DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the packaging sector and in particular to the sector of liquid-tight containers made of cardboard or other similar material .

[0002] Prismatic-shaped containers ( known as bricks ) made of paper, cardboard or other similar materials are known in the sector, which containers are mainly suitable for containing liquid or semi-liquid foods of current consumption, such as for example milk, fruit j uice or other beverages , or tomato purees or soups . These containers have a box-like body provided on the top with a weld folded laterally to form a spout . To open this type of container, it is necessary to li ft the spout portion, detaching it from the wal l to which it is fixed, and cut a part thereof in order to thus be able to access the contents . This opening method is not simple and easy to handle since it requires the use of cutting tools and both hands .

[0003] The obj ect of the present invention is to provide a container provided with an opening system which is easy and operable even with j ust one hand .

[0004] Furthermore , the obj ect of the present invention is to provide a container provided with an opening system which is also closable i f it i s necessary to withdraw only part of the product , thus preventing dust or any other source of pollution from infiltrating inside the container .

[0005] Furthermore , the obj ect of the present invention is to provide a container provided with an opening system which avoids the involuntary opening of the container itsel f or loss of product during transport or storage .

[0006] This obj ect is achieved by a container provided with a system for opening by breakage , of the "one hand opening" type , i . e . openable by folding a part of the container with a single hand, according to claim 1 , and by a cardboard strip for containers according to claim 12 and claim 13 . The dependent claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention .

[0007] The features and advantages of the container according to this invention will become apparent from the following description, given as a non-limiting example in accordance with the figures in the accompanying drawings , wherein :

- Figures 1A to ID show a prismatic container provided with an opening for breakage according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration ( 1A) , during the li fting step o f a spout portion ( IB ) to expose the opening for breakage ( 1C ) , and in an open configuration ( ID) , respectively;

- Figures 2A to 2C show a prismatic container provided with an opening for breakage according to a further embodiment of the present invention in the closed configuration ( 1A) , during the li fting step of a flap to expose the opening for breakage ( IB ) , and in an open configuration ( 1C ) , respectively;

- Figure 3 shows the plug-shaped opening for breakage in an embodiment example ;

Figures 4a to 4c show further embodiments of the opening for breakage according to the invention;

- Figure 5 depicts a diagram of the layered structure of the opening for breakage , according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 6A and 6B show a diagram of the layered structure of the opening for breakage , according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figures 7A to 7e show further embodiments of the opening for breakage according to the invention;

- Figures 8A and 8b show a further embodiment of the prismatic container provided with an opening for breakage according to the present invention in the closed configuration ( 8A) and in the open configuration ( 8B ) , respectively;

- Figure 9 shows a partial incision of the inner layer of the multilayer structure of the semi-rigid sheet ;

Figure 10 depicts a complete incision of the inner layer of the multilayer structure of the semi-rigid sheet .

[0008] With reference to the accompanying figures , reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a prismatic container provided with an opening for breakage .

[0009] The prismatic container 1 has , in the closed configuration shown in Figure 1 , a parallelepiped shape with an upper wall and a lower wall ( referred to as the bottom 912 ) parallel and oppos ite to each other, and four side walls . On opposite sides of the upper wall , two triangular shaped upper tabs or flaps 915 extend, which are folded against the respective underlying side walls . Similarly, on opposite sides of the lower wall , two triangular shaped lower tabs extend, which are folded under the prismatic container, against the lower wall itsel f , and therefore not visible . A chamber is defined inside the prismatic container 1 which contains a fluid product ( generally, but not necessarily, liquid) .

[0010] The prismatic container 1 is made by folding and sealing on itsel f a flat sheet of packing material , having a rectangular shape and having a series of folding lines 911 which guide the correct folding of the sheet itsel f . Preferably, the prismatic container 1 is obtained starting from a packing sheet , referred to as a strip 910 , made of paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material . It is possible to obtain the prismatic container also starting from a strip of plastic material , aluminum or other composition of materials .

[0011] The container 1 shown in the f igures may be made starting from a cardboard strip 910 previously coated with a suitable coating layer of liquid- impermeable material . Longitudinal folding lines 911 are made on the coated cardboard strip 910 which allow the strip 910 to be folded into a rectangular or other prismatic shaped tube . The cardboard strip 910 is folded lengthwise along the fold lines 911 and j oined to form a rectangular tube , for example with a seam in the center of one of the side walls , by means of a longitudinal seal . Subsequently, the tube is closed and folded at the bottom 912 and filled while the top end is more or less open . After filling with the desired product , the upper end 913 is also closed by a fold and relative welding 914 , to form the upper wall .

