US20140004233A1 - Plastic Flanged Containers and Food Product Pack Comprising Such Containers - Google Patents

Plastic Flanged Containers and Food Product Pack Comprising Such Containers Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140004233A1
US20140004233A1 US14/005,090 US201114005090A US2014004233A1 US 20140004233 A1 US20140004233 A1 US 20140004233A1 US 201114005090 A US201114005090 A US 201114005090A US 2014004233 A1 US2014004233 A1 US 2014004233A1
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Prior art keywords
flange
side edges
containers
flange portions
outer straight
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Abandoned
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US14/005,090
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English (en)
Inventor
Vincent Ferry
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Gervais Danone SA
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Gervais Danone SA
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Publication of US20140004233A1 publication Critical patent/US20140004233A1/en
Assigned to COMPAGNIE GERVAIS DANONE reassignment COMPAGNIE GERVAIS DANONE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FERRY, VINCENT
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/40—Details of walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
    • B65D1/30—Groups of containers joined together end-to-end or side-by-side
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/10—Jars, e.g. for preserving foodstuffs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
    • B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/72—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to containers used in food packaging industry, particularly to thermoformed plastic flanged containers, such as yoghurt pots or similar.
  • the invention also concerns a pack comprising such flanged containers.
  • the invention relates to a container for a food composition, in particular a dairy product composition, comprising:
  • thermoforming a sheet of plastic to form the volume.
  • the plastic sheet is heated and then drawn into a cavity such as by vacuum and/or pressure.
  • the thickness of the portion of the sheet drawn into the cavity is reduced as the sheet material is stretched into the cavity.
  • the plastic containers are conventionally sealed with membranes and can be manufactured and sold in a multiple portion packaging tray comprising an array of separable containers.
  • the containers are generally arranged in layers of four, six or height pots, the containers being connected to one another along their flanges.
  • the French patent FR 2 432 975 describes a pack of plastic flanged containers, in which an individual container may be removed by tearing a separation region provided between two adjacent flanges. After separation, each container flange still has four outer side edges so as to keep integrity of the content.
  • These containers work well when made of relatively brittle plastic. Use of less brittle or more pliable polymers makes the containers more difficult to break apart. Such a difficulty may cause escape of the content when breaking other parts of the container.
  • the plastic containers can be stacked on top of one another so as to form stacks which can be layered on a pallet.
  • a loading weight on a pallet may be much more than 500 kg.
  • Such stacks allow the packaging items at the bottom to withstand the compressive load of the packaging items on top.
  • the plastic containers layers are typically stored in cardboard trays each having a bottom and side walls preventing lateral tilting of the layers.
  • the weight of the plastic containers cannot be easily reduced since the containers made of relatively brittle plastic have to be transported in a safe manner and without any deformation.
  • the packs of containers have to be sufficiently robust in particular for transportation on a pallet. It is also preferably required that the containers are user-friendly, i.e. not complicating user's operations such as separating an individual container, opening the membrane seal, eating the content.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide flanged containers using less plastic material and addressing one or more of the above mentioned problems.
  • embodiments of the present invention provide a container of the above mentioned type, characterized in that the flange comprises:
  • the size of outer straight side edges of the flange is reduced, thus allowing a higher reduction of material in the corners.
  • the flanged containers can be efficiently connected to one another along their first flange portions, without accidental separation, even when using brittle plastic material (for instance polystyrene rather than polyethylene or polypropylene).
  • brittle plastic material for instance polystyrene rather than polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • Outer convex edges longer than the outer straight edges make also the flange user-friendly and easy to manipulate when removing the membrane seal.
  • the first flange portions comprise at least three first flange portions, each having a continuous cut out line defining one of said outer straight side edges, each of the outer straight side edges having a length shorter than half of said inner diameter of the upper circular opening, and each of said second flange portions comprises an outer convex edge that extends between two adjacent of said outer straight side edges.
  • the opening is circular and has an inner diameter D int , any one of said outer straight side edges having a length l that satisfies the relation:
  • each the first flange portions is equal to the length l of the corresponding outer straight side edge. This length is not necessarily the same for the different first flange portions. In one embodiment, the above ratio is preferably inferior to 0.4. Accordingly, savings of a material is obtained.
  • four first flange portions are provided on the flange, the four corresponding outer straight side edges defining a virtual square, each of the outer straight side edges having the same length.
  • each of the outer straight side edges has a length l equal to about one third of the length of one side of said virtual square.
