REUSABLE PLASTIC CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR REPROCESSING

Abstract

A cup-shaped reusable plastic container has an open end which has a sealing edge with a sealing surface, the sealing surface being configured such that the sealing surface is connectable with a first sealing foil. The container jacket has a wall thickness from 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm. The sealing edge has a sealing edge thickness which extends in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis, and the sealing edge thickness is from 0.8 mm and 4.0 mm. The sealing surface is configured such that the sealing surface can be connected to a further sealing foil after removal of the first sealing foil from the sealing surface of the sealing edge, and following cleaning of the reusable plastic container. Also, a method reprocesses a cup-shaped reusable plastic container.

Claims

1. A cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2), said reusable plastic container (2) preferably comprising a food-safe plastic material, and said reusable plastic container (2) comprising a container jacket (4), said container jacket (4) having one open end (5) and one closed end (7) with a base (3), wherein a longitudinal axis (8) of the reusable plastic container (2) extends between the open end (5) and the closed end (7), and wherein the open end (5) has a sealing edge (22) with a sealing surface (23), said sealing surface (23) being configured such that the sealing surface (23) is connectable with a first sealing foil (24), wherein the container jacket (4) has a wall thickness (25), said wall thickness (25) being from 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm, and wherein the sealing edge (22) has a sealing edge thickness (26), said sealing edge thickness (26) extending in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis (8), and said sealing edge thickness (26) being from 0.8 mm to 4.0 mm, and wherein the sealing surface (23) is configured such that the sealing surface (23) is connectable with a further sealing foil (27) after removal of a first sealing foil (24) from the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22), and after cleaning of the reusable plastic container.

2. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, wherein the container jacket (4) has a conical section (28), said conical section (28) extending from the closed end (7) towards the open end (5), and wherein the container jacket (4) has a cylindrical section (29), said cylindrical section (29) extending from the open end (5) towards the closed end (7), wherein when viewed in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis (8) a circular cross section of the cylindrical section (29) is larger than a maximum circular cross section of the conical section (28).

3. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 2, wherein a conical transition section (30) is configured between the conical section (28) and the cylindrical section (29), wherein a first angle (31) between the longitudinal axis (8) and the conical section (28) is smaller than a second angle (32) between the longitudinal axis (8) and the conical transition section (30).

4. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 2, wherein the container jacket (4) is configured with indentations (33), said indentations (33) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (8) across the cylindrical section (29).

5. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 4, wherein the indentations (33) when viewed in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis (8) has a depth (34), said depth (34) being from 1% to 70% of the wall thickness (25) of the container jacket (4).

6. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, wherein a center of mass (35) of the reusable plastic container (2) is outside the longitudinal axis (8).

7. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 6, wherein the center of mass (35) of the reusable plastic container (2) is in a half of the container height (9) facing the closed end (7) when viewed along the container height (9), in particular in a third of the container height (9) facing the closed end (7).

8. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 6, wherein the base (3) is circular and has different base thicknesses (36) along its diameter, said base thickness (36) being between 0.5 mm and 4.0 mm.

9. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 6, wherein the wall thickness (25) of the container jacket (4) varies.

10. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, wherein a detectable element (37) is applied to or incorporated into the base (3) and/or the container jacket (4).

11. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, wherein a sealing aid (38) is applied to the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22), preferably a residue-free removable sealing aid (38).

12. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, wherein the open end (5) can have a thread (39), in particular an outer thread, said thread (39) being engageable with another thread, in particular with an inner thread of a sealing element configured as a screw top.

13. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, wherein the open end (5) has a press lip, said press lip being engageable with a sealing element configured as a press-on lid.

14. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing edge (22) is configured such that the sealing edge (22) can be engaged with snap-in elements (41) of a sealing element configured as a reusable plastic lid (40).

15. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, wherein the reusable plastic container is configured as a combination packaging container and comprises an outer component (12), said outer component (12) being wrapped around the reusable plastic container (2), wherein the outer component is formed by a pre-cut part (13), said pre-cut part (13) having a substantially circular ring segment basic shape, said pre-cut part (13) having a first end portion (14) and a second end portion (15), wherein the pre-cut part (13) is wrapped to form a jacket and the first end portion (14) and the second end portion (15) are joined with one another in an overlap area (16), wherein the outer component (12) further has a first end face (19) and a second end face (20) and the first end face (19) and the second end face (20) are spaced apart from one another, wherein the outer component (12) has a longitudinal extension (42) extending from the first end face (19) to the second end face (20).

16. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 15, wherein the jacket of the outer component (12) has a receiving area (43) and an area (44), said area (44) being arranged between the receiving area (43) and the second end face (20) when viewed in the longitudinal extension (42), and wherein an area (45) of the open end (5) is received in the receiving area (43) of the jacket of the outer component (12).

17. The cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, wherein the container (2) has an orientation means (49) in its base (3) area, in particular a groove or an elevation, which is configured to fix and/or position the container (2).

18. A method for reprocessing the cup-shaped reusable plastic container (2) according to claim 1, comprising the following method steps: providing a cup-shaped container (2), said reusable plastic container (2) comprising a container jacket (4), said container jacket (4) having an open end (5) and a closed end (7) with a base (3), wherein a longitudinal axis (8) of the reusable plastic container (2) extends between the open end (5) and the closed end (7), and wherein the open end (5) has a sealing edge (22) with a sealing surface (23), from which sealing surface (23) a first sealing foil is removed (24), performing a first cleaning of the reusable plastic container (2) to remove content residues, processing the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22) to restore the connectability of the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22) with a sealing foil (24, 27), refilling the reusable plastic container (2) with a product, reconnecting the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22) with a further sealing foil (27).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein after the processing of the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22) and prior to refilling of the reusable plastic container (2) a second cleaning of the reusable plastic container (2) is performed to remove processing residues.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein a sealing aid (38) is applied to the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22) prior to connecting the further sealing foil (27) with the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22).

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein during the first and/or second cleaning of the sealing surface (23) and/or of the sealing edge (22), a mechanical, chemical and/or, in the processing of the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22), a thermal cleaning step is performed.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein a plasma treatment is performed during the first and/or second cleaning of the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22).

23. The method according to claim 18, wherein the sealing surface (23) of the sealing edge (22) is reconnected with the further sealing foil (27) using ultrasonic welding.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0074] In the drawings,

[0075] FIG. 1 shows a reusable plastic container in three-dimensional representation;

[0076] FIG. 2 shows a reusable plastic container with indentations in three-dimensional representation;

[0077] FIG. 3 shows a further reusable plastic container with indentations in three-dimensional representation;

[0078] FIG. 4 shows the reusable plastic container from FIG. 1 in sectional view;

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a combination packaging container in three-dimensional representation;

[0080] FIG. 6 shows a reusable plastic container with thread in three-dimensional representation;

[0081] FIG. 7 shows a reusable plastic container with reusable plastic lid in three-dimensional representation;

[0082] FIG. 8 shows a reusable plastic container with an elliptical sealing edge in three-dimensional representation;

[0083] FIG. 9 shows an example embodiment of a container base in sectional view; and

[0084] FIG. 10 shows a further example embodiment of a container base viewed from below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] It is worth noting here that the same parts have been given the same reference numerals or same component configurations in the embodiments described differently, yet the disclosures contained throughout the entire description can be applied analogously to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component configurations. The indications of position selected in the description, such as above, below, on the side etc. refer to the figure directly described and shown, and these indications of position can be applied in the same way to the new position should the position change.

[0086] The term in particular is understood hereinafter as denoting a possible special embodiment or more exact specification of an object or method step, but not necessarily an essential, preferred embodiment of the same or an essential procedure.

[0087] In their use herein, the terms comprising, refers to, having, includes, including, contains, containing and any variations thereof cover a non-exclusive inclusion.

[0088] The term selectively may also be used. This is understood such that the method step or system component is fundamentally present, but that it can be used depending on the conditions of use, but use thereof is not essential.

[0089] The figures are largely described jointly hereinafter to avoid unnecessary repetitions. Special features and differences between the figures and example embodiments are described in more detail.

