Parallelepipede-shaped flat gable carton and method of producing it

The invention relates to a cuboid flat gabled packing, in particular ear packing with middle seam, with a prepared in the package gable pierceable or along a closed parting line severable surface that forms a pour hole after piercing or cutting, with a Kunststoffausgußkörper, which the parting line and the pouring hole surrounding flange is firmly attached to the package gable outer surface and into the spout, possibly with a plurality of triangular teeth at the sprue end facing axially insertable within the scope of closed dividing line form, appropriate tube, and with a pouring spout repeatedly closable cap, the package sense surface is coated with a heat-adhesive plastic film. The invention further relates to a method for preparing said cuboid flat gable package.

The known prior art conventional parallelepiped containers, such as combibloc, Tetra Brik, which are primarily used in the field of liquid packaging in normal cold, cold-sterile, hot and aseptic filling, can not be closed again once they are opened will.

It has therefore been proposed for flat gable packages, introduce a pre-punched pouring and vent hole in the package gable which is closed on both sides just above films, by a special liner a recloseable a self-adhesive executed pull tab (pull tab) is possible (EP-A -0,214,791).

This reocclusion is however not given because of the on the liner after pouring remaining product residues neither hygienic nor dense and relatively high viscosity products.

Furthermore, from "the Dairy Newspaper WORLD OF MILK", 40 J., 1986/23, page 696, a flat top pack known to the gable top a plug-like closure is hinged, whose side walls are tapered toward the front is formed. The plug is inserted into the pouring aperture at the gable top of the pack and pushed out and having this on the closure top, a ring-lug.

However, this closure does not provide sufficient tightness, as the plug is in the relatively soft composite film on Ausgußlochrand not guided safely comes to rest. Further, already lead to the ring lug to an unintended opening a slight lateral pressure application. Add to this that the pouring zone of the package is covered once they are opened neither hygienic, even after completion of the pouring operation, a return, especially, is guaranteed of highly viscous products, so that settling these fluids at the gable surface or drip uncontrollably.

The same drawbacks have also described in US-A-3924777 closure system that also allows no continuous, the opening area covering internal coating as it is absolutely necessary, for example for gas- and aroma-tight packages.

In particular, it has so far accepted the fact that a glucker- and drip-free pouring is not possible with flat gable top cartons.

In EP-A-0167095 is a steep gable package an integrated, from spout and snap cover existing Plastikausgießer been proposed, which is a hole punch on the steep gable inserted from the inside and sealed under counter maintenance of outside inside. However, given the risk of pocketing in incomplete sealing only modest sterile safety.

From DE-A-3039299 a ball gable-top container is also known, in whose gable surface a three-part nozzle body is fixed from the outside. This consists of a sealed-on the gable surface flange with a cylindrical to the flange vertical portion in the inner wall of an internally subdivided by an L-shaped wall pour tube is arranged axially displaceable, and can be placed on the upper end of the vertical portion of cap. To open the container after removal of the cap, the inner casting tube is pushed so far down until the frontally arranged triangular teeth pierce the package gable side. This puncture movement is limited by a provided on the nozzle body blocking edge. Disadvantageously, however, this embodiment is very complex.

but already because of the required for flat gable top cartons stacking can not be transferred to flat-gabled packages the solutions for pitched gable top carton. Furthermore, a transfer of this solution are the principle at different flat gable packages requirements in terms contrary to the desired beam guidance and direction.

It is also unsatisfactory, the relatively small pouring aperture, which is not suitable for higher viscosity liquids at the spout, according to EP-A-0,167,095th

Against known from DE-A-3039299 resealable spout speaks that he - because the package interior through open - can be sterilized only consuming and at great risk, together with the package and no continuous, the Gießöffnungsbereich before opening the original closure covering internal coating coatable is.

It is therefore an object of the invention to develop a flat top pack with integrated spout such that the aforementioned disadvantages are avoided. In particular, the flat top pack to be suitable for an aseptic packaging system, for example, a package with an aluminum multi-layer composite with the pack sense surface covering plastic (polyethylene layer). Furthermore, the package highest sterility and hygiene standards to meet in preparing the Ausgußloches by punching in combination without impairing the fundamental tightness. The reclosable spout should eventually be tightly and firmly connected to the package and allow a glucker- and drip-free pouring.