  • the flange has a geometrical shape, wherein the longitudinal axis forms an intersection between:
  • a C-shape portion (the first one) more attractive for the removal of the membrane seal or similar closure means, while the other C-shape portion (the first one) is optimized for lowering weight of the container. Symmetry of the first C-shape portion is also advantageous for a better manipulation by a left-handed person.
  • a further purpose of the invention is to provide a food pack easy to be manipulated in a supermarket (before exposure of the containers by the operators and thereafter by the final consumer) and resistant while reducing amount of plastic material.
  • embodiments of the present invention provide a food pack comprising a plurality of containers according to the invention arranged in at least one row, and preferably at least four containers arranged in two rows, the flanges of the pack being integrally formed and separably joined to each other at a junction between two of the first flange portions of two distinct containers of the pack.
  • a pack which is particularly well adapted for transportation in a stackable tray, while limiting the amount of material.
  • Two of the second flange portions may be advantageously rounded and define external portions of the pack. These two second flange portions are adjacent corner portions separated by one of the first flange portions. This geometry is user-friendly (without sharp edges).
  • the pack comprises a group of four containers provided with a star-cut pattern between the individual containers, said star-cut pattern having a length L 1 , such that the following relation is observed:
  • the material saved by the larger cut at the central region may be re-used for other packs, for example by recycling.
  • the flanges may have a constant thickness, this thickness being provided at the junction.
  • tearing the separation region for removal of an individual container is not facilitated by a reduction of thickness, the shorter length of the outer straight side edges being sufficient to make the removal easy for the user.
  • a use of a container according to the invention for containing a dairy product preferably a yoghurt composition having a weight not inferior to 50 g and not superior to 500 g, preferably not inferior to 75 or 80 g and not superior to 400 g, and more preferably not inferior to 100 g and not superior to 200 g.
  • a yoghurt composition having a weight comprised between 100 and 200 g is highly preferred.
  • the shape of the opening and the flange are particularly user-friendly while the arrangement of the body is very compact when containing a yoghurt composition or similar dairy product having a weight comprised between 100 and 150 g, preferably about 125 g.
  • FIG. 1 is a top view of food pack according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the containers of the pack being not provided with their membrane seal or similar closure element;
  • FIG. 2 is perspective view showing an individual container according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is schematic view showing a stackable tray and arrays of containers according to the second embodiment of the invention to be transported in the tray;
  • FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show the same top view of a container without the membrane seal
  • FIG. 6 is a view of the bottom of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a top view of a plastic sheet showing the cut suitable for obtaining a plurality of containers according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 shows a food pack 1 comprising for instance four individual containers 2 .
  • the number of containers 2 may vary and a number of 2 , 6 , 8 , 10 or 12 containers 2 may be provided, in a non-limitative example.
  • the containers 2 are arranged in at least one row, and preferably at least in two rows 3 , 4 when the pack 1 comprises four or more containers 2 .
  • the containers 2 are preferably polystyrene containers, each comprising a hollow body 5 having a side wall extending along a longitudinal axis X from a bottom 6 as far as an open top 7 .
  • the side wall 5 a of the body 5 is tubular and is adapted to be covered by a cylindrical decorative strip St, sticker or banderol in the upper area A adjacent to the upper body opening, called hereafter circular opening 8 .
  • the longitudinal axis X is here a central axis for the body 5 and the opening 8 . Fixing of the strip St is performed in a known manner.
  • the bottom 6 may be planar.
  • the bottom 6 may be provided with a recess or cavity 6 a with a concavity oriented to the exterior.
  • the annular portion 6 b of the bottom 6 defined around the cavity 6 a , has a diameter Db inferior to the diameter D int of the circular opening 8 defined at the top 7 of the body 5 .
  • the diameter Da of the cavity 6 a may be comprised between one half and two thirds of the diameter D int of the circular opening 8 .
  • the bottom 6 provided with the cavity 6 a has a better strength for better supporting a compression load.
  • the bottom 6 may still be considered as a generally planar bottom, at least because the bottom 6 has a flat shape and the container 2 is adapted to be maintained vertically when the bottom 6 is in contact with a horizontal base support (the longitudinal axis X being vertical).
  • the height of the cavity 6 a is preferably very small, for instance about 0.5 mm.
  • the polystyrene used in the container 2 has a thickness e of about 0.2 mm in the body 5 and a thickness E of about 0.85 mm in the flange 10 .
  • the thickness may vary depending upon the food packaging application and may be inferior to 1 mm and superior to 0.7 mm (the range 0.8-0.9 mm being preferred). Thicker materials may be used for heavier food products.
