Abstract
The invention relates to a container precursor comprising a wall, wherein the wall a) surrounds an interior region, and b) comprises a first wall region and a second wall region; wherein the first wall region comprises a first layer sequence comprising a first wall layer, a second wall layer and a third wall layer as overlying layers from the interior region outwards; wherein, in the first wall region, a second carrier layer is characterised by a smaller layer thickness than a first carrier layer, or a third carrier layer, or both; wherein the second wall region comprises a second layer sequence comprising first wall layer, a second wall layer and a third wall layer as overlying layers from the interior region outwards; wherein, in the second wall region, the second wall layer is connected to the third wall layer; wherein, in the second wall region, the third carrier layer is characterised by a larger layer thickness than the first carrier layer, or the third carrier layer, or both. Further, the invention relates to a process for manufacturing a container precursor, a container precursor obtainable through this process, a closed container, a process for manufacturing a closed container, a closed container obtainable through this process, a use of the aforementioned container precursor, and a further use of the aforementioned container precursor.
Claims
1. A container precursor (100), comprising a wall (102), wherein the wall (102) a) surrounds an interior region (101) and b) comprises a first wall region (103) and a second wall region (104); wherein the first wall region (103) comprises a first layer sequence, comprising, as overlying layers laid on top of one another from the interior region (101) outwards, a first wall layer (201), a second wall layer (202) and a third wall layer (203); wherein, in the first wall region (103) the first wall layer (201) is connected to the second wall layer (202) and the second wall layer (202) is connected to the third wall layer (203); wherein the first wall layer (201), as first wall layer sequence from the interior region (101) outwards, comprises a first barrier layer (204), comprising a barrier plastic for at least 70% by weight relative to the weight of the first barrier layer (204), and a first carrier layer (205); wherein the second wall layer (202), as second wall layer sequence from the interior region (101) outwards, comprises a second carrier layer (206) and a second barrier layer (207), comprising the barrier plastic for at least 70% by weight relative to the weight of the second barrier layer (207); wherein the third wall layer (203), as third wall layer sequence from the interior region (101) outwards, comprises a third barrier layer (208), comprising the barrier plastic for at least 70% by weight relative to the weight of the third barrier layer (208), and a third carrier layer (209); wherein, in the first wall region (103), the second carrier layer (206) is characterised by a smaller layer thickness than the first carrier layer (205), or the third carrier layer (209), or both; wherein the second wall region (104) comprises a second layer sequence, comprising, as overlying layers from the interior region (101) outwards, the first wall layer (201), the second wall layer (202), and the third wall layer (203); wherein, in the second wall region (104), the second wall layer (202) is connected to the third wall layer (203); wherein, in the second wall region (104), the third carrier layer (209) is characterised by a larger layer thickness than the second carrier layer (206), or the first carrier layer (205), or both.
2. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first wall region (103) abuts against the second wall region (104).
3. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first wall region (103) is characterised by a first width (106) along a circumference (105) of the container precursor (100), wherein the first width (106) is in a range from 1 to 6 mm.
4. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second wall region (104) is characterised by a second width (107) along the circumference (105) of the container precursor (100), wherein the second width (107) is in a range from 1 to 10 mm.
5. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein, in the first wall region (103), the layer thickness of the second carrier layer (206) is 0.05 to 0.9 times the layer thickness of the first carrier layer (205), or the third carrier layer (209), or both.
6. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein, in the second wall region (104), the layer thickness of the third carrier layer (209) is 1.1 to 20 times the layer thickness of the first carrier layer (205), or the second carrier layer (206), or both.
7. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein, in the second wall region (104), the first wall layer (201) is not connected to the second wall layer (202).
8. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein, in the second wall region (104) a) a surface of the first carrier layer (205) facing the second carrier layer (206), and b) a surface of the second carrier layer (206) facing the first carrier layer (205), do not comprise a cover layer and are not connected to a cover layer.
9. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein, in the first wall region (103), a surface of the second carrier layer (206) facing the first carrier layer (205) does not comprise a cover layer and is not connected to a cover layer.
10. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein one from the group consisting of the first carrier layer (201), the second carrier layer (206), and the third carrier layer (209), or a combination of at least two thereof, comprises one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof.
11. The container precursor (100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall (102) comprises a third wall region (301); wherein the third wall region (301) comprises a third layer sequence, comprising, as overlying layers from the interior region (101) outwards, the first wall layer (201) and the third wall layer (203); wherein, in the third wall region (301), the first wall layer (201) is connected to the third wall layer (203); wherein the third wall region (301) abuts against the first wall region (103).
12. The container precursor (100) according to claim 11, wherein the third wall region (301) is characterised by a third width (302) along the circumference (105) of the container precursor (100), wherein the third width (302) is in a range from 1 to 12 mm.
13. The container precursor (100), according to claim 1, wherein the barrier plastic has a weight average molecular weight in a range from 3.Math.10.sup.3 to 1.Math.10.sup.7 g/mol.
14. The container precursor (100), according to claim 1, wherein the barrier plastic is one selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, and a polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination of at least two thereof.
15. The container precursor (100) according to claim 14, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol is characterised by at least one of the following properties: a) an ethylene content in a range from 20 to 60 mol-%; b) a density in a range from 1.0 to 1.4 g/cm.sup.3; c) a melting point of more than 155 to 235° C.; d) an MFR value in a range from 1 to 25 g/10 min; e) an oxygen permeation rate in a range from 0.05 to 3.2 cm.sup.3.Math.20 μm/m.sup.2.Math.day.Math.atm.
16. A process (500), comprising, as process steps a) Provision of a sheet-like composite, comprising i) A composite layer sequence (501), comprising A) a composite carrier layer (505), and B) a composite barrier layer (504), comprising a barrier plastic for at least 70% by weight relative to the weight of the composite barrier layer (504), ii) an edge region (503), and iii) an inner region (502), abutting against the edge region (503); b) Reduction of the layer thickness of the composite carrier layer (505) in the edge region (503); c) Creation of a fold (506) in the edge region (503) to obtain a first edge fold region (507) and a further edge fold region (508), wherein the first edge fold region (507) and the further edge fold region (508) abut against each other along the fold (506); d) Bringing the first edge fold region (507) into contact with a first part (509) of the further edge fold region (508), and connecting a further part (510) of the further edge fold region (508) to the inner region (502); e) Creation of a further fold (514) in the inner region (502) to obtain a first composite fold region (511) and a further composite fold region (512), wherein the further composite fold region (512) comprises the edge region (503); and f) Connecting the first composite fold region (511) to the first part (509) of the further edge fold region (508) and the further part (510) of the further edge fold region (508).
17. The process (500) according to claim 16, wherein, in process step e), the further composite fold area (512) comprises a part (513) of the inner region (502); wherein, in process step f), the first composite fold area (511) is further connected to the part (513) of the inner region (502).
18. The process (500) according to claim 16, wherein, in process step b), reduction is carried out by peeling the composite carrier layer (505).
19. The process (500) according to claim 18, wherein peeling is carried out by a rotating tool.
20. The process (500) according to claim 16, wherein, in process step a), the sheet-like composite comprises a crease (515), wherein in process step e) the creation of the further fold (514) consists in folding along the crease (515).
21. A container precursor (100) obtained through the process (500) according to claim 16.
22. A closed container (600) obtained by folding the container precursor (100) according to claim 1 and closing the folded container precursor (100) with a closing tool.
23. The closed container (600) according to claim 22, wherein the wall (102) surrounds the interior region (101) on all sides, wherein the wall (102) consists of a one-piece sheet-like composite.
24. The closed container (600) according to claim 22, wherein one selected from the group consisting of the first layer sequence, the second layer sequence, and the third layer sequence, or a combination of at least two thereof, comprises a further carrier layer.
