[0001] The invention relates to a monodose container for solid or semisolid food products, such as, for example, ice creams, snacks, cheeses, etc.

[0002] From the prior art monodose containers are known for solid or semisolid food products, made of thermoformable plastics and consisting of a pair of half-shells welded together with peelable welding along respective peripheral edges.

[0003] Peelable welding means a welding that, whilst ensuring complete adhesion of the two peripheral edges together, enables the two peripheral edges to be separated by exerting traction in a direction perpendicular to the welding plane, without causing breaks in the container.

[0004] A container is thus opened by separating the two half-shells along the respective peripheral edges.

[0005] In order to enable a user to handle the food product that is inside the container, the container is provided with a small stick or pick that is inserted into the food product and protruding therefrom, that enables the user to grasp and handle easily the food product, without dirtying the hands, after removing the half-shells of the container.

[0006] Such a container is disclosed in W02004/086875, in the name of the applicant of this application.

[0007] Containers of the type disclosed above have the drawback that inserting the small stick or pick inside the container significantly complicates the production of the container, with a consequent increase in production costs.

[0008] Further, the presence of the small stick or pick complicates disposal of the used containers, because the stick, or small pick, and the body of the container in general have to be separately disposed of.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to make monodose containers for solid or semisolid food products that are simpler and cheaper to manufacture than prior-art containers and make the disposal of used containers simpler.

[0010] The object of the invention is obtained with a container according to claim 1.

[0011] Owing to the invention, it is possible to make a monodose container for food products that does not have to be provided with a small stick or pick to enable a user to handle the food product contained therein. [0012] The container according to the invention is easy to make and can be opened simply and easily, further enabling a user to handle the food product contained therein without dirtying hands.

[0013] Lastly, the container according to the invention can be disposed of simply after being used.

[0014] Some embodiments of the invention are disclosed below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0015] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a monodose container according to the invention, in a closed configuration;

[0016] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 1, in a completely opened configuration;

[0017] Fig. 3 is the section along the line III- III of the container of Fig. 1;

[0018] Figures 4 to 8 illustrate various opening steps for opening the container of Fig.

1, in which Fig. 4 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 1 in a first opening step; Fig. 5 is a side view of the container of Fig.4; Fig.6 is a view like that of Fig. 5 in a second opening step of the container; Fig. 7 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 1 at the end of opening and Fig. 8 is a side view of the container of Fig. 7;

[0019] Fig. 9 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a monodose container according to the invention, in a closed configuration;

[0020] Fig. 10 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 1, in a completely opened configuration;

[0021] Fig. 11 is the section along the line XI-XI of the container of Fig. 9;

[0022] Figures 12 to 16 illustrate various opening steps for opening the container of Fig. 9, in which Fig. 12 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 9 in a first opening step; Fig. 13 is a side view of the container of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a view like that of Fig. 13 in a second opening step of the container; Fig. 15 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 9 at the end of opening and Fig. 16 is a side view of the container of Fig.15;

[0023] Fig. 17 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a monodose container according to the invention, in a closed configuration;

[0024] Fig. 18 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 17, in a completely opened configuration;

[0025] Fig. 19 is the section along the line XIX-XIX of the container of Fig. 17; [0026] Figures 20 to 24 illustrate various opening steps for opening the container of Fig. 17, in which Fig. 20 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 17 in a first opening step; Fig. 21 is a side view of the container of Fig. 20; Fig.22 is a view like that of Fig. 21 in a second opening step of the container; Fig. 23 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 17 at the end of opening and Fig.24 is a side view of the container of Fig. 23;

[0027] Fig. 25 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a monodose container according to the invention, in a closed configuration;

[0028] Fig. 26 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 25, in a completely opened configuration;

[0029] Fig. 27 is the section along the line XXVII-XXVII of the container of Fig. 25;

[0030] Figures 28 to 32 illustrate various opening steps for opening the container of

Fig. 25, in which Fig. 28 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 25 in a first opening step; Fig. 29 is a side view of the container of Fig. 28; Fig. 30 is a view like that of Fig. 29 in a second opening step of the container; Fig. 31 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 25 at the end of opening and Fig. 32 is a side view of the container of Fig. 31;