[0012] In the example of Figure 1 , the folding and welding 914 is flat and leaves opposing triangular flap portions , protruding outwards , which are folded along the side walls of the container . In this example , the container 1 has a generally flat upper wall . For the opening of the container 1 , the user li fts the flap 915 to expose the opening 110 for breakage , described in detail below . Advantageously, in this example, the opening 110 for breakage is completely covered, and therefore protected, by the flap 915 until it is used . [0013] In the example of Figure 2, the upper end 913 of the container 1 is closed by a folding and related more complex welding 914, which leaves opposite triangular portions, protruding upwards and inwards, each partially covered by two flaps 916 which are folded against each other and fixed together (for example with a yielding weld or glue 161) in continuation of the weld 914. In this example, the container overall has a sloping upper wall. For opening the container 1, the user separates the flaps 916 (Figure 2B) to expose the opening 110 for breakage, described in detail below. Advantageously, also in this example, the opening 110 for breakage is at least partially covered, and therefore protected, by the flaps 16 until it is used.

[0014] The container 1 includes an opening 110 for breakage made by a pre-weakened zone. This opening 110 for breakage guides a controlled breaking of the wall of the container 1 so as to determine the formation, through the packing material sheet 910 itself, of an opening for the escape of the product. In other words, in use, to open the container 1, a user must lift (at least partially) the flap or tab at the side where the opening 110 for breakage is located (as shown in Figure lb) . At this point it is necessary to press on the side walls adjacent to the side provided with the opening 110 for breakage, until the side wall of said side is given a "V" shape until the sheet 910 of packing material is broken at the pre-weakened area ( Figures Id, 2c, and 8b ) . By breaking the sheet 910 at the pre-weakened area, the product contained inside the container 1 may be made to come out in a simple and hygienic manner .

[0015] The opening 110 for breakage comprises a preweakened zone in the form of an outer incision 8 which is oriented vertically, i . e . longitudinally, i . e . is arranged parallel to the longitudinal fold lines 911 .

[0016] Preferably, the opening 110 for breakage is arranged at the top, above the maximum level of product contained inside the container 1 . Preferably, the opening 110 for breakage is located at the upper end 913 which i s folded over and closed by the weld 914 .

[0017] As seen in Fig . 1c and 2b, the pre-weakened area of the opening 110 for breakage is arranged at an upper end 913 of the container 1 , above the side walls .

[0018] Preferably, the opening 110 for breakage is arranged below a foldable flap 915 of the upper end 913 .

[0019] As may be seen in Figures 1c and 2b, the preweakened area of the opening 110 for breakage is initially covered, completely or partially, by the flap 915 , 915 ' .

[0020] The flap 915 is defined as the portion protruding from the upper transverse fold 917 .

[0021] For the flap 915 , a face 915 ' is definable , facing the outside of the container 1, and an opposite back 915" is definable, intended to be fixed in a releasable manner, for example by gluing, to one of the sides of the container 1 when the flap 915 is folded back. Preferably, the opening 110 for breakage is located at the back 915' of the flap 915.

[0022] In one embodiment, not shown, the opening 110 for breakage is arranged at the back 915' of the flap 915 and continues below it, up to a side wall of the container 1. [0023] In one embodiment, not shown, the opening 110 for breakage is arranged only lower than the back 915' of the flap 915, i.e. below the transverse fold 917, at a side wall of the container 1.

[0024] Preferably, the opening 110 for breakage is always covered, until the moment of use, by the flap 915, as in Figure 1.

[0025] In one embodiment, shown in Figure 3, the opening 110 for breakage is a plug 3 applied to the container 1. In this solution, a hole is made in the cardboard strip 910, a hole which is then closed by means of a plug 3. Preferably, the plug 3 is applied internally to the cardboard strip 910 which will be folded to form the container itself. In a different embodiment example, the plug 3 is applied externally to the cardboard strip 910 which will be folded to form the container itself.

Preferably, the plug 3 is applied to the container 10 by means of strong and permanent welding or gluing, capable of withstanding the internal pressure of the liquid and the pressure exerted by the user on the walls of the container .

[0026] The plug 3 comprises a semi-rigid sheet 2 provided with a pre-weakened area, preferably formed in a central area of the sheet 2 and arranged transversally thereto . The pre-weakened area is able to guide a controlled breakage of the sheet 2 so as to determine the formation through it of an opening for the escape of the product housed in the container 1 .