25. The closed container (600) according to claim 22, wherein, in the first wall region (103) and the second wall region (104), the first wall layer (201) is overlaid by a fourth wall layer (401) on a side facing the interior region (101); wherein the fourth wall layer (401), as fourth wall layer sequence from the interior region (101) outwards, comprises a fourth carrier layer (402) and a fourth barrier layer (403), comprising the barrier plastic for at least 70% by weight relative to the weight of the fourth barrier layer (403); wherein, in the first wall region (103), the second carrier layer (206) is characterised by a smaller layer thickness than the fourth carrier layer (402); wherein, in the second wall region (104), the fourth carrier layer (402) is characterised by a larger layer thickness than the second carrier layer (206), or the first carrier layer (205), or both.
26. The closed container (600) according to claim 25, wherein, further in the third wall region (301) the fourth wall layer (401) overlays the first wall layer (201) on a side facing the interior region (101).
27. A process (700) comprising the following process steps a) Provision of the container precursor (100) according to claim 1; b) Folding the container precursor (100); and c) Closing the container precursor (100) with a closing tool to obtain a closed container.
28. The process (700) according to claim 27, wherein, prior to process step c), a foodstuff is introduced into the container precursor (100).
29. The process (700) according to claim 27, wherein, after process step c), the closed container is autoclaved.
30. The process (700) according to claim 27, wherein, prior to process step c), the container precursor is sterilised.
31. A closed container obtainable through the process according to claim 27.
32. A use of the container precursor (100) according to claim 1 to produce a closed container.
33. A use of the container precursor (100) according to claim 1 for filling with a foodstuff.
Description
[0183] In the drawings:
[0184] FIG. 1a) shows a schematic representation of a shell-shaped container precursor according to the invention;
[0185] FIG. 1b) shows a schematic representation of a tubular container precursor according to the invention;
[0186] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a container precursor according to the invention;
[0187] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a further container precursor according to the invention;
[0188] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall in a head portion of a closed container according to the invention;
[0189] FIG. 5a) shows a schematic illustration of a process step a) of a process according to the invention for manufacturing a container precursor;
[0190] FIG. 5b) shows a schematic illustration of a process step b) of a process according to the invention for manufacturing a container precursor;
[0191] FIG. 5c) shows a schematic illustration of a process step c) of a process according to the invention for manufacturing a container precursor;
[0192] FIG. 5d) shows a schematic illustration of a process step d) of a process according to the invention for manufacturing a container precursor;
[0193] FIG. 5e) shows a schematic illustration of a process step e) of a process according to the invention for manufacturing a container precursor;
[0194] FIG. 5f) shows a schematic illustration of a process step f) of a process according to the invention for manufacturing a container precursor;
[0195] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a closed container according to the invention;
[0196] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a process according to the invention for the manufacture of a closed container;
[0197] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a container precursor that is not according to the invention;
[0198] FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a further container precursor that is not according to the invention;
[0199] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a container precursor that is not according to the invention; and
[0200] FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a further container precursor that is not according to the invention.
[0201] FIG. 1a) shows a schematic representation of a shell-shaped container precursor according to the invention 100. The container precursor 100 comprises a wall 102, which consists of a sheet-like composite in one piece. The container precursor surrounds an interior region 101. An outer surface of the sheet-like composite forms a geometrical outer surface of a cube. A circumference 105 of this outer surface and hence of the container precursor is indicated by a thick dashed line. The container precursor is formed from the sheet-like composite by folding at at least 4 folding locations. The end edges of the sheet-like composite are bonded together via sealing. This seal forms a longitudinal seam in the container precursor. The longitudinal seam comprises a first wall region 103 and a second wall region 104. The first wall region 103 has a width 106 of 3 mm along the circumference 105. The second wall region 104 has a width 107 of 5 mm along the circumference 105. Thin dashed lines in FIG. 1a) represent creases in the sheet-like composite. A head portion of a container precursor or container may be formed by folding along the creases and by joining certain fold surfaces.
[0202] FIG. 1b) shows a schematic representation of a tubular container precursor according to the invention 100. The container precursor 100 comprises a wall 102, which consists of a sheet-like composite in one piece. The container precursor surrounds an interior region 101. The container precursor 100 is a semi-endless tube structure with an opening at opposite ends of the tube. In FIG. 1b) the length of the tube is presented in shortened form.