[0031] Figure 33 illustrates very schematically the making of a container according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 9 to 16 and in Figures 25 to 32;

[0032] Figure 34 illustrates very schematically the making of a container according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 and in Figures 17 to 24;

[0033] In Figures 1 to 3 a first embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention is illustrated. The container 1 consists of a first half-shell 2 and a second half-shell 3 each made by thermoforming from a sheet of thermoformable material for foodstuffs, like, for example polypropylene, polylactic acid, biodegradable thermoplastic materials. The first half-shell 2 is provided with a first peripheral edge 4 that surrounds a first concavity 6. Similarly, the second half-shell 3 is provided with a second peripheral edge 5 that surrounds a second concavity 7, that can have a shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to the shape and dimensions of the first concavity 6.

[0034] In order to form the container 1, the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are joined together by welding together the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5, for example by heat welding or by ultrasound welding.

[0035] When the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are welded together, the first concavity 6 and the second concavity 7 define a cavity 8 inside the container 1 intended for housing a solid or semisolid food product like, for example, ice cream, snacks, cheese etc.

[0036] On the first peripheral edge 4 on opposite sides to the first concavity 6, in an intermediate zone 22 of the container 1, a first non-through cut 9 and a second non-through cut 10, i.e. that have a lesser depth than the thickness of the first peripheral edge 4, are made. The first non-through cut 9 and the second non-through cut 10 divide the first peripheral edge 4 into a first part 4a and into a second part 4b.

[0037] Similarly, on the second peripheral edge 5, on sides opposite the second concavity 7, in said intermediate zone 22, a third non-through cut 11 and a fourth non- through cut 12, i.e. that have a lesser depth than the thickness of the second peripheral edge 5, are made. The third non-through cut 11 and the fourth non-through cut 12 divide the second peripheral edge 5 into a first part 5 a and into a second part 5b. The third non- through cut 11 and the fourth non-through cut 12 are preferably made in positions corresponding to the first non-through cut 9 and to the second non-through cut 10, so that, when the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are welded together, the first non- through cut 9 is superimposed on the third non-through cut 11 and the second non-through cut 10 is superimposed on the fourth non-through cut 12. It is nevertheless possible for the third non-through cut 11 and the fourth non-through cut 12 to be placed in staggered positions with respect to the first non-through cut 9 and to the second non-through cut 10.

[0038] On the first peripheral edge 4, at the first non-through cut 9 and the second non-through cut 10, a respective first through cut 13 and a respective second through cut 14 can be made, which extend over a portion of the width of the first peripheral edge 4. The first through cut 13 and the second through cut 14 can be made by removing material, so as to take on the appearance of a notch, for example a“V”-shaped notch, as can be seen in Figure 2. Alternatively, each through cut 13, 14 can be made as a through cut, i.e. as a cut that affects the entire thickness of the first peripheral edge 4.

[0039] Similarly, on the second peripheral edge 5, at the third non-through cut 11 and at the fourth non-through cut 12, a respective third cut 15 and a respective fourth cut 16 can be made, which extend over a portion of the width of the second peripheral edge 5. The third through cut 15 and the fourth through cut 16 can be made by removing material, so as to take on the appearance of a notch, for example a“V”-shaped notch, as can be seen in Figure 2. Alternatively, each through cut 15, 16 can be made as a through cut, i.e. as a cut that affects the entire thickness of the second peripheral edge 5. [0040] The welding that joins the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 together is of the peelable type at least at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5. Welding can be of the peelable type over the entire extent of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the second peripheral edge 5, or can be of peelable type at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5 and of non peelable type at the second part 4b of the first peripheral edge 4 and at the second part 5b of the second peripheral edge 5

[0041] In a zone 17 placed at one end of the container 1, the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5 are welded together only partially, i.e. are welded together only on one part of the respective width, so that a user can open the container 1 by grasping the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5 at said zone 17 and break the peelable welding by exerting traction on the first peripheral edge 4 and on the second peripheral edge 5, so as to separate the first half-shell 2 from the second half-shell 3 at least at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5.

[0042] In Figures 4 to 8, opening of the container 1 is illustrated.