[0027] In the embodiment of Figures 1C and 2B, and in a preferred embodiment , the plug 3 is fixed to the container 1 so that the pre-weakened area is arranged substantially vertically, or longitudinally, or is arranged parallel to the longitudinal folding lines 911 . In other examples not shown, other arrangements are possible , for example hori zontal or oblique .

[0028] In one embodiment , the plug 3 is delimited by a perimeter edge and has a rear face 2a, facing the outside of the container 1 , and an opposite front face 2b facing the inner compartment of the container 1 .

[0029] For example , according to an embodiment , the semirigid sheet 2 has a rectangular shape and has opposite long sides 3 ' and opposite short sides 3 ' ’ ; the semirigid sheet 2 extends along a longitudinal axis X parallel to the long sides 3' . In a further embodiment, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has a square or triangular shape. [0030] On the rear face 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2, there is the outer incision 8 which extends along an incision direction Y.

[0031] For example (Figure 3) , the outer incision 8 joins two opposite points 3a, 3b of the perimeter edge.

[0032] The semi-rigid sheet 2, which for example has a thickness of between 300 - 600 microns overall, is a multi-layer laminate (Figures 5, 6a and 6b) comprising a load-bearing layer 10 having said rear face 2a. The loadbearing layer 10, which is mono-layer or multi-layer, is made of paper, cardboard or other material mainly based on cellulose (i.e. based on cellulose for at least 50% by weight) . The load-bearing layer 10 has, for example, a thickness of between 250 - 550 microns.

[0033] Preferably, internally, the semi-rigid sheet 2 comprises a barrier layer 12 suitable for providing a barrier against the passage of gas, and in particular the passage of oxygen; for example, the barrier layer 12 is mono-layer or multi-layer, made of aluminum or EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) , or combinations thereof. In variants where the barrier layer is multi-layer, some films may be made of non-barrier materials.

[0034] In a preferred example, shown in Figure 5, the barrier layer is provided with a micro hole 121 arranged aligned with the inner incision 20 and/or with the outer incision 8 . The micro hole 121 is si zed, for example with a diameter less than 5 microns , so as to not signi ficantly af fect the barrier ef fect of the barrier layer 12 so as not to negatively af fect the li fe of the product ( shel f li fe ) . This solution makes it possible , with certainty, to also break the barrier layer 12 which, due to the typical properties of the material which constitutes it , tends to stretch rather than break .

[0035] Alternatively, the load-bearing layer 10 has a f ilm coated on the face opposite the front face 2a, wherein said coated film has barrier properties . Alternatively, the load-bearing layer 10 undergoes a chemical treatment so as to make it assume barrier properties , at least on the face opposite the rear face 2a .

[0036] On the side opposite the rear face 2a, and preferably between the load-bearing layer 10 and the barrier layer 12 , the semi-rigid sheet 2 also comprises at least one intermediate layer 14 , which is mono-layer or multi-layer, comprising an adhesive or polyethylene , preferably extruded, or polypropylene , preferably extruded, or another material that binds with the loadbearing layer 10 .

[0037] Furthermore , the semi-rigid sheet 2 comprises a final layer 16 having said front face 2b . The final layer 16 , which is mono-layer or multi-layer, comprises polyethylene or polypropylene or a solder varnish or another material suitable for being welded to the cardboard strip 910 .

[0038] In an alternative embodiment to the version with the plug 3 , the opening 110 for breakage is made directly on the cardboard strip 910 intended to be folded and sealed to form the container 1 . In this example , the semi-rigid sheet 2 ( including the relative layers 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 described above ) constitutes the cardboard strip 910 and therefore the walls themselves of the container 1 . All the features described in relation to the semirigid sheet 2 for the plug 3 are equally valid in the case of the strip 910 . That is to say, purely as a summary of the above , that the cardboard strip 910 has a pre-weakened area arranged substantially vertically, or longitudinally, or parallel to the longitudinal folding lines 911 . An outer incision 8 is present on the rear face 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2 , and therefore on the outer face of the strip 910 . The semi-rigid sheet 2 , and therefore the strip 910 , is a multi-layer laminate ( Figures 5 , 6a and 6b ) comprising a load-bearing layer 10 having said rear face 2a . The load-bearing layer 10 , which is mono-layer or multi-layer, is made of paper, cardboard or another material mainly based on cellulose . Internally, the semi-rigid sheet 2 , and therefore the strip 910 , comprises a barrier layer 12 suitable for forming a barrier to the passage of gas , and in particular to the passage of oxygen . In a preferred example , shown in Figure 5 , the barrier layer i s provided with a micro hole 121 arranged aligned with the inner incision 20 and/or with the outer incision 8 . Preferably between the load-bearing layer 10 and the barrier layer 12 , the semi-rigid sheet 2 , and therefore the strip 910 , also comprises at least one intermediate layer 14 as already described above . Furthermore , the semi-rigid sheet 2 and therefore the strip 910 comprise a final layer 16 having said front face 2b .