[0203] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall 102 of a container precursor according to the invention 100. The wall 102 is the wall 102 of the container precursor 100 in FIG. 1a). In FIG. 2 the interior region 101 below the wall 102 and hence in the container precursor 100 is presented. The cross section of FIG. 2 is a cross section through the longitudinal seam of the container precursor 100. The wall 102 comprises a first wall region 103 and a second wall region 104. The first wall region 103 and the second wall region 104 abut against each other. The first wall region 103 comprises a first layer sequence, which comprises, as layers superimposed on each other from the interior region 101 outwards, a first wall layer 201, a second wall layer 202 and a third wall layer 203. Each of these three wall layers 201, 202, 203 belongs to the sheet-like composite. The first wall layer 201 merges into the second wall layer 202 at the fold position shown in FIG. 2. In the first wall region 103 and in the second wall region 104, however, the three wall layers 201, 202, 203 do not merge into one another but, as described above, form a layer sequence in each wall region 103, 104. Further, in the first wall region 103, the first wall layer 201 is connected to the second wall layer 202. Here, the second wall layer 202 is sealed onto the first wall layer 201. Further, in the first wall region 103, the second wall layer 202 and the third wall layer 203 are connected to each other by means of a sealing connection. The first wall layer 201 comprises, as first wall layer sequence from the interior region 101 outwards, a first barrier layer 204 and a first carrier layer 205. The first barrier layer 204 is a plastic layer comprising, for 80% by weight relative to the weight of the first barrier layer 204, an EVOH (EVAL F104B von EVAL Europe. Zwijndrecht, Belgium) as barrier plastic and, for 20% by weight relative to the weight of the first barrier layer 204, Durethan B31F from Lanxess, Cologne. The first carrier layer 205 is a cardboard layer. There is a polyethylene layer (not shown) between the first barrier layer 204 and the first carrier layer 205. The second wall layer 202 comprises, as second wall layer sequence from the interior region 101 outwards, a second carrier layer 206 and a second barrier layer 207. The second barrier layer 207 is a plastic layer comprising, for 80% by weight relative to the weight of the second barrier layer 207, the above EVOH as barrier plastic and, for 20% by weight relative to the weight of the second barrier layer 207 Durethan B31F from Lanxess, Köln. The second carrier layer 206 is a cardboard layer. There is a polyethylene layer (not shown) between the second barrier layer 204 and the second carrier layer 206. The third wall layer 203 comprises, as third wall layer sequence from the interior region 101 outwards, a third barrier layer 208 and a third carrier layer 209. The third barrier layer 208 is a plastic layer comprising, for 80% by weight relative to the weight of the third barrier layer 208, the above EVOH as barrier plastic and, for 20% by weight relative to the weight of the third barrier layer 208 Durethan B31F from Lanxess, Cologne. The third carrier layer 209 is a cardboard layer. There is a polyethylene layer (not shown) between the third barrier layer 208 and the third carrier layer 209. In the first wall region 103 the second carrier layer 206 is a characterised by a smaller layer thickness than the first carrier layer 205 and the third carrier layer 209. The layer thickness of the second carrier layer 206 is 65% of the layer thickness of the first carrier layer 205 and of the third carrier layer 209. The first carrier layer 205 and the third carrier layer 209 have the same layer thickness in the first wall region 103. The second wall region 104 comprises a second layer sequence with, as overlying layers seen from the interior region 101 outwards, the above described first wall layer 201, the second wall layer 202 and the third wall layer 203. In the second wall region 104 the second wall layer 202 and the third wall layer 203 are sealed one on top of the other. In the second wall region 104, the first wall layer 201 and the second wall layer 202 are neither connected together nor in contact with each other. Between these two layers there is a cavity and no further layer of the sheet-like composite. Further, in the second wall region 104, the third carrier layer 209 is thicker than the second carrier layer 206 and thicker than the first carrier layer 205. In the second wall region 104, the layer thickness of the first carrier layer 205 and of the second carrier layer 206 is 65% of the layer thickness of the third carrier layer 209. In the first wall region 103, the second carrier layer 206 is peeled, but the first carrier layer 