[0090] FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a reusable plastic container 2 which is exemplary of a plurality of possible different shapes, wherein the reusable plastic containers 2 have a cup or bowl shape such that they can receive a product. The reusable plastic container 2 shown in FIG. 1 is shown again in FIG. 4, however in a sectional view through the longitudinal axis 8, i.e. an axial section. The reusable plastic container 2 comprises a food-safe plastic material. The reusable plastic container 2 preferably comprises a recycled food-safe plastic material. The reusable plastic container 2 comprises a base 3 and a container jacket 4. The container 2 further has an open end 5 on the side opposite the base 3. Furthermore, a flange 6 protruding outwardly over the container jacket 4 can be provided for in the open end 5 area. The base 3 forms a closed end 7 for the container jacket 4. The container 2 has a substantially conical or truncated cone basic shape. The open end 5 has a sealing edge 22 with a sealing surface 23, said sealing surface 23 being configured such that the sealing surface 23 is connectable with a first sealing foil 24. The flange 6 can thereby be configured as a sealing flange. The sealing foil 24, 27 is shown in FIG. 1 prior to connection with the sealing surface 23, i.e. in an exploded view. In FIG. 4, the sealing foil 24, 27 is connected or rather sealed with the sealing surface 23 and completely covers the open end 5 such that the reusable plastic container 2 is closed. As is known in the art, sealing foils 24 can have a tab or protrusion which facilitates the user peeling the sealing foil 24, 27 from the sealing edge 22. For the sake of simplicity, such a tab is not depicted.

[0091] The container 2 is preferably formed by a component produced in a thermoforming process which can be manufactured in a swift and above all short cycle. The thermoforming process is well known in the art and is therefore not explained in more detail. Thermoforming is particularly suited to taking a layer of mouldable material and using a thermoforming tool to manufacture the container 2 with a sufficient wall thickness which ensures impermeability during storage and use until disposal. The container 2 can, however, also be shaped using other production methods, such as injection moulding.

[0092] Due to the cup or bowl shape of the container 2, a longitudinal axis 8 extends in an axial direction between the open end 5 and the closed end 7 with the base 3, where the longitudinal axis can also form a center axis if the container is symmetrical. In addition to a sealing foil 24, 27, it is possible to arrange or connect therewith a further sealing element 11, for example a screw-top, a press-on lid, or a reusable plastic lid 40 (as shown as an example in FIG. 7) in the area of the flange 6 or in the area of the sealing edge 22.

[0093] In an axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8, the container 2 has a container height 9 between its open end 5, in particular the flange 6 or the sealing edge 22, and the base 3 according to which the capacity of the container 2 is determined depending on the cross-sectional dimensions. The container height 9 in conjunction with the cross-sectional dimensions thereby defines the receiving area of the container 2.

[0094] The container jacket 4 is understood as the section of the container 2 which extends between the open end 5, in particular the flange 6, and the base 3 in a predominantly axial direction. The container 2 with its container jacket 4 is preferably configured in such a way that it tapers in a preferably conical way from the open end 5 to the base 3, and thus has a predominantly truncated cone shape. In this configuration, the longitudinal axis 8 corresponds to the conical axis 46.

[0095] The sectional view in FIG. 4 in particular clearly shows that the container jacket 4 has a wall thickness 25, said wall thickness 25 being from 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm. Furthermore, the sealing edge 22 has a sealing edge thickness 26, said sealing edge thickness 26 extending in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 8, and said sealing edge thickness 26 being from 0.8 mm and 4.0 mm. The sealing surface 23 is thereby configured such that the sealing surface 23 can be connected to a further sealing foil 27 after removal of the first sealing foil 24 of the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22, and following cleaning of the reusable plastic container 2.

[0096] FIGS. 1 and 4 further show that the container jacket 4 can have a conical section 28. This conical section 28 extends from the closed end 7 towards the open end 5. Furthermore, it is shown that the container jacket 4 can have a cylindrical section 29, said cylindrical section 29 extending from the open end 5 towards the closed end 7. When viewing the reusable plastic container 2 in radial direction to the longitudinal axis 8, i.e. at 90? to the longitudinal axis 8, a circular cross section of the cylindrical section 29 is larger than a maximum circular cross section of a conical section 28. The cylindrical section 29 thus constitutes an annular, cylindrical broadening which joins up with the conical section 28.

[0097] Furthermore, FIGS. 1 and 4 show that when viewed in axial direction a conical transition section 30 can be configured between the conical section 28 and the cylindrical section 29, wherein a first angle 31 between the longitudinal axis 8 and the conical section 28 is smaller than a second angle 32 between the longitudinal axis 8 and the conical transition section 30. That thereby enables a broadening of the diameter or circular cross section from the conical section 28 towards the cylindrical section 29. The transition section 30 practically forms a shoulder or limit area 47 encircling the jacket, which, if two or more reusable plastic containers 2 of the same configuration are stacked on top of one another or inserted into one another in an axial direction, serves as a limit for a flange 6 or for a lower section or underside 48 of the sealing edge 22. The term underside 48 of the sealing edge 22 refers to the side or surface of the sealing edge 22 that faces the base 3.