[0043] In a first step, illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a user grasps the first peripheral edge 4 of the first half-shell 2 at the zone 17 and, by exerting a traction towards the outside of the container 1, causes breakage of the peelable welding, separation of the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 from the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5 and a rotation of a first part 2a of the first half- shell 2 with respect to a second part 2b of the first half-shell 2, around a first rotation axis A that passes through the first non-through cut 9 and the second non-through cut 10.

[0044] The through cuts 13 and 14, if present, facilitate rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 with respect to the second part 2b of the first half-shell 2.

[0045] Similarly, exerting on the peripheral edge 5 of the second half-shell 3 traction towards the outside of the container 1 causes a rotation of a first part 3a of the second half shell 3 with respect to a second part 3b of the second half-shell 3, around a second rotation axis that passes through the third non-through cut 11 and the fourth non-through cut 12.

[0046] The through cuts 15 and 16, if present, facilitate rotation of the first part 3a of the second half-shell 3 with respect to the second part 3b of the second half-shell 3.

[0047] The rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 and of the first part 3b of the second half-shell 3 can continue until said first part 2a is superimposed on said second part 2b of the first half-shell 2 and said first part 3a is superimposed on said second part 3b of the second half-shell 3, as can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, making the food product contained in the cavity 8 of the container 1 accessible to a user.

[0048] The second parts 2b and 3b of the first half-shell 2 and of the second half-shell 3, respectively, possibly together with the first parts 2a and 3a, are used by the user to grip the opened container 1 whilst eating the food product contained therein.

[0049] In this manner, it is not necessary to provide the container 1 with a small stick or pick to enable the user to grasp the opened container. This simplifies manufacture of the container 1 and reduces manufacturing costs. Further, it optimizes disposal of the used containers, because there is no small stick or pick to be disposed of separately from the used container.

[0050] Further, the user, by exerting pressure on the second parts 2b and 3b of the first half-shell 2 and of the second half-shell 3, can cause complete exiting of the food product from the container 1, so as to be able to profit from that part of the product that has remained enclosed between said second parts 2b and 3b, after opening of the container 1.

[0051] With reference to Figures 9 to 32, some other embodiments of a container 1 according to the invention will now be disclosed. The features common to the first embodiment of a container 1 previously disclosed and common to the other embodiments disclosed below are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numbers.

[0052] In figures 9 to 16 a second embodiment is illustrated of a container 1 according to the invention.

[0053] Also in this embodiment, the container 1 consists of a first half-shell 2 and a second half- shell 3 that are each made by thermoforming starting with a sheet of thermoformable material for foodstuffs, like, for example polypropylene, polylactic acid, biodegradable plastics. The first half-shell 2 is provided with a first peripheral edge 4 that surrounds a first concavity 6. Similarly, the second half-shell 3 is provided with a second peripheral edge 5 that surrounds a second concavity 7, that can have a shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to the shape and dimensions of the first concavity 6.

[0054] To form the container 1, the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are joined together by welding together the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5, for example by heat welding or by ultrasound welding. [0055] When the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are welded together, the first concavity 6 and the second concavity 7 define a cavity 8 inside the container 1 intended for housing a solid or semisolid food product like, for example, ice cream, snacks, cheese etc.

[0056] The first half-shell 2 has, in an intermediate zone 22 of the container 1, a first non- through cut 18 that extends over the entire width of the first half- shell 2. A non-through cut is a cut that has a depth that is less than the thickness of the first half-shell 2.

[0057] The first non-through cut 18 divides the first half-shell 2 into a first part 2a and into a second part 2b and the first peripheral edge 4 into a first part 4a and into a second part 4b.

[0058] The second half-shell 3 has, in said intermediate zone 22 of the container 1, a second non-through cut 19 that extends over the entire width of the second half-shell 3. A non-through cut is a cut that has a depth that is less than the thickness of the second half shell 3.

[0059] The second non-through cut 19 divides the second half- shell 3 into a first part 3 a and into a second part 3b and the second peripheral edge 5 into a first part 5a and into a second part 5b.