205 is not. In the second wall region 104, the first carrier layer 205 and the second carrier layer 206 are peeled. All barrier layers 204, 207, 208 shown in FIG. 2 are designed in one piece with one another. These barrier layers 204, 207, 208 belong to the sheet-like composite and merge into one another at folds. For the first barrier layer 204 and the second barrier layer 207, this is shown with the fold in FIG. 2. Also, carrier layers 205, 206, 209 shown in FIG. 2 are designed in one piece with one another. The carrier layers 205, 206, 209 belong to the sheet-like composite and merge into one another at folds. For the first carrier layer 205 and the second carrier layer 206, this is shown with the fold in FIG. 2. Further folds of the sheet-like composite are not shown in FIG. 2 but can be derived from FIG. 1a). To manufacture the wall 102 in FIG. 2, a carrier material (Stora Enso Natura T Duplex Doppelstrich from Stora Enso Oyj AG, Scott Bond value of 200 J/m.sup.2, residual humidity 7.5%) with a “coating” on both carrier sides was used. Thus, both layer surfaces of each carrier layer 205, 206, 209 in FIG. 2 substantially compose a “coating”. However, peeled layer surfaces do not comprise a “coating”. Therefore, the layer surface of the first carrier layer 205 facing the second carrier layer 206 in the second wall region 104 does not comprise a “coating”. In the first wall region 103, the layer surface of the first carrier layer 205 facing the second carrier layer 206 comprises a “coating”. In the first wall region 103 as in the second wall region 104, the layer surface of the second carrier layer 206 facing the first carrier layer 205 does not comprise a “coating”. All the aforementioned polyethylene layers consist of LDPE 19N430 from Ineos Köln GmbH. Along the circumference 105 (see FIG. 1a)) the first wall region 103 has a first width 106 of 3 mm. The second wall region 104 has a second width 107 of 5 mm along the circumference 105.
[0204] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall 102 of a further container precursor according to the invention 100. The wall 102 is the wall 102 in FIG. 2, irrespective of the fact that the wall 102 in FIG. 3 additionally comprises a third wall region 301. The third wall region 301 comprises a third layer sequence, comprising, as overlying layers seen from the interior region 101 outwards, the first wall layer 201 and the third wall layer 203. The second wall layer 202 is not included in the third wall region 301. In the third wall region 301, the first wall layer 201 and the third wall layer 203 are sealed one on top of the other. The third wall region 301 abuts against the first wall region 103. Along the circumference 105 (see FIG. 1a)) the third wall 301 has a third width 302 of 5 mm. Further, in the second wall 104 the first wall layer 201 and the second wall layer 202 are not connected together, but are partially in contact with each other. In particular, the first carrier layer 205 and the second carrier layer 206 in the second wall region are not connected together, but are partially in contact with each other.
[0205] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall 102 in a head portion of a closed container according to the invention 600. The container 600 was manufactured out of the container precursor in FIG. 1a), the head portion of the container 600 being obtained through folds along the creases and seals of specific fold surfaces shown in FIG. 1a). An external view of the closed container 600 is shown in FIG. 6. The wall 102 is the wall 102 in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 showing a different section of the wall 102. The section of the wall 102 shown in FIG. 4 lies in the head portion of the container 600. In this section, a further layer of the sheet-like composite is sealed on a side of the longitudinal seam facing the interior region 101. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the longitudinal seam is folded over onto the head of the container. Therefore, the interior region 101 in FIG. 4 is in the lower part of the Figure. Without this folding over, in FIG. 4 there would be an outer space in relation to the closed container 600 both above and below the shown connection. Thus, a fourth wall 401 is superimposed on the first wall layer 201 on a side facing the interior region 101 in the first wall region 103, the second wall region 104 and the third wall region 301. The fourth wall layer 401, as a fourth wall layer sequence seen from the interior region 101 outwards, comprises a fourth carrier layer 402 and a fourth barrier layer 403. The fourth barrier layer 403 is a plastic layer, comprising, for 80% by weight relative to the weight of the fourth barrier layer 403, an EVOH (EVAL F104B von EVAL Europe. Zwijndrecht, Belgium) as barrier plastic and, for 20% by weight