  • a film called thereafter a membrane seal S is used to cover the containers 2 .
  • Such a membrane seal S may be a plastic film made from plastic resin or a foil film.
  • An adhesive may be used to seal the film to the upper face 10 b of the flange 10 .
  • the membrane seal S entirely covers this upper face 10 b.
  • each container 2 comprises a generally planar annular flange 10 integral with the body 5 and connected to the top 7 of the body 5 .
  • the flange 10 comprises a lower face 10 a , an upper face 10 b , an inner edge 10 c delimiting the generally circular opening 8 of the container 2 , and three or four outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d .
  • the outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d are rectilinear edges defined by respective first flange portions 12 .
  • the adhesive for the membrane seal S is preferably in contact with the upper face 10 b at a distance of the inner edge 10 c and at a distance of the outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d.
  • the first flange portions 12 form the four sides of the flange 10 .
  • Four second flange portions 14 , 15 are provided to form complementary corner portions relative to the first flange portions 12 .
  • Each of the second flange portions 14 , 15 thus separates two adjacent first flange portions 12 .
  • the two adjacent first flange portions 12 extend according perpendicular directions (these directions being of course defined by the corresponding outer straight side edge 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d ).
  • the second flange portions 14 , 15 have curved and/or rounded outer side edges, two of which (outer side edges 14 a as shown in FIG. 2 ) form circular segments arranged coaxially with the circular opening 8 . More generally, the second flange portions 14 , 15 each have an outer convex edge obtained by cutting material in corners of a raw plastic rectangular matrix. Each of the outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d are shorter than half of the inner diameter D int of the circular opening 8 , thus permitting to remove more plastic material in the corners of the matrix. For instance, the ratio l/Dint satisfies the relation:
  • the ratio i/Dint may also be inferior to 0.4 in one particular embodiment.
  • the change of direction between the straight direction defined by the first flange portion 12 and the tangent direction of the adjacent second flange portion 14 or 15 is minimized (at the corresponding end of the first flange portion 12 ).
  • the soft transition may prevent a sharp protrusion from forming when the flanges 10 are cut.
  • the perimeter of the flange 10 of an individual container 2 is free of serrated surfaces in one embodiment.
  • the container 2 is cut from a squared matrix made of polystyrene or similar thermoplastic material.
  • the four outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d define a virtual square 16 , each of the outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d having the same length 1 .
  • this length l may be equal to about one third of the length L of one side of the virtual square 16 (i.e. one third of the side of the squared matrix).
  • the same length l is shown in FIG. 5 a , it should be comprised that this length may vary depending on the sides of the flange 10 .
  • one of the outer straight side edges may be a bit shorter or longer than one or more of the other outer straight side edges.
  • the flange 10 may extend around the longitudinal axis X with such a geometrical shape that this longitudinal axis X forms an intersection between:
  • the second C-shaped portion 17 b as shown in the left part of the FIGS. 5 a - 5 b comprises the two second flange portions 14 that form circular segments.
  • the first C-shaped portion 17 b as shown in the right part of the FIGS. 5 a - 5 b comprises the two other second flange portions 15 .
  • the second C-shaped portion 17 b is thus of lighter weight than the first C-shaped portion 17 a .
  • the first and second median planes P 1 , P 2 could be not perpendicular (forming for instance an angle of about 45°).
  • the ratio between the maximal radial extension e 1 of the first C-shaped portion 17 a and the inner diameter D int of the circular opening 8 is comprised between 0.18 and 0.22, while the ratio between the maximal radial extension e 2 of the second C-shape portion, 17 b and the inner diameter D int is comprised between 0.15 and 0.18. Accordingly, the radial extension of the flange remains much lower than one quarter of the inner diameter D int , thus allowing saving much more plastic material. More generally, the second flange portions 14 , 15 have a maximal radial extension longer than the radial extension of the first flange portions 12 .
  • the corresponding angle is well adapted for a handling and an adequate pulling of the membrane seal S by the user's hand.
  • the first C-shaped portion 17 a allows a better/faster manipulation by the user (left-handed or right-handed user) because two similar or identical second flange portions 15 are provided with such a maximal radial extension e 1 .
  • three of the second flange portions could be rounded to form circular segments, so as to remove more plastic material.
  • only one of the second flange portions has a higher maximal radial extension e 2 , with the same shape as in the ends of the first C-shaped portion 17 a.
  • the first C-shape portion 17 a is inscribed in a first virtual isosceles right triangle T 1 having its long side contained in the second median plane P 2 .