[0060] The first non-through cut 18 and the second non-through cut 19 are preferably made in corresponding positions so that, when the first half-shell 2 and the second half shell 3 are welded together, the first non-through cut 18 and the second non-through cut 19 are on the same plane perpendicular to the surface of the container 1. It is nevertheless possible for the first non-through cut 18 and the second non-through cut 19 to be made in positions that are staggered in relation to one another.

[0061] On the first peripheral edge 4, at the first non-through cut 18, a respective first through cut 13 and a respective second through cut 14 can be made, which extend over a portion of the width of the first peripheral edge 4. The first through cut 13 and the second through cut 14 can be made by removing material, so as to take on the appearance of a notch, for example a“V”-shaped notch, as can be seen in Figure 10. Alternatively, each through cut 13, 14 can be made as a through cut, i.e. as a cut that affects the entire thickness of the first peripheral edge 4.

[0062] Similarly, on the second peripheral edge 5, at the second non-through cut 19, a respective third through cut 15 and a respective fourth through cut 16 can be made, which extend over a portion of the width of the second peripheral edge 5. The third through cut 15 and the fourth through cut 16 can be made by removing material, so as to take on the appearance of a notch, for example a“V”-shaped notch, as can be seen in Figure 10. Alternatively, each through cut 15, 16 can be made as a through cut, i.e. as a cut that affects the entire thickness of the second peripheral edge 5.

[0063] The welding that joins together the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 is of the peelable type at least at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5. Welding can be of the peelable type over the entire extent of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the second peripheral edge 5, or can be of peelable type at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5 and of non peelable type at the second part 4b of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the second part 5b of the second peripheral edge 5

[0064] In a zone 17 placed at one end of the container 1, the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5 are welded together only partially, i.e. are welded together only on one part of the respective width, so that a user can open the container 1 by grasping the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5 at said zone 17 and break the peelable welding by exerting a traction on the first peripheral edge 4 and on the second peripheral edge 5, so as to separate the first half-shell 2 from the second half-shell 3 at least at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5.

[0065] In Figures 12 to 16, the opening of the container 1 is illustrated.

[0066] In a first step, illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, a user grasps the first peripheral edge 4 of the first half-shell 2 at the zone 17 devoid of welding and, by exerting traction towards the outside of the container 1, causes breakage of the peelable welding, separation of the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 from the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5 and a rotation of a first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 with respect to a second part 2b of the first half-shell 2, around a first rotation axis A passing through a projection of the first non-through cut 18 on a plane containing the first peripheral edge 4.

[0067] The cuts 13 and 14, if present, facilitate rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 with respect to the second part 2b of the first half-shell 2.

[0068] Similarly, exerting on the peripheral edge 5 of the second half-shell 3 traction towards the outside of the container 1 causes a rotation of a first part 3a of the second half shell 3 with respect to a second part 3b of the second half-shell 3, around a second rotation axis passing through a projection of the second non-through cut 19 on a plane containing the second peripheral edge 5.

[0069] The through cuts 15 and 16, if present, facilitate rotation of the first part 3a of the second half-shell 3 with respect to the second part 3b of the second half-shell 3.

[0070] The rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 and of the first part 3b of the second half-shell 3 can continue until said first part 2a is superimposed on said second part 2b of the first half-shell 2 and said first part 3a is superimposed on said second part 3b of the second half-shell 3, as can be seen in Figures 15 and 16, making the food product contained in the cavity 8 of the container 1 accessible to a user.

[0071] The second parts 2b and 3b of the first half- shell 2 and of the second half- shell 3, respectively, possibly together with the first parts 2a and 3a, are used by the user to grip the opened container 1 whilst eating the food product contained therein.

[0072] In this manner, it is not necessary to provide the container 1 with a small stick or pick to enable the user to grasp the opened container. This simplifies manufacture of the container 1 and reduces manufacturing costs. It further optimizes disposal of the used containers, because there is no small stick or pick to be disposed of separately from the used container.

[0073] Further, the user, by exerting pressure on the second parts 2b and 3b of the first half-shell 2 and of the second half-shell 3, can cause complete exiting of the food product from the container 1, so as to be able to profit from that part of the product that has remained enclosed between said second parts 2b and 3b, after opening of the container 1.

[0074] In Figures 17 to 24, a third embodiment is illustrated of a container 1 according to the invention.