[0098] In the axial cross section through a reusable plastic container 2 shown in FIG. 4, there is an additional layer shown which can assume the center of mass 35 of the reusable plastic container 2. Specifically, it is hereby shown that the center of mass 35 of the reusable plastic container 2 can be outside the longitudinal axis 8, i.e. not directly on the longitudinal axis 8. When viewed along its container height 9, the center of mass 35 can be in a half of the container height 9 facing the closed end 7 or in a third of the container height 9facing the closed end 7. In the example shown, the center of mass 35 is also closer to the container jacket 4 than to the longitudinal axis 8, that is to say further away from the longitudinal axis 8 than from the container jacket 4.

[0099] A dashed line denotes a conceivable configuration of the base 3 and of the container jacket 4 in the transition section to the base 3, wherein the base thickness 36 increases when viewed radially outwards. The base 3 is circular or has a round circular cross section. When viewed along its diameter, the base 3 has different base thicknesses 36, said base thickness 36 being between 0.5 mm and 4.0 mm. It is also possible for the wall thickness 25 of the container jacket 4 to vary. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the base thickness 36 increases radially from the center of the base towards the periphery. Furthermore, the wall thickness 25 of the container jacket 4 is larger or increases in the transition section to the base 3. A detectable element 37, for example an RFID chip or an NFC chip, is applied to or incorporated into the base 3.

[0100] To facilitate connectability with a sealing foil 24, 27, a sealing aid 38 which can preferably be removed without residue can be applied to the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22. For example, a sealing aid 38 can be a heat-sealing lacquer or an adhesive. It is, however, also conceivable for the sealing aid 38 to be applied to the sealing foil 24, 27 and for the sealing aid 38 to first come into contact with the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22 when the sealing foil 24, 27 is sealed.

[0101] FIGS. 2 and 3 show two further example embodiments of cup-shaped reusable plastic containers 2, however each without the sealing foil 24, 27, that is to say in the opened or unsealed state. Reference is made here substantially to the description passages in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. In addition to the features already described, the reusable plastic containers 2 in FIGS. 2 and 3 have indentations 33 in the container jacket 4, said indentations 33 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 8 across the cylindrical section 29. The indentations 33 have a depth 34 in a radial direction to the longitudinal axis 8, i.e. 90? to the longitudinal axis 8, where said depth 34 can be from 1% to 70% of the wall thickness 25 of the container jacket 4.

[0102] FIG. 6 shows a further example embodiment of a cup-shaped reusable plastic container 2. Reference is substantially made to the aforementioned passages of the description. In addition to sealability using a sealing foil 24, 27, it is provided for here that the reusable plastic container 2 can be sealable using a further sealing element, not shown in more detail. To do so, the open end 5 can have a thread 39, in particular an outer thread, said thread 39 being engageable with another thread, in particular with an inner thread of a sealing element configured as a screw top. The thread shown in FIG. 2 39 is to be understood only as an example, with the exact configuration of the thread 39 being at the discretion of the skilled person. Expediently, the thread 39 is however configured with sufficient stability that multiple use, multiple cleaning, and multiple refilling of the reusable plastic container 2 is possible without risking premature final disposal due to a damaged thread 39.

[0103] Alternatively, and not shown in the figures, it is also conceivable for the open end 5 to have a press lip, said press lip being engageable with a sealing element configured as a press-on lid.

[0104] FIG. 7 shows a variation or further embodiment of the cup-shaped reusable plastic container 2 according to FIGS. 1 and 4, wherein here the sealing edge 22 is configured such that the sealing edge 22 can be engaged with snap-in elements 41 of a sealing element configured as a reusable plastic lid 40. It is thereby conceivable that the plastic container 2 is sealed with the sealing foil 24, 27 as shown, and that the reusable plastic lid 40 is applied in addition. It is, however, also conceivable for the plastic container 2 to already have been opened, or rather for the sealing foil 24, 27 to already have been peeled off, and for the reusable plastic lid 40 to thus seal the container without the sealing foil 24, 27.