  • the second C-shape portion 17 B is inscribed in a second virtual isosceles right triangle T 2 having its long side contained in the second median plane P 2 .
  • b is the length of the small side of the first virtual isosceles right triangle T 1
  • c is the length of the small side of the second virtual isosceles right triangle T 2 and D int the inner diameter of the circular opening 8 .
  • the containers 2 can be separated without forming any sharp corner or hook in the corners, large curved edges being defined by the second flange portions 14 and 15 .
  • the angle defined between the direction defined by one of the outer straight side edges and the tangent direction of the adjacent second flange portion 15 of the first C-shaped portion 17 b is about 10° and not superior to 15°.
  • the radial extension of the flange 10 is not a parameter easy to reduce, at least because essential functions of the flanges 10 in a pack 1 include:
  • each pack 1 of the containers 2 when arranged in a tray T, each pack 1 of the containers 2 is arranged inside the interior volume V defined by the tray T.
  • the side walls 18 of the tray T may have a height h equal or slightly superior to the height H of the containers 2 .
  • the side walls 18 are in contact with some of the outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d of the pack 1 .
  • the other outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 c 11 c , 11 d may be each arranged adjacent to one end of a star-cut pattern 20 when the pack 1 comprises at least two rows 3 , 4 .
  • the containers 2 are separably joined to each other at a junction J of two first flange portions 12 of two distinct containers 2 of the pack 1 .
  • the second flange portions 14 that are rounded define external portions of the pack 1 .
  • These second flange portions 14 define corners that do not have straight edges or sharp corners.
  • the star star-cut pattern 20 a is defined between four containers 2 of a group of containers arranged in as squared manner. The star-cut pattern 20 is thus defined by four edges.
  • each of these edges comprises a curved edge portion 21 extending between two straight edges 20 a , 20 b .
  • the respective ends of the corresponding second flange portion 15 form the straight edges 20 a , 20 b .
  • the angle a defined between two adjacent straight edges 20 a is here comprised between, 15 and 30°, and preferably equal to about 20°.
  • the angle ⁇ defined between the two other adjacent straight edges 20 b is also comprised between, 15 and 30°, and preferably equal to about 20°.
  • the angle ⁇ and the angle ⁇ are the same but in one alternative embodiment, the flange 10 could be asymmetrically shaped.
  • the flange 10 could have one of the second flange portions 15 provided with a more rounded edge 20 b , such that the angle ⁇ is superior to the angle ⁇ .
  • the star-cut pattern 20 between the individual containers 2 may have a length L 1 much superior to the length l of the outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d .
  • the thickness E of the flange 10 may be constant and such thickness E is for example not decreased at the junctions J. Preferably, the following relation is satisfied:
  • two and preferably all the second flange portions 14 , 15 may each define an external perimeter portion corresponding to at least 1/7 of the external perimeter defined by the flange 20 .
  • the two outer straight side edges 11 b , 11 C that are obtained after a tearing at the corresponding junctions J represent one fifth or less of the outer perimeter of the flange 10 .
  • the body 5 preferably has a circular section in cross-section and extends symmetrically around the longitudinal axis X. With such a circular section, an operation using a spoon for retrieving the whole content is easier.
  • the lower portion of the side wall 5 a may also be tapered toward the bottom 6 for the same purpose. A brand name or a similar pattern could be marked in this lower portion 32 when forming the body 5 .
  • the height of the upper portion 30 defining the upper area A for the decorative strip St is advantageously reduced, thus saving packaging material.
  • integration of the decorative strip St is better when combining a circular cross section of the body 5 and such a tapered lower portion 32 .
  • the body 5 may be covered by any kind of decorative strip St adapted to be shaped according an annular form, preferably a cylindrical form. In one embodiment the body 5 is partially covered by a sticker.
  • the containers 2 are intended to be filled with a liquid or semi-liquid dairy product or similar food, preferably a yoghurt composition.
  • the containers 2 can be used for 50-500 g capacity, preferably 75-200 g capacity.
  • the containers 2 of the present invention are not in any way limited to yoghurt but can be intended to contain all sorts of liquid, semi-liquid or flowable edible products.
  • a container 2 adapted to receive 125 g of a yoghurt composition or similar may be provided with a flange 10 having a diameter of the circular opening equal to about 53-54 mm, while the length L of the flange 10 (i.e.
  • the distance between two parallel outer straight side edges is equal to about 63 mm and the height H of the container 2 may be equal to about 66-67 mm.