[0075] Also in this embodiment, the container 1 consists of a first half-shell 2 and a second half- shell 3 that are each made by thermoforming starting with a sheet of thermoformable material for foodstuffs, like for example polypropylene, polylactic acid, biodegradable plastics. The first half-shell 2 and provided with a first peripheral edge 4 that surrounds a first concavity 6. Similarly, the second half-shell 3 is provided with a second peripheral edge 5 that surrounds a second concavity 7, that can have a shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to the shape and dimensions of the first concavity 6. [0076] In order to form the container 1, the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are joined together by welding together the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5, for example by heat welding or by ultrasound welding.

[0077] When the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are welded together, the first concavity 6 and the second concavity 7 define a cavity 8 inside the container 1 intended for housing a solid or semisolid food product like for example, ice cream, snacks, cheese etc.

[0078] The first half-shell 2 has, in an intermediate zone 22 of the container 1, a first groove 20 that extends over the entire width of the first half- shell 2 but without extending to the first peripheral edge 4.

[0079] The first groove 20 divides the first half-shell 2 into a first part 2a and into a second part 2b.

[0080] Similarly, the second half-shell 3 has, in said intermediate zone 22 of the container 1, a second groove 21 that extends over the entire width of the second half-shell 3 but without extending to the second peripheral edge 5.

[0081] The second groove 21 divides the second half- shell 3 into a first part 3 a and into a second part 3b.

[0082] The first groove 20 and the second groove 21 are preferably made in corresponding positions so that, when the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are welded together, the first groove 20 and the second groove 21 are superimposed on one another in a plan projection of the container 1. It is nevertheless possible for the first groove 20 and the second groove 21 to be made in positions that are staggered in relation to one another.

[0083] On the first peripheral edge 4 on opposite sides to the first concavity 6, in said intermediate zone 22 of the container 1, a first through cut 9 and a second non-through cut 10, i.e. that have a lesser depth than the thickness of the first peripheral edge 4, are made. The first non-through cut 9 and the second non-through cut 10 divide the first peripheral edge 4 into a first part 4a and into a second part 4b.

[0084] Similarly, on the second peripheral edge 5, on sides opposite the second concavity 7, in said intermediate zone 22, a third non-through cut 11 and a fourth non- through cut 12, i.e. that have a lesser depth than the thickness of the second peripheral edge 5, are made. The third non-through cut 11 and the fourth non-through cut 12 divide the second peripheral edge 5 into a first part 5a and into a second part 5b. The third non- through cut 11 and the fourth non-through cut 12 are preferably made in positions corresponding to the first non-through cut 9 and to the second non-through cut 10, so that, when the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are welded together, the first non- through cut 9 is superimposed on the third non-through cut 11 and the second non-through cut 10 is superimposed on the fourth non-through cut 12. It is nevertheless possible for the third non-through cut 11 and the fourth non-through cut 12 to be placed in staggered positions with respect to the first non-through cut 9 and to the second non-through cut 10.

[0085] On the first peripheral edge 4, at the first non-through cut 9 and the second non-through cut 10, a respective first through cut 13 and a respective second through cut 14 can be made, which extend over a portion of the width of the first peripheral edge 4. The first through cut 13 and the second through cut 14 can be made by removing material, so as to take on the appearance of a notch, for example a“V”-shaped notch, as can be seen in Figure 18. Alternatively, each through cut 13, 14 can be made as a through cut, i.e. as a cut that affects the entire thickness of the first peripheral edge 4. The first through cut 13 and the second through cut 14 divide the first peripheral edge 4 into a first part 4a and into a second part 4b.

[0086] Similarly, on the second peripheral edge 5, at the third non-through cut 11 and of the fourth non-through cut 12, a respective third cut 15 and a respective fourth cut 16 can be made, which extend over a portion of the width of the second peripheral edge 5. The third cut 15 and the fourth cut 16 can be made by removing material, so as to take on the appearance of a notch, for example a“V”-shaped notch, as can be seen in Figure 18. Alternatively, each through cut 15, 16 can be made as a through cut, i.e. as a cut that affects the entire thickness of the second peripheral edge 5. The third through cut 15 and the fourth through cut 16 divide the second peripheral edge 5 into a first part 5a and into a second part 5b.