[0105] FIG. 5 shows a variation or further embodiment of a cup-shaped reusable plastic container 2 in which the reusable plastic container 2 is configured as a combination packaging container 1. The reusable plastic container 2 thereby comprises an outer component 12, where said outer component 12 is wrapped around the reusable plastic container 2, wherein the outer component is formed by a mostly flat pre-cut part 13, said pre-cut part 13 having a substantially circular ring segment basic shape, said pre-cut part 13 having a first end portion 14 and a second end portion 15, wherein the pre-cut part 13 is wrapped to form a jacket and whereby the first end portion 14 and the second end portion 15 are joined with one another in an overlap area 16, wherein the outer component 12 further has a first end face 19 and a second end face 20 and the first end face 19 and the second end face 20 are spaced apart from one another, wherein the outer component 12 has a longitudinal extension 42 extending from the first end face 19 to the second end face 20.

[0106] When viewing the combination packaging container 1 in the three-dimensional view as shown, the combination packaging container 1 has a total height 10 extending from the base 3 up to the uppermost area of the second end face 20 of the outer component 12. The total height can thus be greater than the container height 9 and also greater than the construction height 21 of the outer component 12.

[0107] FIG. 5 also shows that the jacket of the outer component 12 has a receiving area 43 and an area 44, said area 44 being arranged between the receiving area 43 and the second end face 20 when viewed in the longitudinal extension 42, and that an area 45 of the open end 5 is received in the receiving area 43 of the jacket of the outer component 12.

[0108] The cuff-shaped outer component 12 is preferably made from a cellulose material such as card, with sufficient rigidity with respect to the absorption and transfer of axial pressures in particular, and is wrapped to form a jacket from a flat pre-cut part 13. The pre-cut part 13 is usually printed in its non-shaped, flat state and, where necessary, an additional coating is applied. In particular, it is of course possible for the pre-cut part 13 to be composed of several components. A cellulose material is usually used for the pre-cut part 13, wherein this can also be recycled card or kraft paper. Where a layer or ply of the outer component 12 is made from recycled material, an additional layer of high-quality paper can be arranged or bonded to at least one of the surfaces. This additional layer enables flawless printing of decorative elements, text, or product information.

[0109] The cuff-like or jacket-like outer component 12 provides an additional reinforcement or stiffening effect for the container 2 and thus for the entire combination packaging container 1. On the one hand, this provides high rigidity and good thermal insulation, and on the other hand optimum light protection for the contents of the packaging container.

[0110] In particular, it can be provided for the card in the area of the cut edges to be additionally coated or sealed with a water-repellent material. This is particularly advantageous if the combination packaging container 1 is exposed to increased moisture influx. Coating the card used for the outer component 12 with a water-repellent layer prevents swelling of the card in moist environments, which would ultimately cause the container jacket 4 to detach from the combination packaging container 1.

[0111] FIG. 8 shows a reusable plastic container 2 with an elliptically configured sealing edge 22. Alternatively to the circular shaped sealing edge 22 shown in FIG. 1, it is possible for the open end 5 to have a sealing edge 22 partially protruding over the container jacket 4 of the container 2. Such a sealing edge 22 that partially protrudes over the container jacket 4 of the container 2 can be configured as an elliptical sealing edge 22 which extends in a radial direction to the conical axis 46, i.e. 90? to the conical axis 46 when, for instance, viewing the container at two opposing positions across the container jacket. This is in particular the case if the reusable plastic container 2 is combined with an outer component 12 to form a combination packaging container 1.

[0112] It is also possible for the container (2) to have an orientation means (49) in the base (3) area, in particular a groove ornot shownan elevation which is configured to fix and/or position the container 2. Such a variation is shown by FIGS. 9 and 10 as an example and represents a multitude of possible embodiments. The orientation means 49 configured in the base 3, in particular on the underside of the base 3, can be configured as a protrusion or recess, as shown. The container base can be fixed and aligned by engaging a coupling means, not shown in more detail, of an apparatus to attach the outer component on the container 2 with this orientation means 49 in the container base 3. This can simplify the attachment of the outer component 12 both in the case of wrapping and in the case of axial sliding. The orientation means 49 can be configured as a dovetail in the container base 3, for example. This is represented in particular in FIG. 10. A star-shaped orientation means 49 or an orientation means 49 with a cog-like contour in the base 3 is hereby provided. A tool or coupling means of an apparatus can engage with the orientation means 49, for instance by interlocking, expansion, or vacuum. The required configuration, along with a height of an elevation or a depth of a groove or dovetail can thereby be adjusted to the respective tool or coupling means of an apparatus. In particular because the base 3 is comparatively thick, such an orientation means 49 can be well integrated into the base 3.