The object is achieved in the above-mentioned flat top pack in that the fixedly hinged to the tube connected to the closure flap cover, preferably by means of a connecting band on the tab of the pouring spout formed as a nozzle body. In contrast to the known from DE-A-3039299 solution for a container which can be executed as a flat roof packing and the subject of the application is still the next in terms of sterility and hygiene requirements, the flat top pack according to the invention has several clear advantages: Firstly, the entire resealable Ausgußapplikation is constructed in one piece and can be carried out in flat form on a compound of the flange-shaped tab on the package gable outer surface with a flat design, so that the stacking of the package is not only slightly affected. For double layer stacking of the single shrink packs or trays packs which possibly also disruptive height differences can be compensated for or absorbed by intermediate webs. Furthermore, the inside coating of the pack is not interrupted by the pouring spout, but rather is an inner or double-sided coating over the introduced for the pouring opening punched out, preferably in the extruder, but also with one of the corresponding composite coating on a film Siegler, possible. Alternatively, can be effected from the outside inwards in the so-called half-cut, a kiss-cutting of the opening in the finished composite. Total remains the main seal of the package, which is crucial for their gas and aroma density, untouched since the spout is sealed or glued externally to the finished package composite. In particular, there in the packs of the invention by continuously executable internal coating no danger of pocketing at any non-full face aufeinandergesiegelten films, whereby a safe sterilization and compliance with the residual amounts of sterilizing agent when using these packages is ensured in aseptic applications.

According to a development of the invention, the collar of the pouring spout with a detachable locking ring in such a manner that the retaining ring holds the tube-end side with the triangular teeth spaced from the parting line of the packing gable. Preferably, the securing ring comprises the collar of the pouring spout in its entirety. Both measures ensure proper hygiene in the opening portion of the unopened package, since the entire Ausgießöffnungsbereich is covered by the in itself over the locking ring tight encapsulated sleeve body. The locking ring is advantageously used also against inadvertent opening of the discharge opening when pressure is applied on the hinged lid in the shape of a spacer.

The opening of the original closure is facilitated by a pull-tab which is attached to the retaining ring. This pull tab is preferably located in the connecting area of ​​the flaps cover to the connecting band, where there is also a break groove is. Blasts you this breaking notch and tears off the retaining ring along the break line, the tube can be moved by external pressure on the flap in the direction of the prepared ring opening, the toothed end face cuts open the above coated Gießlochöffnung. By pouring spout here a reliable guidance of the tube is ensured through to cutting or spreading of all cut out openings.

According to a development of the invention, the spout and the sprue have a slightly oval teardrop-shaped cross-section which ensures both the ventilation of the pack sense space and the liquid jet guide, even for high viscosity products.

The beam guidance and beam direction is henceforth further improved that arranged in a corner of the package gable surface has a spout on the edge of the package narrow side edged solid lip which is formed at its free end as a tear-off edge. In this way, dripping is prevented at the completion of the pouring operation, since the liquid still present in the pouring spout portion flows back over the Tüllenschräge into the package.

Even after the reclosing of the pack is ensured by the fact that the closure flap cover in the closed state the collar including the tear bar of the spout projects beyond all sides and completely covers the region of the pouring opening proper hygiene. This covering of contamination of the respective border areas is effectively prevented from the outset.

Preferably, the connecting band is formed as a three-part hinge strap, which allows a 180 ° pivoting of the closure flap cover.

To prevent dropping the flaps cover to the stream, two solutions offer themselves to embodiments of the invention: Firstly, the hinge may be formed with two dead centers in the closed and in the open (unfolded) position of the closure flap lid toggle manner. Secondly, the pouring hole the far surface of the lid flaps and the gable outer surface up in full or come folded position of the closure flap lid to rest, have requirements that serve as adhesive closure.

The further preferably slightly conical shape of the tube and the pouring channel of the spout ensure schütteldichten recloseable since collapsing the Tüllenwände is reliably prevented.

To prevent falling off of the punched out to form a pouring hole piece in the package interior, has the flaps inside cover a centrally to the tube disposed wedge or a needle which protrudes beyond the end face of the tube with the triangular teeth. This embodiment is particularly useful with the described in claim 22 centrally for later pouring hole provided linear kiss-cutting (half-cut opening) from the outside inwards at.

After a low-cost and production technology easy to process development of the invention, the entire Ausgußapplikation of plastic, preferably injection molded soft plastic. The one-piece Flachau Chop thus produced can be factory operational by deflection of the hinge through 180 ° and flanging to or fixing the pull tab to the spout implement and molded. The application of Flachau coater on the flat top of the packing is carried out either in the filler or to the fillers downstream application machines.

Further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims 15 to 22, which ensure total advantageously that the usual form, fill and sealing the packages is as little affected as the pack sense side facing closed film.