relative to the weight of the fourth barrier layer 403, Durethan B31F from Lanxess, Cologne. The fourth carrier layer 402 is a cardboard layer (Stora Enso Natura T Duplex Doppelstrich from Stora Enso Oyj AG, Scott Bond value of 200 J/m.sup.2, residual humidity 7.5%). There is a polyethylene layer (not shown, LDPE 19N430 von der Ineos Köln GmbH) between the fourth barrier layer 403 and the fourth carrier layer 402. The fourth wall layer 401 also belongs to the sheet-like composite. The fourth barrier layer 403 is formed as one piece with the first barrier layer 204, the second barrier layer 207 and the third barrier layer 208. All these barrier 204, 207, 208, 403 belong to the sheet-like composite and merge into each other at folds. The fourth carrier layer 402 is formed as one piece with the first carrier layer 205, the second carrier layer 206 and the third carrier layer 209. All these carrier layers 205, 206, 209, 402 belong to the sheet-like composite and merge into each other at folds. The fourth carrier layer 402 has, in the first wall region 103, the second wall region 104 and the third wall region 301 the same layer thickness as the third carrier layer 209. Therefore, in the first wall region 103, the second carrier layer 206 has a smaller layer thickness than the fourth carrier layer 402 and, in the second wall region 104, the fourth carrier layer 402 has a larger layer thickness than the second carrier layer 206 and the first carrier layer 205.
[0206] FIG. 5a) shows a schematic illustration of a process step a) of a process according to the invention 500 for the manufacture of a container precursor 100. In process step a) a sheet-like composite is provided. The sheet-like composite comprises a composite layer sequence 501. The composite layer sequence 501 comprises, as overlying composite layers, a composite carrier layer 505 and a composite barrier layer 504. The composite barrier layer 504 is a plastic layer, comprising, for 80% by weight relative to the weight of the composite barrier layer 504, an EVOH (EVAL F104B von EVAL Europe. Zwijndrecht, Belgium) as barrier plastic and, for 20% by weight relative to the weight of the fourth barrier layer 403, Durethan B31F from Lanxess, Cologne. The composite carrier layer 505 is a cardboard layer (Stora Enso Natura T Duplex Doppelstrich from Stora Enso Oyj AG, Scott Bond value of 200 J/m.sup.2, residual humidity 7.5%). There is a polyethylene layer (not shown, LDPE 19N430 von der Ineos Köln GmbH) composite carrier layer 505 and the barrier layer 504. The sheet-like composite can be split into an edge region 503 and an inner region 502. The end area 503 abuts against the inner region 502 at the dashed line in FIG. 5a). In the inner region 502, the sheet-like composite comprises a crease 515.
[0207] FIG. 5b) shows a schematic illustration of a process step b) of a process according to the invention 500 for the manufacture of a container precursor 100. The process 500 is the same process 500 as in FIG. 5a). The process step b) consists in reducing the layer thickness of the composite carrier layer 505 in the edge region 503. Reduction involves peeling the composite carrier layer 505 with a rotating pot knife. This is done with a peeling mechanism Model VN 50 from Fortuna Spezialmaschinen GmbH, Weil der Stadt, Germany. In this way, the layer thickness of the composite carrier layer is reduced by 25% of the original layer thickness.
[0208] FIG. 5c) shows a schematic illustration of a process step c) of a process according to the invention 500 for the manufacture of a container precursor 100. The process 500 is the same process 500 as in FIG. 5a). In process step c), a fold 506 is created in the end area 503, and so a first edge fold region 507 and a further edge fold region 508 are obtained. The first edge fold region 507 and the further edge fold region 508 abut against each other along the fold 506.
[0209] FIG. 5d) shows a schematic illustration of a process step d) of a process according to the invention 500 for the manufacture of a container precursor 100. The process 500 is the same process 500 as in FIG. 5a). The process step d) consists in bringing the first edge fold region 507 into contact with a first part 509 of the further edge fold region 508, and connecting a further part 510 of the further edge fold region 508 to the inner region 502.
[0210] FIG. 5e) shows a schematic illustration of a process step e) of a process according to the invention 500 for the manufacture of a container precursor 100. The process 500 is the same process 500 as in FIG. 5a). The process step e) consists in creating a further fold 514 along the crease 515 in the inner region 502 to obtain a first composite fold region 511 and a further composite fold region 512. The further composite fold region 512 comprises a part 513 of the inner region 502.