[0087] The welding that joins together the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 is of the peelable type at least at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5. Welding can be of the peelable type over the entire extent of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the second peripheral edge 5, or can be of peelable type at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5 and of non peelable type at the second part 4b of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the second part 5b of the second peripheral edge 5. [0088] In a zone 17 placed at one end of the container 1, the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5 are welded together only partially, i.e. are welded together only on one part of the respective width, so that a user can open the container 1 by grasping the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5 at said zone 17 and break the peelable welding by exerting traction on the first peripheral edge 4 and on the second peripheral edge 5, so as to separate the first half-shell 2 from the second half-shell 3 at least at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5.

[0089] In Figures 20 to 24 an opening of the container 1 is illustrated.

[0090] In a first step, illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, a user grasps the first peripheral edge 4 of the first half-shell 2 at the zone 17 devoid of welding and, by exerting traction towards the outside of the container 1, causes breakage of the peelable welding, separation of the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 from the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5 and a rotation of a first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 with respect to a second part 2b of the first half-shell 2, around a first rotation axis A passing through the first non-through cut 9 and through the second non-through cut 10.

[0091] The through cuts 13 and 14, if present, facilitate rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 with respect to the second part 2b of the first half-shell 2.

[0092] Similarly, exerting on the peripheral edge 5 of the second half-shell 3 traction towards the outside of the container 1 causes a rotation of a first part 3a of the second half shell 3 with respect to a second part 3b of the second half-shell 3, around a second rotation axis passing through the third non-through cut 11 and through the fourth non-through cut 12.

[0093] The through cuts 15 and 16, if present, facilitate rotation of the first part 3a of the second half-shell 3 with respect to the second part 3b of the second half-shell 3.

[0094] Also the first groove 20 and the second groove 21 make the rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 and of the first part 3a of the second half-shell 3 easier.

[0095] The rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 and of the first part 3a of the second half-shell 3 can continue until said first part 2a is superimposed on said second part 2b of the first half-shell 2 and said first part 3a is superimposed on said second part 3b of the second half-shell 3, as can be seen in Figures 23 and 24, making the food product contained in the cavity 8 of the container 1 accessible to a user. [0096] The second parts 2b and 3b of the first half- shell 2 and of the second half- shell 3, respectively, possibly together with the first parts 2a and 3a, are used by the user to grip the opened container 1 whilst eating the food product contained therein.

[0097] In this manner, it is not necessary to provide the container 1 with a small stick or pick to enable the user to grasp the opened container. This simplifies manufacture of the container 1 and reduces manufacturing costs. It further optimizes disposal of the used containers, because there is no small stick or pick to be disposed of separately from the used container.

[0098] Further, the user, by exerting pressure on the second parts 2b and 3b of the first half-shell 2 and of the second half-shell 3, can cause complete exiting of the food product from the container 1, so as to be able to profit from that part of the product that has remained enclosed between said second parts 2b and 3b, after opening of the container 1.

[0099] In Figures 25 to 32 a fourth embodiment is illustrated of a container 1 according to the invention.

[0100] Also in this embodiment, the container 1 consists of a first half-shell 2 and a second half- shell 3 that are each made by thermoforming starting with a sheet of thermoformable material for foodstuffs, like for example polypropylene, polylactic acid, biodegradable plastics. The first half-shell 2 is provided with a first peripheral edge 4 that surrounds a first concavity 6. Similarly, the second half-shell 3 is provided with a second peripheral edge 5 that surrounds a second concavity 7, that can have a shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to the shape and dimensions of the first concavity 6.

[0101] In order to form the container 1, the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are joined together by welding together the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5, for example by heat welding or by ultrasound welding.

[0102] When the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are welded together, the first concavity 6 and the second concavity 7 define a cavity 8 inside the container 1 intended for housing a solid or semisolid food product like for example, ice cream, snacks, cheese etc.

[0103] The first half-shell 2 has, in an intermediate zone 22 of the container 1, a first non- through cut 18 that extends over the entire width of the first half- shell 2. A non-through cut is a cut that has a depth that is less than the thickness of the first half-shell 2. [0104] The first non-through cut 18 divides the first half-shell 2 into a first part 2a and into a second part 2b and the first peripheral edge 4 into a first part 4a and into a second part 4b.