[0113] The reusable plastic containers 2 shown in the figures can be processed in a reprocessing method such that repeat or multiple use is enabled. The method provides for a used container 2 to be provided, wherein a first sealing foil 24 has already been removed from the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22. The removed sealing foil can also be an already removed further sealing foil 27. This is in particular the case if the reusable plastic container 2 has already been treated several times in the reprocessing method. Subsequently, the reusable plastic container 2 is subjected to a first cleaning step, wherein any product residues are removed. This is done using a wash process, for example, where necessary using detergent. At the same time as the first cleaning, during the first cleaning or after the first cleaning, the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22 is processed such that it is suitable for restoring the connectability of the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22 with a sealing foil 24, 27. In particular, an original condition of the sealing surface 23 is at least substantially restored by processing. The reusable plastic container 2 is subsequently refilled with a product. It can thereby be the same as the original or previously contained product, but also a different product. A closing or sealing of the reusable plastic container 2 is performed after refilling by reconnecting the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22 with a further sealing foil 27.

[0114] A method step can also be provided after the processing of the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22 and prior to refilling of the reusable plastic container 2 according to which a second cleaning of the reusable plastic container 2 to remove processing residues is performed. Such processing residues can include detergent residues or grinding residues, for example. Where necessary, a sealing aid 38 can be applied to the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22 prior to connecting the further sealing foil 27 with the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22. A mechanical, chemical and/or thermal cleaning step can be performed during the first and/or second cleaning of the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22. A plasma treatment can be performed during the first and/or second cleaning of the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22. Furthermore, it is possible that the sealing surface 23 of the sealing edge 22 is reconnected with the further sealing foil 27 using ultrasonic welding.

[0115] The example embodiments show possible embodiment variations, whereby it is noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiment variations represented herein, rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variations with one another are possible and this variation possibility is within the abilities of the skilled person in this technical field given the technical teachings provided by this invention.

[0116] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. The description and the drawings should, however, be consulted when interpreting the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various example embodiments shown and described herein can each represent individual solutions according to the invention. The respective underlying problem to be solved by the individual solutions according to the invention can be derived from the description.

[0117] All value ranges specified in the current description are to be understood such that they include any and all sub-ranges, e.g., the specification 1 to 10 is to be understood such that all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 are included, i.e., all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or more and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0118] As a matter of form and by way of conclusion, it is noted that, to improve understanding of the structure, elements have partially not been shown to scale and/or enlarged and/or shrunk.

[0119] Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0120] 1 Combination packaging container [0121] 2 Reusable plastic container [0122] 3 Base [0123] 4 Container jacket [0124] 5 Open end [0125] 6 Flange [0126] 7 Closed end [0127] 8 Longitudinal axis [0128] 9 Container height [0129] 10 Total height [0130] 11 Sealing element [0131] 12 Outer component [0132] 13 Pre-cut part [0133] 14 First end portion [0134] 15 Second end portion [0135] 16 Overlap area [0136] 17 First longitudinal edge [0137] 18 Second longitudinal edge [0138] 19 First end face [0139] 20 Second end face [0140] 21 Construction height [0141] 22 Sealing edge [0142] 23 Sealing surface [0143] 24 First sealing foil [0144] 25 Wall thickness [0145] 26 Sealing edge thickness [0146] 27 Further sealing foil [0147] 28 Conical section [0148] 29 Cylindrical section [0149] 30 Transition section [0150] 31 First angle [0151] 32 Second angle [0152] 33 Indentation [0153] 34 Depth [0154] 35 Center of mass [0155] 36 Base thickness [0156] 37 Detectable element [0157] 38 Sealing aid [0158] 39 Thread [0159] 40 Reusable plastic lid [0160] 41 Snap-in element [0161] 42 Longitudinal extension [0162] 43 Receiving area [0163] 44 Area [0164] 45 Area [0165] 46 Conical axis [0166] 47 Limit area [0167] 48 Underside [0168] 49 Orientation means