

To mutually bond the end sections 14, 15 of the previously flat blank 13 facing each other during the formation of the jacket, an adhesive or bonding agent is preferably used in the overlapping area 16 to be formed. This adhesive can be applied to one of the end sections 14 or 15 or to both of them, as is well known.

The separation, disposal, and subsequent recycling of the different materials poses a major challenge. The inner container 2 is usually made of a plastic or a degradable material that can be formed in a thermoforming process. The outer part 12 is preferably made of a cellulose material. The blank 13 can also be provided with a printed image on at least one of its flat sides, namely the outer surface 42 and/or the inner surface 43.

Since the separation process of the outer part 12 from the inner container 2 is usually not carried out or only partially carried out by the consumers, it can further be provided here that the adhesive used in the overlapping area 16 has different adhesive force values depending on the direction of force acting on it, in particular the separation direction.

Viewed in the circumferential direction and thus in tension or shear, the adhesive should have a sufficiently high adhesive force value to ensure sufficient mutual hold of the two end sections 14, 15 to one another under normal loads.

However, if a compressive force -F- is applied to the combination packaging container 1 to be separated, the adhesive has a second adhesive force value which is different from the first adhesive force value. The first adhesive force value should be greater than the second adhesive force value. The compressive force -F- can be applied to the combination packaging container 1 in a wide variety of directions and is at least partially converted into a separation force which at least partially separates the overlapping region 16. In this case, the second adhesive force value is exceeded and the two end sections 14, 15, initially held together by the adhesive or adhesive, separate from each other, at least in sections.

For example, compression can be performed in the radial and/or axial directions. This spatially deforms the entire combination packaging container 1. When a compressive force -F- is applied in the axial direction, the outer part 12 and also the container shell 4 bend in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8. Due to the lower adhesive force value in this force direction, the separation of the overlapping area 16 can be carried out or carried out.

By providing or forming the additional support device 40 in the immediately adjacent edge region to the first end face 19, the sleeve-shaped outer part 12 can be supported even better and more securely in the axial direction on the shoulder 11 of the inner container 2 by means of its additional support device 40, without the need for an additional adhesive. The adhesive point previously provided for safety reasons between the inner surface 43 of the outer part 12 and the container shell 4 can thus be omitted and no longer needs to be provided. Thus, when separating the overlap region 16 with the adhesive used and/or separating the predetermined separation region 22, an unwanted adhesive connection between the outer part 12 and the inner container 2 can be avoided.

This allows the user of the combination packaging container 1 to forego the separation process and can dispose of the entire combination packaging container 1. The separation process of the target separation area 22 is then carried out during collection and/or during waste disposal, carried out mechanically by means of a press or a squeezing device.

Furthermore, to allow a single person to perform the separation process, it would be possible to place the combination packaging container on a support surface, either with its closed end or with the open end of the inner container, and then apply the compressive force -F- to the end facing away from the support surface in the direction of the support surface. Depending on the arrangement and setup of the combination packaging container, the compressive force can be easily applied to the combination packaging container and introduced into it, e.g., using human force. The risk of injury can be minimized with an arrangement in which the compressive force is applied to the floor.

It would also be possible to exert the compressive force -F- on the combination packaging container in a parallel orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis extending between the open end and the closed end, or in an orientation angular to the longitudinal axis. Thus, with a parallel force application, the compressive force can be easily redirected, at least for the most part, into a tearing force acting in a predominantly radial direction, which leads to the outer part bursting open in its overlapping area. If the force application direction deviates from this, the spatial deformation can also cause the overlapping area to separate.

If the previously described separation area is also provided, the separation process of the combination packaging container 1 into its various components can be carried out either by a single person or during the collection and disposal process.

The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with one another are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, i.e. all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size.