  • the length l of each of the four outer straight side edges 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d may be equal to about 21 mm or less.
  • a group of twenty-four containers 2 is obtained, starting from a rectangular sheet Sh having a length Ls equal or slightly higher than 6*L (L being length of the squared matrix for each individual container 2 ) and a width is substantially equal to 4*L.
  • the thickness of the sheet Sh is the same as the thickness E of the flanges 10 .
  • margins 35 of the sheet Sh may be reduced if desired. Such margins 35 are required for maintaining the sheet Sh in a determined position.
  • the sheet Sh Before the cut, the sheet Sh may be punched to form the body cavities that are filled with the food (typically a dairy product composition).
  • the cut is performed after closing the cavities using a foil that is suitable for food contact.
  • the surfaces cut according to the star-cut pattern 20 represent about 3-4% and preferably about 3.3% of the whole surface of the sheet Sh.
  • the surfaces 34 cut to delimit the outer side edges 14 a represent between 5 and 7% of the whole surface of the sheet Sh, preferably 6%.
  • the useful surface of the sheet Sh for producing the twenty-four containers 2 may be inferior to 90% and preferably inferior to 85% of the whole surface of the plastic sheet Sh (including margins 35 that represent less than 8%, and preferably less that 7% of the whole surface).
  • Containers 2 shown in FIGS. 1-6 may be obtained by using such a sheet Sh.
  • 10% or respectively 15% of plastic material can be saved and used for an improved recycling.
  • Density of the plastic sheet Sh before forming operation is preferably inferior to 0.9, for instance about 0.85 for polystyrene.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)
US14/005,090 2011-03-15 2011-03-15 Plastic Flanged Containers and Food Product Pack Comprising Such Containers Abandoned US20140004233A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2011/000797 WO2012123775A1 (en) 2011-03-15 2011-03-15 Plastic flanged containers and food product pack comprising such containers

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US20140004233A1 true US20140004233A1 (en) 2014-01-02

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Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/005,090 Abandoned US20140004233A1 (en) 2011-03-15 2011-03-15 Plastic Flanged Containers and Food Product Pack Comprising Such Containers
US13/440,835 Active 2031-10-31 US8919600B2 (en) 2011-03-15 2012-04-05 Plastic flanged containers and food product pack comprising such containers
US14/549,109 Active 2031-03-27 US9604749B2 (en) 2011-03-15 2014-11-20 Plastic flanged containers and food product pack comprising such containers
US15/464,944 Active 2031-06-30 US10322839B2 (en) 2011-03-15 2017-03-21 Plastic flanged containers and food product pack comprising such containers

Family Applications After (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/440,835 Active 2031-10-31 US8919600B2 (en) 2011-03-15 2012-04-05 Plastic flanged containers and food product pack comprising such containers
US14/549,109 Active 2031-03-27 US9604749B2 (en) 2011-03-15 2014-11-20 Plastic flanged containers and food product pack comprising such containers
US15/464,944 Active 2031-06-30 US10322839B2 (en) 2011-03-15 2017-03-21 Plastic flanged containers and food product pack comprising such containers

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US (4) US20140004233A1 (de)
EP (1) EP2686246B1 (de)
JP (1) JP5727632B2 (de)
KR (1) KR101531326B1 (de)
CN (1) CN103562077B (de)
BR (1) BR112013023581B1 (de)
CA (1) CA2830032C (de)
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US9604749B2 (en) 2017-03-28
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CA2830032C (en) 2018-01-09
ES2593475T3 (es) 2016-12-09
EP2686246B1 (de) 2016-06-29
US10322839B2 (en) 2019-06-18
EP2686246A1 (de) 2014-01-22
KR20130140146A (ko) 2013-12-23
CA2830032A1 (en) 2012-09-20
JP5727632B2 (ja) 2015-06-03
EA201301028A1 (ru) 2014-01-30
US20150079239A1 (en) 2015-03-19
MA35386B1 (fr) 2014-09-01
MX2013010565A (es) 2013-10-28
JP2014508081A (ja) 2014-04-03
BR112013023581A2 (pt) 2016-12-06
US20170190459A1 (en) 2017-07-06
EA027042B1 (ru) 2017-06-30
US8919600B2 (en) 2014-12-30
CN103562077A (zh) 2014-02-05
KR101531326B1 (ko) 2015-06-24
BR112013023581B1 (pt) 2020-12-15
US20120251679A1 (en) 2012-10-04
CN103562077B (zh) 2015-08-05

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