To prepare the above-described flat gable package drop-wise removal or kiss-cutting is over-coated in the extruder or introduced from the outside into the coated composite by means of a punch, a drop-shaped half-section and is glued on the molded package in registration over the punched-out or to the half-section of the flap of the nozzle body in the blank production or sealed after the closure flap cover and the collar of the spout welded to an interposed snap ring were. Thus the pack manufacturing can be carried out economically and inexpensively without significantly changing the existing manufacturing and filling operation.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, the basis of which the invention is explained in the following. Show it:<ul><li>1 shows a perspective view of a container according to the invention;</li><li>Figures 2a-2d Ausgießapplikationen in different views and positions;</li><li>Figures 3a to 3d corresponding Ausgießapplikationen, additionally having a wedge or a needle in the midst of the tube;</li><li>and Figures 4a, b and 7a, b respectively cross-sectional and plan view views the prepared pouring openings.</li></ul>

The illustrated in Figure 1 cuboid flat gable package is designed as an ear packing with a central seam, is the extent of the prior art. According to the invention, this pack in the package gable surface 1 in a position as possible eckseitiger a closable Ausgußapplikation 2, which is shown in further detail in Figures 2 and 3. FIG. The Ausgußapplikation 2 is made in one piece and consists of a plate (flange) 3, the (or) is sealed onto the package gable surface. The substantially rectangular running tab 3 has a slightly oval, teardrop-shaped opening 3a and is bounded by a substantially vertically projecting spout 4, which ends in a collar 4a. One has a plug serving tube 5 whose free end face of triangular teeth 6, is fixedly connected to a closure flap cover 13. The closure flap cover 13 is low in height, is carried planar and hinged via a connecting belt 12 with three hinges 12a to the tab third Between the collar 4a of the nozzle 4 and the lid closure flaps 13 is a locking ring 7 is arranged around circumferentially in the function of a spacer between the closure flap cover and the prepared pouring opening substantially. At this locking ring 7 a pull tab 8 is fixed, initially blasted a breaking notch which when activated and then the locking ring 7 can be torn and removed along a predetermined breaking line. The arranged in a corner of the package gable surface 1 spout 4 is sharp undressed to pack narrow side 16 down on the pack edge 10 as a lip which is formed at its free end as a tear bar 11th When re-closing the closure flap cover (13) comes with the circumferential collar (4a) to plant.

Thereof, the embodiment shown in Figures 3a to 3d differs only in that there is arranged on the closure flap cover the inside fixed wedge or a needle 19 in the middle of the tube, showing the triangular teeth 6 front side projects beyond and that upon reclosure of the closure flap cover (13) remaining annular projection (7a) of the security ring (7) encloses the peripheral collar (4a).

The shutter is operated as follows: tearing at the tear tab 8 and blasting of the predetermined breaking notch 9a and separation of the locking ring 7 along the predetermined breaking line 9 and then pressing on the surface 17 of the closure flap cover the closure flap cover 13 is guided down along with the tube 5, the teeth 6, the prepared opening for the pour hole 15, possibly along the parting line 14 (figure 7) pierced. The respective positions before and after piercing are shown in Figures 2c and 2d and 3c, and 3d. The lockable Ausgußapplikation according to figures 3a to 3d, with the center to the tube 5 disposed wedge 19 can be used in particular in connection with the package illustrated in figures 7a and 7b. In addition the separation line 14, which is carried out for figure 7a as a half-section opening 29 from outside to inside, a further half-cut stamping is still provided centrally to the longitudinal sides of the created by the division line 14 drops oval. If you now press the shutter flap cover 13 down, so first comes the wedge or the needle 19 with the half-cut opening 30 into contact, cut the other layers when moving and eventually serving as barbs to hold the punched through the teeth 6 along the separation line 14 area. After the depression are the closure flap cover either as in (2d) dargstellt on the collar 4a of the nozzle body (nozzle 4) or cover with the annular projection (7a) additionally the collar (4a) of the nozzle body as shown in (3d).

A further embodiment can be seen even from the figure 3b. Thereafter, on the surface 17 of the closure flap cover 13 a support 18 is applied, the part of a Adhäsionsverschlusses (Velcro fastener) is. The counterpart in question is located on the carton pack in the corner, in which the surface 17 comes with complete folding the flaps cover 13 to rest.

Insight into the structure of the packages and the preparation of the pouring hole 15, the figures 4a, b and 7a, b. Except for the prepared hole is the aseptic packing of an aluminum multi-layer composite having a structure comprising from the inside to the outside the following layers: polyethylene 21, box 22, polyethylene 23, aluminum 24, adhesive 25, and polyethylene 26 (inner plastic coating). After 4a the cardboard layer 22 is recessed in the area of ​​the later pouring hole 15 and the composite layers are then applied "in-line" on the extruder. Referring to Figure 5a is the introduced into the pouring opening on the finished composite film with a sealer coating of the other pack substantially corresponding composite consisting covered from films 31 and 32 again. Figure 6a illustrates a modification of Fig. 4a illustrates, at which the paperboard layer 22 is interrupted annular except for a few bridges 28 (Figure 6b).

Referring to Figure 7a and 7b, is through a so-called half-cut holes 29, 30 from the outside through the kiss-finished coated composite externally eg in a Rotastanze a hole preparation run.

The package of the invention is characterized in particular by a large so-called Pilfer- and Tamper Proof security from without sacrificing the fundamental tightness and secure reclosing must be taken into account.