Reference symbol list

1 Combined packaging containers 30 Distance 2 inner container 31 Offset 3 Floor 32 first end 4 Container shell 33 second end 5 open ending 34 first predetermined separation section 6 flange 35 second predetermined separation section 7 closed end 36 first predetermined separation point 8 Longitudinal axis 37 second predetermined separation point 9 Container height 38 third predetermined separation point 10 Rear pull 39 level 11 shoulder 40 Support device 41 Support element 12 outer part 42 exterior surface 13 Cutting 43 inner surface 14 first final section 44 inner dimensions 15 second final section 45 Internal dimensions 16 Overlap area 46 Forming section 17 first longitudinal edge 47 final section 18 second longitudinal edge 19 first front side 20 second front side 21 Height 22 Target separation area 23 first separation section 24 second separation section 25 Actuating means 26 connecting line 27 Recording section 28 first recording section end 29 second detection section end

Claims (13)

1. A combination packaging container (1) comprising a cup-shaped inner container (2) with a container jacket (4), a bottom (3), a flange (6), an undercut (10) located in the bottom region of the container jacket (4), wherein the inner container (2) has a shoulder (11) or bead projecting on the side facing away from the longitudinal axis (8) in the immediate transition region between the bottom (3) and the container jacket (4), as well as a sleeve-shaped outer part (12), which at least partially surrounds the inner container (2) on its container jacket (4),

   - wherein the outer part (12) is formed from a blank cut (13), said blank cut (13) being wound into a jacket in its raised state, and a first end portion (14) and facing it a second end portion (15) of the jacket are connected to one another in an overlapping region (16),

   - wherein the outer part (12) further has a first end face (19) and a second end face (20), the two end faces (19, 20) spaced apart from one another, and in the raised state, defining a structural height (21) of the jacket with a longitudinal axis (8) extending in the direction of the structural height (21), wherein the first end face (19) defines a support region in sections at least and, furthermore, the first end face (19) can face the bottom (3) and the second end face (20) the open end (5) of the inner container (2),
   wherein

   the sleeve-shaped outer part (12), with its first end face (19) facing the bottom (3) of the inner container (2), is supported by the former in the shoulder (11) configured in the transition region,

   characterized in that,

   - an additional support device (40) is provided on the outer part (12), said additional support device (40) being arranged or formed in the region of the first end face (19) of the outer part (12) formed from the blank cut (13), and

   - the additional support device (40) defines a clear inner dimension (44), which is smaller than an internal dimension (45) of the outer part (12) in its undeformed configuration in the region of the first end face (19).
2. The combination packaging container (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the additional support device (40) comprises at least one support element (41) and the at least one support element (41) defines the clear inner dimension (44).
3. The combination packaging container (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the at least one support element (41) is molded into the material of the blank cut (13) starting from an outer surface (42) of the outer part (12) in the direction of an inner surface (43) and projects in the radial direction beyond the undeformed inner surface (43) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (8).
4. The combination packaging container (1) according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one support element (41) has a longitudinal extension starting from the first end face (19) in the direction of the second end face (20).
5. The combination packaging container (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of support elements (41) are provided and the support elements (41) are arranged spaced apart from one another along the first end face (19) in the circumferential direction.
6. The combination packaging container (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the additional support device (40) comprises at least one forming portion (46), said forming portion (46) being molded into the material of the blank cut (13) starting from an inner surface (43) of the outer part (12) in the direction of an outer surface (42), and the at least one forming portion (46) is arranged at a distance from the first end face (19).
7. The combination packaging container (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the at least one forming portion (46), viewed in axial section, has a preferably curved longitudinal extension and an end portion (47) adjoining the forming portion (46) in the direction of the first end face (19) oriented so as to be inclined in the direction of the longitudinal axis (8).
8. The combination packaging container (1) according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one forming portion (46) has a parallel longitudinal extension in relation to the first end face (19).
9. The combination packaging container (1) according to one of the Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the forming portion (46) is arranged to extend continuously in the circumferential direction along the first end face (19).
10. The combination packaging container (1) according to one of the Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of forming portions (46) are provided and the forming portions (46) are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction along the first end face (19).
11. The combination packaging container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adhesive is provided in the overlapping region (16) between the two end portions (14, 15), said adhesive having a first adhesive force value viewed in the circumferential direction and having a second adhesive force value in the radial direction, wherein the first adhesive force value is greater than the second adhesive force value.
12. The combination packaging container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one target separation region (22) is formed or provided in the jacket of the outer part (12).
13. The combination packaging container (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sleeve-shaped outer part (12) is supported in the axial direction on the shoulder (11) of the inner container (2) by means of its additional support device (40) without using an additional adhesive.

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