[0039] It should be noted that the outer incision 8 is able to guide the breaking of at least the load-bearing layer 10 of the semi-rigid sheet 2 in the version with the plug 3 or of the cardboard strip 910 in the version with the integrated opening .

[0040] Preferably, the outer incision 8 ( represented in Figures 5 , 6a, 6b ) extends only through the load-bearing layer 10 of the semi-rigid sheet 2 . Said incision has a depth H with respect to the front face 2a, typically variable transversely along the outer incision 8 . For example , the depth is greatest in a central segment of the incision . Advantageously, this variation in depth along the incision ensures the opening breaks in a controlled manner .

[0041] For example , said outer incision 8 extends from the rear face 2a to the surface of the intermediate layer 14 , without incising it ( Figure 6b ) .

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment , the final layer 16 , whether it is of the plug 3 or of the strip 910 , has an inner incision 20 starting from the front face 2b . It should be noted that the inner incision 20 is suitable for guiding the breaking of the final layer 16 and of the barrier layer 12 .

[0043] According to an embodiment , the inner incision 20 is misaligned with, i . e . not overlapping or only partially overlapping, the outer incision 8 ( Figure 4a ) . Advantageously, this feature allows the convenient exploitation of the propagation properties of the fracture in the paper of which the load-bearing layer 10 substantially consists ; for paper, in fact , it is observed that the propagation of the fracture occurs preferentially in a transverse direction rather than in depth .

[0044] According to a further embodiment , the inner incision 20 is aligned with, i . e . completely overlapping, the outer incision 8 .

[0045] The inner incision 20 has a depth L with respect to the front face 2 a, typically variable transversely along the inner incision 20 . For example , the depth is greatest in a central segment of the inner incision .

Advantageously, this variation in depth along the incision also ensures the break opening in a controlled manner, avoiding uncontrolled escape of the product .

[0046] According to one embodiment , the inner incision 20 completely passes through the final layer 16 , without af fecting the barrier layer 12 ( Figures 6b and 10 ) .

[0047] From what has been illustrated above regarding the method of manufacturing the package , it is al so understood that the term " incision" does not exclusively indicate a cut that leads to the break of the structural continuity of the layers or films that make up a sheet ; this " incision" may also appear as a more or les s sharp depression, without breaking the material , due to a permanent compression of the material , as in Figure 5 .

[0048] According to an embodiment variant , the inner incision and/or the outer incision have a longitudinal section of a substantially triangular shape , tapered towards the inside of the sheet ( Figure 5 ) ; according to further embodiments , the longitudinal section is substantially rectangular ( Figures 6a and 6b ) . It is clear that the shape of the section must be defined with reference to the possible return undergone by the material after the incision operations .

[0049] In an embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the inner incision 20 of the inner layer 16 is an incision obtained by laser . Preferably, the laser used is a CO2 laser, which allows the incision of organic materials and not metals . Therefore , when the CO2 laser beam meets the metal barrier layer 12 , it is reflected without af fecting it . Advantageously, by striking the front face 2b of the semi-rigid sheet 2 , it is possible to partially or completely incise the inner layer 16 without af fecting the barrier layer 12 .

[0050] Preferably, the inner incision 20 of the inner layer 16 develops starting from the side in contact with the barrier layer 12 . By virtue of the reflection of the CO2 laser beam on the barrier layer 12 , the inner incision 20 will propagate in the inner layer 16 starting from the barrier layer 12 , as in Figure 3 .

[0051] Advantageously, the use of a CO2 laser cutter to make the inner incision 20 makes it possible to ensure 100% integrity of the barrier layer 12 .

[0052] According to a further embodiment variant ( Figure 4b ) , the semi-rigid sheet 2 has at least one weakening, which is separate and preferably aligned with the inner incision 8 , to facilitate the folding .