[0105] The second half-shell 3 has, in said intermediate zone 22 of the container 1, a second non-through cut 19 that extends over the entire width of the second half-shell 3. A non-through cut is a cut that has a depth that is less than the thickness of the second half shell 3.

[0106] The second non-through cut 19 divides the second half- shell 3 into a first part 3 a and into a second part 3b and the second peripheral edge 5 into a first part 5a and into a second part 5b.

[0107] The first non-through cut 18 and the second non-through cut 19 are preferably made in corresponding positions so that, when the first half-shell 2 and the second half shell 3 are welded together, the first non-through cut 18 and the second non-through cut 19 are on the same plane perpendicular to the surface of the container 1. It is nevertheless possible for the first non-through cut 18 and the second non-through cut 19 to be made in positions that are staggered in relation to one another.

[0108] The first half-shell 2 furthermore has in said intermediate zone 22 of the container 1 a first groove 20 that extends over the entire width of the first half- shell 2 but without extending to the first peripheral edge 4. The first non-through cut 18 extends along said first groove 20.

[0109] Similarly, the second half-shell 3 has, in said intermediate zone 22 of the container 1, a second groove 21 that extends over the entire width of the second half-shell 3 but without extending to the second peripheral edge 5. The second non-through cut 19 extends along said second groove 21.

[0110] The first groove 20 and the second groove 21 are preferably made in corresponding positions so that, when the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 are welded together, the first groove 20 and the second groove 21 are superimposed on one another in a plan projection of the container 1. It is nevertheless possible for the first groove 20 and the second groove 21 to be made in positions that are staggered in relation to one another.

[0111] On the first peripheral edge 4, at the first non-through cut 18, a respective first cut 13 and a respective second cut 14 can be made, which extend over a portion of the width of the first peripheral edge 4. The first through cut 13 and the second through cut 14 can be made by removing material, so as to take on the appearance of a notch, for example a“V”-shaped notch, as can be seen in Figure 26. Alternatively, each through cut 13, 14 can be made as a through cut, i.e. as a cut that affects the entire thickness of the first peripheral edge 4.

[0112] Similarly, on the second peripheral edge 5, at the second non-through cut 19, a respective third cut 15 and a respective fourth cut 16 can be made, which extend over a portion of the width of the second peripheral edge 5. The third through cut 15 and the fourth through cut 16 can be made by removing material, so as to take on the appearance of a notch, for example a“V”-shaped notch, as can be seen in Figure 26. Alternatively, each through cut 15, 16 can be made as a through cut, i.e. as a cut that affects the entire thickness of the second peripheral edge 5.

[0113] The welding that joins together the first half-shell 2 and the second half-shell 3 is of the peelable type at least at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5. Welding can be of the peelable type over the entire extent of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the second peripheral edge 5, or can be of peelable type at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5 and of non peelable type at the second part 4b of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the second part 5b of the second peripheral edge 5+++

[0114] In a zone 17 placed at one end of the container 1, the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5 are welded together only partially, i.e. are welded together only on one part of the respective width, so that a user can open the container 1 by grasping the first peripheral edge 4 and the second peripheral edge 5 at said zone 17 and break the peelable welding by exerting traction on the first peripheral edge 4 and on the second peripheral edge 5, so as to separate the first half-shell 2 from the second half-shell 3 at least at the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 and of the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5.

[0115] In Figures 28 to 32 an opening is illustrated of the container 1.

[0116] In a first step, illustrated in Figures 28 and 29, a user grasps the first peripheral edge 4 of the first half-shell 2 at the zone 17 devoid of welding and, by exerting traction towards the outside of the container 1, causes breakage of the peelable welding, separation of the first part 4a of the first peripheral edge 4 from the first part 5a of the second peripheral edge 5 and a rotation of a first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 with respect to a second part 2b of the first half-shell 2, around a first rotation axis A passing through a projection of the first non-through cut 18 on a plane containing the first peripheral edge 4.

[0117] The through cuts 13 and 14, if present, facilitate rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 with respect to the second part 2b of the first half-shell 2.