[0211] FIG. 5f) shows a schematic illustration of a process step f) of a process according to the invention 500 for the manufacture of a container precursor 100. The process 500 is the same process 500 as in FIG. 5a). The process step f) consists in connecting the first composite fold 511 to the first part 509 of the further edge fold region 508 and the further part 510 of the further edge fold region 508 and the part 513 of the inner region 502. Connection is carried out through sealing. Sealing is carried out through bringing into contact, heating up to sealing temperature and pressing. Heating is carried out through blowing with hot air. Thus, in the process 500, the container precursor 100 is manufactured through folding the sheet-like composite and creating a longitudinal seam.
[0212] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a closed container according to the invention 600. The closed container 600 is obtained through folding the container precursor 100 in FIG. 1a) and closing the folded container precursor 100 through sealing with ultrasound. Sealing is carried out using an ultrasound-transmitting sonotrode made of a titanium alloy and an anvil fixing the area to be sealed.
[0213] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a process according to the invention 700 for the manufacture of a closed container 100 [sic]. The closed container 600 in FIG. 6 may be manufactured through the process 700. The process 700 comprises a process step a) 701: Provision of the container precursor 100 in FIG. 1a). In a process step b) 702, the container precursor 100 is folded. In this way, a head portion and a bottom portion are formed. The head portion may, in particular, be formed through folding along the creases shown in FIG. 1a). In a process step c) 703, the head portion and the bottom portion of the folded precursor 100 are closed through sealing with ultrasound. Sealing is carried out using an ultrasound-transmitting sonotrode made of a titanium alloy and an anvil fixing the area to be sealed. Alternatively, the floor portion can also be sealed using hot air.
[0214] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a container precursor that is not according to the invention. The figure shows a geometry of a longitudinal seam 800 of the container precursor in cross section. The structure corresponds to comparative example 1.
[0215] FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a container precursor. The figure shows a geometry of a longitudinal seam 900 of the container precursor in cross section. The structure corresponds to example 1.
[0216] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a container precursor. The figure shows a geometry of a longitudinal seam 1000 of the container precursor in cross section. The structure corresponds to example 2.
[0217] FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross section of a section of a wall of a further container precursor that is not according to the invention. The figure shows a geometry of a longitudinal seam 1100 of the container precursor in cross section. The structure corresponds to comparative example 2.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0218] 100 container precursor according to the invention [0219] 101 interior region [0220] 102 wall [0221] 103 first wall region [0222] 104 second all area [0223] 105 circumference [0224] 106 first width [0225] 107 second width [0226] 201 first wall layer [0227] 202 second wall layer [0228] 203 third wall layer [0229] 204 first barrier layer [0230] 205 first carrier layer [0231] 206 second carrier layer [0232] 207 second barrier layer [0233] 208 third barrier layer [0234] 209 third carrier layer [0235] 301 third wall region [0236] 302 third width [0237] 401 fourth wall layer [0238] 402 fourth carrier layer [0239] 403 fourth barrier layer [0240] 500 process according to the invention for the manufacture of a container precursor [0241] 501 composite layer sequence [0242] 502 inner region [0243] 503 edge region [0244] 504 composite barrier layer [0245] 505 composite carrier layer [0246] 506 Fold [0247] 507 first edge fold region [0248] 508 further edge fold region [0249] 509 first part of the further edge fold region [0250] 510 further part of the further edge fold region [0251] 511 first composite fold region [0252] 512 further composite fold region [0253] 513 part of the inner region [0254] 514 further fold [0255] 515 Crease [0256] 600 closed container according to the invention [0257] 700 process according to the invention for the manufacture of a closed container [0258] 701 process step a) [0259] 702 process step b) [0260] 703 process step c) [0261] 800 longitudinal seam according to comparative example 1 [0262] 900 longitudinal seam according to example 1 [0263] 1000 longitudinal seam according to example 2 [0264] 1100 longitudinal seam according to comparative example 2