[0053] Preferably, the rear face 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2 has at least one weakening; for example , the rear face 2a has two weakenings 40 ' , 40 ' ’ placed side by s ide with the outer incision 8 and aligned with it . Preferably, each weakening consists of an incision; according to an embodiment variant , each weakening consists of a plurality of holes . [0054] Said weakenings have a depth less than that (for example, minimum) of the outer incision 8; alternatively, said weakenings have a depth equal to that (for example, minimum) of the outer incision 8.

[0055] Alternatively (Figure 4c) , each weakening consists of a recess formed along the peripheral edge 3 of the semi-rigid sheet 2; for example, two recesses 42' , 42' ’ are provided, symmetrical with respect to the outer incision 8.

[0056] According to a further embodiment variant, the outer incision of the load-bearing layer does not join two points of the peripheral edge, but is interrupted before the edge, or it starts from a point of the peripheral edge and is interrupted before reaching the other point of the peripheral edge.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the inner incision 20 has a constant depth (Figure 6b) .

[0058] According to one embodiment, several inner incisions 20 are provided, aligned in parallel (Figure 6b) .

[0059] According to one embodiment, the outer incision 8 has a constant depth (Figure 6a) .

[0060] According to an embodiment variant, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has a circular or oval or polygonal, regular or mixed shape, i.e. consisting of rectilinear sections and arched sections.

[0061] According to an embodiment (Figures 7a to 7e) , the outer incision 8 extends along a broken line 85, i.e. a line consisting of an ordered set of segments oriented consecutively (i.e. the second end of a segment coincides with the first end of the next segment) and not adjacently (i.e. a segment and the next segment do not belong to the same line) .

[0062] In an embodiment variant, the broken line 85 comprises two lateral segments 86 which are identical in size and aligned with each other (i.e. one segment lies on the extension of the other) . The broken line 85 further comprises a main line 87 which is substantially offset with respect to the two lateral segments 86 and by two joining segments 88 which are substantially parallel to each other and preferably are substantially perpendicular to the two lateral segments 86. In other words, each joining segment 88 connects an end of the lateral segment 86 to an end of the main line 87.

[0063] In a first embodiment (Figure 8a) , the main line 87 is a straight segment substantially parallel to the two lateral segments 86 and substantially perpendicular to the joining segments 88.

[0064] In a second embodiment (Figures 8b, 8d) , the main line 87 comprises straight segments 87 ’ , 87' ’ which form an acute or obtuse angle with each other, i.e. they are not aligned. Said straight segments 87 ’ , 87' ’ also form an acute or obtuse angle with the joining segments 88. [0065] In a third embodiment (Figure 8c) , the main line 87 is an arc of circumference.

[0066] In a further embodiment variant (Figure 8e) , the broken line 85 comprises two lateral segments 86 which are identical in size and aligned with each other (i.e. one lies on the extension of the other) . The broken line 85 further comprises an arc of circumference 89, preferably a semi-circle, which connects an end of a first lateral segment 86 to an end of a second lateral segment 86.

[0067] According to different embodiments, the two lateral segments 86 and/or the joining segments 88 may be linear, angled or curved.

[0068] In the embodiment of Figure 8A, the flap 915 is elongated, i.e. it has a (vertical) length greater than its width (corresponding to the upper transversal fold 917) . In this example, the flap 915 acts as a spout to direct the escape of the product, as seen in Figure 8B.

[0069] In one embodiment, the cardboard strip 910 intended to be folded to form the container 1 is made of Tetra Pak®, a material composed of a layer of paper coated externally with plastic material and internally with aluminum.

[0070] In use, once the opening 110 for breakage is exposed (Figures 1c, 2b, and 8B) , the user must grasp the container 1, even with only one hand, and press on the walls of the same , preferably on the folding lines 911 , until it is deformed, thus allowing at least partial bending of the rigid sheet 2 (be it part of the plug 3 or part of the cardboard strip 910 ) . This bending involves a pressure on the pre-weakened area ( i . e . on the inner 20 and/or outer 8 incision) which yields , guiding a controlled breakage of the sheet 2 , thus creating a passage opening P for the product housed in the container to escape .

[0071] Innovatively, the container according to the present invention overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art , since it makes it possible to have a package that is easy to open, even with one hand only .

[0072] It is clear that a technical skilled in the art may make changes to the package and the manufacturing method described above in order to meet incidental needs , which changes all fall within the scope of protection defined in the following claims .