[0118] Similarly, exerting on the peripheral edge 5 of the second half-shell 3 a traction towards the outside of the container 1 causes a rotation of a first part 3a of the second half shell 3 with respect to a second part 3b of the second half-shell 3, around a second rotation axis passing through a projection of the second non-through cut 19 on a plane containing the second peripheral edge 5.

[0119] The through cuts 15 and 16, if present, facilitate rotation of the first part 3a of the second half-shell 3 with respect to the second part 3b of the second half-shell 3.

[0120] Also the first groove 20 and the second groove 21 make the rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 and of the first part 3a of the second half-shell 3 easier.

[0121] The rotation of the first part 2a of the first half-shell 2 and of the first part 3b of the second half-shell 3 can continue until said first part 2a is superimposed on said second part 2b of the first half-shell 2 and said first part 3a is superimposed on said second part 3b of the second half-shell 3, as can be seen in Figures 31 and 32, making the food product contained in the cavity 8 of the container 1 accessible to a user.

[0122] The second parts 2b and 3b of the first half- shell 2 and of the second half- shell 3, respectively, possibly together with the first parts 2a and 3a, are used by the user to grip the opened container 1 whilst eating the food product contained therein.

[0123] In this manner, it is not necessary to provide the container 1 with a small stick or pick to enable the user to grasp the opened container. This simplifies manufacture of the container 1 and reduces manufacturing costs. It further optimizes disposal of the used containers, because there is no small stick or pick to be disposed of separately from the used container.

[0124] Further, the user, by exerting pressure on the second parts 2b and 3b of the first half-shell 2 and of the second half-shell 3, can cause complete exiting of the food product from the container 1, so as to be able to profit from that part of the product that has remained enclosed between said second parts 2b and 3b, after opening of the container 1.

[0125] In Figure 33 the embodiment is illustrated of the first non-through cut 18 and of the second non-through cut 19 that extend over the entire width of the half-shells 2 and 3, respectively, in the second embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention, illustrated in Figures 9 to 16, and in the fourth embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention, illustrated in Figures 25 to 32.

[0126] In order to obtain the first non-through cut 18 and the second non-through cut 19, on a sheet 23 of the thermoformable material, with which the containers 1 will have to be made, a non-through cut 24 is made that is continuous over the entire length of the sheet 23, before the sheet 23 reaches a thermoforming station where forming of the half-shells 2 and 3 of the containers 1 occurs. The cut can be made with a blade that extends over the entire length of the sheet 23. In Figure 33, half-shells 2 and 3 are indicated with a dashed line in the positions on the sheet 23 in which they will be made by thermoforming.

[0127] The sheet 23 is positioned in the thermoforming mould so that, during thermoforming, the non-through cut 24 generates the first non-through cut 18 of the first half-shell 2 and the second non-through cut 19 of the second half-shell 3.

[0128] In Figure 34 the embodiment is illustrated of the first non-through cut 9 and of the second non-through cut 10 on the first peripheral edge 4 of the first half- shell 2, of the third non-through cut 11 and of the fourth non-through cut 12 on the second peripheral edge 5 of the second half- shell 3, with reference to the first embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention, illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, of the third embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention, illustrated in Figures 17 to 24.

[0129] A plurality of pairs of non-through cuts 25 with a constant pitch P is made on a sheet 23 of the thermoformable material with which the containers 1 will have to be made, in order to obtain the first non-through cut 9, the second non-through cut 10, the third non- through cut 11 and the fourth non-through cut 12.

[0130] A constant pitch P means that the distance between a pair of non-through cuts and the adjacent pairs of non-through cuts is constant.

[0131] The pairs of non-through cuts 25 can be made by respective pairs of blades. In Figure 34 the half-shells 2 and 3 are indicated by dashed lines in the positions on the sheet 23 in which they will be made by thermoforming.

[0132] The sheet 23 is positioned in the forming mould so that, during forming, the pairs of non-through cut 25 generate the first non-through cut 9 and the second non- through cut 10 on the first peripheral edge 4 of the first half-shell 2, and further generate the third non-through cut 11 and the fourth non-through cut 12 on the second peripheral edge 5 of the second half- shell 3.